Job Description

Would you relish using your skills and knowledge to make a positive difference to students at the University of Sheffield?  As the number 1 Students’ Union in the UK, we are seeking two new External Trustees to help shape delivery of this exciting strategy during a challenging period of change for higher education.

Founded in 1906, Sheffield Students’ Union has a long and proud tradition of representing, supporting and enhancing the lives of our members.  We launched a new long-term strategy last year – Ours for Life – one that will last us a generation. Our services, facilities and activities are designed to create a sense of community and encourage student leadership.  We deliver excellent services that including retail, bars, catering, entertainments and a nursery: all of these activities ensure that the Students’ Union is a “destination” for our members whilst enabling us to re-invest in vital welfare, academic and social programmes. We are outward-facing and support our students to participate in their local community.

Volunteering as a trustee in a Students’ Union is extremely rewarding.  You will bring knowledge and experience to maintain an oversight of a wide range of activities at a strategic level in a dynamic, forward-thinking organisation.  Confident and diplomatic, you will be an independent voice, providing constructive challenge and thoughtful solutions.

Vice-Chair bring experience of senior management to fulfil a key role supporting the Chair of the Board (SU President), improving board effectiveness and liaising closely with the Chief Executive.

External Trustee provides expertise and oversight, complementing our student and Officer Trustees, to ensure we deliver the best possible experience to our members. 

We are particularly keen to hear from applicants with a background in any of the following: senior management/HR, law, volunteering/community development, strategic leadership, education, equality and diversity, social enterprise, digital and data.

If you feel you can contribute to a democratic, values-driven, large charity with an ambitious strategic plan and a commitment to transforming lives, we will be delighted to hear from you.

Please read the information pack and send an application form.  We are keen to hear :-

1. How you will use your skills, experience, and knowledge to contribute to the development of the Students’ Union; &
2. How you will contribute to an effective, well governed Trustee Board.

Applicants applying for the role of Vice-Chair are asked, in addition to the above, to tell us how they will support the Chair and ensure the Board delivers its charitable purposes.

Applicants may apply for one or both roles – please indicate your preference in your application form.

We value diversity, promote equality and challenge discrimination.  We welcome all applications and particularly want to increase the diversity of our leadership.  We encourage applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, as they are currently under represented on the Board.  We are also keen to attract applicants from the Sheffield City Region.

Closing Date: Tuesday 3rd April 2018 at 11:59pm

Interviews: Tuesday 17th April 2018

Start Date: Sunday 1st July 2018

Trustee Induction Training and Meeting: Tuesday 24th and Wednesday 25th July 2018