Job Description

What would I possibly have to offer to a Students’ Union, you may ask? What even is a Students’ Union and why do they need Trustees and Board Members?

Queen Mary Students’ Union represents the interests of over 36,000 students at Queen Mary University of London, largely based across sites at Mile End, Whitechapel, and Barbican. Queen Mary describes itself as ‘a Russell Group University with a difference’. Many of our students come from our local community, 93% come from state schools, 72% are BAME, and 46% are the first in their families to go to University.

The Students’ Union is a registered charity. In its last accounting year, the students’ Union had a turnover of over £6.5m (including our wholly owned trading subsidiary, Queen Mary Students’ Union Services Ltd).

The Board of Trustees is the Students’ Union’s governing body. It has overall responsibility for the management and administration of the Students’ Union, including its governance, budget and strategy. It is made up of elected Officer and Student Trustees, and six External Trustees. Day-to-day management of the operation and administration of the Students’ Union is delegated by the Trustees to the Chief Executive who reports to Trustees at each Board of Trustees’ meeting.

We are currently seeking to appoint an External Trustee to join our Board. We will provide full training and support on the role and responsibilities of a Trustee and the work of a Students’ Union. Whether you have never considered being a Trustee before, or whether you have already served in this role, we would like to hear from you

Queen Mary Students’ Union Services Ltd (QMSUSL) is the Union’s wholly owned trading company, through which we provide a range of commercial services for our members, the profits from which are returned to the Union to help fund our work. QMSUSL has its own Board of Directors who oversee our commercial activities. All profits generated from the Union’s trading are gift-aided and re-invested in its services and activities for the benefit of its members.

We are looking for a new Non-Executive Director (NED) to join our Board. We will provide full training and support on the role and responsibilities of a Board Member and the work of a Students’ Union. As a Board Member, you will contribute the benefit of your experience, enthusiasm, and a willingness to both challenge and support us in our work. This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses will be paid.