Trustee

A community where every student belongs

About the Students’ Union

This Oxford based Students’ Union is an independent, student-led charity. Everything they do puts students at the heart of the Students’ Union.

The Students’ Union is central to the University experience for all students and works to support all aspects of student life for the 16,000 students. They support students in their personal and academic growth by providing resources, funding and expertise and equipping them with the confidence and skills to effectively represent themselves and others. They want their members to have fun and enjoy themselves whilst at University.

The University prides itself on delivering an education that is student centred and diverse. It is an ambitious institution with a genuine commitment to widening participation and supporting the work they do for students. The Students’ Union are proud of the strong collaborative relationship they have with the University and continuing to nurture this relationship will be a priority for the future.

The Students’ Union are delighted to be inviting applications for candidates with a strong background in equality, diversity and inclusion.

Key Responsibilities:

• Providing strong strategic leadership and oversight for the organisation.
• Ensuring that the Students’ Union complies with the Constitution, Bye-Laws, policy passed by the membership, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
• Providing oversight of policies and activities to ensure they are legal, financially viable and do not negatively impact the Students’ Union’s reputation.
• Ensuring that the Students’ Union applies resources effectively in a way that’s aligned with their objectives.
• Ensuring that the Students’ Union define their goals and evaluates performance against agreed targets.
• Ensuring the effective and efficient administration of the Students’ Union, including having appropriate policies and procedures in place.
• Ensuring the financial stability of the Students’ Union.

Why Join as a Trustee?

• Broadening your understanding of organisational management including risk, finances, strategy, HR.
• Building your professional and personal network.
• Supporting a high-impact organisation which develops the lives of young people – their young trustees are inspiring and unlike any you will meet elsewhere.
• Access to specialist training and development.

Who Are We Looking For?

• A strong background in equality, diversity and inclusion. Inclusion is at the heart of everything they do – both with their employees and with their members.
• Desirable experience of strategic EDI change.
• Active engagement throughout the entirety of the 3 year term.
• Coach and mentor less experienced Board members whilst also discharging your own duties, so prior Board experience is preferred.

Commitment to Diversifying their Board

In order for the Students’ Union to be able to make sure every student is able to celebrate who they are, shape their university experience, and feel connected to a community, they need to continue to innovate and make sure they champion diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in everything that they do. This means having a commitment to supporting a diverse and inclusive Trustee Board.

The Students’ Union would particularly welcome applications from Black and Asian candidates, those who identify as women or non-binary, and disabled candidates, in order to improve representation of these groups on our Board.

How to apply

Please visit our website to download the candidate pack and for more details on how to apply.

If you have any queries or would like to arrange an informal discussion about the role, please contact Anh at

Key Dates

Closing date: 12noon, Tuesday 12th November 2024

Interviews: Tuesday 19th November 2024