We are looking to appoint an External Trustee with strong commercial experience to join our Board and help shape the next phase of our organisation.
We are looking to appoint an External Trustee with strong commercial experience to join our Board and help shape the next phase of our organisation.
We have recently undertaken an independent income review, and this role is a key part of turning those recommendations into reality. You will bring insight, challenge and practical expertise to help us strengthen our financial sustainability and grow income in ways that align with our values.
We would love to hear from you if you have
- Experience in commercial leadership or business strategy
- Finance or income generation
- Supporting organisations to move from recommendation to delivery
As an inclusive organisation, committed to diversifying our board, we strongly encourage applications from former University of Derby students and individuals from underrepresented groups, including BAME and LGBTQ+ communities.
Why Join Our Board?
This is an exciting time to join the Board of the Union of Students. In September, we launched our new Union of Students Strategy setting a clear and ambitious direction for the organisation. The strategy reflects the evolving needs of students at the University of Derby and is centred on empowering students to shape their own journey through opportunity, support, and a strong sense of community.
Our work is guided by four interconnected strategic priorities:
Student Life
Student Communities
Student Voice
Student Employability
Together, these priorities create a joined up student experience that promotes confidence, belonging and personal development, helping students thrive during their time at university and beyond.
Values that Shape How We Work
Alongside the new strategy, we introduced a refreshed set of organisational values that underpin how we make decisions, work together, and engage with our members and stakeholders. We believe:
- We are better together – collaboration and shared purpose matter
- We care for each other – creating a welcoming, inclusive environment
- We share success – celebrating impact and contribution
- We are positive – focusing on opportunity and progress
These values are central to our culture and to ensuring that every student feels they belong, can find their community, and is supported to make the most of their time at Derby.
Alongside the launch of our new strategy, we have recently completed an independent income review, providing a clear evidence base for strengthening and evolving our commercial activity.
Joining the Board at this point offers a unique opportunity to:
- Help shape the future and sustainability of our commercial offer
- Support the organisation to move from insight to action by helping bring the income review’s recommendations to life
- Ensure that commercial activity directly contributes to enhancing the student experience, supporting communities, and reinvesting in student focused services
Make a Meaningful Impact
As a trustee, you will work alongside external trustees, student trustees, the Union’s Executive Officers (elected student roles) and senior leadership team, offering independent insight, challenge and support at a pivotal stage in our development. You will play a meaningful role in:
- Supporting strong governance and long term sustainability
- Embedding our new strategy and values
- Helping the Union continue to be relevant, responsive and impactful for all students
If you are motivated by making a positive impact, value community and belonging, and want to use your skills to support and shape a vibrant, student led organisation, we would love to hear from you.
Requirements of the role
- Attendance at Trustee Board Meetings (Four times a year)
- Attendance at a sub-committee of Trustee Board
- Pre reading of reports and other documentation before meetings
- Keep in regular contact with the other Trustees and provide feedback and input on issues when they arise
Key responsibilities
- To ensure that the Union complies with its governing document, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations
- To ensure that the Union pursues its objects as defined in the Articles of Association
- To ensure the Union uses its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects
- To contribute actively to the Board of Trustees’ role in giving firm strategic direction to the Union, setting overall policy, defining goals and setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets
- To safeguard the good name and values of the Union
- To ensure the effective and efficient administration of the Union
- To ensure the financial stability of the Union
- To protect and manage the property of the charity and to ensure the proper investment of the charity’s funds
- To appoint the CEO, as and when necessary, and monitor their performance
- Trustee roles are unremunerated, though we can pay reasonable expenses as well as provide an induction programme. Full board meetings normally take place between 5pm – 7pm at our Kedleston Road site and can be accessed via a Teams link online.
How to Apply
Deadline 18th May. Interview w/c 25th May. To express interest, please send a CV and short statement outlining why you would like to join our Board and what you would bring to the role.
If you would like an informal conversation before applying, please drop an email to Emma Taylor-Large the Union’s CEO, who would love to chat!