Our Union of Students is seeking an External Trustee to join our Board and help shape our next chapter.
Our Union of Students is seeking an External Trustee to join our Board and help shape our next chapter.
We have recently completed an independent income review and are now focused on turning those recommendations into reality. This role will play an important part in supporting our long-term financial sustainability, strengthening our commercial thinking, and providing constructive, independent challenge to our Board.
As we take forward this work, we would be particularly interested in hearing from individuals with experience in:
- Commercial leadership or business strategy
- Finance or income generation
- Supporting organisations to move from recommendation to delivery
However, we welcome applications from people with a broad range of professional backgrounds and experiences. Trustee experience is not essential. What matters most is your ability to bring insight, work collaboratively, and support a values-driven organisation that puts students first.
Why Join Our Board?
This is an exciting time to join the Board of the Union of Students. In September 2025, 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.
The role of a Trustee
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
If you are interested, or would like an informal conversation about the role, please get in touch with our CEO, Emma Taylor-Large at emma.taylor-large@derbyunion.co.uk, or share this opportunity with someone who might be a great fit.