Volunteer External Trustee University of Manchester Student Union

What will you be doing?

We are an ambitious and transformative educational charity and we are looking for credible leaders with demonstrable experience of supporting organisations at board level. Our External trustees help provide continuity and expertise to our beneficiary-led board, and ensure our students are empowered to challenge and shape their organisation. External Trustees are part mentor, part advisor and part ambassador for our organisation. In addition to being a part of the Trustee Board there will be an opportunity for one Trustee to become Vice-Chair of the Board working alongside our Union Affairs Officer. Requirements of the role:

Attendance at Trustee Board meetings (4/5 times a year) Attendance at a sub-committee of Trustee Board (3-4 times per year for 2 hours per meeting Pre-reading of reports and other documentation before meetings Commitment to the role of at least 1 year and up to 3 years. To attend at least one strategic planning day per year and to contribute to the development of the current strategic plan of the Students’ Union.

Location Trustee Board and Committee meetings are hybrid with the majority online. Any in person meetings will be held at the Students’ Union, Oxford, Manchester, M13 9PL. We are flexible to consider changing meeting arrangements to suit Board and Committee members’ availability, in order to be as inclusive as possible. Liberation, Diversity and Equality Inclusivity is one of UMSU’s core values and we strive to have Committees and a Trustee Board that are representative of the diverse nature of our organisation and its members. You can find out more about this exciting opportunity and the University of Manchester Students’ Union at (insert link) Recruitment Timeline Role opened: 27th May 9am Role closes: 20th June 3pm Interviews: Early July

What are we looking for?

We are an ambitious and transformative educational charity and we are looking for credible leaders with demonstrable experience of supporting organisations at board level. Selflessness: Holders of public office should act solely in terms of the public interest. They should not do so in order to gain financial or other benefits for themselves, their family or their friends.  Integrity: Holders of public office should not place themselves under any financial or other obligation to outside individuals or organisations that might seek to influence them in the performance of their official duties. Objectivity: In carrying out public business, including making public appointments, awarding contracts, or recommending individuals for rewards and benefits, holders of public office should make choices on merit.  Accountability: Holders of public office are accountable for their decisions and actions to the public and must submit themselves to whatever scrutiny is appropriate to their office.  Openness: Holders of public office should be as open as possible about all the decisions and actions that they take. They should give reasons for their decisions and restrict information only when the wider public interest clearly demands it.  Honesty: Holders of public office have a duty to declare any private interests relating to their public duties and to take steps to resolve any conflicts arising in a way that protects the public interest.  Leadership: Holders of public office should promote and support these principles by leadership and example.

What difference will you make?

Our External trustees help provide continuity and expertise to our beneficiary-led board, and ensure our students are empowered to challenge and shape their organisation. External Trustees are part mentor, part advisor and part ambassador for our organisation.