Hull University Students’ Union is looking for a new External Trustee to provide advice and be a sounding board to the Trustees and the Executive team. They will bring senior leadership experience in one of the following areas: finance, human resources, charity law or community engagement.
About Hull University Students’ Union
The Hull University Students’ Union (HUSU) believes that every student should feel part of their student community. It is proud to represent an increasingly diverse demographic of students studying with the University of Hull. The strategy sets out its ambition for creating a sector-leading Students’ Union that reflects this diversity and delivers the best possible services to members. HUSU are a registered charity led by students, for students. Its members have access to services and benefits – from social spaces, sports and societies to advice and representation, to employment and volunteering opportunities – to make sure that their time at university counts. HUSU tries to be inclusive, innovative, positive, fun, and supportive in everything it does.
A few facts:
In 2023, HUSU reported a total income of £6.45m.
HUSU employs nearly 300 people, of which about 80% are students working in their retail and hospitality facilities and across the Charity supporting other Students.
HUSU is proud to be the first Students’ Union with its own J. D Wetherspoon, creating great value for students and enabling it to increase the employment opportunities it is able to offer to its members.
HUSU has over 50 sports clubs and over 80 societies, all are student-led with infrastructure support from the established staff team.
HUSU provides and independent advice and guidance service, which supports hundreds of Students each year on matters including housing, finances, and academic issues.
HUSU has a Democratic governance system, governed using Bye-laws and Standing orders. The Chair is elected by the full membership each year. Union Council meets throughout the Academic year, holding the Elected Presidents to account on their Manifesto’s, hearing motions and making change at both The University of Hull and HUSU.
Links:
Strategy: https://hulluniunion.com/our-strategy
Role specification
HUSU is looking to appoint an experienced Trustee to join its Board which comprises Elected Presidents, Student Trustees and External Trustees.
There is an immediate opportunity to chair the Finance and HR Committee and the Union will be looking to appoint a new Chair in the summer of 2025.
The HUSU Board sets the strategic direction and positioning of Hull University Students’ Union and oversees the development and implementation of operational policies and procedures to ensure that HUSU fulfils its objectives and obligations as a charity.
A Senior Leadership Team of three Directors provides the executive management of HUSU and its subsidiary HUUS Ltd (through which HUSU’s trading activities are carried out).
Person specification
Ideally the new Trustee will bring senior leadership experience in finance, human resources, charity law or community engagement. However, alignment to the vision and values of the Students’ Union is more important than a specific discipline.
Candidates may have operated in the private, public or charity sector. Some previous governance experience, sitting on a committee or Board, is essential.
Above all, the new Trustee will have a strong commitment to higher education and empowering students and will be aligned to the mission and values of HUSU. They will be able to dedicate sufficient time to the role and attend Board meetings in person.
Board Composition
To find out more about the Board of Trustees, please see here: https://hulluniunion.com/trustees
Diversity
Hull University Students Union welcomes applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, belief or disability. As women and individuals with a disability are currently under-represented on the Board, applications from these individuals would be particularly encouraged. All appointments will be made on merit, following a fair and transparent process. In line with the Equality Act 2010, however, the organisation may employ positive action where candidates from underrepresented groups can demonstrate their ability to perform the role equally well.
Terms of appointment
This is a four-year term with the possibility of renewing for a second four-year term. The Board meets at least four times per year to coincide with important times in the planning and reporting cycle. The successful candidate will join the Finance and HR Committee which also meets four times per year in a hybrid manner. All Board meetings are on a Thursday at 10am and Committee meetings are held at 10am or 1pm. This is an unpaid role, but travel expenses and all out of pocket expenses in connection with the role will be reimbursed. Accommodation can either be provided on-site or reimbursed if staying elsewhere. There is also available parking on-site.
To apply for this position, please contact:
Brigitte Stundner
Hull University Students’ Union is partnering with Nurole the leading board-level search platform on this appointment. If you’d like to view the full spec click here: https://app.nurole.com/roles/65fb1fc8095d2d25676061c0.
If you’d like to informally find out more about the role please contact Brigitte Stundner: brigitte.stundner@nurole.com
