Lay Trustee

We are seeking dedicated Lay Trustees, alongside a dynamic individual to assume the role of Chair of The Board of Trustees, guiding us steadfastly through the next phase of our organisation’s evolution.

What will you be doing?

The duties of a trustee board member are to:

• Ensure that Northampton Students’ Union complies with its governing document (its Articles of Association), charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
• Ensure that Northampton Students’ Union pursues its objects as defined in its governing document.
• Ensure that Northampton Students’ Union applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects. For example, it must not spend money on activities which are not included in the objects, however worthwhile they may be.
• Contribute actively to the board of trustees by giving firm strategic direction to Northampton Students’ Union, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets, and evaluating performance against agreed targets.
• Safeguard the good name and values of Northampton Students’ Union.
• Ensure the financial stability of Northampton Students’ Union.

In addition to the above statutory duties, each trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge, or experience they have to help the board of trustees reach sound decisions. This may involve leading discussions, identifying key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, and evaluating or offering advice on other areas in which the trustee has expertise.

In addition to the general responsibilities of a trustee, duties of the chair can be found in the specific job description in the link above. 

What are we looking for?

Each trustee must have:

• A commitment to the mission of Northampton Students’ Union
• A willingness to meet the minimum time requirement.
• Integrity
• Strategic vision
• Good, independent judgement
• An ability to think creatively.
• A willingness to speak their mind.
• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship
• An ability to work effectively as a member of a team and to take decisions for the good of Northampton Students’ Union.

The board of trustees collectively needs skills and experience in the following areas:

• HR
• ED&I (Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion)
• Finance
• Digital communications
• Law
• Charity Governance

What difference will you make?

As a new Lay Trustee, you will be joining us at a time of significant opportunity as both ourselves and the University are in the first year of our respective strategic plans. We are embedding new approaches to how we consult with, and listen to our members, and we are investing more than ever in developing a diverse and talented pool of student leaders who are capable of doing wonderful and inspiring work on behalf of the University of Northampton’s student body.

Throughout the years, Northampton Students' Union has undergone some notable shifts, and now, we stand poised to emerge as a resilient and impactful organisation—one that our members deeply cherish.

Your potential contribution to our collective growth is immeasurable, and we eagerly anticipate the possibility of working alongside you to shape the future of our Students’ Union.

Before you apply

Applications will be by CV and Covering Letter. Please visit our recruitment page on Reach Volunteering for more information and to submit your application: https://reachvolunteering.org.uk/opp/lay-trustee-5

Interviews will be scheduled on a case-by-case basis, depending on the availability of the trustees on our Appointments Committee.

Appointments are to be confirmed at our next available student democratic meeting, however newly appointed Trustees would be invited to attend trustee training