Keele University Students' Union - 3 x External (Lay) Trustees

ABOUT KEELE STUDENTS’ UNION

Keele Students’ Union (Keele SU) is dedicated to empowering every student to be who they want to be and make a difference to the world. Our strategic plan for 2025-2028 focuses on preparing students for life after Keele, helping them have fun and make friends for life, and supporting them through their university challenges. We are committed to sustainable practices, inclusivity, and diversity in everything we do.

We are a £6.6m turnover registered charity (CIO), with a trading subsidiary registered with Companies House, and employ over 40 full-time career staff and 4 full-time Sabbatical Officers. Together, we represent, support and enhance the experience of around 14,000 students at Keele University.

This is an exciting time to join Keele SU as we prepare to launch our new strategic plan for 2025-2028 this summer, following the appointment of our new CEO in September 2024. Like many Students’ Unions and higher education institutions, we are navigating challenges due to the current economic climate, the evolving needs of our members, and the global impact of conflicts. However, we are determined to use this new plan as a strategic stepping stone to grow and achieve our ambition of becoming one of the “top 10” Students’ Unions. If your excited by this opportunity and eager to contribute to our transformation, we’d love to hear from you!

You can find out more about Keele SU on the links below:

• Keele SU website
• Charity Commission
• Companies House

OUR VISION

Empower every student to be who they want to be and make a difference to the world.

OUR MISSION

Through the delivery of our quality support, activity, representation, entertainment, and value for money services, we will ensure that you are a part of a community which is inclusive, where you can grow in confidence and simply, be students.

OUR VALUES

We are Global Citizens

We lead with ambition and inspire positive change, serving as role models for both people and the planet. We champion sustainable practices, inclusivity and diversity in everything we do. By empowering students, we priorities environmental, ethical, and social sustainability while ensuring that everyone feels welcomed, supported, and represented, regardless of their background.

We Challenge & Collaborate

We strike a dynamic balance between challenging the University to improve the student experience and collaborating to create transformative change. As a critical friend, we always put students first, fostering collaborative partnerships within Keele’s vibrant learning community to drive growth and success.

We Unlock Potential

We are committed to providing leadership opportunities and creating an environment where students can discover their strengths, unlock their full potential, and build lifelong friendships. Through a collaborative approach, we focus on empowering students to find their people and make unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime, leaving a lasting impact on each individual.

OUR STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES

We promise to prepare you for life after Keele

We aim to inspire every student at Keele to recognise the skills and behaviours they have developed, unlocking their potential through active engagement with the Students’ Union, contributing to their growth and success.

We promise to help you have fun and make friends for life

We foster a dynamic and welcoming community within our vibrant University, where you can discover your people, build meaningful connections, and create unforgettable moments that lead to lifelong memories and friendships.

We promise to support you through your University challenges, every step of the way

We empower you through student leadership roles, collaborate with the University, and advocate for your needs, ensuring a transformative and sustainable approach to wellbeing and support at Keele.

3 x TRUSTEEE ROLES AVAILABLE

We are seeking three dedicated individuals to join our Board of Trustees, each bringing unique expertise to help

1 X Trustee with Students’ Union Experience:

• Requirements: Previous experience within a Students’ Union
• Responsibilities: Provide insights and guidance based on your experience within a Students’ Union, ensuring our activities align with student needs and expectations.

1 x Trustee with Education Experience:

• Requirements: Professional experience in education (schools, colleges, universities).
• Responsibilities: Contribute to strategic discussions and decisions related to educational initiatives and partnerships, ensuring our activities support student learning and development.

1 x Trustee with Private Sector Experience:

• Requirements: Senior level experience in marketing, HR, finance, legal, or other relevant private sector fields.
• Responsibilities: Offer expertise in your field to enhance our governance, strategic planning, and operational effectiveness.

OUR COMMITTMENT TO DIVERSITY

Keele SU is committed to diversifying our Board and actively encourages applications from individuals who define as one or more of the following: Black, Asian, Women, LGBTQ+, and disabled. We believe that a diverse Board will better represent and serve our student community.

MAIN DUTIES AS A TRUSTEE

As a Trustee of Keele Students’ Union, you will be responsible for:

• Ensuring Compliance: Ensure Keele SU complies with its governing document, charity law, company law, and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
• Strategic Direction: Contribute actively to the Board’s role in setting overall policy, defining goals, and evaluating performance against agreed targets.
• Safeguarding Values: Protect and promote the good name and values of Keele SU.
• Financial Oversight: Ensure the financial stability of Keele SU and manage its property and funds responsibly.
• Supporting the CEO: Appoint and monitor the performance of the Students’ Union Chief Executive.

LEGAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Trustees have six main duties:

Please see the full Job Description and Person Specification

TIME COMMITMENTS

Trustees are expected to commit to the following:

• Board Meetings: Attend four Trustee Board meetings per year.
• Sub-Committee Meetings: Participate in one of our two sub-committees (Finance, HR & Compliance or Student Engagement), which meet three times per year.
• Pre-Reading: Review reports and other documentation before meetings to ensure informed decision-making.
• Awards and Events: Attend key events such as Training, Strategic Away Day, Awards and other events outside of the usual Board meetings.
• Check-Ins: Regular check-ins with the CEO and Sabbatical Officers to stay updated on the Union’s activities and provide support.

INTERVIEW PROCESS

Interviews will be conducted online. Keele SU does not wear formal attire, and we encourage candidates to wear what is comfortable and/or their traditional attire. We welcome all people from all backgrounds and aim to create an inclusive and supportive environment.

HOW TO APPLY

Please complete the application form on the recruitment portal attaching a cover letter and CV by: 2nd May 2025, 5:00pm HERE

Interview Date: TBC, (possibly week commencing 12th May 2025)

For an informal conversation about the role, or about Keele SU, please contact Ryan Beasley, Keele SU, CEO on r.beasley1@keele.ac.uk

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