We are looking for a new external trustee to join the board at Birmingham City University Students’ Union.

Trustees have independent control over, and legal responsibility for, a charity’s management and administration. You will utilise your personal and professional skills, experience and knowledge to support and assist BCUSU in developing and delivering our Mission, Vision and Values, and achieving our organisational goals. Trustees for BCUSU have ultimate responsibility for ensuring good governance, ensuring organisational compliance in all areas of legislation, policy and procedure, and ensuring that the Board reaches structured and sound decisions. Trustees play a very important role and Trusteeship can be rewarding for many reasons - from a sense of making a difference to the charitable cause, to new experiences and relationships.

This is a fantastic opportunity to be involved with BCUSU during a period of positive change.  We have recently appointed a new CEO and are feeling optimistic about the opportunities ahead for our student members and services and welcome the prospect of inviting a new trustee to be part of the next chapter in BCUSU’s development, as well as the wider Students’ Union movement.

The Board of Trustees meets 5 times per year; Subcommittees of the Board generally meet 4 times per year. Additional communication may be required between meetings via email, and Board members will also be required to set time aside in advance of meetings to read all papers relating to meetings. Trustees should be willing to commit to the role for a minimum of 2 years. 

We run board meetings utilising hybrid technology, so equally welcome local applicants or applicants from further afield, or abroad, who can join the meetings remotely.

We would especially welcome applications from professionals with experience in Marketing and Communications; with a focus on expertise in developing new and innovative ways of connecting with members or an audience.

We are committed to developing a diverse and inclusive workplace that benefits our students and staff therefore we are actively encouraging applications from People of Colour to join the board. 

Please note, this is an unpaid, volunteer position.

Principle purpose of role:

• Ultimately responsible for directing the affairs of Birmingham City Students’ Union
• Ensure that Birmingham City Students’ Union is well run and delivers the objectives for which it has been set up
• Ensure that Birmingham City Students’ Union works for and with its membership in all that it does

More Information:

Role Description and Person Specification

Watch the video: to learn more about BCUSU

Additional Information about BCUSU and Application Advice

To apply:

If you would like to express interest in the role of external trustee please submit a covering letter and / or a copy of your CV to: studentunionjobs@bcu.ac.uk  Please provide a summary of your relevant experience and an explanation on why you would like to be considered for the role.  Please state, in the subject line of the email, which position you are applying for. 

We encourage expressions of interest applications to be detailed yet concise and succinct. There is no formal word limit however encourage applicants to aim for 2-3 pages as a maximum.

On the person specification we have published a list of preferred experience and skills that would be beneficial to BCUSU from a trustee, however the willingness and right attitude is the most important asset, so even if you don’t directly match all criteria, please make an expression of interest application.  If we receive a high volume of interest, we will use the criteria to prioritise our selection so we encourage applicants to highlight how they meet the preferred skills and experience in their expression of interest.

If you would like to make an informal enquiry before submitting an application, please contact the People & Culture team on studentunionjobs@bcu.ac.uk with your enquiry and they will come back to you, or will direct your enquiry to the interim CEO or Union President to get in touch.

BCUSU is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on Race, Age, Disability, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Reassignment, Religion or belief, Marriage and Civil Partnership or Pregnancy and Maternity or any other protected characteristic. 

If you require any reasonable adjustments to assist you in the application or interview process, please get in touch (on studentunionjobs@bcu.ac.uk) to discuss your needs.