Trustee
Trustee
The Trustee Board collectively holds ultimate responsibility for the governance, strategic direction and long-term sustainability of the Students’ Union. Trustees ensure that the organisation is well-run, financially sound, legally compliant and delivering its charitable purposes for the benefit of its student members.
As a Students’ Union trustee, you will play a critical role in supporting a student-led organisation, working alongside elected student trustees to ensure strong governance while respecting student democracy and students’ lived experience.
About the Students’ Union
The Students’ Union is a membership organisation, led by students and supported by professional staff. Its purpose is to represent, support and enhance the lives of students, ensuring student voices are heard, valued and acted upon.
- Edge Hill Students’ Union works with students to make their University experience all they want it to be.
- Whatever a students’ needs, situation or background; we empower them through partnership.
- We deliver events, empower societies, and support individuals with whatever they need to have a great experience whilst fulfilling their ambitions.
- We bring creativity, innovation and freedom to the student community, and work with Edge Hill to bring about our shared goal of enabling every student to be the best version of themselves.
About the Role
The Trustee Board collectively holds ultimate responsibility for the governance, strategic direction and long-term sustainability of the Students’ Union. Trustees ensure that the organisation is well-run, financially sound, legally compliant and delivering its charitable purposes for the benefit of its student members.
As a Students’ Union trustee, you will play a critical role in supporting a student-led organisation, working alongside elected student trustees to ensure strong governance while respecting student democracy and students’ lived experience.
About You
You are someone who feels a genuine connection to Edge Hill—whether as an alumnus, member of the local community, partner organisation, or someone who simply believes in the power of higher education to transform lives. You care deeply about students, and the role our Students’ Union plays in representing, supporting and advocating for them. You believe student voices matter and are motivated by the opportunity to help ensure those voices are heard, respected and acted upon.
You are curious, thoughtful and willing to learn. You may already have experience of governance, or you may be looking to develop this, but in either case you bring sound judgement, a willingness to ask questions and the confidence to offer constructive challenge. Importantly, you are someone who enjoys working collaboratively. You value different perspectives—particularly those of student trustees—and are motivated by being part of a collective effort to improve the student experience. Above all, you are enthusiastic about contributing your time and insight to support the Students’ Union in delivering its purpose and making a meaningful difference to students’ lives.
Remuneration
This is a voluntary, unpaid role. Reasonable out-of-pocket expenses may be reimbursed in line with the Students’ Union’s expenses policy.
Time Commitment
Typically, 4 Board meetings per year (around 2 hours each), plus membership of at least one Board committee with a similar time commitment. Trustees are also expected to undertake reading, preparation and occasional additional meetings or events.
Location
Board meetings are usually held in person, with some committee meetings and committee work conducted online. Applications are particularly welcomed from those able to attend in person when required. In person meetings will usually be at Edge Hill campus, Ormskirk.
Collective Responsibilities of Trustees
All trustees share collective responsibility for:
- Setting and safeguarding the vision, mission and values of the Students’ Union
- Determining the organisation’s strategic direction and ensuring progress against agreed objectives
- Ensuring high standards of governance, accountability and ethical behaviour
- Overseeing financial sustainability, risk management and internal controls
- Supporting and constructively challenging the executive leadership
- Acting at all times in the best interests of the charity and its beneficiaries (students)
Core Trustee Duties (Charity Commission CC3)
Trustees must:
- Carry out the charity’s purposes for the public benefit
- Comply with the governing document and the law
- Act in the charity’s best interests
- Manage the charity’s resources responsibly
- Act with reasonable care and skill
- Ensure the charity is accountable
Working Alongside Student Trustees
Trustees are expected to:
- Respect and uphold student democracy
- Value student insight and lived experience
- Support student trustees’ development
- Provide appropriate challenge without dominating discussions
- Help ensure continuity and long-term stewardship
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Trustees are expected to:
- Attend and actively participate in Board and committee meetings
- Contribute to strategy development and monitoring of performance
- Safeguard the reputation, assets and values of the Students’ Union
- Appoint, support and appraise the Chief Executive (where applicable)
- Ensure compliance with legal, regulatory and funding requirements
- Act as an ambassador for the Students’ Union
Person Specification
Essential
- Commitment to the purpose and values of a Students’ Union
- Understanding of, or willingness to learn about, charity governance
- Ability to think strategically and exercise sound judgement
- Willingness to provide constructive challenge and support
- Ability to work effectively as part of a diverse board
- Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
Desirable
- Experience in areas such as finance, law, HR, governance, education or leadership
- Experience of working with membership or democratic organisations
- Understanding of the higher education or Students’ Union environment
Term of Office
Trustees are usually appointed for a fixed term of three years and may be eligible for reappointment.
Eligibility
Trustees must be eligible to act as charity trustees under charity law and declare any conflicts of interest.
Additional Information
This role description is indicative and may be reviewed periodically to reflect the evolving needs of the Students’ Union and its members.
How to Apply
📝 Please submit, via email, an up-to-date CV along with a supporting statement (max.500 words) outlining your interest in the role and how you meet the person specification.
Send your email to: SUPeople@edgehill.ac.uk with the subject line: “Trustee Application – [Your Name]”
In your supporting statement, we encourage you to address the following:
- Your motivation for applying and your connection (if any) to Edge Hill or Students' Unions.
- The skills, experience or perspectives you would bring to the Board of Trustees.
- How you could contribute to supporting and enhancing the student experience.
📅 Deadline: Wednesday 22nd April 2026 - 11:59pm
