Could you be our next Trustee?

We are dedicated to representing University of Derby students and enriching their experience by offering transformative personal and professional opportunities. As we enter a dynamic phase with a newly appointed CEO and the development of our strategic plan, it is crucial that we understand the diverse needs of our students. This plan will help us identify the best ways to meet their expectations, considering the varied backgrounds of our students and how these influence their interaction with the Union. We will also factor in the impact of national politics, the cost of living, and how these elements affect student involvement, spending habits, and their opportunity to engage with the Union.

Who are we looking for

We are looking for two dedicated and passionate External Trustees who are eager to enhance the experiences of our students. We are seeking trustees who can contribute their knowledge and expertise in one or more of the following areas.

• Equality, diversity, and inclusion
• Sector specific knowledge
• Risk Management
• Fundraising and Resource development

As an inclusive organisation, committed to diversifying our board, we strongly encourage applications from former University of Derby students and individuals from underrepresented groups, including BAME and LGBTQ+ communities.

About Us

We are embarking on the development of a new strategic plan, recognising that the current plan reflects the voices of students interviewed back in 2019. Since then, the landscape has changed significantly, and we understand the importance of adapting to meet the evolving needs of our students. To ensure our new plan is truly reflective of the current student body at the University of Derby, we are committed to conducting thorough research with both new and existing students, while also listening to the insights and opinions of stakeholders and Union staff.

This is an exciting time to join our board. As a new trustee, you will have the opportunity to contribute your perspectives and expertise to help shape a strategic plan that will not only support our students but also enhance their overall university experience. Your involvement will be key in guiding the Union through this pivotal period, ensuring that we remain responsive, relevant, and impactful in the lives of our students.

What we do: our elected leaders

Every year, members elect a new team of students to be the Officers – to be the student face of the Union, work on campaigns they're passionate about, and to represent students' interests at the highest level in the University.

The Officer Team is made up of four full-time paid Executive Officers (students who have either taken a year out of their studies or have just graduated) and 32 part-time volunteer, Non-Executive Officers (students who carry out their duties alongside their studies).

Our 2024/25 full-time Executive Officer team

Holly, Union President

This role campaigns and lobbies the University on issues that may arise locally, regionally, or nationally. They act in the capacity of the Vice-Chair of Trustee Board with delegated responsibility from the Board of Trustees for the line management of the Chief Executive. They lead and coordinate the Vice-Presidents of the Union to ensure that the team work together to fulfil the organisation's Vision and Values; including them in all that they do.

Gabriela, Vice President (Activities)

This role works closely with the University in developing a cohesive approach to sport aimed at encouraging participation, representation and excellence through a student focused and democratically led structure. They are responsible for ensuring that all sports clubs and societies are democratically run and accountable to their members. They work towards increasing membership and retention within Sports, Societies and Student-Led Services. They act as Deputy Chair to the Union Societies Council and Union Sports Council.

Pournami, Vice President (Education)

This role concentrates on academic issues across all campuses. They represent the Union and its members at University and College meetings and ensure that any academic policy is student focused. They deputise for the President in their absence for University Governor business. They regularly engage with Student Officers for Education and Student Representatives. They encourage a fair and democratic process for the election of academic representatives across the University of Derby.

Jack, Vice President (Welfare)

This role concentrates on issues relating to welfare taking a particular focus on the voices of underrepresented student groups. They actively represent the needs and issues of students with caring responsibilities, as either a student parent or student carer, disengaged students, international students and care leavers. They support the Union’s EDI Chair to ensure the effectiveness and function of the Union’s EDI Council and are Deputy Chair of the EDI Council.

The role of the external trustee

We are looking to recruit a motivated individual, passionate and enthusiastic about making a real difference to the lives of students and willing to help take the Union to the next level of success.

You will help manage the strategy and finances of the organisation and be willing to work collectively to ensure that we will be able to deliver positive change for its members year after year.

We particularly welcome applications from former University of Derby students and candidates from under-represented groups including the BAME and LGBTQ+ communities.

Requirements of the role

• Attendance at Trustee Board Meetings (Four times a year)
• Attendance at a sub-committee of Trustee Board 
• Pre reading of reports and other documentation before meetings
• Keep in regular contact with the other Trustees and provide feedback and input on issues when they arise  

Key responsibilities

The key responsibilities for the role are:

• To ensure that the Union complies with its governing document, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations
• To ensure that the Union pursues its objects as defined in the Articles of Association
• To ensure the Union uses its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects
• To contribute actively to the Board of Trustees’ role in giving firm strategic direction to the Union, setting overall policy, defining goals and setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets
• To safeguard the good name and values of the Union
• To ensure the effective and efficient administration of the Union
• To ensure the financial stability of the Union
• To protect and manage the property of the charity and to ensure the proper investment of the charity’s funds
• To appoint the CEO, as and when necessary, and monitor their performance
• Trustee roles are unremunerated, though we can pay reasonable expenses as well as provide an induction programme. Full board meetings normally take place between 5pm – 7pm at our Kedleston Road site and can be accessed via a Teams link online.

How to apply

To express an interest in this role please provide the following by 3rd October:

• A covering letter (max one side of A4) that sets out your motivating factors in your application.
• An up to date, detailed CV including all relevant employment history and expertise.

For an informal discussion about the role please contact Emma Taylor-Large via emma.taylor-large@derbyunion.co.uk