Introduction
Thank you for your interest in our Student Trustee roles here at Falmouth and Exeter Students' Union (The SU); based in beautiful Cornwall.
We are very proud of what we do, and we are looking for two Student Trustees (one from each university) who will join our Board to support the strategic direction of the charity. You will need to share the values of the SU and commitment to achieve our priorities, working collaboratively to help take us to the next level. We are a member-led charity, funded by our universities and together with students we strive to create a world class student experience for all.
The role of Student Trustee is to provide insight into the lives of current students, and the issues affecting them; this supports a culture of student leadership and the delivery of a student focused service.
You will be taking up the role at a critical and exciting time, as we are undertaking two crucial pieces of work: finalising our new Strategic Plan, and undertaking the quintennial review of our Constitution. If you are excited at the prospect of contributing to the growth and development of the SU, then we eagerly anticipate the possibility of working alongside you to shape the future of our organisation.
We are especially keen to hear from students who are currently in their first year of study.
Why Should You Become a Trustee?
Being a Trustee is a valuable and rewarding experience, that looks great on a CV. You'll get to make a lasting difference to the lives of our students, and influence how the Union is run. You will use your skills, knowledge, and experience to support the Board in reaching sound decisions. You will be involved in leading discussions, making collective decisions, and identifying key issues. You will learn and practice transferable skills in a professional board setting, and you will develop skills and knowledge of organisation governance, such as strategic planning, financial management and charity law.
You will receive comprehensive induction training, and further training relevant to your role as a Chair or member of a sub-committee.
Job Description
We're looking for someone to work collectively with our board of trustees to provide support and strategic direction to our SU.
Remuneration:
Student Trustees are voluntary, unpaid roles. However, all reasonable out of pocket expenses will be reimbursed, such as travel costs to board meetings.
Hours:
Hours can vary however typically each year:
* Four Board of Trustees meetings – each meeting is around three hours long and hybrid. The next Board meeting is on 29 October 2025.
* Additional two (eight for Finance) sub-committees meetings- each meeting is 45 minutes and hybrid.
* There are usually one or two in-person events per year including a Board of Trustees meeting – each event is usually a day and/or an evening event. These are delivered in Cornwall (expenses paid). The next event is the Trustee Away Day on 20 and 21 October 2025.
Term of office:
two years, up to two terms.
Location:
Home and campus based, with one or two in-person events in Cornwall per year.
Eligibility:
You must be, and remain, a student at the University of Exeter (Cornwall), or Falmouth University, during the 2025/26 academic year.
Role Purpose
The Trustees are ultimately responsible, individually and collectively, for all activity within the SU. The Board is legally responsible for our staff, finances, risk management and reputation. The Board is responsible for setting the vision and values of the organisation and for ensuring the delivery of organisational purpose. The Trustees ensure development of and agree a long-term strategy. They approve and monitor plans to deliver the strategy.
Key Responsibilities
* To ensure The SU acts in accordance with its charitable purpose, constitution and other governing documents and relevant legislation while remaining true to its Mission, Vision and Values.
* To contribute actively to the Board of Trustees role by determining the Students' Union strategy, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets.
* Ensure The SU uses its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects/purpose.
* Act as guardians of The SU's assets and ensure the financial stability of the organisation.
* Prepare for Board meetings by reading through materials and Board papers beforehand, scrutinising information and be able to discuss issues.
* Take advice on matters on which you are not competent to decide.
* Provide support to your fellow Trustees.
* Take part in Board Reviews and Skills Audits each year.
* Use personal skills and experience to ensure the Union is well-run and efficient
* Seek external professional advice where there may be material risk to the Union or where the Trustees may be in breach of their duties or at any other appropriate moment.
* Add value to the Trustee Board and the Union through generating ideas, challenging the status quo, broadening thinking and supporting and promoting innovation and creativity.
* Abide by the Union Trustee Code of Conduct.
The full person specification, and details of how to apply, can be found on the SU website:
The deadline for applications is 09:00 on Monday 29 September. Interviews will take place between 09:00 - 12:00 on Monday 06 October.