Finance Trustee

Exeter Students’ Guild is looking for a passionate and experienced External Trustee to join our Board and help shape the future of our student-led organisation.

About the role

Trustees play a key part in making sure Exeter Students’ Guild runs well and stays true to its purpose. As a Trustee, you’ll help set the Guild’s direction, support and challenge senior staff, and make sure we’re using our resources responsibly and operating within the law.

You’ll be joining a Board of 14 Trustees, made up of External Trustees, Student Trustees, and Elected Officer Trustees, all working together to support students at Exeter.

The role is a four-year term, with the option to serve a second term. You’ll need to meet The Charity Commission eligibility requirements. The role is unpaid, but reasonable expenses will be covered.

Experience and Knowledge

We’re especially keen to hear from people who have:

• Senior-level experience in finance, accounting, or a related area

• An understanding of the challenges facing students in the UK and at the University of Exeter

• A good grasp of what good governance looks like

• Knowledge of the Higher Education sector and the issues it faces

• The time to commit to Board meetings, committee work, and key financial discussions

Skills

• The ability to ask questions and challenge the status quo.

• Sound judgement and the ability to think strategically, handle competing priorities and make informed decisions.

• Strong communication skills with the ability to build relationships with people at all levels.

• Able to respond positively to challenging situations and solve problems creatively.

Values and Attitude

• A demonstrable commitment to our values.

• Strong commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and able to engage with people from all backgrounds and at all levels.

• Passionate about working in a democratic, student led environment.

How to Apply

Please apply to this advert to receive the full recruitment pack.

You will then be required to email your application directly to Jamie Reynolds at Marble Mayne by the deadline of Tuesday 20th October at 12 noon.

Please include:

• An up-to-date CV

• Responses to the following questions (max 300 words per question):

1. Tell us why you’d like to join the Exeter Students’ Guild as a Trustee – how do your personal values align with the Guild’s core values?

2. What knowledge, abilities and experience can you contribute to our Board?

Timescales

Closing date: Tuesday 20th October at 12 noon

Panel interview: Thursday 5th November

First Trustee Board Meeting: Wednesday 2nd December (+ observe Finance & Risk Committee Meeting on 23rd November)

Please note online Trustee training will be provide and we aim to work flexibility around interview dates.

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Testimonial from External Trustee, Sophie

What inspired you to become a trustee?

I was inspired to become a trustee to be able to use my experience and knowledge, both as a higher education professional and a former student (from a while ago!), to be part of something that benefits students and adds to their brilliant university experience. I also wanted to experience governance from 'the other side' and improve those skills.

How has the experience benefited you personally or professionally?

It has been really gratifying to be able to use what I do everyday and have it aid discussion. I've found it so interesting and refreshing to approach familiar topics from a completely different angle.

What advice would you give to someone considering becoming a trustee?

I would say to put yourself forward! Speak to someone who may have experience of being a trustee, have a look at the brilliant resources there are out there, and have confidence in your experience - a Board really needs a wide range of skills and experience and diversity of opinion, so go for it.

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