Being a Student Trustee

These are voluntary positions and are extremely important to the running of the Students’ Union; without Trustees, there is no SU. As a member of the the Trustee Board, you will make sure that the Union is well run, is meeting its’ constitutional aims and is working within legal frameworks. You will be part of a collective decision making process regarding finances and the strategic direction of the Union, all while ensuring that students are at the heart of everything the Union does. As a Student Trustee (and company director) you will be legally responsible for all the decisions taken and this responsibility lasts for 7 years after you complete your term of office. There are also laws which prevent you from becoming a Trustee, so you will have to complete a declaration to say that you are not exempt.

In addition to your legal responsibilities, you will also be expected to subscribe to the National Occupational Standards for Trustees and uphold the seven Principles of Public Life (Nolan Principles) as set by the Committee on Standards in Public Life.

NOST Principles

1. Safeguard and promote the values and mission of USWSU.

2. Determine the strategy and structure of USWSU.

3. Ensure USWSU operates in an effective, responsible and accountable manner.

4. Ensure the effective functioning of USWSU’s Board of Trustees.

Nolan Principles

Selflessness - Holders of public office should act solely in terms of the public interest. They should not do so in order to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves, their family, or their friends.

Integrity - Holders of public office should not place themselves under any financial or other obligation to outside individuals or organisations that might seek to influence them in the performance of their official duties.

Objectivity - In carrying out public business, including making public appointments, awarding contracts, or recommending individuals for rewards and benefits, holders of public office should make choices on merit.

Accountability - Holders of public office are accountable for their decisions and actions to the public and must submit themselves to whatever scrutiny is appropriate to their office.

Openness - Holders of public office should be as open as possible, giving reasons for their decisions and restricting information only when the wider public interest clearly demands.

Honesty - Holders of public office have a duty to declare any private interests relating to their public duties and to take steps to resolve any conflicts arising in a way that protects the public interest.

Leadership - Holders of public office should promote these principles by leadership and example.

What exactly will you do?

The Trustees are ultimately responsible, individually and collectively, for all activity within USWSU. The USWSU Trustee 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 longterm strategy. They approve and monitor plans to deliver the strategy. Trustees will also act as Company Law members of USWSU.

Trustees are accountable for delivering the responsibilities detailed in the USWSU Trustee Board Terms of Reference. Notwithstanding this, all Trustees have a duty to:

• Ensure that USWSU acts in accordance with its charitable objects, constitution and other guiding documents and in particular remains true to its mission, vision and values.

• Facilitate USWSU being a student-led organisation.

• Help USWSU achieve its objectives and improve the lives of its members.

• Ensure that USWSU complies with all relevant legislation and regulations, including relevant charity, company and education acts.

• Ensure that USWSU does not undertake activities that put its financial stability, members or reputation at undue risk.

• Work with other Trustees, staff and volunteers in a constructive manner and for the greater good of USWSU.

• Participate fully in Trustee Board meetings and join one of the Trustee Board’s Committees.

• Participate fully in Company Law meetings.

• Use their personal skills and experience to ensure USWSU is well run and efficient.

• Seek external professional advice where there may be material risk to USWSU or where the Trustees may be in breach of their duties or at any other appropriate moment.

• Add value to the Trustee Board and USWSU through generating ideas, challenging the status quo, broadening thinking and supporting and promoting innovation and creativity.

• Abide by the USWSU Trustee Code of Conduct.

Accountability and Removal from Office

All Trustees are ultimately accountable to the membership of USWSU by the processes detailed in the Articles of Association, the Charities Act 2011 and the Companies Act 2006. Any Trustee may be removed from office by Trustee Board for failure to comply with any of their obligations.

How much time will it take?

You will be required to attend all Board meetings. At the moment, Board meets 6 times a year. The length of the meetings varies, but are usually 2 - 3 hours long and they always take place in the evening. In preparation for the meetings, you will need to read through all the papers and make notes of any questions or suggestions that you may want to raise. Sometimes, you will be asked to make a decision via email and you will need to keep in regular contact with the other Trustees. You will also need to attend the Annual General Meeting of the Students’ Union, where the Trustees’ report is presented.

One of the Student Trustees will also be nominated to sit as a Student Governor on the USW Board of Governors. This role is to be a student voice (not acting on behalf of the Trustees) at the highest level of the University itself. The Board of Governors normally meets four times a year on Monday afternoons from 4.00pm. Student Governors are also members of the Finance and Resources and the Culture, People and Values Committees, which also both meet four times a year. As a member of the Board of Governors, you would be a trustee of the University, which is a registered charity. Training and ongoing support will be provided for this role. More information can be found here.

What skills and experience do you need?

A good Student Trustee is someone who is:

• interested in learning more about the SU and how it is operated

• passionate about the Union and is committed to the purpose, aims and values of the orgainsation

• detached and diplomatic, ready to listen to other opinions, able to communicate their own thoughts diplomatically and perhaps reach a different conclusion

• reliable and able to commit the time and effort required to make sure it’s a worthwhile experience for them and the organisation

• supportive and able to work together as a Trustee team, being positive once decisions are made

• diligent and responsible, able to handle sensitive information and maintain confidentiality

You can expect training for the role and ongoing support from Board members and Union staff.