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External Trustee (HR)
A place to make a real difference
Location
Remote / Cumbria
Contract
Voluntary Trustee position
Time commitment
Approximately one day per month, particularly during the first year
Are you an experienced HR, People and Culture leader looking to use your expertise to support a student-led organisation making a real difference to students' lives?
Our client is seeking an External Trustee with strong strategic HR, People and Culture expertise to join its Board of Trustees at an important time for the organisation.
About The Organisation
Our client is an independent students' union, representing and supporting students across several campuses. As an External Trustee, you will bring independent professional expertise to support effective governance, strategic leadership and organisational development.
This is a particularly important time to join, as the organisation prepares for the departure of its current Chief Executive after 10 years. The successful candidate will have an opportunity to support the Board through this transition and help ensure strong leadership and governance for the future.
About The Role
As the HR specialist on the Board, you will provide strategic expertise, constructive challenge and support on people, culture and organisational development, while contributing to the wider responsibilities of the Trustee Board.
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What You'll Be Doing
- Provide strategic HR and People & Culture expertise to support Board decision-making
- Provide insight on equality, diversity and inclusion, employee engagement, succession planning and organisational change
- Support the recruitment and induction of a new Chief Executive
- Contribute to effective governance, risk management and strategic decision-making
About You
The organisation is looking for an experienced HR, People and Culture professional with significant senior-level experience and the ability to contribute effectively at Board level.
You will bring:
- Strong strategic HR, People and Culture or organisational development experience
- Experience of organisational strategy, change and transformation
- An understanding of good governance and the ability to provide constructive challenge
- Strong communication, judgement and relationship-building skills
- A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
- Experience of supporting and developing others, including people at different stages of their leadership journey
- Experience of the Higher Education sector would be valuable, but is not essential and candidates with relevant experience from other sectors are encouraged to apply.
Commitment
The Board meets approximately five times per year, usually via Microsoft Teams. Trustees are expected to prepare for meetings, review papers in advance and actively contribute to discussions and decision-making.
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For this particular appointment, the anticipated commitment is approximately one day per month, particularly during the first year, reflecting the additional involvement required around the recruitment and induction of a new Chief Executive.
Most Trustee activities can take place remotely, although the successful candidate will be expected to attend in-person activities approximately three to four times per year.
How To Apply
To apply, please click Apply Now. You will need to submit an up-to-date CV and complete an application form, where you will be asked to answer three questions (maximum 300 words per question):
- Why are you interested in applying and how do you feel your personal values align with our mission?
- What are the key skills, knowledge and achievements that make you a strong candidate for the role?
- What do you believe are the most significant contributors to Board effectiveness?
For an informal conversation about the role, please contact our recruitment partner.
Key Dates
Closing date: 12 noon, Tuesday 29 September 2026
Interview date: Week commencing 12 October 2026 (remote)
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