Greenwich Students' Union (GSU) is a democratic organisation run by students for students with over 21,000 members, to represent student views to the University at all levels and to provide support services for its members. It is a charitable organisation which plays a crucial role in the experience of students who attend the University of Greenwich. On joining the University, students automatically become members of the Students' Union.

GSU has three main departments: Membership Services, Commercial Services, and Support Services. These services are spread across three campuses which all have their own unique identity; Avery Hill in Eltham, Greenwich in Greenwich and Medway in Kent.

GSU has been on a significant journey the last five years, which has seen a transformational shift with its members and University partner. Following on from student feedback, it has now become more accessible whilst developing the quality and scope of its member services, improving its physical spaces and transforming its communication methods. It is now recognised as a Quality Students’ Union. 

Working in close partnership with the University, the Union's new strategy is focussed on its students becoming their best at Greenwich and beyond and places a real emphasis on widening participation. With a new CEO in post, supported an actively engaged Trustee Board, this is an exciting time to be joining GSU.

The Trustee Board plays a pivotal role in setting the strategic direction as well as overseeing the legal, financial and reputational sustainability of GSU as outlined in its charitable responsibilities, overseen by the Charity Commission.

The Board of Trustees has ultimate responsibility for directing the affairs of GSU, ensuring it is solvent, well-run and delivering its objects, as detailed in the Articles of Association.

The Finance, Audit and Risk Committee has delegated responsibility from the Board of Trustees to scrutinise all aspects of GSU’s financial affairs to ensure that it is in sound financial health.

Greenwich Students' Union now seeks an individual with senior strategic finance and audit experience to join its Board and become Chair of its Finance, Audit & Risk Committee. They will be charismatic, forensic, and able to distil accounting concepts to non-financial Trustees.

Candidates must be qualified accountants and will ideally have operated at a strategic level either as a CFO, Finance Director or Audit Partner, for example. Candidates who are qualified by experience or part-qualified but bring a passion for higher education and some governance experience will be considered. Previous chairing experience is not essential, but welcome. Experience can come from a range of industries across the private, public or non-profit sectors, but having operated in organisations which are values led would be beneficial.

Above all, the successful candidate will be passionate about Higher Education and will be aligned to GSU's mission and values of empowerment, courage, inclusivity, trust and approachability.

To find out more about the Trustee Board, please find out more here. 

This role is unremunerated, and reasonable, pre-agreed domestic travel expenses will be reimbursed. The Board of Trustees meets four times a year (including one meeting dedicated to reviewing the audited accounts). The Finance, Audit and Risk Committee meets four times a year. There will also be one away day per year. Board meetings are held from 4 - 6pm, on a Tuesday and are in person on the Greenwich Campus. Sub-Committee meetings are held online via Microsoft Teams and tend to last 1 - 1.5 hours. The Chair will decide when these are held. The appointment is for a four-year term (flexible), which can be renewed once more at the discretion of the Board.

This organisation is based in Greenwich, London and meetings will take place in person and virtually. Candidates will therefore be UK-based and able to attend the Board meetings in person.