Greenwich Students' Union (GSU) is a democratic, membership led organisation with a core purpose of representing students views to the University, community and beyond. GSU represents the 21,000 students at the University of Greenwich, as well as providing essential support services and activities for 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 over 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 by 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 Board must ensure that the organisation’s vision, mission and values and activities remain true to its objects.
• Trustees are bound by an overriding duty, individually and as a Board, to act reasonably at all times in the interests of the organisation and of its present and future members.
• All Trustees are equally responsible in law for the Board’s actions and decisions, and have equal status as trustees.
• Trustees must act personally, and not as the representative of any group or organisation, this applies regardless of how that person was elected or selected to become a trustee.
• The Trustees must ensure that they remain independent, and do not come under the control of any external organisation or individual.
• The Board also has the responsibility for Risk Management of GSU. It is also responsible for the Health and Safety of all its staff and Members; for data protection under GDPR and Safeguarding. Trustees are legally responsible for these issues and could face prosecution if they fail to undertake these duties properly.

Greenwich Students' Union now seeks an inspiring new Chair to join its Board after the current Chair comes to the end of their term in March 2024. They will be charismatic, diplomatic, supportive and will bring good negotiation skills. They successful candidate will be innovative and a trailblazer, will embrace equality and will have an ability to bring people together. They will be a mentor to the CEO, Kate Dawson and will work closely with other Trustees and Sabbatical Officers to drive the mission of GSU.

GSU is open to candidates with a range of different backgrounds. The role would suit someone who has operated at a strategic-level in their executive career, who has strong business / financial acumen and who understands the difference between an executive and non-executive role. Though previous chairing isn't essential, individuals will have some governance experience. The successful candidate will ideally bring an understanding of how charities operate and though they don't need previous higher education experience, they will understand the challenges the sector faces. They will have good technology skills to help coordinate meetings and Board papers. They don't need to be based in Greenwich but will ideally have a connection to Greenwich or South East London.

Above all, the successful candidate will be passionate about issues that affect students and student voice, they will understand EDI and will be aligned to GSU's mission and values of empowerment, courage, inclusivity, trust, approachability and to being a progressive employer.

Diversity: Greenwich Students' Union strongly encourages applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, belief or disability. Please see below the diversity section for further information.

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 in person on the Greenwich Campus. The incoming Chair will join at least one Sub-Committee, likely to be the Appointments, Staffing and Governance Committee. Sub-Committee meetings are held online via Microsoft Teams and tend to last 1 - 1.5 hours. The appointment is for a four-year term (flexible), which can be renewed once more at the discretion of the Board.

Location:

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

Greenwich Students' Union strongly encourages applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, belief or disability. As women and those from an ethnic minority background are currently under-represented on the Board, applications from those individuals would be particularly encouraged. All appointments will be made on merit, following a fair and transparent process. In line with the Equality Act 2010, however, the organisation may employ positive action where candidates from underrepresented groups can demonstrate their ability to perform the role equally well.