Volunteer External Trustee (Finance) | University of Gloucestershire Students' Union

University of Gloucestershire Students' Union; Cheltenham; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Gloucestershire Students' Union is seeking a Volunteer External Trustee (Finance) to join their Audit and Risk Committee. This role is ideal for qualified accountants looking to enhance their skills while contributing to the student experience and governance of the Union. The position offers a chance to influence financial oversight during a period of strategic change, requiring a commitment to ethical conduct and student representation.

Qualifications

• Qualified accountant with experience in financial management.
• Comfort with reading financial information or willingness to learn.
• Understanding of a charity’s governance and legal duties.

Responsibilities

• Serve on the Audit and Risk Committee overseeing financial governance.
• Contribute to strategic discussions and risk management.
• Ensure ethical conduct and alignment with SU values.

Skills

Financial management

Governance

Analytical skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Independent judgment

Education

Qualified accountant

Job description

Volunteer External Trustee (Finance) | University of Gloucestershire Students' Union

Join to apply for the Volunteer External Trustee (Finance) role at University of Gloucestershire Students' Union.

We are seeking a qualified accountant with experience in financial management, governance, and oversight to serve as a finance trustee on our Audit and Risk Committee.

What difference will you make?

This role offers an excellent opportunity to develop your skills and experience, enhance your CV, and contribute to improving the student experience at the SU.

What are we looking for?

We want a trustee with expertise in finance, preferably with experience on an Audit and Risk Committee. Candidates should be qualified accountants familiar with financial audit best practices, though prior committee experience is not essential.

Term length is 3 years, with a maximum of 2 consecutive terms. Re-election depends on re-nomination.

General candidate requirements:

• Comfort with reading and understanding financial information or willingness to learn
• Understanding of business management
• Ability to dedicate time for meetings and preparation
• Willingness to contribute actively and speak openly
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Analytical skills and independent judgment
• Understanding of a charity’s governance, legal duties, and liabilities
• Commitment to ethical conduct and SU values

Desirable but not essential:

• Experience in higher education or student unions
• Knowledge of board governance

What will you be doing?

You will serve on our Audit and Risk Committee, helping oversee financial governance during an exciting period of strategic change. The role requires balancing respect for democratic membership will with creative thinking, constructive challenge, and risk awareness. You should share a commitment to student rights, representation, and the broader student movement values.

The Board includes External, Officer, and Student Trustees, overseeing staff led by the Chief Executive. Attention to detail and strategic foresight are important qualities.

Additional details:

• Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
• Employment type: Volunteer
• Job function: Accounting/Auditing and Finance
• Industry: Non-profit Organization Management