External Trustee – Role Description

Role: External Trustee

Term: Four years (with the option for one re-election)

Location: Hybrid (Remote + Bournemouth)

Commitment: ~6 board meetings/year, 1 sub-committee, annual away day

Remuneration: Voluntary (reasonable expenses reimbursed)

Role Purpose

As an External Trustee, you will play a critical role in supporting the development and long-term sustainability of AUBSU. You’ll bring your professional knowledge, lived experience, and independent judgement to ensure we remain an accountable, inclusive, and ambitious charity.

 

Key Responsibilities (as per Charity Commission CC3)

  • Ensure the charity carries out its purposes for public benefit

  • Comply with legal and regulatory duties (including AUBSU’s Constitution)

  • Act in the best interests of AUBSU and its student members

  • Oversee the charity’s finances, risk, and resources

  • Use reasonable care and skill in all duties

  • Champion transparency, equity, and good governance

 

Person Specification

Essential

  • Commitment to the values and mission of AUBSU

  • Strategic and independent thinker

  • Familiarity with collective decision-making and/or charity governance

  • Strong communication and listening skills

 

Desirable

  • Experience in one or more of the following:

    • Finance, audit or charity budgeting

    • Governance and risk

    • Higher Education or student support

    • Social impact and organisational development

 

The Nolan Principles

All AUBSU Trustees uphold the Seven Principles of Public Life:

  • Selflessness

  • Integrity

  • Objectivity

  • Accountability

  • Openness

  • Honesty

  • Leadership