UPSU Student Trustee 26/27 (2 positions)

Application deadline: Mon 18 May 2026 12:00

• Closing date:Monday 18th May 2026, 12:00 midday
• Interview date:Tuesday 26th May 2026 14:00 - 17:00, the interview panel will be made up of current trustees of the UPSU Board.

We are looking for up to two enthusiastic, reliable and approachable students to fill our Student Trustee positions in 2026/27 and sit on the UPSU Trustee Board

If you have an interest in benefitting Plymouth students and learning more about how the Students' Union and charities are run, then this role is perfect for you. You'll develop invaluable skills to increase your employability whilst ensuring students are properly heard and represented at the highest level of the Students’ Union. The role is voluntary and open to all University of Plymouth students.

The role provides the holders with a wealth of experience. Travel, accommodation and other costs incurred when undertaking the role of Trustee will be covered by the SU so you won’t be out of pocket.

What is the UPSU Trustee Board?

The Board of Trustees is the group of people with ultimate responsibility for everything that the Students' Union does. It is responsible for the governance and financial and strategic management of the Students' Union.

What is a Student Trustee? 

Student Trustees sit on the Trustee Board for UPSU and have the same rights and responsibilities as the other members of the Trustee Board (including full-time, Sabbatical Officers). Student Trustees are not involved in the day-to-day running of the Students' Union but take an overview of how the Union is performing, both financially and in delivering services to students.

The role will help to ensure the University of Plymouth Students’ Union is well-governed and managed; achieving its aims and objectives in accordance with its vision, purpose and values; and providing strategic leadership for the organisation.

Student Trustees have a particular responsibility to ensure the decisions and direction of the Students’ Union is in accordance with students’ wishes and to ensure effective communication between the Students’ Union and its members.

This is a unique opportunity for you to contribute to UPSU and get some amazing experience for your CV. You will work alongside the Sabbatical Officers, External Trustees and our Senior Management Team, giving your views on how UPSU can enhance the student experience. You will learn about business, HR, finance, charity law, and company law whilst making a valuable contribution to the lives of your fellow students.

We are seeking applications from candidates who:

• Are a fully registered University of Plymouth student and will still be a registered student next academic year.

• Have a good understanding of issues affecting undergraduate, postgraduate, international, mature or part-time students in the UK and studying at the University of Plymouth
• Have a passion for the Students’ Union and for supporting our vision to support the Plymouth student experience.

Start date:

Successful candidates will undergo onboarding and training over the summer.
 

Time commitments:

• Being a Student Trustee won’t take up too much of your time. We estimate that you’ll need to commit around 30 hours throughout the year.

• You will be expected to attend meetings of the Board of Trustees (normally 3 per year, one of which is a Development Day) and to attend subcommittees of the board as required.

• Student Trustees can remain in office for a term of up to two years should they choose to continue after a year.

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