Work with us
External Trustee / Deputy Chair
UPSU25249
Volunteer Position
3 Year Term, up to Two Terms
Arranged as applications are received
We are looking for one Trustee & Deputy Chair to join our Charity Trustee Board to support the Union through its next steps. A strong and active Board is crucial for us as we develop and implement our strategy, face challenges, maximise opportunities and endeavour to create an even better Union; one that continues to be flexible and agile enough to react quickly to the changing needs and interests of our student members and achieve our vision.
The Person
The right candidate will thrive in a student led, highly responsive environment and have an enthusiasm for supporting and guiding a student organisation. They will command confidence, have sound judgement and strong communication and leadership skills. We are looking for a trustee with the following skills/experience
Finance Experience:
- Preferably financial experience from a charity outside of the SU sector
- Understanding of financial oversight
- Ability to interpret financial information to support strategic decision-making
- Awareness of charity finance and regulatory requirements
Chairing Experience:
- Ability to deputise for the Chair, and chair meetings of the Board
- Ability to build a strong and effective working relationship with the Board of Trustees Chair
- Ability to foster, maintain and ensure that constructive relationships exist with and between the Trustees
- Assist and support the Chair in providing leadership to the Board, through the governance arrangements, and also acting as a ‘sounding board’ and confidante to the Chair in the execution of their role
Due to the current make-up of our Trustee Board, we are not actively searching for candidates with skills, knowledge and experience related to the Student Union and HE sector and we would welcome candidates from other sectors or regions to apply. That said, we would very much like to encourage anyone who feels that they could bring something to our Board to apply, regardless of experience - our purpose and values also lead us to welcome first time Trustees too!
We are strongly dedicated to embedding equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) within our community and we are passionate about creating a welcoming and inclusive environment which supports everyone from recruitment through to appointment, regardless of your background. We welcome applications from all talented people and as part of this commitment, we are working to improve the diversity of our Trustee Board to ensure that it is as relevant and representative of our student community as possible and are actively encouraging applications from underrepresented groups.
Further Information
If you would like to speak to someone regarding this opportunity, please contact David Busby on 0208 6100929 or david@afid.org.uk
Application is via a comprehensive CV plus a supporting statement (of no more than two sides of A4) detailing why you are applying for the position and what requirements you meet to carry out the role. Applications can be sent to david@afid.org.uk
How to Apply
Completed application forms should be emailed before the closing date to:
Please quote the job title or reference number in the subject.
- Job Description
Please note
- CVs will not be considered as applications
- Due to the high number of applicants, if you have not heard from UPSU by the interview date you should assume you have been unsuccessful in your application
- Applications must be received before the stated closing time/date
- Applications may also be submitted by post, addressed to: Job Applications, University of Portsmouth Students' Union, Cambridge Road, Portsmouth PO1 2EF
Share Job Post
Contact Us
- Call: 023 9284 3628
- Email: hello@upsu.net
Useful Links
Social Accounts
The University of Portsmouth Students’ Union has a vision of creating a positive impact with every Portsmouth student during their time at University.
Work with us
Representation & Democracy Manager
UPSU25256
£28,570 to £32,000 per year
Full time, 2 year fixed term
Midday, 2nd February 2026
9th February 2026
The Post
The Representation and Democracy Manager is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the Union’s Representation function including physical and digital delivery. The post holder will oversee and support the management of two coordinators to deliver the Union’s core representation and democratic activity. This includes responsibility for the delivery of the Course Rep system (in partnership with the institution), democratic processes including the Have Your Say democracy platform, the Union’s AGM processes, supporting the Union’s Elections process, and supporting elected representatives.
The postholder will drive the Union's Quality Assurance and Higher Education policy work supporting student reps and Elected Officers to highlight key issues at University of Portsmouth and across the sector. The postholder will also help shape the future of the Union's Representation work and be part of the organisation's strategic development.
The Person
We are looking to recruit an enthusiastic, inspirational individual who is passionate about delivering an excellent student centred service. The post-holder will have:
- Experience leading and managing projects
- Experience supporting, motivating and training people. Line management experience is preferred, however we welcome applications from those who have transferable experience from managing volunteers or ad-hoc staff.
- Experience developing and increasing participation and will demonstrate the skills necessary to develop new initiatives.
- Excellent communication skills
- An understanding of best practice in supporting elected representatives
- The skills to undertake and present research, analyse data
- The ability to handle competing priorities
An understanding of the complex issues faced by students in a Higher Education setting is essential, and an understanding of representative and democratic systems is desirable.
What we offer
- Strong team mentality, supportive and sociable workplace
- Regular training opportunities and team development days
- 38 days holiday (30 days annual leave + 8 bank holidays) and additional Christmas leave (University shutdown)
- Flexible working (e.g. flexitime, career break, paid time off for volunteering)
- 35 hour week
- Enhanced sick pay, maternity, paternity or adoption leave
- Access to University staff benefits: discounted gym membership, free library membership, bike safe
- Employee Assistance Programme
The Organisation
The University of Portsmouth Students’ Union (The Union or UPSU for short) is a forward thinking, friendly organisation with a vision of “delivering a positive impact with every Portsmouth student”. As a charity led by its values and guided by its members, we offer a wide range of services and activities to support and enrich the lives of our students. UPSU employs approximately 30 career staff, a further 40 student staff and we work with over 1000 registered student volunteers and over 100 student groups.
Further Information
For an informal conversation about this opportunity, please contact George Baldwin, Senior Student Voice Manager on george.baldwin@upsu.net or 02392 843669
Closing date for applications: midday, 2nd February 2026Interviews will be held on date: 9th February 2026
We kindly ask that candidates do not send CVs or cover letters as these will not be considered. You can find an application form on our website.
Anonymous shortlisting will be carried out for this role to ensure a fair and consistent approach to recruitment. We will not disclose any personal details to the shortlisting panel. Any documents or links with identifying information will not be used during shortlisting, but can be submitted if you are selected for an interview.
We are strongly dedicated to embedding equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) within our community and we are passionate about creating a welcoming and inclusive environment which supports everyone from recruitment through to appointment, regardless of your background. We welcome applications from all talented people and as part of this commitment, we are working to improve the diversity of our workforce to ensure that it is as relevant and representative of our student community as possible and are actively encouraging applications from underrepresented groups.
The Union is a MINDFUL EMPLOYER® and we are committed to creating a supportive and open culture and actively support the mental wellbeing of all staff.
Due to the high number of applicants, if you have not heard from UPSU by the interview date you should assume you have been unsuccessful in your application.
How to Apply
Completed application forms should be emailed before the closing date to:
Please quote the job title or reference number in the subject.
Please note
- CVs will not be considered as applications
- Due to the high number of applicants, if you have not heard from UPSU by the interview date you should assume you have been unsuccessful in your application
- Applications must be received before the stated closing time/date
- Applications may also be submitted by post, addressed to: Job Applications, University of Portsmouth Students' Union, Cambridge Road, Portsmouth PO1 2EF
Share Job Post
Contact Us
- Call: 023 9284 3628
- Email: hello@upsu.net
Useful Links
Social Accounts
The University of Portsmouth Students’ Union has a vision of creating a positive impact with every Portsmouth student during their time at University.