ROYAL COLLEGE OF ART STUDENTS' UNION

Student Trustee
Recruitment Pack

Kensington Gore
London
SW7 2EU

Email: george.blake@rca.ac.uk

Dear Applicant,

Thank you for your interest in becoming a Student Trustee of the Royal College of Art Students’
Union (RCASU). We are a dynamic charity with a bright future and are always looking for ways to
improve and to serve our members - the students of the RCA.

A strong and active Board of Trustees is essential to the RCASU, as we endeavour to build on our past
successes and continue to look to the future. With a 2022-27 strategic plan, a refurbished bar,
student space and Students’ Union office, it’s an exciting time for the RCASU. To support ongoing
strong Students’ Union governance and achievement of our strategic goals, we currently have a
vacancy for an external trustee to provide additional external perspective to the Board. Helping to
ensure that everything we do, while being led by students and in their best interests, is also
compliant with best charity practice.

Our current vision is that every student will have an excellent student experience at the RCA. Our
mission is to enrich the student experience through opportunities, support, influence and action. We
have achieved a lot but there is more we aspire to. As you can see from our Strategic Plan, we are
ambitious and want to have a real impact for our members and to  ensure that students are at the
heart of the organisation.

Our Values:

This pack should provide you with everything that you need to support your application; it contains:

● Role description and person specification
● Governance and Management arrangements
● Organisational Structure
● Application Form
● Student Trustee declaration Form
● Equal Opportunities Monitoring form

Yours faithfully,

Jacqui Moore
Chair of the Trustee Board

George Blake
Director, Students’ Union

Role Description

Purpose

The Trustees are ultimately responsible, individually and collectively, for all activity within RCASU.

The Board of Trustees is responsible for:
● setting the vision and values of the organisation;
● ensuring the delivery of organisational purpose;
● the development and agreement of a long-term strategy;
● approving and monitoring plans to deliver the strategy;
● providing support to the Director

Key responsibilities

All Trustees have a duty to:

● ensure that the RCASU acts in accordance with its charitable objects and governing documents;
● ensure that RCASU remains true to its Mission, Vision and Values;
● help RACSU achieve its objectives and benefits the members;
● ensure that the RCASU complies with all relevant legislation and regulations;
● ensure that the RCASU does not undertake activities that put its financial stability, members or
reputation at undue risk;
● work with other Trustees and staff in a constructive manner;
● participate fully in Board meetings;
● use their personal skills and experience to ensure the RCASU is well run and efficient;
● seek professional external advice where there may be a risk to the Union or where the
Trustees may be in breach of  their duties;
● add value to the Board and the Union through generating ideas, challenging the status quo,
broadening thinking and  supporting and promoting innovation and creativity.

Person Specification

Knowledge

A good understanding of the issues affecting students at
the RCA.

Awareness of the current issues affecting Higher
Education.

Skills

The ability to constructively question ideas.

The ability to value and appreciate different perspectives
and opinions.

The ability to think strategically and make informed
decisions.

The ability to scrutinise financial documents

The ability to communicate effectively with people at all
levels.

Values

An individual who is committed to equality, diversity and
inclusion who actively seeks to remove barriers to
equality.

A role model who consistently demonstrates honesty and
integrity.

The post of Trustee is voluntary and unpaid.

Equality of Opportunity & Diversity

Essential

Desirable

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

The RCASU is committed to the principles of equality of opportunity and will endeavour to meet
the needs of any candidate who fulfils the requirements of the person specification.

At the RCASU, we take inclusion and diversity seriously. We know that getting this right is critical
for us to live our organisational values: Independence, Transparency, Equality, Inclusivity and
Sustainability.

We are always trying to improve our way of working to be more inclusive and equal. Everyone is
welcome and supported in their development at all stages in their journey with us.

Expenses

All out-of-pocket expenses will be refunded. This will include reimbursement of travel costs to all
meetings, and other reasonable  costs incurred whilst carrying out the duties of being an RCASU
Trustee.

Term of Office

The term of office is up to 1 year currently, this may be renewed for a further term of office.

Expected Time Commitment

The time commitment for this post is expected to be approximately 8 days a year plus preparation
time. This includes attendance at  all Board of Trustee meetings (1/2 day each, 4-6 a year, including
attendance at the annual trustee training event (1 day a year).  Meetings are hybrid, so trustees may
join online, although we encourage the board to attend in person as much as possible in order to
experience campus life in London.

It is anticipated that Trustees will also join one of the subcommittees who meet at least twice a
year and will be available on email as required between meetings.

Training and Development

The RCASU will provide an opportunity to meet elected officers and staff of the Union.

The RCASU will also support and fund other relevant training that will benefit Trustees in their role.

Governance and Management

The Trustees

The governance of the Union is provided by the Trustees of the RCASU who are up to three
sabbatical officers, four external trustees  and up to four student trustees.

The sabbatical officers are elected each year by and from the student membership of RCASU. The
sabbatical officers take a year out  of their studies (or immediately after graduating) to serve as a
trustee; they can stand for re-election for a second year if they  choose, but can serve for no more
than two years. Unlike the trustees of most registered charities, the sabbatical officers are paid a
wage as an employee.

The student trustees have all the responsibilities of being a trustee, but are still studying and
fulfilling their duties on a ‘part-time’  and voluntary basis. They apply to the Board for the position.

The four external trustees are recruited for their skills, knowledge and experience in order to
support and guide the other trustees.  We aim to have a balance of skills to ensure that the Board
has some level of expertise in all relevant areas.

Chair

The Chair of the Board of Trustees is currently one of the external trustees. They are responsible
for chairing meetings of the Board, and acting as an ambassador of the Union to external
stakeholders and the wider public.

Meeting arrangements

The Board of Trustees currently meets at least six times per annum. The meetings take place at
the Kensington Campus or online and take approximately 2 hours.

The Board is supported by subcommittees which are all chaired by External Trustees; the Finance
Committee which meets at least 6 times a year has delegated responsibility for overseeing and
scrutinising all aspects of the RCASU’s finances; and the Remuneration Committee which meets at
least twice a year.

Further Information and Questions

For an informal conversation, further information or any questions about this opportunity, please
contact George Blake, Director george.blake@rca.ac.uk

Applications

To apply please submit a completed application form which can be found in this pack. Candidates are
also required to read and sign the Trustee Declaration and we would be grateful if you would
complete the Equal  Opportunities Monitoring Form.

Applications can be sent by email to george.blake@rca.ac.uk

Student Trustee Application Form

Please complete all sections

Position Applied For: Student Trustee

PERSONAL DETAILS

Title:

Last Name:

First Name(s):

Address:

Post Code:

Telephone Number:

Mobile Number:

Email Address:

NI Number:

EMPLOYMENT or VOLUNTARY POSITIONS HELD IN THE LAST 5 YEARS

Length of service

Date from - to

Name of Employer

Post Title

Reason for Leaving

REASONS FOR APPLYING

Please tell us why you are interested in becoming a Student Trustee of the Royal College of Art
Students’ Union and how you fulfil the person specification. Please continue on a separate page
if necessary.

Trustee Declaration

Eligibility to be a Trustee?

You are not allowed to be a trustee if you:
● Are under 16 years of age.
● Have been convicted at any time of any offence involving deception or dishonesty,
unless the conviction is legally regarded as spent.
● Are un-discharged bankrupt.
● Have made compositions with your creditors and have not been discharged.
● Have at any time been removed by the Commissioners or by the court in England,

Wales or Scotland from being a trustee because of misconduct.

● Are disqualified from being a company director
● Have failed to make payments under the county court administrator’s orders.

If you are in any doubt about your eligibility to act as a trustee you should either seek
your own legal  advice or contact the Charity Commissioners

I confirm that I am eligible to be a charity trustee

YES

No

Criminal Convictions and Disclosure Barring Service Checks

This post is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. This means you must provide
details of  only those criminal convictions that are not ‘spent’ under the terms of the Act. You
may wish to contact  the Probation Service about whether any convictions are regarded as
spent before signing the declaration.  This information will be kept in confidence and will be
discussed with short listed applicants at the  interview, only if the conviction is considered
relevant to the post.

Some posts within the Students’ Union will require post holders to undertake a Disclosure
Barring Service  check. Please note criminal record or conviction is not necessarily a barrier
to trusteeship with the  students’ union

Do you have any un-spent criminal convictions

YES

NO

If successful, do you consent to have a Disclosure Barring
Service enquiry?

YES

NO

I declare that the information given on this form is correct to the best of my knowledge and
acknowledge  that by signing this form I give my consent to sensitive personal information
being recorded and stored.

Signed

Date

General Details

Are you currently eligible to work in the United Kingdom?

YES

NO

Do you currently have an application for a visa/entry clearance with
the UK Border Force?

YES

NO

Have you previously applied for employment with the
Union?

YES

NO

Have you previously applied for employment with the Union?
If yes, please give details of post(s) and date(s):

Are you related to a member of the Union Staff?
If yes, please state who and nature of relationship:

Where did you see the position advertised?

DATA PRIVACY

I understand that my data will be processed by the Union in accordance with the
requirements of  the Data Protection Act 1998. It will be used for administrative
purposes to communicate with you,  to consider your application for the role and
analysis for management information, statutory  returns and provide anonymous equal
opportunities monitoring. This information will be held  securely for at least 6 months.

DECLARATION

To the best of my knowledge and belief, the information contained in this form is
accurate. I  understand that giving false information, or failure to supply details, will
invalidate an appointment to  the position of Trustee and may lead to the termination
of that appointment.

Signed

Date

Please return completed application form to george.blake@rca.ac.uk

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

MONITORING FORM

CONFIDENTIAL

The completion of this form is not
compulsory.

In accordance with its policy on equal opportunities in employment, the RCASU will provide equal
opportunities  to  any  employee  or  job  applicant  and  will  not  discriminate  either  directly  or
indirectly because of race, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or  belief, marital
or civil partnership status, age, disability or pregnancy and maternity.

In order to assess how successful this policy is we have set up a system of monitoring all job
applications. We would therefore be grateful  if you would complete the questions on this form. We
have asked for your name to enable us to monitor applications at shortlisting and  appointment as
well as application stage.

All information will be treated in confidence and will not be seen by staff directly involved in the
appointment.  The  questionnaire  will  be  detached  from  your  application  form,  stored  separately
and used only to provide statistics for monitoring purposes. Thank you for your  assistance.

PERSONAL DETAILS

First Name

Date of Birth

GENDER

Male

Other  -
Please
specify:

MARITAL STATUS

Single

Divorced

SEXUALITY

Bi-sexual

Heterosexual

Other

Surname

Age

Female

Prefer not to
disclose

Married

Other  -
Please
specify:

Gay

Lesbian

Prefer not to
disclose

ETHNIC ORIGIN

White

A)    British

B)    Irish

C)  Any other white
background

Black or black British

M) Caribbean

N) African

P) Caribbean

Mixed

Other ethnic groups

D) White and black Caribbean

R) Chinese

E)    White and black African

F)    White Asian

G)  Any other mixed
background

P) Other ethnic groups - Please
specify:

Z) Not stated

Asian or Asian British

Other - Please specify:

H)    Indian

I)  Pakistani

J)  Bangladeshi

K)    Other Asian background

RELIGION OR BELIEF

Christian

Hindu

Muslim

None

Other - Please specify:

Buddhist

Jewish

Sikh

Prefer not to say

DISABILITY

Disability is defined by the Disability Discrimination Act as:
A physical or mental impairment, which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on a
person’s ability to carry our normal day-to-day activities. The disability could be physical,  sensory
or mental and must be expected to last at least 12 months.

Are you a disabled person as defined by the Disability Discrimination Act?

Yes

No

If yes, please tick below

Declared disabled

Information refused

Deaf or serious hearing impairment

Blind or serious visual impairment

Physical impairment or mobility
issues

Cognitive impairment (e.g. Autistic
Spectrum Disorder)

Long standing illness or health
condition (e.g. Diabetes, Cancer)

General learning disability (e.g.
Downs Syndrome)

Other - Please specify:

Specific learning disability (e.g.
Dyslexia)

Mental health conditions (e.g.
Depression)

Thank you for taking the time to fill in this form. Please return it with your application to
george.blake@rca.ac.uk