Finance Trustee

Join the University of Reading Students’ Union as a Finance Trustee.

About the Students’ Union

Reading Students' Union (Reading SU) is a vibrant and diverse Students’ Union that exists to improve the lives of over 23,000 University of Reading students, every day. An independent, student-led charity, everything they do is student inspired and, as a not-for-profit organisation, all funds raised through commercial activities are passed right back into the Students’ Union to benefit students. Their SU offering includes a free advice service for students, the biggest nightclub in Berkshire, a varied events programme, over 150 clubs & societies and hundreds of leadership opportunities. 

Their mission is to provide a platform for good, creating a community where all voices are equal, and everyone is free and safe to express themselves, enjoy good times with friends and feel supported on their path through University, leading to a brighter future for all! Reading SU is a values-driven organisation with a commitment to inclusion, highlighted by multiple campaigns aimed at breaking down barriers for their student members. 

The Students’ Union is an independent, democratic membership organisation focused on working with the University on issues affecting students. With a turnover of around £5 million coming from a mixture of an annual block grant from the University and commercial services such as bars, catering & events their board of trustees comprises 5 full-time elected officers (who are the driving force of the organisation!) along with 4 student trustees and 4/5 external trustees.

About the role

Reading SU are on the lookout for a new trustee to take a lead on financial oversight and governance. The new trustee will be expected to bring strong experience in financial management and good understanding of charity governance. You will be able to commit the time to being an engaged members that reads papers, comes prepared and is happy to contribute outside of meetings.

The position is voluntary (unpaid) and is expected to average a time commitment of 1 day per month on average. The term of the post is up to 4 years and meetings are normally held onsite in Reading. There are up to 6 board meetings a year. These are held on the University campuses in Reading and Henley, usually in the afternoon or early evening. Trustees also serve on at least one committee each of which has up to up to four meetings per year. As the lead trustee on finance, you’d be expected to Chair the Finance and Risk committee. In addition, trustees are invited to key events to meet with students, understand how the organisation operates, and take part in discussions or trustee business electronically outside of meetings.

The position would best suit an experienced finance professional with a demonstrable interest in higher education and students’ unions. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in senior finance roles, with professional qualifications (ACCA, CIMA, ACA, CIPFA etc) strong experience with financial audits, an understanding of risk management and a strong understanding of the effective governance of organisations. The position also requires the ability to understand and implement a strategy and evaluating performance against that strategy, in addition excellent communication skills including effective listening and constructive questioning. Specific understanding of the legal duties associated with being a charity trustee and understanding of charity governance would be useful.

Reading SU are seeking to build a trustee board, and organisation which represents the community they serve and therefore welcome applications from all suitably qualified and experienced members of the community. As such, they especially encourage applications from underrepresented backgrounds including, but not limited to, individuals who are disabled, identify as female, LGBTQIA+ or from Black, Asian or minority ethnic backgrounds.

To request the full recruitment pack and application information please reply to this advert with your CV or contact Jamie Reynolds at Marble Mayne Recruitment via jamie@marblemayne.co.uk .

Closing date: Monday 5th August at 12 noon