This is not a typical board: this is a unique opportunity to work alongside our five elected student officers as part of the ten-member Trustee Board.

The board will steer development of the ways that we help our members succeed as students of Manchester Metropolitan University—whatever their personal ambition, background or reason for study. Trustees are responsible for governance, strategy, finance and reputation of The Union.

They hold a key role in supporting the CEO and their team to deliver The Union’s strategy and upholding its values.

There are currently two roles available:

• Independent Trustee
• Chair of the Board of Trustees

Who are we? 

As an independent charity, The Union’s primary aim is the advancement of education of all 39,000 plus students here at Manchester Met. We do this by amplifying student voices; building strong communities; and delivering excellent student experiences.

We employ 60 career staff and around 150 student staff. Many of our student staff work within our commercial outlets. Our primary funding is through an annual block grant from the University. This is supplemented by revenue from our commercial operations. We run a variety of services including clubs and societies, change campaigns, volunteering opportunities, student representation, as well as an advice service.

Independent Trustee

Our trustees will need to be sympathetic to the aims of the organisation and more generally share a commitment to the broader values of the student movement: student representation, student rights and the student experience. They will understand the importance of students having a platform to help make these values a reality.

The role requires careful balance. The primary responsibilities of the trustee board is to set the strategic direction of The Union and to ensure the organisation is well governed, financially sustainable and legally compliant. As a membership organisation all decisions of the board are also considerate of our student democracy.

An eye for detail and the ability to see future opportunities are important. We are also seeking to recruit people with specialist knowledge in the key areas where we need to add expertise.

The full role description can be found in the Recruitment Pack at the top and bottom of this page.

Chair of the Board of Trustees

The Chair will hold the Board to account for The Union’s mission and vision, providing inclusive and strategic leadership to the Board of Trustees, ensuring that each trustee fulfils their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of The Union.

The Chair will also support the Chief Executive Officer and ensure that the Board functions as a unit and works closely with the entire Leadership Team of the charity to achieve agreed objectives.

They will act as an ambassador of The Union in partnership with the Chief Executive and President.

The full role description can be found in the Recruitment Pack at the top and bottom of this page.