Bring Your People Expertise to Oxford SU
Oxford SU is looking for an experienced HR leader to join our Trustee Board from January to July 2027, initially on an interim basis, with the possibility of extending to a full term.
We have launched our new three-year strategy and are implementing the recommendations of a governance review to build a stronger, more resilient and effective SU.
We’re looking for someone who is excited by student-led organisations and can bring strategic insight, constructive challenge and strong HR or People & Culture expertise to our Board. You’ll also have the opportunity to help shape our People & Culture Strategy – a key priority for the year ahead.
If you’d like to use your experience to support a democratic, inclusive and ambitious students’ union, we’d love to hear from you.
What you'll do
- Have collective responsibility for maintaining the legal, financial and reputational integrity of the organisation.
- Use your individual expertise and experience to provide oversight and constructive challenge
- Attend and contribute to 4 in-person board meetings a year, plus decision-making by email
- Participate in sub-committees or task groups as needed
What you'll bring
- Professional strategic or senior-level experience in HR, people, organisational development or a closely related field.
- Sufficient understanding of organisational and risk management to contribute to collective decision making
- Ability to think strategically and contribute to the long-term sustainability of the SU
- Integrity and sound judgement
You'll thrive in this role if you are
- Passionate about effective student representation and student-led democracy
- Willing to listen to and value different perspectives
- Committed to diversity, inclusion, equity and belonging
Terms of office and commitment
- Initially January – July 2027, with possibility for extension to a 4-year term
- Aside from 4 all-day meetings a year, we expect a time commitment of up to up to 4 hours per month during term time, with reduced commitment during vacation periods.
- This is a voluntary role. Eligible expenses will be reimbursed in line with our policies.
See our Recruitment Pack for more information about the role and the appointment process:
External Trustee Recruitment Pack
How to apply
1️⃣ Read the full Recruitment Pack before applying for this role
2️⃣ Send your CV and a 1 -page Covering Letter to martha.wiltshire@oxfordsu.ox.ac.uk. Your covering letter should explain how you meet the essential criteria in the Person Specification.
3️⃣ Please also complete and return our Equality & Monitoring form.
⏰ Closing Date: Wednesday, 2nd December
💬Interviews: w/c 14th December, outside of work hours
Please note that the role of External Trustee is not open to current Oxford University students. Information on Student Trustee opportunities can be found at our Elections Hub.