External Trustee Recruitment Pack 2014

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A Welcome from the OfficersCongratulations on considering being a Trustee of the Union of UEA Students. UUEAS employs about 400 staff, most of whom are students. If you join this team you will help your Union to achieve its mission “To be the best students’ union in the country.” We are one of the most rapidly developing Students’ Unions in the country and our Trustees are vital in helping us to develop a long term strategic plan to achieve our charitable aims.

The BoardThe UUEAS Board of Trustees comprises:4 Full‐Time (Sabbatical) Student Officers (one of whom is the chair)2 Part-Time Student Officers – elected by the 12 part time officers of the Student Officer Committee4 Lay Students elected by the Union Council, who shall not be members of the Student Officer Committee4 External Trustees, selected by the Trustees, who will not be students or members of theUniversity.

The Constitution states that Trustees shall be responsible for the overall strategy,management and finances of the Union. We are looking for an External Trustee to bring knowledge and experience of the Higher Education Sector and/or an understanding of how democratic organisations work. There is more information about the role of CharityTrustees on the Charity Commission web site at www.charitycommission.gov.uk.

External Trustees are appointed for an initial period of four years and may be re‐appointed for a further four years. The position is not remunerated but expenses will be paid in accordance with Union policies.

Time Commitment

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It is expected that the Trustees will meet between four and six times a year. Trustees will beexpected to read Board papers prior to the meeting. Trustees will be involved in additionalmeetings throughout the year in specific sub-committees which External Trustees are expected to join. Trustees will be expected to be available to advise Officers and Senior Staff Members on issues that may arise from time to time. Trustees will be expected to attend a small number of events throughout the year such as award ceremonies and handover events.

The ChallengeThe challenge is to ensure that the Union is an organisation fit for purpose whilst being sensitive to the political dynamic of the Student Officers. In addition, there are other challenges facing Students’ Unions in general. UEA itself, in common with much of the sector is experiencing financial pressures which translate directly into their ability to provide additional funds for the Students Union. In turn, the Union also faces pressures on its own commercial services as licensed trade revenues fall across the country and the overall economic climate begins to impact on all sectors. The Union has just received a report from an outside consultant which recommends changes in the way the Union is run and the way it interacts with the University in order to ensure its financial viability. A new CEO was appointed in September 2013 and a 12 month improvement plan has been approved by the board. We are now implementing this plan.

Personal SpecificationRequirementsEssential

Enthusiasm for the values of the Union as a democratic, participative, student‐ledorganisation.

Knowledge of some of the following:o Setting strategyo Monitoring targets and evaluating performanceo Working knowledge of the issues surrounding the HE sector and/or student

unionso Understanding of the issues of working in a democratic environment

Involvement in third sector organisations. Ability to think strategically. Ability to make and express independent judgements. Ability to communicate effectively. Commitment to devoting necessary time and attention to the role of External

Trustee.

Desirable Knowledge of trusteeship and/or scrutiny overview. Experience or knowledge of the working of charities. Technical knowledge to assist management and other Trustees e.g. legal,

financialexpertise, human resources, marketing etc.

Understanding of the role of External Trustee including legal responsibilities.

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Job DescriptionThe Board of Trustees’ legal role is to ensure that the resources held by the Union on trust areapplied effectively for the purposes of and furtherance of its aims and objectives. Its crucial objective is to secure a well run, efficient and strong organisation which abides by its aims, objects, values, constitution and policy mandates and operates within the constraintsof the law.

It is important to note that whilst the Union Board of Trustees delegates management andpolitical leadership to the elected Office‐Bearers, who may in turn delegate this to permanent members of staff, legal accountability remains with the Board of Trustees, the Sabbatical Officers being required to fulfil the dual roles of political representative and Trustee.

The role of a Trustee is:• To ensure that the Union complies with its governing document, (Articles, Byelaws and Regulations) the law and any other relevant legislation or regulations;• To ensure that the Union pursues its objects as defined in its Articles, Byelaws andRegulations;• To ensure that the Union applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects and the policies as agreed by the democratic structures;• To contribute actively to setting the strategy and direction of the Union;• To ensure the financial stability of the Union

Specific DutiesTrustees are expected to use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the Board of Trustees reach sound decisions (it is anticipated that External Trustees will help to ensure an appropriate range of skills, knowledge and experience). This will involve:

• Scrutinising board papers• Leading discussions• Focussing on key issues• Providing guidance on new initiatives• Guidance on other issues in which the Trustee has special expertise

External Trustees will be expected to complete an internal Induction Programme to familiarise themselves with the Union and to participate in training programmes, meetings or conferences relevant to the position. Trustees will be invited to attend events organised by the Union.

The Union will offer training and development opportunities for the successful candidate.

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Best of luck in your application

Warm Regards,

Joe LevellChair of the Board Of Trustees

About UUEAS

We’re a charity. We exist by law as a charity to ensure that students have a voice within the University. Any money that we make over the bar, through the LCR, The Waterfront or shops is reinvested into services that will help students in their time at UEA. This might be funding for societies, the advice service or Home Run

We’re run by students. There is a team of 5 Sabbatical Officers who are either in the middle of their course or just graduated and 13 part times officers. These can be Trustees of the Union, sit on Union Council, the Student Officer Committee as well as on University Council and Senate. Basically they oversee the day to day workings of the organisation, lead campaigns and implement the policies passed by Union Council. Every March there is an election to decide next year’s Officers and every student can stand.

We’re independent from the University. Whilst we work really closely with departments from all across the University, technically we are a separate organisation. This is important for lots of reasons, but mainly it means that if students have a problem in University - whether that is their course, accommodation, library etc they can come and talk to us. And they can do this in confidence that we can take up the issue with the University and help to resolve it.

We represent students. This means that the Sabbatical Officers sit on University Committees and pass on students’ opinions about decisions and changes. They also meet with the local Council and National Union of Students to tell them what students think on certain issues. We coordinate Course Reps, Union Council and Part Time officers to make sure that students have a voice and that it is listened to across the University, locally and nationally.

Our Aim

Our aim is: “To be the best students’ union in the country.” We like this because we think its means we have to be excellent at everything we do. We will have to engage more students, be more democratic and provide first class services.

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Achieving our Mission

1. Participation: The Union provides a number of services for students to enjoy and activities for members to take part in. Participation, whether in a club or society, attending an event, or voting in an election will become one of our three critical measures of success to becoming the best students union in the country. We will not only measure the numbers of student participating but also examine the types of students to ensure that participation reflects the wide diversity of our membership

2. Engagement: Being member led, we want the organisation to be shaped by our members. We will measure and develop ways in which our members shape the union and their academic experience, whether it’s being nominated for election, becoming a committee member or undertaking our market research activity we aim to engage as many members as possible.

3. Satisfaction: We will establish key indicators from the National Student Survey, our Annual Student Survey and departmental feedback to demonstrate improvement and compare our performance with other Unions’. We will also seek nationally recognised awards to demonstrate our achievements

Our Values

We are a value driven organisation and our values are absolutely fundamental to us and should underpin everything that we do. We also think it’s crucial that staff buy into these values and adopt them in their work.

collectivismDecisions made about the Union and the academic experience are made better when students engage in the decision making process together

diversityWe will encourage a wide range of students to engage in our opportunities and services

EqualityWe will treat all our members equally

funWe will give our members opportunities to have together and get the most out of their UEA experience

empowermentWe will encourage students to act and do things for themselves

sustainabilityWe will run our organisation sustainably and ethically in terms of finances and the environment

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Our decision making processes will be open, transparent and engaging for our members

The values of being a Trustee

NOLAN’S SEVEN PRINCIPLES OF PUBLIC LIFE:Selflessness- Trustees have a general duty to act with probity and prudence in the best interest of theStudents’ Union as a whole.Integrity- Trustees should conduct themselves in a manner which does not damage or underminethe reputation of the Students’ Union, or its staff.Objectivity- In carrying out their role, including making appointments awarding contracts,recommending individuals for rewards and benefits or transacting other business, theTrustees should ensure that decisions are made solely on merit. In arriving at decisions inareas where they do not have expertise themselves Trustees should considerappropriate professional advice.Accountability- Trustees have a duty to comply with constitutional and legal requirements and to adhereto best practice in such a way as to preserve confidence in the Students’ Union.- Trustees are accountable to the Students’ Union’s members and other stakeholders fortheir decisions, the effectiveness of the Board and the performance of the organisation.Openness- Trustees should ensure that confidential information and material, including materialabout individuals is handled appropriately; so that it remains confidential. In additionthey should be as open as possible about their decisions and the actions that they take.As far as possible they should give reasons for their decisions and restrict informationonly when the wider interest clearly demands.Honesty- The Trustees have a duty to avoid any conflict of interest so far as is reasonablypracticable. In particular, they must make known any interest in any matter underdiscussion which:

creates either a real danger of bias might reasonably cause others to think it could influence the decision.

Leadership- Promote and support the principles of leadership by example:

striving to attend all meetings regularly, ensuring they prepare for and contributeappropriately and effectively

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bringing fair and open minded view to all discussions of the Board and ensuringthat all decisions are made in the Students’ Union’s best interests.

How do I apply?Either complete the application below or download your application form from www.ueastudent.com/main-menu/your-union/jobs or collect from the Welcome Desk in the Hive. Either type your answers and print off, or print off and complete in black ink, filling in your details in clear capital letters. You must complete all areas of the application form, or your application will not be accepted. If there is anything you are unsure about you can email your enquiry to Joe Levell Union.finance@uea.ac.uk

Please return your completed form to the Joe Levell, Union of UEA Students, Union House, UEA, Norwich NR4 7TJ The Closing date is noon 28th March 2014. Alternatively you may email it to union.finance @uea.ac.uk subject title External Trustee Recruitment

Do I get an Interview?We will shortlist based on the applications that we receive and you will be notified whether you are invited to attend the Recruitment and Selection event by 12noon on Wednesday 3 rd April at the very latest. You will be informed via the email address submitted on your application.

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EXTERNAL TRUSTEE APPLICATION FOR EMPLOYMENTPlease confirm where you learnt about this vacancy

o NUS Connecto EDP/Evening Newso Jobs 24o UEA Alumnio Word of moutho Other – please specify

Please complete the form in black ink in capitals. Deadline for applications is 12noon on Friday 28th March

Last Name:………………………..……………..…….…… Forename(s) ……………………………………

Address……………………………………………………………….…………………………………………………………….

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Post Code ………………………….………….…… Telephone Number ……………………….……………….

Mobile Number………………….……………………………..……

Email address………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

WORK / VOLUNTARY EXPERIENCEPlease give details of past and present work. This can be paid work or voluntary work Start with the most recent. (please include name of employer, job title and duties)

Name and Address of Employer

Job Title Principle Duties Reason for Leaving

From To Salary

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What skills, knowledge and experience make you a strong candidate the role of External Trustee? (No more than 500 words – continue on extra sheet if necessary)

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Qualification and/or membership of professional body relevant to the application

Name of Institution or Professional Body

Qualification or Membership

Date achieved

Referee’sPlease provide the name and address for two referee’s and describe relationship to you. These persons should not be related to you and one should be your current or most recent employer

Declaration:

Have you ever been convicted of a criminal offence? Yes / NoIf yes, please give details (except for convictions regarded as spent under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974)

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

I declare that everything in this application form is correct and understand it shall be the basis of any offer of employment and that any misrepresentation or omission may render me liable for dismissal if engaged.

Signed …………………………….………………… Date ……………………………………………..

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES MONITORING FORM

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EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES STATEMENTThe Union of UEA Students is committed to equality of opportunity for all.We will demonstrate this commitment through encouraging a community in which all individuals may contribute without fear of discrimination. Ensuring equality of opportunity will be given the highest priority within this Union and we pledge to campaign against discrimination.

The Union requests information from all job applicants in order to comply with its Equal opportunities Policy. This information will provide a confidential statistical record which will not be used for any purpose other than monitoring the Union’s performance in respect of equal opportunities. This form will be detached from the application and will NOT be used in the selection process.

POST APPLIED FOR

GENDER: Male [ ] Female [ ]

AGE: …………

DISABILITY STATUSUnder the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, a disability is defined as: “A physical, sensory or mental condition which makes it difficult for them to carry out normal day to day activities. It must be substantial and have a long term effect i.e. it must last or be expected to last for 12 months.”

Do you have a disability as defined above?:YES [ ] NO [ ]

ETHNICITY

Ethnic origin questions are not about nationality, place of birth or citizenship. They are about colour and broad ethnic groups. Citizens of the UK and of other countries may belong to any of the groups included.

My ethnic group is:

WhiteBritish [ ]Irish [ ]Other White background [ ]

Asian or Asian BritishIndian [ ]Pakistani [ ]Bangladeshi [ ]Other Asian background [ ]

Black or Black BritishAfrican [ ]

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Caribbean [ ]Other Black background [ ]

MixedWhite & black Caribbean [ ]White & black African [ ]White & Asian [ ]Other Mixed background [ ]

Chinese or other ethnic groupChinese [ ]Any Other [ ]

My sexuality isHomosexual [ ]Heterosexual [ ]Bi-sexual [ ]Transgender [ ]Transsexual [ ]Rather not say [ ]

Thank you for taking the time to complete this form.

Submit form to Students’ Union Welcome Desk or union.finance@uea.ac.uk by 12noon on Friday 28th March

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