Could you lead the national conversation on international students in the UK?
We’re looking for an exceptional individual to become our next Chair of Trustees. This is an exciting opportunity to lead an influential charity at the centre of international student policy and practice, helping to shape the future of international student experience in the UK at a critical time for the UK’s international education policy.
UKCISA is the UK’s national body supporting international students and the professionals who work with them. Our expert advice, guidance, training and advocacy helps to ensure that every international student studying in the UK has the best possible experience. As Chair, you will guide a committed Board of Trustees, ensuring strong governance and effective decision-making. You will work closely with the Chief Executive to set UKCISA’s strategic direction, safeguarding its mission and ensuring it continues to innovate and deliver value for members and students.
You will be a prominent ambassador for UKCISA, representing the organisation externally and building relationships with sector leaders, government, and partner organisations. Your leadership will help ensure that the perspectives of international students are reflected in policy development at a government and institutional level.
We are looking for an experienced charity trustee with executive leadership experience in the UK education sector. You will bring credibility, vision, and a commitment to international education, inspire confidence and command respect across our stakeholders, and lead with integrity and compassion. You will be supported by an experienced and knowledgeable team of staff and trustees, passionate about the international student experience and the objectives of our organisation.
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Remuneration: Voluntary (reasonable expenses reimbursed)
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Location: UK-based, with travel to meetings and events.
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Time Commitment: Four Board meetings per year (plus preparation), regular meetings with the Chief Executive, and representing UKCISA at external events.
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Term: Three years, renewable for two more terms plus one year. Starting summer 2026.
Applications close at 10 am on Monday 12 January 2026. Download the recruitment pack for details on how to apply.
Registered Charity 
11 - 20
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Could you be one of our new trustees?
We currently have space on our Board for up to eight new Trustees who want to work with us to help improve university communities so that every student gets the mental health support they need to reach their goals.
At Student Minds, we’re working to improve university communities so that no student is held back by their mental health. So it should come as no surprise that we are keen to reflect the communities we serve, maintain a diverse board and ensure student voices are represented. This is key to our mission and our continued impact.
You may be thinking that you don't have the experience because you haven't been a trustee before, or because charity governance isn't your field. Think again!
Here's what you DO NEED need:
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Commitment to our vision - a world where no student is held back by their mental health
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Experience in 1 or 2 of the following areas:
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Current higher education students
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Professional higher education sector expertise
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Legal expertise
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Fundraising and income generation expertise
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Equity, diversity, inclusion, belonging, intersectionality and anti racism expertise
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AI and technology expertise
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Campaigning, advocacy, community organising and/or public affairs expertise
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Marketing and brand awareness expertise
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People and culture, HR, organisational development or leadership development expertise
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And what you DON'T need:
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Previous experience of trusteeship
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Experience in charity law or working with a charity
Both experienced and aspiring trustees have much to bring to our table: we are looking for fresh perspectives and seasoned knowledge alike.
Key responsibilities
Student Minds Trustees are expected to commit to the following:
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Preparation and attendance at four board meetings a year. Board meetings are held online and take place on weekdays from 5 - 7.30 pm.
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Preparation and attendance at two board away days each year, usually from 12.30 - 5 pm. Board away days are in person and usually take place in Leeds. Travel expenses can be claimed.
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Ad-hoc meetings and conversations with the senior management team as required. This usually constitutes approximately a further five working days a year.
If appointed, you will receive the training and onboarding you need to be a confident, contributing member of the board. We are also able to provide you with a board buddy to support you in your first few months.
So, if you want to help shape the future of student mental health, download our recruitment pack to find out more!
How to apply?
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For more information about the role responsibilities please follow the link
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Download and complete our application form, which is available on the link
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Complete the Equality Monitoring Form.
Application process
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Application closing deadline: Monday the 5th January at 11.59 pm - make sure you send your completed application form by this date
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Interviews: 29th or 30th January (general Trustees) or 5th February (Student Trustees) with a Trustee and CEO
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Appointment: subject to approval by the Student Minds Board.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Could you be our new Chair?
Our fantastic Chair’s tenure will be coming to an end in 2026, so we are looking to appoint her successor to help Student Minds improve university communities so that every student gets the mental health support they need to reach their goals.
At Student Minds, we’re working to improve university communities so that no student is held back by their mental health. So it should come as no surprise that we are keen to reflect the communities we serve, maintain a diverse board and ensure student voices are represented. This is key to our mission and our continued impact.
We are open-minded about the professional background of this individual and are mostly looking for someone with experience of leading effective, inclusive teams, of chairing complex organisations or meetings, and in building influential cross-sector partnerships.
Key responsibilities
Student Minds Chair is expected to commit to the following:
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Preparation and attendance at four board meetings a year. Board meetings are held online and take place on weekdays from 5 - 7.30 pm.
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Preparation and attendance at two in-person board away days each year, usually from 12.30 - 5 pm. These usually take place in Leeds and include a lunchtime or evening social.
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Monthly supervision calls with the Chief Executive
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Annual in-person appraisal of the Chief Executive
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Support with board appraisals and recruitment
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Ad-hoc meetings and conversations with the senior leadership team as required. This usually constitutes approximately a further five working days a year.
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Attendance at relevant task-group meetings and/or committees.
So, if you want to help shape the future of student mental health, download our recruitment pack to find out more!
How to apply?
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For more information about the role responsibilities please download our recruitment pack that is linked
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Download and complete our application form which is available via the link
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Complete the Equality Monitoring Form.
Application process
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Application closing deadline: Monday the 5th January at 11.59 pm - make sure you send your completed application form by this date
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Interviews: 27th January, with our Chair, Trustee and CEO
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Appointment: subject to approval by the Student Minds Board
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.