5 Engagement and student membership volunteer roles in Nottingham

External Trustee (HR) 

University of Cumbria Students’ Union 

Location: Remote / Cumbria 

Contract: Voluntary Trustee position 

Time commitment: Approximately one day per month, particularly during the first year 

Are you an experienced HR, People and Culture leader looking to use your expertise to support a student-led organisation making a real difference to students’ lives? 

University of Cumbria Students’ Union (UCSU) is seeking an External Trustee with strong strategic HR, People and Culture expertise to join its Board of Trustees at an important time for the organisation. 

About UCSU 

University of Cumbria Students’ Union is the independent Students’ Union at the University of Cumbria, representing and supporting students across campuses in Carlisle, Ambleside, Lancaster, London and Barrow-in-Furness. 

As an External Trustee, you will bring independent professional expertise to support effective governance, strategic leadership and organisational development. 

This is a particularly important time to join UCSU as the organisation prepares for the departure of its current Chief Executive after 10 years. The successful candidate will have an opportunity to support the Board through this transition and help ensure strong leadership and governance for the future. 

About the Role 

As the HR specialist on the Board, you will provide strategic expertise, constructive challenge and support on people, culture and organisational development, while contributing to the wider responsibilities of the Trustee Board. 

In this role, you will: 

• Provide strategic HR and People & Culture expertise to support Board decision-making. 

• Provide insight on equality, diversity and inclusion, employee engagement, succession planning and organisational change. 

• Support the recruitment and induction of a new Chief Executive. 

• Contribute to effective governance, risk management and strategic decision-making. 

About You 

UCSU is looking for an experienced HR, People and Culture professional with significant senior-level experience and the ability to contribute effectively at Board level. 

You will bring: 

• Strong strategic HR, People and Culture or organisational development experience. 

• Experience of organisational strategy, change and transformation. 

• An understanding of good governance and the ability to provide constructive challenge. 

• Strong communication, judgement and relationship-building skills. 

• A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. 

• Experience of supporting and developing others, including people at different stages of their leadership journey. 

Experience of the Higher Education would be valuable, but is not essential and candidates with relevant experience from other sectors are encouraged to apply. 

Commitment 

The Board meets approximately five times per year, usually via Microsoft Teams. Trustees are expected to prepare for meetings, review papers in advance and actively contribute to discussions and decision-making. 

For this particular appointment, the anticipated commitment is approximately one day per month, particularly during the first year, reflecting the additional involvement required around the recruitment and induction of a new Chief Executive. 

Most Trustee activities can take place remotely, although the successful candidate will be expected to attend in-person activities approximately three to four times per year. 

How to Apply 

To apply, please click Apply Now. You will need to submit an up-to-date CV and complete an application form, where you will be asked to answer three questions (maximum 300 words per question): 

• Why are you interested in applying and how do you feel your personal values align with our mission? 

• What are the key skills, knowledge and achievements that make you a strong candidate for the role? 

• What do you believe are the most significant contributors to Board effectiveness? 

For an informal conversation about the role, please contact Nida at Atkinson HR Consulting via the contact information provided on the Candidate pack.

Key Dates 

Closing date: 12 noon, Tuesday 29 September 2026 
Interview date: Week commencing 12 October 2026 (remote) 

As the Guild has grown in the past few years, our risk management, financial controls, and body of policies and procedures have also matured. Following the scheduled departure of two trustees earlier this year, the Guild’s Finance Subcommittee is seeking to welcome an independent member with relevant skills to attend meetings and advise on financial matters to help us make good decisions effectively.

This voluntary role supports trustees and staff by providing independent insight, constructive scrutiny, and professional expertise on financial planning, budgeting, risk, and long-term sustainability. As a guest to Finance Subcommittee meetings, you will review financial information, contribute to discussions, and help ensure resources are used effectively to maximise our charitable impact for students.

The Finance Subcommittee currently consists of two elected Officers, two external Trustees, and may include a student trustee in future. Papers and reports are ordinarily provided by the Guild Director, who is a non-voting guest to Subcommittee meetings. The Subcommittee normally meets four times per year for around two hours.

Students’ Union experience is not essential, but we are seeking a volunteer able to operate within our distinctive context. We are particularly interested in applicants with experience in finance, accounting, audit, charity governance, or business management.

Trustees wanted – help shape the future of Musculoskeletal Education with SOMM

We’re looking for engaged, thoughtful and proactive Trustees to join the Council of the Society of Musculoskeletal Medicine (SOMM).

This is a working Board, and we are looking for people who will contribute, challenge and help move the organisation forward.

What we need - We are particularly keen to hear from individuals with expertise in:

· Digital / Data Strategy – digital transformation, data-driven decision making, cyber awareness

· Marketing & Communications – brand, engagement, audience or membership growth

· Commercial / Growth (desirable) – income diversification, business development

The Role -  As a Trustee, you will:

· Contribute to strategy, governance and long-term direction

· Provide constructive challenge and independent thinking

· Support key areas of organisational development

· Act as an ambassador for SOMM

Commitment: 3–6 meetings per year + occasional project work (approx. 2–4 hours/month)

We are looking for someone who will bring:

· Sound judgement and integrity

· A willingness to contribute and engage

· The confidence to challenge constructively

Why join us?

· Shape a respected national MSK education provider

· Work with a knowledgeable and supportive Council

· Make a genuine, tangible impact

Diversity & Inclusion

SOMM is committed to building a diverse and inclusive Council. We actively welcome applications from individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, including different ethnicities, genders, career stages, and sectors, to better reflect the communities we serve.

Are you an experienced Board-level leader passionate about education, social mobility, STEM, and creating opportunities for young people?

The Engineering Development Trust (EDT) is seeking an exceptional Chair of Trustees to provide strategic leadership to its Board. This opportunity would suit an experienced Chair, Trustee, Non-Executive Director (NED), Board Member, CEO, Executive Director, Managing Director or senior leader with expertise in governance, strategy, financial stewardship and organisational leadership who is passionate about education, STEM and social impact.

 We’re looking for someone with senior leadership experience, strong understanding of charity governance and finance, and the ability to support and challenge at Board level.

About EDT

EDT is a UK-wide education charity delivering over 50,000 learning experiences each year through the Industrial Cadets Awards. We bring together employers, educators and young people aged 9–21, helping them explore STEM pathways and access rewarding future careers. EDT plays a critical role in tackling skills gaps, improving social mobility and increasing diversity across STEM industries.

About the Role

This is a high-impact trustee leadership opportunity for someone who wants to shape the future of a national charity. As Chair, you will provide strategic leadership to the Board, ensuring strong governance, financial oversight and organisational effectiveness.

You will work closely with the Chief Executive, acting as a trusted sounding board while maintaining accountability for delivering EDT’s mission and strategy. You will also act as an ambassador, representing EDT to partners, funders and stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and direction to the Board of Trustees
• Ensure effective charity governance and compliance
• Oversee financial health and sustainability
• Support and challenge the Chief Executive
• Lead Board development and performance
• Act as an external ambassador for EDT

About You

We are seeking a collaborative, strategic and values-driven leader with experience operating at Board, Trustee, Non-Executive Director (NED), Chair, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Executive Director, Managing Director or senior leadership level.

You will bring:

• Significant senior leadership, executive, trustee or non-executive experience
• Strong understanding of charity governance, corporate governance, risk management, financial oversight and organisational strategy
• Experience working with Boards, Trustees, Committees or governing bodies
• The ability to provide both support and constructive challenge to senior executives and leadership teams
• Excellent stakeholder engagement, influencing, partnership-building and ambassadorial skills
• A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, social mobility and creating opportunities for young people
• Strong judgement, integrity and a passion for delivering social impact

Experience gained within the charity, not-for-profit, third sector, education, STEM, skills development, employability, workforce development, youth development, public sector or social enterprise sectors would be particularly valuable, although candidates from the commercial sector with relevant governance experience are equally encouraged to apply.

Commitment

• Approx. 4 Board meetings per year plus committee involvement
• Regular engagement with the Chief Executive
• Attendance at key events and stakeholder meetings

This is a voluntary role with reasonable expenses reimbursed.

Why join EDT?

This is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people across the UK, while helping to address critical skills shortages in STEM. You will join a committed Board and executive team and play a central role in shaping EDT’s future at a time of both challenge and opportunity for the sector.

We welcome applications from experienced trustees, board members, non-executive directors, charity leaders, public sector leaders, education leaders and senior executives who share our commitment to improving outcomes for young people and strengthening the future STEM workforce. We actively welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive Board.