Chair of the Board of Trustees

St Aidan’s JCR CIO at Durham University is committed to enhancing the student experience.

Why Join Us?
St Aidan’s College is a vibrant and inclusive community, dedicated to supporting students in
their academic and personal development, and enhancing the wider student experience.
As Chair of the Board of Trustees, you will have the opportunity to shape the future of our Junior
Common Room and contribute to the success of our students.
If you are ready to take on this rewarding leadership role, we encourage you to apply and help
us drive forward our mission.

We promote the interests and welfare of students during their course of study, acting as the
recognised representative channel between students, St Aidan’s College and external bodies,
while supporting a diverse range of social, sporting, cultural and recreational activities and
societies.
Do you want to contribute your experience and insights to a recently independent Durham
University JCR Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO)? Can you lead a Board of Trustees
to develop and enhance the St Aidan’s JCR?
Are you passionate about fostering student development and driving inclusive, positive change?
Do you have a background in Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), Human Resources (HR),
or a blend of financial and legal expertise?
If so, we would love you to apply for the position of Chair of the Board of Trustees.

Key Responsibilities:
● Provide strategic leadership to the Board and support the development of the JCR,
ensuring the organisation is aligned with the college’s and the CIO’s goals and values.
● Oversee governance and ensure the smooth running of board meetings, ensuring all
Board members contribute effectively to decision-making processes.
● Drive initiatives that promote student development, fostering an inclusive environment
that supports the welfare and academic growth of students.
● Ensure adherence to EDI principles within all JCR activities and initiatives.
● Advise on financial oversight, ensuring the JCR’s financial practices are sustainable,
transparent, and compliant with regulatory requirements.
● Awareness of relevant legal matters to ensure that the JCR adheres to relevant laws and
regulations, especially those related to student welfare, data protection, and employment
practices, and those relating to being a registered charity.
● Act as a bridge between the JCR and college leadership, advocating for students and
ensuring their voice is central to the college's strategy.
● Responsibility for the employment, and supervision of, the CIO’s single employee who is
the elected JCR President.

We are looking for:
● Proven experience in student development, educational settings, or governance within
an academic or non-profit organisation
● Strong communication, organisational, and leadership skills, with the ability to manage
multiple priorities.
● A collaborative approach, with experience in building consensus and working with
diverse stakeholders.
● Board or Committee experience in some capacity.

It would be helpful if you have:
 Financial or legal experience, preferably with an understanding of non-profit or student
organisation management.
 Experience in EDI or HR, with a focus on creating inclusive environments.
 Demonstrable ability and experience in advising organisations on information
management and/or GDPR and/or cybersecurity.
 Previous experience as a board chair.

The board meets at least four times a year, two of which we hold in Durham and two of which
are held remotely.

You will be appointed for a period of up to 4 years.