Students' Union Recruitment

Students' Union boards bring together elected student officers and external trustees, with responsibility for governance, organisational sustainability and the long-term interests of the Union. External appointments can bring expertise that complements student leadership while helping trustees navigate the particular relationship between the Union, its members and the university.

We have extensive experience recruiting Chairs, external and lay trustees, NEDs and committee members for students' unions. Our searches consider the expertise already represented across the board and how new appointments will work with elected officers and the wider leadership team.

Students' union leaders work within a governance and leadership model unlike most other charities. We recruit people who can work effectively with elected officers and trustees, lead permanent staff teams and build constructive relationships with universities while keeping students at the centre of the organisation's work.

Leadership changes can be particularly significant for Students' Unions, where permanent staff provide continuity alongside annually changing elected officers. We recruit experienced interim leaders to support organisations through Chief Executive transitions, organisational change and periods requiring additional senior capacity.

Students' Unions bring together specialist functions that reflect their role as charities, membership organisations and service providers. We recruit leaders across student-facing services and the functions responsible for the organisation's people, finances and operations.