Recruitment Pack 2015
External Trustee (UCL Staff)
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Dear Candidate
Thank you for considering applying for the external trustee role and being part of our team
here at UCLU.
We are looking for an external trustee (UCL Staff) who is a current employee of UCL. If you
cease employment at UCL you will be considered to have resigned your position as Trustee.
You will be a resourceful, determined and committed individual who will help the Board of
Trustees to continue to improve the services that we provide for our members. The right
candidate will be a strong communicator and effective leader, will bring experience of
setting strategic direction and will impart their specialist knowledge in at least one of the
following fields:
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Performed an organisational role within a democratic or member led organisation
Financial Management
Charity Law
Commercial Sector
HR
This recruitment pack will give you all the information you need on the recruitment process
including the role description and person specification.
Should you wish to have an informal chat about this opportunity please contact Ian Dancy,
General Manager at i.dancy@ucl.ac.uk, 020 7679 7216 or Hannah Sketchley, Democracy &
Communications Officer at dco@uclu.org, 020 7679 7219.
Yours sincerely,
Hannah Sketchley
Chair of the Board of Trustees
UCLU
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About UCLU
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UCLU is the representative body for all students at UCL. We are a democratic,
student-led organisation, run by UCL students whom you have had the chance to
elect.
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We’re independent from the University. Whilst we work really closely with
departments from all across the University, technically we are a separate
organisation.
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UCLU is governed by a Trustee Board. The Trustee Board ensures UCLU has the
necessary financial and structural stability to carry out its aims effectively. The Trustee
Board makes major decisions on legal and financial issues and ensures that UCLU is
delivering on the political policy set by the democratic bodies of UCLU. More
information about the democratic bodies can be found at the following link
http://uclu.org/about-uclu/governance-trustees
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UCLU is a registered charity. We exist to represent the needs of all UCL students, to
ensure that they have a voice within the University and to help them maximise their
university experience.
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UCLU Vision - Our vision is to open up opportunities for students during their time at
UCL and enable them to make a fuller contribution in their future lives.
 UCLU Mission
 Be the voice for all our members;
 Provide services, support and advice;
 Facilitate opportunities for students to share common interests.
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UCLU Values
 We will always act with integrity, honesty and transparency;
 We will be committed to accessibility, inclusion and equality of opportunity;
 We will strive to be representative of and accountable to our members.
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UCLU Strategic goals
 To engage with students, hear from them and represent their views effectively;
 To provide a student union that is relevant to all groups of students;
 To provide high quality support, services and activities, which are value for money;
 To raise awareness amongst students about ways in which the student union can
help them flourish;
 To run the student union effectively and efficiently.
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As a charity Trustee, you will be a member of the Trustee Board that ensures UCLU has the
necessary financial and structural stability to carry out its aims effectively. On a practical
level this means you need to be able to contribute to major decisions on legal and
financial issues and ensure that UCLU is delivering on the political policy set by the elected
representatives of UCLU.
As a Trustee you will have a legal responsibility to act in the best interests of UCLU, putting
the union’s interests before any of your own.
Trustees are expected to act in accordance with the Nolan Committee’s Seven Principles
of Public Life, namely: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty
and leadership.
It is important that you are aware of the legal responsibilities of being a Trustee before you
apply. There is more information about the role of Charity Trustees on the Charity
Commission web site at www.charitycommission.gov.uk.
UCLU will give you comprehensive training on how to carry out these duties.
Explanation of Trustee Roles
The Trustees of a charity the size of UCLU are in a position of significant responsibility. As a
Trustee you will be expected to make selfless and impartial decisions on the running of the
charity to make sure that our operation is both financially stable and legally sound. Meeting
once every quarter, the Trustee Board monitors UCLU’s strategic direction and reviews its
performance. Being a Trustee gives you the opportunity to be a finger on the guiding hand
of UCLU.
Student Trustee
There are six Student Trustees who reflect the demographic of the whole student body,
from freshers through to postgraduates. Student Trustees are elected by cross-campus
ballot in October for a twelve-month period.
Sabbatical Trustees
Sabbatical Trustees are 4 of the 7 Sabbatical Officers of UCLU. They carry out their roles as
laid down by the Governing Documents and Union Policy. The Sabbatical Officers are
elected by cross campus ballot in the Spring and take office from August following their
election through to July of the next year.
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External Trustees (UCL, Alumni & Professional)
There are five external Trustees – two members of UCL staff, two UCL Alumni who have
graduated over five years previously, and one professional member who is unconnected to
UCL. External trustees are appointed by Union Council for a term of four years.
Time commitment
The UCLU Trustee Board currently meets five times per year. Trustee induction and training
is provided.
Trustees are appointed to Trustee Board sub-committees: HR, Steering and Finance, which
meet four or five times a year. Board papers are circulated at least five days before the
meeting and need to be thoroughly read through.
All Trustees are welcome to attend other Union meetings and events, such as Union Council
and Annual Members’ Meetings that take place during the year.
Who can be a Trustee
Student Trustees must be members of UCLU and registered students at UCL.
External Trustees (UCL) must be employed by UCL at the time of application and for the
duration of the role.
External Trustees (Alumni) must have graduated from UCL at least five years ago, and not
have been a registered student at UCL since.
External Trustee (Professional) must be neither a student, alumni nor employee of UCL.
All Trustees must also be over 18 at the time of taking up the role. There are certain other
criteria that can prevent you being a Trustee such as being an undercharged bankrupt,
having previously been removed from trusteeship of a charity by a Court or the Charity
Commission, being disqualified as a Company Director or having been convicted of an
offence involving deception or dishonesty. If you think this may affect you, please come
and talk to us before you submit your application.
In your application form, it is important to emphasise any knowledge, skills or experience
that you may have gained through employment, whilst on your course (where relevant) or
things that you have done in your spare time. Details of the skills required for the role can
be found in the Role Description and Person Specification. It is particularly important to
highlight issues related to:
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Your passion for UCLU and what we aim to achieve
Finance or budgets
Analysing complicated information
Effective team working
Being a representative
Social policy or campaigning
Working with charities
Planning
Legal experience
Past roles as a Trustee
Relevant professional experience
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 the
Students’ Union as a whole.
Integrity
 Trustees should conduct themselves in a manner which does not damage or undermine
the 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, the
Trustees should ensure that decisions are made solely on merit. In arriving at decisions in
areas where they do not have expertise themselves Trustees should consider
appropriate professional advice.
Accountability
 Trustees have a duty to comply with constitutional and legal requirements and to
adhere to 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 for
their decisions, the effectiveness of the Board and the performance of the organisation.
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Openness
 Trustees should ensure that confidential information and material, including material
about individuals is handled appropriately; so that it remains confidential. In addition
they 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 information
only when the wider interest clearly demands.
Honesty
 The Trustees have a duty to avoid any conflict of interest so far as is reasonably
practicable. In particular, they must make known any interest in any matter under
discussion which:
o creates either a real danger of bias
o might reasonably cause others to think it could influence the decision.
Leadership
 Promote and support the principles of leadership by example:
o striving to attend all meetings regularly, ensuring they prepare for and contribute
appropriately and effectively
o bringing fair and open minded view to all discussions of the Board and ensuring
that all decisions are made in the Students’ Union’s best interests.
Role Description & Person Specification
External Trustee (UCL Staff ) - You must be a current employee of UCL at the time
of appointment. If you cease employment at UCL you will be considered to have resigned
your position as Trustee.
Role Description
Responsible to: The Board of Trustees and accountable to UCLU Council
Purpose of the role: To oversee the effective management and administration of UCLU with
particular responsibility for legal issues and budget. To inspire, coach and dvelop trustees of
all varieties.
Duties and Responsibilities
 Ensure that UCLU acts in accordance with its constitution and other guiding
documents and in particular that it remains true to its mission, vision and values.
 Ensure that UCLU implements and adheres to all policies and mandates determined
by democratic bodies.
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Help UCLU achieve its objectives and improve the lives of its members.
Ensure that UCLU complies with all relevant legislation and regulation, including
relevant charity acts and education acts.
Ensure that UCLU’s funds are spent in accordance with its charitable aims and
objectives.
Ensure the financial stability of UCLU: monitor the financial performance of UCLU and
ensure that it remains solvent and financially secure.
Ensure that appropriate strategies are in place by providing an independent
challenge of key assumptions and assessing whether proposed strategies are
reasonable in relation to the risks involved, the resources required and the benefits
likely to be achieved.
Protect and manage the property of UCLU and to ensure the proper investment of
UCLU’s funds.
Use personal skills and experience to ensure UCLU is well run and efficient.
Seek external professional advice where there may be material risk to UCLU, where
the Trustees may be in breach of their duties, or at any other appropriate moment.
Attend and fully engage with UCLU Trustee Board meetings (at least 4 per year) and
to appropriately prepare for such meetings. This will include scrutinising Board papers,
effective questioning, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new
initiatives and/or any other issues in which they have special expertise.
Undertake the UCLU Trustee Induction and relevant training events.
Select and support the General Manager and monitor their performance and to
support all employees in the performance of their duties.
Declare any conflicts of interest whilst carrying out the duties of a Trustee.
It is important to note that whilst the UCLU Trustee Board delegates political leadership to
UCLU Council and operational management to the General Manager, legal
accountability for UCLU remains with the Trustees.
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Person Specification
Skills, Knowledge and Experience
Essential
Experience
Substantial experience of dealing with strategic issues, including interpretation of
complex information, effective performance management and organisational
planning.
And at least ONE of the following:
 Performed an organisational role within a democratic or member led
organisation
 Financial management experience
 Charity law experience
 Commercial experience
 HR experience
Knowledge
A comprehensive understanding of general management, in particular performance
management and business planning
A thorough knowledge of the effective governance of organisations (public, private
or third sector)
Skills and Abilities
An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of
trusteeship
Sound independent judgment and the ability to think creatively and strategically
The ability to manage challenging situations and handle competing priorities
A willingness to speak your mind and to listen to others effectively
The ability to work effectively as a member of a team and the willingness to make
and stand by collective decisions, including those which may be unpopular
The ability to respond effectively to strategic issues, complex legal and financial
information, performance management and organisational planning
The ability to maintain confidentiality on confidential and/or sensitive information
Values, Attitude and Personal Style
A leader on equality of opportunity who values diversity and removes barriers to
equality
An effective leader who is positive, determined and resilient enough to cope with the
demands of the role
A demonstrable interest in and commitment to UCLU’s democratic structures, values,
mission and aims
A commitment to devoting the necessary time and attention to the role of External
trustee; effort to attend Board meetings and be available to contribute between
meetings as appropriate
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How do I apply?
Either complete the application below or download your application form from our website
http://uclu.org/about-uclu/uclu-trustees/apply-to-be-trustee. 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 Nunzia Limongelli, n.limongelli@ucl.ac.uk
Please return your completed application form and equal opportunities form to Nunzia
Limongelli, HR Coordinator at n.limongelli@ucl.ac.uk. The closing date is Thursday 4 June
2015.
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 interview. You will be informed via the email address
submitted on your application.
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EXTERNAL TRUSTEE (UCL Staff) APPLICATION FORM
Please complete the form in black ink in capitals. Deadline for applications is Thursday 4 June 2015.
Section 1
Ref.
Last Name: ……………………..……………..…….…………………………………………………………….. …
Forename(s) ………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Address .………………………………………………………….…………………………………………………...
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Post Code ………………………….………….……………………………………………………………………..
Telephone Number ……………………….………………………………………………………………………...
Mobile Number………………….……………………………..…………………………………………………….
Email address …………………………………………………………………………………………………………
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Section 2
Ref.
WORK / VOLUNTARY EXPERIENCE
Please 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
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From
To
Salary
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
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Date achieved
Section 3
Ref.
Referee’s
Please 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 / No
If 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 ……………………………………………..
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Section 4
Ref.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES MONITORING FORM
UCLU has a commitment to ensuring that staff are appointed and promoted on the basis of merit,
regardless of ethnic origin, sex or disability, sexual orientation, race, colour, nationality (within
current legislation), marital status, caring or parental responsibilities, age, or beliefs on matters such
as religion and politics. UCLU requests information from all job applicants in order to comply with its
Equal opportunities Policy. Monitoring enables us to see what is happening in practice, to assess the
impact of our equal opportunities policy and its implementation, to set any targets for
improvements, and measure progress. To enable us to do this, and to make the exercise successful,
we rely on the following details. This form will be detached from the application and will NOT be
used in the selection process.
ROLE APPLIED FOR
External Trustee (UCL Alumni)
Ethnic Group
White
British
Irish
Any other White background
Mixed Race
White and Black Caribbean
White and Black African
White and Asian
Any other Mixed Race background
Asian or Asian British
Indian
Pakistani
Bangladeshi
Any other Asian background
Black or Black British
Caribbean
African
Any other Black background
Chinese
Chinese
Other Ethnic Group
Any other background
Sex Male- Female
Nationality:
Do you have a disability?
A disability is defined in law as 'a physical or mental
impairment which has a substantial and long term
adverse effect on someone's ability to carry out their
normal day-to-day-activities'
Disabled
Not disabled
Prefer not to say
Age range
Under 21
21-30
31-40
Over 40
What is your religion?
No religion
Buddhist
Christian
Hindu
Jewish
Muslim
Sikh
Other – please specify:
Prefer not to say
What is your sexual orientation?
Bisexual
Gay Man
Gay woman / Lesbian
Heterosexual / Straight
Other - please specify:
Prefer not to say
Thank you for taking the time to complete this form.
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