What’s it like being a Trustee at Essex?
We asked a few of our current Trustees to share their thoughts:

Yury Karutin, Student Trustee
"Being a student trustee has been one of the most important experiences of my university life. I’ve gained real insight into how executive decisions are made in a unique organisation like Essex SU. It’s challenging at first, but the support is there, and it’s incredibly rewarding to know you're making the SU more accountable and student-led."

Charlotte Turnbull, External Trustee
"Serving as an external trustee has been hugely rewarding. I’ve brought in my professional experience to help shape strategy and support long-term sustainability. It's inspiring to see the creativity and leadership of student officers, and I’ve learned a lot about the student sector along the way."

Anubriya Baskaran, Student Trustee
"Being a Student Trustee was a fantabulous journey! I had the chance to influence big decisions, grow professionally, and gain confidence. You really feel like your voice matters - and it does. If you want to make a difference, this is the role for you."

So… what actually is a Trustee?
Trustees are volunteers who help steer the strategic direction of a charity. At Essex SU, Trustees manage and oversee the organisation to ensure it runs legally, ethically, and in the best interests of students.

Student Trustees work alongside elected leaders and professionals to support governance and financial responsibility. Unlike Student Leaders or Reps, you won’t be collecting student views - you’ll use your own experiences to help guide the SU.

Trustee duties:

• Act in the SU’s best interests

• Comply with legal and governance requirements

• Manage resources responsibly

• Ensure accountability and transparency

• Act with care and skill

• Deliver public benefit

What does the role involve?

• Join one sub-committee (e.g. Audit & Risk, Health & Safety, Human Resources)

• Attend 6 Board meetings a year

• Prepare 30 mins per meeting by reviewing documents

Note: Some sub-committee roles may already be filled.

Perks of the role

• Christmas & Summer Staff Parties

• Invitation to Awards Week

• Free entry to Sub Zero

• Network with university staff & alumni

• Big Essex Award credits (up to 11 units!)

• Looks fantastic on your CV

• Builds leadership, confidence, governance skills - and helps kick imposter syndrome!

Interested?
Send your CV and Cover Letter to Caron Moor (cm20983@essex.ac.uk) by Thursday 8 May.