We are looking for a part time Student Advisor to provide confidential and impartial advice, guidance and information to the students of the University of Cambridge. The position is a diverse and important role within the Students’ Unions’ Advice Service which is provided by Cambridge University Students’ Union and the Graduate Union.

The successful candidate will work with the Head of Advice and Welfare and the Advice Service team in delivering an exemplary service to the students of Cambridge. Furthermore, they will join the student-led team of elected representatives and staff in CUSU and the GU, work on welfare and academic issues and collaborate with elected sabbatical officers in CUSU and the GU as well as in colleges, University organisations and groups in the local community.

This is a role that requires dedication to improving the student experience and providing confidential and impartial support. 

We are hunting for a new external trustee to replace our longest standing board member. We are a vibrant, exciting organisation on the brink of change and are looking for someone bold and committed to help lead that change with us.

What will you be doing?
The role of the external trustees is to have oversight of the strategic direction of Cambridge University Students’ Union and, through the CEO, be responsible for the financial, reputational and operational performance of the union. 

The trustee board is made up of;

• The Union President – This is a Cambridge Student elected to lead the Union by the student body. They are also the chair of the trustee board and line manager of the CEO
• 4 other elected Sabbatical Officers – These are Cambridge University students who have been elected by the student body to represent them.
• 2 Student Trustees – Current students co-opted onto the board for a term of one year
• Up to 4 external trustees – These are volunteers external to the Union and University who bring a specific set of skills and knowledge to the board
• The CEO and Deputy CEO also attend each board meeting, but don’t have a vote when it comes to decision making

We are specifically looking for someone with a Financial Management background, ideally with knowledge of charity finances and people management. 

We would expect the person in this role to;

• Attend at least 8 Trustee board meetings per year
• Have oversight of the Union’s finances and work closely with the CEO to produce financial reports for the board
• Chair the finance committee which also meets approximately 8 times per year in term time
• Assist the President in their Line Management of the CEO. Mostly this means being available for advice and guidance via email and on the phone, but may also mean attending some line management meetings.

We estimate that this role will involve volunteering for 2.5 days per month on average with peaks and troughs linked to term times. 

What are we looking for?
We are looking for someone with the following vital skills;

• Financial Management – Ideally in a charity or third sector organisation
• People Management – The ability to assist with the line management of our most senior staff member
• Strategic Oversight – The ability to think strategically and separately from the day-to-day organisational management of the union

Skills that would be desirable but not essential;

• A knowledge of UK Charity Law
• An understanding of Students’ Unions
• An understanding of the Cambridge community and how the University fits within it

What difference will you make?
As an external trustee you will help to develop our best and brightest young people. Former sabbatical officers of the Union have gone on to hold jobs in the highest levels of government, as business leaders and activists making real change to their communities. Cambridge University is a world renowned academic institution, but the Students’ Union isn’t there yet. We want that to change and we need your help to do that.  

What’s in it for the volunteer?
We are a young, vibrant, energetic team who are keen to make a difference. The Union is an exceptionally fast paced, friendly and fun place to work. No two days are the same and as a new external trustee you will be joining the organisation at a very exciting period of change, with a potential merger, a new building and multiple new opportunities coming in the next few years.