Our Trustee Board

The UoG SU Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees at UoG SU currently has 13 members. These include three Officer Trustees, five External Trustees and four Student Trustees. Trustees are essential to the effectiveness of the Students’ Union and have the ultimate legal responsibility for keeping the organisation focussed on its purpose and directing the strategy. They also have financial oversight, are responsible for resources and are expected to ensure that the organisation stays within the law.

We are currently seeking a new Board member, you can find details on these positions below:

Student Trustee

We are recruiting one student trustees to begin serving on the board from April 2024. You can be in any year of study to apply.

We are looking for individuals with good decision-making skills, who can work well in a team and are open to learning, whilst respecting that certain discussions of the Board need to remain confidential.

The individual appointed as trustee will need to be sympathetic to the aims of the organisation and more generally share a commitment to the broader values of the student movement: student representation, student rights and the student experience – and the importance of students having a platform to organise together to help make these values a reality.

Commitment Required:

• There are 5 scheduled meetings each year, usually held early evening and lasting 2 to 2.5 hours

• All trustees will Chair or sit on our board sub-committees - these take place 4 times a year

Rewards:

• The role is as an unpaid volunteer but all reasonable out of pocket expenses such as travel to board and committee meetings will be reimbursed

• This is a fantastic opportunity to gain lots of skills and experience that will develop you; you will gain experience of all aspects of the Students’ Union as a functioning charity/business and you will be able to input into the overall strategic directions of the SU.

• You will be a valued voice around the table and we will provide the support you need to be an effective trustee including an annual appraisal, induction and opportunities to attend external training.

Key Dates:

To find out more information regarding key dates, please email su@glos.ac.uk 

How to Apply:

To apply, please send a copy of your current C.V., along with a supporting statement of no more than 500 words, and why you would like to join us as a trustee.

By email to Kit Boulting-Hodge, Education and Community Officer and Vice Chair of the Board:

kboultinghodge1@glos.ac.uk

Please use the subject line – "UoGSU StudentTrustee Application [Your Name]"

Ahead of applying, please read the Role Description and further information here.

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The UoG SU Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees includes three Officer Trustees, External Trustees and  Student Trustees.  Trustees are essential to the effectiveness of the Students’ Union and have the ultimate legal responsibility for keeping the organisation focussed on its purpose and directing the strategy.  They also have financial oversight, are responsible for resources and are expected to ensure that the organisation stays within the law.

 

UoG SU Board of Trustees Personal Profiles

Laura Batty – Chair of Board and External Trustee

Laura is a strategic communications specialist with experience across the HE sector, first as an elected Officer at the LSE Students’ Union, at the National Union of Students as their Press Officer, and later, at the Universities and Colleges Employers’ Association and as a member of the Strategic Leadership Team at Universities UK. 

Kit Boulting-Hodge – Education and Community Officer and Vice Chair of Board

Experienced, with a strong background in strategic planning and events. Dedicated to fostering organisational growth and ensuring fiscal responsibility on behalf of the students. Passionate about community service and driven by a commitment to ethical governance. Excels in collaborative environments, bringing innovative solutions and a focus on sustainable development to the board and university.

Bobola Ajibola - Welfare and Diversity Officer

Bobola is studying Data science in University of Gloucestershire. Beyond his academic pursuits, he’s also serving as the Welfare and Diversity Officer for the Students' Union, where he passionately represents over 9000 students at our university. Bobola has immersed himself in fostering connections among students, prioritizing their well-being, nurturing a strong sense of belonging, and championing a diverse and inclusive community to ensure that every student feels valued and supported throughout their academic journey.

Vanessa Garratt – Activities and Opportunities Officer

Vanessa is a charismatic former student of the University. She studied Interior Design and represented the University as Club Captain of the Netball Club. Her creativity and leadership skills mark her out as an ideal representative of the students. Her background in design aids her in the communication of ideas on matters close to her heart such as the University of Gloucestershire societies, sports clubs and other SU institutions. Vanessa will work closely with the students and the University, building on the existing networks, to improve communications and the overall student experience.

Jeremy Davies – External Trustee

30 years’ experience as a Director, Non- Executive and Trustee across a range of organisations including operating between Academia and Industry, focussing on the critical aspect of “practical application” of science and technology in a commercial environment; always recognising the importance, support and delivery of the development of all talent.  

Connie Price – External Trustee

Connie’s career has taken her across the world to work with students, artists, professionals, and community leaders. Her experience included working in Nigeria, South Africa, and the UK on a programme for young people in 44 countries. She has escaped riots and found friends in unlikely places. Connie originally trained as an archaeologist, then as a librarian and finally a leader and programme manager. Proof that education is a journey and not just a destination!

Shalinder Taneja – External Trustee

More than 20 years' experience in Internal Audit.  Currently Heading Internal Audit function at Olam food ingredients. OFI is a global organization headquarter in London, based in over 50 countries, revenue in excess of US$10B, has over 100 manufacturing facilities. The company is currently preparing for a premium listing in London FTSE.  Actively engaging with Stakeholders and Board members to provide an Impactful Assurance and strong Corporate governance.

Daniel McDonald - Smith - External Trustee

Before Daniel was a Medical Doctor in the East Midlands, specialising in Leadership and Management, he was the Mature Students’ Officer at the University of Nottingham’s SU implementing initiatives to aid students in real terms. As a recent graduate, he understands the highs and lows of being a student in today’s environment and is excited to continue working to elevate the student experience at the University of Gloucestershire

Katy Owen - Student Trustee

Katy is a Student trustee currently in her third year of her degree. She is studying a BA Honors in Dance. She is also Club Captain for the University’s Dance team. 

 

In Attendance

Josh Clare - Staff

Lou Fensome - Staff

Karen Hill - Staff

Board Sub Committees

People and Resources Committee

The purpose of the People and Resources Committee is to assist and support the accountable Officer (the Chief Executive) and the Board of Trustees.  It is responsible for advising on effective planning and management relating to people (HR) and financial resources.  The Committee works closely with both the Board of Trustees and the Audit and Risk Committee.  The Board of Trustees delegates to the People and Resources Committee the responsibility for ensuring that there is a framework for internal controls and accountability relating to people and financial resources; and for ensuring that the organisation is complying with all aspects of the law, relevant regulations and good practice. 

 

Committee Members

Jeremy Davies – Chair and External Trustee

Vanessa Garratt - Vice Chair and Officer Trustee

Kit Boulting-Hodge - Officer Trustee

Daniel McDonald Smith – External Trustee

Katy Owen – Student Trustee

 

In Attendance

Lou Fensome - Staff

Karen Hill – Staff

Audit and Risk Committee

The purpose of the Audit Committee is to assist and support the Accountable Officer (the Chief Executive) and the Board of Trustees.  It is responsible for reviewing and monitoring the governance, risk management and financial management environments and ensuring the probity of the Students’ Union.  The Board of Trustees delegates to the Audit and Risk Committee the responsibility for ensuring that there is a framework for internal controls and accountability; and for ensuring that the organisation is complying with all aspects of the law, relevant regulations and good practice. The Audit and Risk Committee is an advisory body with no executive powers and any actions it recommends are subject to the approval of the Board of Trustees. 

Committee Members

Shalinder Taneja - Chair and External Trustee

Kit Boulting Hodge - Vice Chair and Officer Trustee

Bobola Ajibola - Officer Trustee

Jeremy Davies- External Trustee

 

In Attendance

Josh Clare - Staff

Lou Fensome – Staff

Karen Hill – Staff
 

In addition to the Board Sub-Committees, a fortnightly Management Committee is held as detailed below:

Management Committee

The Management Committee of University of Gloucestershire Students’ Union consists of the Officers as voting members and the Chief Executive Officer as a non-voting member.  In attendance are the SU Senior Managers and the Governance and Administration Co-Ordinator.  The role of the Management Committee includes hearing proposals for new staffing, outside of the agreed budget, which is then reported to the Trustee Board.  The Committee also receives and provides scrutiny on financial updates and operating plan updates, including in relation to KPIs.  In addition, the Committee defines priority campaigns and the support needed from staff teams as well as providing oversight for largescale events.  It ensures that UoGSU is adequately meeting its commitments to environmental sustainability and updates all its members on external relationships with University partners.  The Committee also receives updates on significant price changes in Commercial areas and reviews Student Executive Committee Decisions and the implications of these on the wider organisation.

 

Committee Members

Bobola Ajibola - Welfare and Diversity Officer and Chair of Management Committee

Vanessa Garratt - Activities and Opportunities Officer

Kit Boulting-Hodge - Education and Community Officer

Josh Clare - Chief Executive Officer

In Attendance

Josh Clare – Staff

Lou Fensome - Staff 

Karen Hill – Staff