Trustees

Join St Mary’s Students’ Union as a Finance or Commercial Trustee and use your expertise to help strengthen its future and impact for students.

Location: Twickenham

Applications close: Monday 16th November 2026

 

About St Mary’s SU

St Mary’s Students’ Union is an independent, student-led charity representing around 5,000 students at St Mary’s University in Twickenham.

We exist to ensure that students are represented, supported and able to make the most of their university experience. Our work includes representing the student voice within the University, providing independent advice, supporting societies and student-led activity, delivering campaigns and events, and operating our venue, The 1850.

SMSU is led by elected student officers and supported by a small staff team. Our Trustee Board brings together officer, student and external trustees, combining direct student insight with professional expertise and organisational continuity.

We are a relatively small organisation, but our reach across the University community is significant. Our campus spaces are used extensively by students, staff and societies, while The 1850 provides a versatile venue for social events, private hire and conferences.

About the roles

External Trustees share responsibility for the effective governance and strategic direction of SMSU. They support and constructively challenge the Chief Executive and elected officers, oversee organisational performance and help ensure that the Union remains financially sustainable, well governed and focused on the needs of students.

The Finance Trustee will provide additional financial scrutiny and insight, helping the Board to understand SMSU’s financial position, identify emerging issues and make informed decisions about its resources and future sustainability.

The Commercial Trustee will contribute experience in developing income-generating activities, venues or related services. They will help SMSU consider how its commercial operations and spaces can be developed responsibly to generate value that supports its charitable purpose.

Both trustees will also:

• Contribute to the Board’s collective decision-making.
• Provide constructive challenge alongside practical support.
• Help strengthen organisational planning and development.
• Support continuity as elected student officers change.
• Act in the best interests of SMSU and its members.

Who we are looking for

For the Finance Trustee role, we are looking for a qualified finance professional with the ability to interpret financial information, recognise emerging issues and ask clear, constructive questions. You should be comfortable providing scrutiny within a small organisation and helping colleagues with different levels of financial experience participate confidently in decision-making.

For the Commercial Trustee role, we are looking for someone with senior experience in commercial development, venue or hospitality operations, income generation, business development or a related field. You will bring ideas about how SMSU can develop its commercial activity, make effective use of its spaces and strengthen its long-term sustainability.

Please click on the link to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the role and how to apply.

Applications for these roles close at 9 a.m. Monday 16th November 2026.