Bring your HR/renumeration or governance expertise to Lancaster University Students’ Union as an Expert Committee Member.
Lancaster University Students’ Union (LUSU) is recruiting two independent Expert Committee Members to strengthen the specialist insight, assurance and constructive challenge available to its Trustee Board.
One appointment will join the Human Resources and Remuneration Sub-Committee (HRRSC), while the other will join the Governance Sub-Committee (GSC).
These are separate, non-trustee appointments. Each committee member will work alongside trustees, elected student officers and senior staff, bringing an informed external perspective while respecting the Union’s democratic character and the central importance of student voice.
LUSU has made positive progress in recent years, strengthening its Board culture, organisational effectiveness and financial position. These appointments will help the Union build on that progress, respond to the challenges LUSU still faces and continue making thoughtful, well-informed decisions for its members.
Candidates may apply for either role or both, provided they can demonstrate the relevant expertise.
Who we are
LUSU is here to make sure that our students’ time at Lancaster is everything it should be. We support their social life and studies, sporting activities, hobbies, interests and the causes they care about.
Activity groups are at the heart of the Lancaster experience, with more than 250 clubs affiliated with us to provide recreational and competitive opportunities, as well as volunteering projects that build a sense of community on campus.
We also provide guidance and support, with trained advisors who can empower students to make the decisions that are best for them.
LUSU also provide a selection of services tailored to Lancaster students. These include a student lettings agency and a Union-run student nightclub in Lancaster city centre. All profits from these ventures are reinvested into running the rest of the Union’s activities.
About the roles
We are recruiting two independent Expert Committee Members to bring specialist knowledge, external perspective and constructive challenge to two Trustee Board sub-committees. These are separate, non-trustee appointments and candidates may apply for either role or both.
Expert Committee Member: Human Resources and Remuneration
You will support the Human Resources and Remuneration Sub-Committee in making sound decisions relating to people, organisational development and culture.
You will contribute insight across areas including people strategy, recruitment and development, HR policies, succession planning, reward and health & safety.
Most permanent staff are employed through joint arrangements with Lancaster University and follow University employment processes. The committee therefore provides oversight, advice and assurance rather than having direct authority over every aspect of staff employment. A key part of your contribution will be helping trustees and officers understand the boundaries between their representative, governance, employment and operational responsibilities.
Who we are looking for
You will be an experienced HR, people, culture or organisational development professional with sound employment knowledge and strong judgement.
You will be confident advising on sensitive matters, clarifying professional and governance boundaries and supporting elected officers and senior leaders.
Experience advising Boards or working within shared employment arrangements would be valuable.
Expert Committee Member: Governance
You will support the Governance Sub-Committee in promoting good governance, reviewing LUSU’s governance arrangements and identifying opportunities for continuous improvement.
Your contribution will include advising on governing documents, regulatory compliance, Board development, trustee recruitment and induction and relevant non-political policies and procedures. You will also help the committee consider potential legal, financial and reputational risks arising from decisions and policies.
There will be an early opportunity to contribute to a planned review of the Articles of Association and related by-laws, ensuring that they remain clear, consistent and appropriate for a democratic, student-led charity.
Who we are looking for
You will bring strong charity or corporate governance experience gained through a Board, senior leadership or advisory role.
You will understand governing documents, regulatory compliance, Board effectiveness and the respective responsibilities of trustees and executives. Experience reviewing articles, by-laws, compliance frameworks or governance policies would be particularly useful.
For both roles, you will bring discretion, clear communication, sound judgement and a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
You will be a collaborative individual who can bring independent expertise and constructive challenge while respecting LUSU’s democratic, student-led character.
Time commitment
The time commitment will be approximately two days per year, including four one-hour committee meetings, preparation, induction and occasional advice between meetings.
Each Expert Committee Member will be appointed for a two-year term.
Meetings are predominantly held online, with hybrid attendance available. Occasional in-person engagement in Lancaster may be helpful but is not routinely required.
These are voluntary appointments, with reasonable expenses reimbursed in line with LUSU’s policy.
To view the role description and person specification, please go to the ‘How to Apply’ tab above, fill in your details and download the candidate pack.
For further information or to arrange a confidential discussion, please contact our advising consultants at Peridot Partners:
Conor Naughton | conor@peridotpartners.co.uk | 07498 071852
Bill Yuksel | bill@peridotpartners.co.uk | Book an appointment | 07801 897063
Lancaster University Students’ Union is a registered charity in England and Wales (No. 1172269).
Welcome from the team
Dear Candidate,
Lancaster University Students’ Union plays a fundamental role in shaping the student experience at Lancaster University, providing key services, events and activities and shaping the future of the institution by ensuring student voices are heard in decision-making at all levels.
The Trustee Board is vital to steering the strategic direction of the Union and we are currently looking for new board members with the experience and insight to help drive further improvements in the service that we offer to Lancaster’s student population.
Key union activity that matters to our members includes:
- Provision of an independent advice service supporting members with all aspects of student life;
- Lobbying and partnering with the university to improve student life and make an impact on the wider community in a wide range of causes, including sustainability and inclusivity;
- Facilitation of more than 250 student clubs and societies covering sports, hobbies, causes, faiths, cultures, academic disciplines and career interests;
- Provision of hundreds of volunteering opportunities, working on projects covering a broad scope including health, education, sustainability, community development and more;
- Organisation of the annual Roses sports tournament with the University of York, one of the biggest events of its kind;
- Development of student leaders via our representative democracy structures from college level to institution-wide;
- Provision of a vibrant social scene via organisation of key events such as Freshers Fairs, Black History Month, LGBT History Month, Student Volunteering Week and more, plus operation of the award-winning Sugarhouse nightclub in Lancaster City Centre.
It’s an exciting time to be part of the Lancaster University community. The University has consolidated its top-10 place in several key league tables and is embarking on a new strategy. The University is closely involved with plans to open a new Eden Project in Morecambe, a project that promises to transform the local area and put the Lancaster region on the map like never before.
If you’re as excited as we are about the future of our Union and the wider university community, we’d love to hear from you.
Kate Bracewell
President and Chair, Trustee Board
Richard Soper
Vice Chair, Trustee Board
Misbah Ashraf
CEO
About us
Our vision
To inspire, support, and empower our members to succeed academically and engage in our communities on campus, in the region and around the world so they thrive now and in their future, with a focus on:
- being the authentic voice on student issues which matter to them;
- helping make Lancaster a great place to study and live;
- enabling members to broaden their horizons;
- celebrating members’ achievements and the union’s impact;
- providing relevant and high-quality services that members value.
Our purpose
Through our vision, we can ensure the creation of change through these student communities, empowering students to strive for the future they want to see while supporting their ability to do so.
Our values
Underpinning everything we do, we are:
- Approachable
- Supportive
- Sustainable
- Independent
- Impactful
Looking forward, Lancaster University Students’ Union is developing a programme of activity designed to help overcome the challenges and barriers its members face in feeling part of the students’ union and the wider university community.
The Union’s ultimate aim is to have a positive impact on a broader and more diverse mix of Lancaster students, underpinned by a flexible and agile strategy that allows it to adapt to future opportunities and challenges.
Finance and sustainability
For the year ended 31 July 2026, LUSU’s total group income was £4.88m, including £1.41m of unrestricted grant funding from Lancaster University and £2.84m from trading activities.
The full Annual Report and Financial Statements can be found in the links below.
Governance
Lancaster University Students’ Union is a democratic organisation, led by the needs and views of our 16,000+ members. Our clubs, societies and forum executives and Student Academic Representatives make up a pool of approximately 2,500 student leaders.
Over the last two years, well over a quarter of our membership have voted to choose the four sabbatical Full-Time Officer Trustees of the Union: the President, Activities Officer, Education Officer and a Well-being Officer. The outcomes of our campaigning and political work routinely set the agenda at a local, regional and national level.
Thank you for your interest in this role. Please download the relevant Role Description and Person Specification below.
To formally apply, please submit a CV and supporting statement (ideally maximum 2 sides of A4 each) that clearly outlines your suitability for the role against the criteria provided in the person specification, including your interest and motivation in applying for this position.
Please include your home address, contact email and mobile.
Please ensure that your application is emailed to response@peridotpartners.co.uk, inserting “Application: Lancaster University Students’ Union — Expert Committee Member and either (HR or Governance)” into the subject field. You will receive an acknowledgement of receipt within 2-3 days. If you do not receive an acknowledgement, please contact our admin team.
For further information or to arrange a confidential discussion, please contact our advising consultants at Peridot Partners:
Conor Naughton | conor@peridotpartners.co.uk | 07498 071852
Bill Yuksel | bill@peridotpartners.co.uk | Book an appointment | 07801 897063
As a sector-leading executive search consultancy, we know the importance of creating recruitment processes that are fair, inclusive and free from bias. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a process that values differences.
If you require any job information in an alternative format (e.g. large print), please contact the lead consultant. Please also let us know if you would like to submit your application in an alternative format.
Applicants with disabilities are welcome to contact us in confidence at any stage of the recruitment process to discuss any reasonable adjustments or support that may be required to ensure fair and equal participation.
Recruitment selection processes are based on evidence of competence stated in the person specification and in relation to our values.
Timetable
Closing date: 9 a.m. Friday 9th October 2026
Candidates informed of outcome: Thursday 15th October 2026
HR Expert Committee Member Interviews (online): Monday 19th October and Tuesday 20th October 2026
Governance Expert Committee Member Interviews (online): Monday 19th October, Wednesday 21st October or Friday 23rd October 2026
Equal Opportunities Monitoring
Peridot and Lancaster University Students’ Union are committed to promoting equality and diversity. To help us raise awareness and support a culture that is diverse and recognises and develops the potential of all, we need to appreciate the profile of candidates who apply for positions. We will send you an equality monitoring survey at the point of receiving your application and at the time of placement. This ensures that our processes remain inclusive and equitable throughout, and provides us with important data to help us showcase our impact.
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