Lay Trustee

The London School of Economics and Political Science Students’ Union (LSESU) is a high-profile, student-led charity representing and supporting over 11,000 students at one of the world’s leading social science institutions.  Our aim is to help students make the most of all the lifechanging experiences available to them during their time at LSE. The Union plays a vital role in ensuring that student voices shape the LSE experience and influence wider conversations across the higher education sector.

We are currently embarking on a defining period of transformation. With a newly appointed Chief Executive in post and a major review of our governance, democratic and commercial strategies underway, we are entering a phase of significant development and growth. Our goal is to balance robust student representation with long-term organisational sustainability, ensuring we deliver maximum impact for the students we serve.

We are seeking three experienced and strategic Lay Trustees to join our Board and provide the professional expertise required to navigate this next chapter. One of these appointees will also take on the responsibilities of Deputy Chair, acting as a mentor to our elected student leadership and serving as a vital bridge between the Board and the Executive team.

As a Lay Trustee, you will provide strategic oversight, ensuring the Union operates with clarity and accountability. You will use your professional wisdom to coach our student leaders, navigate complex reputational risks, and support the Senior Leadership Team in delivering a renewed strategy.

Lay Trustee (one role to be appointed as Deputy Chair)
Organisation: LSE Students’ Union (LSESU)
Remuneration: These roles are a voluntary commitment. Reasonable expenses such as travel or childcare may be claimed.
Location: Holborn, Central London (Hybrid). Meetings are held on the LSE campus or virtually.
Time commitment: Approximately 10–12 days per year. The Deputy Chair will require an additional 2-4 hours per month for coaching and executive liaison.

About you
We are seeking seasoned professionals and collaborative leaders with:

• Established Board Experience: A proven track record of strategic leadership at Board level. This role is intended for an experienced trustee who can provide immediate stability and insight.
• Specialist Expertise: Significant experience in at least one of our priority areas:
  • Governance & Leadership: Experience as a Chair or Vice-Chair (essential for the Deputy Chair appointment).
  • Commercial & Venue Management: Pragmatic experience in asset maximisation, hospitality, or strategic partnerships.
  • Advocacy & Campaigning: Expertise in navigating legal/regulatory constraints within a charity, think-tank, or government context.
  • HR & People Strategy: Experience managing complex stakeholder groups, high-level complaints, or organisational change.
• Mentorship & Coaching Skills: A genuine desire to empower young, elected leaders, helping them navigate the complexities of board leadership while respecting democratic boundaries.
• Strategic Resilience: An “unflappable” approach to risk management, with the ability to remain objective and decisive in a fast-paced, politically active environment.
• Values-Led Approach: A deep commitment to the Nolan Principles of Public Life and a passion for student voice, equity, and inclusion.

Crucially, you will understand how to provide both support and challenge to a CEO, helping to guide the organisation through a period of transformation with wisdom and pragmatic judgment.

How to Apply
For further information, please visit the dedicated microsite – https://www.prospect-us-site.co.uk/lsesu 

If you have any queries, please contact our retained advisor Omar Begg via email with a copy of your CV: Omar.Begg@prospect-us.co.uk

Recruitment Timetable
Deadline for applications: 10^th May 2026
Interviews with Prospectus: 19^th – 22^nd May 2026
Interviews with LSESU: W/c 1^st June