Students' Association - External Advisory Board Members

About Arden University:

We are an aspirational and multi-award-winning university, delivering rapid growth with ambitious plans to disrupt the HE sector through our passion for innovation and digital education. Our vision is to become the first-choice university for career-focused lifelong learners worldwide, ensuring that everyone, everywhere can access higher education.

There has never been a more exciting time to join Arden University, as we expand into new disciplines, forge worldwide partnerships, and expand our locations.

Students' Association

Arden University Students’ Association (AUSA) is seeking two passionate and experienced individuals to join its Advisory Board as External Members. These are exciting opportunities to contribute your expertise to a growing Students’ Association dedicated to championing student interests, influencing university decision-making, and enhancing the student experience.

As an External Advisory Board Member, you will work alongside student representatives, senior university colleagues, and Students’ Association leaders to provide strategic guidance, constructive challenge, and independent insight as the Association continues its ambitious development journey.

The Opportunities

The Advisory Board plays a vital role in ensuring the Students’ Association is well-governed, student-focused, and delivering against its strategic objectives. Board members provide oversight, support effective decision-making, scrutinise the use of resources, and help shape the future direction of the Association.

These are exciting opportunities to contribute to positive change for students studying across Arden University. You will play a key role in helping the Association develop its services, governance and strategic direction, while ensuring student interests remain at the heart of decision-making.

You will:

• Provide strategic guidance and independent perspective

• Support the long-term success and sustainability of the Students’ Association

• Scrutinise progress against strategic objectives and priorities

• Share specialist expertise and best practice

• Contribute to discussions that improve services, representation, and advocacy for students

• Mentor and support student members of the Advisory Board

• Help ensure the Association operates in the best interests of Arden students

About You:

We welcome applications from individuals who are committed to student success and can bring expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• Governance

• Financial Management

• Human Resources

• Volunteer Management

• Operational Delivery (in an Education context)

You will ideally have:

• An understanding of good governance principles

• Experience operating in a strategic or leadership environment

• Strong communication and relationship-building skills

• The confidence to ask questions and provide constructive challenge

• The ability to think strategically and make balanced decisions

• A commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion

• An interest in supporting students and improving higher education outcomes

We are particularly interested in hearing from candidates whose lived experiences reflect the diverse communities we serve. Previous board experience is welcome but not essential, as full induction and support will be provided.

Commitment and Renumeration

• Four year term of office - with potential to extend four years

• Four Advisory Board meetings per year (primarily held online and typically lasting around 2.5 hours)

• Preparation and engagement with meeting papers, communications, ad hoc meetings and pre-Board meetings

• £1000 per quarter

The Application Process

When you apply for the role, you will be asked to answer application questions explaining why you are interested in becoming an External Member of the Advisory Board, the expertise and experience you would bring, and how your background aligns with the needs of the Students’ Association.

You will also need to provide a CV and a cover letter (approximately one side of A4) detailing how you fit the person specification in the recruitment pack (on page 8, “What are we looking for?”).

Please refer to the recruitment pack for further information on the role, responsibilities and the skills and experience we are seeking from our External Members.

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of thousands of students studying across the UK and internationally. You will contribute to an innovative Students’ Association at a pivotal stage of its development, working with dedicated students and senior stakeholders to influence positive change.

Closing Date: Sunday 9th August