What’s it like being an SU Officer and Trustee?
Evie Croxford, SU President 2021–22, answers some questions about her role as an SU Officer and Trustee. All of Sheffield SU’s full-time Officers are also trustees, alongside 5 student trustees, and 4 external trustees. The Board of Trustees in the group of people with ultimate responsibility for everything that the Students’ Union does. It is responsible for the governance and financial and strategic management of the Students’ Union
What have you done so far in your role as a trustee?
The role has involved gaining experience in various aspects of running our SU. For example, I’ve taken the lead on the recruitment process for our new Chief Executive, chaired meetings like the Human Resources & Remuneration committee meetings, and approving the rebuilding and reshaping of staff structures for the SU to function better whilst recovering from Covid.
What’s the difference between being an Officer and a trustee?
Being a trustee is much more about the functioning and sustainability of the SU as a charity and organisation going into the future. You really have to assess risks and opportunities for the SU going into the future and critically assess the impact of everything that’s being brought to you.
What have you enjoyed the most about your role as a trustee so far?
It’s a big change of pace in comparison to some of the normal day to day as an SU Officer. I really enjoy the operational insight into how the SU functions.
What experience and skills has the role given you?
Assessing risks, thinking more critically and corporately about things like staffing, finance and legal knowledge of the charity sector and adhering to regulatory bodies.
