OUSET Trustee Autumn 2026
04 Nov 2026 17:00 - 05 Nov 2028
Closing date for applications is 25 Oct.
2 places
Join OUSET as a volunteer Trustee and help Open University students facing financial hardship continue their education. Bring your experience, skills and perspective to support effective governance, strategic decision -making and responsible grant-making. No previous trustee experience is require, just commitment, a good sense of judgement and a passion for widening access to education.
Help break barriers to education – from anywhere.
Join our team of OUSET Trustees
View the complete role description here - OUSET-Trustee-Role-Description.pdf
What you'll do:
- Help govern OUSET and ensure it supports Open University students experiencing financial hardship.
- Contribute to strategic decisions, review information and help ensure funds are used responsibly.
- Bring your skills, experience and perspective to Board discussions.
Who we're looking for:
- People aged 18+ who can exercise independent judgement and act in OUSET’s best interests.
- Someone passionate about widening access to education and supporting students.
- No previous trustee experience is required.
Time commitment:
1–4 hours per term, plus an annual strategy and training day. 1 term is usually 2 years.
Why volunteer?
- Make a meaningful difference to Open University students facing financial hardship.
- Gain experience in charity governance and strategic decision-making.
- Help shape the future of OUSET while bringing your own skills and perspective.
Training provided (online in Sept 2026):
- Trustee induction and training to help you understand your role, responsibilities and legal duties.
- Ongoing support to help you participate fully.
2 Trustees are needed.
Applications for this role close at 23:59 on Sunday 25 October 2026.
Benefits to self
Gain valuable charity governance and Board experience.
Develop strategic decision-making and leadership skills.
Meet new people and broaden your network.
Benefits to others
Help students overcome financial barriers to education. Support OU students to continue and succeed in their studies.
Help ensure OUSET’s resources reach students who need them most.
Training available
Trustee induction and training to help you understand your role, responsibilities and legal duties.
Ongoing support to help you participate fully.
Location
Online (with occasional in person e.g. Campus visits)
- ActivityIn-person, Online
Employability skills
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Problem Solving - Core skills and competencies
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Communication - Core skills and competencies
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Collaboration - Core skills and competencies
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Digital and information literacy - Core skills and competencies
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Initiative - Personal attributes and behaviours
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Commercial and/or sector awareness - External awareness
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Global citizenship - External awareness
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