CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER APPOINTMENT BRIEF SEPTEMBER 2020
INTRODUCTION FROM THE PRESIDENT Thank you for your interest in being a part of the Lancaster University Students' Union family. Our charity is a member-led body focussed on ensuring that students achieve the very best of their lives at Lancaster University and that they are well prepared for their futures after they leave us. We provide support for a diverse student body and ensure that their interests are well-represented within the wider university community. Students' unions are a fundamentally unique body that straddles the political and charitable aspects of advocacy and activism. They are closely tied to their parent university and receive income from them (along with commercially generated income) but are responsible for challenging them to deliver the best they can for students. We are led by sabbatical officers and the membership, who are constantly changing and evolving. This makes for a totally unique operating environment. Lancaster University Students' Union itself is looking for an ambitious new strategic, financial and political approach to address our recent challenges. Many members have become dissatisfied with the union as a result of specific decisions that were taken, and reconnecting with them is a priority. We have been heavily impacted by the COVID-19 crisis due to our reliance on our commercial services to bolster our income. Whilst some aspects of our delivery set an industry standard, other elements are lacking. Nevertheless, in response to the pandemic we have been opportunistic, and have streamlined some of our processes to protect our core delivery and staff base to allow us flexibility going forward. My aim as President is to make the students' union relevant and meaningful to our members again, working with our new CEO, who will also be able to utilise our resources to deliver the best for our membership. This is an exciting time to be part of an institution that is in the process of implementing far-reaching reform and that seeks to redefine itself as a proactive advocate on behalf of its membership. We are therefore looking for a CEO who is able to think creatively and apply that creativity to make lasting change, putting our membership at the heart of everything that we do. You will hold a key role in ensuring that from year to year, even as membership representatives change, there is continued stability and sustainability. You will provide a degree of challenge for the political leadership and Trustee Board, whilst empowering them to achieve their core goals each year. This is a challenging role that we hope will be incredibly rewarding for you. Students are at an incredible and demanding time of their life, so the students' union must always be there to fight for them. My colleagues and I greatly look forward to getting to know you.
Oliver Robinson President and Chair of the Trustee Board
1
Chief Executive Officer | Appointment brief
Chief Executive Officer | Appointment brief
2
WHO WE ARE Lancaster University Students’ Union’s goal is for students to have a fulfilling time at university. We work towards that goal by getting involved in every aspect of the life of the university, providing a wide range of services designed to make time at the university as fun, fulfilling and fantastic as it can be. We also provide support services, so that if students are experiencing challenges, they can get the support they need. We aspire to ensure all student’s have the best possible journey during their time at the university and that they are able to make the following affirmations along the way: • I feel like I belong
It’s important for us to build a collaborative culture where we empower students, staff and volunteers to work collectively as a positive force for change and achieve even more for students. The Chief Executive plays a key role in helping to drive the empowerment of others. We are at the start of an ambitious change programme that will see ups update our governance and democracy structures, ensuring we have the right systems, structures, policies and procedures to be as effective as possible and deliver the results our students deserve. Our new Chief Executive will lead on the implementation of this work, together with setting a new ambitious strategy that ensures the students' union is the best it can be.
• I’m actively involved in university life at Lancaster • N othing is holding me back from succeeding at university • I know that I can go to our union for help and support • I feel I can make my voice heard and the union is a collective force for positive change • My university experience if preparing me for my future
3
Chief Executive Officer | Appointment brief
This is an incredible opportunity to support the students' union through a period of exciting change, as we develop the union and our culture to achieve the very best for our members.
Our Big Vision Our Big Vision is 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: • B eing the authentic voice on student issues which matter to them • H elping make Lancaster a great place to study and live • Enabling members to broaden their horizons • C elebrating members’ achievements and the union’s impact • P roviding relevant and high quality services that members value
Our Values Our values underpin everything we do and everything we believe in as a students’ union. Our core values are: • Students at the heart of what we do • Independence • Respect • Fun • Openness • Courage • Celebration Further details on the values, which were developed with members, are available here: lancastersu.co.uk/our-strategy/our-values
Chief Executive Officer | Appointment brief
4
STRATEGY & AMBITION Looking forward, Lancaster University Students' Union is developing a programme of activity designed to help overcome the challenges and barriers our full range of members face to feeling part of the students' union and the wider university community, particularly during these unprecedent times with COVID-19. Our ultimate aim is for the union to have a positive impact on a broader and more diverse mix of Lancaster students. With the future uncertain for a number of reasons, we've designed these plans to be flexible and agile enough to allow us to adapt to opportunities and challenges that may arise. Lancaster University Students' Union is going through a transformative process fueled by an external review that evaluated our governance and management structures to ensure we continue our valuable work with our members. We have high hopes for the future as we aim to make the students’ union the very best it can be, enabling all our members to get the support they require. There are numerous challenges and opportunities on the horizon; our current strategic plan has not progressed due to various changes, and once the new Chief Executive is in post, we will develop a new strategy to ensure a clear focus on engaging more students with the advice, support and opportunities they need.
5
Chief Executive Officer | Appointment brief
STRUCTURE & GOVERNANCE Students' union governance reflects the unique membership structure of the organisation, with members represented at Board and Executive levels. The Trustee Board consists of the six elected Full Time Officers, three Student Trustees and five External Trustees. The Trustee Board is assisted by its sub-committees (in particular the Finance and Risk, Governance, and Executive Committees). Democracy is at the heart of the students’ union. Student members elect representatives at all levels of the organisation. Policy is set by those representatives at the Executive Committee, by members directly through referenda and student members’ meetings, and by student juries. The Full Time Executive Officers are elected by cross campus ballots annually. Each officer has a specific political remit as well as being jointly responsible for effective and clear student representation to the university. Officers are accountable to our members through the Executive Committee, student members’ meetings and referenda.
Chief Executive Officer | Appointment brief
6
FINANCES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2019 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES For the year ended 31 July 2019 Notes
Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
Total Funds
Total Funds
Funds
Funds
Funds
2019
2018
£
£
£
£
£
931,267
-
617,946
1,549,213
1,453,681
Income and endowments from: Donations and Legacies
2
Charitable Activities
3
220,986
-
3,003
223,989
220,882
Other trading activities:
4
6,393,959
-
-
6,393,959
6,318,516
Investments
5
906
-
-
906
196
7,547,118
-
620,949
8,168,067
7,993,275
Total Expenditure on: Raising Funds
4
(5,939,710)
-
-
(5,939,710)
(5,687,583)
Charitable Activities
6
(1,835,806)
50
(620,180)
(2,455,936)
(2,229,276)
Other Provisions
7 8
(23,229)
-
-
(23,229)
32,968
-
-
32,968
(23,275) (249,987)
(7,765,777)
50
(620,180)
(8,385,907)
(8,190,121)
Net (Expenditure)/Income
(218,659)
50
769
(217,840)
(196,846)
Net movement in funds
(218,659)
50
769
(217,840)
(196,846)
Total Funds Brought Forward
2,049,577
148,866
26,969
2,225,412
2,422,258
Total Funds Carried Forward
1,830,918
148,916
27,738
2,007,572
2,225,412
Total
Reconciliation of Funds:
All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities� � All gains and losses recognised in the year are included in the Statement of Financial Activities� The notes on pages 18-34 form part of these financial statements�
7
Chief Executive Officer | Appointment brief
ORGANISATION CHART Retail Team Retail (Cental Supermarket) Manager
Retail supervisors
Living Team Financial Controller
Living Manager
Assistant Manager Senior Housing Assistant Housing Assistant’s
Assistant Accountant & Finance Officer Team Leader
Accounts Assistant’s
Senior Student Advisor
Student Advice Caseworker
Education & Representation Advisor
Academic Representation Support
Welfare & Policy Coordinator Education & Support Manager Student Development Coordinator
Democracy & Governance Coordinator
Student Researchers
Student Voice Assistant
PG Research Role
Chief Executive
Communications Manager
Communications Team Graphic Designer Assistant Student Graphic Designer Communications Co-ordinator Digital Content Creators Welcome Desk Co-ordinator Welcome Desk
Commercial Marketing & Support Manager
Marketing Assistants
Sugarhouse Venue Manager
The Sugarhouse Team
Head or Marketing & Org. Dev
IT Support Coordinator
Student Development Manager
Student Development Manager (Schools)
Union Cloud Student Support Team
Student Opportunities Team Coordinators
Student Opportunities Coordinator (Schools)
Engagement Manager Sports Development Manager
Sports Support Team Opportunities Coordinator Sports
Departmental Administrator Environmental Projects Coordinator
Environmental Sustainability Intern
Chief Executive Officer | Appointment brief
8
ROLE DESCRIPTION Job title Chief Executive Officer Salary £55,000–£62,000 plus access to the USS pension scheme, biennial salary progression and Lancaster University's sector leading flexible benefits
Major Duties Long Term Strategic Development • Develop and implement the Strategic Plan through operational plans, in consultation with officers and staff of the union and with the university, based on Lancaster University Students' Union’s core mission and values
Directly responsible to Lancaster University Students' Union Trustee Board (via the Chair) & the LU Pro-Vice-Chancellor Engagement
• E nsure the Trustee Board is kept informed of long term strategic development
Supervisory responsibility for All staff of Lancaster University Students' Union through appropriate line structures
• P romote constructive working relations with the university and develop student representations at all levels
Other contacts
Support Student Leadership and Governance • Promote democracy, membership engagement and student leadership
Internal Elected Officers, Trustees, Lancaster University Students' Union Staff and Lancaster University Senior Executives (especially the Pro-Vice-Chancellor Engagement, Chief Administrative Officer and Director of Finance) External Other Student Unions, NUS and any other relevant bodies Purpose of post The Chief Executive Officer is responsible for Lancaster University Students' Union staff, finances, administration, commercial operations and its long term planning and development, ensuring all legal obligations are met. The Chief Executive Officer also consults appropriately and provides effective management and leadership. The CEO is a joint appointment between students' union and the university and therefore plays an important role in ensuring that the objectives of Lancaster University Students' Union are met whilst maintaining strong understanding of the university’s context and strategy, as well as effective relationships with key university officers. Benefits Full benefits are available via the following link: hr-jobs.lancs.ac.uk/display.aspx?id=1093&pid= 0&tabId=230
9
Chief Executive Officer | Appointment brief
• E nsure comprehensive inductions and continuing professional, ‘political’ and personal support is provided to the elected Student Officers • S upport the Trustee Board and assist with the recruitment and induction of volunteer Student Trustees and independent External Trustees • S upport Student Representation, attending meetings and providing advice to Officers and members • A dvise Officers, Trustees and relevant student leadership on their responsibilities within the legal framework that applies to Lancaster University Students' Union (e.g. Charity Law, Education Act, Licensing legislation and health and safety). Ensure that the students’ union has, and reviews, procedures to maintain its accountability to its members • M aintain and develop close working relationships with Junior Common Rooms • E nsure compliance with all legal and financial requirements, and with Charity Commission guidance on good governance
Financial • Ensure the union remains in positive financial health, both in terms of solvency and liquidity
Networks and Relationships • Manage and develop constructive working relationships with the university and wider community
• Present an annual budget to the Trustee Board
• I nspire and oversee good working relationships amongst officers and staff
• Lead funding negotiations with the university • E nsure the accurate and timely financial reporting to the Trustee Board, including an audited annual report, and university as required • E nsure that the union follows a set of robust financial regulations • E nsure that there are adequate systems of financial control in place throughout the union Staff Management and Development • Provide effective and visible values based operational leadership to all staff • E nsure recruitment, appointment, induction, training and development reviews of all Lancaster University Students' Union staff are managed as well as contracts of employment, negotiation with staff unions, discipline, equal opportunities and compliance with relevant legislation • E nsure appropriate accountability and responsibility for performance to deliver on the students’ union’s goals and values • P romote and support continual professional development
• R epresent Lancaster University Students' Union on a range of occasions at both university and other external events or groups • M aintain other effective networks and communications externally, especially with CEOs from other students’ unions, the National Union of Students and other relevant bodies Operations • Ensure that the union operates within all relevant legal requirements, protecting the best interest and legal position of the union • E nsure that the union operates within all relevant Health & Safety legislation and all university safety policies • E nsure the union has adequate insurance and compliance policies Other Duties • The Chief Executive Officer will complete other duties where necessary from time to time as required by the Trustee Board or to further our objectives as a union Delegation • The Chief Executive Officer shall delegate such of the above functions as they see fit to other union staff
• D evelop objectives for the senior staff team in line with strategic and operational plans Commercial Services • Ensure the effective management of the commercial services of the union, including relevant licenses and leases • D evelop new and existing commercial services in line with new opportunities, sharing plans with the Trustee Board
Chief Executive Officer | Appointment brief
10
PERSON SPECIFICATION Essential • E xperience of working within a membership organisation, or a strong understanding of member’s needs • E xperience of successful, senior-level strategic leadership and strong operational oversight in a diverse organisation with multiple activities whilst ensuring effective resources • D emonstrable experience of building and managing multi-functional teams and developing ambitious, impact-focused cultures • E xperience of developing relationships with, and balancing the needs of, a broad range of stakeholders resulting in successful internal and external working relationships and partnerships • E xperience of developing and implementing organisational strategy in collaboration with stakeholders resulting in successful organisational development • E xperience of effective financial management, including planning resource change to ensure sustainability, managing budgets, and interpreting management information accurately • E xperience of planning and implementing structural and resource change in the workplace • A facilitative and flexible approach to leadership, and willingness and ability to work in a student-led setting adjusting styles as necessary • A bility to manage change effectively, build strong teams and deliver impact • A bility to coach and mentor staff, including identifying areas for development • A bility to operate with political skill and able to recognise (and influence) the interests of a wide range of stakeholders
11
Chief Executive Officer | Appointment brief
• A ble to promote a culture of ideas, innovation and entrepreneurialism • T horough emotional intelligence and the ability to work with the interests of a wide range of people in mind • E xcellent verbal and written skills, especially in communicating complex information • T he ability to present to other people in an engaging, influential and positive manner • G ood knowledge and understanding of legal issues relating to human resources, health and safety and general organisational compliance • A n understanding and interest in current issues affecting the Higher Education landscape as well as wider political issues which may have an impact on students • A strong commitment to the purpose of Lancaster University Students' Union and the democratic principles that underpin a students’ union • Eligible to live and work in the UK
Desirable • Educated to degree level • A formal management or similar professional qualification • E xperience of managing commercial operations directly or through other specialist managers • A good understanding of charity governance and administration
HOW TO APPLY Please forward a CV together with a supporting statement (maximum two pages of A4). Please ensure that you have included mobile, work and home telephone numbers, as well as any dates when you will not be available or might have difficulty with the recruitment timetable. At Prospectus we believe passionately that a truly inclusive workplace leads to increased social impact. We are committed to supporting our clients build more inclusive teams. To understand how we are performing, we ask that you kindly complete the brief equal opportunities questionnaire when you submit your application via our website. Please be assured that your responses are kept confidential, separate from your candidate record, are not part of any application you make, and that the consultants never see individual responses to the questionnaire. Applications should be made via the Prospectus website at: prospect-us.co.uk/executive/job/HQ00177487
Recruitment Timetable Deadline for applications Sunday 18th October 2020 Interviews with Prospectus 23–28th October 2020 Engagement meetings with Lancaster University Students' Union week commencing 2nd November 2020 Interviews with Lancaster University Students' Union week commencing 9th November 2020
Queries If you have any queries on any aspect of the appointment process, need additional information or would like to have an informal discussion, please contact Anna Gardet or Roberta Giubilini at Prospectus on 020 7691 1920, or email anna.gardet@prospect-us.co.uk or roberta.giubilini@prospect-us.co.uk
Chief Executive Officer | Appointment brief
12
Prospectus Ltd 20–22 Stukeley Street London, WC2B 5LR