Trustee

Duration: 3 years rolling up to max 9 years

Location:  Regents Park/Kennington Lane

Salary: unremunerated

Closing date: 31^st July 2026

International Students House

ISH is looking for one or two trustees to join the Board of Governors (the “ Board”).  We are looking for individuals who have experience in the digital fundraising/fundraising or IT, and who can bring their entrepreneurial, management and governance skills to assist the charity in delivering its mission.  This is an exciting time to join the Board of a dynamic and friendly organisation.

Governance

The Board has a maximum of 12 Governors (“Trustees”).  It is supported by a Finance and Audit Committee, a Governance and Nominations Committee, an Investment Committee, a Property Strategy Committee, a Scholarship Committee, and a Student Management Committee.  The Patron is HRH Princess Royal.  Trustees are expected to serve on at least one of the named Committees in addition to the main Board.

The Board is responsible for:

• Setting the strategy, budget and policy framework of International Students House.
• Supporting the Chief Executive and Senior Management Team (SMT) in implementing the strategy and business plan.
• Overall good governance and ensuring full regulatory compliance. 
• Promoting the organisation externally.
• Assisting with fundraising activities when required. 

Role of a Trustee

The statutory duties of a trustee are to:

• Work with fellow Board members and SMT in setting the Charity’s strategic aims, ensuring that the necessary financial and other resources are in place for ISH to meet its objectives and review performance management.
• Provide leadership to the Charity within a framework of prudent and effective controls, which enable risks to be assessed and managed.
• Comply with its governing document, charity law, company law and all other relevant law, legislation and/or regulations; 
• Pursue its objectives as defined in its governing document; 
• Use its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objectives, and in doing so fulfils its purpose for the benefit of the public; 
• Maintain proper systems, procedures and controls and that they are kept under regular review. 
• Safeguard the good name and values of the ISH; and 
• Appoint the CEO and monitor their performance

Person Specification

International Students House intends to recruit trustees who will also be members of appropriate sub–committees and who may be prepared to occupy the posts of Chair and Vice Chair in the future. 

The successful candidates may come from a wide range of backgrounds and especially welcomed would be individuals with experience and knowledge of digital fundraising/fundraising or IT/digital. They will be able to provide a range of skills and experience, from the following areas:   

• Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as trustees and to act in the best interests of ISH.
• Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgment and work effectively as a board member.
• Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion.
• Financially astute with an understanding of charity financial management.
• A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Enthusiasm for our mission and vision.
• Willingness to lead according to our values.
• Understanding of other cultures and issues faced by international students in the UK.

ISH is committed to reflect the diversity of the communities it serves and therefore welcomes applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability. All appointments will be made on merit, following a fair and transparent process.

Time Commitment

The Board meets four times a year and the Committees also meet on average four times a year. In addition, there are evening social events for our residents which Trustees will be invited to attend as these will give you the opportunity to meet our students and stakeholders. You would normally be expected to attend two of these events a year. All meetings are either in person at Regent’s Park, Kennington Lane or via video conferencing, on dates fixed 18 months in advance and are normally held at around 4.00 to 5.30 pm GMT.  All Trustees are subject to re-election after three years.

Remuneration 

This position is unremunerated.

Application Process

Please apply with covering letter setting out how your skills and experience match the requirements of the role, no later than 31^st July 2026.

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.