Student experience is at the heart of everything we do and we’re recruiting an additional student member of the University Board. Join us and be part of decision-making at the highest level in the university. You will bring student engagement directly to the Board.
The Board oversees all activity at BU, making sure decisions are carefully considered and in the best interests of students. Your opinions will help shape student experience at BU both now and in the future.
The role is open to all current students (unless you are also a member of academic or professional services staff at BU as there are already staff board members). We would like applications from students from a wide variety of backgrounds. The Board is committed to increasing all forms of diversity on the Board and we want to hear from you.
How much time will it take?
There are five Board meetings a year – the dates are set in advance and are usually on Friday morning. Both the new student Board Member and the existing student Board Member (SUBU President) will also be full members of the:
- Student Experience, Quality and Standards Committee which will meet four times a year.
- Honourary Awards Committee which meets online twice a year.
In total, including preparation and reading time, we think it will take up about 15 days a year. We can help by notifying lecturers why you need time to attend meetings and asking them to support this so you don’t miss out. You can be on the Board for up to two years if you are still a student.
What’s in it for you?
All the positions on our board are unpaid as they are charity trustee roles, but you can claim reasonable expenses, for example, travel or help with child-care costs.
You will receive:
- experience of being at the heart of the university’s decisions and how a Board works
- satisfaction of knowing you are making a difference
- access to training and development both internal and external (training costs and expenses paid)
- opportunity to work with and be mentored by existing Board Members with a wide variety of professional experience
- help and support to grow into your role
- board level skills you can use in your future plans.
The University Board is a team and works together to help and support BU and each other. David Furniss, Chair of the Bournemouth University Board, has a message for anyone thinking of submitting an application:
Joining a board might seem a bit daunting but I can promise you a warm welcome and training and support to fulfil the role. It’s a rewarding way to help make decisions that really matter, and you will have the support of a mentor at every step. We want you to help us see the student perspective more clearly, adding your insight and expertise to ours, to work together for the good of all our students. I look forward to welcoming the successful candidate to their first Board meeting.”
How do I apply and what do I do if I have questions?
To apply, please fill out this short online application form.
The deadline for applying is midnight on Friday 18 April 2025.
The formal role description (pdf 55kb) for all Board members is available.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an interview either in person or online.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss please contact Deborah Wakely, Clerk to the Board on [email protected]