About us > Trustees

About us

The University of Sussex Students' Union aims to make the lives of its members better by providing opportunities such as sports clubs and societies, advice and support services on issues such as housing and coursework and student-friendly shops and bars on campus.

► Trustees

Student Trustees sit on the Board of Directors for the Union. Trustees are not involved in day to day affairs, but take an overview of how the Union is performing, both financially and in delivering services to students.

What is a Trustee?

The position of Trustee is new to the University of Sussex Students’ Union. As a result of changes in charity law, we have introduced a Board of Trustees, which under charity law is the governing body of the Students’ Union. The overall role of the Board is to ensure that the Union is well run, meeting its aims and working within the legal and constitutional framework laid down.

There will be twelve Trustees: the six full-time elected officers; three elected students; and three Trustees appointed for their specialist knowledge in areas such as law and finance to provide independent expertise for the Board.

A Trustee is responsible for:
i) making sure the decisions that the Union makes are in the best interest of the Union and its members
ii) Setting the long term plans and direction of the Union
iii) Making sure the Union uses its financial resources properly and that it is financially viable
iv) Ensuring the Union works within the law and constitution

Who can be a Trustee?

The role of Trustee is governed by law. There are certain categories of people who may not be a trustee or company director. So that the Union can be satisfied that you will be able to carry out the role if elected, you need to complete a charity trustee declration and return it to the Returning Officer (ideally at the candidates' meeting) before the nomination can be confirmed.

Why do we have Student Trustees?

It is important for the Union that the Board makes good decisions, as they affect the whole organisation. In order to do this, the Board should involve a range of people with different views and experiences. It should contain a majority of people that are relevant to its work: students! The student trustees will ensure that the union is accountable to its members and that students have their views heard at this level.

Student Trustees

Elsie Whittington
Law, Politics & Sociology, Year 2

I would aim to ensure that the union is fair and responsive to the needs of all students. I think it's important that the widest range of students have their say over union policies and budget allocation. As a trustee I would strive to make sure all views are taken into account. We need clear policies and priorities but should also keep space and flexibility to change in response to different student demands every year. My experience on management committees and as a trustee for a national charity would help me contribute positively to this new SU board.

Alon Aviram
Global Studies, Year 3

Our university alongside most others in the UK is being subject to a series of government implemented, and managerially embraced, privatisation transformations. The intrusion of external trustees into the running of our public institution could in practice serve to detach key decision making processes from democratic student/university worker involvement and accountability. If elected as student trustee, I would work to not only ensure that the student union is fulfilling its obligation to all its members, but to also limit any detrimental influences of external trustees. I am committed to helping to oversee that the union is representative and operates efficiently.

Adam Cantwell Corn
Global Studies, Year 3

For US, By US

The Union’s legal status has changed, yet the Union must remain run by students, for students! As an elected trustee I will present a strong and clear voice for quality of education and student experience when considering external trustees and Union direction. This voice stems from a deep personal commitment to principles of representation and accountability within our University, and beyond. This dedication, coupled with experience from active involvement in student and educational campaigns, and practical skills gleaned from a Law degree will ensure principled and capable representation. For a committed and competent candidate, Vote Adam for Student Trustee!

Appointed Trustees

Matt Knight

Matt is a Sussex alumnus. He has worked in students' unions for 7 years including holding the position of acting CEO at Wolverhampton Students’ Union.

He has had been a trustee for the Birmingham Guild of Students and is currently heading up the Attenborough Centre for Creative Arts project on campus.

Christian Heeger

Christian is a Sussex alumnus. He is an audit director for Grant Thornton, a large and highly respected professional services organisation.

He has worked with all kinds of organisation including those in the third sector and has high level of expertise in the fields of finance and accounting.

Sally Hunt

Sally is a Sussex alumna and a previous Full-time Elected Officer in the Students’ Union. She is currently the General Secretary of University and College Union, a large, nationwide trade union that represents professionals in the Higher Education sector.

Her experience within a membership organisation in the Higher Education sector is invaluable.