Independent (Non-Executive) Director, Cardiff Union Services Limited

Independent Director - Sought

Cardiff University Students' Union (the Union) is looking for an exceptional individual to become an independent director of the Union's trading company, Cardiff Union Services Limited. We are particularly interested in candidates who hold, or have held, senior roles in retail or hospitality and can offer the knowledge, skills and experience to influence the strategic direction and development of our commercial services to students.

The Union is embarking on an exciting new chapter in its 134-year history by working in partnership with Cardiff University to develop the Centre for Student Life (CSL) building adjacent to the Union building in Cardiff City Centre. The new building - scheduled for opening in 2020 - will focus the Union's position at the heart of the Cardiff University student experience and enhance the Union's reputation as one of the leading students' unions in the UK.

In support of the CSL project the Union aspires to redevelop its Great Hall within the Union building and expand its range of uses. The Great Hall is one of Cardiff's most historic and recognisable live music venues, but also accommodates conferences, exhibitions, lectures, and exams. We are developing a business case to improve the Great Hall's functionality and expand its capacity for large-scale events.

The Union's current trading activities are focused on delivering late-night entertainment, catering, clothing retail and student lettings, primarily to Cardiff University students. The Union's trading income accounts for more than half of the Union's total turnover and the profits from our trading activities fund our activities and non-commercial services to students.

About the Union

Cardiff University Students' Union (the Union) has a vision of working with every Cardiff student to enhance their university experience . As a student-led, independent part of the university, the Union represents students and provides a diverse and inclusive range of activities and services that enrich student life. These include advice, training, skills development, volunteering opportunities, employment and other services that promote inclusion, friendship and personal development. The Union supports approximately 200 student societies and 60 sports clubs that boast more than 10,000 members. The Union is also the recognised voice of students at Cardiff University, joining students in campaigning about the issues important to them.

CUSU is based on Park Place and at the Heath Park campus, employs over 100 permanent and 300 student staff and turns over GBP9M per annum. The trading subsidiary of the Union, Cardiff Union Services Limited, manages a purpose-built facility in the centre of Cardiff and operates cafes, shops, bars and events that help fund the Union's charitable activities. The Union holds 'Gold' Investors in People status and is ranked 'Excellent' within the National Union of Students', Quality Students' Unions scheme. The Union aspires to have a positive impact on the wider community in Cardiff, and is consistently graded the number one Students' Union in Wales and in the top five in the UK for student satisfaction.

Become our new Independent Director!

If you would like to find out more about this opportunity please contact Daniel Palmer, Chief Executive, at . The closing date for expressions of interest is Friday 9 th March 2018. More information about the Union can be found at cardiffstudents.com. It would be great to hear from you.

Hollie Cooke

Students' Union President & Chair of the Board of Directors

Daniel Palmer

Chief Executive & Managing Director