Non-Executive Director

The Organisation

Portsmouth Students’ Union Trading Company Ltd (PSUT) is the social enterprise business arm for the University of Portsmouth Students’ Union (UPSU), and seeks to enhance the experience of every Portsmouth student in collaboration with UPSU, University of Portsmouth (UoP) and Community Partnerships whilst contributing financially to the wider organisation. PSUT formed in 2007 generating just £8,000 operating profit and previous to the C-19 pandemic that number had grown to £130,000. Today, the company has endured the challenges of business stoppage and is once again making a comfortable and sustainable revenue to support the charity.

Purpose of Trading Company

• Fundraise for the Charity and enrich student experience as our priorities
• Raise student awareness of, and raise engagement with, UPSU
• Provide opportunities for students to integrate into their Portsmouth Community
• A mechanism for strengthening partnerships (UoP/Community)
• Does things that UPSU can’t
• Must have financial stability

Current position and Future Aims

The Cost of Living Crisis and changes in student recruitment are some of the latest factors in the dynamic and responsive landscape in which PSUT operates. Uniquely, we are a responsive trading company, adapting our products, events and offers annually in tune with student data and the changing needs of our cohorts.

We are currently seeking opportunities to grow the partnership we have with our bespoke digital platform product for SU’s, explore the growth in online sales, expand our commercial client offer across the city and potentially wider for our distance and commuter students as well as maximise the opportunities from our temporary and then permanent building move over the next two years.

We are looking for one independent non-executive Director to Chair our Trading Company Board to support the enterprise through its next steps as we seek to broaden our portfolio of businesses and increase the financial contribution to the University of Portsmouth Students’ Union charity.

A strong and active Board is crucial for us as we implement our new strategy and endeavour to grow our business; one that is flexible and agile enough to react quickly to the changing needs and interests of our members and drive an increasing level of profit for the charity.

Further Information

Application is via a comprehensive CV plus a supporting statement (of no more than two sides of A4) detailing why you are applying for the position and what requirements you meet to carry out the role

Completed applications must be received by midday on the 11th November 2024.