It’s an exciting time to join us and our members, as we press ahead with our strategic goals. Your expertise could help shape our work in supporting students from across the globe who choose to study in the UK and contribute to a vibrant, mission-driven team, guiding a national charity that places international students at the heart of everything we do.
Why join us?
Becoming a trustee at UKCISA means you'll play a key role in steering our efforts to enhance the international student experience. In return, you'll gain:
- A seat at the table of a dynamic, impactful charity.
- The chance to collaborate with a dedicated team of professionals and partners.
- The opportunity to influence meaningful policy changes that directly benefit international students and the education sector.
While candidates with current or previous experience as a trustee are welcome, this is not a requirement. What is most important is that you can demonstrate a commitment to UKCISA’s values, vision and mission, and to being actively involved with us as a trustee.
UKCISA welcomes applications from a wide range of backgrounds to help us reflect the diversity of our member and student communities across the UK. We would also welcome applications from individuals with strategic-level experience in a membership organisation.
The organisation
The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has worked for over 55 years to support international students and the institutions, students' unions and organisations who work closely with them.
Working collaboratively with our members, we use our unique insights and experience to raise awareness of the benefits that international students bring to the UK, and to advocate to government and sector stakeholders for meaningful policy change to support the international student experience. We provide advice directly to students, as well as supporting members through advice, training and expert guidance on immigration rules and other policy related to the international student experience.
We're a small organisation of around 20 staff headquartered in London, withover 400 member organisations. Our membership includes universities, FE colleges, independent schools and students' unions. Our income of £1.4 million comes from a range of sources including membership subscriptions, training, events, sponsorship and commercial partnerships.
If you are passionate about supporting the UK international student experience and empowering those who deliver it, this is the place for you.
The role
UKCISA is a charity, governed by a Board of 15 volunteer trustees. Our trustees are responsible for ensuring we are a well-run, financially sustainable, and dynamic organisation with a wide impact – for our members, for international students and for other stakeholders.
At this time, experience of a senior leadership position in a membership organisation is desirable, but not required. Successful applicants will be able to demonstrate to a significant commitment to UKCISA and its charitable objectives.
Each vacancy is for three years in the first instance, with the option for a further three years, if required. For more information on the responsibility and requirements of the role click here.
Elections
Following your application, your CV and expression of interest will be reviewed by UKCISA’s Nominations Committee. If successful, you will be invited to attend a shortlisting interview. Shortlisted applicants will be put forward for election by UKCISA members. This final stage will require a short submission explaining to members why you feel you are best placed to join the Trustee Board.
For the successful applicants, Trustee appointments will be approved by the Board at its meeting on Wednesday 14th May, 13:00 – 15:00 (Online). Successful applicants should aim to be available to attend.
Applications
Applications should be made online via the BeApplied platform here.
Application Deadline: Monday 24th March 2025, 09:00am
Provisional Interview Date: Tuesday 8th Apil 2025 (TBC)
For any queries about the role, please email: sam.jones@ukcisa.org.uk
