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About the JMSU Trustee Board

The JMSU Trustee Board is the highest governing body of JMSU. It is responsible for making sure JMSU is well-run, legally compliant, and financially sustainable—so we can continue delivering on our mission to help all LJMU students belong, be heard, and thrive.

The Board ensures that JMSU stays focused on its charitable objectives, complies with relevant laws and regulations, and makes evidence-based decisions that shape the strategic direction of the Union.

What does the board do?

The Trustee Board's main responsibilities include:

  • Approving strategy and overseeing its delivery
  • Ensuring financial accountability and long-term sustainability
  • Monitoring risks and compliance
  • Supporting and holding the Chief Executive to account
  • Making sure JMSU is acting in the best interest of students

Meet the Trustees

The Trustee Board is made up of up to 4 External Trustees, up to 4 Student Trustees, and our 4 Executive Officers. The Board is chaired by the President, with an External Trustee serving as Vice Chair.

 

Young man smiling indoors wearing a plaid vest over a long sleeve shirt with hands clasped on a table.

Brenin Firscht

Executive Officer

Chair of the Trustee Board

JMSU President

 

A young woman with red hair wearing glasses and a green patterned dress stands smiling in front of a large brick building with arches

Seren Hutchinson

Executive Officer

Vice President Education

Young woman smiling outdoors wearing a floral blouse and denim vest with long wavy hair

Alexandria Jones

Executive Officer

Vice President Community & Wellbeing

 

A young woman with long red hair smiles while using an exercise bike in a modern gym wearing a blue sports top with green pants

Lottie Tudge

Executive Officer

Vice President Activities

 

A young man standing at a clear podium, reading or speaking into a microphone. He is wearing a black blazer over a black and white shirt, with lighting and a dark blue background.

Joeb Hasty-Fowler

Student Trustee (Volunteer)

Joeb is a Media Production student who's deeply involved in student life at LJMU. He's part of six societies—including Film and Anime—and plays an active role as a committee member, bringing creativity and energy to the campus community.

 

Young woman with shoulder-length brown hair wearing a green sleeveless top, smiling while holding a drink at an indoor social event with ornate decor in the background.

Sophie Platt

Student Trustee (Volunteer)

Sophie is a Psychology student and a passionate member of the student community. She is actively involved in multiple societies and currently serves as Vice President of the Psychology Society.

 

A woman with long brown hair wearing a dark top and a bright pink scarf smiling in front of a tan wall

Heather Akehurst OBE

External Trustee (Volunteer)

Heather is CEO of Open Awards, a National Awarding Organisation and Access Valid Agency supporting learners of all ages. With a strong background in education and the charity sector, she brings expertise in strategy, governance, and inclusion. She was awarded an OBE for services to Further Education in Merseyside.

 

Smiling man wearing a black paisley patterned tuxedo jacket a white dress shirt and a black bow tie standing in front of a dark background

Kofi Ohene-Djan

External Trustee (Volunteer)

Kofi is a senior marketing and communications professional with a strong track record in brand strategy, campaign delivery, and audience engagement. He has worked across commercial and non-profit sectors, using his expertise to build inclusive, impactful messaging and support organisational growth.

 

A man wearing glasses a black tuxedo a white shirt and a colorful bow tie standing in front of a dark background

Mark Humphreys

External Trustee (Volunteer)

Vice Chair

Mark is an experienced Higher Education consultant, advising universities and students' unions on governance, finance, and strategic planning. With a background in senior leadership and financial management, he brings deep insight into the challenges and opportunities within the HE sector.

 

A man wearing a dark suit white shirt and striped tie looking directly at the camera against a dark background

Evans Iyamu

External Trustee (Volunteer)

Evans is a finance professional with extensive experience across corporate finance, strategic planning, and business transformation. He has worked in senior roles across both the private and public sectors, bringing a sharp focus on financial sustainability, risk, and operational efficiency.

 

Board Meetings

The Trustee Board typically meets 4 times a year. Summaries or minutes of the meetings are published for transparency and student awareness.

  • April 2025 Meeting – Read Summary

Sub-Committees

To help the Trustee Board work more effectively, we have a couple of sub-committees that focus on specific areas:- 

  • Finance, Audit & Risk
  • Governance & Policy
  • HR & Remuneration

These smaller groups meet throughout the year and report back to the full Board with updates and recommendations.

Our Finances

Our latest financial statements and annual accounts are available on the Charity Commission website. If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact our CEO, Paul Chapman, at p.chapman@ljmu.ac.uk.

Key Governance Documents

Want to Be a Trustee?

Each year, we recruit Student Trustees to sit on the Board. This is a great opportunity to gain board-level experience, shape the future of your Students’ Union, and make a real difference.

If you're interested in becoming a trustee or want to know more, contact Paul Chapman (CEO) at p.chapman@ljmu.ac.uk.

Transparency and Accountability

We are committed to open governance. If you have a question about the Trustee Board or how decisions are made at JMSU, you can get in touch at president@ljmu.ac.uk.