About JMSU
The Trustee Board
The Trustee Board is the highest governing body of JMSU. It makes sure JMSU is well run, legally compliant and financially sustainable, so we can keep delivering on our mission to help all LJMU students belong, be heard and thrive.
4
Executive Officers
Up to 4
Student Trustees
Up to 4
External Trustees
The Board makes sure 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 the board does

  1. Approving strategy and overseeing its delivery
  2. Ensuring financial accountability and long-term sustainability
  3. Monitoring risks and compliance
  4. Supporting and holding the Chief Executive to account
  5. Making sure JMSU is acting in the best interests of students

Meet the trustees

The Board is chaired by the JMSU President, with an External Trustee serving as Vice Chair.

Executive Officers

Photo of Hassan Hammad

Hassan Hammad

JMSU President
Chair of the Trustee Board
Photo of LJ Dunster

LJ Dunster

Vice President Education
Photo of Lucia Di Michele

Lucia Di Michele

Vice President Community & Wellbeing
Photo of Joshua Darley

Joshua Darley

Vice President Activities

External Trustees

  • Photo of Heather Akehurst OBE

    Heather Akehurst OBE

    External Trustee (Vice Chair)
    Heather is CEO of Open Awards, a national Awarding Organisation and Access Validating 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.
  • Photo of Evans Iyamu

    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 the private and public sectors, bringing a sharp focus on financial sustainability, risk and operational efficiency.
  • Photo of Dr Gordon Laing

    Dr Gordon Laing

    CMath CMathTeach FIMA
    External Trustee (Volunteer)
    Gordon is a Senior Lecturer in Mathematics Education at Edge Hill University with over 30 years in higher education. With expertise in student support, academic governance and quality assurance, he is committed to championing student voice, wellbeing, equity and inclusion, supporting JMSU as an independent advocate for all students.

Board meetings

The Trustee Board usually meets four times a year. We publish meeting summaries so every student can see what's been discussed and decided.

Sub-committees

Smaller groups that focus on specific areas. They meet throughout the year and report back to the full Board with updates and recommendations.
Finance, Audit & Risk
Governance & Policy
HR & Remuneration

Our finances

Our latest financial statements and annual accounts are on the Charity Commission website. For questions, contact our CEO, Paul Chapman, at p.chapman@ljmu.ac.uk.
View our accounts

Governance documents

The rules that set out how JMSU and the Trustee Board work.
JMSU Constitution Trustee Board Byelaw

Transparency and accountability

We're committed to open governance. If you have a question about the Trustee Board or how decisions are made at JMSU, get in touch.

Email the President