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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

Trustee Vacancies

We are currently seeking Student Trustees and one External Trustee to join our Board. For more information on each role, please see below and access the relevant documents.

Student Trustees help ensure the student voice is central to our governance and decision making. This role is open to current LJMU students who want to contribute to the strategic direction of JMSU. You can find out more by reading the Student Trustee Job Pack and completing the Student Trustee Application Form.

The External Trustee brings professional experience, expertise, and independent insight to the Board. They support JMSU’s long-term sustainability, compliance, and strategic leadership. You can find out more by reading the External Trustee Job Pack and completing the External Trustee Application Form.

For an informal conversation about either role, please contact the CEO at p.chapman@ljmu.ac.uk.

Thank you in advance for your interest in becoming a Trustee.

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.

 

A young man with short curly brown hair and a trimmed beard is sitting in a modern, well-lit indoor space. He is smiling at the camera, wearing a dark navy quarter-zip pullover and light blue jeans. The background features glass walls, indoor plants, and blurred outdoor scenery.

Miles Craven

Executive Officer

Chair of the Trustee Board

JMSU President

 

A person wearing a pink cardigan with white floral patterns and blue jeans sits on a bench in a modern indoor space. The setting features contemporary furnishings, large windows, and a softly blurred background with tables and chairs, creating a calm, casual atmosphere.

Erin Gerard

Executive Officer

Vice President Education

A person with long blonde hair wearing a white button-up shirt with fine vertical stripes sits indoors. They are positioned near large windows, with soft natural light illuminating a modern interior featuring sleek furniture and clean lines.

Etienne Lewis-Jarvis

Executive Officer

Vice President Community & Wellbeing

 

A young man with short curly hair and a prominent moustache is standing outdoors, smiling at the camera. He is wearing a light beige short-sleeved button-up shirt. The background features modern white buildings, green hedges, and trees, suggesting a pleasant urban or campus setting.

Joshua Darley

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.

 

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 (Vice Chair)

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 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.

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

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.