Our Trustees

As a registered charity, Keele SU has a Board of Trustees that oversees key decision-making to ensure the Union’s long-term success. Trustees volunteer their time to guide financial decisions, ensure legal compliance, and make sure the Union remains responsive to student needs.

These trustees ensure that Keele SU’s mission and vision reflect the needs and aspirations of its members—students like you. They work alongside Union Directors to manage and administer the Students’ Union.

Nuala Welsh on LinkedIn

As an innovator and strategic thinker, Nuala Welsh has substantial experience of providing inspirational leadership within Higher Education. This was done by creating a vision of high-quality student experience based around a culture of process improvement, innovation and excellent customer service that provides value for money. She led by example, using her extensive experience and skills to deliver strategic change for long-term sustainable benefit and putting the student at the heart of everything we do. Now retired from her previous role as Academic Registrar at the University of Leicester, she is enjoying giving back to the communities that made her work life fulfilling and enjoyable. She also volunteers with Derby City Council as an Independent Schools Admissions appeal panel member and has recently taken on a trustee role at Life Skills Education based in Nottingham.

James Ashenden on LinkedIn

James has extensive experience working within the facilities management industry, ensuring effective property management, service delivery and compliance performance. James has led large teams across national geographies, overseeing team growth, service design and strategic improvement in a range of workplace environments. Alongside a degree in business management, James has qualifications in health & safety, statutory compliance, project management and coaching. James currently works as part of a business growth and transformation consultancy, supporting a range of clients within the facilities industry. In addition to his forthcoming role as Trustee at Keele University Students Union, James is chair of governors at a local primary school with responsibilities including safeguarding and health and safety.

Hayley Williams on LinkedIn

Hayley is currently the Students’ Union Employability Manager at the University of Nottingham, with a background in Law and Academic Programme Design. She is also a School Governor responsible for overseeing safeguarding and SEN provision at a local primary school, and she volunteers as a Careers Coach for a charity focused on securing meaningful employment for people from marginalised backgrounds.

Grace is a 23-year-old postgraduate Human Geography student from Bristol. She has been volunteering with a local women’s charity for the past three years and has worked at the Students’ Union for nearly two years. Friendly, bubbly, and approachable, she is excited to improve the lives of Keele students through her role as a Student Trustee.

Student Trustees attend board meetings, contribute to strategic planning, and help maintain good governance and financial stability. They hold senior staff accountable and help shape staffing and financial policies. Full training is provided.

• Act in the best interests of Keele SU
• Ensure compliance with governing documents, laws, and regulations
• Maintain high standards of governance
• Safeguard Keele SU’s assets
• Collaborate with other trustees and senior staff to define and uphold the Union’s vision and strategy
• Implement mechanisms to:
  • Listen to current and future members
  • Ensure student views are central to university actions
  • Evidence Keele SU’s impact
  • Review external changes affecting the Union
  • Reassess services against strategic goals

• Trustee Board: Meets four times a year for 2–3 hours, with additional meetings as needed.
• Sub-Committees:
  • Finance, HR & Compliance: Reviews budgets, HR policies, and legal compliance. Requires at least one Student Trustee.
  • Student Engagement: Focuses on student democracy, activities, and communications. Also requires at least one Student Trustee.

• Finance, HR & Compliance Sub-Committee Terms of Reference
• Student Engagement Sub-Committee Terms of Reference
• The Essential Trustee: What You Need to Know
• Board Dates & Cycle of Business – 2024–2025
• Board Dates & Cycle of Business – 2025–2026