Tuesday 02-05-2023 - 13:41

Here is Charles Lawrence, an incumbent Student Trustee at the Students’ Union. An Ancient History graduate, Charles is currently serving his second term as the JCR President of Stephenson College in addition to his role on the Board of Trustees. The board of Trustees at the SU is constituted of industry professionals, Student Officers and Student Trustees and is tasked with deliberating on key concerns impacting the entire student body. As a Student Trustee, Charles contributes to the principal aim of advancing the students’ outlook on issues. He and his fellow Student Trustees work to forefront the perspective of Durham students within higher-order decision-making. 

Charles considers this position to be a great responsibility, along with being an immense privilege given the opportunity to collaborate with a group so dedicated to the student cause. Having thoroughly enjoyed a positive and rewarding tenure, he fondly recalls the relentless motivation and support he received from his fellow Student Trustees and staff members. He finds himself appreciative of being able to help guide the direction of the SU while collaborating with people from diverse backgrounds and approaches. 

Having worked two years in a row as the JCR President, he applied to be a Student Trustee in order to enrich and refine his leadership experience. He affirms this role to be an excellent way to get involved with the wider student community and to make more of the university experience. He states that the position allowed him to tackle different issues and take on more responsibility. It also was a way for him to learn and discuss in depth the things that matter to students at Durham specifically. 

He recounts the numerous crucial projects that he was engaged in during his term. From keenly studying the strategies of the SU and its future goals to researching housing and working on systems around the industrial action referendum, he talks about having had a very fruitful term. He merits this opportunity of such high-level strategising to have helped him gain vital professional and personal skills. He believes that be it networking, time management, communication skills or efficiency, this role aided him in developing his capabilities. Moreover, it also facilitated him to build relations with not just the staff and the other Trustees but also with his fellow students. 

Charles expresses his encouragement and support for all those considering to run for this role. He asserts that it is a unique position, one that isn't offered anywhere else across the University. He assures that it is indeed an unmatched chance to meet some really great people who will have your best interests at heart and the best interests of Durham students as well. He extends his best wishes and good luck to all those who put themselves forward as candidates for Student Trustees. 

Nominations for Student Trustees close at midnight on 2 May. If you’re interested in putting yourself forward, you can find the role description here or fill out this form to submit your nomination.