Join Our Board of Trustees

Are you passionate about making a difference and helping shape the future of a leading professional association? We’re looking for dynamic and committed individuals to join our Board of Trustees.

The Association of Higher Education Professionals (AHEP) is the professional home for staff working in higher education professional services across the UK and beyond. We connect and develop individuals at every stage of their careers, providing professional recognition, learning opportunities and a strong sense of community.

This is an exciting time to join AHEP’s Board of Trustees. The higher education landscape is evolving rapidly, and the need for a confident, skilled and connected professional services community has never been greater. We are seeking new trustees to help guide the Association’s strategic direction, strengthen governance and ensure that AHEP continues to serve members and the wider sector with credibility and impact.

Serving as a trustee is a unique opportunity to contribute your expertise, support our mission, and be part of a vibrant community of professionals dedicated to driving excellence in higher education and beyond. You’ll play a key role in shaping strategy, ensuring good governance, and supporting initiatives that benefit our members and the wider sector.

We are particularly keen to hear from individuals with experience in:

Membership and Marketing – Experience in building and engaging communities, membership development, or marketing strategy.

Finance – Experience as a treasurer or in financial management roles, providing oversight and guidance on financial strategy.

Board Governance – We are also seeking a Clerk to the Board, supporting effective governance, administration, and the work of trustees.

Why Join Our Board of Trustees?

In addition, we welcome applications from individuals with a broad range of skills and experiences, both from within higher education and outside the sector. If you have a passion for governance, strategic leadership, or making a difference in a professional association, we want to hear from you.

The UK higher education sector is undergoing significant reform, with shifts in policy linking education, skills, and employment, expanding technical learning, and strengthening financial sustainability. These changes highlight the importance of strong governance, strategic clarity, and financial stewardship.

As a trustee, you’ll play a pivotal role in ensuring AHEP remains a confident, resilient, and forward-looking organisation that supports higher education professional services through change.

Commitment & Term

Trustees typically serve three-year terms, renewable once, with a break before potential reappointment. Quarterly board meetings combine online and in-person sessions, with additional commitment of a few hours per month for papers, subcommittees, or representing AHEP at events.

Attendance at the Annual Conference is covered, and reasonable travel and subsistence expenses are reimbursed. These are voluntary positions offering meaningful engagement and the opportunity to shape the future of higher education professional services.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

AHEP values diversity and is committed to equality of opportunity. We particularly encourage applications from groups under-represented in leadership positions in higher education and the wider professional community. Appointments are made on merit through an open and transparent process.

How to Apply: Please send your CV and a short covering letter outlining your relevant experience and motivation for joining AHEP’s Board to chair@ahep.ac.uk.