Trustee Board
Board of Trustees
As a charitable organisation, MDXSU has a Trustee Board which oversees our work and ensures that the Students' Union is well run, meeting its aims and working within the legal and constitutional framework laid down. Trustees are not involved in the day to day affairs, but take an overview of how the Union is performing, both financially and as a representative body for Middlesex students.
Trustees are responsible for making sure that Union decisions are made in the best interest of the Union and its members. They also set the long-term plans and direction of the Union, making sure the Union uses its financial resources properly and that it is financially viable. They ensure the Union works within the law and constitution.
The Board of Trustees is made up of the following:
Student Officer Trustees
The Student Officer Trustees are the 5 annually elected student officers who act as MDXSU’s primary representatives. Student Officers are paid employees who take a year out of their studies or carry out the role after completion of their final year, to undertake the role. The Student Officer Trustees for the 2023-24 academic year are:
Sagar Joshi,
MDXSU President & Deputy Chair of the Trustee Board
Jay Suryavanshi,
Sukritha Pothaganti,
Omar Numaan Khan,
Community & Citizenship Officer
Sahil Patel,
Student Trustees
There are two student trustees who are elected by cross-campus ballot in the main Union elections. The Student Trustees are students currently studying at Middlesex who undertake the vole on a voluntary basis whilst completing their studies and can serve for up to two years. The Student Trustees for the 2023-24 academic year are:
Garima Poudel
Garima is currently pursuing a Masters in International Relations from Middlesex University. She has always been interested in bringing good change in places around here, however she can. Her main aim as a Student Trustee is to gain experience and knowledge in the charity field and help students as much as possible.
Beetha Joy
Beetha Joy, a Digital Marketing master's student, is dedicated to enhancing the University community. With a passion for positive change, Beetha advocates for student concerns, offering fresh solutions to challenges. Drawing from personal experiences, she emphasises compassion and support to empower others. Her trustee role is a platform for uplifting peers, while her goal is to gain insights into complex problem-solving and communication. Through her contributions, Beetha aims to make a tangible difference and find fulfilment in serving others.
External Trustees
External Trustees (lay trustees) are appointed by a simple majority vote of the Appointments Committee based on their professional knowledge, skills and experience they can bring to the Board. They undertake the role on a voluntary basis and often take on additional responsibilities within the sub-committees of the Board. External Trustees serve four-year terms and can serve up to two terms which may either be consecutive or non-consecutive. The External Trustees for the 2022-23 academic year are:
Ben Morrison (Chair of the Trustee Board)
Ben Morrison is a Charity and Fundraising Consultant, and has been a Trustee of MDXSU since November 2017, and became Chair of the Board in July 2023. He has worked in the charity sector since 1999 and established Ben Morrison Consulting in 2015 to use his in-depth knowledge, hands-on experience, and track record of achievement to help charities raise more funds and teach their professional and voluntary fundraisers to be more confident and successful. Since that time, Ben has successfully guided clients to increase their income by more than £30m for revenue and capital projects both in the UK and abroad. Ben Morrison BA (Hons) Dip MCinstF is a Director of the Association of Fundraising Consultants, a member of the Chartered Institute of Fundraising, and was a judge for the 2020 National Fundraising Awards. Ben was President of Nottingham Trent University Students’ Union from 1995-1997
Jules Singh
Jules Singh is currently the Community Living Officer at the University of Birmingham, supporting students who live in private sector accommodation with issues with their landlords and letting agents. Prior to this, he was the Education Officer at the University of Birmingham’s Guild of Students from 2020-22. Jules studied Politics at Birmingham, representing students as a part-time officer for Commuter Students at the same time, and is currently studying a part-time distance-learning MSc in Social Policy and Social Research at UCL. He’s extremely passionate about EDI and Community Organising, believing we should collectively build students as future leaders.
Annabel Mabin
Annabel is currently the Interim Deputy CEO at the Union of Kingston Students. Having worked in Student Unions’ for over 8 years, Annabel and has a breadth of knowledge of the SU Sector and the Higher Education landscape and brings this experience to the MDXSU trustee board. Annabel also gained a master’s degree in human resources management from Kingston University. Annabel is passionate about the role of Student Union’s in the life of students at University and believes all students should get the most out of their university experience. She was also elected Vice President Student Activities and part of the first all-female elected officer team at Hertfordshire Student Union. She is looking forward to bringing this knowledge and passion to add value to the board to continue to support MDXSU.
Maja Golec
Maja is a seasoned DEI professional, deeply committed to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion within organisations and societies. She has actively advocated for these principles across her academic and professional career, and is her main focus in her role as trustee. Over the years, she has worked to ensure diverse representation and equitable practices, recognising the importance of creating inclusive spaces where all individuals can thrive and contribute their unique perspectives. As a non-governmental organisation (NGO) employee, she has solid understanding of the challenges faced by charitable organisations and her experience equips her with the necessary skills to navigate complex issues and make informed decisions as a charity trustee. Maja brings a strong sense of responsibility, ensuring that MDXSU’s mission is balanced with prudent decision-making for long-term sustainability and growth.
