Meet the member – Stacey Wilson

Seize every opportunity that comes your way

What is your role and what are your responsibilities?

As the Governance and Risk Business Partner at Newcastle University Students’ Union, I lead risk management efforts, ensure compliance, and provide advice and support on regulatory matters to managers, leaders, and departmental areas of our organisation. I take lead on managing complaints, overseeing the risk register, staying updated on developments in charity law and health & safety, and collaborating closely with the Risk Manager at Newcastle University. Although this work is inherently complex, it can be highly rewarding, offering opportunities for collaboration to establish an effective risk framework within challenging environments.

I dedicate a substantial portion of my time to managing projects, ensuring robust health and safety policies are in place, fostering a risk-aware culture, and maintaining strong relationships with regulators and key stakeholders. Additionally, I support my team in organising trustee board meetings, and its sub-committees, facilitating recruitment processes and managing general governance responsibilities.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

There are many aspects of my job that I enjoy, but here’s why I’m particularly passionate about working in the higher education sector and, more specifically, within governance and risk management:

1. Every day is different — As a governance and risk manager, I’m responsible for understanding and managing risk across the entire organisation. This means no two days are ever the same, keeping the work dynamic and engaging.
2. Connecting with people — The broad scope of my role allows me to collaborate with a wide range of individuals and gain insights into various specialist areas within our industry. I find it incredibly rewarding to learn from others and build strong professional relationships.
3. Embracing complexity — I enjoy the challenge of understanding the intricate roles of my colleagues, aligning with their departmental goals, and developing a compliant infrastructure that supports their success. I thrive on problem-solving and tackling elaborate projects.

Ultimately, I love my job because, although it can be challenging, I enjoy thinking creatively and finding innovative solutions. I take pride in playing a vital role in supporting my organisation’s success and contributing to its long-term goals.

What have been your biggest successes and achievements in your organisation?

When reflecting on my biggest achievements and successes, the one that stands out most is the path I’ve carved for myself to grow into my current role within the organisation. The higher education sector is fast-paced and ever-evolving, so staying ahead of changes, along with adapting to the shifting laws that govern us, has been both challenging and rewarding.

Since joining in 2023, I’ve had the opportunity to expand my skills and knowledge, pursuing my passion for identifying potential risks and simplifying complicated issues to drive operational effectiveness. I believe that continuous improvement, reflected through growth and development, is the most meaningful legacy one can leave in the workplace. With this mindset, I’ve progressed into a leadership role where I can take on greater responsibilities. My hope is to inspire and support those around me, empowering them to reach their fullest potential.

What is the one piece of advice you would offer someone entering your profession?

My advice to anyone entering governance and risk management is to seize every opportunity that comes your way. Stay curious and never hesitate to ask questions. Take ownership and accountability within your role and organisation.

The best way to grow your skills and capabilities is by continuously pushing yourself beyond your comfort zone. Embrace the discomfort — that's where real growth happens!

What topics and trends are emerging?

In our sector, some of the primary concerns revolve around navigating changes in the law and managing the pressures of constrained financial budgets. Alongside this, we must carefully mitigate financial and reputational risks, which can be particularly challenging when operating as a charity.

It’s often said that innovation in service delivery is essential for ensuring the success and sustainability. However, as a risk manager, I’d be remiss not to add that any risk-taking must remain within the organisation's defined risk appetite. Balancing innovation with responsible risk management is key to achieving long-term resilience and growth.

How does ALARM benefit you and your organisation?

We are proud to be the first Students’ Union to join ALARM. I was introduced to the organisation through my colleagues in higher education and felt that, in a constantly evolving sector where risk management is crucial, it would be incredibly valuable to collaborate with such a dedicated group of professionals.

In the world of risk management, it’s not uncommon to feel like an outlier within your organisation. Being part of ALARM offers the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, share experiences, and explore solutions to common challenges, even across different sectors. This exchange of knowledge is incredibly beneficial for developing more effective risk management practices.