Governance | ESU

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Home > Governance

How we make sure the ESU is a well-run charity

Governance

Our trustees

The board of trustees are members of the charity and elected by the membership or co-opted. Trustees guide the organisation and ensure the success and financial strength of the charity and set objectives in line with our vision, mission and strategic goals.

The Chair of the board is supported by three officers – two deputy chairs and a treasurer – and up to 10 trustees. The board oversees the executive team, who conduct the day-to-day management of the organisation and implement the strategy on behalf of the board. Find out more about our current board of trustees here.

 

Two students joyfully conversing with one another

Find out more about our trustees
ESU receives Royal Charter in 1957

Download the full Royal Charter

Royal Charter

The ESU is a charity and is governed by a Royal Charter, granted by Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 1957. Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was Patron of the ESU and Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal serves as President, having succeeded her father, His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh, who retired in 2011.

We are very grateful to the Princess Royal for her support of our charitable work. She is a regular attendee at our events and in 2018, she met the participants of our International Public Speaking Competition at a reception at St James’s Palace.

Annual reports

Questions?

For more information about our governance, please contact Nathan Strong, Head of Governance, at [email protected]

Related content

Four primary school pupils (all girls) standing inside a classroom, and one raised her hand in the air.

Our mission

The ESU’s mission is to give young people the speaking and listening skills and cross-cultural understanding they need to thrive

 A group photo of ESU staff members. They are all smiling and look happy.

Our people

The team at the English-Speaking Union comprises professionals in the fields of education, management, communications and charity finance.

 Teacher presenting Oracy in Action to his class

Our educational approach

We work with teachers to improve oracy skills and cross-cultural understanding so that all young people, regardless of their background, can make their voices heard


Registered charity number: 273136

Dartmouth House, 37 Charles Street, London W1J 5ED. Tel. 020 7529 1550

© 2025 English-Speaking Union. All rights reserved.

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