Committee Member Volunteer Roles

The Court of the University of Aberdeen is seeking to appoint four new independent members (non-executive directors and charity trustees) to fill vacancies that will arise during the Summer 2024.

The University was established in 1495 to serve the north-east of Scotland, today our university is a global presence in higher education. A dual focus on our region and the wider world is as important to us today as it was five centuries ago.

After serving on our governing body, University Court, for a number of years, four of our independent Court members will step down in August 2024. The University is now seeking exceptional candidates to fill these vacancies to ensure the continued successful delivery of the University’s priorities and objectives, the setting of its strategic direction and commitment to its values and mission.

The following areas of professional expertise and/or experience would bring particular value to University Court and to the roles of independent members:

• Chartered accountancy within complex or international organisations

• People and culture at senior executive level

• Senior FTSE/international management

In addition, we would also welcome applications from individuals with professional expertise and/or experience in:

• Digitisation, emerging technology and AI

• Sustainability, net zero and transition planning

• Media and communications

• Governance, regulatory and compliance

The University is also seeking to recruit a member of Court to Chair the Remuneration Committee. The following areas of professional expertise and/or experience would bring particular value to University Court and to the role of chair of the Remuneration Committee:

• Demonstrable knowledge and expertise in people and HR leadership, change management, organisational development, culture, diversity and inclusion, and reward.

• Proven experience of connecting boards and executives to people and organisational priorities as a senior leader.

None of the posts are remunerated, however reasonable expenses incurred as result of your role on the committee will be re-imbursed in line with the University’s expenses policy.

This post does not meet the minimum requirements for visa sponsorship under the Skilled Worker Route. We are therefore unable to consider applicants for this post that require sponsorship to work in the UK.

Come play a leading role in developing the strategic direction for the CII, driving confidence through the power of professional standards and building public trust.

Location: London / Virtual

Salary: £14,000 per annum

Employment Type:  The appointment will be for a term of up to three years, which may be extended, subject to Board approval, for one further term of up to three years

Time Commitment: Annual commitment of 6 Board meetings, 4 Committee meetings, Strategy away day, AGM etc

About us

We are the professional body dedicated to building public trust in the insurance and financial planning professions. Our strapline Standards. Professionalism. Trust. embodies our commitment to driving confidence in the power of professional standards: competence, integrity and care for the customer. We deliver that commitment through relevant learning, insightful leadership and an engaged membership. Our 122,000 members commit to high professional standards by maintaining continuing professional development and adhering to a published ethical code.

About the role

Our Education and Learning Committee (ELC) oversees activity in respect of building the knowledge base of the profession on behalf of the Board. Our current Board Member and Committee Chair is due to come to the conclusion of their tenure, and thus we now seek to appoint an experienced non-executive Director to join the team. Being a Member of the Board of the CII and overseeing the Committee to which you are appointed as Chair, you will be able to bring considerable value.

About you

You will have ideally held a non-executive director role in a large complex organisation within another sector. Although we are open to which sector you may have gained your experience in, we are seeking to appoint an independent Chair who has either pedagogical understanding or assessment and qualification design alongside considerable senior leadership and non-executive experience to support our work.

You will appreciate the duties of a board member as distinct from those of a member of the executive and be capable of providing both support and constructive challenge to Board and Committee colleagues as well as the CII’s Executive.

You will have the opportunity to join the CII at an important time, as we enter year two of our 5-year strategic plan which sets out our six strategic themes of excellent member experience; highest professional standards; sector thought leadership; world-class learning; digital first; and sustainable institute. We, therefore, welcome your demonstration of the relevance of your experience in one of these six themes.

If this sounds like you and you are excited about making a substantial impact, then we would be delighted to hear from you.

Please click 'Apply via website’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Wednesday 24th April 2024.

GSTTKPA is going through an exciting period of change. Therefore, we are seeking to recruit a new Company Secretary to support our ambitious and innovative change programme, so we can continue to achieve the aims and objectives of the charity.

The role of Company Secretary is a key and important Trustee position on the Board. The Company Secretary will support the Chair and Vice Chair by ensuring the board functions smoothly. The Company Secretary will also have the opportunity to assist with activities and initiatives that are funded by GSTTKPA.

Trustees play a vital role in making sure that GSTTKPA achieves its core purpose. They also ensure that the charity has a clear strategy andthat our work and goals are in line with our vision. Just as importantly, all the Trustees have a collective responsibility. This means that trustees always actas a group and not as individuals. 

As a Trustee, we also require the successful applicant to have a commitment to equality; celebrate diversity and be responsive to the needs of different groups and individuals within GSTTKPA and the wider community. In return, the successful applicant will join a warm and friendly team that works collaboratively to support each other as well as our kidney patients.

GSTTKPA is going through an exciting period of change. As a result, we are seeking to recruit a new Chair to support our ambitious and innovative change programme, so we can continue to achieve the aims and objectives of the charity.

The Chair role provides leadership to the organisation and the Trustee board by ensuring that everyone remains focused on the delivery of the organisation’s charitable purposes in order to ensure that GSTTKPA moves forward and continues to benefit kidney patients in the future.

The Chair will also need to set the strategy for the charity for the next few years which is vital for ensuring that our work and goals are in line with our vision. Just as importantly, the new post holder must understand that all the Trustees have a collective responsibility. This means that the Chair and the other Trustees must always act as a group and not as individuals. 

As a Trustee, the new Chair must have a commitment to equality; celebrate diversity and be responsive to the needs of different groups and individuals within GSTTKPA and the wider community. In return, the successful applicant will join a warm and friendly team that works collaboratively to support each other as well as our kidney patients.

Come play a leading role in developing the strategic direction for the CII, driving confidence through the power of professional standards and building public trust.

Location: London / Virtual

Salary: £24,000 per annum

Employment Type:  The appointment will be for a term of up to three years, which may be extended, subject to Board approval, for one further term of up to three years

Time Commitment: Annual commitment of 6 Board meetings, 4 Committee meetings, Strategy away day, AGM etc

About us

We are the professional body dedicated to building public trust in the insurance and financial planning professions. Our strapline Standards. Professionalism. Trust. embodies our commitment to driving confidence in the power of professional standards: competence, integrity and care for the customer. We deliver that commitment through relevant learning, insightful leadership and an engaged membership. Our 122,000 members commit to high professional standards by maintaining continuing professional development and adhering to a published ethical code.

About the role

Our Audit and Risk Committee (ARC) ensures the Institute operates effective processes of financial reporting and control and of risk management, so we are equipped to carry out our governance responsibilities. Our current Board Member and Committee Chair is due to come to the conclusion of their tenure, and thus we now seek to appoint an experienced non-executive Director to join the team. Being a Member of the Board of the CII and overseeing the Committee to which you are appointed as Chair, you will be able to bring considerable value.

About you

You will have ideally held a non-executive director role in a large complex organisation. Although we are open to which sector you may have gained your experience in, our preference would be for someone who is financially qualified.

You will appreciate the duties of a board member as distinct from those of a member of the executive and be capable of providing both support and constructive challenge to Board and Committee colleagues as well as the CII’s Executive.

You will have the opportunity to join the CII at an important time, as we enter year two of our 5-year strategic plan which sets out our six strategic themes of excellent member experience; highest professional standards; sector thought leadership; world-class learning; digital first; and sustainable institute. We, therefore, welcome your demonstration of the relevance of your experience in one of these six themes.

If this sounds like you and you are excited about making a substantial impact, then we would be delighted to hear from you.

Please click 'Apply via website’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Wednesday 24th April 2024.

About the Legal Education Foundation (LEF)

A Stronger Sector•Fairer Systems•Smarter Justice

LEF is an independent grant-making foundation, distributing around £6 million a year through our own grants and programmes, and partnering with other funders. We also use our expertise in the arena of social justice law to influence others. The organisation has evolved significantly over the past 12 years since it became an independent charitable foundation, with assets from the sale of the College of Law.

Power, Culture and Inclusion: LEF takes the journey to achieving justice extremely seriously. As a funder we are committed to shifting power in the systems that we are part of. We have a diverse staff team and are committed to increasing diversity and inclusion on our Board. As such we are encouraging candidates with lived experience of social welfare legal issues and where they intersect with structural racism, disability and other forms of discrimination to apply.

About the role: Trustees play an active role in strategic planning, scrutiny, questioning the impact of our work and holding the programmes to account and, where necessary, acting as a critical but supportive friend. They are also responsible for the legal, financial and compliance duties of a Board.

About the new Trustee: LEF is an interesting and rewarding organisation to be part of, and this is a key moment for someone who enjoys finance and strategic thinking to join us. Your financial expertise could come from a wide range of backgrounds and roles: you may be a senior finance person in the not-for-profit sector, or you may have a private or legal sector career in finance and have some understanding of the charity sector. You are also likely to be a qualified accountant but if not, you will need an equivalent amount of knowledge and experience of charity accounting. You’ll also need to bring passion and commitment to our mission, purposes and aims, and willingness to devote the necessary time and effort.

Previous trustee experience is not essential.

We value, welcome and respect all the differences that make us who we are, including: age, cultural background, disability and mental health, ethnicity and race, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, neurodiversity and socioeconomic background.

How to express your interest

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Allyson Davies via the info in the Trustee information pack, which also contains more information about the LEF and the requirements of the role, and how to apply. The deadline is 10am on TUESDAY 23 April.

As we have a number of members retiring this year, we are currently looking for governors to join the Corporation Board. We are seeking experienced individuals, looking for an opportunity to use, and develop, their professional skills in a board-level environment. This is a really exciting time to join us at Preston College, as we implement our new Strategic Plan.

Being a governor is a hugely rewarding leadership role. Governors can make a real difference and give something back to the local community.

At the moment, we are looking for new governors with background and experience of one, or more, of the following areas:

- Business

-   Finance/ resources

-   Strategy

- Audit and Risk

- Estates Management.

Most importantly, we are looking for people who can contribute ideas and widen the perspective of our Board. We value the diversity of our learners and staff and are determined to reflect this amongst our Governing Body. We encourage people from a range of backgrounds and experiences to apply.

Most meetings are held in College. 

Please get in touch if you don’t feel you have the time to join the Board but would be interested in being co-opted to one of our committees. Co-option can provide an excellent introduction to voluntary governance roles. We are currently looking for co-opted members to join our Search and Governance Commitee, Resources Committee and Audit and Risk Committee. 

Member of Connexional Solidarity Circles (Carers, Rural, Disability, LGBT+, Racial Justice, and Women)

Closing date: 9am on 7 May 2024

Proposed tart date: 1 Sep 2024

Solidarity Circles for Disability, LGBT+, Racial Justice, and Women were launched in September 2023 as part of the Strategy for Justice, Dignity and Solidarity. We hope to start 2 new Solidarity Circles – one for Carers and one for Rural Communities in September 2024.

Solidarity Circles are online meetings for the Methodist Church to support people in different diversities of the Church’s life to meet regularly, to support one another and to raise with relevant Church leaders the concerns that need to be addressed. These circles act as consultative groups for the work of the Methodist Church and are supported and led by a volunteer coordinator.

Each Solidarity Circle is formed of up to 15 members who are appointed for one, two or three years with up to five new members recruited each year to ensure a diversity of views and experience are heard.

If you are passionate about working with others towards a fully inclusive church and meet the criteria then please consider applying to join one or more of the Solidarity Circles.

• Solidarity Circle for Disability
• Solidarity Circle for LGBT+
• Solidarity Circle for Racial Justice
• Solidarity Circle for Women
• Solidarity Circle for Carers
• Solidarity Circle for Rural Communities

For the role description and Solidarity Circle Terms of Reference, please review the Solidarity Circle Information pack. The pack also details the additional information regarding preferences and availability, which will need to be noted on your application.

The closing date for applications is 7 May 2024 by 9am.

A drop-in session has been arranged to support the recruitment for new Solidarity Circle members. The session will take place on 24 April from 7-8pm

Please view job on the Methodist Church jobs page to register your interest to attend drop-in

General Secretary of ICOMOS-UK (executive position)

Minimum:  2 days per week

The current Secretary is stepping down after twenty years of service to ICOMOS-UK. We are looking for someone to fill the position starting in July 2024. This is currently a part-time un-paid executive (equivalent to a CEO) role with reasonable expenses for out of the office work.  It is an ideal opportunity for anyone who wishes to work as part of an international organisation and bring international heritage conservation ideas and knowledge and practice to the UK. It could suit someone who has part-time availability or has recently retired and wishes to retain an active involvement in the heritage sector within an international dimension. Experience of working in sectors relating to the historic/built environment and/or culture and heritage would be desirable. Experience in managing the development and delivery of governance, policy and operations for a small or medium sized organisation or as part of a larger organisation would be essential. We envisage that an increase in membership which ICOMOS-UK is working towards may generate funding to make the role paid in the future.

The Secretary reports to the President and manages a member of staff (part-time paid staff member) and volunteers who undertake work intermittently. 

We are expecting to fill this post by the beginning of July 2024 and would be happy to arrange an informal chat with ICOMOS-UK’s President about the role, on request.

Application process: closing date for the application is 17th May 2024. Candidates should send a CV, no longer than 2/3 pages, setting out why they wish to apply for the post and all relevant skills, knowledge and experience that support the application. Interviews are scheduled during first week in June 2024. The successful candidate will be notified soon after the interview date. 

Job Description

The role of the General Secretary 

The role of the General Secretary of ICOMOS-UK (equivalent to a CEO of a small organisation) is to take responsibility for the day-to-day function of the Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), to manage the secretariat (including the Operations Manager and volunteer staff), to support the work of the President and Executive Committee, and to oversee the national and international activities of ICOMOS-UK. The General Secretary will report to the President. 

The organisation has been through a review and has been implementing its revised vision to increase ICOMOS-UK’s membership, (which currently stands at 470-500), and raise the organisation’s profile. We are a broad church and our members come from a variety of background and includes architects, archaeologists, geographers, engineers, project managers, curators, planners, carpenters, specialists in intangible cultural customs and traditions etc.  Unlike many heritage organisations which were forced to close down during the pandemic, we were fortunate to retain our members throughout the lockdown and since which demonstrates the loyalty and support we already garner from our members. The General Secretary would work with the membership committee in sustaining this trend and identify new ideas to retain existing members and recruit new ones.

Main Duties / Key Responsibilities

1. To support the President and Executive Committee in the delivery of the work of ICOMOS-UK.
2. To develop, co-ordinate and present policy, as agreed with the Executive Committee.
3. To co-ordinate and manage the secretariat function of ICOMOS-UK including the Office Manager. To oversee the governance arrangements for ICOMOS-UK.
4. To work with the Treasurer on the budget, income generation and expenditure for ICOMOS-UK, including support for fund-raising activities and applications.
5. To help drive the recruitment and support of members of ICOMOS-UK.
6. To help coordinate and promote events supporting and disseminating the work of ICOMOS-UK.
7. To coordinate, promote and report on the activities of ICOMOS-UK committees to the membership, stakeholders and potential interest groups; to work with the committees on the implementation of their recommendations.
8. The post holder will be the secretary of the International Monuments Trust (IMT), convene meetings, take minutes and organise the transfer of payments.

Person Specification

You will have or develop:

•       strong drive and initiative
•       strong commitment to diversity and inclusion in all tasks
•       experience in using your own judgement
•       familiarity in reporting to and taking direction from the President and Executive Committee.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Required knowledge, skills and experience for the suitable candidate can be found on the attached Job Description.

Competency Framework

The competency Framework for the role can be found on the attached Job Description.

Dimensions

• Understanding of the work of ICOMOS, using knowledge and experience to proactively engage with Executive Committee and stakeholders.
• Supporting and undertaking work and providing reports to President and Executive Committee.
• Acting as a champion for ICOMOS’s work.

Background

What is ICOMOS?

The International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) was set up in 1965 and is a non-governmental international organisation dedicated to the conservation of the world’s monuments and sites. With around 11,000 individual members active in over 150 countries and a network of 130 National committees (similar to the one in the UK) spread across the world, ICOMOS is one of the most highly regarded conservation organisations in the world. Its 31 International Scientific Committees made up of heritage conservation specialists from across the globe are responsible for developing charters, principles and guidelines on conservation and management of cultural sites. It is one the three advisers to the UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee on cultural World Heritage properties (the other two being IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature) and ICCROM (International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property)).

What is ICOMOS-UK?

ICOMOS-UK is one of the 130 national committees of ICOMOS. It is an independent charity, set up in 1965. We have an active membership of individuals and institutions who come from a wide range of backgrounds in the UK and worldwide. As a national committee based in the UK, ICOMOS-UK promotes appreciation and understanding of our built environment and landscape associated with it and UK’s diverse intangible cultural heritage.  It mirrors the structure of the international body. We have a UK board, a small Secretariat comprising an Operations Manager (OM) and a General Secretary. There are eight scientific committees which report to the Board. Our focus is on providing advice on good practice through the dissemination of ICOMOS’s international Charters, Principles and Guidelines and regular national and international events (conferences, lectures, panel discussions etc). We are also the only independent adviser on the implementation of 1972 World Heritage Convention and its Operational Guidelines to the UK Government and the 33 World Heritage sites situated across the UK. The Board and the eight scientific committees collaborate with the heritage, arts and education sectors in the UK and internationally in developing new thinking and making ICOMOS’s international standards relevant to the national context. 

In late 2023, the Cathedral adopted a new governance structure under the Cathedrals Measure 2021 and became a registered charity in March 2024.  All members of Chapter are now charity trustees.

We are looking for new trustees, including a Senior Non-Executive Member (SNEM) who are willing to build on the commitment, enthusiasm and energy of current members who are nearing the end of their terms of office and continue to broaden the diversity of thinking in Chapter.

While we are not looking for any specific skill set, successful candidates must be able to demonstrate that they have the experience and skills necessary for working at board level. 

The SNEM is appointed by the Bishop following advice from the Nominations Committee and the successful candidate for this role will have experience of chairing board or similar level meetings..

As a non-executive trustee, your role will be vital  in the oversight of the management and administration of the Cathedral and in ensuring that the Vision and Strategy formed in 2020 is being effectively delivered and developed as we head towards our Centenary in 2027.  Working collaboratively with other trustees you will give strategic direction to the Cathedral, set overall policy, define goals and evaluate outcomes.

Portsmouth Cathedral, the Cathedral of the Sea, has been the seat of the Bishop of Portsmouth since the creation of the Diocese of Portsmouth in 1927.  It has a distinctive history and role in a great maritime city, and serves a diverse diocese that stretches from the Isle of Wight to East Hampshire.

The successful candidates will be either a communicant member of the Church of England, or of a church with which it is in communion and an enhanced DBS check will be required.  A full induction programme and ongoing training in offered to enable members to deliver their responsibilities. 

We are committed to growing in diversity and inclusion and seek to reflect this in Chapter. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. Portsmouth Cathedral is a member of Inclusive Church.

This role contains an Occupational Requirement, in line with the Equalities Act 2010, that the candidate will be a practising Christian.

Expressions of interest are invited before 22 April 2024.

Help shape the future of RCSLT

Are you looking for a new challenge? If so, this could be the opportunity for you.

RCSLT is on a mission to ensure that the governance of the RCSLT is truly representative of its membership and the communities in which we live and work.

About the RCSLT

The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) is the professional membership body for Speech and Language Therapists with over 21,000 members. The RCSLT head office is in London with satellite offices in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Who we are looking for

We are looking to appoint a trustee with knowledge of finance and resources who shares the RCSLT’s values, demonstrates our behaviours and wants to help us deliver our ambitious Five Year Vision.

This post may be attractive to either a Speech and Language Therapist or a member of the lay public who is looking to broaden their experience in shaping the strategic direction of a charity. An ability to communicate financial matters to a board encompassing a diverse range of experience would be welcomed. Formal CCAB or similar qualifications are welcomed but not essential. 

Along with taking on the role of the Chair of the Finance and Resource committee and carrying out the general duties of a trustee, we hope that the successful individual will be able to provide strategic guidance and support in the following areas:

• Finance strategy and its implementation
• Income diversification
• Investment management
• Health and safety, contracts and buildings
• Risk management, including disaster recovery planning

There is no expectation for applicants to have a background in Speech and Language Therapy and as such the role is open to non-members. Successful applicants will receive a full induction to fulfil their role.

Applications are open to individuals of all ages who are allies of minoritised groups and champion equality and diversity both personally and professionally.

We welcome applications from individuals from under-represented groups, such as those who are Black, Asian or have a minority ethnic background, LGBTQ+, with a disability or those living with a long-term condition. This is not an exhaustive list. Please see a full list of protected characteristics.

Why you should become a trustee

• This will give you an opportunity:
• To get directly involved in the work of the RCSLT and support the profession
• To ensure the RCSLT represents you and your community
• To grow your professional networks and develop your leadership skills
• To bring your unique experiences and insights to the work of RCSLT
• To get involved in areas of work and projects you’ve not been involved in previously
• To be a champion for your profession who can affect change

Support and training and buddying will be provided if you are new to committees, or governance processes.

How to apply

To apply please provide a statement (up to 500 words) or a video or audio statement (no longer than 3½ minutes) setting out:

• A little about your work and personal background
• Why you are interested in this role
• How you meet the role criteria
• Some examples of how you have lived the values and behaviours agreed by the RCSLT Board in your work or personal life (including roles in any professional networks)
• You can email your statement or complete an online application form, no later than 9.00am on Friday 10 May.

We will hold virtual interviews with a panel consisting of trustees and selection panel members in early June.

Applicants are required to complete a diversity survey. Data will be collected anonymously and will inform the charity’s EDI Strategy. The survey can be completed here.

Find out more

• Watch former FRC Committee member Lizzie Nash talk about her experiences of being on the committee.
• To understand more about the roles and responsibilities of trustees and committee members, visit our website’s board pages.
• Please read more about our vision, values and behaviours and the terms of reference for the Board and committees and who’s on the Board on our website.

Closing date for applications: 9.00am on Friday 10 May 2024.

ABOUT THE KEY
The Key is a North East charity committed to inspiring young people to believe in themselves, especially those living in deprivation and facing challenging personal circumstances. Our work is built upon four core beliefs that young people should be empowered to:

• Empowered to use their voice and be heard
• Trusted to lead and deliver projects meaningful to them
• Supported to build the skills and confidence they need to thrive
• Inspired to be active citizens by exploring enterprise or tackling social issues in their community

ABOUT THE TREASURER ROLE
We're looking for a volunteer treasurer to join our valued board of trustees and play a pivotal role in ensuring our organisation is well governed and complies with all financial legislation and good practice relating to charities and charitable income.

Our board meets 6 times per annum combining in-person with remote meetings to benefit all members. In addition, our finance & risk sub-committee meets ahead of main board meetings, approximately 2 weeks in advance, to fully review our financial position and any risks posed to the organisation, be they financial or otherwise.

The treasurer will work with our CEO, internal team and external accountant to ensure income and expenditure is in line with forecast / budget and will work to understand any variances. Our treasurer will support the team in ensuring that processes and systems are fit for purpose, reflective of the size of the organisation and do not add unnecessary burdens.

The CEO and treasurer will work together in reviewing monthly management accounts as well as supporting any requests to add expertise to project proposals and financial plans which differ to usual ways of working. The treasurer will be supported by our chair of trustees and will also maintain regular contact. Whether you're an experienced trustee or looking for your first trusteeship, we will provide the required support and training to help you take on this voluntary role.

Join the world-class Newcastle University as Lay Member of Council and use your legal, PR or IT expertise to play a vital part in the governance of the institution as it seeks to advance education, learning and research in the North East of England and globally.

Applications close at: 9 a.m. Monday 6th May 2024

Location: Newcastle

About Newcastle University

Newcastle University exists for the public benefit to advance education, learning, and research. We are a world-class university that advances knowledge, provides creative solutions, and solves global problems.

Newcastle University is proud to be a values-led, research-intensive university that makes a significant contribution to our city, region, and globally.

The University’s core values of equality, diversity, inclusion, social and environmental justice, and academic freedom are at the heart of everything we do.

We are passionate in our belief that universities should play a fundamental role in creating and fostering more equitable societies.

We aim to work collaboratively with our many external partners to shape brighter futures, grow the economy and champion social justice.

About the role

Lay members of Council have a vital part to play in the governance of the University and bring knowledge and experience of particular value, given the nature of the environment in which universities work.

Lay Members are expected to play an appropriate part in ensuring that the necessary business of Council is carried on efficiently, effectively, and in a manner appropriate for the proper conduct of public business. You will be expected to make rational and constructive contributions to debate and to make your knowledge and expertise available to Council as opportunities arise.

Members have a responsibility to ensure that the governing body acts in accordance with the instruments of governance of the University and exercises efficient and effective use of the resources of the University to meet its charitable objectives, maintain long-term financial viability, and safeguard its assets.

Members do not play an executive role, which is primarily advisory and facilitating, and we expect Members to establish a constructive and supportive, but challenging, working relationship with the University.

Members are covered by the University’s Professional Indemnity cover in respect of fulfilling their duties.

Members of Council are appointed for three years and membership may be renewed for up to two more terms of three years. It is hoped that Lay Members will serve on one or more of the Council’s sub-committees.

As such, the University is seeking Lay Council Members who can commit up to 16 days per year to this role, which roughly equates to a time commitment of one to two days per month.

You will be provided with a full induction and training opportunities to support your work on Council.

Who we are looking for

Newcastle University is seeking exceptional individuals to join the Council as Lay Members. This is an excellent opportunity to make a considerable contribution to advancing the University’s core mission.

We are particularly interested in those who bring the following experience, expertise, skills, and commitments:

• Expertise or background in the legal profession.
• Senior strategic leadership and/or policy experience in Public Relations or Information Technology.
• Prior governance experience, although not essential is advantageous.
• Collaborative, inclusive, and enabling approach.
• Commitment to being a strong external and internal ambassador for Newcastle University.
• Ability and willingness to contribute to a broad range of University matters.
• Committed to offering your time and expertise to meet the duties of the role.
• Strong commitment to the University’s values, mission and EDI ethos.

Newcastle University is committed to being a fully inclusive global University, which actively recruits, supports, and retains staff from all sectors of society. We value diversity as well as celebrate, support, and thrive on the contributions of all our employees and the communities they represent.

We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from everybody, regardless of race, sex, ethnicity, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital status/civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, as well as being open to flexible working practices.

If you think you meet these criteria and have a genuine interest in supporting Newcastle University as a Lay Council Member, please do get in touch.

Please click 'Apply via website’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Monday 6th May 2024.

The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) is an international professional body for town planners with over 27,000 members in 88 countries. They are responsible for maintaining professional standards and accrediting world class planning courses both in the UK and internationally. They have offices in London, Edinburgh and Cardiff. They are the voice of the profession. They engage with governments, experts, advocates  and international bodies to promote good planning, lead on policy development and research, and promote planning in the long-term public interest. They support their members to deliver outstanding placemaking that creates inclusive, healthy, prosperous, sustainable and happy communities.

The RTPI is seeking a Co-opted Trustee with knowledge and experience in one of the following areas: digital transformation, organisational development or major project development.

What will you be doing?

The RTPI Board of Trustees (BOT) is responsible for making decisions in the following areas.

 Leadership 

• Shaping the RTPI’s corporate planning processes – including the corporate strategy, the business plan, the annual budget and supporting documents such as committee work plans. 
• Ensuring the RTPI has appropriate policies in place on key matters such as health and safety, risk management, data protection and financial management. 

 Statutory responsibilities 

• Ensuring that the Institute is carrying out its purposes for the public benefit 
• Complying with the Institute’s governing document and the law 
• Acting in the Institute’s best interests 
• Managing the Institute’s resources responsibly 
• Acting with reasonable care and skill 

 Governance 

• Approving the RTPI’s annual report and accounts. 
• Reviewing the auditors’ report on the annual accounts. 
• Agreeing the subscription structure for the following year, subject to consultation with the General Assembly. 

 Building relationships 

• Receiving reports from the Institute’s standing committees, subcommittees, panels and groups (if any).. 
• Receiving reports from the President, Chief Executive, volunteers and senior staff. 
• Fostering and maintaining good relationships with Trustees, committee members, volunteers, and staff. 

What are we looking for?

This role will suit an individual with: 

• An appropriate professional qualification
• An awareness of and commitment to principles of good governance 
• The ability and willingness to work as part of a team and to act as a ‘critical friend’ to Senior Executive Team
• A commitment to equality and diversity as it applies to the Institute’s work and to how the organisation, including its Trustees, operates 
• The ability to analyse complex information, question, probe and seek clarification so to come to an independent and unbiased view 
• Experience in: 
• Organisational development or
• Digital Transformation or
• Major project development. 
• Experience in a similar voluntary role in the charity or not for profit sector would be an advantage 

Board meetings are held during office hours either in person or virtually. There are 6 annually. While RTPI are headquartered in London, it is not a prerequisite that Trustees are London based.