We are seeking two enthusiastic and committed individuals to serve on our Board. This is an exciting opportunity to join an ambitious organisation working at the intersection of law, campaigning and social justice. As a Trustee, you will help shape the future of PILC, ensuring that we remain true to our purpose while continuing to deliver meaningful impact for the communities we serve.
We are committed to developing and maintaining a Board that is as inclusive as possible and representative of the communities we work alongside. Therefore, having lived experience in an area of our work would be advantageous. We welcome applicants from a wide range of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives, recognising that a diverse Board strengthens discussion, improves decision-making and helps us better fulfil our mission.
We are particularly interested in applications from individuals who have legal expertise (ideally in the non-profit sector), or expertise in Human Resources or Finance.
As a member of the Board of Trustees, you will oversee the strategic direction, governance and financial sustainability of the organisation. You will help ensure that PILC has a clear strategy, that its resources are used effectively, and that its activities remain aligned with its charitable objectives and values. You will also provide constructive support and challenge to the Senior Management Team, helping the organisation to develop, grow and achieve its mission.
Trustees have collective responsibility for the governance of the charity. This means that decisions are made collectively by the Board and trustees share responsibility for those decisions, always acting in the best interests of PILC.
Please note that this is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed. The time commitment for this role is approximately 8-10 days per annum. The Board meets online on the 3rd Monday of every other month from 6-8pm and trustees are required to attend with their cameras on. All Board papers are circulated usually 2 weeks ahead of the meeting. All applicants must be based in the U.K.
Duties
As a Trustee, you will be expected to:
• Attend bi-monthly Board meetings (held remotely), having read the papers in advance and being prepared to contribute constructively to discussion and decision-making.
• Attend the annual Board away day and Annual General Meeting (AGM).
• Support, promote and provide advice on PILC’s charitable purpose, vision, values and strategic objectives.
• Approve operational strategies, policies, and monitor and evaluate their implementation.
• Oversee PILC’s financial sustainability by reviewing and approving budgets, PILC’s financial statements and monitoring and evaluating financial performance.
• Ensure that the charity is well governed, effectively managed and compliant with its legal and regulatory obligations.
• Support the effective management of risk and ensure that appropriate systems of internal control are in place.
• Provide appropriate support, constructive challenge and accountability to the Director in the exercise of their delegated authority.
• Keep informed about developments affecting PILC, the non-profit legal sector and the wider operating environment.
• Contribute to the regular review and continuous improvement of the Board's effectiveness and governance arrangements.
• Exercise independent judgement, act with reasonable care and skill, and always act in good faith in the best interests of PILC’s, managing any actual or potential conflicts of interest appropriately.
• Act as an ambassador for PILC, promoting its work and using your skills, knowledge, experience and networks to support the organisation where appropriate.
Registered Charity
21 - 50
PILC exists to challenge systemic injustice through legal representation, strategic litigation, research and legal education.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Who we are
The Humane League UK (THL UK) is dedicated to ending the abuse of animals raised for food by influencing the policies of leading food companies, advocating for stronger animal protection laws, and encouraging individuals to take action. We are part of a global network of organisations working to create a future where all animals are treated with respect and compassion.
Thanks to our effectiveness, The Humane League has been named Top Charity by the independent evaluator Animal Charity Evaluators for every rating period since 2012.
THL UK is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to furthering equity and inclusion, and we value diversity. We seek people from a wide range of backgrounds who will bring a fresh perspective to the team, not just because it is the right thing to do, but because it makes us stronger. We are proud to be a Disability Confident Committed Employer, demonstrating our commitment to recruiting, retaining, and supporting disabled people and people with health conditions, based on their skills and talent.
The Position
We are seeking two new Trustees to add to the current Board of four voluntary members.
Board members (trustees) of THL UK are responsible for providing strategic leadership, ensuring strong governance, and safeguarding the organisation’s mission, values, and financial sustainability.
This is a voluntary position, and trustees are expected to act in the best interests of the charity and in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements.
Whether you are an experienced charity trustee or looking for your first board position; if you believe you can share our commitment for ending the abuse of animals raised for food and have the qualities, knowledge and experience we are looking for, then we’d love to hear from you.
For full details about the role of trustees please view our information pack which you can find in the application resources below.
If you would like to watch a recording of our recent webinar where we discussed the role in more detail, you can view this by following the link to our website.
Person specification and requirements for this role
While specific experience in animal protection is not essential, all Board members must:
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Demonstrate a commitment to the aims and values of THL UK.
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Understand and accept the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship.
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Bring a strategic mindset and the ability to make well-reasoned, independent decisions.
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Be able to communicate in ways that build understanding and trust, and contribute positively to collaborative team working.
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Be willing to devote the necessary time and effort to the role.
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Be committed to moving forward with Diversity, Equity and Inclusion best practices.
Specialist Expertise Sought
In addition to the general requirements above, we are particularly seeking candidates who can bring expertise in one or more of the following areas:
1. Charity Governance
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In-depth knowledge of charity governance best practice, preferably gained through prior trustee, board, or senior charity leadership experience.
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Understanding of regulatory compliance and governance frameworks for UK charities.
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Legal skills relating to charity law, contracts, risk management, or related fields (desirable).
2. Charity Fundraising
Experience and understanding of charity fundraising, with particular relevance to EA-aligned funding environments.
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Knowledge of charity fundraising principles, governance considerations, and ethical fundraising practice.
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Understanding of the Effective Altruism funding landscape, including grant-making bodies, donor expectations, and impact-led funding criteria.
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Experience supporting or advising on grant applications, funder relationships, and individual donor stewardship.
3. Farmed Animal Campaigning
Knowledge of campaigning and advocacy within animal protection movements, with a particular focus on farmed animals.
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Understanding of the strategic landscape of farmed animal protection, including corporate campaigns, legislative advocacy, public engagement, and movement priorities.
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Experience of designing, advising on, or evaluating campaigns that seek measurable improvements for farmed animals.
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Awareness of the wider animal protection movement, including key organisations, campaign tactics, risks, and opportunities for collaboration.
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Scientific or veterinarian understanding and experience with farmed animals (desirable).
We welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds and with a range of perspectives. Having reviewed existing Trustees' diversity we would particularly welcome applications from ethnic minorities, disabled people and marginalised groups.
Where candidates bring similar skills and experience, we may take lived experience or background into account to help us build a more representative and inclusive board.
Key Responsibilities
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Contribute actively to the Board’s role in giving strategic direction, setting overall policy, defining goals, and evaluating performance.
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Ensure that THL UK complies with its governing document, charity law, and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
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Oversee the financial health of the charity, approving annual budgets and monitoring financial performance.
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Champion the fundraising work of THL UK in various ways–for example by introducing new donors from your network, actively promoting THL UK’s fundraising initiatives (like our end of year appeal), or by donating directly if you have the means to do so.
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Protect and promote the charity’s values, reputation, and effectiveness.
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Support and challenge the executive team to achieve the organisation’s objectives.
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Act as an ambassador for THL UK, promoting its work to stakeholders and the public.
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Participate in Board meetings (typically four per year) and occasional sub-committee meetings, as well as contributing advice and guidance outside formal meetings when required.
Key competencies
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Strategic thinker: Looks at consequences, implications, interdependencies, and indirect effects, all in both the short and longer term. Looks beyond the immediate goal or issue and with the greater context, not just the content of the moment. Is able to think and act creatively in difficult situations.
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Problem solver: Identifies issues, effectively structures problems, analyses information to produce insights and generates wise, actionable recommendations. A forward-looking thinker who anticipates the needs of the organisation.
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Effective: Strategically able to focus our energy, resources and talent toward impactful actions that will reduce, and ultimately end, the abuse of animals for food.
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Communication and strong interpersonal skills: Ability to communicate in ways that build understanding and trust and can adapt to different tones and styles and be able to engage with people from all walks of life.
Registered Charity
21 - 50
We exist to end the abuse of animals raised for food
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.