We’ve been shaping social change since 1884.
In our 141st year, we are looking for new Trustees to us achieve our vision of a fairer future for East London and beyond.
Vacancy: Finance Trustee x 2
About Toynbee Hall
Toynbee Hall works alongside people facing poverty and injustice to build a fairer future.
Based in the East End of London since 1884, we provide vital support to individuals through our advice and support services and work in partnership with local communities to tackle unfairness through research and advocacy. We are a place where people come together to work out solutions to the challenges facing us all and to shape systemic change.
As a charity we are governed by our Trustees - a group of volunteers who have responsibility for setting our strategy and ensuring we meet our charitable objectives.
However, with the pandemic's aftermath and the ongoing cost of living crisis, we face unprecedented challenges. The most vulnerable communities are hit hardest, and our role has never been more critical. We are constantly reviewing our own allocation of finite resources to ensure we are clearly and effectively focusing on where we can make the greatest impact.
We are looking for Trustees with finance experience to join our Board; helping to shape our future plans and strategy.
Over the past five years, Toynbee Hall has undergone a significant renewal, revitalising our historical buildings, creating spaces that not only provide advice and community connections but also generate revenue to support the delivery of our services and research. Like many organisations we face challenges and some difficult decisions over this period but we are energised about the changes we want to see and how we can contribute. We are also keen to collaborate and grow our projects and thus have wider impact.
We have an engaged, diverse and skilled Trustee Board who are working alongside our senior team as we implement our new strategic plan and organisational priorities.
You can find out more about our existing Trustees on our website.
What we are looking for and what we can offer
It is important to us that we attract Trustees from a range of backgrounds. You don’t need to have previous experience of being a trustee, so please don’t let that put you off!
We will offer an induction program and support to take up the position.
We aim to have a trustee board that reflects the local community, so we especially encourage to apply if you live in Tower Hamlets or who have a personal connection with Toynbee Hall, Tower Hamlets or the East End. Our Board is currently diverse in age, gender and ethnicity and we are committed to maintaining that diversity. We particularly want to hear from potential Trustees who are Black or Asian.
The essential responsibilities of a Toynbee Hall Trustee is to ensure that the organisation pursues its charitable objectives and ensure we remain a going concern.
Trustees must be people with independent judgement, with an ability to think strategically and creatively about the challenges and opportunities ahead.
For this role you will have a financial qualification with at least 3 years’ experience in finance / accountancy. Ideally experience in financial decision making. An understanding of charity funding would be an advantage.
Above all you need to have real enthusiasm for our work and for supporting and guiding our Chief Executive and Toynbee Hall’s passionate and committed staff and volunteers so that they remain focused on tackling inequality and poverty in East London and beyond. And in return we are commitment to helping you gain experience in the non-profit sector strategy and decision making.
The time commitment to be a Trustee
We ask our Board members to attend four evening Board meetings a year, an annual away-day and to be a member of one Committee. Our Committees meet up to three times a year. At the moment our committee meetings tend to be over video, where Board meetings aim to be in person. In person meetings take place at Toynbee Hall’s home in Commercial Street, E1. Board and Committee meetings are held in the evening.
Each Board member serves for a three-year term. This will then be reviewed by the Board with a maximum nine-year term.
Our Board members are also active ambassadors for Toynbee Hall. This means attending and supporting events and taking opportunities to promote and develop the work of Toynbee Hall through networks and contacts.
Next steps and what to expect
We will be accepting applications until midday on 9th June 2025. Interviews will be held with two of our trustees (online) and a second stage with the Chief Operating Officer (in person).
Registered Charity
51 - 100
Since 1884 Toynbee Hall is a charity working alongside people facing poverty, injustice and inequality to build a fairer East London
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
We are looking for two dedicated Lay Trustees who will join our Board to support the strategic direction of the charity. We are member-led, funded by our universities and together with students we strive to create a world class student experience for all.
Introduction
Thank you for your interest in our Lay Trustee roles here at Falmouth and Exeter Students’ Union (The SU); based in beautiful Cornwall. We're very pleased to announce the opening of applications for our esteemed Board of Trustees. We are very proud of what we do, and we are looking for two dedicated Lay Trustees who will join our Board to support the strategic direction of the charity. You will need to share the values of the SU and commitment to achieve our priorities, working collaboratively to help take us to the next level. We are a member-led charity, funded by our universities and together with students we strive to create a world class student experience for all.
Our membership comprises of students studying with both Falmouth University and the University of Exeter (Cornwall) which creates a unique and special experience of which we love to be a key part of.
The role of Lay Trustee provides an opportunity to support our President Trustees and Student Trustees, foster a culture of student leadership and deliver a student focused service.
You will be taking up the role at a critical and exciting time, as we are undertaking two crucial pieces of work: finalising our new 2025-2028 strategic plan, and beginning the quintennial review of our Constitution. If you are excited at the prospect of contributing to the growth and development of the SU, then we eagerly anticipate the possibility of working alongside you to shape the future of our organisation.
We are especially keen to hear from applicants with experience in Finance, Higher Education, Human Resources, Charity or Employment Law.
About Us
We’re an autonomous organisation and we’re funded by the University of Exeter and Falmouth University. Acting independently ensures that we remain entirely focused on our students with one purpose in mind: to improve their student experience.
As a registered charity (1193045), our charitable purpose is the advancement of education, and our funds can for used for this charitable purpose only. This means that as a not-for-profit organisation: any income we gain goes straight back into providing services for students.
We are a member-led democratic organisation; our students are at the heart of everything we do. Our members views, opinions and experiences regarding students’ lives influence decision makers operating at every level, helping to shape the wider student experience and we enjoy positive collaborative relationships with both universities. Students have the power to shape what the Union does through our Annual Student Members’ Meetings and referenda, and they lead our Student Forum, which determine our Union priorities.
We are proud of the range of opportunities and services that we provide to students, which includes student led societies and sports clubs, volunteering opportunities, professional independent specialist advice, academic representation, and democratic activities. We also help students to organise a wide range of events and activities specifically for their fellow students.
Our Board
Our board is unique in the charity sector. We have a young and dynamic board; two thirds of the trustees are either recent or current students at the universities resulting in a purposefully high turnover of trustees. The charity is based in a complex, ever-changing Higher Education sector, working closely with two very different universities.
We have three sets of Trustees:
• Four President Trustees: a President and Vice President from each university, elected by cross-campus ballot. These are student leaders who have either just finished their degree or take a sabbatical to take up this role, in which they are also a full-time employee. Term: one year, maximum of two terms.
• Four Student Trustees: two from each university, appointed via the Appointments Committee. These are current students who offer direct insight into university life. Term: two years, maximum of two terms.
• Four Lay Trustees: appointed via the Appointments Committee. These trustees offer expertise, continuity, and insight. They are experienced, skilled members who enjoy being part of a dynamic board and supporting the younger trustees. Term: three years, maximum of three terms.
The Chair of the Board will always be a President Trustee, and the Deputy Chair will always be a Lay Trustee. Any Trustee can chair one of our three sub-committees: Finance, Appointments, Remuneration and Human Resources.
Why Should You Become a Trustee?
Being a Trustee is a valuable and rewarding experience. You’ll get to make a lasting difference to the lives of our students, and influence how the Union is run. You will use your skills, knowledge, and experience to support the Board in reaching sound decisions. You will be involved in leading discussions, making collective decisions, and identifying key issues. You’ll have the opportunity to mentor and support our President and Student Trustees. As a Lay Trustee, you are eligible to become Deputy Chair of the Board, or Chair of one of the sub-committees.
You will receive comprehensive induction training, and further training relevant to your role as a Chair or member of a sub-committee.
Job Description
We’re looking for someone to work collectively with our board of trustees to provide support and strategic direction to our Students’ Union.
Remuneration: Lay Trustees are voluntary, unpaid roles. However, all reasonable out of pocket expenses will be reimbursed, such as travel costs to board meetings.
Hours: Hours can vary however typically each year:
• Four Board of Trustees meetings – each meeting is around three hours long conducted online.
• Additional two (eight for Finance) sub-committees meetings conducted online – each meeting is around 45 minutes.
• There are usually one or two in-person events per year including a Board of Trustees meeting – each event is usually a day and/or an evening event. These are delivered in Cornwall (expenses paid).
Term of office: three years, up to three terms.
Location: Homebased with one or two in-person events in Cornwall per year.
Role Purpose
The Trustees are ultimately responsible, individually and collectively, for all activity within the SU. The Board is legally responsible for our staff, finances, risk management and reputation. The Board is responsible for setting the vision and values of the organisation and for ensuring the delivery of organisational purpose. The Trustees ensure development of and agree a long-term strategy. They approve and monitor plans to deliver the strategy.
Key Responsibilities:
• To ensure The SU acts in accordance with its charitable purpose, constitution and other governing documents and relevant legislation while remaining true to its Mission, Vision and Values.
• To contribute actively to the Board of Trustees role by determining the Students’ Union strategy, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets.
• Ensure The SU uses its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects/purpose.
• Act as guardians of The SU’s assets and ensure the financial stability of the organisation.
• Prepare for Board meetings by reading through materials and Board papers beforehand, scrutinising information and be able to discuss issues.
• Take advice on matters on which you are not competent to decide.
• Provide support to President Trustees and Student Trustees.
• Take part in Board Reviews and Skills Audits each year.
• Use personal skills and experience to ensure the Union is well-run and efficient
• Seek external professional advice where there may be material risk to the Union or where the Trustees may be in breach of their duties or at any other appropriate moment.
• Add value to the Trustee Board and the Union through generating ideas, challenging the status quo, broadening thinking and supporting and promoting innovation and creativity.
• Abide by the Union Trustee Code of Conduct.
CRITERIA
All Trustees must display the following characteristics
Commitment to and passion for The SU.
Willingness and reliability to devote the necessary time and effort.
Strategic vision.
Good, independent judgment.
Ability to think creatively.
An understanding of and commitment to the values and principles of student representation and democracy.
Willingness to speak their mind.
Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship.
Ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
Responsible, especially when handling sensitive and confidential information.
A commitment to act in accordance with the Nolan principles for ethical conduct in public service.
We are looking for individuals who have skills, knowledge or experience in one or more of these sectors
Finance
Higher Education
Human Resources
Charity or Employment Law
How To Apply
Please visit the role posting on our website for further details on how to apply. We require the completion of a Person Details form, and Skills Audit spreadsheets, along with your CV and covering letter. The deadline for applications is 09:00 on Friday 16 May. Interviews will take place online via MS Teams on Wednesday 21 May, an additional slot is also available on Thursday 22 May if this is not convenient.
You must be available to attend Trustee Training on Friday 20 June, and Board of Trustees on Wednesday 25 June (as an observer), both online via MS Teams. Your term of office will start on Tuesday 1 July.
Eligibility
There are strict conditions placed on charity Trustees by law and all applicants must declare that they are eligible to become a charity Trustee. You will not be eligible if:
• You are on the Sex Offenders’ Register
• You have any unspent conviction for an offence involving:
o deception or dishonesty
o terrorist offences
o money laundering
o bribery
o misconduct in public office, perjury, perverting the course of justice
o contravention of certain preventative Orders of the Charity Commission (Section 77 of the Charities Act 2011)
o attempting, aiding or abetting the above offences
• You have any designation under specific anti-terrorist legislation
• You have been convicted of contempt of court
• You have been removed from:
o trusteeship, or as an officer, agent or employee of a charity by the Court or the Commission for misconduct or mismanagement
o a position of management or control of a charity in Scotland for mismanagement or misconduct
• You have been found guilty by the High court of disobeying a Commission order or direction
• You have an undischarged bankruptcy
• You have a composition or arrangement with creditors which includes an individual voluntary arrangement (IVA) and is currently on the Insolvency Service Register
As part of the recruitment process, we will ask you to sign a declaration that you are legally entitled to become a Trustee and commit the required time.
Data Protection
We’re committed to data protection and it’s important to know what’s happening with your data when you apply for a role. That means we’ll only use the information you supply for the purposes of progressing your application (or to fulfil legal or regulatory requirements if necessary) and we’ll never share your information with any third parties for marketing purposes or store it outside of the European Economic Area.
Equal Opportunities
We’re committed to ensuring our workforce accurately reflects the diversity of the world we live in. We positively encourage applications from all individuals irrespective of their gender, age, home country, ethnic background, sexuality, religious beliefs or disability. All candidates will be treated equally and all appointments made on merit.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.