We are looking for two committed and values-driven individuals to join our Board of Trustees for our subsidiary, RBL- Republic of Ireland.
As a Trustee, you will play an important role in shaping the strategic direction of the charity, ensuring strong governance, and supporting its mission to commemorate members of the Armed Forces and provide lifelong support to serving and ex-serving personnel and their families across Ireland.
Working collaboratively with fellow Trustees and the Chair, you will help safeguard RBL’s reputation, assets, and long-term sustainability while ensuring that all activities remain aligned with the charity’s purpose and values.
Key Responsibilities:
- Work collaboratively with fellow Trustees to shape and oversee the organisation’s strategic direction and performance.
- Ensure RBL meets its obligations under Irish charity and company law and adheres to the RBL RoI Constitution.
- Ensure the integrity of financial information and that robust systems of financial control and risk management are in place.
- Participate fully in board discussions and decisions, providing constructive challenge while supporting collective responsibility once decisions are made.
- Attend and actively contribute to Board meetings (minimum two per year) and relevant governance discussions.
- Support the organisation’s engagement and representational activities when required, championing ethical standards, diversity and fairness.
Please note - While candidates based in the Republic of Ireland are preferred, we will also consider applicants located elsewhere who can demonstrate strong connections within the Republic of Ireland.
Successful candidates will be expected to attend two Board meetings per year. Trustees for this role may also participate in commemorative and key RBL RoI events throughout the year. Overall, the anticipated time commitment is approximately 8-10 hours each month, including preparation and engagement outside of formal meetings.
For more detailed information about the role, please see our Vacancy Information Pack attached to our direct advert. Our shortlisting is performed on the evidence provided in your application against the Essential and Desirable criteria in the Person Specification.
RBL is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive organisation, reflecting the diversity of the armed forces community and of wider society. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and personal characteristics.
Interview Dates: Virtual by Teams on 13/16/17 April (times available on request).
Registered Charity
More than 1000
We provide lifelong support to serving and ex-serving personnel and their families. Our support starts after one day of service and continues through
Thank you!
The Sutton Trust is at a pivotal moment in its development. For nearly three decades, we have been the UK’s leading voice on social mobility, working tirelessly to break the link between socio-economic background and life chances. Today, that mission is as urgent as it has ever been. Despite pockets of progress, social mobility in the UK remains low by international standards, with deep inequalities in education, access to professions, and regional opportunity continuing to limit life chances and economic potential.
We are seeking a Trustee with policy expertise who shares our commitment to fairness, evidence, and long-term change. We value diversity of thought and experience, and we are keen to hear from those who can help us navigate an evolving political landscape and leverage our research to challenge systemic barriers, ensuring our voice remains the most influential in the national drive to transform social mobility.
Duties and Responsibilities of a Trustee
Policy Responsibilities
- Providing oversight for the charity’s research and advocacy, ensuring the Trust’s work is mission-aligned, evidence-based, and intellectually rigorous
- Supporting the Board in discharging their collective duties around planning, risk and compliance, particularly in areas such as horizon scanning for upcoming legislative changes, political shifts and shifts in social trends affecting the Trust as well as specific regulations around political neutrality
- Leveraging their professional networks and expertise, enhancing the charity’s credibility and influence, ensuring our research translates into meaningful systemic change
General Responsibilities
- Inputting into and agreeing the Trust’s vision, mission and values and providing advice on the Trust’s wider purpose, goals and activities
- Inputting into and agreeing the Trust’s aims and long-term strategy in furtherance of its charitable purpose
- Ensuring key risks are identified, monitored and controlled effectively as well as keeping abreast of changes in the Trust’s operating environment
- Monitoring the Trust’s performance against its strategic aims, operational plans and budgets
- Safeguarding and promoting the Trust’s reputation, and acting in the best interest of the Trust at all times
- Ensuring the financial stability and sustainability of the Trust
- Ensuring the effective and efficient administration of the organisation, including having appropriate policies and procedures in place
- Ensuring proper arrangements are in place for the appointment, supervision, support, appraisal and renumeration of the CEO and they are held to account
- Contributing to regular reviews of the Trust’s own governance
- Ensuring the Trust complies with its governing documents, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations
In addition to the above statutory duties, each Trustee should use their specific skills, knowledge and experience to contribute to the Board’s decision-making, and dedicate sufficient time to carry out their responsibilities effectively. This may involve sitting on Board Committees, scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, or other issues in which the Trustee has special expertise.
Trustees aim to support a specific member of the SLT based on their skills and experience or may participate in appropriate subgroups, e.g., Alumni Leadership Board, Education Advisory Group, (Development) Board meetings, etc.
Person Specification
Mission and Values
- Sympathetic to the aims of the Trust and its mission to address educational disadvantage
- High level of personal and professional ethics, integrity, and accountability
- Willingness to safeguard and promote the Trust’s reputation within the wider sector
Strategy and Interpersonal Skills
- Ability to think strategically in order to provide appropriate oversight and scrutiny for the Trust’s overall activity and direction
- Ability to confidently and fairly make evidence-based decisions and constructively challenge the decisions of others if required
- Ability to collaborate and work as part of a team to provide advice, make decisions, and/or solve problems
- A commitment to personal development and a willingness to participate in regular reviews of the Board’s own performance and governance
Governance, Risk and Finance
- Understanding of the legal duties of a Trustee (or willingness to learn), including compliance with Charity Commission and Companies House regulations and commitment to the roles and responsibilities of a Trustee
- Awareness of (or willingness to learn about) financial health indicators and organisational risk management
Specialist Expertise and Experience
- A background in public affairs, civil service, think tanks, education sector organisations or senior policy or research roles in (education) charities
- Strong understanding of how UK government (at local, regional or national level) and/ or the UK education sector works
- Strong influencing and communications skills with the ability to lead discussions, provide expert advice, and influence stakeholders in a professional manner
- Good understanding of how to translate policy jargon into clear, strategic advice for the wider Trustee Board
Interviews
Applications should reach us by 10am, Monday 30th March. First round interviews will take place on Wednesday 15th and Thursday 16th April, and second round interviews will take place w/c 27th April or w/c 4th May. All interviews will be held at our London offices in Millbank Tower.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Trustee (Non‑Executive Board Member) – Mitie Foundation
Location: UK (meetings in person at The Shard, London)
Time commitment: Approximately 4 Board meetings per year plus occasional sub‑committee/ambassadorial commitments; preparation required for papers and strategic discussion
Term: Three years, renewable once (subject to Board agreement)
Start date: April 2026
The Mitie Foundation is looking for passionate and purpose‑driven Trustees to join its Board. This is an exciting opportunity for individuals who want to use their professional expertise to make a meaningful social impact and help people across the UK access brighter, more sustainable futures.
As a Trustee, you will play a vital role in guiding the Foundation’ as they enter new strategic phase, supporting inclusive employment programmes, and ensuring the charity delivers real, measurable change. You’ll collaborate with a committed Board, engage with senior leaders across Mitie, and contribute to initiatives that help people build confidence, develop skills and move into meaningful work.
Whether your background is in business, charity leadership, social value, finance, HR, community engagement or lived experience of overcoming employment barriers — your insights could influence national‑level social impact.
This is a rewarding, purpose‑led role where your contribution truly matters — helping to shape programmes, strengthen governance, and open doors for individuals who need it most.
About the Mitie Foundation
The Mitie Foundation is the independent charitable arm associated with Mitie Group which was established in 2013 to create meaningful, sustainable opportunities for individuals facing barriers to employment.
The Foundation delivers programmes that improve employability, inclusion and opportunity for people facing barriers to work, collaborating with partners, communities and colleagues to create measurable social value.
Help shape a charity that unlocks potential, removes employment barriers, and creates life‑changing opportunities.
Purpose of the role
Trustees work collectively to ensure the Mitie Foundation is well governed, financially sound, and achieving its charitable purposes. The Board provides strategic direction, oversight and constructive challenge so the Foundation delivers meaningful social impact while operating with integrity and independence.
We are seeking Trustee’s within the following key areas to support and form the Mitie Foundation Board;
- Finance & Risk Trustee – bringing specialist financial governance expertise, oversight of risk management, and assurance in line with Charity Commission expectations.
- Trustee with Lived Experience – ensuring the views, needs, and realities of the communities we serve are represented at Trustee Board level. Anticipated to Chair a lived experience working group to provide insights and feedback to inform Foundation activities and support Foundation leadership and Governance.
- Campaigns & Events Trustee – providing expertise in public engagement, fundraising, and brand-led campaigns to support the Foundation’s growth and visibility. Anticipated to Chair a campaigns and engagement working group to provide insights and feedback to inform Foundation activities and support Foundation leadership and Governance.
- Inclusive Hiring Trustee – contributing specialist knowledge in fair-chance recruitment and employment pathways, supporting the Foundation’s commitment to inclusive hiring and social mobility. Anticipated to Chair a referral partner working group to provide insights and feedback to inform Foundation activities and support Foundation leadership and Governance.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategy & governance: Shape and review the Foundation’s vision, mission and strategy; ensure alignment with charitable objects and Charity Commission guidance, uphold high standards of transparency and accountability.
- Oversight & assurance: Monitor performance against strategic priorities, outcomes and impact measures; approve budgets, management accounts and the statutory report and accounts; oversee risk management and ensure compliance with governing document, law and regulation.
- Executive support & challenge: Provide guidance and robust, respectful challenge to the Head of Foundation and team; maintain a clear distinction between governance and operations; participate in leadership appraisal/objective‑setting where appropriate.
- Representation & advocacy: Act as an ambassador for the Foundation within Mitie Group and externally; use professional networks to build partnerships and unlock opportunities for collaboration, funding or volunteering; protect and promote the Foundation’s independence and reputation.
- Conduct & integrity: Promote equality, diversity and inclusion across governance and programmes; uphold the Seven Nolan Principles of Public Life—selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.
Person specification
The Board seeks a balanced mix of skills and backgrounds; individual trustees will bring some (not all) of the following:
- Strategic or senior leadership experience in business, charity or public sector
- Charity governance and/or financial oversight
- Expertise in one or more of: HR, social value, finance, legal, ESG, communications, or programme delivery
- Ability to analyse complex information and contribute to sound, evidence‑based decisions
- Strong interpersonal skills and commitment to collaborative, inclusive Board culture
- A demonstrable passion for social impact, employability and inclusion aligned to our mission
Eligibility, standards and conflicts
- Candidates must be eligible to serve as a charity trustee under the Charities Act and willing to declare/ manage conflicts of interest, particularly given the Foundation’s corporate linkage.
- Appointment is subject to reference and other checks as appropriate to the role and the Foundation’s policies.
- Trustees are expected to prepare for meetings, attend regularly and contribute actively to collective decision‑making.
Remuneration and expenses
This is a non‑executive, pro‑bono trustee role. Reasonable expenses incurred in the course of duties will be reimbursed in line with policy.
How to apply
Please send your CV and a brief supporting statement (max two pages) outlining your motivation and how your experience aligns with the role Friday 7th February.
If you would like an informal conversation about the role, please contact Rebecca Gray.
We are committed to building a Board that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve and welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds. Adjustments for the recruitment process will be provided on request.
