Trustee

Fort Amherst Heritage Trust cares for Fort Amherst in Chatham, Kent, preserving an important historic site and making it available for the benefit, enjoyment and education of the wider community. The Trust relies heavily on volunteers to help maintain, restore, interpret and promote the site for present and future generations.

Role Purpose

Trustees are collectively responsible for the governance, strategic direction and long-term sustainability of Fort Amherst Heritage Trust. As a Trustee, you will help ensure that the charity fulfils its charitable purposes, complies with its legal duties and makes decisions in the best interests of the Trust and the communities it serves.

Key Responsibilities

·         Work with fellow Trustees to set and review the Trust’s vision, strategy and priorities.

·         Ensure the Trust carries out its charitable purposes for the public benefit.

·         Oversee the responsible management of the Trust’s finances, assets, buildings, grounds and collections.

·         Support good governance by complying with the Trust’s governing document, charity law and relevant regulations.

·         Monitor risks, policies and procedures, including health and safety, safeguarding, finance, data protection and volunteer management.

·         Contribute to discussions and decisions at Board meetings, reading papers in advance and offering constructive challenge and support.

·         Act as an ambassador for Fort Amherst, promoting its heritage, community value and volunteer-led work.

·         Support fundraising, partnership development and community engagement where appropriate.

·         Declare and manage any conflicts of interest and maintain confidentiality where required.

Skills and Experience

We welcome applications from people with a commitment to heritage, community benefit and good governance. Previous trustee experience is helpful but not essential. The Trust is particularly interested in people who can bring one or more of the following areas of experience:

·         Heritage, museums, archives, conservation or historic buildings.

·         Finance, fundraising, grant applications or business planning.

·         Education, learning, interpretation or visitor experience.

·         Volunteer management, community engagement or inclusion.

·         Marketing, communications, events or digital engagement.

·         Legal, governance, risk management, health and safety or safeguarding.

·         Property, estates, facilities management or environmental stewardship.

Personal Qualities

·         A genuine interest in Fort Amherst, local heritage and public benefit.

·         Sound judgement, integrity and a willingness to act collectively with other Trustees.

·         Ability to think strategically while understanding practical operational challenges.

·         Confidence to ask questions, offer constructive challenge and support good decision-making.

·         Commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion and respectful working relationships.

·         Willingness to give sufficient time and attention to the role.