Trustee

The Board of HelpAge International has a rich tradition of Trustees who are driven by their commitment and passion to ensuring the rights of older persons are upheld across the world. Serving on the Board of HelpAge offers Trustees a unique opportunity to support and help drive this cause at a global level. The position of Trustee at HelpAge International board is non- remunerative, and all the work that individual Trustees devote to the charity is done on an entirely voluntary basis.

The statutory duties of a Trustee:
HelpAge International is a registered charity in the UK. Under charity law, HelpAge International Trustees have the ultimate responsibility for directing the affairs of HelpAge International, ensuring that it is solvent, well-run and delivering the charitable outcomes for which it was established. In law, the Board of Trustees of HelpAge International have three particular duties – compliance, care and prudence.

Key desirable skills:
HelpAge is now looking to appoint a UK based trustee with expertise in strategic financial management, budgeting and risk management in an NGO setting along with knowledge of UK charity financial regulations and compliance.

Other desirable skills are as follows -
• Trusteeship in an organisation of similar or larger size, together with experience in the implementation of best practices in UK and/or international corporate governance.
• Areas of expertise relevant to HelpAge International’s mission and goals such as gerontology, age discrimination, demography, health, income security, pension policy, climate change, human rights, and gender equity
• Public policy formulation and influencing techniques across parliaments and national assemblies.
• Service provision or policy development at a senior level to older people.
• International development and/or humanitarian assistance at strategic level, particularly planning and delivery of services, governance structures, and financial management.
• Experience working with/in/for networks.
• Active role in/links with academia.
• Influence and links with global humanitarian organisations/networks/policy makers.
• Links/connections with corporate sector and the silver/grey economy.

HelpAge International Trustees are expected to demonstrate all of the following personal competencies and the capacity to apply these to the direction of a large and complex organisation:
• Commitment
• Ability to understand and accept the duties and liabilities of being a Trustee.
• Empathy with the vision, mission and aims of HelpAge International.
• Willingness and ability to devote the necessary time and effort.
• Strategic focus
• Ability to think and apply knowledge strategically.
• Ability to think creatively.
• Ability to keep mission-focused.
• Ability to analyse and evaluate management information and other evidence.
• Willingness to listen and learn.
• Communication and team working
• Ability to communicate clearly and sensitively, and to take an active part in discussions.
• Ability to influence and engage.
• Ability to work effectively in an English-speaking group.
• Willingness to express their own opinion in a reasoned way, while also listening to the views of others.
• Ability to challenge constructively and ask questions appropriately.
• Accountability
• Ability to exercise sound and independent judgement.
• Willingness to make and stand by collective decisions, including those which may be unpopular.
• Ability to manage difficult and/or challenging situations.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality on sensitive information

Time Commitment
The Board of Trustees meets four times a year. 3 of the meetings are for half a day every quarter and are held on line. The 4th meeting is usually a 2 day face to face meeting which takes place in a country where there are partner organisations or network members. Trustees may have to factor in significant travel time, dependent on the location.

Trustees typically devote more time than just the Board meetings; staying connected to the cause of HelpAge International, learning about it and advocating for older persons. Board Trustees are encouraged to be members of at least one Board sub-Committee. Trustees whose current careers are not already steeped in ageing issues often find it is useful to spend time outside of the Board and Board Committee meetings, familiarising themselves with and staying abreast of current population ageing issues.

Board Members are also ‘ambassadors’ of HelpAge International. As such, from time to time they may be called upon to represent the organisation in forums taking place in their region.

HelpAge International’s Support for Trustees
HelpAge International is committed to ensuring each Trustee is given adequate access to the information and tools s/he needs to be an effective Board Trustee. As such, HelpAge ensures that every new trustee is introduced to the organisation through an appropriate and supportive induction process.

In addition, senior staff members of the organisation are a valuable knowledge resource on ageing matters/issues, and the organisational culture is such that opportunities for interaction between senior staff and Trustees are easily arranged. HelpAge also actively encourages those Trustees who wish to attend specific workshops and seminars in order to improve their effectiveness as Board Trustees.

Application
HelpAge International is committed to equal opportunities for all its employees, potential employees and Trustees. It seeks to be an inclusive organisation where there is equal opportunity for all and diversity is embraced.
We believe that diversity is an important factor for accountability and public confidence. HelpAge deliver services and programmes to a diverse range of communities, and our Board should reflect this diversity.

To apply, please submit a CV and covering letter by 14 March 2026, detailing how you fulfil the role description and personal specification.The position of Trustee is voluntary but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed. Please note that this role requires a UK based  with strategic finance specialist skills.