Trustee Roles

Libraries Connected is recruiting new Trustees to help champion the value of public libraries by shaping our strategic direction and overseeing our governance.  As a Trustee, you will  play an essential role in guiding our organisation’s missions maintaining high standards of governance, and supporting our work to strengthen the library sector.

About Libraries Connected

Libraries Connected is the national organisation for public library services in England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Crown Dependencies (Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man). We represent, support, and connect library leaders and services, working to strengthen the sector’s collective impact, visibility and resilience.

Our vision is for an inclusive, modern, sustainable, and high-quality public library service at the heart of every community. We deliver national programmes, provide professional development and sector support and advocacy for the role and impact of Libraries.

Our governance framework ensures we remain responsive to member priorities while also engaging effectively with the wider policy and funding environment.  Trustees contribute strategic insight and oversight, ensuring our work is well-governed, financially sound, and aligned to our long-term mission.

The sector is at a pivotal moment: the development by the government of a new public libraries strategy for England, local government reorganisation, and many more challenges and opportunities. Advocacy and partnership‑building are more vital than ever as we amplify our collective voice.

Board vacancies

We are seeking new Trustees who can bring fresh insight, diverse expertise and strategic leadership to support Libraires Connected’s continued development.

We want everyone who believes they can contribute to Libraries Connected Board of Trustees to feel welcome to apply. We encourage applications from all ages and backgrounds. Currently, we would particularly welcome applications from people under the age of 35.

Previous Board/Trustee experience is not necessary. An induction process will follow for any successful applicant. Further training opportunities relevant to Trustees are always on offer.  Similarly, prior professional experience of the libraries sector is not a pre-requisite as our Board includes a number of Member Trustees who ensure this perspective is always represented.

The term of appointment will be three years initially, renewable for two further terms of three years.

Skills and Experience Sought

Following our skills audit, recruitment will prioritise candidates with knowledge or experience in ONE OR MORE of the following areas:

• Finance (strategic financial oversight, budgeting and planning)
• Commercial acumen, negotiation and contract skills
• Fundraising and income generation strategy
• Policy landscape understanding and strategic policy influencing
• Legal knowledge, particularly in charity or company governance
• Data protection
• Environment and sustainability

In addition, applicants must exhibit the following key behaviours essential for Trustees:

• Strategic thinking and sound judgement
• Ability to scrutinise constructively
• Acting as a supportive but challenging “critical friend”
• Forward thinking and innovative
• Commitment to our values and mission