Trustee

Trustee vacancy 

The Royal Aeronautical Society is the world’s leading professional body dedicated to aerospace communities. Established in 1866, the Society has been at the forefront of developments in aerospace, seeking to promote the highest professional standards and provide a central forum for sharing knowledge. 

The Society is seeking a committed volunteer with a passion for aerospace to join the Board of Trustees from May 2026. As a Trustee, you will play a strategic role in the charity’s governance and help the Society to meet its charitable objects - the advancement of aeronautical art, science, and engineering around the world.  

Main duties and responsibilities 

The Board of Trustees seeks to ensure that it has the skills, experience, diversity of thought and perspective to draw upon in its governance and decision-making roles. Trustees are expected to allocate time to reviewing papers and should actively participate in meetings by leading discussions, focusing on key issues and providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, to ensure that the Society continues to meet the needs of its members through financial sustainability and adherence to its charitable objects. 

Trustees must exercise their powers in strict accordance with the charity’s governing documents (i.e. Royal Charter, By-Laws and Regulations). The duties of a Trustee are as follows: 

• Ensuring that the organisation pursues its stated objects (purposes), as defined in its governing documents, by developing and agreeing a long-term strategy 

• Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction 

• Ensuring that the organisation complies with its governing documents, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations 

• Ensuring that the organisation applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its charitable objects (i.e. the charity must not spend money on activities that are not included in its own objects, however worthwhile or charitable those activities are) and for the benefit of the public 

• Ensuring that the organisation defines its goals and evaluates performance against agreed targets 

• Safeguarding the good name and values of the organisation 

• Ensuring the effective and efficient administration of the organisation, including having appropriate policies and procedures in place 

• Ensuring the financial stability of the organisation 

• Protecting and managing the property of the charity and ensuring the proper investment of the charity’s funds 

• Following proper and formal arrangements for the appointment, supervision, support, appraisal and remuneration of the Chief Executive. 

Person specification 

The following characteristics, knowledge and experience are essential: 

• Interest in the charity’s work, the communities it serves and those it represents 

• Clear understanding, and acceptance, of the legal duties, liabilities and responsibilities of Trustees, with a sound knowledge of relevant governance 

• Commitment to the values and principles of the charity including commitment to equity, diversity and inclusivity 

• Ability to understand complex strategic issues, analyse and resolve difficult problems 

• Commitment to the highest ethical standards in line with the Nolan principles 

• Sufficient time and commitment to fulfil the role. 

The following characteristics, knowledge and experience would be advantageous: 

• Proven business and financial acumen together with leadership and organisational skills 

• Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills 

• Experience in the aerospace sector and / or understanding of its breadth and depth 

• Experience of management of heritage assets and / or heritage properties. 

Time commitment 

As a member of the Board of Trustees, the appointed individual will be required to attend 4 meetings in a calendar year (usually held on a Monday in March, June, September and November), with each meeting lasting up to 2.5 hours. Trustees should prepare in advance of meetings. Meetings are usually hybrid.  

In addition, Trustees will be expected from time to time to engage with Society staff, as well as to devote appropriate preparation time ahead of each engagement. Trustees are expected to meet any additional time commitment that is reasonable (with a further call for commitment from Committee Chairs to fulfil those roles).   

This is a voluntary position, and no remuneration is offered. The Society will, however, reimburse all reasonable ‘out of pocket’ expenses for attendance at meetings.  

Equity, diversity and inclusion  

As a global membership organisation and Professional Engineering Institution, we believe diversity brings benefits to our members, corporate partners, employees, and other stakeholders. This is why the Society is committed to demonstrating diversity and inclusivity. We encourage applications from all suitably qualified applicants irrespective of background, circumstances, age, disability, gender identity, ethnicity, religion or belief and sexual orientation.   

We work to ensure that our processes are as inclusive as possible to everyone. This includes making reasonable adjustments for people who have a disability or long-term condition. If you would like us to make reasonable adjustments during the selection process, please let us know. 

How to apply 

Please submit a CV and a short covering letter, which explains how your knowledge and experience make you a good match for this role. You can find information about how to do this and who to contact on the "Volunteer with us" page of the Royal Aeronautical Society's website. The closing date for this vacancy is Sunday 7 December at 23:59. 

Personal data 

In line with GDPR, we ask that in your CV and covering letter you do NOT send us any information that can identify children or any of your sensitive personal data (racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious or philosophical beliefs, trade union membership, data concerning health or sex life and sexual orientation, genetic and/or biometric data). Following this notice, any inclusion of your sensitive personal data in your CV/application documentation will be understood by us as your express consent to process this information going forward. Please also remember to not mention anyone’s information or details (e.g. referees) who have not previously agreed to their inclusion.