Trustees Volunteer Roles

We are looking for pro-active, enthusiastic and motivated young professionals to join our board - you can help lead the strategic development of one of Dundee’s most promising and dynamic charities!

We would particularly welcome applications from candidates who are young people with lived experience of mental health and wellbeing challenges.

THE DETAILS

Feeling Strong is an exciting Dundee-based charity with the ambition to improve the lives of young people living with mental health and wellbeing challenges by fostering the skills, confidence and aspirations they need to flourish. Our services are designed by young people, delivered by young people for the benefit of young people, and we believe that this youth-led/peer-led approach is our biggest asset in tackling issues around mental health and wellbeing. We support stable recovery journeys for young people, lead campaigns to tackle societal issues, develop quality resources based on our own research, and tackle the disparity they face in unemployment, underemployment and accessing opportunities like further and higher education.

YOUR COMMITMENT

Whilst the Trustee Board meets for formal meetings 6 times a year, successful candidates will be expected to contribute to the organisation more widely, taking part in fundraisers, external events, strategic planning and advising the staff team when needed. The average contribution expected of Trustees is around one hour a week.

Work-related travel costs will be reimbursed.

APPLYING

Training and induction will be provided so we are open to all candidates, and we expect them to develop skills once in post, but we would welcome candidates with any of the following experience:

• Governance and previous board experience

• Business development and trading income generation

• Human resources

• Lived experience of mental health and wellbeing challenges

• Financial background

About The Way Youth Zone

The Way Youth Zone is a youth-led, open access, universal state of the art space for young people aged 8-19 (up to 25 with a disability) located centrally in the vibrant and diverse city of Wolverhampton.

We are looking for a new Chair to lead and support us in this exciting next phase of the Way’s development. 

What will you be doing?

The role of Chair is a stimulating and challenging role that will call on your strategic and interpersonal skills.

It provides an opportunity to work alongside an experienced and diverse team of Trustees and senior management in a rapidly changing environment to make a real difference to the young people of Wolverhampton.

The Chair provides leadership and direction to the Board of Trustees to enable the Board to fulfil its responsibilities for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity, as well as oversight and scrutiny of the charity’s operations.

The role is not remunerated. However, reasonable expenses incurred in carrying out the role will be repaid.

Time Commitment

· The Board meet 6 times a year for 2 hours in the evening (5pm -7pm).

· One to one meetings with the CEO every month, ideally twice a month. These can be done remotely.

· Ad hoc communication outside of formal meetings.

· Annual Board Development Day.

· Ideally the Chair will support on at least one sub-committee (3/4 meetings a year)

· Ideally you will be able to represent The Way Youth Zone within the community including at events once or twice a year.

· The Chair is encouraged to get to know our young people by joining them on a session.

What are we looking for?

The new Chair will bring their passion and commitment to the young people of Wolverhampton. Your skills and experience will help us to empower young people and support them to raise their aspirations.

We are interested in an individual who brings the following:

· Ideally the Chair will be local and have networks in Wolverhampton.

· Have commitment to the mission, values and DNA of the Youth Zone.

· Strong leadership skills and ability to motivate a team.

· Show willingness to devote the necessary time and effort for the role.

· Strong inter-personal, networking and relationship building abilities.

· Previous Board experience, either within a charity or in a corporate setting.

· Entrepreneurial/business skills.

We warmly welcome candidates from a range of cultures, backgrounds, contexts, ages and experience. We strongly value the contribution that people with these characteristics will bring to our Board discussions.

What difference will you make?

The role of the Chair is key to ensuring that The Way continues to thrive, meeting the needs and aspirations of thousands of young people. We are a truly positive and diverse organisation that welcomes all young people. Each young person’s background culture and identity is valued. The Way is a place where all young people can flourish. The facilities and opportunities encourage participation, enjoyment, well-being, resilience, and aspiration.

Staff, volunteers, and Trustees are valued and flourish too. You can bring your skills, time, and experience and have a positive impact for the City’s young people.

Our Trustees are a team of volunteers who use their diverse skills, experience, and perspectives to set the strategic direction of the charity and make sure it’s doing what it was set up to do in the best possible way. 

For families facing tough times, a holiday is a much-needed break from the day to day, as well as giving space and time to breathe, think differently. A holiday is essential for building wellbeing and hope for the future, especially when the present is challenging.

About you

You'll have the energy, integrity, passion, and skills to work with the Board of Trustees, our CEO and staff team, and our community, to drive forward a successful and dynamic future for our charity and the families we support.

We’re particularly looking to add the following professional skills and experiences to our team.

• Developing digital products, tools and/or services.
• Directly supporting children and/or families on an ongoing professional basis.
• Fundraising in a charity through voluntary donations or commercial income.

You don’t need to have been a Trustee before, but you do need to be willing to do some training to help you understand the role and the responsibilities that come with it.

We actively encourage applications from under-represented, marginalised and racialised groups, and those with lived experience of any of the barriers families face to having time away together. That’s things like mental or physical ill health, disability, domestic abuse, being a young carer or living on a low income.

We will make adjustments to our schedule and processes to ensure new trustees can be included and supported in the role.

More diverse perspectives on our Board help us make better decisions for families.

What we offer you

The biggest thing we have to offer is the chance to put your skills and experience to good use making the lives of families who are having a tough time better.

You’ll join a team who really care about making a difference and approach it with real openness and drive. Right off the bat we’ll connect you with the other Trustees and staff so you can get to know everyone, and we’ll buddy you up with another Trustee, so you’ve got someone to help you navigate it all as you settle in.

Expenses

You won’t get paid for your time, but we’ll make sure you aren’t out of pocket by covering the cost of your travel to meetings, childcare or other care if you need it, and a range of other expenses you might have while doing the role. We’ll book and/or pay for these in advance if you prefer.

How to apply

When you click 'Quick Apply' you'll find a link to upload your CV and answer a couple of screening questions.

We will make adjustments to the recruitment process wherever possible to ensure that no applicant is disadvantaged for any reason. 

• Monday 20th May - Applications close at 9am
• w/c 3rd June and w/c 10th June  -  First interviews with a panel of current trustees 
• w/c 17th June - Second interviews with Jackie our Vice Chair of Trustees

After the interviews we’ll contact anyone we’d like to join the Board with an offer subject to references and checks.

If you accept, we’ll take up your references, do a DBS check and confirm your eligibility to act as a Trustee. If that’s all ok, you’re in! We’ll introduce you to the rest of the Trustees and get started with your induction.

Formal appointment happens at the next Board meeting which is on Thursday 5th August.

Prospect Hospice is looking for talented, passionate Finance, Fundraising and Digital professionals to join our Board of Trustees. If you have the time and enthusiasm to be a part of our outstanding organisation and really add value to the community, we want to hear from you!

The Background

Over four decades, Prospect Hospice has become the organisation that people in Swindon,
Marlborough and north Wiltshire turn to when they, or the people they love, are diagnosed with a
life-limiting illness. We have cared for and supported thousands of local people, which is why so many
people contribute in their own way to a charity that makes a positive difference in our community.

Our vision is ‘A community where death is no longer a taboo, and everyone has the right to live and
die well’. At Prospect Hospice, our patients and their loved one, our staff and our volunteers are at
the centre of all that we do. Working with local health and social care partners, and stakeholders from
across the community, we have a vital role in improving end-of-life care for everyone.

We are looking for new Trustees who can support our mission to work with and through
others using our skills and expertise, so that people have a choice and support at the end of their life.

Our Board usually meets four times each year, in addition to which Trustees are asked to also join
one of our quarterly sub committees. While it would be beneficial for Trustees to be willing/able to
contribute to Prospect related activity outside meetings, for example to participate in specific project focused tasks or attending and representing the Charity at external events, this is not essential.

Who are we looking for?

Our Board of Trustee team has responsibility for overseeing our strategy and performance and we
are looking for people who will bring the enthusiasm, experience and commitment we need to help
guide the Hospice through the next phase of its development. You will have the ability to be an
effective role model and influencer and be committed to the aims, objectives and values of Prospect
Hospice, maintaining a genuine interest in our work. You will be a strategic and creative thinker and
be able to work effectively as part of a team.

We are particularly interested to hear from candidates with relevant experience and professionally
qualified in Finance/Accountancy as well as individuals with experience in
Fundraising/Income Generation with emphasis on successfully using digital marketing.

For an informal discussion with a current trustee and more information contact Siobhain Acott (details on website)

Equality and diversity

Prospect hospice is committed to encouraging a diverse and inclusive working environment. We
recognise that promoting diversity and eliminating discrimination in our workplace will bring benefits
for our people, our business and the communities we serve.

We are committed to ensuring that all employees and job applicants are provided with equality of opportunity in employment. Applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, offending background, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

Safeguarding

Prospect Hospice is committed to promoting the wellbeing of all adults and children who use our
services, ensuring that they live a life that is free from harm, abuse and neglect. We work in an open
and transparent way and encourage staff, volunteers, patients and families to raise any safeguarding
concerns.

Trustee with Clinical Experience 

We are looking for a Trustee with Clinical Experience to join our charity.

You don’t need any previous Trustee experience. However, we are seeking an enthusiastic Trustee, who will bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role.

The overall role of a Trustee with Clinical Experience is to enhance Colostomy UK’s understanding of the challenge’s clinicians face on a day-to-day basis and help us to forge productive relationships with the healthcare profession. Your input and guidance will help shape our services and activities to ensure we are making a difference, helping ostomates of today and tomorrow lead a fulfilling life.

The role

As a charity trustee at Colostomy UK, you will play a critical role as part of our board. Key responsibilities include. 1. Governance: Actively participate in the governance and strategic direction of the charity, ensuring our Purpose, Aims, Vision and Values and objectives are upheld.

2. Financial oversight: Provide oversight and scrutiny of the charity's financial management, ensuring resources are used efficiently and in alignment with our purpose..

3. Fundraising: Support fundraising efforts, contribute to the development of fundraising strategies, and assist in securing resources for our activities, service, programs and initiatives.

4. Committee participation: Serve on specific committees or working groups as needed, leveraging your skills and expertise to advance our objectives.

5. Ambassador: Act as a figure head for the organisation, representing us at various events and activities. 

Please refer to Application Pack for further details. 

Are you passionate about mental health support and peer advocacy? Do you possess financial expertise and a desire to make a difference in the lives of others? If so, we invite you to become our Treasurer/Finance Trustee at The Anthony Seddon Fund!

At The Anthony Seddon Fund, we are dedicated to providing a safe and supportive space for individuals to connect, share experiences, and receive peer-driven mental health support. Our mission is to empower individuals on their journey towards mental wellness, and as Treasurer/Finance Trustee, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the financial health and sustainability of our organisation.

Why Join Us?

· Meaningful Impact: Your financial oversight will directly contribute to the continued growth and effectiveness of our peer support programmes, positively impacting the lives of those we serve.

· Flexible Commitment: With an approximate time commitment of 8-10 hours per month, this role offers flexibility to accommodate your schedule while still making a significant difference in our organisation.

· Collaborative Environment: Work alongside dedicated peers and volunteers who share your passion for mental health advocacy and support.

Key Responsibilities

· Financial Management: Oversee the financial operations of The Anthony Seddon Fund, including budgeting, financial reporting, and fiscal planning.

· Budget Oversight: Collaborate with the Board of Directors to develop and monitor annual budgets, ensuring alignment with our mission and strategic goals.

· Fundraising Support: Assist in developing fundraising strategies and initiatives to support our programmes and services, including grant applications and donor stewardship.

· Compliance and Governance: Ensure compliance with financial regulations and best practices for nonprofit organisations, providing guidance on financial policies and procedures.

Qualifications

· Financial Expertise: Demonstrated experience in financial management, accounting, or related fields.

· Commitment: Willingness to dedicate approximately 8-10 hours per month to fulfil the responsibilities of the role.

· Team Player: Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with fellow trustees, staff, and volunteers.

· Passion for Mental Health: A genuine commitment to our mission of promoting mental wellness and peer support.

How to Apply

If you are ready to contribute your financial expertise to support our peer-driven mental health initiatives, we would love to hear from you! Please submit your resume and a brief statement of interest outlining your relevant experience and why you are passionate about joining our team.

Join us in making a difference in the lives of individuals living with mental health challenges! Together, we can create a community of support and empowerment.

Outside Edge Theatre Company are seeking new Trustees who share our passion about changing lives through the power of theatre.

We are looking to broaden our Board’s diversity of thought with creative and strategic thinkers, including the appointment of two new roles: Treasurer and Deputy Chair of the Board.

We’re particularly interested in the following experience: Fundraising, Charity Finance, Drug & Alcohol services, Participatory arts, Theatre making, EDI and CSR. The most important factor, however, is that you bring energy and commitment to the role and a willingness to devote the necessary time and effort.

Role: Chair of the Board of Trustees, West Smethwick Enterprise.

Salary: N/A - Voluntary Position.

Location: Birmingham/Sandwell.

Time commitment: Five x 3.5 hour Board meetings per year, plus the Mentorship of the Director of Childrens Services and occasionally representing the Charity at various events and meetings with key stakeholders.

The Chair is also expected to have regular meetings with the Director of Childrens Services to ensure that upcoming Board Meetings are well planned, efficient and the relevant information is available to enable Trustees to make timely and well-informed decisions. This would constitute approx. 8-16 hours per month in time commitment.

Closing date: 30th April 2024.

About West Smethwick Enterprise

West Smethwick Enterprise CIC is a community-based charity with an aim to improve outcomes for children and families in some of the most socially and economically challenged areas within the UK. We currently provide high quality Pre-Schools for children aged between 2-5, from 5 locations across Smethwick and Ladywood in Birmingham, as well as offering family support services for children and their families within the local community.

We are also building local professional capability for the Early Years sector itself through pioneering partnerships with Higher Education providers. This initiative is primarily driven through our Pre-School centre based in Ladywood, Birmingham.

As WSE’s Chair of the Board of Trustees (BoT), you will be responsible for engaging the Trustees to support our talented, committed employees to continue growing a sustainable, resilient and agile organisation, capable of delivering an ambitious strategy; developing talent and capability; building successful partnerships and attracting suitable investment/funding.

West Smethwick Enterprise in a nutshell

Pre-school settings – 5

Turnover - £800k

Staff numbers – 37

Our values: Kindness, Fairness, Determination, Collaboration and Imagination. These values are deeply ingrained in our culture and the way we work with our colleagues and with the children and families we serve

 

About the role

The operation and success of West Smethwick Enterprise is overseen by a capable, dedicated and experienced Board of Trustees and this is led by the Chair.

Working closely with their Board of Trustees, the Chair is responsible for ensuring that our WSE leadership team continue to deliver financial stability, strong operational grip, high quality children’s services and apply strong governance to the organisation. The Chair also plays a crucial role overseeing the development and successful delivery of the strategy.

The successful Chair will provide mentorship to the Director of Children’s services, who leads the organisation on a day-to-day basis, helping her to continue to create a climate where the wider team can thrive and achieve new heights.

The role is perfect for a leader who is an experienced people manager, passionate about supporting young children from economically disadvantaged areas to thrive, and wants to use their skills, professional network and experience for good.

It is a voluntary position, with reasonable travel costs and expenses being covered.

The Chair position is a central leadership role within WSE, with the successful candidate drawing on their skills and experience to ensure the organisation can develop to meet the growing requirement for high quality, low cost and/or grant funded pre-school education in the Birmingham Ladywood and Smethwick footprint. We are keen to hear from anyone who is passionate about our aims, has time to give and feels able to lead West Smethwick Enterprise through the next chapter of growth.

Please refer to the attached job description fro the full job specification.

Independent Trustee - The PA Foundation

The PA Foundation is looking for a passionate and collaborative independent trustee to join its board.

The PA Foundation aims to develop and inspire people, particularly those facing disadvantage, to be the innovators and leaders of tomorrow, applying their ingenuity to solve the world’s biggest challenges.

The PA Foundation is an independent charity expanding access to quality education, skills, and careers – particularly in STEM-related fields – and working to address the underlying barriers holding people from disadvantaged backgrounds back.

Chair/Co-Chair - Tamasha Theatre Company Ltd

Tamasha is seeking its next Chair or Co-Chairs. This is a wonderful opportunity to lead the Board of one of the UK’s leading Global Majority (ethnically diverse) theatre companies.

Tamasha is looking for someone who is passionate about arts and creativity and who has lived experience (or a significant understanding) of the challenges and opportunities facing Global Majority artists and communities in the UK today. The Chair will be a change-maker and collaborative leader, able to support the Trustees, Artistic Director and Executive Director.  The Chair will be a strong and visible advocate for Tamasha, able to negotiate and influence across a range of sectors to support its work.

The Royal Society for Asian Affairs (RSAA) is seeking to recruit three new trustees to support it at an important point in its development, approaching its 125th anniversary in 2026.

The Society has made big changes in recent years, including expanding its international audience, improving its accessibility to members and non-members, modernising its constitution and governance structures, and developing an ambitious new strategy that gives the Society’s original objectives fresh energy in a 21st century context.

To help us drive this forward, we are looking for an individual with a professional background in fundraising and income generation, ideally in the education sector, and an interest in Asia. Experience of working with charities is important. Familiarity with the RSAA would be useful but is not essential. We are keen to increase the diversity of the board and will particularly welcome interest from individuals from under-represented groups.

Trustees are accountable for the proper and effective operation of the Society, giving strategic direction to the Chief Executive, ensuring the financial health and good financial management of the Society, ensuring that the Society has sufficient funds to support its activities, and protecting the Society’s reputation and independence.

KidsAid is a charity supporting children affected by trauma. We seek a Vice Chair to assist the Chair in providing leadership to the board, to ensure it operates within its charitable objectives, and with a clear strategic direction.

What will you be doing?

KidsAid is a child-centred charity. We focus on healing and empowerment for children affected by abuse, family breakdown, illness, and bereavement through to anxiety, depression, self-harm, and suicide. 

The Vice Chair role includes oversight of a Theory of Change approach by the board, incorporating the responsibilities described below:1) Identify a Theory of Change approach and ensure board understanding, agreement and commitment.2) Assist the board to exercise oversight of the process, are engaged throughout, and support the decisions made.3) Ensure that Theory of Change is embedded within the organisation’s culture and practice from inception, throughout implementation, and informs strategic decisions.4) Ensure engagement with a wide range of perspectives to scrutinise how these can most effectively contribute towards change.5) In collaboration with the CEO, produce a Theory of Change output to reflect the critical thinking which has challenged KidsAid’s values, beliefs, and purpose.6) Assist the Chair in:

• Providing leadership to the charity and the board.
• Ensuring that Trustees fulfil their duties and responsibilities for effective governance.
• Ensuring board meetings are pre-planned and conducted effectively.
• Working with the Chair and CEO to ensure that sub-committees make effective and timely recommendations to the Board.
•  Leading any sub-committees, teams, or working groups which may be created by the board. 
• Reviewing the performance of the board, assisting with the appraisal of trustee performance, and leading on the appraisal of the Chair’s performance.
• The recruitment of new trustees.
• Representing the charity externally when the chair is unable to do so.

What are we looking for?

Person Specification

• At least three years’ experience at board level on a charity board, board of governors, or similar organisation. (E)
• Initiating and leading strategic change through co-production. (E)
• Engagement with joint partnerships or collaborative working with a variety of organisations.
• Available to engage with the role at least 8 hours weekly and attend face to face board meetings. (E)
• Chairing meetings at senior management team or board level. (E)
• Effective presentations and report writing. (E)
• Participating in, or leading teams. (E)
• Maintaining supportive relationships at a senior level. (E)
• Supportive of the vision and purposes of the charity. (E)

What difference will you make?

If you wish to make a long-term contribution to our community, we are your charity!Our aim is to safeguard children so that early life trauma does not become a lifelong burden, and manifest into more serious issues in the future. Your role as Vice Chair will be vital! You will work in collaboration with the CEO and Chair to lead trustees to shape, drive and monitor the organisations strategy. You will support the work of the Chair by providing leadership to the charity and the board, to ensure it operates within its charitable objectives, and with a clear strategic direction. 

Before you apply

Please do apply to become a KidsAid trustee. Our mission is so worthwhile and your contribution to our board team will be greatly valued.Should you wish to discuss further, the CEO and Chair will be delighted to hear from you.

Red Balloon is a dynamic education charity with a number of Learner Centres throughout the UK that support young people who self-exclude from school and are missing education because of bullying or other trauma. They provide both an academic and therapeutic programme to enable their students to get back on track and reconnect with society. In addition to offering centre based programmes they also offer a distance learning provision (Red Balloon of the Air) which provides students with a bespoke integrated programme of academic education and wellbeing provision, delivered both online and face-to-face.

Red Balloon Learner Centre Reading is now looking to strengthen its Board and we are seeking a Property - Health and Safety Trustee – in order to assist the centre with all property related matters. An experienced Property / Health & Safety professional with extensive knowledge of risk assessments, first aid, fire safety, and building management.

Trustees have a duty to ensure that the charity is well run, solvent, legally compliant, and working towards the charitable purpose for which it was established, and Trustee roles are an important and a highly rewarding way to support an organisation. Please note that Trustee roles are unremunerated voluntary positions, although reasonable travel expenses will be paid.

Red Balloon is committed to equality of opportunity, supports, and encourages under-represented groups, and values diversity. We seek people from a wide range of backgrounds, who will bring a fresh perspective to the Board, and having reviewed existing Trustee's diversity, skills, and experience, Red Balloon are keen for the Board to reflect the diversity of the communities that they work with and therefore welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Please contact Heidi Earp, Director of Langton Not 4 Profit our retained consultants for further information on the role.

KidsAid is a charity supporting children affected by trauma. We seek a Standards & Compliance Lead to assist the board in establishing, and monitoring compliance with ethical, professional, and clinical standards.

What will you be doing?

KidsAid is a child-centred charity. We focus on healing and empowerment for children affected by abuse, family breakdown, illness, and bereavement through to anxiety, depression, self-harm, and suicide. Our Values

Role Description.

To lead the Standards and Compliance Subcommittee in providing oversight on behalf of the board in:

• Monitoring the experience of, and standard of service provided to, those who benefit from, or otherwise deal with KidsAid, and make recommendations for change where necessary.
• Ensuring compliance with ethical, professional, and Clinical standards relevant to KidsAid’s beneficiaries.
• Monitoring organisational culture, policies, and processes to maximise safeguarding of all for whom KidsAid are responsible.
• Monitoring and keeping under review the values of the board in the context of service delivery.
• Adopting, monitoring, and updating where necessary, a scheme of delegation.
• Overseeing the management of the risk register. Identifying new risks, assessing, monitoring, and mitigating existing risks, and escalating high-level risks to the Board.
• Monitoring and auditing compliance with all relevant legal obligations, including assessing the likely effect of proposed changes to the law.
• Monitoring, compliance with the charitable objects of KidsAid, the constitution, terms of reference of the board and sub committees, and making recommendations to the board where necessary.
• Reviewing alternative national quality accreditation schemes, and making recommendations to the board, monitoring progress in achieving any agreed scheme.
• Monitoring and auditing compliance with Contracts, and tendering processes.
• Maintaining an overview of Due Diligence assessments, whether applied internally or externally.
• Evaluating advisory Codes relevant to KidsAid and making recommendations to the board for change where necessary.
• Periodically review the Charity’s impact measuring, evaluation, and data.
• Ensure that our data capture systems are fit for purpose now and in the future.

What are we looking for?

We are seeking a Standards and Compliance Lead with the following qualities:

• An understanding of due diligence and charity standards.
• Analytical skills and the ability to interpret and work with a range of data and information and evaluate compliance.
• A willingness to be available to the CEO and staff for advice and enquiries on an ad hoc basis.

The lead trustee for standards and compliance will be responsible for the following duties in addition to the wider responsibilities of a trustee.

What difference will you make?

If you wish to make a long-term contribution to our community, we are your charity! Our aim is to safeguard children so that early life trauma does not become a lifelong burden, and manifest into more serious issues in the future. Your role as Standards & Compliance Lead will be vital! You will have a lead role in providing effective leadership and governance, and ensuring that KidsAid complies with its obligations as a charity.

Before you apply

Please do apply to become a KidsAid trustee. Our mission is so worthwhile and your contribution to our board team will be greatly valued. Should you wish to discuss further, the CEO and Chair will be delighted to hear from you.

Trustee

We’re looking for trustees​

I’m Nick, Chair of the Board of Trustees for We The Curious. We are looking for individuals to join us on the board who are passionate about creating a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable future through science and creative experiences.​

Since the temporary closure of our venue due to fire and water damage, we have been working hard to continue our mission with our 'out and about' activity as well as focussing on reimagining our strategic plan (Plan 2030) and governance.

We are now on the cusp of reopening our iconic Bristol venue, and as we do, you’ll have the opportunity to contribute to our strategy and help us create a place where everyone is included, curious and inspired by science.

We have newfound opportunities and challenges ahead and we need people with fresh perspectives and skills . As a trustee, you’ll share our values, be motivated, and have a positively questioning mind to help us realise our vision.  You can find more about our history and who we are here.

If you feel energised by our charity and this opportunity, then we’d love to hear from you!

Nick Jones, Chair of Board of Trustees, We The Curious​

What is a trustee?​

Trustees have overall control of a charity and are responsible for making sure it’s doing what it was set up to do. They may be known by other titles, such as:

Directors, board members, governors, committee members

Whatever they are called, trustees are the people who work with our experienced leadership team to provide support, encouragement, challenge when needed and help to decide how the charity is run. Being a trustee means making decisions that will impact on people’s lives. Depending on what the charity does, you will be making a difference to your local community or to society as a whole.

Trustees use their skills and experience to support their charities, helping them achieve their aims. Trustees also often learn new skills during their time on the board.

About We The Curious​

We The Curious is an educational charity and one of the UK’s leading science centres. 

We produce experiences that bring people together to play, get creative with science and explore different ideas around science, technology, natural history and the environment.

We work with partners, locally and nationally, supporting people to be inquisitive, develop new skills and improve their wellbeing.

We are progressive, inquisitive, collaborative, playful and creative.

Vision

​What if everyone is included, curious, inspired by science to build a better world together?

Mission​

Our aim is to connect and empower people through sharing creative experiences which celebrate unknowns in science.

Our work as a charity is driven by five key pledges:

_Cultivate Curiosity

_Include Everyone

_Open Up Science

_Sustainable Futures

_Build Resilience

You can find out more about these in our Manifesto.

What will you do in this role?​

As a trustee you will provide advice, knowledge and support to the leadership team at We The Curious.

With the steer of the Chair, the board of trustees ensures we pursue our purpose responsibly, are compliant with our governing documents, charity law and other relevant legislation. The board will review and advise on best practice and appropriate policies and procedures and uphold excellent governance.

As a trustee you will:​

_Contribute individual skills and knowledge in support of the vision and strategic delivery

_Uphold the values of We The Curious

_Safeguard and advocate for the work and vision of We The Curious

_Act as ambassadors locally, nationally and internationally

_Assist with the evaluation and review of the policies, goals and targets of the organisation

_Encourage investment and growth

_Drive innovation and change

_Oversee the effective and efficient administration of the organisation and long-term financial stability

_Contribute to working groups for specific focus on projects

All Trustees should use their specific skills, knowledge or experience to help the Board of Trustees reach informed decisions in the best interest of We The Curious.

This will involve scrutinising Board papers, leading discussion and providing guidance as requested by the Board on new initiatives or other issues relevant to the area of our work in which the trustee has expertise.

Time commitment

​_We hold quarterly board meetings, typically from 4pm to 7pm and one strategy away day per year. Trustees are expected to attend and contribute to all meetings either in person or by joining virtually.

_ Board Meetings are located at the We The Curious offices within the science centre in central Bristol, and once a year at another location around the City.

_ You will also be asked to take part in one of our subcommittee meetings which take place online, at least once per quarter. There are currently sub-committees for Finance & Risk Assurance and Purpose Strategy.

_ You may also be called upon for advice or assistance by the leadership team or to attend occasional events.

Remuneration

​This is a voluntary role. Reasonable travel expenses will be covered. Food is provided at the quarterly Board meetings and strategy away days.

You will have:​​​​​​​

_Free entry to our venue during opening hours

_12 tickets per calendar year to give away

_20% off in the We The Curious shop at our venue and online

_Free parking at Millennium Square car park for meetings

_Secure cycle storage

Terms of appointment​

_Trustees are appointed to an initial three-year term of service (including a 12-month probationary period).

_Trustees can serve a maximum of six years with a reappointment after the first term of three years unless the trustee holds an office, such as Chair or Deputy Chair, in which case they would be eligible for a further three-year term. The maximum term of office is nine years. 

Probationary period

​This post is subject to a 12-month probationary period.

What we're looking for from you​

We have created a bold new Plan 2030 strategy, and we are looking for people that embody our values and have some of these skills/knowledge to help achieve it.

You will:​

_Embody our values. Collaborative, Creative, Inquisitive, Playful and Progressive

_Be committed to our vision and key manifesto pledges of Cultivating Curiosity, Including Everyone, Open Up Science, Strive for Sustainable Futures and Build Resilience

_Have a positively questioning mind to help We The Curious fulfil its  vision

_Act with integrity and in the best interests of We The Curious at all times

_Work effectively as a member of a team and take decisions for the good of We The Curious

Skills/Knowledge

​We want to ensure that our board bring a variety of skills and knowledge to We The Curious. We are particularly looking for people to join us who have skills/knowledge in any of the following areas:

_Disability awareness

_Finance and accountancy

_IT (Information Technology)

_Legal Media/PR (Public Relations) 

_People management

_Property management

_Science communication Science industry research 

_Sustainability and climate action

_Surveying / Architecture 

_Venue operations

_Education and learning

Including everyone

​We want our people to reflect our city and build a place where everyone feels like they can belong. But we know that our organisation doesn’t yet represent the rich experiences and cultures of Bristol. We think when our board reflects our city it will lead to innovative , well informed and better decision making. We’ll be more resilient, inclusive, and better equipped to fulfil our vision and mission.

We especially want to hear from you if​

_You identify as and/or have lived experiences with either:  African and African Caribbean heritage, Carers, d/Deaf, Disabled, East Asian heritage, Global majority, LGBTQIA+ and/or non-binary, Neurodivergent, South Asian heritage, under 40, Visually impaired, Woman, Working Class

We are also working with Rising Arts to recruit two young people (18-25) to our board this year. 

I’ve never been a trustee before, should I apply? 

​Yes! If you feel you connect with these values or have some the skills/knowledge we are looking for, then we’d love to hear from you.

You just need to be at least 18 years old. You don’t need formal qualifications, or previous trustee experience or a science background or have reached any stage in your career. We’ll give you training on good governance and opportunities for mentorship. This opportunity would suit someone who is new to governance or hasn’t been a trustee before. 

If you are an aspiring trustee or want to know more about trustees, you may find these resources from Getting on Board useful.

Supporting you​

Training​

If you join the board, you will have an induction and onboarding experience to support you with your role and get you connected with the rest of the organisation.

If you are a first-time trustee or want a refresher, we will provide you with training on good governance and other topics related to your role. We will also provide you with mentorship from other members of the board.

Application process​

Deadline for applications: Wednesday 18 March

Interview date(s) and location:  Week commencing 15 April

Start date:  6 May 2024. Induction will take place over 2 weeks with first board meeting to attend on Thursday 23 May 2024.

To Apply:​

If you would like to apply, please click on 'Apply via Webiste' and follow instructions on the job description. It contains questions designed to assess your experience and suitability for the role. You have the option to answer these questions in a written format or by submitting your responses by video or audio. 

Please do not send in CVs or covering letters as we don’t review them.

If you are invited for an informal interview with members of the board of trustees and staff of We The Curious, we’ll send you the questions that you’ll be asked beforehand so that you have time to prepare.

We appreciate interviews can be stressful so we try to make them more of a conversation and a chance for you to tell us about how your qualifications, skills and experience make you the right person for the role.​

If you have any particular needs or requirements, please do let us know so we are able to make the required adjustments.

If you would like to talk about the role or application process, please email people(at)wethecurious(dot)org.

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