Role title: Trustee

Term of office: appointments will be for an initial period of three years with the possibility of extension by a further three years

Remuneration: The Trustee role is unremunerated; properly incurred expenses will be reimbursed

Time commitment: Trustees are expected to contribute at least one day per month, including ad hoc activities and advice often by telephone or email. There is the opportunity for Trustees to become more involved than this and so an increased time commitment is possible if that works for all parties. Board meetings are quarterly. Two meetings per annum take place in person usually in or around London and two meetings per annum take place virtually.

Our approach to recruitment: We know that well qualified people often screen themselves out as they can’t tick all the boxes of the job description, or their imposter syndrome kicks in. No-one can do everything perfectly, so we are looking to build a Board with complementary skills and the right attitude and values. So, if you are wavering, we encourage you to apply. Please get in touch if you have any questions or need any support in the recruitment process.

The responsibilities of a trustee are noted below. Broadly, our trustees are engaged advisors and fulfil their duties alongside using their skills and experience to support the trust, helping the trust to achieve its aims. Trustees are supported to fulfil their responsibilities and for candidates who have not yet been a trustee additional coaching and support will be provided.

The responsibilities of a trustee are as follows:

> Ensuring that the organisation pursues its stated purpose, as defined in its governing document

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

> Ensuring that the organisation applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its charitable purposes 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

In addition to the above statutory duties, each trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the board of trustees reach sound decisions. This may involve scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise. We have three sub-committees of the Board (Investment, Finance, Risk & Audit, Nominations & Remunerations) which trustees may sit on depending on their skills, experience and interest.

Person specification

Key attributes, skills and motivation:

Essential

> Passion for and commitment to the Trust’s vision of a world where social transformation is the driving force behind tech

> A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort

Strategic vision

> Good, independent judgement

> An ability to think creatively

> Able to offer a challenging and supportive contribution by drawing on own experience and insights

> An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship or a willingness to undergo the necessary training

> An ability to work effectively as a member of a team, including working in a positive and collaborative way

> Experience of building and sustaining high-value relationships with stakeholders and colleagues to achieve organisational objectives

> A commitment to Nolan’s seven principles: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

Eligibility

> You must be eligible to serve as a Trustee and Company Director. More info can be found here – Charity trustee: what’s involved (CC3a) – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).  If you have any questions about this, then please contact hello@socialtechtrust.org.