About Social Tech Trust
The cost-of-living crisis, global economic downturn and continuing pandemic are contributing to an uncertain environment where it is more important than ever that we find solutions to the challenges people face. Tech is not a panacea, but it is part of almost every solution. We are working to ensure that early-stage companies are able to do good with technology.
Social Tech Trust is at an exciting stage. Our vision is a world where social transformation is the driving force behind tech. We’ve already invested more than £30m in 300 socially motivated initiatives over the last decade. We’re now ready to scale our impact by creating a new investment fund for early-stage social tech ventures. Our fund is based on a flexible VC model that combines elements of revenue-based investment and venture capital to enable social tech ventures to build their sustainability and increase their impact.
Job description
We have an exceptional opportunity for two new Trustees to join our Board.Our Trustees provide a wealth of experience to support us in maximising the impact of socially driven tech. They are committed to working together with respect, enthusiasm, and humility. We encourage an inclusive environment that supports candour and camaraderie.The ideal candidates will have the passion and commitment to match our own. They will be active and engaged not only in the Trust’s decision-making but also in the Trust’s affairs more broadly as an ambassador and advocate, working with and supporting our CEO and the executive team to pursue our vison of social transformation as the driving force behind tech.
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.
Role title: Trustee
Types and number of posts: we are seeking two new trustees. Ideally an individual with strong financial acumen and an individual with an understanding of technology/tech trends and their potential social impact.
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.
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.
Trustee responsibilities 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.
Please see the full trustee job description for further details on the role.
How to apply
- Please submit a supporting statement of interest, stating your motivation for applying for the position and addressing the requirements set out in the job description.
- Please submit an up-to-date CV including your contact telephone number.
- Please provide the names, positions, organisations and telephone contact numbers of two referees relevant to this role. References will only be taken with your permission once your application has progressed to offer stage.
Applications should be submitted at hello@socialtechtrust.org.TimetableThe closing date for applications is 11.59 pm on the 30th of August.If you have queries about any aspect of the appointment process or would like additional information, please contact hello@socialtechtrust.org.
Commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Having worked with many organisations that champion equality, diversity, and inclusion from all walks of life we’re committed to the same principles in our own employment practices. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age. We welcome all applications and particularly those from individuals from racially diverse backgrounds, women, and people with a disability as they are currently under-represented on our team. We also welcome applications from individuals who reflect the wide range of socio-economic backgrounds in the UK and are especially interested to talk to those that can bring lived experience of social challenges to the team.
