We strive to continue growing the Foundation, to increase the available funding for the diverse range of causes within our community, with an ambition to award at least £4 million in grants in the year 2023/24. To support our continued development, we are keen to build our Board of Trustees by welcoming people who bring relevant expertise.
We are focused on growing our profile, donor development, and strengthening the Foundation’s capacity, systems and processes, to respond flexibly to the ever-changing priorities and needs of our local community. To support this, we are particularly looking for new Trustees with expertise in digital, marketing, business development, fundraising or HR.
As a Trustee, you will not only fulfil your general and statutory duties, but also bring your unique knowledge and expertise to ensure sound decision-making. Trustees also serve an important role in representing the charity and supporting work to build our profile, brand awareness and relationships. Becoming a Trustee at Cambridgeshire Community Foundation is an opportunity to make a lasting difference in Cambridgeshire and to be part of shaping a better future for the local community.
Trustees are expected to attend four Board meetings per annum, with one of these including the Annual General Meeting and another including a Strategic Planning meeting. Trustees also join at least one sub-committee, consisting of: HR & Governance; Donor Development; Marketing & Communications; Grants & Community Impact; Finance and Remuneration. There are usually four sub-committee meetings each year. You may also be invited to attend some of the charity’s events. Meetings and events may be held across the county, but Board and sub-committee meetings typically take place in Cambridge. Remote attendance is usually available, with some meetings taking place exclusively online.
Whilst the role is not accompanied by any financial remuneration, expenses for travel may be claimed.
Trustees serve a three-year term and are eligible for reappointment for one additional term of three years. The role of new Trustees will take effect from the 2023 Annual General Meeting, to take place on 1 November. However, incoming Trustees may join the Board earlier in a co-opted form.
All new Trustees are supplied with a welcome pack, containing essential information and some forms to be completed. Induction meetings with fellow Trustees and the Senior Leadership Team will also be offered.
The role is an excellent opportunity to enhance your CV, developing new skills and knowledge of the charity sector. Trustees are encouraged to take part in further training, with opportunities publicised at Board meetings.
You can find out more, including the role description and person specification, in our Trustee Recruitment Pack. You may also be interested in finding out more about our strategy in the Strategy Overview.
What are the benefits of being a Trustee?
First and foremost, the satisfaction that you can derive from knowing that your contributions make a material difference and lead to better outcomes. From a personal perspective, being a Trustee sharpens existing skills and in some cases develops new ones also. The role also provides the opportunity to build your own networks and to share learning to achieve best practice. I can unreservedly recommend being a Trustee for the immense satisfaction that it so consistently brings and for the genuine feeling of knowing you are giving something back.
How to apply
To register your interest, please send a copy of your latest CV or biography, together with a supporting statement, explaining your motivations for applying for the role, how your skills, knowledge and experience match the requirements sought and what you might additionally bring to the role.
To ensure fairness to all applicants, the shortlisting will be based solely on the information that you supply on your CV/biography and the supporting statement. Therefore, it is important that you provide as much information as possible regarding why you wish to apply and what you think makes you a suitable applicant.
Cambridgeshire Community Foundation is an equal opportunities organisation and welcomes applications from all in our community. It is particularly important for us to have a diverse Board of Trustees, for strong representation of the communities that we serve through our work.
Your application should be emailed to Michael O’Toole, CEO, at michael@cambscf.org.uk
The closing date for applications is Friday 18 August 2023 at 5pm.
Interviews will be held in September 2023. The interview panel is likely to include the Chair of Trustees, the CEO and one or two existing Trustees.