Trustee for grant-maker in Cumbria - Volunteer

Sir John Fisher Foundation; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

A local grant-making charity is looking for up to two trustees who possess charity experience and knowledge of local issues in Barrow-in-Furness and South Cumbria. The role involves setting strategic direction, overseeing the charity's operations, and participating in grant-making decisions. Ideal candidates will show a commitment to the Foundation's objectives, strategic thinking skills, and willingness to engage with the community. Applications from diverse backgrounds are encouraged and first-time trustees are welcomed.

Benefits

Induction and training for new trustees

Networking opportunities with grant-makers

Qualifications

• Experience in the voluntary sector or an SME is desired.
• Personal integrity and discretion are important.
• Willingness to fulfil trustee duties and learn about the role.

Responsibilities

• Set strategic direction and oversee effective charity management.
• Assess grant applications for funding programmes.
• Participate in board meetings and decision-making processes.

Skills

Commitment to the Foundation's objectives

Understanding of charity accounts

Strong strategic and critical thinking skills

Excellent analytical and decision-making skills

Ability to work collaboratively

Job description

We're seeking up to two new trustees with charity experience and knowledge of issues in Barrow-in-Furness and South Cumbria who wish to use their skills to support brilliant causes in our local community through making grants.

What difference will you make?

As a trustee of a local grant‑making charity, you’ll make an impact by influencing how funds are distributed in the community. If you’ve worked for a charity or ever been on the other side of raising grant funding, this is a chance to improve the grant‑making experience and understand how decisions are made from the other side of the table.

What are we looking for?

All trustees are expected to have the following essential skills, knowledge and personal qualities, as well as to demonstrate the values of the Foundation.

• Commitment to the Foundation’s objectives and grant‑making priorities
• Knowledge of the issues faced by people living and working in our geographical priority area (Barrow‑in‑Furness and the surrounding area)
• Previous experience working or volunteering for a charity
• A sound understanding of the responsibilities of charity trustees (or willingness to learn)
• Understanding of charity accounts (or willingness to learn)
• Strong strategic and critical thinking skills; a critical friend who can give challenge respectfully and be open to changing own views if necessary
• Excellent analytical and decision‑making skills
• Personal integrity and humility; discretion
• Ability to work collaboratively
• Willingness to devote the time and energy required to trustee duties

Skills, knowledge and experience, which would add to our board

• Leadership experience in the voluntary sector or an SME
• Investment experience, analysis skills and willingness to join our Investment Committee
• Impact measurement, data and research skills
• Communications and marketing skills

Previous board, trustee or grant‑making experience is not necessary. We are actively seeking candidates from a wide range of backgrounds, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, age, socioeconomic status, disability, sexual orientation and professional expertise. We believe that diverse perspectives strengthen our governance, enrich our decision‑making and ensure that our mission is carried out equitably. We encourage applications from individuals who bring lived experiences and insights that have been historically underrepresented in leadership roles.

We encourage applications from first‑time trustees whose skills and backgrounds will enhance the board in other ways, as we can provide a thorough induction, trustee buddy, training and support. Through our memberships of the Association of Charitable Foundations and Yorkshire Funders, we can provide access to relevant grant‑making training opportunities and networking with grant‑makers on a regional and national level.

What will you be doing?

As a trustee, your role is to work with other trustees to set our strategic direction, oversee the effective running of the charity and participate in the Foundation’s grant‑making decisions. This includes

• Assessing grant applications for our main and core grants programmes
• Attending two full‑day board meetings per year, in person (usually around May and November in or near Barrow‑in‑Furness)
• Attending two further online board meetings per year, usually for about 2 hours
• Participating in site visits to applicants and grantees
• Contributing to planning and implementing the Foundation’s strategy, working with other trustees and staff, in line with our charitable objectives
• Overseeing the financial sustainability of the charity to fund our grant‑making programmes, including our investments, mainly our shareholding in James Fisher & Sons
• Supporting the Foundation’s staff team with the general management of the charity
• Ensuring the charity meets its legal obligations as set out by the Charity Commission, and effectively fulfils its general functions and duties