We are seeking to appoint up to 2 new Trustees with investment/finance experience to join the Board to help shape the strategic direction of the Trust. The appointed Trustee(s) will also join our Investment Sub-Committee.
You will be part of a small team of Trustees that play a vital role in overseeing the effective governance of the charity, determining our grant making strategy and deciding where our funds are directed - so that we continue making a difference to small charities by sustaining their vital work.
Key tasks
· Provide ongoing support to the Trust Secretary to maintain effective governance, grant making policies & processes, financial management etc.
· Join the Investment Sub-Committee to monitor, communicate and liaise with our investment managers
· Prepare appropriately for Trustee meetings including reading assessment reports, undertaking own research and submitting funding allocations
· Occasionally undertaking assessment and/or monitoring visits independently or with the Trust Secretary to help increase understanding of the work we support.
· Regular attendance at 3-4 meetings per year in central London
We’re looking for someone who can demonstrate:
· relevant investment/finance experience
· an interest in funding small charities working to improve the lives of disadvantaged people
· the skills/experience/ability to shape the strategic direction of the trust
· leadership as a trustee, volunteer or staff member working in one or more of our priority areas
· a commitment to devoting the necessary time to the role and attending meetings
Diversity and inclusion
To ensure that our work continues to reflect the range of charities and beneficiaries that we support through our grant making, we wish to strengthen and diversify our Board and extend representation within the Trust.
We welcome applications from anyone regardless of their age, disability, ethnicity, heritage, sexuality, gender identity, and socio-economic background but are particularly encouraging young people, individuals from ethnic minority backgrounds, people with disabilities and those from the LGBTQIA+ community to apply.
Existing trustees are located in Wales, London, the West Midlands, the South East and the North West of England so we could benefit from representation from other regions of England.
Time commitment:
· An estimated 2-3 hours per month, with more hours required to review applications and board papers in advance of the 3 main Trustee meetings held in March, July and November.
· Travel and attendance at Trustee board meetings – these are typically held on Thursdays (10.30am-1.30pm) in March and July. The November meeting is held on Zoom.
· Travel and attendance at the annual Investment Sub-Committee meeting with the investment managers.
· Travel and attendance at the Trust’s Strategy meeting held every 2 years.
In-person meetings are held in London - within walking distance of Euston and King's Cross stations. Because meetings are relatively infrequent it is important that all trustees make every effort to attend.
Many grant making trusts only offer project and/or capital funding. The Yapp Charitable Trust only makes grants towards core funding, which small charities are finding increasingly difficult to secure. Our funds are limited however, and we have to define eligibility and funding priorities. You will help determine our grant making strategy and where our funds are directed so that we continue making a difference to small charities by sustaining their vital work.
You will be joining a small board of trustees from a range of backgrounds who enjoy working collaboratively and welcome new ideas and fresh thinking. You will sit on the Investment Sub-Committee to monitor, communicate and liaise with our investment managers. You'll also be part of a well-established, national grant making trust which has distributed grants to small charities in England and Wales for over 50 years.
Please apply with:
(i) a copy of your CV; and
(ii) a one-page supporting statement outlining your interest in the vacancy and your relevant background, skills and experience. Please also specify if you are from an under-represented group and/or region.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview (in London) in early March 2025. Successful candidates will be invited to attend the next Trustee meeting on Thursday, 20th March 2025 as an observer before any formal appointment is made.
