Key skills
We are looking for at least five new trustees to join our board and help shape the future of JRCT. You will bring experience in governance, time to commit to the role and ideally expertise in one (or more) of the following areas:
- Finance and/or investment
- Change management and organisational culture
- Grant making and philanthropy
- A background in law
Quaker values and practice
You don’t need to be a Quaker to join our board, but you should be in sympathy with the Quaker values of the Trust, which include a commitment to equality and the worth of every individual, to non-violence, social change and to honesty and integrity.
You should also be comfortable with some Quaker practices in our meetings. We use elements of the Quaker business method, which means decision-making is based on careful listening, reflection, and seeking unity rather than debate and voting.
We also take moments of quiet reflection in meetings—this might feel unusual at first, but it helps create space for thoughtful decision-making. If you’re open to this way of working (or curious to learn more), you’ll fit right in!
Qualities and experience
Our new trustees will be individuals who can support, guide and deliver our strategy. In addition to the specific skill sets above, we are looking for individuals with:
- Integrity and a strong ethical compass aligned with our values alongside a passion for the work undertaken by JRCT.
- A strong personal commitment to the values of diversity, equity and inclusion.
- A willingness to devote time, enthusiasm and effort to the duties and responsibilities of a trustee.
- Awareness of power-sharing and anti-oppressive approaches.
- Experience of JRCT’s focus areas.
- The ability to listen, actively, question intelligently, think strategically, dialogue constructively, challenge sensitively and bring independence of thought.
- Open minded with the ability to consider the views of others, inside and outside of the Board, and to work well with difference, be a team player and gain the trust and respect of other board and senior management team members.
- Sensitivity and empathy towards colleagues from different backgrounds, and an openness to different ways of working.
- Demonstrable experience of building and sustaining relationships with colleagues and stakeholders to achieve organisational objectives.
- Experience of interacting with key areas of JRCT’s focus, such as injustice and conflict.
Equity, diversity and inclusion
We know that diverse perspectives make us stronger, and we’re committed to ensuring our board reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We therefore actively encourage applications from people from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds, as these voices are currently underrepresented on our board.
Information about role
- Trustees are appointed for a period of five years and then may be appointed for a subsequent term of office.
- This is a voluntary role, but we don’t expect you to be out of pocket for contributing your time. We cover all reasonable expenses, including travel, accommodation, and childcare if needed.
- We’re also committed to making sure that financial barriers don’t prevent anyone from becoming a trustee. If you are employed, your employer may be able to claim employment costs from JRCT for any work time you spend on your trustee role through our loss of earnings policy. This policy can be accessed by all our trustees if eligible. Please do get in touch for a conversation if this is likely to be important to you.
Expectations of incoming trustees
Trustees must have the ability to devote from 10 to 24 days per annum.
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- 8 days – Quarterly board meetings and preparation
- 2 days – Trustee monthly meetings and preparation
- 4 – 6 days (per committee) – Committee meetings and preparation
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JRCT has reserved up to two spaces on the board for trustees who do not have the availability to sit on committees. Please let us know the time commitment you are able to make and we will consider this with your application.