Leeds Castle Foundation is the charity which cares for Leeds Castle in Kent and its surrounding estate.
With the recent arrival of a new Chief Executive and imminent arrival of a new Chair, the Foundation is finalising its strategic plan and will be focussing on developments in key areas such as Bringing the Castle to Life, Accommodation Development, Collections Management, Estate Masterplanning & development of the overall visitor experience.
A number of experienced Trustees are scheduled to retire from the Board at the end of 2022 and the Foundation is seeking to recruit a new Chair of Audit and three trustees to provide the skills needed to support the charity as it moves forward its ambitious plans.
Trustees will be expected to attend at least four Board meetings per annum (including working dinner and overnight before each Board meeting), as well as time to read the necessary papers. Meetings will be held at Leeds Castle.
In addition, Trustees will be expected to join or chair Committees relevant to their specific skill set (e.g. Finance, Audit & Risk, Investment, Enterprises, Nominations, Remuneration Committees) and to contribute to task and finish groups to support & challenge Senior Leadership Team’s (SLT) thinking.
The role is not remunerated, but reasonable expenses can be reimbursed as required.
As a member of the Board of Trustees, each Trustee will be expected to contribute to:
- Ensuring that the charity complies with Articles of Association, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation and regulations
- Ensuring the effectiveness of the organisation’s risk management, internal controls and governance procedures and processes
- Ensuring that the charity uses its resources in the pursuit of its charitable objectives.
- Strategic Planning for the organisation, ensuring that the charity remains financially sustainable
- Making decisions on investment priorities (informed by SLT recommendations).
- Overseeing the activities and performance of Committees
- Planning and monitoring, including reviewing and approving the organisation’s business plans, annual budgets, annual reports and statutory accounts
- Ensuring the organisation and its SLT meet performance objectives
- Ensuring that equality and diversity are embedded in the organisation and across its activities
- Adhering to and demonstrating the values and behaviours of the organisation
- Providing advice and guidance to the SLT relating to individual Trustee’s specific skills & experience
- Supporting fundraising activity, including introducing networks and contacts to the Foundation
- Acting as an advocate for the charity, seeking to protect reputation at all times
All candidates for Trustee roles should be able to demonstrate:
Required
- A keen interest in preserving and extending access to cultural heritage
- A commitment to the Foundation’s aims and strategic objectives
- General business, commercial or charitable organisation experience
- Ability to exercise sound judgement in relation to strategy and governance
- Strong communication and influencing skills.
- Understanding of the role and governance responsibilities of charity Trustees
Desirable
- Experience of non-executive roles, ideally in a charitable context
- Expertise in one or more of the following key areas:
- Finance, Audit & Risk
- Visitor Attractions
- Digital marketing, digital transformation, data, CRM and customer journey
- Investment management
- Sustainability/climate action
- Local knowledge and networks