Purpose of the Role
Provide strategic investment leadership and robust challenge to deliver long‑term, inflation‑plus returns consistent with the Trust’s mission, risk appetite, and responsible investment commitments (including Net Zero).
Key Responsibilities
- Chair the Investment Committee: set agenda, priorities, and standards; ensure effective decision‑making.
- Lead the refresh of the IPS and strategic asset allocation; recommend return and risk parameters.
- Oversee manager selection and monitoring, including performance, risk, liquidity, and cost effectiveness, focussing on net outcomes.
- Provide strong oversight of investment and other advisers; ensure they are challenged and accountable.
- Ensure the portfolio is broadly aligned with the Trust’s purposes and aspirations, including the journey to Net Zero carbon emissions.
- Build expertise and fill capability gaps, such as knowledge of private markets.
- Report regularly to the Trustee Board; maintain clarity of delegation and escalation.
Essential Experience
- Senior investment leadership (eg, CIO, Deputy CIO, Head of Multi‑Asset/Endowment, consultant or asset owner), ideally with endowment/foundation or long‑term institutional capital.
- Proven asset allocation and portfolio construction experience across public and private markets.
- Non-executive experience and effective adviser oversight.
- Demonstrable integration of responsible investment and transition strategies.
Desirable
- Experience in UK/US endowment models; access to high‑quality manager networks.
- Exposure to private markets (direct, funds, co‑investments) and climate transition/impact opportunities.
- Understanding of establishing/overseeing investment subsidiaries.
- Charity sector experience.
Skills and Attributes
- Independent judgement, strategic thinker, data‑driven and outcomes‑focused.
- Strong challenge and collaboration style, excellent communication.
- High integrity with reputational awareness aligned to the Trust’s values.
Time Commitment and Service Arrangements
The appointment is for an initial term of three years from 1 January 2027. The time commitment is approximately 12-14 days a year involving quarterly Investment Committee meetings and associated working groups, with additional reporting to the Board of Trustees. This commitment is expected to be higher in the first year to allow for a full induction.
This is a volunteer role. Reasonable expenses are reimbursed.