Oxfam shop in Broad Street, Oxford. Pride flags and volunteer posters in window.

The Trustee Role

Oxfam is a global community of people who believe in a kinder, and radically better world, where everyone has the power to thrive not just survive. We believe we can overcome poverty by fighting the injustices and inequalities that fuel it.

Oxfam GB is led by its Board of currently 11 Trustees, who are responsible for overall governance and strategic direction. As a Trustee of the Board of Oxfam GB, you will hold an influential and valuable role in our current work and the future direction of Oxfam GB, particularly the implementation of Oxfam GB’s strategy, which includes a change process in countries and regions to create a stronger, more globally coordinated Oxfam in support of the wider Oxfam Confederation strategy and reforms.

Trusteeship can be rewarding for many reasons – from a sense of making a difference to the charitable cause to new experiences and relationships. It’s also likely to be demanding of your time, skills, knowledge and abilities. This  Charity Commission guidance explains the key duties of all trustees of charities in England and Wales.

We are looking for two Trustees to join the Board of Oxfam Great Britain.

We are looking for two new Trustees to replace current Trustees whose terms are expiring and to strengthen the Board. One Trustee will bring senior-level executive experience of overseeing significant and challenging organisational development and change agendas helping organisations develop fit-for-purpose cultures in an international context for the digital age. Another Trustee will bring deep experience in fundraising in the charity/not-for-profit sector with the proven ability to engage and mentor senior-level leadership teams in this context.

You will need to demonstrate a commitment to Oxfam’s vision and values along with the knowledge, skills and attributes outlined in the Person Specification.

Time Commitment – and Our Commitment to You

Your minimum commitment in an average year is likely to be about 10 to 15 days (including pre-reading), of which 10 would be on fixed dates, planned well in advance. We encourage active participation and Trustees often choose to give more time. The initial term of office is for 3 years, with the potential to be reappointed for a further 3 years.

There are four Board meetings a year, usually in Oxford, UK, with some being held virtually. We also hold a Strategy Away Day (in practice, a day and a half) in the UK once each year. In addition, we ask Trustees to visit an Oxfam programme internationally once every 3 years.

Trustees are usually expected to participate in one of the Board Committees and occasional stakeholder events, and to be available  to support management with advice as needed. We’d ideally like our new Trustees to  join the Board this November (attending your first Board meeting in November 2024). In your first few months, you should allow for 2 or 3 additional days for induction (including meeting the members of Oxfam’s Strategic Leadership Team).

This is an unpaid role but reasonable expenses (such as for travel and childcare) are paid for attendance at Board and Committee meetings and other Trustee activities, in accordance with our expenses policy. Some employers encourage and enable trusteeship as part of wider career development and corporate social responsibility. We’ll give you a full induction and ongoing development, including sessions at every Board meeting about our work and the Trustee role. An experienced Oxfam Trustee will be your mentor for your first year. Trustees are usually expected to participate in one of the Board Committees and occasional stakeholder events, and to be available to support management with advice as needed.