The core role of our Trustees is to develop and oversee strategy so that UNICEF UK can ensure children around the world are protected and supported to thrive, with our Board Members bringing their specific skills, knowledge and experience to oversee and support the organisation. Trustees take a wider perspective of UNICEF UK, guiding and supporting as much as providing oversight and challenge, and collaborate closely with our talented Executive Team and staff body as well as the wider Board.
We are committed to putting children first, finding solutions, mutual trust and respect, inclusion and belonging, compassion and collaboration. Our Trustees – past, current and new – lead with values and share our passion for making a positive, tangible difference for children in the UK and all around the world.
Within this context and in addition to the position of Treasurer, we are looking for two Trustees to join our Board:
- A younger Trustee, ideally under the age of 35, bringing experience of one or more of the following areas: artificial intelligence; advocacy & campaigning; data or technology; digital fundraising & marketing; international development; lived experience of UNICEF or international development programmes; innovation / product development; social media optimisation; or people and culture
- A Trustee who can support UNICEF UK’s fundraising efforts through bringing in new high value connections and leveraging existing networks, particularly in relation to philanthropy, working closely with our Chief Partnerships Officer and other relevant staff
Trustee Responsibilities
- Ensure that UNICEF UK operates within its charitable objectives, its governing document, charity law, company law, and any other relevant legislation or regulations
- Support and guide UNICEF UK’s vision and mission, ensuring that our values are reflected in our external work as much as our internal culture
- As part of the Board, have oversight of the financial health and good governance of the organisation
- Partner effectively with the Executive Team and other relevant staff, lending knowledge, skills, experience and insights
- Support the Board of Trustees in exercising its responsibilities and functions, attending meetings regularly
- Uphold UNICEF UK’s position of political neutrality
- Engage actively with committees and the wider Board, supporting UNICEF in achieving its mission
Terms of Appointment
As a Trustee of the UNICEF UK Board, you will normally be expected to attend every Board meeting that is typically held during office hours in person. There are five scheduled Board meetings during the year and one or two ad-hoc virtual meetings. Trustees are also expected to participate in one Sub-Committee of the Board, bringing an additional three to four meetings per year (normally held virtually during office hours), as well as taking part in ad hoc working groups established by the Board to examine relevant issues.
Between meetings, there will be ad hoc papers for approval and participation in occasional working groups, time for reading and considering Board papers, and discussions with relevant colleagues.
The appointment period of the role is three years, which may be extended for one further period of three years provided the person concerned still meets the criteria for membership of the Board and the needs of the organisation. The position is voluntary and unremunerated, with reasonable expenses payable in line with UNICEF UK’s standard expense policies.