About the role
Our Trustees normally have some type of connection with Southwark. They might live or work in the borough or just know it well. Real life experience of some of the issues we address, knowledge of Southwark, and national (or international) expertise in our various areas of operation (property, finance, community investment, etc) are all things that will be important contributions.
All trustees should be able to bring the following:
- The time and commitment to be an active trustee, making your skills, experience and knowledge available, and being involved at and between meetings.
- An impulse to tackle inequality and poverty and see opportunities that can make a difference.
- An understanding of what it means to look after a charity that is independent, transparent, honest and proud of its reputation.
- An ability to think big and differently. To be strategic, to challenge and work well within a team.
- The willingness to talk positively about the work of the charity, advocating our vision and values, and act as our ambassadors.
- The ability to open doors into communities, or to people with influence to support our aims.
Specific Skills and Interests
- Property Management and Development
We are looking for someone who can bring their broad knowledge and expertise in the property and real estate sectors. We appreciate that this sector has people with expertise in everything from planning law, new developments, surveying and construction, to facilities management, refurbishments, lettings, building compliance and so much more. As a property owner with a hugely diverse and fascinating portfolio of buildings, it is important to have a trustee who can bring strategic insight, oversight, and networks to help us grow and maintain our assets. They will hopefully bring their broad knowledge in one or more of the areas of expertise above to support our management team and their range of specialist advisors.
- Community Investment and Grant-Making
We are looking for someone who has experience or knowledge of how to deliver progressive and thoughtful grant-making and related community investment activities. We have an experienced, but small, community investment team and we value the expertise and challenge of trustees in this complex area. Direct experience of relational grant-making, social investment, fundraising, and the role (and potential) of place-based funders would be a great asset to the charity. We are not looking for someone to have experience in all these areas!
- Lived experience and/ or Influence
It is really important for us to have trustees who understand what it is like to have direct experience of the issues we want to address. We also recognize that many of the social challenges that Southwark communities experience need the input of people outside of the charity. So we are looking for trustees who have connections and networks at a political or business level, and that enable us to increase our impact.
How to apply
For more information please click here
If you are interested in becoming a trustee, please email mcraddock@ustsc.org.uk before the end of December 2022 explaining why you are interested, and how your skills, experience or background fits with what we are looking for. We are anticipating that new trustees will join their first Board meeting in March 2023. As part of the selection process we will arrange a meeting for shortlisted candidates with some of the existing trustees in early January. If you would like to speak to one of the trustees, Martyn will be able to put you in touch.