Volunteer Trustee Recruitment

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The Garfield Weston Trust is seeking to enhance the skills and experience of its Board of Trustees by recruiting additional members to the Board.

Role Description

All Trustees are required to:

Ensure that the organisation pursues its stated charitable objects as defined in the 1968 Trust Deed, by establishing a clear vision, set of values and strategy, and ensuring that there is a common understanding of these by trustees and associated personnel.
Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the GWT, including having appropriate policies and procedures in place.
Participate in the scrutiny of investment matters concerning the charity's funds through engagement with the charity’s investment managers to ensure funds are ethically invested in line with the Trust’s Deed.
Review and approve the GWT’s annual financial statements.
Ensure that the major risks are regularly identified and reviewed and that systems are in place to mitigate or minimise these risks.
Ensure that the board regularly reviews the governance structure and its own performance.
Review applications and allocate funding via the Trust capital, to small projects which promote education and research through Ulster University and assist the University in widening access to Higher Education.
Receive and review reports on funded projects' progress and completion, confirming that funds have been spent according to the approved application.

There will be times when the trustees will need to be actively involved beyond scheduled Board meetings. This may involve scrutinising Board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, presenting externally, or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise.

What we are looking for

We are looking for people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our board.

We are particularly interested in people with experience in accountancy, finance and/or legal matters.

While previous experience serving on a board or committee is helpful, it is not essential.

Personal skills and qualities

Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as trustees and to act in the best interests of the GWT.
Genuine enthusiasm for our areas of focus and a commitment to making a positive impact in Ulster University.
Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member.
Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion.
A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
Commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

Terms of appointment

Terms of office

Trustees can serve for a minimum of four years, with the option to serve an additional four years.
Trustees do not attract remuneration, but expenses properly incurred, in respect of any activities carried out on behalf of the Garfield Weston Trust, will be reimbursed.

Time commitment

Attendance at three or four Board meetings per year on one of the University's three campuses, Belfast, Coleraine, Derry~Londonderry.
Board meetings will normally last no longer than two hours.
Communication inbetween Board meetings may occur, usually via email, plus opportunities for members to visit and take part in activities on behalf of the Board.