Invitation to express interest in becoming a CAT Trustee 2026
Information for Prospective Trustees 2026
Background on CAT and its Board
Humanity must reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by mid-century to avoid disastrous climate change. The earlier this is achieved, the greater our chance of limiting global temperature rise to near 1.5°C, helping prevent runaway climate change.
CAT is an educational charity dedicated to researching and communicating positive solutions for environmental change. Its mission is to inspire, inform and enable people to respond to the climate and biodiversity emergency.
We speak to government and campaigners about policies that would help create a zero carbon Britain; we train students in all aspects of sustainability; we help schoolchildren to understand the importance of action on climate change; and we give advice to householders on what they can do in their own homes.
Based in Mid Wales, CAT has a UK-wide remit centred on its vision for a Zero Carbon Britain. For further information on CAT’s history, ambitions, and activities see cat.org.uk.
This is an exciting time to join CAT. We have advanced plans to redevelop the iconic site in mid-Wales and are developing our next 5-year strategy to take forward these plans as well as delivery of education and influence across a range of channels.
The Board currently comprises 7 Trustees whose brief profiles can be seen at cat.org.uk/about-us/people/
Role of trustees (general)
Charity trustees are the people who share ultimate responsibility for governing a charity and directing how it is managed and run.
General guidance explaining what being a trustee involves and who is eligible to be a trustee is set out in the Charity Commission document The Essential Trustee: what you need to know, what you need to do
Purpose of the Board
The Board of Trustees is responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity, developing the organisation’s aims, objectives and goals in accordance with the governing document, and legal and regulatory guidelines.
Specifically, CAT Trustees are responsible for:
Ensuring that CAT and its representatives function within the legal and regulatory framework of the sector and in line with its governing document, continually striving for best practice in governance.
Upholding CAT’s obligation to act in the best interests of its beneficiaries, and to act in a way that adds to public confidence and
trust in CAT.
• Determining CAT’s overall direction and development through good governance and clear strategic planning.
Trustees have a predominantly strategic role, and particular responsibilities as set out by the Charity Commission and Companies Act. They are expected to attend quarterly Board meetings and contribute to at least one of the Board’s two committees: AFPC (Audit, Finance, and Performance Committee) and ODC (Organisational Development Committee). A more detailed description of the role, including the expected commitment, is included as an appendix to this document.
All trustees are required to sign and abide by CAT’s Code of Conduct for Trustees.
Appointment is for a three-year, potentially renewable, term.
What we are seeking – particular capabilities sought at present
CAT’s Board of Trustees seeks individuals from diverse backgrounds who are passionate about CAT’s mission and interested in supporting the charity’s next phase of development.
This is an important and challenging time to join, as CAT continues to address the urgent climate and biodiversity crisis, while progressing plans to redevelop its iconic mid-Wales site and refresh its 5-year strategy to expand education and outreach. The organisation is also undergoing a period of leadership transition, creating an opportunity to contribute to shaping its future direction.
Candidates with private, public, or charity sector experience are welcome. We are particularly interested in individuals who can contribute to strengthening governance, supporting organisational development, and helping guide the charity through this phase of change.
Key skills sought include:
Finance/accounting, preferably a qualified accountant
Employment law and change management
Management of substantial construction programmes
Knowledge of the Welsh political and economic landscape
• Internal and/or external communications including digital/social media and media production
We are seeking new chairs for some of the board’s subcommittees. Experience in chairing, or willingness to lead key board functions, is desirable.
Trustees joining now will have the opportunity to contribute during a period of renewed focus and forward planning, working with a committed Board and leadership team to build on recent progress and position CAT for long-term impact.
Statement on openness, equal opportunity and diversity in selection of trustees
CAT’s Board seeks to ensure that the charity follows the principles of equality and diversity and encourages inclusive and accessible participation. CAT values diversity, in the widest sense, considering this essential for its Board to stay informed and responsive and to navigate the fast paced and complex changes facing the voluntary sector. CAT recognises that trustees from different backgrounds, with a variety of experiences and perspectives, are more likely to encourage debate and make better decisions.
To help balance current Board membership, we are looking for individuals who can demonstrate the relevant capabilities and an active involvement/interest in the sector, and would especially welcome expressions of interest from younger applicants, Welsh speakers, and/or those from the BAME communities.
Statement on expenses
The role is entirely voluntary and unpaid. However, we recognise that travelling for Board Meetings and events generally has associated cost. We do not want this to present a barrier to prospective trustees. Board Members are encouraged, in accordance with CAT’s financial procedures and processes, to claim the costs of covering their reasonable and necessary expenses legitimately incurred while acting on behalf of the charity. Such payments of expenses do not constitute a trustee benefit. Naturally CAT also expects and encourages Board Members to use public transport whenever possible and/or to lift share.
How to indicate your interest
To express interest in becoming a trustee, having considered the information set out here, please email your CV together with a short covering letter to trustee.recruitment@cat.org.uk. Please do so as soon as you are ready, and in any event, by no later than 31 May 2026.
Alternatively, if you prefer an initial informal discussion about what the role involves, please send us an email and we will put you in touch with the Chair or another member of the Board. Similarly, if you are interested in this opportunity but are not sure this is for you, please get in touch for an informal chat.
How will selection be made?
A small recruitment group of Board Members will be taking the first stages of this process forward prior to approval by the full Board of those individuals recommended. The sub-group will review expressions of interest received by the closing date against an agreed set of criteria, to arrive at a shortlist of potential trustees. Those shortlisted will be invited to a selection meeting at CAT with the Board’s recruitment group. This aims to be an opportunity for prospective trustees to ask questions and assess whether the role would suit them, as well as for existing trustee to explore the degree to which each person’s profile fits with the Board’s needs at this time.
Privacy
The Privacy Notice on CAT’s website explains what personal information is collected, why it is collected, and how it is used. CAT takes its responsibilities in relation to personal privacy seriously. If you have any further comments or questions in relation to this please let us know.
Key dates
• Closing date for receipt of expressions of interest in becoming a trustee is 31 May 2026. However, we would welcome early applications as we will begin recruitment immediately and may close the process early if roles are filled.
The interviews will be carried out virtually.
Appendix: CAT Trustee Role Outline 2026
Role of CAT Trustee
The CAT website sets out a range of background information on the organisation, its people, and its ambitions. Information for CAT Trustees is also provided and updated through the recruitment procedure brief and induction when each is appointed, in the CAT policies and Board papers, and via frequent meetings and presentations from staff.
The role of the Board
The Board of Trustees is the governing body of the charity and it holds ultimate authority and responsibility to hold the charity “in trust” for current and future beneficiaries. What is required of trustees is set out in Charity Commission guidance.
The CAT Board has a Chair whose responsibility, in addition to the role as trustee, is to lead the Board.
Commitment needed
Trustees act both in an individual capacity and collectively as members of the Trustee Board. The position of trustee is unremunerated but all trustees are entitled to claim back their travel and other incurred expenses.
Trustees will need to prepare for and attend quarterly board meetings of which two per year are typically held in person, at CAT’s site in Wales; accommodation is offered.
Trustees are also expected to serve on at least one of CAT’s two standing committees: the Audit, Finance, and Performance Committee (AFPC) or the Organisational Development Committee (ODC).
In addition, Trustees are expected to contribute to working groups or task and finish groups and/ or to offer their specific expertise to ensure the charity is well managed, has the appropriate policies in place and is legally and financially compliant. Prospective Trustees should note that their contribution will not be limited to issues related to their specific area of expertise.
The expected time commitment is around 12 to 15 days annually.
Skills and experience
Evident enthusiasm and commitment to championing practical sustainability
Willingness and flexibility to devote the necessary time to the role
• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
The ability to work effectively as a member of a team
• Integrity
Ability to think strategically
Good, independent judgement
• A willingness to speak their mind
Specific responsibilities
These are to:
• Ensure that CAT complies with its Memorandum and Articles of Association, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations
Ensure CAT pursues its charitable objects as defined in its governing documents
• Ensure CAT applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects
• Contribute actively to the Board’s role in giving effective strategic direction, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets
Safeguard the good reputation and values of the charity
• Ensure the effective and efficient management of the charity with and through its staff
Seek to ensure the financial stability of the charity
Protect and manage the assets, including land and property, of CAT and to ensure the proper investment of the charity’s funds
Support and guide CAT staff, acting through the Chief Executive and Senior Management Team lines of accountability
Appoint the Chief Executive and monitor their performance
Promote the Charity and act as its enthusiastic advocate
All trustees are required to sign and abide by CAT’s Code of Conduct for Trustees