Trustee - Cambridge Science Centre
Location: Cambridge/ hybrid
Reports to: Chair of the Board of Trustees
Remuneration: Voluntary (reasonable expenses reimbursed)
Term: 3-years (renewable)
About the Role
We are seeking to appoint new Trustees to join the Board of Cambridge Science Centre (CSC) at a pivotal point in our development.
As we move into the next phase of our strategy, with a growing programme model and an increasing focus on sustained, place-based engagement, we are looking for individuals who can bring insight, perspective and experience to support our growth, extend our reach, and help us deepen our impact across the communities we serve.
This is an opportunity to contribute to an organisation that is working to ensure that every child, regardless of background, has access to high-quality, engaging STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) experiences. Through our work, we aim not only to build knowledge, but to develop confidence, curiosity and a lasting sense of possibility.
You do not need previous Trustee experience. What matters most is your ability to think strategically, offer constructive challenge, and engage with the long-term direction of the organisation. We will provide a full induction and ongoing support to ensure you feel confident and effective in the role.
As a Trustee, you will work collectively with the Board to ensure the charity is well-governed, financially sustainable, and delivering meaningful public benefit.
Cambridge Science Centre
For over a decade, Cambridge Science Centre has been working to break down barriers to high-quality STEM learning for children and communities who are too often left behind. We reach young people across the East of England through hands-on, curiosity-driven experiences that build confidence, spark imagination and open pathways to opportunity. Our programmes are designed to be joyful, surprising and genuinely eye-opening experiences that help young people see themselves and the world in new ways. Through hands-on exploration and open-ended learning, we aim to complement formal education and help every child find what excites them most about STEM.
We develop and deliver a wide range and style of STEM engagement content for young people from early years through to age 16, and we work closely with the parents, carers and educators who play such an important role in their lives.
Each year, around 30,000 young people take part in our activities, whether in schools, communities or at our own centres, and our goal is always the same: to help them imagine and shape a brighter future. With the recent opening of our new permanent venue in Cambridge, alongside continued support through our semi-permanent pop-up centre in Wisbech, we’re now able to build deeper, more sustained relationships with the communities that benefit most from what we offer. Our current Board of Trustees can be found here.
Cambridge Science Centre is an independent educational charity (Registered Charity No.
1146349). You can find out more at www.cambridgesciencecentre.org.
Key Responsibilities
Trustees have collective and ultimate responsibility for directing the affairs of the charity. This includes ensuring that CSC is solvent, well-managed, and delivers on its charitable purposes for the public benefit.
All Trustees must:
● Act in accordance with CSC’s governing document and relevant charity law
● Act in the charity’s best interests and avoid conflicts of interest
● Manage the charity’s resources responsibly and ensure financial accountability
Uphold CSC’s safeguarding responsibilities and ensure policies are followed and regularly reviewed
● Act with reasonable care, skill, and diligence
● Ensure the charity is accountable and transparent
Support and constructively challenge the executive team
● Promote CSC’s mission, values, and commitment to equitable access to STEM
● Uphold the highest standards of integrity and ethical leadership
All Trustees share equal legal responsibility. Decisions made by the Board are binding on all Trustees, even those not present at the meeting.
More information: The Essential Trustee – What You Need to Know (CC3)
Who We’re Looking For
We are seeking to strengthen our Board with individuals who can bring a range of perspectives, experiences and networks to support the next phase of Cambridge Science Centre’s development.
We are particularly interested in hearing from candidates who can offer one or more of the following:
Experience working within, or alongside, a corporate organisation with a strong regional or local footprint, and an understanding of how organisations engage with and contribute to their communities
An innovative or entrepreneurial mindset, with the ability to think creatively, identify opportunities, and support the organisation to grow and evolve
Experience of fundraising, business development, or securing partnerships, with an understanding of how to build and sustain relationships that enable impact
• A connection to, or understanding of, the Fens and/or Wisbech, bringing insight into the communities we serve and the opportunities and challenges within these areas
Knowledge of the wider East of England context, including its economic, educational and social landscape
In addition, we are looking for individuals who:
Can contribute constructively to strategic discussions and support long-term decision making
• Are willing to offer both support and constructive challenge to the executive team
Are committed to Cambridge Science Centre’s mission to improve access to highquality STEM engagement
Are able to act as ambassadors for the organisation, helping to raise its profile and extend its reach
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and do not require previous Trustee experience. We will provide a full induction and ongoing support to ensure all Trustees feel confident in the role.
Public Benefit Duty
Charity Trustees must have regard to the Charity Commission’s public benefit guidance when making decisions. This means:
● Being aware of the guidance
● Taking it into account when making relevant decisions
● Having a valid reason if choosing to depart from it
More information: Public Benefit Rules for Charities
Fit and Proper Person Requirement
HMRC requires that all individuals involved in the financial management of a charity, including Trustees, must be “fit and proper persons.”
On appointment, Trustees must complete a declaration confirming their eligibility.
More information: Fit and Proper Persons Test – HMRC
Remuneration and Expenses
Trustees are not paid for their role as Trustees. However:
Out-of-pocket expenses (e.g. travel) may be reimbursed in line with CSC’s Travel and Subsistence Policy
● Trustees may be paid for professional services unrelated to their Trustee duties only if:
o CSC’s governing document permits it, and
o The arrangement is declared and properly authorised by the Board
Time Commitment
● Four Board meetings per year (2.5 hours each)
● Occasional subcommittee meetings or strategy sessions
Optional attendance at CSC events and activities
We understand that personal and work circumstances vary, and we are committed to ensuring that the role is manageable and accessible for Trustees from all backgrounds.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
We are committed to building a Board that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences, particularly those who are currently underrepresented in charity leadership. This includes individuals who can bring different perspectives and insights into the barriers that can limit access to STEM. We recognise that diverse perspectives strengthen decision-making and help us remain relevant, inclusive and effective in our work. If you require any adjustments during the application process, please let us know.
How to Apply
To apply, please send a short expression of interest outlining:
● What attracts you to CSC’s mission
● How your lived experience or background connects to our beneficiaries
● The skills, insight or perspective you feel you could bring to the Board
If you would like an informal conversation before applying, we would be very happy to arrange this. To apply or to arrange a conversation, please contact:
jobs@cambridgesciencecentre.org.
Deadline for applications is Friday 5th June 2026