Trustee

Job Description

About the Trust 

We're one of the UK’s biggest charities and we care for 2,000 miles of canals, rivers, docks and reservoirs because we believe life is better by water. We're looking for people who support our cause and want to make a difference for future generations. Could this be you?  

Along with our waterways we also manage museums, archives and the country's third largest collection of historic buildings, as well as the nature and wildlife that calls our canals home. All of this enables us to provide wellbeing opportunities for millions of people each year.

Trustee

Our trustees are unpaid board directors, taking collective decisions on policy and strategy and providing oversight of the executive team.

To Apply:

• Only via quoting reference 8330https://plusportal.perrettlaver.com/
• Please submit a CV and covering letter, detailing how you fulfil the role description and personal specification. The deadline for applications is 23:59pm on 29th March 2026

It is a truly exciting time of change for the Trust. We have cause to be optimistic and need to be ambitious. We have a new Chief Executive Officer, and we are developing a long-term strategy to take on increasing risk but real opportunities for us. We have some challenges ahead, but the Trust has proved already that it can adapt, evolve and rise to challenge.

For this recruitment, we are particularly keen to enhance our diversity as a board. We have a great mixture of skill, knowledge, and expertise but we are aware that we may lack diversity of thinking. We don’t yet fully reflect the diverse communities we work with and the places we work in, either in our workforce or on our board. We are working hard to address and change this. Find out about our inclusion and diversity strategy 2023-26 here:  Stronger Together - inclusion and diversity strategy 2023-26.

Successful candidates will have demonstrable experience of supporting large and complex organisations through change; they will bring commercial and business acumen, and the ability to identify and pursue opportunities for income generation and diversification.

In addition, they will understand the role of the Trustee and will work constructively with the Executive to inject sharp commercial insight and bold business acumen into a dynamic, diverse organisation as we embark on a period of transformation while continuing to drive the standard for exceptional customer service.

See more information here: Canal & River Trust - Trustee - Candidate Brochure.pdf

Our values

We care passionately for our waterways, and as importantly, for those who look after and use them. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce where everyone can thrive. We are striving to represent the diverse communities that we are a part of and welcome applicants from across all sectors of the community.

We want everyone to have the opportunity to perform at their best during our recruitment process. If you require any reasonable adjustments - whether for a disability, neurodiversity, or health condition - please let us know what you need and how we can support you. We’ll work with you to make any necessary changes.

All of our jobs can be considered on a part time, flexible or job share basis.

We operate a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role. You are considered disabled under the Equality Act 2010 if you have a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term negative effect on your ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities. We recognise not everyone who is classified as disabled under the Equality Act personally identifies this way, or with this definition of disability. Please do not let this discourage you from applying under the scheme.

At Canal & River Trust, we are committed to fair, transparent, and ethical recruitment practices. As part of our hiring process, we may use AI to analyse applications and support us work more efficiently. However, all hiring decisions – without exception - are made by our hiring managers. 

Navigate your future and lock in your career as we keep our canals open and alive.

Find out more about us on our website: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/about-us

Job Details

• Pay Type
• Hourly