THE JOHN SMITH TRUST

Open Call for John Smith Trust Trustee

About the John Smith Trust

The John Smith Trust supports the development of sustainable, fair and inclusive societies
in Eastern Europe, the Caucasus and Central Asia (the EECCA region). We do this by
inspiring and nurturing a collaborative community of people working for change in
governance, climate action and social justice, and who want to make a positive
contribution to society.

We run regular fellowship programmes for exceptional individuals aged 25-35 from 12
countries across the EECCA who are working in the field of climate and sustainability,
governance and justice, or equality, diversity and inclusion. Our hybrid programmes
consist of online discussions and workshops followed by a residential programme in the
UK. They are built around three pillars – unique insight into UK institutions, personalised
professional meetings and leadership skills development – which together offer both a
broad picture and an individual focus.

Individuals become Fellows for life, and we support our network further by running online
and in-person events, which enable Fellows to continue connecting, sharing and
collaborating with each other and with counterparts in the UK.

About the role

The John Smith Trust is looking for experienced professionals with diverse backgrounds,
skills and experiences to join our Board as a Trustee. Our small but dynamic Board of
Trustees is comprised of highly experienced and respected professionals from across the
political spectrum. We are seeking one or two new Trustees to join the Board to increase
representation of diverse sectors, backgrounds, ethnic groups, ages, genders and to
increase our resource-raising, HR and media/communications capacity.

As a member of our Board of Trustees, you’ll have the opportunity to play a role in steering
the organisation’s strategic direction, ensuring that our work is impactful, and our
resources are well-managed. You will have a chance to contribute your professional
expertise to a cause that matters now more than ever, whilst working alongside a
passionate group of like-minded individuals with diverse political, professional and
personal backgrounds.

Key information

•  The Board of Trustees meets four times per year (3 x online; 1 x in person in London

or Edinburgh)

•  Trustees share their time and expertise on a voluntary basis but they are

•

compensated for costs incurred while carrying out Trust business, including
participation in board meetings
It is the collective responsibility of Trustees to ensure that the Trust is carrying out
its purposes for the public benefit and to plan and review the Trust’s work on a
regular basis

•  Apart from board meetings, Trustees are regularly invited to participate in JST’s

programme activities, including at times overseas
•  Trustees are appointed for a minimum of two years

Essential criteria

•  Understanding of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of a charity Trustee
•  Commitment to the Trust’s values
•  Demonstrated interest in/understanding of governance, climate action and social

justice in Eastern Europe, Russia, the South Caucasus and Central Asia

•  Strong communication and interpersonal skills
•  Experience/expertise in one or more of the priority areas for development

mentioned above

We actively encourage applications from underrepresented groups.

Competencies

According to ‘The Good Trustee Guide’ by the NCVO, there are 6 key areas of Board
Competence as follows:

•  Contextual – Understanding of the Board’s Mission and Environment.
•  Educational – Continue to learn and evaluate your own performance.

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Interpersonal – Do not let strong personalities dominate the Governance process –
encourage group decision making instead.

•  Analytical Skills – cultivate these by taking a step back and take the long term view.
•  Political – Maintain good relationships among members, volunteers, clients,

government agencies and community groups.

•  Strategic – Take responsibility for the organisation’s long term success or failure.

How to apply

If you are interested in applying, please send a cover letter (no longer than 1 page) and your
CV to admin@johnsmithtrust.org. If you would like to arrange a conversation with the
director or an existing trustee before applying, please contact outlining your questions
admin@johnsmithtrust.org.