The Virgin Money Foundation is looking to recruit additional trustees to help govern its activity. The Foundation believes that big changes happen locally and backs the incredible people who have the imagination, commitment and skill to change their neighbourhood for the better. It invests in their work, supporting them with funding and any other resources that it can help to provide - including the expertise of Virgin Money colleagues – to make their impact as great as possible. Since it launched in 2015 it has awarded £11million to people and community organisations working in places that need the support the most. Its work has focused on the North East of England but over time it has begun to expand its footprints into other areas of the United Kingdom, most notably the City of Glasgow.
The Foundation currently has eight board members and two young board attenders. Together they are a group of brilliant volunteers who give up their valuable time to support the Virgin Money Foundation, setting its strategy and deciding how it should use the resources it has to make the biggest difference possible. The Trustees have a collective responsibility to ensure the proper administration of the charity. They safeguard its funds and make sure that all its assets and resources are used efficiently and effectively.
The Board meets once a quarter for a full board meeting, has an additional strategy day once per year and all trustees are asked to commit to one additional sub-committee. Travel and accommodation costs are covered by the Foundation.
The Foundation believes that its board will be strongest when it is diverse and inclusive of people from a range of backgrounds. It has set a Board Diversity Policy and is actively working to diversify its board. Through this recruitment process the Foundation strongly encourages applications from people who are historically under-represented at board level in the UK charity sector. The Foundation believes that all experiences bring value for positive social change, including knowledge and insights gained through direct first-hand experience of social issue(s) or injustice(s). It is committed to ensuring that people with lived experience are heard within the Foundation and positively encourages all applicants to reflect their lived as well as learnt expertise in their applications.
What skills and experiences are being sought?
The Foundation has trustees with a broad mix of skills and experience. It would like to build this by adding individuals who can strengthen the board in one or more of the following areas.
- Financial Management and Accountancy – the Foundation is specifically seeking to recruit a qualified accountant who will chair the Audit, Finance and Risk Committee and bring additional financial acumen to the Board
- Experience of grant making at board or executive level
- First-hand experience and a strong understanding of the specific needs of communities across the city of Glasgow that rank highest on the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation
This opportunity is open to all, and those most likely to make the strongest contribution over time will be invited to become a trustee. In line with the Foundation’s commitment to build a diverse board it is specifically welcoming applications from individuals drawn from communities that experience racial inequity.
How to apply?
The Board of Trustees would love to hear from you if you are interested in this opportunity.
To apply please email info@virginmoneyfoundation.org.uk enclosing your CV and a response to the following questions:
- Why have you applied to become a trustee and what are your particular interests in this role?
- How will your skills, knowledge or experience strengthen the Foundation’s board? Please tell us about how your knowledge and experience link to one of the areas the Foundation has highlighted within the criteria
The closing date for applications is Monday 28th February 2022.
We look forward to hearing from you!