Join us as a Trustee in Great Torrington - Volunteer

Our Vision ~ Helping the community of Great Torrington to Thrive. Great Torrington Town and Lands Charity and Great Torrington Almshouse Charity are seeking new trustees to join our Board at an important stage in our development. These charities exist to protect, steward, and invest in the assets that belong to the people of Great Torrington, ensuring they continue to deliver public benefit now and for generations to come.

Our work combines practical support for residents with long‑term responsibility for the land, properties, and investments entrusted to us. Every year, the income generated from our investment portfolio and property estate enables us to provide meaningful support to individuals and community organisations. This includes hardship grants for residents in financial difficulty, maintenance of community spaces, and management of our charitable properties.

Alongside this direct support, we are modernising the charity to meet the standards expected of a contemporary, well‑run organisation. This includes strengthening governance, improving compliance across our property portfolio, and ensuring that our operations are transparent, fair, and accessible to all. These improvements protect the charity’s long‑term sustainability and ensure that every decision we make is grounded in our duty of care to the community.

Our impact is measured not only in the grants we award, but in the stability we safeguard, the preservation of charitable assets, the responsible management of income‑generating investments, and the continued ability to support residents facing hardship. By balancing immediate need with long‑term stewardship, we ensure that the charity remains a reliable, resilient source of support for the people of Great Torrington.

Qualities and Experience We’re Looking For in a Trustee

• Integrity and good judgement — someone who can weigh up information carefully, act impartially, and make decisions that are fair, proportionate, and in the best interests of the charity and the community.
• Commitment to our values — Integrity, Resilience, Compliance, Community and Innovation guide everything we do.
• Strategic thinking — the ability to look beyond day‑to‑day issues and help shape the long‑term direction of the charity.
• Willingness to learn about governance — trustees don’t need to be experts, but they do need to be open to understanding their responsibilities and the regulatory framework we work within.
• Respectful, collaborative communication — someone who listens well, contributes constructively, and supports healthy Board dynamics.
• Understanding of community needs — lived experience of Great Torrington, local knowledge, or insight into the challenges residents face is highly valued.
• An interest in one or more of our key areas — such as property and asset management, finance, compliance, community engagement, or strategic leadership.

None of these are essential, but they help strengthen the Board’s collective skills.

What will you be doing?

Together, our charities have supported the community for generations through grant‑making and affordable housing. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. Our values guide our work and decision‑making. You do not need previous trustee experience; what matters most is a commitment to our vision and a passion for Great Torrington.

Why Join?

• The opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to two long‑established local charities.
• Experience in governance, strategic oversight, and community‑focused leadership.
• Personal and professional development in a respected trustee role.

Our Values

• Integrity
• Resilience
• Compliance
• Community
• Innovation