At a Glance
- Tasks: Help shape the future of heritage and community in the Derwent Valley.
- Company: Land of Oak & Iron Trust, dedicated to celebrating culture and landscape.
- Benefits: Gain board-level experience and contribute to meaningful community impact.
- Other info: Voluntary role with occasional meetings and events; expenses may be reimbursed.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and make a difference in local heritage and culture.
- Qualifications: Interest in conservation, community engagement, and governance; experience welcome but not essential.
Are you passionate about landscape, heritage, and community? Would you like to help shape the future of what we believe is one of the North East's most distinctive historic environments? Having recently secured Lottery funding, the Land of Oak & Iron Trust is now seeking new Trustees to join our Board at this exciting time, to help us grow and develop heritage experiences and facilities in the area.
About Us
The Land of Oak & Iron Trust works across the Derwent Valley and surrounding areas to celebrate heritage, culture and landscape and to conserve and promote the area's rich natural, industrial and cultural heritage. From woodlands and wildlife to ironworks and industrial archaeology, we connect people with the stories, landscapes and communities that have shaped this unique part of the North East.
The Role of a Trustee
As a Trustee, you will share collective responsibility for the governance and strategic direction of the Trust. Trustees ensure that the charity:
- Operates in line with its charitable objectives and governing documents.
- Complies with charity law and best practice.
- Is financially sustainable and well-managed.
- Delivers meaningful impact for local communities.
Working alongside committed and knowledgeable colleagues and the new staff team, you will help oversee:
- Improvements to the Land of Oak & Iron Heritage Centre.
- Development of new strands of activity covering wildlife, conservation, heritage and culture across the area.
- Creating new partnerships and increasing numbers of volunteers to ensure success.
- Support long-term planning to help the Trust become more resilient.
We are particularly interested if you have experience in:
- Volunteer recruitment and management.
- Conservation and environmental issues.
- Local culture, history and heritage.
- Marketing and communications.
- Community engagement, especially engaging young people.
- Fundraising, grant-making, or income generation.
- Financial or accountancy knowledge.
- Charity governance matters.
Previous trustee experience is welcome but not essential; at least a basic knowledge of governance and legal issues relating to charitable organisations would be helpful. We would love trustees with expert knowledge of a subject to engage with staff and volunteers to take a lead on specific activity themes.
Commitment
Approximately 10 board meetings per year held locally. Other occasional working group meetings or Trust events. The role is voluntary; some reasonable expenses may be reimbursed.
What You'll Gain
Be part of growing and developing heritage and culture activities in the area. Board-level experience within the charitable sector. The Land of Oak & Iron Trust is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.
Trustee (Voluntary Role) in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: Groundwork
The Land of Oak & Iron Trust is an exceptional employer for those passionate about heritage and community engagement, offering a unique opportunity to shape the future of the Derwent Valley. With a commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, the Trust fosters a collaborative work culture where volunteers can gain valuable board-level experience while contributing to meaningful projects that celebrate the area's rich history and natural beauty. Join us in making a lasting impact on local communities and enjoy the satisfaction of being part of a dedicated team focused on conservation and cultural development.
