International Rescue Committee UK Trustees

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

IRC UK is part of the IRC global network, which has its global headquarters in New York. Our team in the UK works to deliver funding, policy and practice change, and programming. We are dedicated to supporting people across the arc of crisis – from conflict to refuge to resettlement – and since 2021, IRC UK has also provided integration services directly to refugees in the UK. We aim to centre the voice of our clients in all our work, including by working with a Community Advisory Board of 12 refugees and asylum seekers in the UK to ensure their experience and expertise shapes our UK programmes.

Our strategy

IRC UK’s Strategic Plan 2025-2028 outlines how we are advancing the goals of IRC’s global strategy, Strategy100, which serves as a guide for the organization until its 100th anniversary in 2033.

Our impact

Our annual report for 2025 highlights the impact IRC UK and our partners have had, including:

• Delivering change with and for refugees in the UK: Our UK Resettlement, Asylum and Integration programmes served 2,430 people across the UK in 2025. Clients came from countries including Afghanistan, Ukraine, Sudan, Syria and Iran.
• Responding in emergencies: IRC UK has responded to some of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, including Sudan, occupied Palestinian Territory, and Myanmar.

IRC UK’s Board of Trustees

Our Board of Trustees are responsible for overall good governance of IRC UK and supporting us to deliver against our strategic plan in areas such as programmes, fundraising, policy and advocacy, communications, people and culture, finance and operations. As of May 2026, we have 11 Trustees with a broad range of experience and expertise across areas relevant to IRC UK’s work, ensuring as a collective they can perform their strategic, supervisory and governance duties well.

The roles

In 2025, we saw a dramatic collapse in international aid and a retreat from global cooperation, despite unprecedented levels of humanitarian need. This trend is continuing at pace in 2026 with rapidly escalating global conflict amplified by climate change and entrenched poverty. In the UK, we are working to protect the rights of refugees in an increasingly challenging media and political environment. In this context, we are seeking two new Trustees to lend skills and expertise in areas which we have identified as critical to strengthening the Board’s capability for the years ahead. These will replace Trustees nearing the ends of their terms.

Trustee duties

As a Trustee of IRC UK, you will be asked to:

• Fulfil Trustees’ legal duties: Fulfil and act in accordance with the legal responsibilities of being a Trustee to ensure good governance of the organisation;
• Lend your expertise: Use your specific experience and skills to provide strategic advice and guidance to support the effective working of IRC UK;
• Provide strategic oversight: Work with your fellow Trustees and the IRC UK Senior Management Team to ensure IRC UK is achieving its strategic objectives and course-correcting where required;
• Ensure sound governance: Make sure IRC UK is operating in the right way, overseeing regulatory compliance and with effective risk oversight and strong organisational resilience;
• Contribute to Board and Committee effectiveness: Ensure you contribute to the effectiveness of the Board and its Committees by preparing well for meetings and offering effective insight and challenge;
• Act as an ambassador: Promote the organisation externally, including by attending and contributing to events, meetings with donors, and supporters;
• Uphold our commitments: Support IRC UK to fulfill its safeguarding and equity, diversity and inclusion commitments.

Time commitment

In terms of time commitment, Trustees are required to:

• Full Board: Prepare for, attend, and participate fully in at least three half-day Board meetings per year (typically March, July and October), plus one development meeting (January).
• Board Committee(s): Participate in at least one Board Committee and prepare for, attend, and participate fully in at least two Committee meetings per year.
• Programme visits: Attend an overseas programme visit or a visit to our programmes within the UK each year. This amounts to between 8-10 days per year.

Trustees may serve up to two three-year terms. At the recommendation of the People & Culture Committee, the Board may vote to keep a Trustee for a third term of one or maximum two years. All Trustees must rotate off the board after eight years.

What we’re looking for – person specification

We want to ensure that our Trustees collectively bring a diverse mix of skills, knowledge and experience that align with and support our objectives and activities. We are seeking Trustees with strong general governance and management experience. The successful candidate(s) will have:

• Essential experience: Senior leadership experience within a complex international and matrix-structured organisation; Strong leadership skills; Strong cross-cultural awareness; High standards of integrity and accountability; Ability to understand and interpret complex information; Ability to work collaboratively; An interest and willingness to devote the necessary time and effort.
• Desirable experience: Experience in or understanding of the international development or UK charity sector; Experience operating at Board or equivalent strategic level; Strong networks and willingness to make connections which advance IRC UK’s charitable purpose.

We are particularly interested to hear from candidates who can demonstrate any of the following:

• Strategic understanding of refugee issues in the UK, including asylum, resettlement and integration.
• Digital expertise and networks, including an understanding of the rapidly evolving technology landscape.
• Philanthropy and partnerships experience, including strong connections across UK foundations, trusts and the wider philanthropic sector.

Upholding the IRC Way

All International Rescue Committee workers and board members must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. The IRC Way describes our four core values of Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality.

What we can promise in return

• A rigorous induction programme: New Trustees receive a full induction programme and training.
• Expenses: The roles are unpaid. However, reasonable expenses are reimbursed.
• Exposure to global and UK programmes: This will be provided to ensure our Trustees are familiar with our work.

How to apply

The application deadline is 11:59pm BST, Sunday 28th June 2026. To apply, please submit a CV and short covering letter.

Equal opportunities

IRC UK strives to be an equal opportunities employer. IRC UK is committed to equality of opportunity and to non-discrimination for all candidates and employees.