At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Board to make a real impact in Somerset communities.
- Company: Community Foundation dedicated to supporting local charities and social enterprises.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, training, and networking opportunities while making a difference.
- Other info: Voluntary position with expenses covered; perfect for first-time trustees.
- Why this job: Be part of shaping the future of Somerset and support grassroots initiatives.
- Qualifications: Passion for community development and willingness to commit time to the role.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
We have vacancies for 3 roles on our Board to bring skills, insights, expertise and experience to further our work in Somerset. In each of these roles we’re looking for people that are supportive of our role and our work while bringing fresh insights and perspectives. That is why we welcome applications from members of diverse communities or backgrounds, including young people, and those who bring lived experience or knowledge of activities undertaken in the programmes we fund. In addition, if you feel you have lived experience that could help us in our mission, even if it does not match the roles we have set out here, we would be very interested in hearing from you.
Our current opportunities are:
- Hinkley Point C (HPC) Community Fund Panel Member: The HPC Community Fund is our largest programme and has reached a pivotal moment. We’re looking for someone who can join this panel as an SCF Trustee, bringing practical experience and/or strong advocacy of working in or with grassroots community organisations or in community development. You’ll be involved in awarding over several million pounds of vital funding to hundreds of charities, community groups and social enterprises in the coming years. You do not have to live in the area around the HPC development, but some local knowledge of the area would be useful.
- Professional Adviser Lead: Working with professional advisers – financial planners, private client solicitors and accountants – is one of the most effective ways we can reach people with the means and passion to support good causes in Somerset. We want to be the ‘go-to’ option for local professionals when their clients ask about charitable giving and we’re looking for a Trustee who understands this world to help us hone our messaging, develop new routes to reach more advisers across the county, and, if they can, use their own experience and networks to help us meet the right people in local firms.
- Sustainable Futures Champion: As you’ll see in our Strong Roots, Shared Futures strategy, we’re committed to building a Community Foundation that not only creates an impact today, but is capable of growing its impact for future generations. We’re seeking a Trustee that can bring thought leadership to our Board to develop our thinking, shape our charity and influence our work. We know there are no easy answers or quick solutions, but equally we know the decisions we make today can have long-term impacts for our charity and the communities we serve today.
Who we’re looking for:
- As a Trustee you’ll have strong links with Somerset, though you do not have to live in the county.
- You will support and promote the Foundation’s mission.
- You must be able to give the time commitment to carry out the role effectively.
You’ll share our passion for Somerset and have the range of skills and experience needed to support the delivery of our mission. As far as you’re able, you’ll use your contacts and networks to support the development and growth of the Foundation.
Our commitment to you:
We’re looking for people who may be considering taking their first step in a trustee role or may have been involved with trusteeships previously. Our staff and existing Trustees will provide opportunities to grow and learn as part of the role, and we’ll provide training and mentoring as required.
As a member of our Board, we’ll provide:
- a thorough induction and ongoing opportunities to grow and learn through the role
- opportunities to shape the direction of the charity
- opportunities to meet and spend time with people from a variety of different backgrounds
- opportunities to see the impact our funding makes in the hands of local organisations
- expenses to cover items such as travel and childcare to enable you to fulfil your role.
Your commitment:
Our Board of Trustees has an essential role in ensuring the success of the Foundation and are responsible for ensuring that:
- the Foundation carries out our charitable purposes and complies with our legal and regulatory obligations
- the Foundation’s resources are applied responsibly
- the Foundation is accountable for its actions.
As a rough guide, and depending on your role, you may need to commit typically 2 days a month to prepare for and attend meetings and support the Foundation. Trustees are appointed for up to 3 terms of 3 years. While a Trustee is a voluntary position, reasonable expenses will be covered by the Foundation. This may include travel expenses or the costs of childcare or other caring responsibilities to enable you to attend SCF meetings.
How to apply:
Send us a CV or similar outlining your experience and skills with a covering letter explaining how you would use your knowledge to help the Foundation and why you’d love to join our Board. Please send this by email to:
Closing date: Wednesday 22 July at noon.
Interview dates (preferably in person): Friday 14 August, Tuesday 18 August or Friday 21 August (to be confirmed after applying).
Appointment to take place at SCF’s Annual General Meeting: Friday 16 October.
If you’d like to have a chat with us about the role, please email to book a time to speak with either our CEO, Justin Sargent, or the Chair of our Trustee Search Committee, Amanda Ellingworth (about life as an SCF Trustee). Visit our website to download the full recruitment pack for detailed information about the roles and how to apply.
Board Trustee Roles: Lead Community Impact employer: Somerset Community Foundation
Join us as a Trustee and be part of a dynamic team dedicated to making a meaningful impact in Somerset. We offer a supportive work culture that values diverse perspectives, with opportunities for personal growth through training and mentoring. As a member of our Board, you'll not only help shape the future of our charity but also connect with a network of passionate individuals committed to community development.
Contact Details:
Somerset Community Foundation Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Board Trustee Roles: Lead Community Impact
✨Get Involved with Local Causes
Start connecting with local nonprofits or social impact projects in your area. Attend their events, offer to help out with community initiatives, or just drop by to chat about their mission. This way, you’ll not only learn about the work they do but also make meaningful connections that could lead to volunteer opportunities.
✨Leverage Social Media for Social Impact
Platforms like Twitter and Instagram are goldmines for discovering volunteer opportunities in the nonprofit sector. Follow organisations you’re passionate about, engage with their posts, and keep an eye out for their volunteer calls. It’s a great way to show your interest and dedication!
✨Utilise Volunteer Matching Platforms
Sites like VolunteerMatch or local community boards are perfect for finding short-term and long-term volunteer roles. These platforms can connect you with causes that align with your passions and skills, and often allow you to browse opportunities tailored to your interests.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
When you spot an organisation you like, don't hesitate to visit their website and check out their volunteer section. Many nonprofits have dedicated pages for volunteers where you can apply directly – and we’ve found that this route often leads to quicker responses and more personalised interactions!
We think you need these skills to ace Board Trustee Roles: Lead Community Impact
Some tips for your application 🫡
Share Your Passion for Social Impact:When you're applying for a volunteer role at a nonprofit like Somerset Community Foundation, don’t just list your skills. Show us why you're passionate about social impact! Use your cover letter to tell a story about what drives you and how you've been involved in similar initiatives. Personal connections to the cause can really make your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to showcase any previous volunteer work or projects that demonstrate your commitment to social impact. Whether it’s fundraising, community outreach, or project management, detail your contributions and the results achieved. This kind of experience is invaluable in the nonprofit sector and can help us see your potential!
Get Creative with Your CV:In the world of nonprofits, a standard CV might not cut it. Consider using a more creative format that showcases your personality while maintaining professionalism. Use headings like 'Community Engagement' or 'Social Impact Projects' to highlight your experiences related to the role. Remember, we want to see what makes you unique!
Keep It Community-Focused:Make sure your application emphasises collaboration and community. Volunteer roles are about working well with others and contributing collectively towards a common goal. In your cover letter, mention any teamwork experiences or community projects you've been part of, and how you contributed to their success. This shows that you’re ready to jump into the collaborative spirit here at Somerset Community Foundation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Somerset Community Foundation
✨Know Your Passion
Dive deep into the mission of Somerset Community Foundation and understand the issues they tackle. When they ask about your motivation to volunteer, share specific experiences that link your passion to their cause—whether it’s local community work or a broader social impact.
✨Bring Your Skills to the Table
Highlight any relevant skills that can aid in their projects, such as fundraising, project management, or community organising. Be prepared to share examples of how you’ve used these skills in past volunteer roles or relevant experiences.
✨Get Ready for Scenario Questions
In non-profit interviews, especially for volunteer roles, you might get scenario-based questions. Think about times when you've encountered challenges in team work or community engagement, and how you resolved them—this shows your problem-solving abilities.
✨Show Your Commitment
Since this is a volunteer role, they’ll likely want to see your commitment to the cause over an extended period. Be ready to discuss how much time you can dedicate, any special skills you can bring, and your eagerness to learn and grow with the organisation—this excites them to have you on board!
