The Garfield Weston Trust is seeking to enhance the skills and experience of its Board of Trustees by recruiting additional members to the Board.
GWT’s Trustee Board
The GWT is governed by a Board of Trustees, which comprises the Chair and up to seven appointed trustees.
Role Description
All trustees are required to:
- Ensure that the organisation pursues its stated charitable objects as defined in the 1968 Trust Deed.
- Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the GWT, including having appropriate policies and procedures in place.
- Participate in the scrutiny of investment matters concerning the charity's funds through engagement with the charity’s investment managers to ensure funds are ethically invested in line with the Trust Deed.
- Review and approve the GWT’s annual financial statements.
- Ensure that any risks to the charity are regularly identified and reviewed and that systems are in place to mitigate or minimise these risks.
- Ensure that the board regularly reviews its approved governance arrangements and its own performance.
- Review applications and allocate funding via the Trust capital to small projects which promote education and research through Ulster University and assist the University in widening access to higher education.
- Receive and review progress reports on funded projects, confirming that funds have been spent according to the approved application.
What We are Looking For
We are looking for people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role and who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our Board.
We are particularly interested in people with experience in accountancy, finance and/or legal matters.
While previous experience serving on a Board or committee is helpful, it is not essential.
Personal Skills and Qualities
- Willingness and ability to understand and accept their role as trustees and to act in the best interests of the GWT.
- Genuine enthusiasm for our areas of focus and a commitment to making a positive impact.
- Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a Board member.
- Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion.
- A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
- Commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.
Terms of Office
- Trustees can serve for a minimum of four years, with the option to serve an additional four years, subject to attendance/performance.
- This is a voluntary role, and trustees do not receive remuneration. Expenses properly incurred in respect of any activities carried out on behalf of the Garfield Weston Trust will be reimbursed.
Time Commitment
- Attendance at three or four Board meetings per year on one of the University's Belfast, Coleraine, or Derry~Londonderry campuses. All Board meetings are generally in person.
- Trustees are expected to attend all Board meetings. Papers are distributed one week in advance of meetings.
- Communication between Board meetings may occur, usually via email or Microsoft Teams; members are also afforded the opportunity to visit and take part in activities on behalf of the Board.
How to Apply
Please send a short CV (no more than 3 pages) to Paul Sampson, GWT Secretariat, at GWT@Ulster.ac.uk no later than 12 noon GMT on Monday, 28 April 2025.