Role Description

Garfield Weston Trust Volunteer Trustee Board Member

About the Garfield Weston Trust

The Garfield Weston Trust (GWT) was established in January 1969 and is supported by a gift made by Willard Garfield Weston.

The Trust is a registered Charity whose key aims are to promote and enhance education and research, promote the University and its involvement with the surrounding community, widen participation for prospective students, and support current students at the University.

Each year, the Trust awards a number of grants on a competitive basis to support projects across Ulster University's Departments, Schools, and Faculties.

GWT’s Trustee Board

GWT is governed by a board of trustees, which comprises the chair and up to seven appointed trustees. For more information on the GWT Board please visit our website.

Role Description

All Trustees are required to:

• Ensure that the organisation pursues its stated charitable objects as defined in the 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 which 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 individuals with professional experience in:

• Finance - with a strong understanding of financial governance, budgeting, and charity finance.
• Investment- experience of investment matters through engagement with investment managers.

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

• There are 3-4 board meetings per year, which can be attended in person or virtually.
• 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 take part in activities on behalf of the Board.

How to Apply

Please send a short cover letter outlining your interest in the role and relevant experience, along with your CV, to Paul Sampson, GWT Secretariat at GWT@Ulster.ac.uk by Friday, 26 September 2025.

If you would like to talk about the role before your application, you can contact the GWT Chair, Dr Rosemary Peters Gallagher OBE on rpetersg@mooreni.co.uk