Do you have awareness, knowledge or skills in diversifying Connect Reading’s income? Could you join our Board of trustees with that focus?

Of course, this isn’t a fundraising role, but one where you will help other trustees define and broaden Connect Reading’s income for the future. We strongly want to expand the diversity of our board, in all aspects.

You’ll know that our trustees voluntarily govern the charity’s activities, thus we are looking for new people to join our Board to take the strategic lead in overseeing our income-generation. This isn’t a fund-raising role; rather a chance to help the Board look at all our income streams, diversify and strengthen them, in order to better serve our membership and the wider voluntary and community sector in greater Reading. Our existing board membership is stable, but we know a more-diverse Board will add to our organisational skills. 

A general background working or volunteering in (any of) the following: funding, finance, strategy, corporate (or charity) governance. Any legal experience would also be valued but is not required.

Experience of income generation, sales, or contract delivery. Experience of income diversification or implementation of any of these areas would be highly beneficial.

Qualifications in sales, marketing, income generation or an associated field would be highly-valued but are not required.

Strategic vision with good, independent judgement.

Commitment to the organisation; willingness and ability to devote the necessary time & effort.

Skills to analyse proposals, examine their strategic consequences and make concise recommendations as part of the Board.

Ability to cooperatively work with the whole team of trustees, and with employees and volunteers; including an ability to listen, even to dissenting views.

Willingness to speak your mind and appropriately challenge other trustees and employees; able to make unpopular recommendations to the board, if necessary.

Secure personal access to digital communication technology with an ability to competently and efficiently use those resources.

Willingness to be available to employees for advice and enquiries on a scheduled or ad-hoc basis.

While experience and understanding of charity law and governance can be useful, we strongly welcome people without prior charity trustee experience in order to increase the broad diversity of our Board.

You will need to be eligible to be a charity trustee & company Director, which we will explain. Trustee appointments are subject to satisfactory references.

Your CV or similar will be read by Connect Reading’s trustees and Managing Director and an interview by video offered to exceptional candidates as soon as mutually-convenient.