Trustee grant-maker Volunteer

Trustee for grant‑maker in Cumbria – Volunteer

Sir John Fisher Foundation is seeking up to two new trustees with charity experience and knowledge of issues in Barrow‑in‑Furness and South Cumbria to support local community causes through grant‑making.

As a trustee you will influence how funds are distributed in the community and improve the grant‑making experience by understanding decisions from the other side of the table.

• Commitment to the Foundation’s objectives and grant‑making priorities
• Knowledge of the issues faced by people living and working in our geographical priority area (Barrow‑in‑Furness and surrounding area)
• Previous experience working or volunteering for a charity
• Sound understanding of the responsibilities of charity trustees (or willingness to learn)
• Understanding of charity accounts (or willingness to learn)
• Strong strategic and critical thinking skills; a critical friend who can give challenge respectfully and be open to changing own views if necessary
• Excellent analytical and decision‑making skills
• Personal integrity and humility; discretion
• Ability to work collaboratively
• Willingness to devote the time and energy required to trustee duties

• Leadership experience in the voluntary sector or an SME
• Investment experience, analysis skills and willingness to join our Investment Committee
• Impact measurement, data and research skills
• Communications and marketing skills

Previous board, trustee or grant‑making experience is not necessary. We actively seek candidates from diverse backgrounds, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, age, socioeconomic status, disability and sexual orientation, as well as professional expertise.

We encourage first‑time trustees, who can bring new perspectives, and we provide thorough induction, a trustee buddy, training and support through our memberships of the Association of Charitable Foundations and Yorkshire Funders.

• Assessing grant applications for our main and core grants programmes
• Attending two full‑day board meetings per year, in person (usually around May and November in or near Barrow‑in‑Furness)
• Attending two further online board meetings per year (usually ~2 hours)
• Participating in site visits to applicants and grantees
• Contributing to planning and implementing the Foundation’s strategy, working with other trustees and staff, in line with our charitable objectives
• Overseeing the financial sustainability of the charity to fund our grant‑making programmes, including our investments, mainly our shareholding in James Fisher & Sons
• Supporting the Foundation’s staff team with the general management of the charity
• Ensuring the charity meets its legal obligations as set out by the Charity Commission, and effectively fulfils its general functions and duties

Role:
Volunteer