Independent Trustee

ABOUT START NETWORK

The Start Network is a UK-registered charity and company limited by guarantee. It is a network organisation made up of over 50 aid agencies across five continents, ranging from large international organisations to national NGOs. Together with our members and national and regional hubs, we are tackling what we see as the biggest systemic problems the sector faces.

TERMS OF APPOINTMENT

The trustee will serve a three-year term, extendable to a maximum of two terms. This is an unpaid voluntary role for which only reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed, in accordance with Start Network policies.

The trustee will be required to attend a minimum of three out of four Board meetings per year, one of which will be face-to-face in London, the rest being virtual. The trustee will also be expected to attend the annual Start Network Assembly meeting (AGM), and may be expected to join or chair one of the Board sub-committees, most of which meet quarterly. The Board and committees may also convene additional meetings if necessary.

SKILLS AND BACKGROUND

• Knowledge of or experience in systems thinking, analysis and innovation, design thinking, systems mapping etc.
• Social entrepreneurship
• Experience in movement-building and influencing social change
• Knowledge of or experience in the humanitarian sector would be desirable
• Previous experience of chairing a committee or other governance body would be desirable

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Strategic vision
• A forward-leaning approach to risk management
• Solutions-oriented and a creative thinker
• Willingness to learn about and understand issues and operational realities of the humanitarian sector, especially of small-to-medium humanitarian start-up organisations
• Collaborative ethos, and ability to work cooperatively and respectfully with other Board and Committee members and the Start team
• Commitment to the values and mission of the Start Network
• Willingness to commit additional time as required