Trustee Board Members Wanted

Improving Lives is looking for new Trustees to join our Board.

We support people affected by disability, long-term conditions, and social isolation. We work with local communities to improve access to services, activities, and opportunities.

We want Trustees who care about fairness, inclusion, and strong community services.

About the role

Trustees help guide the charity and protect its future. You will:

• Help set the charity’s direction and priorities

• Oversee finances, governance, and risk

• Support and challenge senior staff

• Make sure we meet legal and regulatory duties

• Represent the values of the organisation

• Attend board meetings and occasional events

Meetings usually take place in Clydebank. Some remote attendance is possible.

Who we are looking for

We welcome applications from people with different backgrounds and experiences.

We are especially interested in people with skills in:

• Finance or accounting

• Law or governance

• HR or people management

• Fundraising or grants

• Marketing or digital

• Community work or social care

• Lived experience of disability

No previous board experience is required. Induction and ongoing support are provided.

Time commitment

• At least 1 meeting every 4 to 6 weeks

• Occasional extra meetings or events

• Preparation time before meetings

This role is voluntary. Reasonable expenses are covered.

What you will gain

• Experience in charity governance

• Training and development

• A chance to influence local services

• The opportunity to make a difference

• A supportive and committed board team

The One World Shop was established over 40 years ago and has played a lead role in the Fair Trade movement in Scotland, including helping Edinburgh and Glasgow become Fairtrade cities and Scotland to become a Fair Trade Nation.

As well as running a thriving city centre shop, we have an online shop and we support schools, faith groups and local businesses to learn about and sell fair trade products. We currently employ 7 paid staff and over 20 volunteers. Our aim is to reduce poverty in deprived areas of the world through trading fairly and we are committed to reducing our carbon footprint and promoting low-carbon living.

We are seeking to appoint several new voluntary Management Committee members; we are particularly looking at people with skills and experience in any of the following:

• Human Resources
• Property, leases, surveying
• Retail sales and management
• Business management
• Finance, funding, ethical investment

Board meetings are held every two months by Zoom or occasionally in the shop.