Position Description

We are seeking a trustee who brings strong experience in youth work and is motivated to use their knowledge and insight to support a charitable organisation at board level. This is a strategic governance role, focused on insight, challenge and foresight, rather than day‑to‑day operational delivery.

You will support our Board of Trustees, Youth Advisory Group, Chief Executive Officer and Leadership Team in achieving our strategic Ambitions. You will join our 10-strong Board of Trustees, responsible for keeping the charity on track to make sure the best outcomes for young people are always delivered.

The full Board meets four times a year, with five sub-committees (Finance and Investment; Governance; Fundraising; HR and Personnel; and Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging) overseeing and ensuring the ongoing impartial governance of the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust. Some support outside of meetings is required, and we ask trustees to commit to approximately 1/2 a day per month.

The role is unpaid. This is a fantastic opportunity to help steer the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust towards our aim to be even more accessible and inclusive to all young people who have a cancer diagnosis in the UK and to ensure every young person experiences belonging and improved mental wellbeing with us.

Our trustees are based around the country with meetings usually taking place in London or Southampton, however an option to join virtually is always available.

Selection Criteria

EMCT_Trustee_Youth Work

We are seeking a trustee who brings strong experience in youth work and is motivated to use their knowledge and insight to support a charitable organisation at board level. This is a strategic governance role, focused on insight, challenge and foresight, rather than day‑to‑day operational delivery. This role is about strategic oversight, governance and future‑focused thinking.

You will help ensure the organisation is asking the right questions about how it engages, supports and empowers young people, and how it continues to deliver meaningful impact. You may support the Board in shaping priorities relating to our youth programmes, safeguarding, impact and emerging needs, but this is not an operational role. You will not be expected to deliver services or manage staff, nor will you be a substitute for paid staff or external partners.

We would love to hear from you if…

• You have senior‑level experience in youth work, youth development, education, or services for young people gained in the private, public or voluntary sector.
• You are adept at thinking strategically about youth engagement and support, helping us to further improve our reach and relevance to young people and increase the positive impact we have on them.
• You can share your understanding of good practice in youth work, including safeguarding, inclusion, impact and supporting diverse needs.
• You have experience of bringing the voices and lived experience of young people into decision‑making, and can help ensure their perspectives help inform our strategy.
• You have the confidence to provide constructive challenge and act as a trusted adviser to the Board and senior leadership team.
• You are motivated and passionate about making a difference to the lives of young people who are living through and beyond cancer and comfortable making decisions that determine the course the charity takes.

In addition, you will have…

• The responsibility to represent the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust in a positive way at all times.
• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship.
• The ability to work cooperatively as a member of a remote team.
• Integrity and a willingness to learn about Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust.
• The commitment to helping create an inclusive board culture, including valuing diversity of thought and experience.
• Sound, independent judgement.

How to Apply

Please email [email protected], submitting an updated CV, and a covering letter of no more than two pages.

1. Applications will not be considered without both these documents. In your covering letter, please include:
2. What excites you about being involved with the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust and this role?
3. What experience do you have to carry out the duties listed in this pack, and make an impact to the organisation?
4. Where did you first hear about this opportunity?

Please email any questions about the role to: [email protected]