Position Description

We are seeking a trustee who brings strong expertise in the digital landscape and who is motivated to use their skills 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, Chief Executive Officer, Leadership Team and Youth Advisory Group, 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_Digital

We are seeking a trustee who brings strong expertise in the digital landscape and who is motivated to use their skills 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 digital opportunity and risk.

You may support the Board in shaping digital priorities and understanding emerging trends but it is not an operational role, you will not be expected to troubleshoot systems or deliver projects, nor will you be a substitute for paid staff or external suppliers/contractors.

We would love to hear from you if…

• You have senior‑level experience in digital, technology, data, IT, cyber security or digital transformation, gained in the private, public or voluntary sector.
• You are adept at thinking strategically about digital as an enabler, helping us to improve our impact, efficiency, reach and resilience.
• You could share your understanding of digital risk and governance, including data protection, cyber security, system resilience and the ethical use of technology.
• You have experience of translating complex digital or technical issues into clear, practical insights for non‑technical audiences.
• 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.

Previous trustee or non‑executive experience is welcome but not essential.We are committed to supporting new trustees through a structured induction and ongoing development. We actively encourage applications from candidates who are under‑represented on charity boards. An interest in or experience of sailing is not necessary.

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]