Trustee Opportunity at Connecting Communities in Berkshire

Would you like to use your skills to help improve rural communities in Berkshire?
Connecting Communities in Berkshire (CCB) is seeking new Trustees to support our work strengthening, empowering and connecting rural communities across the county. This is an excellent opportunity to join a friendly and committed team during an exciting period of growth, with new projects underway to support local people and places.

About the Role
We are looking for enthusiastic individuals who are passionate about improving community life in Berkshire. Ideally you will bring experience of working or volunteering in the voluntary sector, an understanding of governance and the way small UK charities operate, and a willingness to represent CCB at occasional events. This is a voluntary and non‑remunerated position, although reasonable out of pocket expenses such as travel will be covered.

Your skills and insight will help shape our work and make a meaningful difference. Whether you have significant time to offer or a busy working life, your contribution will be valued. Trustees typically attend a small number of meetings each year, mostly in the evening, and provide guidance, oversight and support to the CCB team.

About CCB
Connecting Communities in Berkshire is an independent charity with over fifty years of experience in community development. Founded in 1973 as a Rural Community Council, we specialise in helping communities identify local challenges and create effective, practical solutions. We develop strong partnerships, support community planning and deliver projects that improve quality of life.

We are an active member of Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE), the national body for rural community development charities.

Our vision is for Berkshire’s communities to be resilient, sustainable and empowered to shape their own futures. Our work focuses particularly on rural areas and includes projects that:

• reduce poverty and rural disadvantage
• improve rural health and wellbeing
• increase digital inclusion and social connectedness

Most volunteering is home based. Meetings are a mix of online and face to face involving occasional travel within Berkshire for in person meetings or events.

Who We Are Looking For
We welcome interest from anyone with the passion and commitment to support our mission. We are particularly keen to hear from people who have:

• experience working or volunteering in the voluntary sector
• an understanding of good governance and how small charities operate
• strong communication skills and confidence representing our charity at events
  

CCB seeks the following qualities in al of our Trustees:

• Commitment to our organisation, vision and purpose
• Preparedness to read papers and take part fully in meetings
• Sound and independent judgement
• Creative thinking
• Confidence to question and challenge ideas constructively
• Understanding of the legal duties and responsibilities of trusteeship
• Ability to work well as part of a team
• Commitment to Nolan’s Seven Principles of Public Life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership

Time Commitment
This role is flexible. The commitment includes:

Four Board meetings per year (two online, one in person in the evening, one in person during the day followed by a Christmas staff lunch)
One in person away day
Occasional short online meetings when trustee input is required
Preparation for meetings
Optional involvement in specific projects, particularly where you have relevant expertise and wish to support the CEO

What is a Trustee? A charity trustee is a volunteer who manages and governs a charity, and is responsible for its strategy and administration. Trustees are also known as directors, committee members, or board members

The role: This is a voluntary, unpaid role. Out-of-pocket expenses are reclaimable for travel, other expenses and when agreed in advance for attendance at training or events.

We offer a great induction package to the charity which includes mentoring from current Trustees. We’re an amicable bunch and will ensure a warm welcome to anyone interested.

To apply please send a covering note and a CV (if appropriate) to admin@ccberks.org.uk