Help Shape Stronger Communities Across Berkshire

Are you passionate about making a difference where people live?

Connecting Communities in Berkshire (CCB) is looking for new Trustees to join our Board and help guide our charity as we support communities across Berkshire to become more connected, resilient and sustainable.

We’re particularly keen to hear from people who can bring fresh perspectives and diverse experiences to our Board. Whether you’re an experienced trustee, a working professional looking to take on your first governance role, or someone with a strong connection to Berkshire’s communities, we’d love to hear from you.

This is an exciting time to join CCB. As our work continues to grow, we are delivering projects that tackle social isolation, support health and wellbeing, promote digital inclusion, reduce rural disadvantage and help communities shape their own futures.

You don’t need previous trustee experience. We provide a full induction, mentoring and ongoing support to help you develop confidence in the role.

We recognise that disadvantage is about more than income alone. Access to affordable housing, essential services, employment opportunities, transport and social connections all play a vital role in people’s quality of life. That’s why our work focuses on helping communities identify their strengths, build local capacity and develop practical solutions to the challenges they face.

As a membership organisation, the voices of Berkshire’s communities are at the heart of everything we do. Our members help shape our priorities and ensure our work remains rooted in local needs and aspirations.

Our work includes rural affordable housing, village hall support, health and wellbeing initiatives, fuel poverty advice, community development and training programmes that help people and communities thrive across Berkshire.

We are proud to be part of the national network of rural community development organisations through our membership of Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE)..

Why Become a Trustee?

Being a trustee is a rewarding way to use your skills and experience to create positive change.

You don’t need previous trustee experience. We provide a full induction, mentoring and ongoing support to help you develop confidence in the role.

As a Trustee, you will:

• Help shape the charity’s future direction
• Support and challenge the leadership team constructively
• Ensure the charity is well governed and financially sustainable
• Develop new skills and gain board-level experience
• Build your professional network
• Make a tangible difference to communities across Berkshire

Many employers recognise trusteeship as valuable professional development, offering experience in leadership, strategy, governance and decision-making.

Who We’re Looking For

We’re keen to attract trustees from a wide range of backgrounds, ages and experiences so that our Board better reflects the communities we serve. We are committed to building a Board that reflects the diversity of Berkshire’s communities. We particularly welcome applications from younger people, individuals from underrepresented groups, and those considering their first trustee role.

You may be involved in the voluntary sector, public sector, private sector or community groups. You might be an experienced leader, an early or mid-career professional, self-employed, studying, recently retired, or looking to broaden your experience through a meaningful voluntary role.

We are particularly interested in hearing from people with experience in areas such as:

• Community engagement and development
• Communications, marketing or digital media
• Finance, accountancy or business planning
• Human resources and people management
• Legal or governance knowledge
• Project or programme management
• Health, wellbeing or social care
• Fundraising and income generation
• Digital technology and innovation
• Environmental sustainability

More important than any specific professional background is a commitment to our values and a desire to help communities thrive.

What We Ask of Our Trustees

Our trustees share the following qualities:

• Commitment to CCB’s vision, mission and values
• Sound judgement and strategic thinking
• Willingness to contribute ideas and ask constructive questions
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team
• Preparation for and participation in meetings
• Integrity and commitment to the Nolan Principles of Public Life
• An interest in helping communities become stronger, more resilient and connected
• Time Commitment

We recognise that many people balance volunteering with work, family and other commitments.

The expected commitment is approximately:

• Four Board meetings each year
• Two online meetings
• One in-person evening meeting
• One in-person daytime meeting followed by our annual Christmas lunch
• One annual Board development day
• Preparation and reading time before meetings
• Occasional involvement in projects or working groups where your interests or expertise may be useful

Most trustee activities can be undertaken remotely, with only occasional travel within Berkshire.

About the Role

This is a voluntary, unpaid position. Reasonable out-of-pocket expenses, including travel costs, can be reimbursed.

We pride ourselves on being a friendly and supportive Board. New trustees receive a comprehensive induction and ongoing mentoring from existing trustees to help them settle into the role and gain confidence.

Interested?

If you’d like to help shape the future of Berkshire’s communities, we’d love to hear from you.

Please send a short covering note and your CV (if applicable) to admin@ccberks.org.uk