Thank you for your interest in the role of Trustee of Pilotlight.

In an increasingly polarising world, we bring people together across the divides of business and charity. We create empowering partnerships where each can learn and grow as they work to make a positive difference.

Our work is all about professional skills and we want trustees to add to and make the most of the best skills on our Board, including the diversity of background and experience that ensures that we are equipped to make a difference. ​

This is where you come in.

Trustees play a vital role in the work of Pilotlight, sharing skills as a Director, acting as a champion for our work and operating in line with charity law.

Trustees participate in a Board to govern, but not manage, the charity and to delegate, but not abdicate, its duties under law – including to:

•Fulfil the duties and responsibilities of trustees for the proper governance of the charity

•Support, and where appropriate, to challenge the chief executive

•Contribute specific expertise to help the work of the staff

•Act as an ambassador for the charity with external stakeholders.

Key roles of trustees

•Helping Pilotlight to evolve and implement a long-term strategy

•Ensuring that the charity complies with law and regulations

•Supporting reflective learning, by helping Pilotlight to define its goals and evaluate its performance

•Safeguarding the good name and reputation of the organisation

•Enabling the charity to be a good employer, with the right capabilities to advance its mission.

Essential criteria

Knowledge and experience

•An understanding of good governance and the role of charities.

•An interest in the work of Pilotlight, and being an ambassador for growing the skilled volunteering sector

•Ability to review and be able to ask questions at a strategic, operational and financial level to advance the Pilotlight mission 

•Appreciation of the advantages and challenges of working with a small team and willingness to work collaboratively with the Pilotlight leadership team

Key skills

•Enthusiasm and commitment to champion the work and mission of Pilotlight and to act in line with its values​

•A willingness to devote the focus needed to be a great trustee​

•An effective team player, able to work collaboratively, with tact and integrity​

•Independent judgement, able to listen, to think strategically, to find creative solutions and willing to speak your mind or challenge where needed​

•Strategic vision, combining curiosity with good, independent judgement.

Desirable criteria - four trustee roles we are looking to fill

1. Marketing

Understanding of core brand building and marketing principles at a strategic and operational level

Knowledge of how to grow awareness and consideration of a B2B brand within a defined target audience

Deep understanding of social media channels, especially in a B2B context

Strong communication and storytelling skills through paid and unpaid channels

2. HR/People

Background as a senior HR professional operating at a strategic and operational level

Understanding of HR policy and practise and implementing them in our context

Ability to support team recruitment and talent development across a diverse team

Experience of creating learning and development pathways

3. Commercial Finance

Broad financial management and accounting experience together with strong commercial acumen

Understanding of the legal and compliance frameworks and their application in the charity sector

Strong understanding of risk management and controls, with process appropriate to smaller businesses

Appreciation of investment approach to optimise returns

4. Digital and AI

Understanding the role of data in decision making in a small business

Experience of developing digital-led products (a bonus if within the learning and development context!)

Awareness and practical application of implementing digital and AI processes, specifically in the marketing and B2B context