Trustee – Philanthropy and Income Development Lead

Trustee – Philanthropy and Income Development Lead

About the role 

We are looking for an individual to join Central YMCA’s Board of Trustees and Resources Committee to support the Charity's long-term financial sustainability and ability to deliver its charitable purpose. The gap between what we are funded to do and what we are expected and need to do has widened. We are looking to develop a diversified, sustainable income model that generates the flexible resource needed to fund our whole-person support offer for young people; reducing our dependence on static public funding, strengthening employer and community partnerships, and ensuring that the young people who rely on us receive the education and support they need.

About you 

We are looking for an individual with significant experience, networks and expertise in the diversification of income streams within a non-profit or post-16 independent training provider. We highly value diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and insights in our work. We are particularly interested in hearing from candidates whose professional and personal experiences, including lived experiences, will bring fresh understanding to the Board.

Role description 

Individual Responsibilities of Trustees

• Regularly attend and contribute to Board Meetings and any delegated sub-committee meetings.
• Ensure that adequate preparation is made for meetings by reading and assessing all relevant papers and reports.
• Pay attention to strategic and creative thinking when formulating policy.
• Attend functions, conferences and other meetings as and when required and use personal skills and knowledge in the interests of Central YMCA.
• Attend appropriate induction and training events.
• Avoid any personal conflict of interests. Where issues involving a possible conflict of interests arise unexpectedly, they should immediately be disclosed to the Chair of the Board.
• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the Charity and its resources, striving for best practice in good governance.
• Maintain absolute confidentiality about all aspects of the trustees’ business, bearing in mind the overriding legal obligations placed upon trustees.

Additional Responsibilities of a Trustee Lead for Philanthropy and Income Development 

This is not an operational fundraising position, and the Trustee will be required use their expertise to provide strategic advice and support the organisation to develop a diversified and sustainable income model, as well as their influence and networks to open up new opportunities for the Charity.

Specific responsibilities include:

• Support strategic discussions on the development of financial resilience through income generation and diversification strategies.
• Join Board and Resources Committee meetings to support oversight of income generation and diversification strategies.
• Advise the Board on opportunities to strengthen and diversify the Charity's income base outside of core contracted income, supporting the CEO to develop sustainable relationships and income streams.
• Scrutinise the development of long-term income generation plans, providing insight into fundraising, philanthropic giving and other sources of funding applicable to an independent training provider working with young people.
• Provide support and challenge to the CEO and wider team in the development of a sustainable pipeline of income generation opportunities.
• Through networks and experience, provide access to prospective donors, foundations and strategic partners, helping to position the Charity with key stakeholders and where possible represent the Charity at key events and networking opportunities.

Time Commitment

This role involves attending quarterly Board meetings and Resources Committee meetings, generally totalling two meetings per quarter.

Meetings typically occur from 4-6 pm and are a mix of in-person and online, with adjustments available as needed.

Preparatory materials are provided in advance, and typically, half a day of preparation ensures productive participation. Additionally, there is an annual strategy day from 10 am to 4 pm, and you may be asked to represent the charity at various events.

You may also be asked to provide occasional ad hoc support to the Executive Team outside of scheduled meetings. Trustees should expect to dedicate a minimum of 12 days annually to this role. We offer reasonable reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses incurred for in-person meeting attendance. Furthermore, training and development opportunities will be provided to support your role on the Board.

How to Apply

If you are interested in this position, please send a brief cover note and a copy of your CV to Naomi da Silva, Director of Governance and Risk: naomi.dasilva@ymca.co.uk

An initial conversation will be arranged with the Charity’s CEO, Monique Clements, and Naomi da Silva, to provide a brief overview of the work of the Charity and the role, and to answer any questions. This will be followed by an online interview with members of the Nomination Committee.

The closing date is 04 December 2026 and we aim to undertake interviews in December. 

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.