Trustee

CBM UK - Who we are 

Too many people face poverty and isolation, denied the chance to go to school or earn a living, just because they have a disability. CBM works in the world’s poorest places to prevent blindness, improve health and transform the lives of people with disabilities. We know that disability and poverty are inextricably linked in a cycle. Disability often contributes to and deepens poverty on an individual, family and community level, and poverty increases the risk of disability. Disability cannot be addressed without also addressing the poverty that causes or exacerbates it. 

For over 115 years, CBM has been transforming lives around the world. We work with local partners, making sure people with disabilities in some of the world’s poorest communities have access to healthcare, education and a future when they can thrive. And when a disaster strikes, we’re there providing emergency relief and support to people with disabilities and helping communities recover and rebuild.

Trustee Role & Person Specification 

Details 

Expertise sought: Business skills (particularly social enterprise and start up); accountancy (with understanding of UK SORP) or innovative approaches to international development, including alternative models of development financing. 

Experience sought: We would strongly encourage applications from individuals currently under-represented on the Board, including women and people with lived experience of disability. 

Time commitment: Approximately 6-10 days per annum. 

Remuneration: Trustees do not attract any financial remuneration, though all reasonable expenses will be reimbursed. 

Location: Flexible, but able to attend meetings in Cambridge once a year. 

Term: 3-year initial term, with potential to be reappointed for a second term (maximum 9-year tenure). 

Reporting to: The Board. 

Purpose 

The Board of Trustees is responsible for overall governance and strategic direction of CBM UK, developing CBM UK's aims, objectives and goals in accordance with its governing documents, and legal regulatory requirements. 

Duties of a Trustee 

1. To ensure that CBM UK complies with its governing document, charity law and any legislation or regulations, and with the prevailing ethics applicable to the charity sector and to the overseas development sector 
2. To ensure that CBM UK pursues its objects as defined in its governing document 
3. To ensure CBM UK uses its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects: CBM UK must not spend money on activities which are not included in its own objects, no matter how worthwhile or charitable those activities are 
4. To approve overall policy, define goals and agree targets 
5. To safeguard the good name and values of CBM UK 
6. To ensure the effective and efficient administration of CBM UK 
7. To ensure the financial stability of CBM UK 
8. To protect and manage the property of CBM UK and to ensure the proper investment of CBM UK's funds 
9. To take appropriate professional advice in all matters where there may be material risk to CBM UK, or where the trustees may be in breach of their duties 
10. To appoint the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and monitor their performance 
11. To maintain confidentiality about all sensitive/confidential information received in the course of the trustee's involvement with CBM UK 
12. To avoid any personal conflict of interest. 

Other duties 

In addition to the above statutory duties, each trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the Board of Trustees reach sound decisions. This may involve:  

1. Leading discussions at Board meetings on matters which they have expertise 
2. Providing guidance on key issues or the development of new initiatives relating to matters in which they have expertise 
3. Ensure active engagement in following how CBM UK's work is going 
4. Offering advice and practical support to the Chair and the Board between meetings 
5. Profile raising - acting as an advocate of CBM UK 
6. Undertaking speaking engagements if required 
7. Contributing to CBM UK publications or resources with personal stories, reports, photos of visits to CBM UK events or projects, etc. 
8. Visiting CBM UK partners if practicable. 

Accountability 

Trustees are accountable to a variety of stakeholders including funders and the Charity Commission; and are responsible for considering the needs and rights of beneficiaries. 

Person specification  

1. Strategic vision 
2. Commitment to the aims and work of the organisation and its core values 
3. Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort, and capacity to attend at least 3 out of 4 meetings per year as well as serve on one committee 
4. Sound independent judgement 
5. Ability to think creatively 
6. Willingness to speak their mind 
7. Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship 
8. Ability to work effectively as a member of a team 
9. Sympathetic to the Christian values of the organisation. 

Experience 

1. Experience as a trustee of a Board 
2. Experience of successfully using influence to bring about a result for an organisation or cause 
3. Experience of the type of work undertaken by CBM UK e.g. international development, human rights, health system strengthening, education and climate justice, or experience in business, government, civil society and other not for profit sectors.

How to apply 

More information about CBM can be found by visiting our website. If you wish to discuss this opportunity in more detail, please email Laura Parkes. 

Applications in the form of a CV and covering letter are invited and should be sent to Laura Parkes. 

Closing date for the receipt of applications is 9am on Monday 12th January 2026.

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.