Trustee

upReach Trustee 

upReach is seeking to appoint a new Trustee to succeed a current incumbent who is retiring at the end of their term. upReach is an award-winning national charity supporting less advantaged undergraduates to secure top jobs. We help these young people achieve their career potential by providing an intensive programme of career support that addresses socio-economic barriers to graduate employment. The charity is in a strong position, with healthy reserves and a strong and stable management team. We are halfway through our existing 2024-2027 Strategy and are ahead of target in all areas highlighted as priorities. We want to capitalise on this position of strength and are seeking a Trustee with strong strategic planning and leadership skills to support our continued development.

The ideal candidate would also have some experience in either marketing, PR or fundraising, as we seek to share the value of our work more widely and reach more beneficiaries as a result.

Role: upReach Trustee Application

Deadline: 9am on Monday 27 April 2026

Duration: Three-year term (with possible extension to a maximum of two terms)

Reporting to: Chair of the Board of Trustees

Positions available: One

About upReach 

A student from a disadvantaged background who gains a first class degree from a top university is less likely to secure an elite job than a more privileged student with a 2.2 degree. upReach works to address this progression gap, supporting students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds to secure top graduate jobs after university, aiming to reach our vision of a society in which everyone has the opportunity to reach their full career potential, regardless of social background. This academic year, 3,400 undergraduates (we call them upReach Associates) will be supported through our unique programme of application guidance, soft skills workshops, video forums (small group, online seminar-style sessions), professional mentoring and work experience.

To find out more about upReach and how we support our students, visit our website and read our latest Annual Report and Impact Report.

About the role

upReach is seeking to appoint a Trustee who brings senior leadership experience, ideally at board level, and has a clear understanding of the statutory duties of a Trustee. Experience in marketing, PR and/or fundraising would also be helpful. In addition to sitting on the main board of Trustees, (ensuring compliance with all governance requirements and legal obligations), this individual will also join the Finance and Risk sub-committee, reviewing financial performance and budgets as well as ensuring the integrity of financial statements. The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate:

• The ability to assess complex situations, environmental trends and organisational needs.
• Forward thinking in translating a vision into an actionable plan, aligned to resource levels
• The ability to challenge constructively to enable informed decision-making in a collaborative manner.
• Whilst not essential, previous trustee and/or more general non-executive experience would be desirable.
• Equally, passion for social mobility and knowledge of the work undertaken by upReach would be favourably considered.

It is expected that all Trustees will commit sufficient time to scrutinising board papers in advance of meetings, lead discussions when appropriate, focusing on key issues, and providing advice and guidance as requested by the Board. We particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented at board level, including women and applicants from different ethnic minority backgrounds.

About the Board 

The upReach Board consists of eleven trustees, including the Chair and three “upReach Alumni” who were formerly upReach Associates. There are 4 board meetings per year (normally held after working hours) plus an annual strategy day. These meetings are held in London, and you would be expected to attend the majority of them in person. You would also be expected to attend virtual quarterly Finance and Risk sub-committee meetings. Up to a further 2 days a year may be required to attend events or otherwise support the charity.

How to apply 

To apply, please submit your CV and a supporting letter (each maximum of 2 pages). Applications must be submitted to charlotte.crossley@upreach.org.uk by 9am on Monday 27 April 2026. If you would like to have an informal chat and ask questions about the position please contact Sara Furness (Director of People and Strategy) at sara.furness@upreach.org.uk.

Shortlisting is expected to be completed within the week commencing 4 May 2026. Video interviews will be held by a panel comprising the Chair and two members of the Board. To support scheduling, the below dates are being held for interviews: Thursday 28 May from 6pm Monday 1 June from 6pm Thursday 4 June from 7pm

Please confirm your availability for the scheduled dates when you submit your application - your availability will not affect your application. 

URL: https://www.tpp.co.uk/clients/upload-a-vacancy/

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.