Trustee Opportunities

We are a small charity based in Carlisle in Cumbria, which currently has three trustees, four permanent members of staff, an apprentice, a part-time counsellor and three part-time volunteers. The trustees will guide the next phase of Carlisle Key’s development and continue our firm commitment to supporting young people aged 16-25 who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Trustees normally meet monthly for formal meetings and are encouraged to attend as many meetings in person as they are able to do so. Trustees are not remunerated, but we do cover reasonable expenses such as travel costs.

Skills and Experience

We have a friendly and collaborative culture. Prospective trustees need to be wholeheartedly committed to Carlisle Key’s core work and to be an advocate for the organisation. We don’t ask that you are already an expert in providing support to young people aged 16-25 who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. However, it is important that you’re interested in the challenges that young people face, and it would be useful, but not essential, if you have some knowledge or connections related to some of the topics we work on.

Ideally, we are looking to recruit trustees who have one or more of the following:

         -      Skills and experience of working with or within issues relating to the health, education or similar sectors

         -      Safeguarding

         -      Legal and governance

         -      Commercial business management and development

         -      Planning and strategic management

         -      Previously worked in the voluntary sector 

         -      Personnel and HR 

         -      Finance or accounting 

         -      Organisational culture and/or staff development

         -      Building and sustaining relationships with prospective and existing funders/donors 

Essential Requirements

-      Willing to attain an understanding of the UK charity sector and the principles of good governance

-      A strong team player, who is keen to work collaboratively with other trustees and Carlisle Key’s staff members and volunteers

Inclusion and Diversity

We particularly invite applications from women, people from minority ethnic and/or less advantaged backgrounds and younger people. We also welcome applications from those who have not previously served as trustees before. 

Carlisle Key Trustee Interest Form