The BRELMS Trust is led by a group of passionate volunteers who work together as a Board to support small, local charities across Yorkshire. We distribute grant funding to small charities that are working hard to tackle disadvantage in our region.

Who are we looking for?

We want our Board to reflect the diverse communities we support in Yorkshire. We are looking for people who care about tackling disadvantage and are willing to work collaboratively. We particularly welcome applications from people with experience of the issues our grantees tackle (such as poverty or social exclusion), people from Black, Asian, and other ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities (for whom we will provide any necessary adjustments during the application and for meetings) and younger people (18+, who want to bring fresh ideas to charity leadership).

Prior trustee experience is not required; we value the unique perspective you bring from your community or your personal life. We provide a full induction and ongoing training to help you succeed. What matters most is your care and passion for the causes BRELMS seeks to support and your willingness to contribute to an inclusive, respectful and collaborative board culture where different perspectives are welcomed.

Personal skills and qualities

• A genuine interest in the role of small charities and a passion for tackling disadvantage across Yorkshire.
• A willingness to dedicate the necessary time to the role and the ability to act in the best interests of the Trust.
• A strong personal commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, alongside the ethical principles of public life (selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership).
• Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member.
• Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion.
• Regular access to a computer with secure internet access
• Basic IT skills (email, shared documents, video meetings and online banking). Support and training from our administrator will be provided.

To be a Trustee, you must meet the legal requirements set by the Charity Commission. This includes being over 18 and not being disqualified from acting as a charity director. You can review the full eligibility criteria here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/trustee-board-people-and-skills#check-prospective-trustees-are-eligible. We will provide guidance on these responsibilities as part of your induction.

Alongside general Trustees, we would particularly welcome interest from applicants who may wish to join our Investment Sub-committee, which acts as the link between our professional Investment Advisors and the Trustee Board, working alongside our current experienced Trustees. This could include someone with knowledge or experience in investment or finance, or someone with interest and enthusiasm to learn and grow their knowledge in this area. Support and guidance will be available from existing Trustees, as well as through external training.

 What we do?

The Trustee Board develops the strategic direction of the BRELMS Trust to fulfil its charitable objectives and legal responsibilities. We ensure grant-giving aligns with our governing document and policies, and we approve and monitor the strategies that shape our work. The Board oversees investments, financial plans, and budgets, reviews financial statements, and identifies key risks. While the Trust has no paid staff, we contract services for administrative and financial support, and our funds are professionally managed.

As a Trustee, you will:

• Attend Board meetings ready to contribute to discussions, having completed grant assessments within the requested timeframes
• Support decisions made by the Board and follow the Trust’s established policies and procedures
• Act legally and in good faith to promote the Trust’s interests, ensuring these take priority over any personal or outside interests.
• Keep up to date with relevant changes in grant-giving, charity law, and the wider voluntary sector.
• Participate in regular reviews of how the Trust is run to ensure high standards are maintained.
• Contribute to the broader promotion of The BRELMS Trust’s objects, aims and reputation by applying their skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts.

Terms of appointment

• All new Trustees start with a 6-month introductory period, giving them the opportunity to get to know the volunteer role and the work of the BRELMS Trust. At the end of this period, both the Trustee and the Board can reflect on whether the role feels like the right fit and consider ongoing commitment.
• Once the introductory period is complete, Trustees are formally appointed for a 3-year term, which can be renewed with Board approval if they wish to continue with the role.

Expenses

• This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses are reimbursed [travel fares/mileage/parking/childcare for meetings, BRELMS business and approved training] and lunches are provided.

 What to expect: Tasks and time commitment

• Quarterly Grant Meetings: We meet four times a year to decide which charities receive our grant funding. These are in-person sessions from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm (with lunch provided). We vary the location within Yorkshire to make travel fair for everyone.
• Strategy Sessions: We hold two meetings a year to look at the Trust’s long-term plans. These are held in person and usually last between half a day and a full day.
• Reviewing Applications: Between our quarterly meetings, Trustees review and assess grant applications - around 30 to 35 per quarter. As you will receive these several weeks in advance, you can work through them at your own pace at home. Once finished, you simply submit your thoughts electronically to our administrator.
• Meeting Preparation: Before each meeting, we send out the agenda and supporting documents, so you have plenty of time to read through them and feel prepared.

Additional Activities and Opportunities

Beyond our core meetings, Trustees participate in other activities as part of the Trust’s processes and to stay connected with the charities we support. These tasks are flexible and can be completed whenever you have the time.

• Visiting Grantees: Trustees work in pairs to meet the charities we fund, either in person or via Zoom and review the grant we awarded. These visits are a great way to see the impact of our grants at first-hand. Afterward, you will write a short, informal report to share your findings with the rest of the Board.
• Reviewing Progress: Our administrator will send over progress reports from the charities we fund. Two Trustees review these to ensure projects are on track.
• Authorising Payments: Grant payments are authorised by two Trustees through an easy-to-use online banking platform.
• Training and Learning: We provide a full induction with the Chair and our administrator to help you get started, and you will have a ‘buddy’ Trustee to work with for as long as you need. You will also have access to training on Trustee responsibilities (usually via webinars) and opportunities to attend regional events, such as the Yorkshire Funders, to meet others in the sector.

If you have a particular interest or skill you would like to share, you can join one of our smaller working groups:

• Investment Sub-committee: This core group meets as needed (usually for about two hours) to work with our professional Investment Manager. They review how our funds are performing and make recommendations to the main Board on how much money is available for grant-making.
• Ad-hoc Groups: From time to time, we form small, temporary groups to focus on specific projects, such as recruiting new Trustees, updating how we evaluate our grants, or designing new funding programmes. These are completely optional and a great way to get more involved in areas that interest you.

How to apply

For an informal conversation with a trustee or to request an application form please email: admin@brelmstrust.org.uk.

• Application form required

• 18+