Women’s Sport Trust

Trustee role

About us

Women’s Sport Trust is a grass-roots movement of ordinary people and progressive organisations supporting women in sport.We provide scholarships/grants to aspiring sportswomen, fund research and public awareness campaigns, and support anything else that will enable the progression of women’s sport in the UK.Women’s Sport Trust aims to encourage greater engagement with women’s sport through participation, spectatorship and media coverage whilst creating a platform for a diverse range of role models to emerge in women’s sport in the UK. We are run by an operational board of trustees comprised of committed volunteers (min 3, max 15).

About the role

We are aiming to enhance the existing skills of the Board of Trustees by recruiting five additional members to cover the following areas:

  • Company Secretary – compliance, governance and board matters.
  • Research & evaluation lead – generate original research and track WST impact.
  • Operations lead – organisational and administrative hub
  • Grassroots engagement – mobilise engagement with WST supporters including campaigns and fundraising.
  • Fundraising specialist – shape approach to corporates, high net worth donors, trusts & foundations.

We require people who are willing to help in practical/hands on ways, and not those who are just interested in governance.Whatever your background, a commitment to the values and strategic objectives of the Women’s Sport Trust will be crucial. The Board of Trustees is keen to improve diversity of membership and we would therefore particularly welcome applications from men, people with a disability and people from a minority ethnic background.Our Board meets approximately 10 times per year with Trustees taking on additional sub-committee roles, aligned with their personal experience. We estimate a 4-6 hour/week commitment.

Job title: / Trustee
Reports to: / Board of Trustees
Grade: / Volunteer
Period of office: / All Trustees serve a three year term of office. This will initially be staggered to ensure continuity. Trustees are eligible for re-appointment by recommendation of the Board.
Time requirement / Our Board meets approximately 10 times per year with Trustees taking on additional sub-committee roles, aligned with their personal experience. We estimate a 4-6 hour/week commitment.

Governance responsibilities

Trustees have and must accept ultimate responsibility for directing the affairs of Women’s Sport Trust and for ensuring that it remains solvent, well-run and delivers the charitable outcomes in accordance with its Articles of Association and charity law.

Operational responsibilities

Our trustees have an operational role – they bring the trust alive. Between us we must fulfil the following responsibilities. These responsibilities are shared and mapped to individual’s specific skills and experience.

•To generate the necessary income through corporate, high net worth individual, grassroots and Trust & Foundations engagement.

•To generate local and national media coverage

•To facilitate the grant application, marking, selection, agreement and monitoring processes.

•To organise events and research campaigns as appropriate.

•To generate introductions and liaise with corporates, athletes, and leaders in field.

•To engage the movement at a grassroots level.

•To fulfil company secretary, treasurer and chair responsibilities.

•To develop our infrastructure

•To maintain our reputation through public relation campaigns, website and social media outlets.

Person Specification

The skills & experience of Trustees are:

•An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship

•A passion for the progression of women's sport, and commitment to the aims, ethos and values of WST.

•Understanding of gender, inclusion, diversity issues

•Strategic vision

•Good, independent judgement with an ability to think creatively and challenge constructively

•An ability to work effectively as a member of the team

•Understanding of how organisations can achieve social change and demonstrate their impact.

•Willingness to devote the necessary time, energy and effort to taking WST to the next level.

•First class communication and relationship skills, capable of developing good and constructive relationships with key partners.

•Politically sensitive and well networked.

•Be able to maintain confidentiality on sensitive and confidential information

•Understand the importance and purpose of meetings and be committed to preparing for them adequately and attending them regularly.

•Specific professional skills/expertise that relate to one or more of the operational responsibilities of the board (see previously identified areas for recruitment).
How to apply

The Women’s Sport Trust welcomes applications from a full diverse range of candidates, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability.

To apply candidates should send the following:

•Letter of application including statement as to why you want to get involved with the Women’s Sport Trust and what you could offer.

•Up to date curriculum vitae

•Names and contact details of two referees

Applications should be sent:

By email to:

Deadline for submissions is 3rd February 2014.

Candidates who have been shortlisted will be notified by email by 23rd February.

The Selection Committee will interview a shortlist on 12th March 2014.

Registered in England and Wales: Registration no 852118

Registered Charity no. 1153429