Trustee

Scope of the role

My Life My Say exists to empower underrepresented young people to engage in politics, influence policy, and drive change through innovative, youth-led and non-partisan solutions, inspiring the next generation of leaders in democracy.

We are currently hiring for some new Trustees to help lead the organisation through a period of growth. It is an ideal opportunity to steer the transition of the charity, working on a new 5-year strategy with support from the National Lottery Community Fund, Paul Hamlyn Foundation and Berkeley Foundation.

The role of MLMS’ Board of Trustees is to govern the organisation in line with its vision, aims and charitable objectives and to provide overall policy direction. Trustees are responsible for ensuring legal and statutory requirements of a Charity in compliance with the Charity Commission guidelines.

This is an exciting time to join MLMS as we have experienced significant growth and development in recent years. As we move into this next phase, we are seeking to enhance the range of skills currently on the Board of Trustees as well as ensure we are planning for the future.

The Trustees will support MLMS with:

The creation of a new 5-year plan that will leverage the success of the Give An X Campaign and National Voter Registration Day initiatives targeting young voters to start the process of engagement
Delivery of the annual NextGen Conference, inspiring young political minds
Expanding the impact of the Democracy Café model to stimulate the voice of young people
Expansion of the Squad programme that ensures a bright and ever-increasing future for the role of young people in democracy

Key responsibilities

Contribute to setting and overseeing the organisation’s strategic direction, vision, and values.
Ensure good governance and compliance with legal, financial, and charitable requirements.
Approve and monitor strategic plans, budgets, and risk management processes.
Oversee performance against objectives and ensure resources are used effectively.
Support and hold the Co-CEOs accountable for delivering the organisation’s aims.
Safeguard the organisation’s reputation and uphold transparency and integrity in decision-making.
Use personal expertise and insight to strengthen the effectiveness of the board and the organisation.
Champion the perspectives, needs, and experiences of young people to ensure they are reflected in decision-making at every level.
Help the board stay connected to emerging youth trends, priorities, and issues that matter most to young people.
Act as a bridge between the organisation and young communities, encouraging youth engagement and participation in My Life My Say’s mission.

Personal Specification

The following qualities and skills are sought in MLMS’s Trustees. Overall a willingness to work together as part of a Board committed to helping MLMS achieve its aims is critical.

A strong alignment with MLMS’s mission and values, with the ability to effectively communicate this enthusiasm to others.
A clear understanding of the legal duties, liabilities, and responsibilities of trustees, including the distinction between governance and management functions. Previous Board experience is desirable.
Ability to work effectively as part of a diverse team of trustees, contributing to the collective success of the organisation.
A genuine desire to make a positive difference for young people, combined with strategic awareness and experience in high-level strategy development.
Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to empower and supportively challenge the leadership team.
A willingness to engage with key contacts and fulfil an ambassadorial role for the benefit of MLMS, promoting its mission and vision.
An awareness of the context in which MLMS works, and a willingness to learn more about the needs of young people and youth affairs.
Able and willing to devote the necessary time to the role, including attending Board meetings, visiting MLMS programmes, and engaging with membership organisations.
Regardless of personal political, religious, or other views, maintain MLMS’s commitment to being a non-partisan organisation.

Additional Responsibilities

Attend and actively contribute to quarterly Board meetings and relevant sub-committees.
Prepare in advance for meetings by reading relevant papers and staying informed about the organisation’s work, sector developments, and emerging trends.
Provide strategic guidance and constructive challenge to the Co-CEOs and leadership team, ensuring decisions align with MLMS’s goals and values.
Uphold the highest standards of integrity, confidentiality, and collective responsibility, acting solely in the best interests of the charity.
Declare any potential conflicts of interest and avoid situations where personal interests could affect decision-making.
Support key organisational events, initiatives, and fundraising activities where possible, helping to increase the impact of MLMS’s work.
Commit to ongoing learning and development as a trustee, keeping up-to-date with governance best practices and the charity sector.

How to apply

If you would like to apply, please send an email to jobs@mlms.org.uk with your cover letter, CV and any additional material you wish to share.

Additional Information

Through this recruitment process we are looking to attract and retain a wide breadth of skills and experience relevant to the work of MLMS. We welcome all applications from those individuals who believe they have the skills and experience outlined above.

Additionally, we are looking for young Trustees (ideally aged 18-30) to ensure we're able to meet our commitment of a youth-led approach.

Term of Office

The term of appointment is for two years with the possibility of renewal for a further one terms of two years. Trustees work on a pro bono basis.

Further Information

MLMS confirms its commitment to equal opportunities in all its activities. It is intended that no job applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment on the grounds of political belief, sex, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or social class. Selection and promotion criteria are kept under review to ensure that individuals are treated on the basis of the job requirements and on their relevant personal merits, and are not disadvantaged by conditions or requirements which cannot be shown to be justifiable.

If you have a disability and are interested in this post, MLMS welcomes your application. For an informal discussion you may wish to contact on:

E-mail: jobs@mlms.org.uk

TrusteeRole