We’re recruiting Trustees.
We are looking for three experienced and enthusiastic people to join our Board of Trustees, the team with overall responsibility for Sydenham Garden’s running as a charity.
We are open to expressions of interest from potential trustees from all backgrounds, but are particularly interested in the following areas of voluntary or professional experience:
- Fundraising and income generation
- Antiracism, Equity, Justice, Diversity and Inclusion
Sydenham Garden is in its second year of implementing our strategy, continuing to build on our ambitious targets to grow our reach and deepen our impact, as well as strengthen and diversify our funding sources. Our new trustees will play an important role in helping the organisation deliver against our strategic objectives.
Our commitment to addressing social inequality: Sydenham Garden needs a Board to directly tackle social injustices and to reflect the communities in which we live and work and are committed to taking action to address this.
We particularly welcome applications if you are a resident of the London Boroughs of Lewisham, Bromley, Croydon and Southwark, a person from a Black, Asian or minoritised ethnicity, a person who identifies as trans, or a person who identifies as living with mental illness or a Disability.
Time commitment:
- initial induction to meet staff & volunteers and get to know the gardens
- 5 hybrid Board meetings a year, held in the evenings taking approximately two hours, plus reading Board papers in advance.
- 1 in-person Board away day a year, held during the working week or on a Saturday according to Board availability
- Attending or chairing sub-committee meetings which meets at 6 times a year online and in person, taking approximately two hours plus reading committee papers in advance;
- Occasional advice and support to staff, by telephone or in person
It is expected that this will require a commitment of no more than a day per month.
Remuneration: Trustees roles are voluntary unpaid roles with reasonable expenses for travel and access paid.
How to apply
To express your interest in this role, download the information pack for more detail and then email lowell@sydenhamgarden.org.uk (email subject: Trustee application) with:
- a CV outlining your key achievements in previous and current roles, including voluntary experience attached
- a short supporting statement in your email, explaining why you would like to be a trustee for Sydenham Garden and your relevant skills and experience. This should be no more than 500 words.
- We value authentic personal statements that reflect your individual voice and experiences. You may use AI tools for proofreading, grammar checks, or word count assistance, but please do not use generative AI tools to generate, draft, or significantly rewrite your personal statement content.
- contact details of two referees including most your recent employer
Deadlines for application: 10.00am on 21 October
Dates for interviews: early in November (evenings)
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview with a panel of Trustees and our Interim Director.
Get in touch with lowell@sydenhamgarden.org.uk with any queries or to request an informal discussion about the role.