Job Description

Trustee of WasteAid UK

The duties of a trustee are as follows.

• Ensuring that the organisation pursues its stated objects (purposes), as defined in its governing document, by developing and agreeing a long-term strategy
• Ensuring that the organisation complies with its governing document, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations
• Ensuring that the organisation applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its charitable objects (ie the charity must not spend money on activities that are not included in its own objects, however worthwhile or charitable those activities are) for the benefit of the public
• Ensuring that the organisation defines its goals and evaluates performance against agreed targets
• Safeguarding the good name and values of the organisation
• Ensuring the effective and efficient administration of the organisation, including having appropriate policies and procedures in place
• Ensuring the financial stability of the organisation
• Protecting and managing the property of the charity and ensuring the proper investment of the charity’s funds
• Following proper and formal arrangements for the appointment, supervision, support, appraisal and remuneration of the chief executive (if the charity employs staff)

In addition to the above statutory duties, each trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the board of trustees reach sound decisions. This may involve scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise.

Person specification

WasteAid is seeking 3 trustees with experience which could be of international development / humanitarian programmes, of scaling a charity and income generation, of environmental programmes and funding and knowledge or of international circular economy approaches.  In addition to this knowledge, we are seeking:

• A commitment to the organisation
• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort
  • We hold 4 board meetings per year, each approximately 3 hours (Generally a Wednesday afternoon)
  • We hold one extended ‘away day’ per year which is used to discuss the strategic direction or ‘deep dive’ into a specific matter
  • Where required we have ad-hoc phone calls relating to time sensitive matters
  • We have a number of committees including a finance committee and projects which trustees can join/attend
• Strategic vision
• Good, independent judgement
• An ability to think creatively
• A willingness to speak their mind
• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
• An ability to work effectively as a member of a team

• A commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

Dear Applicants.  

Trustee of WasteAid UK

WasteAid UK is currently recruiting 3 new Trustees to join the Trustee Board.  There are currently 5 active board members.

Trustees will be recruited based on their skills and experience. If you are keen to help WasteAid UK achieve its charitable objects and provide greater support to beneficiaries around the world then this could be an opportunity for you.

To expand the skills of the board, and support our strategic direction, we are particularly interested in candidates with skills and experience in:

• International development / humanitarian experience in overseeing large scale programmes across multiple countries.
• Experience of guiding a small organisation’s growth to become a medium sized non-profit, preferably gained in an international organisation, or an organisation with similarities to WasteAid
• International circular economy approaches.
• Environmental programmes and fund raising, including in the areas of climate change or oceans plastics pollution.

WasteAid UK is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment. WasteAid UK is a UK registered charity but we work globally. We would be keen to hear from individuals that are based in, or have experience of working in low and middle income countries.

A practical approach with the capability to contribute to strategic direction and financial management are essential.

All qualified applicants will be welcomed into our recruitment process without regard to race, age, gender, sexual orientation or disability. We have three vacancies and the terms of office will be for 3 years’ initially.

There is no fee for the role of Trustee, however reasonable expenses will be covered. Applicants will be expected to provide:

ABOUT WASTEAID UK

1 out of 3 people worldwide are forced to dump or burn their waste, causing the spread of disease, polluting the oceans, and contributing to the global climate crisis.

At WasteAid, we work with communities and policy makers in low and middle-income countries to implement waste management and recycling programmes. Our work improves the livelihoods of some of the poorest and most marginalised, promotes circular economy innovation and contributes to a cleaner and healthier future for all.

Waste management is an often neglected element of the international development agenda yet the consequences of poor waste management are severe, affecting both people and planet. Health consequences include increased respiratory illnesses due to burning waste, higher levels of insect borne illnesses due to open dumping, greater prevalence of watery diarrhoea and other illnesses due to blocked and polluted waterways. In the era of COVID 19, effective disposal of face masks and of potentially contaminated materials adds an extra layer of complexity for countries already struggling to dispose of their waste safely. It is the poorest that bear the heaviest disease burden and for those living in extreme poverty, this can lead to increased mortality. The environmental consequences of poor waste management are no less severe, burning waste contributes to the climate crisis through greenhouse gases, contaminated soil and waterways put ecosystems at risk and the dirt and odour from unmanaged waste degrades the general environment.

To tackle this crisis, WasteAid promotes and shares locally appropriate, evidence based and inclusive waste management practices, supporting and empowering others to take positive action.  Partnering with public, private and community-based organisations in countries where poor waste management is harming the environment, economy and society. Cooperating with businesses and governments to help address the global waste crisis. Building the capacity of international non-governmental organisations with our bespoke approach to sustainable waste management, not least through our award winning toolkit. 

WasteAid is an independent UK-based international nongovernmental organisation with programmes in 8 countries across Africa and Asia.

Our approach is entirely aligned with the development agenda and contributes to at least 8 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

• A current CV
  • The CV should include details of any current or former Trusteeships or Non-executive director roles.
• A covering letter (no more than 2 pages)
  • The covering letter should include details of the skill areas you feel you can cover (including those indicated in the list above), and why you should be considered for the role)

Deadline for return of application Friday 11th June and it should be sent to the email provided.

Interviews will take place via video conference following the deadline.  

Interested candidates can request an information pack on WasteAid’s work and to have a confidential discussion on the role by writing to the same email address which will be regularly monitored.

Sarahjane Widdowson Ceris Turner-Bailes

Chair, WasteAid UK Chief Executive, WasteAid UK