Become a Trustee

The Vegan Society needs high-calibre individuals on its Council of Trustees. Being a trustee is a practical unpaid post (although genuine expenses can be claimed) and requires skill and ability to be effective.  Trustees are ultimately responsible for the charity and are also directors of the Vegan Society as a limited company.  The Society will pay for a one day induction course for new Trustees.
Each candidate must:
•    have been a full (not supporter) member of the Society for 12
months or longer
•    not be disqualified under company or charity law from being a trustee/director
•    submit a written nomination duly signed by a proposer and
seconder who are paid-up full members
•    submit a profile of him/herself stating in 100-200 words his/her full name (and any previous names), skills, experience, views and intentions if elected.

Candidacy is open to all members of the Society meeting the criteria outlined above.  Members with relevant professional skills and qualifications are particularly invited to consider nomination.  Essential trustee qualities are a cooperative and team-spirited work ethic, an understanding of good governance (see governancehub.org.uk and www.charitycommission.gov.uk/publications/cc60.asp) and a strategic way of thinking to advance veganism.  Ideal attributes that Council will find helpful to move the Society and veganism forward include the following:  business acumen (in particular project management and business planning), campaigning strategy, financial skills, fund-raising, charity law, journalism, TV or radio production and human resources expertise.  Having time to give is a key factor with up to 10 meetings a year and time between to contribute to governance and strategy via email/post/telephone.  Candidates need a clear understanding of the difference between the role of staff and trustees.  Being a trustee is about nurturing an environment in which staff and volunteers can fulfil the Society’s strategy effectively.  A Council of Trustees is there to provide oversight, policy and strategy.

Past minutes of Council meetings can be read in the members area.  You will need to register to access the minutes.

We look forward to your applications for election.  Please address the above needs of Council that are relevant to your abilities in your personal statements as well as giving a glimpse of your personal vision for the future of promoting veganism.  If your skills are suited to wider outreach activities, please consider becoming a Local or Group Contact, training to be a School Speaker or volunteering to help on stalls or in the office.

Nominations will be invited in the Summer issue of The Vegan magazine each year and applications should be sent to The Company Secretary, The Vegan Society, Donald Watson House, 21 Hylton Street, Hockley, Birmingham, B18 6HJ.

For further details ask for a ‘Prospective Candidates' Nomination Pack’ by sending an A5 SAE marked ‘PCNP’ to The Company Secretary, Council Elections, The Vegan Society, Donald Watson House, 21 Hylton Street, Hockley, Birmingham, B18 6HJ or by emailing info@vegansociety.com.