Trustee Recruitment – Alliance Publishing Trust (APT)

At a glance

About: APT aims to promote the efficiency and effectiveness of charities and the effective use of charitable resources for the public benefit by publishing journals, reports and other material relating to the administration and effectiveness of charities and the effective use of charitable resources; and convening discussion and dialogue on these issues. Most commonly known as Alliance, APT is well established and respected across the global philanthropy sector.

Where: Organisation based in London (SW4) but role undertaken mainly remotely. Trustees meet twice a year in January and the summer. The first of these meetings takes place in London, with the second in a different location in Europe. Remote attendance is facilitated for every meeting with in-person attendance desired but not required. Reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed

Time: Expectation for trustees to engage with the work of the organisation outside of the two board meetings by responding to monthly updates, taking part in online discussions and working directly with the executive staff and other trustees. Trustees are recruited on a maximum six year term.

Who: Alliance Publishing Trust is looking to recruit two new trustees. In addition to skills compatible with the general governance of a small charity we are looking to recruit individuals who can bring to the organisation:

Knowledge, experience and expertise in media and publishing
Knowledge, experience and expertise in the European foundation sector

What will you be doing?

Alliance Publishing Trust is a small charity based in the UK but committed to providing coverage of global philanthropy and social investment. As part of the emerging philanthropy media field, you will be a part of a charitable organization, committed to independent, non-profit journalism, supported by and engaging with the world’s leading foundations. Our flagship publication, Alliance magazine has already enjoyed a successful 27 year history and currently reaches over 30,000 readers in over 180 countries worldwide. It provides essential reading for the global philanthropy sector with independent opinion, expert debate and trusted insight.

The successful applicants will join a governance board already populated with eight senior foundation figures from across the world of philanthropy. They will need to be able to attend two trustee meetings a year. They will also need to participate in periodic conference calls and email exchanges with both fellow trustees and the two executive staff of the organisation. It is estimated that this role will require no more than 10 days commitment per year.

What are we looking for?

In addition to continuing the good governance of the organisation (see Trustee responsibilities below) the successful applicants will bring their publishing experience and expertise to the organisation by helping to create a long term vision and strategy for the organisation that enables APT to continue to grow its readership in a financially sustainable way.

The successful applicant should have a proven track record of either:

working in media and or publishing with experience in digital growth strategy particularly prized. Experience of working with titles that have a global audience would also be a welcome addition.
Working for a European based charitable foundation or working for an organisation directly engaged with European foundations.

For either track they should be enthusiastic about developing a well respected organisation to help it reach the next level in terms of audience, financial sustainability and charitable impact. We would welcome applications from candidates under thirty years old so long as they can demonstrate the relevant skills and experience. APT is a globally focused organisation and will consider candidates from any geographic location.

What difference will you make?

The successful candidate will be joining the organisation at a particularly exciting time for the organisation. There is a long term strategy in place to take the organisation through to 2030 and we are approaching a key phase (2024-26) of that journey. The organisation is growing financially, in staff size and in geography with representatives outside of the UK for the first time. You will provide governance, guidance and assistance to the staff team as we collectively try to increase the charitable impact of the organisation and by extension the wider philanthropic sector.

What’s in it for the volunteer?

A chance to join a unique, dynamic and inclusive organization that sits at the nexus of the media and the global philanthropy sectors. APT is well respected with over a quarter of a century of proven track record and an extensive global network. You will join a trustee team of likeminded peers from across the globe who are all committed to taking the organisation to new heights and continuing its journey. You will also work alongside a well embedded staff team and have real opportunities to use your skills and experience for the charity’s benefit.

General trustee responsibilities

Trustees are the people responsible under the governing document of Alliance Publishing Trust for controlling the management and administration of Alliance Publishing Trust. Trustees have and must accept ultimate responsibility for directing the affairs of the charity, and ensuring that it is solvent, well-run, and delivering the charitable outcomes for the benefit of the public for which it has been set up.

The role of a trustee is:

to ensure that Alliance Publishing Trust complies at all times with its governing document, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations
to ensure that Alliance Publishing Trust pursues its objects as defined in Memorandum and Articles of Association. I.e. to promote the efficiency and effectiveness of charities and the effective use of charitable resources for the public benefit by publishing journals, reports and other material relating to the administration and effectiveness of charities and the effective use of charitable resources; and convening discussion and dialogue on these issues.
to maintain proper financial control and ensure that Alliance Publishing Trust applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects i.e. the charity must not spend money on activities that are not included in its objects, no matter how worthwhile or charitable those activities are
to set and maintain vision, mission and values
to develop strategy, setting overall policy, defining goals and setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets
to ensure accountability
to set up employment procedures and respect the roles of staff/volunteers
to support the operational management of the organisation
to draw up and monitor the implementation of internal policies, which must include equality and diversity as well as health and safety policies and grievance and disciplinary procedures
to ensure that risk assessments for all aspects of the business are carried out
to safeguard the good name and values of Alliance Publishing Trust
to maintain effective board performance and ensure the effective and efficient administration of the charity including funding, insurance and premises
to promote Alliance Publishing Trust
to act in the best interests of the charity, never in the interests of yourself or another organisation

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

A trustee is required to act reasonably and prudently in all matters relating to the charity and must always bear the interests of Alliance Publishing Trust in mind.

Process

Interested applicants should submit their CV and a short cover letter to David Drewery, Executive Director, david@alliancemagazine.org no later than 31 July 2023. These will be shortlisted by existing trustees over the first two weeks of August with select candidates invited to an online interview over the last two weeks of August. Chosen candidates will be approved in September with an envisioned start date of 01 October 2023.