Job Description

Volunteer Role Description

Trustee - Commercial & Business Development

Cotswold Canals Trust

Location:

Based in the

Stroud District, Gloucestershire

, with attendance at Trust Council meetings and occasional visits to key sites or partner organisations along the Cotswold Canals. Remote participation via video call is available.

Hours:

Approximately

2-4 hours per month

, including

Trust Council meetings every eight weeks

(around two hours) and

two annual strategy-setting sessions

. Additional time may be required for specific business or partnership discussions.

Reporting to:

Chair of Trustees

Working with:

Fellow Trustees, General Manager, Fundraising and Marketing teams, Operations teams, and key external partners or sponsors.

-

Role Summary:

As a Trustee focusing on

Commercial & Business Development

, you will help the Trust identify and develop new income streams, partnerships, and commercial opportunities to support our long-term sustainability.
You'll use your strategic and business insight to strengthen the Trust's financial resilience and ensure our restoration, visitor, and community programmes continue to thrive.

This role is ideal for someone with experience in business management, entrepreneurship, or commercial strategy who wants to use their expertise to support a dynamic and growing charity.

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Duties:

Advise on commercial strategy and income generation opportunities across the Trust. Support the development of business plans for visitor centres, trip boats, events, and merchandise. Help identify and develop sponsorships, corporate partnerships, and trading ventures. Offer guidance on balancing commercial activity with charitable aims. Contribute to financial planning and sustainability discussions at Board level. Act as an ambassador for the Trust with business networks and potential partners. Support teams in maximising the commercial potential of canal restoration and heritage assets.
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Desirable Skills and Attributes:

Strong business acumen with strategic and analytical thinking. Excellent communication and negotiation skills. Understanding of charity trading, social enterprise, or fundraising partnerships. Creative and proactive mindset with a collaborative approach. Commitment to the Trust's environmental and heritage values.
-

Relevant Experience:

Background in

business development, commercial management, finance, or entrepreneurship

. Experience developing and delivering sustainable income models. Familiarity with charity or non-profit governance (beneficial but not essential).
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Benefits of the Role:

Play a key role in shaping the future sustainability of one of the UK's largest canal restoration charities. Use your professional skills to make a lasting difference in heritage, tourism, and the local economy. Gain governance experience and join a high-performing, passionate Board. Help the Trust thrive financially and strategically for years to come.
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Induction and Training:

All Trustees receive a full induction, including:

Introduction to the Trust's commercial operations, partnerships, and financial structure. Overview of governance duties and charity responsibilities. Ongoing mentoring and development opportunities throughout your role.
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To express interest or request further information:

Please contact

mail@cotswoldcanals.org

About the Cotswold Canals Trust

The

Cotswold Canals Trust

is a volunteer-led charity with over

6,000 members and 350 active volunteers

, dedicated to restoring 36 miles of the historic Cotswold Canals. We're currently delivering the

UK's largest canal restoration project

, Cotswold Canals Connected, which has recently secured additional funding from the

National Lottery Heritage Fund

.

We're now looking to

broaden our Board of Trustees

and welcome individuals with relevant experience, enthusiasm, and a commitment to helping guide our charity's future.

Job Type: Volunteer

Pay: 1.00 per year

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Stroud GL5 3JS