Job Description

Volunteer Role Description

Trustee - Human Resources

Cotswold Canals Trust

Location:

Based in the

Stroud District, Gloucestershire

, with the option to attend

Trust Council meetings

in person or remotely. Occasional site visits or meetings with volunteer teams may be required.

Hours:

Approximately

2-4 hours per month

, including

Trust Council meetings every eight weeks

(around two hours) and

two annual strategy-setting sessions

. Some additional time may be required for specific HR or governance matters.

Reporting to:

Chair of Trustees

Working with:

Fellow Trustees, General Manager, Volunteer Support, and Operations Teams.

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Role Summary:

As the

Trustee for Human Resources

, you will play a key role in ensuring that the Cotswold Canals Trust continues to be a supportive, inclusive, and effective organisation for both staff and volunteers.
You'll use your HR knowledge to help shape people-related policies, promote good governance, and strengthen the Trust's culture of wellbeing, equality, and development.

This role is ideal for someone with a background in HR, organisational development, or people management who wants to use their expertise to support a thriving, volunteer-led charity.

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Duties:

Provide guidance on HR strategy, governance, and best practice. Advise on staff and volunteer policies, including recruitment, training, and wellbeing. Support the development of frameworks for volunteer engagement and recognition. Help ensure compliance with employment and equality legislation. Advise on organisational culture and team development initiatives. Contribute to Board discussions on people management and succession planning. Act as a sounding board for the General Manager and Volunteer Support Team on HR-related issues.
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Desirable Skills and Attributes:

Strong understanding of HR management and employment law. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information appropriately. Empathetic and supportive approach with a commitment to inclusion and wellbeing. Strategic thinker with sound judgement and integrity.
-

Relevant Experience:

Background in

human resources, organisational development, or people management

. Experience advising at a strategic or board level (desirable but not essential). Understanding of HR issues within charities or volunteer-based organisations.
-

Benefits of the Role:

Help shape the future culture and people practices of a long-standing heritage charity. Contribute to a positive and inclusive environment for over 350 volunteers. Gain or expand experience in charity governance and leadership. Play a key role in supporting the people who make our canal restoration possible.
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Induction and Training:

All Trustees receive a full induction, including:

Overview of the Trust's governance structure and HR practices. Introduction to the staff and volunteer support framework. Ongoing development and mentoring opportunities throughout your role.

To express interest or request further information:

Please contact

mail@cotswoldcanals.org

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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: In person