Apply now: Could you be our new Scotland RO?
The Student Publication Association is looking for a new charity trustee
The Student Publication Association (SPA) is recruiting a new charity trustee to assist its work in advancing the education of student journalists across the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.
As a small, student-led charity, we support more than 250 member publications around the UK and Republic of Ireland, offering advice, training, and recognition at both our regional and national awards.
Our trustee board plays a vital role in our governance, ensuring that we remain within the boundaries of charity law, protecting the charity’s long-term stability, and supporting our student executives.
For this round of applications, we are particularly keen to hear from applicants with one or more of the following:
- Strong experience and connections working within the journalism industry;
- Experience and connections in fundraising and sponsorship;
- Experience of managing budgets and finances;
- Experience of working in volunteer organisations.
Even if you do not have the above experience, please do apply. We are always open to hearing from people who share our passion for student journalism!
No previous experience in journalism or as a charity trustee is required — but we do ask that you share our commitment to the advancement of student journalism.
We strongly encourage candidates from underrepresented and marginalised backgrounds to apply. This includes, but isn’t limited to ethnic minorities, LGBTQI+, disabled, and care-experienced communities. We are also keen to hear from applicants working in all areas of the journalism industry.
About The Role
As a small volunteer-run charity, we anticipate the role would take up an average of 1-2 hours a week, although this may increase during busier periods for the SPA, such as around our annual national conference (SPANC).
As a trustee, you will be a collaborative and supportive team player who will:
- Attend monthly oversight meetings with the executive committee and other trustees;
- Attend other meetings and 1-2-1s as needed on an ad hoc basis;
- Offer guidance and support to the executive committee throughout the year to help them achieve their goals, particularly in your area of expertise;
- Ensure that the charity is carrying out its core purpose, that resources are managed responsibly, and that activities comply with our governing documents;
- Support the delivery of our national conference, including attendance at the weekend itself during the Easter university holidays;
- Where possible, attend our induction day, for new executive members each year.
This is a volunteer role, but all reasonable expenses will be covered. The term for these appointments will be three years.
You will be part of a trustee board of ten people: four elected trustees, four appointed trustees, and two ex-officio trustees from our student-led executive committee.
Get the latest from the SPA straight to your inbox
