We are looking for four new members to join our Board of Trustees in 2008, and two more in 2009. Becoming a Trustee is an excellent opportunity to influence the policy and strategic direction of the world’s leading cultural relations organisation.

The Board is chaired by Lord Neil Kinnock, and is currently made up of eleven members. Board members are guardians of our purpose and are ultimately accountable for the organisation. They meet six times a year. Find out more about our governance and funding.

We are registered as a charity in England and Scotland and are regulated by charity law.

We are committed to a policy of equal opportunity and work to reflect the diversity of UK society at every level within the organisation.

Find out more about the British Council and the work we do.

What does a British Council trustee do?
Working as a team with the Chair and other Trustees:

			You will ensure that we have a clear vision, mission and strategic direction;
			Hold our executive accountable for achieving these;
			Take responsibility for our performance and for our corporate behaviour;
			Ensure that we comply with legal, regulatory and financial requirements and that corporate governance is of the highest standard;
			Act as guardian of our assets, both tangible and intangible.

You will carry out these responsibilities by:

			Preparing for and participating fully in Board meetings (six per year)
			Becoming a member of a Board sub-committee as required and appropriate
			Participating in additional ad-hoc meetings
			Making two visits in the first year to our operations overseas with regular travel thereafter
			Being an advocate for us in the UK, including representational duties
			Engaging with the executive in particular areas of our work (as appropriate).

Appointments to the Board are for a three year term and renewable for a second term by agreement. The annual time commitment is 15-18 days. It is essential that you can devote the necessary time and effort to the role. To apply you must be a British citizen. The role is unremunerated but reasonable travel and other expenses incurred while undertaking Board business will be reimbursed.

Person specification

Candidates will have gained the following experience and will be assessed against these criteria:

			Proven leadership and/or innovation in your field
			Proven experience, understanding and knowledge of organisational change
			Proven ability to provide strategic direction

Desirable areas of knowledge and expertise

			Experience and expertise in the arts, particularly in management and leadership of arts organisations.
			Commercial experience and/or the management of large internationally focused organisations in the private sector.
			Leadership of a higher education institution.
			Knowledge, expertise and management of future media or internet-based businesses.
			Leadership and expertise in English language policy and development.

How to apply
Candidates must be British citizens.

In order to apply please submit a covering letter stating why you are interested in becoming a Trustee and how you meet the criteria stated in the Person Specification. You should also provide a CV with a full career history and details of any public appointments that you hold.

Applications can be submitted electronically to trustees@britishcouncil.org and must be received by 17.30 on 5 May 2008

Women and disabled people are currently under-represented on the Board as are people from outside London and the South East. We guarantee an interview to candidates with disabilities who meet the essential criteria.

Selection
Selection will be overseen by a panel of current Trustees.  If you are short listed you will be invited for interview. Selection will be based on the criteria detailed in the person specification. We expect to recommend four new members for election by the Board of Trustees in 2008, and two for election in 2009.

Interviews will be held in London during the week of 2 June 2008

If you have any questions that are not covered by the information on this website please contact the Chief Executive’s office on +44 (0)207 389 4888 and a member of the team to call you back or, alternatively, you can e-mail your question to trustees@britishcouncil.org.