Land of Oak & Iron Trust
Derwent Valley, Gateshead
Are you passionate about landscape, heritage, and community? Would you like to help shape the future of what we believe is one of the North East’s most distinctive historic environments?
Having recently secured Lottery funding, the Land of Oak & Iron Trust is now seeking new Trustees to join our Board at this exciting time, to help us grow and develop heritage experiences and facilities in the area.
About Us
The Land of Oak & Iron Trust works across the Derwent Valley and surrounding areas to “Celebrate Heritage, Culture and Landscape” and to conserve and promote the area’s rich natural, industrial and cultural heritage.
From woodlands and wildlife to ironworks and industrial archaeology, we connect people with the stories, landscapes and communities that have shaped this unique part of the North East.
The Role of a Trustee
As a Trustee, you will share collective responsibility for the governance and strategic direction of the Trust. Trustees ensure that the charity:
- Operates in line with its charitable objectives and governing documents.
- Complies with charity law and best practice
- Is financially sustainable and well-managed
- Delivers meaningful impact for local communities. Working alongside committed and knowledgeable colleagues and the new staff team, you will help oversee:
- Improvements to the Land of Oak & Iron Heritage Centre
- Development of new strands of activity covering wildlife, conservation, heritage and culture across the area
- Creating new partnerships and increasing numbers of volunteers to ensure success
- Support long-term planning to help the Trust become more resilient.
We are particularly interested if you have experience in:
- Volunteer recruitment and management
- Conservation and environmental issues
- Local culture, history and heritage
- Marketing and communications
- Community engagement, especially engaging young people
- Fundraising, grant-making, or income generation
- Financial or accountancy knowledge
- Charity governance matter
Previous trustee experience is welcome but not essential; at least a basic knowledge of governance and legal issues relating to charitable organisations would be helpful. We would love trustees with expert knowledge of a subject to engage with staff and volunteers to take a lead on specific activity themes.
Commitment
- Approximately 10 board meetings per year held locally
- Other occasional working group meetings or Trust events
- The role is voluntary; some reasonable expenses may be reimbursed
What You’ll Gain
- Be part of growing and developing heritage and culture activities in the area
- Board-level experience within the charitable sector
The Land of Oak & Iron Trust is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.
