The Position
We are seeking two new Trustees to add to the current Board of four voluntary members.
Board members (trustees) of THL UK are responsible for providing strategic leadership, ensuring strong governance, and safeguarding the organisation’s mission, values, and financial sustainability.
This is a voluntary position, and trustees are expected to act in the best interests of the charity and in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements.
Whether you are an experienced charity trustee or looking for your first board position; if you believe you can share our commitment for ending the abuse of animals raised for food and have the qualities, knowledge and experience we are looking for, then we’d love to hear from you.
For full details about the role of trustees please view our information pack by clicking here before applying.
If you would like to watch a recording of our recent webinar where we discussed the role in more detail, you can view that here.
Open for applications until Sunday 13th September 2026.
Person specification and requirements for this role
While specific experience in animal protection is not essential, all Board members must:
Demonstrate a commitment to the aims and values of THL UK.
Understand and accept the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship.
Bring a strategic mindset and the ability to make well-reasoned, independent decisions.
Be able to communicate in ways that build understanding and trust, and contribute positively to collaborative team working.
Be willing to devote the necessary time and effort to the role.
Be committed to moving forward with Diversity, Equity and Inclusion best practices.
Specialist Expertise Sought
In addition to the general requirements above, we are particularly seeking candidates who can bring expertise in one or more of the following areas:
1. Charity Governance
In-depth knowledge of charity governance best practice, preferably gained through prior trustee, board, or senior charity leadership experience.
Understanding of regulatory compliance and governance frameworks for UK charities.
Legal skills relating to charity law, contracts, risk management, or related fields (desirable).
2. Charity Fundraising
Experience and understanding of charity fundraising, with particular relevance to EA-aligned funding environments.
Knowledge of charity fundraising principles, governance considerations, and ethical fundraising practice.
Understanding of the Effective Altruism funding landscape, including grant-making bodies, donor expectations, and impact-led funding criteria.
Experience supporting or advising on grant applications, funder relationships, and individual donor stewardship.
3. Farmed Animal Campaigning
Knowledge of campaigning and advocacy within animal protection movements, with a particular focus on farmed animals.
Understanding of the strategic landscape of farmed animal protection, including corporate campaigns, legislative advocacy, public engagement, and movement priorities.
Experience of designing, advising on, or evaluating campaigns that seek measurable improvements for farmed animals.
Awareness of the wider animal protection movement, including key organisations, campaign tactics, risks, and opportunities for collaboration.
Scientific or veterinarian understanding and experience with farmed animals (desirable).
We welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds and with a range of perspectives. Having reviewed existing Trustees' diversity we would particularly welcome applications from ethnic minorities, disabled people and marginalised groups.
Where candidates bring similar skills and experience, we may take lived experience or background into account to help us build a more representative and inclusive board.
Key Responsibilities
Contribute actively to the Board’s role in giving strategic direction, setting overall policy, defining goals, and evaluating performance.
Ensure that THL UK complies with its governing document, charity law, and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
Oversee the financial health of the charity, approving annual budgets and monitoring financial performance.
Champion the fundraising work of THL UK in various ways–for example by introducing new donors from your network, actively promoting THL UK’s fundraising initiatives (like our end of year appeal), or by donating directly if you have the means to do so.
Protect and promote the charity’s values, reputation, and effectiveness.
Support and challenge the executive team to achieve the organisation’s objectives.
Act as an ambassador for THL UK, promoting its work to stakeholders and the public.
Participate in Board meetings (typically four per year) and occasional sub-committee meetings, as well as contributing advice and guidance outside formal meetings when required.
Key competencies
Strategic thinker: Looks at consequences, implications, interdependencies, and indirect effects, all in both the short and longer term. Looks beyond the immediate goal or issue and with the greater context, not just the content of the moment. Is able to think and act creatively in difficult situations.
Problem solver: Identifies issues, effectively structures problems, analyses information to produce insights and generates wise, actionable recommendations. A forward-looking thinker who anticipates the needs of the organisation.
Effective: Strategically able to focus our energy, resources and talent toward impactful actions that will reduce, and ultimately end, the abuse of animals for food.
Communication and strong interpersonal skills: Ability to communicate in ways that build understanding and trust and can adapt to different tones and styles and be able to engage with people from all walks of life.
