Help us provide effective governance and strategic oversight for the direction and work of the organisation.

Role: Trustee (x3)

Salary: Unpaid voluntary role, but reasonable expenses covered

Hours: Approximately 1-2 hours per month, including attendance at quarterly board meetings, our AGM, an annual strategy day and other ad hoc meetings as required

Location: Remote, with occasional travel to venues in the West of England region Managed by Chair of the Board

Managed by: Chair of the Board

Term: Trustees are elected to serve on WERN’s Board for a term of three years. They may be re-elected for a further two terms up to nine years in line with Charity Commission guidance.

West of England Rural Network (WERN) is a charity that exists to support sustainable, resilient and inclusive rural communities across Bath & North East Somerset, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire. We do this by encouraging and supporting locally-led initiatives, as well as drawing on this experience to make sure rural community needs are understood and acted upon by policy makers and service providers.

Following the appointment of our new Chief Executive in 2025, we are developing a new strategy that aims to extend our impact by working with communities to address key rural issues, namely access to jobs and services, affordable housing, and health and wellbeing.

We are currently looking to elect three new trustees to join our friendly, talented board and are seeking expressions of interest from individuals who share our passion for improving opportunities for people in rural communities and have the time and energy to help develop our strategy, ensure good governance and represent us externally.

We are particularly interested in hearing from individuals with experience or expertise in:

• Financial management

• Transport planning/ delivery

• Housing and planning

• Health and wellbeing

We strive to be an inclusive organisation and recognise the value that diverse contributions can make to our charitable work so very much welcome candidates from different backgrounds.

For more information and details how to apply, please download a copy of the Trustee Role Description and Person Specification below.