The Student Publication Association (SPA) is recruiting charity trustees 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 200 member publications around the UK and 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 across the UK.

For this round of applications, we are particularly keen to hear from applicants with expertise in, but not limited to, the following:

• Governance, legal, and the charitable sector;
• Human resources and people/volunteer management;
• Fundraising and finances.

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 diverse backgrounds to apply. This includes, but isn’t limited to BAME, LGBTQI+, disabled, and care-experienced communities.

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 National Conference.

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.

How To Apply

To apply, please send a CV and cover letter to admin@spajournalism.com by Monday, May 20, 11.59 pm. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a short 30-minute interview with members of our current executive committee and trustee board.

Please feel free to reach out to any of our current board members if you have any questions. Should you require any accommodations to support your application, please email jem@spajournalism.com.

Everyone is welcome to apply for this role, unless you have sat as a member of the executive committee within the last 12 months.