Who we are
The Bates Wells Foundation runs the firm’s corporate giving and fundraising initiatives, focusing on supporting sustainable social change. The foundation has donated close to £800,000 to different organisations and ground-breaking causes, funded by donations from the firm and a wider network of generous supporters of the Stephen Lloyd Awards. The Awards were created in memory of the firm’s former managing partner who was an inspirational lawyer dedicated to pioneering significant developments.
The role
Join a Collaborative Board of Trustees
Interest is welcome from a wide range of backgrounds (personal and professional)and any experience outside your professional realm is valuable. No prior board experience or involvement in Bates Wells Foundation’s initiatives and/or the Stephen Lloyd Awards is necessary. This role is open to people at different career stages, offering the opportunity to sit on a board which values the importance of diverse mindsets and skills.
We would particularly welcome applications from candidates belonging to under-represented groups. These include people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, individuals with disabilities and LGBTQI+ people.
The Role?
Our trustees are an active volunteer board who bring new thinking, views and a variety of skills and experience to the board. We encourage applications from people who enjoy collaborating, sharing ideas and have a demonstrable passion for igniting impactful change. As a trustee, you will help us expand the Foundation’s visibility of its different initiatives across the firm and beyond, as well as help deliver our vision to support new inspiring social and environmental change ideas.
Trustees are also a key part of the Bates Wells Foundation’s governance. Collectively, they ensure the charity practices good governance principles and operates in compliance with its governing document and any guidance from The Charity Commission. Trustees serving on the board are responsible for carrying out the charity’s strategic aims and objectives, directing its overall management, acting legally and dealing with its resources in the best way possible.
Treasurer
As the Foundation’s treasurer you will ensure the charity is carrying out its purposes for the public benefit and in compliance with its governing document and the law; monitor the financial administration of the charity and authorise key payments, oversee the submission of the annual accounts and trustee report, annual return and gift aid claims.
Grant Maker/Grant Manager
The Foundation will rely on your grant making or grant-managing expertise to support our conversations and decisions made around our different initiatives. You are familiar with and understand the experiences of beneficiaries or award grantees.
Social Entrepreneur
We are looking for a trustee who has experience within the social enterprise sector. You may be a successful social entrepreneur yourself, have experience within a social enterprise, or have played a significant leadership role in a charity or social enterprise. You will understand the challenges faced by charities or social enterprises at different stages of growth, particularly at early stage.
Term of office
Trustees are appointed for a (renewable) term of three years.
Date of appointment
New trustees will formally join the board at a trustee meeting in January 2025. An induction will be arranged in advance of this meeting.
Time commitment
Our trustees meet virtually four times a year, and once more for an in-person meeting at Bates Wells offices in central London, which is followed by an informal dinner nearby. Including preparation time, the annual time commitment for participating in trustee meetings does not normally exceed 20 hours. In addition, Trustees are expected to attend some of the events the Bates Wells Foundation delivers, to familiarise themselves with the Foundation’s work and those who experience it. Trustees are also expected to be active in promoting the Awards, and volunteering for the Awards, and/or supporting finalists.
How to apply
To express your interest in joining us, please email Mona Rahman at m.rahman@bateswells.co.uk. You will be invited to submit a CV along with a short one-page covering letter explaining how you believe you can support us as a trustee, the relevant skills and experience you bring, and your motivation for applying. Expressions of interest must be submitted by 25 October. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an informal discussion in November.
Supporting document(s)
- bates-wells-foundation-trustee-vacancy-external.pdf - Download
