Who we are
The Chester Bluecoat Charity helps to tackle the causes of poverty, disadvantage and inequality across the city.
Based in the historic Bluecoat building, we give funding to community and educational organisations, offer almshouse accommodation to people in need and provide rentable and affordable offices & meeting rooms in the heart of Chester.
The Chester Bluecoat Charity is the city’s oldest charity, dating back more than 800 years.
The role
Based in The Bluecoat, a Grade II listed building in the heart of Chester, The Chester Bluecoat Charity has been helping those who live in our local community for over eight hundred years.
We aim to bring hope and change to our community in three distinct ways:
- Creating a base with relevant support for local charities and not-for-profits who work from The Charity Hub.
- Providing much-needed funds to support projects that help and support others through our grant giving scheme.
- Providing safe and cost-effective homes to those in our community who need them most in our almshouses.
- Thanks to income raised from our investment portfolio, we are able to carry out our work and support various local not-for-profit organisations such as Fallen Angels, West Cheshire Foodbank and Children Today to name but a few…
Why should you become a trustee?
Are you passionate about Chester? Do you want to make a real difference in the lives of those in our community who need our help? Do you want to be part of a team trying to do some good by making lasting change?
By becoming a trustee of The Chester Bluecoat Charity, you can do just that! In this role, you can shape and steer the city’s oldest charity and help it reach its full potential. This is an opportunity for you to give back to the city of Chester in a meaningful, rewarding role, whilst making new connections during an exciting time of transformational change in the charity.
What skills should I have?
We welcome all applicants, however we would like one of the new trustees to have an accounting qualification or similar experience.
In addition, trustees should be able to offer:
- Great communication skills
- Be able to contribute to strategic planning
- Independent, sound judgement
- Willingness to provide opinion and reasons for the conclusions drawn
- Ability to think creatively and problem solve
- Capable of working effectively as a member of a team
As we are focused on Chester and its’ surrounds, we expect our trustees to either be resident in Chester or have strong links with the city.
How will I make a difference?
As part of our trustee board, you will shape the work of The Chester Bluecoat Charity and provide support to the team to achieve our charitable aims. You will be part a charity that aims to bring hope and change to in and around Chester by using our resources effectively to provide grants to other organisations and charities, amongst other work.
Our trustees dedicate around 5-10 hours a month to The Chester Bluecoat Charity by attending internal meetings and assisting the team in delivering our strategy.
When would I participate in trustee meetings?
The main board meet 6 times a year. Trustees are appointed for an initial term of three years, with the possibility of two further terms.
Trustee meetings are usually held at The Bluecoat on Upper Northgate Street, Chester, however these may also be joined virtually.
Where do I apply?
For further information about the role or for an application pack, please contact us on office@thechesterbluecoatcharity.co.uk or 01244 345 787. The closing date for this role is 31st January 2025.
