Trustee at SWIDN

Could you be a SWIDN trustee?

SWIDN — the South West International Development Network — brings together individuals and organisations across the South West who are working for global solidarity. Founded in 2005 and registered as a charity in 2017, we have around 100 members and a wider community of 5,000 people working in international development across the UK’s South West and beyond. We are looking for new trustees to join our dynamic team.

We want a board that reflects the world we work in.

We particularly welcome applications from people from the Global Majority, from LGBTQI+ communities, people living with disabilities, and people from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.

What kind of person are we looking for?

We’re not looking for a particular type of CV. We don’t require previous trustee experience, a specific educational background, or management experience. What matters most is:

• A genuine commitment to our values and to SWIDN’s mission
• Curiosity and openness — about international development, its history, and its future
• Willingness to commit some time and energy to support us
• Integrity, good judgment, and the confidence to speak your mind

We’d especially love to hear from people with experience in any of these areas:

• Working for a SWIDN member organisation
• Anti-racism from a governance perspective
• Charity financial management expertise
• Communications and marketing background
• Digital and AI from a governance perspective
• Fundraising knowledge and experience

So, what’s actually involved?

We know everyone has different amounts of time and energy to give — and SWIDN works flexibly with that in mind. Here’s what you’d typically be involved in:

• Four quarterly Board meetings per year (online, ~2 hours each)
• One in-person Board meeting in Bristol each year (usually March)
• One Strategy Away Day per year in Bristol
• At least one in-person SWIDN networking event per year
• Contributing to our Annual Conference or working groups — sharing your expertise or chairing sessions where relevant

The role is unpaid, but we will cover all reasonable expenses.

What would you actually be doing?

As a Trustee you’d be helping to steer SWIDN’s direction and make sure we’re doing what we say we will. In practice, that means things like:

• Contributing to SWIDN’s strategic direction and approving key policies
• Keeping an eye on ourfinances and how we’re performing against our goals
• Providing guidance and supportto our Secretariat Staff
• Helping to recruitfuture staff and trustees
• Staying connected with our members and bringing their perspective into Board discussions

Interested? We’d love to hear from you. Drop us an email — even just to ask a question or find out more. There’s no commitment in getting in touch.

info@swidn.org.uk