We are looking for new Trustees

We are looking for people who are interested in making a difference in Derbyshire to join its Board of Trustees. We are a registered charity with a long track-record of supporting people in rural areas.  Set up in 1924 to address issues such as education, employment and basic services such as electricity and water supplies, nowadays we work to address a range of issues that affect people living in the countryside. 

Beverley Parker, Chief Executive of RAD said, “Living in a rural area isn’t always the idyllic lifestyle that many envisage it will be.  Transport, the erosion of local services and the cost of living are added pressures that impact more on vulnerable people, or those on limited incomes.  Mental health, social isolation and poverty are all very real issues.  What we do is to highlight those issues, and work with communities to identify ways to improve people’s lives.”

There are currently 3 volunteer Trustee vacancies and applications are being invited from anyone who has an interest in supporting rural communities in Derbyshire. Requirements are enthusiasm, some relevant skills and experience, along with being able to spare the appropriate time.

Simon Taylor, Chair of Rural Action Derbyshire said: ‘Trustees play a vital role in the work of any charity, and at RAD we have been very fortunate to have some excellent Trustees who have really supported the development and success of our work. We now have an opportunity to recruit additional Trustees and we are keen to hear from anyone who would like to help us to support rural communities across Derbyshire.’

He went on to say: “We are looking for three people to join our Board of Trustees. We are seeking individuals who are open-minded, comfortable with change, who have proven they can work in a team and who are passionate about rural issues.”

The areas of experience that are of particular relevance in this instance are:

• Entrepreneurial business growth
• Retail sales
• Digital marketing/IT
• Mental health and wellbeing
• Rural economy
• Environmental sustainability

Trustees undertake the role on an unpaid, voluntary basis, and as a minimum would be expected to attend Board meetings four times per year. Other occasional meetings, training and events are also organised and it would be beneficial if Trustees are available to attend when possible.  

The work of the charity is diverse. RAD works with village halls, rural community groups, the farming community, runs Suicide Awareness Training and addresses rural poverty by running an oil buying scheme and supporting food banks and other food projects, especially aimed at helping children. There is also an extremely successful transport project, Wheels to Work, which helps people who would otherwise struggle to get to their place of work, training or education.

The charity is looking to adapt its work to introduce more income generation through social enterprise projects. There are exciting times ahead.

Simon Taylor, Chair of Trustees at RAD would encourage anyone who thinks they might be interested to get in touch. “Whatever your background, please consider applying to support this brilliant organisation”, he said.

A Trustee Information Pack and application forms are available here. If you have any queries please email Simon Taylor, Chair of Trustees at [email protected] or Beverley Parker, CEO on 01629 592971 or email [email protected].

Trustee Information Pack