Trustees sought for The Karuna Trust, UK
SKILLS
FULL DESCRIPTION
Summary
The Karuna Trust is seeking Trustees to join their board. The role involves strategic thinking, governance, and a commitment to the mission of Karuna, with specific needs in finance, digital technologies, fundraising, safeguarding, international development, diversity, equity and inclusion, HR, and communications. The role is voluntary, with reasonable expenses covered.
Key Responsibilities/Duties:
- Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
- Embracing Triratna Buddhist Order principles and exemplify Karuna's values
- Working effectively in a trustee team with integrity and independent judgement, making decisions for the good of Karuna
- Thinking strategically and creatively
- Devoting the necessary time and effort
- Being committed to the mission of Karuna
Core Requirements/Qualifications/Skills:
- Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
- Embrace Triratna Buddhist Order principles and exemplify Karuna's values
- Work effectively in a trustee team with integrity and independent judgement, making decisions for the good of Karuna
- Think strategically and creatively
- Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort
- Committed to the mission of Karuna
About Karuna
The Karuna Trust is a manifestation of the Bodhisattva Ideal and works alongside the most excluded people in South Asia, overcoming discrimination and poverty with locally led education, gender equality, sustainable livelihoods and climate resilience programmes. As a force for positive change, we work with over 151,000 individuals annually across India, Nepal, and Bangladesh. Our programmes drive tangible impact through locally led projects, addressing systemic inequalities and fostering community empowerment. With international sister organisations in Germany and the US, we continue to evolve and expand our reach.
Why Join the Karuna Board?
- make a tangible difference and be a catalyst for positive change in people's lives
- immerse yourself in a dynamic Buddhist context and support Karuna as a Team-based Right Livelihood
- work strategically with a skilled Management Team
- provide effective, good governance and help create an environment where the whole organisation can flourish
- join an organisation with a strong financial foundation, needing to evolve in a changing world
Requirements of candidates
We are looking for individuals who:
- have an understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
- embrace Triratna Buddhist Order principles and exemplify Karuna's values
- work effectively in a trustee team with integrity and independent judgement, making decisions for the good of Karuna
- are able to think strategically and creatively
- have a willingness to devote the necessary time and effort - the core commitment for the role includes 4 in-person all-day meetings per year (likely in Karuna’s Office in London)
- are committed to the mission of Karuna
Opportunities for You
We are actively searching for Order members with specific experience in the following areas:
- finance
- digital technologies
- fundraising
- safeguarding
- international development
- diversity, equity and inclusion
- HR
- communications
We strongly encourage applications from people of diverse backgrounds and those with lived experience of the issues we address. Karuna Trust is committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive and contribute to our mission.
Trustees serve voluntarily, and reasonable expenses will be covered.
By applying to become a trustee you are confirming that you legally entitled to act in this capacity, as defined by the UK Charity Commission.
If you would like more information about this before applying, have any other questions or would like to arrange to talk to existing Trustees, please contact Sthiranaga, our Governance Manager – [contact hidden]
Join us in creating lasting change for some of the world's most excluded communities.
How to apply
To apply, please send a current CV and a covering letter (around 500 words), letting us know why you are interested and suitable for the role, to [contact hidden]