Fundraising Trustee

The Rural Refugee Network (RRN), a small local charity on the Hampshire/West Sussex border that supports local refugees, is looking for a Trustee to develop its fundraising initiatives. Joining RRN’s friendly Trustee board means being part of a team making a difference in the community and offers considerable scope to build new skills and connections. You will have the opportunity to shape the direction of RRN’s work and ensure that our mission of supporting refugees to thrive in East Hampshire and Havant is upheld with integrity and compassion.

Commitment: 4-8 hours per week, including Board meetings (every 2 months, approx. 2 hours, evenings) and occasional intense periods in the run up to events.

Location: Board meetings are in person in central Petersfield, easily accessible by train. Fundraising events have generally centre on Petersfield but could be organised across our area.

Expenses: We cover reasonable travel and out-of-pocket expenses.

Deadline: Applications will be processed on a rolling basis.

About the charity

Our fundraising events directly impact the lives of people in the community. RRN works to resettle refugees from Afghanistan, Syria, Ukraine and other war-torn countries in local communities in this area. We support them to find their feet and thrive through training, schooling, housing, English language. We also run a weekly support group in Portsmouth for young people who have arrived in the UK alone and so are looked after by the local authority. 

The charity has 3 employees; a part-time CEO and two part-time roles on our main delivery project, the Youth Discovery NEST. We also have several contracted English teachers. All the Trustees and other team members are voluntary positions, who contribute in various teams, like Housing, Resettlement, Education and Community, that work directly with refugee families. There are also administrative and technical volunteers and several volunteers with professional Trust and Foundation fundraising experience who lead on grant applications. We have a strong history of well-supported events, such as walks, quizzes and a biannual art sale, and are planning events to mark our 10th anniversary in 2026.

About the role

RRN is looking for someone who will establish and lead a team of fundraising volunteers to organise regular community events that would bring in funds and engage new supporters. The Trustee role will involve hands-on participation in planning and executing community fundraising events, like walks/runs, auctions, etc. adhering to all ethical fundraising practices and legal requirements related to charity fundraising. You will work closely with our experienced CEO, other Trustees and our dedicated volunteers and supporters.

As a member of RRN’s Board of Trustees you will share ultimate responsibility for governing the charity. You will become part of a friendly, well-managed Board that sets RRN’s strategic aims and direction and works together to ensure that the charity is well run, compliant and effective and that staff are well supported. The Board works very collaboratively and makes the most of each member’s strengths and expertise.

Responsibilities include:

• Organise fundraising initiatives.
• Build and manage a team of fundraising volunteers.
• Work with the Communications Trustee to promote events and increase RRN’s supporters and donors
• Attend Board Meetings and prepare by reading and considering all papers.
• Participate in the governance activities of the Board of Trustees.

Skills

Who we’re looking for

This role would suit someone who has experience organising community events, or someone who is good at connecting with people and getting things off the ground and looking to make a difference and learn new skills. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive Board of Trustees and would love to see applications from people with direct experience of immigration. We welcome applicants without prior Trustee experience and will provide you with support to help you understand and excel in your Trustee responsibilities.

As a Trustee you’ll make a difference in the lives of others, enhance your leadership, communication, and decision-making skills and gain a deeper understanding of social challenges. For those seeking professional development, this is a great opportunity to add strategic board experience to your CV as you will develop governance and leadership skills.

Essential competencies

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Good at getting things off the ground, motivating and inspiring others.
• Effective decision making and leadership skills and a collaborative approach.
• An interest in the work carried out by RRN to support refugees and commitment to the local community.

Desirable competencies

• Community and/or corporate fundraising experience in the charity sector.
• Media and public speaking experience, experience of pitching and presenting ideas.
• Understanding of fundraising processes in charities, such as experience working with online payment/donation platforms.