Trustees (Non-Executive Directors)
Location:
Hybrid (Oban, Scotland)
Contract Type:
Voluntary (Expenses Reimbursed)
Sector:
Education, Research, Charity/Non-Profit, Scientific
About the Role
Our client, a leading independent marine research organisation and registered charity, is seeking to appoint new
Trustees (Non-Executive Directors)
to join its Board from Autumn 2025.
The Board plays a key role in ensuring effective governance, supporting the strategic direction of the organisation, and upholding its mission to advance knowledge of the marine environment, support education, and promote sustainable use of marine resources.
This is a voluntary position, with travel expenses reimbursed. Appointments are made for an initial three-year term, renewable for a further three years.
Key Responsibilities
* Provide strategic oversight, governance, and direction to the organisation.
* Support the leadership team in delivering world-leading marine science research, education, and public engagement.
* Contribute expertise in specialist areas to strengthen Board decision-making.
* Participate actively in Board and sub-committee meetings (approximately 10–13 days per year).
* Uphold the organisation's values of diversity, inclusion, and sustainability.
Desired Skills & Experience
Candidates should demonstrate one or more of the following:
* Strategic leadership experience and collaborative working.
* Background in marine or environmental science research.
* Higher education or research sector experience.
* Finance, risk, compliance, or legal expertise.
* Media, communications, or public engagement experience.
* Senior operational leadership in university, research, or third sector settings.
* Experience in philanthropy or fundraising.
* Strong commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusivity.
On this occasion, applications are particularly welcomed from candidates with:
* Scientific expertise (marine or environmental sciences).
* Finance and audit background.
* An interest in a pioneering new role:
Trustee Representative of the Ocean
– a bold initiative designed to ensure governance incorporates perspectives beyond human-centred decision-making.
Commitment
* Approx.
10 days per year
for Board duties, plus 2–3 additional days for sub-committee involvement.
* Meetings are held both in Oban and online.
* Positions are
unremunerated
, though travel expenses will be reimbursed.
About Our Client
Our client is one of the world's oldest oceanographic institutions, with a mission to create and share new knowledge about the marine environment. Through research, higher education partnerships, and public engagement, the organisation contributes to global efforts to tackle environmental challenges and build a sustainable blue economy.
The organisation is committed to being open, diverse, and inclusive, welcoming applications from all backgrounds and perspectives.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit:
* A covering letter indicating which role(s) are of interest.
* A short CV.
Applications should be submitted by
28 September 2025
. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interviews in October (initially virtual, with potential in-person follow-ups).