HR Trustee

upReach are Seeking a Trustee with HR Experience

Application Deadline: 9am, Monday 14th April

Start Date: July 2025 (we are happy to be flexible to your availability)

Location: UK based

Our Story

upReach is an award-winning social mobility charity, driven by a vision of a society in which everybody has an equal opportunity to realise their full career potential regardless of social background. Since 2012, upReach has supported thousands of undergraduates from lower socio-economic backgrounds to access and sustain top graduate jobs. Our unique one-to-one support model means every undergraduate receives sustained, tailored support from a specific member of our team.

We work in close partnership with leading employers and universities to support students from across the UK. Through 1-to-1 support and employability-boosting interventions, we empower students to discover a variety of career options, and develop the vital employability skills, networks and experiences needed to succeed in their chosen career and beyond.

Our impact speaks for itself: upReach graduates secure highly skilled roles at a rate 11% higher than graduates from similar backgrounds, earning on average £3,500 more. This success has been recognised through a prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise and being named “Medium-Sized Charity of the Year” at the Third Sector Awards.

The Role

upReach are looking for a trustee with HR experience and a passion for social mobility to join our Trustee Board. Having seen significant growth over the last 3 years, we are looking for someone passionate about social mobility who has the HR experience to ensure the highest standard of governance in policies and practice related to employee relations, recruitment, retention, reward and development.  

The Trustee Board

• The Trustee Board consists of eleven trustees including the Chair and three Alumni Trustees, who were formerly upReach Associates. 
• Trustee Board meetings take place four times per year, in-person in Central London, with the option to join remotely. All regular governance activities are scheduled in advance and outside of working hours. 
• The initial term for the Trustee position is three years, with the opportunity for a second three year term after that
• An Annual Strategy Day between the Trustees and upReach Senior Leadership Team is typically scheduled to take place on a weekend day in July. 
• Board Papers are sent out two weeks in advance. 
• Trustees are invited and encouraged to attend upReach delivery and fundraising events, such as Employer Insight Days, and the Student Social Mobility Awards.

The duties of the HR Trustee

• Attend and contribute to trustee meetings.
• Support upReach’s People & Culture Team in developing HR policies and procedures, advising on good practice in people and HR matters.
• Apply your knowledge and experience to help the Trustees make decisions that ensure HR activities and interventions are linked to the charity’s objectives.
• As required, to support the upReach Senior Leadership Team to review HR management arrangements and provide guidance on HR strategy and short and long-term direction.
• Work collaboratively with fellow trustees and leverage skills to mentor Alumni Trustees. 
• Support the Chair of the Board in trustee recruitment and related processes and procedures.
• Be an active ambassador for upReach within the HR community.

Person Specification

Essential

• Passion for social mobility, evidenced through lived experience, personal background, or professional activities
• A substantial background as a senior HR professional, with a proven track record of success at an operational and strategic level.
• Thorough understanding of HR policy and practice.
• Good judgement, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Highly motivated, enthusiastic and a can-do attitude.

Desirable

• An understanding of the UK charity sector and HR practices within this context

Application Process & How to Apply

Apply with a one page cover letter and current CV by 9am Monday 14th April.

The next stage will be a panel interview with a group of current trustees, followed by an informal discussion prior to appointment with the relevant upReach senior leaders. 

All applicants will be informed of the outcome of their application.

At upReach, we are committed to equal opportunities and do not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, age, disability, social background or any other protected class. We celebrate and value the diverse perspectives that people from all backgrounds bring to our Board. We are passionate about creating an environment that is inclusive and reflects the diversity of communities across the UK. We strongly encourage applications from individuals from those underrepresented at Board level, including Black, Asian and other ethnic minority backgrounds, those with disabilities, those who are care-experienced, those from low socio-economic backgrounds, and those who are LGBTQIA+.

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.