Trustee

The John Laing Charitable Trust (JLCT) is a grant-making charity inspired by the legacy of Sir John Laing, a prolific and innovative philanthropist. We are seeking an additional Trustee to join us in our mission to improve the lives of those in need.

• Location: Board meetings in London
• Time commitment: c.8 hours per month
• Closing date: 9 a.m. Monday 30th September

Who we are.

The John Laing Charitable Trust (JLCT) is both dedicated to supporting the welfare of current and former employees of John Laing and a significant independent grant-making charity which supports and collaborates with others in the community to improve the lives of those in need.

Sir John Laing CBE was one of Britain’s most successful business leaders and a prolific philanthropist. He inherited his father’s building business in the early 1900s, and under his leadership, the firm expanded into a national enterprise. Sir John was a pioneer and innovator, committed to helping people, regardless of their background or position in society, in ways that encouraged them to help themselves and progress. This ethos continues today in the work of JLCT. We award grants to charities focused on tackling the root causes of socioeconomic inequalities, with a strong emphasis on long-term solutions to societal challenges. Through our grant-making activities, we aim to strengthen community-based services, empower young people, improve access to education, and help break the cycle of homelessness. A proportion of our grants are jointly awarded with John Laing Group, with whom we have a close working relationship.

Building on Sir John’s legacy, JLCT has grown into a grant-making body that positively impacts individuals and communities worldwide.

About the role.

We are looking for a new trustee with senior experience in an organisation supporting people experiencing homelessness and/or disadvantaged young people. This person will be contributing as a key member of our trustee Board with a particular focus on our grant giving and how we direct our funds to organisations creating longer-term impact in our areas of focus.

As a proactive grantmaker, we are always looking to refine and develop our grant-giving activity. You will play a key part in helping us think through and advise on grant-giving opportunities, bringing your insights and understanding to inform our grant-giving activity.

Who we are looking for.

You will bring a real passion for our work and a strong alignment to the values and principles that underpin our work, in particular values of compassion and respect, by which Sir John Laing lived his life and which shaped his support for others.

As our trustee, you will have relevant experience in an organisation that focuses on supporting people who are experiencing homelessness and/or disadvantaged young people facing socio-economic barriers and inequality. We are interested in funding organisations that create long-term systemic and strategic change. Bringing insight into initiatives that drive this,  whether it is empowering young people, contributing to ending the cycle of homelessness or strengthening communities, would be interesting to us.

With a commitment to equity and inclusion, we welcome first-time trustees and those with lived experience to consider this opportunity, and a full and comprehensive induction will be provided to enable you to contribute fully.

Time commitment.

Board meetings are held quarterly in central London, and attendance in person is preferred, but may be virtual. Our new Trustee will be expected to participate in the Board meetings, spend up to 2 days a year attending events and/or visiting projects, and give strategic insight on grant making / advise on specific grant proposals. The time commitment will be c.8 hours per month.

Please click 'Apply via website’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Monday 30th September.