Trustee

Trustees wanted: We are looking for four new trustees of the Social Research Association (SRA), to join a lively and positive governing group and help to guide an organisation passionately focused on the advancement of knowledge and professional best practice in the social research for the benefit of the public good.  With a new Chair of the Board and a new Chief Executive these are exciting times as we head towards our 50th anniversary in 2028. We are currently developing a new strategy to guide the expansion of activities and reach across all our social research communities. Of particular focus is our efforts to improve the accessibility and inclusivity of all aspects of the SRA’s activities and we are keen to make further progress in this area.

Who is the SRA? We promote high standards of social research through training courses, events, publications and other resources. SRA membership is open to all, and our 1,600+ members represent many sectors, research methods and approaches.

Who are we looking for? We welcome applications from across the social research community. In addition, so that the trustee body is effective, we would also like to hear applicants with expertise in Human Resources, marketing and communications or finance. We are keen to receive applications from all backgrounds, regions and career stages. You do not have to have prior trustee experience to apply. The SRA will provide an induction and are introducing a buddy system for new trustees and support trustee’s skills development through training.

What’s in it for you?  Being a trustee is rewarding and brings many benefits, especially to your professional development.  You will gain invaluable experience of strategy, governance and leadership, boosting your CV in the process.  You will work with other trustees, the Chair and Chief Executive to take decisions about the future of our organisation.  Through your membership of our Board, smaller sub-committees and working groups you will be focused on strategic issues facing our organisation and gain valuable experience of being a non-executive director to set strategy, to influence and negotiate and to understand and manage risk. You will promote transparency, accountability and fairness.  Above all you will have the satisfaction of contributing to our mission to improve knowledge and best practice in social research for the benefit of public good.

What does it involve? Trustees meet virtually six times a year, and you’ll be expected to attend these meetings, as well as our annual general meeting (usually another virtual meeting held in January). Board meetings focus on strategic rather than operational issues. Trustees are unpaid volunteers, whose positions are re-nominated every three years, to a maximum of six years. Expenses for meetings are reimbursed, where appropriate. Each trustee contributes their knowledge and experience to help the board reach sound decisions. This will involve scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, and providing views and advice on new initiatives or other issues. You’ll need to be aware of / learn about your legal responsibilities, and the need to act in accordance with Charity Commission guidance.