Become a Trustee – Make a Difference in Essex.
12th September 2025
Applications closed on October 3rd. We are no longer recruiting for new Trustees.
Next year will mark 30 years of ECF working passionately to develop and strengthen the charitable sector in Essex, Southend and Thurrock.
Our mission is to create a culture of generosity and support inspiring charitable giving that provides vital funding to voluntary and community organisations working at the heart of our communities in Essex.
Each year, we award grants to over 500 local organisations, supported by over 200 donors, fundholders and national schemes. These groups are meeting the real needs of their communities and making a lasting difference to local people.
Why become a Trustee?
Becoming a Trustee with ECF is an opportunity to use your skills and experience to make a meaningful impact across Essex. Our Trustees tell us they find the role deeply rewarding knowing they are utilising their expertise to help shape our work supporting hundreds of local causes that change lives.
You’ll gain insight into the charity sector and work alongside like-minded people who are passionate about strengthening communities.
Who we’re looking for
We are currently recruiting for several voluntary Trustee positions.
We’re looking to strengthen our Board by welcoming individuals with expertise in the following key areas:
- Grant Making
- Charity and the Voluntary Sector
- Finance
- Marketing & Communications
If you have experience in any of these areas and are looking for a meaningful way to give back, we’d love to hear from you.
Your contribution could help us grow our impact and continue making a positive difference in our community, both now and in the future.
We want our Board to reflect the diversity of the communities we support and particularly welcome interest and applications from Black, Asian and ethnic minorities, people under 40 years of age, people with disabilities, neurodiversity and LGBTQ+ people.
This could be your first Trustee role, or you may already have experience. We offer a full induction, ongoing training, and a mentor scheme to support you during your first years. You’ll also have the opportunity to grow your skills and knowledge of the charity sector by contributing to our Board committees.
Our Board meets four times a year, either in person or virtually. Trustee positions are unpaid, but reasonable expenses are covered.
To Apply
For more information on the trustee recruitment process and how to apply click the link below:
Trustee Recruitment Information
Make a difference where you live – Trustee opportunity
19th January 2022
For over 25 years we have worked passionately to develop the charitable sector in Essex, Southend and Thurrock. We want to create a culture of generosity and support, inspiring charitable giving to provide vital funding to voluntary and community organisations working at the heart of our communities.
On average each year we provide grants to over 400 large and small organisations who are meeting the needs of their communities and making a real difference for local people, with funds provided by over 170 donors and national schemes.
We are recruiting for a number of voluntary positions to join our Board of Trustees to help shape our work now and in the future.
Our Trustees tell us that they feel they can make a real difference through their involvement and applying their skills to support and develop our work. There are a number of skills that we don’t currently have on our Board, so you might be able to support us if you have one of the following skills: accountancy, digital engagement with stakeholders, marketing and communications, and legal skills.
We want to ensure that our Board better reflects the diversity of those who belong to the communities that we support and so we particularly welcome interest and applications from Black, Asian and ethnic minorities, people under 40 years of age, people with disabilities and LGBTQ+ people.
This could be your first Trustee role, or you could already have some experience as a Trustee. We have a full trustee induction process, ongoing training, and a mentor scheme to support you through your first years. You will have the opportunity to develop new skills and knowledge of the charity sector through participating in the work of our Board committees.
Our Board meets four times a year, and participation can be in person or virtually. Trustee positions are unpaid, but we don’t expect trustees to be out of pocket for carrying out their role, so expenses are paid.
How to apply:
Applying couldn’t be simpler. Click here to view our Trustee Recruitment Pack.
The deadline for applications is 5pm on Wednesday 2 March.
We would also like to offer you an opportunity to have an informal conversation with one of our current trustees and/or to attend an informal gathering of trustees to find out more about the role. Just email recruitment@essexcf.org.uk and we will arrange this.
We look forward to hearing from you.