Trustee Recruitment 2026 – Role Description

Ukrainian Institute London (UIL) is an independent charity dedicated to advancing public education in the United Kingdom by broadening knowledge and understanding of Ukraine. It champions Ukrainian culture and shapes the conversation about Ukraine in the UK and beyond, bringing together experts, creatives, policymakers, and active citizens to explore Ukrainian perspectives on global challenges. Through its programme of public events, projects, educational courses, and digital content, UIL works across the fields of arts, culture, language, and current affairs. The UIL highlights Ukraine’s expertise and experience to emphasise the urgency of international solidarity in support of democratic security in Europe and beyond.

The UIL is constituted as a charitable incorporated organisation and is governed by a Board of Trustees (the “Board”) in accordance with its constitution. New trustees are appointed by resolution of the existing Board of Trustees having regard to the skills, knowledge and experience of each proposed candidate needed for the effective administration of UIL. In addition, the UIL is affiliated to the Ukrainian Catholic University, which may separately appoint up to two charity trustees to the Board at a meeting of the Board.

The Board has overall responsibility for ensuring that the charity is well-governed, financially sustainable, and operating in line with its charitable objectives and public benefit obligations and in accordance with all the laws applicable to it. Trustees act collectively to safeguard the organisation’s mission, assets, and reputation, and to provide strategic guidance that determines the future direction of the Ukrainian Institute London. The Board of Trustees oversees the shaping of the strategic aims and future development of the UIL. 

Nature and scope of Trustee’s role 

Strategic Direction

Trustees bring an external and strategic perspective, helping shape the UIL’s long-term vision and priorities. They provide creative, informed, and constructive input on the objectives and plans proposed by the Director, taking into account the wider cultural, political, and funding environment in which the UIL operates.

Monitoring

Trustees are collectively responsible for the performance and impact of the UIL. They monitor progress against strategy, support the Director, and ensure that the organisation operates effectively, ethically, and in accordance with its charitable objectives and laws applicable to it.

Communication and advocacy

Trustees act as ambassadors for UIL and play an important role in developing networks and relationships across cultural, academic, philanthropic, diplomatic, and community sectors. They help raise the profile of the organisation and support opportunities for partnership, collaboration, and funding.

Finance and risk management

Trustees ensure that the charity’s accounts provide a true and fair view of its financial position and performance. They oversee financial controls and risk management, and ensure that funds are used appropriately, responsibly, and in line with the charity’s purposes. Trustees also safeguard the independence, integrity, and reputation of the UIL. The Board monitors all donations of £1,000 or more to ensure legality, transparency, and alignment with the charity’s values and objectives, and to guarantee that UIL remains independent in its work and decision-making.

Legal and governance

Trustees must ensure that the UIL operates within its legal and regulatory framework, including compliance with Charity Commission requirements and relevant charity and other laws, and that appropriate policies, procedures, and governance structures are in place.

Principal responsibilities

Trustees are collectively responsible for

  • determining the future direction of the organisation and protecting its assets, reputation, and public trust;
  • upholding and promoting UIL’s mission, values, and ethical standards;
  • providing independent judgement and constructive challenge;
  • ensuring compliance with the charity’s constitution and relevant legislation;
  • ensuring strong governance, accountability, and transparency;
  • supporting the long-term sustainability and resilience of the organisation;
  • acting as champions for inclusive cultural representation, ensuring that Ukrainian voices and perspectives are presented in ways that are open, accessible, and meaningful to diverse audiences;
  • safeguarding the independence, integrity, and reputation of the UIL, including oversight of significant donations to ensure transparency, legality, and alignment with the charity’s values;
  • promoting the UIL externally and supporting relationships with key stakeholders and partners;
  • upholding the principle of collective responsibility in Board decision-making.

 

Who we’re looking for

We value a broad range of perspectives and experiences on our Board and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. We are recruiting two trustees and would strongly prefer that at least one of the two brings significant fundraising experience.

We are particularly interested in candidates with experience in one or more of the following areas:

  • knowledge of Ukraine and its place within wider European and international cultural contexts;
  • fundraising and income generation, including trusts and foundations, major donors, corporate sponsorship, or individual giving;
  • developing or supporting fundraising strategies; 
  • charity governance and trustee experience;
  • arts, culture, heritage, or international cultural relations;
  • finance, law, organisational development, or strategy;
  • communications, marketing, partnerships, or audience development;
  • digital engagement and organisational sustainability.

In addition, ideal candidates will

  • bring independence, integrity, and sound judgment;
  • demonstrate enthusiasm and energy for supporting the UIL’s mission;
  • be willing to build and use networks to support the UIL’s long-term growth strategy;
  • be motivated by cultural, educational, and social impact;
  • be committed to inclusive cultural practice, supporting programmes and governance that reflect a broad range of Ukrainian voices and engage audiences from different backgrounds and communities;
  • understand and practise collective responsibility at Board level.

     

    Trustee expectations and time commitment

    Time commitment

    • Four Board meetings per year, each approximately 2 hours, plus preparation time.
    • Review and input into key governance documents, such as the Annual Report.
    • Fundraising support, including meetings with potential donors and strategic advice to the Director and the UIL operations team.
    • Attendance at key UIL events, where possible.
    • Representation of the UIL at occasional meetings with partners or public-facing events. 
    • Occasional ad hoc engagement, such as strategic advice on issues within the individual trustee’s area of expertise. 

    Overall, the commitment is expected to average approximately 1-2 days per month (which includes attendance at UIL events) and can easily fit in with other commitments.

    Remuneration and expenses

    This is a voluntary and unpaid role. Expenses are not reimbursed.

    This role offers a significant opportunity to help shape the future of the Ukrainian Institute London and to contribute to an organisation that plays a vital role in advancing public understanding of Ukraine and promoting cultural dialogue in the UK and beyond.

    How to Apply

To apply, please complete the online application form and upload your CV. We do not require a separate covering letter. If you have any questions or require reasonable adjustments during the application process, please contact: [email protected].

Key Dates

Closing date for applications: 8 March 2026.
Interviews: March 2026 (TBC).
We aim to appoint at least one Trustee by 15 April 2026.

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