James Reckitt Library Trust Seeks New Trustee

The Trust, which is an independent body regulated by the Charity Commission, controls and manages a charitable endowment established by Sir James Reckitt in 1892. This endowment exists to help develop public library provision throughout the city of Kingston upon Hull. The projects and activities funded by the Trust are designed to stimulate a love of reading and learning, particularly among children and young people, to encourage those who might not normally use public library services to do so, and to raise awareness of what modern public libraries can offer. In recent years it has made grants amounting to more than £4 million to support the development of a wide range of innovative library services in Hull.

As a Trustee you will use your specific knowledge and expertise to assist the Board of Trustees to make sound decisions about the management of the endowment and the award of grants. You will contribute to the wider work of the Trust in promoting the development of the public library service, and you will be an important champion for both the Trust and the library service.

The role of Trustee is voluntary. The Trust meets formally four times a year in Hull and Trustees may be involved in other meetings and activities in the city from time to time. We welcome applications from candidates with the relevant skills and experience to undertake the role effectively, and who have a strong commitment to the role of public libraries in the 21st century. We are particularly interested in candidates with financial or legal expertise but candidates with knowledge and skills in other areas will be given equal consideration. The Trust is also committed to increasing the diversity of the Board.

If you are interested in applying for this role, please submit a statement detailing your relevant skills and experience, and setting out your reasons for wishing to become a Trustee. This should be emailed to Louise Hawkins, Clerk to the Board of Trustees ([email protected]).

The closing date for applications is 15 October 2018. To discuss the role in more detail, please contact Richard Heseltine, Chair of Trustees ([email protected]).