Help shape the direction of YHA
Becoming a Trustee is both deeply rewarding and genuinely enjoyable. This is an opportunity to help shape the direction of YHA — a charity dedicated to connecting people with each other, the outdoors, nature and heritage.
Our 14 Trustees hold overall legal responsibility for YHA. The Board sets and oversees the delivery of our strategy, and provides guidance across key areas such as impact, finance, risk management, property, hospitality, and performance.
With Trustees from a wide range of personal and professional backgrounds, boardroom conversations are rich and dynamic - and every voice contributes meaningfully to our progress.
YHA places access and inclusion at the heart of everything we do. As a Trustee, you’ll be part of an open, collaborative culture where diverse viewpoints are not only welcomed but essential to our success.
Apply Now
Applications are now open for the Board of Trustees 2026/27
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Trustee - Board of TrusteesTrustees & Charity Governance · National Office · Hybrid
Who we’re looking for
We’re looking for people who have the skills and experience to guide the strategic direction of the organisation and support sound decision-making. You need to have the ability to operate at Board level but don’t need previous Board experience to become a YHA Trustee.
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Essential qualities
• excellent communication and listening skills
• fair and reasoned decision-making
• good self-awareness and recognition of personal strengths and limitations
• the ability to challenge constructively and demonstrate resilience
• commitment to YHA’s mission and understanding of our strategic direction
• time to commit to the role (including preparation and attendance at meetings)
• ability to understand and use financial and operational data
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Valuable experience
• strategic leadership in hospitality, commercial accommodation or food and beverage
• expertise in data strategy, cyber security, or business transformation
• proven senior leadership in a school or trust, bringing strong safeguarding leadership experience and well-established professional networks within education to support partnerships and strategic insight
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Diversity
We want our Board to reflect the diversity of the young people and communities we serve.
Different perspectives, insights and life experiences matter greatly.
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. We particularly encourage applications from people under 30 years of age and people from the global majority.
Watch our webinar
On the 10th June we held a webinar about the important role our Trustees play at YHA, alongside guidance on the application process and answers to common questions the Q&A session.
This webinar provides an introduction to what it means to be a Trustee at YHA, outlining the key responsibilities of the role and the impact Trustees have in supporting strong governance and organisational direction. It also highlights the personal and professional benefits of trusteeship. You’ll also hear from our CEO on our strategic vision and the important role Trustees play in shaping it.
What becoming a Trustee means
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Our charitable objects
To help all, especially young people of limited means, to a greater knowledge, love and care of the countryside, and appreciation of the cultural values of towns and cities, particularly by providing youth hostels or other accommodation for them in their travels, and thus to promote their health, recreation and education.
Find out more about our history, strategy and impact.
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What’s involved
Trustees are expected to attend three in-person board meetings per year (each held over a weekend at a YHA hostel in England or Wales), two Saturday online meetings per year (one is the AGM and the other is a Board meeting) and other occasional extra Board meetings held online as needed.
You are also expected to contribute in other ways; for example, as a member of one of the Board sub-committees and occasionally representing YHA at official functions.
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Induction programme
New Trustees are supported with a comprehensive induction programme, which includes online sessions to suit your schedule (approximately 6 hours in total); a half day face-to-face session with our regional business managers at a hostel; and ongoing training in areas including safeguarding and finance to help you feel confident and equipped in the role.
What to expect from the recruitment process
Apply
Submit your application by 9:00 on 21st July 2026
Shortlisting
Applications will be reviewed by the Board Recruitment committee on 30th July 2026
Invite to interview
Shortlisted applicants will be contacted by 7th August 2026 to schedule an online interview
Call with Chair or Vice Chair
A short call with the Chair or Vice Chair about the role between 10th – 21st August
Interview
Interviews will be held on 24th - 28th August and 3rd September 2026
Invite to second stage
Successful candidates to be put through to members vote will be contacted before 11th September 2026
Voting
Electronic voting for positions will open to members from 26th September to 30th October 2026
Here’s what some of our current Trustees had to say:
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Being a Trustee is an opportunity for you to make a difference to an amazing cause — making sure all young people have access to adventure. It has been amazing to be a young Trustee on YHA’s Board — I have enjoyed working with multi-talented people on challenging issues to influence positive change. I have developed in skills and confidence on this supportive board — realising that my voice can make a difference (there is a reason we need diverse boards) — and have had a lot of fun along the way.
Sarah - YHA Trustee
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YHA enables everyone, and especially young people, to gain access to places they might not otherwise have the means to visit. As a person who experienced these benefits at a young age, I am immensely grateful to have had this life-changing opportunity. As a Board member, what motivates me is knowing that I am contributing to decision making that will drive increased impact and improve wellbeing for people like me and I am proud of being able to give back in this way.
Paula - YHA Trustee
Association Member opportunities
Don’t miss out on our Board Recruitment Committee – Association Member opportunities! Join our mailing list to get instant updates and detailed information when positions become available.