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 15 Trustees holds 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.
Applications have now closed
Applications have now closed for the Board of Trustees 2025/26.
To express an interest in the 2026/27 application pack and process, please sign-up to our mailing list and you’ll be the first to know once we start the process next time.
Who we’re looking for
You don’t need previous Board experience to become a YHA Trustee. Above all, we’re looking for people who have the skills and experience to guide and challenge the strategic direction of the whole organisation.
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Essential qualities
- a strong belief in YHA’s mission and understanding of our strategic direction
- good communication and listening skills
- fair and reasoned decision-making
- the confidence to challenge and support constructively
- time to commit to the role (including preparation and attendance at meetings)
- a commitment to YHA’s HEART values: Helpful, Efficient, Authentic, Respectful, and Team-spirited
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Valuable experience
We’re also looking to strengthen the Board with Trustees who bring strategic insight in one or more of the following areas:
- Finance
- Hospitality
- Information technology, cyber security and data protection
- Leadership in a schools environment
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Diversity
We believe diversity in all its forms makes us stronger, more effective, and better able to deliver our mission. We care about who you are — not just what you’ve done.
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. In particular, we strongly encourage people from the global majority to apply. These voices are currently under-represented on our Board, and we are committed to changing that.
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 the virtual AGM and one Board meeting each year (both on Saturdays), three in-person Board meetings, each held over a weekend at a YHA hostel, and occasional extra virtual Board meetings.
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 9am on 21st July 2025
Shortlisting
Applications will be reviewed by the Board Recruitment committee on 29th July 2025
Invite to interview
Shortlisted applicants will be contacted by 6th August 2025 to schedule an online interview
Interview
Interviews will be held on 1st and 2nd September 2025
Invite to second stage
Successful candidates to be put through to members vote will be contacted before 11th September 2025
Voting
Electronic voting for positions will open to members from 26th September to 24th October 2024
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
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