Guide us on our journey

Become a Trustee

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.

    Who we’re looking for

      Above all, we’re looking for people who have the skills and experience to guide and challenge the strategic direction of the whole organisation.

      Essential qualities for every Trustee

      You don’t need previous Board experience to become a YHA Trustee. What matters most is that you bring:

      • 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

      Valuable additional strategic 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

      You don’t need to have all these desirable attributes to apply. We welcome applications from candidates who have relevant work and life experiences and have the passion to make a difference with YHA.

      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.

      Become a Trustee

      Applications have now closed for the Board of Trustees 2024/25.

      To express an interest in the 2025/26 application pack and process, please email [email protected]. We’ll keep your contact details on file and notify you once we start the process next time.

      What becoming a Trustee means

      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.

      And there will be a need to set aside time to read papers and prepare for meetings.

      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.

      Here’s what some of our current Trustees had to say:

      “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

      “YHA is doing brilliant work to create unforgettable experiences — and that’s all the more important with the challenges facing so many young people today. Being a Trustee has given me the opportunity to contribute to this vital work alongside colleagues in a diverse and multi-talented board. Together we’re helping build a stronger YHA for the future, to make our strapline a reality for even more young people: because where you go really does change who you become.”

      Rob – YHA Trustee

      “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

      What to expect from the recruitment process

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      Apply

      Submit your application by 9am on 19th July 2024

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      Shortlisting

      Applications will be reviewed by the nominations committee on 30th July 2024

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      Invite to interview

      Shortlisted applicants will be contacted by 2nd August 2024 to schedule an online interview

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      Interview

      Interviews will be held from 2nd to 4th September 2024

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      Invite to second stage

      Successful candidates to be put through to members vote will be contacted before 11th September 2024

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      Voting

      Electronic voting for positions will open to members from 29th September to 25th October 2024

      Have a question?

      If you have any questions about becoming a trustee, please email [email protected].

      Our rolesBecome a YHA Trustee