Guide us on our journey

Become a Trustee

Help shape the direction of YHA

Becoming a Trustee is hugely enjoyable and rewarding. As well as the opportunity to help shape the direction of YHA in line with our values, it offers the chance to meet and work with people outside of your sector or daily experience.

Our 15 Trustees hold overall legal responsibility for the charity. The Board is responsible for setting and overseeing the implementation of our strategy and for guiding the work of the charity in relation to areas such as impact, finance, risk management, buildings and property, hospitality, and organisational performance. The varied backgrounds of our Board allow for rich discussions, resulting in each Board member making valuable contributions.

YHA is a large national charity with access for all at its very heart. As a member of the Board, you will join an inclusive culture where different points of view are welcome and respected; where decisions are reached in a trusting, mutually respectful environment and healthy debate is part of the process.

Who we’re looking for

    We seek people with the skills and experience to guide and challenge the strategic direction of the whole organisation. Each year, we review the areas of expertise we seek to add to our Board.

    This year, we are particularly looking for candidates who can demonstrate one or more of the following desirable attributes:

    • experience in the hospitality, leisure, commercial or tourism sectors — particularly if you have helped shape or manage the organisation’s approach
    • strategic property experience gained within a multi-site environment inclusive of historic, residential, commercial, industrial or land real estate
    • strategic IT, cyber security and data protection experience

    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.

    YHA Trustee pack cover
    Download in English (PDF, 2.3MB)
    Trustee recruitment pack cover Welsh
    Lawrlwythwch yn Gymraeg (PDF, 2.3MB)

    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

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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.

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    What’s involved

    Becoming a Trustee is a serious undertaking but we believe it is hugely rewarding.

    The Board is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the strategy and guiding the work of the organisation in relation to areas such as finance, capital strategy, risk management, property, hospitality and organisational performance.

    Board members must be able to work collaboratively, listen to other points of view and offer constructive challenge and criticism.

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    Your commitment

    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.

    New Trustees will also need to commit to our induction programme which includes online sessions and a half-day face-to-face session in the network with our team.

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

    “It gives young people the opportunity to have adventures, to meet other people, to really get to know themselves, and to get to know the environment in which they live. It’s a wonderful safe space in which you can really discover things and start to think about how you want to live as a person and make your contribution.”

    Graham – YHA Trustee

    “I think being a Trustee is personally rewarding. You get a great buzz from thinking through the challenges that the organisation has — both in managing an extensive network of hostels but also in ensuring we get the maximum benefit into young people’s lives.”

    Simon – 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

    What to expect from the application 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].

    Get in touch
    Our rolesBecome a YHA Trustee