Trustees

Susan's Farm is seeking to appoint additional Trustees who share the charity's passion and commitment to transforming lives through purposeful outdoor activity. We welcome applications from people with a wide range of backgrounds, skills, experiences and perspectives, including those who may be new to trustee roles but who are committed to our mission and values.

Our Vision

“people's lives are transformed by working together in purposeful outdoor activity so they can reach their full potential.”

About Susan's Farm

Susan's Farm CIO is a registered charity delivering educational opportunities through a 140-acre organic, pasture-fed livestock farm in North East Cumbria. We work with children, young people and adults through farming, nature and rural activities, providing opportunities that promote wellbeing, confidence, learning and personal development.

The charity operates across its main farm at Houghton, its farm at Wallacefield, Armathwaite, and a wetland site at Aglionby. It also sells its farm produce through direct sales, online and at local markets.

About the Board

Trustees are collectively responsible for the governance and strategic direction of Susan's Farm. The Trustee Board ensures that the charity remains focused on its charitable purposes, operates in accordance with its governing document and legal obligations, and uses its resources effectively to deliver positive outcomes for beneficiaries. There are three sub-committees: Care & Learning, Finance & Resources and Farming.

Annual income 2025/26 approximately £365K, number of staff 10, all part-time, operating from three sites with Managing Director in post since February 2026.

Trustees are expected to provide constructive support and challenge to the leadership while maintaining appropriate boundaries between governance and day-to-day operational management.

Trustee Role Purpose

The role of the Board is to ensure that Susan's Farm fulfils its duties to the children, young people and adults we work with and delivers its vision, mission and values. Trustees act collectively and must make decisions in the best interests of the charity.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to the development of the charity's vision, strategy and long-term sustainability;
• Ensure the charity complies with its governing document, charity law and other relevant legal and regulatory requirements;
• Safeguard the charity's assets, reputation and resources;
• Monitor performance and ensure charitable funds are used effectively and appropriately;
• Promote high standards of governance, integrity and accountability;
• Support effective risk management and financial oversight;
• Ensure appropriate arrangements are in place to safeguard children, young people and vulnerable adults;
• Act in the best interests of Susan's Farm and manage any actual, potential or perceived conflicts of interest appropriately;
• Support and challenge the leadership team constructively while respecting the distinction between governance and operational management;
• Act as an ambassador for Susan's Farm and help develop positive relationships with children, young people and adults, supporters, partners and the wider community.

Skills, Knowledge and Experience

The Board welcomes applications from individuals with a wide range of skills, knowledge, qualifications, professional expertise and lived experience. Applicants are not expected to possess all of the skills listed on the application form. The skills matrix is intended to help the Board understand the contribution each applicant may bring and to support future induction, training and succession planning.

Trustee Commitment

Trustees are appointed for an initial three-year term of office and may be eligible for reappointment in accordance with the charity's governing document.

Trustee Board meetings are normally held every quarter. Trustees are expected to attend meetings, read papers in advance and contribute actively to Board discussions.

Additional time may be required for occasional working groups, committee work, events, strategy sessions, training or specific areas of responsibility.

Time commitment is around 6-10 hours a month, for roles such as Treasurer the time commitment may increase to 10 to 14 hours a month.

There is no payment for the role, but reasonable expenses incurred in carrying out trustee duties will be reimbursed.

Safeguarding, Conduct and Conflicts of Interest

Trustees are expected to uphold high standards of conduct, confidentiality and integrity. They must comply with Susan's Farm's policies and procedures, including those relating to safeguarding, conflicts of interest, confidentiality, health and safety and equality, diversity and inclusion.

Trustees must declare any actual, potential or perceived conflicts of interest and act solely in the best interests of Susan's Farm when making decisions.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Susan's Farm is committed to building a diverse and inclusive Board that reflects a broad range of skills, experiences and perspectives. We welcome applications from all sections of the community and recognise that valuable contributions can come from personal, professional, voluntary and lived experience.

Support for Trustees

Successful applicants will receive an induction programme, access to relevant policies and procedures, and ongoing opportunities for learning and development to help them fulfil their trustee responsibilities effectively.

To arrange an informal chat about the role please contact Marilyn Croser: [email protected] / t. 01228 548336

Closing date: 5pm on 14th December 2026
Shortlisting will take place 15th – 22nd December
Interviews are to take place 11th to 22nd January 2027

We will aim to confirm Trustee appointments at the Board meeting on 15th February 2027.