Role Number: 8272

Be part of a global movement working towards a radically better world

Oxfam is a global community of people who believe in a kinder, and radically better world, where everyone has the power to thrive not just survive. Oxfam GB is a member of the international confederation Oxfam, working together in over 70 countries around the world. Oxfam GB is one of the 22 affiliates that make up the Oxfam confederation. We work together to overcome the injustice of poverty. As a confederation, we work together with more than 2,500 partner organisations, as well as allies and communities. From humanitarian response in crisis settings to long-term development and systems change, Oxfam partners with communities worldwide to ensure people can thrive, not merely survive.

Oxfam GB is entering a period of Board renewal, alongside confederation reform and organisational transformation. This is a pivotal moment to strengthen governance capability for the years ahead.

We are currently seeking up to four new Trustees to join the Board. Trustees will provide strategic oversight, safeguard financial sustainability and risk management, and uphold the highest standards of integrity and accountability. You will: Shape long-term strategy and organisational direction, provide constructive challenge and support to the Chief Executive and leadership team, strengthen governance, safeguarding and risk oversight and contribute to international engagement.

You will be a senior leader with experience of operating at board or executive level within a complex organisation. You will understand the distinction between governance and management, and be confident contributing strategic oversight while offering constructive challenge and support to executive leadership. Experience of working in international, multi-stakeholder or networked environments will be valuable, particularly where accountability, risk and reputation require careful stewardship.

We are particularly interested in individuals who bring expertise in areas such as safeguarding and ethics; finance, audit and risk; digital and data governance; humanitarian or development leadership; Global South insight; and retail.

We would also consider people with experience of confederated governance structures, economics, and fundraising. However, beyond any specific specialism, you will demonstrate sound judgement, the ability to interpret financial and performance information, and a track record of strengthening systems, culture and accountability in complex settings.

Personally, you will bring credibility, independence of mind and the confidence to ask difficult questions when required. You will be collaborative in style, capable of listening well, influencing thoughtfully and contributing to a Board culture grounded in inclusion, accountability and empowerment. A clear commitment to Oxfam’s mission, feminist leadership principles and safeguarding standards is essential, as is the learning agility to operate effectively in a rapidly changing global context.

The deadline for applications is Monday 27th April, 9:00am BST.

Time Commitment

1. Your commitment will typically range between 12–24 days per year.
2. We encourage active participation, and Trustees often choose to contribute additional time.
3. Trustees typically attend four Board meetings per year (usually in Oxford, with some virtual), an annual strategy away day, serve on at least one Committee, and undertake one international programme visit every three years.
4. The initial term of office is three years, with the possibility of reappointment for a further three-year term.

What Oxfam Offers Trustees

1. A rigorous induction and ongoing governance development
2. Mentorship from an experienced Trustee during your first year
3. Exposure to global programme work and international partnerships
4. The opportunity to contribute to systemic change at scale

This is an unpaid role, but reasonable expenses (such as for travel and childcare) are paid for attendance at Board and Committee meetings and other Trustee activities, in accordance with our expenses policy.

Perrett Laver will conduct an executive search process in parallel with the public advertisement of the role. Longlisted candidates will be invited to interview with Perrett Laver in early-May and the Selection Panel will subsequently meet to decide upon a final shortlist for the post in late-May, following which, interviews with Oxfam will take place in June. If you require any reasonable adjustments to assist you in the selection process, please advise us of these so that we can make appropriate arrangements.

If you require any reasonable adjustments to assist you in the selection process, please advise us of these so that we can make appropriate arrangements.

Protecting your personal data is of the utmost importance to Perrett Laver and we take this responsibility very seriously. Any information obtained by our trading divisions is held and processed in accordance with the relevant data protection legislation. The data you provide us with is securely stored on our computerised database and transferred to our clients for the purposes of presenting you as a candidate and/or considering your suitability for a role you have registered interest in.

Perrett Laver is a Data Controller and a Data Processor, and our legal basis for processing your personal data is ‘Legitimate Interests’. You have the right to object to us processing your data in this way. For more information about this, your rights, and our approach to Data Protection and Privacy, please visit our website https://perrettlaver.com/privacy-statement/

Accessibility Statement

To confidentially get in touch about this role please email, George.Hourmouzios@perrettlaver.com

Should you require access to these documents in alternative formats, please contact Freya.Coombes@perrettlaver.com

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