Join our Board of Trustees

About the Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees sets our strategic direction and ensures efficient and effective governance and management through IOSH's Chief Executive and the Senior Leadership Team.

The Board is legally responsible for all our activities, assets, results and compliance with our charity’s objects, our governing documents and all relevant legislation and regulation.

There are 11 trustees on the Board, made up of the Chair (independent and not a member of IOSH), five Corporate Members of IOSH and five independent trustees, who are not members of IOSH. Trustees are appointed to the Board by our Council.

The Board of Trustees is supported by committees for finance and investment, performance and development, audit and risk, policy and standards and people and remuneration. Each committee is chaired by a Trustee.

What's involved?

You'll be contributing to strategic discussion and decision making. It's a great way to:

• show your abilities and develop your skills
• expand your network and influence
• give something back to your profession.

Being a Trustee is a responsible position with six main duties. You will need to ensure we:

• carry out our charitable purpose for the public benefit
• comply with our governing document and the law
• act in our best interests
• manage our resources responsibly
• act with reasonable care and skill
• ensure we are accountable.

Skills and experience

You must be able to demonstrate strategic vision, commercial acumen and excellent communication skills.

We're keen to hear from candidates with experience in the areas of:

• equality, diversity and inclusion
• international development
• risk management, and
• regulated environments.

For one vacancy, we are looking for someone with experience in audits, risk management and knowledge of risk-management systems.

The other vacancy is for someone to enhance the Board’s capacity in regulation and international development. This person will need an understanding of change management, UK membership standards and assessing organisational performance.

We are keen to encourage applications from people from a wide range of backgrounds to ensure we have a diverse and inclusive Board.

This is an opportunity for us to bring a fresh perspective to the Board. We are committed to supporting people with the potential to grow into these roles.

Who can apply?

You must be a Corporate Member of IOSH to apply for these vacancies. Corporate Members are:

• Chartered Members (CMIOSH)
• Chartered Fellows (CFIOSH)
• Retired Members and Retired Fellows (former Chartered Members and Chartered Fellows who have retired from health and safety practice).

Time commitment

The time commitment averages at one day per month. You're expected to:

• attend four board meetings per year (generally held in February, May, August and November. Meetings are a mix of face-to-face, virtual and hybrid)
• attend two development days per year
• participate in committee meetings
• engage with IOSH when required and attend events and functions.

The term of office is three years. Trustees are usually appointed for a period of three years, with eligibility for a second three-year term (maximum of six years). Terms can be slightly different if there is a need to stagger them to maintain continuity.

The role is unpaid, however reasonable expenses will be paid.