*Closes 07th April*
The Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust (JRCT) wishes to appoint a new co-opted member to join our Northern Ireland Committee from May 2026, to provide specialist expertise and advice to support our grantmaking programme in Northern Ireland.
RCT is an independent, endowed, charitable foundation based in York, England, with its roots in the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers). The Trust has five established programmes (Peace and Security; Power and Accountability; Rights and Justice; Sustainable Future; Northern Ireland) through which it distributes resources across the UK. Each programme is overseen by a committee, comprised of trustees, staff and co-opted members who are selected for their relevant expertise. The Northern Ireland Committee currently comprises two members of staff, one member of JRCT’s board of trustees and four additional local co-opted committee members.
The Northern Ireland grants programme supports work in three areas.
These are:
1) strengthening human rights and equality;
2) reimagining society;
3) cultivating peace and reconciliation. A detailed grants policy can be viewed here.
We are a responsive grant-maker, and we believe that the knowledge required to bring about justice sits with those who are already doing the work. The Trust does not take a position on the constitutional arrangements within the island of Ireland, but recognises the strong historical, cultural and practical links between Britain, Northern Ireland, and Ireland.
What is involved?
The role of co-opted members is to complement the committee’s expertise on Northern Ireland, by offering specialist knowledge and experience of one or more of the programme’s areas of focus.
The main work of the committee is assessing grant applications. Co-opted members are fully involved in this process. This role requires a total commitment of around six days of meetings per year as outlined below, plus some additional time for other activities.
The committee meets three times per year, typically in February, May and November. These meetings usually take place in Belfast, but other locations are a possibility.
In addition to attending the committee meetings, co-optees are expected and encouraged to participate in assessment meetings with applicants. Other activities that co-opted members engage in include reading and commenting on applications, as well as collective learning and programme development sessions.
The appointment would be for three years in the first instance, with the possibility of renewal for a further period of three years. This is a voluntary role, but all reasonable expenses are paid – including travel, accommodation and childcare if required. We will also meet claims towards loss of earnings incurred as a result of working for the Trust, at a day rate of £475.
Person Specification
The Northern Ireland Committee is seeking a co-optee who will be able to contribute effectively to the full range of the committee’s work. Given the current make-up of the committee, the Trust is particularly interested in attracting individuals who have expertise in the following areas: knowledge and experience of conflict transformation; knowledge and experience of efforts to end paramilitarism in NI; knowledge and experience of efforts to combat systemic racism in NI; understanding of equality, inclusion and human rights within marginalised communities in NI.
Co-optees are expected to have some understanding of the voluntary sector, but could themselves be working in, or have a background in, any sector. We aim to ensure the committee is as diverse as possible, including men and women, younger people as well as older, and people from different minoritised communities. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified people.
Co-optees should be in sympathy with the Quaker values of the Trust, which include a commitment to equality and the worth of every individual, to nonviolence, and to honesty and integrity. JRCT would welcome applications from Quakers, but this is by no means a requirement.
Please note
JRCT operates a conflict of interest policy in respect of all its programme areas. Applicants for this role are requested to fully disclose professional associations with any former or current JRCT grantees. Ideally, the Trust seeks to appoint individuals who are not directly involved with organisations that are likely to seek funding from the Trust.
If you would like an informal discussion about the role, please contact Tim Jones, on tim.jones@jrct.org.uk.
How to apply
To apply, please send us:
· Your contact details, including email address
· A brief statement, of approximately 250 words, describing what you would bring to the role
· A current CV
Please send us this information by email to: tim.jones@jrct.org.uk
The closing date for receipt of applications is 9am on Tuesday 7 April 2026. All applications will be acknowledged. If we are interested in appointing you, we will arrange an interview to discuss this further. Interviews will take place in April, and the role will begin in May.
