LAY TRUSTEE (COMMERCIAL LEAD)

Purpose of the Role

The Commercial Lead will play a key role in helping the organisation to think more strategically and confidently about commercial income generation. This includes identifying and shaping opportunities for sponsorship, corporate partnerships, and other forms of collaboration with businesses that align with the charity’s purpose and values. The postholder will support the Board and Executive to explore how external relationships can be translated into sustainable income streams, enhanced reach, and mutual value, while ensuring that all such activity is ethically grounded and consistent with the organisation’s public benefit obligations. Please note that this role is an advisory one, and as such it is thus a non-voting role.

Responsibilities as a Trustee

As a Trustee, the postholder shares collective responsibility with the Board to:

• Provide strategic direction for the organisation
• Monitor delivery of the Vision and Annual Operating Plan
• Ensure financial sustainability and robustness
• Assure themselves that financial and qualitative information is accurate
• Ensure effective systems of risk management and control
• Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory obligations
• Contribute to CEO appointment, performance management, and succession planning
• Act in the best interests of the charity and its beneficiaries
• Act as an ambassador for the organisation

Additional Responsibilities: Commercial Lead

In addition to the core trustee responsibilities, the Commercial Lead will:

Strategic Commercial Insight

• Provide expert advice and constructive challenge on commercial strategy and
  income generation
• Support the Board in balancing mission and commercial opportunity appropriately
• Bring an external perspective on market trends, partnerships, and revenue models
  
  Commercial Partnerships
• Support the identification and development of sponsorship opportunities and corporate partnerships that align with the organisation’s mission and values
• Provide strategic input on how to engage effectively with businesses to create mutually beneficial collaborations
• Advise on approaches to securing income through sponsorship, joint initiatives, and other partnership models
• Bring insight into what motivates corporate partners, including brand alignment, social value, and reputational benefit

Support the Board in ensuring appropriate governance, ethical standards, and reputational safeguards in all commercial relationships

• Where appropriate, use personal networks to open doors to potential partners or collaborator

Income Generation & Diversification

• Identify and help evaluate new income streams (e.g. services, partnerships ventures)
• Support development of sustainable, ethical commercial opportunities aligned to charitable objectives
• Advise on pricing strategies, value propositions, and market positioning where appropriate

Property & Asset Optimisation

• Provide strategic input on the use of organisational assets, including owned
  property
• Support exploration of opportunities such as leasing, co-location,redevelopment, or alternative use
• Ensure asset decisions are financially sound and aligned to long-term strategy

Partnerships & Networks

• Leverage personal networks where appropriate to support commercial opportunities
• Provide insight into potential partnerships across private and public sectors
• Support relationship-building with key external stakeholders

Risk & Governance

• Ensure commercial activities are underpinned by appropriate governance, risk  assessment, and ethical consideration
• Support the Board in understanding the risks associated with commercial ventures
• Ensure that commercial decisions remain consistent with charitable purpose and public benefit

Person Specification

• Essential
  Significant senior experience in commercial, business development, or strategic roles (private, public, or social enterprise sectors)
• Strong understanding of revenue generation, financial sustainability, and market dynamics
• Experience of identifying and developing commercial opportunities
• Strategic thinker with the ability to balance opportunity and risk
• Commitment to the values and purpose of the organisation
• Ability to operate effectively at Board level, providing support and constructive challenge

Desirable

• Experience of working with or advising charities or not-for-profit organisations
• Experience in property strategy, asset management, or estates optimisation
• Understanding of governance in a regulated environment
• Established professional networks relevant to partnership or income generation opportunities

Commitment

The time commitment is consistent with that of a General Trustee and is expected to be not less than one day per month, including:

• Attendance at Board meetings (four per year)
• Participation in relevant committees (e.g. Finance & Resources)
• Preparation for meetings and ad hoc support as required

Key Considerations

• The role is advisory and strategic rather than operational
• The Commercial Lead does not replace executive responsibility but enhances Board capability
• All trustees, including the Commercial Lead, share collective responsibility for decisions