Clergy Support Trust is the largest and oldest benevolent charity for Anglican clergy and their dependants. Founded in 1655 and with assets of over £100m, the charity provides financial grants and other forms of support to serving and retired ministers, ordinands, and clergy families. In 2023 it supported almost 3,000 households with almost £6m in grants, as well as providing a range of other support. In a period of rapid growth and significant change, the Trust is at a hugely exciting juncture, as it seeks to develop more and better programmes and partnerships, serving and supporting those who are, in their daily ministry, called to serve and support others.

The charity operates across the UK and Ireland (England, Scotland, Wales, and both Northern and the Republic of Ireland), including the Diocese of Europe, the Diocese of Sodor & Man, and the Channel Islands. As such, it holds a unique and much-valued place within the Churches of England and Ireland, the Church in Wales, and the Scottish Episcopal Church. Although the charity’s relationships with the Churches are important, the Trust is proudly independent, and offers a confidential service to those seeking its help. Its regular impact surveys prove the significant value of that service to serving and retired clergy, and their dependants; however, it is keen to do more, and to do it better. The 2022-25 strategy sets out an ambitious direction of travel, including new programmes as part of an expanding offer. 

For full details, please visit -https://www.clergysupport.org.uk/key-documents

The Trust’s Investment Committee has responsibility for overseeing the management of its assets of about £100m. Key elements of this are developing an investment strategy which meets the Trust’s needs in the short, medium and long term, and appointing and overseeing the performance of four professional asset managers. The Committee currently consists of three Trustees and two non-Trustee members. The Committee meets four times per year, usually in hybrid format with some attendees online and others in the Trust’s London office.

General Responsibilities of an Independent Member of the Investment Committee: 

• Provide strategic guidance and direction for the Clergy Support Trust investment portfolio, ensuring alignment with the organisation's financial objectives and risk tolerance.
• Contribute to the development and review of investment policies and guidelines, including asset allocation strategies, investment benchmarks, and ethical investment considerations.
• Participate in the selection and evaluation of investment managers, conducting due diligence on their track record, investment philosophy, and performance metrics.
• Review the charity's investment portfolio, assessing performance against established benchmarks, risk metrics, and investment guidelines.
• Identify and assess investment risks, including market risks, liquidity risks, and manager-specific risks, and implement appropriate risk management strategies to safeguard the charity's assets.
• Consider ethical and social responsibility factors in investment decision-making, ensuring alignment with the charity's mission, values, and stakeholder expectations.
• Ensure compliance with relevant regulations, legal requirements, and best practices governing investment management for charities, maintaining transparency and accountability in investment processes.
• Stay informed about market trends, investment best practices, and regulatory developments, and share insights with fellow committee members and stakeholders to enhance investment knowledge and decision-making capabilities.
• Fulfil fiduciary responsibilities by acting in the best interests of the Clergy Support Trust, exercising prudence, diligence, and loyalty in all investment-related decisions and actions.

Clergy Support Trust is seeking a new Independent Member of the Investment Committee. This individual will bring a background as a fund manager.

Candidates will have had direct responsibility for portfolio management and asset allocation, rather than operating as an advisor / analyst within the sector. Prior experience of ethical investment would be strongly beneficial. Candidates will have operated at a senior level, bringing sufficient experience and stature to be able to hold the charity's third party fund managers to account.

Prior investment committee or charity experience is not required.

Richard Farmbrough, Chair
Revd Nancy Goodrich
Constance Chinhengo
The Revd Canon Simon Butler
Adam Chamberlain
Martin Cooper
Jeremy Hargreaves
Dr Mayo Marcus
Anna McDonald
Mr Stephen Slack
The Most Revd Patricia Storey

Members of Investment Committee:

Mr Adam Chamberlain
Anna Macdonald
Jeremy Hargreaves
Bill Seddon (Non-Trustee Member)
Christopher Hancock (Non-Trustee Member)

This role is unremunerated, and reasonable, pre-agreed domestic travel expenses will be reimbursed. The Investment Committee meets for hybrid meetings on a quarterly basis. 

This organisation is based in London. Clergy Support Trust welcomes applicants from across the areas it serves, and who are able to join meetings in London four times per year. Candidates will therefore be UK or Ireland-based.