With origins dating back to 1698, The Hampstead Wells and Campden Trust (HWCT or the Trust) is a grant-making endowed charity whose objectives are the alleviation of poverty and the advancement of health within North Camden (from Kilburn High Road to Hampstead Heath).

National statistics indicate that North Camden, especially parts of Kilburn, Gospel Oak and Haverstock Ward, has some of the most disadvantaged areas in London. The charity makes grants to organisations, individuals and families. A small number of older local residents receive regular pension awards. Current areas of high priority for the Trust are debt, homelessness and mental health. 

HWCT annually distributes a grants budget of approximately £350,00 to £500,000.

HWCT has a committed Trustee Board and is always looking to bring in new perspectives and areas of experience or expertise that that will enable it to help its stakeholders over the short and longer term.

New Trustees will have a strong alignment with the vision and mission of HWCT to help alleviate poverty and ill health, contribute to good decision-making and help the Trust grow.

In addition to Board meetings, Trustees are expected to join either the Grants or Finance Committee and provide advice on an ad hoc basis to the Director. Trustees will be expected to use their knowledge and experience to help the Board reach sound decisions and to keep informed about, and support, the Trust’s activities. 

HWCT is seeking new Trustees who want to support its aims ie the alleviation of poverty and the advancement of health. Applicants should have relevant knowledge and experience to offer in any one of the following areas to help the charity with its growth:

• Poverty alleviation and / or addressing health (including mental health) issues: HWCT seeks several new Trustees who understand how voluntary and community sector organisations work in the fields of poverty alleviation and / or health issues, and can advise on these issues and strategic decision making around them. 
• Financial management: HWCT seeks a candidate with broad financial acumen to be part of the Trustee team overseeing financial, accounting, investment and audit policies and practices, offering advice and best practice with regard to financial controls and risk management. Investment experience would be beneficial but is not essential.  
• HR / Legal from a commercial background: This candidate will either have a background in human resources policies and procedures or have experience of law and compliance to advise and provide scrutiny to the Board as the Trust looks towards ensuring its long-term sustainability and resilience. This Trustee would be a member of the Finance Committee.

HWCT encourages applications from those candidates who are looking to take on their first Trustee role. Existing Trustees all have a local connection, partly to understand the needs of the area, know its institutions and also so they can easily meet with potential beneficiaries and other stakeholders in the local community as and when necessary.

The appointment is for a three-year term, which can be renewed at the discretion of the Board. The Board meets four times per year (early evening) and Trustees usually also sit on one of the Trust’s Committees (Grants Committee or Finance, Investment and Administration Committee) which involves an additional quarterly meeting, sometimes in the daytime. This role is unremunerated but reasonable, pre-agreed travel expenses can be reimbursed.

Meetings are usually held in person and in Hampstead and are occasionally online, as agreed by Trustees and depending on circumstances.

As a charity serving a very diverse community, HWCT welcomes applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability. It is particularly keen to improve the diversity of the Board and ensure that it is representative of the communities it supports. Those of working age, non graduate, and from an ethnic minority background are currently under-represented on the Board, and applications from such individuals are encouraged. All appointments will be made on merit, following a fair and transparent process. In line with the Equality Act 2010, however, the organisation may employ positive action where candidates from underrepresented groups can demonstrate their ability to perform the role equally well.