The Rowland Hill Fund, established in 1882, strives to improve the lives of postal people. It offers financial grants to those facing homelessness, life-changing health challenges or unexpected financial difficulties. Cases have included mortgage payments for a family whose son underwent life-changing stem cell treatment, funding for a mobility scooter for a mother with complex health issues, and counselling for a postman experiencing mental health issues.

Applications for support are welcomed from those working or have worked from:

• Royal Mail
• Post Office Ltd
• Parcelforce Worldwide
• Royal Mail Property & Facilities Solutions

2020 / 2021 marked a record-breaking year for grant giving. It distributed £820,351 to beneficiaries, a 98.7% increase on the previous year’s total of £412,860. Of this, £496,032 was awarded for COVID-19 specific cases. It supported 486 postal people, a 50% increase on the previous year.

Whilst a small charity, the fund has ambitious reach. Its fundraiser ambassadors are integral to its success, hosting a variety of events including cake bakes, races, quizzes, auctions and book launches. Based on the current economic climate, the Rowland Hill Fund seeks to prioritise the services and funding it can directly provide, or cases it can signpost toward by collaborating with other charities. It recognises that by working with other organisations with alternative services, the Rowland Hill Fund can expand its reach, and help workers with complex needs.

The Rowland Hill Fund seeks to appoint two Trustees with a strong alignment with its vision and mission who, in addition to formal Board and committee meetings, will be willing to undertake informal engagement with the charity and its executive team.

Responsibilities of the Trustee may include:

• Contributing to the Board’s collective role in setting the charity’s strategic direction and providing effective oversight of its operation and governance
• Ensuring that the charity uses its resources in line with its charitable objects
• Carrying out the core responsibilities of charity governance, as set out in Charity Commission Guidance and the Charity Governance Code
• Safeguarding the reputation and values of the charity and have an active concern for diversity and inclusion, and a commitment to increasing the impact of the charity
• Acting as an ambassador for the charity and using their networks to promote its work
• Attending and engaging in training and events as required

Trustees play an essential role in the Rowland Hill Fund's future success, working closely with the Board and Executive team, bringing independence, external skills, perspectives and challenges to financial and strategy development. 

The first of these Trustees will have senior-level charity experience. They will use their experience and skills to advise, challenge and support the Executive team to help determine the strategy, financial stability and growth of the organisation. In addition they will be able to provide valuable insight to help achieve goals and contribute proactively in Trustee and Board meetings. 

For the second Trustee, the Rowland Hill Fund is keen to hear from individuals who have experience in digital media and marketing at a senior-level role. This Trustee will provide expert guidance in devising and implementing comprehensive marketing content, engagement and communications strategy across media platforms to increase its charitable reach and brand awareness. In terms of specific skillsets, this Trustee will have experience devising and implementing comprehensive digital marketing content, and be able to assist in the community engagement and communications strategy across social media platforms to increase its reach and brand awareness. The Rowland Hill Fund is keen to hear from individuals from all sectors, regardless of how much experience they have within the charity sector. 

Trustees for this appointment will act as ambassadors of the fund, and the Rowland Hill Fund welcomes applications from individuals who have not previously held non-executive roles before. It values and is keen to increase the diversity of the Board, to ensure it is fully representative of the users of its services. Please see the Diversity section below for more information.

The Trustees support the work of the Fund and provides leadership and strategic governance.

Dale Haddon, Chair
David Blake
Ernie Dudley
Ian McKnight
Louise Alexander
Mel Tomlin
Richard Poole
Rodney Jagelman
Dr Shaun Davis

The Board meets four times per year in central London, adopting a hybrid approach where meetings are attended in-person, but flexible and can be joined virtually on some cases. Trustees also review cases on a time-tabled basis. Trustees give their services on an honorary basis but are eligible to claim expenses reasonably incurred in the performance of their duties, including pre-agreed and reasonable travel expenses. Although not a requirement, Trustees may be asked to attend fundraising events in addition to the duties provided in their role.

When in person, Board meetings will be held in central London. Successful candidates will therefore be UK-based.

The Rowland Hill Fund welcomes applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability. As individuals with disabilities and from ethnic minority groups are currently under-represented on the Board, applications from those candidates would be particularly 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 diverse candidates can demonstrate their ability to perform the role equally well.