Trustees
English PEN Closing date: Mon, 23 Mar 2026
Artform: Charity
Role: Creative
Contract: Contract
UK-wide
- Part time
- Unpaid
- Apply now
Wed, 11 Mar 2026 "> published -
Job Summary
English PEN is recruiting for three Trustees to support us in our mission to protect the freedom to write and the freedom to read around the world. All Trustees engage in supporting fundraising for the organisation and experience in this area would be of particular interest.
Job Description
As a Trustee, you will contribute to the strategic objectives of English PEN and provide guidance to ensure we meet our mission and goals. All Trustees engage in supporting fundraising for the organisation and experience in this area would be of particular interest. We are now keen to add to the strengths of the existing Board with three Trustees who have the following skills and areas of interest: Broadcasting and media - a professional with experience in television, radio, podcasting or digital broadcasting. Communications, marketing and social media - a strategic communicator with expertise in audience growth, digital engagement and brand development. Writer development - a literary professional, editor or writer with experience of mentoring, facilitating workshops and/or supporting emerging voices.
Job Requirements
We welcome applications from those with and without previous Trustee experience. If you are new to governance positions and interested in this role, we are happy to provide training to ensure you feel confident and fully briefed in the responsibilities of UK charity Trustees. This is a voluntary position. You may be based anywhere in the UK (travel expenses will be reimbursed), but you must have the right to work in the UK. Trustees are appointed to a four-year term of office, and there is the possibility of serving for a further four-year term. You will be expected to attend four Board meetings a year, with the potential for further working group meetings, training and events as appropriate. While the role is unpaid, pre-agreed travel and other reasonable expenses will be covered by English PEN.
Job Responsibilities
Determining the overall direction and development of English PEN through good governance and clear strategic planning Ensuring that English PEN and its representatives act in accordance with the legal and regulatory framework of the sector and English PEN's governing document, continually striving for best practice in governance Ensuring the financial stability of the organisation and the proper investment of funds through individual donations and any public grants Using specific skills, knowledge and experience to help the Board of Trustees reach sound decisions For further information, please see the linked Trustee Application Pack.
Useful Links
Job Overview
- Job Title: Trustees
- Salary: Unpaid
- Hours: Part time
- Artform: Charity
- Role: Creative
- Contract: Contract
- Closing date: Mon, 23 Mar 2026
- Location: UK-wide
How to Apply
Apply by email to [email protected].
Please send a CV and a short covering note explaining which role you are interested in and why you would like to become a Trustee of English PEN (no more than one side of A4) and complete the Equality Monitoring Form.
For a confidential discussion about the role, please contact Ruth Borthwick (Chair) at [email protected].
About English PEN
English PEN is the founding centre of PEN International, a worldwide writers’ association with 130 centres in more than 90 countries. We work to promote literature and the right to freedom of expression through a range of campaigns, events, projects, and publications.