We are looking for keen and capable individuals to volunteer their time to be trustees of our organisation which works to protect international human rights and prevent torture.
Who we are
Omega Research Foundation is a national charity based in Manchester which monitors the international trade, manufacture and use of military, security and police equipment. Our research has been used to develop and monitor effective trade controls and standards, challenge questionable transfers and help torture survivor support groups seek legal redress from the companies producing such equipment. Our other educational work includes training to prevent the abuse of force by law enforcement agencies, including at protests.
What Trustees do
Our board of trustees leads the charity’s governance and management. This voluntary role does not involve a big time commitment but is essential for the charity to carry out its important work. You will work alongside people who share your values and gain valuable experience and skills. The role is unpaid but reasonable expenses are reimbursed, eg for travel (although recently most meetings are remote).
Never been a trustee? Don’t understand what trustees do? No academic qualifications? That’s not important. Trustees are given an induction and advice and support from staff and other trustees to help them undertake their role.
What matters is:
- A keen interest and commitment to human rights
- Support for the control of arms and prevention of torture and state abuse of force
- Good at engaging with others in discussions and decisions
- Able to read and assess reports and papers and simple accounting statements (help and advice can be provided and we access and share training and resources)
The areas considered by the Board of trustees include:
- Policy decisions on staff matters, data protection, funding etc
- Review of strategy, plans and progress
- Consideration of budgets, financial statements and accounts.
We encourage everyone interested in becoming a trustee to apply. We especially encourage applications from people with any of the following experience:
- Fundraising
- Legal Expertise
Survivors of torture or human rights violations can offer a valuable perspective on our work, and we would especially welcome applications from them.
Trustee Meetings
Trustees meet four times each year online or in our Manchester office. Meetings are midweek and last 2-3 hours. We schedule them according to trustee availability. We have one longer meeting of staff and trustees each year. These are held in Manchester and last 5-6 hours. All Trustees are able to join any meeting remotely if they wish.
Diversity
The Omega Board of Trustees seeks to represent all sectors of society and believes that a diverse board is stronger. We welcome applications from under-represented groups and a range of identities. We are keen to hear from and support applicants who are Black and Asian and/or who have disabilities. We are committed to continuing to educate ourselves and reflect on our experiences to ensure we are a supportive and inclusive organisation.
Further information
Please see our paper: Role of a Trustee, as part of the Trustee Information pack, for more information on what is involved. To find out more about us, look around our website or email Fiona: info@omegaresearchfoundation.org We are happy to arrange an informal chat by phone or other electronic means
How to apply
To apply, please write a covering letter explaining why you are interested in being an Omega trustee, and send this with your CV to: Fiona Gorton, Head of Finance and Operations at the email address above. Please respond by 23rd November. We expect interviews to be held in the week commencing 7th December.
If you have any difficulty in sending your application or need help, please contact us with your request. Do let us know of any reasonable adjustments you need to facilitate your participation in this process.