CAFOD - Trustee Recruitment

CAFOD, the official international aid agency of the Catholic Church in England and Wales and part of the global Caritas network, is seeking new Trustees to strengthen our Board’s governance, oversight and accountability.

Working alongside local organisations and communities worldwide, CAFOD tackles poverty, responds to humanitarian emergencies, and campaigns for a more just and sustainable future. Guided by Catholic social teaching, we work to build a world where every person can live with dignity and hope.

As a Trustee, you will be a custodian of CAFOD’s Vision, Mission and Values, helping to ensure that our strategic vision is effectively delivered and that the resources entrusted to us are used with probity, accountability and good governance. You will provide constructive challenge, independent judgement and effective oversight to help CAFOD maximise its impact.

We are particularly interested in candidates with expertise in one or more of the following areas:

Financial and organisational governance
Experience in financial oversight and accountability, corporate or charity governance, budgeting and financial planning, statutory reporting, revenue and cost management, internal control, compliance or broader financial, commercial or charity management.

International development, humanitarian response and risk
Experience of international development or emergency and humanitarian work, including security and risk management in conflict-affected settings, ideally in Africa.

Fundraising and income strategy
Experience of developing and managing a diverse income portfolio, particularly public fundraising, individual giving, legacies, community fundraising and major donor engagement.

Alongside relevant expertise, we are looking for Trustees who share CAFOD’s goals, ethos, culture and values and who can demonstrate strategic and analytical thinking, sound independent judgement and the ability to work effectively as part of a Trustee team.

Time commitment and term

The expected commitment is about 10 days per year, including four Board meetings, two online and two in person. Trustees will usually also serve on one of CAFOD’s three committees, with committee membership aligned to their principal area of expertise.

The standard term is four years, renewable once.

The Trustee position is unpaid; however, reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in carrying out the role will be reimbursed.

Diversity and inclusion

CAFOD is committed to building a Board that reflects the breadth and diversity of the communities we serve and support. We welcome applications from people with a wide range of backgrounds, identities, experiences and perspectives, and particularly encourage applications from those whose voices and lived experiences are currently underrepresented in charity governance.

CAFOD is committed to a safe, inclusive and supportive culture where everyone is respected. We will make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process to ensure candidates with disabilities or individual needs are fully supported.

How to apply

Please read the information pack for further details about CAFOD, the role and our Board of Trustees – CAFOD Trustee Pack 2026

To apply, please send a summary CV and covering letter outlining your relevant areas of expertise and what you would contribute to CAFOD’s Board to:

cmcgill-sharpe@cafod.org.uk

Closing date: Monday 30 November 2026