Trustee with Strategic Technology & Transformation expertise Freelance NEW

Comic Relief

Trustee with Strategic Technology & Transformation expertise

In-person or hybrid meetings 5 times a year

Hybrid/London, City of, UK

Role description

Trustees lead Comic Relief, using their skills, knowledge and experience to help Comic Relief achieve its vision and charitable purposes.

Data Tech and Digital Expertise

In addition to the skills and competencies set out below, it is expected that the Trustee with Strategic Technology and Transformation will have a level of expertise in some of the following areas:

• A demonstrable track record of using technology strategically to achieve ambitious organisational goals, whether in the corporate, technology or charitable sector.

• Significant executive or Board-level experience, with the ability to contribute to wider organisational strategy, governance and long-term sustainability.

• Experience of leading or overseeing technology-enabled organisational transformation, including changes to business models, culture and ways of working.

• A strong understanding of emerging technologies, particularly AI, data and digital platforms, and their potential to create new opportunities.

• The commercial and strategic acumen to connect technology investment with organisational outcomes and measurable impact.

• The confidence to challenge conventional thinking, ask difficult questions and help the Board anticipate future opportunities and risks.

Trustee Key responsibilities:

Trustees are responsible for effective management, strategy and governance of Comic Relief by:

• Understanding and supporting the work of the charity, including funding, fundraising and public engagement.

• Contributing actively to the Board in giving strategic direction to the charity, agreeing overall strategy, policy and targets, and evaluating performance thereon.

• Acting as an ambassador for Comic Relief and safeguarding its good name and values, being collectively responsible for the actions of the charity.

• Providing relevant input, experience and guidance to the Comic Relief executive team.

• Ensuring that Comic Relief manages its resources responsibly and operates within its means.

• Ensuring that Comic Relief takes reasonable steps to protect people who interact with the charity from harm, be it as a partner, beneficiary, member of staff, volunteer or in other ways connected to Comic Relief’s work.

• Ensuring that Comic Relief complies with applicable legislation, including charity law and company law.

• Using any specific skills, knowledge, or experience to help the Board reach sound decisions.

• Overseeing and supporting Comic Relief’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging ambitions and strategy and supporting Comic Relief to foster a culture that is inclusive and allows staff to thrive.

Skills and Competencies:

To undertake the above responsibilities, it is expected that Trustees will have some, but not necessarily all, of the following attributes:

• A commitment to Comic Relief’s vision and charitable purpose.

• A positive approach to challenge and the work of Comic Relief.

• Understanding of and commitment to the responsibilities and legal duties of being a Trustee.

• Understanding of the challenges facing Comic Relief in maximising income streams and public engagement

• An understanding of the diversity of communities and audiences in the UK and internationally, with a commitment to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.

• Excellent networking, influencing and communication skills.

Perks and benefits

• Flexible working hours
• Work from home option
• Life Insurance
• Wellness programs
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Additional parental leave
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
• Paid emergency leave
• Sabbatical Opportunities
• Professional development
• Paid volunteer days
• Salary sacrifice
• Team social events
• Extracurricular clubs
• Cycle to work scheme
• Free fruit
• Free soft drinks

Application process

To apply for this role, please visit our website and provide the following documents:

• CV – Please submit a PDF document labelled ‘CV’ with your name and the role title.

• Supporting statement – Please submit a PDF document (maximum one page) that outlines your interest in this role, and your link to Comic Relief’s vision of ‘A just world free from poverty’.

Closing: 11:55pm, 13th Nov 2026 GMT

Ways of working

Trustees live the values and behaviours of Comic Relief.

• Work collaboratively, with humour and focus.

• Recognise that diversity and inclusion are a source of strength.

• Avoid conflicts of interest or the appearance thereof, in accordance with Comic Relief’s Conflict of Interest Policy and Charity Commission guidance.

• Adhere to the highest standards of personal and professional behaviour in line with Comic Relief’s Code of Conduct.

Trustees are expected to:

• Attend at least 80% of annual Board meetings per year, Board away days, committing the same to the Committee of which they are a member.

• Be members of at least one Committee/Advisory Group, or alternatively hold a senior role on the Board, such as Vice Chair, Treasurer or Trustee responsible for safeguarding.

• Attend events in the year based on the annual calendar of events, including partner visits, fundraising and engagement events.

• Participate in the annual evaluation of Trustee and Board performance, including at the end of each of their 3-year terms on the Board prior to being considered for reappointment.

Terms of office

• Trustees are appointed for a term of three years, and can be reappointed, by mutual agreement, up to a maximum of 3 terms (9 years).

• Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed in line with policy.

Further Information

Interviews will take place on Monday 7th December between 14:00 – 17:30 and Tuesday 8th December between 09:00 – 11:00.

Short listed candidates will have the opportunity to meet informally with the Chief Executive Officer on Wednesday 2nd December between 09:00 – 17:00.

Two references will be required from the successful candidate, including one from a recent role.

Dates for the diary – 2027 Board meetings are scheduled as follows:

10th February 2027 from 14:00 – 18:00,

28th April 2027 from 14:00 – 18:00,

26th May 2027 from 09:00 – 17:00,

28th July 2027 from 14:00 – 18:00,

14th December 2027 from 14:00 – 18:00

We want our Board to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve and warmly welcome applications from people with a wide range of backgrounds, perspectives and lived experiences, particularly those currently underrepresented.