Trustee

The National Space Centre is a charity with a mission to get people excited about space and help develop the next generation of scientists and engineers. Its activities are overseen by a Board of Trustees who are also directors of the company known as National Space Centre (‘Trustco’).

It has a vacancy for the role of Trustee. To complement the skills of other Trustees, it is interested to hear from people working in the creative industries, the arts and in community initiatives; visitor attractions, museums and exhibitions; fundraising; equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility.

This document sets out the role of Trustee, its key responsibilities and the attributes expected of candidates interested in taking on this exciting opportunity.

The Role

The Board of Trustees is responsible for The Charity’s assets (buildings, estate and intellectual property) and for the delivery of the charitable object as agreed with the Charity Commission. Trustees set the long term vision and the business plan and review ‘performance against plan’.

The appointment is for a three year term.

The Board

The Board comprises 12-16 Trustees with an appropriate mix of skills, experiences and thought. It currently meets three times a year. In February it reviews the previous year’s performance. In July it considers substantive issues relating to its charitable vision and impact. In November it reviews the draft rolling three year business plan. It receives an additional three reports between meetings that keep Trustees abreast of progress.

Trustees may be asked to join committees including those relating to Operations, Audit and Remuneration. In addition there are occasional workshops and other opportunities to support the running of The Charity’s activities.

Trustees are invited to attend events from time to time throughout the year.

Trustees are unpaid but out-of-pocket expenses can be covered.

Key Responsibilities

The Trustee:

• Attends three Board meetings a year plus the AGM, which coincides with one of the meetings


• Ensures that The Charity’s activities are carried out in the fulfilment of the charitable object; oversees its ethos and values and ensures they are upheld


• Contributes to, and approves, The Charity’s Ten-Year Vision and the rolling Three Year Business Plan; reviews progress against plan; ensures that the asset is used effectively on behalf of The Charity’s beneficiaries and that all activities are run sustainably to the effect that The Charity is a going concern


• Joins committees at the request of The Chair


• Represents The Charity on formal and informal occasions, on and off site. Representation can include meetings and stakeholder engagement

Person Specification

Trustees could have a space, industrial, academic or charitable background. At this point in time there is a vacancy for someone representing the creative industries, the arts or community initiatives; visitor attractions, museums and exhibitions; equality, fundraising; diversity, inclusion and accessibility.

They may represent a charity stakeholder but must at all times act independently of it and declare interests as appropriate.

They will

• Be a credible operator with a successful track record in a relevant discipline; have skills and experience that can be drawn on to inform colleagues in areas of specific interest; understand how a board works and have the ability and confidence to communicate effectively in board meetings.


• Have a demonstrable affinity with The Charity’s vision but equally have the business acumen to assess its financial performance, challenge its accounts and ensure its long term sustainability


• Align with The Charity’s philosophy, values and reputation including its commitment to Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility


• Have outstanding written and oral communication skills


• Be available to attend meetings and events in Leicester with reasonable notice


• Have sufficient IT skills and the unfettered ability to join/chair meetings remotely via eg Microsoft Teams


• Have no conflicts of interest that would compromise performance in the role

How to apply

To apply please submit your CV and a covering letter.

(No agencies).

Closing date for completed applications is 12 Noon 12th September 2025.

Please note - We reserve the right to bring forward the closing date if we receive a suitable number of high-quality applications from which to make a shortlist. Therefore, we recommend that you apply as soon as possible rather than wait until the published closing date.

Further information about the National Space Centre may be found on our website www.spacecentre.co.uk