Youth Board

Background and role description
THE CHAMBERLAIN HIGHBURY TRUST has vacancies for Youth Board Members aged 16-25 years to support the work of the Trust and offer education and youth perspectives on the work of the Trust.
This independent charitable Trust was established in 2015 to restore Highbury, the magnificent home of Joseph Chamberlain, Birmingham’s most famous civic leader, and to secure its future as a place to educate and develop leaders of the future.
Highbury, with its grade II* listed mansion and grounds, holds an important place in the country’s political and architectural history. It was left in trust to the citizens of Birmingham by the Chamberlain Family in 1919.
As a Youth Board member you will work as part of a team to coordinate events and work on aspects of historical interpretation to enhance the educational and cultural opportunities for people visiting Highbury. CHT youth board members are active and entrepreneurial, contributing their ideas and energy to initiatives dedicated to the legacy of the Chamberlain family and to the engagement of young people in civic leadership.

Requirements
Ability to attend Highbury for meetings.
Be available to attend evening Youth Board Meetings once a month
Attend ocassional other meetings, events and sub-committees.
Contribute to the running of the board.

Applications would be particularly welcome from local people and young people from diverse backgrounds including those who may not have previously shown an interest in civic heritage.

How to Apply
To apply please fill out the application form and send with a covering email outlining how you feel you meet the criteria and why you are interested in the role. The form and email will be used to assess your potential and suitability for the role.

All applications should be submitted to: chamberlainhighburytrust@outlook.com
Please use the subject line:
Youth Board Application 2022
Applications can be submitted at any time but we will only take on new members at set times.
If you would like a discussion about the role please contact: Lucy Bailey-Wright chamberlainhighburytrust@outlook.com

Role Title: Youth Board Member
Remuneration: Travel expenses for meetings, training and events
Led by: Chamberlain Highbury Trust Activities Planner
Reporting to: The Chamberlain Highbury Trustees
Term of Office: Up to two-year terms, subject to annual appraisal
Time Commitment: Approximately 1 evening per month e.g. 3 hours over a month

Purpose of the Role
To act as a sounding board and forum to discuss Chamberlain Highbury Trust’s ideas and directives, to further development through research and trialing ideas.
The Youth Board also collectively plan events and support the development of interpretation work. The youth board undertake training to improve their skills and readiness to lead successfully Role Description
• To review existing partnerships with schools, universities, and other educational establishments in the Birmingham area to advance the Trust’s mission to develop leaders of the future
• To design events and learning opportunities for students of all ages relevant to civic leadership and the governance of cities, and their institutions
• To draw on the legacy of the Chamberlain dynasty and the history of Highbury as a basis for interpretive and educational visits to Highbury; including Joseph Chamberlain’s role as Colonial Secretary and its relevance to the present Commonwealth

Responsibilities
• Prepare for and attend Youth Board meetings except under exceptional circumstances making an active contribution to discussions and decision-making
• In the event of unavoidable absence from a meeting, provide comments and questions in advance on the relevant papers to the Chair or via another member of the board
• Promote the achievements, purpose and benefits of the Trust amongst your peers and communities
• To work with other Youth Board Members and Trustees

Training provided
• Governance principles and application
• Good meeting and business etiquette
• Leadership and team dynamics
• Analysis and report writing.
• Events design and management

Person Specification
Please feel you can apply even if you do not meet all criteria.
The most effective boards are ones which include a diverse range of backgrounds, experiences and skill sets. All appointments will be made purely on the basis of merit.

Passion and Commitment
• Interest in the heritage of Highbury and Birmingham more widely
• Interest in youth focused activity and initiatives
• A readiness and ability to play a role in activities
• Impartial and open to new ideas

Skills
• The ability to think creatively
• Good communication and team-working
• An ability to act as an ambassador for the trust

Eligibility
• An understanding and acceptance of the roles and responsibilities of youth board members
• Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort, including attending youth board meetings and occasional daytime and evening events
• Aged between 16 and 24 years old.
• Able to get yourself to Highbury for meetings and events
• Local to Highbury or familiar with the area.