Chair of National Trust Investment Committee

The National Trust protects and opens to the public over 350 historic properties. It protects more than 248,000 hectares of land and 775 miles of coastline. We welcome over 24 million visitors every year, and the Trust's investment strategy is vital to the maintenance of our work.

We are seeking to appoint a new Chair of the Investment Committee for an initial term of three years with the potential for the term to be renewed twice. This is a voluntary role, but expenses will be paid.

About the Investment Committee

The Investment Committee sets and oversees the investment strategy of the National Trust's GBP1.2bn investment portfolio. It is responsible for recommending to the Board an appropriate investment strategy and advising the Board on the appointment of external investment managers. Once appointed, the committee monitors their performance on a quarterly basis. The committee also recommends a sustainable level of distribution from the investment portfolio to fund the National Trust's purpose.

The Investment Committee also advises the Board on policies associated with its investments. Such policies aim to reflect the values of the organisation.

You can find the Investment Committee's terms of reference as a download on our website, when applying for this role.

About the National Trust's investments

The National Trust's investments stand at GBP1.2bn and are managed on a total return basis. The investment strategy favours return-generating asset classes over the long term, whilst reducing risk through diversification of asset classes. The Trust employs nine active investment managers to deliver this strategy.

Our investment objective is to generate a return of at least inflation plus 4% (net of investment management fees) each year to fund the Trust's charitable purpose.

About you

We are looking for someone who has a real passion for the Trust and understands and appreciates our core purpose and strategy. Our ethos is based on looking after and sharing special places, and as the Chair of the Investment Committee you'll have a valuable part to pay in how this happens.

• You'll be helping to ensure we generate a long term sustainable return from our investments, which can be spent on our conservation work.
• We are looking for someone who has a deep understanding of a comprehensive range of investment strategies, as well as expertise in the effective chairing of boards or committees presiding over technically complex matters.
• You'll be able to share your extensive investment expertise and help the Investment Committee in deriving a high, yet sustainable return from its investments.
• And it's about having a real, tangible impact on the organisation you love.
• Knowledge of the charity sector and an understanding of the National Trust would be an advantage but is not essential.

Time commitment

The appointment is for an initial term of three years from 1 December 2017. The time commitment is approximately 10-12 days a year and involves 4 Investment Committee meetings. This commitment is expected to be higher in the first year to allow for a full induction.

Closing date and interviews

The closing date is 5pm on Thursday 13 July 2017.

Interviews for short listed candidates will be held in central London on Wednesday 6 September 2017.

How to apply and contacting us

Please provide the following:

• A letter which explains your interest and how you are suited to this role
• A full CV
• The names and contact details of two referees
• A completed equality and diversity form (optional, can be found as a download on our website, when applying for this role)