Trustee

New Writing South is looking for Trustees!

Could you help us champion underrepresented writers?

New Writing South supports writers across South East England who are often overlooked by mainstream publishing. We champion Global Majority, working-class, and LGBTQ+ writers, helping diverse voices reach wider audiences.

We’re looking for up to three new volunteer Trustees with experience in finance, publishing, HR, or business development to help shape strategy, strengthen governance, and grow our impact. In return, you’ll be helping make a real impact for diverse communities of writers, as well as developing professionally and building your own networks. No prior Trustee experience is needed. We provide full training and support. The time commitment is around 4 – 6 days per year.

Under the steer of Chair, Anna Hayward, Board members volunteer their time to guide the organisation strategically, meeting quarterly virtually and annually face-to-face. Papers including financial statements, activities round-ups, policy documents and project proposals are circulated in advance for the Board to discuss, question and feedback on at meetings. Everyone is invited to email in advance of meetings if anything in the Board papers is not clear.  Trustees use their expertise to work with the Co-Directors on sub-committees or to help prepare papers or proposals.

If you’re passionate about literature and want to help make a real difference in the UK creative writing sector, we’d love to hear from you.

Benefits

Helping make a real impact for diverse communities of writers, as well as developing professionally and building your own networks. 

Practical Considerations

No prior Trustee experience is needed. We provide full training and support. The time commitment is around 4 – 6 days per year. These are voluntary positions, but reasonable out-of-pocket expenses are paid.

Skills

We are seeking new Trustees with experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Finance / Business Development (including financial planning, oversight, fundraising, grants, or income generation).
• Human Resources / People (including organisational development, employment law, culture or wellbeing).
• Publishing (knowledge of the publishing sector, editorial processes, or industry networks.).

All Trustees should share a strong belief in the power of literature and a passion for supporting writers and storytelling as a force for connection and social change.

Previous Trustee experience is not required. We welcome people from a wide range of professional and lived experiences and will provide full training and induction for all new Trustees. Likewise, Trustees are not expected to be involved in day-to-day operations.

What we do need are Trustees who can help shape big-picture decisions: setting strategy, strengthening governance, supporting sustainability, and help us grow.

When do I need to be available?

Details	Time commitment is around 4 – 6 days per year.

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Where does this role take place?

Register your Interest