We’re looking for new trustees

Point North is looking for new trustees who support our mission to fight poverty and enrich lives in County Durham and Tees Valley

Become a Point North trustee!

We’re looking for passionate, motivated people who want to help make today better and tomorrow brighter for communities across County Durham, Tees Valley and the wider North East, and we’re inviting you to join us as a trustee.

As a Point North trustee, you’ll:

  • Play a key role in making decisions that improve lives and strengthen communities.
  • Develop new skills in governance, strategy, and leadership.
  • Connect with like-minded, driven individuals who share your passion for making a difference.
  • Be part of a team tackling poverty while helping to enrich lives and create opportunities for the future.

Becoming a trustee is an opportunity for you to make a difference by contributing your skills and expertise; whether lived, professional, or a combination of the two.

We want our Board to reflect the communities and groups we support and are supported by.

If there is something that we can do to support you in becoming a trustee, please get in touch with us.

And just because you think you don’t tick all the criteria of being a trustee, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t apply.

How Point North makes a difference

Why become a Point North trustee?

Becoming a Point North trustee is an opportunity for you to make a difference through sharing your skills and expertise.

Our trustees guide the strategic direction of Point North, making sure we continue to deliver meaningful support to the communities that need it most.

As a trustee, you’ll:

  • Help steer an organisation that has awarded £78.7m in grants since 1995 and enriched the lives of more than 34,000 people since April 2026 alone.
  • Bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to shape our strategy and vision.
  • Work with a diverse and dedicated Board and leadership team committed to creating positive change.

We want our new trustees to reflect the communities we serve, and we value both lived and professional experience.

Previous Board experience is not essential. We’re looking for passion, perspective, and the ability to contribute to our mission.

“I have been very impressed with the forward thinking approach of Point North, it’s ambitious and there is a boundless energy and focus.”

Who are we looking for?

You don’t need to have formal qualifications, a specific background, or previous Board experience to become a trustee. You just need to care and have a connection to our region.

To complement our current Board’s skills, we are particularly interested to welcome people who can:

  • Share skills, knowledge or experience in Board and committee meetings to advance the aims of Point North
  • Advise the leadership team on the development of new ideas, campaigns and programmes

Most importantly, we’re looking for people who:

  • Care deeply about County Durham, Tees Valley and the wider North East.
  • Understand how poverty impacts lives and futures, and want to take action.
  • Have a collaborative mindset and are eager to contribute ideas.
  • Share our values of trust, respect, passion, adaptability, ambition, and advocacy for communities.

What you can expect

There are four Board meetings a year. These are usually in-person in County Durham or online when an in-person meeting is not possible.

As a Point North trustee, you’ll be expected to attend at least 75% of Board meetings.

This is a voluntary position, but we cover travel and accommodation expenses for meetings. Each meeting is two hours and usually take place on Monday evening.

Whether it’s your first time becoming a trustee or your fifth, our senior management team will offer an early, full induction to all new trustees. This will give you an insight into how we work.

How to apply?

Joining Point North as a trustee is your chance to help fight poverty, support communities, and create opportunities across County Durham, Tees Valley and the wider North East.

Whether it’s your first time in a trustee role or you’re a seasoned expert, your perspective, ideas, and passion could make a real difference.

The deadline to apply is Friday 28 August 2026, please download and read our trustee information pack first.

Then apply with a CV and cover letter sent to michelle@pointnorth.org.uk

Need help?

If you’re considering becoming a trustee and you’d like a more information before making your decision, you can contact Michelle Cooper, our Chief Executive. Get in touch via email or phone.

michelle@pointnorth.org.uk

0191 378 6340

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Left to right: Joanna Barker, Chair of Board of Trustees at Point North, Dame Susan Snowdon, President of Point North, Michelle Cooper, CEO of Point North.

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