Trustee - Friends of Burnage Library

Burnage Library - help us build a stronger library, a more connected community and a thriving Burnage

We’re looking for new trustees, particularly with finance, legal, strategy, fundraising or communications know-how, to join us at Burnage Library. Now is an exciting time to be part of a local library that’s deeply embedded in its community and planning a strategy for greater growth over the next three years. Can you be part of our journey?

https://burnageactivityhub.org.uk/ 

About Burnage Library

Burnage Library is a community-powered hub connecting people across one of South Manchester’s greenest and most welcoming suburbs. 

It’s our library’s mission to educate, inform and inspire the community. So whether someone wants to get lost in a good book, join for storytime, lead an art class or get to know their neighbours, it’s the oasis of Burnage they need to visit.

Our inclusive library and activity space is led by our local volunteers who saved us from closure over 10 years ago. We’re a community incubator, too, offering free or low-priced room hire for people who want to benefit local people. 

Burnage Library: open because of the community and for the community, bringing to life the very best of Burnage all under one roof.

Burnage Library is run by the Friends of Burnage Library volunteer group. We’re supported by our partners at Manchester Libraries, who provide our library services, and Southway Housing, who kindly maintain our Burnage home.

About the role

Friends of Burnage Library trustees guide the strategy for Burnage Library, ensuring we’re delivering today for our community while also planning for tomorrow. You’ll work with the rest of our trustees, attending one full board meeting per month. Key responsibilities we all share include:

• setting and overseeing delivering of our strategy
• overseeing risk, policy management and delivery of our development worker and dedicated trustees
• championing the library in your own networks and locally in Manchester
• helping us reach new audiences.

We’re a small charity so you’ll be hands on, too, getting involved in fairs, fundraisers and daily life at the library (but only if you wish).

Skills we’re looking for

We were fortunate earlier this year to receive three-year funding, which means we can now look to the future with real optimism. We are passionate about building a diverse board that reflects our community and brings a mix of lived experience, skills and perspectives, but we’re particularly looking for:

• a commitment to our mission and community-led approach
• an understanding of, or interest in, community development
• good judgement and the ability to think strategically
• willingness to contribute time, energy and ideas
• a collaborative and inclusive mindset.

Other desirable skills and experience would include:

• fundraising or income generation
• finance or legal expertise
• marketing, communications or PR
• community engagement or grassroots organising
• property, facilities or operations experience.

In return, we can offer experience of charity governance and leadership, the chance to work alongside passionate volunteers and trustees, and an opportunity to build an exciting future for one of Manchester’s most individual community assets. Our community stepped in when we needed them most, and now we’re looking to show everyone why that mattered.

Time commitment

• One board meeting per month, which can be hybrid if needed.
• Support for sub-groups and committees (c. 2-5 hours per month)
• Occasional volunteering, at trustee’s discretion

We actively welcome applications from people who are underrepresented in charity governance — including people from Black, Asian and minoritised communities, disabled people and younger people.

You don’t need to tick every box — if you’re motivated by our mission, we’d love to hear from you.

How to Apply

Email chair@burnageactivityhub.org.uk to express an interest in this position, briefly outlining your skills and experience. We will then schedule a short chat, and if you wish to continue with your application, we would welcome a CV and one-page covering letter.