The Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust (JRCT) wishes to appoint a new co-opted member to join our Northern Ireland Committee from May 2026, to provide specialist expertise and advice to support our grantmaking programme in Northern Ireland.
JRCT is an independent, endowed, charitable foundation based in York, England, with its roots in the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers). The Trust has five established programmes (Peace and Security; Power and Accountability; Rights and Justice; Sustainable Future; Northern Ireland) through which it distributes resources across the UK. Each programme is overseen by a committee, comprised of trustees, staff and co-opted members who are selected for their relevant expertise. The Northern Ireland Committee currently comprises two members of staff, one member of JRCT’s board of trustees and four additional local co-opted committee members.
The Northern Ireland grants programme supports work in three areas.
These are:
1) strengthening human rights and equality;
2) reimagining society;
3) cultivating peace and reconciliation. A detailed grants policy can be viewed here.
We are a responsive grant-maker, and we believe that the knowledge required to bring about justice sits with those who are already doing the work. The Trust does not take a position on the constitutional arrangements within the island of Ireland, but recognises the strong historical, cultural and practical links between Britain, Northern Ireland, and Ireland.
Further information on the history, structure and work of the Trust can be found on our website.
The role of co-opted members is to complement the committee’s expertise on Northern Ireland, by offering specialist knowledge and experience of one or more of the programme’s areas of focus.
The main work of the committee is assessing grant applications. Co-opted members are fully involved in this process. This role requires a total commitment of around six days of meetings per year as outlined below, plus some additional time for other activities.
The committee meets three times per year, typically in February, May and November. These meetings usually take place in Belfast, but other locations are a possibility.
In addition to attending the committee meetings, co-optees are expected and encouraged to participate in assessment meetings with applicants. Other activities that co-opted members engage in include reading and commenting on applications, as well as collective learning and programme development sessions.
The appointment would be for three years in the first instance, with the possibility of renewal for a further period of three years. This is a voluntary role, but all reasonable expenses are paid - including travel, accommodation and childcare if required. We will also meet claims towards loss of earnings incurred as a result of working for the Trust, at a day rate of £475.
The Northern Ireland Committee is seeking a co-optee who will be able to contribute effectively to the full range of the committee’s work. Given the current make-up of the committee, the Trust is particularly interested in attracting individuals who have expertise in the following areas: knowledge and experience of conflict transformation; knowledge and experience of efforts to end paramilitarism in NI; knowledge and experience of efforts to combat systemic racism in NI; understanding of equality, inclusion and human rights within marginalised communities in NI.
Co-optees are expected to have some understanding of the voluntary sector, but could themselves be working in, or have a background in, any sector. We aim to ensure the committee is as diverse as possible, including men and women, younger people as well as older, and people from different minoritised communities. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified people.
Co-optees should be in sympathy with the Quaker values of the Trust, which include a commitment to equality and the worth of every individual, to nonviolence, and to honesty and integrity. JRCT would welcome applications from Quakers, but this is by no means a requirement.
Please note
JRCT operates a conflict of interest policy in respect of all its programme areas. Applicants for this role are requested to fully disclose professional associations with any former or current JRCT grantees. Ideally, the Trust seeks to appoint individuals who are not directly involved with organisations that are likely to seek funding from the Trust.
If you would like an informal discussion about the role, please contact Tim Jones, on tim.jones@jrct.org.uk.
To apply, please send us:
· Your contact details, including email address
· A brief statement, of approximately 250 words, describing what you would bring to the role
· A current CV
Please send us this information by email to: tim.jones@jrct.org.uk
The closing date for receipt of applications is 9am on Tuesday 7 April 2026. All applications will be acknowledged. If we are interested in appointing you, we will arrange an interview to discuss this further. Interviews will take place in April, and the role will begin in May.
Location: York/ hybrid (in office once or twice a week)Contract: Two-year fixed term, 35 hours a weekSalary: £46,063 Reports to: Head of communications
Main purpose and scope of the job
The communications officer is responsible for clear, consistent, and engaging internal and external communications that convey JRCT’s mission and values and support the work of the people and organisations we fund.
About us
The Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust – a grant-making organisation working for a more peaceful and just society - is recruiting for a communications officer.
JRCT is a funder supporting more than 300 individuals and organisations doing charitable work for meaningful social change. From grassroots community groups to well-established charities working to build a peaceful and just world, we fund those addressing the root causes of conflict and injustice, with a focus on long-term, systemic impact.
Effective communication is essential to our work at JRCT. We’re committed to sharing clear, consistent information, building strong and meaningful engagement with the audiences that matter most, and amplifying the voices, insights, and impact of the people and organisations we support.
We are seeking a skilled and motivated communications officer who can think strategically to deliver communications that clearly articulate our purpose and activities, and centre the people and organisations we support. You will have excellent written skills and strong analytical and interpersonal skills. You will have a good awareness of current affairs and a genuine care for, and interest in, the work we support.
Your role will engage internal and external audiences, ensuring our messaging is clear, consistent, and compelling across all channels.
You will enjoy a mix of independent working – completing the day-to-day administrative tasks that keep our communications running smoothly - while also contributing thoughtfully to projects within our agreed priorities, and will be confident building positive working relationships with colleagues and grant holders as required.
It is an exciting time to join JRCT as we undertake a strategic review that will shape the future direction of our charitable work and further strengthen our communications approach. We are seeking someone adaptable and flexible, who is comfortable working in a changing environment and contributing to new opportunities as they emerge.
Duties and key responsibilities
To implement communications strategies that engage both internal and external audiences.
Content creation and storytelling
Social media and digital engagement
Internal communications and administration
General responsibilities
This person specification sets out the qualities we are seeking for this post. Please ensure that your application demonstrates how you meet these criteria. You may include voluntary and paid work.
Overview
JRCT is looking for a person with a commitment to the mission and values of the Trust to deliver clear, consistent, and engaging internal and external communications that convey JRCT’s mission and values and support the work of the people and organisations we fund.
Qualifications
Experience
You will have experience of:
Skills
Other
You will:
Closing date: Friday, February 20, 2026, at 9am
Interviews will be held week commencing March 9, 2026, with the possibility of second round interviews online the following week (w/c March 16).
Appointment process
After the closing date has passed, the interview panel will shortlist applicants who have demonstrated that they meet the essential criteria set out in the person specification. Only shortlisted candidates are invited for interviews. Normally applications received after the closing date are not considered
Interview
If you are shortlisted for interview, you will be invited to a selection process. A panel of two or more conducts all interviews. If there are any special arrangements associated with the selection process e.g. tests or presentations, you will be informed accordingly.
Interview outcome
If you are invited to attend an interview, you will be informed either verbally or in writing of the outcome. The successful candidate will have the decision confirmed in writing as an offer of employment. Unsuccessful candidates will be offered the opportunity for feedback.
References
If you are successful in your application, you are asked to provide us with the details of two referees. We only contact referees with your permission after an offer of employment has been made.
All offers of employment are conditional upon the receipt of references that are satisfactory to JRCT, verification of right to work in the UK and where applicable, verification of qualifications and Disclosure and Barring Service (where required).
Personal information
The personal information that you have supplied will only be used for recruitment and selection purposes. You should refer to the Privacy Notice on our website, which sets out how JRCT will deal with the personal and sensitive data you have provided in your application form and supporting information.
Equality and diversity
We welcome all applicants and are keen to enhance our team to reflect the diversity of the UK and the communities we serve. We would like to encourage applications from disabled people, those from LGBTQIA+ and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds and those experiencing other forms of marginalisation, as they are underrepresented at this level.
Accessible recruitment
JRCT is committed to making our recruitment process and workplace accessible to all. If you are an applicant with a disability and/or have any specific needs or adjustments that you would like us to consider, at application, interview or appointment stage, please contact recruitment@jrct.org.uk
Queries
If you require further information or wish to raise any matters with regard the appointment process, please contact recruitment@jrct.org.uk
Complaints
Applicants for posts within JRCT have the right to complain if they feel they have been unfairly treated or discriminated against during the recruitment process. If you feel that this is the case, you should contact sarah.smith@jrct.org.uk.