Glenkens & District Trust is taking the next step in its development and is looking for three additional people to join its active group of trustees.
GDT is a charitable body which resources and enables community development in the
Glenkens and surrounding areas, by distributing wind farm community benefit funds.
Currently it makes awards from the Blackcraig Wind Farm Community Fund and has also
been actively involved stimulating the development of a Glenkens & District Community
Action Plan. So far this year GDT has made 18 awards worth a total of £151,000 to a wide
range of different organisations.
New Trustees don’t need any specialist skills or experience – training and ongoing support
will be provided to any new Trustee on joining – but a love of the area and a commitment to the value of local community led activity in all its shapes and sizes is absolutely crucial.
Young people are particularly encouraged to apply and the GDT Chair, Fiona Smith, is very
happy to have an informal chat with people interested.
Fiona Smith, Chair of GDT says:
“It’s a great time to get involved in shaping the future of the Trust – not only do we
currently make decisions on fund strategy and awards for the Blackcraig Wind Farm
Community Fund but we are helping drive a co-ordinated approach to community benefit
across the Glenkens and district area which we hope will result in the most impact and the
best outcomes for our communities, an approach which is vital as we look ahead to the
significant number of potential developments in our area”
Trustees play an absolutely crucial role in ensuring that local people shape and direct the
work of the Trust and also in ensuring that the Fund Strategy, which underpins how money
is awarded from the fund, reflects the needs of the wider community. This is integral to the
effective distribution of community benefit money and in ensuring it delivers on local
community priorities.
The GDT Board is made up of Trustees appointed by local Community Councils and up to
five independent Trustees. Our recent governance review led to the creation of these
independent Trustee roles, which along with the establishment of our new Associate
Membership arrangements, are all part of positive developments to strengthen how we
make sure we are accountable to the communities we serve – so it’s a great time to get
involved and support us with that ambition!
Trustees meet bi-monthly and Secretariat services are provided by partners Foundation
Scotland, a national grant-making charity with local presence – full details of the
commitment, including a full role description and additional information for applicants is
available on Facebook @glenkenstrust or by emailing i[email protected].
Application is by letter and closing date for applicants is 31st August. To arrange an informal discussion with the Chair Fiona Smith please email in the first instance.
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