Do you relish the challenge? SCT seeks new trustees

The search is on for community-minded islanders with the right blend of experience and vision to help shape the future of Shetland Charitable Trust.

SCT hopes suitably skilled volunteers will step forward to fill up-and-coming trustee vacancies on the board of the £450 million charity.

Trustee Emma Miller, who specialises in event management, said: ““As a community we need to plan and adapt for the challenging times ahead and there will be tough decisions to make for many. The charitable trust is committed to improving the quality of life for all in our isles and for that we need new people bringing fresh thinking to the table.

“I would encourage folk to think about giving it a go – come and join us and help make Shetland an even better place!”

SCT generates its annual spending from its investments in world markets. In the coming financial year, most of SCT’s spend of £16.4 million will go on grants for a wide range of services intended to promote inclusion and reduce inequality in Shetland life.

SCT chair Dr Andrew Cooper said: “For me, it is a privilege to be part of this Charitable Trust which we are fortunate to benefit from in Shetland.

“We have a strong team of independent trustees. We work well together and put significant collective effort into monitoring the performance and use of trust funds, making sure we spend what we can afford each year.”

Since it was formed in 1976 with money from the oil industry, SCT has spent around £340m on the Shetland community. Among the most visible achievements of its funding are the network of leisure centres, rural care homes, Shetland Museum and Archives and the music venue and cinema Mareel.

Another of the long serving trustees, Dr Ian Napier, said: “It’s particularly pleasing to see how the trust has developed in recent years and to spend increasing amounts on good causes in Shetland, including the half-million-pound donation to the local MRI Scanner Appeal in 2020.

“Anyone becoming part of the trust can expect to play a meaningful part in discussions and financial decisions that will help shape the future of our community.”

SCT has an independent board of 12 trustees. They meet as a formal trust four times a year and, in addition, they serve on committees tasked with overseeing investments, budgets and grants and audit and governance issues.

For anyone interested in being a trustee, application packs are available from the trust’s website www.shetlandcharitabletrust.co.uk or by contacting the office at 22-24 North Road, Lerwick, telephone 01595 744 994. The closing date is 15^th April at noon.

To learn more about what being a trustee entails, contact the chief executive Dr Ann Black by email at ann.black@shetlandcharitabletrust.co.uk.

Ends

Media contact: John Robertson   noostmedia@gmail.com  Tel: 07775 407 796