Trust seeks ‘enterprising and upbeat’ volunteers to join its board

September 29th 2026

Shetland Charitable Trust (SCT) is on the lookout for talented new trustees to help in its mission to improve the quality of life in Shetland.

The aim is to find volunteers to serve on the board who are “enterprising and upbeat” and possess skills in good governance. The board of up to 12 trustees helps shape the strategic direction of the trust and oversees its reserves of over £450 million which are invested on the stock market to benefit future generations.

More than £10m is awarded in grants each year to support community activities across Shetland, including vital funding for around two dozen voluntary organisations.

SCT chair Robert Leask said: “It is rare for a community to have this level of resources to put to good use. We are fortunate in having a very capable set of trustees to help with this work and we’re keen to build on that.

“Four trustees have just completed their first four-year term and we are delighted that they have chosen to continue for another four years. If we can find more people of that calibre it will stand the trust, and the community, in good stead for the years ahead.”

Trustees are expected to attend four formal trust meetings a year as well as contributing to specialist committees.

Since forming in 1976 with oil funds, SCT has spent over £360m improving Shetland community life and giving rise to the islands’ quality leisure centres, care homes, museums and the cinema and music venue Mareel.

Mr Leask said: “You find yourself becoming absorbed in the challenges we encounter – both big and small. We work well as a team, supported by experienced staff members. Training is also provided for any areas that you feel you need a bit of guidance on.

“If you are interested, or you know someone who you think would be able and willing to contribute, please get in touch.”

Detailed information is available on the Documents section of the SCT website here or telephone 01595 744 994.

For an informal chat, contact the chief executive Dr Ann Black at ann.black@shetlandcharitabletrust.co.uk

The closing date is Monday 2^nd November at noon.

Testimonials

The funding COPE Ltd receives from the Shetland Charitable Trust supports us in many ways. It allows us to develop and maintain a strong foundation to our core business and assists us to provide on-going employment skill development opportunities to people with disabilities living within Shetland. COPE Ltd highly values the support provided to our organisation by The Shetland Charitable Trust.

“The substantial grant made to us by Shetland Charitable Trust every year allows us to provide first-class facilities and dedicated staff to underpin sporting success among people of all ages and abilities in the islands.”

Having this core funding from the Charitable Trust means that we can use that money where we need it at any given time. It's multi-year funding which really takes the pressure off. To have the funding to keep going is really important as it is improving the lives of disabled folk in Shetland.

The funding that we get from the Charitable Trust pays for part of staff support and matching with other funders. Without local funders we wouldn't have national funders, and without either of those funders, we wouldn't be able to do this, so funding from the Shetland Charitable Trust is incredibly important.

The funding Shetland Arts gets from Shetland Charitable Trust is about making sure the organisation can thrive, access other funds, and deliver on behalf of the community of Shetland. Our funding from the Shetland Charitable Trust really helps us with our conversations with national funders because it shows that we're working on behalf of what the local objectives and priorities are.

The Access to Leisure scheme was introduced to allow folk to be able to get access to classes and activities for a lower cost. I feel that the SRT play a critical role in every community across Shetland and that's all down to the funding of the Shetland Charitable Trust that we're able to maintain that.

Unpaid carers do an amazing job looking after people 24/7 in their own homes, keeping them living at home safely, and they really need help to do that. Thanks to the funding from Shetland Charitable Trust, we've been able to employ a deputy manager, recruit more care attendants, and provide overnights. We're also really grateful for the funding because it means that everybody can get the service for free.