About HelpAge
HelpAge International is a global non-profit organisation working to improve the lives of older people around the world. Founded in 1983, it works through the HelpAge global network, a worldwide alliance of more than 200 organisations across 99 countries, with a particular focus on low and middle-income countries. Through research, advocacy, policy influence and partnership, HelpAge promotes the rights, wellbeing and inclusion of older people, while addressing challenges including poverty, inequality, ageism, climate change and humanitarian crises. As population ageing reshapes societies across the globe, the organisation’s Strategy to 2030 is strengthening its role as a supporter, convenor and thought leader, helping to build a fairer and more just world for older people.
HelpAge International is now seeking to appoint up to six Trustees over the coming year. Trustees play a central role in the governance and strategic leadership of the organisation, ensuring it fulfils its charitable purpose, remains financially sustainable and delivers its mission effectively. Working alongside fellow Board members and the Executive Team, Trustees contribute independent judgement, strategic oversight and constructive challenge. They support organisational performance, oversee risk and sustainability, help guide long-term strategic direction and act as ambassadors for HelpAge’s mission and values within an increasingly complex international environment.
Successful candidates will bring senior leadership, Board, advisory or executive experience, together with sound judgement, integrity and a commitment to effective governance. HelpAge is particularly seeking expertise in finance and audit, fundraising and income generation, governance and UK charity law, and international development and global partnerships. Finance is a priority for this campaign, and the Board would especially welcome a UK-based senior finance leader who understands charity governance and has the potential to succeed the current Treasurer in due course. Applications are also encouraged from people whose professional experience, networks or connections would strengthen the Board’s representation in Europe, Latin America and East Asia.
All candidates should have an interest in ageing and the issues affecting older people. This may come through experience in healthcare, social care, insurance, financial services, life sciences, public policy, research, international development or another relevant field. Above all, candidates should share HelpAge’s commitment to the rights, dignity and inclusion of older people and to an effective and globally representative Board.
About the role
Trustees play a central role in the governance and strategic leadership of HelpAge International. The Board is responsible for ensuring the organisation fulfils its charitable purpose, remains financially sustainable, and delivers its mission effectively through sound governance, appropriate oversight and clear strategic direction.
As a global organisation working through a network of more than 200 members across 99 countries, HelpAge brings together partners, practitioners, researchers and advocates committed to advancing the wellbeing, rights and inclusion of older people worldwide. Trustees contribute independent judgement, constructive challenge and specialist expertise to support the organisation in achieving its ambitions.
Trustees act collectively, bringing a broad range of perspectives, experience and insight. They support and hold accountable the Executive Team, contribute to strategic decision-making, oversee risk and organisational performance, and act as ambassadors for HelpAge’s mission and values.
Principal responsibilities
Working with fellow Trustees, the successful candidates will:
•Contribute to the development,scrutiny and oversight of organisationalstrategy.
• Ensure HelpAge International fulfils itscharitable objectives and remains trueto its mission and values.
•Oversee financial stewardship, riskmanagement and organisationalsustainability.
•Monitor organisational performance andhold the Executive Team to account fordelivery against agreed objectives.
•Contribute specialist expertise andexternal perspectives to Boarddiscussions and decision-making.
• Support effective governance andcompliance with relevant legal andregulatory requirements.
• Promote a culture of accountability,inclusion and respect throughout theorganisation.
•Act in the best interests of HelpAgeInternational at all times.
•Serve as ambassadors for HelpAge andsupport its relationships with partners,stakeholders and supporters.
Person Specification
We anticipate appointing up to six Trustees over the next 12 months. Collectively, these appointments will strengthen the breadth of expertise, perspectives and geographic representation across the Board. Candidates are not expected to demonstrate experience across all of the areas listed below. We are seeking a complementary mix of skills, knowledge and backgrounds that will support the Board in governing an international organisation operating across multiple regions and contexts. Candidates may bring relevant perspectives on ageing and longevity through experience in fields such as healthcare, social care, insurance, financial services, life sciences, public policy, research, international development or related sectors.
Essential criteria
Commitment and values
•Commitment to the vision, mission and values of HelpAge International.
•An interest in issues affecting older people and ageing populations.
•Commitment to equality, inclusion, human rights and the dignity of older people.
•Understanding of the responsibilities of charity trusteeship, or the willingness to develop this knowledge.
Strategic leadership and judgement
•Experience operating at a senior leadership, board, advisory or executive level.
•Ability to think strategically and contribute to long-term organisational decision-making.
•Sound judgement and the ability to assess complex information and competing priorities.
• Ability to offer both support and constructive challenge.
Communication and collaboration
•Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
•Ability to work effectively as part of a diverse and international Board.
•Ability to build positive relationships and work collaboratively with people from different cultures and backgrounds.
• Willingness to listen, learn and contribute thoughtfully to discussion and debate.
Personal qualities
• Integrity and a commitment to high standards of governance.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and manage sensitive information appropriately.
• Commitment to collective responsibility and effective Board working.
• Willingness and ability to devote the time required to fulfil the role.
Terms of appointment
Tenure
Trustees are appointed for two three-year terms. In exceptional circumstances an extension for a further three years may be possible.
Time commitment
Trustees are expected to attend Board meetings, committee meetings and occasional additional sessions throughout the year.
The Board meets four times annually, with three meeting held virtually and one held in person. Trustees are expected to participate in Board committees and may also contribute to focus groups, events and other activities between formal Board meetings. International travel may be required.
Remuneration
The position of Trustee is unremunerated. Reasonable travel and associated expenses will be reimbursed.
How to apply
Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to HelpAge International on these appointments.
Candidates should apply for the roles through our website at roles.saxbam.com using code ABGQC
Click on the ‘apply’ button and follow the instructions to upload a CV and cover letter and complete the online equal opportunities monitoring* form.
The closing date for applications is 12pm (UK time) on Wednesday 11 November 2026.