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Becoming a volunteer trustee

Image of a Buddha.

Being a trustee at Gaia House involves work but it never feels like a chore. What makes it so rewarding is that the trustees, teachers, staff and residential team are committed to expressing the values of Gaia House through its governance and day-to-day running as much as in its retreat programme. This means that meetings and decision-making are conducted in a spirit of mutual respect and generosity. I sometimes feel that my work as a trustee is as much a part of my practice as time spent in the meditation hall!”

Kate Malleson

What is a trustee?
Trustees are volunteers with statutory and other duties, who are ultimately responsible for the organisation of a charity. The Charity Commission offers plenty of guidance on being a trustee.

Our volunteer trustees are a valued and essential part of the Gaia House sangha and community, playing a pivotal role in the strategic direction of Gaia House. They are a dedicated group who share a commitment to the ethos of Gaia House together with an understanding and appreciation of the importance of what it offers.

Meet our current Board of Trustees

What does being a trustee at Gaia House involve?

Trustees are responsible for working with Gaia House’s Director, staff and teachers in setting the strategic direction of the organisation, ensuring financial sustainability and fostering a way of working that is informed by Dharma practice.

All trustees are expected to have a commitment to Dharma practice in the Buddhist tradition and to be able to work in a way that is in keeping with Gaia House’s ethos and the Five Precepts as outlined in our Ethical Framework.

Trustees need to be able to give the necessary time and effort to their role which includes:

  • Attend the quarterly Board of Trustees meeting and participate in other committees as appropriate (this equates to an overall time commitment of approx. 12-15 days per year). Attendance may be facilitated using a range of media, including online meetings.
  • Attending at least 3 of the 4 Board of Trustee meetings within any one year.
  • As an important part of their continuing development and training as a member of the Board of a meditation centre in the Buddhist tradition, Trustees are funded to attend up to 7 nights retreat at Gaia House each year.

Applying to become a trustee

We welcome applications from all people of every age, ethnicity, cultural heritage and religious background, socio-economic group, ability, sexual orientation and gender identity. We do ask that you have a regular meditation practice and that you have been on retreat at Gaia House.

If you are interested in applying to become a Trustee, please read more about the role here and email our HR Manager at hrmanager@gaiahouse.co.uk to discuss current or future vacancies. We can then discuss the next steps with you.

You can watch this short video with Andrew Lacey talking about his experience as trustee at Gaia House.