• What are charity trustees and what do they do?

  Trustees are the group of people with overall responsibility for a charity; at the HA this group is called the Governing Council. They consider recommendations from staff and committees and make key decisions about the direction the charity will take and how its purposes will be carried out. They also make sure that the charity has the resources and policies it needs to do this well and to comply with legal requirements.

  The Charity Commission outlines six legal duties made by trustees. To:

  1. 1. Ensure a charity is carrying out its purposes for the public benefit
  2. 2. Comply with the charity’s governing document and the law
  3. 3. Act in the charity’s best interests
  4. 4. Manage the charity’s resources responsibly
  5. 5. Act with reasonable care and skill
  6. 6. Ensure the charity is accountable

   
  Trustees are individually responsible for their contribution to the charity’s governance – whether it complies with the law and its policies, fulfils its objectives, and stays accountable to its members and other service others – and the organisation’s overall effectiveness. Their opinions all have equal weight, but decisions are made collectively as a group.

  The Charity Commission publishes excellent guidance and information on the roles and responsibilities of charity trustees. Visit: www.charitycommission.gov.uk

• How is the HA’s Governing Council formed?

  There are six trustees on the Governing Council who are directly elected by the membership. Each of these represents a part of the overall membership and needs to sit on one of the standing Committees of Council: Primary Committee, Secondary Committee or the Branches and Members Committee.

  We are looking to fill the following positions on Council from October 2026:

  • • Representatives of Primary Committee – Two places available
  • • Representatives of Secondary Committee – Two places available
  • • Representatives of Branches and Members Committee – Two places available
     

  All full members of the HA are eligible to stand for election within the terms laid out in our regulations. Full members can be individuals, concessionary members, life members and registered users on a corporate membership, including additional contacts.

• What are the commitments?

  Council meets twice a year – traditionally in early March and late October. Council is usually in person. We can arrange for virtual attendance for anyone with specific needs.

  Committees of Council meet three times a year – traditionally in January, June and September. One meeting is in person the other two are normally virtual. As a trustee your commitment would be to attend at least three meetings each year which must include one meeting of Council. In-person meetings are always on a Saturday at the HA’s office in Kennington, London which is on the Northern Line. We pay reasonable expenses.

  Every trustee needs to:

  1. Adhere to the HA’s code of conduct. 
  2. Make time to prepare for, attend and contribute to council and committee meetings, and
  3. Be ready to support the charity between meetings or with other activities; for example:

  • • Promoting the Association’s mission to advance the study, teaching, and public understanding of history
  • • Contributing to governance, strategic planning, policy development, and long‑term organisational direction
  • • Serving as an enthusiastic advocate for the work of the HA in supporting teachers
  • • Helping ensure good governance, transparency, and compliance with charity and company regulations 
  • • Helping develop the HA’s strategy and linked policies, in conjunction with the President, Honorary Officers, committees and the professional staff

• How long does the trustee role last?

  Members of Council will be elected for a period of three years from October 2026. They may stand again for election after the initial three years and serve a total of six years before taking a compulsory break of one year, after which they will be eligible to put themselves forward for election once more.

• How does the election process work?

  Members wishing to stand for Council should consider the following categories and decide which suits their knowledge, experience and interest. Any full member of the Association may stand for election to the Council in as many constituencies as they may be qualified for; however, they may only represent one constituency on the Council.

  • • Branches and Members – candidates must be full members willing to represent our general membership who are either not primarily professionally involved in history or who are active in their local branch
  • • Primary Education – candidates must work within primary history as a teacher, senior leader, teacher educator, researcher, consultant, advisor or be able to show a significant degree of involvement in the development of material for primary history.
  • • Secondary Education – candidates must work within secondary history as a teacher, senior leader, teacher educator, researcher, consultant, advisor, examiner or be able to show a significant degree of involvement in the development of material for secondary history.

  Candidates for Council must be over 18 years in age and be supported by two full members of the Association. Please contact the HA office if you do not know two full members.

  If there are more nominations for a category than there are places available, there is a ballot. If there are the same number of nominations or fewer, those nominated are declared elected unopposed. If a member standing for election is unsuccessful in a ballot, they may still apply to become part of their relevant standing committee.

  If you would like to stand for election, please complete this form.
  Applications must be received by midnight on 13 April 2026.

• What are the benefits of becoming a trustee?

  There’s a lot you can gain from becoming a trustee of the HA.

  Contribute to a long‑standing, respected organisation

  The HA has a long history and plays an influential role in the historical and educational landscape. Serving as a trustee allows you to support and strengthen a national voice for history.

  Work collaboratively with experts across the sector

  Sitting on one of our standing committees as a trustee broadens your network and deepens your understanding of the field.

  Influence the future of history education and public engagement

  Trustees contribute to decisions that impact teachers, students, branches, and lifelong learners. You’ll have the opportunity to support the creation of resources, programmes and content that drive historical understanding nationwide.

  Develop professional and leadership skills

  Trusteeship provides valuable experience in strategy, governance, financial oversight, and decision-making. Research by the Charity Commission highlights that trustees benefit from career enhancing development opportunities.

  Gain meaningful community impact

  National research shows that trusteeship strengthens personal connection with community life and offers the chance to shape society in positive ways. Trustees overwhelmingly report that they find the role rewarding and impactful.

Want to find out more before applying?

If you would like to discuss further before putting your name forward, please contact our CEO Rebecca Sullivan: rebecca.sullivan@history.org.uk or call 0300 100 0223.