Cumberland Lodge is an educational charity and social enterprise which exists to empower young people to lead the conversation around social division. It hopes to provide them with the skills, perspective and confidence to question, challenge and understand some of the most complex social issues of our time.

A historic Grade II-listed building in the heart of Windsor Great Park, Cumberland Lodge has been home to the educational charity since 1947. The Lodge was built in the 17th century by John Byfield, a captain in Oliver Cromwell’s army, and was the official residence of the Rangers of Windsor Great Park until 1947. King George VI broke with tradition and Cumberland Lodge was granted to a new educational foundation. It now provides a tranquil and safe environment for meaningful discussions and, over the years, generations of young people have benefitted from the transformative experience of being at Cumberland Lodge.

Day-to-day, the Lodge's buildings and facilities operate as a social enterprise, hosting multi-day residential retreats, workshops, conferences and similar events on a commercial basis for groups of up to 100 delegates. It currently features 58 bedrooms, 14 diverse indoor meeting spaces, three dining rooms, bar facilities and common room. Regular clients include university departments, legal and medical training bodies, and many other public sector, private sector, and not-for-profit organisations.

Profits from the social enterprise operations fund the charity's team of educational experts who work to design and deliver the charity’s ongoing programme of educational activities. The current areas of programmatic focus include Youth and Democracy, Exploring Ethics, and The Rule of Law. Under Cumberland Lodge's five-year strategic plan for 2023 to 2027, it aims to:

• Further improve the quality and relevance of its programmatic activity and increase the number of young people it reaches
• Start building a national and then intergenerational movement of young people committed to social progress
• Undertake a programme of onsite capital investment designed to enhance the experience of the guests who visit the Lodge each year

As Cumberland Lodge looks to increase both its on-site and online activities, now is an exciting time to join the Board. You can read its Impact Report 2020-21 here.

Cumberland Lodge is fortunate to have an experienced and high calibre Board who, led by Baroness Prashar of Runnymede, are responsible for contributing to its strategic direction and governance. Working together, they ensure the effective management of resources and support the charity in achieving its mission to promote dialogue, understanding, and social cohesion.

Trustees play an important role in providing expertise, oversight, and guidance, upholding the values and objectives of Cumberland Lodge as well as acting as ambassadors for its work where appropriate. Each brings their own area of expertise to Board discussions and contributes insights and perspectives to enhance Cumberland Lodge's long-term strategy and impact.

Cumberland Lodge is looking for three new Trustees, who will bring expertise in either online learning, technology / communications or hospitality.

Online learning: As Cumberland Lodge looks to develop its online offering, both in terms of educational resources and for broader community engagement, candidates will bring a good understanding of the use of digital technology in education environments, perhaps for distance learning (e.g. MOOCs). An appreciation of how digital technology integrates with wider operational and business purposes would also be useful.

Digital technology and communications: To complement what Charles Anson has brought the Board and in light of the contentious issues which Cumberland Lodge seeks to address in its work, candidates will be able to provide insights into opportunities / risks for the use of digital technology and the management of ethical issues, particularly in relation to social / online media. Experience within a broader communications context is particularly welcome.

Hospitality: Given the success of Cumberland Lodge's accommodation and conference offering, proceeds from which are re-invested back into its educational work, candidates will have experience of operating a residential hospitality / conferencing business. They will be able to advise on risks and opportunities, such as increasing occupancy rate while maintaining the Lodge's unique character. Exposure to overseeing operations in historic or listed buildings would be an advantage.

On a personal level, the successful candidates will all be committed to Cumberland Lodge's mission of empowering young people to lead the conversation around social division.

This role is unremunerated, and reasonable, pre-agreed domestic travel expenses will be reimbursed. The Board meets four times per year, normally starting at 4pm and followed by dinner, discussion and overnight accommodation as needed; while hybrid is possible, in-person attendance is encouraged. Each Trustee also joins one of the Board's Committees, which are all online.

The appointment is for a five-year term, which can be renewed at the discretion of the Board.

Location

This organisation is based in Windsor and meetings will take place in person or virtually. Candidates will therefore be UK-based.

Baroness Prashar of Runnymede, CBE PC, Chair
John Lotherington, Vice Chair
Charles Anson CVO DL
Jane Furniss CBE
Alan Gemmell OBE
Stephen Harvey
David Isaac CBE
Amanda Mackenzie OBE
David Matthews, Honorary Treasurer
JP Rangaswami
Ingrid Tennessee