Trustee - The Deep
Posted: 11 August 2026
The Deep is looking for a Trustee to join its Board over the coming months. A knowledge of charity governance and strategic management may be useful, as would some knowledge of conservation – and our animals! – but none of this is essential. A full induction period is planned and there would be the opportunity to observe Board meetings before appointment, with mentoring and shadowing of existing Trustees.
A commitment to The Deep’s positive culture of great communication, respect and enthusiasm is essential, as is adherence to Charity Commission guidance and Code of Conduct. As the conservation work and day-to-day operations of The Deep is so wide we would particularly welcome applications from individuals at any stage in their career with skills and experience in some of the following key areas:
- Commercial (including Retail, Food & Beverage, Hospitality)
- Fundraising (including Grant Funding and Legacy Funding)
- Legal/Governance
- Human Resources
- Health, Safety & Wellbeing
- Customer Service
BEING A TRUSTEE AT THE DEEP
The Deep is a registered Charity, EMIH Limited 1073254. The latest Directors’ Report and Financial Statements can be found on Companies House and/or the Charity Commission websites (search for EMIH Limited). STRUCTURE: The Board of Trustees of The Deep has nine positions, one of which is vacant. To ensure that the Board is refreshed on an ongoing basis, Trustees serve terms of four years, with Trustees eligible to serve a maximum of two terms (so eight years in total). The Deep’s charitable company (EMIH Limited) has a wholly-owned trading subsidiary company (Running Deep Limited) through which the commercial activities of The Deep take place. Surpluses made by Running Deep Limited are gifted to the charity.
TIME COMMITMENT:
- Attendance at hybrid* Board meetings, currently 6 per annum, normally January, March, May, July, September and November. Board meetings currently take place on Friday afternoons. [*Although Trustees often enjoy regular visits to The Deep, Board meetings can be attended in person or online.]
- Occasional working groups may be established to deal with specific issues but there are no regular, scheduled sub-Board meetings.
- Full Board papers and minutes of meetings are circulated at least one week in advance of meetings for Trustee scrutiny.
CONTINUED
Whilst the role of Trustee is a voluntary one, reasonable expenses would be paid for fulfilling the role of Trustee and any costs incurred in attending meetings (eg. mileage, travel costs or accommodation where applicable).
DUTIES OF TRUSTEES:
- Ensure your charity is carrying out its purposes for the public benefit
- Comply with your charity’s governing document and the law
- Act in your charity’s best interests
- Manage your charity’s resources responsibly
- Act with reasonable care and skill
- Ensure your charity is accountable
To learn more about the responsibilities involved in being a Charity trustee please visit: Charity Commission, document CC3.
In addition, it is noted that Trustees are also Company Directors, therefore the following duties are included.
DUTIES OF DIRECTORS:
- Act within their powers
- Promote the success of the company
- Exercise independent judgement
- Exercise reasonable care, skill and diligence
- Avoid conflicts of interest
- Not accept benefits from third parties
- Declare interests in transactions or arrangements
HOW TO APPLY
For an informal discussion about these opportunities please contact: Katy Duke, CEO, katy.duke@thedeep.co.uk
Please apply in writing through a letter of application and introduction, to be received by 5pm, Monday 14th September 2026.
To be sent to:
Katy Duke, CEO, katy.duke@thedeep.co.uk
The Deep, Hull, HU1 4DP
If you would like to discuss alternative methods of application due to access needs please contact Katy.
The shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview with a panel of Trustees and charity stakeholders. This is likely to be week commencing 21st September 2026. The chosen candidate will then be appointed as a Trustee and a period of induction to The Deep and its Board would commence
The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) is the global alliance of regional associations, national federations, zoos and aquariums, dedicated to the care and conservation of animals and their habitats around the world.
