Join the Board of the Martin James Foundation and help advance a world where every child grows up in a safe and loving family.
Who we are
The Martin James Foundation (MJF) is a global network of charitable organisations united by a shared vision of a world in which children grow up and thrive in safe and loving families.
We work to end the use of institutional care for children by strengthening families, preventing family separation, supporting reunification and reintegration wherever possible, and promoting family-based alternative care when it is needed. Through grant-making, technical support and strategic partnerships, we contribute to global efforts to reform care systems and improve outcomes for children and families.
The Foundation comprises:
- MJF Global: which deploys technical expertise, advocacy and funding to support partner organisations working with children and families around the world.
- Key Assets: a group of independent, not-for-profit fostering agencies in Australia, Canada and New Zealand that deliver services and support to children, families and communities.
Together, we form a global network committed to ensuring that more children can grow up in safe, stable and nurturing family environments.
About the roles
The Martin James Foundation is seeking to appoint two Trustees to join our Board and help shape the next phase of our development and impact.
As a Trustee, you will work alongside fellow board members and the executive team to provide strategic oversight, support effective governance and help ensure the Foundation delivers on its mission and charitable objectives.
We are particularly interested in hearing from candidates with expertise in one of the following areas:
Trustee with legal expertise
We are seeking a legal professional who can bring expertise in governance, regulation, compliance and risk management.
You may have gained your experience through private practice, in-house legal roles, charity law, commercial law, governance advisory work or the wider not-for-profit sector. Your insight will help strengthen the Foundation’s governance arrangements and support effective decision-making as we continue to grow internationally.
Trustee with international development expertise
We are seeking an individual with significant experience within international development, international NGOs, policy or global programmes.
Your experience may have been gained through programme delivery, policy development, systems change, advocacy, or strategic partnerships. We are particularly interested in candidates who understand the opportunities and challenges facing organisations working internationally and who can bring insight into achieving sustainable impact for children and families around the world.
Who we are looking for
Alongside one of the areas of specialist expertise outlined above, we are looking for individuals who bring a strong commitment to the Martin James Foundation’s vision, values and mission, together with the strategic insight and sound judgement needed to contribute effectively at board level.
You will understand the importance of good governance and accountability and be confident in providing constructive challenge and independent oversight in a supportive and considered way.
Just as importantly, you will bring strong communication and relationship-building skills, and a collaborative, inclusive approach to working with fellow Trustees, the executive team and wider partners.
We are committed to building a diverse Board and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences. We particularly encourage applications from people with lived experience of alternative care and from candidates based outside the UK.
Time commitment
The Board meets four times a year, with meetings typically taking place virtually. There may occasionally be opportunities to meet in person at the Foundation’s head office in Birmingham or at other Foundation events.
In addition to Board meetings, Trustees join a subcommittee, the trustee with legal expertise will join the Finance, Risk and Audit Committee, while the trustee with international development experience will join the programmes committee. Committees meet quarterly. Trustees are expected to review papers in advance, participate in occasional committee or working group activity, and act as ambassadors for the organisation where appropriate.
The overall time commitment is expected to be approximately one day per month.
To view the role description and person specification, please go to the ‘How to Apply’ tab above, fill in your details and download the candidate pack.
For further information or to arrange a confidential discussion, please contact our advising consultant at Peridot Partners:
Jennifer Horan | jennifer@peridotpartners.co.uk | 07519 070497
Martin James Foundation is a registered charity in England and Wales (No. 1179016).
About us
The Martin James Foundation (MJF) is a global network of charitable organisations united by a shared vision: a world in which every child grows up and thrives in a safe and loving family.
Across the world, millions of children continue to grow up without the care and stability of a family environment. The Foundation exists to address this challenge, working to strengthen families, prevent unnecessary separation, support reunification wherever possible and promote family-based alternative care when needed. At the heart of our work is the belief that children achieve the best outcomes when they are cared for within nurturing family and community settings.
The Foundation brings together a unique combination of operational expertise, strategic investment and global collaboration. Through MJF Global, we provide technical support, funding and partnership to organisations working with children and families internationally, helping to develop effective and sustainable approaches to care reform.
Alongside this, Key Assets comprises a group of independent, not-for-profit fostering agencies in Australia, Canada and New Zealand that deliver services to children, families and communities.
Together, these organisations form a global network dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable children and creating lasting systems change. Our work spans a range of areas including child protection, family strengthening, alternative care, advocacy and sector development, ensuring that children are supported not only today but for generations to come.
As the Foundation continues to develop its international reach and impact, this is an exciting opportunity to join an organisation that combines ambitious social purpose with practical action. Trustees will play a vital role in helping us achieve our vision, guiding the organisation’s strategic direction and ensuring we continue to deliver meaningful change for children and families around the world.
Learn more about us
Thank you for your interest in this role. Please download the Role Description and Person Specification.
To formally apply, please submit a CV and supporting statement (ideally maximum 2 sides of A4 each) that clearly outlines your suitability for the role against the criteria provided in the person specification, including your interest and motivation in applying for this position.
Please include your home address, contact email and mobile.
Please ensure that your application is emailed to response@peridotpartners.co.uk, inserting “Application: Martin James Foundation — Trustees (Legal OR International Development)” into the subject field. You will receive an acknowledgement of receipt within 2-3 days. If you do not receive an acknowledgement, please contact our admin team.
For further information or to arrange a confidential discussion, please contact our advising consultant at Peridot Partners:
Jennifer Horan | jennifer@peridotpartners.co.uk | 07519 070497
As a sector-leading executive search consultancy, we know the importance of creating recruitment processes that are fair, inclusive and free from bias. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a process that values differences.
If you require any job information in an alternative format (e.g. large print), please contact the lead consultant. Please also let us know if you would like to submit your application in an alternative format.
Applicants with disabilities are welcome to contact us in confidence at any stage of the recruitment process to discuss any reasonable adjustments or support that may be required to ensure fair and equal participation.
Recruitment selection processes are based on evidence of competence stated in the person specification and in relation to our values.
Timetable
Closing date: Monday 12th October 2026
Candidates informed of outcome: Tuesday 20th October 2026
Interviews (online): Wednesday 28th and Thursday 29th October 2026 (morning only on both dates)
Equal Opportunities Monitoring
Peridot and Martin James Foundation are committed to promoting equality and diversity. To help us raise awareness and support a culture that is diverse and recognises and develops the potential of all, we need to appreciate the profile of candidates who apply for positions. We will send you an equality monitoring survey at the point of receiving your application and at the time of placement. This ensures that our processes remain inclusive and equitable throughout, and provides us with important data to help us showcase our impact.
The information will be treated confidentially and anonymously and will help us to support our commitment to fair recruitment practice. All information provided will be held in the strictest confidence and will not be shared with anyone, in line with the Data Protection Act 2018 launched on 25 May 2018.
The information provided does not form part of the decision-making process and will not affect your application. Learn more about why we collect this data here.
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