Become a Trustee

About SS Freshspring 

SS Freshspring is a unique historic steamship with increasing national recognition and significant recent developments. Based in Bideford, North Devon, our mission is to preserve and share the ship’s legacy and ensure future sustainability while inspiring young people and communities through STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths) learning and maritime experiences. Our governance, compliance, and policy frameworks must be robust and future ready as we work towards restoring the ship to full operational status.

Current Trustee Opportunities

We are currently seeking individuals to join our Board in the following areas:

• Compliance, Policy & Procedure Development
• Digital & IT
• Marketing & Communications
• Volunteer & Events Coordination
• Education & Learning

If you have experience or interest in any of these areas, we’d love to hear from you. Click on each role to find out more about what it involves:

Learn more about Compliance, Policy & Procedure Development
Learn more about Digital & IT
Learn more about Marketing & Communications
Learn more about Volunteer & Events Coordination
Learn more about Education & Learning

How to Apply

If you're passionate about maritime heritage and want to help shape the future of SS Freshspring, we’d love to hear from you.

👉 Complete our Trustee Expression of Interest form

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an informal conversation with our Board.

General Responsibilities of Trustees 

As defined by the Charity Commission, trustees have overall control of a charity and are responsible for ensuring it achieves its intended purpose. Trustees are the individuals who lead the charity and determine its operational structure. Being a trustee means making decisions that impact the lives of others. Depending on the charity's activities, you will make a difference in your local community or to society. 

Trustees utilise their skills and experience to support the charity in achieving its objectives, often acquiring new skills in the process. 

Trustees share collective responsibility for the following key duties: 

• Ensuring SS Freshspring is carrying out its purposes for the public benefit.
• Complying with SS Freshspring’s governing document, policies, and the law.
• Acting in SS Freshspring’s best interests, helping to set and lead strategic direction.
• Managing SS Freshspring’s money and other resources responsibly.
• Acting with reasonable care and skill, identifying and managing risk.
• Ensuring SS Freshspring is accountable to regulators, funders, and stakeholders. 

In addition, trustees are expected to: 

• Use their skills and experience to guide decision-making and provide strategic insight.
• Review and help improve operations, plans, and new initiatives.
• Take responsibility for a specific Trust requirement or working group.
• Actively promote the work and social benefits of SS Freshspring.