Harm Reduction International (HRI) envisions a world in which drug policies uphold dignity, health and rights. We use data and advocacy to promote harm reduction and drug policy reform. We show how rights-based, evidence-informed responses to drugs contribute to healthier, safer societies, and why investing in harm reduction makes sense.

We are seeking at least two new trustees with strong commitment to HRI’s vision and mission to join our board of trustees (https://hri.global/people/).

The Board of Trustees are responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of Harm Reduction International, its financial health, the probity of its activities and overseeing the organisation’s strategy, in accordance with the governing documents, UK legal and regulatory guidelines.

Trustees are expected to attend four board meetings per year (usually three online and one in-person in the UK), along with additional meetings as required. In accordance with HRI’s governing documents, trustees serve a three-year term, and are eligible for re-appointment for one additional term.

HRI is registered as a charity in England. The Charity Commission states the six primary duties of a trustee are:

1. To ensure your charity is carrying out its purposes for the public benefit
2. To comply with your charity’s governing documents and the law
3. To act in your charity’s best interests
4. To manage your charity’s resources responsibly
5. To act with reasonable care and skill
6. To ensure your charity is accountable

In this round of recruitment, we are seeking at least two new trustees. We are particularly keen to recruit trustees with senior management experience in a company, business or non-governmental organisation (NGO), to complement the skill set of the current board of trustees. In particular, we are looking for:

1. One trustee with executive level experience in a UK charity. This candidate will have expertise in complying with the regulations of the Charity Commission of England and Wales. Experience in UK financial audits, management accounts, safeguarding or employment law is very desirable.

1. At least one trustee from the global South with lived experience or professional expertise in the field of harm reduction. Experience of promoting and/or funding harm reduction activity in the global South is very desirable.

We are seeking trustees with all of the following knowledge, skills and understanding:

• Commitment to the principles of harm reduction and a willingness to devote time, passion and effort to HRI
• Willingness to be available to the Board of Trustees and Executive Director for advice and consultation on an ad hoc/occasional basis
• Good, independent judgement and strategic vision
• An understanding of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
• An ability to work effectively as a member of a team
• An understanding of the respective roles of the Board of Trustees and Executive Director
• A commitment to upholding the aims, principles and policies of HRI on equality, diversion and inclusion.

We encourage candidates with any of the additional desirable characteristics to apply:

• Experience on a board in the non-profit or corporate sector
• Understanding of NGO income generation – for example experience fundraising for a non-profit organisation or grant-making in a philanthropic foundation
• Demonstrable experience of building and sustaining relationships with key stakeholders to achieve organisational objectives
• A track record of promoting equality and diversity

Please send applications in the form of a CV and short cover letter (one page maximum) to hiring@hri.global by close of business 17 April 2025.