The council
Looking after the places in our care for future generations. Our 36 members advise on important decisions, inform strategy and keep us connected to the wider public.
What does the Council do?
The Council plays an important role in how the Trust is governed. Its main responsibilities are to appoint the members of the Board of Trustees (our governing body) and to monitor and support their work.
Council members meet three times a year to debate key strategic issues and advise the Board of Trustees. They also use their networks to inspire support for the Trust among members and the wider public. It's a great opportunity to have your say and make sure the Trust sticks to its purpose as a charity.
Get involved
Join the Council
We welcome applications from people from all walks of life and backgrounds. It’s important to us that our Council reflects the breadth and diversity of our work and the people who visit the special places we look after.
How are Council members elected?
Council elections take place every year. Election vacancies are usually advertised from late February to the end of March, ahead of a ballot in autumn. The results of the ballot are announced at the Annual General Meeting. Council members serve an initial term of three years and are then eligible to re-stand.
The Council establishes a Nominations Committee to oversee the election process and make recommendations to the membership in a report for the AGM.
We welcome applications from people from all walks of life and backgrounds. It’s important to us that our Council reflects the breadth and diversity of our work and the people who visit the special places we look after.
Find out more
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How we are run
Discover how the National Trust is run, how oue governance arrangements are underpinned by Acts of Parliament and how they are designed to support and challenge our staff.
Board of Trustees
Discover who sits on a National Trusts board of trustees, what experience they bring to the role and how they work together to meet the Trusts purpose.
Appointing bodies
Our Councils Appointing Bodies are 18 organisations that are elected by National Trust members every six years. In 2024, we'll be reviewing our Appointing Bodies. Learn about what they are, what they do, and find out how to get involved in the review before Monday 4 September 2023.