Jamyang Buddhist Centre is a friendly, values-driven organisation based in a historic former courthouse in Kennington, South London. Rooted in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition and affiliated with the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT), we offer a rich programme of teachings, community events and cultural activities.
Our mission is to provide a welcoming space for spiritual growth, inner transformation, and meaningful connection – through education & study, meditation, service and volunteering as practice. We’re also home to a resident monastic community and the Courthouse Community Centre, which broadens our outreach to the local neighbourhood through inclusive, non-religious events.
As a team, we care deeply about kindness, integrity, and collaboration. We balance structure with spaciousness, and we’re always evolving in response to the needs of our community and our planet.
“The centre is so important. People don’t know—the government doesn’t know—how important the centre is. You have the responsibility to educate, to awaken the minds of sentient beings from the sleep of ignorance. Because you can be of unbelievable benefit through working for the centre, whatever you do, as a volunteer or whatever, you should rejoice. It is so worthwhile. “
Lama Zopa Rinpoche
Join the Board of Trustees
As a Trustee at Jamyang Buddhist Centre, you help steward the long-term health and vision of the organisation. Rather than overseeing day-to-day activity, your role focuses on strategic guidance, legal and financial oversight, and supporting the leadership team to carry out Jamyang’s mission with integrity and care. You’ll contribute your perspective and expertise to quarterly Board meetings and occasional planning sessions, helping to ensure that Jamyang remains resilient, community-centred, and aligned with its values. This is a meaningful opportunity to support a unique urban Dharma centre rooted in kindness, service, and spiritual learning.
Jamyang Buddhist Centre has grown enormously in scale and scope over the past 5 years. It is now one of the most dynamic and active city centres in the FPMT (The Foundation for The Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition), with initiatives ranging from the international Basic Programme taught by Geshe Tenzin Namdak to its pioneering Science & Wisdom Live project. We have hosted an international climate change conference, won awards for diversity work, and are embarking on a major building renovation and conservation undertaking, The Sanctuary Project.
We are looking for up to 3 additional trustees to join the board and help steer the centre into the next phase of its development. Trustees commit to attending four board meetings each year plus an annual strategic planning day. They may also choose to join sub-committees and support the executive team with specific initiatives.
Skills and experience that will be particularly welcome at this time include:
- Financial Management / Accounting
- Management of large projects, particularly building projects
- Fundraising and development
- Legal matters, particularly those relevant to the charity sector
- Income generation
- Community support
The duties of a trustee are as follows:
- Ensuring that Jamyang pursues its stated charitable objectives, which are: “to advance the Buddhist Faith and Buddhist Charitable Institutions throughout the United Kingdom and elsewhere, making Buddhist teachings available to anyone who requests them.” We are specifically committed to doing this as students of HH The Dalai Lama and according to our affiliation with the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT).
- Ensuring that Jamyang complies with its memorandum and articles of association, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
- Ensuring that Jamyang applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its charitable objects and for the benefit of the public.
- Ensuring the financial stability of Jamyang. This includes protecting and managing the property of Jamyang and ensuring the proper investment of Jamyang’s funds.
- Ensuring that Jamyang has clear strategic goals in accordance with its vision and objectives, and finding ways to evaluate its impact and performance.
- Safeguarding the good name and values of Jamyang and its related organisations, and where appropriate acting as an ambassador for the charity and its community.
- Ensuring the effective and efficient administration of Jamyang, including having appropriate policies and procedures in place to provide a safe, respectful and welcoming environment for all students, visitors, staff and volunteers.
- Following proper and formal arrangements for the appointment, supervision, support, appraisal and remuneration of the Executive Director.
In addition to the statutory duties listed above, each trustee will use any specific expertise they possess to help the board of trustees reach sound decisions. This may include scrutinising board papers, leading discussions and committees, and providing advice and guidance on key issues and new initiatives, particularly in areas in which the trustee has relevant knowledge, skills or experience, or is able to reach out to their network of professional contacts.
Jamyang is registered as both a charity (No. 1106802) and a company limited by guarantee (No. 05264030). This means that all the charity trustees are also the company directors. You can find out more about Jamyang’s legal status on the websites of the Charities Commission and of Companies House UK.
All trustees are required to sign these documents, along with the FPMT Ethical Policy.
NB: Our sister-charity Courthouse Community Centre (CCC), which runs initiatives such as the Repaying the Kindness project for carers and other community-focused activities, currently has the same board as Jamyang, so each Jamyang trustee is also currently a trustee of CCC. For convenience, CCC board meetings are brief and generally take place on the same days/times as Jamyang.
We’re looking for individuals who are committed to Jamyang’s values and its affiliation with the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT). Trustees should be willing to dedicate the necessary time and energy to the role—this includes preparing for and attending quarterly board meetings, a strategic day-long each autumn, and participating in key events at the centre. While prior experience is welcome, we provide induction and training to support new trustees in understanding their legal duties and responsibilities. You’ll bring strategic thinking, thoughtful and independent judgement, and a collaborative spirit. Just as important is a commitment to Buddhist ethics—kindness, compassion, patience, and equanimity—when working alongside fellow trustees, staff, and volunteers.
Please click the button below to submit your expression of interest. If this opportunity isn’t for you, perhaps you can help us by passing it on to anyone you know who might be suitable.
We warmly welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and lived experiences. We’re committed to building an inclusive team that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve.
