The Council

The Council plays a key role in looking after nature, beauty and history for future generations. Its members help us keep connected with our supporters, advise on important decisions and inform strategy.
What does the Council do?
The Council plays an important role in how the National Trust is governed. Its main responsibilities are to appoint Trustees and to support and monitor 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.
Who's involved?
The Council is made up of 36 members that have a range of expertise in everything from education and agriculture to nature and the built environment. Half are elected by National Trust members and half are from organisations which have a connection to the Trust.
Council members serve an initial term of three years, and are then eligible to restand. Council elections take place every year with applications usually opening in March ahead of an election ballot in the autumn. The results of this ballot are announced at the AGM.
Hear from the Council
Meet the Council
The Council makes sure we stay true to our purpose as a charity. It's responsibilities include appointing the Board of Trustees (our governing body), and monitoring and supporting their work.