Trustee

Evolve Counselling is seeking hands-on volunteer trustees to help shape the future of a long-established mental health charity. We are particularly interested in candidates with expertise in adult safeguarding, fundraising, counselling or public sector commissioning.

As a small charity with ambitious plans, we need trustees who are prepared to roll up their sleeves and contribute their knowledge, networks and experience alongside their governance responsibilities. You'll join a committed team working to increase access to affordable counselling services and improve mental health outcomes across our communities.

About Us

Evolve Counselling is a respected mental health charity that has been providing accessible, affordable counselling services since 1978. We support adults experiencing a wide range of emotional and mental health challenges and work with individuals, communities and partner organisations across Cambridgeshire and the East of England.

As we enter an exciting period of transition and development, we are looking to strengthen our Board with trustees who want to play an active role in helping the charity grow, develop and increase its impact.

About the Role

We are seeking new Trustees who share our passion for improving access to mental health support and who can contribute professional expertise to help guide the organisation through its next phase of development.

This is not a traditional trustee role where involvement begins and ends in the boardroom.

As a small charity with a lean staff team, we are looking for trustees who are willing to actively contribute their knowledge, networks and experience when opportunities or challenges arise. Alongside good governance and strategic oversight, our trustees provide practical support, advice and specialist expertise to help the charity succeed.

We are particularly interested in hearing from individuals with experience in:

• Adult safeguarding
• Fundraising and income generation
• Counselling, psychotherapy or mental health services
• Public sector commissioning, including NHS or Local Authority commissioning

Previous trustee experience is welcome but not essential.

Trustee Responsibilities

Trustees are collectively responsible for:

• Providing strategic leadership and direction
• Ensuring effective governance and regulatory compliance
• Safeguarding the charity's assets, reputation and beneficiaries
• Monitoring organisational performance, risk and financial sustainability
• Supporting and challenging the leadership team appropriately
• Acting as ambassadors for Evolve and helping to develop partnerships and opportunities

Trustees are expected to attend at least five Board meetings each year and contribute their expertise between meetings where appropriate.

Why Join Evolve?

This is an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to a well-established mental health charity at an important point in its journey.

You will join a committed Board and staff team who are ambitious about expanding access to counselling services and strengthening the long-term sustainability of the organisation.

Most importantly, you will have the opportunity to use your experience and expertise to help improve mental health outcomes for people in the communities we serve.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We are committed to building a diverse Board that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are particularly keen to hear from candidates whose perspectives and experiences are currently under-represented within charity governance.

How to Apply

Please submit:

• A CV; and
• A short supporting statement outlining your interest in the role and the expertise you would bring to the Board.

For an informal discussion about the opportunity, please contact:

Richard Brock - Chair of Trustees Evolve Counselling

If you're passionate about supporting people, strengthening charities and helping organisations navigate growth and change, we'd love to hear from you