About Impetus
Impetus transforms the education and employment outcomes of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, particularly those facing systemic barriers.
We do this by using our deep expertise and high calibre networks to give the best non-profits in these sectors the essential ingredients to have a real and lasting impact.
Through a powerful combination of long-term funding, direct capacity building support from our experienced team and our pro bono partners, alongside research and policy influencing to drive lasting systems change, we work towards a society where all young people can thrive in school, pass their exams and unlock the doors to sustained employment, for a fulfilling life. We are resolutely focused on outcomes and impact, driven by quality evidence.
You would be joining a team that is passionate, rigorous, determined, creative and warm. We care deeply for our colleagues, our charity partners and the young people we serve.
Governance
Impetus is a charitable company registered with the Charities Commission (Charity number 1152262) in 2013 under its Memorandum and Articles (governing document). The governing body of the charity is the Board of Trustees, led by our Chair. The Board sets strategy and reviews policy. Day-to-day responsibility is delegated to the Chief Executive Officer, who works closely with the Chair. We have several committees and advisory groups made up of experts from a range of fields, providing in-depth review and oversight of our activities led, where possible, by Trustees.
Trustees are aware of and comply with the duty to act in the public benefit in accordance with section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 and members are listed on the administrative details page of our website. The governing body also meets as the sole corporate Trustee of The Youth Endowment Fund, a registered charitable trust.
Our Trustees provide strategic direction, hold the executive to account, and safeguard our mission and values. At Impetus, we recognise that a diverse Board strengthens our governance and better reflects the communities we serve, and we are now seeking two new Trustees. One with significant expertise in public affairs, government relations, or political communications, and one with extensive experience of the chairty sector. These roles will strengthen our ability to invest with stronger insight, as well as to shape policy and secure the systems level change needed to give every young person a fair chance to succeed.
About this role
This role will complement the existing strengths of our Board, which includes leaders from business, civil society and philanthropy. The successful candidate will bring a strategic lens to our public affairs work, guiding how we engage with government and contribute to the national conversation on youth opportunity. We are looking for an individual who will support us in championing systemic change in education and employment for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Commitment:
1 term (3 years) - with a possible second term extension
Time commitment:
Part-time, flexible. Includes Board meetings (5 per year), occasional sub-committee meetings (up to 4 per year), an annual strategic Board away day, and attendance at in-person events.
Location:
Hybrid. While much work can be done remotely, we expect Trustees to attend in-person meetings in central London and at key events throughout the year.
Reports to:
Chair of Trustees
Key responsibilities
Public Affairs Related:
- Provide strategic guidance on engaging effectively with government, including opportunities, risks, and positioning.
- Use your networks and insight to help build trusted senior-level relationships in government and civil society.
- Support the work of the Public Affairs Committee, helping to ensure our influencing activity is evidence-based and mission-aligned.
- Offer insight to the Investment Committee on the policy landscape and potential implications for portfolio decisions.
- Help shape Board-level perspectives on emerging or live policy developments that impact young people’s outcomes in education and employment.
Role in Relation to the Youth Endowment Fund (YEF):
- Impetus is the legal entity accountable for the Youth Endowment Fund (YEF), which operates under the strategic direction of an independent Committee, chaired by an Impetus Trustee. While this trustee role does not sit on the YEF Committee, the Impetus Board retains overall governance responsibility for the Fund’s effective delivery, including safeguarding and financial oversight.
- The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of the public affairs landscape and the role of policy, funding, and government relationships in shaping large-scale initiatives like YEF. They will recognise the significance of YEF’s mission in preventing youth violence and the importance of influencing government decisions on future funding streams, including opportunities such as the Dormant Assets Fund. They will contribute to Board-level discussions with strategic insight and a clear grasp of their non-executive responsibilities.
Core Trustee Responsibilities:
- Attend quarterly Board meetings and occasional sub-committee or strategy sessions.
- Provide oversight of organisational performance, risk, and compliance.
- Ensure the charity is governed effectively and in line with legal obligations.
- Support the CEO and leadership team with advice, challenge, and strategic insight.
- Review and understand core governance documents (e.g. Articles of Association, audited accounts).
- Complete the necessary documentation, such as declarations of interest and trustee eligibility.
Person specification
Essential skills and experience:
- Extensive experience in UK public affairs, political communications or government relations, ideally at a senior strategic level.
- Strong understanding of how public policy is influenced and made in the UK.
- Demonstrated insight into youth policy, education, and/or employment landscapes.
- A proven network and deep familiarity with the workings of government, especially Whitehall and Westminster.
- Ability to bring constructive challenge and sound judgement to Board discussions, with diplomacy and clarity.
- Strong alignment with Impetus’ mission to support young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to achieve their potential.
- A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
Our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
At Impetus, we believe that a diverse workforce leads to an organisation that is more open, creative and gets better results.
We want our team at Impetus to represent the diversity of the people and communities we serve. We also want our team to be one where different experience, expertise and perspectives are valued, and where everyone is encouraged to grow and develop.
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, ages and genders. We particularly welcome candidates who bring diverse perspectives, whether through professional experience, cultural background, or personal journeys that include the challenges faced by the young people we serve. We value the diversity of thought and perspective lived experience can bring, while recognising that personal experience is not something we expect candidates to disclose or revisit.
Induction and Training
At Impetus, we’re committed to ensuring that every trustee feels informed, supported, and confident in their role from day one. Our structured induction process includes a comprehensive welcome pack, access to key organisational documents and strategy, one-to-one meetings with staff and fellow trustees, and the opportunity to observe our work in action. We ask new trustees to commit three to four hours over their first few months to fully engage in the induction process. We take this seriously because we know that strong, effective governance starts with clarity, connection, and a shared understanding of our mission to transform the lives of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
How to apply
You will need to:
- Complete the online form (including the equal opportunities monitoring form).
- Upload a comprehensive CV and supporting statement.
The supporting statement should be no more than two sides of A4 and should address the criteria in the person specification.
If you wish to have an informal discussion about the opportunity, please contact recruitment.
The deadline for applications is August 22nd, 2025
Interviews
Interviews will take place in the end of August, or as applications come in, to suit both the availability of the applicants as well as members of the Impetus Leadership Team and Board.
Personal Data
Your personal data will be shared for the purposes of the recruitment exercise. This includes our HR team, interviewers (who may include other partners in the project and independent advisors), relevant team managers and our IT service provider if access to the data is necessary for performance of their roles. We do not share your data with other third parties, unless your application for employment is successful and we make you an offer of employment. We will then share your data with former employers to obtain references for you. We do not transfer your data outside the European Economic Area.
Registered Charity
51 - 100
Impetus transforms the lives of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds by ensuring they get support to succeed in school, in work and in life.
Thank you!
Trustee Recruitment - Lead with Purpose: Become a Trustee and Help Achieve a Life Unlimited.
Your experience. Your voice. Your impact.
- Flexible location: home based/ hybrid
- Flexible commitment: approx.an average of one day per month comprised of preparation for and attending meetings, away days and other Trust related activities
- Voluntary role (reasonable expenses reimbursed for travel to attend meetings in person)
- Multiple positions available
About us
At Cystic Fibrosis Trust, we believe in a world where everyone with cystic fibrosis (CF), can live a life unlimited — and we’re inviting passionate individuals to join us on this powerful journey.
Cystic Fibrosis Trust is the UK’s leading charity dedicated to uniting for a life unlimited for everyone with CF – one of the most common life-limiting genetic conditions.
Our team of dedicated staff, volunteers, and Trustees works alongside people affected by CF to fund life-changing research, promote world-class clinical care, and provide essential advice and support. We champion a community that is united by strength, compassion, and hope.
Our work relies on the generous donations of our supporters.
About the role
This is more than a governance role — it’s an opportunity to help guide strategic decisions that impact lives, influence national initiatives, and accelerate progress for a community that deserves nothing less than a brighter future.
As a Trustee, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping our vision, values, and strategic direction, developing our aims, objectives, and goals. Your leadership will help us make decisions that matter, and your voice will help steer us toward a stronger, inclusive future. Trustees typically serve a three-year term, with the option to continue for a second.
Who are we looking for?
We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences.
Due to our normal rotational retirements and trustee terms of office we have several vacancies. We are keen to increase the representation of people with lived experience of CF and are particularly interested in applications from all people who can offer professional skills and experience in:
- finance and accountancy
- legal practice/law
- fundraising and income generation
- marketing and communications
- data and digital strategies
- basic science research
- non-clinical CF professions (e.g. psychology or social worker)
As part of our long-term succession planning, we would also welcome interest from candidates who may be open to taking on additional Board leadership responsibilities in the future, e.g. Chair, treasurer, or committee roles.
The cystic fibrosis community is diverse, encompassing people of all ages and backgrounds. We are committed to ensuring that this diversity is reflected on our Board. We are especially interested in hearing from those with lived experience of CF, disabled individuals, and candidates from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic communities, as well as LGBTQI individuals. We value fresh perspectives and encourage applications from first-time trustees.
Why Join Us?
- Make a meaningful impact on the lives of people affected by cystic fibrosis.
- Engage with dynamic peers who are driven, forward-thinking, passionate and purpose-led.
- Help drive an inspirational mission that blends science, support, and community.
- Play a critical role in shaping our strategic direction, ensuring robust governance, and championing equity, diversity and inclusion.
- Gain valuable experience in governance and strategic planning.
- Use your expertise to fuel lasting change.
If you are passionate about making a difference for people with cystic fibrosis, this is your moment.
Important Dates
- Closing date for applications: Wednesday 20 August 2025
- First interview: Week commencing 8 September 2025
- Second interview: Week commencing 15 September 2025
Ready to Make a Difference?
Please download the Trustee Recruitment Pack (see below) for more information including full role description.
And then select the ‘Redirect to Recruiter’ button above to take you to the application portal. You will need to have your up to date CV outlining your career history, including responsibilities and achievements and a covering letter explaining why you want to be a Trustee, what skills you can bring to the Board of Trustees and what you want to take away from this opportunity.
We look forward to receiving your application.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Join the board of the national charity dedicated to supporting disabled children, young people and their families.
Trustee
Employer – Kids
Location – London (Meetings in Person)
Salary - Voluntary (Reasonable expenses reimbursed)
Hours - Approx. 1 day per month
Trustees also take part in at least one committee—such as the Finance and Audit Committee, Services and Safeguarding Committee, or People, Culture and Governance Committee—which typically meet online up to four times a year
Who we are:
Kids is on a mission to create a world where all kinds of kids have all kinds of opportunities.
Founded in 1970, we have grown into a national organisation supporting over 22,000 children, young people and families each year across England.
We are on an ambitious journey to reach at least 120,000 disabled children, young people and their families each year by 2027. Our vision is bold yet achievable: a society where disabled children, young people and their families enjoy equal rights and opportunities.
Now in the fourth year of an ambitious five-year strategy, we’re pursuing four bold goals:
- Support – Delivering impactful, sustainable services
- Innovate – Designing new models to transform lives
- Speak Up – Empowering young people to be agents of change
- Sustain – Building the financial and structural strength to grow
The Role
As our next Trustee, you’ll play a vital leadership role in bringing our vision to life. Working closely with our Chair, CEO, and Executive Leadership Team, you will provide strategic oversight, guide our governance, and help scale our impact.
Time Commitment
This role is about more than simply being available—it’s about being genuinely engaged. We're hoping to find someone who feels inspired to make this a meaningful part of their journey. It may be your primary board or leadership role, given the depth of involvement, but it also offers the opportunity to contribute in a truly rewarding way.
Who You Are
We’re looking for four passionate individuals who bring compassion, curiosity, and credibility. People who value respectful dialogue, champion inclusion, and lead with integrity.
You’ll bring your unique perspective to enhance our culture—not just fit into it. You’ll contribute to a dynamic board that balances strategic scrutiny, inclusive leadership, and good governance with genuine care and collaboration.
You don’t need to have all the answers, but you should bring:
- Experience in governance or senior leadership
- A passion for disability rights, equity, and inclusion
- A commitment to empowering diverse voices
- A collaborative spirit and systems-thinking mindset
We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of disability, those from underrepresented communities, and individuals who reflect the diversity of the families and children we serve.
Our Culture
At Kids, we celebrate what makes each of us unique. Our culture is rooted in care, collaboration, creativity, and professionalism. We actively listen and strive to ensure everyone we work with feels heard, respected, and included.
We are committed to breaking down systemic barriers, including racism, ableism, sexism, and other forms of injustice. This is an ongoing journey, and we’re dedicated to learning and growing together.
We are committed to making our recruitment process accessible. If you need information in an alternative format or adjustments at any stage, please contact us —we’d love to hear how we can support you.
In Closing
You’ll be joining a brilliant team of Trustees, a passionate leadership team, and an organisation ready for change. Together, we’ll help build a world where disabled children and young people are celebrated for who they are and supported to reach their full potential.
This isn’t just a role. It’s a chance to reimagine what’s possible.
Join us. Lead with us. Grow with us.
For more information about this role, please visit our careers page
Application & Recruitment Process
- Closing date: 30th September 2025
- Online Interview and Face-to-Face meeting: October 2025
- If you’re inspired to join our Board, please complete our online application and upload an up-to-date CV, with a 2-page limit on an A4 document. Shortlisted candidates will have the chance to showcase their strengths and discuss important topics alongside our leadership team.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.