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Could your leadership skills help shape the future of a Hopian?  Hopian is a registered charity that provides advice and support for adults and children who have experienced Domestic Violence and Abuse through the provision of refuge accommodation and community support services.  We also provide support and access to counselling for people affected by Child Sexual Exploitation.

The Role of Trustee and executive Trustee roles are voluntary positions. A Trustee for the Board is expected to meet the requirements of the board in line with the charities governing documents, governing good practice and legal requirements.  We also have a vacancy for a Treasurer should you be interested please visit our Hopian website - recruiter link below for further details.

Trustee Responsibilities :

The Board as a whole is collectively responsible for the success of the charity. A Trustee is a Board Member and has a number of responsibilities in order to ensure robust management of the charity including:

• Make decisions objectively in the interests of the charity.
• Implement Hopian’s Vision, Mission, and Values.
• Lead on the aims and objectives of Hopian by raising awareness of domestic and sexual abuse, and child sexual exploitation and abuse and its impact on individuals and their families.

Trustee Duties :

• Ensuring that the organisation pursues its stated objects (purposes), as defined in its governing document, by developing and agreeing a long-term strategy.
• Ensuring that the organisation complies with its governing document (i.e. constitution or memorandum and articles of association), charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
• Ensuring that the organisation applies its resources in pursuance of its charitable objects (i.e., the charity must not spend money on activities that are not included in its own objects) .
• Ensuring that the organisation defines its goals and evaluates performance against agreed targets.
• Safeguarding the good name and values of the organisation.
• Ensuring the effective and efficient administration of the organisation, including having appropriate policies and procedures in place.
• Ensuring the financial stability of the organisation.
• Protecting and managing the property of the charity and ensuring the proper investment of the charity’s funds.
• To work in the interests of the charity and not for personal gain.
• To ensure that the Board Members takes proper professional advice on matters in which it does not have competence.
• Following proper and formal arrangements for the appointment, supervision, support, appraisal and remuneration of the chief executive.

In addition to the above statutory duties, each trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the board of trustees reach sound decisions. This may involve scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise.

Tasks:

• To work with other Board Members to form an effective governing body for the charity.
• To attend meetings and to read papers in advance of meetings.
• Ensure that the charity’s focus places services users centrally.
• To understand and be committed to the mission of the charity.
• To maintain a long-term overview of the charity and its work.
• To make strategic and major decisions about the charity objectives, policies and procedures.
• To attend sub-group meetings as appropriate.
• To participate in other tasks that may arise from time to time such as interviewing for new staff, helping with appeals and fundraising.
• To keep informed about the activities of the charity and wider issues which affect its work.
• To monitor and evaluate the work of the charity on a regular basis. This includes receiving reports from staff, staff supervision, receiving feedback from service users and other agencies .
• To ensure that the charity is a good employer of its paid and voluntary staff .
• Provide opportunity for staff to meet with the board.

Person Specification

We are looking for a  Trustee who has an understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship. It is expected that a Trustee takes ownership to develop and maintain this understanding and application of duties. In addition to having:

• A commitment to the organisation.
• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort.
• Good, independent judgement.
• An ability to think creatively.
• An ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
• A commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership

Experience & Knowledge

• Understanding and evidence of commitment to equal opportunities and diversity statement 
• Be objective and unbiased 
• Be supportive and approachable 

Time Requirements

To be able to attend scheduled committee meetings each year and read papers for each board meeting. To be available to for consultation, support and guidance on an ad hoc basis. Much of this contact will be via online, telephone or email.

Young Enterprise is the UK’s leading youth charity specialising in enterprise and financial education. Our vision is that every young person, regardless of their background, is given the opportunity to develop the skills, confidence, and mindset they need to thrive in work and life.

Since our founding, we have supported 7.2 million young people through enterprise and financial education programmes, including 1.1 million who have started Young Enterprise businesses. As a founding member of Junior Achievement Worldwide, we are part of a global network spanning more than 100 countries, preparing young people for success in a global economy.

We are seeking an exceptional individual to become Chair of our Board of Trustees at a pivotal point in our journey. This is a highly influential role, offering the opportunity to lead our Board, support our CEO and senior leadership team, and champion our ambitious 2024–2030 Transforming Futures strategy.

This strategy aims to ensure that every young person has access to the financial education, enterprise capability, and work readiness they need to succeed, while deepening our impact on those facing the greatest barriers.

We are looking for a strategic and well-connected leader who can:

• Lead and inspire a high-performing, diverse Board of Trustees

• Strengthen relationships with government, policy makers, funders, and corporate partners

• Support fundraising and advocacy through strategic introductions and influence

• Ensure excellence in governance, safeguarding, compliance, and financial sustainability

• Act as a visible ambassador for Young Enterprise nationally and internationally

We are particularly interested in hearing from candidates who bring:

• Significant leadership experience at Board or executive level in charity, corporate, or public sectors

• A strong personal commitment to improving life chances for young people

• Credibility and networks among senior decision makers, funders, or policy influencers

• Strategic leadership and governance expertise

• Experience in fundraising, public affairs, or policy advocacy (desirable)

• An interest in education, youth development, enterprise, or social mobility

Above all, we are seeking someone who shares our vision and values and is passionate about helping young people, particularly those facing the greatest barriers, build successful futures.

The successful candidate will chair six Board meetings per year (primarily London-based), participate in events, visits, and stakeholder engagement, and commit approximately 1–2 days per month. This is an unpaid role, but reasonable out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed. The initial appointment is for three years, with the possibility of reappointment for an additional term of three years.

Young Enterprise is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and we strongly encourage applications from individuals whose backgrounds reflect the diverse communities and young people we serve across the UK.

Keeping Young People Safe

We are committed to keeping young people safe. All successful candidates will undergo an enhanced DBS (England & Wales) check and receive safeguarding training.

At Young Enterprise, safeguarding is at the core of everything we do. We are committed to promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. All successful candidates will receive ongoing safeguarding training throughout and be expected to uphold excellent safeguarding practice at all times.

How to Apply:

Please refer to our information pack for full details.

If you would like to play a transformational role in shaping the futures of young people across the UK, please send:

• An up-to-date CV (PDF format)

• A supporting statement (maximum two sides of A4) outlining your suitability for the role, based on the essential criteria in the person specification

Applications should be received by 23:30 on 21 June 2026. Interviews will be held between 29 June and 3 July 2026.

For further information, applicants are encouraged to review Young Enterprise’s Annual Report & Accounts and Transforming Futures Strategy.

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Join us at this exciting moment and help empower the next generation to succeed.