Trustee Volunteer Roles in Bromley, Greater London
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ALAG (Asperger London Area Group) has been a registered charity since 2015. ALAG is a pan-London membership community organisation, working in partnership with statutory services and the voluntary sector to highlight the needs of autistic adults. We are dedicated to seeking practical initiatives and solutions when supporting individuals to come to terms with their diagnosis and to providing the tailored support that is essential to their wellbeing. One such initiative is the Autism Hub, a user-led Islington/Camden initiative for autistic adults which was established in 2018.
ALAG is looking to appoint a new Treasurer/Trustee, following the retirement of the current post holder in March 2024. This is a key position on the Trustee Board and the candidate will be joining the charity at a crucial stage in its development. The successful candidate will have a background in finance, strategy, governance and risk management. The Treasurer would be expected to develop a close relationship with the CEO/Lead Coordinator as well as with the Board. The Treasurer will oversee financial matters for the charity and provide constructive advice to the CEO/Lead Coordinator. They will also report to the Board of Trustees at regular intervals about the overall financial health of the organisation.
Please email your CV and Cover Letter
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Treasurer needed for an established psychotherapy charity. We are part way through a change process at Share having moved premises in 2023. We are developing and strengthening our clinical services, improving our administrative and business systems and strengthening our financial position. We want to build upon our position as a centre of excellence in psychotherapy and make an even bigger contribution to improving mental health in Sheffield.
Would you like to volunteer for an established psychotherapy charity? We work at the vital intersection of psychological distress and poverty in the city and provide an excellent learning environment for qualified and qualifying counsellors and therapists alike.
We’re looking for a suitably qualified accountant to join us as our Treasurer, taking the lead on financial matters but also playing a full role on the Board of Trustees in the overall management of the charity.
The role would suit an experienced accountant wishing to contribute on a voluntary basis to a valuable charitable cause. Equally it would provide excellent board level experience for a young professional at an earlier stage in their career.
We have strong clinical services, administrative and business systems in place and continue to seek to increase and diversify our income. We want to make an even bigger contribution to improving mental health in Sheffield and we’re especially keen to attract people from minority communities to the Board.
For an informal chat please contact one of the co-chairs, Lynn or Astrid.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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Would you like to make a real difference to the lives of individuals living with devastating and incurable conditions?
Alex TLC is a trusted and experienced organisation offering support and information for all those affected by a genetic leukodystrophy. These are a group of often terminal, rare neurodegenerative conditions, affecting people of all ages and backgrounds, most notably children. Established in 2004, we are recognised by the NHS and global stakeholders as the "go to" organisation for those affected by these devastating conditions in the UK.
Like many other small charities, we have grown organically from an informal support group to a thriving organisation supporting over a thousand individuals affected by leukodystrophy worldwide.
We are looking for experienced candidates to help develop and improve our existing beneficiary services as well as create and optimise future opportunities for growth.
It is an exciting time to join Alex TLC and we are delighted to be able to offer this opening to join our Board and complement current trustees.
Alex TLC currently employs 23 staff (three of whom are directly affected by leukodystrophy) and runs a charity shop business comprising five shops to support core costs.
We are looking for new trustees with experience in one or more of these areas: legal, PR, marketing, communications, fundraising, campaigning, political activity, IT, public health/care services, management, partnership, not for profit
Our Mission is to support anyone affected by leukodystrophy, support research, raise awareness and improve best practice within healthcare systems.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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Phab Nottingham provides activities and days out for children with disabilities. This is an opportunity to help improve the lives of our members, help them develop skills and friendships, and through your leadership role ensure that the charity continues to support hundreds of young people in the years to come.
The charity organises day trips and weekend residentials, supporting c.100 young people per year, and providing respite for their parents / carers.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you for your interest in becoming a Trustee of Christians Against Poverty (CAP). Trustees play a vital role in guiding and shaping the future of our organisation, ensuring that we continue to fulfil our purpose and make a positive impact in the UK.
This attached pack has been carefully curated to provide you with detailed information about CAP, our purpose, mission, values, and the responsibilities and expectations associated with being a Trustee. We believe that by joining the Board of Trustees, you’ll have the opportunity to contribute your skills, expertise and passion to drive forward our charitable objectives and make a meaningful difference to the lives of those we serve.
We’re looking for individuals who are committed to our cause, who possess diverse skills and experiences, and who are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of governance and ethical conduct. Whether you have previous Trustee experience or are considering this role for the first time, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds who share our vision and values.
As you explore the pack, we encourage you to learn more about CAP and the important work we do. Should you have any questions or require further information, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We look forward to the possibility of welcoming you as a valued member of our Trustee team and working together with you to make a positive difference across the UK.
Thank you for considering this opportunity to serve as a Trustee of CAP.
Your CV should include educational and professional qualifications, showing the more significant positions, responsibilities held and relevant achievements.
We appreciate covering letters of no more than two pages. Please outline your motivation for becoming a Trustee for CAP, relevant experience for the role, and a little about your Christian faith.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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GFB are seeking someone with experience of working in a financial role to join the Board as a Trustee, who will be able to advise on financial matters, ensure we meet our financial obligations and help us build a sound financial strategy as we move forward. As a Trustee you will share collective responsibility for the governance of GFB and all decisions made by the board, ensuring the organisation is well run, fulfils its mission, ensuring compliance with charity law and that the charity is open and accountable.
Responsibilities
All trustees are responsible for setting the strategic direction for GFB, ensuring alignment to our values, defining goals, setting organisational policies, agreeing financial plans, evaluating the charity’s performance and ensuring good relationships amongst the trustees and with the senior staff.
Key tasks
All Trustees:
- Embrace the organisation’s vision, mission and values.
- Ensure the charity complies with its governing document and charity law.
- Ensure focus on strategy, performance, risk and assurance rather than operational matters.
- Act with integrity, making objective decisions without undue influence by special or personal interests.
- Ensure openness and accountability, build public trust and confidence in GFB’s work and legitimacy in representing beneficiaries and stakeholders.
- Uphold collective responsibility of the board.
- Commit sufficient time and energy to the role of trustee and make reasonable use of own skills and experience to support the work of the board and GFB.
- Ensure the principles of equity, equality, diversity and inclusion are embedded in GFB and help deliver public benefit.
Specific to the Treasurer Trustee:
- Oversee the financial affairs of GFB ensuring that they are conducted with probity and transparency.
- Ensure the board receives sufficient information to carry out its financial responsibilities.
- Ensure that the charity has robust and effective financial controls.
- Ensure appropriate financial policies.
- Ensure an annual budget is provided for board approval.
- Review management and statutory accounts are produced on time.
- Ensure that organisation risks are reviewed by the board annually.
Trustees may also undertake additional work for the charity between meetings subject to their availability and skill set.
We are looking for people who want to help their local community and work towards the eradication of food poverty whilst support the food bank to continue to provide emergency food to people who find themselves in crisis. Our ideal candidates would demonstrate:
- Experience of working in a financial role such as a qualified & experienced accountant or banker. However, previous experience as a charity treasurer is not essential.
- Lived experience in Greenwich Borough
- Passion for our vision and goals.
- Independent judgement and ability to think strategically.
- Able to work effectively as part of a trustee team, contributing and considering others views.
- Demonstrate the 7 principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.
- Able to commit the time and effort required.
- Bring relevant capabilities that help the board perform its role effectively and achieve GFB’s vision.
- Understanding and commitment to principles of equality, equity, diversity and inclusion.
Please apply through Reach in the first instance, providing a CV and cover letter detailing why you are interested in this role and your relevant experience. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an informal interview with members of the Board of Trustees at Greenwich Foodbank
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Belong is an established, award-winning criminal justice charity with a vision of hope, rehabilitation and recovery for survivors and perpetrators of crime. We work with multiple stakeholder organisations to develop a more humane and effective criminal justice system. Through engaging with our mentoring, restorative justice, psychotherapy and training interventions, individuals and communities achieve positive, lasting change.
Belong wishes to appoint a new Chairperson to our Board of Trustees. We invite applications from individuals experienced in criminal justice and organisational leadership, with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
As the Chairperson of our Board you will be passionate about Belong’s vision and motivated to help drive Belong forward on its mission. An organised, energetic and reliable leader, you will support the Board of Trustees and CEO to realise the highest vision for Belong’s success. A fluent and persuasive communicator, you will represent the organisation publicly as well as internally and build relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders. You will be familiar with financial and risk management processes for medium to large organisations.
The role of Chairperson is a voluntary, non-executive appointment. The role requires a commitment of approximately two days per month, with the capacity to flex upwards should the need arise.
Belong fosters an inclusive and welcoming culture where all aspects of diversity are key to the charity’s success. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those with disabilities, lived experience of the criminal justice system and from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds.
Belong’s Values
Inspiration - Genuinely believing that people can change, heal, and rehabilitate. Focusing on individual’s strengths and abilities. Role modelling evidence-based practice amongst other professionals.
Respect - Accepting people as they are. Being consistent, open and honest with people. Challenging harmful beliefs and behaviour.
Empowerment - Giving people the skills to move forward and take ownership of the future. Enabling people to talk about their experiences. Encouraging people to voice their needs and set goals.
Perseverance - Providing long term support when this is needed. Working through setbacks with people. Understanding that lasting change takes time.
Restoration - Restoring hope and self-worth Re-building relationships. Promoting a culture of hope within criminal justice systems.
Chairperson Role, Responsibilities and Attributes
The Chairperson leads the Board of Trustees and sets its agenda in consultation with the CEO. Their role is to enable Trustees to fulfil their responsibilities for overall governance, risk management and strategic direction. The Trustee Board is responsible for proactively engaging with and understanding Belong, its service users and the wider criminal justice landscape. Trustees must always uphold the best interests of Belong’s service users, ensuring that the charity achieves its charitable aims whilst abiding by charity law and other relevant regulations. The Chairperson supports and empowers the CEO to lead the organisation so that it achieves its vision, mission and aims, whilst remaining sustainable and ethical.
In supporting the trustee board and CEO, the Chairperson is responsible for:
- Acting as an ambassador and spokesperson for Belong when appropriate.
- Creating meaningful and productive working relationships with the CEO, senior leadership team and trustees.
- Providing empowering, supportive line management to the CEO.
- Chair and facilitate trustee board meetings effectively, ensuring that decisions are made fairly and in the best interests of Belong’s service users.
- Supporting the trustees to have a sound understanding and oversight of the organisations finances, including reviewing annual budgets and financial policies.
- Facilitating annual performance reviews for each trustee and for the CEO.
- Leading and developing the board of trustees and CEO including inductions, training and succession planning as appropriate.
- Supporting other trustees to arrange and effectively chair quarterly subcommittees on risk and resilience, finance and fundraising and communications.
For an informal conversation about the role, please contact us via the details on our website. To apply for this role, please submit a CV and covering letter using the link below. Please note that we are not able to consider applications submitted without a CV or covering letter.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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Join Hope for the Future's Board of Trustees and be at the forefront of combating the climate and nature emergency!
Hope for the Future is looking for a Treasurer and at least two other Trustees to help lead our work tackling the climate and nature emergency. Hope for the Future is a climate communications charity with a vision of UK communities and politicians working together to secure a healthy planet for all. To achieve that, we train and support citizens across the UK to develop constructive relationships with politicians, countering the ‘us and them’ narrative that gets in the way of meaningful democratic engagement and political progress
We’re looking for candidates who will not only bring a commitment to climate action, but also a finesse for accountability, sustainability, and regulatory compliance. Incoming trustees will receive a full induction, so if you’ve never been on a board before, don’t let that put you off applying.
We’re seeking diverse expertise to enrich our board. We’re particularly looking for trustees with skills in finance, HR, fundraising and marketing, all of which will be invaluable in shaping our strategy and impact.
Our track record speaks volumes: from influencing Parliament to catalyzing local action, our engagement spans party lines and drives tangible change. Take the lead in our vital work and make a lasting difference. Apply now and help shape a future where hope prevails over crisis.
Apply
To apply, read the trustee information pack on our website and email a cover letter and CV
Include “Application for the Role of Trustee” in the subject line of the email by 20th May 2024.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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Our foodbank is a project founded by local churches and community groups, working together towards stopping hunger in our local area. We are seeking to recruit new trustees to bring extra skills and experience to a current board.
As a Trustee you will share collective responsibility for the governance of GFB and all decisions made by the board. The Trustees ensure the organisation is well run and works to fulfil its mission. They act in the best interests of the charity and its beneficiaries, ensure compliance with charity law and that the charity is open and accountable.
Responsibilities
All trustees are responsible for setting the strategic direction for GFB, ensuring alignment to our values, defining goals, setting organisational policies, agreeing financial plans, evaluating the charity’s performance and ensuring good relationships amongst the trustees and with the senior staff.
Key tasks:
- Embrace the organisation’s vision, mission and values.
- Ensure the charity complies with its governing document and charity law.
- Ensure focus on strategy, performance, risk and assurance rather than operational matters.
- Act with integrity, making objective decisions without undue influence by special or personal interests.
- Ensure openness and accountability, build public trust and confidence in GFB’s work and legitimacy in representing beneficiaries and stakeholders.
- Uphold collective responsibility of the board.
- Commit sufficient time and energy to the role of trustee and make reasonable use of own skills and experience to support the work of the board and GFB.
- Ensure the principles of equity, equality, diversity and inclusion are embedded in GFB and help deliver public benefit.
Trustees may also undertake additional work for the charity between meetings subject to their availability and skill set.
We are looking for people who want to help their local community and work towards the eradication of food poverty whilst support the food bank to continue to provide emergency food to people who find themselves in crisis. Our ideal candidates would demonstrate:
- Passion for our vision and goals.
- Independent judgement and ability to think strategically.
- Able to work effectively as part of a trustee team, contributing and considering others views.
- Demonstrate the 7 principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.
- Able to commit the time and effort required.
- Bring relevant capabilities that help the board perform its role effectively and achieve GFB’s vision.
- Understanding and commitment to principles of equality, equity, diversity and inclusion.
The food bank would particularly welcome applications from those with experience in one (or more) of the following areas:
- Lived experience in Greenwich Borough
- IT
- Data Protection
- Finance
Please apply through Reach in the first instance, providing a CV and cover letter detailing why you are interested in this role and your relevant experience. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an informal interview with members of the Board of Trustees at Greenwich Foodbank
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are hiring! Trustee vacancy
- Time Commitment: typically, 4 hours per month, for a term of 3 years (initial 12-month period)
- Location: Board meetings are held 4 times per year, and we work to find times that are accessible for Board members, which could include evenings and weekends. We meet twice a year in person in Oxford, and twice a year via Teams
- Renumeration: this is a voluntary role and reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed
About Us
An independent charity, The Centre for Sustainable Healthcare (CSH) has been leading efforts to incorporate the values of environmental sustainability into the health sector since its establishment in 2008. Our work is underpinned by CSH’s Principles of Sustainable Clinical Practice: prevention; patient empowerment; lean care systems; low carbon alternatives.
CSH has a particular focus on:
- engaging those on the front line of patient care and promoting the concept of ‘sustainable clinical practice’
- enabling the use of the natural environment at NHS settings to be used as ‘nature-based solutions’ in healthcare.
As a trustee of our charity, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in shaping our organisation's future direction. The Board culture is friendly and lively, with an openness to creative ideas and input. There is a focus on core mission and values to inform decision making processes. The meetings will be focused, effective and inspiring, and led in line with CSH’s overarching aim to transform healthcare for a sustainable future. The Board values diversity and welcomes applicants from a range of backgrounds.
About You
We particularly welcome new trustees who could bring skills and experience in financial management or legal and IP transfer. Though please do not be put off from applying if you do not have any of these skills or if you have never been a Trustee before.
How To Apply
For an informal conversation about the opportunity, please contact us.
To apply, please send an up-to-date CV (or Linkedin profile) and simple covering letter answering two questions:
- why you’re interested in supporting CSH
- what you hope to bring to the Board
Or if you prefer to record your cover letter, verbally or with video, that’s also welcomed. Please contact us if you have any other accessibility needs or if you would like help with applying.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Do you believe in the power of culture to create social impact and positive change? We'd love to hear from you. We're seeking exceptional individuals to join our Board of Trustees.
Our mission is to ensure everyone has access to and can enjoy the benefits of live orchestral music, regardless of their background. We work throughout England in places which have experienced historical underinvestment. Our projects take place in a range of community settings – schools, care homes, prisons, arts venues, museums, outdoors – and online.
We are seeking candidates who have a belief in and commitment to the power of culture to create social impact and positive change. We look to maintain a balance of representation from across the different regions of England. It is not essential to have knowledge of orchestral music. However, we are looking for people who recognise the unique role that orchestras can play in supporting a culturally vibrant and resilient society, informed by a love of music (orchestral or otherwise).
For more information and details on how to apply, please visit the Orchestras Live website.
We believe that orchestras are for everyone. We are a national producer creating inspiring orchestral experiences for communities across England.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Tannery Arts is entering an exciting stage of its journey having recently moved into new premises in the heart of Bermondsey, London; we are looking for new Trustees with the right skills, experience and enthusiasm to join our Board. Our Trustees play a vital role in ensuring Tannery Arts achieves its vision. If you believe that you have the passion, commitment and expertise to join us then we would like to hear from you.
As Trustee, you will be responsible for developing and guiding the strategic direction of the organisation as well as using your networks and influence to promote the work and impact of Tannery Arts.
We particularly welcome applicants who will improve our organisation by diversifying the lived experience of our Board, for example in terms of gender, ethnicity, age, disability and sexual orientation, and/or lower socio-economic backgrounds.
Deadline for applications 10am, 25 April
Tannery Arts Ltd is an independent non-profit organisation, comprising a studio provider, Tannery Studios, and a public gallery, Drawing Room.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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Chair of Trustees
Role description:
We’re looking for someone with experience of working as a chairperson to join us as our Chair of Trustees, to help provide excellent leadership and ensure that everyone remains focused on the delivery of the organisation’s charitable purposes.
About YBTC:
Yorkshire’s Brain Tumour Charity began in 2003. It was originally named ‘Andrea’s Gift’, set-up in memory of Andrea Key, who died from a brain tumour aged 42. Our vision is to cure a devastating disease that affects so many people, of all ages and background. Whilst we’re working to find a cure, we provide the best patient and family support network we can. We fund dedicated research projects across Yorkshire into treating and curing child and adult brain tumours to try to change those statistics for the better. At the same time, we support patients, carers and their loved ones who are impacted by this devastating disease now through our specialist support services.
Yorkshire’s Brain Tumour is currently unincorporated. We are currently undergoing the process of moving the charity structure to a CIO, which will provide limited liability for Trustees to third parties. This process will take approximately 6 months to complete, and our current reserves policy is to cover 6 months of expenditure.
What we’re looking for:
Personal competencies
The YBTC Chair of Trustees is expected to demonstrate all the following personal competencies and the capacity to apply these to the strategic development of a local charity:
Commitment
· Ability to understand and accept the duties and liabilities of being a Chair of Trustees
· Empathy with the vision, mission and strategic development of YBTC
· A willingness and ability to devote the necessary time and effort
Focus
· Ability to think and apply knowledge strategically and give direction to board policy-making.
· Ability to think creatively
· Ability to keep mission-focused
· Developing the board of trustees including induction, training, appraisal and succession planning
· Ability to analyse and evaluate management information and other evidence
· Willingness to listen and learn
Communication and team working
· Chairing and facilitating board meetings
· Representing the charity at functions and meetings
· Bringing impartiality to decision-making
· Ability to communicate clearly and sensitively and to take an active part in discussions
· Addressing conflict within the board and within the organisation, and liaising with the Charity Director to achieve this
· Ability to influence and engage
· Working with the Charity Director to plan meeting cycles and plan agendas
· Ability to lead a group effectively
· Willing to express their own opinion in a reasoned way, while also listening to the views of others
· Ability to challenge constructively and ask questions appropriately
Accountability
· Liaising with the Charity Director to keep an overview of the organisation’s affairs and to provide support as appropriate
· Ability to exercise sound and independent judgement
· Checking that decisions are implemented
· Willingness to make and stand by collective decisions, including those which may be unpopular
· Ability to manage difficult and/or challenging situations, sitting on appointment and disciplinary panels as required
· Ability to maintain confidentiality on confidential and/or sensitive information
· Leading the process of supporting and appraising the performance of the Charity Director
Skills and Experience
Management and Governance
· A chairperson’s role of a similar organisation
Specialist Expertise
· Charity Finance or Operations
· Fundraising
· Research Funding and the development of YBTC’s current funding strategy
· Patient Support & Service
· Human Resources or Legal
· PR, Marketing & Communications
Enable, a dynamic not-for-profit organisation dedicated to promoting happy, healthier, and more enriching lives in local communities, is actively seeking an additional Trustee to contribute to its aspirational growth.
As a Trustee, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction of Enable, collaborating with the Executive Team to oversee service delivery and champion the organisation's values. We are specifically looking for an individual with proven management expertise in business growth, health, or finance, particularly someone experienced in upscaling through internal and external business expansion.
The Role
Enable is actively seeking individuals with strategic vision, passion, and relevant experience to join its Board of Trustees. Ideal candidates will bring a background in managing or working within a new and growing organisation. A genuine passion for leisure, health, and cultural initiatives is crucial as Enable enters its next stage of growth.
Trustees are expected to participate in four annual board meetings. These meetings take place at various locations, including Enable's offices and community spaces in Wandsworth, ensuring a diverse and engaging environment for collaboration.
Core Competences
We are seeking experienced professionals with one or more of the following core competencies:
- Finance – either as a Finance professional, entrepreneur, or a Non-executive Trustee/Director
- Change management
- Strategic leadership
- Capital Investment
Enable is committed to diversity and equality of opportunity. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified or experienced people. We particularly welcome applications from Black and Minority Ethnic communities who are currently underrepresented on our Trustee Board.
How to apply
If you are interested in joining us on Enable’s exciting journey as a Trustee, please apply today with your CV and Cover Letter.
Enable believes that everyone has the right to be treated equally and that the diversity of individuals and groups should be embraced, valued, and respected. Enable is committed to eliminating any form of discrimination be it direct, indirect, harassment or victimisation and to deliver and comply with its legal obligations detailed in the Equality Act 2010.
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Every 6 minutes someone learns that they are losing their sight. Every five hours, a baby is born with sight problems. In these moments, two profound questions emerge:
• Can this be stopped?
• How do I (or my child) live this life?
The merger of Fight for Sight and Vision Foundation, which took place on 1st April 2023, will enable us to address both questions. By combining our strengths and expertise we are now the only significant national funder with the efficiency,
capability, and capacity to increase investment in medical research and social improvement. Together we can mitigate both the prevalence and impact of sight loss. We have a clear ambition – to save sight and to change lives.
We are now seeking up to four new trustees as we establish ourselves in our new form and under our new name (soon to be announced). This is an exciting inflection point for us, and our new trustees will be central in enabling us to achieve our ambition.
We have worked through our merger and have a clear focus and vision, as well as a strong Board and senior leadership team, all of whom are ambitious for the potential impact we can make. Our re-brand will also enable us to amplify our position as a leader within the sight loss sector. Our merger was a critical step in accelerating research which will create a positive impact on the lives of millions of people. We do not want this opportunity to pass us by and that’s what makes these such an important and exciting roles for the right people.
As a trustee, you will have the opportunity to steer the course of our charity and our sector, shaping our strategies, and advocating for meaningful change. You will be help us be a driving force behind world leading research into sight loss prevention, and transformative initiatives that enhance the quality of life for countless individuals.
We are particularly seeking individuals who have a medical or scientific research background, ideally in ophthalmology, and those who have experience in retail and fundraising. If you want to be part of something that will really make a difference, we’d love to hear from you.
“I extend a heartfelt invitation to those who share our commitment to making a profound difference in the lives of individuals affected by sight loss. Our journey towards a future where eye diseases are prevented and the challenges faced by the visually impaired are overcome requires the collective effort of dedicated individuals. We are seeking trustees who are not only passionate advocates for our cause but also possess the vision, expertise, and dedication to guide and govern our organisation. Your unique perspectives and skills will play a pivotal role in shaping and defining our impact for years to come.”
Dr Heather Giles, Chair
“Our two organisations came together to form a new dynamic, ambitious, entrepreneurial, impact-driven organisation to save sight and change lives. We are searching for trustees that can join us, and be at the forefront of creating the culture, the outlook and the methods of working and the operations to truly make a difference in society.”
Keith Valentine, CEO
ABOUT US
We are a new organisation forged from two ambitious charities: Fight for Sight and Vision Foundation. Our single, unifying mission is to save sight and change lives.
It is a mission that reflects two urgent questions everyone faces when they receive a diagnosis of sight loss: ‘How do I stop this?’ and ‘How do I live my life?’
Answering these questions guides our strategy as we progress a five-year plan with solid and lofty aspirations.
THE MERGER
Fight for Sight funds breakthrough research and life-changing services to build a more equitable future for blind and partially sighted people by accelerating breakthroughs in multiple sight loss conditions.
Vision Foundation works to inform, include and empower the visually impaired community. Empowerment is at the heart of what we do; our work focuses on what people can do, rather than what they can’t.
The merger will help us to realise a joint ambition to tackle sight loss from both a clinical and social perspective. Our combined organisation is now grounded in data and insight into the science, as well as the lived experience of, sight loss. With this wealth of evidence we’re determined to:
- generate further investment into the sector,
- accelerate clinical progress,
- improve quality of life for people facing or living with sight loss
Crucially, coming together is about growing our influence and impact, not reducing or diluting what we do. So, as we evolve as a merged organisation, we are combining our teams, announcing our new name and fine-tuning our unified
mission and strategy – as well as continuing with the important work we’re already committed to – you can expect big things from us and it is an exciting time to join us as a trustee.
OUR FUTURE
Our principal role is as a grant-maker. We award grants to the scientific community that could lead to scientific breakthroughs and treatments to stop eye diseases from progressing. In the future, we believe research can prevent people from losing sight and reverse sight loss. We invest to advance treatments that will cure eye disease and protect and grow the community of world-class scientists, technologists, and data scientists who can deliver tomorrow’s breakthroughs. Historically, Vision Foundation has funded innovations that directly impact people who are blind or partially sighted, from music classes for children to projects that take eye tests into at-risk communities. We invest in programmes, organisations and activities that deliver equity for and with blind and visually impaired people.
As a grant-maker, we are change-makers, accelerators and drivers of impact. We are bold, energetic, challenging, disruptive, tenacious, and determined.
We aren’t afraid to tackle the challenges facing the sight loss community, either. Recent campaigns include The Unseen, which unearthed the shocking scale and nature of domestic abuse among blind and partially sighted people, and See My Skills, which addressed high unemployment rates. The charity excels at working in partnership with others towards creating a more equitable society for the sight loss community.
As we progress, we’ll scale the impact of projects like these, look beyond the nation’s capital, and drive systemic change. We’ll need to secure the funds to invest in our trusted partners to achieve our ambitions. We’ll continue to fundraise by engaging with supporters and companies through legacies, events such as the London Marathon, and our network of charity shops.
The evidence we commission influences policy and decision-making to demand equality for all.
We’ll shortly have a new name that reflects our united ambitions, so it’s an exciting time for us and the people we serve.
OUR FINANCES
The charity is in a strong position financially, with a high level of reserves that we intend to draw down over the coming years as we focus on investing in sustainable growth and increasing our impact. Compared to many charities, we
have well diversified income streams, predictable costs, and are in the fortunate position to hold a sizable portfolio of investments. Our plans for the short and medium term are to invest in our income generation infrastructure, and to significantly increase the amounts of funding we can put to our charitable purpose.
OUR BOARD AND LEADERSHIP TEAM
Fight for Sight / Vision Foundation is the only organisation in the sight loss sector with an Executive Leadership Team that has over half of its members with lived experience of sight loss.
The Board currently numbers ten trustees, including our newly appointed Chair.
The Board meets four times a year, or more often as required.
Follow this link to find out more about our Board.
ROLE DESCRIPTION
As the most senior leaders in our charity, trustees play a pivotal role in guiding our strategic direction, amplifying our impact, and ensuring the fulfilment of our mission to save sight and change lives. You will serve on the main board and will be invited also to get involved in one of our sub-committees. These are currently:
- Social Impact & Scientific Research Committee (SISR)
- Finance, Audit, Risk & Resources Committee (FARR)
- People Committee
- Retail Committee
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Leadership & Planning
- Provide leadership and strategic guidance to the charity, aligning efforts with the mission and values of the organisation.
- Collaborate with the board, executive team, and stakeholders to develop and implement long-term strategies that advance the charity’s impact and sustainability.
Governance
- Ensure effective governance, decision-making, and compliance with legal and ethical standards.
- Work closely with board members, fostering a culture of transparency, accountability, collaboration and open communication, harnessing different views and opinions.
Engagement
- Represent the charity at public events and networking opportunities to promote our mission and raise awareness about our cause.
- Develop and nurture relationships with key stakeholders, including donors, partners, corporations, government agencies, and the visually impaired community.
Evaluation and Accountability
- Collaborate with the board to evaluate performance, ensuring alignment with the charity’s goals and objectives.
- Ensure the charity is accountable to donors and beneficiaries, that is financially robust and sustainable, and that is effective risk management in place.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
We are seeking dynamic and dedicated individuals to serve as trustees of our ambitious merged organisation. The ideal candidates will have a strong commitment to our cause, along with the following:
Specialist experience
At this time, we are particularly interested in candidates who have leadership experience in:
- Scientific and/or medical research
- Ophthalmic research and/or clinical practice
- Strategic oversight of substantial fundraising and/or retail operations
Despite these areas of interest, we welcome a diversity of skills and experience at our charity and on our Board, and want to find the right candidates regardless of their specific areas of expertise or experience. So if you are interested in this role and think you can contribute to our mission, we’d love to hear from you.
General attributes
Knowledge & experience
- An understanding of governance, and experience on a committee or board.
- Demonstrated ability to build and maintain partnerships with stakeholders, including donors, corporations and government agencies.
Skills & abilities
- Strategic thinking and the ability to contribute to long-term planning and vision to deliver impact.
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences.
- Entrepreneurial instincts and a healthy understanding of risk balanced with ambition using sound judgement.
Styles & behaviours
- High ethical standards and commitment to upholding the charity’s values, as well as a passion for advocating on behalf of individuals with, or at risk of, sight loss.
- Collaborative, highly inclusive, fostering trust and valuing difference perspectives.
- Solution-focused, with an ability to see the big picture and be pragmatic.
TERMS OF APPOINTMENT
Remuneration
This role is not accompanied by any financial remuneration, although reasonable expenses may be claimed.
Time commitment
While the exact time commitment may vary based on the charity’s needs and priorities, we anticipate the following general expectations:
- A minimum of four Board meetings per year
- Up to four subcommittee meetings per year (the specific committee depending on skills and experience)
- Preparation for meetings, review of materials, and other trustee engagement as appropriate.
- Annual Strategy Day with full Board and executive team.
- Meetings with members of the executive leadership team as appropriate.
- Representing the charity at high profile events, functions and public engagements to enhance its reputation and partnerships.
Location
At present Board meetings are held in central London. Subcommittee meetings are held remotely.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.