Make a difference in the lives of children and families. Become a PACT Trustee.
We are seeking an individual with strategic expertise in safeguarding gained within a children’s social care setting to join our exceptional Board of trustees. You do not need previous trustee experience as we provide a full induction and ongoing training. This is a unique chance to apply your expertise at strategic level, playing a pivotal role in ensuring we continue delivering high‑quality, trauma‑informed services, championing the welfare of vulnerable families, and shaping supportive policies that protect children and strengthen communities. If you are committed to making a lasting impact and guiding a charity that makes a positive difference to hundreds of lives every year, this is an incredible opportunity to join us on our mission.
PACT (Parents and Children Together) has been building and strengthening families since 1911 through outstanding adoption services and specialist therapeutic and trauma informed support services across Reading, the Thames Valley, and southern England. As one of the UK’s leading voluntary adoption agencies, we place children with loving, permanent families (over 84 placements last year) and offer lifelong specialist support through services like our Strengthening Families Team, CATCH and Adopter Champions. Alongside adoption, we empower women facing multiple disadvantages at Alana House and help children and their non‑abusing parents recover from trauma via our Bounce Back 4 Kids programme.
Who we are looking for
For this Safeguarding Lead Trustee role, we would welcome applications from interested individuals who have current strong understanding and experience of safeguarding legislation from within a children’s social care setting. We warmly welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and actively encourage individuals from underrepresented groups, including those with lived experience of adoption, care or disadvantage to apply. Diversity of thought and experience strengthens our Board, and we value perspectives from different communities, cultures and lived experiences. Your expertise will help us deliver inclusive, high quality services for children and families.
You do not need previous trustee experience to apply for this role as we will provide a full induction and ongoing training. Trustee roles are voluntary positions that are home-based with occasional travel to our Reading head office for in person board meetings or to collaborate with PACT colleagues relevant to your lead role (reasonable expenses covered). The time commitment is around one day per month, including quarterly Board meetings and input into wider charity matters. We aim to be flexible and will make adjustments where we can support accessibility and your availability.
What would you get as a PACT trustee?
· Satisfaction of helping vulnerable children, women and families, and giving something back
· An opportunity to exercise your skills and knowledge, possibly in a different environment or context
· A chance to contribute to the charity’s strategic growth
· A chance to expand your experience of charities and gain new skills
· An opportunity to work alongside other skilled and committed trustees
· High-quality induction, training and support from us and other charity-support organisations
· Being a Trustee can support the acquisition of valuable skills and experience that support career development
We understand that becoming a trustee is a commitment and you want to ensure that you are applying for a role that matches your values and requirements. You will find lots more information about PACT on our website and one of our current trustees has also kindly provided a short video with further details.
If you believe you can contribute to the skills and diversity of our Board and would like to apply, please visit the volunteer page of our website where you will find the trustee recruitment pack and application form.
We are committed to making our recruitment process accessible. If you need the information in a different format or require adjustments during the application process, please let us know.
The closing date for applications is Sunday 22nd March 2026 with interviews to take place on Thursday 26th March 2026.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do at PACT. We have robust measures and best practices in place to safeguard and protect the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and we take pride in maintaining outstanding safeguarding standards.
Anyone joining our team is subject to PACT’s safer recruitment pre-appointment enquiries, including an Enhanced Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check.
Registered Charity
an adoption charity and family support provider helping hundreds of families every year through outstanding adoption and adoption support services
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
About Make A Smile
Make A Smile is a UK charity dedicated to bringing joy, play, and magical experiences to children facing illness, disability, or disadvantage. Volunteers dress as beloved characters and deliver uplifting activities, from hospital visits and care‑centre sessions to arts, crafts, stories, and games - ensuring every child gets the chance to enjoy their childhood. Our Trustees and Central Officers help the charity run smoothly across the UK, acting “in the best interests of Make a Smile” and supporting chapters to thrive.
About The Role
Regional Officers oversee a group of Make A Smile chapters within a specific UK region. You will support chapter committees, monitor activity, encourage collaboration, and provide hands‑on help when needed. This role is essential in ensuring chapters stay active, compliant, and connected to the wider charity.
Key Responsibilities
You will play a leadership and support‑focused role across 5–8 chapters in your region. Responsibilities include:
- Overseeing chapters within your assigned region (South West, South East, Midlands, North West, or North East)
- Providing guidance, advice, and signposting to Presidents and committee members.
- Monitoring chapter activity by checking committee chats, emails, volunteer communities, and social media.
- Flagging concerns to the Chair if a chapter becomes inactive or is not adhering to policy.
- Attending chapter meetings where possible and building strong relationships with committees.
- Being the first point of contact when committees have questions about central activities.
- Collaborating with Trustees and other Officers when specialist support is needed.
- Providing hands‑on support to struggling chapters, such as posting on social media, chairing meetings, emailing volunteers, or chasing sign‑ups.
- Encouraging collaboration between chapters—joint socials, fundraisers, training sessions, or large events.
- Using the Presidents’ regional chat to coordinate cross‑chapter activities and build a sense of wider community.
- Celebrating chapter successes and sharing good practice across the region.
- Reporting insights, concerns, and achievements at monthly Charity Leadership Meetings.
Skills and Qualities We’re Looking For
This role suits someone organised, supportive, and confident in guiding others. You’ll thrive if you bring:
- Strong communication and relationship‑building skills.
- Confidence in supporting and advising multiple committees.
- A proactive, solution‑focused mindset (“Approach problems with the attitude of solution identification.”).
- The ability to monitor activity and spot early signs of disengagement.
- Professionalism, dedication, and alignment with Make A Smile’s ethos (“Show dedication… Enjoy it!”).
- A calm, friendly presence that encourages volunteers to reach out for help.
Experience in leadership or volunteer management is helpful but not essential.
Time Commitment
Regional Officers are expected to contribute around 4 hours per week, including monitoring chapter activity, supporting committees, and attending monthly Charity Leadership Meetings.
Training and Support
You will receive:
- Full Trustee Training (online).
- A comprehensive handover and access to all systems (OneDrive, Simvoly, WhatsApp communities).
- Guidance from the Chair, Supporting Chapter Managers, and fellow Trustees.
- Access to the Chapter Levelling document and annual plans to help assess chapter needs.
- Opportunities for personal development through CPD and charity‑funded training.
What You’ll Gain
- Experience supporting multiple teams across a national charity.
- Skills in leadership, volunteer management, and organisational oversight.
- The chance to shape the success and sustainability of Make A Smile chapters.
- A meaningful role that directly strengthens the charity’s impact across the UK.
- The satisfaction of helping volunteers feel supported, confident, and connected.
Safeguarding and Eligibility
Regional Officers must act in line with charity standards, including professionalism, confidentiality, and reliability. You must be able to attend monthly meetings and engage actively in communication channels. A DBS check may be required depending on involvement with events.
How to Apply
To express your interest, please send your CV and a short message outlining your experience, interest in supporting chapters, and why you’d like to join Make A Smile as a Regional Officer.
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds who share our passion for helping volunteers and chapters thrive.
Registered Charity
101 - 500
* To bring children's dreams to life * To provide a professional service * To bring fun to both children and volunteers
