Associate director of finance and operations volunteer roles

Help us support families to get the right education for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)

We are seeking new people to join our Board of Trustees to support the good governance of our charity. It is an exciting time to join us as we work to launch our new strategy; an important timeframe as we review the Government’s White Paper on SEND and consider how best to adapt our services to ensure we reach those who need us most.

Who we are

Founded in 1983, IPSEA is a leading national charity focussed on supporting families to ensure that children and young people with SEND receive the education they are legally entitled to. Since our formation, we have actively helped to improve the education experience of thousands of children and young people with SEND. We do this by providing free and independent legal advice and casework support, undertaking policy work and delivering training on the SEND legal framework.

Who are we looking for?

We wish to recruit a number of new trustees who are committed to our vision and values and who bring complementary skills to those of our current Board members.

Trustees are expected to gain an understanding of the organisation’s purpose, and to contribute their own expertise, ensuring IPSEA fulfils its objectives, and in accordance with our charitable objects and Articles of Association

Whether you’re an experienced trustee or wanting to take your first step at Board level, we are particularly interested in hearing from people with expertise and skills in one or more of the following areas:

• IT / Digital transformation / cyber security
• Governance
• Marketing and social media
• Equality, diversity and inclusion

Please note: a lack of expertise in these areas does not mean that an application will not be considered.

Our Board should also reflect the communities we support. We would particularly like to hear from candidates from ethnic minority backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ people, under-served communities and disabled people, as well as those with lived experience of the SEND system, either as a child or as a parent/carer.

What we can offer you

• an in-depth induction programme, training and reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses
• the opportunity to be involved in making strategic decisions and developing new skills
• the opportunity to apply your knowledge and experience to an important cause
• a buddying system for new trustees as you settle into the role

The expected time commitment is six trustee meetings per year (meetings are held on weekdays in central London or at IPSEA’s office in Takeley, Essex with the option to join some meetings virtually), usually one strategic planning/training day and some other ad hoc time for occasional meetings and events.

To apply 

​Please visit our website to download a recruitment pack and application form. 

Closing date for applications: 5pm on 29 May 2026

First-round interviews: week commencing 29 June 2026

What Will You Be Doing?

As a Trustee of Autism Together, you can make a very real difference to the lives of the people we support.

The Board is looking to add to the existing Trustee team, to support Autism Together with its ideas for growth and implementation of its ongoing strategic business plan. As a new Trustee, you can play a pivotal role in driving new pathways to grow our charity and further improve support for the people in our care.

Successful applicants will be joining the board of one of the UK's leading specialist service providers, a charitable organisation which directly supports over 400 autistic adults, through a workforce of more than 900 staff.

Founded in Wirral, Merseyside, in 1968 by a group of pioneering parents, today the charity ranks among the top 1,500 charities by turnover in the UK.

Autism Together is a complex, stimulating, award-winning organisation with an annual income of over £33m and a substantial property portfolio. The charity provides Residential care, Supported Living, Day Services, specialist autism training, and offers advice and support to families across the region.

The organisation manages two farms, an expansive woodland, three cafés, and a rock band led by people the charity supports.

As a charity, our mission is to help autistic people develop to their full potential, and to educate and develop their community around them.

Our Charity Values Are:

• To promote positive communication.
• Be person-centred.
• Promote learning.
• Be respectful.
• Enhance community connection.

Autism affects everyone differently, so we work with each individual to help them overcome the difficulties the condition presents them with, helping them to lead a more active, creative, and fulfilling life.

As a Trustee, you will help us to maintain our missions, values, and ethos as we work towards our strategic goals.

What Are We Looking For?
We are seeking Trustees who will bring relevant skills and experience in at least one of the following areas:

• Community-led development and action.
• Financial management.
• Legal and HR experience in the field of commercial and charity law.
• Communications experience.
• IT and governance structures.
• Property and Estates.
• Governance and/or knowledge of quality assurance.

Beyond technical and strategic abilities, we are looking for individuals who are committed to our mission and values, with strong interpersonal skills to constructively challenge the Board and the Executives in the best interests of the people we support.

Joining the Board of a leading national provider of services to autistic people, you will work alongside the current Board of Trustees and the Executive Team to provide a sector-leading service to propel the organisation into a bright, secure and successful future, supporting autistic people and their families to live rich and fulfilling lives.

We look forward to hearing from you.

What Difference Will You Make?

This is an exciting time to be joining our organisation, as we start to see the fruits of our ongoing strategic business plan and continue to expand our portfolio of estates.

This Trustee position is key to supporting the governance of Autism Together, helping guide the organisation in the right direction, while giving our staff the tools and opportunities to provide the best possible care for the people we support.

The Board plays a key role in the running of Autism Together. It sets out the organisational strategy and is responsible for agreeing the direction and values of the charity, while overseeing the finances and managing risk.

With the recent appointment of a new interim CEO, it is an important time for our Trustees to support our existing plans for growth, while looking towards the future of our charity. We need individuals who can offer professional and practical experience, in order to bolster our Board as they undertake key governance decisions in the best interests of the organisation.

Our Trustees contribute significantly to the strategic planning and direction of Autism Together and successful candidates will need to demonstrate experience in governance and good communication, while conforming to our Trustee Code.

The Board recognises that diversity of Trustees is vital if we are to operate with excellence, and we warmly welcome applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds.

Trustees are expected to attend 8 board meetings per year, become actively involved in at least one quarterly sub-committee, and to familiarise themselves with all aspects of the charity's work.

Interested in the Position?

Please apply via this site, letting us know why you wish to become a trustee of Autism Together and what skills you believe you will bring to this position.

All applications will considered by the Board’s Nominations Committee. If you are shortlisted, you will be contacted for an informal chat with a trustee, the CEO or a member of the Executive Team and a visit to view some of our facilities to gain a better understanding of the services. Following this, a mutually convenient date for interview will be arranged.

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.

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