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 Us
Our Vision is to be the leading provider of therapeutic care, education and treatment for children and young people who have experienced early childhood trauma.
Our Mission is to transform the lives of children and young people who suffer severe emotional and psychological difficulties, so they can relate well to others and fulfil their potential.
Our Approach is a form of psychotherapeutic group living and learning modelled on healthy relationships, adapted to the developmental needs of children and young people suffering early childhood trauma. We call this Integrated Systemic Therapy (iST).
Role descriptions and person specification
Role description attached provides more information on the role and responsibilities. For this Trustee role we are particularly seeking individuals with demonstrable experience in Child protection from the perspective of the Family Court, in particular with insights into safeguarding.
For more details about Childhood First, please visit our website.
Commitment
- Each year, our Trustees are expected to attend four regular board meetings, from 5 to 7 pm in Central London. In addition, Trustees would attend potentially four meetings of any sub-committee of which they are a member. Further time is required for reading of papers before meetings.
- You would also receive invitations to various Childhood First events in the communities, which are optional but strongly encouraged to help better understand the work and feel a connection to the charity.
- We are particularly cognisant of the need to be flexible in the demands we make of Trustee colleagues. Each year there is an opportunity to meet with the Chair for mutual feedback and to discuss ways in which Trustees might wish to develop their roles.
Successful candidates will be invited to attend a board meeting will be on 15 September 2026 in Central London.
We hope you will consider making an application. If you have questions about the role and would like an informal conversation before applying please contact Michael Joseph, Director of Finance and Corporate Services.
All trustee roles will be subject to background vetting, a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check (which may include overseas checks) which will be maintained by Childhood First for the duration of their term.
We would also be grateful if you would complete the Equality and Diversity monitoring form on the online application process. This form is for monitoring purposes only and is not treated as part of your application.
To make an application please send the documents below.
• A CV or no more than three sides.
• A supporting statement of no more than one side that explains why you are interested in joining our Board of Trustees and the experiences and qualities you believe you can bring in order to be successful in post.
• Please tell us if there are any dates during the selection process (outlined below) when you would not be available to participate.
• If you have a disability and identify any barriers in the job description or person specification, please tell us.
• Please note that successful applicants will be asked to provide details of professional referees and will need to complete a standard DBS check.
Registered Charity 
101 - 500
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
We are looking for our next Chair of Trustees – someone who will work closely with our Executive Team and Board to guide the organisation through what is both a challenging and genuinely exciting time. The funding environment is tough. The political context is difficult. And yet the need for what we do has never been greater.
This is an unpaid voluntary role. Reasonable out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with our Volunteer Expenses Policy.
The successful candidate will lead a vibrant, well-established, national charity as it navigates the next chapter of its story.
Main tasks
- Developing and setting our future strategy, alongside the Executive Team and other Trustees
- Helping shape and deliver our future, identifying opportunities in an evolving landscape
- Leading the Board of Trustees, including regular 1:1s and providing space for reflection
- Acting as a 'critical friend' to our Executive Team, as well as formal line management to the CEO (and COO in their absence)
- Acting as an ambassador for the charity – raising awareness of what we do and engaging potential supporters and other key stakeholders
- Responsibility, along with the other trustees, for the governance of the charity
- Contributing to the ongoing strategy of the charity, in line with our charitable objectives
- Participating in board meetings and sub-committees in an inclusive and thoughtful way
Please download our Chair Application Pack for more information.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.