What will you be doing?
As governor, trustee and director, you will have an active role in setting strategic direction and overseeing the educational performance, management and financial health of the school and the charity.
We are particularly looking for individuals with a background in residential care or safeguarding as well as those who have experience in the areas of deaf education and finance. We will however consider applications from those with a passion for what we do who do not have any of these areas of expertise, and especially those with prior trustee experience, will be actively considered.
Most governor/trustees attend two or three meetings a term, generally Monday to Friday during the working day, either online or in person. Additionally, visits into school are organised on a termly basis. Each term of office is for four years and can be renewed twice.
What are we looking for?
- Experience in education, SEND provision, health/social care
- Experience / knowledge of charity and/or school governance
- Knowledge of safeguarding and regulatory frameworks
- Financial, legal, or HR expertise
- Marketing, Social Media or Fundraising
What difference will you make?
Key responsibilities and areas of impact include:
Governance and Compliance
Strategic Leadership
Educational Oversight
Financial Stewardship
Risk and Assurance
Advocacy and Ambassadorship
Closing Date for Applications: 6th March 2026.
If you are interested in joining this happy and thriving school and would like to find out more then please select the 'redirect to recruiter' link at the top of the page.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We're looking to appoint two new trustees to the board of St Petrocs. Trustees play a vital role in guiding the direction and strategy of the charity. As a member of the board, you’ll help ensure the charity is aligned with its mission, legally compliant and financially sound.
Our trustees play a crucial role in guiding St Petrocs, ensuring we stay true to our values, vision, mission and goals. They provide support and direction to the Chief Executive and staff, helping us make a real difference in the lives of those facing homelessness.
Trustees help steer St Petrocs in the right direction by offering support and constructive challenge to the leadership team. They ensure decision-making is fair and effective, always balancing the needs of the people we support with the responsible use of our resources. Through their guidance, trustees help us stay focused on our mission and create lasting change.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to meet the Chair, Vice-Chairs and Chief Executive on Monday 16th March 2026. Successful candidates will be invited to participate as a guest in the Board Meeting taking place on Wednesday 25th March, prior to consideration for formal approval by the board.
What you'll be doing.
- Help shape and protect the charity’s vision and values, making sure we stay true to our mission to support people facing homelessness
- Make sure we’re doing things the right way, keeping everything transparent, accountable and in line with legal and ethical standards
- Think about the big picture, help us spot potential risks and make decisions that keep the charity safe and sustainable
- Be a voice for the charity in the community, build connections, raise awareness and help influence positive change
- Keep an eye on how well we’re making a difference and look for ways to improve and grow
- Bring your perspective and experience to guide our priorities and make thoughtful, informed decisions
- Uphold the charity’s safeguarding responsibilities and commitment to diversity and inclusion
What are the time commitments?
- Induction: New trustees complete an induction program, which includes visits to our services and meetings with staff to get up to speed. Whether you have previous experience as a trustee or are completely new to the role, we will provide an induction and ongoing training to ensure you understand and can fulfil your role.
- Term Length: Trustees serve for a three-year term, which can be renewed.
- Board Meetings: The board meets quarterly, with additional meetings as needed. These are typically on Wednesday mornings for about two hours at our office in Truro, Cornwall. Meetings are scheduled in advance for the entire year and documents are sent out two weeks before each meeting. Online links to meetings are also available.
- Ongoing Involvement: Trustees are kept up to date with regular information on client services, finance and other important matters. The usual commitment for time is between 1-2 days per month, which includes the time needed to prepare for and attend meetings.
- Events: Trustees are invited to attend events throughout the year to support and represent St Petrocs.
Who would make a great trustee?
At St Petrocs, we believe that great trustees bring a variety of skills, perspectives and life experiences. Our board is made up of individuals with expertise in areas such as law, social care, education, health, business, finance and lived experience of homelessness. We regularly review the board’s composition to ensure we have the right mix of skills to guide our work effectively.
Following a recent audit, the board has identified a gap and is therefore specifically seeking to fill one of the two vacancies with a trustee who has strong skills and understanding of the digital sector. This individual will bring valuable insight into areas such as digital strategy, technology, data, and online engagement, helping to ensure the organisation is well-equipped to navigate an increasingly digital landscape.
We encourage applications from people from all walks of life and diverse backgrounds, as we know that a variety of experiences and perspectives strengthens decision-making. We particularly welcome people of all ages, cultures and backgrounds to help ensure our board represents the community we serve.
We are particularly committed to including trustees who have lived experience of homelessness. We believe that those who have experienced homelessness can offer invaluable insights and help ensure our work is rooted in the real needs of the people we support.
If you’re passionate about making a real difference and bringing your unique perspective to our work, you could make a great trustee for St Petrocs.
We're looking to appoint trustees who can offer:
- A commitment to our core values: Person Centred, Passionate, Empowering, Honest & Courageous
- Passion for St Petrocs’ mission and local impact
- Critical challenge without confrontation
- Support for one another
- Openness and honesty
- Structured feedback - upwards and downwards
- A differing perspective - a fresh pair of eyes and ears
- A sounding board
- Rational and constructive thinking without being emotive to the subject
- Teamwork, integrity and reliability
- A willingness to learn, contribute ideas and ask questions
As a Cornish charity, our work is rooted in the communities, culture, and particular challenges of Cornwall. We therefore seek trustees who have a genuine connection to, or understanding of, Cornwall and its people. Trustees do not need to be based in Cornwall, but they should be able to demonstrate an appreciation of the unique local context and a commitment to people experiencing homelessness here in Cornwall.
Please note that no previous board experience is necessary – full training and support will be provided.
What are the benefits of becoming a trustee?
Being a trustee is a challenging, interesting and deeply rewarding role because you’ll see how your work directly contributes to our mission of working to end homelessness in Cornwall. As a trustee, you’ll have the chance to give back to your local community and use your life experiences and skills in a board-level environment.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Lead Women's Aid Luton as Chair of Trustees. Provide strategic leadership to a specialist charity supporting women and children affected by domestic abuse. Guide our next chapter at a pivotal time, shaping our future and strengthening our impact in the community.
What will you be doing?
The role of the Chair is to provide leadership and direction to the Board of Trustees, enabling the board to fulfil their responsibilities for the overall governance and strategic direction of the organisation. The Chair will hold the Board and Executive Team to account for the Charity's mission and vision, providing inclusive leadership to the Board of Trustees, ensuring that each trustee fulfils their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of the charity.
As Chair, you will help guide the organisation's strategic direction, support the Chief Executive and Board, and ensure Women's Aid in Luton remains resilient, sustainable, and true to its values. You will play a key role in shaping the charity's future and championing its work within the local community.
The Chair will work in partnership with the Board of Management, supporting them to achieve their vision for the organisation. This includes chairing meetings of the Board of Trustees effectively and efficiently, bringing impartiality and objectivity to the decision-making process, and ensuring Trustees are fully engaged and that decisions are taken in the best, long-term interests of the Charity.
You will establish and build a strong, effective and constructive working relationship with the Chief Executive, ensuring she is held to account for achieving agreed strategic objectives while supporting her and respecting the boundaries which exist between the two roles.
The Chair will act as an ambassador and the public face of the charity in partnership with the Chief Executive, representing the charity at external functions, meetings and events. You will help facilitate change and address any potential conflict with external stakeholders.
Demand for our services continues to grow, while the wider context for charities and particularly those supporting vulnerable women and children, remains challenging. Strong, thoughtful governance is therefore more important than ever. The Board plays a vital role in providing strategic leadership, supporting the staff and volunteers, and ensuring that Women's Aid Luton remains sustainable, resilient, and true to its mission.
What are we looking for?
EXPERIENCE
- An understanding and passion for the Violence Against Women and Girls Sector
- Experience of operating at a senior strategic leadership level
- An understanding of UK charity governance and working with or as part of a Board of Trustees
- An ability to network with both internal and external stakeholders
- Sensitivity and discretion in dealing with staff and service user issues
- Significant experience and success in leading groups of people in either a professional or voluntary capacity to achieve results.
- Experience of chairing meetings.
- Significant experience of managing, motivating, and developing people.
- Strong experience of developing, deploying, and evaluating strategic plans with a view to maximising impact and benefit.
- Experience of financial management and a broad understanding of charity finance issues
SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Exceptional leadership skills; able to cultivate effective collaboration but also comfortable in taking responsibility for difficult choices.
- Effective strategic communicator: able to articulate Women’s Aid Luton’s vision and engage and inspire others both within the organisation and externally.
- Highly effective relationship and alliance building abilities.
- Sound judgement with high capacity for self-reflection.
- Capacity to support both Board and Executive development.
- An ability to work within the realistic expectations and limitations for the Charity
ATTRIBUTES
- Dynamic leadership style that guides and inspires the Board and Executive to fulfil their respective responsibilities.
- A strong personal commitment to improving Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.
- Collaborative approach with excellent interpersonal skills.
- Demonstrate tact and diplomacy, with the ability to listen and engage effectively
- Vbility to commit time to conduct the role well
What difference will you make?
Becoming Chair of Women's Aid Luton is an opportunity to provide leadership that makes a meaningful difference to the lives of women and children affected by domestic abuse. This is a pivotal role within a mission-driven charity, at a time when strong, compassionate governance is more important than ever.
As Chair, you would help guide the organisation through both present challenges and future opportunities, shaping our direction and strengthening our impact for years to come. You will play a key role in shaping the charity's future and championing its work within the local community.
Women's Aid Luton works to support women and children affected by domestic abuse, helping them to find safety, rebuild their lives, and move forward with dignity and confidence. Our services are rooted in compassion, empowerment, and a deep understanding of the complex barriers faced by survivors of abuse. We work closely with our local community and partners to ensure that those who need us most are not left to face these challenges alone.
Our approach is holistic, recognising that safety, healing, and empowerment are all interconnected. We don't just respond to crisis, we work with the whole person, understanding their emotional, practical, social, and long-term needs. Our work is person-centred, meaning that each individual's voice, choices, and goals guide the support we provide.
The impact of domestic abuse can be devastating and long-lasting, affecting not only individuals but families and communities as a whole. Demand for our services continues to grow, while the wider context for charities and particularly those supporting vulnerable women and children, remains challenging.
The Board plays a vital role in providing strategic leadership, supporting the staff and volunteers, and ensuring that Women's Aid Luton remains sustainable, resilient, and true to its mission. If you are inspired by the opportunity to support survivors, strengthen an essential local service, and help create lasting change, we would love to hear from you.
“Joining Women’s Aid Luton as a Board member has enabled me to use my professional expertise in a way that gives back to the community. I know that all the energy and time I give is helping to strengthen the organisation and ultimately the women and children it seeks to support. Joining the Board has been immensely rewarding and I highly recommend it as a valuable way to volunteer your time for a good cause.” – current Board Trustee at Women’s Aid Luton."
Before you apply
Due to the sensitive nature of this role, we will be considering female volunteers only for this post in accordance with the provisions of the Occupational Requirement (Equality Act 2010, pursuant to schedule 9 part 1). Applicants will be required to have a satisfactory enhanced disclosure through the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Please apply through Reach in the first instance.