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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.
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.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
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 The Big House
The Big House Multibank exists to improve lives and build a more sustainable Scotland by reducing waste, maximising resources, and supporting families facing hardship. We do this by redistributing surplus goods from corporate partners to frontline organisations, schools, social workers, health visitors and community groups who support families in crisis.
Based in Fife, with satellite hubs in Dundee, Perth and Edinburgh, and expanding across Scotland, we combine environmental action, social justice and community partnership to tackle poverty, reduce pollution and strengthen local support systems.
Our work supports families to stay together, children to thrive, and communities to flourish while diverting significant volumes of surplus goods from landfill.
Our Ambition
Our 2026 Business Plan sets out an ambitious growth agenda, including:
- Doubling the volume of goods distributed
- Expanding into the Glasgow City Region
- Introducing digital inventory and tracking systems
- Embedding wrap-around care pathways for families
Strengthening our circular economy and environmental impact
Increasing fundraising, communications and corporate partnerships
To deliver this, we are strengthening our Board to ensure excellent governance, strategic leadership, and a clear focus on impact, purpose and people.
Purpose of the Role
To provide strategic leadership and governance, ensuring The Big House fulfils its charitable objectives, operates effectively, and remains sustainable, accountable and impactful.
Key Responsibilities
- Set and uphold the strategic direction of the charity
- Ensure legal, regulatory and financial compliance
- Provide oversight of risk, safeguarding and organisational performance
- Support and challenge the executive team constructively
- Act as an ambassador and advocate for The Big House
Legal Duties
Trustees share collective responsibility for:
- Acting in the best interests of the charity
- Managing resources responsibly
- Ensuring accountability and transparency
- Complying with charity law and governance best practice
Skills & Experience We Are Seeking
We are seeking individuals with senior-level expertise in one or more of the following areas:
- Safeguarding & Social Care - senior experience in social work, education, health, early years or family support services, with strong safeguarding expertise.
- Supply Chain, Logistics & Warehousing - experience in logistics, operations, warehousing, fulfilment, or supply chain transformation.
- Digital Transformation & Data Governance - experience delivering digital systems, data governance, cyber security or operational technology.
- Circular Economy & Environmental Leadership - background in sustainability, reuse, recycling, environmental strategy or circular economy innovation.
- Corporate Retail, FMCG & Surplus Partnerships - senior experience within retail, manufacturing or FMCG, particularly in surplus, ESG or supply chain partnerships.
- Social Enterprise & Scale-Up Leadership - experience growing mission-led organisations, trading models or hybrid charities.
We also welcome candidates with strengths in:
- Finance, audit and risk
- Fundraising and philanthropy
- Communications, brand and public affairs
We are seeking Trustees who demonstrate:
- Strategic thinking and sound judgement
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Integrity, empathy and emotional intelligence
- Commitment to social justice and environmental sustainability
- Willingness to contribute time, expertise and energy
- Ability to challenge constructively and support collaboratively
We particularly welcome applications from individuals who:
- Bring lived experience of poverty or inequality
- Are underrepresented in charity governance
- Are at an earlier stage of their Board career
Timeline:
- We are recruiting Trustees on a rolling basis to allow flexibility and to ensure we appoint the right people at the right time as the organisation continues to grow.
- Applications will be reviewed as they are received, with interviews scheduled throughout the year.
- Appointments will be made on a rolling basis, with new Trustees formally ratified at the next appropriate Board meeting or Annual General Meeting (AGM), in line with our constitution.
- While we anticipate a number of appointments during 2026, we encourage early applications and expressions of interest at any point.
For more information, please download the job description attached in this advert.
A CV (maximum 3 pages) and a short supporting statement (maximum 2 pages) outlining:
• Your motivation to become a Trustee
• How your skills and experience align with our needs
• What you would bring to our Board
The Big House Multibank reduces waste and supports families in Scotland by redistributing surplus goods to families across the country.

The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
CHASE Africa is a UK-based international NGO that supports local partners in East Africa to improve health and wellbeing in marginalised rural communities. We are looking for a Trustee with finance skills, to replace our current Treasurer. You will provide scrutiny and oversight of the work of CHASE Africa, with a particular focus on financial issues. You will use your financial knowledge and experience to monitor the financial administration of the charity and report to the Board of Trustees on its state of financial health and provide the board with the confidence and knowledge to make good strategic decisions.
This is an exciting opportunity for someone with extensive financial expertise, who is seeking a voluntary position where they can apply their skills to a meaningful mission.
Since its inception 12 years ago, CHASE Africa has grown from scratch to an income in 2025 of over £830,000 – delivering over 1.5 million healthcare and family planning services to often isolated rural communities. We have a strong and highly motivated staff team and a thriving network of local partners that has expanded from Kenya into Uganda and, later this year, Tanzania.
CHASE Africa’s projects have already brought healthcare and empowerment to tens of thousands of lives, particularly for women and girls, mitigating poverty and helping protect local environments.It has the capacity and opportunity to greatly extend its impact – both geographically and in terms of numbers reached.
We are a small but dedicated team based in Somerset, committed to a collaborative approach to partnership. We're currently going through an exciting period of transition and growth, with a new CEO in 2022, a new charitable structure in 2023, and a new Finance Manager at the start of 2026. Your role will be vital in helping us achieve our future goals.
The Role
- Liaise with CEO and Trustees to ensure the financial viability of the organisation’s strategy
- Advise on the financial implications of CA’s strategic plan (3 year)
- Present CA’s financial position and broader context at Trustees Board meetings
- Support the finance manager with the production of an annual budget
- Ensure that the Board is aware of its financial duties and responsibilities and the need to comply with all legislation
- Take a lead in interpreting financial data for fellow Board members
- Ensure that all financial policies, procedures and the appointment of external financial advisors are reviewed on a regular basis
- Ensure relevant financial policies are in place as required by the charity commission
- Be willing to be available to support the charity’s CEO and Senior Finance Manager as needed
- Review the monthly management accounts report and cashflow with the CEO and finance manager
- Liaise with senior staff to ensure financial reports are user friendly for non-finance trustees
About You
- Good background in financial management and analysis
- Able to communicate financial information clearly and to people with different levels of financial and data literacy.
- Knowledge and experience of finance practice relevant to voluntary and community organisations.
- Have an excellent ability to interpret financial information and the confidence to raise questions and challenge
- Have a good understanding of, or be willing to learn, the rules and regulation around charity finance
- Have the ability to think creatively and strategically, exercising good and impartial judgement
- Knowledge of current accounting processes, tools and procedures
- High proficiency in Excel, Powerpoint for analysis and presentation
- Understands and accepts the legal duties, liabilities and responsibilities of Trustees, and the difference between governance functions and management functions
- High level of integrity and sound judgement
- Commitment to CA’s vision, purpose and culture and its way of working
- Able and willing to devote the necessary time to the role
Additional Desirable
- CCAB/CIMA qualified professional or qualified by experience in financial management
- Awareness and understanding of the campaigning world and the health community in developing countries.
- An interest in international development and the issues we are supporting our partners to tackle in East Africa.
For full information, please see the attached information pack.
To apply for this post, please submit a CV and covering letter by email by the 27th March 2026. The cover letter should be no longer than two pages long and explain why you are interested in this post and how your skills and experience make you a good fit.
to support partner organisations, in Africa, that enable access to family planning, healthcare and rights, while protecting the environment.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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!
The Nehemiah Project is a small charity that supports men with experience of addiction to break the cycle of addiction and crime. We do this through supported living, programmes, key worker support, rebuilding family connections and providing move-on support to aid transition to independent living. We currently operate from houses in Streatham and Croydon.
We are a Christian-based charity open to men of all faiths and none. We have a partnership with the British Association of the Order of Malta who provide expertise, funding and volunteer support.
Our trustees play a vital role in making sure that The Nehemiah Project (TNP) achieves its core purpose of breaking the cycle of addiction and reoffending. They oversee the overall management and administration of the charity. They also ensure that TNP has a clear strategy and that our work and goals are in line with our vision. Just as importantly, they support and challenge the executive team to enable TNP to grow and thrive.
As well as fulfilling the duties of a Trustee, the Treasurer maintains an overview of the Nehemiah Project' s financial affairs. The Treasurer ensures that effective and appropriate financial measures, controls and procedures are put in place and reports to the Board at regular intervals about the financial health of the organisation. The Nehemiah Project is a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee.
Treasurer Role
- Overseeing the presentation of budgets, internal management accounts and annual financial statements to the Board of Trustees.
- Ensuring that proper accounting records are kept, and that appropriate accounting procedures and controls are in place.
- Ensuring that robust and comprehensive financial policies are in place and being implemented, and supporting the development of policies covering financial reserves, and cost management.
- Monitoring and advising on the financial viability of the charity.
- Overseeing financial controls and adherence to systems, regularly liaising with Chief Executive
- Advising on the financial implications of the charity’s strategic plan, including overseeing the charity’s financial risk-management process Ensuring investments and assets are maximised.
- Lead on the appointment of and liaison with external auditors.
- Oversee the development and implementation of systems for appraising, mitigating and reporting corporate risk.
- Ensuring that the accounts are prepared and disclosed in the form required by relevant statutory bodies, for example, the Charity Commission and/or the Registrar of Companies.
- Keeping the board informed about its financial duties and responsibilities and liaising with the Chief Executive to develop the financial understanding of the Board of Trustees.
What we are looking for?
- A finance professional. A knowledge of charity finance is an advantage. Otherwise an enthusiasm to learn, drawing from sound commercial experience and an understanding of SMEs.
- A strategic thinker with an ability to balance risk and opportunity.
- Clear communicator with the ability to bring the financial information alive to non-finance specialists. Willing to play an active role in areas such as forecasting, setting budgets, liaising with auditors
- We are looking for people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our board.
In addition to the above, the Treasurer will also have the responsibilities and qualities of all trustees. Board members have a collective responsibility. This means that trustees always act as a group and not as individuals.
Responsibilities of all trustees
- Support and provide advice on TNP' s purpose, vision, goals and activities.
- Approve operational strategies and policies, and monitor and evaluate their implementation.
- Oversee TNP' s financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress.
- Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.
- Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively.
- Review and approve TNP’s financial statements.
- Provide support and challenge to TNP’s CEO in the exercise of their delegated authority and affairs. Keep abreast of changes in TNP’s operating environment.
- Contribute to regular reviews of TNP' s own governance. Attend Board meetings, adequately prepared to contribute to discussions.
- Use independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect TNP’s interests, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or any third party interests.
- Contribute to the broader promotion of TNP’s objects, aims and reputation by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts.
Personal skills and qualities
- To be sympathetic to and supportive of our Christian ethos. Practising Christian preferred.
- Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as trustees and to act in the best interests of the organisation.
- Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member. Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion. A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
- Enthusiasm for our vision and mission
Trustee Role Overview
Term: 4 years, renewable up to 7 years, with possible extension in exceptional cases under the Memorandum and Articles.
Remuneration: Voluntary role; reasonable expenses reimbursed.
Meetings: Attend four Board meetings a year (in person in Putney, with remote option).
Strategy Days: Up to one per year.
Events: Four annual celebration events at our houses; Trustees are encouraged to attend where possible
Committee Membership
Trustees may join one of three sub-groups — HR, Finance, or Fundraising — which meet remotely four times a year, with occasional ad hoc support to working groups or the executive team.
Financial Commitment No donation is required, though regular modest giving is encouraged.
More Information can be found in the Trustee Pack below.
To be a centre of excellence for rehabilitating men from crime and addiction through the transformation of their lives
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Are you passionate about helping older people to live well in later life? Are you able to give your time, expertise and skills as a Trustee to support our charity in its hugely important mission?
This is a fantastic opportunity to join the board of an impactful and influential charity, supporting older residents in Sutton by providing valuable advice and support services regarding health, finances and wellbeing.
A trustee role can be hugely fulfilling, as well as helping you to develop and utilise strategic leadership skills, and work with a diverse and dynamic team.
We are looking for trustees who can bring their own unique experience and expertise to support the effective governance of our charity, in particular in areas such as data and digital, commercial experience, and knowledge of the health and care sector. An understanding of charity governance, fundraising or an accountancy qualification would be beneficial.
Who are Age UK Sutton?
Age UK Sutton is a small independent charity dedicated to helping older people in our community to live well in later life. We are a network partner of Age UK, the influential national charity, and benefit from membership of a network of similar independent charities across the UK. We deliver a mixture of social and community activities while influencing strategy in Sutton. We provide vital information, expert advice and practical support. Our work enables older people to make informed decisions on finances, health, care, and wellbeing, and enables greater social connection and independence.
Location: Sutton, South West London (and online meetings)
Time Commitment:
- Quarterly Board meetings, three-hour Board meetings held virtually on Teams (twice a year), and alternately face-to-face meetings
- Quarterly Committee meetings (2-3 hours): Fundraising and Enterprise and / or Quality and / or Finance, Risk and Audit (most trustees are expected to attend 2 of the 3 standing subcommittees)
- Trustees with the capacity to do so also have the opportunity to support occasional projects or short-term working groups, supporting the CEO and wider leadership team.
Duration: A 3-year term (may be extended for two further 3-year terms)
Final closing date: Tuesday 1 April
Please download the full information pack. The covering letter should set out the following (in no more than 2 pages):
Why are you interested in a trustee role at Age UK Sutton?
How you would contribute to Age UK Sutton as a trustee?
Please highlight all relevant experience, and demonstrate how your skills match the specific requirements of the role as set out in the Person Specification.
Please note that we will focus on your demonstrable experience and potential in the above areas and do not expect candidates to have experience in all responsibilities outlined in the Job Description.
A Sutton where every older person lives well, feeling connected and valued with the confidence and support they need to thrive.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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
Cherry Trees is a charity. located in East Clandon (near Guildford, Surrey), providing home-from-home short breaks for children aged 0–19 with a range of complex disabilities, including learning, physical, and sensory impairments.
We are rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted and care for more than 100 children and young people in a safe, stimulating, and fun environment. At Cherry Trees, we see the child first and the disability second, valuing every child for who they are. We are a dedicated community, enabling children to spend time with friends and enjoy new experiences while their families have a much-needed break from care.
It’s an exciting time to join Cherry Trees. We have recently recruited a new Head of Fundraising and Communications who will be building the team as we invest in a programme of service growth in conjunction with a new 5-year strategy which will be publicised in 2026.
What difference will you make?
Cherry Trees offers a lifeline to vulnerable children and their families. As a Trustee, you will play a key role in helping us to grow and develop and to enable us to continue to provide support and a critical lifeline to even more vulnerable children and their families in great need. Alongside a team of 8 trustees you will play a key role in ensuring we have the maximum impact we can for our community.
Role Description
The treasurer is an officer of the trustee board and not a paid worker. The role of the treasurer is to ensure that all the finances and the supporting financial control systems are kept in order.
Key objectives of the role:
- To provide strategic advice to the Trustees on financial matters as regards the operation and development of Cherry Trees within the direction set by the Chairman of the Trustees.
- To oversee the financial affairs of the Charity and ensure that they are legal, constitutional and within accepted accounting practice.
- To ensure that proper records are kept and that effective financial procedures are in place.
- To monitor and report on the financial health of the Charity.
- To oversee the production of necessary financial reports, returns, accounts and audits.
- The role requires active participation in board meetings and collaboration with fellow trustees and the executive team to support Cherry Trees’ mission.
- The will be a minimum of 8 board and committee meetings to attend
Principal Tasks
The responsibilities of the treasurer are essential for maintaining the financial stability and integrity of the charity, ensuring that it can continue to fulfil its mission and objectives. Specifically, these include:
Financial oversight
- Ensure that all financial records are accurate, up to date and compliant with legal and accounting standards.
- Ensure that effective financial procedures and controls are in place.
- Appraise the financial viability of plans, proposals and feasibility studies.
- Chair the Management and Finance Committee (M&F) quarterly, monitor performance against budgets and ensure that Capital Expenditure is properly controlled in line with the latest Capex Policy approved by the Trustees.
- Attend half-yearly meetings of the Investment Committee at which the Charity’s investment brokers report on their management of the Cherry Trees investments and measure performance against their benchmark.
- Liaise with the investment brokers as necessary to ensure that adequate liquidity (cash flow) is available and that Cherry Trees is able to meet its liabilities.
- Assist the trustees and management in ensuring that the financial reserves of Cherry Trees are maintained at an appropriate level.
Budget Management
- Oversee the production of the annual budget and propose its adoption by the board.
Financial reporting
- Work closely as necessary with the CEO and COO to appoint appropriate external auditors and to ensure that any audit recommendations are implemented in a timely manner.
- Oversee the production of necessary financial reports and accounts and present them, along with any audit recommendations, to the board.
Strategic advisory
- Provide strategic advice to the board on financial matters and help shape the charity's financial strategy.
- Work closely with the CEO and COO to ensure that a long-term financial strategy is in place, which can guide the organisation in achieving its objectives.
Board liaison
- Regularly report the financial position and ongoing financial viability of the charity at board meetings.
- Make fellow trustees aware of their financial obligations and take a lead in interpreting financial data.
- Assist the trustees in ensuring that appropriate steps are taken to manage financial risks that could impact significantly upon Cherry Trees.
Personal skills and qualities
- Knowledge of bookkeeping and financial management.
- Good financial analysis skills with the ability to think about the future as well as the present.
- Strong working knowledge of Excel.
- Be methodical, organised and consistent.
- Ability to communicate clearly.
- Have a strong commitment to the organisation.
- Some experience or knowledge of charity finance, fundraising and pension schemes would be an advantage.
Qualifications
- Strong skills and experience in Financial Statements and Accounting
- Proficiency in Financial Planning, Budgeting, and Finance
- An understanding of charitable organisations and nonprofit financial management is a plus
- Good communication and teamwork abilities
- A commitment to the vision and values of the Cherry Trees Charity
- Professional qualifications in accounting or finance are desirable
Safer Recruitment
Due to the vulnerability of our children and young adults, applicants will be required to complete a short application form and will require an Enhanced DBS check, which the charity will facilitate.
We help to keep families together by providing home from home care for children with complex disabilities and a meaningful break for the families.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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!
Role: Trustee
Hours: Attendance at Board meetings six times a year, with reading and preparation before meetings
No Salary: Unpaid volunteer role, expenses paid
Location: Meetings held on zoom or at our head office in London SE20
Deadline: 17th May 2026
Interviews: In person in London SE20
ABOUT US
Bromley & Croydon Women's Aid (BCWA) aims to empower anyone suffering domestic abuse so they can make informed choices about their future. Our services are confidential, non-judgmental and respectful of diversity.
BCWA puts anyone who contacts us for support at the heart of decision making, so that they can gain the confidence, strength and self-respect needed to free themselves from abusive relationships
Our Ethos
BCWA believe in providing high-quality services to anyone fleeing domestic abuse. We have been working since 1975 to:
- focus on maintaining the independence, confidence and self-esteem of anyone we help
- be responsive to the needs of individuals in a culturally appropriate and sensitive way
- treat our residents, clients, staff and partners with integrity, honesty and respect.
Our Mission Statement
Our mission is to end all forms of domestic abuse in our community. Our vision is to support and empower women to create change in their lives, so that they and their children can live free from domestic abuse and improve their quality of life.
OUR SERVICES
BCWA provide a wide range of services including:
Refuge
We provide safe accommodation for any woman and her children who is experiencing domestic abuse, or who is at risk of abuse.
Children are welcomed by Child Support Officers. Refuges have fully-equipped playrooms, where the project workers organise activities, after-school clubs, play sessions, fun days and one-to-one therapeutic activities.
BCWA is a registered housing provider with the Regulator or Social Housing (i.e. a Housing Association) and operates supported housing in a mix of owned and leased properties, some as managing agent for other housing associations, some operated independently.
Advice & Support
BCWA telephone Helpline supports women in the community who want to know what their options are around domestic abuse, or who need a non-judgmental listening ear. We run 12-week ‘Keys to Freedom’ support groups which offer a path to recognising abuse and peer support for recovery.
We offer advice to the friends and families of anyone experiencing domestic abuse. We give our expertise to legal and social services professionals, and we support women at appointments, accompany them to court, and also put them in contact with other services that can help them.
Our other services include:
Japanese service - BCWA, in partnership with the Japanese Embassy in London, offers outreach advice in Japanese to survivors of domestic abuse
NRPF/EEA service - Our specialist advisor works with migrant women without recourse to public funds (NRPF) and those from the EEA to regularise their immigration status and access benefits & support.
Men's service - All BCWA locations are women-only spaces, but men can be supported via our One Stop Shop service or by the IDSVA (high-risk) service in Bromley.
Our Approach to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Our work is based on building meaningful, supportive, enduring and respectful relationships with women from all cultures. We cannot do this without a strong commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. BCWA’s approach is to try to make sure that EDI is central to everything we do and informs both our services and our organisational culture.
Our goal is to develop and deliver consistently inclusive programmes, projects and services that support and bring together survivors of domestic abuse and their children and facilitate empowerment and recovery. We believe this enables best practice domestic abuse support, hope this will make everyone's experiences richer, and ultimately lead to more inclusive communities and sector best practice.
BECOMING A TRUSTEE
What is a Trustee?
Trustees ensure their charity has a clear strategy, and that its work and goals are in line with its vision. A trustee's role in a charity is to be the ‘guardians of purpose’, making sure that all decisions put the needs of the beneficiaries first. They safeguard the charity’s assets – both physical assets, including property, and intangible ones, such as its reputation. They make sure these are used well and that the charity is run sustainably.
Why become a Trustee?
Being a Trustee can be very rewarding. As a Trustee you have the chance to support and shape the work and strategic direction of an organisation, and you can make a significant difference to a cause that matters to you.
Being a Trustee offers the opportunity for professional development. It can let you gain experience of strategy and leadership, and boost your CV. It will give you experience of being a non-executive director, such as setting a strategic vision, influencing and negotiation, and managing risk. If you already have significant experience in these areas, it can be stimulating to use it in a different and potentially challenging context. You will be part of a team and will have the opportunity to apply your unique skills and experience while learning from others. Working closely with a passionate team of people who have different perspectives is often one of the most enjoyable aspects of the role. Trustees often say that being a board member has been one the richest sources of learning in their professional lives.
Why join our board?
BCWA was founded by a group of local women in Bromley who wanted to do something practical to support women in their local community and has been run by women and for women ever since. Over the past few years the organisation has grown considerably but still operates very much in the spirit of grassroots feminist women’s movement of the 70s, out of which it was founded.
Many of our trustees, staff and volunteers have lived experience of domestic abuse, and the organisation actively welcome survivors at all levels. We are a supportive, warm and friendly group and we genuinely strive to foster great relationships. Our Board is made up of a diverse group of women with a broad range of backgrounds, skills and experience. This team operates on mutual respect and true collaboration in order to provide the best leadership possible to the charity. We are solutions oriented, creative, forward-thinking and passionate about working to end domestic abuse.
BCWA has seen sustained growth over the last few years and has increased its property portfolio to provide a range of dispersed ‘move on’ accommodation for women leaving refuge, with continued support.
The charity is also committed to an ongoing process of service improvement via stakeholder feedback and analysis of needs and gaps in provision. Our local knowledge and specialist expertise positions us very well to innovate in co-producing new services.
In addition to trauma-informed accommodation and community-based services, BCWA has developed a therapeutic service alongside, which encompasses child play therapy and a specialist in-house counselling service for women. This supports the health and wellbeing of survivors going forward as well as working towards the prevention of repeat victimisation.
A trusteeship with BCWA is an exciting opportunity to be part of a dynamic organisation, contribute to the local community and impact thousands of women’s lives for the better. It is a truly pivotal time to join the board at BCWA, as we develop and implement innovative new services that will add significantly to the breadth and impact of support available to survivors of domestic abuse in Bromley & Croydon.
What skills are we looking for?
We are looking for a range of new trustees with a range of different skills to shape and steer the future of this dynamic organisation, as well as bring wisdom, energy and new perspectives to our governance. We would particularly welcome applications from women with knowledge of or experience working in the following sectors:
· Social housing, social investment, housing, company or charity or general legal background
· Provision of mental health services
· AI expertise
ROLE DESCRIPTION
We are looking for strategic-minded individuals with a variety of skills to join our board. Our trustees play an essential role in making sure that BCWA achieves its core purpose. They oversee the overall management and administration of the charity. They also ensure that we have a clear strategy and that our work and goals are in line with our vision.
Trustee duties
- To ensure the BCWA is carrying out its purposes, as set out in its governing document.
- To ensure the charity complies with its governing document, charity law and any other applicable laws.
- To act in the charity’s best interests, making balanced and adequately informed decisions.
- To contribute actively to the Board of Trustees in giving firm strategic direction, setting overall policy, defining goals and setting targets (including evaluating performance against set targets).
- To provide guidance using previous experience and expertise on a range of aspects of BCWA's business, including support to set up new initiatives.
- To ensure the effective and efficient administration of the Organisation.
- To monitor the financial, strategic and operational performance of BCWA.
In addition to the above responsibilities, each Trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they possess, to enable the Board to reach sound decisions. This may involve leading discussions, focusing on key issues, scrutinising reports, providing advice and guidance on new issues, particularly where a Trustee has specific expertise. Our board meets bi-monthly and holds an Annual General Meeting.
Personal skills and qualities
- Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as trustees and to act in the best interests of the organisation.
- Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member.
- Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion.
- A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
- Enthusiasm for our vision: working to end domestic abuse.
- Commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.
What impact will you have?
You will be joining an organisation actively opposed to all forms of discrimination providing a service that is confidential, non-judgmental and respectful of diversity.
You will have the opportunity to showcase your skills as well as learn new ones.
We are a feminist organisation and recognise the gendered nature of domestic abuse and other forms of violence against women and girls.
Time Commitment
- Attendance at board meetings which take place six times a year. Meetings are held in the early evening, mostly on-line, with one or two held in-person at our south-east London Head Office.
- Trustees will also need to carry out any pre-meeting reading and preparation and may be contacted occasionally for advice.
Further Information
We are very happy to have informal discussions about the role and warmly welcome candidates to visit us or observe a board meeting if they wish.
New Trustees are assigned an existing member who is responsible for their induction and support for a period of 6 months.
As our organisation works with extremely vulnerable clients, safeguarding is one of our key priorities. Please contact us if you would like more info or to view our SG policies. In light of this, offers are subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.
Female applicants only: In light of the nature of work, the candidate’s gender is considered to be an occupational requirement in accordance with Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion: BCWA is committed to supporting and promoting equality & diversity and creating an inclusive working environment. To achieve this, we seek to employ a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds to better represent the communities we serve.
BCWA is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
Reg. Charity No.1068007.
Our mission is to end all forms of domestic abuse in our community.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.