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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!
Unreal offers support and information to people with lived experience of Depersonalisation and Derealisation (DPDR) - including people experiencing symptoms themselves and their carers, friends and families. We aim to raise awareness of DPDR, provide up-to date clinically-validated information, signpost people to relevant resources, push for policy change, assist in research studies and enable people living with DPDR to speak with others through our flagship Peer Support Programme to help support each other.
We are supported by a dedicated network of volunteers and ambassadors whose expertise and lived experience are central to what we do.
Despite being a small and relatively young charity, officially founded in 2019, we have established ourselves as the leading voice on DPDR in the UK and are proud of what we have achieved.
Unreal enters this next chapter from a position of real strength. We have established ourselves as the leading charity for DPDR in the UK, with a peer support programme that continues to grow in demand, strong relationships with clinicians, policymakers and researchers, and a clear strategic direction.
We have recently set our key priorities for 2026 to 2030, and we are looking for new board members who are excited to help us deliver on that ambition.
This is a significant moment for the charity. We are recruiting for trustees at a time when we have strong foundations, a clear sense of purpose, and real momentum. The people who join us now will help shape the next chapter of Unreal.
At such a pivotal time for the charity, and to help achieve our ambitions, we are looking for enthusiastic and committed individuals to join our Trustees.
We are currently recruiting:
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A HR/Governance Trustee
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A Finance Trustee
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A Fundraising Trustee
We welcome applications from people with or without previous trustee experience. What matters most is your commitment to our mission and the skills and perspectives you bring.
We have attached our recruitment pack with details of the individual roles.
Time commitment
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Board meetings: monthly (9 per year), held online
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Full trustee days, held in person: twice a year
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Online Trustee meetings, twice a year
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Additional time required for specific projects or sub-committees
Support for new trustees
We are committed to making trusteeship at Unreal as accessible and rewarding as possible. All new board members will receive a full induction and training
Expenses
All reasonable expenses incurred in carrying out your role as a trustee will be reimbursed in line with our expenses policy.
What we are looking for
We are not looking for a particular type of person. We are looking for the right people. Within our trustees and board, we aim to bring together a range of skills, backgrounds and perspectives.
Full role specifications for each position are included below. These set out the specific skills, experience and qualities we are looking for, alongside the responsibilities of the role.
In addition to the specified roles below, we will also be recruiting more widely, and welcome applications from anyone who fulfils the below general criteria.
We particularly welcome applications from:
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People with lived experience of DPDR, including carers, friends and family members.
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Clinicians and researchers working in the field.
Skills and experience that are valuable to us include:
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Finance
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Fundraising
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HR
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Governance
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Expertise in the mental health or charity sector.
We ask all trustees to commit to a term of three to four years. The Chair may be appointed for a term of up to five years.
Before you apply
Trustees of Unreal must meet the following eligibility criteria. Please check these before applying.
You must:
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Be 18 years of age or older
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Not be automatically disqualified under the Charities Act 2011. This includes any person: with undischarged bankruptcy those who has been declared bankrupt; that has entered into an IVA; been disqualified as a company director; or that has certain unspent criminal convictions relating to dishonesty, fraud or contempt of court
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Have no safeguarding restrictions that would prevent you from working with vulnerable people
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Be willing to declare any conflicts of interest and to complete a DBS check
If you are unsure whether any of the above applies to you, the Charity Commission website has further guidance.
All trustees are expected to uphold Unreal's Code of Conduct for Board Members. A copy will be shared with shortlisted candidates and must be signed on appointment.
General Trustee Responsibilities
Candidates should demonstrate:
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Commitment to the charity’s mission and values.
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Integrity, sound judgement and professionalism.
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Ability to contribute to effective governance and strategic decision-making.
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Willingness to act in the charity’s best interests at all times.
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Ability to work collaboratively and constructively as part of a board.
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Good communication and interpersonal skills.
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Understanding of confidentiality, accountability and conflicts of interest.
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Awareness of safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion responsibilities.
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Financial awareness and responsible oversight of resources.
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Sufficient time and commitment to fulfil trustee duties and attend meetings.
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Willingness to undertake training and ongoing development.
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Relevant professional, leadership, governance or lived experience would be advantageous.
How to apply
To apply, please send the following:
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A CV or brief summary of your relevant experience
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A short personal statement of up to 250 words setting out what you would bring to Unreal and why the role appeals to you
We ask that any applications submitted are in the candidate’s own words.
Deadline
The closing date for applications is 27 August 2026.
Interviews are expected to take place in September 2026.
The Recruitment Process
We want to make this process as straightforward and human as possible. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an informal conversation with one or more of our trustees, giving you a chance to find out more about us and for us to learn more about you. Successful candidates will then be invited to a formal panel interview with set questions.
Interviews will be held virtually, though if you would prefer to meet in person we will do our best to accommodate this.
We are committed to making this process as accessible as possible. If you require any adjustments to support your application or participation in the interview process, please do get in touch and we will do our best to accommodate you.
We are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion in everything we do, including in how we recruit. We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of DPDR, and from those who are underrepresented in charity leadership.
Registered Charity
11 - 20
Unreal offers support and information to people with lived experience of Depersonalisation and Derealisation (DPDR)
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
We are looking for exceptional people from a variety of backgrounds, to join AvMA’s Board of Trustees at an important point in our development, this being the midpoint of implementing our 5-year strategy.
AvMA is the UK charity for patient safety and justice. We provide free advice and support to thousands of people each year who have been affected by avoidable harm in healthcare, and we work to influence improvements in patient safety and to see people treated fairly when things go wrong. We also provide an accreditation scheme for lawyers specialising in clinical negligence work and a competence scheme for more junior lawyers, recognising that this is a highly complex area of law requiring strong specialist knowledge.
We are now seeking to appoint up to three new Trustees and/or Associate Trustees. Each appointment will strengthen the Board by bringing a particular area of specialist expertise alongside the wider skills, judgement and commitment expected of all Trustees.
About the roles:
AvMA is governed by a Board of Trustees who come from a range of backgrounds and bring different experiences. This recruitment is intended to strengthen the Board further by bringing in new specialist expertise alongside strong governance capability.
Important application instruction - Applicants must make clear in their covering letter which of the three specialist skill sets they are applying for and whether they are applying as a Trustee or as an Associate Trustee.
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Trustee: a full member of the Board, taking on the legal and governance responsibilities of trusteeship and contributing to collective decision-making.
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Associate Trustee: a supported development role for people with relevant expertise and potential who may have less prior Board or Trustee experience. Associate Trustees participate actively in Board life and will work towards a full Trustee role, subject to appraisal and mutual agreement.
The three specialist skill sets we are seeking:
1. Clinical negligence law
We are seeking someone with senior-level expertise in clinical negligence law, ideally with experience on the claimant side.
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Ideally claimant-side experience with clinical negligence accreditation.
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Understanding of access to justice issues affecting injured patients and families.
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Insight into Alternative Dispute Resolution practices including mediation.
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Ability to support strategic thinking about AvMA’s public-facing services, policy influence and accreditation work.
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Awareness of the importance of managing conflicts of interest carefully.
Applicants with this background may apply either as a Trustee or as an Associate Trustee.
2. Senior charity fundraising/income generation expertise
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We are seeking someone with senior-level charity fundraising or income generation expertise.
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Understanding of fundraising strategy and income diversification.
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Knowledge of individual giving, trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships, major donor fundraising, legacy fundraising or supporter engagement.
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Ability to advise strategically on fundraising opportunities and risks.
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Understanding of ethical fundraising and donor stewardship.
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Ability to support AvMA in widening its reach, profile and supporter base.
Applicants with this background may apply either as a Trustee or as an Associate Trustee.
3. IT/digital expertise for a growing charity
We are seeking someone with IT, digital, data or technology expertise relevant to a growing charity.
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Senior experience in IT, digital, data, systems or technology strategy.
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Understanding of digital transformation in small or medium-sized organisations.
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Ability to advise on systems, data quality, knowledge management, cyber security and digital risk.
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Appreciation of how technology can improve service delivery, governance and organisational effectiveness.
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Understanding of how AI can be exploited whilst maintaining safety, confidentiality and ethical principles.
Applicants with this background may apply either as a Trustee or as an Associate Trustee.
Generic Trustee skills and qualities we are seeking
In addition to one of the three specialist skill sets, all applicants should be able to demonstrate the core qualities and capabilities needed to contribute effectively to AvMA’s Board.
Essential for all applicants
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Commitment to AvMA’s mission, vision and values.
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Demonstrable interest in patient safety and justice for people affected by avoidable harm.
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Ability to think strategically and see the bigger picture.
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Sound judgement and independence of thought.
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Willingness to offer constructive challenge while working collaboratively.
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Ability to contribute to collective decision-making.
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Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
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Willingness to prepare for and participate actively in Board and committee meetings.
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High standards of integrity, confidentiality and accountability.
Desirable
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Previous trustee, non-executive or committee experience.
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Understanding of charity governance.
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Lived experience of avoidable harm in healthcare, either personally or as a family member.
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Experience of working with or alongside people affected by trauma, injustice or complex systems.
Trustee role description
Governance and oversight: ensure AvMA operates in accordance with its governing document, policies, charity law and relevant legislation or regulation; oversee implementation of AvMA’s strategy; provide accountability; and ensure resources are managed responsibly.
Strategic leadership: contribute to development and implementation of AvMA’s strategy, including setting objectives and monitoring progress against them.
Financial stewardship: monitor AvMA’s financial health; ensure sound financial controls and systems are in place; review and approve annual budgets, management accounts and annual reports; and ensure funds are used effectively.
Risk management: identify and assess risks facing AvMA and ensure appropriate systems, policies and procedures are in place, including for safeguarding and data protection.
Advocacy and ambassadorship: act as an ambassador for AvMA, promote its values and mission externally and use networks and contacts, where appropriate, to support AvMA’s work.
Board meetings and committees: attend and actively participate in Board meetings, committees and other relevant meetings; read papers in advance and contribute to discussion and decision-making.
Support and supervision: provide support to the leadership team, offer guidance and act as a sounding board when needed. Where appropriate, take on a mentoring role with key staff or volunteers.
Associate Trustee role description
Associate Trustees are not full Trustees when appointed but are expected to participate actively in Board life and develop their understanding of charity governance, AvMA’s work and the responsibilities of trusteeship.
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Attend and participate in Board meetings.
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Join relevant discussions and contribute their expertise.
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Develop their understanding of charity governance and AvMA’s strategic priorities.
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Participate in mentoring, induction and development.
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Contribute to committees and other work where appropriate.
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Work towards readiness for a full Trustee role, subject to appraisal and mutual agreement.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.