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Title: Trustee (Safeguarding & Young People Lead)
Salary: This is a voluntary role
Location: Remote with very occasional (1-2 times a year) travel to London (expenses
reimbursed)
Commitment: Approximately 8-10 board meetings per year, plus additional input as
required.
Reporting to: Chair of Trustees

About us
The Ben Kinsella Trust is one of the UK’s leading anti-knife crime charities. We were set up
following the tragic murder of 16-year-old Ben Kinsella in 2008, and everything we do is
guided by his legacy. Our mission is to prevent knife crime by educating and campaigning:
we help young people to stay safe.
Ben was a kind, creative young person who loved art, music, Arsenal FC, and making
people laugh. He had big dreams of becoming a graphic designer. His death was a
senseless act of violence, and the outpouring of grief and public support that followed
marked the start of a movement. Ben’s own words, written shortly before his death, called for
change, and his voice continues to inspire our work.
Through immersive workshops in our Choices and Consequences Exhibitions and free
online resources, we have reached over 50,000 young people. Our work challenges myths
about knife crime, strengthens peer influence, and sparks meaningful conversations. As we
grow, we remain committed to honouring Ben’s life by making a real, lasting difference to
young people across the UK.
We’re a small team of 10, growing shortly to 14, working across Programmes, Fundraising
and Communications, Finance and Operations and Leadership.
Ben’s legacy is our guide – we exist to stop knife crime.
Trustee – Safeguarding & Young People

What you’ll be doing
As the Trustee leading on Safeguarding & Young People, your expertise will guide the Ben
Kinsella Trust in maintaining the highest standards of education, youth work and
safeguarding practice. Working closely with the Senior Leadership Team, the Trustee will
provide strategic oversight, guidance and appropriate challenge on education, youth work
and safeguarding and child protection matters across the organisation.
This role will act as the Board’s safeguarding lead, ensuring safeguarding remains central to
the charity’s governance, culture and decision-making. The Trustee will also act as a Deputy
DSL for escalated or complex safeguarding incidents where additional oversight or support
is required.
This is a highly rewarding role for someone with senior experience in an educational, youth,
community or charitable setting who wants to use their professional expertise to make a real
difference. We are looking for someone who will bring energy, insight and ambition and will
play an active part in shaping the charity’s future. As a key member of the Board, you’ll help
to ensure that Ben’s legacy continues to change lives and prevent knife crime across the
UK.

Strategy and Governance
• Act as a full member of the Board of Trustees, contributing to the overall governance,
strategy, and direction of the charity.
• Lead on education and youth work at Board level, keeping young people at the centre of
our decision making, and ensuring our programme delivery is grounded in best practice.
• Lead on safeguarding and child protection matters at Board level, ensuring safeguarding
remains a key strategic priority for the organisation.
• Support the Board in understanding and carrying out its safeguarding responsibilities and
regulatory obligations.
• Ensure compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements, including the Charity
Commission and funders.
Safeguarding Oversight and Support
• Promote a strong safeguarding culture across the organisation, centred on the safety
and wellbeing of children and vulnerable adults.
• Support the review, development and implementation of safeguarding-related policies,
procedures and practices.
• Work closely with the Senior Leadership Team to provide strategic advice and support
on safeguarding and child protection matters.
• Provide oversight and appropriate challenge regarding safeguarding incidents, themes,
risks and organisational responses.
• Act as Deputy DSL in cases involving escalated, high-risk or complex safeguarding
concerns where additional support or oversight is required.
Support and Guidance
• Provide professional education, youth work, and safeguarding expertise and mentorship
to the Board, Senior Leadership Team and relevant staff.
• Support the organisation in developing safe, inclusive and trauma-informed approaches
to working with young people.
• Provide appropriate challenge and scrutiny to ensure all decisions are centred around
young people and their safety, whilst aligning with the charity’s values, responsibilities
and risk mitigation strategies.Who we are looking for
We are seeking a Trustee (Safeguarding & Young People Lead) who will bring youth work,
education and safeguarding expertise,
We actively encourage people from a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and
perspectives to join our Board and help shape the future of The Ben Kinsella Trust.
We recognise the value that diverse voices bring to our decision-making and to the way we
work. We are particularly keen to hear from people who are currently underrepresented on
our Board or within the wider charity sector, and who can bring different insights to our
governance and strategy.
While we’re looking for candidates with the skills and experience listed, we know no one is
perfect in every area. If you meet some of the criteria, we’d still really love to hear from you.
Please feel free to reach out for a friendly chat about the role and your application.

Skills and experience
You’ll have:
• Education and / or Youth work experience: A recognised qualification in education,
youth work, social work or a related field, alongside senior leadership experience in an
organisation that works with children and young people
• Safeguarding experience in a senior role: Substantial safeguarding leadership
experience (5+ years) in a senior leadership, executive or board level role; with current
or previous experience as a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
• Strategic leadership experience: Proven strategic experience at executive or board
level, recognising the impact of strategic decisions on outcomes for young people, whilst
overseeing service delivery and protecting the organisation from risk.
Values
We are looking for someone who:
• Is ambitious and proactive. You’re driven to make a tangible impact and actively
contribute, and you’ll take the initiative to help the charity grow and achieve its mission
• Is passionate about making a difference, and committed to preventing knife crime and
improving outcomes for young people
• Values equity and inclusion and actively promotes diversity in decision making and
governance.
• Works collaboratively. You’ll engage with other members of the board and senior
leadership team, work together, and bring both constructive challenge and support.What you’ll be expected to do
• The role requires attendance at approximately 8-10 Full Board meetings per year,
usually held virtually.
• Additional commitment includes preparing for meetings, reviewing programmes related
reports and policies, and engaging with safeguarding matters or staff meetings as
required.
• Occasional attendance at charity events, strategy days, or stakeholder meetings may
also be requested.
• Overall, the role is expected to require 6–8 hours per month on average, with some
months busier than others.
External resources
The following documents and links will help you understand the legal duties, responsibilities
and liabilities that being a Trustee involves:
• What is a trustee? - NCVO Knowhow
• The essential trustee: what you need to know, what you need to do - 
How to apply
If you would like to apply, please submit a CV and include a supporting statement, detailing
why you are interested in the role and your relevant experience and suitability.
Applications close: Tuesday 7th July, 5pm
Interview schedule:
● 1st stage, online via MS Teams. 14th / 15th July
● 2nd stage, online via MS Teams. 21st / 22nd July