Volunteer roles for the Disability sector

We are currently offering an exciting honorary placement opportunity in schools for trainee or newly qualified counsellors/psychotherapists working towards BACP registration or accreditation.

About the Role:

Young People's Service

Honorary therapists work within the Psychotherapy Service at schools to provide emotional and therapeutic support to young people and children with learning disabilities and autistic people who have experienced abuse or trauma. The post will entail jointly assessing and providing individual therapy and having weekly supervision with our therapists.

Requirements:

• Currently enrolled in (or recently completed) a Level 4 or above counselling/psychotherapy course

• Student member of the BACP, UKCP, HCPC (or equivalent professional body) and adhere to ethical framework of awarding professional body

• Minimum of 50 supervised client hours completed

• Commitment to ethical practice, confidentiality, and inclusivity

• Minimum 1-2 year commitment

We Offer:

• Ongoing clinical supervision

• Valuable experience in delivering Trauma-Informed counselling support to a diverse client base

• Supportive and collaborative team environment

• Opportunities for further training and psychoeducational workshops

How to Apply:

Please send your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your interest and availability to Cindie Nielsen, Psychotherapy Services Manager.

Are you passionate about education and inclusion? Do you want to make a difference to the lives of people with learning disabilities and autistic people?

Talkback UK is seeking a new Trustee with expertise in education, ideally within a Specialist Post-16 Institution, to join our Board. We are a charity dedicated to enabling people to live fulfilling lives through opportunities in learning, work, health, and community.

As a Trustee, you will bring knowledge and insight from the education sector – whether from schools, colleges, local authorities, or related fields – to help shape our strategy and strengthen our impact. You will play a key role in ensuring our programmes are relevant, ambitious, and responsive to the needs of the people we support.

We are looking for someone who:

· Understands the education landscape, particularly around SEND and lifelong learning.

· Can provide both support and constructive challenge at Board level.

· Shares our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion

This is a voluntary role requiring attendance at four Board meetings a year (plus occasional subcommittee sessions). In return, you will join a passionate and supportive Board of Trustees, gain valuable governance experience, and contribute to changing lives for the better.

Across the UK, our 270 local groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS. They provide sense of belonging, unity and friendship. And they deliver services and support for their local MS community.

We are looking to recruit a Fundraising Volunteer for the Fife Group. As our Fundraising Volunteer you’ll support your Group Coordinator to organise local fundraising activities and events throughout the year.

In this role you’ll be able to develop your organisation, communication and team working skills.Most importantly you’ll inspire your local community to raise funds that help make sure no one has to face MS alone.

Time Commitment

We estimate this role will need around 2 hours a week. Our roles are flexible and aim to fit around you. Time commitments for this role may vary depending on your activities. This is an ongoing role.

This is a great opportunity to gain experience within a large charity and develop your existing skills and learn new ones. We need you to get involved and help make positive changes to the lives of people affected by MS.

About you

You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that we do, as well as the enthusiasm to represent both us and our values locally. You will understand the needs of people affected by MS in your area and be sympathetic to the needs and motivations of volunteers. You’ll be confident using Microsoft Office, the internet and email. You’ll be able to apply disability, equality and inclusion practices and understand and apply our risk management system. Ideally you’ll understand the local area and organisations that provide local services.

You will be reliable and easy to contact and you need to live in or near the area the group to carry out this role.

Apply 

1. Read through the role description carefully

2. Please apply online

The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.

Passionate about community and the arts?

Cheshire Dance wants you to help us bring the transformative power of dance to everyone, regardless of background or ability!

Cheshire Dance is a registered Charity founded in 1976 with a core mission to offer everyone – regardless of age, background, ability / disability - access to dance and the chance to benefit from its transformative power. A specialist in dance participation, 97% of our programme seeks to address the systemic issues around inequalities of opportunity and health and focuses on those who identify through protected characteristics.

Cheshire Dance is currently seeking people with broad experience from ALL walks of life to join its Board. This includes those who identify through protected characteristics, disabled people (including hidden disabilities or neurodiversity such as autism and dyslexia), people from the global majority, LGBTQIA+ and Young People aged under 25 amongst others.

As a Board Member, you’ll play a vital role in contributing to strategic direction and ensuring effective governance of Cheshire Dance, safeguarding our values and maintaining financial stability, championing Cheshire Dance, advocating for our mission and much more!

We are a supportive and collaborative group of people who embrace new ideas, constructive challenge and big-picture thinking. We respect one other and value generosity, honesty and a sense of humour in how Board of Trustee members share their views.

Ideal Board members share our passion for our work in underrepresented communities and our mission to ensure everyone has access to dance. It is not vital that you have active experience in the dance world, but you will share the passion for our purpose.

This is a voluntary role that offers the opportunity to give back to your community whilst gaining a wealth of transferrable personal and professional skills that will empower, enrich and enable you to extend your network in the creative, cultural, public, voluntary, education and health sectors.

For more information, please download a Board Recruitment Information Pack via our website.

Are you passionate about families of disabled children having a voice? Do you have 10 hours a month to lead our charity?

Reading Families’ Forum is a small local charity with an experienced Trustee Board and our current Chair is retiring.

The Forum's role is to ensure that families of children with disabilities and/or additional needs can participate fully in the development of services within the Reading Local Authority. Help us make sure that services reflect families' needs.

The post holder will lead the Trustee Board and manage our 2 part-time staff.

We are the local parent carer forum and are part of the National Network of Parent Carer Forums, who provide training and support to the individual forums.

A full job description and application form is available on request. We are happy to arrange an informal chat with the current Chair and/or some of our Trustees. 

Asian MS is a national support group that offers tailored and culturally-sensitive services for Asian people with MS, their carers, friends and family. It's aimed at people whose heritage originates from South Asia.

As an Asian MS Community Engagement Volunteer you will the Group's local representative, helping us to find and attend events and reaching out to your local Asian MS community to raise awareness and extend the reach of the Group.

This role is very flexible, but there will be planning time (with your staff contact) and also attending events, meetings with networks and presentations. We would estimate the role taking no longer than 10 hours per month.

You’ll have support from a member of staff as well as a welcome and induction checklist which lists what resources are available to support you in your role.

As part of your role, you may have to complete some mandatory learning. Please refer to your welcome and induction checklist.

About you

Presentation Skills, confidence in speaking to new people, networking skills and the ability to influence would be fantastic. We would work to your strengths, however and some training will be available.

The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.

Apply

Read the role description

All applicants will be contacted within two weeks of their submission.

Enjoy driving? Make a Real Difference as a Volunteer Driver!

Are you someone who loves to drive and enjoys the freedom of the open road? Here’s an opportunity to use your driving skills to help others while making a positive impact in your local community. At Together Trust, we champion the rights, needs, and ambitions of children, young people, and adults with disabilities, autism, and mental health differences – and we need volunteers like you to make a difference.

What You’ll Be Doing:

As a Volunteer Driver, you’ll help transport people to a variety of destinations, including social activities, school, work placements, day trips, and more. Your time and kindness will help enrich lives, giving those we support greater independence and opportunities to thrive. The role is flexible, and you’ll find it just as fulfilling as the people you support.

Why You’ll Love Volunteering with Us:

Use Your Driving Skills for Good: If you love driving, this is the perfect way to make the most of that passion. No need to worry about the wear and tear on your own vehicle – we provide the cars, minibuses, and MPVs.

No Cost to You: We cover all the running costs of the vehicle, including fuel, and we’ll reimburse your travel expenses to and from the vehicle collection point. All you need to do is bring your enthusiasm!

Flexibility & Structure: Whether you have a few spare hours each week or you’d like to volunteer more frequently, you can choose the journeys and schedule that suit you. Build your week around your volunteering, it’s that simple!

A Sense of Purpose & Fulfilment: There’s nothing quite like knowing that what you’re doing matters. In this role, you’ll experience the satisfaction that comes from knowing you’re making a real difference to someone’s life.

Gain Experience in Social Care: Depending on the services you want to be involved in, you could be helping students from special education, young people from residential homes, or adults with disabilities. It’s a wonderful way to be part of a caring, supportive community.

Meet New People: Volunteering is a great way to connect with others, both the people you’re helping and fellow volunteers. It’s a wonderful way to socialise, and you’ll find that making these connections will uplift your spirits, too.

What You’ll Need:

• A full UK driving licence (held for at least two years) or a D1 entitlement.
• A few hours a week (or more, if you prefer) to give.
• A calm, patient, and friendly attitude.
• Confidence driving larger vehicles (minibuses or MPVs) is ideal, but if you prefer to drive cars, we have those opportunities too.

What You’ll Receive:

• Full training and support to help you feel confident in your role.
• Ongoing guidance from our friendly team.
• All expenses fully reimbursed, including travel and fuel costs.
• Access to our fleet of vehicles – no need for your own car.
• A meal allowance if you volunteer for 4 hours or more during a mealtime.
• References upon request to support your future endeavours.

Volunteering for Sense

Sense is a leading disability charity with extensive knowledge and expertise in delivering personalised, creative and flexible support for disabled people with complex needs. Our tailored approach ensures that every person is empowered to live fully at every stage of life.

Due to the nature of the role, we require all applicants to be aged 16 or over. You must have a UK address to volunteer with Sense.

What your role will involve

You’ll get the opportunity to get involved in a wide range of activities, including:

• Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service, helping create a wonderful shopping experience.
• Receiving donated items from the public, thanking them for their support.
• Sorting, steaming and preparing donations for sale.
• Helping to display stock in eye-catching and exciting ways.
• Keeping the shop floor clean, safe and tidy.
• Talking to customers about Sense and the work we do. 

When you’re ready, we’ll provide you with additional training to:

• Serve customers on the till in a warm and friendly way.
• Put sales through the till, packing them and thanking the customer for shopping with us.
• Talk to customers about Gift Aid and other fundraising initiatives.

If you’re interested in taking on additional responsibilities, you can train to become a Key Volunteer, helping the shop manager by:

• Helping supervise the shop and other volunteers.
• Supporting the shop manager to make sure customers have a great experience.
• Opening and closing the shop when needed.
• Cashing up at the end of the day. 

Will the role suit me? Yes, if you are:

• Passionate about Sense’s work to support disabled people with complex needs.
• Calm, kind and have a friendly personality.
• A team player who enjoys working with others.
• Enthusiastic, motivated and someone with a positive attitude.
• Respectful of others. 

What can Sense offer me as a volunteer?

• Full training with ongoing support and guidance from your team.
• A chance to meet new people.
• A great way to develop new skills and share your existing skills.
• The feeling you get knowing you’re making a difference to the lives of disabled people with complex needs.
• A reference to support future applications for paid or voluntary roles.
• Support from our Mental Health First Aiders, should you need it. 

About Sense

For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life.

Volunteers add real value to Sense, bringing their passion, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the work that we do. We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together, and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world.

We include. We collaborate. We find a way. We challenge. We celebrate.

1. You have a native level of English and either hold a qualification in teaching English as a foreign language or are working towards one.

Please note: We may consider applications from teachers who hold no English teaching qualifications, nor are working towards one, but who have teaching experience.

1. You will be responsible, organised and have good timekeeping.
2. You will be flexible and creative in your preparation of varied and interesting lessons.
3. You will be an open-minded individual with a patient and approachable manner.
4. You will have the ability to listen, communicate and engage with people of all ages, genders, races, ethnicities, sexual orientations, cultures and abilities with a non-judgemental approach. 
5. In order to be successful for this role it is essential that you have a native level of English and have some knowledge of teaching English.

 What would you gain?

1. Increase your own self-confidence and teaching skills.
2. Have the chance to work with a variety of different people and make a real difference to their lives.
3. Volunteer as part of a team in a friendly and dynamic environment.
4. Learn new skills that could be helpful for future employment opportunities or further learning.
5. Gain valuable knowledge and experience of working in the Charity sector.
6. Attend to social and cultural events organised by LADPP.
7. Have the possibility to practice other languages. 
8. Make friends and have fun!

Do you have a passion for helping people discover the unlimited possibilities that technology can bring? Would you like to open up a world of opportunities for blind and partially sighted people in your local community by training them to use technology? Join our local technology team helping people with sight loss get the most out of technology.

How often will I be needed?

• 5 Hours per Month

Key requirements

• This role requires an enhanced criminal record check This role requires 1 reference

Location

Region

• Northern Ireland

Additional location information

• RNIB NI Holywell Trust 10-12 Bishop Street Within, Derry-Londonderry, BT48 6PW once a month initially

Who this opportunity will suit

Minimum age

• You must be at least 16 years old to apply

What skills and experience are needed?

• Good communication skills;Patient approach to training;Natural tech user

If you believe that everyone should have the chance to experience the freedom, confidence, and joy of being on the water, this is a unique opportunity to help make that vision a reality.

SEAS All Afloat is a newly merged charity bringing together two well-established Welsh organisations — SEAS Sailability and All Afloat — both with a shared passion for inclusion through watersports. Together, we’re combining our experience, networks, and energy to create a single, stronger charity that opens up the world of sailing and boating to people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.

Over recent years, our programmes have supported thousands of young people and families to enjoy safe, inclusive activities on the water. Many of our participants are disabled, disadvantaged, or facing barriers that can make access to sport and outdoor adventure difficult. We know the transformative power that comes from being out on the water — the laughter, the teamwork, the sense of belonging — and we’re determined to make sure no one is left on the shore.

As Chair of Trustees, you’ll guide SEAS All Afloat through this exciting next stage of our journey. The merger offers us an incredible opportunity to shape our shared vision, strengthen our partnerships, and grow our impact across Wales. We’re looking for someone who can lead with empathy and clarity — helping to bring people together, inspire confidence, and keep us focused on what matters most: changing lives through access to the water.

You’ll lead a dedicated Board of Trustees who bring a wealth of passion, insight, and expertise from across a variety of sectors. One of your early priorities will be to work with the trustees to review our board’s overall skillset — celebrating the strengths we already have while identifying areas for future growth as the charity develops. This will help ensure we have the right mix of voices and experience to deliver our ambitions.

You’ll also work with our Operations Manager and volunteers to support day-to-day activity, secure sustainable funding, and strengthen the charity’s governance and long-term strategy. As an ambassador for SEAS All Afloat, you’ll represent the charity to partners, funders, and the wider community, championing inclusion and connection through watersports.

This is a voluntary position, with around six to ten board meetings a year and occasional community or partnership events. For the right person, it’s a chance to lead with heart — to guide a talented and committed board through an exciting period of growth, and to ensure that more people across Wales can discover the confidence, wellbeing, and joy that comes from life on the water.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for someone with:

• A passion for making outdoor activities accessible for all.
• Strong leadership and governance experience (charity, corporate, or public sector).
• Excellent communication and people skills, with the ability to build consensus.
• Confidence in representing the charity externally and acting as a spokesperson.
• A collaborative and inclusive approach.

Experience in sport, youth development, disability inclusion, or fundraising would be an advantage, but is not essential.

What difference will you make?

As Chair of SEAS All Afloat, your leadership will directly shape the future of inclusive watersports in Wales. You’ll be guiding a newly merged charity at an exciting turning point — helping to unite two respected organisations, SEAS Sailability and All Afloat, into one stronger, more sustainable force for change.

Your impact will begin with people: bringing trustees, staff, and volunteers together around a shared vision. You’ll help the board build confidence and clarity about its role, review and develop the mix of skills and experience we have, and ensure that everyone feels supported, valued, and able to contribute. Under your leadership, the board will not only govern effectively but grow in ambition, becoming a confident, forward-thinking team that steers the charity with care and conviction.

Strategically, you’ll play a crucial role in turning the promise of our merger into long-term success. You’ll help set a clear direction for the next stage of our journey — shaping priorities, guiding governance, and ensuring we have the resources and resilience to reach more people each year. Your insight and steady leadership will help us build sustainable partnerships, secure funding, and create a stable foundation for the charity’s future.

Most importantly, your work will make a real difference to people’s lives. Every decision you help shape — every conversation about strategy, funding, or growth — will translate into more opportunities for people who might otherwise never get the chance to experience the water. Disabled sailors discovering independence, young people building confidence, families finding connection and joy together: these are the lives that your leadership will touch.

Across the UK, our 270 local groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS. They provide sense of belonging, unity and friendship. And they deliver services and support for their local MS community.

We are looking to recruit an Activities Organiser for the Swansea and District Group. As our local group Activities Organiser you’ll play a crucial role in developing and planning activities and events with your local group. You’ll be responsible for creating and coordinating an annual calendar of events and making sure they’re run safely and effectively to make the most impact. You’ll take a lead role at events on the day and inspire your fellow volunteers to get involved.

In this role you’ll be able to develop your organisation, communication, administration and negotiation skills. 

Time commitment

We estimate this role will need around 2 hours a week. Our roles are flexible and aim to fit around you. Time commitments for this role may vary depending on your activities. This is an ongoing role.

This is a great opportunity to gain experience within a large charity and develop your existing skills and learn new ones. We need you to get involved and help make positive changes to the lives of people affected by MS.

About you

You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that we do, as well as the enthusiasm to represent both us and our values locally. You will understand the needs of people affected by MS in your area and be sympathetic to the needs and motivations of volunteers.

You’ll be confident using Microsoft Office, the internet and email. You’ll be able to apply disability, equality and inclusion practices and understand and apply our risk management system. Ideally you’ll understand the local area and organisations that provide local services.

You will be reliable and easy to contact and you need to live in or near the local area the group to carry out this role.

Apply 

1. Read through the role description carefully

2.Please apply online

The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.

Join us and make a difference in the lives of children with additional needs

We are seeking to recruit two new trustees to join our passionate and dedicated board.

We are looking for individuals who share our vision of a world where all children and young people with additional needs and disabilities are fully included in their communities. Whether you're an experienced trustee or looking to take your first step into governance, your contribution could be life-changing for the children we support and for their families.

About the role

As a member of our board of trustees, you will be jointly responsible for the legal, effective, and safe running of me2 club. Working closely with fellow trustees and the senior leadership team, you will help shape the charity’s strategic direction and ensure we continue to deliver high-quality support to our beneficiaries.

As one of our ‘guardians of purpose’, you will play a vital role in making sure all decisions reflect the best interests of the children, young people, and families we serve.

We are also looking to appoint a charity secretary, either as one of the new trustees or as a separate role. This position plays a key part in supporting the governance and smooth running of our board.

Who we’re looking for

We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are particularly keen to hear from parent/carers with lived experience of caring for a child with additional needs. Your insight is invaluable in helping us ensure our services truly meet the needs of our community.

We are also looking for candidates who may have experience in human resources, business development, impact and evaluation or fundraising.

You do not need previous board experience just a commitment to our mission, a willingness to learn, and a desire to make a difference.

Interested?

To find out more about these exciting opportunities and how to apply, please visit our vacancy page on our website.

About CAAS

CAAS provides an Autism and ADHD Support Service across the 8 boroughs of NW London from our base in Eastcote and offices around London. We offer information, advice, and support to ADHD/Autistic people, their families, and professionals, with the aim of improving quality of life and building neurodivergent-aware communities.

We are incredibly fortunate to be in a sound financial position, with income of around £1.7m per year, and around 40 staff.  We offer 60 different services, including personalised one2one support, social groups, psycho-education courses and specialist workshops.  We also have a thriving training and awareness raising service, providing ADHD and autism training to statutory services, schools and voluntary sector organisations across NW London.

We’ve grown steadily over the last 25 years, and last year we supported more than 9,000 people, across 18,000 attendances.  Looking ahead, our priority is making sure everyone who could benefit from CAAS knows we’re here for them. We’re investing in outreach, inclusivity, and accessibility - breaking down barriers so our support reaches every corner of our community.

In this role, you will be leading the established (and lovely) Board of Trustees, who provide operational governance for the charity, determine its strategic direction, and help shape a positive, sustainable future for CAAS and the communities we serve.

Most importantly, you will be contributing towards our impact intention, which is that ADHD and autistic individuals, and those who support them, have improved mental wellbeing, are better able to engage with home-life, school, or work, and need less support from NHS/statutory services.  Ultimately, we want to help people to thrive.

To Apply

Please submit your CV and a Supporting Statement of no more than 2 sides of A4.  Your supporting statement should cover why you are interested in applying for the role, and how you fit the role and person specification.

About The Role

Charities like CAAS can only exist with the help of Trustees, and we are hugely grateful to everyone that volunteers to take on this role.  The Chair plays a unique role in guiding the Board, leading strategic discussions, supporting and challenging the CEO, and fostering a culture of inclusion, transparency, and good governance. 

We work hard to ensure the Chair is supported effectively to discharge their responsibilities and feel a sense of pride – and of enjoyment – in leading the Board of CAAS.

As Chair, you will work closely with fellow Trustees to ensure the Board fulfils its responsibilities, and with the CEO to provide support, oversight, and thought partnership. This is a rewarding opportunity to help shape the future of a thriving, impactful organisation, and to champion the rights and wellbeing of neurodivergent people across NW London.

We know that every Chair is unique, and bring their own range of skills, experience, and perspectives to support the organisation’s leadership and development.  We are therefore looking for someone who has a passion for what CAAS is trying to achieve and a willingness to commit to attending our meetings and leading our discussions.  You don’t need to have chaired a Board before. We’re looking for someone who can lead with integrity, listen well, and help us make thoughtful, inclusive decisions.

Having a Diverse Board

CAAS recognises the positive value of diversity, promotes equity and challenges discrimination. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, and we are particularly seeking applications from Black, Asian and Ethnic Minority communities, from disadvantage socio-economic backgrounds, and from people who identify as being autistic or having ADHD. 

We have recently completed a skills audit of the current Trustee board, and as well as looking to increase the diversity of our board, we would also particularly welcome applications from those who identify as having particular skills in the areas of HR & legal, digital & IT, statutory services provision, or marketing & communications. 

Please don’t be put off applying if you don’t have one of these skills or attributes or are worried that you don’t meet all of the points noted in this role description.  Every trustee who joins will receive a comprehensive induction and training package, and be supported by current trustees, so there will be lots of opportunity to learn ‘on the job’ for the right candidate.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Governance

· Provide leadership to the Board, ensuring effective governance and strategic oversight.

· Chair Board meetings effectively, ensuring all voices are heard and decisions are made collectively and transparently.

· Ensure the Board operates within its Terms of Reference and complies with legal and regulatory requirements.

· Support the development and implementation of the charity’s strategic plan and monitor progress against agreed objectives.

· Take urgent decisions between Board meetings where necessary, in line with delegated authority and in consultation with trustees

· Ensure the Board regularly reviews its own performance and effectiveness

· Champion equity, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of the charity’s governance and culture.

Support and Mentoring

· Act as a mentor and support to the CEO, providing guidance and challenge as appropriate.

· Facilitate strong working relationships between trustees and the senior leadership team.

· Act as Vice Chair during the transition period, supporting succession planning, continuity, and building relationships with the Board and CEO.

Representation and Advocacy

· Represent CAAS externally, where appropriate, including at events, meetings, and with key stakeholders.

· Act as an ambassador for the charity’s mission, values, and strategic priorities.

Board Development

· Lead on trustee recruitment, induction, and development, ensuring the Board has the necessary skills and diversity.

· Conduct annual Board performance reviews and support continuous improvement in governance practices.

Board Participation

· Attend and actively participate in quarterly Board meetings and relevant sub-committees or working groups.

· Prepare for meetings by reading papers and contributing to discussions.

· Participate in Board development activities, including training and annual reviews.

· Champion equity, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of the charity’s governance and culture.

Person Specification

Essential

· Demonstrable leadership experience, ideally within a governance or strategic context.

· Passion for CAAS work

· Capacity to attend meetings, and willingness to devote the time and commitment required.

· Strong understanding of charity governance and the role of trustees.

· Commitment to CAAS’s mission, values, and strategic pillars.

· Excellent communication and facilitation skills.

· Ability to build consensus and manage differing views constructively.

Desirable

· Lived or professional experience of ADHD or autism.

· Being from a disadvantaged socio-economic background, or from a minority ethnic background

· Previous experience as a trustee or Chair.

· Understanding of equity, diversity and inclusion principles and their application in governance.

Commitment

The Board meets 8 times a year, mostly by video call, and Board meetings are usually around 2hrs in length.  Once a year we meet for a longer session, in person, to consider strategic items in more depth.

All Trustees will be asked to read a few papers in advance of the meeting, which could take 1-2hrs each meeting. 

All Trustees are also encouraged to engage with the organisation between meetings, for example attending events, meeting staff, or supporting specific initiatives.

The Chair will need to take on additional responsibility for preparing for Board meetings, supporting through transition periods and strategic planning cycles, or representing CAAS at external events.  As such, the total time commitment for a Chair is around 1 day per month. 

The successful candidate will initially join as Vice Chair, working alongside our longstanding Chair, whose term ends in November 2026.  Appointment to Chair will be mutually agreed with the Board, on or before that date

Trustee Terms are ordinarily for 4 years, and Trustees can be appointed for a 2nd 4-year term if desired. Chairs will serve within their normal Trustee Terms.

Exclusions

Please note that Section 72(1) of the Charities Act 1993 disqualifies anyone who:

· has been convicted of an offence involving deception or dishonesty, unless the conviction is spent

· is an undischarged bankrupt

· has previously been removed from trusteeship of a charity by the court or the Charity Commissioners

· is under a disqualification order under the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986

It is an offence to act as a charity trustee while disqualified unless the Charity Commission has given a waiver under section 72(4) of the Charities Act 1993.

CAAS is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.  The successful candidate will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS disclosure.