Trustees x2

YMCA Essex seeks two new Trustees to help shape brighter futures for young people across the county.

Location: Chelmsford

Time commitment: 1 day per month

Closing date: 9 a.m. Monday 3rd November

YMCA Essex is a much-loved local charity supporting thousands of children, young people and families every year through youth clubs, childcare, supported accommodation and family services. Their mission is simple but powerful: building lives, hope and futures.

YMCA Essex is part of the world’s oldest and largest youth movement: an inclusive Christian charity working with people of all faiths and people of none. For nearly 150 years, they have supported local communities across Essex, providing safe places, positive activities, role models and mentors for young people, and helping families through difficult times.

Guided by their values, Kindness, Fairness, Professionalism, Perseverance and Joy, they believe every person is unique and should have the chance to develop their full potential in mind, body and spirit.

They are now looking for two new Trustees to join their friendly, committed Board. This is an exciting moment to get involved as they expand their reach across Essex, develop new services, and embark on a transformational redevelopment of their Chelmsford base.

If you share their values and their passion for giving young people the best possible start in life, and you’re ready to bring your skills, ideas and energy to a collaborative Board, they would love to hear from you.

Who we are

YMCA Essex has been serving local communities since 1877. Today, they work with 2,000–3,000 young people each year through supported housing, youth groups, childcare, family support and wellbeing services.

They are part of the YMCA Federation, one of the largest youth-focused charities in the world, reaching 64 million people in 122 countries. YMCA Essex is a Christian charity, inspired by faith, hope and love, and welcoming people of all faiths and none.

At the heart of their work is the belief that every young person deserves the chance to belong, contribute and thrive. Whether it’s providing a safe home, running holiday clubs and youth sessions, supporting young carers, or offering counselling in schools, they are trusted partners helping young people unlock their potential.

About the role

As a Trustee, you’ll have the chance to shape YMCA Essex’s strategy and support its senior leadership team as they grow services, strengthen governance, and champion their mission in the community.

You might draw on your experience of:

• Leading teams or organisations, and offering strategic insight.
• Supporting and constructively challenging senior colleagues.
• Bringing sound judgement around governance, finance, or risk.
• Acting as an advocate or ambassador in your community or professional networks.

You will:

• Join quarterly Board meetings and sit on either the Finance or Governance Committee.
• Contribute around 4 hours a month, including occasional events.
• Support the CEO and leadership team as a trusted adviser and sounding board.
• Champion and celebrate the staff and volunteers who bring their mission to life.

As a Trustee, you will help YMCA Essex deliver on their mission, ensuring their services make the greatest possible difference.

Who we are looking for

YMCA Essex welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds who share its values and commitment to helping young people thrive.

The Board is particularly keen to hear from those with experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Fundraising, marketing, or communications
• Property, capital projects or stakeholder engagement
• Digital or operational leadership
• Finance or commercial management

Beyond technical skills, the Board is looking for Trustees who are:

• Collaborative, empathetic and confident in contributing to debate
• Essex-based and community-minded
• Comfortable representing YMCA Essex at events and in the community
• Willing to commit time outside meetings to support and advise the senior team

You might be a first-time trustee or bring leadership experience from another setting. What matters most is your enthusiasm for their mission and values, and your willingness to contribute your time, skills and perspective.

First-time trustees are very welcome, and full induction and ongoing support will be provided.

If you care deeply about building stronger, kinder, more hopeful communities, we would love to hear from you.

Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the job description and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Monday 3rd November.