Do you believe that every person has a right to a full life, with friendship, belonging and chances to contribute their gifts? Do you want to support a global movement that shares the struggle of people with learning disabilities for voice, rights and community? If so, you could make a profound contribution to L’Arche through joining our Board of Trustees.
This is a pivotal time for L’Arche as, after 50 years in the UK, we work to deliver our 2030 Strategy for Beautiful Community, Brilliant Care and Effective Organisation. We are now looking for three to four new Trustees who can bring a depth of professional and personal experience to diversify the voices and expertise on our Board, in support of our vision to show that everyone belongs.
In particular, we would welcome people who can bring expertise in Fundraising, PR and Marketing, in Learning Disability Services and Commissioning, in Housing and Health & Safety, or Legal Expertise. We also want to strengthen the representation on the Board of people, for example in terms of age, ethnicity, lived experience of disability, gender and LGBTQ representation.
L’Arche in the UK is part of a worldwide movement of people with and without learning disabilities building community together. We aim to be a beacon for our society - of what social care can be, what life with learning disabilities can be, and what a more human society can be.
Our 11 Communities in England, Scotland and Wales offer a varied mix of adult supported living, registered care, and day services. We focus on building mutual relationships and going beyond traditional care models to celebrate the value of every individual.
L’Arche was first founded on Christian principles. These principles mean we stand for radical inclusion, and for the right of every person to flourish in their spirituality, whatever their background. To find out more about spirituality in L’Arche, have a look at our website to see what people said in our Big Conversation on Spirituality.
For further information about the role and context, including full details of how to apply, please see our Appointment Details Pack which can be downloaded from the supporting documents section below. Application is by submission of CV and cover letter via email to Laura Bagley at Macaulay Search (please see Appointment Details Pack for contact details).
The closing date for applications is Monday 11th May 2026.
Registered Charity
501 - 1000
Our inclusive communities challenge people to think differently about disability
Thank you!
Role description
The Open Spaces Society, Britain's oldest conservation body, needs additional trustees to broaden our reach.If you are keen to develop strategy and policy for creating, defending, and maintaining commons, greens, and paths, and to develop new approaches to make open spaces available to all, this role is for you.
Trustees may be co-opted by the present board, but are expected to offer themselves for election by the membership at the first available opportunity.
Working collectively, trustees have three main responsibilities. These are to:
1 set a direction for the society,
2 ensure the society’s plans are carried out appropriately,
3 ensure the society meets its legal responsibilities.
The duties of a trustee are to:
4 ensure the society complies with its articles of association, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations,
5 ensure that the society pursues its objects as defined in its articles of association,
6 ensure that the society directs its resources exclusively towards its objects,
7 in association with the general secretary, ensure that the organisation is adequately staffed, and that the staff and volunteers have appropriate support and resources to pursue organisational goals,
8 contribute actively to the board’s role of developing strategy, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets,
9 safeguard the reputation and values of the society,
10 ensure effective and efficient administration and financial stability, 1
1 appoint the general secretary and monitor her performance,
12 act in the best interests of the society at all times.
Person specification
• Commitment to the society’s mission
• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship
• Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort
• Strategic vision
• Objective and insightful judgement
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team
• Adherence to Nolan’s seven principles of public life (selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership).
Registered Charity
6 - 10
The Open Spaces Society has been campaigning to protect rights to common land, village greens and public paths for more than 160 years
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.