Trustee with governance experience

We are an independent charity based in Guildford committed to promoting the welfare of local families and children. We are looking for someone who can provide strategic direction to support our fundraising efforts.

What difference will you make?

Our Trustees are key to our success as a charity, keeping us on track and allowing us to continue providing support to local families who are struggling to cope with a variety of challenging circumstances.

What are we looking for?

As a Charity Trustee with governance expertise, you will play a pivotal role in providing strategic oversight and supporting the Board to meet its legal and regulatory obligations. You'll help us strengthen our governance practices, oversee policy reviews, and contribute to risk management and strategic planning.

We have a small, dedicated staff team who can provide support and help implement policy actions, ensuring trustees are not expected to carry the workload alone.

A Little Bit About You…

• Passionate and dedicated individual with experience in policy development, governance, or legal compliance (e.g. charity law, employment law, safeguarding).
• Understanding of the legal responsibilities of trustees and charity regulatory frameworks.
• Enthusiasm to work collaboratively as part of a small, ambitious team.
• Eager to take the initiative and get hands-on with a positive "can do" attitude.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to build and maintain relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise.
• Friendly and approachable; honest and trustworthy.

What will you be doing?

Our board is made up of committed individuals with a range of professional and lived experience, united by a passion for supporting families in our local community through challenging times.

We're looking for someone with experience in policy, governance and legal frameworks. This role is key to maintaining strong governance and ensuring our policies are robust, up-to-date, and effectively implemented. You'll work closely with staff and fellow trustees to oversee policy reviews, support compliance, and contribute to strategic decision-making.

Our charity is at a pivotal moment. Following recent changes in local government structures and funding priorities, strong governance has never been more important. We're navigating a complex environment where clear oversight and robust policies will ensure we remain resilient and compliant.

This is a chance to make a real difference. By helping us strengthen our governance framework and uphold best practice, you'll be directly contributing to the wellbeing of families who need us most. If you're excited by the idea of using your governance and policy expertise to create lasting impact, we'd love to hear from you.

About The Role…

• Policy Oversight Take ownership of assigned policies, working with staff to review, update, and ensure implementation of actions.
• Governance and Compliance Support the Board in meeting its legal and regulatory obligations, including safeguarding, data protection, and charity law and the requirements outlined in the Home-Start UK Agreement and Handbook.
• Strategic Input Contribute to strategic planning and risk management, ensuring our governance supports long-term sustainability.
• Collaborative Working Work collaboratively with fellow trustees to support effective governance and policy oversight, contributing to a cohesive and well-informed Board.
• Continuous Improvement Help strengthen governance practices and ensure policies reflect current best practice and legislation.

Your time commitment

• Attend Management Committee meetings, which are held every 6-8 weeks.
• Contribute aprox. 2-4 hours per month, with flexibility around policy review cycles.
• Availability to engage with staff and volunteers to understand the charity's operations and impact.