Trustee, Shape Support for Carers

What will you be doing?

Carers Trust Solihull supports unpaid carers across the borough, from young carers to older adults caring for loved ones.

Each year, more carers are coming forward. Carers Trust Solihull supports more than 5,700 unpaid carers locally, out of an estimated 20,000 across the borough. Many are struggling with their own health, isolation, and lack of support. The service needs to keep up.

This is where you step in.

Time commitment is around 4 Board meetings per year, with some preparation and optional event attendance.

Our Board of Trustees does not sit in the background. It sets direction, asks the right questions, and holds the organisation to account. What you say and do in this role will shape how support is delivered on the ground.

We are looking for people who can bring practical experience in:
• Fundraising and generating income
• Digital presence, marketing, or communications
• Health, social care, or community services

You will:
• Help decide where the organisation focuses its time and resources
• Challenge thinking and support better decisions
• Keep a clear line of sight on performance, risk, and quality
• Use your networks to open doors and raise awareness
• Act as a visible advocate for carers and the organisation

You do not need to have been a trustee before. If you bring relevant experience and can think clearly, ask questions, and commit to the role, we will support you.

You will work as part of a Board that ensures the organisation remains well governed, safe, and accountable.

You will also be part of key moments in the year, including events such as Carers Week and Carers Rights Day, where visibility and advocacy matter.

This is not a passive role. If you want to be involved, influence decisions, and see the outcome of your input, you will get that here.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for people who can think clearly, ask the right questions, and contribute to decisions that improve how support is delivered to carers.

You do not need previous trustee experience. What matters is your ability to bring relevant skills, sound judgement, and a willingness to engage.

We are particularly interested in individuals with experience in:

• Fundraising and income generation
• Digital, marketing, or communications
• Health, social care, or community services

You may have gained this experience through your professional role, voluntary work, or other leadership positions.

Alongside this, you should be able to:

• Think strategically and focus on long-term outcomes
• Review information and identify key risks or issues
• Offer constructive challenge while working as part of a team
• Contribute to balanced, well-informed decisions
• Stay focused on the organisation’s purpose and the needs of carers

We are also keen to hear from people with lived experience of caring. This could include:

• Current or former unpaid carers
• People who have supported a family member or friend
• Individuals with a strong understanding of the challenges carers face

This insight helps ensure decisions are grounded in real experience.

You do not need to meet every point listed. If you bring relevant experience, can contribute to discussions, and are committed to improving outcomes for carers, we encourage you to apply.

We are looking for people who will engage, contribute, and take the role seriously. In return, you will be part of a Board that values clear thinking, open discussion, and practical decision-making.

What difference will you make?

Your decisions will directly affect how carers are supported.

Behind every conversation at board level is a person who may be overwhelmed, isolated, or trying to manage caring alongside work, education, or their own health.

The organisation exists to make that situation better. The Board makes sure it does.

In this role, you will help ensure:
• More carers are identified earlier and do not go without support
• Services are consistent, safe, and deliver what they are meant to
• Support reaches people who are often missed
• Feedback from carers leads to changes, not just reports
• The organisation stays focused, sustainable, and accountable

This is not abstract impact.

It is the difference between someone knowing where to turn, or not.
It is the difference between someone coping, or not.

If you want your skills to influence real decisions and lead to visible impact, apply now.

Additional information

You can download the following documents:

Before you apply

We review applications on a rolling basis and will contact shortlisted candidates within two weeks. We are looking for clear, relevant experience and a short explanation of your interest. Informal interviews will be arranged, with an opportunity to meet Board members and the CEO before appointment.