We are looking for Trustees to help drive our strategic development, utilising their lived experience to help further shape and sustain our specialist services which benefit low-income households in financial hardship.
We specialise in the provision of professional, confidential, and impartial advocacy for vulnerable people living in Torbay. Our Specialist Welfare Advisors provide issue-specific support and inform clients about their rights and help them to explore options. Support is often provided at a critical moment to rebuild their lives following a welfare crisis, such as with benefit appeals, PIP Tribunals, Specialist Advice, Guidance, and Advocacy.
We are seeking people with a range of skills and experiences to support our Board of Trustees and provide guidance and support to our Management Team.
This is an exciting time to bring your passion and commitment to the goals and objectives of our charity and promoting a collaborative approach to ensuring maximum impact of our services for our most vulnerable clients, who often struggle to support themselves due to Mental Health Conditions, Disabilities, and complex and overwhelming welfare systems.
We are looking for people that really care about our work and are:
We are especially keen to hear from people with experience of one or more of the following:
What we are looking for
We are looking for people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our board.
You do not need previous governance experience – we will provide a full induction and training.
Personal skills and qualities
· Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as trustees and to act in the best interests of the organisation.
· Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member.
· Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion.
· A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
· Enthusiasm for our vision and mission.
As a small charity, there may be times when the trustees will need to be actively involved beyond Board meetings. This may involve scrutinising board papers, reviewing funding bids, promotional resources, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, presenting externally, or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise.
As part of our board you will support and shape our work and strategic direction, as well as help us achieve our purpose of co-ordination and development of high quality advice and information services."
In 2023-24 we supported 272 clients to obtain new benefit awards including backdated payments of £765,533.61, which has enabled clients deal with the ongoing impact of the cost-of-living crisis and heat their homes, eat nutritional food, pay debts, and undertake hobbies, pastimes or to socialise, all of which are essential for leading fulfilling lives.
We trained 57 people by empowering our community, statutory staff and VCSO’s to better understand their entitlements and legal issues.
One of these impactful workshops was called “PIP - A Guide to Getting the Right Decision”, which offered advice covering topics such as, the medical assessment, challenging an unfavourable decision, information gathering and much more.
Through your guidance, experience and expertise you will;
· Help a small charity make a big difference to the lives of people in real need.
· Develop your C.V by gaining valuable skills, knowledge, experience, and networks within the voluntary sector.
· Work alongside a committed and varied team of trustees, all striving to grow our charitable impact.
· Feel great by giving back and knowing you are making a tangible difference.
Please apply through Reach in the first instance. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to complete our application form, with interviews being informal via Zoom and our Charity Manager or Trustee.
