| Job Title: | Trustee |
| Responsible to: | Chair and Board Members |
| Salary: | Unpaid. Reasonable expenses, in line with the Trustee Expenses policy. |
About S.H.E. UK
Based in Nottinghamshire, S.H.E. UK delivers specialist support services dedicated to improving the lives of adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse and sexual violence.
Purpose of the Role
As a Trustee of S.H.E. UK, you will share collective responsibility for the charity’s governance and legal compliance, providing the strategic direction and independent judgment needed to protect our assets and support the CEO. By contributing your specialist expertise, you will ensure we effectively deliver on our mission while always keeping our service users’ best interests at the core of everything we do.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Advisory: Champion and advise on S.H.E. UK’s purpose, vision, and activities, using your unique knowledge and networks to promote the charity’s reputation.
- Strategy & Policy: Approve operational strategies and policies, and actively monitor and evaluate their real-world implementation.
- Culture & Inclusion: Cultivate an organizational culture deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion at both Board and operational levels.
- Safeguarding Priority: Uphold safeguarding as a top priority across the charity, ensuring robust measures are effectively protecting everyone who connects with us.
- Financial & Risk Oversight: Oversee financial plans and budgets, while identifying and mitigating key organizational risks.
- Executive Support & Challenge: Provide constructive support and healthy challenge to the CEO within their delegated authority.
- Active Governance: Attend Board meetings fully prepared, participate in regular reviews of our own governance, and always act legally and in good faith to protect S.H.E. UK’s interests.
What We Are Looking For
We welcome people who bring energy, enthusiasm, and commitment to our Board, broadening our diversity of thought. Previous governance experience is not required, as we provide a full induction and training.
Key Skills & Perspectives
- Safeguarding Expertise: While we welcome all applicants, we are particularly seeking someone with significant experience in implementing safeguarding policies, training, and best practices.
- Diverse Perspectives: To ensure our Board reflects diverse viewpoints, we especially encourage applications from all genders and people of colour.
- Lived Experience: Survivors of sexual abuse who are not current or former service users of S.H.E. UK are very welcome to apply.
Core Commitments
1. Commitment to Our Mission & Values
- A genuine passion for supporting survivors of sexual abuse and alignment with our vision.
- A dedication to leading through our core values: person-centeredness, dedication, supportiveness, empowerment, and inclusivity.
- A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
2. Commitment to Trustee Responsibilities
- Willingness to understand and accept the legal responsibilities of a trustee, always acting in the charity’s best interests.
- A steadfast commitment to maintaining confidentiality and ensuring the safety and welfare of our clients, staff, and volunteers.
3. Commitment to the Board Team
- The ability to think strategically, exercise independent judgment, and participate in constructive, respectful challenge for robust decision-making.
- Effective communication skills and a willingness to actively contribute to discussions.
- The capacity to meet the minimum time commitment and occasionally offer advice or support to staff.
4. Time Commitment
- Frequency & Timing: Trustee meetings are held every two months (bi-monthly) for 2 hours, usually in the evening (e.g., 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm).
- Location: Most meetings are held online via Microsoft Teams.
- In-Person Attendance: We aim to meet face-to-face once a year. These in-person sessions are held in the Mansfield area.
To support the charity effectively, Trustees are expected to dedicate time between meetings to:
- Review board papers and prepare for discussions.
- Provide advice, guidance, and expertise on new initiatives.
- Attend ad hoc training and strategy days (online or in Mansfield).
- Join a sub-committee (such as Finance & Risk) or short-term “Task and Finish” working groups.
- Occasionally represent the charity or present at external events.
Term of Office
- Current Status: Under our current constitution, Trustees step down and stand for re-election at each annual AGM.
- Upcoming Changes: S.H.E. UK is currently transitioning to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) status. Once the new constitution is adopted, Trustees will be appointed for a 3-year term, with the option to renew for up to two further terms (maximum of 9 years total).
- Resignation: If you wish to step down before the end of your term, we ask for 3 months’ notice to assist with recruitment and contingency planning.
Compensation & Expenses
- This is a voluntary, unpaid position.
- Reasonable out-of-pocket expenses are fully reimbursed in line with our Trustee Expenses Policy.
Vetting & Checks
- Appointment is subject to satisfactory reference checks and an Enhanced DBS check, in line with our Safer Recruitment policy.
- The cost of the DBS check will be fully covered by S.H.E. UK.
Accessibility statement
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds as well as those who identify as disabled, neurodivergent, or who live with other long-term conditions. We are committed to treating all our job applicants fairly and with respect, irrespective of their actual or assumed background, disability, neurodiversity or any other protected characteristic. We want you to have every opportunity to thrive in our selection process and will make reasonable adjustments to accommodate your needs. Please detail any required adjustments in your application.
