Trustees required to join the board of a vibrant and successful Stafford based charity (posted Jun-24)

To improve life after a brain injury, we offer help and support to survivors of an Acquired Brain Injury. Our services are dedicated to providing the required support for people to regain their independence, choice and opportunity.

Headway South Staffordshire has gone through a period of change, making now the ideal time to consider joining our board to further enhance the services we offer.

Our trustees play a vital role in making sure that Headway South Staffordshire achieves its core purpose. They oversee the overall management and administration of the charity. They also ensure that Headway South Staffordshire has a clear strategy and that our work and goals are in line with our vision. Just as importantly, they support and challenge the executive team to enable Headway South Staffordshire to grow and thrive.

Board members have a collective responsibility. This means that trustees always act as a group and not as individuals.

We meet online once a month, with a face to face AGM taking place during November. There are plenty of opportunities to meet the members and other trustees by attending the various events organised by the staff, for example we recently held a summer BBQ where members, families and trustees were all invited.

All potential trustees are encouraged to visit the centre to meet the staff, members and volunteers, as well as attending a board meeting to meet the other trustees.

We are looking for a 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 we are looking for are:

• 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.
• Willingness to lead according to our values [charity values].
• Commitment to Nolan's seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

Below are some of the skills which we feel would add value to our Trustee board. You may have one or more of these skills, however we would welcome applications from anyone who feels they can bring other expertise to the role:

• Estate Management
• Fundraising
• Social Care/Counselling
• Health & Safety

As part of our board you will support and shape our work and strategic direction. This is a vital role, helping ensure we can continue our support for survivors of a brain injury. As a trustee, you will have a real opportunity to offer your unique skill set to help the strategic progression of the charity.

You will be part of a team and will have the opportunity to add your unique skills and experience while learning from others too. The more effective the board of trustees, the greater difference Headway South Staffordshire will make.

Becoming a trustee is a great way to get involved giving your time and energy freely to a local organisation and can be rewarding and enjoyable.

You will have the opportunity to meet new people, build on your own experience and gain valuable skills in many areas, such as team working, strategy and management, as well as present you with new challenges, constructive and exciting ones as well as some more difficult things to overcome.

You will be able to learn about brain injury and the devastating effects it can have on people's lives and be part of an organisation that helps people through what is often a traumatic period of their lives and then supports them via a range of services and activities to come to terms with their injury, regain lost skills and return to an independent life. You may want to become involved because brain injury is a cause that you are passionate about, or it may be your life or someone close to you has been touched by brain injury or the work of Headway. You may be interested in helping to campaign for improvements to current service provision or raise awareness of brain injury and the consequences.

Please provide a cover letter detailing why you are interested in this role and your relevant experience