Board Members

Bridge actively welcomes applications from people who have never held a trusted role before. We provide comprehensive induction, training, and ongoing support. The quality of judgement, commitment to our mission, and willingness to engage seriously with governance responsibilities are what matter most.

Essential Criteria (All Roles)

• Genuine commitment to Bridge’s mission and strategic vision
• Ability to devote the necessary time to the role (approximately 12 days per year)
• Clear understanding of the role of a trustee and the boundary between governance and management
• Ability to challenge constructively and support the Executive Team in a straightforward and effective manner
• Strong communication skills and sound strategic judgement
• Willingness to learn about Bridge, the sector, and effective trusteeship

Role 1: Communications, Digital Communications, PR and Press

• Significant experience in communications, PR, marketing, or media relations at a strategic level
• Understanding of how effective communications support charitable objectives, build reputation, and engage stakeholders
• Strategic communications planning
• Public relations and media relations
• Digital communications and social media strategy
• Brand development and management
• Campaign development
• Crisis communications

Bridge works with people whose stories are rarely told well. Effective communications are critical to our ability to grow, sustain, and improve our services.

• Provide strategic oversight of Bridge’s communications and external profile
• Help ensure the organisation effectively communicates its impact, values, and needs to key audiences
• Bring insight into how communications can support fundraising, recruitment, and service development

Role 2: Health and Mental Health Policy and Delivery

• Professional background in mental health services, particularly in community mental health, supported living, or similar environments
• Understanding of the mental health system, including service delivery, regulatory frameworks and the interface between health, housing and social care
• Clinical roles (psychiatry, psychology, mental health nursing, occupational therapy, social work)

Our services sit at the intersection of health, housing and social care. A trustee who understands this landscape is invaluable to governance and strategic direction.

• Brings specialist insight into the needs of the people Bridge serves
• Provide informed perspective on sector developments, policy direction and strategic opportunities
• Act as an informed voice on service quality and the lived experience of those in our care

Role 3: Charity Governance and Charity Sector Experience

• Experience in governance, risk management or organisational effectiveness, whether through board service, professional roles or consulting
• Sound understanding of good governance principles and practice in charities or comparable organisations
• Knowledge of how effective governance supports organisational impact and long-term sustainability
• Board-level experience in the charity or not-for-profit sector
• Governance frameworks, board development and best practice
• Risk management and internal controls
• Regulatory compliance (including Charity Commission requirements)
• Organisational change, development and performance measurement

Bridge has a strong Executive and Senior Leadership Team. We need trustees who ask the right questions, provide effective challenge, and ensure governance is robust and forward-looking.

• Provide strategic insight into strengthening Bridge’s governance and effectiveness
• Support the Board’s own development and continuous improvement

Role 4: Local Authority Commissioning and Contract Management

• Experience in commissioning or contract management within a local authority or NHS setting, particularly in social care, supported living or mental health services
• Understanding of how public sector commissioning works in practice, including procurement, service specifications, quality frameworks and outcome measurement
• Knowledge of the funding landscape for supported living and mental health services, and the pressures faced by commissioners

Relevant backgrounds and experience might include:

• Commissioning or contract management roles within local authorities or NHS bodies
• Service development, tendering and procurement in social care or health settings
• Understanding of regulatory frameworks and their interaction with commissioning
• Policy and practice in adult social care, supported living or mental health commissioning

As a substantial part of Bridge's income comes from contracts with local authorities and NHS commissioners, strategic insight into their priorities and decision-making is essential.

• Provide strategic insight into commissioner priorities and decision-making
• Support Bridge's relationships with funders and commissioners

Bridge welcomes applications from everyone, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. All appointments are made on merit following a fair and transparent process.