Impact Trustee for Fundraising & Marketing

We are seeking two new Trustees to join our Board and play a key role in supporting the charity’s future success. This is an exciting opportunity to use your financial expertise to make a meaningful impact on the lives of people experiencing homelessness.

About The Shelter MK

At The Shelter MK, we believe everyone deserves a place to call home, even when life takes an unexpected turn. We go out of our way to be that safe space for people experiencing homelessness in Milton Keynes, and their beloved dogs.

What will you be doing?

Trustees play a vital role in shaping The Shelter MK’s future by providing strong governance, strategic leadership, and independent oversight to ensure the organisation’s continued success and sustainability. They support and challenge the leadership team on strategy, policy, finance, risk, and performance, while helping to safeguard the charity’s reputation and long-term impact. They are responsible for approving key plans and budgets, reviewing financial statements, and ensuring effective systems and risk management are in place. Trustees also contribute to good governance practices, attend and prepare for Board meetings, and use their skills and networks to further the charity’s mission and promote its work.

Time commitment

Trustees attend monthly hybrid Board meetings held 6–8pm, with preparation required in advance. The Treasurer also oversees approval of the annual report and accounts. Occasional additional input outside meetings, such as providing expertise or advice, may be requested. Altogether, the expected time commitment for our Trustee roles is 3-7 hours a month including attendance at Board meetings.

What are we looking for?

The Shelter MK is seeking Trustees who are strongly aligned with its mission and can contribute expertise in key areas, particularly Fundraising or Marketing & Communications. Our new Trustee with Fundraising experience will provide strategic guidance, strengthen governance, support staff development, and help shape fundraising strategy, while our new Trustee with Marketing & Communications experience will offer oversight on brand, messaging, audience engagement, and external communications. More broadly, the Board is looking for individuals with management-level or relevant professional experience, strong critical thinking, problem‑solving skills, and the ability to contribute to strategic planning and risk management. Trustees should be collaborative, confident sharing ideas, and able to apply their skills to both current and future organisational challenges. Energy, enthusiasm, and a commitment to strengthening board diversity are valued. No prior governance experience is required, as full induction and training will be provided.

Our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion

The Shelter MK is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion, aiming to create a respectful and empowering environment where diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and lived experiences strengthen its work and impact. It seeks to ensure broad representation across its Trustee Board, including people of colour, young people, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those with lived experience of socio‑economic inequality. We particularly welcome applicants who share this commitment and are passionate about advancing inclusion. The recruitment process is designed to be fair and accessible, with reasonable adjustments available to support full participation.

What difference will you make?

The Shelter MK supports people experiencing homelessness across Milton Keynes by providing accommodation, personalised support, and ongoing tenancy assistance. In 2024/25, it helped 45 people avoid sleeping rough and supported 239 individuals through its helpline with advice, referrals, and guidance, despite growing demand and increasingly complex cases. Operating 21 bedrooms across four locations, the charity successfully helped many guests move into private rented or social housing, reducing average lengths of stay. As a small charity, it places significant value on its Board of Trustees. Becoming one of our new Trustees offers the opportunity to make a meaningful difference, contribute to the charity’s governance and strategic direction, develop professional skills, enhance career experience, and collaborate with a dedicated team.