At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Board of Trustees to shape the future of children's hospice care.
- Company: Children's Hospice South West, a respected charity making a real difference.
- Benefits: Contribute your skills while gaining valuable experience and networking opportunities.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive board seeking fresh perspectives; flexible time commitments.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families in need.
- Qualifications: Experience in finance, legal, or children's services is a plus, but not essential.
Help Shape the Future of Children's Hospice South West. Children's Hospice South West (CHSW) provides expert care and support to babies, children and young people with life-limiting conditions, and their families, across the South West. This is an opportunity to contribute your skills and experience to this respected, regional charity that makes an incredible difference to the lives of children and families when they need it most. As we continue to develop and then deliver our ambitious Reach Further strategy, we are seeking exceptional individuals to join our Board of Trustees and help guide the charity through its next chapter.
The Opportunity
- Providing strategic oversight
- Ensuring the charity is well governed and financially sustainable.
- Supporting delivery of our vision and long-term strategy.
- Acting as ambassadors for CHSW across our communities and networks.
- Bringing constructive challenge, expertise and fresh perspectives.
We are committed to building a diverse, inclusive and representative Board and welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds. Previous trustee experience is welcomed but not essential.
Usual expectations/ Time Commitments:
- AGM and Strategy Day: 1 per year, full-day, in person
- Board Meetings: 4 per year, half-day, in-person, around Exeter/Tiverton.
- Subcommittees (sit on one or more): 2 to 4 times per year per committee, 2 to 3 hours, online or in person.
- Time to read papers and provide annotations/comment prior to meetings
- Invited to attend some fundraising and other events (no expectation - personal choice)
Skills and Experience Sought
To complement the skills mix of our current Board, we welcome applications from people who can bring expertise in one or more of the following priority areas identified through our recent Board Skills Review and succession planning process:
- Finance, audit and risk management
- Legal (any relevant background – charities, employment, commercial, healthcare, property)
- People and Culture, including workforce planning and equality, diversity, inclusion and belonging
We would also welcome additional experience in:
- Children's healthcare, paediatric care, safeguarding or children's services
- Income Generation - e.g. Fundraising, retail, marketing, communications
- Digital innovation, AI, cyber security, technology or data governance
- Commercial leadership
- Property, facilities or estates management
- Charity governance and regulation
- Public sector, health or social care leadership
We are particularly keen to hear from people whose professional expertise is complemented by lived experience, helping us ensure that the voices of children, young people and families remain at the heart of all we do.
How to apply
To apply please click on the apply now button and complete the short application form, including a supporting statement outlining the reason for your interest and how you would support the good governance of CHSW in consideration of the specific experience areas you bring (outlined above) and attach your CV. If you would like an informal chat about being a trustee with us, please email hr.lbh@chsw.org.uk to arrange.
Closing Date: 04 October 2026
First Stage Selection: 14/15 October 2026 (virtual meeting)
Final Selection Day: 21 October 2026 (face to face Charlton Farm - Bristol)
For successful appointments we would be delighted to have you join our AGM and Strategy Day on the 02 November 2026 (the ability to attend the AGM is not a factor in the appointment process).
CHSW is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. This post requires an enhanced disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.
Trustee employer: Children's Hospice South West
At Children's Hospice South West (CHSW), we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture where every team member plays a vital role in creating a warm and welcoming environment for families. As a Housekeeping Supervisor in our beautiful Bristol hospice, you'll enjoy generous benefits including 33 days of holiday, enhanced sick pay, and ongoing training opportunities, all while working alongside compassionate colleagues who share your commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and their families.
Contact Details:
Children's Hospice South West Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trustee
✨Get Involved in Local Initiatives
Dive headfirst into local community projects and social enterprises! This not only builds your experience but also connects you with like-minded folks who may know about part-time opportunities. Plus, many nonprofits announce openings through their events and volunteer activities, so keep your ears to the ground!
✨Join Social Impact Networks
Look for networks and forums centred around social impact – think local charity groups or online platforms where changemakers hang out. These places are goldmines for job leads, especially for part-time roles like the ones at Children's Hospice South West. Engaging in discussions can also help you make meaningful connections with potential employers!
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re still in uni, tap into career services that may have exclusive listings for part-time roles in nonprofits. They often host job fairs or info sessions where you can meet representatives from organisations like Children's Hospice South West directly. It’s a great way to make an impression beyond your CV!
✨Check Out Online Opportunities
Websites like Idealist or CharityJob specifically showcase part-time positions in the nonprofit sector. Make sure to check these regularly while keeping an eye on Children's Hospice South West’s own job listings on our website. Being proactive here can put you ahead of the curve!
We think you need these skills to ace Trustee
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Impact:For a role like Trustee at Children's Hospice South West, your cover letter is your chance to shine a light on why social impact matters to you. Share any personal experiences or volunteer work that highlight your commitment to the cause. We want to see your genuine enthusiasm!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure your CV showcases any nonprofit work or projects you've been involved in, even if they were part-time or volunteer roles. Emphasize skills like project management, fundraising, or community engagement. These are key in the nonprofit sector, and we want to see how you can contribute to our mission!
Tailor Your Application:When applying for the Trustee, customise your documents to fit the vibe of Children's Hospice South West. Use our language, reflect our values, and connect your personal goals with our mission. This shows us you’ve done your homework and you're excited to join the team in this part-time capacity.
Don’t Forget Your Availability:As this is a part-time position, clearly outline your availability in your application. Whether you're a student balancing studies or have other commitments, we appreciate transparency. Just pop your available hours in your cover letter or CV so we can see how you fit into our schedule.
How to prepare for a job interview at Children's Hospice South West
✨Show Your Passion for the Cause
When applying for a part-time role in the nonprofit sector, it's essential to convey your genuine enthusiasm for the mission of Children's Hospice South West. Be ready to share personal stories or experiences that highlight why social impact matters to you and how you align with their goals.
✨Bring Tangible Examples of Impact
Nonprofits often look for candidates who can demonstrate their ability to create meaningful change. Prepare examples from your past experiences—whether in volunteering, projects, or academic work—that showcase your skills in making a positive impact. Use metrics if possible; it's all about showing how you’ve really contributed.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect to encounter scenario-based questions during your interview. These will assess how you handle real-world challenges in the nonprofit space. For example, how would you deal with limited resources or navigate a conflict with team members? Think through your past experiences to give thoughtful responses.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
Since it's a part-time role, they might dig into your availability during the interview. Be open and clear about your schedule and how it can align with Children's Hospice South West's needs. They’ll want to know that you can commit without compromising your passion for the work!
