An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Board of Trustees at a well-established registered charity serving the Sandwell borough. Established in 1993, Sandwell Advocacy has spent over 30 years providing independent advocacy, ensuring people have a voice in decisions about their care, health and wider life choices.
While professional experience and qualifications are key for this role, make sure to check you have the preferable soft skills before applying if required.
Sandwell Advocacy is looking for an experienced HR professional who can bring their knowledge and expertise to the Board and make a genuine difference. As HR Trustee Specialist, you will work alongside fellow Trustees and the Chief Executive Officer, providing HR advice and guidance across people management, organisational culture, workforce wellbeing and good employment practice, while contributing to the charity's wider strategic direction.
This voluntary role is primarily home-based, with occasional attendance required at Sandwell Advocacy's offices in Tipton. Board meetings are held approximately every five to six weeks and are scheduled in advance, allowing the role to fit alongside existing professional and personal commitments.
What we need from you:
Experience advising on Human Resources, people management and organisational culture
A relevant HR qualification, such as CIPD, or currently working towards one
Knowledge of employment legislation and HR best practice
The ability to think strategically and contribute to Board-level decision-making
The ability to communicate HR and people-related information clearly to non-HR colleagues
Strong communication and influencing skills
The confidence to provide constructive challenge and support
A collaborative, positive and professional approach
A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
A genuine passion for supporting vulnerable people and community-based services
Applications are welcomed from experienced HR professionals including HR Managers, HR Business Partners, People and Culture Specialists, Employee Relations Specialists, Learning and Development professionals and qualified CIPD practitioners.
Desirable:
Previous Trustee or Board experience
Experience within the charity or voluntary sector
Experience of providing strategic HR advice at a senior level
An understanding of HR governance and risk management
Previous Trustee or charity sector experience is not essential. Applications are welcomed from candidates with experience in the private, public or voluntary sectors who have the enthusiasm, integrity and willingness to learn.
Key Responsibilities:
Provide HR advice and guidance to the Board of Trustees
Support the Board on matters relating to people management, organisational culture and good working practices
Provide HR insight to support strategic decision-making and long-term planning
Help ensure the charity remains up to date and compliant with relevant employment legislation and regulatory requirements
Advise on HR policies and support their ongoing development
Support the Chief Executive Officer with appropriate HR matters, including the onboarding and offboarding of staff and volunteers
Provide guidance on workforce planning, staff wellbeing, recruitment and retention, volunteer engagement, equality and inclusion
Act as a point of contact for HR matters within the Board
Help fellow Trustees understand HR policies and changes affecting staff and volunteer management
Identify, monitor and help mitigate HR-related risks
Promote appropriate HR accountability and transparency
Contribute to the overall strategic direction of the charity
Attend and actively participate in Board and relevant committee meetings
Act in the best interests of the charity and its beneficiaries
Help ensure the charity operates in line with its charitable aims, governing document and values
Maintain confidentiality and uphold good governance standards
Hours:
Board meetings take place approximately every five to six weeks, with a minimum attendance commitment of around 2.5 hours per meeting. Some additional time will be required for meeting preparation, occasional subgroup meetings and away days.
Meetings are scheduled well in advance, allowing the role to fit alongside your existing professional and personal commitments.
Trustee positions are not salaried; however, this role offers significant personal and professional rewards. Reasonable out-of-pocket expenses, such as travel to meetings, will be reimbursed in line with the charity's policy.
Benefits:
Make a genuine difference within your local community
Join a respected charity with over 30 years of experience
Gain valuable Board-level leadership and governance experience
Use your professional HR expertise to influence organisational culture and strategy
Develop your knowledge of charity governance and regulatory responsibilities
Induction, ongoing training and mentoring
Access to external training and professional networks where appropriate
Work alongside a supportive and collaborative Board of Trustees
Opportunity to broaden your leadership experience and potentially take on wider Board responsibilities in the future
Enhance your CV and professional profile
Reasonable out-of-pocket expenses reimbursed in line with the charity's expenses policy
Training & Development:
Sandwell Advocacy is committed to supporting Trustees to succeed in their role. A full induction and onboarding programme will be provided to help you understand the organisation, your responsibilities and the charity sector.
Ongoing training opportunities will also be available, including charity governance and regulatory requirements, together with access to external training and networks where appropriate. You will also benefit from mentoring and peer support from fellow Trustees and senior staff.
Whether you already have Trustee experience or are looking to take on your first Board position, this is an excellent opportunity to use your HR expertise to influence organisational strategy, develop your Board-level governance experience and create meaningful social impact. xrnqpay
Sandwell Advocacy welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds and is particularly keen to hear from individuals who reflect the diversity of the communities it serves.
Closing date: 23/09/26
Please apply now!
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