Trustee Lead – Inclusion (DE&I) in Watford

Carers in Hertfordshire is seeking a Trustee to lead on Inclusion at Board level.

Purpose of the Role

We are seeking a Trustee to lead on providing Board‐level guidance and assurance that Carers in Hertfordshire is an inclusive, equitable and representative organisation – one that values diversity, amplifies carers' voices and embeds inclusive practice across our governance, culture and services.

How This Role Supports Our Mission

Unpaid carers come from every community, background and identity, and our work must reflect and respond to that diversity. This role strengthens our ability to reach, engage and support all carers by championing inclusion and advising on opportunities to reduce barriers, broaden participation and improve representation. As part of the Board, the postholder contributes to strong governance and strategic leadership that keeps the charity effective, accountable, sustainable and carer‐led.

Person Specification

• We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and lived experiences.
• Commitment to inclusive, values‐driven governance.
• Commitment to improving the lives of unpaid carers.
• Strategic mindset with the ability to simplify complex digital or risk‐related issues.
• Understanding of cyber, information security, digital governance or organisational resilience.
• Strong judgement, independence of thought and willingness to challenge.
• Ability to collaborate constructively with trustees and the executive team.
• Ability to apply skills with reasonable care.
• Lived experience of caring is welcomed.

Core Responsibilities (All Trustees)

• Contribute to strategy, priorities, and impact evaluation.
• Ensure robust governance, compliance, and ethical conduct.
• Oversee financial health, budgets, and resource stewardship.
• Monitor key risks and seek assurance on mitigations.
• Participate fully in Board/committee meetings and collective decisions.
• Act as an ambassador for the charity and carers' voices.
• Act in the best interests of the charity and its beneficiaries.
• Ensure the charity remains accountable to beneficiaries, funders, regulators and the public.
• Use charitable resources responsibly and protect the charity's assets.
• Identify, declare and manage conflicts of interest.
• Ensure all actions comply with the governing document and charity law.
• Support and constructively challenge the CEO.

Core Responsibilities - Inclusion Lead

• DE&I Strategy & Oversight: Provide Board‐level leadership on strengthening diversity, equity and inclusion across governance, culture, workforce, volunteers and services.
• Representation & Reach: Help ensure the charity meaningfully engages carers from under‐represented communities, reducing barriers to access and participation.
• Inclusive Governance: Ensure the Board regularly considers lived experience, representation, cultural relevance and accessibility when making strategic decisions.
• Culture & Behaviours: Champion an inclusive, psychologically safe and values‐aligned culture across the organisation, supporting the CEO and SLT to embed good practice.
• Risk & Assurance: Provide insight on DE&I‐related risks (e.g., unmet needs, inequitable outcomes, lack of representation) and ensure these are considered within the wider risk framework.
• Learning & Improvement: Highlight emerging best practice and opportunities to strengthen inclusion, participation and equity in service delivery and organisational development.

Time Commitment

Approximately 6‐10 hours per month – including meetings, preparation, training and events to champion the charity. We look to hold 4‐6 Board/Strategy meetings a year in person. Occasional input between meetings on relevant risks or decision points.

Next Step

• Stage 1: Conversation with Chair
• Stage 2: Trustee Discovery Session 2nd February (online)
• Stage 3: Observe our Resources Committee on 13th March (online)

Our Board will then vote to co‐opt any new Trustee appointments.

Carers in Hertfordshire provides advice, information and support to unpaid carers – people looking after someone who is elderly, disabled, has a physical or mental illness or who misuses drugs or alcohol. Ensuring Hertfordshire's carers are identified, supported and stay well, is at the heart of our work. We give carers a voice with opportunities to meet other carers. We also enable carers to share their views or experiences with those providing or planning health and social care services in Hertfordshire. We support carers of all ages – children and adults – if they live, work or care in Hertfordshire. Our services are provided free to carers.

We also have a Care Service in Hertsmere, Three Rivers and Watford, which involves professional Care Support Workers providing individual packages of care to people with care needs through domiciliary care or Carers' Breaks.