At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Board to shape the future of children's services and make a real impact.
- Company: Fair Ways, a leading charity dedicated to supporting children and families.
- Benefits: Voluntary role with expenses reimbursed and the chance to influence positive change.
- Other info: Flexible commitment of 6-8 days per year with opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Use your expertise to improve lives and help create brighter futures for vulnerable communities.
- Qualifications: Experience in education, governance, finance, or compliance is essential.
Who are Fair Ways and what do we stand for? At Fair Ways, we believe in making a difference through passionate care, support and education. Together, we aim to build an organisation that makes a lasting difference to society and leaves a legacy greater than ourselves and our individual contributions. Our values sit at the heart of everything we do. We measure our wealth by the difference we make, rather than the profit we make. Fair Ways is a leading children's services charity based in the Solent, delivering Fostering, Education, Residential and Family Services. We support over 400 children, young people, families and vulnerable adults each year.
We are now seeking new Trustees to join our Board and help shape the future direction of Fair Ways.
Inclusion and Diversity
We are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming organisation where everyone feels valued, respected and able to be themselves. We believe that a diverse Board strengthens our organisation, broadens our perspective and helps us better understand and support the communities we serve. We welcome applications from people with different backgrounds, experiences, perspectives and skills.
The opportunities
We are seeking Trustees with significant experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Education, Inclusion & Outcomes
- Governance, Compliance, Risk & Operational Audit
- Financial Governance & Audit (Chair of Audit & Risk)
Trustee – Education, Inclusion & Outcomes
We are seeking a Trustee with significant education leadership experience to strengthen the Board's strategic oversight of educational quality, inclusion and outcomes. The Trustee will provide independent challenge and assurance around education governance, safeguarding and learner outcomes, including the needs of care-experienced children and young people and those with SEND. You will bring your professional expertise to support effective decision-making, oversee key educational risks and ensure that Fair Ways' education strategy remains aligned with its charitable purpose and strategic priorities.
Trustee – Governance, Compliance, Risk & Operational Audit
We are seeking a Trustee with expertise in governance, compliance, risk and operational assurance to strengthen the Board's oversight of regulatory compliance, organisational risk and resilience. The Trustee will provide independent scrutiny and strategic challenge across areas including risk management, internal controls, safeguarding, health and safety and regulatory compliance. The successful candidate will also chair the relevant sub-committee, helping to ensure that Fair Ways maintains strong governance, effective assurance and a culture of continuous improvement.
Trustee – Finance
We are seeking a Trustee with strong financial expertise to provide strategic oversight of Fair Ways' financial strategy and stewardship. The Finance Trustee will bring their professional experience to provide independent scrutiny and constructive challenge, ensuring that the Board has appropriate oversight of financial performance, sustainability, financial controls and strategic financial decision-making. Working alongside the Executive Team, the Finance Trustee will help ensure that financial strategy supports Fair Ways' charitable purpose and long-term objectives.
Your commitment
These are voluntary positions, with reasonable expenses reimbursed. Trustees are expected to commit approximately 6–8 days per year, including:
- Four Board meetings per year, generally lasting a full day, held either face-to-face or via Microsoft Teams.
- Preparation for and review of Board papers.
- Attendance at relevant committee meetings and other activities as required.
Successful candidates will be required to complete an enhanced DBS check. The cost of this disclosure will be met by Fair Ways.
Join us
This is an opportunity to use your skills, experience and perspective to make a meaningful contribution to the lives of children, young people and families. If you share our passion for improving lives and want to help shape the future of Fair Ways, we would love to hear from you. Join Fair Ways and help us create brighter futures.
Charity Trustee in Portsmouth employer: Fair Ways
Fair Ways is an exceptional employer located in Southampton, dedicated to making a meaningful impact on families' lives. With a strong focus on employee well-being, we offer comprehensive benefits including holiday accrual and health plans, alongside ample opportunities for personal development in a supportive work culture. Join us to be part of a team that values your contributions and fosters growth while you help families navigate their challenges.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Charity Trustee in Portsmouth
✨Get Involved with Local Causes
Start connecting with local nonprofits or social impact projects in your area. Attend their events, offer to help out with community initiatives, or just drop by to chat about their mission. This way, you’ll not only learn about the work they do but also make meaningful connections that could lead to volunteer opportunities.
✨Leverage Social Media for Social Impact
Platforms like Twitter and Instagram are goldmines for discovering volunteer opportunities in the nonprofit sector. Follow organisations you’re passionate about, engage with their posts, and keep an eye out for their volunteer calls. It’s a great way to show your interest and dedication!
✨Utilise Volunteer Matching Platforms
Sites like VolunteerMatch or local community boards are perfect for finding short-term and long-term volunteer roles. These platforms can connect you with causes that align with your passions and skills, and often allow you to browse opportunities tailored to your interests.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
When you spot an organisation you like, don't hesitate to visit their website and check out their volunteer section. Many nonprofits have dedicated pages for volunteers where you can apply directly – and we’ve found that this route often leads to quicker responses and more personalised interactions!
We think you need these skills to ace Charity Trustee in Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Share Your Passion for Social Impact:When you're applying for a volunteer role at a nonprofit like Fair Ways, don’t just list your skills. Show us why you're passionate about social impact! Use your cover letter to tell a story about what drives you and how you've been involved in similar initiatives. Personal connections to the cause can really make your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to showcase any previous volunteer work or projects that demonstrate your commitment to social impact. Whether it’s fundraising, community outreach, or project management, detail your contributions and the results achieved. This kind of experience is invaluable in the nonprofit sector and can help us see your potential!
Get Creative with Your CV:In the world of nonprofits, a standard CV might not cut it. Consider using a more creative format that showcases your personality while maintaining professionalism. Use headings like 'Community Engagement' or 'Social Impact Projects' to highlight your experiences related to the role. Remember, we want to see what makes you unique!
Keep It Community-Focused:Make sure your application emphasises collaboration and community. Volunteer roles are about working well with others and contributing collectively towards a common goal. In your cover letter, mention any teamwork experiences or community projects you've been part of, and how you contributed to their success. This shows that you’re ready to jump into the collaborative spirit here at Fair Ways.
How to prepare for a job interview at Fair Ways
✨Know Your Passion
Dive deep into the mission of Fair Ways and understand the issues they tackle. When they ask about your motivation to volunteer, share specific experiences that link your passion to their cause—whether it’s local community work or a broader social impact.
✨Bring Your Skills to the Table
Highlight any relevant skills that can aid in their projects, such as fundraising, project management, or community organising. Be prepared to share examples of how you’ve used these skills in past volunteer roles or relevant experiences.
✨Get Ready for Scenario Questions
In non-profit interviews, especially for volunteer roles, you might get scenario-based questions. Think about times when you've encountered challenges in team work or community engagement, and how you resolved them—this shows your problem-solving abilities.
✨Show Your Commitment
Since this is a volunteer role, they’ll likely want to see your commitment to the cause over an extended period. Be ready to discuss how much time you can dedicate, any special skills you can bring, and your eagerness to learn and grow with the organisation—this excites them to have you on board!
