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 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 Fair Ways. 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 Fair Ways 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 Fair Ways’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 Charity Trustee in Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Impact:For a role like Charity Trustee at Fair Ways, 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 Charity Trustee, customise your documents to fit the vibe of Fair Ways. 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 Fair Ways
✨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 Fair Ways. 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 Fair Ways's needs. They’ll want to know that you can commit without compromising your passion for the work!
