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- Tasks: Join our board to tackle social isolation and strengthen community links for elderly residents.
- Company: Friends for Life, a charity dedicated to supporting lonely elderly residents in Bedford.
- Benefits: Make a real difference, gain leadership experience, and connect with like-minded individuals.
- Other info: Remote role with occasional in-person meetings; training provided for new trustees.
- Why this job: Be part of a rewarding mission that directly impacts the lives of vulnerable seniors.
- Qualifications: Experience in adult social care and strong strategic thinking skills required.
Friends for Life provides a unique befriending service to lonely, socially isolated elderly residents in Bedford’s care homes. We are looking to appoint a new trustee with a professional background in adult social care.
Why This Role Matters
As a trustee, you will play a vital role in helping us fulfil our mission, tackling social isolation and strengthening community links. The work is personally rewarding and enjoyable.
What We Are Looking For
You may have worked in a senior management role within the sector, e.g., as a care home manager, or closely with the sector in a regulatory, oversight or funding role. You should have an in‑depth understanding of the sector, the local provision landscape, and the key challenges associated with meeting the needs of elderly care home residents. We do not require previous trustee experience, but we need an individual who can demonstrate the skills and behaviours required in a trustee role: strategic thinking, developing policies, taking leadership responsibility for areas of work, projects, compliance and oversight, chairing meetings, and working closely with other board members and staff.
Role Expectations
- Serve as a trustee on the board, which meets monthly.
- Attend in‑person meetings at our Bedford offices and remote meetings as required.
- Serve on two board committees (quality, finance, communications, people, governance). Committees meet around four times a year.
- Participate in strategy days twice a year, usually on Saturday mornings at Bedford offices.
- Support the charity by acting as an ambassador, engaging with stakeholders, working on projects with staff, and meeting volunteers.
All trustees are required to complete an induction programme when joining, including familiarisation with key policies, a trustee introduction guide, volunteer welcome day, and shadowing a befriender. If you are new to trusteeship, you will also complete ICAEW trustee training (or similar) before joining.
Location & Availability
The role can be undertaken remotely, but you must live within reasonable travelling distance of Bedford to attend face‑to‑face meetings and events. Our trustees currently reside across Bedfordshire and London (40 minutes from Bedford by train).
Diversity & Inclusion
We are particularly keen to encourage applications from individuals from under‑represented groups, and from those with disabilities or other protected characteristics.
Trustee (adult social care background) - Volunteer in Bedford employer: Friends For Life Bedford
Contact Detail:
Friends For Life Bedford Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Trustee (adult social care background) - Volunteer in Bedford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the adult social care sector and let them know you're on the lookout for trustee roles. You never know who might have a lead or can introduce you to someone at Friends for Life.
✨Tip Number 2
Get familiar with the charity's mission and values. When you chat with them, show that you understand their work tackling social isolation. This will help you stand out as someone genuinely passionate about making a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those meetings! Brush up on your strategic thinking and policy development skills. Think about how your experience can contribute to the board's discussions and decisions, especially around quality and governance.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the team and supporting the amazing work at Friends for Life.
We think you need these skills to ace Trustee (adult social care background) - Volunteer in Bedford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for tackling social isolation shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in the lives of elderly residents. Share any personal experiences or motivations that drive you to apply for this role.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to emphasise your background in adult social care. Whether you've been a care home manager or worked closely with the sector, we need to see how your experience aligns with our mission. Be specific about your roles and responsibilities to give us a clear picture.
Demonstrate Strategic Thinking: As a trustee, strategic thinking is key. In your application, provide examples of how you've developed policies or led projects in the past. We want to know how you approach challenges and what strategies you've implemented to overcome them.
Keep It Professional Yet Personal: While we appreciate professionalism, don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your writing. We’re looking for someone who can connect with others, so a friendly tone can go a long way. And remember, apply through our website to ensure your application gets to us directly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Friends For Life Bedford
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of adult social care and the specific challenges faced by elderly residents in care homes. Familiarise yourself with local provisions and any recent developments in the sector. This will show that you're not just interested in the role, but that you genuinely understand the landscape.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare to discuss your strategic thinking and leadership experience. Think of examples from your past roles where you've developed policies or led projects. Be ready to explain how these experiences can translate into your responsibilities as a trustee.
✨Engage with the Mission
Demonstrate your passion for tackling social isolation among the elderly. Share any personal stories or experiences that connect you to this cause. This will help the interviewers see that you’re not just a candidate, but someone who truly cares about making a difference.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the organisation's current projects, challenges, and future goals. This shows that you’re engaged and thinking critically about how you can contribute as a trustee. Plus, it gives you a chance to assess if the role aligns with your values and interests.