Trustee (adult social care background) - Volunteer in Bedford

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.

Our charity offers a unique service that makes a real difference to the well-being of some of the most vulnerable members of our community, tackling social isolation and strengthening community links. As a trustee, you will play a vital role in helping us to fulfil our mission, as well as doing something that is personally rewarding and enjoyable.

What are we looking for?

You may be working, or have recently worked, within a senior management role within the sector, for example as a care home manager, or you may have worked closely with the sector in another capacity – for example in a regulatory, oversight or funding role. You will 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.

No previous experience of being a trustee is required, but we are looking for an individual who can demonstrate the skills and behaviours required in a trustee role, such as strategic thinking, developing policies, taking leadership responsibility for areas of work, projects, compliance and oversight, chairing meetings, and working closely with other members of the board and staff.

Whilst much of the role can be undertaken remotely, you will need to live within a reasonable travelling distance of Bedford to attend face-to-face meetings and other events. Our existing trustees come from across Bedfordshire and also from London (40 mins from Bedford by train). All trustees are expected to undertake an induction programme when they join. This includes reading our trustee introduction guide, familiarisation with key policies and procedures, taking part in one of our volunteer welcome days, and shadowing one of our befrienders on a visit. If this is your first trustee role, we will also ask you to complete the ICAEW trustee training (or similar) before joining the board.

Hybrid Working

Hybrid working is accommodated as most of the role can be done remotely. However, you will need to be within a reasonable travelling distance of Bedford for face-to-face meetings when required.

What will you be doing?

Our partnership with care homes is a central part of our delivery model. We are therefore looking to strengthen our governance through the appointment of a trustee with a professional background in adult social care who is able to bring their knowledge, skills and experience to the board.

The Board currently meets on a monthly basis, with a mixture of in-person and remote (online) meetings. In-person meetings are held at our offices in Bedford, generally in the evening from 6 pm to 8 pm. In addition to the main board, we have several board committees covering specific areas such as quality, finance, communications, people and governance, and they meet around four times a year. Trustees are each expected to serve on two committees. From time to time we hold strategy days for Trustees, providing the opportunity for more in-depth discussion. These are typically held twice a year, usually on a Saturday morning at our Bedford offices.

As a Trustee, you will also have many other opportunities to support the work of the charity, for example acting as an ambassador and engaging with stakeholders, working with staff on projects, and meeting volunteers. We are proud to have trustees from a diverse range of personal and professional backgrounds, and we are particularly keen to encourage applications from individuals from under-represented groups, and from those with disabilities or other protected characteristics.