Charity Trustee

At MySightYork, we are a hardworking, independent, member‑led charity supporting more than 1,700 local people with sight loss to help maintain their independence and confidence. We are currently entering an exciting new chapter with our 2025–2028 Strategy. To help us deliver these ambitious goals, we are looking for dedicated individuals to join our Board of Trustees. We are committed to diversity and welcome applications from individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and under‑represented groups. Becoming a charity trustee is a great way to grow personally and professionally while making a real difference. Previous experience is helpful but not essential; we value enthusiasm, proactivity, and dedication.

MySight York is a charity on the rise. We’re proud to have won the Accelerating Impact Award at the 2025 Visionary Awards. With new support from the National Lottery Community Fund, we’re launching Digital Vision - an initiative helping people stay confident and connected through technology after sight loss. Recent achievements include gaining national recognition for our Community Connect project, which has strengthened inclusion across the city through partnerships ranging from university sports clubs to TransPennine Express. We also worked with the National Trust’s Treasurer’s House to develop tailored sensory tours for visitors with sight loss. Joining us means being part of this exciting momentum and helping shape what comes next.

The Role

As a Trustee, you won’t just be attending meetings; you’ll be a legal steward and a strategic leader. You will work alongside our CEO and fellow trustees to:

• Ensure the charity is carrying out its purpose and complying with governance, legislation, and reporting requirements.
• Act in the charity’s best interest in managing resources responsibly and identify/managing risk.
• Contribute ideas on fundraising, income generation, and cost management.
• Ensure appropriate policies and procedures are in place (IT, HR, Finance, Health & Safety).
• Promote effective working relationships between trustees, CEO, staff, and volunteers.
• Prepare for, attend, and actively participate in trustee meetings.
• Set the strategic direction of the charity.
• Ensure compliance, resilience, and financial stability.
• Advocate for the sight loss community across York and surrounding areas.

We are looking for trustees who bring fresh ideas, stronger decision‑making, and richer perspectives. Trustees should be:

• Strong relationship builders and effective team players.
• Collaborative decision makers focused on the charity’s best interests.
• Confident influencers and attentive listeners who can constructively challenge.
• Responsible individuals with high integrity who understand trustee duties.
• Innovative thinkers committed to continuous improvement.

Training

All volunteers will receive training on supporting people with visual impairments and complete an online safeguarding course. As an organisation we will continue to support you with ongoing learning opportunities throughout the year.

Commitment

We expect Trustees to join and contribute to meetings which take place every two months (Hybrid: York or online). We ask that you can commit to volunteering 4-6 hours per month.

Support and Supervision

Our Chair of Trustees is always available to offer ongoing support. We invite all volunteers to take part in an annual supervision session as it offers an opportunity to reflect, connect, and ensure you feel fully supported in your role.

How to Apply

This is an opportunity for you to build leadership skills, boost your career, broaden your network, and support a cause you genuinely care about. If you have the integrity and insight to help us support people with sight loss, then we would love to hear from you. Contact Tanya McClelland (Volunteer Coordinator). MySightYork is committed to equality and diversity and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds. A copy of MySightYork's equal opportunities policy is available upon request.