At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape the future of The Shelter MK by providing governance and strategic leadership.
- Company: Join a charity dedicated to supporting those experiencing homelessness in Milton Keynes.
- Benefits: Make a meaningful impact while developing professional skills and enhancing your career experience.
- Other info: Flexible time commitment of 3-7 hours a month with hybrid board meetings.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven team that values equity, diversity, and inclusion.
- Qualifications: Experience in Fundraising or Marketing & Communications; no prior governance experience needed.
We are seeking two new Trustees to join our Board and play a key role in supporting the charity's future success. This is an exciting opportunity to use your financial expertise to make a meaningful impact on the lives of people experiencing homelessness.
About The Shelter MK: At The Shelter MK, we believe everyone deserves a place to call home, even when life takes an unexpected turn. We go out of our way to be that safe space for people experiencing homelessness in Milton Keynes, and their beloved dogs.
What will you be doing?
- Shape The Shelter MK's future by providing strong governance, strategic leadership, and independent oversight for ongoing success and sustainability.
- Support and challenge the leadership team on strategy, policy, finance, risk, and performance and help safeguard the charity's reputation and long‑term impact.
- Approve key plans and budgets, review financial statements, and ensure effective systems and risk management.
- Contribute to good governance practices, attend and prepare for board meetings, and use skills and networks to further the charity's mission and promote its work.
Time commitment: Trustees attend monthly hybrid board meetings held 6‑8 pm, with preparation required in advance. The Treasurer also oversees approval of the annual report and accounts. Occasional additional input outside meetings, such as providing expertise or advice, may be requested. The expected time commitment is 3‑7 hours a month, including board meetings.
What are we looking for?
- Strong alignment with the charity’s mission and expertise in Fundraising or Marketing & Communications.
- Experience at a management‑level or relevant professional background, strong critical‑thinking, problem‑solving skills and a capacity to contribute to strategic planning and risk management.
- Collaborative, confident, and able to share ideas and apply skills to current and future challenges.
- No prior governance experience required; full induction and training will be provided.
Equity, diversity, and inclusion: The Shelter MK is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion, aiming to create a respectful and empowering environment where diverse backgrounds, perspectives and lived experiences strengthen its work and impact. We seek broad representation across our trustee board, including people of colour, young people, LGBTQ+ individuals and those with lived experience of socio‑economic inequality. We particularly welcome applicants who share this commitment and are passionate about advancing inclusion. The recruitment process is designed to be fair and accessible, with reasonable adjustments available to support full participation.
In 2024/25, The Shelter MK helped 45 people avoid sleeping rough and supported 239 individuals through its helpline, providing advice, referrals and guidance. Operating 21 bedrooms across four locations, the charity helped many guests move into private rented or social housing, reducing average lengths of stay. Becoming one of our new Trustees offers the opportunity to make a meaningful difference, contribute to the charity's governance and strategic direction, develop professional skills, enhance career experience and collaborate with a dedicated team.
Trustees with Marketing or Fundraising Experience in Milton Keynes employer: Shelter
The Shelter MK is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for Trustees to make a significant impact on the lives of those experiencing homelessness in Milton Keynes. With a strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, the organisation fosters a collaborative work culture that values diverse perspectives and lived experiences. Joining our Board not only allows you to contribute to meaningful governance and strategic leadership but also provides professional development opportunities and the chance to work alongside a dedicated team passionate about making a difference.
