At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Board to support governance, business development, or leadership in a meaningful charity.
- Company: Sift, a compassionate UK charity focused on self-harm support.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, network with professionals, and make a real difference.
- Other info: Voluntary positions with travel expenses reimbursed; applications via our website only.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven team that values lived experience and positive change.
- Qualifications: Experience in governance, business development, or leadership roles preferred.
Sift (formerly Self Injury Support) is a UK charity providing specialist support, information and advocacy for people affected by self-harm. We work alongside people who have been directly affected by self-harm at every level of our organisation. We are service‑user centred, and ensure our service users are at the heart of everything we do. Following an exciting rebrand and the launch of a new website, we are entering a new phase of growth, visibility and influence. To support this next chapter, we are expanding our Board of Directors and are seeking professional, values‑led individuals who share our commitment to compassion, dignity and meaningful change. All Board roles are voluntary, unpaid positions. Reasonable expenses such as travel will be reimbursed.
Please note that we are only accepting applications through the dedicated application form via our website and will not be accepting CVs sent via email. More information can be found in our downloadable Trustee Recruitment Pack – see website for more details. We look forward to receiving your application. Deadline for applications is 12th April 2026.
The Roles:
Board Secretary
Role Purpose: The Board Secretary helps ensure that Sift is governed with clarity and accountability. This role supports the Board to function well, ensuring that decisions are properly recorded and that governance processes enable the charity’s mission.
Key Responsibilities:
- Prepare agendas and papers for Board and sub‑committee meetings with the Chair and CEO.
- Take clear, accurate minutes that reflect decisions, context and agreed actions.
- With support from the Head of Operations, maintain key governance records, including trustee details, conflicts of interest and policies.
- Support compliance with the charity’s governing document and Charity Commission requirements.
- Assist with timely statutory filings and good governance practice.
- Act as a trusted point of reference for governance‑related queries.
Person Specification:
- Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
- Respect for confidentiality and sensitive information.
- Commitment to Sift’s mission and lived‑experience‑informed values.
- Experience in charity governance, company secretarial work or familiarity with Charity Commission guidance.
Time Commitment: 6–8 Board meetings per year, plus preparation time. Up to 4 in person meetings in our Bristol based office.
Business Development Lead
Role Purpose: The Business Development Lead supports Sift to grow sustainably, so that more people affected by self‑injury can access support. This role brings a strategic lens to income generation, partnerships and opportunity development, grounded in the charity’s values and ethical approach.
Key Responsibilities:
- Contribute to the development and oversight of Sift’s income generation strategy.
- Support exploration of new funding, partnership and collaboration opportunities including the expansion and relaunch of our national in‑person and online training programme.
- Offer insight and challenge on fundraising, commercial or social enterprise ideas.
- Network with key players in the mental health and wellbeing field.
- Help assess risk, impact and alignment with Sift’s mission.
Person Specification:
- Experience in business development, commercial income generation, partnerships or strategy.
- Ability to balance ambition with care and ethical decision‑making.
- Strong communication and influencing skills.
- Commitment to SIFT’s mission and lived‑experience‑informed ethos.
- Experience working with charities or social enterprises.
- Knowledge of trusts, foundations, corporate giving.
Time Commitment: 6–8 Board meetings per year, with occasional input outside meetings. Up to 4 in person meetings in our Bristol based office.
Leadership & Governance Director
Role Purpose: The Leadership & Governance Director helps ensure that Sift’s leadership, culture and governance remain strong, inclusive and fit for purpose. This role supports the Board to be reflective, effective and accountable as the organisation grows.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide oversight and constructive challenge on governance, leadership and culture.
- Support trustee recruitment, induction and ongoing Board development.
- Contribute to succession planning and long‑term organisational resilience.
- Ensure governance arrangements evolve appropriately with growth.
- Champion equity, inclusion and lived experience at Board level.
Person Specification:
- Experience in senior leadership, governance, HR or organisational development.
- Strong understanding of effective Board dynamics.
- Confidence in offering thoughtful challenge and strategic insight.
- Commitment to Sift’s mission and values.
- Experience as a trustee, Chair or committee lead.
- Knowledge of safeguarding and people governance in charities.
Time Commitment: 6–8 Board meetings per year, with some additional involvement as needed. Up to 4 in‑person meetings at our Bristol based office.
Trustees - Board Secretary / Business Development / Leadership & Governance employer: Sift UK
Sift is an exceptional employer that prioritises compassion, dignity, and meaningful change, making it a rewarding place for individuals passionate about supporting those affected by self-harm. With a strong commitment to service-user centred values, Sift fosters a collaborative work culture where volunteers can contribute to impactful governance and business development while gaining valuable experience in the charity sector. Located in Bristol, the organisation offers opportunities for personal growth and professional development, ensuring that every board member plays a vital role in shaping the future of the charity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trustees - Board Secretary / Business Development / Leadership & Governance
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know Sift inside out! Familiarise yourself with our mission, values, and the specific roles you're interested in. This will help you connect your experience to what we do and show us you're genuinely passionate about making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former trustees and volunteers to learn about their experiences. This not only gives you insider info but also shows us your commitment to understanding our organisation better.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by thinking about how your skills align with our needs. Be ready to discuss how your background in governance, business development, or leadership can contribute to Sift's growth and impact.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We only accept applications via the dedicated form, so make sure you follow that process. It’s your chance to shine, so put your best foot forward!
We think you need these skills to ace Trustees - Board Secretary / Business Development / Leadership & Governance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you start your application, take a good look at the job description. Make sure you understand what Sift is looking for in a candidate and how your skills align with the role. This will help you tailor your application to show that you're the perfect fit!
Be Authentic and Values-Led:At Sift, we value compassion and meaningful change. When writing your application, let your passion for our mission shine through. Share your experiences and how they connect with our values to show us why you want to be part of our team.
Follow the Application Process:Remember, we only accept applications through our website, so make sure you use the dedicated application form. It’s super important to follow this process to ensure your application gets seen by the right people!
Proofread Your Application:Before hitting submit, give your application a thorough read. Check for any typos or errors, and make sure everything flows nicely. A polished application shows attention to detail, which is key for roles like Board Secretary or Business Development Lead!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sift UK
✨Know the Mission Inside Out
Before your interview, take some time to really understand Sift's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their approach to supporting individuals affected by self-harm. This will not only help you align your answers with their ethos but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Prepare for Governance Questions
Given the nature of the roles, expect questions around governance and leadership. Brush up on your knowledge of charity governance, compliance, and the Charity Commission's requirements. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with these aspects and how you can contribute to Sift’s governance processes.
✨Showcase Your Experience with Examples
When discussing your background, use specific examples that highlight your skills in business development, leadership, or governance. Relate your experiences to the responsibilities outlined in the job description, demonstrating how you can add value to Sift’s Board.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking insightful questions. This could be about Sift’s future plans, challenges they face, or how they measure success. It shows your engagement and helps you assess if the organisation is the right fit for you.
