At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a team of Governors to support mental health initiatives and drive positive change.
- Company: St Andrew's Healthcare, the UK's largest charity for specialist mental healthcare.
- Benefits: Make a real impact in your community while gaining valuable governance experience.
- Other info: Flexible commitment with opportunities for personal growth and networking.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission to transform lives and advocate for mental health awareness.
- Qualifications: Experience in health, education, or community volunteering; passion for mental health.
St Andrew’s Healthcare is a thriving Charity with a proud history of helping individuals with mental health needs find hope. It is the country’s largest charitable provider of specialist mental healthcare and supports patients with some of the most complex mental health needs. The Northampton hospital opened in 1838 and has a long history of transforming lives. The Charity provides services in hospital and in the community.
The role of Governors within St Andrew’s is similar to that of an owner or shareholder, and Governors have collective responsibility for how the Charity is run by holding the Board of Directors/Trustees to account. Governors support the Charity’s Vision of “Imagining a society in which everyone living with mental health need is heard, valued and has a hope for their future” and its 2028 Mission to be a local, regional, national and international leader in helping people with complex mental health needs transform their lives. All Governors are unpaid, and their main role is to know that the Charity:
- Has a clear strategy and defined goals and objectives against which to measure performance
- Is well run
- Makes the best of its resources
- Is open and accountable
The Charity now has a number of classes of Governors: Full-time, Fixed-Term and Constituency Governors (Carer, Staff, Lived Experience and Community).
We are currently seeking applicants for a new Community Governor role from within the communities surrounding our three main hospital locations, Essex, Birmingham and Northampton. Applicants should be representative of their local communities and may be involved in healthcare, education or community volunteering activities. Appointments will be for between one and three year initial terms and can be extended if agreed between the Governor and the Charity. We are currently seeking applicants for our new fixed term Governor roles. Appointments will be for an initial three year term and may be extended if agreed between the Governor and the Charity.
Application Closing Date: 7 September 2025
Interviews will be held on 27th. Attendees at quarterly Court of Governors meetings are presented with papers and reports such as: CEO Report, Quality Update, Financial Performance Report, Governor Assurance Reports and Governor Visit Reports.
Governors are expected to contribute at least 12 days per annum, including attending at least two Governors meetings per year (one is the AGM), undertaking ward or service visits (at least two per year), and engaging in other activities to support the Charity as agreed. Governors may also be asked to attend Charity Committees or Groups. If so, some flexibility will be applied regarding ward or service visits, reflecting the varied ways Governors contribute to the Charity. Governor visits remain a crucial means of gathering frontline staff feedback and informing decision-making. It is preferred for Governors to have a St Andrew’s email account to access Charity-wide communications such as newsletters and videos.
Governors are expected to actively contribute by bringing their skills and experiences to the role. Opportunities include:
- Ward or Service visits and feedback to improve patient or carer experience
- Collaboration with the Patient Experience Team to ensure the patient voice is heard
- Participation in governance groups and committees
- Engagement with the Carer Strategy and Voluntary Services program
- Mentoring senior staff and supporting fundraising
- Promoting the Charity within networks and offering strategic input as a critical friend
Experience and Understanding (examples of what successful candidates may possess):
- Senior-level experience in health or a customer-facing sector; understanding of the private, public or voluntary sectors
- Experience in running or governing a charity or regulated organisation
- Current or recent experience of a mental health organisation, including personal or carer experience
- Professional experience in areas such as Medical/Clinical (ideally mental health), Finance, Risk and Audit, Investments, Property or Estates, HR and Talent Management, Education and academia, law, technology, fundraising, research, volunteering
Personal Attributes:
- Commitment to the ethos of St Andrew’s Healthcare and empathy for the Charity’s mission
- Good communication and ability to relate to diverse groups
- Strong influencing, strategic thinking and independent judgment
- Commitment to equal opportunities and diversity
- Team player with integrity and the ability to contribute strategically
If you would like any more information about these opportunities, please contact our Recruitment Team at recruitment@stah.org.
Location: Birmingham, England, United Kingdom
Charity Governor Member Opportunities employer: St Andrew’s Healthcare
St Andrew's Healthcare is an exceptional employer, dedicated to transforming lives through its commitment to mental health care. With a rich history and a strong community focus, the Charity offers unique opportunities for personal growth and meaningful engagement, allowing Governors to play a vital role in shaping the future of mental health services. The collaborative work culture fosters inclusivity and empowers individuals to contribute their skills and experiences towards a shared vision of hope and support for those in need.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Charity Governor Member Opportunities
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by St Andrew’s Healthcare.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like St Andrew’s Healthcare.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at St Andrew’s Healthcare.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at St Andrew’s Healthcare. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Charity Governor Member Opportunities
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of St Andrew’s Healthcare. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Charity Governor Member Opportunities, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at St Andrew’s Healthcare
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of St Andrew’s Healthcare. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
