At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape the future of mental health support in your community as a Trustee.
- Company: Join Swindon and Gloucestershire Mind, a leading local mental health charity.
- Benefits: Flexible commitment of 2-4 hours a month with full support and mentorship.
- Other info: Inclusive board welcoming diverse perspectives and experiences.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in mental health services and empower those in need.
- Qualifications: Passion for mental health; no prior board experience required.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
Help shape the future of mental health support in Swindon and Gloucestershire.
As a Trustee, you'll guide strategy, champion our mission, and make a real difference—all in just 2–4 hours a month.
What difference will you make?
As a Trustee of Swindon and Gloucestershire Mind, your impact will be far-reaching and deeply meaningful.
You will help shape the future of mental health support in our communities—ensuring that people experiencing mental health challenges are not only supported but truly heard, respected, and empowered.
Your decisions will influence the services we offer, the way we reach underrepresented communities, and how we respond to changing needs in Swindon, Gloucestershire, and beyond.
From supporting the development of creative wellbeing hubs to overseeing inclusive youth services or ensuring robust safeguarding and governance, your guidance will help us provide safe, effective, and compassionate support to thousands of people each year.
You will also play a key role in holding the organisation to account—making sure our values of integrity, inclusivity, and collaboration are reflected in everything we do.
Whether it's contributing to strategic plans, challenging assumptions in the boardroom, or championing the voices of people with lived experience, your presence will help ensure that we grow in a sustainable, impactful, and equitable way.
Through your involvement, you will help strengthen a vital local charity at a time when mental health services have never been more essential.
You’ll not only help shape services, but also inspire hope—creating a legacy that improves lives today and builds resilience for tomorrow.
What are we looking for?
We are looking for individuals who share our passion for mental health and want to make a tangible difference to the lives of others.
You don’t need previous board experience—we welcome both first-time and experienced trustees—but you do need to bring curiosity, commitment, and the confidence to contribute.
- We are especially keen to hear from candidates with one or more of the following
- Lived experience of mental health challenges, or as a carer or family member.
- Experience from underrepresented communities, including people from minoritised ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and those with lived experience of poverty or disadvantage.
- Clinical or mental health expertise, particularly within NHS, social care, psychology, counselling, or lived-experience-informed practice.
- Financial acumen, charity finance, audit, or risk management.
- Digital transformation, data insight, or cyber security.
- Charity governance, law, safeguarding, or HR.
- Experience in fundraising, business development, or marketing and communications.
- Youth work, education, or neurodiversity support.
- Beyond technical knowledge, we are looking for trustees who
- Think strategically and creatively to support long-term planning and innovation
- Ask thoughtful, constructive questions that help us reflect and grow
- Communicate clearly and sensitively with a range of stakeholders
- Share our values of respect, integrity, inclusion, and openness
- Understand the importance of good governance and collective responsibility
We also value people who bring a community-based perspective—those involved in grassroots initiatives, peer support networks, or voluntary sector partnerships.
Most importantly, we are seeking people who care deeply about improving mental health services and who want to help us shape a stronger, fairer future for the communities we serve.
We are committed to being an inclusive board and will provide a full induction, mentorship if helpful, and support for any access or participation needs.
If you’re unsure whether this opportunity is for you, we still encourage you to express interest—our team would be happy to have an informal conversation.
Hybrid
What will you be doing?
Swindon and Gloucestershire Mind is at a pivotal point in its journey.
As one of the region’s leading mental health charities, we’ve experienced significant growth in response to rising community needs and are now focused on deepening our impact, strengthening governance, and shaping sustainable mental health services that are accessible to all.
Our Board of Trustees plays a crucial role in steering the charity through this next phase.
We are seeking new trustees who can bring fresh insight, lived experience, and strategic thinking to our governance.
In particular, we welcome applications from people with experience of mental health challenges or from diverse communities whose voices are underrepresented in mental health leadership.
- Current priorities for the board include
- Strengthening our strategic approach to inequality, inclusion, and access
- Supporting innovation in service design and delivery, particularly for young people, neurodivergent individuals, and those facing financial hardship
- Ensuring long-term sustainability through sound financial oversight and income diversification
- Navigating a shifting health and social care landscape and championing the role of the VCSE sector
- We’re particularly keen to hear from individuals with expertise in
- Clinical governance or mental health service delivery
- Finance, audit, or charity law
- Digital transformation or cyber security
- Fundraising, communications, or stakeholder engagement
However, previous board experience is not essential.
If you are values-led, collaborative, and ready to contribute to the development of inclusive, person-centred mental health services, we’d love to hear from you.
You’ll be joining a compassionate, driven board supported by a dedicated Senior Leadership Team.
Trustees typically commit 2–4 hours per month, including evening board meetings held around 8–10 times per year.
Induction and ongoing support are provided, and reasonable expenses are reimbursed.
- reasonable expenses are reimbursed.
Together, we’re working towards a society where everyone experiencing a mental health problem is recognised, valued, and supported. Your perspective could make a vital difference.
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Trustee - Local Mental Health Charity - Volunteer in Swindon employer: Swindon and Gloucestershire Mind
Swindon and Gloucestershire Mind is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on mental health support in the community. With a strong commitment to inclusivity and collaboration, the organisation fosters a supportive work culture where diverse voices are valued, and trustees receive comprehensive induction and mentorship. By joining our board, you will not only contribute to shaping vital services but also grow personally and professionally while helping to create a legacy of hope and resilience for those we serve.
Contact Details:
Swindon and Gloucestershire Mind Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trustee - Local Mental Health Charity - Volunteer in Swindon
✨Get Involved with Local Causes
Start connecting with local nonprofits or social impact projects in your area. Attend their events, offer to help out with community initiatives, or just drop by to chat about their mission. This way, you’ll not only learn about the work they do but also make meaningful connections that could lead to volunteer opportunities.
✨Leverage Social Media for Social Impact
Platforms like Twitter and Instagram are goldmines for discovering volunteer opportunities in the nonprofit sector. Follow organisations you’re passionate about, engage with their posts, and keep an eye out for their volunteer calls. It’s a great way to show your interest and dedication!
✨Utilise Volunteer Matching Platforms
Sites like VolunteerMatch or local community boards are perfect for finding short-term and long-term volunteer roles. These platforms can connect you with causes that align with your passions and skills, and often allow you to browse opportunities tailored to your interests.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
When you spot an organisation you like, don't hesitate to visit their website and check out their volunteer section. Many nonprofits have dedicated pages for volunteers where you can apply directly – and we’ve found that this route often leads to quicker responses and more personalised interactions!
We think you need these skills to ace Trustee - Local Mental Health Charity - Volunteer in Swindon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Share Your Passion for Social Impact:When you're applying for a volunteer role at a nonprofit like Swindon and Gloucestershire Mind, don’t just list your skills. Show us why you're passionate about social impact! Use your cover letter to tell a story about what drives you and how you've been involved in similar initiatives. Personal connections to the cause can really make your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to showcase any previous volunteer work or projects that demonstrate your commitment to social impact. Whether it’s fundraising, community outreach, or project management, detail your contributions and the results achieved. This kind of experience is invaluable in the nonprofit sector and can help us see your potential!
Get Creative with Your CV:In the world of nonprofits, a standard CV might not cut it. Consider using a more creative format that showcases your personality while maintaining professionalism. Use headings like 'Community Engagement' or 'Social Impact Projects' to highlight your experiences related to the role. Remember, we want to see what makes you unique!
Keep It Community-Focused:Make sure your application emphasises collaboration and community. Volunteer roles are about working well with others and contributing collectively towards a common goal. In your cover letter, mention any teamwork experiences or community projects you've been part of, and how you contributed to their success. This shows that you’re ready to jump into the collaborative spirit here at Swindon and Gloucestershire Mind.
How to prepare for a job interview at Swindon and Gloucestershire Mind
✨Know Your Passion
Dive deep into the mission of Swindon and Gloucestershire Mind and understand the issues they tackle. When they ask about your motivation to volunteer, share specific experiences that link your passion to their cause—whether it’s local community work or a broader social impact.
✨Bring Your Skills to the Table
Highlight any relevant skills that can aid in their projects, such as fundraising, project management, or community organising. Be prepared to share examples of how you’ve used these skills in past volunteer roles or relevant experiences.
✨Get Ready for Scenario Questions
In non-profit interviews, especially for volunteer roles, you might get scenario-based questions. Think about times when you've encountered challenges in team work or community engagement, and how you resolved them—this shows your problem-solving abilities.
✨Show Your Commitment
Since this is a volunteer role, they’ll likely want to see your commitment to the cause over an extended period. Be ready to discuss how much time you can dedicate, any special skills you can bring, and your eagerness to learn and grow with the organisation—this excites them to have you on board!
