At a Glance
- Tasks: Help shape the future of addiction recovery services as a trustee.
- Company: Join The Living Room, a charity transforming lives through recovery.
- Benefits: Make a meaningful impact and gain valuable governance experience.
- Other info: Flexible commitment of 4-6 hours per month with opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a compassionate team dedicated to supporting individuals affected by addiction.
- Qualifications: Experience in charity governance or voluntary sector leadership is preferred.
Join a charity transforming addiction recovery. The Living Room is seeking a trustee with charity or voluntary sector experience to help guide our next stage of growth as a Lived Experience Recovery Organisation.
The Living Room is at an exciting stage of development. As we expand our recovery services across Hertfordshire and beyond, we are looking for a trustee who can help us grow in a thoughtful, sustainable and well‑governed way. We are evolving as a Lived Experience Recovery Organisation (LERO), embedding recovery voices not only within our services but throughout leadership and decision‑making. This is an important and ambitious step for the organisation, and strong board support is essential to helping us achieve it successfully.
Your experience within the charity or voluntary sector will help us:
- Strengthen governance and board effectiveness
- Support strategic decision‑making and sustainable growth
- Ensure good oversight of risk, performance and impact
- Bring insight into charity sector best practice
- Support organisational development as we reach new communities
- Help embed lived experience safely and meaningfully within governance
Most importantly, you will help shape the future direction of a charity that changes lives every day. As a trustee, you will work collaboratively with fellow board members and the executive team to ensure The Living Room remains resilient, compassionate and focused on delivering meaningful recovery outcomes for individuals and families affected by addiction.
We are particularly interested in people with experience in areas such as:
- Charity governance or trustee responsibilities
- Leadership within the charity or voluntary sector
- Strategic planning or organisational development
- Health, social care or recovery services
- Impact measurement, evaluation or outcomes
Previous trustee experience is welcome but not essential. We are equally interested in people with strong charity or voluntary sector experience who understand how effective organisations and boards operate. The time commitment is approximately 4–6 hours per month, including board meetings and light preparation. We warmly welcome applications from people with lived experience of recovery, or those who have supported someone through addiction. Your perspective and insight would be hugely valued.
What are we looking for?
We are looking for a trustee who brings both relevant experience and the personal qualities needed to contribute effectively to a collaborative and purpose‑driven board.
Experience And Knowledge
You will have a strong understanding of charity governance and how effective boards operate. This may come from previous trustee experience or from a senior role within the charity or voluntary sector where governance formed part of your responsibilities. We are particularly interested in individuals who can demonstrate experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Charity governance, including an understanding of trustee duties and responsibilities
- Leadership within the charity or voluntary sector
- Strategic planning and organisational development
- Health, social care or addiction/recovery services
- Impact measurement, evaluation or outcomes‑focused work
You should be confident in contributing at a strategic level, with the ability to see the bigger picture while understanding the practical realities organisations face.
Skills And Abilities
- Strong strategic thinking and sound judgement
- The ability to analyse information, ask constructive questions and contribute to informed decision‑making
- Confidence to both support and appropriately challenge the executive team
- Good communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively
- A commitment to maintaining high standards of governance, integrity and accountability
Personal qualities
- Committed to the mission of supporting people affected by addiction and enabling lasting recovery
- Values‑led, with integrity, empathy and a genuine interest in making a difference
- Open‑minded and respectful of different perspectives, including lived experience
- Willing to engage, prepare for meetings and contribute actively to discussions
- Comfortable working as part of a team and sharing collective responsibility
Lived Experience
We warmly welcome applications from individuals with lived experience of addiction and recovery, or those who have supported a loved one. This is not a requirement, but it is highly valued and aligns with our commitment as a Lived Experience Recovery Organisation (LERO).
Above all, we are looking for someone who shares our commitment to strong governance, compassionate leadership and meaningful impact, and who is motivated to help The Living Room continue to grow and support more people across Hertfordshire.
What will you be doing?
We are looking for a committed trustee who understands how charities operate and wants to use their experience to help shape the future of recovery services. You may already have trustee experience, or you may have worked within the charity or voluntary sector in a leadership, operational or strategic role and understand the importance of strong governance, accountability and sustainable growth. As part of our board, you will work collaboratively with fellow trustees and the executive team to support The Living Room’s development, strengthen decision‑making and help ensure we continue delivering meaningful impact for people affected by addiction. We are particularly interested in people who can bring insight from the charity sector, strategic thinking and a genuine commitment to recovery and lived experience.
Trustee – Voluntary Sector Experience - Volunteer in Stevenage employer: The Living Room
The Living Room is an exceptional employer dedicated to transforming addiction recovery, offering a collaborative and values-driven work culture that prioritises compassion and integrity. As a trustee, you will have the opportunity to shape the future of recovery services in Hertfordshire, while benefiting from a supportive environment that values lived experience and encourages personal growth. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals and families affected by addiction, as we expand our reach and strengthen our governance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trustee – Voluntary Sector Experience - Volunteer in Stevenage
✨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 – Voluntary Sector Experience - Volunteer in Stevenage
Some tips for your application 🫡
Share Your Passion for Social Impact:When you're applying for a volunteer role at a nonprofit like The Living Room, 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 The Living Room.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Living Room
✨Know Your Passion
Dive deep into the mission of The Living Room 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!
