At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape the future of fairness in police custody for children and vulnerable people.
- Company: Join the National Appropriate Adult Network, a charity dedicated to justice and support.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, network with professionals, and contribute to meaningful change.
- Other info: Flexible commitment with only 4 board meetings a year, mostly online.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on vulnerable lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Passion for justice; experience in law, policing, or community work is a plus.
As a trustee of the National Appropriate Adult Network (NAAN), you can shape the future of fairness in police custody for children and vulnerable people. You do not have to have been a trustee previously – we are happy to support anyone who is interested in taking up the opportunity. Applications are encouraged from all, including from people from black and other minoritised communities and/or those with lived experience of the criminal justice system.
We are particularly keen to speak with applicants from a law, policing, fundraising, commercial or marketing background, or who are practising appropriate adults, but welcome applications from all those who are passionate about our cause.
Key information
- Renumeration: This is an unpaid role, with out-of-pocket expenses.
- Deadline for expressions of interest: Friday 25th September 2026.
About appropriate adults
Children from aged ten and vulnerable adults (including people with mental ill health and learning disabilities) can be arrested and detained in police custody. Appropriate adults (AAs) play a crucial role in supporting children and vulnerable adults to understand and exercise their legal rights to fair treatment by the police.
About the National Appropriate Adult Network
NAAN is a national charity. We work with our 100+ member organisations, providing an independent national centre of specialist expertise and innovation, committed to improving the effectiveness of the AA safeguard for children and vulnerable adults detained or questioned as suspects by police.
Like every charity, NAAN has a Board of Trustees (a group of unpaid non-executive directors) who ensure that the charity is effective in carrying out the purpose for which it was set up. Trustees have responsibility for overseeing the work of the charity, ensuring it is financially stable, well-run and fulfilling its charitable obligations. The day-to-day running is delegated to the executive team.
The trustee board
The Board is made up of people who are either elected by our membership from within our membership or co-opted by the Board to broaden its skills and experience. This vacancy will be filled by co-option.
The role
The following are shared duties of the Trustee Board:
- To ensure compliance with the governing document, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
- To ensure pursuance of the objects as defined in the governing document.
- To ensure resources are used exclusively in pursuance of the objects.
- To contribute actively to the Board’s role in giving strategic direction to the organisation, setting overall policy, defining goals and setting targets and evaluating performance.
- To safeguard the good name and values of the organisation.
- To ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.
- To ensure financial stability.
- To protect and manage the property of the charity and ensure the proper investment of the charity's funds.
- To appoint the Chief Executive Officer and monitor their performance.
Commitment
The specific time commitments will depend on your choices and approach to the position. However, the role will certainly involve:
- 4 days per year for Board meetings, usually between 1-4pm on a weekday.
- 1 day per year for the AGM.
- Ad hoc availability for supporting the CEO, and other Board Members when necessary.
Board meetings alternate between being held online and at a venue in central London.
About you
We are seeking an individual with:
- A commitment to justice and fairness.
- Recognition of the need for a distinct approach for children and vulnerable people.
- The desire and ability to contribute at the national level.
- Independence of mind.
- Ability to work constructively and collaboratively with people from different professional backgrounds and perspectives in the interests of children and vulnerable people.
Useful skills and expertise could include:
- Practical and/or strategic policing experience in one or more of: custody, investigations, children, mental vulnerability (e.g. mental health, learning disability, neurodiversity, brain injury).
- Experience developing equality, diversity and inclusion strategies and plans.
- Experience of working with underrepresented or underserved communities in the UK.
- Knowledge of the working of Boards and/or charities.
- The ability to generate and scrutinise ideas and proposals.
- Knowledge of commercial income generation and/or fundraising.
- Experience of long-term planning.
- Lived experience of the criminal justice system.
Equity, diversity and inclusion
The agencies and people that NAAN deals with are diverse, and we want to get the best results for them. Having a Board that is diverse will help us to achieve the maximum impact for the young people and vulnerable adults that AAs support.
As we set out in our EDI statement, we are conscious of the role of privilege and power in people's experience of the criminal justice system, in the AA role, and in our organisation - including in the selection and development of our people. We actively seek to build a diverse Board of Trustees across age, gender, sexuality, socio-economic background, ethnic background, disability, and lived experience of the criminal justice system.
How to express your interest
We are committed to making the application process as accessible as possible and are happy to provide further information and to answer any other questions regarding this opportunity.
If you’d like an informal chat about the role beforehand, or have any questions, please email admin@appropriateadult.org.uk to arrange this.
Express an interest
Please email admin@appropriateadult.org.uk, we would be grateful if you could tell us about:
- The reasons for your interest in being a NAAN trustee.
- Your relevant background (you could include a CV or LinkedIn or other profile).
- Contact details including a phone number.
The closing date for expressions of interest is Friday 25th September 2026.
Board of Trustees employer: The National Appropriate Adult Network
Joining the National Appropriate Adult Network (NAAN) as a trustee offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and vulnerable individuals in police custody. Our inclusive work culture values diverse perspectives and encourages personal growth, providing support for those new to trustee roles. Located in central London, we foster collaboration among passionate individuals dedicated to justice and fairness, ensuring that your contributions help shape vital policies and practices within the charity sector.
Contact Details:
The National Appropriate Adult Network Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Board of Trustees
✨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 The National Appropriate Adult Network.
✨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 The National Appropriate Adult Network.
✨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 The National Appropriate Adult Network.
✨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 The National Appropriate Adult Network. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Board of Trustees
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 The National Appropriate Adult Network. 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 Board of Trustees, 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 The National Appropriate Adult Network
✨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 The National Appropriate Adult Network. 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!
