At a Glance
- Tasks: Join the board to oversee and improve social services governance.
- Company: Be part of The Salvation Army, a leading global charity.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience in governance and strategic planning.
- Other info: Engage with diverse issues in a supportive, faith-based environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in communities while utilising your expertise.
- Qualifications: Must have board experience and a diploma in Social Work.
Salary: N/A as with many trustee roles, this is unremunerated, although expenses are reimbursed.
Time Commitment: Up to 9 board meetings a year, usually occurring on the second Friday of the month, and up to 4 committee meetings a year.
Length of Service: an initial five-year tenure, renewable for one additional five-year term.
Interview date: Autumn 2026 - to be confirmed.
The Salvation Army Trustee Company (SATCo) is looking to recruit a trustee for its board with expertise in Social Services. The Salvation Army is one of the oldest and most diverse providers of social services in the world, delivering its mission as a church and a charity in more than 130 countries. The diversity of The Salvation Army’s UK programme is reflected in its charitable activities, which range from anti-human trafficking work, homelessness services and early years provision.
The Salvation Army has a unique structure, with its own Act of Parliament, and approach to strategic design and operational oversight – with responsive churches working alongside national centralised service provisions. The Salvation Army is also one of the largest UK charities when ranked by voluntary income. The diversity of our work and the localised nature of a lot of what we do means we are a complex body to govern. As more services are regulated, subsidiaries grow and expand and The Salvation Army itself remains involved in so many areas it is imperative that its strategic planning and governance are fit for purpose.
Accordingly, SATCo is seeking a Social Services Expert for its board that can speak effectively to the issues presented before it. Other experts on its board include church ministry, investments, audit, finance and property. There will also be a requirement to chair the organisation’s Risk Management Committee, established to oversee and drive improvement in the enterprise risk management framework.
Person Specification
The Social Services Expert will operate in a non-executive capacity. The following demonstrable skills and experience are desired:
- Board/trustee experience (essential)
- Relevant senior level expertise in the area of social services and/or support services to the public
- A diploma in Social Work or a similar qualification
- Experience overseeing a diverse range of activities and operations (ideally in a faith or church context)
- An understanding of risk management processes, to include high level assessment and mitigation and the ability to provide leadership and direction to ensure adherence to governance frameworks.
Most importantly you will bring a passionate Christian faith and be willing to engage with The Salvation Army positively and on a wide range of issues.
Please supply the following by the Closing Date: 21st September 2026
- A supportive statement, highlighting how you believe your skills and experience match the requirements (directly addressing the Person Specification); and
- A CV including details of your relevant expertise.
Social Services Trustee in England employer: The Salvation Army UK and Ireland Territory
The Salvation Army UK and Ireland Territory is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and professional growth of its employees. With a strong commitment to safer recruitment practices, we foster a supportive work culture that values flexibility and collaboration, ensuring that our team members can thrive both personally and professionally. Join us in making a meaningful impact while enjoying opportunities for development in a compassionate and mission-driven environment.
Contact Details:
The Salvation Army UK and Ireland Territory Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Services Trustee in England
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at The Salvation Army UK and Ireland Territory.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from The Salvation Army UK and Ireland Territory!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like The Salvation Army UK and Ireland Territory, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at The Salvation Army UK and Ireland Territory or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Services Trustee in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to The Salvation Army UK and Ireland Territory:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to The Salvation Army UK and Ireland Territory! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Salvation Army UK and Ireland Territory
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
