At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic direction and governance for St Joseph’s Services, supporting adults with learning disabilities.
- Company: Established charity focused on person-centred care and support since 1924.
- Benefits: Travel expenses reimbursed; gain valuable experience in governance and strategy.
- Other info: Flexible commitment of one day per month with opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of individuals while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Commitment to charity work, strategic thinking, and effective communication skills.
Remuneration: The position is unpaid, travel expenses will be reimbursed.
Role: To share the Board’s collective responsibility for the effective governance of St Joseph’s Services, setting its strategic direction and major policies in accordance with the charity's objects, vision, mission and Vincentian Values. To be fully engaged with the ethos of St Joseph’s Services and support the development and future growth and sustainability of the organisation.
Specific Duties:
- Leadership and Strategic Direction: To ensure St Joseph’s Services strategic direction, policies and objectives are clearly established and kept under review, maintaining effective communication with the Chief Executive and senior staff. To discuss and approve the charity’s annual plan and budget, ensuring that these are formulated within a sound and viable financial framework. To consider the organisation as a whole and the people we support in all discussion of planning, strategic direction and activity. To work collaboratively with the Board of Advisors ensuring inclusion and representation of the people we support in our strategic direction. To bring fresh thinking and ideas to the Trustees discussion, enhancing the board's effectiveness and St Joseph’s ability to deliver its charitable services.
- Ensuring Policies and Procedures are in keeping with St Joseph’s aims and objectives: To ensure robust and comprehensive policies and procedures are in place which meet the charity objectives and safeguard the people we support, staff and the organisation.
- Safeguarding Ethos and Values: Safeguarding and promotion of the Vincentian Ethos and the particular Vincentian Values of the organisation.
- Ensuring Best Practice: To fulfil the Trustee’s legal and financial responsibilities – ensuring risk and compliance is appropriately managed. To maintain partnership and good relations with the Chief Executive, Senior Leadership Team, the wider staff team and the people we support. To be an active member of the Board and as appropriate, any of its Sub-Committees and Working Groups. To ensure St Joseph’s Services complies with all appropriate regulatory and statutory bodies: Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR), Companies House, The Care Inspectorate (SCWIS), Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC). To monitor Health and Safety compliance and ensure staff members, volunteers and People we support live and work in a safe and healthy environment.
Commitment: Four Trustee meetings are held annually plus one development day. Trustees may also be asked to chair/sit on organisational sub-committees. An average time commitment of one day per month is expected. Meetings are held in St Joseph’s Services Head Office, in Rosewell, Midlothian.
Person Specification:
- A commitment to support services to Adults with a Learning Disability.
- A strong commitment to the vision and mission of St Joseph’s Services.
- Support the upholding of St Joseph’s Services Christian Principles and Vincentian Philosophy and Values.
- Ability to think and act strategically, using your expertise, skills and knowledge to help our own team deliver this growth.
- Good independent judgement and the ability to communicate effectively with others.
- Ability to forge effective relationships with stakeholders internally and externally to further the organisation's strategy.
- Knowledge/Experience of the Third Sector.
- Ability to devote sufficient time to St Joseph’s Services.
- Willingness to attend events in support of St Joseph’s Services.
- An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, liabilities and responsibilities of trusteeship.
About us: Established in 1924, we provide high quality person-centred care and support services to adults with learning disabilities in a variety of locations in Midlothian and Edinburgh. The flexibility we offer means people have individualised care and support plans which are tailored around their current lifestyle. Our large and experienced organisation is set up in models of ‘Circles of Best Practice’ to ensure that all we do focuses on connection, friendship, inclusion and belonging.
Application notes:
Application Deadline: 4th of June 2026, 17:00. Submit your CV: hello@stjosephsservice.co.uk. For an informal conversation on the role please contact our CEO: Rob Jahoda on 0131 440 7200. For more information please visit our website: stjosephsservices.co.uk.
Volunteer Trustee — Strategy & Governance Leader in Rosewell employer: Trustee Connect
St Joseph’s Services is an exceptional employer dedicated to providing high-quality, person-centred care for adults with learning disabilities. Located in the heart of Midlothian, our organisation fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture, offering volunteers the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to strategic governance while upholding our Vincentian values. With a strong commitment to employee growth and community engagement, we ensure that every trustee plays a vital role in shaping the future of our services.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Volunteer Trustee — Strategy & Governance Leader in Rosewell
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections and let them know you're on the lookout for trustee roles. You never know who might have a lead or can introduce you to someone at St Joseph’s Services.
✨Tip Number 2
Get involved in local community events related to charities. This is a great way to meet people who share your passion for supporting adults with learning disabilities and could help you get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of a good chat! Give Rob Jahoda a ring for that informal conversation about the role. It’s a fantastic opportunity to show your enthusiasm and ask any burning questions.
✨Tip Number 4
Make sure to check out our website for more info and updates. Applying through our site not only shows your interest but also keeps you in the loop about any upcoming events or opportunities at St Joseph’s Services.
We think you need these skills to ace Volunteer Trustee — Strategy & Governance Leader in Rosewell
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for St Joseph’s Services shine through. We want to see how much you care about supporting adults with learning disabilities and how our values resonate with you.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Volunteer Trustee. Highlight any relevant experience or skills that align with our mission and the specific duties mentioned in the job description. We love seeing how your background fits with what we do!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and passion at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you can find more info about us there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Trustee Connect
✨Understand the Organisation's Values
Before your interview, take some time to really get to grips with St Joseph’s Services and its Vincentian Values. This will not only help you align your answers with their ethos but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Given the strategic nature of the Trustee role, think about how your past experiences can contribute to the organisation's direction. Be ready to discuss specific examples where you've successfully led strategic initiatives or contributed to governance.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit
This role requires working closely with various stakeholders. Prepare to share examples of how you've effectively collaborated with teams or boards in the past, highlighting your ability to forge strong relationships and communicate effectively.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking questions. Inquire about the current challenges the Board is facing or how they envision the future growth of St Joseph’s Services. This shows your proactive mindset and commitment to the role.
