At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Board of Trustees to drive strategic decisions and support disabled people's independence.
- Company: Designability, a national charity focused on inclusive design for disabled individuals.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, network with professionals, and contribute to meaningful change.
- Other info: Voluntary role with reimbursed expenses and a structured induction programme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by helping to dismantle barriers for disabled people.
- Qualifications: Experience in industrial design, medical devices, or working with disabled individuals is preferred.
About Designability
Designability is a national innovation charity advancing inclusive design across the UK. The world is full of barriers for disabled people because society is not designed with everyone in mind. For disabled people, those barriers can take away things that everyone deserves: freedom, confidence, and opportunity. But it doesn’t have to be that way — not if we design and build differently. And that’s where we come in. By collaborating with disabled people, we dismantle unfair barriers and turn lived experience into practical, creative solutions that unlock everyday independence. From prototypes to sketches, and from problems to solutions, we engineer products and services that make the inaccessible accessible — and we help brands, other charities and designers do the same.
We are at an exciting point in our nearly 60-year history. We have launched our biggest ever research project — The Unfair Index — exploring everyday barriers disabled people face. We will be launching a new international award winning, world-first product — The Accessible Pushchair. And we continue to deliver our flagship service, the Wizzybug Scheme, providing free powered wheelchairs to very young disabled children across the UK.
The role
This is a voluntary, unpaid role with reimbursed expenses and a structured induction programme. We are seeking a passionate and committed individual to join our Board of Trustees. The person would share our values and vision and help to drive strategic decision-making towards our continued success - making a positive impact on supporting disabled people to live with greater independence.
Our Trustees actively contribute to the Board of Trustees by giving firm strategic direction to Designability, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets, and evaluating performance against agreed targets. We are looking to add further excellence to our Board of Trustees, and we particularly encourage applications from people who have personal or lived experience of disability, as well as people from ethnic minorities who are currently under-represented on our board.
Based on the skills, experience and diversity of current trustees, we would welcome candidates with experience in industrial design or medical device studies.
Specific skills could include:
- A leadership role relating to clinical trials and research involving medical devices.
- Assessing risk and implementation of mitigations in a clinical trial or setting.
- Significant experience of working with disabled people, including experience gained through a senior position in occupational therapy, physiotherapy, rehabilitation engineering or rehabilitation medicine.
- A leadership role in industrial design, with a particular focus or interest in innovation, accessibility and a person-centred approach.
- An understanding of design principles and process, which could include concept, development and production, including quality.
You will be joining an independent, national charity based in Bath. Our creative and inspiring team includes engineers, technicians, product designers, occupational therapists, fundraisers and administrators. We are led by strong values: we are creative, inclusive and practical, with our vision being to create a future where every disabled person has the products they want, to live the life they choose. To find out more about Designability, visit designability.org.uk.
How to apply
Please submit a CV and covering letter/statement detailing why you wish to apply and how your skills and experience meet the criteria for the role by clicking on the right-hand side 'apply now'. Please see the Trustee Recruitment Pack (Brochure) below or contact to arrange an informal conversation about the role. Successful applicants will be offered a mutually convenient interview date, following the closing date.
Closing Date: 23 Jun 2026
Department: Management, Specialist and Administration
Trustee (CC13663R) - Bath, BA2 7AY employer: University of Bath
Designability is an exceptional employer that champions inclusivity and innovation, making a meaningful impact on the lives of disabled individuals. Located in Bath, our collaborative work culture fosters creativity and practical solutions, while offering unique opportunities for personal growth and strategic involvement as a Trustee. Join us in shaping a future where every disabled person can access the products they need to live independently.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trustee (CC13663R) - Bath, BA2 7AY
✨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.
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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!
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✨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 (CC13663R) - Bath, BA2 7AY
Some tips for your application 🫡
Share Your Passion for Social Impact:When you're applying for a volunteer role at a nonprofit like University of Bath, 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 University of Bath.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Bath
✨Know Your Passion
Dive deep into the mission of University of Bath 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.
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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!
