At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape strategies and oversee the charity's direction to support people with vision impairments.
- Company: Vision Support, a charity with 150 years of local impact.
- Benefits: Gain governance experience, influence local services, and contribute to a meaningful cause.
- Other info: Unpaid role with a commitment of around four hours per month.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills and network.
- Qualifications: Commitment to our values, sound judgement, and willingness to learn.
Help shape our next chapter Could your experience help more people with sight loss live with confidence, independence and connection?
Join our Board and help guide a charity with 150 years of local impact as we shape the next chapter of our work.
We welcome people with different professional backgrounds and life experiences.
Experience of supporting people, leading organisations or improving how they work would be especially valuable.
You do not need to have been a trustee before.
About Vision Support Established in 1876, Vision Support works across Cheshire, Halton, Flintshire, Wrexham, Conwy and Denbighshire.
We provide practical and emotional support, while working with people with vision impairments to challenge barriers and create more opportunities.
Our services include independent living support, home visiting, digital skills, benefits advice, counselling, befriending and peer support.
From helping someone use accessible technology to supporting them through the emotional impact of sight loss, our work helps people take part in everyday life on their own terms.
Our purpose is simple: no one should experience vision impairment alone.
Our vision is a society in which people are connected, confident and capable, with equal opportunities to lead fulfilled lives.
Our values in practice Developed with people with vision impairments, staff and trustees, our values guide how we work and how we govern.
As a trustee, you will help us put them into practice by
- Standing alongside people with vision impairments and making sure their voices influence decisions and positive change.
- Working together to shape services that make a meaningful difference.
- Acting honestly and with integrity, respecting each person’s choices, independence and dignity.
- Showing care, empathy, respect and reliability.
- Championing inclusion, diversity and equality, and leading by example.
The purpose of the role Working with fellow trustees, you will help set our direction, oversee our performance and protect our long-term future.
You will bring your own perspective, ask thoughtful questions and offer constructive challenge and support to the Chief Executive.
The Board holds collective responsibility for the charity; day-to-day management is delegated to the Chief Executive and staff team.
What you will do
- Shape our strategy and priorities, keeping people with vision impairments central to decisions.
- Ensure we pursue our charitable purposes for public benefit, comply with our governing document and the law, and fulfil your duties as a company director.
- Act in the charity’s best interests with independent judgement, reasonable care and skill, and proper management of conflicts of interest.
- Oversee financial sustainability, resources, risks and service impact.
- Oversee governance, safeguarding, policies, statutory reporting and delegated decisions.
- Promote an inclusive culture that supports staff and volunteers and reflects our values.
- Prepare for Board meetings, participate in trustee learning and contribute to agreed committees or projects.
- Represent Vision Support positively and build relationships and support for our work.
What you will bring You will bring commitment to our purpose and values, sound judgement and a willingness to learn.
You should be able to assess information, think strategically, listen and challenge respectfully.
Reliability, confidentiality and time to contribute are essential.
- We particularly welcome experience in one or more of the following areas:
- People management, organisational development, workplace culture or inclusive leadership.
- Strategy, governance, organisational change or business leadership.
- Fundraising, communications, marketing or partnership development.
These are areas of interest, not an exhaustive checklist.
We value lived experience of sight loss, disability or barriers to inclusion.
Charity experience and specialist knowledge of vision impairment are not essential.
What you can gain You will influence local services, put your skills to work for a clear social purpose and develop your governance experience, supported by induction, trustee learning and your fellow Board members.
Practical details and applying The role is unpaid.
The indicative commitment is around four hours per month, including quarterly Board meetings in Chester, preparation and occasional contributions between meetings.
Additional committee work may require more time.
Trustees will receive a full induction into the role.
Trustees serve three-year terms, with re-election subject to the governing document.
Appointment is subject to eligibility and appropriate checks.
We welcome all backgrounds, particularly lived experience of vision impairment and perspectives underrepresented on charity boards.
Please tell us about adjustments that would help you apply or undertake the role.
Trustee employer: Vision Support
Vision Support is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering independence and support for individuals with vision impairments and dual sensory needs. With a strong commitment to employee development, including fully funding the Deafblind Communicator guide qualification, and a collaborative work culture that prioritises warmth, dignity, and respect, employees can expect meaningful engagement and growth opportunities while making a significant impact in their community across Denbighshire and beyond.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trustee
✨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
Some tips for your application 🫡
Share Your Passion for Social Impact:When you're applying for a volunteer role at a nonprofit like Vision Support, 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 Vision Support.
How to prepare for a job interview at Vision Support
✨Know Your Passion
Dive deep into the mission of Vision Support 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!
