At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Board to support and empower those with vision loss in Sutton.
- Company: Sutton Vision, a charity dedicated to helping people with sight loss.
- Benefits: Make a real difference in the community and gain valuable governance experience.
- Other info: Flexible commitment with opportunities for personal growth and community engagement.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team making an impact for over 60 years.
- Qualifications: Open to all; lived experience of sight loss is especially valued.
Closing date: 5PM 23 July 2026
Welcome from Chair of recruitment panel. Thank you for your interest in Sutton Vision. My name is Juliet Milgate, and I am responsible for chairing the Trustee recruitment process for the organisation. We're a Sutton based charity working to support people living and working with vision loss across the Borough. In 2025 we celebrated 60 years of support to the local community. We can only make such a difference because of our local community; they are our staff, our volunteers, our clients, and of course, our Board.
Our new strategy developed in consultation with our staff and volunteers in 2025, sets out an exciting path for the years ahead. As demand for our services and the unmet need in Sutton continues to grow, we want to put in place the plans and investment that will help us work in partnership with the community for the next 60 years and beyond. To achieve this, we need to expand our Trustee Board and bring in new skills, experiences, perspectives, and enthusiasm. It's important to us that as the organisation grows its decisions at Board level continue to be informed by people living with sight loss or vision impairment, so we would particularly welcome interest from people with lived experience of sight loss to join the Board.
About Sutton Vision: Sutton Vision works to enable and empower people living and working with sight loss, and those who are blind, to live independent and full lives. Through our work we provide positive and constructive knowledge, information, and support to people as they experience changes in their vision or sight loss. Our team of staff and volunteers provides the practical support people require when they need it to maintain independence. All are welcome, and our services are available free of charge to anyone living and working with sight loss in Sutton.
The recruitment of new trustees is an integral part of that growth. Sutton Vision's Board of Trustees sets and oversees Sutton Vision's strategy and supports the Chief Executive and team to deliver our mission effectively and with maximum impact. We are currently experiencing a period of growth and are looking for additional people to join our Board, including one as treasurer. We would also welcome applications from individuals with experience in the health and social care sector. Candidates with lived experience of sight loss are critical to our governance and particularly encouraged to apply.
Key accountabilities:- Fulfil all the legal duties of a trustee and ensure that the charity complies with its governing document, charity law, company law and other relevant legislation.
- Set organisational strategy and oversee the delivery of that strategy.
- Agree and monitor business and financial plans to support strategic delivery.
- Ensure sound financial stewardship of Sutton Vision's funds and assets.
- Take overall responsibility for safeguarding and health and safety of Sutton Vision clients and staff.
- Scrutinise performance, ensuring that Sutton Vision's resources are used effectively to achieve our charitable objectives.
- Ensure compliance with external regulation and best practice.
- Take responsibility for risk management, ensuring risks are identified, assessed and mitigating action is taken wherever possible.
- Support the Chief Executive and team to deliver the organisational strategy.
- Promote Sutton Vision and act in the best interests of the charity.
- Lead the culture of Sutton Vision, ensuring decisions and behaviours reflect our values.
- Engage with Sutton Vision's stakeholders.
- Attend and participate in all Board meetings (Trustees will be asked to attend six board meetings a year, two in person).
- Confident and effective communication and influencing skills.
- Willing to provide constructive challenge in meetings.
- Proven ability to work effectively as part of a team.
- Proven ability to analyse complex information and concepts.
- Commitment to improving the lives of people with sight loss in the London Borough of Sutton.
- Understanding of the work of Sutton Vision and the issues we face.
- Commitment to the voluntary sector and willingness to commit the time involved.
- Over 16 and resident in the UK.
- Experience of operating as a Board member within another charitable, public sector or commercial organisation, or a strong and demonstrable ability to do so.
- Knowledge of Trustees' statutory duties, responsibilities, and liabilities.
- Overseeing and presenting budgets, internal management accounts, and annual financial statements to the board of trustees.
- Leading in the board's duty to ensure that proper accounting records are kept, financial resources are properly controlled, invested, and economically spent, in line with good governance, legal and regulatory requirements.
- Leading in the development and implementation of financial reserves, cost management, and investment policies.
- Liaising with the appropriate member of staff responsible/finance volunteer for the financial activities of the organisation.
- Chairing the Finance and Risk committee in line with standing orders and terms of reference, and reporting back to the board of trustees.
- Monitoring and advising on the financial viability of the charity.
- Overseeing the implementation of and monitoring specific financial controls and adherence to systems.
- Advising on the financial implications of the charity's strategic plan.
- Acting as company secretary.
- Allow up to 4 hours per month to handle treasury issues and authorise payments.
- Allow up to 4 hours per quarter to review quarterly management accounts.
- Ad hoc time to review financial control, banking, and year end work.
Sutton Vision Code of Conduct: Sutton Vision is an inclusive organisation that welcomes all visually impaired people in Sutton and aims to provide a first-rate service. It is important to us that everyone who engages with us experiences a friendly, safe, and respectful environment. We expect that everyone, clients, volunteers, and staff, behaves in a tolerant, patient, respectful and kind manner to those around them at all times.
Applications: To apply please send your CV and supporting statement explaining the reason for applying for this role. Applications should be emailed to info@suttonvision.org.uk by 5pm on 23 July 2026.
Governance Trustee Thursday 23 July 2026 Sutton in Sutton Coldfield employer: Visionary - linking local sight loss charities LTD
Sutton Vision is an exceptional employer dedicated to empowering individuals living with sight loss in the Sutton community. With a strong commitment to inclusivity and support, our team thrives in a collaborative environment that values personal growth and community engagement. Employees benefit from meaningful work, opportunities for professional development, and the chance to make a tangible difference in the lives of those we serve, all while being part of a welcoming and dynamic charity that has been a cornerstone of the local area for over 60 years.
Contact Details:
Visionary - linking local sight loss charities LTD Recruitment Team
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We think you need these skills to ace Governance Trustee Thursday 23 July 2026 Sutton in Sutton Coldfield
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