Governance Trustee Thursday 23 July 2026 Sutton

Closing date: 5PM 23 July 2026

Welcome from Chair of recruitment panel. Thank you for your interest in Sutton Vision. 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. Our services are free, accessible to all, and above all, welcoming.

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. Our team of staff and volunteers provides the practical support people require when they need it to maintain independence. Our support starts at point of diagnosis with a dedicated Eye Care Liaison Officer at St Helier Hospital who offers emotional and practical support. We provide advocacy to help people stay in employment or access benefits. We also offer tech support, from one-to-one sessions to help people get the most from the many technical solutions that can help them navigate the world.

The recruitment of new trustees is an integral part of our growth. The 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 looking for additional people to join our Board, including one as treasurer. 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.
• 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).

Skills, knowledge, and experience:

• 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.

Additional requirements for the Treasurer role:

• 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.
• Monitoring and advising on the financial viability of the charity.
• Experience of presenting financial information verbally.
• Experience of improving systems.
• Understanding of charity accounts and Charities’ SORP.

Commitment:

• 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.

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.