Barnwood makes a difference. We join with the people of Gloucestershire to drive changes on disability and mental health issues, enabling people to have choice of opportunities, access their rights, and be included where they live. 

At Barnwood, we are a mixed group of people with lived experiences of disability, mental health and neurodivergent conditions, and passionate allies.  We are seeking to recruit up to two new trustees in 2024.     

Our trustees share a passion for social justice and for improving the lives of disabled people and people with mental health conditions.  Lived experience is as valuable to us as education or work experience. You do not need previous experience as a trustee to apply; we will provide support and training to enable you to play your full part on the Board.   

Being a trustee gives you a chance to use your skills and experience to impact the lives of others – to make a difference in Gloucestershire. It provides a development opportunity; a way to gain insight and expertise, as a part of a collaborative and dedicated volunteer team.   

We want to diversify our team to better reflect the work and communities we support – this means we would particularly welcome applications from people who: 

• are from Black, Asian and minoritised backgrounds. 

• have lived experience of disability and/or mental health challenges.   

Contract terms:

• Trustees are usually appointed by the Trust Board, for a fixed term of 3 years which can be renewed twice, enabling trustees to serve for a maximum continuous term of 9 years. 

• It is a voluntary role, however, claims can be made for reasonable expenses.

• The overall time commitment expected from trustees is approximately 12-16 days per year which includes time for preparing for meetings. 

• Meetings are generally held in person at the Trust’s base in Cheltenham.

Summary of key duties:

• Ensure the Trust has a clear vision, mission and strategic direction and is focused on achieving these, whilst ensuring that all activities undertaken are within the charitable objects. 

• Approve and monitor the delivery of the annual work plan ensuring delivery of key projects and milestones. 

• Ensure the ongoing financial sustainability of the Trust and safeguard its assets for current and future beneficiaries. 

• Provide guidance and support to the Chief Executive and other senior employees. 

For full details please see our application pack. 

The kind of person we are looking for:

• A desire to make a positive difference to the lives of disabled people and people with mental health conditions.

• A positive attitude, aligned with Barnwood’s organisation values of focused, inclusive, bold and forward-thinking.

• A desire to generate goodwill and build relationships with fellow Trustees and staff.

• The utmost integrity.

• Strong self-awareness combined with tact, diplomacy and sensitivity. 

Guidance On Applications: 

Click on Apply Now to be taken to the Barnwood Trust website where you need to apply for this role via our online application form.  

You will also find a detailed application pack which gives a full and detailed role description and person specification as well as guidance on how to make an online application and what you should include within it. 

We want our application process to be right for you. If you would like this information in a different format or if there’s anything you think we can do to make this process more straightforward for you, please contact Nicola.Mosley@barnwoodtrust.org or 07701 281 928   

Our career page on our website (https://www.barnwoodtrust.org/about-us/current-jobs/) has some examples of things we may be able to put in place for people who request extra support.  

• Deadline for applications:  12.00 noon on Monday 21st October 2024

• Interviews: Monday 11th November 2024 between 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm and Wednesday 13th November between 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm,

We would like the successful candidate to start as soon as possible.