Trustee with legal background

Organisation Overview

Jigsaw Trust aims to improve the lives of autistic children and adults through the provision of high quality, accessible, educational, vocational and wellbeing services.

A registered charity established in 1999, the Jigsaw Trust opened Jigsaw School in the same year and now has provision for 80 pupils aged between 4 and 19 years old. Rated as ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted in 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019 and 2023, the school has one of the country’s leading experts in CABAS® as its Director of Education.

In 2012, JigsawPlus was established providing a specialist day provision for adults. Its Centre for Lifelong Learning was officially opened in April 2013 and in 2018, following a capital fundraising campaign, it moved into a purpose built facility on Dunsfold Park.

In 2013 the Trust opened its first social enterprise Café on the Park providing adults and young people with a variety of work experience and volunteering opportunities tailored to their individual abilities and tolerances. This was followed by the setting up of Jigsaw GARDENworks a horticultural enterprise enabling learners of all ages to embark on a range of gardening and outdoor activities.

Role Details

Time commitment: c. 3 hours per month. Trustee meetings held on Monday evenings quarterly, some in person at Hilton Cobham, some via Teams. Committee meetings held quarterly, usually mid-morning via Teams.

Attendance: Hybrid.

Role Description

The role of the Trustee is essential to the strategic development of the charity. This non-executive position is a great opportunity for you to give back to the community, whilst simultaneously broadening your own knowledge. You will be working with a wide range of people who bring experiences across a variety of industry sectors and backgrounds, all working toward improving the lives of those with an autism diagnosis. The feel-good factor of this type of teamwork is not to be underestimated.

As a member of the Board of Trustees your duties will include:

• Being an active member of the Trustee Board in executing its responsibilities and functions
• Attending quarterly meetings of Trustees online / in person
• Attending quarterly committee meetings online

Required Skills and Experience

• The ideal candidate for our Trustee Board will be a self-motivated, proactive person with a desire to assist in pushing forward the vision of Jigsaw Trust and embody Jigsaw’s values. Ideally, you will bring experience and skills in these areas:
• An understanding of the charity sector and a strong commitment to its principles
• Knowledge of legal frameworks within the Care and Education sectors
• Excellent communicator who is comfortable working with people of all levels and backgrounds
• Knowledge of autism would be an advantage

To apply for or express an interest in this position, please email bicenquiries@weareadvocate.org.uk