Trustee - Governance/Legal

Organisation overview 

Special Olympics GB is a dynamic and inclusive charity that transforms lives every day through the power of sport. We provide year-round sports training and competition opportunities for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, enabling them to develop physical fitness, build confidence, make friends, and experience joy through sport.
Special Olympics GB focuses exclusively on individuals with intellectual disabilities — a population that is too often overlooked, underserved, and underestimated. Our athletes face daily barriers to inclusion, from social stigma to limited access to services, education, health and employment. Through sport, we help break down these barriers.
Sport is a universal language — one that speaks in determination, teamwork, and courage. For people with intellectual disabilities, sport provides not just a platform to compete, but a pathway to empowerment. It builds belonging, creates opportunities, and inspires entire communities to think differently about ability.
Special Olympics GB is part of the global Special Olympics movement, which serves over 5 million athletes in more than 190 countries. In Great Britain, we support c13,000 athletes across England, Scotland, and Wales through a network of 100 local clubs and 3,600 volunteers.
Every time our athletes’ step onto the field of play, they show what inclusion truly looks like. They represent not just their local community or our nation, but a vision of a more accepting and unified world.

Trustee Responsibilities

As a trustee of Special Olympics GB, you will play a vital role in shaping the future of an organisation that champions inclusion, empowerment, and opportunity through sport. Trustees are expected to bring not only their expertise but also their passion for social impact and their commitment to the rights and dignity of people with intellectual disabilities.
Core Responsibilities:
• Strategic Leadership: Contribute to the development and oversight of Special Olympics GB’s long-term strategy, Inclusion in Action, ensuring alignment with our mission
• Strategic advocacy: Actively support and advocate for Special Olympics GB’s ambition to bid for and host the 2031 Special Olympics World Games in Great Britain, helping to build momentum, visibility, and stakeholder engagement around this landmark opportunity.
• Governance and Compliance: Ensure the charity complies with its governing documents, charity law, and other relevant regulations. Promote transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct at all levels.
• Financial Stewardship: Oversee the financial health of the organisation, including approving budgets, monitoring performance, and ensuring resources are used effectively and sustainably.
• Risk Management: Identify and manage strategic risks, ensuring robust systems are in place to safeguard the organisation and its stakeholders.
• Ambassadorship: Act as a visible and credible ambassador for Special Olympics GB, promoting our work to external audiences, stakeholders, and potential partners.
• Fundraising and Resource Development: Support income generation efforts by leveraging networks and championing fundraising initiatives.
• Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: Uphold and promote SOGB’s commitment to inclusion, ensuring that the voices of people with intellectual disabilities are central to decision-making.
• Board Engagement: Attend and actively participate in quarterly board meetings, sub-committees, and strategic planning sessions. Provide constructive challenge and collaborative support to the Executive Leadership Team.

Skills and representation

To support our continued growth and impact, Special Olympics GB is seeking to appoint four new trustees who bring a combination of strategic expertise, lived experience, and regional insight. We are particularly looking for individuals with the following backgrounds:
Governance / Legal
• Expertise in charity governance, legal compliance, or risk management
• Ability to support strong board oversight and ethical leadership
Government Advocacy
• Experience in public affairs, policy development, or political engagement
• Ability to help shape and influence the policy environment for people with intellectual disabilities
Education
• Background in education, special educational needs (SEN), or youth development
• Insight into how Special Olympics GB can engage with schools, colleges, and educational partners
Fundraising / Income Generation
• Proven track record in fundraising, business development, or commercial strategy
• Ability to support income diversification and sustainable growth

In addition, we are seeking two of these four trustees to have a strong connection to Special Olympics membership in Scotland and Wales, ensuring that the voices and needs of these communities are represented at board level.
We welcome applications from individuals with lived experience of intellectual disability, as well as those from diverse backgrounds and underrepresented communities.

Governance/Legal Trustee

Overview:
As Governance / Legal Trustee, you will play a critical role in ensuring that Special Olympics GB operates with integrity, transparency, and accountability. This role is ideal for someone with a legal background or significant experience in charity governance, regulatory compliance, or risk management. You will help the Board uphold the highest standards of governance, support the development of robust policies and procedures, and provide expert guidance on legal and ethical matters.

Key Attributes:
• Legal qualification or substantial experience in charity governance or regulatory affairs
• Strong understanding of risk management and compliance frameworks
• Ability to interpret and advise on legal documents, contracts, and governance codes
• Commitment to ethical leadership and inclusive decision-making
Key Responsibilities:
• Governance Oversight: Ensure that Special Olympics GB complies with its governing documents, charity law, and regulatory requirements.
• Legal Guidance: Provide advice on legal matters including contracts, data protection, and employment law.
• Policy Development: Support the creation and review of governance policies and procedures to ensure they reflect best practice.
• Risk Management: Help identify and mitigate organisational risks, ensuring appropriate controls are in place.
• Board Effectiveness: Contribute to trustee development, board evaluations, and succession planning to strengthen governance capacity.
Impact:
Your leadership will help ensure that Special Olympics GB remains a trusted, resilient, and well-governed organisation — one that delivers its mission with integrity and confidence, and is equipped to grow sustainably and responsibly.

Time commitment: 

This is a volunteer, home-based role with the requirement to attend internal and external meetings (face-to-face or virtual) or events which involves travel within the UK and possible limited international travel (by agreement).
This role is unremunerated, with reasonable expenses paid, such as childcare (by mutual agreement), support of a mentor/chaperone and travel, in order to support attendance.
Time commitment is an average of 2 - 3 days per month. There are four Board meetings per year and one AGM as well as occasional strategy and sub-committee meetings.

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