Trustees (with legal experience)

Organisation overview 

NSUN is a membership organisation and a network of grassroots, user-led community groups and people who have lived experience of mental ill-health, distress, and trauma. We connect, support, and amplify the voices and work of our members. As the only user-led national mental health charity, all of our staff members and trustees have lived experience, and our work is rooted in solidarity.  

Role details 

Being a trustee is a really rewarding experience, and gives you valuable and transferable leadership, strategic and governance skills and experience in the non-profit sector. Trustees act as the guardian of the vision, purpose and values of NSUN, acting in its best interests and working constructively with other Board members and staff to: 

• Achieve and maintain excellent standards of governance 
• Ensure NSUN's purpose and objectives are achieved 
• Ensure that NSUN is managed and controlled appropriately and maintains its financial sustainability 
• Demonstrate that NSUN is accountable to its members, funders and stakeholders 
• Ensure NSUN works within the requirements of the law, regulation, its funding bodies and best practice standards. 

We are also specifically looking for a new Chair and Treasurer. The role of Chair is essential within any charity, and we are looking for someone with experience of governance who is dynamic, enthusiastic, and committed to the organisation. We’re really hoping that this person also has a deep interest in how mental ill-health, distress and trauma connects with other social justice issues, such as disability and racial justice. The role of Treasurer will provide vital financial oversight to the charity

Time requirements: Board meetings are held six times a year, usually 3 hours in length, requiring 3 hours of preparation. 

Attendance: Remote, with occasional face to face meetings (with expenses covered)

Skills and experience 

• Lived experience of mental ill health, distress or trauma, including racial trauma 
• A demonstrated commitment to the vision, mission, and values of NSUN
• Excellent understanding of, and interest in, current work happening on the intersections of racial justice and mental health in the UK
   
• Enthusiasm and time to commit to the role of trustee 
• Integrity 
• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship 
• An understanding of the respective roles of the Chair, trustees, and staff team
• An ability to work effectively as a member of the team and to take decisions for the good of the organisation
• A willingness to speak up and contribute constructively to board meetings and associated work
• The Board of Trustees collectively needs skills and experience in the following areas: Experience of serving on Boards or Committees, experience of a senior, leadership, or advisory role in relation to an organisation which is going through a process of change/growth, experience of key areas around supporting employed staff, experience and expertise around finance 

To express an interest in this position, please email bicenquiries@weareadvocate.org.uk specifying which opportunity you are interested in.