Volunteer: Trustees (Marketing and Communications/ Fundraising)
The opportunity
Kids Inspire is looking to appoint at least two new trustees to its board to support the next phase of our development. This is an exciting opportunity to help a growing and ambitious charity to expand its reach and enhance its sustainability. It is vital and rewarding work - you will be ensuring that Kids Inspire can continue to provide life-changing support to children and young people in Essex and beyond.
As a trustee, you’ll play a vital role in guiding the organisation’s strategic direction, ensuring strong governance, and championing its mission to promote mental health and emotional wellbeing. It’s a chance to contribute your skills and experience to a cause that transforms lives, while growing personally and professionally as part of a passionate, purpose-driven team.
About Kids Inspire
Founded in 2007, Kids Inspire is a children's mental health charity currently working in Essex and Suffolk, offering free trauma recovery support to children and young people who might not otherwise receive it.
Leading with a trauma informed approach that looks at negative childhood experiences, we address the causes rather than the symptoms and focus on supporting children and young people to overcome challenges, heal from trauma, and build brighter futures.
What do we do?
Therapy sessions focus on the strengths of the child and family. They build and nurture resilience and self-confidence, enabling children and young people to process difficult emotions and thrive. Our qualified and experienced therapists are trained in a broad range of therapeutic interventions, specifically tailored to each child's unique needs.
We also offer family support sessions that empower families with the skills and confidence they need to support their child's mental health.
Our community outreach work connects us to our local community. Through school assemblies, workshops, partnerships and community events we offer mental health resources and promote positive wellbeing.
The role of a trustee
You will be part of a committed Board, ensuring the charity continues to meet its objectives, uphold its values and make a lasting difference in the lives of children and their families. Trustees are responsible for:
Supporting the charity in carrying out its purpose for the public benefit.
Making sure the charity complies with its governing responsibilities, charity law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
Safeguarding the charity’s assets and ensuring they are used effectively and responsibly.
Contributing to the development of strategy, goals and policies to support long-term success.
Supporting and constructively challenging the senior leadership team.
Acting as an ambassador for Kids Inspire, safeguarding its reputation and promoting its work.
We meet as a Trust Board with the Senior Leadership Team once a quarter, usually online from 6pm to 8pm. Trustees may also wish to participate in working groups on specific topics where they can offer expertise or insights, and attendance at events is warmly welcomed.
Main focus
We're looking forward to hearing from all potential trustees with a passion for our mission, and we are particularly interested in the following skillset:
Experience in fundraising (e.g. income generation, philanthropy, corporate partnerships, donor engagement).
Skills in marketing and communications (e.g. brand development, PR, digital campaigns, media relations, stakeholder engagement).
What we’re looking for from applicants:
A genuine interest and passion in improving the lives of children, young people and their families.
Strong interpersonal skills and willingness to collaborate with fellow trustees and staff.
Help shape the charity’s long-term vision and ensure alignment with its values and objectives.
The ability to think strategically/creatively and providing constructive input to our Board discussions.
A commitment to the Nolan Seven Principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honest and leadership.
Governance oversight, to ensure Kids Inspire complies with charity law, maintains financial integrity, and delivers services effectively.
A willingness to dedicate time, energy and expertise to support the charity.
Able to attend Board meetings once per quarter and participate in discussions with fellow trustees and the Senior Leadership Team between meetings.
You will be subject to an enhanced check of criminal records via the Disclosure and Barring Service.
You will also confirm that you are not disqualified from acting as a trustee under sections 178 to 180 of the Charities Act 2011
We will be pleased to receive applications from people of all backgrounds and levels of experience; we welcome first-time trustees. What matters most to us is that you want to make a difference and will be an active and committed member of the trustee team.
To apply
To apply please send your CV to christie@kidsinspire.org.uk with a short covering email of 5-6 bullet points explaining your motivation for applying and what you would hope to bring to the role.
If you would like to chat informally to the chair or one of the trustees before applying to get a better understanding of the role and the charity, please email the chair, Nick Tesseyman, at nicktesseyman@kidsinspire.org.uk and he will set up a call.
These voluntary positions will remain advertised until filled.
Useful resources on Kids Inspire:
Learn more about Kids Inspire and our work, by watching our film.
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