Job Description

Autism West Midlands is a leading charity in the West Midlands for people on the autism spectrum. We use our expertise to enrich the lives of autistic people and those who love and care for them. Our passionate, expert staff and volunteers work across all age groups and abilities, by providing personalised support.


We are excited to be on the lookout for new Trustees to join our Board of Trustees at Autism West Midlands. Trustees work with the Charity's Senior Management and Leadership team in setting and driving forward the charity's strategy, providing a layer of governance and providing valuable expertise.


Who we are


We support autistic people to live as independently as possible, in residential care, or in their own or the family home. We provide a free autism information helpline offering a first point of contact for families and individuals in crisis. We provide advice and support sessions to families and carers of autistic children. We offer training to parents, professionals and individuals and much more!


The Board


Autism West Midlands is governed by the Board of Trustees (The Board) who act as Directors of the limited company. The Board typically meets 4 times a year and for additional ad hoc meetings to either support/chair sub-committees and for strategy and service visit days. The total commitment required is between 10-11 days per annum.


What we are looking for


We're looking to welcome new Trustees to our Board of Trustees. We are seeking to recruit three (voluntary) Trustees to compliment and broaden the skills and knowledge of our existing trustees. We are seeking trustees with the skills, experience and qualifications noted below:

Marketing & Fundraising Health & Social Care

Purpose of the Role


Specific duties

To actively contribute to the Board of Trustees role in providing strategic direction, agreeing objectives and targets and setting and agreeing overall policy. The protect and safeguard organisational reputation and uphold its values and core principles To ensure the charity's legal and statutory obligations are met in accordance with both charity and company law To attend board and committee meetings and scrutinise proposals and decisions, participate in discussions and providing advice and guidance to the senior management team Working with the chair to appoint and support the CEO as required To be collectively responsible for the actions of the organisation and other trustees Ensure the charity effectively applies it resources for its charitable purposes and remains financial stable Represent the organisation at events and functions as appropriate Develop a good understanding of the charity's work and services provided, including beneficiary needs Ensure compliance with Health and Safety and equal opportunities policies To declare any clear or potential conflicts of interest Keep up to date and with charity commission guidance Trustees are required to attend approximately 10 - 11meetings a year dependant on committee membership. Meetings are usually held at 5.30 pm.

Person Specification Essential

A commitment to the organisation and its objectives An understanding of the legal duties, responsibilities and obligations of being a charity Trustee and company director Can demonstrate an understanding of organisational governance and strategic leadership Not disqualified or ineligible to be a Charity Trustee or Company Director Willingness and availability to dedicate enough time to participate fully in the role as Trustee Ability to work effectively as a team member Able to act as a 'critical friend' to senior managers providing advice, guidance and critique as required Ability to interpret information and make sound judgements Experience of senior leadership and/or governance roles Professional senior experience in one of the fields/professions below: + Marketing & Communication
+ Fundraising
+ Health & Social Care


Desirable


Knowledge and experience of Autism and learning disability services Experience of social care provision Previous experience of charity Trustee or company directorship

How to apply


Download our Health & Social Care Information Pack here


Download our Marketing Information Pack here


For more information, please email HR@autismwestmidlands.org.uk.


To apply please submit a CV below and a supporting statement explaining why you would like to become a trustee of Autism West Midlands. Please include how your skills and experience match the person specification and any other relevant details in support of your application.


Closing date for applications: 25th April 2025