Trustees

Who we are

akt is the UK’s only national charity supporting LGBTQ+ young people aged 16-25 who are homeless, at risk of homelessness or living in a hostile living environment. For more than 35 years, we have provided life-changing support, helping young people get off the streets and into safe homes, build resilience and thrive.

Today, akt is entering an exciting new chapter. With a clear strategy, strong leadership and a confident plan for sustainable growth, the organisation is well positioned to increase its impact at a time when demand for its services remains significant. The charity has recently undergone an independent governance review, which recognised the strength of its governance arrangements and Board effectiveness, while also identifying opportunities for continuous improvement that are now being implemented.

The Board brings together a diverse range of perspectives, experiences and expertise, united by a shared commitment to supporting young homeless LGBTQ+ people. Trustees provide thoughtful oversight, constructive challenge and strategic guidance while ensuring akt remains true to its mission and values.

akt takes a collaborative, evidence-led approach to creating change. We focus on practical solutions for young people, work in partnership with other organisations and use our insight to influence wider systems where the experiences of LGBTQ+ young people are directly affected.

About the roles

As we move into our next phase of development and head towards akt’s 40th anniversary in 2029 we have a clear strategy and are looking to expand the skills on our board. As a Trustee, you will help guide akt through its next phase of development, ensuring the charity remains well governed, financially sustainable and focused on delivering meaningful impact for young homeless LGBTQ+ people.

This is an opportunity to join a well-established and collaborative Board. You will work alongside trustees and executive leaders who are ambitious for the charity’s future and committed to building an organisation that can increase its reach and impact in a challenging external environment.

Who we are looking for

We are looking for two new Trustees to join the board. We would value people with the following skills and experience :

• A strong understanding of services, impact and the realities facing young people.
• Experience of culture and organisational development.
• Charity governance experience; we are particularly interested in someone to join the board who can lead on governance.
• technology and AI and how it might present opportunities for charities to maximise their impact.
• We actively welcome applications from people from all backgrounds. We are particularly keen to hear from trans and non-binary people, younger candidates and others whose experiences and perspectives are currently underrepresented on the Board.

You may have worked directly with young people or bring relevant experience from the youth, homelessness or wider charity sectors.

Above all, we are seeking people who are passionate about akt’s mission, aligned with our values, committed to trans inclusion and motivated to use their skills to improve the lives of LGBTQ+ young people. We are looking for trustees who contribute thoughtfully, work collaboratively with others and help foster the respectful and constructive culture that characterises the Board today.

Time commitment

The Board meets quarterly, usually on Saturdays, and also holds an annual strategy day. We aim to hold three Board meetings in person and one online each year, with in-person meetings generally rotating between London and Manchester. Trustees are also expected to serve on at least one committee, which usually meets online each quarter and is generally scheduled outside normal working hours. While in-person participation is preferred, we will take an inclusive and flexible approach where caring responsibilities, access requirements or other circumstances make travel difficult.

In addition to meeting attendance, trustees are expected to read papers, contribute to discussions and occasionally support wider Board activities such as recruitment processes, strategy discussions or engagement opportunities. New trustees will be encouraged to spend time getting to know the organisation and its services. akt also encourages trustees to attend occasional events, fundraising activities and Pride events where possible.

As a guide, trustees should expect to commit about one day per month on average, although activity varies throughout the year and this includes preparation, events, conversations with trustees and the executive and any other ad hoc meetings.

Use your expertise to help ensure that young homeless LGBTQ+ people have the support, safety and opportunities they deserve. Join akt and help shape the organisation’s next chapter. Check out our social media and hear young LGBTQ+ people’s stories.