Trustees
About this role
User Voice brings together people with convictions and decision-makers in the criminal justice system to create meaningful, lasting change.
We are looking for up to three new Trustees to join our Board to help us build on our successes and learning, working in collaboration with people with lived experience.
We particularly want to strengthen the diversity of our Board and welcome people with lived experience of the justice system and people from ethnically minoritised backgrounds. We are also interested in candidates with expertise in fundraising, the justice sector, people & culture and communications.
You do not need previous trustee experience. What matters is your commitment to User Voice’s purpose, willingness to contribute and ambition to help create a better and more effective justice system.
Who we are
User Voice brings together decision-makers, service providers and people with convictions to understand what needs to change and develop solutions that improve the system. Working across prisons, probation and community settings, we currently operate in 40 prisons across England and engage with around 1,000 people each month.
Lived experience is fundamental to who we are: 75% of our staff and all our volunteers have convictions. Through Prison Councils, peer research, consultation and partnerships, we ensure people’s voices are heard, develop lived experience leaders and influence policy and service delivery.
Our ambition is a safer, fairer and more effective justice system that delivers better outcomes for everyone.
About the role
As a Trustee, you will share responsibility for User Voice’s governance, strategic direction and long-term sustainability, helping us build on our achievements and deliver our current strategic plan.
Working alongside the Chair, fellow Trustees and executive team, you will help set strategic direction, scrutinise performance, oversee resources and risk and ensure User Voice remains focused on its charitable purpose and the people it exists to serve.
You will bring your own perspective and experience to Board discussions while contributing beyond your particular area of expertise. Trustees are also encouraged to contribute through our Finance or People Committee, or through specific projects with the broader User Voice team.
This is an opportunity to help shape both the future of User Voice and its contribution to improving the criminal justice system.
Who we are looking for
We want to build a Board that brings together different experiences, perspectives and professional expertise, united by a commitment to improving the criminal justice system.
We are particularly keen to hear from people with lived experience of the justice system and people from ethnically minoritised backgrounds, helping us build a Board that better reflects the people and communities User Voice works alongside.
Alongside this, we would welcome candidates who can strengthen the Board through professional experience in fundraising, the justice sector, people & culture or communications. We are recruiting up to three Trustees and do not expect any one person to bring all of these areas of expertise.
You will be collaborative and open-minded, with sound judgement and the confidence to contribute your perspective while listening to others. You will share our commitment to meaningful change and our values of being collaborative, inclusive, resilient and compassionate.
You will probably also have some or all of the following attributes:
a commitment to our ethos of co-production and to our values.
an ability to work effectively as a member of the Board and to take decisions in the best interests of User Voice
objective and independent judgement
a willingness to listen to others and to speak your mind in a constructive manner
an understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of being a trustee
an ability to manage your time to meet the time commitment for the role
Previous trustee experience is not required. We welcome first-time Trustees and will provide induction, training and support to help you contribute effectively.
Time commitment
Minimum time commitment: Trustees are required to:
attend four board meetings each year – these are normally for two hours each during office hours and are mostly held virtually, with one meeting per year at User Voice’s offices in London with a hybrid option
attend one Board Strategy Day each year – these are normally for half a day during office hours at User Voice’s offices in London
prepare for meetings as required, working with senior employees to review papers and reading papers
be available for a full induction and any ongoing training requirements
Trustees are encouraged to join one of either the Finance Committee or the People Committee of the Board. These Committees meet virtually several times a year. You can also contribute your knowledge and skills to any ad hoc groups working closely with the Chief Executive, the Executive and Leadership Team on specific topics.
Learn more about User Voice
At a glance
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