Trustees - Access Dorset

We’re Access Dorset – an organisation run by and for disabled people, older people and carers. We are a community-rooted, user-led charity based in Bournemouth, working to improve the lives of disabled people, older people, neurodivergent people and carers by promoting inclusion, wellbeing and independence. We support over 100 people each week through a programme of social, recreational and life skills activities, alongside information, advice and support designed to strengthen connections, reduce isolation and build confidence and resilience. 
As a community-rooted and user-led charity, we are looking to strengthen our Board with the addition of two new Trustees as we develop our organisation, build on our financial stability and look to the future. 

What will you be doing?

This is an important time to join the Trustee Board at Access Dorset. As a Trustee, you will work alongside fellow Board members to provide strategic leadership and ensure Access Dorset remains well governed, financially sustainable and true to its mission and values.

You will have an opportunity to use your skills, experience and perspective to help shape the future of an organisation supporting disabled people, older people, neurodivergent people, and carers across the local community.

You do not need previous Trustee or Board experience. What matters most is a commitment to Access Dorset's values, a willingness to learn and the ability to contribute constructively to a collaborative Board. 

What are we looking for?

The Board would particularly welcome additional experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Finance and financial literacy
• Governance
• Strategy and strategic leadership
• Partnership working
• Local authority or local government experience, particularly experience relating to adult day opportunities.
• Leadership
• Business development and external networking
• Fundraising and/or corporate partnerships

Experience of working in the charity or community sector would also be valuable, particularly an understanding of the contribution and challenges of smaller, locally rooted charities.

We are keen to develop relationships with businesses across Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole (BCP) and the wider area, including SMEs as well as larger organisations. Experience of business development, networking or building external relationships would therefore be useful.

We are looking for people who share Access Dorset's commitment to inclusion and social justice and want to make a difference to the lives of disadvantaged people in our community. 

You do not need previous Board or Trustee experience. 

What difference will you make?

Joining the Access Dorset Board is an opportunity to use your skills, experience and perspective to make a meaningful difference in your community.

By volunteering as a Trustee, you will play an important role in helping shape the future of a genuinely community-rooted and user-led charity, supporting our work to improve inclusion, wellbeing and independence for disabled people, older people, neurodivergent people, and carers.

You will have the opportunity to:

• Make a difference by using your skills and experience to support a charity tackling disadvantage and removing barriers to participation.
• Help shape our future by contributing to Access Dorset’s strategy, priorities and long-term development.
• Use your voice and perspective to help ensure that the organisation continues to reflect the needs and experiences of the community it serves.
• Develop your experience in charity governance, strategic leadership and organisational development, with support from a collaborative Board.
• Build relationships and make connections within the local community and with organisations and businesses that can help Access Dorset develop its work.
• Work alongside a committed team of Trustees, staff and volunteers in a warm, inclusive environment where different perspectives and lived experiences are valued.

For anyone looking to develop their governance experience, this is also an opportunity to learn, contribute and grow alongside an organisation that places its community at the heart of what it does.

Becoming a trustee is a meaningful and fulfilling experience, giving you the chance to influence positive change. You will be joining a friendly, inclusive team that believes in inclusion and values every contribution.

Time Commitment

We currently expect Trustees to commit approximately 4–6 hours per month, although this should be regarded as a guide rather than a fixed requirement. 

The time commitment will include attending Board meetings, reading papers in advance and contributing to occasional activities, working groups or discussions between meetings. Over the past 12 months the Board has met monthly, reflecting the recent financial and organisational challenges, partnership discussions and work to secure Access Dorset’s future sustainability. Moving forward into 2027, it is expected that Board meetings will reduce to once every two to three months. 

 Meetings have been held in person and via teleconference during the daytime. The Board is open to consideration to moving towards evening meetings, to make them more accessible to people who are working or have caring responsibilities. A combination of online and in-person meetings is also likely, with some in-person meetings remaining important to support the accessibility needs of existing Trustees and maintain a strong connection with the Access Dorset community.

How To Apply

Reach Volunteering’s TrusteeWorks team is supporting Access Dorset with the recruitment of new Trustees We want the application process to be as accessible and inclusive as possible. You do not need to apply using a conventional CV and written application. You can choose the format that best allows you to tell us about yourself and why you are interested in becoming a Trustee.

You could apply using:

• A CV
• Written responses
• A supporting statement or reference from someone who knows you
• A short video
• Your LinkedIn profile, where appropriate
• Or a combination of these

Whatever format you choose, we would like to understand two things:

1. Why would you like to become a Trustee of Access Dorset?
2. What skills, experience, knowledge or perspective would you bring to the Board?

Access Dorset will be reviewing applications and interviewing candidates as the campaign progresses, so we encourage you to apply as soon as you are ready rather than waiting until the closing date.

If you would like an informal conversation before applying, please get in touch with the TrusteeWorks team. 

Deadline for applications: Monday 9th of November 2026 by 9am.