Volunteer Autism Unlimited - Trustee

What will you be doing?

We seek trustees with experience in education, further education, property and legal to join our Board. We are particularly interested in hearing from people who will bring enthusiasm and commitment to the role and broaden the diversity of thinking on our Board. Much has changed since our founders started the charity over 50 years ago. We have grown enormously, and we know that there is still much to do. We recognise the challenges for children, adults and their families and will work with them as partners to find solutions and create opportunities through tailored learning and support. It is thanks to the continued hard work and dedication of everybody involved in our charity, that we can deliver new opportunities for the children and adults we support. Today, we employ over 400 people across the South of England, and our future plans include a programme of engagement with organisations to share the benefits of employing autistic people as well as expansion of our autism and SEN college, Futures. We want to show to the outside world that we are accessible and relevant to the autistic community, particularly those audiences or organisations which we may not have reached until now. To support us in our mission, we want Trustees who have the following skills and qualities: 

A strong personal commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion; interest and/or lived experience of autism. Willingness and ability to understand and deliver on their duties and responsibilities as trustees and act in the charity's best interests. Creative and strategic thinking, sound and independent judgement, and ability to work effectively as a team member. Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion; confidence to challenge and be challenged. Enthusiasm for our vision and mission. Willingness to lead according to our charity values Commitment to Nolan's seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

What are we looking for?

A strong personal commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion; interest and/or lived experience of autism. Willingness and ability to understand and deliver on their duties and responsibilities as trustees and act in the charity's best interests. Creative and strategic thinking, sound and independent judgement, and ability to work effectively as a team member. Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion; confidence to challenge and be challenged. Enthusiasm for our vision and mission. Willingness to lead according to our charity values Commitment to Nolan's seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

What difference will you make?

Our trustees are our 'guardians of purpose', making sure that all the decisions we make put the needs of autistic people first. They also safeguard the assets of Autism Unlimited – both physical assets, including property, and intangible ones, such as our reputation.