Volunteer Trustee Board member for Bereavement Counselling Charity

What will you be doing?

This is an exciting time to be joining the BBS Trustee Board, we have recently received confirmation of continued funding until March 2025 from our main funder (NHS Bradford District and Craven Clinical Commissioning Group). A number of BBS Trustees have been with the Charity for several years, balancing the need for continuity we recognise that the time is right to recruit externally individuals who will brings a fresh perspective and business experience that will help the charity flourish. We are looking for several new trustees who have general business experience to join the Trustee Board, our aim is to ensure that we have a board which is diverse and representative of the communities that we work with. Therefore, we positively encourage people from all backgrounds to apply. We welcome applications from anyone regardless of their disability status, ethnicity, heritage, age, gender, sexuality and socio-economic background. Bradford Bereavement support was established in 1984 with a group of volunteers. In 2010 we became an incorporated charity. We have helped over 15,000 people in our history. We are a small but effective organisation; our annual income is around £80K per year. Our charity operates in the Bradford area. We have 5 part-time paid staff and around 30-40 volunteer counsellors. We offer 'free' Bereavement Counselling to adults in Bradford and surrounding areas.  A significant number of our volunteer counsellors are studying at local Universities and Colleges. The trainees have placements with BBS to obtain accreditation as part of their course from organisations such as the British Association of Counsellor and Psychotherapists. We would love to hear from you if you feel you have the skills to offer and the time to commit.

What are we looking for?

We are looking to recruit trustees with general business knowledge and experience, we also hope to attract individuals who have specific business skills  (eg. Bookkeeping, Accountancy, social media or marketing). You do not necessarily have to have had governance experience in the past, this is a good opportunity to learn more about charity governance and extend your own skills and knowledge. We are looking for people who have time to offer and the will to be an active member of the team who will provide: - commitment and availability to attend trustee board meetings - ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as trustees and employers - ability to think creatively and strategically and exercise good independent judgement - to ensure that the charity delivers on its charitable purpose , you will use your expertise to support the Service Manager and staff team in navigating a challenging sector   

What difference will you make?

As part of the board, you will shape our work and strategic development, ensuring the board work as an effective team by developing strong working relationships with other trustees and helping to maintain a culture across the charity where differences are aired and resolved. This approach will help us achieve our goal to improve the mental health and wellbeing of adults in Bradford by providing a high-quality counselling service free of charge for anyone affected by bereavement. Our pool of volunteer counsellors together with our small team of employees and trustees make an enthusiastic and dedicated team committed to delivering a high-quality service to the bereaved adults across the Bradford Area. In addition, BBS aims to advance the education in all matters related to bereavement, by provision of bespoke grief and loss training to volunteer bereavement counsellors and the provision of information, support, advice and training with the objective of relieving suffering to those affected by death.