Volunteer Trustees to help guide us in our development

What will you be doing?

MhIST is the leading Bolton based mental health charity. We have built on over 30 years of experience working with people experiencing mental health problems in the community, in hospital and in supported environments. We take a broad view of mental health, and we work with anybody who professes a mental health problem. MhIST is an innovative user-led organisation that provides a responsive, safe and confidential service that supports people with mental health challenges and their carers’. Our services are free at the point of access, inclusive, responsive and creative. We are committed to supporting people to drive their recovery, develop self-management strategies, and respond positively to future challenges. Our uniqueness comes from the personalised care we provide, through one-to-one support, talking therapies, self-help groups, employment advice and information and Advocacy Services. We equip each individual with the skills, attitude and self-belief they need to go on to live a successful independent life in their community. We are committed to creating a safe and non-judgemental space where people can receive a warm welcome and help to access the right support at the right time. We believe everyone has the right to be listened to, to be heard and to have a voice, that every individual is at the centre of decision making. Our core values are to support vulnerable people to have a voice in their care and to secure their rights, represent their interests in care planning and obtain services to meet their bespoke needs. Specifically, we:

Promote social inclusion; Promote health equality; Promote social justice.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of skills and thinking on our board. Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member. Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion. A strong personal commitment to the ethos and values of MhIST including equal opportunities and the promotion of diversity and inclusion. Willingness to lead according to our values;       - Service user-led      - Non-judgemental      - Confidential      - Encouraging      - Empathetic Understanding of the corporate governance and management structures Ability to play a strategic role in order to successfully effect change. An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trustee and non-executive director. Availability to meet the time commitment required for the role. Skills and experience Working knowledge and experience of the charity sector and in particular, fundraising, would be very welcomed. Skills in creating enterprise models so that we can start to move away from traditional charity funding approaches. If you have some Financial Management and accounting experience that would be nice. Experience as a trustee or non-executive director would be great. Knowledge or experience of financial and risk management at board level. Appreciation or knowledge of the public sector commissioning landscape for health and social care services. An appreciation for the quality standards and risks associated with NHS health and social care delivery. Good understanding of legal and regulatory issues affecting charities and their environment

What difference will you make?

We are at the beginning of an exciting period of growth and transformation for MhIST and our trustees will be central to us achieving the possibilities we see before us. If you have a senior health or care sector background (or maybe you are passionate about mental health and creating stronger communities from a different background) and share our values, our passion and our belief, we’d love for you to join our board of trustees.