Volunteer Trustee with expertise in safeguarding

What will you be doing?

Job Summary:   As a safeguarding trustee, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and well-being of our service users. You will work closely with our staff and volunteers to implement safeguarding policies and procedures, provide guidance and support, and help to create a safe and inclusive environment for all individuals. Find out more about being a trustee here > https://reachvolunteering.org.uk/guide/become-trustee Key Responsibilities: Strategic

Consider the organisation’s strategic plans and make sure they reflect safeguarding legislation and expectations of the Charities Commission. Work with the CEO and DSL regularly to review and ensure charity policies are creating a safer culture and keeping people safe. Check the organisation’s risk register reflects safeguarding risks properly and plans sensible measures to take. Make sure there is space on the agenda for safeguarding reports and help trustees understand and challenge those reports.

  Effective policy and practice

Make sure there is a 6 monthly review of safeguarding policies and procedures. Understand the monitoring your charity does to see whether policies and procedures are effective. Learn from case reviews locally and nationally, to improve your organisation’s policies/procedures. Oversee safeguarding allegations against staff or volunteers, together with CEO and DSL. Be a point of contact for staff or volunteers if someone wishes to complain about a lack of action in relation to safeguarding concerns.

  Creating the right culture

Champion safeguarding throughout the organisation. Attend relevant safeguarding training events (virtually) Support the trustees in developing their individual and collective understanding of safeguarding. Support regular safeguarding updates for staff, volunteers and beneficiaries. Make sure you have ways of gathering the views of staff and volunteers in relation to safeguarding and sharing these with the board.

What are we looking for?

Qualifications and Experience:

- 5+ years experience in safeguarding, ideally within a mental health/charity setting (essential) - Previous trustee/governance experience is not essential but would be desirable.- Knowledge of relevant safeguarding legislation/policies/procedures.- Commitment to promoting positive body image and mental well-being.- Understanding of the unique challenges faced by individuals with body image issues and related disorders would be beneficial.  

Skills: Strong strategic thinking, leadership, and decision-making abilities. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.  

Commitment: Ability to commit time for board meetings, committee involvement, and preparation work. Expected to attend quarterly board meetings and contribute to special projects as needed

To apply for the Safeguarding Trustee position at Been There Mental Health Charity, please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and interest in the role.

What difference will you make?

Been There is a charity in the form of an app that connects people aged 18 and over with a vetted and trained mentor to help with any body image issues they may be experiencing. This gives them the opportunity to speak to someone who has ‘Been There’ themselves. Our Mentors are here to support, empower and, most importantly, listen. The Trustees are a core part of the team and very hands on. We have a tight knit team, and your governance support will ensure we are always acting in the best interests of our service users and team.