Volunteer Sight Loss Charity Trustee

What will you be doing?

An opportunity to use your knowledge and enthusiasm to improve the quality of life of people across East Cheshire who have a visual impairment  · If you have a visual impairment this is an opportunity to use your ‘lived experience’ to help others going through similar experiences  · Bi-monthly meetings (mostly remote and usually Monday mornings), then any other time you’re able to give ·  Direct experience of a visual impairment not a requirement, but we do aim to have some lived experience representation on the Board Make a difference and join us as a new member of our Board of Trustees to use your skills, expertise and experiences to drive forward this small charity that regularly has a big impact.  We're proud of the difference that we make for visually impaired people across East Cheshire together with the fact that we’ve been supporting people since 1875. East Cheshire Eye Society helps people affected by sight loss to live life to the full.  We offer a wide range of services to people, as well as advice and support on a more informal basis. There are an estimated 15,240 people in Cheshire East living with sight loss and by 2030 this is projected to increase to 19,200 people.  This would be an increase of 26% from 2020 (RNIB Sight Loss Data Tool 2021) Our Trustees are responsible for ensuring that: we’re meeting our aims and fulfilling our purpose; we’re legally compliant; we’re financially sound: we agree and implement a clear strategic direction of the charity and it’s finances.  In addition, they are Ambassadors and a public voice for the charity and our work. Our Trustees bring a wide range of experiences to this role, and are looking to bring onboard new people and ideas to secure the future of the charity long into the future. Key skills for new Board members could include: legal; financial strategy and management; an ability to make connections and influence people with relationships; sales or fundraising; marketing; an understanding of visual impairments and the impact on people’s lives; Human Resources; and IT. Most importantly, you’ll be interested in and passionate about improving the quality of life of people with a visual impairment, and willing to share your skills, knowledge and experience to help us achieve our goals. We are passionate about equal opportunities and welcome a broad diversity of talent to apply.

What are we looking for?

Key skills for new Board members could include: legal; financial strategy and management; an ability to make connections and influence people with relationships; sales or fundraising; marketing; an understanding of visual impairments and the impact on people’s lives; Human Resources; and IT. Most importantly, you’ll be interested in and passionate about improving the quality of life of people with a visual impairment, and willing to share your skills, knowledge and experience to help us achieve our goals.

What difference will you make?

This role is essential to the safe and effective running of our charity, and through the Board the ongoing support we are able to offer our visually impaired service users. As a Trustee you'll have a real opportunity to offer your knowledge, experience or just enthusiasm to help the running and development of the charity.