Volunteer Board Trustees

What will you be doing?

Our Board of Trustees wishes to extend and broaden its range of services, as we move into a new phase of growth and development as an independent charity. Therefore we need to strengthen our fundraising and income generation capability if we are to deliver all the new and existing services we are committed to providing. We also need someone who is interested in service development, to offer advice in order to identify and fulfil, as yet unmet needs of our clients. We were established 35 years ago to support those who suffer a brain injury and their carers. This includes head injury from accidents, trauma, tumours and stroke. There are in the region of 4000 incidences of acquired brain injury that require hospitalisation every year in Oxfordshire alone. In addition, there are many more cases that are categorised as "minor head injuries", (such as concussion), whereby individuals will experience significant effects but will not be formally admitted for treatment. Lives can be significantly affected by acquired brain injury and the types of tailored support services that OHIS provides, are essential to maximise recovery and independence. Our first point of contact is through our innovative Oxfordshire ABI Support Service. Our ABI Navigators work within the hospital setting to identify individuals that require our support at the earliest stages of their condition, helping individuals and carers to navigate the complex journey of recovery and making referrals to our own or other community-based services as required. Based in Kennington Oxfordshire we have an activity and rehabilitation centre (including a well-equipped gym), that further supports individuals in their recovery. Those spending a day at the centre may choose from a number of fun, practical and stimulating activities such as yoga, quizzes. art, crafts, music, singing, creative writing and story-telling as well as special interest talks. With all of these opportunities we seek to promote social interaction, peer support and improved resilience. Further, our Head Injury Buddies offer 1-1 support in the home and/or community, helping individuals to tackle everyday life challenges associated with living with brain injury and promoting their independence.

What are we looking for?

We need Trustees who have experience in fundraising & income generation.

What difference will you make?

We hope to appoint two people to join the Board of Trustees who have complementary skills to those of our present Trustees and who have a little time, new ideas and huge enthusiasm to help develop and grow the charity. Our Board has people with backgrounds in health care, business, research, legal, finance, IT and HR. We are seeking someone who has fundraising and income generation experience probably within either a local or national medium size charity. We are also seeking another person who has themselves suffered or cared for a loved one with an acquired brain injury and understands the challenges and changes faced. We would be especially interested in applications from those who also have experience working in the NHS or in the care sector, but this is not essential. Some of our Trustees have also worked in other successful charities or businesses as Trustees and Directors. It is a committed and friendly board, and Trustees work well together. We aim to offer equal opportunities for all: trustees, staff, volunteers and our service users. We welcome applications from all sections of the community, and we value differences. If you are ready for this exciting challenge and can offer around 3-4 hours of your time each month to prepare for and attend Board meetings and occasionally support publicity and fundraising events, then we would be delighted to receive an application from you in the form of a 2 page CV and a brief covering letter setting out why this opportunity is of interest. The Board usually meets monthly online or face to face whichever you prefer. There are further opportunities to meet face to face for annual business planning, social networking events and to launch new services. The closing date for receiving applications is 30th November 2024 (we may bring the closing date forward dependent on applications).