Volunteer Trustee

What will you be doing?

Dear applicant  At Saffron we are committed to providing bespoke support for individual women who have experienced profound trauma, to help them find their own answers and a way to restart their lives beyond the trauma. We have been providing support to women across Sheffield for over 35 years. Respected and supported locally as a key service for Sheffield, and providing excellence in talking therapies, we’re looking for up to six new Trustees to join us.  We want to build the best non-executive team we can and are particularly interested in hearing from candidates who care about Sheffield (wherever they are based in the UK) who can offer insight, experience or influence in one or more of the following areas: 

Lived experience of profound trauma and its consequences  Clinical experience of talking therapies  Experience of business management/leading a comparable sized business/charity  Finance (an accountancy qualification would be an asset)  Fundraising or development work in the charity sector  Strategic planning  Marketing/Communications. 

Our trustees bring all of their experiences into our Board room. While we do have priority areas to address in our skillset, we’re interested in a fully and authentically diverse board, and in people who can bring their lived experiences to help shape decisions for Saffon’s future.  If you think you have some of the knowledge, skills and experiences we need, then we very much look forward to hearing from you. If you would like to talk to me, or Erica Deputy Chair, or Kate Interim CEO, please get in touch. Gill Godden Gill Godden, Chair Saffron Sheffield.   Saffron Sheffield is committed to achieving equality of access to its services and employment. A female for this role is a determining occupational requirement and is exempt from discrimination under the Equality Act 2010, Part 1, Schedule 9

What are we looking for?

Knowledge and experience To ensure that the board of trustees effectively and ambitiously support our new five-year strategy, we are particularly interested in candidates who bring the following expertise and experience: 

Lived experience of profound trauma and its consequences  Clinical experience of talking therapies, Mental Health, and safeguarding  Experience of business management/leading a comparable sized business/charity  Finance (especially charity accounting. An accountancy qualification is an asset)  Fundraising or development work in the charity sector  Strategic planning  Marketing/Communications. 

We are committed to inclusion and building a more diverse board, more representative of our society. We are particularly interested in younger candidates (under 30) who bring any of the experience listed above.  We are also interested in candidates who may have 

Strong experience of building and sustaining positive relationships with partners, stakeholders and colleagues.  Broad knowledge and understanding of the Charity sector and current issues affecting it.  Knowledge of financial management and a broad understanding of charity finance issues.  Experience of contributing to another Board in the charitable or public sector, or a commercial organisation, would be an asset although it is not strictly essential.  Understanding of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship and charity governance, as well as the various roles and responsibilities inherent in boards. 

Skills and personal attributes 

Understanding of / commitment to Saffron Sheffield, its mission, and strategic objectives.  Sound, independent judgement and the confidence to participate in debate about key strategic issues and know when to challenge constructively.  Strong personal commitment to promoting equality and diversity. Ambassadorial qualities: is willing to draw on personal networks to support the charity. ● Highly effective communication and interpersonal skills, with tact and diplomacy.  High capacity for self-awareness.  Fosters and promotes a collaborative environment.  Able to commit the required time, including travel and attending events (expenses will be covered)

What difference will you make?

Becoming a trustee for Saffron Sheffield is an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of some of the city’s most vulnerable women. Saffron is a unique, life-changing service that provides free, long-term specialised talking therapy in a safe and dedicated space. Many of the women we support have experienced multiple, complex traumas, and our work helps them reclaim their independence, autonomy, and joy in life.