Volunteer Trustee with legal experience

What will you be doing?

Who are TFSW? We help refugees and people seeking asylum who have suffered trauma, oppression and war, and those working with them. As the first and originally only agency providing refugee trauma specialist support in the southwest, we provide vital free, long-term 1-1 and group psychotherapy and counselling to people fleeing torture, oppression and war. About the Role Our Trustees work collaboratively to meet our legal responsibilities to govern the charity, including:

Defining TFSW’s long-term direction and furthering its charitable purposes. Ensuring it is effectively and properly run with legal and other obligations met and being accountable to those with an interest or ‘stake’ in the charity.

We use board meetings to agree and oversee our strategic priorities, monitor risks, ensure sound financial management and confirm the charity’s assets are being used appropriately. All TFSW Trustees additionally bring individual skills and experience that are much valued.  We are currently seeking a Trustee with skills and experience of the legal context for asylum and refugee resettlement. We have benefited from a Trustee with this knowledge who has stepped down at our AGM after many years on the Board. While there are no additional responsibilities, the awareness of the legal context for our work is a great help and we would be enriched by a Trustee who brings this awareness to our Board.

What are we looking for?

Essential requirements for Trustees are:

Enthusiasm for contributing to TFSW’s purpose and able to commit the required time. Able, or willing to learn, to carry out the responsibilities of being a Trustee. Commitment to TFSW’s values, clients and to working in a supportive and inclusive environment. A specific skillset that enhances the Board’s overall skills. In this case we are seeking experience of the Legal context for asylum.

We have a committed and supportive board with a diverse skillset and are currently recruiting in areas we could enhance our overall skillset. We are striving to be more representative of the diversity of the communities we serve and we warmly and actively welcome those with lived experience of the asylum or refugee resettlement process to apply. To be more representative of gender and ethnic diversity more broadly, we would also welcome applicants from the Global Majority and male applicants. We are an extremely supportive team and, as you will see reflected in our person specification, your commitment and capability are more important than a long list of experiences and qualifications. You do not have to have experience of being on a board; we can support you with training in your responsibilities. If you have any learning differences or styles that will require adjustments during this learning process, we will be happy to discuss and support your needs. 

What difference will you make?

This is a great opportunity to use your skills and experience to help refugees and people seeking asylum. You will make a big impact and have the chance to work alongside a friendly and committed board.