Trustee Opportunity: Wessex Community Action

Help Strengthen Communities Across Wiltshire

Location: Wiltshire (hybrid meetings). Optional in-person meetings are in Salisbury.

Time commitment: Approximately 6-8 Board meetings per year, plus occasional strategy and development sessions

Voluntary role: Reasonable expenses paid

Join the Board of Wessex Community Action

For more than 50 years, Wessex Community Action (WXCA) has been at the heart of Wiltshire's voluntary and community sector. As Wiltshire's Council for Voluntary Service (CVS), we play a unique role in strengthening the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector across the county.

Our work helps local charities, community groups, volunteers and social enterprises thrive. Through leadership, advocacy, partnership-building, community development and support for volunteering, we help create stronger, more connected and resilient communities across Wiltshire. Our role as a local infrastructure organisation means that by supporting hundreds of organisations, we help amplify their impact and strengthen communities across the county.

We are fortunate to have a strong, committed and experienced Board of Trustees who bring a wide range of skills, perspectives and passion to our work. As we look to the future, we are seeking two new trustees to join us, strengthening the Board further and helping us maximise our impact at a time when strong community action has never been more important.

Whether you have previous trustee experience or are considering your first board role, this is an opportunity to use your knowledge, skills and networks to influence the future of Wiltshire's VCFSE sector and the communities it serves.

Why Become a Trustee?

As a trustee, you will:

• Help shape the future direction of Wessex Community Action.

• Support strong governance, financial sustainability and organisational resilience.

• Provide constructive challenge, insight and encouragement to the leadership team.

• Help ensure that we continue to respond effectively to the needs of Wiltshire's communities and voluntary sector.

• Work alongside a welcoming, committed and experienced Board that is passionate about making a difference.

Trustees play a vital role in helping charities succeed. We welcome fresh perspectives, new ideas and people who are motivated by the opportunity to contribute to positive change.

Who Are We Looking For?

We are keen to hear from people from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. In particular, we would welcome applications from individuals who can help the Board navigate an increasingly complex funding, governance and partnership landscape, especially those with expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• Legal expertise, governance or regulatory compliance

• Finance and/or accountancy skills

• Senior leadership experience within Wiltshire's VCSE sector, local government, NHS, Integrated Care System (ICS), or wider health and care system

• Charity leadership and organisational development

• Human resources and people development

• Digital transformation and technology

• Income generation and fundraising

• Marketing, communications and public affairs

• Community development and engagement

• Equality, diversity and inclusion

• Lived experience of the challenges facing communities and voluntary organisations

Most importantly, we are looking for people who:

• Believe in the power of communities to create positive change.

• Think strategically and are willing to ask thoughtful questions.

• Are keen to share their skills and experience for the benefit of others.

• Enjoy working collaboratively as part of a team.

• Share our values of inclusion, integrity and community impact.

Our Commitment to Diversity

We believe that stronger boards make better decisions. We are committed to building a Board that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve and welcome applications from people whose voices are currently underrepresented in charity governance.

We particularly encourage applications from younger people, people from ethnically diverse communities, disabled people, and those with relevant lived experience.

We recognise that great trustees bring a variety of experiences and perspectives. If you are inspired by our mission but are unsure whether you meet every requirement, we would still love to hear from you.

Interested?

We would be delighted to arrange an informal conversation with our Chair or one of our Co-Directors before you decide whether to apply. Contact hello@wxca.org to arrange.

How to Apply

Please send:

• A CV or LinkedIn profile; and

• A short supporting statement outlining why you would like to join the Board and the skills, experience or perspectives you would bring (no more than x2 sides of A4)

Please send to hello@wxca.org

www.wessexcommunityaction.org.uk

Recruitment Process

Closing Date: Sunday 10th January

Our recruitment process is designed to be welcoming, informative and inclusive:

1. Informal conversation with the Chair or Co-Directors.

1. Submission of a CV and supporting statement.

1. Shortlisting during the week commencing 11th January.

1. Invitation to meet with the Co-Directors and a member of the Board towards the end of January.

1. Successful candidates will be invited to attend and shadow the Board meeting on 8th February before formal appointment.

Help Us Build Stronger Communities Across Wiltshire

This is an exciting opportunity to join a respected county-wide charity with a long history of supporting the organisations and volunteers that make Wiltshire a better place to live and work.

If you are interested in contributing your skills and experience - we'd love to hear from you.