Become a trustee

Avenues is a place where people smile, laugh and grow – and achieve extraordinary things. Our trustees are at the heart of this.

Our ambition at Avenues is for people to feel a sense of belonging, and enjoy a full life, no matter how complex their personal situation. We love to go the extra mile, investing in our team so that have the skills to support expanding lives. We know that well-supported people support people well.

Our trustees make sure all this happens, and that all our decisions and plans put people first. They make sure that the charity is well run.

They are guardians of our future strategy.

Become a trustee

As well as providing an invaluable service for an organisation and it’s people, becoming a trustee can be an excellent step for your career development.

Who we are looking for?

Anyone can apply to be a trustee with us. Avenues is a hugely diverse community of people and we always want our trustee group to reflect this. You might have a relative with a disability, have lived experience of disability yourself (though your own personal experience), have professional skills that can support us, or just be passionate about equality and our values. Everyone has their own reasons for applying, and everyone has something to offer.

We do need to have a balance of skills and backgrounds on our trustee group and we are currently very interested in applications from:

• Younger people who may not have professional experience but want to make a difference – we will support their long-term learning and development as trustees.
• People with professional experience in the health and social care sector, such as the NHS
• Financial experience within the Care Sector
• People management and organisational development
• Risk Management (specialising in a quality, compliance and regulatory environment)

Find out more about our current trustees and their backgrounds

Rina’s journey to becoming a trustee

Rina has over 15 years’ Human Resources experience in the NHS with broad skills involving strategy, leadership and talent development and EDI and wellbeing.  She is currently Chief People Officer at NHS Property Services Ltd.  Rina previously worked at the Department of Health & Social Care and Centrica Plc.

Rina was inspired to apply for the trustee role for very personal reasons; “The work of Avenues Group is really close to my heart, my young brother has a learning disability and autism, I understand how good person-centred support can genuinely make a difference to quality of life, so I’m very passionate about supporting people to live their best lives in their community.”

Become an Independent Committee Member (ICM) at Avenues

At Avenues, there are times when our board may need additional skills and expertise that our current members do not possess. This is when we appoint Independent Committee Members (ICMs).

What is an ICM?

An Independent Committee Member (ICM) is someone who brings a specific skill, experience, or passion to a committee or project. ICMs work on behalf of the board, contributing to the future success of the charity at a board level without taking on the full responsibilities of a Trustee. This role allows you to make a significant impact while focusing on your area of expertise.

Why Become an ICM at Avenues?

• Specialised contribution: As an ICM, you will provide valuable insights and guidance in your area of expertise, helping to shape the direction and success of our projects and initiatives.
• Full voting rights: ICMs at Avenues are appointed to committees by the Board and have full voting rights, ensuring your voice is heard and your contributions are impactful.
• Count towards quorum: Your presence as an ICM counts towards the quorum, making your participation crucial for the decision-making process.
  

  South Independent Trustee Sireesh Nallanthighal

For Independent Committee Members we are currently looking for the following skills and experience:-

• VAT and Tax Experience
• Employee Perspectives
• Accounting, audit and Pensions
• people with first-hand experience of disability and support.
• Neurodivergent people

You don’t necessarily need to fit these categories to apply. Personal attributes such as honesty, transparency, commitment and kindness are of equal importance.

Join us as a Trustee or  Independent Committee Member and help steer the future success of Avenues. Your expertise and passion can make a real difference.

Find out more about the general responsibilities of a trustee at the NCVO ‘s information pages

How to apply to become a trustee

Send an email to recruitment@avenuesgroup.org.uk and we can arrange a time to chat. You can also register your interest here if there are no current trustee roles available.

Download more info in our Application Pack