In 2011, Forces in Mind Trust (FiMT) was established to focus on the transition of Service personnel into civilian life. We were set up as a twenty year ‘spend out’ Trust, with a £35 million endowment from the National Lottery, so are currently due to cease operation by the end of 2031.

Our vision is for all ex-Service personnel and their families to lead fulfilled civilian lives. Our mission is to enable ex-Service personnel and their families to make a successful and sustainable transition into civilian life.

How does it deliver this?

FiMT delivers this mission by generating an evidence base through funding research activity that influences and underpins policy making and service delivery. It also helps strengthen the Armed Forces charities sector through collaboration and leadership, and by building capacity. Its Change Model and Programmes of Work can be seen here.

The Trust's activity has had a significant impact in improving the transition experience of veterans and their families.  The 10 Years Impact Report, featuring some of the most impactful projects the Trust has funded since it was set up in 2011, is available here, and the Trust’s latest Impact Report is available here.

The changing environment for ex-Service personnel

There has been significant progress made in the environment for ex-Service personnel since the Trust’s inception, to better support Service leavers and their families to transition into civilian life. This has included:

• The introduction of resettlement provision for Early Service Leavers
• The creation of the Defence Transition Services as part of the MOD’s new Holistic Transition Policy
• improved statutory provisions for veterans’ health
• the introduction of the Veterans’ Gateway
• the creation of the Office for Veterans’ Affairs, separate to the MOD

The MOD’s Career Transition Partnership has also enhanced its offering and will re-contract its resettlement support services in October 2023. The introduction of the Armed Forces Covenant in 2011 was also an important factor in this evolving landscape.

Looking forward, three recent and significant reviews are also of direct relevance to FiMT’s work: the Haythornthwaite Review (service personnel incentivisation); the Etherton Review(LGBT plus lived experiences for those discharged); and the Veterans Welfare Service Review.

You can find out more in a full recruitment pack here.

The Trust has a single corporate Trustee, known as FIM Trustee Limited, with a Board of Directors (in effect Trustees) of between 10 to 14 members. Up to five of those Directors come from the Service charity sector, and it also has a Protector to represent the Founder (the National Lottery Community Fund).

A small team of 11 full-time employees, led by a Chief Executive, is responsible for the operational delivery of the mission. Human Resources, Financial Control, Legal Advice and Facilities Management are outsourced.

As a Trustee Director, you will focus on:  

• Actively contributing to Board discussions to provide clear strategic direction for the Trust  
• Helping ensure that it complies with any charity law, rules and regulations governing its work
• Helping to promote the values and safeguard the reputation of FiMT
• Working collaboratively with other Directors and the Chief Executive to contribute to the effective and efficient operations of the Trust
• Using external knowledge, connections and experience to help FiMT make an impact

The Board plays a vital role in guiding the strategic direction of FiMT and contributes to the development and success of its initiatives as it charts the course to a strong legacy.

With the Trust required to spend its entire endowment by 2031, the Board is looking for two new Trustee Directors. Candidates may come from a variety of backgrounds, but will be able to help devise and oversee the implementation of a strategy to bolster its impact for the Trust's remaining years, and its legacy thereafter.

The Trust is particularly interested in hearing from those who have experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Generating impact at a strategic level.
• Strategic grant-making, including programme review, impact assessment and knowledge management
• Good understanding of the environment and the factors that affect the successful delivery of charitable programmes.
• Experience of operating at a senior level in non-charity or non-military sectors

Previous Board experience is not essential, but an understanding of, or a willingness to train in, the principles of good governance in the charity sector is essential. The Trust is looking for bold thinkers, innovative influencers, and agents of change who are able to constructively challenge and offer their expertise and guidance in leading the Trust. Strong empathy with the United Kingdom’s Armed Forces Community is essential, as is corresponding commitment to the Trust's mission.

Diversity and inclusion are central to the Trust's values, and it is committed to ensuring a diverse and inclusive Board which reflects the communities it serves.

You can find out more about the Board here.

Trustee Directors are expected to attend quarterly Board meetings, which normally occur on a Tuesday between 10.00 and 14.00, and an annual strategy away day, all of which usually take place near the Trust’s offices in Victoria, London. In addition, they may be appointed to the ARC.

The appointment is for an initial term of three years, which may be renewed once.

This position is not remunerated, but reasonable travel and subsistence expenses are paid, including childcare costs when required.

Location

The Trust operates across the United Kingdom, and it therefore extends a warm invitation to applicants from Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. An unwavering commitment to equality and diversity is at the heart of its ethos.