Shaw Trust believes that everyone has the right to live a decent and dignified life and deserves an opportunity for rewarding work. From humble beginnings, finding jobs for disabled people in the village of Shaw in Wiltshire, it has grown to be the UK’s largest not-for-profit social enterprise in the employment sector. Today, it is a complex and diverse charity committed to employment as the core pathway to a better life.

The Trust's 3,000 employees and 600 volunteers share its vision of a future where good employment is accessible to all in society, irrespective of life circumstances. Its beneficiaries are those who face social and economic challenges, and may also be disabled or have complex needs. Having supported nearly 335,000 people across the UK in the last year alone, through a revenue of £296m. The Trust remains committed to employment as the core pathway to a better life, recognising that the right support at the right time can make a huge difference to an individual’s life.

Shaw Trust's vision for the next 10 years centres on its Child to Career tenet which focusses on joining up and layering its nationwide services to provide tailored, people-centric support. It is driven by impact, not profit, and uses a 'charitable heart with a commercial brain' approach. Shaw Trust works in partnership, not competition within an ecosystem of other purpose led organisations who strive for a fairer, more equal society with opportunities for all.

The Board of Trustees holds ultimate accountability for the affairs of Shaw Trust. Its job is to ensure that it is solvent, well-run, and delivers charitable outcomes for the benefit of the public for which it has been set up.

As part of their role, Trustees:

• Contribute to the setting and shaping of strategic direction as well as to good governance, including financial stewardship, stability and sustainability
• Offer valuable resource in terms of supporting, questioning and holding to account the Executive, and engaging in particular projects from time to time
• Call on their personal and professional networks and contacts in support of the Trust’s activities and reputation, and act as ambassador
• Ensure that the organisation complies with its governing document, charity and company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations
• Ensure that the organisation pursues its objects as defined in the governing documents, safeguard its good name and value and protect its resources

Shaw Trust is looking for two new Trustees, who will bring senior experience in one or more of the following:

• Complex contracts/performance and business development: Candidates will bring experience of procurement and contract delivery of public services. Relevant experience could include business development in the private or third sector, or through procurement or commissioning in the public sector.
• Experience gained within health and wellbeing sectors: Candidates will bring an understanding of the sectors and commissioning, with an appreciation of the multi-disciplinary approach to healthcare to deliver person-centred and coordinated care and support.
• Expertise in adult and child safeguarding: With the Trust managing 60 children’s homes and focusing on children’s / young people’s services, candidates will bring an in-depth understanding of safeguarding issues.
• National and local Government experience: Candidates will bring senior leadership experience and understand how the Trust can better work with government departments, local authorities and employers across the country to deliver the best outcomes for the people it supports. 

Above all, the successful candidates will have passion for the Trust's impactful and important work, and have personal values which align with those of the Trust.

Olly Benzecry CBE, Chair
Paul Baldwin
Diane Cote
Stephen Pegge
Kalm Paul-Christian
Mike Nussbaum
Lara Oyesanya
Audrey Coutinho
Annmarie Hassall MBE
Steve Shaw
Deborah Dorman
James Stewart OBE

Learn more about the Board here.

This role is unremunerated, but reasonable, pre-agreed domestic travel expenses will be reimbursed.

It is estimated that the time commitment will amount to one to two days per month. Board meetings are held four times per year and all Trustees are also members of one of the four Committees, which also meet quarterly. There will also be an annual strategy away day, extraordinary Committee meetings as required, as well as ad hoc engagement with the Trust's staff, stakeholders and the people it supports. Board meetings and the annual strategy day will be in person in different locations but Committee meetings will be held virtually.

The appointment is for a three-year term, which can be renewed twice at the discretion of the Board.

UK - London