Trustee

Caudwell Youth
Voluntary role | Three-year term | Rolling recruitment

Caudwell Youth is growing, and we’re looking for a new Trustee with expertise in communications, PR and/or digital marketing to join our Board and help us deliver our ambitious new strategy, Going National.

At Caudwell Youth, we empower at-risk young people to shape their own future through mentoring and youth-led support. We currently support around 400 young people across Milton Keynes, Hertfordshire, Slough, Buckinghamshire and Luton, and our ambition is to reach many more.

As we grow, we want to build our brand as an authentic voice for young people – a brand that young people identify with and trust. We’re looking for someone who can bring their communications expertise, strategic thinking and enthusiasm to help us achieve this ambition.

About the role

As a Trustee, you’ll play a vital role in shaping the future of Caudwell Youth. You’ll contribute to our strategic direction, provide support and constructive challenge to the CEO and executive team, and act as an ambassador for the charity.

We’re particularly interested in hearing from people with experience in:

• Charity communications and marketing
• PR and media
• Digital marketing and digital communications
• Developing and strengthening organisational brands
• Strategic communications and audience engagement

We’re also keen to hear from younger people and people with lived experience, aged 18 and over.

You don’t need to have been a Trustee before. What matters is that you share our vision and values, can think creatively and strategically, and are willing to contribute actively as part of a Board.

About you

We’re looking for someone who brings energy, enthusiasm and commitment, and who can broaden the diversity of thinking on our Board.

You’ll have:

• A commitment to Caudwell Youth’s vision, mission and values
• Knowledge of and/or an interest in youth issues
• The ability to think creatively and strategically and exercise good, independent judgement
• Effective communication skills and a willingness to participate actively in discussion
• A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion
• A willingness to lead according to our values
• A commitment to the Nolan Principles of public life

Most importantly, you’ll be passionate about helping young people at risk to shape their own future.

What you’ll do

Our Trustees have collective responsibility for the charity’s governance, strategy and overall direction. You’ll:

• Contribute to our strategic direction, strategy and annual plans
• Help ensure key risks are identified, monitored and effectively controlled
• Oversee financial plans and budgets and monitor progress
• Review and approve the annual report and accounts
• Support and challenge the CEO and executive team
• Promote meaningful youth engagement across our work
• Contribute to reviews of our governance
• Attend and prepare for Board meetings
• Act as an ambassador for Caudwell Youth, using your skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts

Time commitment and terms

This is a voluntary role, with reasonable expenses reimbursed.

Trustees are appointed for an initial three-year term, which can be renewed for a second term, with a maximum of six years' service.

The expected commitment includes:

• Preparing for and attending four Board meetings each year, currently held online from 5.30–7.30pm
• Attending an annual strategy day in person in London/Milton Keynes
• Ad hoc and occasional support through working groups and/or support to the executive team

Why Caudwell Youth?

Not all young people have the same opportunities in life. Caudwell Youth exists to level the playing field for young people at risk.

We support young people up to the age of 25 who face real challenges in their lives, including mental health challenges, being care experienced, or being at risk of exploitation or offending.

Our work is making a difference. Over our first three years, 95% of young people supported reduced offending behaviour, 64% reduced their exploitation risk, 83% reported improvements in their mental health, and 45% moved into education, employment or training.

But demand for our service far outstrips supply. Our new strategy is about changing that expanding our programmes and becoming a national charity, while continuing to work alongside young people and empower them in everything we do.

How to apply

We’re accepting applications on a rolling basis.

Please send:

• Your CV
• A one-side-of-A4 covering letter explaining why you’re interested in the role and outlining any experience relevant to the position.

Your covering letter will be used as part of our blind selection process, so please make it count.

Email your application to: HR@caudwellyouth.org
Questions about the role? Contact HR on 01908 973 676 or HR@caudwellyouth.org.

Interviews will take place online and will be a relaxed, informal conversation about your experience, interests and what you could bring to the Trustee role.

Find out more

To learn more about the role and view the full Trustee Recruitment Pack, please visit:

www.caudwellyouth.org/careers