Trustee

Why Join Us? 

We're at an exciting pivotal moment, expanding our successful Community Outreach Service and developing new domiciliary care services. This transformation means supporting many more people with learning disabilities across Norfolk to live fulfilling, independent lives in their communities.  

Based in Dereham, we serve communities across Norfolk. Your expertise will directly impact people who need our support most, making a tangible difference where it's needed.  

What We're Looking For  

We're seeking trustees with knowledge or experience in care compliance and quality assurance, finance and accountancy, corporate risk management, people and culture, fundraising, or contract management. This might be gained through work, academic study, or specialised training in these areas. No previous board experience is required – just enthusiasm to learn about our organisation and genuine commitment to making a difference through strategic governance and oversight.  

Your Impact as a Trustee  

You'll shape strategy for a charity supporting adults with learning disabilities in Norfolk, guiding our organisational transformation while making decisions that directly improve the lives of the people we support.

Time Commitment  

Board meetings are held quarterly in the evenings, lasting approximately 2-2.5 hours, with sub-committee meetings also held quarterly for 1.5-2 hours. The role requires time for preparation for meetings and occasional engagement with the charity’s activities and events. Reasonable expenses are reimbursed.

Responsibilities

As a trustee, you have important personal responsibilities to ensure the charity is well-governed, effective, and operates for the public benefit.

·     Ensure the charity is carrying out its purposes and delivering public benefit

·     Understand the charity’s purposes as set out in our governing document, and be able to explain how all activities further or support these purposes

·     To ensure that the charity pursue its stated purposes, as defined in its governing document, by developing and agreeing a long-term strategy

·     To ensure that the charity complies with its governing document, applicable charity law, and any other relevant legislation or regulations

·     Manage the charity’s resources responsibly by making sure that the charity applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its charitable objects for the benefit of its members

·     Ensure that the charity’s assets, beneficiaries or reputation are not exposed to undue risk

·     You must exercise reasonable skill and care, drawing on your own expertise and experience, and seek appropriate advice when necessary

·     You should dedicate sufficient time, thought, and energy to your role, ensuring you are well-prepared for, attend, and actively participate in all Board meetings.

·     Be able to demonstrate that the charity is complying with the law, well run and effective

·     Ensure appropriate accountability within the charity, both to members and in relation to delegated responsibilities.

Qualities and experience 

This role is best suited to candidates who can demonstrate knowledge and experience that will benefit the charity, and who possess the following characteristics:

·     A proven track record of integrity and respect for confidential and proprietary information

·     A keen and respectful listener who can empathise and respectfully challenge

·     Commitment to the charity, approachable for the people we support, and enthusiasm for its vision, mission and aims

·     Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship

·     Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to their duties as a trustee (we estimate this to be 2-3 hours per week in addition to Board meeting commitments below)

·     Strategic vision

·     Sound, independent judgement

·     Willingness to participate in frank and open discussion

·     Ability to work effectively as a member of a team

·     The ability to read and understand management reports

·     Skills to analyse proposals and their consequences

·     Preparedness to make unpopular recommendations to the Board

·     General competence with IT

·     Willingness to be available to provide guidance to the senior management team on an ad hoc basis

Our Values  

We are Inclusive, Trustworthy, Caring, Challenging, and Positive – values that underpin everything we do for people with learning disabilities and their families. Mid Norfolk Mencap is committed to diversity and creating an environment where every Board member is valued and respected, regardless of background. 

Application Process  

Closing date for applications 14^th November 2025. Interviews will take place 24^th November – 5^th December 2025. Successful applicants will be formally nominated to join the board at our AGM on 22^nd January 2026. 

Ready to make a difference? Contact us now!