We are Mid Norfolk Mencap, an independent charity established in 1977, supporting people with learning disabilities across Norfolk. With over 16,500 adults in the county estimated to have a learning ...
Trustee
Practical details
Volunteering • Organisation role
Contact person
Kathryn Baird-Parker
Provided
#120733
Scan me or visit www.getinvolvednorfolk.org.uk/o/Mid-Norfolk-Mencap/opportunities/Trustee/120733 to join
Mid Norfolk Mencap, supporting people with learning disabilities across Norfolk, seeks up to 3 committed trustees to join our Board.
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 expertise in supporting someone with a learning disability (e.g. NCC Adult social care, NHS or ICB experience); fundraising and income development (trusts and foundations, major donors or corporate partnerships); property and legal (commercial property, conveyancing, built environment or charity law); digital and communications (marketing, digital channels or public communications). 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 2.5 to 3 hours, with sub-committee meetings also held quarterly for around 1 to 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
We are looking for people who can demonstrate:
· Integrity and respect for confidential and sensitive information
· Commitment to the charity's vision, mission and values
· Willingness to listen carefully, empathise and, where necessary, challenge respectfully
· Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship
· Strategic thinking and sound, independent judgement
· Ability to work effectively as part of a team and contribute to open discussion
· Willingness to make time for the role and to be available to the Senior Management Team (on an ad-hoc basis)
· Competence with basic IT and the ability to read and interpret management reports
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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 6th July 2026. Interviews will take place shortly after this date. Successful applicants will be formally nominated to join the board at our board meeting on 6th August 2026.
Ready to make a difference? Contact us now!
Related to
About Mid Norfolk Mencap
We are Mid Norfolk Mencap, an independent charity established in 1977, supporting people with learning disabilities across Norfolk. With over 16,500 adults in the county estimated to have a learning disability, we recognise the growing need for high-quality, community-based support. We are a Mencap Network Partner. Our vision is a world where people with a learning disability are valued equally, listened to, and fully included, and our mission is to enable the people we support to lead fulfilling lives, be active members of their communities, and access the same opportunities as everyone else.
We deliver this through a range of services. Our Community Outreach Service works with adults to build skills, confidence, and independence through personalised support plans, helping them achieve their goals and engage with their communities. We also run the Dereham and District Gateway Club, a safe and sociable space offering activities and connection for our members. Guided by our values of inclusivity, trust, care, positivity, and a commitment to challenging inequality, we are continuing to develop new services to meet local needs and expand our reach across Norfolk.
Applications closing in a month.