Founding Trustee - Safeguarding Lead

Founding Trustee (Safeguarding Lead) - Volunteer

Approx. 8 hours per month - Flexible working hours - Founding Governance Role - Hybrid/Remote

This is an exciting opportunity to help shape and establish Women's Health Access, a newly founded charity focussing on supporting women through gynaecology services in England and Wales. Our mission is to make it easier for women to access the right care at the right time by providing education, support and independent guidance to allow women to advocate for themselves. In time, we will provide financial support for women impacted by waiting lists and we will work with employers to develop a "Women's Health Friendly" employer accreditation. We will collect data, produce reports and work closely with governing bodies to improve care for women and close treatment and diagnosis gaps.

As we prepare to launch Women's Health Access, we are seeking a dedicated and passionate Safeguarding Lead to join our founding Board. You will help guide, govern and influence the creation of this new and important service.

We welcome applications from people who are underrepresented in leadership, and we particularly value intersectional perspectives.

Purpose:

  • To provide board-level oversight of safeguarding, ensuring that the charity has effective policies, procedures and culture to protect callers, volunteers, staff and others.

  • You will use your skills, networks and experience to help the charity achieve its mission

Responsibilities:

  • You will contribute to a clear vision, mission and strategy. Ensure these are reviewed regularly and that performance is monitored.

  • Ensure the charity complies with its governing document and charity law.

  • Safeguard the charity’s assets, including its reputation, and ensure proper financial controls and risk management are in place.

  • Work with the designated safeguarding lead (staff member once appointed) to keep safeguarding policies up to date and in line with best practice.

  • Ensure there is appropriate training and supervision for volunteers handling calls.

  • Review safeguarding incidents and near-misses with the designated lead and ensure learning is taken to the board.

  • Make sure safeguarding considerations are built into strategic decisions, including all services and expansion of services.

  • Support and challenge the chief executive or lead officer, ensuring an appropriate balance between support and accountability.

  • Prepare for and attend board meetings and contribute thoughtfully. Vote on all board decisions

  • Exercise the CIO’s powers to manage its affairs (subject to the constitution).

  • Declare any conflicts of interest and follow the charity’s policies on confidentiality and conduct.

Person Specification (Essential):

  • Professional experience in safeguarding, social work, healthcare, education or a related field, or substantial experience of safeguarding governance in a charity.

  • Confidence in understanding and interrogating safeguarding reports and policies.

  • Comfortable operating at a strategic level.

  • Commitment to the mission of improving women’s health and reducing inequalities in access to care.

  • Ability to commit to an estimated 8 hours per month, 4 board meetings per year and occasional events or sub committees.

  • Understanding of, or willingness to learn about, the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship.

  • Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

  • Strategic and analytical thinking skills; ability to see the bigger picture and to ask constructive, challenging questions.

  • Integrity, independence of mind and willingness to speak up where needed.

  • Ability to work collaboratively as part of a diverse board and to listen to different viewpoints.

Person Specification (Desired):

  • Previous experience as a trustee, governor, non-executive director or senior manager.

Additional Information:

  • Term of office is 3 years, renewal once

  • Must be eligible to serve as a charity trustee under UK law.

  • Willing to undertake any appropriate checks, such as DBS

If you'd like to establish the foundations of a new charity, please send your CV and a supporting letter to amelia@womenshealthaccess.com

For more information or if you have any questions please email amelia@womenshealthaccess.com