We are seeking a Trustee with a particular interest in, and knowledge of, the serving Armed Forces community to join our purpose-driven and passionate Council (Board of Trustees).  Are you ready to play a leading role in shaping the strategic direction of the UK’S oldest national tri-service charity?

Founded in 1885, we have a rich history of providing a range of exceptional services, with the needs of our beneficiaries at the heart of everything we do. We are deeply committed to our mission:

SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity is a trusted source of support for serving personnel, veterans and their families in their time of need.

This is an exciting time to join our Council to help shape the future of this dynamic and relevant charity. Our forward-thinking Network Delivery Project, will be trialled in order to future-proof our vital work. It will ensure a financially sustainable, consistent, timely and quality assured service to all our beneficiaries wherever they are, whenever they need it, across our UK footprint and in locations worldwide. The knowledge and experience you will bring to the role of this Trustee will be instrumental in this period of strategic change and have a lasting impact on the lives of our beneficiaries.

What are the specific duties of this Trustee role?

• Support the serving community by providing insight and strategic guidance to influence SSAFA’s current and future work, acknowledging SSAFA’s tri-service scope/remit.

• Provide representation of, and have a clear understanding of, the current needs and challenges facing the Armed Forces community and offer expertise and guidance with regards to how SSAFA can meet these needs.

• Use knowledge and lived experience of the Armed Forces community to highlight opportunities to effectively engage and involve serving people and their families, supporting the Volunteering Operations teams to explore these opportunities.

• Raise the profile of SSAFA within the serving community and with key stakeholders across the services, ideally through an established network of contacts.

• Translate and highlight the experiences, challenges and strengths inherent in the modern-day Armed Forces community, to enable the board as a whole to make informed decisions.

• For further details about the role, you will find the role description in the Recruitment Pack.

• This is a voluntary role, but all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed. We will also provide all the necessary, ongoing training to support you in this role.

What are we looking for?

• Someone with recent or current lived experience of Armed Forces life, either as a serving person or family member.

• A passion and commitment to SSAFA’s cause and in creating a society in which the Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive.

• Someone who can actively demonstrate leadership and support, able to share their knowledge, skills and networks as part of SSAFA’s strategy to offer excellent support to the serving community.

• An advocate for SSAFA who will help build a community of people who are passionate about who we are, what we do and the difference we make.

• Demonstrable experience of building and sustaining relationships with key stakeholders and colleagues to achieve organisational objectives.

• An innovative thinker who is prepared to challenge and offer their professional opinion to Council.

• A proven track record of sound judgement, effective decision making and strategic vision.

• A history of impartiality, fairness and the ability to respect confidences.

• A track record of commitment to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion.

• A commitment to the work of SSAFA.

• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of Trusteeship.

• The tenure for this role is an initial three-year term, with the possibility of serving a maximum of three terms in total.

• We are looking for someone who has the time to commit to four Council meetings and four committee meetings annually, the Annual Members Meeting and any relevant conferences as agreed.

• A DBS check may be required for this role.

We are deeply committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and we welcome applications from all members of our society.

Further Information

View the full recruitment pack here.

If you have any queries or would like to speak to someone about this role, please contact recruitment@ssafa.org.uk.

To apply click on "start your application" in the top right hand corner.

Our application process is designed to remove bias from the hiring process. You will be asked to answer five questions related to the role and attach your CV. Please answer the questions as fully as possible within the 250 word limit as this is what we will use to shortlist applications. Your CV will only be seen after the shortlisting process is complete.

Closing date: Midnight on 19 October 2023

Interviews: TBC