Trustees

Hft is a national charity that supports nearly 2,800 adults with a learning disability across England and Wales to live the lives they choose. In recent years we have moved from a period of real challenge into one of stability, confidence and forward momentum. Like many social care organisations, we were hit hard by workforce pressures and rising costs, and we had to make some tough decisions. Through determined, values-led leadership we have restored financial stability, strengthened our leadership, and begun to rebuild pride and confidence across the organisation.

We now have a clear strategy, a refreshed Executive Team and a strong sense of shared purpose. The next stage of our journey is about transformation: modernising how we work, improving the quality and consistency of support, and increasing independence, choice and opportunity for the people who use our services. To help us move from “credible” to truly “incredible”, we are renewing and expanding our Trustee Board.

Our current trustees have given significant service and support in guiding Hft through a difficult chapter. As several of them come to the end of their terms, we are looking to bring in new voices, new skills and new lived experience ensuring that we demonstrate diversity. We are seeking up to six Trustees – including our next Chair – who can contribute to thoughtful, effective governance and play an active role in shaping the future of Hft.

The role

Trustees play a central role in how Hft is led and held to account. As a member of the Board, you will contribute to the strategic direction of the charity, oversee our financial stewardship, and ensure that people with a learning disability are at the heart of every major decision.

You will:

• Participate in Board and committee meetings, engaging with information, asking questions and bringing your insight and experience to bear.

• Help the Board and Executive Team to think clearly about risk, opportunity and impact – focusing on what really matters for the people we support, our colleagues and our long-term sustainability.

• Support and constructively challenge the Executive Team, helping to maintain a strong golden thread between strategy, performance and lived experience.

• Act as an ambassador for Hft outside the Boardroom, representing the organisation with confidence and warmth to partners, commissioners, families and other stakeholders.

You will be joining a Board that is evolving – with a new Chair, new trustees and refreshed committee structures – and you will help to shape how we work together: modelling curiosity, openness and a shared commitment to continuous improvement.

Who we are looking for

We are looking for people who care deeply about improving the lives of adults with a learning disability, and who want to use their skills and experience to strengthen a values-led organisation. You do not need to have been a trustee before. What matters most is your judgement, your willingness to learn, and your ability to work well as part of a Board.

You will:

• Be able to think strategically and see the bigger picture, while understanding the importance of good stewardship and accountability.

• Listen well, weigh up complex or incomplete information, and make balanced contributions to collective decisions.

• Be comfortable offering both support and constructive challenge – helping Hft to be honest about its risks while ambitious about its impact.

• Bring a collaborative, inclusive mindset, and a genuine interest in the experiences of people we support, their families and the colleagues who work alongside them.

We are particularly keen to welcome candidates from diverse backgrounds, including people with lived experience of support or caring roles. To complement our Executive Team and broaden the skills around the Board table, we are especially interested in Trustees who bring expertise in one or more of the following:

• Operational leadership in regulated social care, ideally learning disabilities

• Strategic People, OD, EDI or change

• Charity CEO experience

• Business development in commissioned services

• Commissioning experience in a Local Authority

• Safeguarding

These roles are voluntary and unremunerated. Expenses are covered.

This is an exciting and purposeful moment for Hft. If you think you could bring something valuable to our Board, and want to be part of a charity that is honest, values-led and committed to making a real difference, we would very much like to hear from you.