Board Trustee

Company Description

Dementia Active Charity is dedicated to building a nationwide network of centres that provide meaningful cognitive stimulation and social support for people living with dementia. Working closely with families, carers, and local communities, the charity helps individuals remain connected, capable, and comfortable in familiar surroundings for as long as possible. Centres offer a welcoming community where members can participate without feeling apologetic or uncomfortable about changing abilities, and where shared experiences of isolation are understood. Sessions include conversation, structured reminiscence, playful group activities, topical discussions, gentle exercise, dancing, arts and crafts, and regular professional entertainment, supported by small groups and high staff-to-member ratios. Members also benefit from a three-course lunch, refreshments throughout, and in some cases local transport to and from sessions.

Dementia Active

Trustee Recruitment Pack

Join our board and help shape the next stage of our growth

We are actively looking for new Trustees to join our board.

Dementia Active is a thriving and growing charity, but our mission is only just getting started. We want to reach more communities and offer support to individuals, carers and families across the UK.

Organisation

Dementia Active

Role

Trustee / Specialist Trustee

Location

Board meetings in person at the Banbury office

Time commitment

Every 2 to 3 months, plus some additional work between meetings

Target onboarding

July / August, ahead of the September Trustee meeting

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Welcome

We are reaching out to our network of friends and families to ask for your help. Dementia Active is looking for new Trustees who can bring specialist skills, strategic thinking and a shared passion for improving the lives of people living with dementia.

As the charity grows, our board will help guide our future plans, strengthen governance, support the management team and make sure our work continues to deliver real impact for individuals, carers and families.

Our countrywide mission

To enable every adult living with dementia to access a structured programme of cognitive stimulation and meaningful social interaction - fundamental to managing the impact of the disease and enhancing quality of life.

Why trustees matter

Trustees will play a critical role in Dementia Active's growth, helping to shape future strategy, provide support and challenge, and guide sustainable expansion across the UK.

What is the role of a Trustee?

Trustees are responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity. They ensure that Dementia Active operates in accordance with its governing document, charity law and its mission.

Trustees provide support and constructive challenge to the executive team, help shape future strategy and act in the best interests of the charity and its beneficiaries.

Key trustee responsibilities

- Ensure the charity pursues its charitable objectives.

- Contribute to the development of strategy and business plans.

- Monitor the charity's performance and impact.

- Act in the best interests of the charity and its beneficiaries.

- Support and challenge the executive team.

- Promote the charity and act as an ambassador where appropriate.

Who we are looking for

We are looking for people who understand, value and feel passionate about the services Dementia Active provides in our communities.

- A strategic mindset with sound judgement and good decision-making skills.

- Ability to dedicate time to trustee duties, including board meetings every 2 to 3 months at the Banbury office and some additional work outside meetings.

- Ability to work collaboratively with the Trustee Board and Dementia Active management team.

- Previous trustee experience will be prioritised but is not essential.

- Experience in the voluntary, health, social care or dementia sectors is helpful but not essential.

Time commitment

Trustees meet in person every 2 to 3 months at our Banbury office. Trustees should also expect some additional reading, advice, support or follow-up work between meetings.

Priority specialist trustee roles

We are particularly keen to hear from people who can strengthen the board in one of the following areas.

Treasurer Trustee

A trustee with strong financial management, accounting or finance experience.

- Review budgets, management accounts and financial forecasts.

- Monitor financial risks and controls.

- Ensure annual accounts are prepared appropriately.

- Liaise with auditors and support financial policy development.

Fundraising & Income Generation Trustee

A trustee who can provide strategic advice on fundraising and income generation.

- Support donor and corporate partnership development.

- Help ensure fundraising activity follows regulations and best practice.

- Identify potential new revenue streams.

- Act as an advocate for the charity.

Priority specialist trustee roles continued

Legal Trustee

A trustee who can support lawful operation, good governance and management of legal risk.

- Advise the board on legal risks and governance matters.

- Assist with reviewing governance policies and procedures.

- Support appointment of external legal counsel when needed.

- Provide oversight on significant commercial contracts, employment law and data protection.

Safeguarding Trustee

A vital trustee role that champions a culture of safeguarding across the organisation.

- Bring experience in safeguarding policy, practice or oversight.

- Support understanding of Charity Commission safeguarding expectations.

- Professional experience in safeguarding, health and social care, social work, nursing, adult services or a related field will be prioritised.

- Previous trustee experience is preferred.

Marketing & Communications Trustee

A trustee who can provide strategic guidance on brand, communications and public engagement.

- Support Dementia Active's brand, marketing and communications approach.

- Provide insight on recruiting new members, building awareness and attracting supporters and volunteers.

- Help shape digital marketing strategy and annual marketing spend.

- Bring practical communications and public engagement experience.

Terms of appointment

- Trustee roles are voluntary and unpaid.

- Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed, for example petrol costs.

- Trustees are expected to comply with the charity's code of conduct and conflict of interest policy.

- Trustees should be willing to act as ambassadors for Dementia Active where appropriate.

Recruitment timetable

Now

Share the opportunity with suitable people in your family, professional contacts or wider network.

Initial contact

Interested people email Sign in to view email with their preferred contact details and background information.

July / August

Dementia Active follows up with a quick call and provides the more specific role description.

September

New Trustees are prepared for the next Trustee meeting.

How to express interest

Please ask anyone who may be interested to email Sign in to view email with the best email address or phone number we can contact them on.

- A link to their LinkedIn profile.

- A CV.

- A short summary of the organisations they have worked for and their key skills.

- Any previous trustee experience.

Share this opportunity

Dementia Active is ready for the next stage of growth. With the right trustees around the table, we can strengthen our governance, support our teams and help more people living with dementia access meaningful activity, social connection and compassionate support.

Can you help us find the right people?

Please share this pack with anyone in your family, professional network or community who may be interested in supporting Dementia Active as a Trustee.

Dementia Active

Focusing on Ability

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