Trustee (Fundraising / Business Development)

Help us grow our impact, strengthen our organisation and ensure every person has a voice.

Job title: Trustee (Fundraising/Business Development)

Hours: Voluntary – approximately 5-8 days per year

Salary: Unpaid voluntary position

About The Advocacy Project

The Advocacy Project helps people speak up and make decisions about their health, wellbeing and social care. Our vision is a world in which every person has a voice, and our mission is to enable everyone to have their voice heard, uphold their rights and make choices.

We work with people across all ages and care groups, particularly those who may be vulnerable or excluded, helping them understand their rights, make informed decisions and raise concerns.

Our services include independent advocacy, user involvement projects, local Healthwatch services and accessible communication, including easy-read documents for people with learning disabilities.

Our services are independent, confidential and free to those receiving them. During 2025–2026, 37,000 people engaged with us or asked us for information, and we provided advocacy to 1,200 people.

The Opportunity

We're seeking a new Trustee with a background in fundraising or business development to join our Board and help shape the future of The Advocacy Project.

As our Business Development Trustee, you will chair the Business Development Committee and provide expert support to our Head of Business Development. You'll bring your experience, energy and fresh ideas to help us strengthen our fundraising and business development activities, expand our reach and deliver our five-year strategy.

This is an exciting opportunity to use your professional expertise to support an organisation making a real difference to people's lives. We welcome experience gained in the charity sector, although transferable commercial experience is equally valued.

You'll work closely with the Board, CEO and Senior Leadership Team, providing strategic guidance, constructive challenge and support to help ensure the organisation remains sustainable and continues to grow.

About You

We're looking for someone who brings:

• Experience in business development, fundraising or income generation, ideally within a charity, although commercial experience is also welcome.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective relationships.
• Good judgement, tact and diplomacy.
• The confidence to ask probing questions and hold management to account.
• A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
• An understanding of and commitment to safeguarding.
• A genuine commitment to the mission and values of The Advocacy Project.

We particularly welcome applications from people with relevant lived experience, including those who have used mental health or learning disability services.

Experience as a Trustee is not essential, although an understanding of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship would be beneficial. We welcome people with a range of lived and professional experiences, including those with a legal background.

The Role of Our Trustees

Our Board plays a vital role in ensuring The Advocacy Project delivers its mission and remains a sustainable, well-managed organisation.

As a Trustee, you'll help provide strategic oversight and guidance, ensure we make the best use of our resources and meet our legal responsibilities. You'll also act as an ambassador for the charity, promoting our mission, vision and values both internally and externally.

You'll work alongside the CEO and fellow Trustees to develop our organisational strategy, supporting and constructively challenging the executive team to help the organisation grow and thrive.

Trustees are expected to:

• Attend Board and relevant committee meetings and prepare by reviewing papers in advance.
• Contribute to strategic discussions and organisational decision-making.
• Support and challenge the CEO and management team.
• Follow up on agreed actions and liaise with fellow Trustees and staff.
• Promote the charity's work and attend events where possible.

Time Commitment

The expected commitment is approximately 5–8 days per year, typically including:

• Four in-person Board meetings, lasting two to three hours each, usually starting at 4pm during the week.
• One in-person Board away day.
• Online committee meetings and preparation.
• Email discussions with Trustees and staff between meetings.
• Reviewing and commenting on documents.
• Attending staff meetings and events where possible.

Our Values and Commitment to Inclusion

Our work is guided by four core values:

• We are kind: We treat people with respect and kindness, recognising and valuing their individual experiences and perspectives.
• We are honest: We believe in being fair, open and trustworthy, empowering people to make their own decisions.
• We believe: We are passionate about our mission and committed to delivering high-quality support that makes a difference.
• We are strong: We are positive, flexible and determined to break down barriers and overcome challenges.

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and warmly welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of background or personal circumstances. All applications will be considered solely on merit.

How to Apply

If you're passionate about helping people have their voices heard and have the experience to help strengthen our organisation, we'd love to hear from you.

Please submit the following:

• A comprehensive CV or extended biography.
• A supporting statement addressing the points in the person specification.
• Details of any other directorships or trusteeships you currently hold, if not already included in your CV.
• The names and telephone numbers of two referees (we won't contact them without your permission).

Please send your application to: executiveadmin@advocacyproject.org.uk

Please also let us know if you have any accessibility requirements should you be invited to interview.

For further information or an informal conversation, please contact the team at the email address above.

The Advocacy Project is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. Successful candidates will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check.