Trustee

Citizens Advice West Surrey | West Surrey | Voluntary

Help shape the future of Citizens Advice services and make a lasting difference to communities across West Surrey.

We are looking for committed and enthusiastic individuals to join the Board of Trustees at Citizens Advice West Surrey. This is an exciting opportunity to help establish a new charity group, strengthen local services and ensure people across West Surrey continue to receive the advice and support they need.

About Citizens Advice West Surrey

Citizens Advice West Surrey (CAWS) is a new charity being established as the parent organisation for four existing local Citizens Advice charities:

• Citizens Advice Runnymede and Spelthorne
• Citizens Advice South West Surrey
• Citizens Advice Surrey Heath
• Citizens Advice Woking

Together, these organisations are working towards a stronger, more sustainable future for Citizens Advice services across West Surrey.

As funding pressures increase and local government and health services evolve, the new group structure will help strengthen partnerships, reduce duplication and ensure resources are used effectively.

Our shared ambition is to provide high-quality, free, independent and impartial advice that meets the changing needs of local communities.

About the role

As a Trustee, you will help shape the strategic direction of Citizens Advice West Surrey, ensuring the charity is well governed, financially sustainable and focused on delivering high-quality services.

Working alongside fellow Trustees and senior leaders, you will contribute your skills, experience and judgement to support the development of the new charity group.

Key responsibilities include:

• Helping shape the charity's strategic direction and long-term objectives.
• Supporting organisational change and the development of the new group structure.
• Ensuring high standards of governance, accountability and decision-making.
• Overseeing the effective use of resources and supporting financial sustainability.
• Promoting collaboration between the four local Citizens Advice organisations.
• Ensuring services remain responsive to the needs of local communities.
• Building positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Championing equality, diversity and inclusion across the organisation.

About you

We are looking for individuals who can bring strong leadership skills, sound judgement and a genuine commitment to supporting local communities.

You will bring:

• Experience of strategic leadership and managing organisational change.
• The ability to make difficult decisions and take accountability.
• Strong communication, presentation and relationship-building skills.
• Experience of working with a range of internal and external stakeholders.
• The ability to motivate others, encourage collaboration and bring people together.
• A sound understanding of governance.
• A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Enthusiasm, energy and a willingness to contribute to the charity's future.

It would also be beneficial to have:

• Knowledge of Citizens Advice or the wider charity sector.
• Previous experience of charity governance or serving on a Trustee Board.
• An understanding of charity finance.
• Senior-level experience within a group structure.

We welcome applications from people from a wide range of backgrounds and particularly encourage those who are under-represented or have lived experience of the challenges facing Citizens Advice clients.

Time commitment and location

This is a voluntary, unpaid position, with reasonable expenses reimbursed.

The role requires approximately two days per month, including:

• Around five Board meetings each year.
• Additional subcommittee responsibilities and meetings.
• Opportunities to attend staff, volunteer and organisational events.

Board meetings will predominantly take place face-to-face in West Surrey, with some additional meetings held online via Microsoft Teams.

Flexibility to attend daytime meetings is required.

Why join us?

This is an opportunity to play an important role in shaping the future of a new charity group at a time of significant change.

You will help strengthen vital advice services, support vulnerable people across West Surrey and contribute to building a resilient and sustainable organisation.

You will also have the opportunity to develop your experience in governance, strategic leadership and organisational development while being part of the wider Citizens Advice network.

How to apply

If you have the skills, experience and enthusiasm to help shape the future of Citizens Advice West Surrey, we would love to hear from you.

Please send your CV and a short covering statement (no more than one page) explaining why you are interested in becoming a Trustee to:

Becky Whale

Email: becky.whale@randscab.org.uk

Closing date: Monday 16 November 2026

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview with members of the West Surrey Steering Committee. Two references and a DBS check will be required for successful candidates.

If you would like an informal conversation about the opportunity, please contact Becky using the email address above.