Charity Trustee

Who are Fair Ways and what do we stand for?

At Fair Ways, we believe in making a difference through passionate care, support and education. Together, we aim to build an organisation that makes a lasting difference to society and leaves a legacy greater than ourselves and our individual contributions.

Our values sit at the heart of everything we do. We measure our wealth by the difference we make, rather than the profit we make.

Fair Ways is a leading children's services charity based in the Solent, delivering Fostering, Education, Residential and Family Services. We support over 400 children, young people, families and vulnerable adults each year.

We are now seeking new Trustees to join our Board and help shape the future direction of Fair Ways.

Inclusion and Diversity

We are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming organisation where everyone feels valued, respected and able to be themselves. We believe that a diverse Board strengthens our organisation, broadens our perspective and helps us better understand and support the communities we serve.

We welcome applications from people with different backgrounds, experiences, perspectives and skills.

The opportunities

We are seeking Trustees with significant experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Education, Inclusion & Outcomes
• Governance, Compliance, Risk & Operational Audit
• Financial Governance & Audit (Chair of Audit & Risk)

Trustee – Education, Inclusion & Outcomes

We are seeking a Trustee with significant education leadership experience to strengthen the Board's strategic oversight of educational quality, inclusion and outcomes.

The Trustee will provide independent challenge and assurance around education governance, safeguarding and learner outcomes, including the needs of care-experienced children and young people and those with SEND.

You will bring your professional expertise to support effective decision-making, oversee key educational risks and ensure that Fair Ways' education strategy remains aligned with its charitable purpose and strategic priorities.

Trustee – Governance, Compliance, Risk & Operational Audit

We are seeking a Trustee with expertise in governance, compliance, risk and operational assurance to strengthen the Board's oversight of regulatory compliance, organisational risk and resilience.

The Trustee will provide independent scrutiny and strategic challenge across areas including risk management, internal controls, safeguarding, health and safety and regulatory compliance.

The successful candidate will also chair the relevant sub-committee, helping to ensure that Fair Ways maintains strong governance, effective assurance and a culture of continuous improvement.

Trustee – Finance

We are seeking a Trustee with strong financial expertise to provide strategic oversight of Fair Ways' financial strategy and stewardship.

The Finance Trustee will bring their professional experience to provide independent scrutiny and constructive challenge, ensuring that the Board has appropriate oversight of financial performance, sustainability, financial controls and strategic financial decision-making.

Working alongside the Executive Team, the Finance Trustee will help ensure that financial strategy supports Fair Ways' charitable purpose and long-term objectives.

Your commitment

These are voluntary positions, with reasonable expenses reimbursed. Trustees are expected to commit approximately 6–8 days per year, including:

• Four Board meetings per year, generally lasting a full day, held either face-to-face or via Microsoft Teams.
• Preparation for and review of Board papers.
• Attendance at relevant committee meetings and other activities as required.

Successful candidates will be required to complete an enhanced DBS check. The cost of this disclosure will be met by Fair Ways.

Join us

This is an opportunity to use your skills, experience and perspective to make a meaningful contribution to the lives of children, young people and families.

If you share our passion for improving lives and want to help shape the future of Fair Ways, we would love to hear from you.

Join Fair Ways and help us create brighter futures.