Trustee

Trustee Role

Join an outstanding charity at a pivotal growth moment and help shape the future for children with complex disabilities across Surrey and Hampshire.

About Cherry Trees

Cherry Trees is a charity providing home-from-home short breaks for children aged 0–19 with complex disabilities, including learning, physical and sensory impairments.

For over 40 years, we have supported children and their families, providing a safe, stimulating and fun environment where children can play, learn, build friendships and enjoy new experiences, while their parents and carers have a much-needed break from caring responsibilities.

Our ethos is "child first, disability second." We value every child for who they are and are committed to helping children and families thrive.

We are rated 'outstanding' by Ofsted and support more than 100 children and young people. Following the recent opening of a new home, we are looking ahead to further growth and development.

What you'll be doing

You'll shape Cherry Trees' strategic direction and future development. Working with fellow Trustees, the CEO and Senior Leadership Team, you'll provide independent oversight and guidance to maximise our impact for children and families.

This is strategic governance, not operational work. You'll bring external perspective, ask insightful questions and help navigate opportunities as we continue growing.

Your key responsibilities:

• Ensure compliance with charity law, company law and regulations
• Safeguard the charity's reputation, values and charitable purpose
• Contribute to strategy, policies and priority-setting
• Provide independent judgement and constructive challenge
• Attend quarterly Board meetings and participate in sub-committees
• Help raise awareness and strengthen relationships
• Keep children and families at the heart of decisions

What we're looking for

Essential:

• Experience operating at a senior strategic leadership level within an organisation
• A strong commitment to Cherry Trees' vision, statement of purpose and strategic objectives
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• The ability to contribute to meetings in an engaging and constructive way
• The ability to make sound, independent judgements
• A collaborative approach and the ability to foster positive working relationships
• A willingness and ability to commit the time needed to fulfil the role effectively
• An understanding of and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship

Desirable:

• An understanding of charity governance
• An understanding of charity finance and the ability to read and interpret financial reports
• Skills, knowledge or professional experience that can support the Board's strategic decision-making and the charity's development

Relevant experience may come from business, charity management, fundraising, marketing, property, finance or other professional backgrounds. We welcome individuals who can bring different perspectives and expertise to the Board.

Time Commitment

Trustees are required to attend quarterly Board meetings, usually held in February, May, September and December. Meetings last approximately 1.5 hours and generally take place during standard working hours. Total time commitment of around 3 hours per month

Meetings are held both virtually via Microsoft Teams and in person at Cherry Trees in East Clandon or Passfield Common.

Trustees are also encouraged to participate in at least one sub-committee. These meetings take place quarterly and generally during standard working hours. Preparation is required before meetings, with occasional follow-up work.

Attendance at the Annual General Meeting is also required. This takes place alongside the September Board meeting.

Safer Recruitment

Due to the vulnerability of the children and young adults we support, applicants will be required to complete a short application form and undergo an Enhanced DBS check, which Cherry Trees will facilitate.

Further Information

To discuss the role further, please contact:

Tracy Adams: [email protected]
Liv Corbishley: [email protected]

Help us continue delivering outstanding care and support to the families who need it most. Your strategic leadership could transform lives.