Trustee

We’re looking for TrusteesA Note From Our Chair, Simon NewittOver the last decade Empire Fighting Chance has grown incredibly, and now has increasing national and international influence. For all this hard won growth, we've never lost sight of the value of our local community, Easton, and our Bristol roots. We're a fiercely proud local organisation with a compelling story and tireless founders. The work of our coaches and therapists, and the team behind and around them, isn't just award-winning, it's truly game changing.The Board of Trustees is also growing and evolving in ways that reflect the scale, ambition and complexity of Empire today, and the hugely challenging landscape it operates in locally and nationally.We use the power of boxing to fight the impact of inequality on young lives. If you share our relentless commitment to this fight, we want to hear from you.And we especially want to hear from you if you have a professional background in law, business/commerce, safeguarding, youth justice, education and/or mental health.What is a trustee?Trustees at Empire Fighting Chance help make sure we stay true to our mission.They work alongside our CEO, COO and senior leadership team, offering support, challenge, and guidance on how we run the charity and grow our impact.Trustees are responsible for making key decisions that shape our work, from how we use our resources to how we support the communities we serve. They bring their own skills and experience to the role and often gain new perspectives and learning from being part of the board.About UsEmpire Fighting Chance uses a powerful combination of non-contact boxing and intensive personal support to challenge and inspire young people aged 8 to 25 to realise their unique potential. We deliver four psychologically informed non-contact boxing programmes that reach nearly 10,000 young people every year. You can read about our history here: https://empirefightingchance.org/who-we-are/our-story/ As a trustee at Empire Fighting Chance, you’ll use your experience and insight to support and guide our senior leadership team. Working with the Chair and fellow trustees, you’ll help make sure we stay focused on our mission, comply with relevant laws and regulations, and maintain strong, effective governance.Your role will includeBringing your individual skills and expertise to support our vision and strategyUpholding and championing our valuesAdvocating for our work with young peopleActing as an ambassador, locally and nationallyReviewing and advising on our policies, goals, and progressSupporting our growth, sustainability, and long term successEncouraging innovation and positive changeOverseeing financial and organisational healthContributing to sub groups or short term project work where neededTrustees play a vital role in shaping decisions. That includes reviewing board papers, joining strategic conversations, and offering advice, especially in areas where you bring particular expertise.Your input will help us reach sound decisions that benefit the young people and communities we serve.Time commitmentWe hold quarterly board meetings and one strategy away day per year. Trustees are expected to attend and contribute to all meetings either in person or by joining virtually.Board Meetings are located at our offices in Easton, sometimes we may book a room in another location nearby. You may, depending on your specialism, be asked to take part in one of our subcommittee meetings. You may also be called upon for advice or assistance by the senior leadership team or to attend occasional events.PayThis is a voluntary role. Reasonable travel expenses will be covered.Terms of appointmentTrustees are initially appointed for three years, this includes a 12-month probation period, which will be signed off by our Chair. After this, trustees may be reappointed for a second term, up to a maximum of six years.If a trustee takes on a specific role, such as leading a sub-committee, they may serve an additional three-year term, bringing the total possible service to nine years.What we’re looking for from youWe’re delivering on an ambitious strategy to reach more young people, deepen our impact, and build a sustainable, values-led organisation. To help us do that, we’re looking for trustees who believe in our mission, and bring the skills and mindset to help us grow.We Want Trustees Who WillLive our valuesBe committed to our mission of transforming young lives through boxing and therapyAsk thoughtful questions and bring constructive challenge to support strong decisionsAct in the best interests of Empire Fighting Chance at all timesWork collaboratively with fellow trustees and the leadership teamSkills And ExperienceWe welcome a wide range of professional and lived experience. Right now, we’re particularly interested in trustees who bring knowledge or insight in areas such as:Mental health and therapeutic servicesYouth work and safeguardingFinance and accountancyLegal and governanceFundraising and philanthropyData, digital or ITMarketing, media and communicationsBusiness development and commercial partnershipsLived experience of the issues facing the young people we supportWe’re committed to building a diverse board and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, especially those with direct or community experience of the challenges our young people face.Application processIf you would like to apply, please submit a covering letter and CV, addressed to our Chair of Trustees. You can submit this via the link on this page.If you would like to talk about the role or application process, please email hr@empirefightingchance.org