Trustee at Henshaw
Henshaw
Company Description
Henshaws is a northern charity supporting people living with sight loss and a range of other disabilities to go beyond expectations. We believe that, wherever they are, everyone has the right to an independent and fulfilling life. Our support, advice and training enables people and their families build skills, develop confidence, help each other and look forward to a more positive future.
Position
We are currently seeking additional Trustees to oversee the implementation of Henshaws’ strategic plan and provide guidance and expert advice to the senior leadership team.
Closing date: Sunday 30 November 2025
Location: Yorkshire / Manchester / Remote
Interview date: December
You’d attend around 10 meetings a year, with a mix of in-person sessions (2–3 per year in Manchester or Harrogate, lasting half to a full day) and shorter online meetings via Teams (usually up to 2 hours).
Becoming a trustee is a fantastic way to contribute to the life-changing work we do. It offers opportunities to develop skills, expand your network, and gain insight into our charity while playing an integral role in a well-respected, highly valued organisation.
This is a voluntary role and as such is unpaid, however reasonable expenses are reimbursed.
Requirements
We’re particularly keen to hear from individuals with lived experience of sight loss, or those passionate about accessibility, disability rights, and inclusion. As a trustee, you’ll bring your unique perspective to the Board, helping shape the future of our organisation and ensuring our services meet the diverse needs of the people we support. Your input will play a key role in advancing our mission to improve lives and create opportunities for people with care and support needs.
We Are Looking For Trustees Who:
- A willingness to devote the necessary time, effort and a commitment to attending Trustee Board meetings in the north of the UK and other necessary meetings that might arise.
- Have strategic vision and be able to understand and assess risk.
- Have good, independent judgement.
- Understand and accept the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship.
- Be able to work effectively as a member of a team and to maintain good working relations.
- Uphold our values of Ambition, Respect, and Empowerment in everything you do.
- Knowledge or experience of physical or learning disabilities is desirable but not essential.
We are particularly interested in candidates with expertise in one of the following areas:
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Business and/or Property Development and Strategy – supporting organisational growth, innovation, and long-term sustainability.
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Education – with an understanding of OFSTED and the wider education landscape.
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Human Resources – particularly in workforce development, organisational culture, and change management.
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Legal – providing guidance on governance, compliance, and regulatory matters.
These focus areas complement the experience of our current trustees, but we welcome applications from all candidates who share our values and can bring skills or expertise to support the charity’s mission.
To gain a full understanding of the role and to apply please contact Amanda Edwards, People Director on 01423 814510 or [email protected]
Other Information
Henshaws Society for Blind People aims to employ a diverse workforce and is committed to equality of employment and welcomes applications from all sectors of the community.
Henshaws is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults. It is a criminal offence for people barred from working in regulated activity to apply for roles that require them to work unsupervised with that particular group e.g. vulnerable adults, children or both. An Enhanced DBS with barring and reference checks will be sought from the successful candidate.
Henshaws reserves the right to check social media accounts of all successful applicants. For more information, please contact the HR department on 01423 814510.
Registered Charity No: 221888