Organisation Name:
Welfare Benefits Unit
Organisation's Cause(s):
Equality / Human & Civil Rights
Poverty
Location of voluntary activity:
Up to 1-2 days per quarter.
When are volunteers needed: Trustee board meeting held in the evening remotely via Zoom, once per quarter.
Our annual AGM (also held remotely).
Type of Voluntary Activity:
Trusteeship / Committees
Role description:
At a time when we are experiencing the largest reforms to the welfare rights system in a generation, we believe this is an exciting opportunity for individuals interested in welfare rights work, to join a respected organisation working at the forefront of the advice sector.
The Welfare Benefits Unit offers specialist welfare benefits advice to those who work with members of the public. Our experienced advisers provide independent support through our advice line, publications, training, consultancy, campaigns and projects.
The Welfare Benefits Unit aims to maximise benefit take-up, helping to reduce the incidence and impact of poverty and in doing so improve health, well-being, financial and social inclusion. We are a registered charity based in York. We primarily operate in North Yorkshire and York although some of our services are accessed by organisations working further afield.
We continue to aim towards a board that reflects the populations we work to support, and as such, welcome individuals from diverse ethnic communities, LGBTQIA+ groups, as well as younger people, those with disabilities, and those who have lived experience of the welfare benefits system.
About the Role:
All Trustee positions are voluntary with reasonable expenses remunerated. To be an effective Trustee, you will need to commit up to 1-2 days per quarter to attend and prepare for board meetings which are held virtually.
Effective Trustees support our work by:
• ensuring we are working towards our vision, mission and values in everything we do
• ensuring the effective and efficient use of resources, maintaining proper financial and regulatory oversight and best practice as a charity
• approving the annual budget, and supporting strategic decision-making by actively contributing advice and guidance
• appointing key personnel such as the Chief Executive, and determining pay and conditions for the wider team
• constructively guide the Senior Leadership Team in the delivery of the organisation’s strategy
• actively representing and championing the work of the Welfare Benefits Unit.
Skills and behaviours needed for the role:
We welcome and support applications from those new to being a Trustee. We also know that studies have shown some people are less likely to apply for positions unless they believe meet every requirement in the description. The most important thing for us is to find Trustees that connect with our values and who can readily buy into our mission. Though we have suggested skills and experience areas below, which would be keen to hear from, we’re eager to meet people that believe in our mission and can contribute to our board in a variety of ways – not just candidates who tick all the boxes.
We’re keen to add these areas of skills and experience to our board:
• Financial, legal or HR matters (especially as they may apply to a small charity)
• Expertise in marketing, digital or similar technological areas
• Welfare benefits system and welfare rights advice or lived experience.
Will there be a DBS check? No
Driving Licence required? No
Volunteer's own vehicle required? No
Suitable for:
Ongoing Volunteering
Skilled Volunteer
Vision impaired
Wheelchair users
What will the volunteer gain/benefit from:
We aim to provide a supportive experience for Trustees, enabling you to not only contribute expertise that will create positive impact, but as a charity we are fully invested in developing the skills of our board, and believe that a trusteeship with us provides opportunities for personal and professional development.
New to being a trustee? For several of our current board this was their first trustee role too.
As a trustee you will receive a thorough onboarding and induction process to help you understand the operations of the Welfare Benefits Unit and better inform your role. We undertake a regular skills audit of our board, which helps inform our annual training plan for board members, so you’ll be able to access upskilling and further support to undertake your Trustee role with confidence.
How to get involved:
Please access our Trustee Recruitment Pack and Trustee Job Description available on our website for more information about our organisation and the role of Trustee.
To arrange an informal discussion about the role, with our Chair, Paul Murphy, please email admin@welfare-benefits-unit.org.uk.
To apply, please send an expression of interest along with a short CV to admin@welfare-benefits-unit.org.uk.
Web link: Click here
Closing date: 17-09-2025