About Cruse Bereavement Support
Cruse Bereavement Support are the United Kingdom’s largest bereavement charity, providing free confidential care and bereavement support for bereaved people in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, with a sister organisation in Scotland.
We have a freephone national helpline; local services across England, Wales and Northern Ireland; and a specialist website for young people. Our service are provided by trained volunteers and we also provides training and consultancy for organisations and those who may come into contact with bereaved people in the course of their work.
What will you be doing?
We’re now half way through the implementation of our ambitious five year strategy ‘Bereaved People First’. Our aim remains to support more people in the way that works for them and to ensure that all bereaved people have somewhere to turn when someone dies. We’re continuing to develop our operating structure, governance and accountability. We’re increasing our profile, reach and influence. And, of course, we are working hard at securing funding to enable us to support people and advocate on their behalf.
As well as fulfilling the statutory duties of a trustee, (these are listed in the candidate pack), you will use any specific skills, knowledge or experience you have to help the Board of Trustees reach sound decisions. This may involve scrutinising Board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, or other issues in which you have special expertise.
This role is mainly home-based.
What are we looking for?
We are looking for new Trustees to enhance our diverse and committed Board and ensure that we can continue to support all bereaved people.
Person specification:
- A commitment to the aims and values of Cruse
- A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort
- Strategic vision
- A strong personal commitment to the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion
- Good, independent judgement
- An ability to think creatively
- A willingness to speak their mind
- An ability to deal with difficult and complex issues, and to talk about death and bereavement
- An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
- An ability to work effectively as a member of a team
- A commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership
As well as the above we are particularly interested in applications from people with one or more of the following skills:
- Digital transformation
- Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
- The law and legal matters
- Community development
- Operational management
We welcome candidates of all backgrounds, identities and experiences. We would like to diversify our Board in order to better represent the demographics of our service users and strengthen the governance of our Board.
What difference will you make?
There’s never been a better time to get involved. Our services are always in demand and with the devastating and long-lasting effects of the pandemic and the pressure on public services people need us more than ever before.
In the words of one of our Trustees:
“Being a Trustee for Cruse has exceeded my expectations. It is hugely fulfilling to be able to utilise your personal skills and experience to benefit the lives of bereaved people. I have learnt a huge amount that I can apply to my own career and life. To top it off, the passion and commitment of the staff and volunteers who deliver this incredible work is outstanding and it is a privilege to play a part in the incredible impact they create.”
Feedback from a Cruse client:
“I went from absolute depths of despair, I really couldn’t see a way out of the hole I was in … to complete relief, and an ability to think about it rationally. It was a godsend. I honestly think Cruse saved my life”.
Commitment:
Four Board meetings and four committee meetings per year. AGM, strategy day and the National Conference.