Bridging The Gap Mentoring
Board Trustee
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Role Description: Trustee
Organisation: Bridging the Gap Islington (Registered Charity No. 1162671)
Location: Islington / North London
in-person meetings.
Time Commitment: Approximately 3–5 hours per month (including 4–6 Board meetings per year plus reading time and ad-hoc advice)
Remuneration: Voluntary / Unremunerated (Reasonable out-of-pocket expenses reimbursed)
Term: Initial 3-year term (with eligibility for re-election)
About Bridging the Gap Islington
Bridging the Gap Islington is a local Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) dedicated to supporting individuals through critical life transitions. We recruit, train, and support volunteer mentors who work one-to-one with people at risk of offending, ex-offenders, individuals experiencing homelessness, and those recovering from substance misuse.
Our 16-week mentoring partnerships help service users achieve self-chosen, practical goals—such as accessing housing, navigating benefits, securing education or training, and building positive social networks. As a small, community-rooted charity, we rely on dedicated volunteers and sound governance to deliver high-impact support in Islington and surrounding North London boroughs.
Purpose of the Role
As a Trustee, you will share ultimate responsibility for the overall governance, strategic direction, and financial health of Bridging the Gap Islington. You will work alongside fellow Trustees and the CEO to ensure the charity operates within its legal and regulatory duties, remains fiscally sustainable, and delivers meaningful support to the people we serve.
Key Responsibilities
Governance & Strategy
- Set Strategic Direction: Help define the charity’s vision, goals, and strategic priorities in alignment with our mission, supporting the CEO in translating strategy into operational reality.
- Maintain Policy & Compliance: Ensure compliance with charity law, Charity Commission guidelines, and relevant legislation (e.g., safeguarding, data protection, health & safety).
- Ensure Accountability: Monitor progress against organisational objectives and evaluate the impact of mentoring programmes.
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Financial & Risk Oversight
- Financial Stewardship: Oversee budget approval, internal financial controls, and reserve policies to secure the charity’s financial sustainability.
- Risk Management: Identify and manage key strategic and operational risks facing the organisation.
Support & Organisational Leadership
- Executive & Operational Support: Provide constructive challenge, guidance, and support to the CEO, staff team, and volunteer supervisors.
- Ambassadorship: Act as an advocate for Bridging the Gap Islington, promoting our work to funders, local authorities, partners, and the wider community.
Person Specification
We welcome applications from people with a diverse range of backgrounds, professions, and lived experiences.
Essential Criteria
- Commitment to the Cause: A passion for supporting vulnerable individuals, reducing reoffending, and tackling social exclusion in Islington/North London.
- Governance Skills: Understanding of (or willingness to learn) the legal duties and responsibilities of a UK charity trustee.
- Strategic & Independent Thinking: Ability to offer constructive insight, evaluate complex information, and make sound decisions in partnership with board members and executive leadership.
- Teamwork & Integrity: High standards of personal integrity, excellent communication skills, and a collaborative approach to working with fellow Trustees and the CEO.
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Desirable Expertise
We particularly encourage applicants who offer skills or experience in:
- Lived Experience: Personal experience with the criminal justice system, homelessness, or addiction recovery.
- Fundraising & Income Generation: Grant applications, trust funding, or community fundraising strategies.
- Criminal Justice / Social Sector: Experience working within probation, criminal justice, housing, or social care.
- Legal, HR, or Digital/IT: Background in legal compliance, volunteer management, organizational growth, or digital systems.
What We Offer
- An opportunity to make a direct, tangible impact on the lives of vulnerable individuals in Islington and North London.
- Practical governance experience within an agile, community-focused charity.
- A welcoming, supportive, and dedicated Board of Trustees working in close partnership with executive leadership.
- Reimbursement of reasonable travel and out-of-pocket expenses incurred on charity business.
How to Apply
To express interest in joining the Board of Trustees, please submit:
- A copy of your CV (or brief summary of your background).
- A short Cover Letter / Statement of Interest (1 page max) outlining why you want to join Bridging the Gap Islington and what experience or skills you bring.
Applications should be sent to: Dave Smith, CEO, by email to dave@bridging-mentoring.org.uk
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