Become a Trustee
Thank you for your interest in becoming a (volunteer) trustee for Lotus Families. Lotus is a county-wide domestic abuse charity supporting women and children affected by domestic and sexual violence. As a member of Women’s Aid, we are a women-led organisation. In line with the Equality Act 2010 (Schedule 9, Paragraph 1), this position is open to women only.
Our Board of Trustees meets approximately six times a year on a weekday morning in Newhaven, East Sussex. While we prefer trustees to attend in person to help build relationships and support effective governance, we can accommodate occasional virtual attendance where necessary.
Regrettably, we are unable to cover expenses for overnight stays, so we particularly welcome applications from women with a local connection to East Sussex or the surrounding area.
Role Description
As a trustee, you will play a key role in guiding the strategic direction of the charity, ensuring strong governance, financial sustainability, and the continued provision of services for survivors of abuse and violence. Trustees work collectively to support the CEO, safeguard the charity’s mission, and help shape its future.
Key Responsibilities:
- Governance & Leadership: Ensure the charity operates in line with its mission, values, and legal responsibilities
- Strategy & Oversight: Contribute to the development and implementation of the charity’s strategic plans, helping to improve services and reach more women in need.
- Safeguarding & Risk Management: Ensure robust safeguarding policies and procedures are in place to protect both service users and staff.
- Financial Stewardship: Oversee the charity’s financial health, ensuring sustainability and responsible use of resources.
- Advocacy & Representation: Act as an ambassador for the charity, advocating for survivors and promoting the importance of single-sex spaces.
- Support & Guidance: Offer expertise and insight based on your professional skills or lived experience, supporting the CEO where needed.
Person Specification
We welcome applications from women who are passionate about supporting survivors of abuse. You do not need prior trustee experience – training and mentoring will be provided.
Essential Qualities & Skills:
- Commitment to the charity’s mission and values, particularly the importance of single-sex services for survivors.
- A strong sense of integrity, confidentiality, and accountability.
- Willingness to contribute time, skills, and expertise to support the charity’s growth.
- Ability to think strategically, work collaboratively, and challenge constructively when needed.
- Understanding of or willingness to learn about governance, safeguarding, and charity regulations.
Desirable Skills & Experience (Not Essential):
We are particularly interested in applicants with expertise in one or more of the following areas:
- Safeguarding & domestic abuse/VAWG services
- Fundraising, grant writing, or financial management
- Legal knowledge (family law, housing, safeguarding)
- Human resources & charity governance
- Digital marketing, communications, or PR
- Survivor advocacy & lived experience
What We Offer:
- The opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of women and girls.
- Experience in charity leadership and governance.
- A supportive, all-female board committed to empowering survivors.
- Training and mentoring to help you grow into the role.
- A flexible, inclusive environment that accommodates women’s caring responsibilities.
- Travel expenses paid