Trustee

Trustee Opportunity – Hertfordshire Domestic Abuse Helpline

Help shape the future of an award-winning Hertfordshire charity supporting people affected by domestic abuse.

We are seeking Trustees to join the Board of the Hertfordshire Domestic Abuse Helpline and help guide the future of this vital countywide service.

Each year we support around 2,000 callers and email enquiries from people affected by domestic abuse across Hertfordshire.

About the role

We are inviting applications for Trustees who will join the Board in a learning capacity before potentially progressing to full trusteeship.

Initially you would attend a couple of Board meetings and contribute to discussions. Thereafter, if it’s a good fit both ways, you would be invited to join the Board as full trustees.

This provides an opportunity to:

• Learn about the charity and trustee responsibilities
• Contribute your professional or life experience
• Work alongside an experienced and supportive Board

Trustees play a key role in shaping the strategic direction of the charity and ensuring it continues to deliver a high-quality service for people affected by domestic abuse across Hertfordshire.

The role is flexible and can be carried out alongside full-time work, self-employment or retirement.

Who we are looking for

We welcome applications from people from all backgrounds and career stages. No previous trustee experience is required and induction, mentoring and training will be provided. Whilst it is useful to have an awareness of domestic abuse, it is not essential to undertake this role.

We are particularly interested in individuals with experience in areas such as:

• Marketing and communications
• Finance
• Fundraising and events
• Governance, compliance or risk management
• Social media, AI and digital communications
• IT and data management

Trustees may take a lead interest in one of these areas, providing strategic oversight and advice to the charity.

You should:

• Live in Hertfordshire, where the charity operates
• Be community-minded and committed to our mission
• Be willing to contribute ideas and support the charity’s development

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive Board that reflects the communities we serve and particularly welcome applications from groups currently under-represented on charity boards.

What you will gain

• The opportunity to support a well-established and respected countywide charity
• Experience of charity governance and board decision-making
• The chance to apply your professional or personal skills in a meaningful way
• Opportunities to attend fundraising and awareness-raising events across the county
• Training and opportunities to attend courses on becoming a trustee

Please note that Trustees are not required to deal directly with victims or survivors of domestic abuse.

Time commitment

• Approximately 3 hours per week, usually flexible
• Five Board meetings per year, normally held face-to-face in Hertfordshire
• Participation in occasional events or projects depending on your interests

We ask for a minimum commitment of three years. A DBS check will be required.

About the charity

The Hertfordshire Domestic Abuse Helpline was established in 2002 to provide a free, confidential and anonymous helpline for victims and survivors of domestic abuse who may not wish to contact the authorities for help. The Helpline also supports concerned friends and family members, employers, professionals such as GPs and social workers, BAME, LGBTQ, the elderly, those with disabilities and also those who are concerned about their behaviour to others and want to change.

For many callers it can be the first step in moving away from an abusive relationship.

We have a team of 33 trained volunteer call-takers who work from home on a rota basis 365 days a year. We do not operate a call centre. When someone calls or emails they receive support and are signposted to local services appropriate to their situation, empowering them to take action when they feel ready.

In 2022 we celebrated our 20th anniversary and were honoured to receive the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, (the equivalent of an MBE for the charity sector) recognising the outstanding contribution made by our volunteers to the Hertfordshire community.

Find out more

To learn more about our work, including our Vision, Mission and Values, please visit our website