Dogs for health help support people in the community that may feel isolated, struggling with mental health or social situations. Our therapy dogs do home visits, school visits, care home visits and ...
Trustee
Practical details
Volunteering • Organisation role
Contact person
Emily Mitchell
Requirements
#113739
Scan me or visit www.sparkachange.org.uk/o/Dogs-for-health/opportunities/Trustee/113739 to join
We are looking for trustees to help with the running of the charity
Trustee – Dogs for Health
Role Overview
Dogs for Health is seeking enthusiastic and committed individuals to join our Board of Trustees and help guide the future development of our growing charity.
As a Trustee, you will work alongside fellow board members to ensure that Dogs for Health operates effectively, fulfils its charitable objectives, and continues to make a positive difference to the lives of people experiencing loneliness, anxiety, poor mental wellbeing, social isolation, and other challenges through the support of therapy dogs and volunteers.
Trustees play a vital role in setting the strategic direction of the charity, ensuring good governance, safeguarding the charity's assets, and supporting the long-term sustainability of our services.
This is a voluntary position with reasonable expenses reimbursed.
About Dogs for Health
Dogs for Health is a registered charity dedicated to improving health, wellbeing, and social connection through the power of therapy dogs.
Our trained volunteers and therapy dogs provide visits and programmes within homes, hospitals, schools, care settings, workplaces, and community organisations. Through animal-assisted interventions, education, and wellbeing support, we help reduce loneliness, anxiety, stress, and social isolation while promoting confidence, resilience, and community connection.
The charity currently supports a network of volunteers and therapy dogs across multiple settings and continues to expand its reach through partnerships with healthcare providers, schools, veterans' organisations, local authorities, and community groups.
Key Responsibilities
Governance and Compliance
- Ensure the charity operates in accordance with its governing document, charitable objectives, and relevant legislation.
- Act in the best interests of the charity and its beneficiaries at all times.
- Ensure appropriate policies, procedures, and governance arrangements are in place.
- Support compliance with Charity Commission requirements and safeguarding responsibilities.
Strategic Leadership
- Contribute to the development of the charity's vision, strategy, and future direction.
- Participate in discussions and decision-making regarding the growth and sustainability of the charity.
- Monitor progress against agreed objectives and priorities.
- Help identify opportunities for service development and partnership working.
Financial Stewardship
- Ensure charitable resources are managed responsibly and effectively.
- Review financial reports and contribute to decisions regarding budgets and expenditure.
- Support fundraising and income-generation activities where appropriate.
- Help ensure the long-term financial sustainability of the charity.
Board Participation
- Attend and actively contribute to Board meetings.
- Read meeting papers and prepare appropriately for discussions.
- Offer constructive challenge and independent judgement.
- Work collaboratively with fellow trustees and volunteers.
- Participate in occasional working groups, events, or projects where possible.
Advocacy and Ambassadorial Role
- Promote Dogs for Health and its mission within the community.
- Help develop relationships with partners, funders, supporters, and stakeholders.
- Champion the positive impact of therapy dogs and animal-assisted interventions.
- Support the charity's reputation and public profile.
Person Specification
Essential
- Commitment to the vision, values, and objectives of Dogs for Health.
- A desire to make a positive difference within local communities.
- Good communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
- Strategic thinking and sound judgement.
- Understanding of confidentiality and professional conduct.
- Willingness to dedicate time to Board meetings and trustee responsibilities.
Desirable
We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. In particular, experience in any of the following areas would be beneficial:
- Healthcare or mental health services
- Education or SEND services
- Charity governance
- Finance or accounting
- Human resources
- Legal or compliance
- Fundraising and grant applications
- Marketing, communications, or social media
- Business development
- Volunteer management
- Animal welfare
- Community engagement
Previous trustee experience is not essential, and support and induction will be provided.
Time Commitment
- Attendance at quarterly Board of Trustee meetings.
- Reading papers and preparing for meetings.
- Occasional involvement in charity events, working groups, or projects.
- Estimated commitment: 3–6 hours per month.
What You Will Gain
- The opportunity to make a meaningful difference to people's lives.
- Experience of charity governance and strategic leadership.
- The chance to contribute to a growing and innovative charity.
- Opportunities to develop new skills and knowledge.
- The satisfaction of supporting volunteers, therapy dogs, and communities across the region.
Dogs for Health welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive Board that reflects the communities we serve.
Related to
About Dogs for health
Dogs for health help support people in the community that may feel isolated, struggling with mental health or social situations. Our therapy dogs do home visits, school visits, care home visits and much more.
See more opportunities by Dogs for health