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Recruiting: Trustees (Voluntary Position)

Join Our Board: Creating Brave Spaces for Healing and Change 

Survivors’ Network is seeking Trustees who can navigate complexity with courage and compassion 

Survivors’ Network stands at a pivotal moment. As a survivor-led organisation confronting sexual violence, we’re navigating a landscape of increasing service demand, reduced funding, and complex social dynamics. This moment calls for trustees who can hold multiple perspectives, resist polarisation, and help us reimagine what’s possible. 

This is not a symbolic role. 

We’re seeking engaged leaders who will actively shape our future – bringing their whole selves to the challenging, rewarding work of creating brave spaces where survivors can find healing and justice. 

Who We Are

Established in 1990 by female survivors of childhood sexual abuse, Survivors’ Network has evolved into Sussex’s leading agency for survivors of sexual violence and abuse. Our survivor-led approach ensures that every aspect of our work, from individual support to systemic advocacy, amplifies the voices of those we serve. 

Our vision: Uniting to confront sexual violence, abuse and harassment so that no one has to face the impacts alone 

Our values guide everything we do: 

  • Brave – we stand unflinchingly with survivors, challenging injustice and driving social change 
  • Empowered – we support survivors to reclaim their power and help shape our services 
  • Compassionate – we provide non-judgmental, trauma-informed support that centres survivors’ needs 
  • Collaborative – we work together with survivors, communities, and partners to create lasting change for survivors and the systems around us 

What We’re Looking For 

We need trustees who understand the complex interplay of systems that impact survivors and can help us navigate with integrity and vision. 

We’re particularly seeking: 

  • Women who understand charitable governance and can help ensure we meet our legal and ethical responsibilities 
  • People committed to exploring intersectional leadership principles and challenging traditional power structures 
  • Individuals who can hold space for different perspectives while moving us toward meaningful action 
  • Those with the courage to question assumptions and imagine new possibilities 
  • Leaders who can balance strategic thinking with deep compassion 

 

We especially welcome applications from: 

  • Survivors with lived experience 
  • Black and minoritised communities 
  • LGBTQ+ individuals 
  • People who are disabled 
  • Those with experience of intersectional marginalisation 

 

Helpful areas of expertise include: 

  • Financial management 
  • Legal expertise 
  • Fundraising 
  • Strategic planning 
  • Digital transformation 
  • Community engagement 

 

What Active Involvement Means 

  • As a trustee, you’ll be expected to: 
  • Engage deeply with our work, not just attend meetings 
  • Join working groups tackling specific challenges 
  • Build relationships with staff and stakeholders 
  • Be an ambassador for our cause in your networks 
  • Contribute your expertise to special projects 
  • Help us think differently about persistent challenges 

 

Time Commitment: 

  • Board meetings every two months (approximately 2-3 hours) 
  • Additional 2-4 hours per month for document review and subcommittee work 
  • Initial induction and training session 

 

How to Apply 

We recognise that traditional application processes can create barriers. We offer multiple ways to express your interest: 

Option 1: Written Application 

  • Your CV 
  • A covering letter (maximum 2 pages) addressing why our values resonate with you and what experience you bring 

 

Option 2: Video or Voice Note 

A 3-5 minute recording addressing three questions:  

  1. What draws you to Survivors’ Network’s mission? 
  2. How have you navigated complexity and different perspectives in your work or life? 
  3. What unique contribution would you bring to our board? 

 

Option 3: Conversation 

  • Request an informal conversation with a current trustee before applying 
  • Following this, answer our three core questions in your preferred format 

 

Send applications to: bec@rippleshift.co.uk or 07913699409 (option 2 only)  

Deadline: Ongoing

 

 

Selection Process 

  1. Initial application review against our values framework 
  1. Values-based interview with current trustees 
  1. Opportunity to meet staff and service user representatives 
  1. Final panel discussion 

All trustee appointments are subject to references and enhanced DBS checking. 

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Bec at bec@rippleshift.co.uk 

Registered Charity Number: 1144878