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Board of Trustees at YMCA DownsLink Group

We are the largest charity in Sussex and Surrey working to prevent youth homelessness and support children and young people’s emotional and mental health. We support children and young people with multiple and complex needs up to the age of 25. We offer support in three service areas:

- Housing provision and sustaining accommodation
- Specialist information, advice and support
- Emotional wellbeing and mental health.

Our Board of Trustees, currently 10 members, is a professional, enthusiastic, and effective governing
body committed to the highest standards of corporate governance. This year, we commissioned Good
Governance Improvement to carry out a comprehensive external review, which recognised that our
Board is operating effectively, particularly in terms of governance processes.

Trustees, all of whom are non-executive and unremunerated except for the reimbursement of
essential expenses, bring a broad range of relevant experience and skills to Board discussions.

What does the opportunity involve doing?

As Board Trustee and Chair of the People and Remuneration Committee, you are responsible for ensuring the delivery of our charitable objects. The Board sets out our strategic direction, upholds our beliefs and
values and provides governance to the organisation by prescribing and monitoring management performance. Your lead responsibility will be in ensuring that our people strategy aligns with our mission, values, and long-term sustainability. This includes chairing the People and Remuneration Committee overseeing key areas such as executive remuneration, workforce planning, performance management, succession planning, and organisational culture.

Your leadership will guide the Board and Committee in maintaining transparency, fairness, and accountability in all people-related decisions and you will work closely with the Director of People and Programmes. In addition, you will facilitate constructive dialogue among committee members, foster a culture of informed decision-making, and ensure that governance standards are upheld. This is a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of children and young people through a dynamic and highly respected organisation.

What induction, training and support is offered?

To be discussed at interview.

What skills or qualities are needed?

► A willingness to respect and promote our founding Christian principles and uphold our organisational
values.
► Proven leadership experience at board or senior executive level, ideally within the not-for-profit or
public sector.
► Strong understanding of governance principles, particularly in relation to people, culture, and
remuneration.
► Experience in overseeing or advising on executive pay, performance management, and workforce strategy.
► Familiarity with employment law, equality, diversity, and inclusion best practices.
► An understanding of the unique challenges faced by a highly regulated not-for-profits organisation.
► Strong chairing and facilitation skills, with the ability to foster inclusive, balanced, and productive
discussions.
► Strategic thinker with the ability to align people-related decisions with organisational
goals and values.
► High level of integrity, discretion, and sound judgement in handling sensitive and confidential
matters.
► Strong interpersonal and communication skills, able to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders
Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret
data and trends to inform decision-making.
► Commitment to our mission, values, and social impact.
► Collaborative and respectful leadership style, promoting transparency and accountability.
► Independent and objective, with the ability to challenge constructively and support executive
leadership.

More info
Date added

20th October 2025

Organisation

YMCA DownsLink Group

Location

City wide

Deadline for applications

17 Nov 2025

Categories

Children/families People with mental health problems Young people

Activities

Being a committee member/trustee

Disabled access?

Yes

Expenses paid?

No

Childcare available?

No

Contact name

Sian Stokes

More info »

https://www.ymcadlg.org/join-our-board-of-trustees/