Trustee (with lived experience of seeking asylum)

About Care4Calais Care4Calais is a volunteer-powered charity supporting refugees in northern France and the UK. We work alongside people seeking safety to provide daily essentials, fill the gaps state support leaves, and open up access to justice. We also press the public and policymakers to act. Our vision is an inclusive society where people seeking safety have a safe home and a bright future free from inequality. In northern France we operate year-round from Calais, providing warm clothing, shelter, services and assistance to people living in dangerous conditions. In the UK , our Field Operations teams distribute clothes and essentials, run language lessons, sports and music workshops, and connect people to medical, educational and specialist services; our Legal Access teams secure legal representation and make sure people are informed and empowered throughout their asylum claim. Our work is informed by an Advisory Board of people with lived experience of seeking safety, who provide strategic input and feedback. About the role We're appointing more Trustees with lived experience of seeking asylum. You'll join as we begin a strategic review that will shape our priorities for the coming years - so your insight will help decide where a charity working on the front line of the hostile environment puts its energy next, and make sure those decisions reflect the realities and aspirations of the people we exist to serve. As a member of the Board, you’ll be working to set Care4Calais' strategic direction, hold us to our governing documents and legal duties, and support and challenge the leadership team so the charity can grow and thrive. You don't need previous governance experience. We will support you and give you what you need to do the role well. What Trustees do Purpose and compliance Ensure Care4Calais complies with its governing document, charity law and other applicable regulation Ensure we pursue our charitable objects, and that all activities and resources advance that purpose Contribute to regular reviews of our own governance Strategy and direction Shape and review strategy, and advise on our purpose, vision, goals and activities Review what we're achieving and how effective our activities are Stay alert to changes in our operating environment and ensure our purpose and activities remain relevant Risk, finance and oversight Ensure key and emerging risks are identified, monitored and mitigated Oversee financial plans and budgets, monitor progress, and review and approve financial statements Ensure robust processes for handling money and accurate record keeping Ensure income generation is on target, lawful, and doesn't expose us to undue risk Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation Judgement and stewardship Use your own judgement to make decisions that are honest, lawful and in Care4Calais' best interests Avoid conflicts of interest or loyalty where you can; declare and record those you can't Support and challenge the leadership team in exercising their delegated authority Promote our aims and reputation through your skills, knowledge and contacts Attend Board meetings prepared to contribute Who we're looking for Lived experience of seeking asylum Willingness to understand and accept a trustee's legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities, and to act in the charity's best interests Strong commitment to our cause, values and strategic objectives A strategic, critical thinker who is comfortable asking questions, challenging assumptions and sharing views with respect and confidence Ability to work as part of a team, understanding that trusteeship is collective The time to do the role well  - attending meetings and taking an active part in discussion Support you'll get: structured onboarding, a buddy from the Board, and external mentoring through the Experts by Experience Employment Network. Terms of service The role is voluntary, with reasonable expenses reimbursed. Trustees are appointed for a 3 year term which is renewable. We expect trustees to attend all scheduled Board meetings, with reasonable allowances for extenuating circumstances. As a small charity, there will be times we need you beyond Board meetings — scrutinising papers, advising on new initiatives, or lending expertise on a particular issue. Trustees are encouraged to visit our operations in the UK and northern France. All appointments are subject to the standard requirement that candidates are not disqualified from acting as a charity trustee under the Charities Act; you'll be asked for the relevant declarations. How to apply Send a CV and a letter of interest (1–2 pages) setting out why you want the role and how you meet the person specification. Skills and insight come from a wide range of life experiences, not only paid work -  tell us about any experiences, learnings or perspectives you think would help you thrive here. You will never be asked to describe your lived experience at any stage of this proce