Trustee

What we do

Together we create joy, happiness and magical memories through life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.

Whether it’s starring in their own films, walking with dinosaurs, going on an amazing holiday, meeting a celebrity hero, or having a bedroom makeover; our wishes are varied, personal and lifechanging. We go above and beyond to grant amazing wishes to very amazing children; their wish made a reality at a time when they need it most. Because a child’s life shouldn’t be about illness, hospitals and diagnosis - it should be about wonder, joy and hope.

We’ve seen the effects a wish can have on a seriously ill child: from creating incredible memories, building confidence and bringing happiness, to providing respite from the daily struggles that come with a critical illness. We know what wishes can give, and this is the driving force behind why we continue to do what we do.

Our vision is to create a wish for every eligible child

The Role of a Trustee

The expectations of a trustee, as a member of the Board, are set out in our governance handbook. If you have not been a trustee before you are also advised to read The Charity Commission publication ‘The Essential Trustee’ which sets out the legal duties, you have as a trustee. However, the key thing is that you really want to make a difference for children and their families at a time when their lives are made challenging by illness or disability and that you think you will enjoy working with others equally passionate about the cause. If you can help us to extend our reach and are willing to learn about the role and the work of the charity, we would love to hear from you and to discuss whether a trustee role might be right for you.

Skills, Experience and Personal Qualities

We are looking for 2 or 3 new trustees to replace specific knowledge skills and experience lost as some of our trustees reach the end of their term. One of the trustees we recruit will be asked to chair our CEDI (Community Equality Diversity and Inclusion) Committee. We are passionate about ensuring that there’s a strong mix on our Board of Trustees with people from varying backgrounds, experiences and skills which will enable us to serve our children and families better if we have a good balance of view and voices on our Board.

At the present time our key priorities are to recruit the following skills and experience:

• Experience of transforming operational service delivery, including through the use of technology
• Experience of delivering through volunteer networks, with understanding of how to engage, motivate and support volunteers.
• Someone who is well networked with media and broadcast relationships and brings skills in marketing, brand development, and commercial income generation

The successful candidate will also demonstrate:

• A commitment to the Make a Wish values and to being led by the voice of the child
• Embedding the principles of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion within all that they do
• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort
• Strategic vision
• Good, independent judgement
• The ability to listen actively to other people, particularly those with views that are different to their own, and work effectively as a member of a team

Terms of Appointment

Trustees are appointed to the Board for an initial term of three years, after which they will resign and, if they so desire, offer themselves for re-election for a further three-year term. Re-election will require the unanimous support of other Trustees. Exceptionally the Articles provide for a maximum term for Trustees of 9 years but in practice, unless special circumstances exist, the Board considers that it is appropriate for Trustees to serve a maximum of six years consisting of two consecutive 3-year terms.

The post is not remunerated although expenses incurred in carrying out Board business are payable.

The Board has 4 formal meetings a year plus one strategy day and one development day. We try to make these in person meetings. Sub-Committees meet virtually a few weeks in advance of each formal Board meeting. Trustees are expected to attend all Board meetings and meetings of relevant sub-committees unless in exceptional circumstances.

To see the full Governance Handbook, apply via the link.

Appointment Process

If you are interested in applying to join our Board, please submit your CV and a brief supporting statement to outline your motivation for joining Make a Wish, and what you could bring to the role of trustee via the link.

Discussions with members of the Senior Leadership team and interviews with trustee members of the Nominations and Remuneration Committee will be arranged where there is a mutual interest in exploring further with a candidate. All candidates will also be invited to meet with STARboard, our young people’s advisory board, so that we hear the view of our young people in making our appointment decisions. The Board will then be asked to approve the appointments of the successful candidate.

If you are interested in this role, please apply via the link.