Trustees x 3

Join the Board of this leading charity delivering vital substance use, mental health and well-being services across the UK, and help provide high-quality, person-centred care to people affected by addiction.

Time commitment: The equivalent of a day a month

Who we are.

Via is an exceptional charity that puts people at the heart of everything we do. Over three decades, we’ve evolved from our origins as Westminster Drug Project, with a new name and brand, into a dynamic, multi-service organisation delivering vital support across substance use, mental health, employment, sexual health, smoking cessation and youth services. With a turnover of £36m for 24/25 and remarkable growth of over a third in 2023/24, we’re now supporting over 10,000 service users annually across an expanding geographical footprint from London to Gloucestershire.

Our commitment to excellence and innovation is evident in our industry-leading 26% successful treatment completion rate, significantly above the national average. In 2023, We’re particularly proud to be pioneering the development of the UK’s first women-only detox facility, demonstrating our commitment to addressing crucial gaps in service provision.

The opportunity.

As we have experienced growth and are launching our new strategy, a number of our Trustees will come to the end of their terms in the next 18 months we are keen to build on their legacy and succession plan. Initially, we’re looking for three new exceptional trustees to join our Board during this exciting period of growth and innovation. We’re particularly interested in individuals who can bring expertise in:

• Finance & Accountancy: We’re seeking an experienced finance professional to join our board and, in time, chair our Finance & Resources Committee when our current chair of the committee, Richard Paul comes to the end of his term later this year. You’ll bring senior-level financial expertise, strong analytical skills, and the ability to provide strategic financial oversight during a period of significant organisational growth. Experience of charity finance would be advantageous but is not essential.
• Clinical Professional with experience in addiction: We’re looking for a clinician, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, with experience in addiction to join our board. This trustee will subsequently chair our Service Delivery & Governance Committee when our current committee chair, Raj Boyjoonauth completes his term at the end of 2024. You’ll bring deep understanding of clinical governance, quality assurance, and service development in addiction treatment settings.
• Business Development: Our third trustee will bring commercial acumen and business development expertise to support our continued growth. You’ll have experience in developing and implementing growth strategies, ideally in health, social care, or related sectors. We’re particularly interested in individuals who understand both commercial imperatives and social impact, and can help us think strategically about sustainable growth while maintaining service quality. This person could bring experience in the charity or commercial sectors.

What Makes a Great Via Trustee

The ideal Via Trustee brings not just expertise but a passion for improving lives and reducing inequalities. You’ll be someone who understands the complexity of our work yet can think strategically about our future. We need individuals who can both support and constructively challenge, bringing fresh perspectives while respecting the expertise of our staff and service users.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

Diversity in governance isn’t just a goal for Via – it’s a necessity. Our services support people from every part of society, and we want our Board to reflect this diversity. We actively encourage applications from people with lived experience of addiction/recovery (whether personal or as family members/carers), and people from communities currently underrepresented at board level.

Time Commitment

The Board meets quarterly, usually in person. Trustees join one sub-committee, which also meets quarterly, usually online. Including preparation time, representation at events, and strategic input, we estimate a commitment of the equivalent of a day a month. This includes:

• Four Board meetings per year
• Quarterly committee meetings
• Annual strategy and away day
• Occasional representation at events and meetings with key stakeholders, including at services.

We understand many trustees balance this role with other commitments. Board and committee meetings are scheduled well in advance to help with planning.

Making a Difference Together

This is an extraordinary time to join Via. As we implement our new 2025-29 strategy and expand our geographical reach, innovate our evidence-based offer and increase access to more people. We’re not just growing – we’re evolving. You’ll help shape innovative services like our women’s detox facility while ensuring we maintain our unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and person-centred care.

Please click 'Apply’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.