Are you a Survivor? Could you help others survive?
Are you are interested in being a Trustee with a unique charity? Are you someone who has had experience of mental distress and/or a personal or professional interest in mental health?
About us
The National Survivor User Network (NSUN) is an independent national charity led by survivors and service users. It connects people with lived experience of mental distress, supports user-led community groups and facilitates and strengthens the involvement of people in order to strengthen their voice and ability to influence.
Our Vision is for the lives of people who experience mental distress, discrimination and disadvantage to be better.
What we do
Our campaigns are based on the priority points in our Member’s Manifesto. Our aims are to take action to improve things for people who experience distress, discrimination and disadvantage: NSUN Manifesto
Our projects and research are developed by people with lived experience and our 4Pi National Involvement Standards ensure effective and meaningful involvement, thus really improving experiences of services and support: NSUN Projects & Research
We promote various opportunities and events, including our AGM and Members event, and the activity of our diverse network of over 4500 individuals and groups: NSUN Events
The opportunities
We are looking for several new trustees to join the NSUN Board and we’re hoping to find one candidate who has the skills, experience and time available to fulfil the Chair role. We’d also be very pleased to hear from someone who is suitably financially qualified to assume the Treasurer role.
Being a trustee of any organisation is a high-profile appointment to which you will bring your expertise and experience, and in this instance an absolute commitment to a rights-based approach in promoting the direct voice of lived experience.
Trustees are expected to commit eight to twelve days a year to the work of the charity, including reviewing papers and attending meetings, and acting as an ambassador for the charity. The Board of Trustees aims to have a good balance of skills, knowledge and expertise to help the charity to achieve its purpose: to create a diverse, inclusive and influential user-led network with the strength to challenge inequality and improve lives.
The experience and skills we’re looking for: A recent review of skill requirements and succession-planning for the Board of Trustees was carried out by the Chair, and the following experience was identified as being needed.
Prior Trustee experience would be welcomed but is not necessary:
Fundraising experience
A track record of helping organisations or boards develop income generation strategies including donor giving and sponsorship.
Awareness of the Code of Fundraising Practice set by the newly established Fundraising Regulator
Business strategy and marketing experience, Ideally in the area of maximising and generating revenue from a variety of sources.
This is an important role within the board and you will also be a member of relevant sub-committees.
More information about all our Board vacancy roles and their responsibilities can be found here: NSUN Trustee Candidate Info Pack
How to apply
If you have the skills and experience, and crucially share our vision for the lives of people who experience mental distress, discrimination and disadvantage to be better, please send us:
A supporting statement that highlights your interest in NSUN as an organisation and how you believe your skills and experience match the requirements of the role;
A current comprehensive CV including details of two referees (who will not of course be contacted without your prior knowledge or consent);
All these documents should be uploaded to the relevant fields on the Trustee
Unlimited website
The closing date for applications is Monday 15th October. Candidates are kindly reminded to note the other important dates in the recruitment timetable:
Interviews with NSUN: Friday 19th October
Shortlisted candidates to attend NSUN AGM: 25th October
Shortlisted candidates to attend NSUN Board meeting as observers and appointments ratified: 27th November
*Please advise at time of application if these dates present a problem so that every effort to accommodate can be made.