Volunteering Opportunity: Trustee with Herts Vision Loss

Thought of using some of your time, skills and talents to support a local charity?

Looking for something new and a way to use your knowledge and skills to develop your community involvement?

Then think about a Trusteeship role with us.

We would love to hear from you.

We are looking for people interested in the wider picture, with independent judgement and a variety of skills.

No previous experience, either working or volunteering,
with a charity is required.

You could gain a great deal of new experiences, satisfaction, meet new people from a wide range of backgrounds, plus have opportunities to develop and utilise your skills and expertise.

Based in Welwyn Garden City, Herts Vision Loss is a Hertfordshire- wide independent charity providing support to our county’s visually impaired residents. Previously known as The Hertfordshire Society for the Blind we have been providing charitable services for over a century. Delivering services across the County in hospitals, local venues, and clients’ homes, covering information services, befriending, advice, and support along with counselling and group activities, for adults and children with visual impairments. The Board of Trustees are unpaid volunteers, and lead the Charity’s strategic direction, governance, and financial control.

We are very interested to meet candidates considering utilising their skills with us in a charitable Trustee role, and in particular those with experience or background and skills in legal, financial, accounting.

Understanding and knowledge of visual impairment and possible needs of our clients would be useful but not essential.

Opportunity Type: Long-term Commitment

District: Dacorum, East Herts, Hertsmere, North Herts, St Albans, Stevenage, Three Rivers, Watford, Welwyn/Hatfield

Start Date: 19/01/2026
End Date: 31/12/2026

Location: From your office, Indoor

Time of day: Weekday Mornings, Weekday Afternoons, Weekday Evenings, Weekend Half Days

Practical Considerations: By becoming a trustee at HVL, you will have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of visually impaired individuals in Hertfordshire. You will be part of a dedicated team working to enhance the quality of life for those who need it most.

Requirements: Will require a criminal record check (DBS)

Suitable for: Aged 26 and over, Older People, People with a visual impairment, People with restricted mobility

Suitable for volunteers interested in: Domestic Violence/Abuse, Health and Wellbeing, Older People, Physical Disabilities, Trusteeship & Governance, Voluntary & Community Action

Does this opportunity provide wheelchair access?: Yes

Download Full Role Description

Full Description:
Duties and Responsibilities:

• Ensure the organisation complies with its governing
articles of association, charity law, company law and
other legislation or regulations.
• Ensure the organisation pursues its objectives.
• Ensures the organisation applies its resources
exclusively in pursuit of its objectives.
• Contribute actively to the Board in giving firm
strategic direction, setting overall policy, defining
goals, setting targets and evaluating performance.
• Safeguard the reputation and values of the charity.
• Ensure effective and efficient administration of the
organisation.
• Ensure financial stability of the organisation.
• Protect and manage the property of the charity.
• Ensure proper investment of the charity’s funds.
• Appoint the Chief Executive Officer and monitor their
performance.
• Maintain Nolan’s seven principles of public life:
selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability,
openness, honesty and leadership.
• Recognise and declare any Conflict of Interest that
may occur in the exercising of the role.
• Ensure compliance with Charities Commission
regulations applicable to Trusteeship.

Tasks
Trustees need to be available to attend Board meetings quarterly, the Annual General Meeting with presentation of annual accounts, and be part of one or more of the Sub committees between Board meetings, along with becoming involved with the Fundraising and events run by the Charity.

Use own skills to help the Board make sound decisions, scrutinise, lead discussions, focus on key issues, and provide relevant advice.

Person Specification

• Commitment to the organisation.
• Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort.
• Logical, reasoned independent judgement.
• Ability to think strategically.
• Willingness to speak your mind.
• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties,
responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship.
• Ability to work as a member of a team.
• Have a variety of generalist or specific skills and
knowledge from all walks of life.
• Ability to view the wider picture.
• Meet Charity Commissions eligibility requirements.
• Have experience either working or volunteering with
a charity, though not essential.