Trustee

About us

We Change Lives (WCL) is a modern charity dedicated to enriching the lives of adults with learning & physical disabilities, acquired brain injuries and mental health issues, as well as older individuals, including those with dementia.

We believe in the power of combining commercial acumen with a deep commitment to compassionate, person-centred care – a principle we call “head and heart”. With a passionate team of 300 colleagues, we provide life-changing support to around 500 people across Northwest England.

Our mission is simple: Supporting People to Live Their Best Lives.

We have ambitious plans for growth and excellence, aiming to multiply our surplus sevenfold over the next six years. This growth isn’t just about numbers; it’s about reinvesting in our charitable purpose to continually improve the lives of those we support. This ambition drives us to excel in all aspects of our work, and we’re looking for passionate and skilled individuals to join our diverse team of trustees to help guide our strategic direction.

Why join our board?

Becoming a Trustee and Board member at WCL offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives while developing your leadership and strategic skills. In this voluntary role, you’ll work alongside a diverse group of professionals from various sectors, including social care, law, retail and hospitality - all united by a shared commitment to our cause.

Our Trustees are more than just board members—they’re champions of our mission, dedicated to guiding our strategic direction and ensuring that our values are at the heart of everything we do. If you’re passionate about making a difference and have the drive to help us navigate the complex challenges of the social care sector, we want to hear from you.

What we’re looking for:

There’s no perfect CV for this role. We value diverse perspectives and are particularly interested in individuals who:

• Ask Thoughtful Questions: You’re curious, open-minded, and willing to challenge established ways of thinking.
• See Around Corners: You have a knack for spotting trends and potential challenges before they arise.
• Inspire Bigger Thinking: You’re not just focused on the present—you’re helping us shape our strategy for the next three to five years.
• Engage with the Mission: You’re eager to understand our service users’ experiences and bring their perspectives into board discussions.
• Balance Oversight with Support: You provide guidance without overstepping, allowing our leadership team to thrive.
• Act as an Ambassador: You’re proud to represent WCL and are willing to use your network to recruit and promote our cause.
• Commit to Continuous Involvement: You understand that being a Trustee is more than attending meetings; it’s about being actively engaged in our work.

Some of the benefits:

• Personal and Professional Growth: Enhance your leadership, strategic thinking, and emotional intelligence while gaining invaluable experience in governance and complex decision-making.
• A Unique CV Addition: Highlight your commitment to social responsibility and leadership at a strategic level. Board level roles provide an excellent stepping stone for future career growth.
• Networking Opportunities: Build connections with senior leaders across multiple sectors and beyond, enriching your professional network.
• Intellectual Stimulation: Engage with the challenging and rewarding work of guiding a rapidly growing organisation in a highly regulated, complex sector.
• A Supportive Team: Join a group of dedicated professionals who are open to new ideas and committed to continuous improvement.

Time Commitment

We understand that your time is valuable. On average, Trustees dedicate about one full day per month to WCL activities, which include quarterly in-person board meetings in Warrington, strategy days, and virtual subcommittee meetings.

What’s next:

If you’re passionate about our mission and believe you can contribute to our success, then we’d love to hear from you.

To find out more, please visit our website via the button below to access our information pack and apply.

All applications must be submitted by 5:30 pm on the 23rd of September.