Trustee

  • Management Board
  • Unpaid
  • On site: Greenock
  • Closing 30th October 2026


  • Advertised from 9th October 2026

Role

Help shape the future of a community charity working to prevent suicide and improve mental health and wellbeing across Inverclyde. We are seeking trustees who can bring sound judgement, useful experience and a commitment to the people and communities we support.

About The Anchor

The Anchor SCIO, formerly Man On! Inverclyde, was founded in 2020. Our work is rooted in relationships, lived experience and accessible community support. We support children, young people, adults and families, creating opportunities for people to connect, build trust and find help.

Our direction is Hope Before Crisis: reaching people earlier, strengthening trusted relationships and building support around everyday life. Relational practice, a trauma-responsive approach and children’s rights inform how we work.

Why we are recruiting

We want a balanced and effective Board whose collective skills and perspectives complement those of our existing Office Bearers and Trustees, CEO and Senior Management Team. New trustees will help scrutinise decisions, strengthen oversight and guide the charity’s development and sustainability.

Skills and experience we are seeking

We particularly welcome experience in one or more of the following areas. You do not need expertise in all five.

  1. Human resources and people management Employment practice, organisational culture, workforce development and people-related risk, helping ensure staff and volunteers are supported and treated fairly.
  2. Digital and technology Effective use of digital systems, data and technology, with appropriate Board oversight of information governance, data protection and cyber risk.
  3. Communications and marketing Strategic communications, organisational profile and stakeholder engagement, helping The Anchor communicate its work and impact clearly and responsibly.
  4. Risk management and governance Scrutiny of strategic, operational, financial and reputational risks, including the controls, assurance and reporting needed to manage them.
  5. Local knowledge and community connections Understanding of Inverclyde’s communities and connections with local partners, services and networks, bringing community perspectives into Board decisions.

A Board that reflects our communities

We welcome people of different genders, ages, professional backgrounds and life experiences. Lived experience and local knowledge are valued alongside professional expertise. Previous trustee experience is not essential. We are looking for people who will listen, contribute and learn.

The trustee role:

Trustees share responsibility for governance and strategic direction. The CEO and Senior Management Team lead day-to-day delivery. Every trustee contributes to the Board’s collective decisions and responsibilities.

What you will contribute

  • Help set and review the charity’s strategy, priorities and longer-term sustainability, ensuring decisions reflect its charitable purposes and the needs of the people it supports.
  • Review finances, budgets, performance and impact, ask constructive questions and help ensure resources are used responsibly.
  • Scrutinise risk, safeguarding, employment practice, information governance and other areas of compliance, seeking appropriate evidence and assurance.
  • Support and constructively challenge the CEO and Senior Management Team, respecting the boundaries between governance and operational management.
  • Bring your perspective and skills to discussions, contribute to agreed Board activity and help strengthen relationships and the charity’s reputation.

What we ask of every trustee

You should share our commitment to suicide prevention, mental health and community wellbeing. You will need to listen respectfully, consider different perspectives, exercise independent judgement and be willing to ask questions, including when decisions are difficult.

Trustees must act in the charity’s interests, ensure it operates consistently with its purposes, and exercise care and diligence. You must declare and appropriately manage conflicts of interest, maintain confidentiality and work within the governing document and relevant legal requirements. Appointment is subject to eligibility checks and completion of the trustee declaration.

Time and practical commitment

  • Location and status: Inverclyde. This is a voluntary, unpaid governance role. Any expenses will be handled in line with the charity’s policy.
  • Meetings: Quarterly board meetings with a sub-committee group prior to each meeting. Trustees should prepare by reading papers and attend regularly.
  • Between meetings: Allow time for induction, development and agreed Board tasks. Any additional responsibilities will be discussed before appointment. The appointment term will follow the governing document.

Induction and development

New trustees will receive an induction covering the charity’s work, governing document, finances, key policies and trustee responsibilities. Ongoing development and succession planning will support new and existing trustees to contribute effectively as the organisation evolves.

Application notes

Send a short statement explaining why you would like to join The Anchor’s Board and the skills, perspectives or community experience you would bring. Include a CV or a summary of your relevant experience. We can also accept a video application if this is easier.

You can also request an informal conversation or discuss support to take part in the recruitment process. This process will involve meeting our members at our base in Greenock.

Contact: Chris Paul (CEO) via chris.paul@anchor-scio.co.uk

Closing date: 30th October 2026