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Trustee vacancies

Could your skills and experience help to make a difference for people affected by eating disorders?

Talk ED is the new name for Anorexia and Bulimia Care.  We are a national charity established in 1989, providing emotional support and practical advice to anyone affected by an eating disorder in the UK.  We are now looking for two new Trustees to join our passionate and committed Board, and support Talk ED to achieve the growth and sustainability required to meet the needs of the eating disorder community

We have recently relaunched with our new name and visual identity to better represent who we are and what we do.  This has been an inclusive process to ensure that we are relevant for today and futureproofed for tomorrow.  We hope our new branding will help us to reach more people affected by eating disorders at a time when services like ours are desperately needed, and make a bigger difference for more people who need our support – as well as enabling us to raise much-needed funds to be sustainable for the future.

Our vision is a world in which fewer lives are impacted by, or lost to, eating disorders.

What we are looking for

We are looking to build a diverse and dynamic Board, and to support our important work, we are always keen to hear from anyone interested in becoming a Trustee.  Having recently reviewed the skills across our current Board, we are particularly interested in hearing from people with a background in the legal sector, or with connections that will help us raise unrestricted funds from major donors, corporate and individuals. Personal or professional experience of eating disorders is not necessary for this role, but an understanding and willing to learn is.

You do not necessarily need previous Board experience. You will receive a full induction and will be supported by other Board members and the Chief Executive in your role.  To read more about what’s required and the responsibilities of a charity Trustee: Charity Commission Essential Trustee.

What you will gain

It’s an exciting time to get involved as a Talk ED Trustee, as we embark on this new chapter for our charity.  Some of the benefits to you include:

  • The opportunity to make a real and meaningful difference to people affected by eating disorders at a time of increased demand for our services.
  • The opportunity to play a fundamental role in year one of Talk ED establishing its new brand and identity.
  • The chance to join a dynamic Board which supports the aims of Talk ED and works collaboratively to help it achieve its vision.
  • Experience of charity governance and leadership at a strategic level.
  • Valuable insight onto how Talk ED operates, the work we do, and the impact it makes.
  • The opportunity to strengthen and adapt your existing skills and utilise your expertise and knowledge to help drive our charity forward.

    “I found Talk ED (then Anorexia and Bulimia Care) after using their website directory to find a therapist for my bulimia care.  I was so impressed with the charity that I later signed up as a Trustee and went on to become Chair.  The experience has been my greatest, both personally and professionally.  Being involved in an organisation where you can make a true difference has enabled me to offer guidance to charities globally in my working life.  It is an incredible opportunity for anyone interested in helping a charity and growing their skills.”
    Daniel Magson, Chair of Talk ED

    Time commitment

    This is a voluntary role and you can define your own commitment. The charity holds 4 Board meetings* per year, and in addition we hope that Trustees would be willing to offer support relating to their area of expertise on an ad-hoc basis. As a guide we recommend the overall commitment to be 6-8 days per year.

    The term of office is three years, with the opportunity to renew for up to two additional terms. Reasonable out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed.

    *Board meetings are a combination of virtual meetings (on Zoom/Teams), and in-person meetings (usually held in Birmingham or London).  We will work with you to be as flexible as possible.

    How to apply

    Please send a covering letter outlining the skills and experience you can bring to Talk ED, along with your CV to Kevin Parkinson, Chief Executive at: kevin@firststepsed.co.uk

    Applicants will be invited to have a Teams meeting with the Chair and Chief Executive, and to informally meet the rest of the Trustees and shadow a Board meeting. If all parties are happy to proceed a vote will be taken prior to appointment.

    Talk ED is committed to safeguarding and like all roles within our charity, paid and voluntary, Trustees are expected to have a DBS check carried out prior to commencing the post.  References will also be requested.  Potential Trustees must be eligible in line with Charity Commission regulations which are available from www.charitycommission.gov.uk.

    If you would like any additional information, or to discuss one of the roles prior to application, please get in touch.

    Equality, diversion and inclusion

    Talk ED is committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone is able to be themselves and reach their full potential, and we are making a proactive and conscious effort to diversify our Board.  We do not expect any applicant to personally identify their marginalised identity (where one exists) but we do need to know the range of backgrounds and experiences that are represented collectively as a Board.  No prospective Trustee, employee, staff member, collaborator, supplier or partner will receive less favourable treatment on the grounds of their age, race, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, ethnic origin, nationality, national origin, disability, membership or non-membership of a trade union or another element of diversity.

    Are you worried that you, or a loved one may have an eating disorder? Our Peer Support Team have lived experiences of eating disorders and recovery.

    To talk to someone who understands, book a 1:1 support call, we’re here to help.

    Book a call