Become a Safer London Trustee
Help us change the story for young Londoners.
Every day, Safer London stands beside young Londoners who’ve experienced violence and exploitation.
Some have been hurt. Some have hurt others. But all of them deserve a chance. A chance for someone to stand beside them and say “You matter. You can change the story.”
That’s what we do - day in, day out - in London’s streets and communities. Our work is challenging - but absolutely needed. But we can’t do it alone. We need leaders who won’t look away
We’re looking for new Trustees to join our Board and help lead Safer London into its next chapter.
We’re looking for people who:
- Care deeply about the safety and welfare for young Londoners
- Bring strategic thinking, governance experience or specialist skills.
- Can offer leadership, passion and courage.
- Can contribute to discussions with strategic thinking, new ideas, and a collaborative spirit.
- Understand the importance of lived experience and youth voice.
- Are committed to equity, inclusion and our mission to challenge and dismantle systemic barriers.
You just need to care - and show up. You do not need previous board experience – just a commitment to our values and a passion for creating lasting change.
Whatever your background - professional, personal or lived - if you're passionate about creating change for young Londoners, we want to hear from you.
That said, we're particularly looking for trustees with expertise in the following areas:
Legal
Safer London is looking for a trustee with legal experience or background to join our Board and help strengthen the foundations that make our work possible.
As a trustee, you’ll play an important role in supporting our governance and strategic oversight. Safer London takes external legal advice when appropriate, but through your experience and knowledge, you will bring insight and scrutiny to key decisions - making sure our policies and practices are robust, legally compliant and grounded in the best interests of the young Londoners and families we support.
This isn’t just a seat at the table. It’s a chance to change lives.
We’re looking for someone with:
- A legal background - ideally a lawyer or legal professional (experience in charity law is a bonus, but not essential).
- The ability to offer insight to support good governance and risk management
- A willingness to act in an advisory capacity - providing perspective and challenge, rather than formal legal counsel
Fundraising
What if your experience, skills or passion could unlock the support that transforms lives?
We're looking for a Fundraising Trustee to join our Board and help secure the vital funds that make our work possible - creating safety and opportunity for some of London’s most vulnerable children and young people.
We’re looking for someone who first and foremost has a passionate belief in our cause and mission to keep young Londoners safe. You will also bring knowledge and experience that can help us secure the funding and support that we need, to deliver our ambitious new strategy.
You’ll play an important role in guiding and mentoring our experienced fundraising team. This will include building where we’re strong and helping us to expand in new income areas. To achieve this, we’re looking for someone who can bring their enthusiasm, and apply their knowledge and experience to help us improve, innovate and grow.
This isn’t just a seat at the table. It’s a chance to change lives.
We’re looking for someone with:
- Experience or strong interest in fundraising across corporates, trusts & foundations, and major donor fundraising
- Enthusiasm to work with other Trustees and the fundraising team to help us raise our profile and maximise our relationships with new and existing supporters.
Communications
Are you passionate about amplifying voices and experiences that need to be heard? What if your experience and skills could help shape a narrative that changes lives?
We’re looking for a Communications Trustee to join our Board and help us raise awareness of our work, advocate for some of London’s most vulnerable young Londoners and build public support.
We’re looking for someone who first and foremost has a passionate belief in our cause and mission to keep young Londoners safe. You will also bring knowledge and experience that can help us make sure our messages reach the right audiences with clarity, impact and purpose.
As a trustee, you’ll play an important role in guiding and mentoring our experienced communications team. Your enthusiasm, knowledge and experience will help us improve, innovate and grow.
We’re looking for someone with
- Experience or strong interest in communications, whether that’s media/PR, brand or digital communications.
- Enthusiasm to work with other Trustees and the communications team to help us raise our profile and gain cut through in a competitive landscape.
We know that to truly serve and support London’s diverse communities, we must reflect them. That’s why we are committed to building a Board of Trustees that brings together a wide range of experiences, perspectives and backgrounds.
We actively encourage applications from individuals who are underrepresented in leadership roles, including people from Black, Asian and minoritised communities, disabled people, LGBTQIA+ individuals and those with lived experience of the issues young Londoners face. We also welcome applicants of all ages, faiths and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Interested in becoming a trustee?
Email your CV and a short statement (no more than 500 words) as to why you want and should be a Safer London trustee to katinkabroersen@saferlondon.org.uk by Monday 8th September.
What it means to be a trustee at Safer London
The Role
Safer London is both a charity and a company limited by guarantee - which means our trustees also serve as company directors.
You’ll be registered with both the Charity Commission and Companies House and will play an important role in making sure we meet our legal and governance obligations. This includes helping us stay aligned with our Articles of Association, keeping public records up to date and supporting Safer London’s long-term success.
This is a voluntary role. We’ll cover reasonable expenses (like travel), but there’s no salary.
What’s Involved
As a Trustee you will:
Attend 4 to 6 board meetings per year, plus sub-committee meetings or events as needed. Meetings are usually held at our office in Southwark and run for around 3 to 4 hours. Papers for board meetings are circulated in advance and trustee are required to read prior to the meeting. We estimate a time commitment of 8 to 12 hours per month.
- Be asked to offer ad hoc advice or support between meetings.
- Receive regular updates and are encouraged to stay connected with the team - including opportunities to meet the wider staff team and hear directly from young people through our youth participation group.
What's expected
As a trustee, you'll be expected to:
- Make sure we deliver public benefit
- Follow our governing document and the law
- Always act in Safer London’s best interests
- Manage our resources responsibly
- Use reasonable care and skill in your role
- Ensure transparency and accountability
You’ll also bring your unique experience and perspective to help guide the leadership team and shape our direction.
Safeguarding
Because we work with young and vulnerable people, all trustees are required to have Enhanced DBS clearance. If you don’t already have one, we’ll help you through the process. Trustees are also encouraged to register with the DBS Update Service.
Ready to apply?
If this role speaks to you we want to hear from you.
There’s no long application form. Just send us:
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Your CV
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A covering letter or statement (no more than 500 words) telling us why you’re interested in becoming a Safer London trustee.
Please email your application to katinkabroersen@saferlondon.org.uk by Monday 8th September.
We know that great trustees come from all walks of life - so don’t worry if you haven’t done this before. What matters most is your commitment to children and young people and your willingness to lead with purpose, passion and care.
If you have any questions or would like to talk informally before applying, feel free to get in touch.
Need more information?
Before getting in touch, please read the FAQs below as your question may already be answered there.
If you’ve read the FAQs and still have questions, or you'd like to have an informal conversation about the role, please email Rosemary Watt-Wyness at rosemarywattwyness@saferlondon.org.uk.
What is a Trustee?
A Trustee is a member of the governing body of the charity. Trustees work collectively to ensure the charity is well-run, financially stable, and achieving its mission. The Charity Commission for England and Wales, defines a Trustee as "the persons having the general control and management of the administration of a charity." https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-essential-trustee-what-you-need-to-know-cc3
What does being a Trustee involve?
Trustees are responsible for:
- Setting the charity’s strategic direction
- Ensuring legal and financial compliance
- Monitoring performance
- Supporting and challenging the senior leadership
- Acting in the charity’s best interest
What skills or experience are you looking for in a Trustee?
We welcome people from all backgrounds. We are particularly looking for experience in:
- Legal/governance
- Fundraising and income generation
- Marketing and communications
- Lived experience related to our mission
However, a strong commitment to our mission is just as important as professional expertise.
Do I need previous board or charity experience?
No – we welcome new Trustees and will provide an induction and ongoing support. If you bring passion, integrity, and good judgment, you could be a valuable Trustee.
How much time is required?
Typically, Trustees attend 4 to 6 board meetings per year, plus sub-committee meetings or events as needed. We estimate a time commitment of 8 to 12 hours per month
When do you hold your Board meetings?
Our Board meetings have been traditionally held on Wednesdays in the afternoons. However, as we recruit new Trustees we would like to review this to make sure it can be as inclusive as possible for our new committee.
Are Trustees paid?
No. Trustee roles are voluntary, but we reimburse reasonable expenses (e.g., travel) accessibility needs).
How long is the term for a Trustee?
Trustees typically serve for a term of 3 years, with the possibility of being reappointed for another 2 terms, subject to board agreement.
What support or training is available?
New Trustees receive a comprehensive induction pack, and we offer:
- One-to-one mentoring (if needed)
- Access to training (e.g., internal training, Charity Commission, NCVO)
- Opportunities to shadow or attend committee meetings
Will I be personally liable if something goes wrong?
Trustees are not usually personally liable as long as they act lawfully and in the charity’s best interests. We have trustee indemnity insurance in place.
How does the application process work?
- Submit an expression of interest (CV and short statement max 500 words)
- Informal chat with the Chair or CEO
- Formal interview with a small panel
- Attend a board meeting as an observer (optional but encouraged)
- Nomination and approval by the board
How diverse is your board?
We are actively working to make our board more inclusive. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented groups such as:
- People of colour
- LGBTQ+ communities
- Disabled people
- Younger adults
- People with lived experience related to our work
What’s the impact I can make as a Trustee?
As a Trustee, you’ll shape the charity’s direction, strengthen its effectiveness, and ultimately improve outcomes for the young Londoners and families we work alongside.
Can I talk to a current Trustee before applying?
Absolutely. We encourage interested applicants to have an informal conversation with one of our current Trustees. Please contact us to arrange this.
Where can I find out more about the charity?
You can also review our latest annual impact report here. You can read stories of our work here.