Leadership & Governance Director (Volunteer Trustee Board Member)

Sift (formerly Self Injury Support) is a UK charity providing specialist support, information and advocacy for people affected by self-harm. We work alongside people who have been directly affected by self-harm at every level of our organisation. We are service-user centred, and ensure our service users are at the heart of everything we do. Following an exciting rebrand and the launch of a new website, we are entering a new phase of growth, visibility and influence.

To support this next chapter, we are expanding our Board of Directors and are seeking professional, values-led individuals who share our commitment to compassion, dignity and meaningful change.

All Board roles are voluntary, unpaid positions. Reasonable expenses such as travel will be reimbursed. Please note that we are only accepting applications through the dedicated application form via our website and will not be accepting CVs sent via email. More information can be found in our downloadable Trustee Recruitment Pack – see website for more details. We look forward to receiving your application.

Role Purpose

The Leadership & Governance Director helps ensure that Sift’s leadership, culture and governance remain strong, inclusive and fit for purpose. This role supports the Board to be reflective, effective and accountable as the organisation grows.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide oversight and constructive challenge on governance, leadership and culture.
• Support trustee recruitment, induction and ongoing Board development.
• Contribute to succession planning and long-term organisational resilience.
• Ensure governance arrangements evolve appropriately with growth.
• Champion equity, inclusion and lived experience at Board level.

Person Specification

Essential:

• Experience in senior leadership, governance, HR or organisational development.
• Strong understanding of effective Board dynamics.
• Confidence in offering thoughtful challenge and strategic insight.
• Commitment to Sift’s mission and values.

Desirable:

• Experience as a trustee, Chair or committee lead.
• Knowledge of safeguarding and people governance in charities.

Time Commitment:

• 6–8 Board meetings per year, with some additional involvement as needed.
• Up to 4 in-person meetings at our Bristol based office.