Independent Trustee (HR Expertise)

Women's Aid Ireland; Bristol; Remote; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

A national charity focused on domestic abuse is seeking an Independent Trustee (HR Expertise) to provide governance insight and support the Board. You will contribute to strategic discussions, promote good governance, and ensure compliance with legal requirements. Candidates should have HR experience and a commitment to feminist values. This is a remote, unpaid role covering reasonable expenses.

Qualifications

• Experience navigating complex and sensitive HR issues with integrity.
• Experience supporting staff wellbeing or trauma-informed practices.
• Tact and diplomacy in navigating contentious issues.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the charity pursues its stated objectives and operates in accordance.
• Contribute to strategic discussions, policy development and performance oversight.
• Promote good governance ensuring effective and accountable operations.

Skills

Experience advising or working with Boards on people strategy and organisational culture

Background in Human Resources

Strong knowledge of employment law

Commitment to feminist principles

Understanding of the domestic abuse / VAWG sector

Job description

Location: Remote

Remuneration: Unpaid – reasonable expenses will be covered

Length of contract: 3‑year term

Closing date: We reserve the right to close this vacancy early; submit your application as soon as possible.

Who are Women’s Aid?

Women’s Aid is the national charity working to end domestic abuse against women and children. We are a federation of just under 180 organisations providing over 300 local lifesaving services to women and children across England. For 50 years we have campaigned on behalf of our members and survivors to shape policy and practice, and to raise awareness of domestic abuse.

Our support services, which include the Survivors’ Forum, the No Woman Turned Away Project, the Survivor’s Handbook, Love Respect (our dedicated website for young people), the national Women’s Aid Directory and our advocacy projects, help thousands of women and children every year.

Purpose of the Independent Trustee (HR Expertise) role

The Board of Trustees is responsible for the overall governance, strategic direction and assurance of the charity. As a Trustee, you will provide strong governance insight and Board‑level experience to support the Women’s Aid Board, with particular focus on Human Resources – including organisational culture, staff wellbeing, employment practices and strategic workforce planning.

Key duties and responsibilities of the Independent Trustee (HR Expertise)

• Ensure the charity pursues its stated objectives and operates in accordance with its governing documents and regulatory requirements.
• Act within the spirit of, and in accordance with, a feminist understanding of violence against women.
• Contribute to strategic discussions, policy development and performance oversight, particularly regarding people and HR strategy.
• Chair Women’s Aid’s People & Culture Committee and provide governance leadership in this area.
• Provide expert advice on HR policies, procedures and best practice relating to recruitment, retention, staff development and organisational culture.
• Promote good governance, ensuring effective and accountable operations, including ethical leadership and transparency.
• Support the Chief Executive and senior leadership team on workforce‑related issues when appropriate.
• Protect and promote the reputation, assets and long‑term sustainability of Women’s Aid through sound governance and oversight.
• Hold the charity "in trust" for current and future beneficiaries by ensuring a clear vision, mission and strategic direction focused on achieving these.
• Be responsible for the performance of the charity, its corporate behaviour and compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements.
• Act as guardian of the charity’s assets, taking all due care over their security, deployment and proper application.
• Ensure that the charity’s governance is of the highest possible standard.
• Provide strategic oversight and advice on the charity’s people and culture priorities, including HR policy, staff wellbeing and workforce planning.

What we are looking for in our Independent Trustee (HR Expertise)

• Experience advising or working with Boards on people strategy and organisational culture.
• Background in Human Resources, with experience navigating complex and sensitive HR issues with integrity and professionalism.
• Experience supporting staff wellbeing or trauma‑informed practices.
• Strong knowledge of employment law and key aspects of Human Resources such as organisational development and staff wellbeing.
• Commitment to feminist principles and inclusive practice.
• Understanding of the domestic abuse / VAWG sector.
• Tact and diplomacy with the ability to navigate contentious issues with objectivity and sensitivity.
• Willingness and ability to operate within the parameters of the single‑sex services statement.
• Strong commitment to Women’s Aid’s mission, values and ethos.

Further information

Women only need apply under schedule 9 (Part 1) of the Equality Act 2010.

If you have been shortlisted for interview, you will be informed by email. Regrettably, we are normally unable to acknowledge unsuccessful applicants.

All posts, including remote posts, must be based in the UK.

Women’s Aid is committed to quality, equality and valuing diversity. Applications are particularly welcome from Black and minoritised women.

Please read our Single Sex Statement on the Women’s Aid Website.

Please note that applications will be reviewed and interviews arranged on a rolling basis, so for the best chance of success, please apply ASAP.