Trustees - Dorset Mental Health Forum

Russam Gms; Guildford; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job description

The Organisation:
The Dorset Mental Health Forum is a values-based Charitable Incorporated Organisation influencing social change and advocating for social justice in Dorset and beyond.
Our workforce increase understanding of mental health, wellbeing and Recovery, challenging prejudice around people’s experiences of mental distress and trauma, through lived experience expertise, education and coproduction.
We are a community of people who have experiences of mental distress and managing a mental health condition, experiences of trauma, living with long term health issues or caring for someone who is in emotional distress. Our lived experience infrastructure brings the collective voice of lived experience expertise to the heart of real and sustainable change across Dorset.

To find out more about The Dorset Mental Health Forum, visit the website: https://www.dorsetmentalhealthforum.org.uk/

The Role:
The Forum seeks to recruit people who have a keen interest in mental health and a desire to build on their understanding through experience and who:

• Feel that their personal values and beliefs align with those of the Forum.
• Are able and willing to allocate enough time to the role.
• Are looking to bring their skills and experience to a meaningful and proactive role.

We celebrate diversity and welcome applications from people with a broad range of backgrounds and experiences. Non-executive experience is desirable but not essential. We encourage applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates.

Any person aged 18 or over can act as a Forum Trustee provided they are not disqualified under the Charities Act.

We ensure appointments are made following a transparent, balanced and appropriate process and based on merit.

Person Specification:

• Understanding of the role of governance and non-executive leadership to support the Chief Executive and Senior Leadership Team.
• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties and responsibilities of being a Trustee.
• Experience and understanding of mental health and the social care sector.
• Understanding of and ability to operate in accordance with the Principles of Wellbeing, Recovery and Coproduction.
• Professional background in finance.
• Understanding and experience in relation to safeguarding.
• Ability to think strategically and articulate strategic vision.
• Ability to scrutinise and analyse information, leading to constructive, strengths focused and supportive challenge.
• Good critical thinking, objective reasoning and decision-making skills.
• Good interpersonal and relationship building skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability and confidence in utilising digital technology and systems.

Further Information:
For comprehensive information about the Dorset Mental Health Forum, the role responsibilities and the person we are looking for, please download the Candidate Information Document.

How to Apply:
If you are interested in joining the Dorset Mental Health Forum and believe that you have the skills and experience that we are looking for, please apply with the following:

• A supporting statement of no more than 2 sides of A4, detailing why you would like to be considered, your relevant experience and expertise and what you think you can bring to the role.

All applications are being handled by our recruitment partner, Trustees Unlimited (part of the Russam group).

For an informal discussion about the role or further information, please contact: Melissa Baxter, Managing Partner - Charities on: [e-mail] / 07789 985229.

After the closing date, Trustees Unlimited will review all applications and liaise with the Forum, before getting in touch to let you know the outcome of your application. We have outlined below the dates that we currently expect all the further stages of this process to occur on.

The next stages will be:
Closing date for applications: Monday 2 June 2025
In person interviews with Dorset Mental Health Forum: Wednesday 9 July 2025