Legal LEAD Trustee
Recruitment Pack

"I am so grateful that
SurvivorsUK’s ISVA service
could support me to be a
court witness. It was a
harrowing assault and the
organisation where I was
assaulted failed me terribly,
but the defendant was
found guilty and I
successfully sued the
organisation. With the
support of SurvivorsUK
I can be proud that
I got justice."

"I kept my abuse secret for 35
years and when I contacted
SurvivorsUK the burden had
become unbearable. There's
been an improvement in my
work. I did an evening course at
college and I am more aware of
what happened to me and the
scars the abuse
has left me."

 "The level of confusion
that being assaulted
causes lasts long after
the act. Things don't just
carry on, they can't. You
try to carry on, but you are
so confused you become lost.
The ISVA service offered by
SurvivorsUK helped me make my
own decisions, this enabled me
to learn to trust myself and
accept things, particularly the
disappointment and repeated
failure of statutory services and
the associated anger that
creates. If I had not have had the
help I'd still be waking up
sweating, failing to fall asleep
again, going to work like a
robot. No justice was done
for me, but SurvivorsUK
made sure he didn't
steal my whole life."

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Welcome

Thank you for your interest in becoming a Trustee of
SurvivorsUK. The quotes you have just read are from some of
the men, boys, trans and non-binary people who we support
through our services every year.

Everyone who experiences sexual violence or abuse should have
the support to speak out, seek justice and rebuild their lives.
We’ve been working for over 35 years to make sure that
survivors and victims who aren’t always prioritised have a place
to turn to.

Now is a great time to join our Board of Trustees. The
organisation is currently reviewing our strategy and our new
Trustee will help to shape our work and plans for the future.
SurvivorsUK is a well respected and financially stable charity
delivering high quality, in-demand services to our beneficiaries.

We are looking to recruit a new Trustee that lead on legal
matters within the board. This is an important role within our
governance and leadership and we are looking for an
experienced person with passion, professionalism and
commitment to help ensure we have appropriate legal
procedures in place and to provide expertise on the legal
system as it pertains to sexual violence and survivors’ rights.

This pack is designed to give you information about the
organisation and what we are looking for in our new Legal
Lead Trustee. If you would like to find out more about the role
and SurvivorsUK's work please contact
trusteerecruitment@survivorsuk.org to arrange an informal
conversation with a current trustee.

You can also find out more about the charity on our website:
www.survivorsuk.org

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Our Vision

A society that acknowledges,
supports, and advocates for
men, boys and non-binary
people who have been affected
by sexual violence.

Our Mission

We work relentlessly to ensure
every man, boy and non-binary
person in the UK has access to
the support they need to navigate
the impact of sexual violence and
begin their journey of recovery.

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Our Services

Our offer to our
beneficiaries
recognises the
unique needs
and capabilities
of every survivor.

Survivors UK currently offers:
One-to-one counselling
Group work therapy
Independent sexual violence advocacy
Case worker support
Helpline and webchat
Specialist clinics
Outreach and engagement
Training and workshops
Self-help and resources

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Your Role

Specific responsibilities of the Legal Lead Trustee
The Legal Lead Trustee has all of the responsibilities of an individual Trustee
listed below, plus the following additional responsibilities:

Leading the board in ensuring appropriate legal procedures and controls are
in place, particularly concerning charity law, company law, data protection,
safeguarding, and employment law.
Reviewing and raising matters related to legal compliance, potential risks,
and governance best practices to the wider board.
Advising the board on legal implications of strategic decisions and initiatives,
helping to mitigate risks and ensure the charity operates within its legal
framework.
Providing expertise on the legal system as it pertains to sexual violence, with
a specific understanding of its impact on survivors.
Contributing to the charity's advocacy efforts by advising on relevant legal
and policy developments concerning male and non-binary survivors of
sexual violence.

Main responsibilities of all SurvivorsUK Trustees

To set and maintain vision, mission and values.
To ensure SurvivorsUK complies at all times with its governing document,
charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
To ensure that SurvivorsUK pursues its objectives as defined in its governing
document.
To maintain proper financial control and ensure that SurvivorsUK applies its
resources exclusively in pursuance of its objectives.
To develop strategy and provide strategic leadership, setting overall policy,
defining goals and setting targets and evaluating performance against
agreed targets.
To ensure accountability.
To support the operational management of the organisation.
To develop and monitor the implementation of internal policies.
To ensure that risk is assessed and managed effectively.
To safeguard the good name and values of SurvivorsUK.
To maintain effective board performance and ensure the effective and
efficient administration of the charity, including funding, insurance and
premises.
To promote SurvivorsUK and act in the best interests of the charity, never in
the interests of yourself or another organisation.

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Person specification

Knowledge and experience

Extensive experience in legal practice or a senior legal role, with a strong
understanding of charity law and governance.
A deep understanding of the legal and regulatory framework surrounding
safeguarding, data protection, and other areas pertinent to charities
supporting vulnerable individuals.
Strong record of professional achievement in their field.
Experience of developing and delivering effective strategies and plans.
Ideally, previous experience as Trustee or Non-Executive Director.
Understanding of Trustees' legal duties and responsibilities.
Risk management experience, ideally at board level.

Skills and abilities

A keen analytical mind with the ability to foresee potential legal
challenges and propose proactive solutions.
Able to distil complex information.
Highly effective communication and interpersonal skills.
Able to galvanise external relationships and build support for SurvivorsUK.
Strong ambassadorial and influencing skills, inspiring trust and
confidence quickly.

Personal style and behaviour

Independent, strategic and creative thinker.
Driven and self-managing with sharp commercial acumen.
Collaborative team player.
Sound judgement and political sense.
Committed to the values and missions of SurvivorsUK, leads by example in
upholding these values and demonstrates the utmost integrity.

Additional duties
In addition to the above, each Trustee should use any specific skills,
knowledge or experience they have to help the board reach sound decisions.
These may involve scrutinising board and sub-committee papers, leading
discussions, focussing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new
initiatives and other issues in which the Trustee has special expertise.

A Trustee is required to act reasonably and prudently in all matters relating to
SurvivorsUK and must always bear the interest of the charity in mind.

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Terms of Appointment

Remuneration
The role of Trustee is unremunerated.

Time Commitment
Usually there are six Board of Trustee meetings and one AGM per year. In
addition, Trustees are expected to be part of a board sub-committee.

Board meetings are generally held in the evening.

Trustees are also expected to attend occasional training and public or private
events, e.g. supporter/fundraising events, strategic away days etc.

Location of meetings
Online and/or in-person at our offices in Hackney Wick, London.

Expenses
Reasonable out of pocket travel expenses will be reimbursed.

Terms
Trustees will serve an initial three-year term.

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How to Apply

To express an interest in the role and to be
considered, please submit the following:

An up-to-date CV.
A supporting statement that addresses
the criteria above and outlines your
motivation for applying.

Completed expressions of interest should
be submitted to:
trusteerecruitment@survivorsuk.org.

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