Become a Sussex Beacon Trustee
Why Join the Board Now?
The Sussex Beacon has been supporting people living with HIV for more than 30 years. Today, we continue to provide specialist care while evolving to meet the changing needs of people living with HIV and the wider LGBTQ+ community.
This is an exciting time to join our Board. As we look to the future, we are focused on strengthening our long-term sustainability, growing our impact, and ensuring our services continue to meet the needs of the communities we serve. We are ambitious about reducing health inequalities, tackling stigma and discrimination, and creating opportunities for people to live healthy, connected and fulfilling lives.
We are looking for trustees who share our commitment to excellent governance and who want to play an active role in shaping the next chapter of The Sussex Beacon. Whether you bring experience in finance, healthcare, fundraising, communications, digital, retail, property, legal, people management or organisational development—or valuable lived experience and strong community connections—you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution.
We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive Board that reflects the communities we serve. We believe that better decisions are made when people with different backgrounds, perspectives and lived experiences come together around a shared purpose. Whether you are an experienced trustee or applying for your first Board role, if you are committed to our mission, we would love to hear from you.
Together, we can ensure The Sussex Beacon continues to provide exceptional care, champion inclusion and improve the lives of people living with HIV and the LGBTQ+ community for years to come.
Make a Difference
The Sussex Beacon is a leading HIV charity providing specialist care and support to people living with HIV, alongside services that support the health and wellbeing of the LGBTQ+ community. We are seeking passionate, committed individuals to join our Board of Trustees and help shape the future of our organisation.
We believe our Board should reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. We value lived experience alongside professional expertise and welcome applications from first-time trustees who share our values and are ready to make a strategic contribution. We are committed to creating an inclusive Board where different perspectives, backgrounds and experiences strengthen our governance and decision-making.
As a Trustee, you will play a vital role in ensuring that The Sussex Beacon delivers on its charitable purpose, remains financially sustainable and continues to provide outstanding services to those who need them most.
Working alongside fellow trustees, the Chief Executive and Senior Leadership Team, you will provide strategic leadership, constructive challenge and effective governance, helping the organisation to grow and thrive.
Trustees are appointed as both Trustees of the charity and Directors of The Sussex Beacon Ltd.
The Role of a Trustee
- Ensure The Sussex Beacon delivers its charitable purposes for the public benefit.
- Comply with charity law, company law and the governing document.
- Act in the charity’s best interests.
- Safeguard resources and assets.
- Exercise reasonable care, skill and independent judgement.
- Promote transparency and accountability.
Key Responsibilities
Help shape strategy; oversee finance and risk; approve policies and annual accounts; support and challenge the Chief Executive; participate fully in Board meetings; act as an ambassador; uphold good governance and integrity.
Beyond the Boardroom
Trustees may participate in committees and working groups, review policies, advise on specialist matters, represent the charity externally and support strategic projects.
Who We’re Looking For
We welcome people committed to our mission who bring energy, curiosity, sound judgement and collaboration.
We particularly welcome applications from:
- Members of the LGBTQ+ community
- Women
- People living with HIV or with lived experience of HIV
- People from Black, Asian and Global Majority communities
- People with disabilities
- Younger people considering their first trustee role
- Other groups under-represented in charity governance
We are committed to an accessible and inclusive recruitment process.
Personal qualities include strategic thinking, integrity, strong communication, commitment to EDI and the Nolan Principles.
What You’ll Gain
- Help shape the future of one of Sussex’s leading HIV charities.
- Develop governance and strategic leadership experience.
- Work alongside an experienced Board and executive team.
- Access trustee induction and development.
- Build your network.
- Make a meaningful contribution to reducing health inequalities.
Board Leadership Roles
Chair
Vice Chair
Safeguarding Lead
Company Secretary
Terms of Appointment
Initial three-year term, renewable once to a maximum continuous term of six years (amend if your constitution differs). Voluntary role with reasonable expenses reimbursed.
Expected commitment: four Board meetings annually, membership of at least one committee, participation in working groups and trustee training.
Board Committees
Finance, Risk & Business Development
Retail
Quality & Governance
For more information about becoming a Trustee download our Trustee Recruitment Pack.
To apply, please send your CV or biography together with a short supporting statement outlining your interest in the role and the expertise you would bring to the Board to rachel.brett@sussexbeacon.org.uk.
We will close this opportunity on the 13th September 2026 however, we will be running a rolling recruitment process so early applications are advised.