VAST Leadership and Advocacy Recruitment
Becoming A VAST Trustee
Do you work or volunteer in the heart of your community?
Do you want to help drive positive change across Stoke-on-Trent?
Do you have skills, lived experience, or knowledge to share with the community?
If so, joining the VAST Board could be the next step for you!
“Being a trustee has been a really positive experience for me, its given me the chance to contribute to positive change in an area that I’m passionate about, further it has given me skills and experience to take on other non-executive positions in other organisations.”
We are on the lookout for Trustees who understand the communities we all work for and we want to see them flourish and thrive. We’re looking for people who know what’s happening locally, who understand the pressures and challenges communities face, and who want to use their voice to help shape real, actionable solutions. This might be through work experience, volunteering, lived experience, or leadership in community action.
VAST was established in 1920 and has been supporting the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector for over a century. Throughout that time, our core mission remained: helping communities thrive by strengthening the charities, CICs, voluntary organisations, and community groups that support them. From small grassroots groups to established charities, we work across sectors to help VCSEs grow, adapt, and respond to local need.
As a VAST Trustee, you’ll become a part of the governance and guidance of VAST, ensuring that we can continue delivering vital services to the sector, so that those we support can continue to deliver vital services to the community. We support all sorts of organisations from local community food support, advice, wellbeing services to SEND support services and community connectors – those who provide crucial support to people and families across Stoke-on-Trent.
Because VAST supports the organisations behind the services, as a VAST Trustee you’ll be helping to strengthen hundreds of local groups and, in turn, the communities they serve. Trustee roles at VAST have impact far beyond a single organisation, supporting our members big and small, helping them to achieve their goals.
“It's a win-win for me! I get to use my knowledge and skills in a way that help voluntary sector organisations develop and grow; but I equally learn and develop myself. I really value connecting with others and giving something back to charities that I’m involved with.”
Our Trustee Board meets four times a year, with opportunities to get involved in sub-committees, working groups, and other focused pieces of work depending on your interests and availability. You’ll be supported by an experienced staff team and a welcoming Board, you’ll gain new skills, build connections, and develop a deeper understanding of the VCSE sector along the way.
Every day, local organisations are being asked to respond to growing need with fewer resources. Many are stretched, uncertain about the future, and relying more than ever on strong support and leadership from Local Infrastructure Organisations (LIOs) like ours. Local leadership is more important than ever, thoughtful governance is key to ensuring we can continue supporting the sector effectively, responding to need and demand.
Learn more about our local VCSE insights through the full State of The Sector Report!
If you want to use your time in a way that is meaningful, if you care about people and communities, and if you want your contribution to have a wide and lasting impact, we’d love to hear from you.
For an informal chat about VAST Trusteeship , please contact Charlotte Bennett, Strategic Projects Manager, on 01782 683030 or email charlotte.bennett@vast.org.uk.
If you like a challenge and want to make a real difference across Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire, join our board and get involved!