Trustee

We are seeking a new trustee to bring new skills and expertise to the charity with skills in supporting children with physical disabilities and to be responsible for the overall governance, management and strategic direction of the charity., Trustess will need to be able to attend meetings and activities in West Berkshire. Bi-monthly, evening, trustee meeting with occasional attendence at activities at weekends. Deadline 13 May 2026,

• Ensuring the charity carries out its purposes for the public benefit: Trustees must ensure all activities support the charity's mission to combat social isolation and build confidence and independence among its young members.
• Complying with the governing document and the law: Trustees must operate within the legal framework and the specific rules set out in PALS's governing document (a deed of trust).
• Acting in the charity's best interests: Decisions must be balanced and informed, prioritizing the needs of the beneficiaries above all else, including any potential conflicts of personal interest.
+ Managing the charity's resources responsibly: This involves safeguarding assets, ensuring appropriate financial controls are in place, managing risks, and using funds only to support the charity's purposes.
• Acting with reasonable care and skill: Trustees are expected to use their skills and experience and dedicate sufficient time and energy to the role, seeking appropriate advice when needed.
• Ensuring accountability: Trustees are responsible for demonstrating that PALS is well-run, effective, and compliant with all statutory accounting and reporting requirements to members and the Charity Commission.
Day-to-Day Functioning
• Collective responsibility: The board of trustees acts collectively, and all members are jointly responsible for decisions made.
• Strategic oversight: While day-to-day operations may be delegated to the PALS manager and trained volunteers, trustees retain ultimate responsibility and focus on strategy, planning, and key decision-making.
• Recruitment and support: The board is responsible for recruiting new trustees and ensuring they have the necessary skills and experience to govern the charity effectively.
What are we looking for? We are looking for a trustee with a strong belief in improving opportunities, inclusion, and quality of life for children and young people with physical disabilities. Trustees should be passionate advocates for empowerment, independence, and equal access Trustees must understand the unique challenges faced by disabled young people and their families. Trustees must be able to consider issues from the perspective of those PALS (West Berkshire) serves and keep their needs at the heart of decisions. Trustees must be able to:
• make balanced, evidence-based decisions
• understand or learn charity governance requirements
• act with integrity and accountability
• ensure safeguarding, safety, and compliance are priorities
Trustees must have the ability to look beyond day-to-day operations and help PALS (West Berkshire) plan for the future-whether expanding services, improving sustainability, or adapting to emerging needs. While not every trustee must be a finance expert, all should understand:
• budgeting
• risk
• financial oversight
• the charity's duty to use funds responsibly
Trustees work collectively. Effective trustees:
• contribute constructively
• listen to different viewpoints
• support the staff team and volunteers
• respect boundaries between governance and operational work
Clear communication is essential-whether interpreting complex issues, engaging with families, supporting fundraising, advocating for PALS (West Berkshire) in the community, or contributing in meetings. PALS (West Berkshire) supports young people with varied needs, and situations can change quickly. Trustees should be adaptable, solution-focused, and comfortable working through challenges. Trustees must:
• uphold inclusive values
• champion accessibility
• ensure safeguarding principles are embedded throughout the charity
Knowledge of disability rights, SEND, or youth work is a strong advantage. A trustee should be prepared to:
• give time consistently
• attend meetings
• learn about the charity sector
• keep up to date with PALS' activities and challenges
Additional Qualities Preferable:
• Experience in disability services, education, health, or youth provision
• Fundraising or community engagement skills
• HR, legal, or strategic planning expertise
• Local knowledge of West Berkshire services and networks
What difference will you make? As a Trustee of PALS (West Berkshire),you will be committed to strengthening the charity mission of empowering children and young people with physical disabilities to lead confident, fulfilling, and independent lives. Your contribution centres on strategic guidance, governance oversight, and championing the voices of the families we support. By working closely with fellow Trustees, staff, and volunteers, you will play an active role in strengthening financial resilience, expanding community partnerships, and enhancing programme quality. Your work as a Trustee will focus on ensuring that these opportunities remain accessible, high-quality, and responsive to the diverse needs of families across West Berkshire. You will advocate for the voices of young people to be central in decision-making and ensure safeguarding, equality, and person-centred values guide all aspects of our work.

About PALS (West Berkshire) PALS (West Berkshire) has been working with children and young people since 1997. Our aim is to build confidence through fun and adventurous activities, while encouraging friendships. We welcome... Children / families Disability Read more about PALS (West Berkshire)