The Women’s Health and Information and Support Centre (WHISC) is looking to expand and diversify their Board and are looking for Trustees who are passionate about supporting women.
What will you be doing?
WHISC has been through a considerable period of change since the start of 2020, from changing the way they reach women through the pandemic, to updating some of the roles and responsibilities in their team. They are currently focusing on reviewing the services they offer and expanding the support they provide on wider health issues. Focusing on building partnerships, they work closely with a range of other agencies from across Liverpool and beyond to make sure women receive the best possible support for their needs.
They currently have 7 trustees, including a Chair, Treasurer and Secretary on their Board. They meet at least 4 times per year and alternate between face-to-face and virtual meetings, all held in the evening. Trustees have a range of work, volunteering and life experience and they are keen to expand this. A diverse range of voices and experiences around the table helps them to be more representative of the women they support. It also improves discussions and decision-making.
They work closely with WHISC’s Chief Executive Officer and the wider staff team. Being a small team means we have a good understanding of the opportunities, challenges and changes within their charity, and can support planning and decision-making more effectively as a Board.
Becoming a Trustee is an exciting opportunity to lead and shape the future direction of WHISC and the services they provide to women across the Liverpool city region. They are looking to recruit 4 to 5 trustees and are keen to diversify the range of voices on their board and would particularly welcome people from Black, Asian and other ethnic minority backgrounds, as well as those who identify as LGBTQ+.
They value all life, work and volunteering experience that Trustees bring to the Board. All they ask is that you are committed to and passionate about supporting women. As a values-led charity, they would love to hear from people whose values are similar to those of WHISC.
It is important that they hold some key skills on their board to make sure they are operating effectively. They are particularly interested in hearing from people with skills and experience in the following areas:
- Human resources
- Communications and marketing
- Policy development
- Working in a health and care leadership role in Merseyside
If you don’t have experience in any of these areas, but still feel that you could make a difference to WHISC, they would still love to hear from you.
Personal skills and qualities
- Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member.
- Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion.
- A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
- Enthusiasm for our vision and mission.
- Willingness to lead according to our values: empowering, supportive, open, responsive, safe.
- Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as trustees and to act in the best interests of the organisation.
- Commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership.
What difference will you make?
As WHISC focuses on shaping their future, you will play a key role in setting the strategic direction of the charity in a way that improves reach and diversifies their service offer. Trustees play a vital role at WHISC; as a small team they share the same values and vision for empowering and enabling women to improve their wellbeing and overcome life’s challenges. Trustees provide vital expertise, experience and guidance in a way that helps us to realize this vision
This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone with a passion and commitment for supporting women, to come together with likeminded colleagues to lead WHISC. Your leadership and commitment, along with that of your colleagues will ensure that WHISC continues to offer vital support and information to women who may experience barriers to accessing mainstream support.
Before you apply
Please answer the following questions, in no more than 1,000 words. You are also welcome to tell them anything else about yourself, your skills and experiences that you think would make this role a great fit for you:
1. Why would you like to be a Trustee?
2. Why would you like to be involved with WHISC?
3. What experience (lived or professional) and skills could you bring to the Board?
Applicants will also need to submit a brief information form along with their personal statement, please see our website to access a copy or send us a request.
To apply, see here