Job Description

StepChange Debt Charity is the UK’s leading debt advice charity.  Since we were formed in 1992, we have helped millions of people deal with problem debt by providing free, expert and impartial debt help.

We employ 1500 staff and offer telephone and online help, as well as practical solutions including fee-free debt management plans, debt and bankruptcy advice, and mortgage advice. In addition, the Charity’s policy and campaigning work continues to exert a significant positive influence in the sector.

Our Board of Trustees is passionate about our vision to create a society free from problem debt.  We are seeking a new trustee who shares our passion, and who can bring the following expertise to the Board:

• experience of consumer advocacy, preferably within a financial services context, with an outward focus and connections within consumer interest organisations; and
• understanding of public policy, especially social policy and consumer protection.

The Board has also identified a potential gap in its composition in relation to geographical spread, and therefore applications from candidates who are able to provide a regional perspective are particularly welcomed.

The Board recognises the value and benefit of diversity and an inclusive culture across the charity, and we strive to have a diverse group of trustees in terms of skills and experiences, values and approach, as well as in terms of social and cultural backgrounds.  Therefore candidates who can add to Board diversity would also be particularly welcomed.

The Board is not necessarily expecting candidates to have previous board or trustee experience and applications are welcomed from those for whom this would be their first non-executive appointment.  However, experience of involvement in policy discussions at a committee level would be advantage.

Trustees receive no remuneration for their services, but do receive travel and reasonable out of pocket expenses. We anticipate that trustees will need to devote the equivalent of approximately 12-15 days a year on work for the charity.  (When not being held via video conference, our meetings are held either in our head office in Leeds or in our London office in Westminster.)