The Spinal Injuries Association (SIA) is looking for up to four new Trustees, including its next Chair, to join the Board at an important point in the charity’s development.
For more than 50 years, SIA has supported and advocated for people affected by spinal cord injury. Today, it is the expert, guiding voice for life after spinal cord injury, with a growing membership of more than 25,000 people and an ambitious vision: a fulfilled life for everyone affected by spinal cord injury.
With Strategy 2030 now well underway, SIA is working towards three ambitious goals: a health and care system that works for people living with spinal cord injury; doubling the number of members accessing its network of services; and a UK Government and public that champion the cause of people living with spinal cord injury and their families.
The incoming Chair and Trustees will play an important role in helping SIA turn that ambition into sustainable impact, providing strategic leadership, oversight, support and constructive challenge while ensuring that the experiences and voices of people with spinal cord injury remain at the heart of its decisions.
Lived experience at the heart of the Board
SIA is seeking to appoint people with lived experience of spinal cord injury to all four roles. But there is no single background or career path SIA is looking for.
Who we are looking for
We want to hear from people from different communities, professions and life experiences who can bring their own perspective, judgement and skills to the Board. We particularly welcome interest from people currently under-represented in charity governance and those whose route to a Board role may have been less traditional.
First-time Trustees are very welcome. Previous Board experience is not essential for the Trustee roles; induction, training and support will be provided.
Alongside lived experience of spinal cord injury, we are particularly interested in candidates who can contribute experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Charity leadership, governance and strategy
- Finance / accounting
- Entrepreneurship and commercial activity
- Membership, marketing and engagement
- Policy, campaigning and influencing
We do not expect any one person to bring everything. The aim is to appoint four people whose different skills, perspectives and experiences complement one another and strengthen the Board collectively.
Our next Chair
SIA’s next Chair will provide inclusive, values-led leadership to the Board and build a strong and constructive relationship with the Chief Executive.
We are looking for someone with the credibility and judgement to lead a national charity Board; a strong understanding of good governance; excellent interpersonal and communication skills; and the ability to bring people together around a shared purpose while encouraging constructive challenge.
The Chair will also be an important ambassador for SIA, building relationships with members, partners, government, funders and other stakeholders.
Commitment
The Board meets at least four times each year, normally in person, alongside committee, development and occasional ambassadorial activity. The Chair will have an additional commitment through regular contact with the Chief Executive, Board planning, Trustee support and external representation.
- Chair – Approximately 25 working days per year
- Trustees – Approximately 8 working days per year
If you share SIA’s ambition for a fulfilled life for everyone affected by spinal cord injury, and believe your lived experience, skills and perspective can help make an even greater difference, we would be very pleased to hear from you.
How to Apply
For a confidential conversation about the roles, please contact:
Anna Jay, Managing Director, Public Leaders Appointments
anna@publicleadersappointments.com
Melissa Stewart, Consultant, Public Leaders Appointments
melissa@publicleadersappointments.com
Closing date: Midday, Friday 9 October 2026
Interviews: Week commencing 9th November
