Governance Structure
We bring together a dedicated and passionate staff, trustee, volunteer, survivor and partner team who are experts and practitioners in the modern slavery sector, with a vast range of experience from the worlds of charity, business, politics, hospitality, law, academia, health, social care, education, accountancy and beyond. SHF is governed by a skilled and dedicated board of trustees and operates with a recently restructured subcommittee structure: Governance & Nominations, Finance & Risk and Development & Communications. Our established Lived Experience Advisory Group (LEAG) plays a critical role in our development including co-designing our organisational strategy and the next phase of our programmes. We employ over ten staff and work with over twenty-five volunteers who enable us to make a real impact.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
As a charity working with survivors of modern slavery, we are committed to attracting and recruiting a diverse range of candidates because we are keen that our staff, trustees and volunteers reflect the communities we serve and the wider community we work in. Our value, “We are inclusive,” affirms our commitment to welcoming and respecting all perspectives across the organisation.

ABOUT THE ROLE
The people that we work with come from all over the world and have a wide variety of beliefs, experiences, and backgrounds. We are committed to sharing in and reflecting this rich diversity amongst our staff, volunteers and trustees and would strongly encourage applicants from minority and under-represented groups, and from those with lived experience. We are committed to inclusion and diversity and to building a culture where everyone is appreciated for the unique person they are.

The role
As a trustee of SHF, you will work collectively with fellow board members to provide financial insight, effective governance, oversight and strategic support to support good Board decision-making.

You will work with the Chair, CEO, finance team/advisers and the Risk and Finance Committee. Day-to-day financial management remains with the Executive Team.
Core financial responsibilities

Planning and advisory
Ensure budgets and forecasts are prepared and presented to the Board.
Advise the Board on the financial implications of strategic plans.
Advise the CEO and executive team as needed.
Oversight
Chair the Risk and Finance Committee, ensuring effective financial and risk oversight.
Reporting
Ensure annual financial statements meet accounting, regulatory and statutory requirements.
How you can contribute
Help the Board scrutinise budgets, forecasts, management accounts and strategic financial choices.

Oversee cash flow, reserves, financial controls, risk, statutory accounts and regulatory requirements.

Strengthen financial confidence across the Board and Executive, including around fundraising and income diversification.

Contribute more broadly to strategy, governance and organisational development.

Charity or not-for-profit finance experience would be helpful but is not essential.

Trustee responsibilities
As a trustee of SHF, you will work collectively with fellow Board members to provide effective governance, oversight and strategic support.

Financial stewardship and risk management
Oversee financial health, sustainability, risks, internal controls and protection of assets.
Upholding SHF’s mission and values
Support SHF’s purpose, vision, goals and charitable objects.
Promote survivor-centred practice, inclusion and safeguarding.
Governance, compliance and ethical oversight
Ensure SHF complies with its constitution, charity law and relevant regulations.
Strategic support and constructive challenge
Provide strategic guidance, support and constructive challenge to the Executive and Board.
Safeguarding, culture and psychological safety
Promote a safe, transparent and inclusive culture where concerns can be raised.
Board participation and collaboration.
Use your skills, experience and networks to strengthen Board effectiveness, working collaboratively and respectfully.
Advocacy and external engagement
Act as an ambassador for SHF and help to raise its profile and advocate for survivors of modern slavery.

Person specification
Commitment to SHF’s mission, values, survivor-centred practice, safeguarding and inclusion.
Understanding of, or willingness to learn about, the modern slavery sector.
Strong independent judgement and balanced, ethical decision-making.
Ability to work collaboratively, think strategically and engage constructively with complexity.
Willingness to devote the necessary time, preparation and engagement to the role.

Time commitment
Trustees are appointed for a three-year term, with an eight-month probation period and the potential for a second three-year term.
The expected commitment is around two days per month, including:
Quarterly Board meetings in central London, currently weekdays 4.30pm–7.30pm, plus an annual strategy half-day.
• Upcoming Board meeting: Wednesday 2 December 2026; 2027 dates to be confirmed by the end of September.
• Committee meetings four times a year online, currently at 8.00am or 8.30am.
• Attendance at two to three major SHF events each year.

Candidates should therefore be UK-based.

Process and timetable
Please send a CV or LinkedIn profile and covering letter of no more than 1,000 words to boardrecruitment@sophiehayesfoundation.org by midnight on Monday 12th October.

Interview timetable
Thursday 15th October EOP: shortlisted candidates notified.
Tuesday 20th October or Wednesday 21st October 8:30am – 1pm: one-hour preliminary online interview with the trustee nominations panel.
Wednesday 4th November: final in-person panel interviews.
Monday 9th November EOP: candidates notified.
Monday 30th November Post begins.
SHF Board Meeting Wednesday 2nd December at 4:30pm