Trustee for Criminal Justice Charity

Belong enables hope, rehabilitation and recovery amongst victims and perpetrators of crime. We work with our beneficiaries towards fairer, more effective and humane criminal justice systems with

1. Increased, higher quality support in communities engaging people who have offended, been victims of crime or who are at risk of offending or victimisation;
2. Effective, fair sentences that are applied equally, without discrimination; and
3. Trauma-informed, productive and restorative prisons.

Our priority change areas were identified by our beneficiaries, staff and volunteer teams and through detailed analysis of trends in the UK and other criminal justice systems. Whilst driving forward change in these areas, we also support individuals and communities through mentoring, restorative justice and creative psychotherapy interventions.

We invite applications from people who are passionate about justice and equality, to join and help lead our organisation as trustees. Belong's trustees are responsible for developing a strong understanding of Belong and its aims and ensuring that the charity works in the best interests of its beneficiaries to achieve its aims. Trustees also support and empower the CEO and Senior Leadership Team to sustain, develop and grow the organisation. Trustees hold ultimate responsibility for ensuring that everyone who engages with Belong is treated with dignity and respect, and is protected from harm, abuse and exploitation.

To ensure that the trustee board upholds the diversity of our beneficiaries, we particularly encourage applications from candidates with lived and/or professional experience of the criminal justice system, and from people from Global Majority Ethnicities.

Successful candidates will show commitment to our five values that are the foundation of our work:

Inspiration

• Genuinely believing that people can change, heal, and rehabilitate.
• Focusing on individual's strengths and abilities.
• Role modelling evidence-based practice amongst other professionals.

Respect

• Accepting people as they are.
• Being consistent, open and honest with people.
• Challenging harmful beliefs and behaviour.

Empowerment

• Helping people develop the skills to move forward and take ownership of the future.
• Enabling people to talk about their experiences.
• Encouraging people to voice their needs and set goals.

Perseverance

• Providing long term support when this is needed.
• Working through setbacks with people.
• Understanding that lasting change takes time.

Restoration

• Restoring hope and self-worth
• Re-building relationships
• Promoting a culture of hope within criminal justice systems.

In addition, successful candidates must evidence using these essential skills and abilities effectively in their career to date:

• Written and verbal communication
• Listening and negotiation
• Reflective practice
• Critical thinking
• Research and analysis
• Team working

Expertise in fundraising, financial management, HR, influencing and organisational growth will be a particular asset.

The role of trustee is a voluntary appointment, with reimbursement of reasonable expenses for travel and childcare available. The role requires a commitment of 5-7 hours per month for a minimum of two years.

This includes participation in four board meetings each year and preparation for trustees meeting through reading documentation and undertaking any necessary research. It also includes participation in the following annual engagements:

• 1-2 visits to Belong delivery sites, which include UK prisons, probation sites and community venues.
• Belong's annual dinner (held in Central London)
• Trustees and Senior Leader's away day (held in Central London)

Trustees' meetings are usually hybrid, with options to join in person in Central London, or online.

Trustees' main responsibilities are, to

• Ensure that the charity has a clear vision, mission and strategic direction and is focused on achieving these;
• Work constructively and proactively with the Chair of Trustees and Senior Leadership team;
• Promote and safeguard the good name and values of the organisation;
• Ensure the financial stability of the organisation;
• Protect and manage the funds of the organisation;
• Develop and review organisational policies and procedures; and
• Act as an Ambassador for Belong.

Application

To apply please submit a CV (max 3 pages) and a covering letter (max 2 pages) explicitly addressing the following points:

1. What motivates you to become a Trustee with Belong
2. How you have shown commitment to our five foundational values in your career to date: Inspiration, Respect, Empowerment, Perseverance and Restoration.
3. How you have used our six essential skills and abilities effectively in your career to date: Written and verbal communication; Listening and negotiation; Reflective practice; Critical thinking; Research and analysis; Team working
4. Other skills and experience you can bring to the role of Trustee with Belong

Please apply by 15 January 2027.