Governance Trustee & Fundraising Specialist

Visionary; Chester; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - GBP 80,000; Part time

Job summary

A regional charity is seeking an experienced Fundraising Specialist Trustee to enhance its fundraising performance and support its long-term sustainability. The role involves overseeing fundraising strategy and compliance while contributing to board meetings. Ideal candidates should demonstrate senior-level fundraising expertise and strategic insight. This position offers a chance to create a meaningful regional impact and includes approximately 4 hours per month, with meetings in Chester and remote engagement.

Benefits

Opportunity to make a meaningful impact

Supportive board and strong governance culture

Trustee training and sector networking

Qualifications

• Senior-level fundraising experience with a strong track record.
• Strong knowledge of fundraising regulation and compliance.
• Communications and marketing expertise.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the charity operates in line with its charitable objects.
• Contribute to strategy, performance monitoring and financial sustainability.
• Lead Board-level oversight of fundraising strategy and performance.

Skills

Fundraising experience

Marketing expertise

Strategic mindset

Interpersonal skills

Job description

Closing date: Saturday 28 February 2026
Location: Chester and home based
Hours: c. 4 per month

Vision Support is a regional sight loss charity supporting people to feel confident, capable and connected, while raising awareness of vision impairment across Cheshire, Halton, Flintshire, Wrexham, Conwy and Denbighshire. In 2026, we celebrate 150 years of impact.

Role Purpose

We are seeking an experienced Fundraising Specialist Trustee with marketing and communications insight to strengthen our fundraising performance, expand our reach, and support our long-term sustainability.

This role combines core Trustee responsibilities with specialist oversight of fundraising strategy, regulatory compliance, and strategic communications.

About Vision Support

We deliver evidence-based services across six local authority areas, working in close partnership with clinicians, commissioners and healthcare providers. With a strong governance foundation, ambitious growth plans, and annual income of £1.6m, we are focused on extending our reach and impact.

Core Trustee Responsibilities

• Ensure the charity operates in line with its charitable objects and governing document
• Contribute to strategy, performance monitoring and financial sustainability
• Support and challenge the CEO and senior team constructively
• Uphold the charity’s values, reputation and governance standards
• Attend and contribute to quarterly Board meetings at our Chester office, and contribute to Board development
• Lead Board-level oversight of fundraising strategy and performance
• Review income streams, return on investment and effectiveness
• Ensure compliance with fundraising regulation and best practice
• Advise on fundraising trends, innovation and growth opportunities
• Support major donor, corporate and grant‑funding strategies

Communications & Engagement

• Advise on communications strategy to grow reach and engagement
• Support donor stewardship and supporter communications
• Provide guidance on brand, messaging and digital channels
• Contribute to reputation and crisis communications planning

Networking & Advocacy

• Act as an ambassador for Vision Support
• Promote the charity through professional and personal networks
• Identify partnership, funding and collaboration opportunities
• Support relationships with key stakeholders and influencers

Person Specification

• Senior‑level fundraising experience with a strong track record
• Experience across multiple income streams
• Strong knowledge of fundraising regulation and compliance
• Communications and marketing expertise
• Strategic mindset with the ability to evaluate and improve performance

Highly Desirable

• Charity sector experience (health, disability or social care)
• Knowledge of sight loss or disability issues
• Experience of regional or multi‑area fundraising
• Major donor or corporate partnership experience

Personal Qualities

• Commitment to supporting people with sight loss
• Collaborative, analytical and commercially aware
• Strong interpersonal skills with the confidence to challenge constructively
• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion

What We Offer

• Opportunity to make a meaningful regional impact
• Supportive, experienced Board and strong governance culture
• Comprehensive induction, Trustee training and sector networking

Time Commitment

Approximately 4 hours per month, including:

• Quarterly Board meetings
• Preparation and paper review
• Occasional advice, networking and annual Board away day

Term of Appointment

Initial 3-year term, renewable up to a maximum of 9 years in line with our governing document.

How to Apply

We welcome applications from individuals passionate about our cause and particularly encourage applicants with lived experience of sight loss and from diverse backgrounds.

Please submit:

• A supporting statement (max. 2 pages) covering your motivation, relevant expertise, approach to the specialist Trustee role, and what you hope to contribute and gain

For an informal discussion, please contact:

We are committed to making reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.

Vision Support is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all service users.

If you are a Visionary member or partner and would like to receive regular news and updates about our work, then you can sign up to our mailing list.