Closing date: 30 July 2026 | Applications reviewed on a rolling basis — apply early.

Become a Trustee at Coventry Citizens Advice

Coventry Citizens Advice (CCA) is one of the largest local Citizens Advice charities in England, supporting more than 13,000 clients each year with over 30,000 different issues — from fuel poverty and welfare benefits to housing and debt. For over 80 years we have helped people in Coventry find a way forward, whatever their problem.

We are now recruiting new volunteer trustees to join our Board of Directors. This is a genuine governance role, not a ceremonial one. We want people who will engage with the detail, ask the hard questions, and bring their experience and judgement to decisions that shape vital services for thousands of people.

What you will do

As a trustee, you will work collectively with the Board to:

• Set the strategic direction of the charity and evaluate its performance against agreed objectives
• Monitor CCA’s financial position and ensure sound financial controls are in place
• Ensure the organisation operates within its legal and regulatory duties as a registered charity
• Ensure services are meeting the needs of all sections of Coventry’s community
• Support key projects and contribute to major decisions affecting the organisation’s future
• Promote equity, diversity and inclusion in everything we do

Priority areas of expertise

No previous trustee or board experience is required. We are looking for people with sound independent judgement, strong communication skills, and a genuine commitment to the communities we serve.

We are particularly keen to hear from candidates with professional experience in:

• Law
• Fundraising
• Research and Campaigns

These areas are of direct strategic importance to CCA’s current and future work, and applicants with this expertise will be especially welcomed.

“Our trustees are essential to everything we do. They bring independent judgement, professional expertise, and a genuine commitment to the people of Coventry. As demand on our services continues to grow, having the right people around the table has never mattered more.”

— Peter Frost, Chair of the Board of Trustees

Time commitment

The Board typically meets in the evenings. Trustees generally give around five to seven hours per month, including reading board papers and attending meetings. You may also contribute to specific projects or working groups on occasion. We are flexible and happy to discuss arrangements with individual candidates.

This is a voluntary, unpaid role. Reasonable out-of-pocket expenses may be reimbursed.

What you will gain

• Real experience of charity governance and strategic leadership
• Development of financial oversight, legal literacy and governance skills
• Connections with experienced professionals across sectors
• A credible leadership credential for your CV or career
• Full induction, ongoing training, and board support
• The satisfaction of making a direct, measurable difference to thousands of lives

Who we want to hear from

CCA is committed to a board that genuinely reflects the diversity of the communities it serves. We actively encourage applications from disabled people, people with physical or mental health conditions, LGBT+ and non-binary people, and people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities. We welcome applicants from all educational and employment backgrounds.

If you would like to discuss flexibility around time, location or how we can support your involvement before applying, please get in touch.

Eligibility

To act as a trustee you must not be disqualified under the Charities Act 2011. You must not be an undischarged bankrupt, have an unspent conviction for offences involving dishonesty or deception, or be listed on the Charity Commission’s disqualified trustees register. If you are subject to a disqualification but hold a waiver from the Charity Commission, you may still be eligible. All applicants will be asked to sign a formal declaration confirming their eligibility.