Trustee / Board member

Borders Independent Advocacy Service (BIAS)
VO106172

Board Member Role Profile
Role Title: Board Member / Trustee
Location: Scottish Borders (hybrid meetings available where appropriate)
Time Commitment: Approximately 4 Board meetings per year, plus occasional sub-group
Reports to: Chair of the Board
Purpose of the Role
Board Members are responsible for the overall governance, strategic direction, and sustainability of Borders Independent Advocacy Service (BIAS). Trustees work collectively to ensure the organisation delivers its charitable objectives, complies with legal and regulatory responsibilities, and operates in line with its mission and values.
Key Responsibilities
Board Members are expected to:
• Contribute to the strategic leadership and direction of Borders Independent Advocacy Service (BIAS).
• Ensure strong governance, accountability, and effective decision-making.
• Support the financial sustainability and oversight of the organisation.
• Promote the mission, vision, and values of BIAS.
• Act in the best interests of the organisation and the advocacy partners we work with.
• Review and approve key policies, budgets, strategies, and organisational plans.
• Monitor organisational performance, impact, and risk.
• Support and constructively challenge the senior leadership team where appropriate.
• Maintain confidentiality and declare any conflicts of interest.
• Act as ambassadors for Borders Independent Advocacy Service within the wider community and sector.
Time Commitment
• Board meetings every 15 weeks (1.5-2 hours each).
• Preparation in advance of meetings (reading papers, considering key decisions).
• Occasional additional involvement in sub-groups, recruitment panels, or support with specific areas of expertise.
Person Specification
We are currently seeking new Trustees to share with us their experience, talents, and passions. We are particularly interested in those with experience in:
Support and Development
Borders Independent Advocacy Service (BIAS) is committed to supporting Board Members through:
• Full induction and onboarding.
• Ongoing training and development opportunities.
• Access to relevant policies and governance support.
• Opportunities to contribute to strategic development and sector leadership.
Equality and Diversity
Borders Independent Advocacy Service (BIAS) is committed to building a diverse and inclusive Board. We
actively encourage applications from individuals from underrepresented communities and those with lived
experience relevant to our work.
Expenses
This is a voluntary unpaid role. Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed in line with Borders Independent
Advocacy Service (BIAS) policy

Experience required

Essential
• Commitment to Borders Independent Advocacy Service vision, mission and values.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with collaborative approach.
• Strategic thinker with sound judgement and effective decision-making abilities.
• Finance or accountancy.
• Human Resources.
• Law, policy development.
Desirable
Experience or knowledge in one or more of the following areas is welcomed:
• Marketing, communications, or fundraising and income generation.
• Business or leadership
• Health and social care.
• Lived experience relevant to Borders Independent Advocacy Service.
• Understanding of Board members responsibilities.
Appointment to the position of Board Member may be subject to checks which may impact on eligibility,
including Protection of Children and Protected Adults. This post is subject to a Level 2 PVG check and the
successful candidate will be required to declare any convictions as per the Management of Offenders
(Scotland) Act 2019.