Trustee

Company Description EBS Counselling | Charity is a long-established counselling service supporting adults across South Hampshire, including Eastleigh, Southampton, Winchester, and surrounding areas, since 1994. Founded by the former Mayor of Eastleigh, Mrs. Bobbie Jones, the organization began as a bereavement service and became a registered charity in 1996, reflecting its deep-rooted commitment to the local community.

In 2016, EBS Counselling broadened its services to offer a wider range of counselling and emotional support for individuals aged 18 and over, addressing diverse life challenges beyond bereavement. Today, the charity focuses on fostering healing, resilience, and mental well-being for those it serves, working to ensure accessible, high-quality support. More information about EBS Counselling’s work and services can be found at www.ebs-counselling.co.uk.

Role Description The Board Trustee role is a part-time Volunteer, hybrid position based in Southampton, contributing to the strategic leadership and governance of EBS Counselling | Charity.

Day-to-day responsibilities include attending and actively participating in board meetings, reviewing organizational performance and financial reports, and helping to shape the charity’s long-term direction, policies, and priorities.

Trustees work collaboratively to oversee risk management, ensure legal and regulatory compliance, and safeguard the charity’s values, reputation, and resources. The role supports fundraising and community engagement, builds relationships with stakeholders, and guides volunteers on key decisions.

Trustees are expected to maintain high standards of accountability, champion ethical practice, and contribute their expertise to strengthen the charity’s impact on mental well-being in the local community.

Qualifications

• Experience in governance, leadership, with the ability to understand and oversee charity operations and strategy.
• Financial literacy, including basic understanding of budgets, funding, and charity finance, to support effective oversight of resources.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to contribute constructively in meetings and build relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Knowledge of, or genuine interest in, mental health, counselling services, or the voluntary/community sector, ideally within the South Hampshire area.
• Sound judgment, integrity, and commitment to ethical, inclusive, and non-discriminatory practice in line with charity governance requirements.
• Ability to commit sufficient time for board meetings, preparation, occasional events, and collaboration with other trustees and staff (8 - 10 hours per month).
• Prior trustee or non-executive experience is beneficial but not essential; professional backgrounds in areas such as law, finance, HR, fundraising, clinical practice, or communications are an advantage.