Trustee with Vision Care - Homelessness Sector Specialist

Helping people experiencing homelessness see a brighter future 

Vision Care is a charity set up to provide eye care services to those experiencing homelessness and other vulnerable people in an accessible and friendly environment in which they feel safe, welcome and comfortable.  

We are seeking a trustee with specific insight into the homelessness sector through their professional working career or voluntary experience in the sector, to help guide our strategy and ensure our services remain relevant, inclusive and impactful to people experiencing homelessness as well as the sector that supports them.  

About Vision Care 

Vision Care champions the right to sight for all people experiencing homelessness. We improve eye health through direct services, and work to remove barriers through advocacy, education and policy change.  

Our vision is a future where no one is denied the right to sight because of their housing status. 

Our new five-year strategy focuses on three core aims:

1. To become the leading authority on eye care for people experiencing homelessness, through training and education, as well as optical and homelessness sector engagement.
2. To remove barriers to eye care by influencing policy and research.
3. To facilitate direct delivery of eye care services by expanding mobile clinics, strengthening partnerships, and increasing patient reach. 

We work with optical professionals, universities, homelessness organisations, healthcare providers, and policymakers to ensure our services are accessible and impactful. 

Role Purpose 

As a trustee, you will contribute to the strategic leadership and governance of Vision Care and play a key role in delivering this new strategy. As a homelessness sector specialist, you will bring valuable perspective to ensure our services are both relevant and shaped by the realities of those we serve, as well as being effectively signposted and well-received by the UK sector agencies that support people experiencing homelessness.  

Key Responsibilities 

In addition to general trustee responsibilities, you will:

• Advise on partnership opportunities with homelessness charities, hostels, outreach teams and local authorities.
• Promote Vision Care’s work within the homelessness sector and help build relationships with relevant stakeholders.
• Support the development of policies and practices that reflect best practice in homelessness support.
• Champion the voice of lived experience within board discussions and decision-making.
• Provide insight into the challenges and needs of people experiencing homelessness.
• Help ensure our services are trauma-informed, accessible and culturally competent. 

General Trustee Responsibilities 

Trustees are responsible for the work that Vision Care does and how it does it. Alongside your Trustee colleagues you will have several statutory duties which are to:

• Ensure the charity complies with its governing document, charity and company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
• Ensure the charity pursue its objectives as defined in its governing document and uses its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects for the benefit of the public.
• Shape, drive and monitor the organisation’s strategy, including defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance.
• Safeguard the charity’s values, reputation and financial stability.
• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the charity including having appropriate policies and procedures in place.
• Protect and manage the assets of the charity and ensure the proper investment of the its funds.
• Follow proper and formal arrangements for the supervision, support, appraisal and remuneration of the CEO.
• Prepare for and participate fully in board meetings and sub-committees.
• Become a director of Vision Care for Homeless People Ltd and a member of the charity. 

Person Specification 

We are specifically looking for people with knowledge and experience of the homelessness sector and would welcome applications from individuals with:

• Professional experience in homelessness services (e.g. outreach, housing, health, social care), or
• Experience in advocacy, policy or research related to homelessness.  

Additionally, you should:

• Be committed to Vision Care’s mission and values.
• Be willing to contribute time, energy and expertise to board activities.
• Be able to work collaboratively and communicate effectively.
• Have experience of or be willing to learn about charity governance and trustee responsibilities.
• Be able to make quick and sound decisions based on an analysis of information.
• Have the ability to manage risks with a balanced and informed approach.
• Be committed to principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership. 

Terms of Appointment 

Remuneration: Voluntary role; travel expenses reimbursed. 

Location: Working from home with occasional travel to visit clinics or attend in-person meetings. 

Time Commitment: Approx. 25-30 hours per year, including:

• Quarterly board meetings (held online)
• Quarterly sub-committee meetings (held online)
• At least 1 in-person Board away day 
• At least 1 annual visit to a Vision Care clinic
• Occasional Vision Care events 

Reporting 

You will report to the Chair of the Board of Trustees and work closely with the CEO and fellow trustees. 

How to apply

• Send a CV and short covering letter explaining how your experience could benefit Vision Care and why you would like to become a Vision Care Trustee.
• Email applications to anna@visioncarecharity.org.uk no later than close of play on Thursday 30 April 2026.