Board Trustee (Voluntary)

This is a rare opportunity to contribute to the long term welfare of former racehorses while supporting a charity that changes lives and creates futures.

GREATWOOD CHARITY, based in Marlborough, is dedicated to educating disadvantaged children, young people and adults with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) through Animal Assisted Intervention (AAI) using former racehorses. We work with people with an array of SEND including autism, dyslexia and dyspraxia. We also specialise in supporting those with SEMH (social emotional mental health) difficulties such as ADHD and anxiety. Our inclusive and innovative programmes empower participants facing cognitive, physical, emotional, and social challenges to develop life skills, gain confidence, and improve their future opportunities whilst challenging the perception of “success” and “failure”. By providing a unique learning and sensory experience in a secure non-judgemental nurturing environment, it gives those who have little knowledge of the countryside and animals the chance of a totally new opportunity to complete real, physical tasks whilst developing their own life skills.

Greatwood operates a ‘Cycle of Rehabilitation and Change’: horses helping people ⟳ people helping horses; simultaneously providing those former racehorses that can’t be re-homed, with a useful occupation.

Originally founded in 1998 to provide a sanctuary for neglected retired racehorses, Greatwood expanded its reach in 2006 by incorporating the horses into pioneering AAI educational programmes for people with SEND; the first organisation of any kind to do so in the UK. For the last 20 years we have supported over 4,000 learners from Wiltshire and surrounding counties.

Greatwood Charity is the only racehorse welfare charity that does not have criteria for entry; we will never turn away a horse at risk; donation, soundness or age will not preclude admittance if there is a risk of neglect or suffering. For those horses that cannot, for whatever reason be rehomed and believing that every horse should have a purpose, approximately 80% of our former racehorses are used for Greatwood’s AAI educational programmes.

In 2012, Greatwood was accredited by Wiltshire Council as an ‘Alternative Provider of Personalised Learning’ and in 2015 as a ‘Provider of Positive Activities for Young People’. More recently Greatwood has extended our charitable reach to include the opportunity for adults to access learning at Greatwood; emotional wellbeing and mindfulness is the heart of this intervention and is for those experiencing common mental health difficulties such as anxiety and depression and for those who may have experienced trauma. Bespoke programmes are delivered to specific cohorts such as survivors of domestic abuse, carers, those with eating disorders and other under-represented groups. The aim of this intervention is to help with post traumatic growth.

Role Description

Do you have the skills and experience to make a meaningful contribution to the next phase of our development?

Greatwood Charity now has a vacancy for an independent trustee and director of the incorporated company to join our Board. We require a trustee that will play an active role in guiding Greatwood’s strategic direction, ensuring that our work remains impactful, sustainable, and true to our charitable aims. As part of the Board, you will help steer Greatwood through an exciting period of organisational evolution, including the expansion of our education initiatives and continued enhancement of our equine welfare programmes.

This is a full-time voluntary, off-site role for a Board Trustee. As a Board Trustee, you will oversee the strategic direction and governance of Greatwood Charity, ensuring the organisation fulfils its mission and adheres to legal and ethical standards. Responsibilities include attending board meetings, contributing to strategic planning, reviewing charity performance, providing guidance on key decisions, and ensuring proper financial oversight and accountability. You will support fundraising initiatives, engage with stakeholders, and act as an ambassador for the organisation to promote its goals and values.

This is a rare opportunity to contribute to the long‑term welfare of former racehorses while supporting a charity that changes lives and creates futures.

Qualifications

• Governance and leadership skills, with experience in contributing to strategic decision-making and understanding non-profit operations.
• Excellent communication, networking, and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to act as a representative for the charity and build relationships with partners and supporters.
• Experience or passion for areas such as British Thoroughbred horseracing industry, education, SEND, animal-assisted interventions, mental health, social equity, or charity work.
• Commitment to the values and mission of Greatwood Charity, with a dedication to making a tangible impact in the lives of beneficiaries.

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