Who we are
EnFold is a charity dedicated to supporting autistic individuals and their families in Northamptonshire, shaped and led by those with direct lived experience of autism. EnFold designs and delivers services that recognise the unique strengths, needs, and aspirations of each individual with a person-centred approach. The organisation believes in empowering its community, drawing on a rich diversity of skills, backgrounds, and personal journeys.
The role
We welcome people from all backgrounds and experiences. You don’t need to have been a Trustee before — we value lived experience, professional skills, and a commitment to EnFold’s cause.
In particular, we’re looking for trustees who:
- Believe in and support our vision, mission, and values.
- Bring good communication, leadership, and teamwork skills.
- Are fair, impartial, and able to maintain confidentiality.
- Can think strategically and contribute to decision-making.
- Are willing to give time and energy to board meetings, preparation, and sub-committee work.
Members of the Board are collectively responsible for effectively governing EnFold. It’s therefore critical that our Trustees are reliable and are able to give a time commitment of around 4-5 hours per month, made up of Board meetings and self-allocated time to complete Trustee actions.
Trustees meet as a full board around five times a year with additional sub-committee meetings in between. Whilst the majority of the meetings are held virtually (on Teams) in the evening, we meet at our Northampton office two or three times per year and ask that Trustees also attend our annual evening celebration event.
Key Responsibilities
Strategy and Impact
- Be committed to the vision, mission and values of EnFold.
- Provide strategic direction, including agreeing and monitoring strategic plans.
- Ensure all EnFold’s activities are aligned with the charity’s mission and deliver measurable impact, monitoring and evaluating its progress against any relevant KPIs.
Governance and Compliance
- Ensure EnFold operates within its constitution and relevant laws.
- Ensure that safeguarding risks to staff, volunteers and service users are at an acceptable level and are effectively managed.
- Maintain up-to-date policies and procedures relevant to EnFold’s work, including data protection, equality and health & safety.
- Monitor and manage operational, financial and reputational risks, ensuring the organisation is properly insured against all reasonable liabilities.
- Ensure that EnFold is a responsible employer and adheres to all relevant legislation.
Financial Oversight
- Understand the financial position of the organisation and ensure the organisation’s finances are properly managed.
- Approve budgets, financial plans, and major expenditure, and monitor EnFold’s financial performance against budgets and agreed accounting policies.
- Ensure EnFold makes efficient use of its resources and that all monies are spent appropriately and in accordance with any funding restrictions.
- Ensure adequate financial resources for the organisation, review and approve EnFold’s reserves policy and investment approach.
- Contribute to fundraising strategies and ensure ethical and legal fundraising practices.
Ambassadorship
- Act as a positive ambassador for EnFold at events and in the community.
- Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, funders, and partners.
- Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion both internally and externally.
Board Conduct
- Prepare for and attend all board and relevant sub-committee meetings.
- Contribute actively, constructively, and respectfully to discussions and decision-making.
- Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
- Undertake ongoing training and keep informed about sector developments.
Person Specification
- Commitment to EnFold’s mission and values.
- Integrity, objectivity, and sound judgment.
- Ability to work collaboratively and respect diverse viewpoints.
- Willingness to learn and stay informed on governance best practice.
- Relevant skills, experience, or networks that support EnFold’s work.
- Ability to meet time commitment of 4-5 hours per month.
Supporting document(s)
- trustee-applicant-information---final.docx - Download
