Trustee

Do you want to make a real difference to people in Ipswich who are experiencing poverty.

We are looking for a compassionate and committed individual to join our Board of Trustees at Ipswich Outreach, a small but deeply impactful local charity supporting people experiencing poverty, homelessness, and social isolation across Ipswich and the surrounding areas.

Every week, we meet people facing incredibly difficult circumstances. Through our soup kitchen and outreach work, we aim not only to provide meals and essential items, but also a sense of dignity, warmth, and belonging. We understand that behind every person we support is a unique story, often shaped by complex challenges, and we strive to respond with empathy, respect, and care.

About the role

This is a hands-on trustee role within a working charity. We are seeking someone who can bring financial and/or legal experience, alongside a genuine understanding of the realities people face locally. Just as important as professional expertise is the ability to listen, show empathy, and appreciate the difference that consistent, compassionate support can make to those living in poverty.

Our trustees are actively involved not only in governance but also in supporting the delivery of our services, helping ensure everything we do remains grounded in the needs of the community.

Safeguarding

Ipswich Outreach is committed to the safeguarding of young people and vulnerable adults, as a result, basic safeguarding training and a DBS check will be required for this opportunity at no cost to the individual.

We are particularly interested in people who:

• Know Ipswich, Suffolk, or the local community and its challenges

• Demonstrate empathy, patience, and an understanding of the complex realities of poverty and social isolation

• Recognise the importance of treating everyone with dignity and respect

• Are willing to be actively involved, not just attend meetings

• Have an understanding of the charity or voluntary sector

• Bring experience in financial management, accounting, bookkeeping, or legal/governance work

Personal qualities we are looking for

• Empathy and compassion – a genuine ability to understand and connect with people facing poverty, homelessness, and social isolation, without judgement

• Emotional awareness – sensitivity to the complex and often difficult circumstances people may be experiencing, and the impact this can have on behaviour and wellbeing

• Respect and dignity for others – a belief that everyone deserves to be treated with kindness, fairness, and respect, regardless of their situation

• Patience and resilience – the ability to remain calm, understanding, and supportive, even in challenging or unpredictable situations

• Strong listening skills – being open to hearing people’s experiences and perspectives, and valuing their voice

• Community-minded – an interest in local issues and a desire to make a positive difference within Ipswich and the surrounding area

• Reliability and commitment – someone who follows through, shows up, and can be depended on by both the team and the people we support

• Team-oriented approach – willingness to work collaboratively with other trustees, volunteers, and service users

• Practical and grounded – able to balance compassion with sound judgement and decision-making

• Non-judgemental attitude – understanding that people’s circumstances are often shaped by factors beyond their control

Time commitment

• Around one evening every two weeks supporting the soup kitchen

• Trustee meetings every two months

• Occasional additional input when needed

What you will gain

• First-hand insight into the challenges within your community and how support can change lives

• The opportunity to make a meaningful difference to people facing hardship locally

• The chance to use your skills in a way that has real human impact

• Experience of working at trustee/board level