Join us as a trustee and help make a real difference
The Gardiner Hill Foundation is looking for new trustees to join their dedicated board. You don't have to be a Navigo or Nurtrio staff member, or a Navigo community member (although you can be!), but if you have an interest in supporting local people with mental health difficulties, we’d love to hear from you.
The mission is simple: to enhance and enrich the lives of local people with mental health difficulties. The foundations does this by funding small but meaningful grants for people who are receiving support from Navigo or Nurtrio, supporting larger projects through Navigo, and backing initiatives that promote recovery, independence, training, education and employment. Some of the projects the Gardiner Hill Foundation have supported include a low stimulus therapy room, Safespace, and a Joint Response Vehicle.
The Gardiner Hill Foundation takes their name from Robert Gardiner Hill, a pioneering doctor from the 1800s who fought for the rights and dignity of people with mental health problems – a legacy we’re proud to continue today.
What trustees do
As a trustee, you’ll play an active role in:
- Shaping the strategy and setting the direction of the charity
- Ensuring we stay true to our purpose and legal responsibilities
- Contributing ideas and energy to help us grow and improve
- Getting involved with projects, fundraising events, and grant-giving decisions
- Championing the charity within your networks
This is a hands-on and rewarding role, where your voice will be heard and your actions will have a real impact.
Trustee, Kelly Kinch said, "Becoming a Gardiner Hill Trustee is a great way to meet new people who all have a shared goal of helping people experiencing mental health difficulties.
"I enjoy getting involved in projects that support the community. In my eight years as a trustee, I have had opportunities to do this by supporting the charity at Market Rasen race meetings, the Grimsby 10K and Christmas at Grimsby Garden Centre.
"Being a Gardiner Hill Foundation trustee also enables me to support service users above and beyond my day-to-day role within Navigo, which I find very rewarding."
Who we’re looking for
We’re looking for a mix of skills, perspectives and lived experiences. You don’t need to have been a trustee before – what matters most is your commitment, your passion for supporting people with mental health difficulties, and your willingness to get involved.
We'd especially welcome your application if you have experience or interest in fundraising, lived experience of mental health difficulties, or caring for someone with mental health difficulties.
The Charity Commision has rules which disqualify certain people from being a trustee. Click here to download the reasons which would disqualify you from acting as a trustee of a charity.
Time commitment
The Gardiner Hill Foundation meets monthly, usually on Wednesday afternoons, for around two hours and a half hours, with the option to attend virtually. We ask that Trustees try to attend these monthly meetings.
There will also be potential for involvement in fundraising, project or event activity.
We understand that everyone has different responsibilities, so we’ll always try to be flexible and supportive in how you contribute.
Interested?
Click here to download the full trustee role description.
If you'd like to find out more about becoming a trustee, get in touch with us at nav.gardinerhillfoundation@nhs.net. We’re happy to have a chat and answer any questions you might have.
Or you can jump straight in and submit your application here.