- Salary: N/A as with many trustee roles, this is unremunerated, although expenses are reimbursed.
- Time Commitment: Up to 9 board meetings a year, usually occurring on the second Friday of the month, and up to 4 committee meetings a year.
- Length of Service: an initial five-year tenure, renewable for one additional five year term.
- Interview date: Autumn 2026 - to be confirmed
The Salvation Army Trustee Company (SATCo), is the corporate trustee of the trusts under which The Salvation Army operates in the UK. SATCo is looking to recruit a trustee for its board with expertise in Social Services.
The Salvation Army is one of the oldest and most diverse providers of social services in the world, delivering its mission as a church and a charity in more than 130 countries. The diversity of The Salvation Army’s UK programme is reflected in its charitable activities (which range from anti-human trafficking work, homelessness services and early years provision), the breadth of its group (to include an ethical insurance provider and a housing association) and the extent of its physical assets (including a considerable property portfolio).
The Salvation Army has a unique structure, with its own Act of Parliament, and approach to strategic design and operational oversight – with responsive churches working alongside national centralised service provisions.
The Salvation Army is also one of the largest UK charities when ranked by voluntary income. The diversity of our work and the localised nature of a lot of what we do, means we are a complex body to govern. As more services are regulated, subsidiaries grow and expand and The Salvation Army itself remains involved in so many areas it is imperative that its strategic planning and governance are fit for purpose.
Accordingly, SATCo is seeking a Social Services Expert for its board that can speak effectively to the issues presented before it. Other experts on its board include church ministry, investments, audit, finance and property. There will also be a requirement to chair the organisation’s Risk Management Committee, established to oversee and drive improvement in the enterprise risk management framework.
Person Specification
The Social Services Expert will operate in a non-executive capacity. The following demonstrable skills and experience are desired:
- Board/trustee experience (essential)
- Relevant senior level expertise in the area of social services and/or support services to the public
- A diploma in Social Work or a similar qualification
- Experience overseeing a diverse range of activities and operations (ideally in a faith or church context)
- An understanding of risk management processes, to include high level assessment and mitigation and the ability to provide leadership and direction to ensure adherence to governance frameworks.
- Most importantly you will bring a passionate Christian faith and be willing to engage with The Salvation Army positively and on a wide range of issues.
Please supply the following to Company.Secretary@salvationarmy.org.uk by the Closing Date: 21st September 2026
- A supportive statement, highlighting how you believe your skills and experience match the requirements (directly addressing the Person Specification); and
- A CV including details of your relevant expertise.