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Do you want to make a real difference within our Gloucestershire communities and help support those most in need?
Can you bring curiosity and challenge to our work, helping to ensure we continue to be the very best we can?
Can you play a vital role in guiding our strategy, championing our mission, and ensuring we continue to deliver life-changing support to those who need it most?
Then come and join our Board of Trustees.
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What will you be doing?
YMCA Cheltenham is a dynamic and growing Christian Charity operating in Gloucestershire, with a long and successful history of supporting individuals, families and children, some of whom face significant life barriers, such as homelessness, addiction, abuse, crippling poverty or exclusion.
We view our future with a sense of ambition, innovation and determination to do more.
With their wide-ranging skills, knowledge and experience, Trustees make an active contribution to the Board as they scrutinise and support our work.
We welcome Trustees from all walks of life, with experience that can be professional, educational or from your own life journey – all coming to the Board Table to give a fresh perspective on our work.
As YMCA Cheltenham is a Christian Charity, Trustees are expected to be active followers of the Christian Faith, which is required by our governing document.
Trustees are supported by our staff team as they maintain a non-executive overview of the Charity’s affairs, including our strategic planning, risk management, compliance and financial resilience.
So, whether you’re an experienced leader or bringing fresh perspectives, your voice matters here.
This is more than a governance role—it’s a chance to be part of something meaningful, to grow personally and professionally, and to help shape an on-going legacy of hope and transformation.
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What are we looking for?
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Previous committee or Board experience is desired but not essential
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A willingness to accept the legal duties and responsibilities of Trusteeship
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Strategic ability
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Good independent judgement
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Commitment to the work of the Charity
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Ability to think creatively
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Understands the importance of good governance
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A willingness to speak your mind
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Supportive mindset
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Skills to analyse proposals and consequences
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Willingness to attend Board meetings six times a year
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Good community standing
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Strong team ethic
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An active Christian Faith
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All Trustees should also strive to adhere to Nolan’s seven principles of public life, set out as selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership.
We would also welcome:
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Housing Association experience or other regulated entity
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Financial leadership experience
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Commercial experience
Our Core Values
As an organisation founded on and rooted in the Christian Faith, YMCA Cheltenham draws its values from the Bible, principally as described in Micah 6:8.
YMCA Cheltenham will OPERATE with Equity, Integrity, Openness and Honesty.
YMCA Cheltenham will ENGAGE with Empathy, Kindness, Generosity and Grace.
YMCA Cheltenham will BE Thoughtful, Discrete, Ethical and Respectful to all.
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What difference have we made?
As a Trustee, you will help to support some of the most disadvantaged and vulnerable people in Gloucestershire, through all of our projects and services.
As a Registered Housing Provider and Charity, we provide 219 beds of accommodation across properties in Cheltenham and Gloucester and run a range of community projects, here are some of our most recent statistics:
In 2024/2025, we provided:
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98,644 nights of safe, secure and decent accommodation
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1,591 households facing poverty & exclusion supported
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38,200 footfall in the Sports Centre
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260 individuals supported in our Child Contact Centre
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84% of formerly homeless individuals experiencing positive move-on as part of our innovative PATHWAY HOME approach (less than 60% being the sectoral average)
In addition to the above, the organisation owns a significant Grade II listed Georgian villa at Vittoria Walk which operates as the Charity’s Headquarters, housing the organisation’s Central and Leadership teams, as well as supporting a range other partner groups and services.
The building has recently completed a significant redevelopment scheme (£1.2M+) to provide 13 x ensuite cluster bedrooms and 8 x studio flats for those who have been homeless, alongside the existing HQ function.
The Charity operates a sports facility in the Arle Road area of Cheltenham, and a secondary facility in West Cheltenham, called OASIS.
We also deliver a Child Contact Centre, Pre School setting (rated GOOD by OFSTED) and services delivering support to families facing poverty and exclusion.
We also provide accommodation for homeless families and will be introducing new works into Cinderford and Stroud in the near future.
We have been serving our communities in Gloucestershire for 170 years this year, it’s an exciting time to be part of the Board during a significant milestone in its history.
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Our History
YMCA Cheltenham was founded on November 23, 1855, just 11 years after the first YMCA in London. Making us one of the oldest charities in Gloucestershire!
For 170 years, we have continuously provided services for the local community and transformed lives for the better.
Over the years, we have expanded our services across Gloucestershire, continuously adapting to meet the community’s changing needs.
Our mission remains steadfast: empowering individuals, strengthening communities, and transforming lives.
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Helping People Belong, Contribute and Thrive
DRIVEN BY THE GOOD WE DO
We believe every person should be able to develop their full potential in body, mind and spirit
