We're looking to appoint two new trustees to the board of St Petrocs. Trustees play a vital role in guiding the direction and strategy of the charity. As a member of the board, you’ll help ensure the charity is aligned with its mission, legally compliant and financially sound.

Our trustees play a crucial role in guiding St Petrocs, ensuring we stay true to our values, vision, mission and goals. They provide support and direction to the Chief Executive and staff, helping us make a real difference in the lives of those facing homelessness.

Trustees help steer St Petrocs in the right direction by offering support and constructive challenge to the leadership team. They ensure decision-making is fair and effective, always balancing the needs of the people we support with the responsible use of our resources. Through their guidance, trustees help us stay focused on our mission and create lasting change.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to meet the Chair, Vice-Chairs and Chief Executive on Monday 16th March 2026. Successful candidates will be invited to participate as a guest in the Board Meeting taking place on Wednesday 25th March, prior to consideration for formal approval by the board.

What you'll be doing

Help shape and protect the charity’s vision and values, making sure we stay true to our mission to support people facing homelessness
Make sure we’re doing things the right way, keeping everything transparent, accountable and in line with legal and ethical standards
Think about the big picture, help us spot potential risks and make decisions that keep the charity safe and sustainable
Be a voice for the charity in the community, build connections, raise awareness and help influence positive change
Keep an eye on how well we’re making a difference and look for ways to improve and grow
Bring your perspective and experience to guide our priorities and make thoughtful, informed decisions
Uphold the charity’s safeguarding responsibilities and commitment to diversity and inclusion

What are the time commitments?

Induction: New trustees complete an induction program, which includes visits to our services and meetings with staff to get up to speed. Whether you have previous experience as a trustee or are completely new to the role, we will provide an induction and ongoing training to ensure you understand and can fulfil your role.
Term Length: Trustees serve for a three-year term, which can be renewed.
Board Meetings: The board meets quarterly, with additional meetings as needed. These are typically on Wednesday mornings for about two hours at our office in Truro, Cornwall. Meetings are scheduled in advance for the entire year and documents are sent out two weeks before each meeting. Online links to meetings are also available.
Ongoing Involvement: Trustees are kept up to date with regular information on client services, finance and other important matters. The usual commitment for time is between 1-2 days per month, which includes the time needed to prepare for and attend meetings.
Events: Trustees are invited to attend events throughout the year to support and represent St Petrocs.

Who would make a great trustee?

At St Petrocs, we believe that great trustees bring a variety of skills, perspectives and life experiences. Our board is made up of individuals with expertise in areas such as law, social care, education, health, business, finance and lived experience of homelessness. We regularly review the board’s composition to ensure we have the right mix of skills to guide our work effectively.

Following a recent audit, the board has identified a gap and is therefore specifically seeking to fill one of the two vacancies with a trustee who has strong skills and understanding of the digital sector. This individual will bring valuable insight into areas such as digital strategy, technology, data, and online engagement, helping to ensure the organisation is well-equipped to navigate an increasingly digital landscape.

We encourage applications from people from all walks of life and diverse backgrounds, as we know that a variety of experiences and perspectives strengthens decision-making. We particularly welcome people of all ages, cultures and backgrounds to help ensure our board represents the community we serve.

We are particularly committed to including trustees who have lived experience of homelessness. We believe that those who have experienced homelessness can offer invaluable insights and help ensure our work is rooted in the real needs of the people we support.

If you’re passionate about making a real difference and bringing your unique perspective to our work, you could make a great trustee for St Petrocs.

We're looking to appoint trustees who can offer:

A commitment to our core values: Person Centred, Passionate, Empowering, Honest & Courageous
Passion for St Petrocs’ mission and local impact
Critical challenge without confrontation
Support for one another
Openness and honesty
Structured feedback - upwards and downwards
A differing perspective - a fresh pair of eyes and ears
A sounding board
Rational and constructive thinking without being emotive to the subject
Teamwork, integrity and reliability
A willingness to learn, contribute ideas and ask questions

As a Cornish charity, our work is rooted in the communities, culture, and particular challenges of Cornwall. We therefore seek trustees who have a genuine connection to, or understanding of, Cornwall and its people. Trustees do not need to be based in Cornwall, but they should be able to demonstrate an appreciation of the unique local context and a commitment to people experiencing homelessness here in Cornwall.

Please note that no previous board experience is necessary – full training and support will be provided.

What are the benefits of becoming a trustee?

Being a trustee is a challenging, interesting and deeply rewarding role because you’ll see how your work directly contributes to our mission of working to end homelessness in Cornwall. As a trustee, you’ll have the chance to give back to your local community and use your life experiences and skills in a board-level environment.

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