Sight Loss Expert Trustee

Job Introduction

Role: Sight Loss Expert Trustee
Location: Focus Birmingham, Harborne / Board meetings as required
Role Type: Trustee
DBS: Standard
Time Commitment: Four Board meetings per year, participation in relevant sub-committees and occasional strategic input

Role Overview & Responsibilities

We are looking for an experienced and passionate Sight Loss Expert Trustee to join the Board of Focus Birmingham and bring specialist knowledge, professional insight and sector expertise to help shape the future of our organisation.

As a charity dedicated to supporting people with sight loss and complex disabilities, we want to ensure that the voices, experiences and needs of people living with visual impairment remain at the heart of our strategy and services.

You will use your professional knowledge of the sight loss sector to provide advice and insight to our Board and Executive Team, helping us remain informed about developments in areas such as sight loss conditions, rehabilitation, assistive technology, research and best practice.

You will act as a trusted advisor and constructive challenger, helping the organisation understand emerging opportunities and challenges and supporting informed strategic decision-making.

A key part of the role will be helping Focus Birmingham continue to develop high-quality, inclusive and person-centred services. You will contribute specialist knowledge and ideas to service development, innovation and continuous improvement, ensuring our services remain responsive to the changing needs and experiences of people living with sight loss.

You will also contribute to the Business Development Sub-Committee, helping Focus Birmingham explore opportunities to extend our reach, impact and long-term sustainability.

As a Trustee, you will act as an ambassador for Focus Birmingham, promoting our mission and raising awareness of the needs, experiences and potential of people living with sight loss.

Using your professional knowledge and networks, you will help us strengthen relationships across the sight loss, health, social care, research and commissioning sectors, as well as identify opportunities for collaboration, commissioning, partnerships and fundraising.

Alongside your specialist contribution, you will share the wider responsibilities of the Board. This includes supporting good governance, ensuring the charity operates in accordance with its charitable purpose and relevant legislation, overseeing the responsible use of resources and contributing to the organisation's strategic direction, performance and impact. 

Person Specification

We are looking for someone who:

• Has professional experience within the sight loss sector, for example within clinical services, rehabilitation, research, assistive technology or specialist support
• Understands the needs and experiences of people living with visual impairment
• Has knowledge of emerging research, technology and best practice within the sight loss field
• Can support the development and improvement of services for people with visual impairment and complex needs
• Demonstrates strategic thinking and sound judgement
• Is confident sharing ideas and constructively challenging and contributing to Board discussions
• Is committed to the mission, vision and values of Focus Birmingham
• Is willing to devote the necessary time and energy to the Trustee role
• Understands and accepts the legal duties and responsibilities associated with trusteeship

Time Commitment

Trustees are expected to attend four Board meetings each year and participate in relevant sub-committees, such as the Business Development Committee.

We would also welcome occasional strategic input outside of formal meetings and support with introductions to relevant organisations, professionals and potential partners where appropriate.

About Us

At Focus Birmingham, you're not just joining a Board – you're becoming part of a community of people who genuinely want to make lives better.

As our Sight Loss Expert Trustee, your expertise will help ensure that Focus Birmingham continues to understand and respond to the changing needs of people living with visual impairment, while identifying new opportunities to develop our services, strengthen partnerships and increase our impact.

You'll have the opportunity to use your knowledge and experience at a strategic level, helping us create more opportunities for people with sight loss to unlock their potential and live full and meaningful lives.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

At Focus Birmingham, we are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We value the unique experiences, perspectives and strengths that people bring and believe this makes our organisation stronger.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are committed to creating an environment where everyone feels respected, included and able to thrive.