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About the organisation
Speech and language are the building blocks for life, through them we can shape ideas, express ourselves, understand others, connect and succeed. Speech and language are also the foundations of society: they form the structures that shape relationships, support cooperation, build robust communities and hold society up.
Today, one in five children experience speech and language challenges. More children will struggle to be understood, to learn, and to find their place in the world. And society will feel the cost in lost potential, weaker communities, and social challenges.
At Speech and Language UK, we know that the right speech and language support at the right time helps children grow in confidence, communication and independence. Our purpose is to equip every child with the speech and language skills needed to build their own future. We create innovative tools and training for schools and nurseries so that non-specialists can change these children's lives. We provide advice and guidance direct to families and to young people themselves. We run two outstanding schools that combine the best possible specialist teaching with expert speech and language therapistsand we share the learning from these schools nationally and internationally.
In addition to providing all these solutions, we play an important advocacy role. We speak out so that policymakers and government bodies know the scale and impact of speech and language challenges today. Through our campaigns and reports, we strive to influence national policy and funding decisions, so that speech and language support is a priority.
If you want to make sure that no child loses out on language - no child loses out in life, and you want to play a governance role with us, read on.
About the role
We’re looking for two amazing trustees to join our board at Speech and Language UK. Could it be you?
You could help more children express their feelings, learn their times tables, and share jokes with their friends and families by volunteering your time as a trustee. With a record two million children now dealing with speech and language challenges – and that number rising year on year – this a crucial time for our organisation and the children and families we support.
A Trustee vacancy has arisen following the completion of a nine-year term of office by a previous Trustee. As we welcome new members to the Board, we are keen to bring in fresh perspectives, new ideas and diverse expertise to help shape the organisation’s future.
In particular, we are looking for candidates with a background in commercial development, ideally with charity Treasurer experience, and/or expertise in artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity.
If that sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you. This is your chance to make a difference.
We do not expect candidates to have experience in all responsibilities outlined in the role profile. If you would like to discuss the role in more detail, please email jobs@speechandlanguage.org.uk. Please note that will not influence the success or otherwise of your application.
We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability, and potential. Please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustments so that we can make the application process work for you.
How to apply
Please find enclosed Recruitment Pack
The closing date for applications is 9am on Monday, 21 September 2026. We aim to hold interviews w/c 5th October 2026 (via Teams)
Speech and Language UK is fully committed to equality of opportunity and diversity to ensure that we reflect the full breadth of the people we aim to support. We warmly welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the role, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
Our ideal candidate
The Speech and Language UK Board currently includes ten Trustees including the Chair. We are lucky to have a broad mix of relevant skills, enjoy a positive culture and good working relationships with the executive team. At this stage of the charity’s development we have recognised the need to enhance the Board and welcome new Trustees who will bring specific knowledge and experience to support our important work, particularly in light of two key Trustees leaving this year.
We are seeking motivated people who share our commitment to improving the lives of children with speech and language challenges and who would relish the opportunity to get involved.
The Board oversees all of the organisation’s work and there are four sub-committees with responsibility for:
- Income and Engagement
- Policy and Programme Development
- Finance and Audit
- Remuneration and People
We also have a subsidiary – Speech and Language UK Services – which is responsible for the two special schools we run. One of the Directors from this subsidiary attends our main Board.
To enhance our Board’s capacity we are now looking for people with experience and expertise in the following areas:
- Commercial development, ideally alongside experience as a Treasurer in a charity
What’s in it for you
As a Speech and Language UK trustee, you’ll be an ambassador for our charity and our work. You’ll share our vision that every child who is facing challenges with talking and understanding words can look to the future with confidence and be committed to making that happen.
You'll need to attend three board meetings in person each year. One of these takes place as part of our annual away day. Our sub-committees also meet virtually three or four times a year. Your travel and caring expenses will be covered in line with our policy.
Being a board member is a fantastic opportunity. It's a role that will give back just as much as you put in – and often much, much more. Here's why:
Contributing to a great cause – sustainability: As a trustee, you'll be empowered with a new sense of purpose. It's an incredibly powerful way of supporting a cause you really care about and making a tangible difference. You will have a real impact on our work and on children across the UK, becoming an integral part of our work to make sure every child can face the future with confidence.
Strategic experience: Strategic experience can be hard to come by as you build your career. It can take decades until you find yourself in a role that requires real strategic oversight. Joining us as a trustee is a brilliant way of getting a head start on building that experience. You'll develop and hone your critical thinking, problem solving, and analytical skills, as well as developing vital strategic experience and team working skills. A trustee role can open doors to new responsibilities, more senior job prospects, and professional success. If you already have strategic experience, this is an opportunity to test your skills in a new context.
Continued professional development: As a board member, you'll gain a clearer idea of your own professional strengths and weaknesses – all while learning new skills. Understanding how to adapt your professional knowledge to new challenges will test your versatility in the best possible way. Build your confidence, help others, and prove yourself.
Teamworking: Our board lives our values, leading with bravery, kindness, collaboration, curiosity, and practicality. Working closely with a passionate team of people is not only interesting and fun – it's a real learning opportunity.
Apply for the role
Please provide a short cover note setting out your motivations for volunteering for the organisation, any relevant skills/experience and why you think you might be a suitable candidate.
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