Action for Children

Action for Children has been supporting children, young people and families across the UK for more than 150 years. Each year, we provide vital services that protect vulnerable children, strengthen families, and help young people thrive – from homelessness support and youth employability programmes to fostering, residential care, early years provision and specialist services for disabled children. Guided by our mission to ensure every child has a safe and happy childhood, we deliver life-changing support through 342 services nationwide, reaching more than 551,000 children, young people and families last year.

Our impact is built on a dedicated workforce and a strong culture of compassion, inclusion and advocacy. We step in when times are tough – offering protection, practical help and emotional support – while working tirelessly to create the long-term change needed so that those out of reach today are within reach tomorrow. Diversity and anti-racism sit at the heart of our work, and we are committed to ensuring our Board reflects the communities and families we serve.

As a Trustee, you will play a central role in shaping Action for Children’s strategic direction and ensuring high standards of governance, accountability and financial stewardship. Working closely with fellow Trustees and our Leadership Team, you will help drive forward our vision, champion our values, and ensure our services remain safe, effective and responsive to the needs of vulnerable children across the UK. Responsibilities include preparing for and attending quarterly Board meetings, contributing to sub-committees, and engaging directly with our services, partners and stakeholders.

We are seeking three exceptional individuals to join our Board. We welcome candidates from a wide range of backgrounds who share our passion for improving children’s lives. In particular, we are looking for:

• A Trustee with senior leadership experience in Scotland’s children’s sector.
• A Trustee with deep safeguarding expertise.
• A Trustee with senior HR leadership experience.

Across all appointments, we seek individuals who embody our values, demonstrate integrity, provide strategic challenge, champion diversity and inclusion, and show empathy for the pressures faced by vulnerable children and families. This is a voluntary role with reasonable expenses reimbursed. The term of office is three years, renewable for up to two further terms.

This is an outstanding opportunity to contribute your expertise to one of the UK’s most respected children’s charities, joining a committed and values-led Board dedicated to transforming childhoods and improving life chances for those who need us most.

Interested in helping shape the future for children? Apply here…

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to the Action for Children on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit www.saxbam.com/appointments using reference YAAAM. Alternatively email Belinda.beck@saxbam.com. Applications should be received by noon on: Wednesday 21 January 2026.