Trustees are the people who make sure the charity does what it says it will. The law states all charities must have trustees - they can be members and volunteers but not paid staff. Trustees are responsible when things go well and if things go wrong.
Read on for what this important role involves and how Grace Eyre supports its trustees, especially those with a learning disability and/or who are autistic.
As a Grace Eyre Trustee, you will:
“I became a trustee because I’m a very big advocate for people who are not only autistic but with learning disabilities and it is very important because you get a say and have your voice heard at board level.”
By becoming a Grace Eyre Trustee, you can:
As a Grace Eyre Trustee, you are expected to:
Grace Eyre aims to be a user-led organisation. We want people with a learning disability and autistic people to be making decisions at all levels of Grace Eyre. To help achieve this, we are aiming for 50% of our trustees having lived experience of a learning disability and/or autism.
Trustees with a learning disability and/or who are autistic will receive additional support in the following ways.
Briefings
Trustees with lived experience have pre-briefs and de-briefs before the main Board meetings, committee meeting and awaydays.
These are additional, more informal meetings to run through what will be talked about and make sure everyone understands it.
They offer an opportunity to prepare for and reflect on the topics of the meeting, feedback on how accessible these meetings were and what can be done differently next time.
Jargon Buster Cards
When Trustees raise these cards, it informs the person talking that they need to use more accessible language.
This supports meaningful inclusion and full participation for all Trustees.
Buddy System
We are starting a new buddy system, where every Trustee pairs up with a fellow Trustee.
Each Trustee will pair up with another Trustee to offer insight, support, and to answer any queries.
The buddy system also offers an informal way to learn about new skills and perspectives from other Trustees.
Watch Nathaniel explaining about the additional support trustees with a learning disability and/or who are autistic will receive.
Watch and listen to Grace Eyre trustees with lived experience talk about their experiences of:
Josh is a Grace Eyre trustee and Co-Chair. He brings his experience of autism that offers insight and perspective of personal experience to the board. Josh is also a Grace Eyre ambassador and member of the access advisory panel for Southern Railway where he advises on inclusive travel. Josh is supporting Grace Eyre as he can see the passion everyone has at the charity in working so hard to enrich the lives of people with a learning disability and/or autism.
Dom joined the Board in 2025 as he was keen to contribute to Grace Eyre’s inspirational work. He wanted to become a trustee following his previous work running online sessions for the former Grace Eyre Friendship Group, which he found really uplifting, and after taking part in important campaigns as a Grace Eyre Ambassador. Dom feels passionate about supporting others and advocating for them, and his lived experience of autism helps him relate to the people we support.
