We’re excited to share this opportunity to become a trustee with Speech Bubbles CIO. With the release of the Curriculum and Assessment review this is critical point for Speech Bubbles. With a focus on oracy in the review we are in an ideal position to support children’s development in communication and oracy using drama.

The people we need?

·       Are committed to our programmes aims to support children with communication needs through creative practice.

·       Are committed to a society based on the principles of equality, equity, and social justice.

And have expertise/experience/interest in any of the following:

·       Financial management.

·       Charity governance.

·       Education at both a practice and strategic policy level.

·       Safeguarding.

·       Fundraising.

To benefit from a diversity of skills, understanding and experience we will give priority consideration to:

·       Lived experience of speech, language and communication needs

·       Experience of supporting children with communication needs

·       Black and global majority applicants who are underrepresented in our management and governance structures.

·       Younger people who are looking for their first trustee role (16-30 years)

If you identify with one of these categories and wish to make us aware of that please make that clear in your application.  The equal opportunity monitoring form is kept separately so we won’t find it out from this.

What is the commitment?

As an organisation with a national remit and a registered office in London, we will ensure that all trustee meetings can be attended virtually, with the ambition to meet in person at least once a year.

The governance responsibilities of a trustee are outlined here www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-essential-trustee-what-you-need-to-know-cc3

There will be a full trustee meeting three to four times a year. Between meetings individual trustees will use their knowledge, enthusiasm and expertise to support the CEO and General Manager with specific tasks.

Safeguarding

Speech Bubbles works with children so we will ask all trustees to complete an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and provide two references to testify to their suitability to work with children. If you do not have a DBS check, we can support successful applicants to obtain one.

Applying

In order to support people who are applying for their first trustee role we offer a pre-application fifteen minute telephone or TEAMs call with our CEO. If this is you please e-mail adam@speechbubbles.org.uk to set up that call.

To apply, please:

• Provide a one-page letter or no more than 2-minute video highlighting your reasons for being interested.

• State if you identify as belonging to one of the priority groups.

• Include whether you have or are prepared to take out a DBS check

• Provide the names and contact details of two referees.

All completed applications should be sent to Lizzie@speechbubbles.org.uk by 5th January 2026

You can download the application pack HERE

We are committed to celebrating diversity and supporting access for all. Please let us know of any access requirements.

Please also complete the equal opportunity monitoring form here which will be kept separate from your application.