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Closing date: Thursday 23 July 2026
Location: Sutton

Closing date: 5PM 23 July 2026

Sutton Vision Trustee Recruitment pack 

June 2026 

Welcome from Chair of recruitment panel. 

Thank you so much for your interest in Sutton Vision. My name is Juliet Milgate, and I am responsible for chairing the Trustee recruitment process for the organisation. 

We’re a Sutton based charity working to support people living and working with vision loss across the Borough. In 2025 we celebrated 60 years of support to the local community.  We can only make such a difference because of our local community; they are our staff, our volunteers, our clients, and of course, our Board. 

I have seen first-hand the impact of our staff and volunteers. Whether it’s the simple pleasure of tea, Scrabble and a good chat at our offices, a calming yoga session, or expert advice, representation, and guidance, we’re here for people experiencing changes in their sight, recognising the uncertainty and anxiety that can sometimes bring. Our services are free, accessible to all, and above all, welcoming. 

I have been on the Board for over three years now, and I deeply value both the experience and the relationships it has brought me. With my background in international development, sight loss, and disability, I work alongside my fellow Board members to bring a broader perspective and understanding of the sector, complementing the skills and strengths already around the table. 

Our new strategy developed in consultation with our staff and volunteers in 2025, sets out an exciting path for the years ahead. As demand for our services and the unmet need in Sutton continues to grow, we want to put in place the plans and investment that will help us work in partnership with the community for the next 60 years and beyond. To achieve this, we need to expand our Trustee Board and bring in new skills, experiences, perspectives, and enthusiasm. 

It’s important to us that as the organisation grows its decisions at Board level continue to be informed by people living with sight loss or vision impairment, so would particularly welcome interest from people with lived experience of sight loss to join the Board.  

If you feel you don’t have all the skills but are still interested in joining Sutton Vision’s Board, please do get in touch. We would love to hear from you. 

Many Thanks 

Juliet Milgate 

About Sutton Vision 

Sutton Vision (opens window) works to enable and empower people living and working with sight loss, and those who are blind, to live independent and full lives. Through our work we provide positive and constructive knowledge, information, and support to people as they experience changes in their vision or sight loss.  

Our team of staff and volunteers provides the practical support people require when they need it to maintain independence. All are welcome, and our services are available free of charge to anyone living and working with sight loss in Sutton.  

Meet our trustees 

Meet our staff 

Our Work 

Since we launched over 60 years ago, Sutton Vision has provided a lifeline for people with visual impairments in our part of London. Our support starts at point of diagnosis with a dedicated Eye Care Liaison Officer at St Helier Hospital who offers emotional and practical support. Our Living Well with Sight Loss workshops give advice on services, support, and financial help. We provide advocacy to help people stay in employment or access benefits. We also offer tech support, from one-to-one sessions to help people get the most from the many technical solutions that can help them navigate the world via everything from phones and computers to low-tech devices to help in the kitchen. 

We also offer a wide range of social activities, from bridge and bingo to exercise classes and days out to help combat the isolation that so often accompanies a visual impairment. 

We do all this with a team of six staff and over 50 volunteers who last year won The King’s Award for Voluntary Service, in recognition of their huge contribution to their community.  

Context 

With a population of 207,707, Sutton is a Borough in South-west London. RNIB, the Royal National Institute of Blind People, estimates that around 6,020 people in Sutton are currently living with sight loss (about 2% of the population)1.   

This includes:   

• 3,890 people living with mild sight loss.  

• 1,340 people living with moderate sight loss.   

• 790 people living with severe sight loss.  

The number of people living with sight loss is rising. Because most sight loss occurs in older age, an ageing and growing population means prevalence will continue to increase. By 2032, an estimated 7,070 people in Sutton will be living with sight loss, a 17% rise in less than a decade.  

To meet both current and future needs, Sutton Vision must plan for growth and set a clear strategic direction to 2030. In 2025, we developed our new strategy, Towards 2030, which sets out that growth and our ambitions for the next strategic period. 

The recruitment of new trustees is an integral part of that growth. 

Sutton Vision’s Board of Trustees 

The Board of Trustees (the Board) sets and oversees Sutton Vision’s strategy and supports the Chief Executive and team to deliver our mission effectively and with maximum impact. 

We are currently experiencing a period of growth and are looking for additional people to join our Board, including one as treasurer. 

We would also welcome applications from individuals with experience in the health and social care sector. 

Candidates with lived experience of sight loss are critical to our governance and particularly encouraged to apply. 

Trustee Role Description 

 Key accountabilities  

• Fulfil all the legal duties of a trustee and ensure that the charity complies with its governing document, charity law, company law and other relevant legislation. 

• Set organisational strategy and oversee the delivery of that strategy. 

• Agree and monitor business and financial plans to support strategic delivery. 

• Ensure sound financial stewardship of Sutton Vision’s funds and assets. 

• Take overall responsibility for safeguarding and health and safety of Sutton Vision clients and staff. 

• Scrutinise performance, ensuring that Sutton Vision’s resources are used effectively to achieve our charitable objectives. 

• Ensure compliance with external regulation and best practice. 

• Take responsibility for risk management, ensuring risks are identified, assessed and mitigating action is taken wherever possible. 

• Support the Chief Executive and team to deliver the organisational strategy. 

• Promote Sutton Vision and act in the best interests of the charity. 

• Lead the culture of Sutton Vision, ensuring decisions and behaviours reflect our values. 

• Engage with Sutton Vision’s stakeholders. 

• Attend and participate in all Board meetings (Trustees will be asked to attend six board meetings a year, two in person (normally between 4-6pm). 

Skills, knowledge, and experience 

Essential 

• Confident and effective communication and influencing skills Willing to provide constructive challenge in meetings. 

• Proven ability to work effectively as part of a team. 

• Proven ability to analyse complex information and concepts. 

• Commitment to improving the lives of people with sight loss in the London Borough of Sutton 

• Understanding of the work of Sutton Vision and the issues we face 

• Commitment to the voluntary sector and willingness to commit the time involved. 

• Over 16 and resident in the UK 

Desirable 

 Experience of operating as a Board member within another charitable, public sector or commercial organisation, or a strong and demonstrable ability to do so.  

• Knowledge of Trustees’ statutory duties, responsibilities, and liabilities 

Our values and behaviours 

• Strong personal commitment to promoting the interests of people living with vision impairment. 

• Strong personal commitment to Sutton Vision’s values and charitable objectives 

• Commitment to personally upholding and promoting the organisational behaviours of Sutton Vision 

• Commitment to behaving consistently with Nolan’s Seven Principles of Public Life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership. 

• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality. 

Additional requirements for the Treasurer role 

We are also looking for a Treasurer to join our Board. 

Treasurer responsibilities 

Treasurers have specific responsibilities delegated to them; however, all trustees, not just the Treasurer, are responsible for the charity’s finances and should be able to understand, consider, and comment on financial information. 

Key accountabilities  

• Overseeing and presenting budgets, internal management accounts, and annual financial statements to the board of trustees  

• Leading in the board’s duty to ensure that proper accounting records are kept, financial resources are properly controlled, invested, and economically spent, in line with good governance, legal and regulatory requirements.  

• Leading in the development and implementation of financial reserves, cost management, and investment policies 

• Liaising, where applicable, with the appropriate member of staff responsible/finance volunteer for the financial activities of the organisation 

• Chairing the Finance and Risk committee in line with standing orders and terms of reference, and reporting back to the board of trustees 

• Monitoring and advising on the financial viability of the charity. 

• Overseeing the implementation of and monitoring specific financial controls and adherence to systems 

• Advising on the financial implications of the charity’s strategic plan 

• Acting as company secretary 

Essential 

• An experienced, qualified accountant 

• Experience of presenting financial information verbally 

• Experience of improving systems 

• Understanding of charity accounts and Charities’ SORP 

Desirable 

• Experience of offering strategic financial advice (Board and CEO) 

• Experience of chairing or participating in a finance committee 

Commitment 

In addition to the regular Board meetings  

• Allow up to 4 hours per month to handle treasury issues and authorise payments. 

• Allow up to 4 hours per quarter to review quarterly management accounts. 

• Ad hoc time to review financial control, banking, and year end work. 

Sutton Vision Code of Conduct 

 Sutton Vision is an inclusive organisation that welcomes all visually impaired people in Sutton and aims to provide a first-rate service. It is important to us that everyone who engages with us experiences a friendly, safe, and respectful environment.  

We expect that everyone, clients, volunteers, and staff, behaves in a tolerant, patient, respectful and kind manner to those around them at all times.  

 This involves:  

• Treating everyone with dignity and respect  

• Using inclusive language and not making assumptions about others’ beliefs, preferences, or views  

• Maintaining strict confidentiality regarding any personal information  

• Respecting personal boundaries, including seeking consent before providing assistance or guidance  

• Keeping your own personal boundaries. Think carefully before sharing your personal details with others and forming friendships.   

Failure to abide by these standards could result in exclusion from Sutton Vision.    

If you witness any instances of discrimination, harassment or inappropriate behaviour please speak to our Chief Executive, Sherine, in confidence.  

Thank you for respecting this code of conduct.  

Applications

To apply please send your CV and supporting statement explaining the reason for applying for this role. Applications should be emailed to info@suttonvision.org.uk by 5pm on 23 July 2026.