Become a Trustee of Autism East Midlands
Central Services | East Midlands
Salary: Voluntary role with excellent professional development opportunities
Hours: 4 in-person meetings per year
Closing date: Sunday, 1st March 2026
Apply now
Make a Real Difference in the Lives of Autistic People
Since 1968, Autism East Midlands has been championing autistic people and their families across Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, and Northamptonshire.
Now, we're looking for passionate professionals to join our Board of Trustees and help shape the future of autism support in our region.
This isn't just another board position.
You'll be joining a charity at an exciting growth phase, with ambitious plans through 2030 including new employment support services, transitions programmes, and apprenticeship schemes. Your expertise will directly influence how we support autistic people to live with dignity, choice, and independence.
What you'll do
As a Trustee, you'll play a vital strategic role in:
- Shaping our future direction – guiding the implementation of our 2025-2030 Strategy Plan, ensuring we deliver on ambitious service improvements that will transform lives
- Providing strategic oversight – bringing your professional expertise to board discussions, helping us make informed decisions about service development, resource allocation, and organisational priorities
- Championing quality and accountability – ensuring our services remain person-centred, with each individual feeling heard, valued, and in control
- Supporting sustainable growth – contributing to financial planning and governance that enables us to expand our reach across the East Midlands
- Connecting with the community – building relationships with fellow trustees, staff, and the people we support
- Building your governance skills – developing valuable board-level experience whilst making a meaningful contribution to your community
What You'll Need
The Essentials:
- A genuine interest in autism – whether through professional experience, personal connection, or community involvement, you'll bring understanding and commitment to our mission
- Strategic thinking skills – the ability to see the bigger picture whilst understanding operational realities
- Collaborative approach – you'll work effectively with fellow trustees from diverse professional backgrounds
- Commitment to attend – availability for four quarterly in-person board meetings and four team meetings throughout the year
The Desirables:
- Experience in adult services or the care sector – your insight into service delivery, quality standards, and person-centred support will be invaluable as we expand our adult provision
You don't need to be an autism expert to apply!
Your professional skills, fresh perspective, and willingness to learn are what matter most. We're building a diverse board that reflects the communities we serve.
About AEM
What started as a small group of Nottingham parents seeking better futures for their children has grown into a leading regional autism charity.
Today, we support families across five counties through our:
- Day services
- Residential homes
- Family support hubs
- Employment support
- Sutherland House School
- Specialist training programmes
Our person-centred approach means we truly listen.
Our Vision and Strategy
Every service we provide is shaped by the people who use them, ensuring individuals feel respected, included, and empowered. Our highly experienced team understands autism's complexities like no other.
Our vision is clear: a world that recognises, understands, and values autistic people.
As we move towards 2030, we're not standing still. Our Strategy Plan sets out significant service improvements including:
- New transitions services
- Enhanced employment support
- Expanded apprenticeship opportunities
Your contribution as a trustee will help turn this vision into reality.
Why Join Our Board?
For professionals, this trustee role offers exceptional development opportunities.
You'll gain invaluable governance experience, expand your professional network, and develop strategic leadership skills that will enhance your career.
More importantly, you'll see the tangible impact of your contribution in the lives of autistic people and their families across the East Midlands.
Ready to Make Your Mark?
We're looking for trustees who want to do more than attend meetings – we want people who are ready to champion autism understanding, challenge assumptions, and help us build services that truly make a difference.
If you're passionate about creating a more inclusive world for autistic people and have the professional expertise to help us achieve our ambitious goals, we'd love to hear from you.
How to apply
Please send your CV or expression of interest letter to recruitment@aem.org.uk or fill out the application form below.
Interviews may be online or in-person.
Join us in shaping a better future for autistic people in the East Midlands!
How to apply
Job you are applying for: Become a Trustee of Autism East Midlands
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