We are Looking for Trustees

We are holding an informal information session about joining AVID's Board of Trustees on 24^th July, 12.30pm-1.30pm. Please sign up here.

Central to our new strategy is recognition of the need to be led by people with lived experience of detention to work towards our longer-term vision – a future without detention.

If we are to demand change in the wider community, we must start by looking at ourselves and ensure that our own organisation is equitable, inclusive and promotes a culture of belonging. We also believe that the perspectives, strategies and solutions of people impacted by detention should be at the centre of discussions about those same issues. And, we know that people who have experienced detention first-hand have deep knowledge that is essential to impacting change. This knowledge can raise new questions, shift attitudes, and challenge dominant perspectives.

 For these reasons, we are looking for people with lived experience to join our trustee board and provide essential governance support to our small staff team.

“In my nine years with AVID, moving from staff to Co-Director with lived experience of detention, I've seen how a skilled and dedicated board can transform our fight against detention. Their expertise and support have been crucial in driving meaningful change. Joining our board means being part of a collective force that challenges the status quo and truly makes a difference.” Gee, Co-Director for Policy and Influencing

Now is an exciting time to join our board as we welcome new Co-Chairs, Basma Doukhi and Hannah Cooper. Hannah has extensive experience in immigration policy, advocacy and research roles at a regional, national and international level. Basma is a Palestinian human rights activist, Global Challenges Doctoral Scholar in Migration studies and an Associate Lecturer at the University of Kent. In this new phase as a board, we have plans to create a trustee charter to consolidate our shared values, ways of working and how we make decisions.

As a board member, we ask that you commit an average of 1.5 days a month to:

• Support us in remaining accountable to our mission, complying with charity law and our governing documents. This includes preparing for and attending quarterly board meetings, contributing to monitoring of financial performance and being involved in board sub-committees.
• Contribute to organisational development including shaping AVID’s strategic priorities at the end/beginning of strategic cycles and providing support to the AVID staff team.
• Act as an Ambassador for AVID.

We are looking for people who are committed to our mission, have an ability to think strategically and to build positive working relationships.

For a full list of the board duties and person specification, please refer to the job description.  

“As a first time Director two and a half years ago, I remember being extremely nervous presenting at the first board meeting. I needn’t have been. The board have been essential to my development and making it possible for me to carry out my role as Co-Director. Having their expertise, encouragement and support has been invaluable.” Miranda, Co-Director for Membership and Operations

To apply, please send a short statement (one paragraph) and your CV addressed to our Co-Chairs, Hannah and Basma, to enquiries@aviddetention.org.uk. There is no deadline to apply but we will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis so suggest you apply as soon as possible.

We are proud to be a member of the Experts by Experience Employment Network (www.ebeemployment.org.uk) ,which aims to increase representation of people with lived experience in the charitable sector. Please feel free to use information and resources at https://www.ebeemployment.org.uk/ebe which may help in preparing your application.

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