The Board of Trustees is responsible for the strategic direction, governance, policies, and performance of the Society. Find out more about becoming a trustee.
What are the benefits and responsibilities of trustees?
The SSA is a registered charity and a limited company, so every trustee is also a company director, responsible for ensuring that the SSA is governed in accordance with both charity law and company law.
There are many benefits to being a trustee, including developing new skills and professional networks, raising your profile in the sector, and gaining experience and insights into how charitable organisations work.
What is the time commitment?
Most trustees should expect to spend:
- three full days per year preparing for and attending board meetings
- two full days per year at the SSA’s Annual Conference
- two to four hours per month preparing for and attending sub-committees
- two to four hours per month on non-meeting work
Am I eligible to be a trustee?
There are some eligibility and exclusion criteria for being a trustee, set by the Charity Commission – for example, you must be at least 16 years old, and you can’t have an unspent conviction. In addition, the SSA requires applicants to have been a member of the SSA for at least two years in the previous five years, and to have a strong commitment to developing and promoting knowledge in the field of addiction.
Please read the trustee role description for more information on the expectations of and requirements for SSA trustees.
How can I apply?
The SSA is not currently accepting applications for trustees. Please contact the SSA’s Chief Executive Officer, Rob Calder, if you would like to discuss becoming a trustee in the future.
