News

We’re excited to be inviting passionate, values‑driven individuals to consider joining our Board of Trustees. An opportunity to help shape the future of autism support across the region at a pivotal time for both the charity and the communities we serve.

For more than 50 years, Autism Anglia has grown and adapted to meet the changing needs of autistic people and their families. Today, demand for autism support continues to rise alongside increasing pressures within SEND education, health, social care, and the wider economy. Strong, thoughtful governance has never been more important.

By becoming a Trustee, you can play a vital role in guiding Autism Anglia through its next chapter, helping to ensure the charity remains sustainable, responsive, and rooted in the needs of the people it supports.

Why Trustees Matter at Autism Anglia

Our Trustees provide strategic leadership and governance, working collaboratively with the executive team to ensure the charity delivers the best possible outcomes for autistic people and their families.

Trustees support and challenge the organisation by:

• Setting and reviewing strategic direction
• Ensuring strong governance, accountability, and compliance
• Overseeing financial sustainability and risk
• Championing Autism Anglia’s mission, values, and impact
• Ensuring the voices of people we support remain at the heart of decision‑making

Trustees do not manage day‑to‑day operations. Instead, they focus on the bigger picture. Helping the charity navigate complexity, plan for the future, and respond effectively to growing demand.

A Charity with Ambition and Impact

In 2025, Autism Anglia launched its Building Better Futures strategy, setting out an ambitious goal:
to double the number of people we support from 1,500 to 3,000 by 2028.

To achieve this, the charity is focused on four strategic pillars:

• Growing services to meet current and future needs
• Sharing expertise to raise awareness and change attitudes to autism
• Creating a happy, safe, and rewarding place to work and volunteer
• Maintaining strong financial and organisational sustainability

Our Trustees play a critical role in helping turn this strategy into reality, ensuring growth is ethical, sustainable, and centred on quality.

Our Work Across East Anglia

If you haven’t come across our work before, we deliver a wide range of specialist services, including:

• Doucecroft School – a specialist school in Colchester for children and young people aged 3–19
• Community Connect – friendly advice, 1‑to‑1 support, and drop‑ins for under‑25s and their families,
• Adult Services, including residential care, supported living, and day opportunities
• The Connect Centre and Norfolk Opportunities Centre, supporting autistic adults to build independence and skills
• Assessment and Diagnosis services for autism and ADHD
• Training and outreach, helping workplaces and communities become more autism‑aware

Trustees are encouraged to visit services, meet staff, and hear directly from the people Autism Anglia supports. Grounding governance in real experience and real impact.

Who We’re Looking For

Autism Anglia is committed to building a diverse, inclusive Board that reflects the communities it serves. You do not need previous trustee experience to apply, training and support are fully provided.

We are currently welcoming applications from individuals with professional experience in either Legal Services or Education.

Alongside these skills, we’re looking for Trustees with a genuine commitment to Autism Anglia’s mission, values, and the people we support.

What the Trustee Role Involves

Our Trustees are expected to:

• Attend six Board meetings per year (weekday evenings, 4–6pm, at Doucecroft School)
• Read papers and prepare in advance
• Take part in strategy days and sub‑committees as required
• Act as ambassadors for Autism Anglia
• Participate in induction and trustee training

The role is voluntary and unpaid, though reasonable expenses can be claimed. While the commitment is meaningful, many Trustees describe the role as deeply rewarding, offering both personal fulfilment and professional development.

Why Now Is the Right Time to Join

The organisation is currently at a really exciting time. With rising demand, growing services, and an ambitious strategy in place, Trustees joining now will help shape decisions that affect thousands of lives over the coming years.

This is an opportunity to:

• Use your skills for meaningful social impact
• Contribute to a respected, long‑established regional charity
• Be part of a committed, supportive Board
• Help ensure autistic people are supported, celebrated, and empowered

As one Trustee recently shared with us, the role brings both responsibility and privilege. Helping ensure Autism Anglia is prepared not just for today, but for the next 50 years.

How to Apply

If you’re interested in becoming a Trustee, we encourage you to explore the role further.

We invite you to:

1. Click here to review our Trustee Information Pack.
2. Click here to submit a CV and covering letter outlining motivation and suitability to hrsupport@autism-anglia.org.uk

We also welcome requests for reasonable adjustments to support applicants throughout the process. For an informal chat, please get in touch.

Help Us Build Better Futures

By becoming a Trustee, you will help ensure autistic people and their families across East Anglia continue to receive the support, understanding, and opportunities they deserve.

If you’re looking for a way to make a lasting difference, at a strategic level, this could be the opportunity for you.

We would be delighted to hear from you. 🙌