Recruitment: Become a Director of LifeSIGNS

LifeSIGNS is looking to recruit three new directors within the Management Committee! We have recently become a registered charity and are looking forward to expanding the work we currently do and increasing the funding we have that enables us to do that work.

We want people in our management team who are enthusiastic about our goals – that of raising awareness and understanding of self-injury, and providing support to those affected by self-injury – as well as being motivated and pro-active when participating in current projects or coming up with new ideas.

Our business is conducted primarily online, thus it is essential that you are able to check your emails at a minimum of once a week (although preferably every two days) and attend an online meeting once every two months. We also ask that you are able to commit a minimum of 8 to 10 hours of work to LifeSIGNS each month, though naturally any more time than that will be gratefully received. It is important that you communicate with the other directors and the Trustees of LifeSIGNS. Directors form the Management Committee and are accountable to the Trustees.

Some of the areas you may become involved in:

• Creation of a comprehensive and up-to-date directory of local services available to those who are affected by self-injury;
• Fundraising planning and activities;
• Our self-injury awareness strategy group;
• Control and reporting of our finances;
• Training and education.

The posts are open to anyone and are not limited to the UK. Many of our directors and volunteers have direct experience of self-injury and we have strategies in place to provide space when daily stresses and strains are taking their toll. However, if you are struggling with problems at the moment we would suggest that you consider delaying your application for the time being.

The real-life meet-ups in London, Manchester and Edinburgh provide us with an excellent opportunity for us to meet you and discuss your future involvement in LifeSIGNS. If you are unable to make one of the three dates, we would like to at least be able to have a telephone conversation with you.

Please indicate on the application form if you would like to be called upon as a volunteer in our activities, in the event your application to be a director is unsuccessful. Much of our work can be greatly advanced by people willing to help us in various ways and you do not need to be a director to do so. This is especially the case if you are currently struggling with mental difficulties, as you can help as and when you feel you can without feeling under pressure to do LifeSIGNS work!

The successful applicants will have an initial 3-month trial to see how things go, and if being a director is the right thing for them at this time. While a directorship is a voluntary post, it is important for the whole of LifeSIGNS that the people chosen are enthusiastic and committed to the charity!

You must request an Application Form from Sarah@lifesigns.org.uk

The closing date for submission of applications is 31st August 2006. Please send your completed form to Sarah@lifesigns.org.uk