Cambridgeshire Deaf Association (CDA) is a leading local Deaf organisation with an annual turnover of around £1.5m, 45 staff, 110 volunteers and 90 members, supporting thousands of Deaf and hard-of-hearing people each year. We’re seeking thoughtful, committed trustees to help guide CDA’s future.
Who we’re looking for
We welcome applicants who are part of — or interested in — the Deaf world. You do not need to be Deaf or a British Sign Language (BSL) user to apply, though lived experience or a strong interest in Deaf communities is valued.
We are particularly keen to hear from people with experience or expertise in any of these areas:
- Care & social care
- Property & buildings (strategic oversight of premises and estates)
- Finance & accounting
- Domestic abuse / safeguarding
If you have experience in one of these areas (or related specialist skills) and want to contribute at a strategic level, please get in touch.
Our approach to sign language and access
CDA has a policy that 50% of our Board should be sign language users and we strongly encourage BSL users to apply. However, due to current Board numbers we can consider applicants regardless of BSL fluency. We are committed to accessible recruitment and will make reasonable adjustments throughout the process.
Why be a trustee at CDA
-
Meaningful impact: Trustees shape CDA’s strategy and safeguard its resources.
-
Support & training: Full induction and trustee training are provided — we support people new to trustee roles.
-
Collaborative governance: We value good governance and constructive teamwork between trustees, staff and volunteers.
What the role involves
Trustees are responsible for governance, strategy and safeguarding the charity’s resources.
Trustees typically attend at least four Board meetings a year and are expected to take part in at least one sub-committee or working group.
Specialist roles (e.g., Treasurer) have additional responsibilities which will be explained during the recruitment process.
Selection process
This page is our formal invitation to apply — we will not publish separate job descriptions here. Our selection process is:
-
Initial conversation — email office@cambsdeaf.org to arrange a brief initial conversation, or send your CV.
-
Interview — shortlisted candidates will be invited to a short interview.
-
Meet the Board — successful interviewees will be invited to meet the Board before appointment.
We carry out routine checks (references, fit & proper declarations and any required safeguarding checks) as part of appointment. CDA provides a clear recruitment and induction schedule and training for new trustees.
How to apply
Please email office@cambsdeaf.org to either:
-
Arrange an initial conversation, or
-
Send your CV with a short (one-page) statement explaining why you would like to be a trustee and what you would bring to CDA.
If you need reasonable adjustments to apply or for interview (including BSL/video applications), please tell us in your email.
Email subject suggestion: Trustee Application – [Your Name]
Equality & accessibility
Cambridgeshire Deaf Association is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and will make reasonable adjustments to ensure the recruitment process is accessible to everyone.