Volunteer Legal Trustee | Maidstone Homeless Care

Use your legal skills for good! Join Maidstone Homeless Care as our Legal Trustee and help guide a vital local charity supporting people in crisis. From policy to compliance, your expertise can make a difference where it truly matters.

What difference will you make?

As Legal Trustee, your expertise will help Maidstone Homeless Care stay compliant, resilient, and prepared for the future. You’ll ensure our policies, contracts, and governance structures protect the charity, our people, and those we support. By advising on risk and regulation, you’ll help the board make sound decisions and navigate legal complexities with confidence. Your role will strengthen the foundations of our work - allowing us to focus on delivering vital services to people facing homelessness and hardship. With your guidance, MHC can grow safely and sustainably, making a lasting difference in the community.

What are we looking for?

We’re looking for someone with legal expertise who is keen to use their skills to support a meaningful cause. You may be a practising or retired solicitor, in-house counsel, compliance specialist, or someone with relevant legal knowledge gained through work in governance or risk management. You don’t need to be an expert in charity law—but experience in contract law, governance, or regulatory compliance would be particularly useful. What matters most is your ability to offer clear, practical advice and help the board make confident, well-informed decisions. You’ll be supporting a small but committed charity delivering vital services to people experiencing homelessness and hardship. That means we need someone who can work collaboratively, communicate clearly, and help us keep things legally sound without overcomplicating or slowing down our work. We welcome people from all backgrounds and walks of life. Lived experience of housing insecurity or community service is valued, and we’re keen to hear from individuals who bring new perspectives to the board. Skills and qualities that would suit this role include Legal expertise, particularly in contract law, governance, or compliance An understanding of property law relating to Supported Housing and/or HMOs would be a plus Strong judgement and the ability to identify and assess risk Clear, concise communication and the ability to explain legal issues in plain language Strategic thinking and an understanding of trustee responsibilities A collaborative, supportive approach to board involvement Attention to detail and confidence reviewing policies or agreements Commitment to MHC’s mission and a belief in the value of inclusive, community-based support This is a rewarding opportunity for someone who wants to give back using their professional experience to support a local charity making a real difference.

What will you be doing?

Maidstone Homeless Care (MHC) is looking for a Legal Trustee to join our Board and support our mission of helping individuals facing homelessness and hardship in Maidstone. This voluntary role offers a meaningful opportunity to use your legal skills to strengthen a small but vital local charity. Where We Are Now As demand for our services grows and the regulatory landscape becomes more complex, our board is focused on improving governance, reducing legal risk, and ensuring compliance with charity law. We're committed to making sure our structure, contracts, and policies are robust, up-to-date, and aligned with best practice. We’re seeking a trustee with legal experience to provide expert oversight and guide our approach to governance, compliance, and risk. You don’t need to be a specialist in charity law, but a background in areas such as contract law, risk management, or legal compliance would be particularly useful. About the Role As our Legal Trustee, you’ll play a key advisory role - helping to shape policy, guide strategic decisions, and support our compliance with regulatory obligations. You’ll work with fellow trustees and staff to ensure we operate legally, ethically, and effectively. Key Responsibilities Policy & Governance - Develop and review organisational policies and governing documents to ensure legal compliance and good governance. Training & Guidance - Promote legal awareness by providing accessible guidance to trustees and staff. Contracts & Agreements - Review and advise on contracts with funders, suppliers, and partners, ensuring legal obligations are understood and met. Risk & Compliance - Identify legal risks and ensure compliance with charity law and Charity Commission requirements, recommending appropriate mitigations. This role involves around 5 hours per month, including monthly board meetings (usually the second Tuesday, 5–7pm). Training and support are available. Join us and use your legal skills to protect and empower a charity that’s changing lives.