3 x Trustees required - Chairperson & 2 Board Members

Release is the national centre of expertise on drugs and drugs law. The organisation, founded in 1967, is an independent and registered charity. Through our services the team provides free non-judgmental, specialist advice and information to the public and professionals on issues related to drug use and to drug laws. The organisation campaigns directly on issues that impact on our clients - it is their experiences that drive the policy work that Release does and why we advocate for evidence-based drug policies that are founded on principles of public health rather than a criminal justice approach. Release believes in a just and fair society where drug policies should reduce the harms associated with drugs, and where those who use drugs are treated based on principles of human rights, dignity and equality.

Through our services the team provides free non-judgmental, specialist advice and information to the public and professionals on issues related to drug use and to drug laws.

The organisation campaigns directly on issues that impact on our clients - it is their experiences that drive the policy work that Release does and why we advocate for evidence-based drug policies that are founded on principles of public health rather than a criminal justice approach.

Release believes in a just and fair society where drug policies should reduce the harms associated with drugs, and where those who use drugs are treated based on principles of human rights, dignity and equality.

We are seeking to appoint 3 trustees - a Chairperson and 2 members to join the Board to help develop and deliver the organisation’s strategy and to provide support and guidance to the management team. The successful applicants will have to demonstrate a commitment to social justice and racial justice frameworks which underpin Release’s services and are core principles of the organisation’s policy work.

We are particularly interested in applications from people who have lived experience of drug use, this includes people who are on opiate substitution medication.

We also are very keen to have applications from people who believe they can enhance the work of the organisation as a result of their own experience, whether that be professional or personal. In particular, we are interested in those who have experience of the following: governance and policy; activism; communications; criminal legal practice; fundraising (trusts and foundations); and arts or creative practices.

Trustees meet formally 4 times a year, and should be prepared to be available to the management team outside of these formal meetings on an ad hoc basis.

Board members will serve on a voluntary basis, though reasonable expenses will be paid.

If you have the passion and enthusiasm, and believe in advancing the rights of those affected by drug policy then we would like to hear from you.

For a confidential discussion please contact Niamh Eastwood, Executive Director on 020 7324 2980 or email niamh@release.org.uk.  Please send a CV to recruitment@release.org.uk

Closing time & date:                      5.00pm Friday 10 December 2021.

Interviews to be held:                   Commencing 15 December 2021.

Start date:                                        To be discussed

Salary:                                                Unremunerated

Location:                                           London/Remote

Release is committed to promoting equal opportunities

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