People who give their time to change lives
Our Trustees give their time, knowledge and care to guide The Chester Link forward. They bring a wealth of experience to help shape our services and ensure every decision puts our service users first. We're always looking for new voices to join the board.
Maria Mannion
I joined The Chester Link as a trustee before becoming vice chair and now chair. I became involved with the charity through my sibling who lives in one of our houses in Chester. I work with the other trustees to support and give certain authority to our senior team in order to run The Chester Link efficiently. I am proud to be part of this charity and the difference we make to individual lives.
I graduated with a science degree before quickly recognising that my ambitions lay in a different direction and went onto to qualify as a social worker and subsequently completed an MBA.
I am an experienced leader within the care and support sector. I have worked in a variety of senior roles for both local and national charities. I now enjoy working on a consultancy basis sharing my practical approach, knowledge and experience.
Guided by people who believe in what we do
The Chester Link is overseen by a small group of committed, voluntary trustees who give their time to make sure the charity is run well and that the people we support always come first. Many of our trustees have a personal connection to Chester Link, with family members living in our homes, and several follow in the footsteps of parents who served on the board before them. Together they bring a wealth of professional experience and a genuine, lasting care for our community.
Graeme has worked in facilities and property management for over 25 years, bringing extensive experience, care, and dedication to his role as a trustee for The Chester Link. With a personal connection through his sister living in one of the charity's homes, and following in the footsteps of his father, a former treasurer, Graeme is passionate about supporting vulnerable adults and helping create safe, caring communities where people can thrive.
Emily has spent more than 20 years working in healthcare and scientific research, leading teams that support the development of new medicines and treatments. Alongside her professional career, she has a strong personal connection to The Chester Link, where her sister is supported and housed. Emily's father also served on the board of trustees for many years before her.
As a trustee, Emily is passionate about supporting people to live independent, fulfilling lives and helping ensure families and service users feel valued, respected and listened to.
Ian joined the Board of Trustees of Chester Link in 2023 and is the Chair of the Finance Committee. Ian is an experienced qualified finance professional and a member of both the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) and the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (AICPA). During his career he has held numerous senior executive roles in several major multi-national companies based in the UK and Europe. In 2009, following a 30-year career in industry and commerce Ian established his own interim management and consultancy company focused mainly on the none for profit sector. Before retiring in 2019, he had supported a number of large charities and housing associations through change management and also merger and acquisition activity. Ian has both personal and professional experience of learning disabilities, with his younger brother, Paul, being Downs Syndrome. This led to him becoming involved with voluntary work at South Sefton Mencap at a young age. Then more recently he was a Trustee and Non-Exec Director of a charity providing supported living for adults with learning disabilities in Sefton, Merseyside. His interests include classic cars, art, and travel. He also has a very busy family life with his wife and 4 grown up children!
Helen is a trustee and has a sibling who lives within Chester Link and has done so for many years.
Karen has spent over 20 years working in Commercial and Business Management roles in a range of Industry Sectors. She has been a Trustee for over 10 years and is passionate about its ongoing success with her sister being supported by The Chester Link and her father being amongst those who originally set up the Charity.
Lend your skills to a cause that changes lives
Our trustees play a vital part in guiding The Chester Link, sharing their skills and perspective to help us deliver the very best care and support. We are always glad to hear from people who would like to give their time to a cause that changes lives, whether you bring professional expertise, personal experience, or simply a strong commitment to helping others live independently and well. If you would like to find out what becoming a trustee involves, we would love to talk to you.
Could you help shape our future?
The Chester Link is a well established charity providing high quality accommodation and excellent care and support for adults with learning disabilities and autism. Founded over 30 years ago by family members, our aim is to enable service users to live in their own homes and lead independent lives. We strive to offer a home from home feel and invest heavily in staff training, reward and retention.
We are not currently hiring for any roles right now.
Every contribution you make will have a real impact
Becoming a trustee at The Chester Link means giving your time, skills and experience to an organisation that genuinely changes lives. Here is what being part of our board looks like in practice.
Your time commitment
Quarterly Board meetings including the AGM, plus preparatory work. Additional periodic Sub-committee meetings depending on which committee posts are selected. Meetings are generally held in Chester centre, Hoole or Upton and are currently being held online.
What you will be doing
Committee work, reviewing board papers and inputting to policies, business plans and budgets. For those interested in Finance Sub-Committee work, this includes support for the annual budget process, periodic financial reviews and scrutiny of management accounts.
What we need from you
Ideally some experience of working at Board level or a good understanding of the governance and legal requirements of running a charity or limited company. Basic PC skills are required including access to email and use of Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
We are also looking for someone to lead our financial oversight
We are looking for a treasurer to lead the financial oversight of the charity, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and supporting the Board of Trustees in making informed financial decisions. The Chester Link has a fully managed finance service covering bookkeeping, cash flow and payments. The Treasurer acts as a strategic guide, monitoring and reporting on the financial health of the charity, leading on the annual budget process, periodic financial reviews and scrutiny of management accounts.
Financial acumen
A good understanding of financial management and accounting principles is essential. We are ideally looking for someone with a finance background, such as ACCA, CIMA, AAT, ACA or CIPFA qualified.
Attention to detail
The ability to scrutinise financial documents and reports closely is crucial to ensure accuracy and compliance. This includes reviewing budgets, accounts and management information with a careful, methodical eye.
Communication skills
The treasurer must be able to communicate financial information clearly to other trustees and stakeholders. This includes presenting reports in a way that's accessible to those without a finance background.
Here is what the treasurer role will involve day to day
The treasurer plays a vital role in keeping The Chester Link financially healthy, well governed and able to continue delivering for the people we support. Here is a breakdown of the key responsibilities the role carries.
Keeping our finances on track
Ensuring the charity's finances are managed effectively is a core part of this role, overseeing the preparation of financial reports, budgets and accounts and making sure they are accurate and comply with all legal requirements.
Planning ahead with the board
Working with the board to develop and monitor the charity's budget is an important responsibility, ensuring that resources are allocated appropriately and in line with the charity's objectives and long term plans, supporting sound decision making.
Reporting on our financial health
Regularly reporting on the financial status of the charity to the board of trustees is a key duty, presenting financial statements and highlighting any significant issues or risks as they arise, keeping everyone fully informed.
Making sure we stay compliant
Ensuring the charity complies with all relevant financial regulations and governance standards is essential, including liaising with auditors and making sure that proper financial controls are in place at all times.
Working closely with fellow trustees
Collaboration with other trustees is central to this role, ensuring that financial considerations are fully integrated into the charity's strategic planning and day to day decision making processes, with a joined up approach across the board.
Supporting our annual finance cycle
Taking a lead on the annual budget process, periodic financial reviews and scrutiny of management accounts forms a key part of the role, working alongside the Chief Officer and the fully managed finance service.
Ready to get involved?
We value every minute you give us. As a General Trustee your travel expenses will be covered in full. As Treasurer you will also receive funding for training courses relevant to your position, as well as access to our central Chester office for any trustee based work if needed. To apply for either role, please send your expression of interest and background to karen.robertson@chesterlink.co.uk. Following an initial discussion we will require a CV, references and a meeting with trustees. A full DBS check will be required for all successful applicants.