HACRO’s mission is to support offenders in turning their lives around.

Purpose of Role:

To ensure that HACRO is run in accordance with its governing document, keeps proper accounts, and is run in accordance with charity law, best practice and other relevant legislation.

Scope:

HACRO was established in 1974, has a turnover of around £300,000 p.a. and is governed through a board of Trustees (including a participant advisor). HACRO currently has one full time and nine part time employees and is about to embark on a period of rapid expansion. Our staff are supported by a team of volunteers, including Participant Helpers, Ambassadors and Volunteers.

HACRO is a registered CIO (Charitable Incorporated Organisation) that operates its primary programme, TurnAround, to support adults 18+ who have been on the wrong side of the law in order to reduce reoffending. TurnAround has three main elements:

1. Support: one-to-one mentoring based on the development and evolution of a Personal Action Plan. This includes stabilising the Participant through to help into employment.

2. Skills Development: learning opportunities that include literacy, ICT, numeracy, public speaking, art, and cookery, including programmes with qualifications.

3. Structure: daily activities that provide diversion, stability and enhance the physical and mental wellbeing of Participants including carpentry, music, fishing and tennis.

In addition, HACRO runs a parenting programme to support parents in understanding child development and approaches to positive parenting.

In January 2026 HACRO will be starting a major new initiative, Connect to Work, since having a job is closely associated with reduced reoffending.

Specific Role Responsibilities:

1. To ensure that HACRO complies with its governing document, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.

2. To help HACRO set its strategy and to ensure that this strategy is pursued and revised as needed.

3. To ensure HACRO applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objectives.

4. To contribute to the strategic direction of HACRO, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets.

5. To safeguard the good name and values of HACRO, acting as an advocate to the broader community.

6. To ensure the effective and efficient administration of HACRO.

7. To ensure the financial stability of HACRO.

8. To attend Board meetings (six times per annum), to visit HACRO activities to see, firsthand the work that is being done and to actively support HACRO in the community.

Personal Attributes for Role:

• Commitment to HACRO, its vision and mission.

• Willingness and enthusiasm to devote the necessary time and effort.

• Personal integrity.

• Strategic vision.

• Good, independent judgement.

• Ability to think creatively.

• Willingness to speak their mind constructively.

• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship (training available).

• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team.

• Some experience of criminal justice, Human Resources, charity finance or fundraising would be useful.

• The skills to analyse proposals and examine their financial consequences.

All applicants are required to undergo a DBS search prior to becoming a Trustee and once appointed, to undertake Safeguarding training and follow safeguarding guidelines.