Everything that Thrive at Five does is focused on ensuring children have the strong foundations they need for life and learning. A national charity working in communities facing hardship, in partnership with local authorities, it brings together families, health, education, voluntary and community stakeholders to strengthen early years systems and improve outcomes for children from pregnancy to age five. Having grown rapidly in its first five years, Thrive at Five now works across Stoke-on-Trent, Redcar & Cleveland, Middlesbrough (in England) and West Dunbartonshire (in Scotland), with a team expected to reach around 60 colleagues by the end of 2026. Its work is rooted in long-term local partnerships, evidence-informed practice and a determination to address the profound inequalities that shape children’s life chances from the earliest years.

Thrive at Five is now seeking a Trustee to join its Board at an important moment in the charity’s development, with the potential for the successful candidate to establish and Chair a People, Culture and Remuneration Committee. This is an opportunity for a senior, strategic People leader or strategic HR and / or organisational behaviour professional to bring broad, practical expertise to the Board, supporting the organisation as it continues to grow and navigate a rapidly changing environment. Working closely with the Co- Chairs, Chief Executive and senior leadership team, the postholder will provide insight and constructive challenge across organisational design, reward and remuneration, employment law and employee relations, employee communications, organisational culture, and learning and development. Experience of engaging with government, policymakers or other public-sector stakeholders would also be valuable.

The successful candidate will bring strong senior-level HR experience, ideally gained at Board level as People Director or equivalent within a medium-sized or growing organisation. They will have a broad generalist perspective, with a thoughtful approach to organisational culture and design, and the development of people and capability alongside a technical understanding across reward and remuneration, employment law and employee relations. They will be comfortable balancing strategic thinking with the practical realities of organisational life and will bring sound judgement, strong interpersonal skills and the confidence to provide constructive challenge. Previous charity experience would be helpful but is not essential, and Thrive at Five is open to candidates from a range of sectors. Above all, they will bring a genuine passion for the early years and a commitment to improving outcomes for children, families and communities.

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to Thrive at Five on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit roles.saxbam.com using reference CARAWE. Alternatively email belinda.beck@saxbam.com. Applications should be received by midday on Monday 7th September 2026.