As the UK's leading Black-led specialist organisation supporting victims and survivors of spiritual and cultic abuse, our work has always been firmly rooted in lived experience.

As we continue to grow, we want that foundation to be strengthened by a diverse range of professional expertise, independent perspectives and constructive challenge.

 

Our Advisory Committee will bring these perspectives together, with professionals working alongside people with lived experience to provide strategic insight, specialist knowledge and independent advice.

The Committee will help us strengthen our governance, identify opportunities and risks, challenge our thinking and support the long-term sustainability and impact of Surviving Universal UK.

 

Importantly, the Advisory Committee is advisory in nature. Responsibility for the governance, strategic direction and day-to-day management of Surviving Universal UK remains with its leadership.

 

Who Should Apply?

Above all, we're looking for people who genuinely care about improving outcomes for victims and survivors of spiritual and cultic abuse and who believe they have something valuable to contribute to our mission.

We are particularly interested in hearing from:

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• people with lived experience of spiritual and cultic abuse (Especially those from black and global majorities)

• safeguarding professionals

• psychologists, counsellors and social workers

• legal professionals

• charity governance specialists

• finance and fundraising professionals

• researchers and academics

• communications, media and public relations professionals

• people with experience of faith communities

• professionals with relevant leadership, public service or specialist expertise

 

This list isn't exhaustive. If your experience doesn't fit neatly into one of these areas but you believe your knowledge, perspective or expertise could strengthen Surviving Universal UK, we still want to hear from you.

 

What Will Advisory Committee Members Do?

Advisory Committee Members may be invited to provide advice, specialist insight and constructive challenge on issues relevant to their experience and expertise.

This could include contributing to strategic discussions, reviewing projects or proposals, providing specialist advice, identifying emerging risks and opportunities, or contributing to specific pieces of work.

Meetings will be convened by the CEO as organisational needs arise. Members may also be approached individually where their particular expertise would be valuable.

We recognise that members have existing professional and personal commitments, and participation will therefore be subject to reasonable availability.

 

Why Join Us?

Becoming an Advisory Committee Member is an opportunity to use your expertise, professional experience or lived experience to contribute directly to nationally recognised work supporting victims and survivors of spiritual and cultic abuse.

You will have the opportunity to help shape the future of Surviving Universal UK, work alongside people from a range of professional and lived-experience backgrounds and contribute to strengthening safeguarding, accountability and survivor support in this specialist field.

Where appropriate and with your consent, appointed members may also be publicly introduced as members of the Surviving Universal UK Advisory Committee through our website and communications channels.

 

Appointment Information

Appointments will ordinarily be made for an initial two-year term.

This is an honorary, unpaid advisory appointment and does not constitute employment or a volunteer position with Surviving Universal UK.

Applicants must be based in the United Kingdom.

Applications will be reviewed by Surviving Universal UK, and appointments will be made to individuals whose experience, expertise and values best complement the needs of the Committee.

We are committed to building a Committee that brings together different perspectives and experiences, and particularly welcome applications from communities that are often underrepresented in organisational decision-making.

 

Could This Be You?

If you care deeply about improving outcomes for victims and survivors of spiritual and cultic abuse and believe your experience could help strengthen Surviving Universal UK, we'd love to hear from you.

Applications for our inaugural Advisory Committee are now open.

Complete our short application form below to tell us a little about yourself, your experience and why you would like to join us.