Creating breakthroughs for a world where every autistic person can thrive.
Autistica is the UK’s leading autism research and campaigning charity. Our vision is a world where every autistic person can live the life they choose - supported by science, shaped by understanding, and enabled by systems that work better for them.
Yet too many autistic people continue to face persistent inequalities across health, education and employment, with delayed diagnosis, inconsistent support, and systems not designed with autistic needs in mind. We are changing this. Through world-class research, collaboration with autistic people and families, and growing influence across policy and practice, we are turning evidence into action and delivering breakthroughs that improve lives.
As we enter an exciting new phase of growth and impact, we are seeking a new Chair and a Trustee to join our Board.
Chair
We are seeking an inspiring and strategic leader who is motivated by the opportunity to create lasting change for autistic people. The successful candidate will share our belief that better outcomes are achieved through evidence, collaboration and long-term systems change, and will be excited by Autistica’s ambition to build a world where every autistic person can thrive.
Working closely with the Board and our new Chief Executive, the Chair will provide leadership, support and constructive challenge, helping to guide the organisation through its next phase of growth and influence.
The ideal candidate will bring senior leadership and Board-level experience, strong governance and financial oversight skills, and the credibility to engage confidently with major donors, policymakers, research leaders and strategic partners. Experience of fundraising, stakeholder engagement or building influential partnerships would be advantageous.
Above all, we are looking for someone who is deeply committed to our mission and excited by the opportunity to help drive meaningful, lasting change.
The time commitment for Chair is 2-3 days a month.
Trustee
We are also seeking a new Trustee to join our Board. As the UK's leading autism campaigning and research charity, we particularly welcome applications from autistic candidates and are committed to creating an accessible and inclusive recruitment process. We also welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, particularly those with expertise in one or more of the following areas:
As a Trustee, you will contribute to the strategic direction and governance of the charity, helping to ensure that Autistica continues to deliver impact, grow its influence and achieve its ambitious goals.
This is an opportunity to bring your expertise to a mission-driven organisation and help shape a future where autistic people can thrive.
The time commitment for Trustee is 1 day a month.
To apply, please submit a CV and covering letter, detailing how you fulfil the role description and person specification outlined in the brochure (available via the 'Request More Information' button below). Please highlight whether you are applying for the Chair or Trustee position. The deadline for applications is 23:59 BST Sunday, 26th July 2026.
Perrett Laver will conduct an executive search process in parallel with the public advertisement of the role. Longlisted candidates will be invited to interview with Perrett Laver in August, and the Selection Panel will subsequently meet to decide upon a final shortlist for the post in September, following which, interviews with Autistica will take place thereafter.
If you require any reasonable adjustments to assist you in the selection process, please advise us of these so that we can make appropriate arrangements. We are committed to making every stage of the recruitment process accessible and welcome requests for adjustments throughout the application and interview process.
Join us in shaping a future where understanding leads to action, and where every autistic person can thrive.
Accessibility Statement
To confidentially get in touch about this role, or for advice on your application please email, George Hourmouzios George.Hourmouzios@perrettlaver.com.
Should you require access to these documents in alternative formats, please contact Kelly Harding kelly.harding@perrettlaver.com.
If you have comments that would support us to improve access to documentation, or our application processes more generally, please do not hesitate to contact us via accessibility@perrettlaver.com.
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