Board of trustees volunteer roles in crouch end, greater london

• Role: Trustee for UK Board
• Experience: Candidates with experience in International Development (INGO experience) or Primary Education desired
• Subcommittees: Optional committee role in Audit & Risk Committee or Remuneration Committee
• Remuneration: Pro bono
• Time commitment: c. 10-12 days commitment per year
• Terms of the appointment: 3 years with possibility to renew for a further 3 years
• Location: UK – London and remote

About UWS

WHEN WE EDUCATE THE FUTURE, WE CHANGE THE FUTURE

Education accelerates poverty reduction, female empowerment, and improved infant mortality.
Yet, 251 million children worldwide are out of school.
 

This changes now.

UWS works to ensure children have access to quality, inclusive education in remote and marginalised communities by collaborating with local partners, communities and governments.

We deliver schools, we train teachers and we strengthen education systems.

Our low-cost, high impact model builds capacity, not dependency. This ensures that education systems continue to flourish beyond our involvement.

Shifting focus from delivering change in the short term, to empowering change for the long term, we go beyond educating the future, to changing it.

Our vision is Zero Education Poverty.

UWS is an international nonprofit that was established in 2008 to provide children in remote and marginalised regions access to free quality, inclusive primary education. We currently operate in rural areas of Cambodia, Myanmar, Nepal, and Madagascar, working with over 320 communities and over 70,000 children to date. We currently have three Boards, in the UK, USA, and Germany. This recruitment is for Trustees of the UK Board. 

Role summary

• Role: Trustee for UK Board and committee role (Audit & Risk Committee or Remuneration Committee)
• Remuneration: Pro bono
• Time commitment: c. 10-12 days commitment per year
• Terms of the appointment: 3 years with possibility to renew for a further 3 years
• Location: UK – London and remote

Role specification

The UK Board of Trustees governs UWS by setting its strategic direction, approving its goals and objectives, and providing oversight to ensure the organisation fulfils its mission. Trustees use their networks and expertise to support UWS in expanding its reach and impact.

Due to some Trustees stepping down at the end of their term, UWS is seeking one new Trustee to help expand its reach internationally to serve more children in remote communities. UWS is now particularly interested in candidates with International Development experience (INGO experience), particularly in Primary Education and ideally with an understanding of gender inclusive education – ensuring girls have the same start in life as boys. 

While UWS is headquartered in London, it has teams delivering programmes in Cambodia, Myanmar, Nepal, and Madagascar. Trustees play a key role in advocating for UWS, offering strategic guidance, and helping to develop partnerships that support its mission.

Diversity

At UWS, we are committed to ensuring our leadership reflects the diverse communities we serve. We believe that different perspectives and lived experiences strengthen our governance and decision-making. As part of this commitment, we are actively seeking to broaden representation on our board and encourage applications from individuals who bring diverse insights and backgrounds.

We particularly welcome applications from:

• Individuals with lived experience of informal, disrupted, or limited access to education.

• People from—or with strong connections to—our programme countries (Nepal, Myanmar, Madagascar, and Cambodia) or other low-income countries facing similar education challenges.

• Those with direct experience of overcoming barriers to education in low-income contexts.

Appointments will be made on merit, following a fair and transparent process. In line with the Equality Act 2010, we may apply positive action where candidates from underrepresented backgrounds demonstrate their ability to perform the role equally well.

We encourage all who share our mission to apply and help us build a more inclusive and representative organisation.

Terms of appointment

This role is unremunerated, and the time commitment is approximately 10–12 days per year. This includes four Board meetings and one annual strategy day. Trustees may also choose to join a committee or provide ad hoc advisory support based on their expertise and availability.

UWS is committed to safeguarding children, and safe recruitment is central to this commitment. All applicants will be required to undertake a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check as a condition of Trusteeship.

Process

This process is being run in-house by the organisation, who will view the applications without edits. We therefore advise applicants to avoid using ‘see CV’ or ‘please call me to discuss further’ in your application as it may restrict your chances of progressing to the next round.

Deadline for applications: 25 April 2025
Shortlisting and candidates can expect to be contacted by: 9 May 2025
Candidates can expect the process to be completed by: Middle of June 2025.

Refugee Action Trustees x 2
Salary: N/A This is an unpaid volunteer role
Location: UK-based. Meetings are held in London, Manchester, Bradford, and Birmingham

About Refugee Action
Refugee Action exists to work with refugees and people seeking asylum who’ve survived some of the world’s worst regimes. We are a national charity with more than 40 years’ experience of empowering people who’ve survived some of the world’s worst regimes to secure the protection and support that they need to live with dignity and respect and build a new life in the UK. We do this by providing expert advice and casework, building the capacity of partner organisations and campaigning on the policies that affect them.

Our new 2030 Strategy
Here is the link to our 2030 Strategy; you can read more here.

Everyone involved in developing our new strategy was clear that if we want to create the future that refugees and many people in the UK want, we must demolish the hostile environment. It’s an environment that manifests itself in the racist rhetoric of our leaders and the systems they create; systems that are dehumanising and complex, which segregate people and sap their spirit. Our current leaders may be stooping to new lows with their words and policies, but they are simply repeating the behaviour of previous Governments. The hostility has been ramping up for years. And that hostility is rooted in a racialised logic that underpins the entire asylum and immigration system.

As a trustee of Refugee Action

We are currently looking to recruit 2 new trustees to join the Board of Refugee Action. Both roles are for people with lived experience of displacement.

You will be responsible for developing and guiding the strategic direction of the organisation and steering the long-term stability of the charity. You will need to persuade, influence and communicate effectively with the rest of the board.

We are interested in recruiting Trustees who have insights into how grassroots, lived experience-led charities and organisations in the migration sector / movement operate and the issues they face; and also people who have insights into providing community-building and community development activities with refugees and people seeking asylum.

Please don’t be discouraged if this isn’t something you’ve done before, or if you don’t meet all elements of the role specification; we will provide mentoring and training to support new Trustees to understand their role. Please do consider applying if you have the courage and enthusiasm to encourage, challenge and support us to be the best we can be.

All our trustees are committed to being actively anti-racist and removing the barriers to power for people with lived experience. You will need to be committed to and demonstrate an understanding of shifting power to people with lived experience, anti-racist practice and decolonisation.

Overall duties of Trustees

Statutory duties
• To ensure that the organisation complies with its governing document, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations
• To ensure that the organisation pursues its objects as defined in its governing document for public benefit
• To ensure the organisation uses its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects: the organisation must not spend money on activities that are not included in its own objects, no matter how worthwhile or charitable those activities are.
• To contribute actively to the board of Trustees’ role in giving firm strategic direction to organisation, setting overall policy, defining goals and setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets
• To safeguard the good name and values of the organisation
• To ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation
• To ensure the financial stability of the organisation
• To protect and manage the property of the charity and to ensure the proper investment of the charity’s funds

Other duties

In addition to the statutory responsibilities outlined above, other duties may include:

• Lead and provide guidance to the board in a given area of expertise
• Meet with donors and any other stakeholders to represent Refugee Action and its beneficiaries
• Keep up to date with Refugee Action’s services to clients, Influencing and Fundraising work
• Attend 5 meetings a year– 4 board meetings and 1 away day.
• Read and scrutinise board papers before a meeting so as to be able to contribute fully in the meeting
• Occasional participation in a working group
• Occasional participation in staff interview, disciplinary or grievance panels

Skills, knowledge and experience need for this role

• Commitment to Refugee Action’s vision, purpose and values and to act in a manner consistent with these, including being committed to shifting power to people with lived experience, anti-racist practice.
• Sound independent judgement with the confidence and insight to make positive contributions to board discussions.
• An interest in and some understanding of charity governance, the role and expectations of trustees.
• An ability to work collaboratively and effectively as a member of a team.
• Ability and willingness to positively represent the organisation.
• A willingness to learn and to enable us to learn from you.
• Experience and insights into leading or managing a lived experience-led charity or organisation in the migration sector / movement
• Experience of providing community-building and community development support and activities with refugees and people seeking asylum
• Experience of strategic thinking and of setting monitoring and reviewing plans
• Ability to read and understand financial information, review organisational policies and practices and identify key areas of risk (Training also offered in these areas if needed)
• Understanding of the role of Trustee and the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities this involves. (Training also offered in these areas if needed)

To apply for the Trustee role

To apply for the Trustee role, you will need to submit a maximum of no more than 4 A4 pages explaining how you meet the Experience, Skills and Knowledge section outlined in page 3 – 4 of the Role Description.

Experience may be paid or voluntary, full or part-time, in the UK or overseas. Don’t be discouraged if this isn’t something you’ve done before, or if you don’t meet all elements of the role specification; we will provide mentoring and training to support new Trustees to understand their role.

Closing date: 23:59 on Sunday 27 April 2025
Interviews: 15 & 16 May 2025 (on Zoom)

Refugee Action only operates in the UK, so all roles are UK-based.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in the start up of a new charity that seeks to create a wide reaching operational activity that develops employment and volunteering opportunities that truly take in to account all neruodiversity and ensuring that people feel they are valued in their role as well as reducing working hours while not reducing salaries.

We are very much a new concept within the charity and business world, what we aim to do is not focus on just one business activity and force people to work within it but to grow along side our teams and develop new business opportunities based on the skill sets and abitions of our teams.

Below are the details of the general responsibilities of a trustee within Living Reasons and the 12 areas we wish to recruit trustees in so that we can start to develop the charity more and start the process of registering and ultimately launching the charity within the next 12 months.

Nonspecific trustee criteria (all trustees must meet this criteria)

1) Ability to understand how the charity works in the public interest and ensure that all activities the charity carries out always fulfil this requirement. Bringing in to question any activities that may not fall within the charity’s public interest obligation, to the other trustees.

2) Agree with and agree to always work within the charity’s governing document and within the law. Making sure that the charity always operates within the governing document and within the law.

3) Act within the charity’s best interests by agreement within the other trustees on the board and following all trustee processes including decision making and voting. Avoid conflicts of interest with the operation of the charity and bring any potential conflicts of interest, to the attention of the trustee board as soon as possible.

4) Manage the charity’s resources responsibly, including ensuring the charity’s assets are used for the charity’s purpose, not take any inappropriate risks, do not over commit to the charity, taking special care when investing or barrowing and ensure the charity complies with any funding restrictions.

5) Always act with reasonable care and skill.

6) Ensure that the charity is always accountable, ensure that the charity is able to demonstrate it is compliant in law, well run and effective. Where responsibility has been delegated, trustees must ensure that the charity still remains accountable.

7) Must not be an undischarged bankrupt or be in an IVA.

8) Must not have any unspent convictions or be on the sex offenders register.

9) Must not be banned from being a company director or trustee.

All trustees will be required to attend 1 full board meeting every quarter which may be in person or over online video calling.

1 additional meeting annually that will also be at the same time as the annual general meeting must be attended.

There may be further meetings if you are on other committees or are voted on to the executive board of trustees (this is not mandatory and is a further voluntary commitment that you can nominate yourself for election).

We are looking for 12 trustees in total, once we have key trustee roles filled, we will then register the charity and move forward as we continue the recruitment process. The three main trustees we would like to have in place before registering the charity are: Operational, Financial and Income Generation. This does not mean we are not recruiting the other 9, we just won't register until after people with these skills have been recruited. Below are the twelve areas of knowldge we would like to gain trustees in. These cover all aspects of the activities the charity will carry out:.

1. Operational – overall knowledge of the day to operation of the organisation

2. Financial – an understanding financial planning and reporting

3. Creative & events

4. Research

5. Income generation

6. Education

7. Human Resources

8. Services

9.    Outreach (Social Media & Marketing)

10.     Legal

11.    Health

12.     Volunteering

This is a brand new idea and concept for a charity and business activity and requires a team that are forward thinking and are not restrained by previous ways of working, putting people at the heart of what we do, this is a charity that is supply a service for people who have struggled in the work environment as it is but will be directly generating the income for the charity as well, our service users will be our employees, trainees and volunteers and that needs to be seen as a positive move forward by anyone involved in the charity from day one.

If you would like to be part of a new and innovative way of working, please submit a CV and Cover Letter explaining which trustee role you would be interested in and why this role would be suitable for you. 

Jason, the person starting this charity has autism, ADHD, as well as mental health issues and physical conditions that are dibilitating and has spect 20 years in the charity retail industry and has loved his time working in them but has found it increasing more difficult to work in the environment due to, what he considers undue and unnecessary pressures that hinder rather than help the charity sector to reach its full potential and he feels that, key to changing this for the better is understanding the neurodiversity of humanity and catering for it in the workplace. This is how Living Reasons was developed as an idea and now he needs to find people to bring the idea to life. 

Would you like to be part of our future?  After a period of growth Grassroots Suicide Prevention are seeking to recruit further trustees.

We are a national suicide prevention charity, and our vision is a future where more lives are saved from suicide. We empower people to help saves lives from suicide through connecting, educating, and campaigning nationally:

· Connecting: We listen and connect people to support through our Stay Alive app, tools, and resources to help keep people safe from suicide.

· Educating: We offer bespoke and evidence-based consultation and training, co-designed to empower individuals, organisations, and communities to develop the skills and confidence to help save lives.

· Campaigning: We help remove the stigma around suicide. We know that most suicides are preventable with timely intervention and the right support. We raise awareness through campaigning on the ground and influencing at a strategic level.

As a Trustee, you will be joining a charity in a strong position with an ambition to build on our successes.  We will be looking to build on existing activities and developing new innovative projects.

Trustees are our most senior leaders. They set our strategic direction, make sure we’re using our resources effectively and ensure we’re having the greatest possible impact in the communities in which we work. Trustees are expected to undertake duties in a manner that reflects GSP’s values and ethos.

We are particularly looking for Trustees with skills and experience in one of the following areas:

•  charity experience, ideally a CEO or former CEO who has grown a local charity into a national

• fundraising and/or someone who sits across marketing, comms and fundraising but with more experience on fundraising than comms 

• frontline support both online/digital and face to face in health and social care 

• business development and networking

We are a friendly and welcoming organisation and are passionate about what we do. You’ll be joining our Board of Trustees at an exciting time with lots of opportunities to build on our success over the next few years. If you have the time and enthusiasm to be part of something amazing, please get in touch.

We welcome applications from those with lived experience.

If you would like to apply and/or find out more about this position, please see the job description attached.

Lay Trustee
Remote based
Approximately 4 to 6 board meetings per year in London
Voluntary, with expenses 

We’re looking for a leader with vision and a passion for the work of the College. We expect that our Trustees play a very important role at the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM). 

Decisions made by the Board of Trustees will help set the direction of our charity, play essential role in decision-making and have a major influence on the success of our work. Becoming a trustee is a fantastic way to make a difference for our organisation and our vital work in local communities. 

Trustees are responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction for RCEM and for developing the organisation’s aims, objectives and goals in accordance with governing documents as well as financial, legal and regulatory guidelines. You can find out more about the roles and responsibilities of Trustees on the gov uk website guide called: The Essential Trustee. You can also see more information on our website.

Applications will be by CV and covering letter, via the application button.

Closing date: Midnight on 12 May 2025.
Interview dates: Expected to be held in first week of July 2025.

NACE is the UK’s leading charity that supports and champions the education of more able learners. With over 40 years of experience, NACE works with a diverse network of member schools, leaders in education and practitioners to increase challenge for all learners. We believe that that all young people, including the more able, are entitled to have the opportunity to develop their abilities without limits – no matter what barriers to learning they may face and no matter what school they attend.  

Please only apply if you have the right to reside and work in the UK.

To support NACE its strategic objectives and advance its plans for the future, NACE is seeking to appoint a Finance Trustee to join the Association’s Board who has a passion for public service as well as sufficient time at their disposal to positively impact the lives of young people. Whilst an interest in or knowledge of education is desirable, it is not a pre-requisite because the role includes holding the executive leaders of NACE to account plus agreeing and overseeing the strategic direction of the organisation, whilst ensuring that resources are deployed to achieve maximum effectiveness and financial sustainability underpins all activities and operations that NACE undertakes.

Key responsibilities:

• Maintain an overview of the Association's affairs and advise the Board appropriately;

• Ensure the charity’s money is safe and properly used;

• Ensure that the Charity has an appropriate reserves policy;

• Ensure the Association's compliance with legislation;

• Support the CEO in preparing for the annual audit, or independent examination, ensuring that the accounts are examined in accordance with SORP and FRS 102, and implement any recommendations by the auditor/examiner;

• Review of management accounts and budgets prior to presentation to the Board;

• Keep the board informed about its financial duties and responsibilities;

Terms of appointment:

The initial term is for a period of 3 years. One third of the Trustees must retire every two years. Subject to remaining eligible to be a Trustee, a retiring Trustee may be re-appointed. The maximum term of office for a Trustee should be 9 years, with 2 cycles of 3 years with the option of a further 1, 2 or 3 years. The Trustees meet 4 times each year as a Board. 3 of these meetings are now held online in September, November and March. The final meeting of the academic year is held in-person in June. In addition, meetings are held, as required, between the Chair, Finance Trustee and CEO to monitor and adapt the organisation’s response to schools’ priorities. 

If you are interested in applying to join the NACE board, please send us your CV and an expression of interest by Friday 9th May. Interviews will take place on Thursday 15th and Friday 16th May. The interview process will involve current Board members so you will have the opportunity to meet some of the people with whom you could be working in the future. Trusteeship is a voluntary, unpaid role, but if you possess the energy and skills to make a real contribution to enhancing the educational achievement of young people, you will find the work extremely rewarding. If you want to make a difference and you share the ambitions and aspirations of the current NACE Board, please apply to become a Trustee. You will be warmly welcomed. 

Chair of the Board
Minimum 2-year period
8 hours / 4 meetings per year

Our client was established in 1979, to improve the quality and wellbeing of the Chinese community living in the UK, empowering and working them to meet their needs while also focusing on preserving their culture and heritage.

Based adjacent to Leicester Square, London, they take their income through membership fees, fundraising events, donations and room hire.

Their aim is to improve the quality and wellbeing of their community, empowering and working with them to meet their needs while also focusing on preserving the Chinese culture and heritage. They offer valuable advice and support; they have helped more than 60,000 people over the years. During the past 20 years alone, their Centre has secured claims of over £29m in benefits to assist those in need.

 The majority of Chinese immigrants to the UK prosper well; our client targets their services at:

• Those who are in need of support as they grow older.
• New arrivals whilst they settle into their new life in the UK.
• Younger members of the community who grow up in the UK and seek opportunities to connect with their Chinese heritage, culture and language.

 To meet these needs, they provide:

• Support with translation, completion of government forms and benefit claims, for those on low-income or even no-income within their community.
• Cultural and educational classes.

What are they looking for?

• To have an understanding, knowledge, or experience of the charity or non-profit sectors.
• To be able to operate strategically and to work effectively with the Board of Trustees and Centre Director to develop the strategic vision for the charity.
• Work closely with the Centre Director to ensure the smooth running of governance and oversight processes, board meetings, and agendas.
• Where appropriate, the Chair will represent our client at public events organised by and for themselves.
• Support the Centre Director and wider organisation in generating new fundraising opportunities and in identifying and establishing partnerships.

Those who have been involved in the voluntary sector are especially welcome to help guide our client’s Centre through future challenges.

The Commitment:

Being a Chair of the Board is an “Unpaid” role lasting for a minimum of TWO years. You will need to take part in a minimum of four board meetings which will take about six hours in total of your time each year.

For You:

The acknowledgement and fulfilment of contributing to an underprivileged part of our client’s community.

Apply now with your CV.

IvybridgeLink the charity for the BridgeLink Community Centre is looking for trustees with a passion for social justice, a concern for under represented groups and the willingness to support our staff in developing activities and services for our diverse local community.  Useful previous experience would be: fundraising, governance and compliance, community work, education, human resources, IT, buildings management, food and catering.

JOB DESCRIPTION FOR CHARITY TRUSTEES

Overall Purpose

The Board of Trustees are responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity Ivybridgelink, supporting its values and developing the organisation's aime and objectives.

Main Responsibilities

• To ensure that the charity and its representatives function within the legal and regulatory framework of the sector continually striving for best practice in governance.
• To uphold the aims and objectives of the charity IvybridgeLink:
  • To promote learning and educational achievement
  • To encourage pathways into employment
  • To support healthy lifestyles and emotional wellbeing
  •  To offer opportunities for recreation / leisure activities
  • To build a positive sense of community
• To determine the overall direction and development of the charity through good governance and clear strategic planning.
• To follow non-discriminatory and non-judgemental practice, and adhere to the confidentiality policies and procedures.
• To ensure the charity complies with regulatory requirements, as laid out in the governing document. 

 Main Duties

• Acting in the best interest of the charity, beneficiaries and future beneficiaries at all times.
• Promoting and developing the charity in order for it to meet the needs of local residents. 
• Overseeing sound financial management of the charity’s resources, ensuring expenditure is in line with the organisation’s objectives, and investment activities meet accepted standards.
• Overseeing recruitment processes following safer recruitment procedures.
• Monitoring the effective and efficient administration of the charity and its resources.
• To follow the IvybridgeLink confidentiality policy and maintain absolute confidentiality regarding all information shared or received.
• An understanding and commitment to equalities issues in relations to working in the community.
•  Support the centre’s management team to deliver projects and run events

Accountable to:

As the board are responsible and liable for the governance and functioning of the charity,they are accountable in varying degrees to a variety of stakeholders, including: service users, members, funders, the Charity Commission, and Companies House. Close attention must be given to the governing document to ascertain the type of organisational structure and the range of interested parties.

Independent journalism gives us the facts we need to make the big decisions. We're looking for someone to join our board, chair our Finance, Audit & Risk Committee and help us us protect your freedom and our democracy.

Over the past three decades, the Rory Peck Trust has supported more than 3,000 freelance journalistts,, before, during and post assignment – over 500 in 2024 alone.. We fund training to equip them to report from the world’s most dangerous places, crisis assistance when things go wrong, and mental health support to help them rebuild their lives. Sadly, more freelance journalists than ever need our help so they can continue reporting from places as diverse as Myanmar, Haiti, Sudan and Gaza.

Trustees have ultimate responsibility for directing the affairs of the Rory Peck Trust, ensuring it is solvent, well run and delivering its mission. They are expected to attend Board meetings, sit on one Committee of the Board, attend meetings of these Committees and contribute to the direction of the Rory Peck Trust by supporting the Management Team in particular projects or areas on request, e.g. recruitment of Board members or senior staff roles. 

The Trust is entering an exciting time, developing a new revenue strategy and overhauling our governance. 

Key tasks:

• As a Trustee, operate as the key conduit between the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee and the Board, as set out in the Committee’s Terms of Reference (attached).

• As Chair of the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee, provide strong, independent leadership, setting the tone for the work of the  committee.,

• Ensure the Trust has an effective risk management framework and ability to understand and manage all risks. Ensure risk and performance management is monitored and managed through effective systems of internal control and delegation.

• Develop a strong and supportive relationship with the management team – in particular the Business Manager.

• Ensure the Trust has an effective system of internal controls and appropriate internal and external audit arrangements to manage the organisation’s performance.

• Support the Board in undertaking statutory duties, which include approving the annual report and accounts, and providing an appropriate statement for inclusion in the annual report on the effectiveness of the company’s systems for risk management and internal control.

• As part of the board, set the strategic direction, in partnership with all stakeholders, including ambition and values, and ensure effective plans are established to achieve the corporate objectives.

• Represent the Trust as necessary to key external stakeholders.

• Agree policies and make decisions on matters that might create significant financial, operational and reputational risk to the Trust, ensuring effective systems of control and delegation.

• To uphold the principles of good governance at all times

• Lead the periodic appointment and review of terms of External Audit

Person specification:

• A qualified accountant with senior experience in an organisation of similar complexity.

• The ability to recognise, assess and stress test risk.

• Demonstrable financial acumen and experience of business planning.

• Ideally experience of being part of a non-executive Board, dealing with governance considerations, ensuring high performance and good decision-making.

• Exposure to internal and external audit functions.

• An excellent working knowledge of audit committee practices and risk management and assurance frameworks.

• An understanding of the media industry, particularly journalism, would be beneficial.

Key relationships:

• Chair

• Other Trustees

• Executive Director

• Business Manager

Our values:

The Rory Peck Trust is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion – we strive to ensure we reflect these principles in our policies and workplace culture. We believe that diversity is an essential enabler in engaging those we assist, and in finding innovative solutions in times of crisis. We treat everyone with respect, put people first and we work as a team, building alliances and seeking partnerships to advance our common cause.

Equity, diversity and inclusion:

We believe in creating a positive environment where our differences are respected and each of us feels valued for our contribution. All qualified candidates will be considered regardless of race, ethnicity, religion or belief, age, socioeconomic background, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity and caring responsibilities, marital status, nationality and disability including invisible disabilities and neurodiversity.

Trustees required – Evolve Counselling CIO (1181861) 

• Location: remote/Cambridgeshire area 

• Voluntary role: reasonable expenses paid 

• Time commitment: 0-5 hours per month (estimated), mostly outside office hours 

• Term: negotiable, e.g. interim/three years/extendable by re-election 

• Application closing date: 12 May 2025 

The Role: 

Dynamic Trustees needed, with charity and commercial skills, to support mental health CIO. With an ambitious development programme up and running, we need to expand our Trustee Board. This is an exciting opportunity to join us at a crucial time of growing demand for our services. 

About Us: 

Evolve Counselling is a long-established charitable social enterprise, providing low cost, affordable or funded mental health counselling to adults in mainly Cambridgeshire and surrounding counties. Our counselling community is made up of 50 – 60 qualified self-employed practitioners, working part-time. We deliver talking therapies to adults – online and in person. Our service delivers around 500 counselling sessions per month to a broad range of individuals, many of whom would not otherwise be able to access counselling support. Evolve also provides supervision, reflective practice, critical incident support, and mental health awareness and related training, to organisations and businesses large and small. 

What We’re Looking For: 

Our Trustee Board is currently drawn from the counselling and therapies community, plus commercial and other charity backgrounds. Now, with crucial development of the CIO ahead, we are looking for new members to expand the Board to its maximum ten places and to gain skills and insight from an equal, diverse and inclusive group that takes in business skills, knowledge of charities, and experience of not-for-profit finances to make growth plans a reality. 

The Board will keep us on track with good governance through oversight of our work and will also help our keen new CEO to secure a sound financial base from which to grow our operations to meet the ever-increasing demand for our services. 

We welcome applications from individuals with backgrounds in any of the following areas: 

• Business strategy and planning 
• Commerce/industry 
• Governance 
• Working within the charity/CIO sector 
• Financial management 
• Legal expertise 
• Health and wellbeing services 
• Mental health counselling 
• Health service commissioning or delivery planning 
• Advocacy or advice services 
• Data protection/GDPR knowledge 
• Adherence to the Nolan Principles of Public Life 

Application process: Please email with your CV and letter of application, stating why you’d like to become a Trustee at Evolve Counselling and how your skills and experience align with our plans for growth. 

We are looking for new Trustees who represent the rich diversity of Peckham’s communities. Ideal candidates will bring lived experiences that align with our co-created programmes, which highlight socially engaged artists from Global Majority backgrounds, working-class communities, and those with intersecting characteristics such as age, disability, gender identity, and sexual orientation. Further knowledge, skills, and experience areas are outlined in the role description.

As a Trustee, you will play a key role in guiding our mission, strengthening our impact, and ensuring we create meaningful, transformational opportunities for people locally and nationally.

With the launch of our new venue on Peckham Square, we are entering an exciting phase of growth. Our expanded cultural home, co-created with young people and communities, will double participation opportunities, host new gallery and learning spaces, and provide a dedicated Social Art Resource to safeguard vital public spaces.

The Network of Wellbeing (NOW) is looking for two new Trustees to guide and support the NOW team (above). We’re particularly keen to find someone to act as our Company Secretary and another to advise and guide the management of our staff and volunteers. Do you think you could help? If so, we’d love to hear from you. The roles are unpaid but immensely rewarding. 

The Network of Wellbeing connects people, supports projects and inspires action for the wellbeing of people and the planet. We would love to bring on board two new Trustees who care passionately about our vision of people and the planet thriving together.

Trustees play an essential role in any charity and the Network of Wellbeing is no exception. Trustees are the supreme governing body in a charity. They determine its aims, its strategy and oversee all its operations. They are responsible in law for ensuring that it delivers its charitable objects.

Trustees also bring vital skills and experience to the charity’s management. We have reviewed the expertise and roles played by our existing Trustees – and found that they have strengths in business development, charity governance and environmental sustainability, to name but a few. They use their knowledge – and their wisdom – to guide the staff and inform key strategic decisions – and our existing Trustees gain a deep sense of joy and fulfilment from the role they play.

We are now looking for two new Trustees to complement and strengthen our existing Board. We are especially keen to find:

• someone to be our Company Secretary: This person will be responsible for:
  • advising Trustees and the Director on corporate governance and financial management;
  • overseeing the preparation of agendas and the taking of accurate minutes;
  • keeping up to date with regulatory or statutory changes and policies that might affect us;
  • liaising with our auditors, Companies House and the Charities Commission.
• someone to advise on and guide the management of our team of staff and volunteers. This would include:
  • advising Trustees and the Director on all matters relating to the management of staff and volunteers;
  • ensuring we have an up to date suite of policies and procedures;
  • guiding the management of the staff, including on pay, to ensure maximum effectiveness.

Trustees have the opportunity to use their skills and experience to help others and to further a cause they are passionate about – something wellbeing experts argue is key to living a meaningful life.

The commitment is four two-hour meetings per year – three of which meetings which are held online. We also like our Trustees to come and see us annually (in Devon) in person at least once.

We are committed to diversity, fairness and inclusion – and to building wellbeing together for everyone. We’re therefore keen to diversify our existing Trustee group to ensure it more broadly reflects the diversity of people in the UK. With that in mind, we’d welcome applications from people from a range of different backgrounds and experiences.

Could you be a Trustee of the Network of Wellbeing? If you are interested, please see here for the role profile and details on how to apply.

All applications will be considered by a panel of Trustees with advice from the Director.

Position: Chair of Trustees

The Board of Trustees is the ultimate governance body for the organisation, serving as stewards of the organisation’s resources, and is ultimately responsible for Self Help UK’s strategy, operations, adherence to law and regulation, and financial management. The Trustees serve on a voluntary basis and currently meet virtually every 6 weeks.

Chair Responsibilities: The Chair leads the Board of Trustees and works closely with the Charity’s Chief Executive and Senior Management Team to achieve its goals. The Chair is responsible for key areas, including:

Strategy and Governance

• Ensuring that the Board operates effectively in the consideration, iteration, and approval of the organisational strategy in support of the charity’s mission and values.

• With Trustees, ensuring that the charity operates efficiently and effectively to fulfil its objectives

• Safeguarding the interests of the charity’s beneficiaries and providing oversight of stakeholder interests • Maintaining high standards of governance and risk management.

• Ensuring that the Board is as diverse as possible and provides the range of knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to deliver the charity’s aims.

• Ensuring the organisation is accountable and transparent in its activities.

• Maintaining compliance with relevant charitable and company legislation.

• Oversight of the Sub Committees of the board.

• Ensuring a high-performing and effective board by committing to regular appraisal and review of Trustees and board performance (including managing retirements and resignations of Trustees).

Guidance and support to the Chief Executive

• Appointment of the Chief Executive and approval of Chief Executive’s salary with the Trustees.

• Line management of and work in partnership with the Chief Executive to support them in achieving the aims of the charity.

• Support and guidance on operations, including personnel management.

Financial

• Ensuring, with the Board, sound financial oversight, including review and approval of the annual budget

• Oversight of high standards of financial management

Advocacy and fundraising

• Using personal and professional networks to help the executive with access to potential donors and supporters, including governments, international bodies, corporations, trusts and foundations, NGOs, and individuals.

• Advise and assist in raising and maintaining the charity’s profile in the UK and internationally.

Lead Board Meetings:

• Lead all aspects of meeting management.

• Encouraging discussion at Board meetings, summarising key points and ensuring decisions are made and implemented.

Remuneration: Unremunerated, but reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed

Time Commitment: Estimated at 2 days per month, but some flexibility and the ability to offer more time on occasion are required.

Standard commitments include:

• Attending Board meetings every 6 weeks. Currently, meetings are held via Zoom

• Attendance at subcommittee meetings as necessary

• Monthly scheduled meeting with the CEO, with flexibility to respond swiftly to the occasional ad hoc issue.

• Attending, as a minimum, an annual half-day strategy session and other face-to-face events as required.

Qualities of a Chair

Essential

• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of Trusteeship and adhering to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership.

• Commitment to the charity’s objects, aims, and values and willingness to devote time to carry out responsibilities. • Strategic and forward-looking vision in relation to the charity’s objects and aims.

• Good, independent judgement, political impartiality and the ability to think creatively in the context of the organisation and external environment.

• Good communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to respect the confidences of colleagues.

• Balancing tact and diplomacy with willingness to challenge and constructively criticise.

Desirable

• Prior experience of committee/trustee work.

• Knowledge of the type of work undertaken by the organisation.

• A wider involvement with the voluntary sector.

• Experience of chairing meetings, committee work, some experience of charity finance, charity fundraising.

• Leadership skills exercised through a period change.

Join Our Founding Board of Trustees at SUNSHINE

Are you a visionary leader ready to steer transformative change? As we launch SUNSHINE—a soon-to-be registered charity committed to combating loneliness and forging genuine human connections—we invite experienced, passionate individuals to become our inaugural Board of Trustees. Your strategic guidance will be essential in shaping our future and ensuring we launch with the highest standards of governance and impact.

About SUNSHINE

At SUNSHINE, we believe that every person deserves to feel connected and valued. Our grassroots initiative is designed to spark joy, foster community, and provide innovative solutions for social isolation. As we prepare for official registration and set our mission in motion, your leadership will play a critical role in defining our direction and legacy.

Your Role as a Trustee

As a founding member of our Board of Trustees, you'll be at the helm of SUNSHINE's strategic evolution. Your insights and expertise will ensure we build a robust framework for success, guiding us through the essential stages of registration, compliance, and sustainable growth.

Key responsibilities include:

• Strategic Leadership: Define SUNSHINE’s vision, mission, and long-term strategy as we transition from start-up to impactful charity.

• Governance & Accountability: Establish and uphold the highest standards of ethical practice, legal compliance, and financial oversight.

• Risk & Opportunity Management: Identify potential challenges and opportunities, ensuring the charity's resilience and adaptability in a dynamic environment.

• Resource Development: Oversee funding strategies and resource management, laying the financial groundwork that supports our mission and future growth.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Build and nurture relationships with key partners, sponsors, and the community to drive collective impact.

• Charity Set-Up: Guide and lead on the formal processes including registration with the Charity Commission, HMRC account set‐up, and the development of robust operational policies.

What We’re Looking For

We are seeking dedicated trustees with:

• Proven Leadership: Demonstrated expertise in governance, strategic planning, or financial stewardship within charitable or non-profit settings.

• Vision and Passion: A genuine commitment to community well-being and a passion for creating systems that empower and connect individuals.

• Innovative Thinking: The ability to adapt to the dynamic nature of a start-up charity, balancing bold ideas with meticulous attention to detail.

• Collaborative Spirit: A willingness to work closely with a diverse team and an openness to new perspectives that drive collective success.

• Commitment to Excellence: An eagerness to shape policies, uphold accountability, and be instrumental in building a sustainable and far-reaching organisation.

Why Join SUNSHINE’s Board of Trustees?

Becoming a trustee with SUNSHINE is more than a role—it’s a chance to craft a legacy. By lending your expertise at this pivotal stage, you will:

• Shape the Future: Directly influence the strategic direction and governance of a charity dedicated to changing lives.

• Build a Legacy: Contribute to a foundational framework that ensures our long-term success and impact on community well-being.

• Drive Innovation: Help steer a dynamic start-up environment where every decision you make contributes to groundbreaking community solutions.

• Experience Deep Fulfillment: Enjoy the profound satisfaction of making a lasting difference while collaborating with like-minded leaders committed to social change.

Step Into Leadership with SUNSHINE

If you’re ready to bring your wealth of experience and passion for impactful change to an organisation poised to transform communities, we invite you to join our inaugural Board of Trustees. Help us lay the cornerstone for a future where every individual shines with the light of connection and empowerment.

Welcome to SUNSHINE—where visionary leadership creates brighter tomorrows.