Board of trustees volunteer roles in crouch end, greater london

Chair of the Charitable Trust Board

Amnesty International UK

Lead With Purpose. Chair the Board of One of the World's Most Recognised Human Rights Movements.

Amnesty International UK is seeking a visionary, inclusive and values-driven Chair to lead the Charitable Trust Board at a pivotal moment of change and opportunity.

With nearly half a million supporters across the UK, the mission is to stand up for humanity and human rights. The Charitable Trust plays a vital role in funding Amnesty's work globally and in the UK - supporting individuals, communities, and movements where justice, fairness, and freedom are at stake.

As Chair, you will provide strategic leadership to the Board, oversee key governance responsibilities, and guide the Trust through an exciting period of transition - including responsible investment, growing the grant making impact, and advancing digital and cultural transformation.

About you:

• Proven governance or board leadership experience (e.g. Chair, Vice Chair, Trustee)
• Strong understanding of charity governance, risk, and compliance
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and chairing skills
• The ability to lead with curiosity, compassion and strategic clarity
• A deep personal commitment to human rights, anti-racism, equity and inclusion
• Familiarity with ethical investment, grant making, digital transformation, or complex organisational change would be highly beneficial.
• Lived experience of injustice or marginalisation, and younger voices in leadership, are especially welcomed.

Practicalities:

UK-wide (with London-based meetings)
Voluntary, with expenses covered
Approx. 15-20 days/year
3 years (renewable once)

Join the Conversation

We're hosting a live Q&A Webinar on Monday 28th April 2025 at 6:30 pm where they will share further insights and answer any additional questions you may have. In the first instance, please send your CV to and we will forward you the recruitment pack as well as the link to register to attend this webinar.

Timeline:

Closing date: 5pm 23^rd May 2025

First Interviews: w/c 30^th June

Final Interviews: w/c 7^th July

This is your opportunity to lead with integrity, shape the future of human rights work, and ensure Amnesty International UK is governed with accountability, vision, and courage.

As our current Chair of Trustees completes her 6 year tenure, we are looking to welcome a new chair to continue her stellar work in governance and strategy.

Walworth Garden is a charity dedicated to knowledge and nurture. Our aim is to improve lives by providing excellent learning and horticultural therapy through an award winning garden that’s open to all. Leading our board, the new Chair of Trustees will work to ensure our charitable aims are upheld and our ambitious strategic plan guides our activities. They will join us at an exciting point in our development as we prepare to begin works on the construction of an Environmental Learning Centre.

We particularly seek support from those living or working locally and who have trustee and/or professional charity leadership experience. You will need to be able to commit two hours for meetings every other month, from 7-9pm. Additional time will be needed to read the board papers which will be sent in advance, meet with the CEO, and occasional discussions outside of regular meetings. More information on these expectations can be found below.

Walworth Garden is committed to equality of opportunity, and values diversity. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, particularly from Black, Asian and minoritised ethnic locals who have been historically excluded from the horticulture industries, as well as applications from LGBTQIA+ candidates.

HR Trustee

Role description

St Albans & District Foodbank is looking for a Trustee with Human Resources experience. We currently have seven active Trustees and are looking for enthusiastic and talented people to join our Board.

The Foodbank serves the local community providing emergency food for those facing crisis. In the last 12 months we provided over 14,000 food parcels. We distribute food via ten weekly distribution centres that are run around the district by our committed volunteers. We currently have 7 part-time staff and over 130 active volunteers.  We are more than a Foodbank as we offer wellbeing, signposting and advocacy services, both directly and in conjunction with other agencies.

Trustee meetings are held 6 times per year, typically on the third Tuesday of alternate months between 4.00 and 6.30pm.  Trustees are expected to undertake additional work for the charity between meetings, subject to their availability and skill set, for example representing the Charity at local events or with partnership organisations.

The Trustee role is voluntary and unremunerated, though reasonable expenses can be reimbursed.

Being a Trustee

The challenge of being a Trustee requires, amongst other things:

• ability to understand management information; 

• the ability to share and embrace knowledge and specialisms and 

• an understanding of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship;

• strong communication skills and an ability to contribute effectively at meetings and

• a strong commitment to the objectives of the Foodbank.

Trustees have collective responsibility for the governance of the organisation and for all decisions made by the Board.  They set the strategic direction for the organisation, ensuring alignment with the Foodbank’s values and are responsible for setting organisational policy, defining goals, agreeing the financial plan, evaluating performance and ensuring that strong relationships are maintained between the Trustees and the Management and Volunteer Team.

What we are looking for:

The Foodbank is looking for an experienced HR professional with a thorough understanding of good HR practice.

In addition to the general Trustee responsibilities described above, the HR Trustee will be the lead for HR issues on the Board and will support the Charity’s CEO on HR related issues. This includes recruitment and retention, setting and reviewing salaries, training and development, and implementing HR best practice policies and procedures.

We are looking for someone who wants to help their local community and work towards the eradication of food poverty whilst supporting the Foodbank to provide emergency food to those who find themselves in crisis.

 We are committed to building a diverse Board of Trustees and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, particularly those with lived experience or professional or other knowledge of food poverty. 

Bgen, the Botanic Gardens Education Network, is seeking a new Treasurer Trustee to join its Board. This unpaid voluntary role offers a unique opportunity to support a small, but passionate charity at a pivotal moment in its growth.

Bgen is a specialist support network for professional plant and natural world educators. We help our members to connect people and plants in innovative and engaging ways, through online events, face to face training and networking events and our Annual Conference.

We are looking for a Treasurer who will bring enthusiasm, commitment, fresh perspectives and who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our Board. The successful candidate will combine professional financial knowledge and experience with a deep commitment to supporting our mission in this vital non-executive role.

As our new Treasurer trustee, you will play an active role within the Bgen Board and provide leadership on its financial health, ensuring robust processes, accurate records and sound-decision making with transparency and accountability.

This is an exciting opportunity to join the dynamic Board and support our work to empower plant and environmental education and engagement professionals across the UK.

Availability and commitment

 As a Board member you will need to be able to attend up to six board meetings per year (held online) and the Annual General Meeting, organised in January – February each year. You will also spend around 2 -3 days per quarter in between meetings, to prepare the quarterly accounts, provide advice and coordinate payments, with support from the Bgen Coordinator and Bgen Bookkeeper. Days may vary throughout the year, depending on activity.

On October 7th, we are hosting a Bgen Board Strategy Away Day at Birmingham Botanical Gardens and your attendance would be extremely helpful.

This position would be for a period of three years minimum (term can be renewed after this time).

2025 is a pivotal time for our small, family centred Charity as we move into our 22nd year. This year our Board will be defining our new mission and preparing for implementation. We're seeking new trustees to join us to contribute to our new mission and define the Charity's direction as we conclude our first mission in late 2025.

The Muscle Help Foundation (MHF) is a small multi-award winning, family-centred charity, delivering both in-person and virtual interventions and experiences in the UK - these moments-in-time are called Muscle Dreams, designed specifically for children & young people (8-28yrs) with the muscle wasting disease, Muscular Dystrophy (MD).

MHF’s impact is felt by beneficiaries and their families across the UK – from improved confidence, greater self-esteem, and an increased sense of hopefulness to a powerful shared identity that connects families, giving a platform to share knowledge, memories and establish lasting friendships.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

We are looking for Trustees who have a passion to take the charity forward, to grow impact, to leave a personal legacy and to feel the sense of personal fulfilment from the time they volunteer.

AS A TRUSTEE, YOU WILL

• Have an opportunity to help improve the lives of children, young people and their families
• Contribute to the governance of our small, well respected, national charity
• Have strategic responsibility for a specific skill area
• Act as an advocate/champion in promoting the charity's work across your network
• Receive induction, support and training
• Bring your lived experience, in using and further developing your skills for the benefit of others
• Be a part of the team that will help the charity achieve its overarching 657 Muscle Dream mission

REQUIREMENTS + KEY CRITERIA

Commitment to the charity’s values, bags of enthusiasm, an understanding and passion for our work, great comms skills and a real desire to want to make a difference to the lives of our vulnerable community. You may have experience of living with muscular dystrophy, other disabilities or life limiting conditions, but this is not essential.

MAIN BOARD MEETINGS + EXPENSES

Trustee Board meetings take place virtually. They are usually 2hrs. Over and above this time commitment, trustees on average, depending on their role, may give additional time in being directly involved in occasional ad projects – MHF Trustees ‘own’ a ‘bucket’, in other words, an area of responsibility like HR, Fundraising, Safeguarding, Marketing, Finance, Digital, Risk or Campaign Management that allows an individual to bring their skills, experience and talents to the charity. Reasonable expenses will be covered.

WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR – PERSON SPECIFICATION

• Absolute belief in the cause
• Desire to learn the trustee role, previous governance expertise is an advantage
• Excellent communicators with great listening, responding and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to both empower and challenge supportively.
• Strong commitment to equality, and an understanding of disability and how for example this may impact on the quality of life and life choices for disabled people and their families.
• Commitment and time to dedicate to the role and responsibilities of being a Trustee.
• Commitment to the charity’s vision, mission and values.
• Strong desire to make a difference to the lives of our vulnerable beneficiary community.
• Understanding of the context/environment in which the charity works - it is estimated that some 96% of MHF's beneficiaries are those with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), the most severe variant of muscular dystrophy - it is life limiting.
• Understanding the importance of ensuring public confidence and trust in the charity.
• Collaborative working (part of a team), using sound independent judgement and collective decision making.
• The capacity to grasp issues outside ones personal experience.
• The ability to think creatively both in terms of high level strategy and development.
• Commitment to equality and diversity with other trustees, staff, beneficiaries and other stakeholders.

WHAT DIFFERENCE WILL YOU MAKE?

To provide strategic leadership in line with our values and goals. Trustees will use their knowledge, skills, passion and experience to ensure that the charity achieves its objectives – as a Trustee, you will represent the interests of all stakeholders and act as an ambassador. 

AN AMAZING OPPORTUNITY TO BRING YOUR UNIQUE SELF

As an MHF Trustee, this is an exciting opportunity to bring your unique skill set to help the strategic progression of the charity in reaching its overarching goal to deliver 657 Muscle Dream interventions, that's one experience for every muscle in the human body, cherished moments-in-time that truly changes lives and give hope, and beyond as we reach this goal.

IN RETURN FOR YOUR COMMITMENT

• You will have an opportunity to help improve the lives of children, young people and their families
• Be part of a team all supporting the charity and rowing in the same direction
• Contribute to the governance of a national charity, that's worked tirelessly over the past 20 years
• Have your voice heard and listened to
• Attend events, meet beneficiaries & families and directly witness the impact of the charity’s work
• Have strategic responsibility for a skill area such as: HR, Fundraising, Corporate Partnerships etc
• Network with other like-minded individuals with common values
• Receive induction, support and training
• And much more…

INCLUSION - PROUD OF OUR BOARD DIVERSITY

Our greatest strength as a board and as an charity is in our community's diversity. We are particularly interested in hearing from applicants with diverse skills and experiences that reflect the diversity of our beneficiaries and welcome applications from first time Trustees.

Herts Disability Sports Foundation is where everyone (absolutely everyone!) is empowered to experience the joys of belonging, achieving and physical activity. Through our diverse activities, individuals become functionally fitter, but also develop self-esteem, confidence and life skills as they connect with and belong to a safe community of others like them.  And we have a lot of fun!  

The Board would like to appoint a Trustee with Human Resources skills and experience to challenge and support the Board and Senior Management Team.  We plan to expand our services across the county over the coming years and are looking for a Trustee who will share their skills to support and drive our strategy.  Above all, our Trustees should be passionate about what HDSF is striving to achieve.

We operate in Hertfordshire and are now being recognised across the county as a source of expertise for disability sport and physical activity - from our track record, the skills of our staff and our open commitment to ‘practise what we preach’ on a daily basis.HDSF believes that quality of life can be improved through involvement in sports and physical activity opportunities - and that everyone should have access to these benefits.  The Charity exists to provide support, education, training and the opportunity to take part in sporting activities for individuals who struggle to access sport and physical activity - to improve physical health and wellbeing.

We aim to be an inclusive organisation, and welcome applications from anyone interested in supporting our purpose, particularly from those who have lived experience of disability (either personally or through their role as a parent/carer) and/or the sectors of our community which are often under-represented on charity boards.

In return, we offer the opportunity to join a diverse and lively Board of Trustees.  We are passionate about HDSF and have a keen interest in the disability community and physical activity.  We each bring a different set of skills to the Board (which we think is a real positive) and we try to ensure that each Trustee has the opportunity to make a difference to HDSF, using their personal and professional skills in a way that is both enjoyable and personally rewarding. 

USPG is looking to appoint 3 Trustees (lay or ordained) committed to global mission within the Anglican Communion. At this time, we are seeking to appoint a qualified accountant and two trustees with significant regional knowledge (Caribbean/ Latin America, Middle East, East Asia or Africa) to serve from July 2025.

About You

In recruiting Trustees at this time, we are looking for individuals with the following skill sets and experience:

• Accountancy: A qualified accountant with current experience of scrutinising accounts of organisations of the scale of USPG (at least) is sought. The person appointed will become a member of USPG’s Finance & Audit Committee as well as contribute to the strategic discussions of the Trustee board.
• Global knowledge and understanding: A couple of trustees with significant regional knowledge, especially of the Caribbean/Latin America, but also of the Middle East, Asia or Africa. That understanding may come from working with the churches or from professional experience outside of the Church.

The role is not paid, but necessary expenses incurred for attending USPG meetings will be reimbursed.

About USPG

The United Society Partners in the Gospel, known widely as USPG, is the Anglican mission agency that partners churches across the Anglican Communion in rethinking mission, energising church and championing justice. Click here to find out more.

USPG is actively seeking a diverse board with a balance of gender, ethnicity and age.

The Historic Towns and Villages Forum (HTVF) is seeking new trustees to help the Board make the most of a transformative stage in its history. HTVF became a registered charity in 2024, and over the last year has undertaken a review of its mission, vision and strategy, with two new Executive Co-Directors.

About us: The Historic Towns and Villages Forum (HTVF) is an independent charity with a mission to promote the prosperity, sustainability and heritage of historic cities, towns and villages for the benefit of all.

We provide support, training and information to organisations (including local authorities, town and parish councils, civic and amenity societies, and consultancies) as well as individual professionals, students, and members of the public engaged in the planning and management of historic cities, towns and villages. We aim to help them conserve the character and significance of historic places, while realising their full social, environmental and economic potential. We do this through events, research projects, publications, and partnerships.

What we’re looking for: We are seeking a minimum of three individuals with experience in one or more of the following areas to join our Board of Trustees:

• Senior professional leadership in a Local Authority
• Placemaking and urban regeneration expertise
• Marketing and fundraising
• Financial management
• Community and political engagement
• Research programme development and management

For these roles we also value:

• Innovative Thinking: HTVF is entering a new phase of development. A creative and forward-thinking approach to challenges and opportunities is sought from our new intake of trustees.  The ability to facilitate the Forum’s engagement with other organisations and groups would be helpful too.
• Geographical Spread: We aim for a wide geographical representation and welcome applications from across the UK, bearing in mind some meetings will be face-to-face in either London or Oxford.
• Inclusivity: We also aim to reflect the diversity of the communities with which we engage, and welcome applications from people of all ages and backgrounds who can bring the skills and experience identified above.

In this round of recruitment, we are looking in particular for an Honorary Treasurer. All new trustees will receive a comprehensive induction to the role and the work of the Charity.

Springboard Youth Academy is seeking a qualified accountant to join our Board of Trustees as Treasurer. 

About Springboard 

Springboard Youth Academy supports refugee and asylum-seeking young people who have recently arrived in the UK to help them succeed in the classroom and beyond. By combining participatory learning, life skills and holistic support into action-packed weekend, half-term and summer programming, we work to bridge the gap in support for young people whose needs can't be met in mainstream schools. 

Refugee and asylum-seeking young people who have made the difficult journey to the UK – especially those who come alone – are saddled with many challenges common to starting a life somewhere new. Though they are required to enroll in school, more often than not, they aren’t provided with the language and psychological support necessary to succeed in their new circumstances. They are simply not set up to thrive. Coupled with budget cuts to tailored learning provision in schools, these young people often miss their chance to progress at a natural pace and to reach their fullest potential.

As educators, service providers and youth workers with years of experience working to offset the challenges these young people face, we launched a programme that helps develop young people’s English language skills whilst addressing their psychological and social needs, preparing them for mainstream education and helping them rebuild their lives in London.

We do this by providing interactive and engaging programming that combines English learning, life skills and practical and emotional strategies for young people on their journey to independence and adulthood. 

About the Opportunity

Role Title: Treasurer

Direct Report:Works closely with the Chair, Director and the Board of Trustees. 

Background: Finance, Strategy and Governance, Fundraising, Legal, Risk.

Role Summary

The Treasurer will be required to:

• Monitor the financial standing of the charity and report to the Board and Director regarding cash-flow forecasting, income streams, out-going expenses and the overarching strategic management of the organisation’s financial resources. 

• Oversee the charity’s financial risk-management process and report financial health to the Board of Trustees at regular intervals.

• Act as a counter signatory on cheques and applications to funders and ensure that annual accounts are submitted to all relevant regulators in a timely fashion.

• Liaise with external auditors as required on financial issues and ensure that the organisation's finances are responsibly managed/invested for the betterment of the organisation’s work and for the beneficiaries it serves.

See attached for the full role description and person specification. 

Time Commitment 

In line with all charities, Trustees are unpaid volunteers. Trustees must be able to commit to attending quarterly Board meetings and making time to read paperwork in advance of Board meetings. As a small charity, our resources are limited and Trustees are also asked to actively contribute their skills in relevant areas. As a guideline, Trustees must be prepared to offer a minimum of four hours per month to the charity, for example to be involved in fundraising, interviews and business plans, etc. We will also require new Trustees to spend one day on site during one of our programmes to get a feel for the work, as well as undertake Trustee and Safeguarding training, within the first three months of starting the role.

Board meetings are currently held virtually, and, where possible, are arranged at least two months ahead. On occasion, Trustees will be required to respond on email or phone in relation to issues that arise outside of Board meetings. Travel costs will be covered if they are a barrier.

Values

We’re looking for people who share our love of high quality and inclusive education, as well as our commitment to working with, for and alongside refugee communities. We are keen to meet people who can bring skills, knowledge and both professional and lived experience that will help us scale up. We’re looking for people who can think strategically and creatively, work collaboratively and want to make a significant contribution to Springboard Youth Academy’s future, as well as the wider education sector.

We are committed to nurturing a Board that is representative, diverse and inclusive. We are interested to hear from individuals with experience in governance, as well as those new to Trustee positions. We are particularly encouraging applications from those with personal experience of forced migration and Leaving Care.

Application Process

Please send your CV and a brief, half-page cover letter outlining why you would be a brilliant Treasurer for Springboard Youth Academy and what excites you about our work by midnight on 26th April. 

Please get in touch with us for alternative application formats if you have any accessibility requirements.

This is an exciting time in our growth as we look to grow our governance systems, build on our successes and ensure we are a radical, dynamic organisation rooted in our anti-racist and anti-oppressive values.  We are looking for a new Treasurer for our Trustee board, to join us and help lead and shape the future of the organisation.

Join us as Dog A.I.D.'s new Honorary Secretary and you would be joining the Board at an exciting time as we have launched the charity’s Strategic Plan with a new CEO supported by a small but strong team, which we will be building further this year. As Honorary Secretary you would be using your skills and experience to support the leadership and strategic direction of our charity as we look to achieve ambitious strategic growth targets over the coming years, becoming a larger, more robust charity with increased profile and reach.

Dog A.I.D. empowers physically disabled people by coaching them to train their own pet dog to become an accredited Assistance Dog. By focusing on the existing pet/owner bond, outcomes for our clients include:

 · increased independence and self-confidence

· improved mental well-being

· reduction in social isolation

· reduced reliance on family members and/or carers.

· increased opportunities, with many of our clients being able to return to work or education, supported by their accredited Assistance Dog.

We are looking for an active and well-organised Secretary who can provide support for our governance functions. You will be required to attend and minute online quarterly Board meetings and other ad-hoc meetings and strategic discussions.

Lived Experience Sight Loss Trustee - Focus Birmingham – Empowering Lives and Shaping the Future

Focus Birmingham’s (Focus) Trustees are all volunteers, playing an essential role in overseeing the charity’s activities in partnership with the Board of Trustees. The CEO and Senior Leadership Team (SLT) manage the day-to-day running of the charity, but it is the Board of Trustees that holds ultimate responsibility for ensuring the charity continues to grow and delivers on its vision.

The purpose of this trustee role is to bring a ‘lived experience’ perspective to help shape the future of our organisation. You will ensure our services reflect the diverse needs of the people we support and help us advance our mission of improving lives by creating opportunities for people with care and support needs. This role will help them feel empowered to live life to the full and unlock their potential.
 

Key Responsibilities

• Co-production Strategy: Ensure the development and implementation of a co-production strategy in collaboration with the Board and Senior Leadership Team that promotes meaningful involvement of the people we support in decision-making processes.

• Engagement and Participation: Ensure that the Board and Senior Leadership Team champion the active engagement of the people we support in all aspects of the organisation, including programme design, service development, and policy formulation.

• Advisory Groups: Support the Senior Leadership Team in establishing and maintaining advisory groups or panels made up of the people we support, their families, and carers, ensuring their voices are heard, and their perspectives are considered.

• Training and Capacity Building: Provide advice on the development of a learning and development strategy that equips staff and volunteers with the skills to provide person-centred care.

• Feedback Mechanisms: Work with the Board and Senior Leadership Team to implement effective feedback mechanisms, surveys, and evaluation tools to gather input from individuals with care and support needs on the charity’s activities.

• Advocacy: Advocate for the rights and autonomy of the people we support both within Focus Birmingham and in the wider community. Raise awareness of the importance of co-production.

• Policy and Governance: Review, provide advice, and contribute to the development of policies and governance structures that ensure the people we support have a genuine and influential role in the organisation.

• Collaboration and Teamwork: Collaborate with fellow Trustees, staff, and volunteers to embed co-production principles across the organisation. Provide guidance and mentorship to staff involved in co-production activities.

What Difference You Will Make and What You Will Achieve

This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact by ensuring that individuals with care and support needs are at the forefront of decision-making:

• Networking: Build connections with disability advocates, self-advocacy groups, and stakeholders.

• Professional Development: Gain valuable experience in not-for-profit governance and co-production practices.

• Personal Satisfaction: Contribute to a cause that empowers individuals with care and support needs, helping them exercise their agency and unlock their potential.

How to Apply

If you are committed to empowering individuals with care and support needs and promoting their active participation in shaping Focus Birmingham’s future, we invite you to apply for this trustee role. Your lived experience and expertise in co-production will be instrumental in helping us achieve our mission of improving lives by creating opportunities for people with care and support needs, so they can live life to the full and reach their full potential.

To apply, please submit a completed application form via CharityJob.

Additional details about the role can be found in the attached recruitment pack. If you require any reasonable adjustment to support your application for this role, please contact Focus Birmingham via the details in the recruitment pack.

Closing Date for Applications: 11/05/25

Springboard Youth Academy is seeking a qualified accountant to join our Board of Trustees as Treasurer. 

About Springboard 

Springboard Youth Academy supports refugee and asylum-seeking young people who have recently arrived in the UK to help them succeed in the classroom and beyond. By combining participatory learning, life skills and holistic support into action-packed weekend, half-term and summer programming, we work to bridge the gap in support for young people whose needs can't be met in mainstream schools. 

Refugee and asylum-seeking young people who have made the difficult journey to the UK – especially those who come alone – are saddled with many challenges common to starting a life somewhere new. Though they are required to enroll in school, more often than not, they aren’t provided with the language and psychological support necessary to succeed in their new circumstances. They are simply not set up to thrive. Coupled with budget cuts to tailored learning provision in schools, these young people often miss their chance to progress at a natural pace and to reach their fullest potential.

As educators, service providers and youth workers with years of experience working to offset the challenges these young people face, we launched a programme that helps develop young people’s English language skills whilst addressing their psychological and social needs, preparing them for mainstream education and helping them rebuild their lives in London.

We do this by providing interactive and engaging programming that combines English learning, life skills and practical and emotional strategies for young people on their journey to independence and adulthood. 

About the Opportunity

Role Title: Treasurer

Direct Report:Works closely with the Chair, Director and the Board of Trustees. 

Background: Finance, Strategy and Governance, Fundraising, Legal, Risk.

Role Summary

The Treasurer will be required to:

• Monitor the financial standing of the charity and report to the Board and Director regarding cash-flow forecasting, income streams, out-going expenses and the overarching strategic management of the organisation’s financial resources. 

• Oversee the charity’s financial risk-management process and report financial health to the Board of Trustees at regular intervals.

• Act as a counter signatory on cheques and applications to funders and ensure that annual accounts are submitted to all relevant regulators in a timely fashion.

• Liaise with external auditors as required on financial issues and ensure that the organisation's finances are responsibly managed/invested for the betterment of the organisation’s work and for the beneficiaries it serves.

See attached for the full role description and person specification. 

Time Commitment 

In line with all charities, Trustees are unpaid volunteers. Trustees must be able to commit to attending quarterly Board meetings and making time to read paperwork in advance of Board meetings. As a small charity, our resources are limited and Trustees are also asked to actively contribute their skills in relevant areas. As a guideline, Trustees must be prepared to offer a minimum of four hours per month to the charity, for example to be involved in fundraising, interviews and business plans, etc. We will also require new Trustees to spend one day on site during one of our programmes to get a feel for the work, as well as undertake Trustee and Safeguarding training, within the first three months of starting the role.

Board meetings are currently held virtually, and, where possible, are arranged at least two months ahead. On occasion, Trustees will be required to respond on email or phone in relation to issues that arise outside of Board meetings. Travel costs will be covered if they are a barrier.

Values

We’re looking for people who share our love of high quality and inclusive education, as well as our commitment to working with, for and alongside refugee communities. We are keen to meet people who can bring skills, knowledge and both professional and lived experience that will help us scale up. We’re looking for people who can think strategically and creatively, work collaboratively and want to make a significant contribution to Springboard Youth Academy’s future, as well as the wider education sector.

We are committed to nurturing a Board that is representative, diverse and inclusive. We are interested to hear from individuals with experience in governance, as well as those new to Trustee positions. We are particularly encouraging applications from those with personal experience of forced migration and Leaving Care.

Application Process

Please send your CV and a brief, half-page cover letter outlining why you would be a brilliant Treasurer for Springboard Youth Academy and what excites you about our work by midnight on 26th April. 

Please get in touch with us for alternative application formats if you have any accessibility requirements.

We’re not just talking about change — we’ve lived it.

We’re looking for a Treasurer/Trustee to help power our pre-treatment work.

Dear Prospective Trustee

Thank you for your interest in becoming a Trustee and Treasurer for Woolwich Service Users Project (WSUP). As a grassroots charity rooted in lived experience, we are committed to providing holistic support for individuals and families facing poverty, homelessness, substance misuse, and mental health challenges. 

Our work is growing, and we are seeking a dedicated and skilled Treasurer to join our Board of Trustees. This is a critical role in ensuring financial sustainability, governance, and transparency, helping us to continue delivering essential services to the community. 

If you are passionate about social impact and have finance, accountancy, or financial management expertise, we would love to hear from you. 

We hope this pack provides you with an insight into our work and what being a Trustee at WSUP involves. Please reach out if you have any questions. 

Warm regards, 

Chris Hill 

Chair of Trustees 

About WSUP 

Woolwich Service Users Project (WSUP) is a community-led charity providing practical, health, and wellbeing support to people at risk or experiencing homelessness and poverty in Woolwich and the Royal Borough of Greenwich. Our services include: 

• Essential Support: Hot meals, clothing, showers, laundry, and haircuts. 

• Healthcare Access: Hepatitis C, TB testing, eye exams, GP drop-in 

• Housing & Benefits Signposting: Preventing homelessness through connecting with services. 

• Recovery Support: Harm reduction and peer-led recovery pathways. 

• Community Engagement: Mindfulness sessions and volunteering opportunities. 

WSUP is committed to embedding Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) and Psychologically Informed Environments (PIE) to improve service user experience. 

We work closely with local and national partners, including South East London Cancer Alliance, King's College London, Commonweal Housing, and homelessness services across South East London, Groundwork - Greenwich Healthier Communities Fund. 

Treasurer (Trustee) role description 

As well as fulfilling the general duties of a Trustee, the Treasurer maintains an overview of WSUP’s financial affairs, ensuring appropriate financial measures, controls, and procedures are in place. The Treasurer reports to the Board at regular intervals on the financial health of the organisation. 

Key responsibilities 

• Overseeing the presentation of budgets, internal management accounts, monthly and annual financial statements to the Board of Trustees.

• Ensuring that proper accounting records are kept, and that appropriate accounting procedures and controls are in place.

• Ensuring that robust and comprehensive financial policies are in place and being implemented and supporting the development of policies covering financial reserves and cost management.

• Monitoring and advising on the financial viability of the charity.

• Overseeing financial controls and adherence to systems, regularly liaising with Chief Executive.

• Advising on the financial implications of the charity’s strategic plan, including overseeing the charity’s financial risk-management process

• Keeping the board informed about its financial duties and responsibilities and liaising with the Chief Executive to develop the financial understanding of the Board of Trustees. 

• Defining Key Performance indicators (KPI’s) and tracking against forecast. Also to include monitoring fundraising targets. 

• Ensuring investments and assets are maximised. 

• Lead on the appointment of and liaison with external auditors.

• Oversee the development and implementation of systems for appraising, mitigating and reporting corporate risk.

• Ensuring that the accounts are prepared and disclosed in the form required by relevant statutory bodies, for example, the Charity Commission and/or the Registrar of Companies. 

• Liaise with the bank and be involved with the payment authorisation process 

• Oversee payroll updates and payment authorisation, plus authorise/pay employment related taxes/pensions/NI 

• Review financial aspects of grant applications 

What we are looking for 

Essential skills & experience 

• A finance professional. A knowledge of charity finance is an advantage. Otherwise an enthusiasm to learn, drawing from sound commercial experience and an understanding of the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector 

• A strategic thinker with an ability to balance risk and opportunity. 

• Clear communicator with the ability to bring the financial information alive to non-finance specialists.

• Willing to play an active role in areas such as forecasting, setting budgets, liaising with auditors 

Desirable skills 

• Understanding of grant funding, financial sustainability, and social impact finance. 

• Experience working with QuickBooks, Xero, or similar accounting software. 

• Previous experience as a Trustee, Treasurer, or charity finance lead. 

General responsibilities of all trustees 

As a Trustee, you will: 

• Support and provide advice on WSUP’s purpose, vision, goals and activities.

• Approve operational strategies and policies and monitor and evaluate their implementation.

• Oversee WSUP’s financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress.

• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.

• Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively.

• Review and approve WSUP’s financial statements.

• Provide support and challenge to WSUP’s CEO in the exercise of their delegated authority and affairs.

• Keep abreast of changes in WSUP’s operating environment.

• Contribute to regular reviews of WSUP’s own governance.

• Attend Board meetings, adequately prepared to contribute to discussions.

• Use independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect WSUP’s interests, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or any third party interests.

• Contribute to the broader promotion of WSUP’s objects, aims and reputation by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts. 

As a small charity, there will be times when the trustees will need to be actively involved beyond Board meetings. This may involve scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, presenting externally, or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise.

Time commitment & term 

• Board Meetings: Held monthly (in Woolwich or remotely). 

• Finance & Audit Meetings: 3–4 per year. 

• Ad-hoc Involvement: Supporting the CEO on financial matters. 

• Estimated Time Commitment: 1–2 days per month. 

• Term: 3 years, with the option for renewal (max 9 years). 

• Expenses: This is a voluntary role, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed. 

Benefits of becoming a WSUP Trustee 

• Play a key role in shaping the future of a growing, community-led charity. 

• Gain experience in charity governance, leadership, and financial management. 

• Work alongside a team of passionate and experienced professionals. 

• Make a tangible impact in the lives of people in Royal Borough of Greenwich. 

• Develop new skills and networks in the charity and voluntary sector. 

How to apply 

To apply for the role of Treasurer, please submit: 
- Your CV outlining your relevant experience. 
- A short cover letter (max 1 page) explaining why you are interested in the role and how your skills align with WSUP’s needs. 

If you’d like to discuss the role informally, please contact CEO, Darek Karwacki 

Commitment to diversity & inclusion 

WSUP is committed to building a diverse and inclusive Board that reflects the communities we serve. We particularly welcome applications from individuals with lived experience of homelessness, substance dependancy, or mental health challenges, as well as those from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, people with experience of migration, and those in precarious housing. 

We are happy to discuss reasonable adjustments to support your application. 

Thank you for your interest in joining WSUP as a Trustee. We look forward to hearing from you. 

Woolwich Service Users Project (WSUP) 

Charity No: 1175999