Board Of Trustees Volunteer Roles

The Organisation

The Laurel Trust is a charity founded to support research and innovation for schools and academies in areas of multi-deprivation including opportunity areas, supporting schools serving disadvantaged communities to make a sustainable difference to children’s learning and life chances. 
We have successfully supported over 40 imaginative projects nationally. This year we are funding further projects that will make that make a crucial difference to children’s lives and that excite and interest us.  
Our recent interim strategic review has reconfirmed that our mission is supporting schools to further develop evidence informed practice. 

The Role

The Board of Trustees are responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of The Laurel Trust, managing its resources and finances and developing the organisation’s aims, objectives, and goals in accordance with their agreed strategy, and legal and regulatory guidelines. 

 The statutory duties of a Trustee are:
• To ensure the organisation complies with its governing document.
• To ensure the organisation applies its resources exclusively for its charitable purpose.
• To contribute actively to the Board of Trustees' role in giving firm strategic direction to the 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 make full use of any specific skills, knowledge, or experience to help the Board make good decisions.

Person specification

• A strong track record of proven and significant achievement in one of the following fields:
• Charity governance with a clear understanding of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship and an understanding of the respective roles of the Chair, Trustees and Executive Officers
• Charity finance, ideally although not essentially, with an added understanding of investment management and grant giving
• Senior leadership in a primary education setting with particular expertise in Special Educational Needs, disability and multi-agency support environment
• Educational leadership in any phase of education in areas of multiple deprivation
• Project leadership in a health and wellbeing environment
• Community engagement, particularly in terms of project management
• Educational research and dissemination or education publishing with specific expertise in preparing and assessing publications
• Policy making and/or influencing policy.
• A proven ability to work effectively as a member of a team while contributing an independent perspective
• Awareness of current issue affecting teaching and education.
• A proven track record of being able to process detail and get to the heart of an issue
• A commitment to The Laurel Trust’s values and purpose
• An understanding of, and commitment to, the values of accountability, probity and openness
• A willingness to devote the time and effort required to effectively discharge the duties of this role

Please download the Candidate Information Pack for more information.

How to Apply

If you’re interested in becoming a The Laurel Trust Trustee and have the skills and experience to support and help further develop our organisation please send us: 

• A supporting statement illustrating your fit for this role against the criteria and experience sought, and crucially, your motivation for applying for the role;

• A current comprehensive CV, including details of two referees (who will not of course be contacted without your prior knowledge and consent).

All applications should be sent to Trustees Unlimited.

We are committed to safer recruitment. All Trustees require a DBS check and will be required to complete the NSPCC online safeguarding course.

If you would like to have an informal discussion about the role, please get in touch with Melissa Baxter.

Closing date for applications: Friday 13th September 2024
Interviews with The Laurel Trust Panel: 25th / 26th September 2024 (TBC)

We look forward to receiving your application.

The IMechE Finance Board is seeking to appoint up to three individuals with strong financial and business skills. One will serve as Deputy Chair of the Finance Board and be co-opted to the Trustee Board (see Term of Office and Obligations below). The others will be appointed to serve as members of Finance Board.

Applications are sought from Corporate Members of the Institution and from members of other Professional bodies. These roles will support the transformation of IMechE’s financial and commercial practices, and the appraisal/assurance of significant investments. It is envisaged that the successful candidate will assume the role during the autumn of 2024.

IMechE's Finance Board

The IMechE Finance Board was set up in October 2019 as a result of the recommendations from the Finance and Governance Review Committees. It contains both internal and external members with high levels of financial and business expertise.

The overall purpose of the Finance Board is to assist the Trustee Board in its duty to supervise the broad direction of IMechE’s financial affairs. Within this broad remit, there are three main areas of accountability:

• Review of the financial plans and performance of the Institution as a whole.
• Oversight of the commercial activities of the Institution.
• Review and direction of investment policy and evaluation and approval of individual investment decisions.

Finance Board Member - Specification

The member will ideally have a combination of the following characteristics and be able to contribute to a non-executive capacity, bringing their fresh, independent perspectives to Board decision-making through:

a) transferable financial, commercial and business experience relevant to the scale, functions and international reach of IMechE, including its trading subsidiaries;

b) interpersonal and communication skills that will allow them to inspire confidence and productive relationships at all levels; to challenge and support the Executive constructively; and to influence effectively across diverse stakeholder communities;

c) for the Deputy Chair (co-opted Trustee) role, an IMechE member with proven business leadership in the private, public or voluntary sectors, with board-level experience in an organisation of comparable scale and complexity. This would include experience of chairing meetings or committees.

These skills may have been demonstrated through your involvement with a range of organisations (e.g., work, academic, charitable, professional bodies etc.).

It is anticipated that the role of Finance Board Deputy Chair (and co-opted Trustee) will require a time commitment of 3-4 days per month and the Ordinary Member of Finance Board will require a time commitment of 1 – 2 days per month.

Term of Office and Obligations

1. Finance Board Members will have an initial term of up to 3 years, after which time they will either step down or may be considered for a further term of office.

2. The Deputy Chair will be co-opted to the Trustee Board in accordance with Trustee Board Regulation 1.4. The term of the co-option shall last until the Annual Meeting of the Institution in 2025 and may be considered for one further term of co-opted office. A period in office as a co-opted Trustee shall not count towards the eligibility criteria for elected Trustee positions.

3. Applications are open to the full IMechE membership and current members of Council are encouraged to apply. Applications are also open to non-members of IMechE who have relevant skills and experiences.

4. Meetings shall be held a minimum of four times per year on dates proposed by the Chair. Board members may request additional meetings in writing to the Chair if they consider it necessary. Meetings may be held in person or virtually.

5. Candidates must have sufficient availability of time to devote to the responsibilities outlined in the role description above.

Applications for Deputy Chair (co-opted Trustee) of Finance Board and Ordinary Member of Finance Board are now open.

In this, our fifteenth year of working with communities across Kent and Medway to bring enriching arts experiences to people living with dementia and their supporters, we are excited to extend and strengthen the ways in which people with dementia are involved in the running of Bright Shadow. As part of this mission, and as we continue to build upon and develop our ambitious work, we are seeking a new Chair of Trustees to join our existing board alongside a small number of new trustees including those living with dementia. 

In conducting a wide search, we're hoping there will be people who put themselves forward that we may never otherwise have been in touch with. So, if you don't see yourself represented here please do put yourself forward; this is in no way an exhaustive list. And if you are new to being a trustee, don't worry, training and support will be provided.

We are keen to hear from people with lived experience of dementia, whilst also recognising that other life experiences may give you insights and understanding that could help the organisation to develop.

• Do you have experience of working in or supporting, larger charity structures, the health and social care sector, or fundraising and philanthropy?
• Are you an artist or arts sector leader?
• Are you living with dementia, or supporting someone with a dementia diagnosis?
• Are you a disabled person and/or someone who in other ways has rights under the Equalities Act 2010?

In also conducting our search for a Chair alongside new trustees, we are also seeking someone who can is interested in fulfilling additional responsibilities comprising

• Providing leadership to the organisation and the board
• Confidence in chairing and facilitating board meetings, including agenda setting with the Chief Executive
• Supporting the Chief Executive including through an annual appraisal
• Representing Bright Shadow at functions and meetings, and act as a spokesperson as appropriate
• Bringing impartiality and objectivity to decision making

With a new CEO in post and a strategy review underway, Why me? is now seeking three new Trustees to join our Board and support the growth and development of our small and impactful organisation. 

You will bring a passion for Restorative Justice and a willingness and commitment to work alongside the rest of the Board and CEO. You will have an interest in ensuring the good governance of the charity, which is a company limited by guarantee. You will need to support the aims and objectives of Why me?  and have time to commit to Board and other meetings. We are especially interested in people who have experience in one or more of the following areas:

• lived experience of Restorative Justice

• expertise in criminal justice policy and/or campaigning

• knowledge or experience of good governance, charity management/HR

Full induction training and support will be given.

The Role

Trustees are responsible to the Charity Commission for the good governance of Why me? and ensure that the organisation’s activities meet the aims and objectives of the charity. They also set the strategic direction; support the CEO and staff in managing the organisation; and take responsibility for financial probity, accounting and risk.
 

The Commitment

The Board meets 4 times a year with options to join sub-committees and to support specific areas of the organisation’s work and development. Meetings usually take place quarterly on Wednesdays from 12-2pm, at our office in London, and can be joined remotely. Trustees are encouraged to attend in person when possible. On average Trustees can expect to spend around 4 hours a month on Why me? activities.  This is a voluntary position,  and reasonable expenses are paid.

The application process 

Why me? actively promotes equality of opportunity for all and welcomes applications from a wide range of candidates. We recognise the contribution that people with criminal records can make as employees or volunteers and welcome applications from those with a criminal conviction. We select all candidates for interview based on their skills, qualifications and experience. We will put in place measures to ensure that candidates with disabilities and additional needs can access the recruitment process.

We welcome applications from everyone irrespective of sex, gender, age, religion,sexual orientation or ethnic group, but, as people from younger age groups, black and ethnic minority groups,  and people affected by crime are currently under-represented on the Board, we would encourage applications from members of these groups.
 

To apply:

Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining the following:

• why you’d like to be a Trustee for Why me?

• the skills and experience you can offer and how you can make them work for Why me?

• what Restorative Justice means to you

Please also confirm that you meet the requirements of the post and tell us about any which you cannot meet. 

Secretary/Trustee

Who we are:

We are a long-standing (33 years) local charity, based in Ashford, providing friendly advice, companionship and volunteering opportunities for anyone in our part of Kent who is socially isolated, lonely, or would welcome support with their mental health and wellbeing. We arrange 3 free drop-in sessions per week at Ashford Parish Rooms, at which our service users participate in a wide range of activities including crafts, singing and art therapy. We also offer food and beverages from our pop-up healthy eating café and dedicated door-to-door transport where required.

Due to an upcoming retirement we are now seeking a Treasurer to join our Board of Trustees. 

About the Role:

The Secretary will be responsible for the smooth and efficient running of meetings of the Trustee Board, providing assistance and support to the Chair. They will also be involved in monitoring compliance to the legal and regulatory requirements affecting the charity and its activities, and ensuring that the Trustees’ decisions are acted upon and that all decisions made by the Trustees are in accordance with the governing document, reflect the objects of the charity, and continue to provide public benefit. They will liaise with the Chair and the charity team to ensure that events such as the AGM and Trustee Board meeting are scheduled and administered, with accurate minutes taken and circulated and agreed action points implemented.

It is expected that all Trustees will be able to attend our Trustee meetings in Ashford, which are held at least once a quarter, as well as the AGM and ideally a small number of other functions eg fundraising events.

Skills & Experience:

Essential:

Good time management and keeping to deadlines

Good level of IT skills (email, Microsoft Word)

Ability to take minutes of meetings

Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.

Willingness to commit sufficient time to the Secretary role

Eligible to be a Trustee

Desirable:

Previous experience of working with/for a charity, or being a charity trustee or involved with the adult social care/health sector, would be an advantage but is by no means essential.

Why you should Apply:

You will be using your skills, knowledge and experience to help ensure Ashford & Tenterden Umbrella continues to be an important part of the local community, providing mental health and social support. Although this is a voluntary position, reasonable out of pocket expenses will be paid.

For more information, and if you would like us to call you for an informal chat about the role, please email our Chairperson, Edwin Chambers. Contact information can be found when you click on the blue "How to Apply" button above.

The Wessex Museums Trust is seeking a new independent trustee to join the Board as Finance Lead. The role of the Finance Lead is to maintain a strategic overview of the Trust’s finances. We are seeking applicants with a strong regional connection who can provide diverse perspectives. We welcome applications from all sections of the community and would particularly encourage applicants from ethnic minority and lower-socio economic backgrounds, which are currently underrepresented on our Board of Trustees.

Our mission is to support museums to connect, inspire and add value to people’s lives.

Wessex Museums comprises seven museums which tell the stories of Dorset and Wiltshire from prehistoric times to present day. Together we form the charity, Wessex Museums Trust, which exists to build the resilience and relevance of our partner museums. 

Skills and experience

Individuals are sought who have a range of experience, skills, and expertise, an interest in cultural heritage/museums/arts, and a connection to the Wessex region. For the role of Finance Lead, the following experience would be advantageous:

• Financial / accountancy qualifications and experience
• Experience of charity finance, procurement and fundraising
• The skills to analyse proposals and examine their financial consequences
• Business development and enterprise skills.

Deadline for applications: 1st September 2024

Inclusive Boards are delighted to be supporting the Earlham Institute in their search for a new Legal Trustee. The Earlham Institute is a hub of life science research, training, and innovation focused on understanding the natural world through the lens of genomics.
Embracing the full breadth of life on Earth, their scientists specialise in developing and testing the latest tools and approaches needed to decode living systems and make predictions about biology. 
The Earlham Institute is based within the Norwich Research Park and is one of eight institutes that receive strategic funding from UKRI Biotechnology and Biological Science Research Council (BBSRC), as well as support from other research funders.

Earlham Institute is seeking a new Legal Trustee to join the Board. They are eager to hear from interested individuals with legal experience of a commercial area of practice. 
The successful applicant will be:

• A qualified solicitor.
• Extensively experienced in their field.
• Able to advise on best practice and legal policies relevant to Earlham Institute.

To learn more, please download the candidate information pack using the links on the Inclusive Boards’ website. 

To apply please provide: 

• A detailed CV setting out your career history, with responsibilities and achievements.
• A covering letter (maximum 2 sides) highlighting your suitability for the role and how you meet the skills and experience for the role. Please note that the covering letter is an important part of your application and will be assessed.
• Details of two professional referees together with a brief statement of their relationship to you (referees will not be contacted without prior consent).

Join the board of ACRE, which champions vibrant, sustainable and inclusive rural communities, and help it achieve its ambition that no one should be disadvantaged by where they live.

Location: In-person meetings usually take place in Woodstock, Oxfordshire, twice a year, and other meetings are held online

Closing date: Monday 16th September

ACRE (Action with Communities in Rural England) is an independent charity formed in 1987 with the aim of improving opportunities for people and communities in rural England. Today, ACRE works to create thriving, inclusive and economically active rural communities which have access to the services they need. We are the national body of the ACRE Network – England’s largest rural grouping of community support charities. Our work includes the coordination of nationally funded projects, programmes and research and contributing to public policy-making that impacts rural communities.

We work hard and want to maintain close relationships with our members and support them by providing insights into the issues facing rural communities and the changes that are required. With our members and data from across the country, collected through over 35,000 community groups each year, we work with government departments and other national bodies such as the Rural Coalition to ensure policies take into consideration rural community need. We provide nationwide advocacy and collaborate with our members to support local initiatives and deliver projects and programmes that secure a better future for everyone in the countryside.

We function as a membership body and manage the government’s strategic investment in the ACRE Network. ACRE is currently funded mainly by Defra as the core network of support for rural community projects and to help rural communities recover from the pandemic. We are commissioned by the government to deliver a country-wide programme to support the development of rural affordable housing. We are exploring the development of new digital solutions that benefit our members and our end beneficiaries.

It is an exciting time to join with a newly appointed Chief Executive and a new government. We are about to begin work on developing our latest strategy which will see us grow, develop and increase our impact. We are looking for up to three new trustees to join us, who share our commitment to supporting rural communities and ensuring the voices of local people are heard.

We are looking for people who can bring diverse backgrounds, experiences and views to the board. It is key that our board represents our society, and we are looking to develop our board’s lived experience of rural life and ensure it is diverse in terms of age, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender balance and cognitive diversity. We are especially interested to hear from those currently under-represented on the board such as young people, people from minority ethnic backgrounds and people with lived experience of rural disadvantage.

We are also looking for trustees who can bring different professional experiences to the board. This might include but is not limited to, finance, commercial acumen, experience of partnerships between the corporate and charity sectors, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) or Environment, Social and Governance (ESG), community building and engagement, transport, utilities, housing or digital connectivity and communications.

The board meets quarterly with an annual strategy away day and an AGM. Board meetings are usually held in person twice a year and virtually twice a year.  There are opportunities to engage with our executive and our membership throughout the year. We expect the time commitment, inclusive of board meetings, preparation, and ad hoc discussion with the executive and board to be the equivalent of up to a day a month.

Please click 'Apply via website’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close on Monday 16th September.

Can your skills and knowledge help us to grow? Then why not consider joining us.  We specialise in supporting people with visual impairments and we have an exciting opportunity for you to join our Board of Trustees.

What will you be doing?

As a member of the Board, you will play a vital role in steering and supporting New Outlook. The Board is responsible for providing strategic direction; ensuring we meet regulatory requirements; and overseeing the work of the staff team, thus ensuring New Outlook’s effective, efficient administration and financial stability. 

You will be part of a Board team that will help to ensure:

Promoting and Protecting NEW OUTLOOK

• To act as custodian of NEW OUTLOOK’s values
• To ensure that the customers’ voice is heard in the decision-making process
• To monitor compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements
• To support and uphold the Code of Governance and the NHF Model Rules (2015)
• To be an ambassador for NEW OUTLOOK as appropriate

Setting Strategy

• To consider and, if appropriate, agree a vision for NEW OUTLOOK and a strategy to work towards that vision
• To assist the Executive Team in the setting of plans and strategies
• To support the work and the role of the Chair of the Board and the chairs of other Committees
• To support the work of the Group Chief Executive and all colleagues; constructively challenging proposals as appropriate

Managing Performance

• To agree key policies
• To take an individual and collective responsibility in monitoring performance against plans, budgets and decisions through regular critical appraisal of operational and financial information
• To ensure appropriate action is taken if expected standards of performance or results are not or are unlikely to be achieved
• To request further information or professional advice when required

Board meetings are held four times a year in Oldbury with two being longer ‘away day’ sessions and you may also be asked to join a Committee or time limited task group.

What are we looking for?

We are seeking to appoint people who can demonstrate a commitment to a high level of engagement and possess a range of experience ideally with a Social Care and Governance or experience as a Chartered Surveyor. We wish to have a wide range of people on the Board and are particularly keen to be representative of the diverse population in the West Midlands. 

What difference will you make?

The role of Trustee is non-executive, providing a rewarding opportunity to use your expertise and experience to support and shape our future. We very much value all of our customers and you will have the opportunity to work with us, at all levels, as we seek to grow and develop the business.

Smart Works is a dynamic, high profile and fast-growing UK charity that dresses, coaches and empowers unemployed women for success at their job interview. After visiting Smart Works, 63% of clients secure a job within a month, gaining financial independence and transforming their lives.

The Smart Works service is delivered in 11 centres across the UK. Over the past ten years, Smart Works has helped over 35,000 women. It is our mission that any woman who needs our service should be able to find her way to a Smart Works centre. More information about who we are can be found on our website.

In April 2022, Smart Works launched a new Three-Year Plan that will see the charity double the number of women helped annually from 5,000 to 10,000 women a year. To achieve this, we will grow our existing centres and open new centres in areas of need. We are well on the way to achieving our goals. 

About This Role

We are seeking up to 3 new trustees to join our Group Board. Smart Works is led by a Group Board of passionate and dedicated trustees, who are responsible for the governance and strategic direction of Smart Works. We also work closely with our 6 local Boards across the country. 

“Over the last 10 years, Smart Works has grown from an unerring passion to support unemployed women into work, into a dynamic and successful charity transforming the lives of women and communities across the UK,” says Smart Works Chair Julietta Dexter. “New members of the Board will have a key role to play in ensuring that Smart Works continues to deliver our ambitious targets for growth, whilst ensuring that we meet and exceed the expectations of our clients. The role of trustee is hugely rewarding, challenging and enjoyable in equal measure.” 

Our current skills audit illustrates that we are particularly looking for candidates with expert skills in the fields of commercial property, fundraising and employment support (for example, organisations that regularly refer to Smart Works). By drawing on their expertise, the successful candidates will be able to advise Smart Works as it looks to develop and expand in these areas.

For more information on the Trustee position, please find the full role profile attached.

How to Apply

Please apply via our website.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an interview after 20th September. The process will be led by the Nominations Committee. There will be a shortlisting process followed by two rounds of interviews with formal approval to take place at the Board meeting in October. 

References and a Basic DBS check will be taken up prior to appointment. 

We particularly welcome applications from black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, disabled candidates, and candidates with lived experience of female unemployment as we would like to increase the representation of these groups at Smart Works. Smart Works promotes equity, diversity, and inclusion in our workplace. We make employment decisions by matching the Charity's needs with the skills and experience of candidates. These decisions are made irrespective of age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. 

At Smart Works we will apply suitable measures to keep your information secure in accordance with our Privacy Policy (a current version of which is available on our website)

Join us and help us transform lives and communities together!

Greater Together Manchester (GTM) is a dynamic and forward-thinking charity, working across Greater Manchester to support communities to tackle deprivation and transform the lives of vulnerable people.

This is an exciting time for GTM as we look at our strategy post-pandemic, and how we can expand the remit of our work to better achieve our charitable aims.

The current aims of the charity include:

• To kick-start, grow and support social action/community outreach projects and initiatives by equipping local churches, groups, individuals and communities with the skills and confidence to make a real difference to the lives of the most vulnerable people in their local area.
• To connect projects, people, and organisations together to help them to share best practice, resources, and ideas.
• To work together with multi-agency partners to influence local, regional, and national policy and strategy.
• To provide training and information to individuals and organisations to help equip them with the skills and knowledge they need to support and sign post vulnerable people more effectively.

As a trustee with HR expertise, you will take the lead at board level, whilst ensuring that the collective responsibility of the Board of Trustees for the management, support, and development of GTM’s staff is maintained.

This is an unpaid, voluntary role, but presents a great opportunity for personal and career development. Trustees are able to claim out of pocket expenses in accordance with GTM’s expenses policy.

The role would suit a range of people, from young professionals looking to broaden their leadership credentials, to senior or retired professionals looking to give something back to their local communities.

The statutory duties of all trustees are:

• To ensure that the organisation pursues its objects as defined in its governing document.
• To ensure that the organisation complies with its governing document, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations, and that the organisation complies with all relevant reporting requirements.
• To act in the best interest of the organisation at all times, acting with reasonable care and skill.
• To ensure that the organisation manages its resources responsibly and that its assets are only used to support or carry out its objects.

Main Responsibilities of Trustee (HR Lead)

To advise the Board of Trustees on matters relating to HR:

• To grow, maintain and develop staff throughout the organisation.
• To oversee the development of relevant HR policies and procedures.
• To advise on and help improve the management of HR.
• To ensure that the Board of Trustees properly remunerates staff, reviewing and rewarding performance and development opportunities.

To work with the Chief Executive Officer:

• To ensure that the HR functions of the organisation are conducted within legal requirements and best practice.
• To review the current HR arrangements and provide guidance on HR strategy and both short term and long-term direction.
• To take a leadership role in relation to GTM’s policy and procedures, ensuring they are reviewed in a timely manner and in response to any legislation changes.
• To support the CEO and other managers with any reoccurring staffing issues.

Person Specification

Essential for the HR Lead:

• Recent experience in an HR role, ideally at a senior level, with a track record of success at an operational and strategic level.
• An understanding of the UK charity sector, good governance, and statutory requirements relating to companies and charities.
• A thorough understanding of HR policy and practice.
• Experience of performance management and HR/employment law
• Ability to demonstrate a good understanding of current developments in HR, staff and development training and recruitment.
• An understanding of the role played by volunteers in our projects and services.

Essential for all Trustees:

• Understanding of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trustees.
• Enthusiasm and belief in our vision and mission.
• Commitment to the charity’s objects, aims and values, and a willingness to devote time to carry out responsibilities.
• Strategic, forward-looking and the ability to think creatively in relation to the aims of the charity.
• Good, independent judgement and the ability to act in the best interests of the charity.
• Ability to work at a strategic level whilst understanding the detail and complexities of delivery.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Respect for the importance of confidentiality.
• The ability to balance tact and diplomacy with the willingness to challenge and constructively criticise.

Desirable for Trustees

• Personal experience of poverty, or experience of working with people experiencing poverty.
• Prior experience of being a charity trustee.
• Knowledge of the type of work undertaken by the organisation.
• A wider involvement/interest in the VCSE sector.
• A knowledge and understanding of the Church of England and/or the Diocese of Manchester.

Time Commitment and Location

Trustee meetings take place four times per year, normally at GTM’s offices in central Bury.

You will also be expected to commit to approximately 1-2 hours to prepare and/or read through papers prior to each meeting (papers are distributed one week in advance of meetings).

You will also be expected to commit to some work in between meetings, although the timings of this work can vary throughout the year and be flexible.

The Board is occasionally called upon for advice or to update on ongoing matters, or to make more urgent decisions by email.

There may also be a requirement to meet with staff to discuss HR matters outside of these meetings and to act in an ambassadorial role for GTM at other meetings and events.

Akwaaba are looking for a new trustee with Safeguarding experience to join our board of trustees, and as an organisation who shares our values we hope that you will be able to share this with people/organisations that may be interested.

Responsibilities include:

• Being the Safeguarding Lead for Akwaaba- should have advanced level knowledge of safeguarding , ideally of children and adults, and experience working with children, young people and families.

• Working closely with the children’s team, particularly a smaller group of volunteers who will be your main point of contact 

• Supporting our volunteers working with children and families with advice and suggestions to manage any safeguarding issues which arise at Akwaaba sessions

• Ensure policies are appropriate and up to date. 

• Being available to speak to volunteers (this can be off site over the phone) during our Sunday sessions (currently the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month), should any urgent safeguarding issues arise which might need escalating.

The Medical Research Foundation is looking to appoint a trustee, with senior-level experience working within environmental sustainability, to join our Board of Trustees. 

Many of the diseases and conditions that affect human health have been cured or overcome as a result of medical research, but there will always be more to do and there are areas of medical need that receive little or no support – and people’s lives that see no improvement. That’s where we step in. The Medical Research Foundation is an independent charitable foundation, investing the power of our donations to change medicine and change lives.

This year we launched a five-year strategy for 2024-2029 that focuses on changing the health of children and young people, those with neglected mental health conditions and those whose health will be impacted by the changing climate. Our strategy is underpinned by a focus on planetary health. In addition to focusing our research funding in this area, we have taken steps to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and increase the environmental sustainability of our work. Our aim is to reach net zero in our activities and to influence the activities of others that we work with and fund to be more environmentally sustainable. 

The Medical Research Foundation is overseen by a Board of Trustees who have ultimate responsibility for directing the charity, its assets and activities. We are looking to complement the current strengths of our Board with a trustee who has senior-level experience working within environmental sustainability, who will help us achieve this vision and deliver on our five-year strategy to give hope through medical research. Ideally you will be familiar with the principles of corporate governance in the public or charitable sector.

Diversity and inclusion is a priority for us and we encourage and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. Trustees are supported throughout their appointment with training and development opportunities, and we welcome applications from individuals are who new to charity trusteeship. 

The Board typically meets four times a year, either virtually or in Central London. As part of their appointment, trustees are also asked to sit on the Board’s committees and attend occasional evening events. The position is voluntary and not remunerated, although reasonable expenses are paid, such as travel and childcare while attending our meetings and events.

The appointment will commence in November 2024 for a three-year term in the first instance.

How to apply
You can find full details of the role and how to apply by visiting our website.
Closing date: 16 September 2024
Interview date: 30 September 2024

Role: Charity Trustee 

Expertise: We are looking for someone who has experience in one or more of the following areas: Charity Operations, Property Development/Management, Human Resources, Charity Fundraising

Role Type: Voluntary 

Location: Woking, Surrey

Reporting To: Board of Trustees 

Role Summary 

As a Trustee, you will bring your expertise and skills to an enthusiastic and dedicated board, fostering a collaborative environment with the CEO and senior staff to achieve the charity's vision. The Board takes on a governance role, offering support and expertise in various areas as the charity works to defeat homelessness in the Woking area.

YRP is currently seeking applications from potential trustees that have experience in Charity Operations, Property development/management, Human Resources and/or Charity Fundraising. Applications are welcome from those with proven experience in one or more of those key areas. 

YRP values diversity and encourages applications from all backgrounds, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion, or belief. We are particularly keen to hear from individuals who have 'lived experience' of the challenges our clients face, as your insights and perspectives are invaluable to our mission.

Role Description

• Contribute to the work of the board as they provide Governance and maintain Due Diligence and set strategic direction over the charity’s work

• Contribute advice to the Board and Charity Staff from within your skill set

• Attend Board Meetings (one per quarter)

• Attend subcommittee meetings relevant to your skill sets (monthly or quarterly depending on need)

• Be a good ambassador for the Charity.

• Becoming a trustee is a valuable commitment of approximately 2-3 hours per month, where your expertise and dedication will significantly contribute to our mission. This includes meetings, preparation, and additional responsibilities for sub-committees.

Your Qualities

• You will be passionate about supporting a charity whose staff strive to help those dealing with homelessness.

• You will be someone who wants to volunteer with a friendly, compassionate Board and Staff.

• You will be willing to use your professional skills to benefit the charity in its mission to defeat homelessness, and the Board in its mission to ensure good governance.

• You will demonstrate unwavering personal integrity and openness, fostering a culture of trust. 

• You will be an exceptional relationship builder, keen to cultivate meaningful connections. 

• You will be a tactful communicator, engaging with diplomacy, fostering understanding through effective communication. 

• You will be a collaborative team player, fostering unity among team members. 

Additional Terms 

Legal Eligibility: Must be eligible to act as a charity trustee and will undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service check. 

Term Length: Trustees will serve a 3-year term, with eligibility for reappointment at the end of each term for two additional terms. 

To apply, please email a CV and a one-page cover letter explaining your motivation and suitability for the role to the Chair of the Board, Timothy Henty.

Closing Date: Friday 6th September 2024, 5pm.