Chair And Trustees Volunteer Roles

LHA London, a registered charity, founded in 1940, is looking for a trustee, ideally with knowledge and experience of property portfolio management, strategy and/or growing social impact. This is a voluntary role where you can have a real impact on the lives of young people needing affordable accommodation in London.

What are we looking for?

• A strong commitment to our mission to provide affordable accommodation in London
• Experience working at a senior level in either the property sector or the social enterprise sector (particularly in relation to strategy and growth)
• Strong networking skills and a desire to use professional contacts to support LHA’s mission.
• A strategic perspective with a growth mindset
• The ability to monitor and assess the charity’s performance and key risks
• Good listening skills and an understanding of how to add constructively to discussions
• A willingness to challenge respectfully when necessary
• An eagerness to build new relationships and become part of a team

Although previous Board experience is desirable, we are also happy to receive applications from those looking for a first Board role.

What will you be doing?
At LHA London, we believe everyone should be able to follow their dreams. That the cost of accommodation should never be a barrier to a young person being able to study or work; and that no one should have to live in poverty to achieve their goals.

As a charitable organisation that provides the door to independence for young people, we operate 13 properties that house affordable student and young people accommodation in London – providing quality and affordable long-term and short-term options– all at inclusive rates.

What’s more, we create safe and relaxed affordable hostels, long-term and short-term accommodation for students where well-being is a priority and young people can live life to the full – helping them to make connections with new friends and gain new lifetime experiences. We also take away the worry of being somewhere unfamiliar, giving everyone the confidence to experience London and the many adventures it has to offer.

What difference will you make?
You’ll make sure that LHA London grows its impact as a major provider of affordable accommodation, whether that is through supporting more people of limited means into safe and secure accommodation, providing a comprehensive volunteer scheme or supporting other London charities through the LHA Fund. In your trustee role, you will complement the executive team, bringing skills that will benefit the whole Board. This is a unique opportunity to use your skills and experience to make a difference in the lives of people in need of safe and secure affordable accommodation.

Before you apply At LHA London, we live and breathe our values.We are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic organisation. We value having a diverse Board and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, particularly those with personal experience of housing related issues, people from minoritised ethnic backgrounds and people of all genders, ages and life experiences. If you need any support to apply, or to fulfil the role, please get in touch.

If this role is of interest, please submit your CV and short supporting statement answering the following questions via the email link below.

Your statement should be up to 2 pages long (no more than 900 words), answering the following questions:

• What is your motivation to be a trustee at LHA London and what attracts you to this role specifically?
• What relevant skills, knowledge and capability will you bring to LHA
  
   

We are seeking new Trustees with a specialism in either Equality, Diversity and Inclusion or Finance to join our Board.

Awarded Theatre of the Year at The Stage Awards 2025 and the UK’s Most Welcoming Theatre by UK Theatre in 2023, Nottingham Playhouse is one of the country’s leading producing theatres. In addition to our ambitious productions, wide-ranging participation programmes and extensive artist development programme, we are also a registered charity. All of the funds we raise help to ensure we’re reaching as many people as possible to give them new opportunities and create lasting memories.

Nottingham Playhouse is governed by a Board of Trustees, whose expertise and care guide the decisions and actions of the organisation. The Board of Trustees meets 6 times a year in Nottingham, with occasional subgroup meetings. Trustees also attend press nights for each in-house production and other Nottingham Playhouse activities whenever possible.

To compliment the skills of our current Trustees, we are now seeking passionate and effective advocates for the arts with particular expertise in Equality, Diversity & Inclusion or Finance, to proactively support and contribute to the work of the Board. 

This is an unpaid, non-executive role but reasonable expenses for attending Board meetings will be offered. More information about the role is available in the Recruitment Pack.

Nottingham Playhouse is committed to a policy of diversity and inclusion, and we welcome applications from potential Trustees who would help to broaden the diversity of our Board. You can be a Trustee provided you are aged 18 or over and training can be given if needed. We strive to be fully accessible and applications from disabled people are particularly welcome to balance our governance.

How to Apply

To apply, please send us:

1. A covering letter explaining why this opportunity appeals to you and what experience, skills and knowledge you would bring to Nottingham Playhouse as a Trustee
2. A copy of your CV (please include contact details)
3. A completed Equal Opportunities monitoring form, downloadable from our website. 

We would like to help you to fully participate in the application process. If you would like the information providing in an alternative format, support in completing your application, or you would like an alternative way to make your application, please contact us to discuss a suitable format.

Closing date: Friday 28 February 2025 at 12noon.

Help shape the future of youth gaming and gambling-related harms prevention by joining the board of Ygam, an evidence-led charity.

Applications close on Monday 17th March 2025.

Location: London

About Ygam

Ygam is a national charity with a clear mission: to prevent children and young people from experiencing gaming and gambling harms through awareness raising, education and research. Our award-winning workshops are assured by City & Guilds and informed by psychologists, academics and health professionals alongside people with lived experience.

Founded in 2014, Ygam has evolved into the UK’s leading charity in this area, delivering impact-focused training and education across the UK to those in positions of influence over children and young people.

Over the past decade, Ygam has trained over 28,000 delegates and reached an estimated 4.3 million children and young people. With 95% of delegates recommending our training, we’re making real progress in safeguarding our digital generation.

About the roles

The digital revolution has fundamentally transformed how young people interact with games and gambling.

As smartphones become ubiquitous and the lines between gaming and gambling increasingly blur, young people face unprecedented risks in the digital space. This evolving landscape presents both challenges and opportunities for protecting vulnerable youth.

As we enter the third year of our “Safeguarding our Digital Generation” strategy, we’re seeking visionary leaders to join our board and help shape the future of harm prevention. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a vital cause at a critical time when digital safeguarding has never been more important.

We provide comprehensive support to help our trustees succeed, including a thorough induction programme, regular one-to-one meetings with the Chair, and access to training and development opportunities. You’ll be joining a supportive board environment where your contribution will be valued and your development supported.

Who we are looking for

We believe that diverse experiences and perspectives are crucial to effective governance. The digital challenges facing young people today are complex and interconnected, requiring a board that can view issues through multiple lenses.

For our Vice Chair position, we’re seeking an individual with strong educational leadership experience and the ability to guide strategic discussions. This role requires someone who can balance strategic oversight with practical governance experience, ensuring Ygam continues to evolve and adapt to emerging challenges.

For our trustee positions, we’re looking for someone who can bring fresh thinking and diverse expertise.

Whether you’re a health and social care professional with insights into service delivery and commissioning digital technology innovator helping us understand the latest trends, a commercial leader who can help us build sustainable partnerships, or someone with experience in gaming, your perspective could be invaluable.

We’re particularly keen to hear from candidates who can bring additional diverse perspectives to our board. This might include younger voices who can bring current expertise or people with lived experience who understand the importance of prevention work.

The ideal candidates will share our passion for safeguarding and educating young people while bringing their own unique insights to enhance our work. You’ll be commercially aware, strategic in your thinking, and able to help drive our ambitions forward while ensuring we maintain our focus on delivering impact.

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 17th March 2025.

Carers UK is the national membership charity for the millions of people in the UK who are unpaid carers. As an organisation we provide expert advice and information for carers, campaign for greater recognition and support for carers, and use our experience and expertise to help other organisations do more for carers. Our Board of Trustees plays a vital leadership role in the work we do while ensuring the charity is equipped and governed effectively, establishing and monitoring strategy and ensuring we are true to our values and keep carers at the heart of everything we do.

We are now seeking to appoint up to two people to join our Board of Trustees, to steer us towards our vision of a world where carers are recognised, valued and supported.

It’s an exciting time to be part of Carers UK, we have set out our stake as to how we want the world to change for carers. Our Board is instrumental in ensuring we make the future really impactful for carers through our vision and strategy  while fulfilling all our obligations as a charity.

We are specifically looking for two Nations Trustees, one each for Northern Ireland and Wales. In addition to the general responsibilities of a trustee, the Nations Trustee will be expected to ensure that the Carers UK Board is informed on key issues affecting carers in the respective Nations. To find out more about this opportunity please download the Trustee recruitment pack.

Closing date: Monday 3 February  2025 10am

Interviews:

Carers UK is committed to representing the diverse society in which we work and actively encourages applications from people with 

Mary Ward Settlement

Join our board as we expand to reach new communities in London helping people learn new skills, access justice, combat social isolation, and enhance their health and wellbeing

What will you be doing?

 Mary Ward Settlement (‘MWS’) is seeking additional trustees to join its Board at an exciting time for the charity.  Our award-winning centre in Stratford, East London is expanding.  We are growing our legal and mental health services and expanding our range of exciting and innovative opportunities in education, to enable people to forge new careers, develop new interests and to join and enjoy a community of people with shared interests.  

The trustees will have the experience to steer the strategic development of the organisation in close collaboration with the CEO and senior management team.  Trustees have the ultimate responsibility for making decisions on the governance of the MWS, ensuring that we are financially sustainable, well-run and committed to delivering our charitable responsibilities.

We currently work from two centres, in Stratford and Southwark. If you live or work in the East of London, particular in the boroughs of Newham and surrounding area, or Southwark, Lambeth and the South East of London we are especially keen to hear from you.

We are seeking people with enthusiasm, good interpersonal skills, and empathy and understanding of our service uses, who are prepared to use their experience and skills to achieve the objectives of MWS.

Ideally new trustees should have skills that complement those of the existing members of the Board and we are particularly interested in applications from individuals that can demonstrate significant experience in one or more of the following areas: 

· Finance for a role as trustee treasurer - holding a relevant qualification in accounting and with financial experience

· Education, especially experience on school or higher education governance boards

· Marketing especially in relation to education services

· Health, especially mental health provision and public health delivery   

The Board recognises that diversity of trustees is vital if we are to operate with excellence.  We actively encourage applications from people from all backgrounds.  If you'd like to be a Board member but face barriers in applying, we would be glad to support you.

Being a trustee will enable you to both contribute your current skills and experience to MWS and build new skills, knowledge and experience.. 

 In particular, trustees will be able to gain the following skills and experiences:

· Experience of steering the strategy of a longstanding non-profit organisation

· Leadership, stakeholder management and influencing skills

What are we looking for?

In addition to professionalism, interpersonal skills and empathy, ideally, new trustees should have skills that complement those of the existing members of the Board and we are particularly interested in applications from individuals that can demonstrate experience in one or more of the following areas: 

· Education, especially experience on school or higher education governance boards or an education charity

· Finance – holding a relevant qualification in accounting such as ACCA, CIPFA, ACA, ACMA, CPA, CGMA or significant experience in a financial role*

· Marketing especially with experience in education services

· Health, especially in mental health provision and public health delivery

*Appendix 1 sets out the additional requirements for this position which also acts as Treasurer.

We are especially interested in hearing from those who have direct experience of structural disadvantage, with lived experience that reflects our service users, and those living or working in or near the London boroughs we serve - Newham and the North East and Southwark and the South East.  

What difference will you make?

The Mary Ward Settlement is a London charity founded in the 1890s ‘to provide public education and social services for the benefit of the community’. For over a century  our  education centres and our legal services have continued to develop to enable Londoners to improve their life chances. We help people learn new skills, get back into work, access justice, combat social isolation, and enhance their health and wellbeing. Joining our board enables you to play a part in this work by contributing your skills, experience and understanding of the needs of our service users to ensure this extraordinary organisation continues in its mission.  

Person specification

In addition to the general qualities required for a Trustee, the Treasurer Trustee ideally should have:

• Extensive working experience of accounting/financial management 

• A relevant financial qualification.

• Experience of finance and pension schemes.

• A willingness to be available to staff for advice and enquiries on an ad hoc basis.

• Good communication skills especially in meetings and for presentation (for example at AGM).

How to apply and find out more

Please apply by emailing, with a cover letter, telling us why you are interested in the role and the objectives of the charity.  You can either detail your relevant qualifications and experience in the covering letter, or attach a CV . There will be an initial informal conversation with the chair or a long-standing board member so you can ask questions about the organisation.  You will then have the opportunity to speak to the CEO informally before an interview with 2 trustees. We will endeavour to arrange times and meeting places to suit you.     

Charitable Multi Academy Trust supporting students aged 3 to 25 with special educational needs across 6 schools in Greater Manchester and Warrington seeks 2 new trustees respectively with HR and marketing/business development experience to join our board. The Trust is at an exciting stage of development having recently taken on a new school and specialist FE college and about to open a new school in Warrington. Trustees play a key role in shaping strategy, providing support and challenge to the executive team and enhancing the life chances of the children and young people in our care. Trustees are expected to attend 4 board meetings per year (typically 1 hour preparation plus 2 hour meetings), plus take part in committee business (3 x 2 hours per annum) and visits to schools. Board meetings are held in person in Manchester or Trafford, committees often meet virtually or hybrid. Friendly group with high aspirations and a strong sense of purpose. We would love to hear from you if you can contribute and make a difference.

As our current Chair stands down from the role after completing 6 years as a trustee and 3 as Chair, we are starting the process of finding someone able to build on his exceptional impact.

What will you be doing?

ECT Charity provides a wide variety of services in the communities where we work - each based on an unmet local need with the aim of making a difference to people's lives.  To us, community transport is not just a matter of getting people from A to B.

Our aim is to make journeys possible for the most vulnerable and isolated people in our communities. Whether it's a GP appointment, a day out with friends, a minibus serving a special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) school or a simple trip to the shops, we connect people with the services that support them to lead active and independent lives, and when regular transport cannot provide the right solution. 

We've been doing this for more than four decades - ECT Charity started as Ealing Community Transport in 1979, with a founding mission to provide transport for older and disabled people in Ealing, London. From our headquarters in Greenford, west London, we have expanded our operation to depots in Dorset and Cheshire. 

As a leading charity in the community transport sector and one of the largest, we are not only known for the professionalism and commitment of our staff, but also for the innovative contributions we have made to national policy development, including building a sector-leading approach to social value and its measurement.

Estimate of time needed: 0-5 hours / month or 1-3 hours / week. Attendance at 4 Board meetings/yr, 3 committees 3/yr each (optional) an annual off-site and interaction at times when required.

What are we looking for?

We are seeking a dedicated and charismatic leader, with a proven track record of chairing a board or committee, potentially with previous charity Board experience. A full role description is provided in our pack, but the ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate: 

• Shared values and a commitment to our mission: The most essential criteria for our new Chair is that they must hold a fundamental belief in our cause and share our values. You will bring enthusiasm, understanding and a passion for our mission - and be committed to work with their fellow Trustees and the CEO to make a positive difference to the lives of our beneficiary community. 
• A passion for good governance: The ideal candidate will bring proven experience of governance and strategy, ensuring that our Trustees make an effective contribution and are engaged, fully involved and invested in the charity in discharging their responsibilities. They will combine these practical governance and oversight skills with strategic and creative vision and strong, independent judgment. They will also reflect ECT Charity's commitment to promoting equality and diversity. 
• A collaborative and thoughtful leader: The ideal candidate will have a way of working in harmony with our values - a compassionate, fair, inclusive and collaborative leadership style - able to offer constructive challenge while maintaining tact, confidentiality and diplomacy. We are also seeking a good team player, willing to make themselves available to staff to provides for advice and answer enquiries on an ad hoc basis. 
• A skilled communicator: Each dimension of the Chair's role is underpinned by the need for great communication skills. Additionally, a strong external presence with a substantial network of contacts and excellent networking abilities would be highly valuable. The successful candidate will need demonstrable experience of building and sustaining relationships with key stakeholders and colleagues to achieve organisational objectives.
• Taken together, we want a Chair who is dedicated to our cause, curious about how we can do better, compassionate towards our people and collaborative in their approach. They will help us develop and maintain a culture of high performance which is genuinely inclusive. The new Chair will need to take the time to understand the intricacies of our charity, which can be more complex than it first appears. 

What difference will you make?

Our new Chair will find a range of challenges and opportunities - both new and historic - as the organisation develops into the future. 

• We have made significant progress on our governance in recent years and have a solid foundation to build on. The new Chair will ensure that we do not lose momentum. 
• We are making good progress on developing its commercial options - which means developing new skills and pursuing different regulatory structures. The charity will need to ensure both success in these ventures and prevent them distracting from the core mission. 
• In 2024, we have completed a major project to update our sector-leading Social Value toolkit which provides us with opportunities to expand our influence by demonstrating the value of the sector to the sphere of public policy. 
• The desire to influence public policy is shaped by ongoing regulatory uncertainty around our current operations. We have been adroit at navigating these uncertainties over many years, but they continue to factor in our environment. 

We make a positive difference in our communities underpinned by our economic performance as an organisation. Well-run services and sustainable finances enable our social impact with pre-audit figures for 2023/24 revealing our turnover increasing from £5.8m in 2022/23 to £6.4m. Growth has been organic, reflecting our efforts to bring our services to as many people as possible in our current areas of operation.

To ensure we remain a viable, sustainable and impactful organisation, we have been focussing our attention on improving the efficiency of our operations, continuing to upgrade our vehicle fleet and seeking new opportunities for income. You will play a key role in enabling us to achieve our ambitions successfully, remaining focussed on our charitable mission.

Before you apply

Please contact us via Reach for an application form. 

Curious Minds is looking for a finance expert to take on an important Board-level role; helping Curious Minds build a future in which being creative and experiencing brilliant culture is a regular part of every child’s learning and life.

We're seeking someone to take on this important role on our Board of Trustees, who is motivated to make a difference and has experience in the following areas:

• Financial governance
• Strategic leadership
• Cultural and/or education policy and funding

And a commitment to:

• Equality, diversity and anti-racism
• Great governance practice

The Vice Chair & Treasurer is the finance expert for the Board of Trustees. As such, you will acts as the Board's link with the Chief Operating Officer to remain abreast of Curious Minds' financial position and plans.

Sister System’s mission is to bridge the gap between care-affected girls and mainstream society by working alongside our ‘sisters’ to ensure they have the same opportunities everyone else has whether at home, in school, at work, and within our communities. We provide a pathway to break through the many barriers faced by young women enabling them to fulfil their potential and become socioeconomically mobile.

Sister System is looking for a new Chair to lead our Trustees to continue empowering Sister System's people, purpose and care affected girls and young women. The Chair will provide direction and support as we embark on our new 3-year journey.

What will you be doing?

Sister System is looking for a new Chair to lead our Board of Trustees to continue empowering Sister System's people, purpose and care affected girls and young women. The Chair will provide direction and support as we embark on our new 3-year journey (2024-2026) developed through a detailed process in partnership with our team, Sis-Stars and various stakeholders in our ecosystem including funders and partners.

We are looking for a dynamic, passionate skilled and experienced individual who has the time to commit to this pivotal role, a network to add to Sister Systems existing eco-system of stakeholders and a deep understanding and alignment of the Mission, values and journey that Sister System is on. The right candidate will be ready to make the commitment to join us on our journey towards becoming a Pan London Organisation across the next three years.

The Chair will provide leadership by ensuring that everyone remains focused on the delivery of Sister System’s charitable purposes and ensuring that strategic initiatives align with Sister System’s mission and objectives.

In addition to the general responsibilities of a Trustee, the main duties of the Chair include the following:

• Providing direction to Sister System and the Board by ensuring that everyone remains focused on the delivery of our services to our beneficiaries 
• Leading the Board in setting, executing, and reviewing the strategic direction in collaboration with the CEO and Executive Team. 
• Chairing and facilitating Board meetings (both online and in-person) 
• Overseeing the risk management strategy, ensuring the Board or a designated member is regularly reviewing these risks. 
• Working closely with the CEO to identify and mitigate risks. 
• Helping create strategic plans 
• Checking that decisions taken at meetings are implemented and coordinating any actions taken 
• Working closely with the Sister System Director and supporting the operations team 
• Bringing impartiality and objectivity to decision-making

Time Commitment: Minimum 12 hours per month: Including quarterly board meetings and regular contact with CEO and Trustees

What are we looking for?

Sister System values diversity, promotes equality and encourages applications from people of all backgrounds. We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experiences of the care system. We are looking for a dynamic, passionate skilled and experienced individual who has the time to commit to this pivotal role, a network to add to Sister Systems existing eco-system of stakeholders and a deep understanding and alignment of the Mission, values and journey that Sister System is on. The right candidate will be ready to make the commitment to join us on our journey towards becoming a Pan London Organisation across the next three years.

Required

• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort 
• Experience of leadership and Chairing Boards 
• Experience on a Board of Trustees 
• Demonstrate a strong and visible passion and commitment to Sister System’s strategic objectives, mission and vision. 
• Strategic vision 
• Good, independent judgement 
• An ability to think creatively 
• Demonstrate tact and diplomacy, with the ability to listen and engage effectively. 
• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of Trusteeship 
• An ability to work effectively as a member of a team 
• A commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership

Desirable

• Knowledge of the care system 
• Cultural competence 
• Awareness of the inter-sectional complex challenges that Sister System is seeking to address 
• Can champion our mission 
• Good public speaker 
• Excellent stakeholder management skills 
• Existing network to add strength, skill and awareness of our work 
• Fundraising experience

What difference will you make?

This role presents the right candidate with a unique opportunity to lead a Board and Organisation that has built an alternative system, one that seeks to empower young women who are often on the edges of opportunity unable to access them through the traditional frameworks that often ‘care’ for them. Sister System has demonstrated its impact, made significant progress and changed the lives of 100’s of care affected girls in the 6 years since its founding. 

The impact that you will have is a deep meaningful and lasting change to the lives of many young people who currently do not have equitable access to opportunities they are well able to fill. Your leadership will make a difference by facilitating and stimulating well-rounded and strategic decision-making whilst working in partnership with the CEO, Trustees and other senior members of staff to achieve the aims of our organisation. You will support our Board to fulfil its responsibilities for the overall governance and strategic direction of the Charity and take us to the next stage

You will be joining a fast-growing, award-winning organisation led by a multi-disciplinary team. Together, and alongside our Board of Trustees, we fuse our acquired skills with our shared passion to enable, empower and enhance the life opportunities and outcomes for young women affected by care. This makes our approach utterly unique and completely essential, and you will play a significant role in shaping our future. With opportunities to work alongside changemakers across corporate, voluntary, local and central government, and other major stakeholders in the sector, becoming the ambassador and champion to continue to galvanise Sister System’s mission.

Before you apply

Once we receive your expression of interest via the Reach Volunteering Platform, we will be in touch for further information and next steps. The process will normally involve an initial conversation with our CEO or a Trustee and then a formal interview. 

The Lake District Calvert Trust is seeking Trustees to join its voluntary board. 

Are you an experienced, strategic-thinking individual considering how to give back to your community?

Have you experience of, or an interest in, disability?

Do you believe the great outdoors should be accessible to all?

Then we’d like to hear from you. 

As leaders in accessible outdoor adventure, we believe The Lake District should be accessible to everyone. Our residential breaks help people with a range of disabilities experience the Lake District in a safe and supportive way. Delivering a fun and fulfilling experience that makes a positive difference in their lives.

We are looking for Trustees who share our values to join our board and help provide governance and strategic direction to all the Trust’s activities.

As well as a passion about the work of the Trust, we are particularly interested in hearing from professionals with the following experience:

· The hospitality sector – with focus on the guest experience;

· Equine experience ideally within a commercial setting;

· Operations and commercial experience;

· Lived experience of disability.

At the Lake District Calvert Trust we are committed to diversification of our Board. We actively encourage applications from all sections of the community.

What will you be doing?

This is an exciting time for the Canaan Trust!

As the refurbishment works near completion on Aspire House to accommodate our new Female Project, we have started the process of appointing staff with the aim of accepting the first clients in January.

Our current Chair of Trustees, having been in post for ten years, has decided that now is the right time to step down from this role at our AGM in January.

We are therefore looking for the right person to lead the Trust into the future, to ensure that as we develop we are meeting the needs of both male and female residents while also supporting those in the community who call on our services.

Being an ecumenical Christian charity we wish to appoint someone who can demonstrate their commitment to the Christian Faith in their life as we firmly believe that Canaan is God’s project and we as a Trust are called to respond to the needs of the community.

What are we looking for?

The Trust is looking for someone experienced in organising policies able to lead the trustees in undertaking their duties as set out by the Charities Commission.

Being an ecumenical Christian charity we wish to appoint someone who can demonstrate their commitment to the Christian Faith in their life as we firmly believe that Canaan is God’s project and we as a Trust are called to respond to the needs of the community.

What difference will you make?

This is clearly a key role in the life of the charity. There are many challenges involved in helping our residents and those in the community. You will be supported by the current trustees who are totally committed to the work of the Trust.

There is in place a very experienced staff who often go above and beyond in their efforts to support those in need.

Time commitment

The time commitment is flexible given the nature of the role. The Trustees meet bi monthly for Board meetings with sub committee meetings in between.

Before you apply

The Trust has a policy in place for trustee recruitment and an application form. These can be sent to interested parties.

About the Trust

The Great Learners Trust, a Multi-Academy Trust (MAT) based in Buckinghamshire, comprises 11 primary schools and serves nearly 3,000 pupils. The Trust is seeking a new Chair of Trustees to guide the board through its next exciting phase of development. The Trust comprises seven primary schools, one infant school, and three junior schools, and is a mixed MAT meaning that it has both Church of England schools as well as community (secular) schools.

After the retirement of the founding CEO, a new CEO was appointed who has a strong track record for driving standards and outcomes. The Trust is now looking for a Chair to join the Trustees and CEO in developing the Trust’s medium- and long-term strategic plans and drive forward a renewed ‘GLT Brand’. Trustees, Governors and staff are passionate about the Trust’s redefined Scheme of Delegation and refreshed vision and values. The Trust is currently undergoing a review of governance (Autumn 2024) to further develop and strengthen strategic operations within the Trust. The Trust has made a strong appointment to the role of CFO who is new to the Trust in September 2024 and they, alongside the CEO, are keen that the Board drive forward a strategic plan to further develop central operations and support to further increase impact for all the Trust’s pupils and staff.

The Trust has two ASD (Autism Spectrum Diagnosis) provisions set across two of its schools and serves some communities with high levels of EAL (English as an Additional Language). The Trust faces some challenges with there being an increase in families moving to the area and sending their children to private education, however the Trust is passionate about the mission to inspire and empower all and is now looking to be ‘Brave, Bold, and Ambitious’ in plans. The Trust is currently leading the way on DfE Digital Strategy and has a number of ongoing initiatives to support pupils’ wider development such as their school bank initiative which teaches students valuable financial literacy skills, promoting responsible money management and savings habits from an early age. 

The Trust’s Requirements 

Great Learners Trust is looking for a Chair to join, and lead, the Board and work alongside the CEO and CFO to bring their strategic vision to life. The CEO has established a thirst for change among staff and the leaders who are keen to work together to champion the Trust’s vision and strengthen strategic leadership to support growth.

Trust Board meetings are held six times a year, typically running 6pm-8pm. Times for the 2024-2025 academic year are open to review in consultation with the Board but will likely remain broadly the same/similar.

Board meetings are planned in advance and are usually held on Wednesdays. Board meetings are held face to face though remote options are available to Trustees in exceptional circumstances. There are also three sub-committees: Education Standards, Finance Audit & Risk, and Personnel. These committees each meet three times a year and also meet 6pm-8pm. Most Trustees sit on 1 committee and committee meetings tend to occur 1-2 weeks before the Trust Board meeting.

Induction for the new Chair will be developed based on the candidate’s previous experience. The former Chair will remain a current Trustee and continues to be a supportive and positive Trustee on the Board and, depending on the successful candidate’s experience, would be willing to support as much or as little as necessary with the transition of the new Chair.

The Trust Board also has access to NGA (National Governance Association), Confederation of School Trusts (CST) and Bucks Education Partnership to support its governance. Candidates will also receive access to ‘The First 100 Days as a Trustee’ immersive eLearning, through Governors for Schools (developed in partnership with CST). 

What difference will you make? 

Volunteering on an academy trust board is deeply rewarding as it allows you to impact the life chances of young people. Academy trusts support schools to give children a better future. For young people to have the best possible opportunities in later life, it’s vital we have individuals with the right expertise leading schools and holding executive teams accountable. Becoming a trustee is a fantastic opportunity to give back to your local community by strengthening education. 

As well as looking for new opportunities to give something back to society, you may be looking for opportunities to build your experience in strategic decision-making at senior level or demonstrate your ability to perform in a non-executive position as part of a portfolio career.

All roles are pro bono

People from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Governing boards should represent the communities they serve, as well as wider society. We welcome interest from underrepresented groups to ensure academy trust boards are diverse in background, skillset, and thought.

Diversity is a powerful instrument for effective governance. Trustees are required to make choices that impact the daily lives of children, from school finance all the way through to staff and pupil recruitment. It’s essential that boards possess a broad set of beliefs, experiences, and ideas to inform their final judgements. We believe that true representation at board level enables all children to fulfil their potential. 

Home-Start Westminster, Kensington & Chelsea and Hammersmith & Fulham (WKCHF)

Treasurer of the Board of Trustees  (Voluntary position)

Are you looking for an opportunity to use your brilliant financial skills to enhance a charity who are passionate and dedicated in supporting children and families? 

You need look no further. We are looking for a qualified accountant who is looking to expand their skills, to become our new Treasurer. You would play a key role in ensuring the financial soundness of the charity, overseeing the work of our paid finance manager who is herself a qualified accountant, and accounting to the rest of the Board for the charity’s finances. In addition, as a trustee, you will be part of an excellent Board, playing a full role in helping determining the charity's overall strategy.Our current Treasurer has been with us for 9 successful years and the candidate would inherit sound financial systems and processes. 

Time commitment

You would be a full member of the Board of Trustees (all volunteers) who set the charity's strategy and monitor progress against it.  The Board meets six times a year, online and in person.  The Treasurer also jointly chairs the Finance and Funding Committee with the Chair which meets between Board meetings.

Home-Start Westminster, Kensington & Chelsea and Hammersmith & Fulham offers support, friendship and practical help to parents with young children in 3 boroughs – Westminster, Kensington & Chelsea, and Hammersmith & Fulham through our network of trained volunteers, visiting families in their homes. Our charity is well established and highly regarded, with a small team of experienced, enthusiastic and dynamic staff who work tirelessly, supporting parents and carers in the critical task of raising small children in those important early years. Although a separate charity it is part of the Home-Start UK family and follows its guidance.

Role description – Treasurer of the Board of Trustees 

To maintain effective governance of HSWKCHF affairs, ensuring financial viability and ensuring that proper processes and procedures exist for assuring all financial records, decisions and delegations are maintained. 

Key Responsibilities 

1. Strategic 

• To assist and advise in the formation of the Charity’s strategy with particular regard to ensuring that the Charity has the resources to deliver the strategy. 

2. Financial 

• To ensure that the Board receives appropriate budgetary and financial information on the activities of the charity including Annual Accounts 

• To ensure that all accounts are prepared and disclosed in the form required by funders and the relevant statutory bodies

• To recommend to the Board appropriate accounting procedures, controls and policies consistent with the scheme of delegation; 

• To ensure that the Charity monitors the performance of its investments and to set an appropriate reserves policy

• To oversee the appointment of auditors and review annually.

• To work in close partnership with the Finance Manager in executing their responsibilities. 

3. Governance 

• To ensure that the Board is aware of its financial duties and responsibilities and the need to comply with all legislation 

• To ensure that all financial policies, procedures and the appointment of external financial advisors/auditors are reviewed on a regular basis 

• To ensure that the Board’s scheme of delegation is reviewed on a regular basis 

• To act as Chair of the Finance and Fundraising sub-committee of the Board 

General responsibilities of a Trustee In addition to the responsibilities outlined above: 

• Contribute actively to the Board of Trustees' role in giving strategic direction to the charity, setting overall strategy and policy, setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets; 

• Ensure the financial stability of the organisation and the proper investment of the Charity's funds;

• Ensure the Charity applies its resources exclusively in pursuing its objectives; 

• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the Charity; 

• Safeguard the good name and values of the Charity; 

• Declare any conflict of interest while carrying out the duties of a Trustee; 

• Be collectively responsible for the actions of the Charity and other Trustees; 

• Participate in other tasks as arise from time to time, such as interviewing new staff, helping with fundraising; 

• Keep informed about the activities of the charity and wider issues which affect its work. In addition to the duties of all Trustees, each Trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the Board of Trustees reach sound decisions. This will involve scrutinising Board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, and providing advice and guidance requested by the Board on new initiatives, or other issues, to the area of the Charity's work in which the Trustee has special expertise.

Board meetings: 6 per year, at the end of January, March, May, July, September (Board & AGM), and November.

Application by: CV and cover letter
Application Deadline: Fri 7-2-25, 5pm
Interviews: Tuesday 11-2-25

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About Home-Start WKCHF

We support families in Westminster, Kensington and Chelsea, and Hammersmith and Fulham with at least 1 child under the age of 5 and/or who are expecting a baby. We believe that parents are the first, most important educators of their children. We help them to grow in confidence, be more involved in their children’s development and learning, promote positive behaviour, and build their community networks. Our network of trained volunteer befrienders and therapists offer practical and emotional support to families experiencing difficulties such as social isolation, mental health issues, poverty, insecure/inappropriate housing, disability and/or illness, relationship breakdown, and domestic violence, all of which have been exacerbated in recent years due to the impact of the pandemic and cost of living crisis. With over 2 decades of experience supporting local families, we are extremely well placed to deliver flexible, holistic, non-judgemental support to help families overcome these barriers, feel more connected to their local community and better cope with their difficulties and the challenges of raising a family. 

Our Services 

As the families we work with often have complex needs our range of services enable us to tailor the support for each family and compliment the outreach support provided by our experienced co-ordinators. This menu of support includes:

- Befriending Support: Volunteer befrienders visit families weekly in their homes providing a listening ear and reassurance, encourage families to access essential services in their community (e.g. Children’s Centres or debt advice), assist them in applying for benefits or grants for essential items, support them with parenting skills by modelling play at home, and accompanying families to appointments they may find challenging (e.g. housing or legal).

- Bump-Start Perinatal Project: Extending our weekly volunteer befriending support to pregnant women and their families, antenatally and during the first year of their baby’s life. By starting earlier, we can better promote the healthy attachment of parents and infants, with a long-term impact on children’s wellbeing. Bump-Start volunteers are trained in post-natal depression, attachment, and maternal-infant mental health and offer support and reassurance to isolated new parents. 

- Free Long-Term Therapy: Parents coping with anxiety, depression, family breakdown, domestic violence and other traumas are provided with weekly one-to-one sessions with a clinically supervised volunteer trainee therapist. Sessions are delivered in local Children’s Centres in the community with funding for childcare available, enabling parents who otherwise wouldn’t access this kind of long-term therapeutic help to attend and address underlying emotional issues.

- Family Support Groups- We continue to respond to needs within the community as identified by families and in collaboration with partner organisations to prevent duplication. Groups are open to all families, and we accompany families who need support to attend a group.

- Family Outings and Events: A programme of free outings/events for families in school holidays, enabling families to enjoy time together, discover local parks/activities, gain new experiences, and reduce isolation.

Over the next 5-10 years we will be doubling the amount of housing we provide through 2 new Almshouses based in Blackfriars and Walworth and increasing our grant giving to £1m a year. We will be increasing the staff team, looking for a new CEO and Chair.

Who we are

Since the 1700’s, based on our founder’s philosophy, we have prided ourselves on being generous to those in need in Southwark.

We provide genuinely affordable housing.

We provide grants for organisations working with older people.

We provide financial support and social activities to older people in need, hardship or distress.

Through out out 300 year history we have helped 1000’s of people in Southwark.

The role

We are looking for Trustees who can:

Help us deliver our ambitious property development programme on time and to budget

Help us shape our future staff team and senior leadership

Help us shape our future business plan and review policies and processes

Our Vision: Expanding our contribution towards an equitable and inclusive society, where the older residents of Southwark (in need, hardship or distress) have access to long-term, truly affordable housing, allowing them the opportunity to lead independent, enjoyable and dignified lives in a safe, secure and supported environment.

Our Mission: To provide high quality, well-managed and truly affordable housing for the older residents of Southwark in social and/or financial need, as well as helping to enrich the lives of older residents in Southwark generally through grants to local community organisations and charities offering a variety of welfare and support services.

Our Values: In pursuing our Vision and Mission, we aim to be caring, kind and fair, generous, inclusive, ambitious, sustainable and professional in all our endeavours.

We are actively welcoming applications from women and people from the global majority to join our Board. You may have a strong connection with Southwark, experience of working with older people or a passion for improving housing or opportunities for people to live longer healthier and happier lives.

We do ask you can attend all our meetings. Full board meetings are held 4 times per year. You will also be asked to join one of our sub-groups depending on your skills and experience.

We ask our trustees to be able to commit to at least 6 – 8 hours a month and have time to read the relevant documents and paperwork. You should be willing to contribute to the debates and decision making for the organisation.

We can help with travel and childcare costs but the position is voluntary.

Trustees need to be over the age of 18.