Compliance Manager Volunteer Roles in Edinburgh

About YAUK

Youth Advantage UK is a charitable organization that uses a research-led approach to inform policy work and projects
that aim to promote and further the human rights of young people aged 11 to 25 across the United Kingdom.

Please note that this is a VOLUNTEER role.

We won't accept applications from individuals residing outside of the UK as we operate on the principle of bettering the lives of young people in the UK. Therefore, we require our volunteers to have an understanding of what it is like to live in the UK.

This is an opportunity for someone who holds a PhD or Research Master’s degree to join our team as a Research Manager, and use their experience in guiding and managing our research function(s). Initially there will be a focus on managing the preliminary research function, which carries out research on specific topics to best inform, guide and direct our work in protecting the rights and interests of young people.

Responsibilities

· To manage welfare of researchers

· Look after day to day management and support of teams, stand in for absences (including undertaking research tasks, where necessary).

· Monitor and report on performance

· To advise on and provide feedback on matters of research

· To line manage senior researchers

· To advise on, guide and manage research workflow, ensuring of ethical research and policy compliance

· To ensure of a focus on organizational goals

· To lead planning as required

· To have oversight on research being carried out and the outcomes of such, ensuring it is to a high standard

You will need

· A PhD or Master’s degree

· To have experience operationally in a research role

· To understand how to motivate a team and manage others

Benefits

This is a UK based 100% fully remote and flexible role with a time commitment of 5 hours per week.

Supportive Team and Management to enhance your skills and build on your experience.

Your work will help transform and empower many young people’s lives, rights and interests and assist in promoting equality for all young people.

Why volunteer with us?

We are a supportive and friendly organisation that takes pride in developing and nurturing our staff and providing them with excellent opportunities to thrive and further encourage their career growth and future aspirations.

We offer a fully remote working environment and a flexible and adaptable working schedule. This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing organisation, enhance your skills, and gain valuable experience to help you begin your career in Research as we endeavour to grow our organisation and continue to make positive changes to the lives of young people. If this sounds like you and you are interested in applying for this position, please submit your CV.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Light and Hope Initiative

We educate, empower, and restore hope to vulnerable communities in the Mathare slums, Kenya.

Our Challenge is Poverty. Poverty denies people of their basic needs such as; food, clean water, sanitation, healthcare, and education. It destroys hope, purpose, and self-worth. It infects hearts with isolation, apathy, dependency, disconnection, and addiction.

Our Strategy is Holistic Poverty stretches across the entire Mathare slums affecting almost everyone in this area. Its effects reach deeper. Uniquely connected to different causes, the effects of poverty are revolving—one result leads to another source leads to another consequence. Our consolidated strategy address brokenness in every sector of life to bring light and hope where none existed before. Every Light and hope program seeks to educate, empower, and restore hope to the vulnerable community members and set them on improved trajectories thus breaking the inter-generational cycle of poverty.

GRANT/ DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Volunteer Role Description (remote, unpaid)

Responsibilities: Grant Research & Identification – Identify and research potential grant opportunities from local and international donors, foundations, and institutions that align with Light and Hope Initiative’s mission.

Proposal Writing & Submission – Develop compelling grant proposals, funding applications, and concept notes, ensuring they meet donor requirements and effectively communicate the impact of our work.

Donor Relationship Management – Build and maintain strong relationships with donors, grant agencies, and funding partners to enhance long-term collaboration.

Fundraising Strategy Development – Assist in creating and implementing a sustainable fundraising strategy, including grant funding, corporate sponsorships, and individual giving campaigns.

Reporting & Compliance – Monitor grant obligations, track fund usage, and prepare progress reports for donors, ensuring transparency and compliance with funding requirements.

Collaboration with Program Teams – Work closely with the program teams to understand project needs, gather data, and develop funding proposals that align with organizational goals.

Capacity Building – Train and support other team members in grant writing and donor engagement to strengthen the organization's fundraising capacity.

Impact Documentation – Collect success stories, testimonials, and data to demonstrate the effectiveness of funded programs and improve grant applications.

Innovative Fundraising Initiatives – Explore and develop creative approaches for fundraising, including digital campaigns, crowdfunding, and partnerships.

Weekly Time Commitment

4-6 hours per week

Duration of Volunteer Role (remote)

3-5 months

5 x Trustee Position including one Treasurer Role

 3ST (Third Sector Together) North West London Voluntary and Community Sector Alliance

About Us

3ST is the alliance of the voluntary and community sector across North West London's Integrated Care Board (ICB) region. We support the voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) sector in influencing and engaging with our health system while supporting the delivery of meaningful services. Our mission is to increase the VCSE sector's contribution to addressing health inequalities, improving service quality, and supporting healthier lives across North West London.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced professional to join our Board of Trustees, bringing expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• Financial Management and Accounting

• Procurement and Contract Management

• Human Resources

• Corporate Governance

Key Responsibilities

1. Governance

· Ensure the charity is carrying out its purposes for the public benefit.

· Safeguard the charity’s reputation, values, and mission.

· Ensure compliance with the Charity Commission’s regulations, the charity’s governing document, and relevant UK laws.

· Support the development and monitoring of organisational policies and procedures

2. Strategic Oversight

· Contribute to the strategic direction of 3ST, ensuring alignment with our mission and values

· Monitor the implementation and effectiveness of agreed strategies and objectives.

· Guide the development of procurement and contract management processes

3. Financial Management

· Approve budgets and ensure proper financial oversight, including adherence to charity accounting standards.

· Ensure the charity has sufficient resources to operate sustainably and responsibly.

· Assess and manage financial risks appropriately.

4. Risk Management

· Identify and evaluate potential risks, ensuring appropriate measures are in place to mitigate them.

· Maintain safeguarding practices to protect beneficiaries, staff, and the reputation of the charity.

5. Legal Compliance

· Ensure the charity meets its legal and regulatory requirements, including filing annual returns and accounts.

· Ensure adherence to data protection and equality legislation.

6. Advocacy and Representation

· Act as an ambassador for the charity, fostering positive relationships with key stakeholders and partners

· Uphold and actively promote the charity’s values and aims.

· Support the Alliance's representation and influencing work across the health system

· Champion the role of the VCSE sector in addressing health inequalities

________________________________________

Person Specification

Essential Experience and Skills

· Senior-level experience in either finance, procurement, or governance within the public, private, or voluntary sector

· Understanding of charity governance and trustee responsibilities

· Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities

· Experience in strategic planning and risk management

· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

· An understanding of or connection with North West London.

Desirable Experience

· Knowledge of the health and social care landscape in North West London

· Understanding of integrated care systems and NHS structures

· Previous board or trustee experience

Personal Qualities

· Commitment to reducing health inequalities and improving community wellbeing

· Strong ethical principles and commitment to public service

· Ability to work collaboratively as part of a diverse board

· Strategic thinking and ability to analyse complex information

Time Commitment

· Board meetings bi-monthly (6 per year)

· Annual Board Strategy Away Day

· Additional time for document review and strategic planning sessions

Remuneration

This is a voluntary position. Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed according to our trustee expenses policy.

About YAUK

Youth Advantage UK is a charitable organization that uses a research-led approach to inform policy work and projects
that aim to promote and further the human rights of young people aged 11 to 25 across the United Kingdom.

Please note that this is a VOLUNTEER role.

We won't accept applications from individuals residing outside of the UK as we operate on the principle of bettering the lives of young people in the UK. Therefore, we require our volunteers to have an understanding of what it is like to live in the UK.

Overview

We are looking to appoint a Senior Research Manager who is able to lead all our Initial Research function, this function is fulfilled by usually 4 teams all led by a Research Manager and Senior Researcher. Initial Research Teams follow an Initial Research framework which guides our research led approach. Suggestions for research topics are made at regular intervals and these teams carry that research out over the course of a few months. Once initial research has been carried out a report is created and this is referred for either long term research, policy work or a long term project. 

Responsibilities

• To support the overall management of the Research & Policy Department by leading the Initial Research function

• To guide and support more junior management to achieve success in their roles, directly managing up to 4 Research Managers 

• To have overall responsibility for all of our Initial Research work, usually overseeing approximately 4 short term research projects at any one time

• To engage with research ethics volunteers to ensure of ethical compliance

• To oversee and develop relevant procedure and process

• To align Initial Research Team Research Managers with the objectives and goals of the department 

• To provide support to Research Managers and Initial Research Teams, ensuring a good level of support is provided across each team

• To ensure of effective supervision of volunteers

​You will need

• Some experience in a management position 

• At least 2 years of operational research experience

• A postgraduate course of study, ideally at PhD level

• A good understanding of ethical compliance in research 

• Planning skills 

• Research report writing experience

• Ability to create and manage policy

Benefits

• This is a UK based 100% Fully remote and flexible role 

• Supportive Team and Management to enhance your skills and build on your experience.

• Your work will help transform and empower many young people’s lives, rights and interests and assist in promoting equality for all young people.

The Chair of Trustees provides strategic leadership and direction to the Board, ensuring the effective governance of the charity. In this role, you will guide the organisation in its mission to help adults learn to read, ensuring that it operates efficiently and sustainably while delivering a profound impact on individuals’ lives.

You will lead the Board and work closely with the CEO to advance the charity’s vision that every adult who wants to learn to read, can.

Key responsibilities

Leadership and Governance:

• Lead the Board of Trustees in providing strategic oversight and effective governance, ensuring compliance with the charity’s constitution, legal, and regulatory obligations
• Ensure the charity stays true to its mission of helping adults learn to read and that all activities align with its vision, values, and strategic objectives
• Foster a culture of collaboration, inclusion, and accountability within the Board

Board Management:

• Chair Trustee meetings, setting agendas in partnership with the CEO or senior staff to ensure discussions focus on the charity’s priorities
• Encourage open, respectful debate and collective decision-making among Trustees, ensuring clarity of outcomes and actions
• Oversee the recruitment, induction, and development of Trustees, ensuring the Board is diverse, skilled, and effective in fulfilling its responsibilities
• Monitor and assess the performance of the Board, supporting Trustees to carry out their duties

Support to Senior Staff:

• Function as the primary link between the Board and the CEO, offering guidance,support, and constructive challenge
• Conduct regular appraisals and set objectives for the CEO, ensuring they have the resources and backing to succeed
• Serve as a sounding board for major decisions and initiatives, especially those that advance the charity’s literacy goals

Advocacy and Representation:

• Function as an ambassador for the charity, promoting its work to external stakeholders, including funders, partners and the public
• Represent the charity at public events, campaigns, and meetings to raise awareness about adult literacy challenges and successes

Risk and Compliance:

• Ensure the charity has effective policies and systems for financial management, safeguarding and risk mitigation
• Oversee the preparation of statutory reports, ensuring compliance with the Charity Commission and other regulatory bodies
• Safeguard the charity’s reputation and ensure its activities comply with all relevant laws and its governing documents

Strategic Planning:

• Collaborate with Trustees and staff to monitor progress against strategic goals,adapting plans as necessary to meet evolving challenges and opportunities

The Organisation
Changeworks is an organisation with a long track record of achieving significant impact.
Through its work with individuals, households, businesses, and other organisations, it prevents hundreds of thousands of tonnes of carbon from harming the planet each year.
In 2020-21, Changeworks’ efforts led to a reduction of £2.2 million in heating and electricity bills for people, along with the installation of over 3,000 energy efficiency measures in homes.
Changeworks’ fuel poverty advice service also makes a tangible difference. 
Each year, Changeworks removes over 200,000 tonnes of lifetime carbon, making a lasting impact on both people’s lives and the environment.

To find out more about the work Changeworks do, visit the website.

The Role:
The purpose of these roles is to serve as statutory trustees and to provide strategic leadership, guidance, and governance oversight of Changeworks and its subsidiary organisations. Board members act individually and collectively to support the organisation's strategic direction, to deliver its mission to decarbonise Scotland’s homes, and to uphold its environmental and social values.

Person Specification:
Specialist Knowledge Areas:

We particularly welcome expertise in:
• Corporate governance and organisational structures – especially within a group structure
• Financial oversight and corporate governance
• Environmental and social impact measurement and monitoring
• Digital transformation and technology
• Strategic corporate partnerships and stakeholder/supply chain engagement
• Social enterprise and charitable sector insight
• Legal expertise
• Public sector and government relations

Senior Leadership Experience:
We seek individuals with leadership experience that demonstrates strong strategic thinking, an entrepreneurial mindset and an understanding of the complexities of governance in the charitable sector. This could include:
•  Senior management, executive or non-executive roles in mission-driven organisations
•  Experience serving on boards or committees in any sector
•  Track record of leading teams through organisational transformation and growth
•  Experience of working with diverse stakeholder groups including, but not limited to, social housing, local government, or minority groups.

Strategic Growth and Risk Management:
Candidates should demonstrate capability in at least one of:
•  Driving or enabling organisational growth and development
•  Understanding risk management in complex organisations
•  Good governance in regulated organisations
•  Track record of success in purpose-driven organisations

We particularly welcome applications from candidates across the UK.

Further Information
For comprehensive information about Changeworks, the role responsibilities and the person we are looking for, please download the Candidate Information Document.

How to Apply
If you are passionate about joining Changeworks and believe you have the skills and experience we are looking for, please apply with the following:

• An up-to-date CV
• A supporting statement of no more than 2 sides of A4, detailing why you would like to be considered, your relevant experience and expertise and what you think you can bring to the role.

All applications are being handled by our recruitment partner, Trustees Unlimited (part of the Russam group).

All applications should be emailed to Trustees Unlimited.

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Melissa Baxter, Managing Partner - Charities.

Closing date for applications: Friday 11th April 2025  
Interviews with Changeworks: w/c 28th April 2025

As a Trustee, you will provide strategic guidance and oversight to the charity, ensuring it achieves its mission of helping adults learn to read. This role specifically seeks a Trustee with experience and insight in working with, large numbers of volunteers, to support the charity in developing, sustaining and empowering its national volunteer network to maximise impact.

You will work closely with the Board, CEO and Senior Team to advance its vision of ensuring that all adults who want to learn to read, can.

This role is ideal for someone with a passion for volunteering and an understanding of its impact in driving social change. If you are ready to help empower volunteers to create a brighter future for adults struggling to read we would love to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities
 

Strategic Oversight:

• Contribute to the charity’s overall strategy with a particular focus on its volunteer-led initiatives
• Apply your insights and suggestions to help further develop the organisational strategy to maximise impact from volunteers
• Advise on best practices for recruiting, training, and retaining volunteers at scale
• Support the development of policies and frameworks that ensure a positive and effective experience for volunteers

Volunteer Management Expertise:

• Provide an insight into managing largescale volunteer programmes, including geographically dispersed teams
• Advise on the design and implementation of systems for communication, engagement, and recognition of volunteers
• Share experience on strategies to address challenges such as volunteer retention, motivation and recognition
• Advise on strategies to promote and ensure diversity, inclusion, equity and belonging,including reaching new, or currently underrepresented, volunteer communities
• Add value for the volunteers of Read Easy by supporting the team to meet expectations of volunteers and ensure a quality experience of volunteering with us

Governance and Compliance:

• Ensure the charity’s volunteer practices comply with legal requirements, safeguarding protocols and best practices.
• Support the Board in overseeing the performance of volunteer programmes and their contribution to the charity’s goals
• ​Advocate for inclusive, equitable approaches to recruitment and management across Read Easy

Advocacy and Representation:

• Champion the roles, value and impact of volunteers within the charity, ensuring that their ideas and views are considered instrategic planning and development
• Act as an ambassador for the charity, building relationships with stakeholders and potential partners who can enhance its volunteer network

Collaboration and Leadership:

• Work closely with staff and other Trustees to support the charity’s volunteer-focused activities
• • Share expertise to strengthen the charity’s capacity to manage a growing and diverse volunteer base
• • Contribute to broader discussions and decision-making as an active member of the Board of Trustees

Reports to: Chief Development Officer

We are looking for a highly motivated and experienced Head of Fundraising to lead the Fundraising department of Youth Advantage UK. The Head of Fundraising will be responsible for managing all fundraising initiatives and functions of the charity, including strategy development, donor engagement, and team leadership. This position requires a dynamic leader who can inspire and support the Fundraising team, ensure the charity complies with relevant laws and regulations, and drive the development of innovative fundraising strategies to secure long-term sustainability.

Key Responsibilities:

● Manage the Fundraising Team: Provide leadership to the fundraising team, including managing the fundraising manager and other team members.

● Develop Fundraising Strategies: Create and implement effective fundraising strategies to achieve financial targets and align with organisational goals.

● Ensure Compliance: Maintain adherence to regulations, policies, processes, and legislations, including data protection and the Charity Governance Code.

● Strengthen Donor Relationships: Cultivate relationships with individual donors, corporate sponsors, trusts, and foundations to secure sustainable funding.

● Innovate Income Streams: Identify and develop new income streams, including digital fundraising, legacy giving, and strategic partnerships.

● Monitor Performance: Track fundraising metrics and provide reports to the Chief Development Officer.

● Promote Organisational Values: Ensure the charity’s values, mission, and approach are reflected in all fundraising activities.

● Foster Partnerships: Build and maintain collaborative relationships with other organisations to enhance fundraising opportunities and resources.

Ideal Candidate:

● Experience: At least six months in a senior fundraising role with proven success in meeting and exceeding income targets.

● Leadership Skills: Strong leadership and team management abilities to inspire and develop fundraising staff.

● Strategic Thinking: Ability to design and implement innovative fundraising strategies.

● Communication Skills: Exceptional communication skills to engage donors, partners, and internal stakeholders effectively.

● Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with fundraising tools, CRM systems, and data analytics.

● Commitment to Inclusion: Understanding and experience in embedding diversity, equality, and inclusion within fundraising practices.

● Passion for Youth Development: Genuine enthusiasm for supporting young people and advancing the mission of Youth Advantage UK.

Day-to-day Tasks:

● Managing the fundraising team, including sharing best practices and meeting professional standards.

● Leading the execution of fundraising campaigns and initiatives to achieve financial goals.

● Building and maintaining relationships with donors and partners.

● Ensuring compliance with fundraising regulations and ethical standards.

● Developing donor engagement plans to nurture long-term relationships.

● Tracking progress against financial targets and reporting to senior leadership.

● Representing Youth Advantage UK at fundraising events and meetings.

Short-term Tasks:

● Recruiting and onboarding new members of the fundraising team.

● Conducting donor prospecting and research to identify new opportunities.

● Updating and improving fundraising materials, including donor communications.

● Reviewing and streamlining internal fundraising processes for efficiency.

● Creating a roadmap for the upcoming year’s fundraising strategy.

Why Join Youth Advantage UK?

Youth Advantage UK is a research led organsation that aims to further the rights of young people between 11 and 25 years old across the UK through policy work and projects. As the Head of Fundraising, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the organisation's growth and making a tangible impact on the lives of young people. You’ll work with a passionate and dedicated team, contribute to meaningful projects, and develop strategies to ensure the sustainability of our mission. We are committed to providing a supportive and inclusive work environment where all volunteers are valued and encouraged to grow both personally and professionally.

You can expect us to

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

You’ll be:

• Supporting your team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure volunteers are happy and confident
• Making sure the team observes charity best practice and compliance
• Collaborating with your Branch Development Manager (BDM) to plan volunteer activity
• Leading the team to follow Cats Protection policies, procedures and guidelines
• Monitoring expenditure and helping ensure long term financial stability of the volunteer group
• Organising and chairing team meetings
• Acting as an ambassador for Cats Protection

The Counselling Partnership Charity is looking for an experienced finance professional to help us through a period of change and growth. 

The Treasurer is a crucial member of our voluntary Board of Trustees, and is key to securing the financial health and viability of the charity now and into the future.

You will have financial qualifications (ideally ACA/ACCA), but skills and experience are just as important.  Charity finance experience is particularly desirable, whether this has been gained as a Treasurer, accountant, bookkeeper or other finance role.

You will be joining a very friendly board and welcomed by a committed team of 8 part-time staff. 

This role can be carried out entirely remotely, although in person attendance at our quarterly board meetings would be welcomed.

The Role

To oversee the financial management, viability and compliance of the charity:

• Present management accounts, overview and guidance to the quarterly Trustee Meetings in a clear and concise way;
• Assure all financial records are kept with proper process and procedures, advising as necessary;
• Ensure accurate annual returns are submitted to the Charity Commission;
• Maintain an annual budgeting process;
• Support fundraising initiatives, grants and Gift aid as needed;
• Provide advice to Charity Manager and Bookkeeper on an ad hoc basis (occasionally during office hours);
• Participate with other Trustees in the governance and strategy of the Charity.

The Treasurer works closely with the Chair, Charity Manager, and is supported by a Bookkeeper.

About Roots Academy

At Roots Academy, we’ve built a learning experience that’s changing the lives of the ummah’s future leaders, change-makers and visionaries.

Our vision is enabling university students to live God-centred lives, so we teach structured, engaging and transformative face-to-face foundational Islamic education to over 1,800 students across the UK.

Role Summary

As a Governance Officer, you will work closely with the Governance Lead to ensure strong governance practices across Roots Academy. Your role will focus on supporting governance frameworks, policies, and compliance measures to align with charity governance requirements and relevant regulations. You will also play a key role in embedding a culture of governance across the organisation.

Key tasks

▪ Trustee Support

○ Assist trustees with governance-related tasks and ensure they have access to relevant policies, guidelines, and resources.

○ Direct trustees to appropriate regulatory frameworks, best practices, and governance training materials.

▪ Governance & Compliance Support

○ Support the onboarding process for new trustees, ensuring all necessary documentation is collected and securely stored.

○ Assist in coordinating trustee meetings, including preparation of agendas, accurate minute-taking, and document distribution.

○ Maintain key governance registers, such as the register of interests, policy register, and risk register, ensuring timely updates and compliance.

▪ Policy & Risk Management

○ Support the Governance Lead in developing and reviewing governance policies, including Conflict of Interest, Risk Management, and Whistleblowing Policies.

○ Assist team leads in ensuring policies are implemented effectively and aligned with best practices.

○ Help monitor compliance with Charity Commission regulations and the Fundraising Code of Conduct.

▪ Embedding a Governance Culture

○ Assist in raising awareness of governance principles across the organisation.

○ Support the Governance Lead in organising training sessions or briefings on governance best practices.

○ Help integrate governance principles into the organisation’s operations and decision-making processes.

What we’re looking for

▪ Interest or experience in charity governance, risk management, or compliance.

▪ Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate records.

▪ Excellent organisation and communication skills.

▪ Ability to work independently while collaborating with different teams.

▪ Familiarity with Charity Commission Regulations and governance best practices (desirable but not essential).

What we have to offer

▪ Be part of a dedicated team of 90+ volunteers across the UK.

▪ Contribute to a growing organisation that educates and empowers the Muslim community.

▪ Access to in-house tarbiyah sessions to develop your deen.

▪ Receive continuous rewards for facilitating Islamic education through Roots Academy.

Please note: This is an unpaid volunteer position. Volunteers can claim expenses for food, travel, and equipment in line with the Expenses Policy.

Refugee Biryani & Bananas is looking for a Treasurer with a passion for financial management and accounting to join our Trustees Board to oversee the financial health of the charity and cement the financial literacy of the organisation at Board level. We are looking for someone with the skills, experience, energy and time to commit to our important work. Our Board is responsible for the governance of Refugee Biriyani & Bananas. The Board does not directly manage the day-to-day work, but provides oversight, shaping organisational strategy and supporting our staff and volunteers.

We are expanding our Board of Trustees to support the growth and future plans of our ambitious small charity. Board meetings take place every 12 weeks via video call, with opportunities for in-person gatherings throughout the year. Additional meetings may occasionally be required, either more frequently, in smaller groups, or one-to-one, depending on specific needs or exceptional circumstances.

The Treasurer will work closely with our team members including volunteers, other Trustees and with the CEO, advising on all financial matters including regulatory compliance. The Treasurer will be expected to attend Board meetings which last approximately an hour and a half every twelve weeks.

The Treasurer will:

● Actively participate as a key member of the Board of Trustees.

● Act as an ambassador for Refugee Biryani & Bananas

● Lead development of the annual budget and cash flow forecasting

● Support with fundraising and financial strategic planning

● Advise on all financial matters, including regulatory compliance.

● Oversee the development and observation of financial policies

● Advise the board on fund management and ensure an appropriate reserves policy

● Advise fellow Trustees on a regular basis of the financial status of the charity and where necessary recommend action.

● Support with financial processes such as Gift Aid collection and running Payroll

● Work with professional advisors including any contracted accountants

● Review financial transactions on a monthly basis via digital accounting software, Xero

● Arrange the compilation and agreement of Refugee Biryani & Bananas’ annual report

● Liaise and lead on the annual review of accounts by the independent examiner 

Position: Chair of Trustees

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

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

Strategy and Governance

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

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

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

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

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

• Maintaining compliance with relevant charitable and company legislation.

• Oversight of the Sub Committees of the board.

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

Guidance and support to the Chief Executive

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

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

• Support and guidance on operations, including personnel management.

Financial

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

• Oversight of high standards of financial management

Advocacy and fundraising

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

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

Lead Board Meetings:

• Lead all aspects of meeting management.

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

Remuneration: Unremunerated, but reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed

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

Standard commitments include:

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

• Attendance at subcommittee meetings as necessary

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

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

Qualities of a Chair

Essential

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

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

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

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

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

Desirable

• Prior experience of committee/trustee work.

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

• A wider involvement with the voluntary sector.

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

• Leadership skills exercised through a period change.

Passionate about animal welfare? Bring your expertise to our Board.

Our mission

Our mission is to improve the lives of dogs and cats today and avoid harm tomorrow.
The Edgard & Cooper Foundation exists to end the suffering of dogs and cats.
To realise our mission, we work in partnership with projects that meet our three key goals:

1. Stop the avoidable suffering of dogs and cats
2. Help people understand what dogs and cats need
3. Champion the legal protection of dogs and cats

Since the start of our operations in 2016, The Edgard & Cooper Foundation has worked hard to reach its full potential but we need your help. We see the need to bring a new Trustee to the Board, with a background in legal or governance and animal welfare to help us continuously improve and further our impact.

Edgard & Cooper and the Foundation

The Edgard & Cooper Foundation operates as a distinct and independent entity from Edgard & Cooper, the pet food brand. While both share a deep commitment to improving the lives of dogs and cats, the Foundation is solely dedicated to philanthropic efforts, focusing on funding impactful animal welfare initiatives worldwide. Since our inception, we have provided financial support to 22 projects in 16 countries, with a total funding commitment of €3,303,869. In 2024, we donated €770,000 to partners addressing animal welfare, education, and legal protection.

Person Specification

It’s essential to us that all persons involved with The Edgard & Cooper Foundation in any capacity have a genuine passion for the welfare of all animals, and fully support our mission and values.
We are seeking a Trustee with expertise and experience in:

• Animal welfare issues faced by dogs and cats, and their possible solutions locally and globally, to enhance impact.
• Legal, compliance, and risk management to ensure strong charitable governance.
• Previous Board Trustee experience, ideally within animal welfare philanthropy or related causes.

Trustee Responsibilities

• Developing and upholding the mission and values of The Edgard & Cooper Foundation.
• Strategic input on our Theory of Change model and setting our goals and key priorities.
• Expert input on decision-making and evaluation of partners and grant-making activities.
• Ensuring legal, compliance, and risk management best practices are integrated into all Foundation activities.
• Reviewing budgets and statutory annual accounts, as well as reviewing and developing all internal processes; financial, operational and otherwise.
• Reviewing and development of external communications when required.
• Supporting the Foundation team with expertise and critical advice.
• Review of organisational structure, including advice and decision-making on new Board members and succession.
• Acting as an ambassador for The Edgard & Cooper Foundation and paying keen attention to any organisations we fund through grant-making.

What's in it for you?

This is the perfect opportunity to make a tangible, lasting difference in dog and cat welfare while using your professional skills for a meaningful cause. As a Trustee, you will play a crucial role in shaping the Foundation’s impact, working alongside a passionate and dynamic Board committed to driving positive change.
This role offers valuable learning and developing opportunities, exposure to high-level strategic decision-making, as well as network expansion opportunities.
Please note that trustee roles are not accompanied by financial remuneration, though reasonable travel expenses may be claimed.

Hiring Process

• Fill in your information through our Careers Page to express your interest in the position and we will schedule a “Get to know you” call (25’)
• Match? Please send us your resume and a cover letter
• Competency-based interview with the Executive team (1 hour)
• Opportunity to engage with the other Board Members

Equal opportunities

We believe our strength comes from its diversity. We strive to create an environment where every person feels valued and empowered. So no matter who you are, where you come from, what you believe in or what your dreams are, we welcome you and look forward to receiving your application.
If your circumstances require any special arrangements at any stage of our interview process, please let us know.
We're looking forward to hearing from you.

We kindly ask you to apply in English.