Fundraising Trustee Volunteer Roles

We are seeking a volunteer Trustee to join the Board of Trustees at WORTH to collectively oversee the administration and financial governance of the charity. The board is our governing body, providing strategy and direction and ensuring WORTH is run according to the rules.

We would particularly welcome applications from individuals with business, finance and fundraising experience in corporate or charity sectors to join us.

About WORTH

WORTH is a charity providing long term aftercare to women affected by Domestic Abuse. We offer clients 1-1 support and a range of wellbeing groups including art, writing, music and self-defence to help rebuild their confidence and self-esteem.

We provide a safe space for clients to share experiences, give and receive practical and emotional support, learn new skills, reduce isolation, build friendships, and give women their voice back. It is a space where women can focus on their future and we can support our clients in their healing, post abuse.

To be able to provide this support we rely on a great team of volunteers with a wide skill set and a whole lot of passion to enable our services to work effectively.

Our Board of Trustees play a vital role in making sure that WORTH achieves its core purpose. They oversee the overall management, administration and governance of the charity. They also ensure that WORTH has a clear strategy and that our work and goals are in line with our vision. Just as importantly, they support and challenge the CEO to enable WORTH to grow and thrive and support more women in need.

Trustee Duties:

• Support and provide advice on WORTH's purpose, vision, goals and activities.
• Approve operational strategies and policies, and monitor and evaluate their implementation.
• Oversee WORTH's financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress.
• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.
• Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively.
• Review and approve WORTH's financial statements.
• Provide support and challenge to WORTH's CEO in the exercise of their delegated authority and affairs.
• Keep abreast of changes in WORTH's operating environment.
• Contribute to regular reviews of WORTH's own governance.
• Attend regular Trustee Board meetings and be adequately prepared to contribute to  discussions.
• Use independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect WORTH's interests, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or any third party interests.
• Contribute to the broader promotion of WORTH's objects, aims and reputation by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts.

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

What we are looking for

We are looking for people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of thinking and skills on our Board of Trustees. We are particularly interested in candidates with business, finance and fundraising experience.

Previous governance experience is preferable but not essential. The role is open to remote and local applicants.

Applicant minimum age is 18.

Personal skills and qualities

• Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as a Board of Trustees and to act in the best interests of the organisation.
• Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member.
• Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion.
• A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Enthusiasm for our vision and mission.
• Willingness to lead according to the values of WORTH.
• Commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.
• Knowledge and experience of business, finance and/or fundraising.
• An understanding of Domestic Abuse is an advantage but not essential as training will be provided.
• An understanding of client confidentiality, safeguarding, diversity and inclusivity in the services provided by WORTH.

Terms of office

• Trustees are appointed for a two year term of office, with eligibility to renew and serve for two further terms to a maximum of six years.
• This is a voluntary unpaid position.

Time commitment

• Attending a minimum of six trustee board meetings annually, meetings are held remotely via Zoom once every two to three months.
• Attendance at ad hoc trustee meetings in addition to the minimum six annual meetings.

We are recruiting for a new Trustee to contribute generally to the strategic decision making and medium-term planning. We are particularly interested in hearing from young people from all backgrounds and all experiences and welcome individuals who want to apply their knowledge and learn from our young people, staff and fellow Board members.  A full induction and training on the work of Sculpt will be provided. 

Ideally, we are looking for someone with demonstrable experience in any of the following:

• Business Development 
• Legal / Compliance 
• Third sector/ charity sector

Role Description

· Key tasks:     

• Assist in ensuring that the organisation pursues its objectives as defined in its governing document and legally operates
• Contribute actively to the Board of Trustees’ role in giving firm strategic direction to the organisation, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets
• Safeguard the good name and values of the organisation
• Represent the organisation at functions and meetings as appropriate
• Declare any conflict of interest whilst carrying out the duties of a trustee
• Take collectively responsible for the actions of the organisation and other trustees
• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation
• Abide by all relevant policies and procedures
• Ensure the financial stability of the organisation
• Protect and manage the property of the organisation and ensure the proper investment of the organisation’s funds
• Ensure the organisation is properly insured against all reasonable liabilities
• Assist in the appointment and support Senior Managers and monitor their performance
• Provide feedback on board papers, lead discussions, focus on key issues, provide advice and guidance on new initiatives
• Attend meetings and to read papers in advance of meetings
• Attend sub-committee meetings as appropriate
• Participate in other task as arise from time to time, such as interviewing new staff, helping with fundraising

About Us

Sculpt is a UK-based charity with over 20 years’ experience of working with young people aged 14-25 empowering them to shape their futures. Sculpt works with disadvantaged young people in their transition to adulthood, equipping them with life-skills, knowledge and practical work experience to support them to shape their futures. We work directly with young people and professionals/employers to break down barriers to opportunity.

All our work is guided by young people themselves and based on carefully researched evidence. We:

· Facilitate forums for young people to make their needs and their voices heard

· Conduct research to uncover young people’s real needs and what works to empower and support them

· Deliver training to build young people’s confidence, skills, ambition, resilience and sense of responsibility, so they can shape their futures and change their communities for the better, as leaders, social entrepreneurs and active participants in civic life

· Deliver training for professionals who work with young people, drawing on our research and expertise

· Engage with employers to facilitate work experience and employment opportunities for young people to develop skills and access diverse jobs

· Facilitate international exchange opportunities to encourage and enable young people to experience and appreciate other cultures, perspectives and ways of life.

The Chairman of the Birnbeck Regeneration Trust will provide leadership and direction to the Board of Trustees and oversee the strategic management of the Trust.

Who we are

Preserving for the benefit of the people of Weston-super-Mare and the nation, the natural, historical, architectural and constructional heritage of Birnbeck Pier, Island and surrounding local area, together with associated buildings and structures, and the land and buildings adjacent to, and above the shoreline.

The role

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership and Governance
  • Lead the Board of Trustees in setting the strategic direction and goals of the Trust.
  • Ensure effective governance and compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements.
  • Preside over Board meetings, ensuring they are conducted efficiently and effectively.
  • Facilitate open communication and productive discussion among Trustees.
• Strategic Planning and Oversight
  • Oversee the development and implementation of the Trust’s strategic plan.
  • Monitor progress towards strategic goals and ensure the alignment of all activities with the Trust’s mission.
  • Ensure robust risk management practices are in place.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Advocacy
  • Act as the principal spokesperson for the Trust, representing its interests to stakeholders, including government bodies, donors, and the public.
  • Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders to enhance the Trust’s profile and support fundraising efforts.
  • Advocate for the Trust’s mission and work to secure long-term support and partnerships.
• Strategic Planning and Oversight
  • Act as the principal spokesperson for the Trust, representing its interests to stakeholders, including government bodies, donors, and the public.
  • Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders to enhance the Trust’s profile and support fundraising efforts.
  • Advocate for the Trust’s mission and work to secure long-term support and partnerships.
• Fundraising and Financial Oversight
  • Work with the Board to develop and implement fundraising strategies.
  • Ensure the Trust’s financial health through effective financial oversight, including budget approval and financial planning.
  • Monitor and review financial performance and ensure transparency and accountability in financial reporting.
• Board Development and Performance
  • Lead efforts to recruit, induct, and develop a diverse and effective Board of Trustees.
  • Conduct regular evaluations of the Board’s performance and address any areas for improvement.
  • Foster a culture of collaboration, inclusivity, and high performance within the Board.
• Support and Supervision
  • Provide guidance and support to the board and volunteer team.
  • Ensure clear delegation of responsibilities and effective communication between the Board and the volunteers.
  • Address any conflicts or issues within the Board promptly and constructively.

Qualifications and Skills

• Education and Experience
  • Extensive experience in a leadership role within a major industrial, commercial, charitable or non-profit organisation.
  • Proven track record in managing a retail and cafe outlet.
  • Proven track record of strategic planning, governance, and financial oversight.
  • Experience in heritage restoration, community projects, or a related field is highly desirable.
• Skills and Competencies
  • Strong leadership and people management skills.
  • Excellent communication, negotiation, and advocacy skills.
  • Strategic thinker with the ability to drive the Trust’s vision and mission.
  • Solid understanding of governance best practices and regulatory requirements.
  • Strong financial acumen and experience with fundraising experience running a profitable business with £1m+ revenue
• Personal Attributes
  • Passion for heritage conservation and community development.
  • Integrity, transparency, and a commitment to the Trust’s values.
  • Ability to inspire and motivate others towards a common goal.
  • Strong decision-making skills and the ability to handle complex issues with diplomacy and tact.
• Time Commitment
  • The Chairman is expected to commit to regular Board meetings (typically monthly) and additional time as required for strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and events.
  • Flexibility to attend ad hoc meetings and events, sometimes outside regular working hours.

At The Orwell Foundation, we are at an exciting and demanding moment in the charity’s development. The need for the work we do is greater than ever before and as we seek to expand, we are looking to develop our fundraising activities.

The Orwell Foundation exists to perpetuate and protect the legacy of George Orwell, by connecting his work with the broadest possible public audience and by nurturing the writers and reporters who in a contemporary context share his values of bravery, integrity, and fidelity to truth: both those working today and in the next generation.

We award a range of prizes annually to the writing and reporting which best meets the spirit of Orwell’s ambition ‘to make political writing into an art’. We also run live events, outreach programmes and provide resources – including the officially licensed Orwell website – offering platforms for debate and discussion, designed to appeal to everyone to whom Orwell and his courageous, awkward works are a source of inspiration, from school students to world leaders.

WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR?

We are currently looking for two new trustees. We are actively looking to diversify the range of voices and life experience on our Board. Successful applicants will bring wisdom and energy and we are specifically seeking people with interest and experience in fundraising, income generation or philanthropy.

We are always seeking to reinforce the authority of the Foundation by using the wide expertise and reach of our Trustees. Applicants may therefore also bring expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• Fundraising, income generation or philanthropy
• Literary and historical understanding
• Journalism/ Communications/Media/ PR/ Social Media
• Education
• Data/ Information Systems
• Crisis management
• International affairs
• Legal
• Financial

The Pelvic Radiation Disease Association (PRDA) is looking for a Chair of Trustees to provide strategic leadership for the charity, working in partnership with our Operations Manager and supported by a committed team of Trustees.

Who we are

Pelvic Radiation Disease (PRD) is a long-term side-effect (‘late effect’) of pelvic radiotherapy treatment affecting an estimated 100,000 people in the UK.  People affected by PRD often have a complex set of symptoms affecting the bowel, bladder, sexual function or other functions for many years after radiotherapy, sometimes only appearing several years after radiotherapy treatment

PRDA is a small UK charity whose objectives are to see that the effects of PRD are minimised, that people affected by PRD are given the best possible care and treatment, and that PRD is accepted as a serious problem and given the attention it deserves.

Duties of the Chair

In addition to the duties of a Trustee, the Chair will:

• Provide strategic leadership to the charity and the Board, ensuring that PRDA achieves its mission.
• Work in partnership with the Operations Manager and team to achieve our mission.
• Lead the board in ensuring that it fulfils its responsibilities for the governance of the organisation.
• Optimise the relationship between the board and PRDA’s staff and volunteers.
• Plan and chair the board meetings and the AGM, with others as appropriate.
• Act as a spokesperson and figurehead for PRDA. 

What PRDA is looking for

Each trustee must have:

• a commitment to the vision and aims of the Pelvic Radiation Disease Association
• willingness to meet the minimum time requirement 
• integrity 
• strategic vision 
• good, independent judgement 
• an ability to think creatively 
• a willingness to speak their mind 
• an understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship 
• an ability to work effectively as a member of a team and to take decisions for the good of PRDA.

Ideally, trustees should also have one or more of the following: 

• Understanding of the impact of Pelvic Radiation Disease on people’s lives either through personal or professional connections, or be willing to learn about this; 
• Prior experience of committee/trustee work; 
• Knowledge of the type of work undertaken by PRDA (helpline, support groups, online support, health professional engagement, awareness-raising) and/or fundraising for a small charity, and
• Leadership skills.

Please see the full job description for more detail. 

For an informal discussion about the role please contact David Jillings, PRDA Treasurer & Vice-chair.

Are you a dedicated professional with a passion for community advocacy and helping organisations to be even better? Planning Aid for London is looking for new trustees to help us deliver our ambitious strategic plan for the next five years.

PAL is working towards becoming independent, therefore applicants with experience in fundraising, charity finance and providing services through volunteers are especially welcome.  The role is a great opportunity for someone who is passionate about helping residents to have a voice in planning the future of their neighbourhoods and working with other trustees to make that happen.

As a trustee, your role will involve:

· Overseeing the implementation of our strategic plan

· Offering an external perspective and challenge

· Providing support to the staff and volunteers

Time Commitments for trustees:

· The board meets a minimum of five times a year, usually online and from 6.00pm-7.30pm

· There are sometimes ad-hoc meetings, but these will be agreed with the board separately

· Trustees are encouraged to attend the AGM and to help with outreach events from time to time

What we offer:

As a trustee, you will have the opportunity to help steer Planning Aid for London’s work and help to make the organisation even better. You will also meet other professionals from across the built environment who are committed to helping communities in London to participate meaningfully in the planning process.

Person Specification

Essential Skills

· Commitment to Planning Aid for London’s mission

· Ability to work with others and think creatively

· Willingness to attend meetings and undertake the actions that arise from them

Desirable Skills

· Experience of fundraising

· Experience of charity finance

· Previous experience as a trustee

· Experience working with community groups

· Experience of working in the built environment

Deadline: Thursday 10 October 2024

Diversity Statement

Planning Aid for London’s main aim is to help support greater diversity and inclusion in the planning system. We work to empower people to have real influence over decisions about their environment and communities and welcome opportunities from anyone who would like to help us to achieve that.

Planning Aid for London is aware that discrimination based on sex, race, ability, sexuality, class, gender, religion, age, maternity, parenthood or other characteristics can be consciously or subconsciously replicated in its undertakings and seeks to eliminate any form of discrimination in its activities. To achieve this Planning Aid for London regularly reviews and monitors its work and practices.

Could you be a Trustee?

Are you based in the West or East Midlands and looking for an opportunity to create positive social change, meet new people and learn new things?

Music Therapy Works is looking for three-to-four committed, motivated people to join the Board as Trustees, enabling even more people to benefit from music therapy.

We are looking, in particular, for one or more of the following skills/experience to complement our existing Trustees:

• Fundraising
• Marketing and communications
• Digital
• ICT strategy management skills
• Safeguarding
• Project or operational management
• Performance management
• Strategic planning

We also want our Board to reflect the diverse community that MTW supports. We would particularly like to hear from you if you:

• have a background in social care and/or safeguarding
• have a background in music therapy or a related field
• reflect MTW’s beneficiaries. For example: are you a disabled person? Do you have mental health needs? Are you a parent or teacher of a young disabled person, or a young person with mental health needs? Are you part of an adoptive family or do you work with children in care? Are you a carer for a person with dementia?

Whether you’re an experienced trustee or wanting to take up your first position at board level, we really want to hear from you! It is not necessary for you to have previous experience as a Trustee - training will be provided. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, but you must be over 18 years old.

What do you get out of being an MTW Trustee?

We recognise that volunteering with us is a two-way process and are keen to ensure you get the most out of your time with us:

• Being a Trustee is a great way to ‘give something back’ while developing your skills in leadership, influencing, debating, negotiating, strategic and organisational planning. You will have the opportunity to meet, network and learn from people who may have very different professional backgrounds and life experiences to your own
• We provide an induction pack for new Trustees to help you quickly feel settled in
• We provide opportunities for training and development
• Every new trustee is assigned a Board buddy to help them to feel part of the team
• We offer reasonable expenses

Interested? What to do next:

1. For full details about being an MTW trustee, including a role description, please download and read the Candidate Pack
2. To register an initial expression of interest, please email us. We will be happy to discuss any queries you may have about the role or the recruitment process generally
3. If you want to apply, please complete the application form on our website and attach a copy of your CV. Alternatively, you can download a copy of the form as a Microsoft Word document from MTW's website and send it with a copy of your CV 
4. If you require any materials in an alternative format, please do not hesitate to ask
5. The closing date for applications is Sunday 11th August 2024
6. Interviews will be held in person in Worcester on 5th and 6th September 2024, with an online option if absolutely necessary

We really look forward to hearing from you! Check out MTW's website - musictherapyworks. co. uk/jobs for a full candidate pack and application form.

Solace is a Domestic Abuse Charity, this year celebrating 50 years of providing services to women and children. We are at an exciting time in our development with a new Executive Team. We are seeking new Trustees to contribute and define our role and maximise our impact.

Those using our services often have multiple and complex needs relating to their health and wellbeing, often experiencing multiple traumas in their lives.  We are unique in our offer, offering a range of services for women and children experiencing domestic abuse and sexual violence.

We are looking for someone who values the equality of all women, is passionate about their wellbeing and the challenges they face in violent and abusive environments. An interest in Solace's work and approach are essential as well as an ambitious outlook for Solace's future

Trustees with expertise in the following areas are particularly encouraged to apply: legal ; fundraising ; NHS comissioning ; Digital technologies/competencies. 

The Gold Standards Framework (GSF) charity are seeking new Trustees to join our Board to support the important work of enabling generalist frontline teams improve care for people nearing the end of life. We are seeking in particular, new Trustees who have business development, finance, charity or fundraising expertise or experience, who might be interested in this area, as well as others interested in social care, education or palliative or end of life care.

The Gold Standards Framework (GSF) Centre recently celebrated 25 years of work improving end of life care given by generalist frontline teams. GSF is the leading provider of training in end of life care for generalist front line staff across health and social care. We have trained and accredited thousands of teams, influenced national policy and practice and GSF has improved the care for many millions of people and their families.

Much has been achieved but there is still more to do ... We have a bold and exciting vision to ensure that everyone experiences Gold Standard end of life care. We want to see a big increase in the number of people that are trained, and we want to influence policy to make Gold Standard end of life care a requirement. We have recently become a CIO charity and as we enter a new chapter of our story, we are seeking new trustees to help us to achieve our vision and contribute to our strategic purpose. 

Could you help us achieve these goals? We are a small team and value the contribution of our trustees, partners, associates and professional reference groups. Trustees will typically attend 4-6 online board meetings a year, along with other communications and support between meetings, plus occasional strategy away days. 

For full details, read more on the Gov (dot) UK website.

We are looking for people with the same shared values and commitment to improving end of life care in our country. We need experienced and passionate trustees to help our excellent team to meet our vision. We are particularly interested in:

• Finance Fundraising Business management, especially in the charity or training sectors
• Marketing/communications
• Health and/or social care provision
• Palliative/End of Life Care/GSF in practice
• Senior board level/charity experience
• Integrated care systems/local authorities
• Health & Care Policy

Please email Keri Thomas, Sue Richards, or Julie Armstrong-Wilson if you’re interested in having an informal chat. More information on GSF can be found on our website

This is an exciting opportunity to help lead Big Leaf Foundation in the next phase of its development, as we transition our self-employed contractors to employee contracts and explore new multi-year core funding opportunities to build greater sustainability in our work. We are looking for someone with direct experience in financial management and/or charity finance and fundraising to fill this role. Ideally you will have experience of moving people onto employee contracts. You will use your skills and knowledge to make a lasting difference to the lives of displaced young people in Surrey.

In addition to the general responsibilities of a trustee, duties of the treasurer include:

• Overseeing, approving and presenting budgets, accounts and financial statements.
• Being assured that the financial resources of the organisation meet its present and future needs.
• Ensuring that the charity has an appropriate reserves policy.
• Preparing and presenting financial reports to the board.
• Ensuring that appropriate accounting procedures and controls are in place.
• Liaising with any paid staff and volunteers about financial matters.
• Advising on the financial implications of the organisation’s strategic plans.
• Ensuring that the charity has an appropriate ethical funding policy.
• Ensuring that there is no conflict between any funding sources and the aims and objects of the charity.
• Ensuring that the accounts are prepared and disclosed in the form required by funders and the relevant statutory bodies, for example the Charity Commission.
• Ensuring that the accounts are scrutinised in the manner required (independent examination or audit) and any recommendations are implemented.
• Keeping the board informed about its financial duties and responsibilities.
• Contributing to the fundraising strategy of the organisation.
• Ensuring the accounts are presented in a coherent and easily understandable way in our annual review.
• Sitting on appraisal, recruitment and disciplinary panels as required.

In addition, with other trustees to hold the charity “in trust” for current and future beneficiaries by:

• Ensuring that the charity has a clear vision, mission and strategic direction and is focused on achieving these.
• Being responsible for the performance of the charity and for its “corporate” behaviour; ensuring that the charity complies with all legal and regulatory requirements.
• Acting as guardians of the charity’s assets, both tangible and intangible, taking all due care over their security, deployment and proper application.
• Ensuring that the charity’s governance is of the highest possible standard.

Make a difference to the future of journalism!

We are a social mobility charity focused on helping the next generation of journalists break into the sector. 

We have vacancies for chair, treasurer and regular trustee, as the term limit for our current board members is nearly up. 

This is a fantastic time to join the charity. We are small but our impact is massive!

Join our Board as a Trustee

We are looking to appoint two more trustees to the board of The Harmony Project this Autumn.

Our Trustees play a vital role in making sure that The Harmony Project achieves its core purpose of transforming education and putting sustainability and nature at the heart of learning. They oversee the overall management and administration of the charity. They also ensure that The Harmony Project has a clear strategy and that our delivery plan is in line with our vision.

We are keen to recruit individuals who have:

• A strong commitment to young people, education, a sustainable future for our planet in line with the vision of The Harmony Project.
• Professional experience and networks in any of the following areas:
  • Marketing, digital marketing, educational marketing, educational business development
  • Fundraising from Ultra High Net-Worth Individuals (UHNWI)
  • Corporate giving, corporate social responsibility, corporate fundraising
• A willingness to learn the ropes of charity trusteeship, if this might be the first time of serving on a charity Board
• Capacity to attend 3 Board meetings per year and 3 informal meetings per year.
   

About The Harmony Project

We are a small UK registered charity. We began life in 2019 within the charity the Sustainable Food Trust. We received our charitable status in November 2022 and became a fully separate charity on 1st April 2023.

We have a core team of 6 staff, and a team of freelance writers and designers. We have an annual turnover of c. £400k. Some of the team are based in Surrey, and others are based around the UK. We are a passionate, friendly and supportive team.

Our goal is to transform education by putting sustainability and nature at the heart of learning and to see the principles of Harmony woven into the education of all pupils, both in the UK and globally. Our enquiry-based approach to learning balances academic rigour with meaningful application to the world. We support schools in adopting this approach to learning through training, teaching and learning resources and events. We work to influence education policy at a strategic level through high level networks, and we promote our ethos through our marketing and social media channels.

To date our Board has had 4 members, and we are keen to grow to 6, to allow for natural cycles of change and to ensure the Board remains a healthy size. The initial term is 3 years with a further 3 years possible. 

We are passionate about education and are proud to be driving inclusion in our work. We’re totally committed to equality of opportunity for all. We welcome applications from individuals regardless of their age, disability, ethnicity, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation. For this role, we particularly encourage applications from people of colour and people with disabilities, as we are currently under-represented for both those protected characteristic within The Harmony Project generally and also at this level.

How to Apply

Please email Morwenna Lewis for the role description and information on how to apply.

Deadline to apply: Wednesday 16th October 2024

Interviews will be held on Wednesday 23rd and Thursday 24th October and you would be invited to attend our next Board meeting in central London on the 6th November, as an opportunity to meet the whole Board.

About the Role 

As a result of increased awareness and signposting for individuals receiving a positive CACNA1C diagnosis, our community is increasing in size. Therefore, we are seeking new Trustees who will take an active role in the board, bringing new skills and ideas for how to support our community, advocating for improvement to CACNA1C diagnosis, outcomes and quality of life and to support CACNA1C research initiatives.

Our new Trustees will be responsible for setting the overall strategy and direction for TSA, as well as monitoring the charity’s activity to evaluate progress towards our objectives and goals. 

This can include making sure the charity complies with regulations, overseeing financial management and monitoring financial performance, creating and implementing policies and procedures to mitigate risk, and supporting the charity’s operations. Additionally, you will also have the chance to help develop fundraising strategies, including applying for funding and grants to support TSA’s work. Whilst representing the charity externally, there will also be plenty of opportunities to advocate for TSA’s mission of supporting individuals and families affected by CACNA1C-related disorders and raising awareness for this rare disease.

FAQs

How big is the current Board and what opportunities might there be in the future?

• The board currently consists of 7 Trustees. As the charity’s turnover continues to grow, they are currently going through an evolution in their structure and the operations of the charity. This means the new Trustees will be presented with enormous opportunities to shape the future of the charity and to play a leading role on the board moving forward. As a result, it is expected that there will be an opportunity for a new Trustee to develop into the Chair of Trustees role soon.

What are you looking for in candidates?

• As a small team, we are ideally seeking those who have prior experience of being a Trustee at a UK based charity or working within the UK charity sector, who can bring demonstratable experience of navigating the challenges that face small charities.However, we also welcome applications from candidates with an interest in or prior knowledge of charity law and compliance; the change management process; volunteer management; financial planning, processing and auditing; regulatory or policy issues; data management or fundraising. UK based candidates are preferred, however this is not essential. 

What time commitment do you expect from Trustees?

• As well as our Board of Trustees meetings, which currently take place 4 times a year, we ask Trustees to dedicate around 2 hours per week to the work of the charity. However, this may fluctuate during busy or quiet periods.

I haven’t heard of TSA or CACNA1C-related disorders before. Can I still be a Trustee?

• Absolutely! We are working in the rare diseases space and raising awareness is one of our key goals. Therefore, we have plenty of resources that can help you to learn more about this disorder and how it affects our community. We just ask that people have a passion for helping people and improving patient outcomes.

Benefits

As well as supporting the charity and members of the TSA community, we will provide you with opportunities to grow and develop. For example, in this role you will be able to:

• Develop new professional and personal skills: Our current Board of Trustees have expertise in leadership, safeguarding, chairing meetings, strategic planning, learning and development, stakeholder engagement, marketing and branding. This is an opportunity to work with, and learn from, a new group of people and build skills in different areas. 
• Take on a new challenge: The role of a Trustee is unlike many other professional positions, giving you the chance to take on a brand-new challenge which many of our Trustees find hugely motivating. Additionally, there are many challenges facing small charities as well as the wider rare diseases community, for example fundraising during a cost-of-living crisis as well as connecting with our members after the pandemic. Considering new and innovative approaches to tackle these issues is essential, pushing you to think creatively. 

• Delve into a selfless and rewarding role: Given the under-represented nature of rare diseases, as well as the challenges surrounding research, diagnosis and treatment, the work of charities like TSA is crucial. We can sometimes be a family’s only support network, so you will be deeply motivated by seeing firsthand the difference the charity makes to families. Real-life impact is at the heart of everything we do for our growing community. 

How to Apply 

We anticipate that the recruitment process will involve an initial telephone call, followed by an interview with members of the Board. Your application should be submitted by Sunday 1st September. Once applications have closed, we will be in touch in the week commencing 16th September regarding next steps. 

About the Charity

The Timothy Syndrome Alliance (TSA) is a charity set up to improve diagnosis, treatment and care of individuals with CACNA1C-related disorders, including Timothy Syndrome and LongQT8, and to support the families and carers of those diagnosed worldwide. The charity it is run entirely by families and volunteers, who work with scientists, researchers and medical professionals. 

We are looking for up to 3 new Trustees to join us and help run our successful charity. 

We are looking for candidates who have experience/expertise in one or more of the following areas: 

General management

Finance/bookkeeping

Safeguarding

Premises/facilities

Fundraising 

HR

You will take the lead in your area of expertise and be able to commit time to deliver on initiatives or projects related to your specialism.

In addition  you will have:

Good written and verbal communication skills

Attention to detail with the ability to work under own initiative within a defined framework.

MS Office skills: Word; Excel; PowerPoint and SharePoint.

The Ryan Neuro Therapy Centre supports people with neurological conditions by delivering physiotherapy and other therapies to benefit their health and welfare in a caring, friendly, and supportive environment. We are a small self-funded charity in Coulsdon, reliant entirely on fundraising and donations to provide the income needed each year to run the Centre. The organisation took on charitable status in 1995 supporting people living with Multiple Sclerosis. In 2023, we expanded our provision to support other neurological conditions. The Charity has 18 members of staff (all part-time), 15 volunteers and over 100 members with neurological conditions.