Governance Officer Volunteer Roles in Manchester

A Little About Us!

Youth Advantage UK is a research-led, un incorporated un registered charitable organisation. We use a research-led approach to protect the rights and interests of young people through positive action such as projects, policy work, research, services, events. We promote and empower change.

Why we need you!

Youth Advantage UK are in our early stages but are growing and looking for volunteers to help achieve our aims to become a registered charitable organisation. Your skills and expertise are what we need to continue to grow. Without our volunteers we cannot grow and appreciate those who apply with us!

Youth Advantage UK is looking for someone who can take us to the next level, helping to mange efforts of becoming a registered charity.

Requirements

• Charity registration experience or good knowledge on registration of charities 
• Note taking and record keeping experience 
• Trustee relations experience 
• A good knowledge of UK law particularly relating to charities and volunteers

Responsibilities

• To register the organisation as a charity with the Charity Commission and manage or carry out the associated work 
• To manage the organisations legal affairs 
• To support trustees 
• To ensure the constitution is adhered to 
• To keep records of trustee meetings 
• To maintain official records
• To ensure the organisation is acting properly in accordance with its purpose and constitution 

What we offer!

Anybody who wishes to help and contribute to a good cause are welcome to apply for one of our volunteering positions. We will speak to you about what your aims are to ensure that the volunteering position you are applying for is suitable. By volunteering you have the chance to learn something new and contribute to a successful organisation who is looking to help young people in the UK.

Reports to: Chief Development Officer

We are looking for a highly motivated and experienced Head of Governance & Legal Support to lead the governance and legal functions of Youth Advantage UK. The Head of Governance & Legal Support will oversee compliance, risk management, and legal operations to ensure the charity operates within all applicable regulations and ethical standards. Managing the Governance & Legal Support Manager, this role will also involve developing and implementing governance frameworks that support organisational growth and sustainability.

Key Responsibilities:

● Manage Governance & Legal Support Team: Provide leadership and guidance to the Governance & Legal Support Manager and ensure the team operates effectively.

● Develop Governance Frameworks: Create and implement policies, procedures, and systems to strengthen the charity’s governance structure.

● Ensure Regulatory Compliance: Monitor and ensure adherence to all relevant laws, regulations, and ethical standards, including charity law, data protection, and safeguarding.

● Risk Management: Identify, assess, and mitigate risks, maintaining a comprehensive risk register and working with leadership to address potential challenges.

● Support the Board of Trustees: Act as a key liaison for the Board, preparing meeting agendas, maintaining minutes, and ensuring timely submission of governance reports.

● Legal Oversight: Manage contracts, agreements, and other legal documents, ensuring accuracy and compliance with legal requirements.

● Training & Development: Provide training and resources to staff and volunteers on governance and compliance matters, ensuring understanding and adherence to policies.

● Partnerships: Build and maintain relationships with legal advisors, regulators, and other stakeholders to support organisational compliance.

● Drive Organisational Values: Promote a culture of accountability, transparency, and ethical practice across the organisation.

Ideal Candidate:

● Experience: At least six months in a senior governance, legal, or compliance-focused leadership role within the charity sector or a similar organisation.

● Leadership Skills: Proven ability to manage and develop teams, fostering a high-performance culture.

● Legal Knowledge: Strong understanding of charity law, governance best practices, and regulatory compliance.

● Risk Management Expertise: Experience in identifying and mitigating risks in a complex organisational environment.

● Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels.

● Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with governance and compliance tools, systems, and processes.

● Commitment to Diversity: Understanding and experience in embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion within governance 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 Governance & Legal Support team, including sharing best practices and ensuring professional standards are met.

● Ensuring compliance with governance frameworks, legal regulations, and internal policies.

● Preparing and distributing materials for Board of Trustee meetings, including agendas and reports.

● Reviewing and negotiating contracts, agreements, and legal documents.

● Monitoring and updating the organisation’s risk register.

● Providing guidance on data protection, safeguarding, and ethical practices.

● Maintaining organisational policies and ensuring they are up-to-date and effectively implemented.

● Building relationships with external legal advisors and regulatory bodies.

Short-term Tasks:

● Conducting a review of current governance policies and frameworks to identify areas for improvement.

● Establishing a schedule for regular governance and legal compliance audits.

● Updating the organisation’s risk register and developing mitigation plans for high-priority risks.

● Developing training materials for staff and volunteers on governance and compliance topics.

● Creating a roadmap for aligning governance practices with the organisation’s strategic goals.

Why Join Youth Advantage UK?

Youth Advantage UK is a research led organization 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 Governance & Legal Support, you will play a critical role in ensuring the charity operates with integrity, accountability, and transparency. You will work with a passionate and dedicated team, contribute to meaningful initiatives, and develop frameworks that ensure the long-term sustainability of our mission. Youth Advantage UK is committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment where volunteers can grow both professionally and personally.

We are seeking a passionate and experienced finance professional to join Gaddum’s Board of Trustees. Our work is evolving, and we need a financial expert to guide us into the future.

What we're looking for: A background in finance, accounting, or auditing, with the ability to oversee financial governance. Experience in budgeting, financial strategy, or holding organisations accountable for financial performance. A commitment to using your skills to support a charity that is making a real impact in the community. Whether you are a qualified accountant, have financial expertise in the public, private, or third sector, or have experience working with charity finance, we want to hear from you. 

About Gaddum, and our financial needs

Our vision is for every individual and community we serve to have equitable health, wealth and self. As a trusted charity serving Greater Manchester for nearly 200 years, we are dedicated to promoting wellbeing, challenging inequalities, and empowering individuals and communities.

At the core of Gaddum’s work is the need to allocate resources effectively and efficiently. With the increasing challenges of securing funding in the third sector, robust financial oversight is essential. A Finance Trustee will bring the expertise needed to oversee the charity’s financial strategies, ensuring that we operate within our means while continuing to deliver high-quality services to the community. Your knowledge will help guide budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting, ensuring compliance with charity regulations and standards.

Additionally, a Finance Trustee will support the wider board in making informed decisions by offering clear insights into the charity’s financial status and the potential risks and opportunities ahead. This strategic guidance will be invaluable as Gaddum navigates a complex funding landscape and seeks to diversify its income streams. Our vision is for every individual and community we serve to have equitable health, wealth and self. As a trusted charity serving Greater Manchester for nearly 200 years, we are dedicated to promoting wellbeing, challenging inequalities, and empowering individuals and communities. 2 By adding a finance professional to our board, Gaddum will strengthen its governance structure and build on nearly 200 years of service, ensuring we continue to thrive for decades to come.

With a focus on ensuring financial sustainability, the Finance Trustee will also contribute to the development of long-term financial plans that align with Gaddum’s mission of promoting wellbeing, challenging inequalities, and empowering communities. Your finance expertise will work closely with the Head of Finance, enhance the board’s ability to make well-rounded, informed decisions that safeguard Gaddum’s future and extend our impact across the region.

By adding a finance professional to our board, Gaddum will strengthen its governance structure and build on nearly 200 years of service, ensuring we continue to thrive for decades to come.

Why become a trustee?

Becoming a charity trustee is an incredibly rewarding experience. On a personal level, it offers the chance to make a meaningful impact on causes you are passionate about, contributing to the wellbeing of communities and individuals in need. The sense of fulfilment that comes from helping shape the future of a charity and seeing the tangible difference it makes in people's lives is unmatched.

Professionally, trusteeship provides a unique opportunity to develop skills in governance, leadership, and strategic planning. Working alongside other dedicated professionals, you gain insights into how organisations are run and expand your network in the process. The responsibility of overseeing financial, legal, and operational decisions strengthens your decision-making skills, while the collaboration required fosters valuable teamwork and communication abilities.

If you’re ready to make a difference and support Gaddum’s continued success, get in touch with our CEO, Ben Whalley, or Chair, Elaine Mills, for an informal chat. Visit our website for more information.

Instructions on expressing an interest: Please complete an Expression of Interest on one side of A4 which outlines how you meet the essential (and, if applicable, desirable) criteria below and forward it along with a current CV to Gaddum's HR team.

Closing date: This is a rolling recruitment, so as-and-when Expression of Interests come through from candidates we will respond.

Next steps: We will respond to all submitted applications within three working days to inform applicants of the outcome, and interviews will be held at the earliest convenience.

INDEPENDENT COMMITTEE MEMBER - FUNDRAISING VOLUNTEER

ROLE DESCRIPTION

This is a new and exciting voluntary opportunity.

• Responsible to: Chair of Fundraising Committee.
• Direct reports: N/A
• Working hours and contract: This is a voluntary role that consists of x4 Committee meetings per year, preparation for Committee meetings, attending workshops and events.
• Location: At present all remote.

We are seeking a dynamic and dedicated individual to serve on our new Fundraising Committee as a Fundraising Independent Committee Member. We are interested in candidates who have broad leadership experience in substantial fundraising operations, successfully generating annual voluntary income of more than 15 million pounds. Our committees are a fundamental part of our governance structure, and members play a pivotal role in guiding our strategic direction, amplifying our impact, and ensuring the fulfilment of our mission to save sight and change lives. Our committees are currently:

• Social Impact & Scientific Research Committee (SISR)
• Finance, Audit, Risk & Resources Committee (FARR)
• People Committee
• Fundraising Committee
• Retail Committee

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership & Planning

• Provide mentorship and strategic guidance to the charity, aligning efforts with the mission and values of the organisation.
• Collaborate with other committee members, the executive team, and stakeholders to develop and implement long-term strategies that advance the charity’s impact and sustainability.

Governance

• Ensure effective governance, decision-making, and compliance with legal and ethical standards.
• Work closely with other committee members, fostering a culture of transparency, accountability, collaboration and open communication, harnessing different views and opinions.

Engagement

• Represent the charity, when possible, at public events and networking opportunities to promote our mission and raise awareness about our cause.
• Support the development of relationships with key stakeholders, including senior volunteers, high value donors, corporations, and the visually impaired community.

Evaluation and Accountability

• Collaborate with the committee to evaluate performance, ensuring alignment with the charity’s goals and objectives.
• Ensure the charity is accountable to donors and beneficiaries, that is financially robust and sustainable and has effective risk management in place.

PERSON SPECIFICATION           

The ideal candidates will display a commitment to our cause, along with the following:

General attributes                                 

Knowledge & experience  

• An understanding of governance, and experience on a committee or board.
• Understanding of Fundraising Regulator, and compliance to GDPR law.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain partnerships with stakeholders, including donors, corporations and large institutional funders.

Skills & abilities

• Strategic thinking and the ability to contribute to long-term planning and vision to deliver impact.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences.
• Entrepreneurial instincts and a healthy understanding of risk balanced with ambition using sound judgement.
• Evidence of improving supporter experience, digital integration and executing successful high value appeals.

Styles & behaviours

• High ethical standards and commitment to upholding the charity’s values, as well as a passion for advocating on behalf of individuals with, or at risk of, sight loss.
• Collaborative, highly inclusive, fostering trust and valuing difference perspectives.
• Solution-focused, with an ability to see the big picture and be pragmatic.

TERMS OF APPOINTMENT

Remuneration: this role is not accompanied by any financial remuneration, although reasonable expenses may be claimed.

Time commitment: While the exact time commitment may vary based on the charity’s needs and priorities, we anticipate the following general expectations:

• Four committee meetings per year.
• Preparation for meetings, review of materials, and other engagement as appropriate.
• Online meetings with the Director of Development, and Fundraising Committee Chair as appropriate.
• Representing the charity at high profile events, functions and public engagements to enhance its reputation and partnerships.

Location: At present, committee meetings are held remotely.

HOW TO APPLY

Please see the job description via our website which has full details for the role.

To make an application, please send your CV and a supporting statement (max two pages) to the recruitment inbox listed on the full job description on our website which you can access via the 'apply button'. Please outine your motivation for applying and how you meet the attributes outlined in the personal specification including the specialist experience we are seeking.

If you have questions about the appointment and would find it helpful to have an informal conversation, please see the JD on our website and we will be happy to arrange a call with the Director of Development or Fundraising Committee Chair.

We hope you will consider making an application. Together, we can put change in sight.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES, DIVERSITY & INCLUSION

Don’t meet every single requirement? At Fight for Sight we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workforce, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every item in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles that we have.

We have an inclusive and accessible recruitment process, including any adjustments required to support people from diverse community groups.

OTHER INFORMATION

We draw your attention to some important policies that govern the research that our charity funds. You can find these on our website - see the JD for the link.

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

The Safeguarding Officer will work with the People Team Lead and the Trustee Board in ensuring that appropriate arrangements are in place for keeping students, volunteers and team members safe at Roots Academy.

You will promote the safety and welfare of young people involved in Roots Academy’s activities at all times.

Key tasks

• Support with developing, reviewing and implementing Roots Academy’s safeguarding policies and procedures: ensuring all safeguarding issues concerning students and volunteers who take part in Roots Academy’s activities are responded to appropriately.
• Make sure that everyone working or volunteering at Roots Academy, including the board of trustees, understands the safeguarding policy and procedures and knows what to do if they have concerns about a student or volunteer’s welfare.
• Develop and deliver safeguarding training.
• Make sure students and young people who are involved in activities at Roots Academy know who they can talk to if they have a welfare concern and understand what action the organisation will take in response.
• Receive and record information from anyone who has concerns about a student or volunteer who takes part in Roots Academy’s activities.
• Responding to information that may constitute a safeguarding concern, including a concern that an adult involved with Roots Academy may present a risk to children or young people. This includes:

a. assessing and clarifying the information

b. making referrals to statutory organisations as appropriate

c. consulting with and informing the relevant members of the organisation’s management

d. following the organisation’s safeguarding policy and procedures.

• Liaise with, pass on information to and receive information from statutory agencies such as the police. This includes making formal referrals to agencies when necessary.
• Store and retain safeguarding records according to legal requirements and the organisation’s safeguarding policy and procedures.
• Work closely with the board of trustees the People Team Lead to ensure they are kept up to date with safeguarding issues and are fully informed of any concerns about organisational safeguarding practice.
• Report regularly to the board of trustees on issues relating to safeguarding, to ensure that safeguarding is seen as an ongoing priority issue and that safeguarding requirements are being followed at all levels of the organisation.

What we’re looking for

• The Safeguarding Officer must have received relevant safeguarding training
• Experience as a qualified social worker or safeguarding lead desirable
• Understanding of safeguarding in further education desirable
• Strong understanding of Islam and the Muslim community essential

What we have to offer

• Be part of a team of 40+ dedicated volunteers from across the country.
• Receive continuous rewards for those that seek Islamic knowledge from the Roots platform.
• Be a part of a growing organisation that aims to revive and educate Muslims from a grassroots perspective.
• Receive in-house tarbiyah sessions to develop your deen.

Please note this is an unpaid volunteer position.

Volunteers are entitled to claim expenses incurred for food, travel and equipment, in line with our Expenses policy.

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.

The Council for British Research in the Levant (CBRL) is seeking to appoint an Honorary Treasurer. CBRL is a research charity which operates the UK’s overseas research institutes in Amman and East Jerusalem and supports academic research across a broad range of subject areas – from archaeology to modern social science – in the Levant. CBRL has 12 staff across 3 locations and an income derived from government and research grants and its various activities. 

CBRL is one of the British International Research Institutes (BIRI), a network of overseas research organisations that operate in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. All the BIRI conduct research, collaborate with overseas and UK-based partners, and provide facilities, training and financial, academic and logistical support to researchers. The BIRI also run events and outreach programmes, held in the UK and overseas.

The charity has been through significant change in recent years, broadening its sources of funding and professionalising its processes.  This is expected to continue, and the Hon Treasurer will play a key role in helping to drive the Strategic Plan. 

Working with the Chair, Trustees, and senior management (Director and Financial Controller), the role of the Hon Treasurer will involve: 

• overseeing the strategic financial management of the charity to ensure that CBRL achieves a financially sustainable position and builds appropriate reserves;

• overseeing and presenting budgets, internal management accounts and annual financial statements to trustees;

• involvement, with management and other Hon Officers, in strategic planning and in presentation of plans to potential funders and stakeholders; 

• leading in the trustees’ duty to ensure that proper accounting records are kept and that effective financial procedures and controls are in place; 

• advising on the financial implications of the charity’s strategic plan; 

• board-level liaison with the external auditor; 

• ad hoc advice and support for the management team and Trustees on financial matters, policies, procedures and best practice; 

• chairing the Finance & Governance Sub-Committee; 

• supporting fundraising and sustainability initiatives to secure the future of CBRL; and 

• playing a representational role for CBRL when required. 

This is an exciting opportunity to be involved with leading the BMC, using your skills and expertise in delivering the organisation’s strategy and governance. The role will appeal to those who recognise the well-being benefits of active participation in outdoor activities, and who share our care and concern for the natural environment. 

The role provides an opportunity to gain satisfaction from contributing to decision-making and scrutiny at a time when the BMC is seeking to grow its membership and enhance its services, whilst championing the environment in the context of increased outdoor participation. The successful candidate will also join at a time of increased focus following Olympic success and planned Paralympic participation. 

The Board aspires to be both diverse and inclusive; encompassing a wide range of perspectives, approaches and experiences, which we believe are essential to driving further innovation, challenge and creativity within our sporting environment – mountain, crag and indoor. In line with this ethos, we are keen to achieve a more representative Board. We encourage applications from the widest range of backgrounds, particularly where there is often under-representation. We are committed to recruiting a Board that is representative of society. 

The new Chair will be expected to provide leadership of the Board and focus on strategic matters overseeing the BMC’s activities and setting high governance standards.

The successful candidate will have a varied role that encompasses the below:

• Chairing the Board of Directors
• Developing BMC strategy in conjunction with Board, Member’s Council & Leadership Team   
• Setting and promoting the cultural tone and behavioural standards of the organisation
• Facilitating Board and other meetings as required and managing group dynamics
• Guiding discussions, ensuring teamwork, effective decision-making, and conflict resolution
• Ensuring that the BMC meets regulatory and legislative requirements
• Driving the BMC to meet Tier 3 compliance with the “Code for Sport Governance”
• Promoting continuous organisational and operational improvement   
• Ensuring timely senior appointments are made to committees, trusts & partner organisations
• Providing a sounding board and mentor for the CEO
• Attending all meetings of the board’s Nominations Committee & Remuneration Committee

Involvement in Sector & Sport Leadership:

• Building relationships with the Chairs of all of the BMC’s Funded Partners (Mountain Training UK&I, Mountain Training England, Association of British Climbing walls (ABC) and National Indoor Climbing Awards Scheme (NICAS))
• Working with the Chairs and CEOs in order to ensure that the Sector as a whole works together and secures funding for its work from Sport England and UK Sport
• At Chair level work and align with the BMC Charities – Access and Conservation Trust (ACT) and Land and Property Trust (LPT)
• Joining the UK Sport Chairs group and supporting the major programme of elite sport becoming more efficient and relevant
• Supporting the BMC CEO and the Performance team with their applications for funding from UK Sport and Sport England and associated delivery.

Working with Members’ Council:

• Building consensus with Members’ Council and the President in order to ensure the smooth running of the organisation as whole
• As necessary, presenting Board activity to Members’ Council 

Thank you for your interest in supporting Headway – the brain injury association (charity no. 1025852), otherwise known as Headway UK.

This empowering charity has for more than 40 years been improving the lives of individuals and families affected by brain injury.

Whether it is providing a listening ear or expert guidance via our nurse-led helpline; increasing the confidence of brain injury survivors to become more independent with the safety net provided by our bespoke identity card scheme; or supporting a UK-wide network of independent local Headway charities and volunteer-led branches, the work we do changes lives.

About the role

The Chair provides leadership to the charity’s board of trustees, ensuring it operates efficiently and in accordance with the charity’s mission, vision, and values. They oversee governance and support the charity's management in achieving its strategic objectives. A key aspect of this role will be leading the board through a period of modernisation. This requires extensive experience in change management, as well as in building cohesive relationships among trustees, senior leadership, and stakeholders.

A key aspect of this role will be leading the board through a period of modernisation. This requires extensive experience in change management, as well as in building cohesive relationships among trustees, senior leadership, and stakeholders.

Interested?

Download our trustee recruitment pack to find out more about this opportunity.

thank you for your interest in supporting Headway – the brain injury association (charity no. 1025852), otherwise known as Headway UK.

This empowering charity has for more than 40 years been improving the lives of individuals and families affected by brain injury.

Whether it is providing a listening ear or expert guidance via our nurse-led helpline; increasing the confidence of brain injury survivors to become more independent with the safety net provided by our bespoke identity card scheme; or supporting a UK-wide network of independent local Headway charities and volunteer-led branches, the work we do changes lives.

About the role

The Honorary Treasurer plays a key role on the board of trustees, ensuring sound financial management and oversight of the charity’s resources in line with its mission, vision, and legal requirements.

The Treasurer works closely with the Chair, CEO, Director of Finance and Administration and the board to maintain financial stability and sustainability while supporting strategic decision-making.

As the charity undergoes a period of modernisation following an independent governance review, the Honorary Treasurer will be instrumental in leading the financial aspects of this transformation, ensuring robust financial controls, transparency, and the alignment of resources with the charity’s strategic goals

Interested?

Download our trustee recruitment pack to find out more about this opportunity.

We’re seeking new trustees to join our board. This is an exciting opportunity to help lead Big Leaf Foundation in the next phase of its development and to use your skills and experience to make a lasting difference to the lives of displaced young people in Surrey.

We are seeking individuals with:
o commitment to our vision, mission and values;
o excellent teamwork and leadership skills and effective decision-making;
o willingness to commit time and effort to the role;
o good, independent judgement, strategic vision and ability to communicate ideas;
o history of impartiality, fairness and commitment to promoting equality and diversity.

We particularly need individuals with skills and experience in one or more of the following areas:

o charity governance;
o risk management;
o data security and IT;

o diversity and inclusion;
o evaluation and reporting.

The statutory duties of a trustee are to:

o Ensure the organisation complies with its governing document.
o Ensure that the organisation pursues its objectives as defined in its governing document.
o Ensure the organisation applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objectives – the charity must not spend money on activities which are not included in its own objectives, no matter how 'charitable' and 'worthwhile' those activities are.
o Contribute actively to the Board of Trustees' role in giving strategic direction to the organisation, setting overall policy, defining goals and setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets. o Safeguard the good name and values of the organisation.
o Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.
o Ensure the financial stability of the organisation.
o Protect and manage the property of the organisation and to ensure the proper investment of the organisation's funds.
o If the organisation employs staff, to appoint the Chief Executive Officer and monitor his or her performance.

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

o Ensuring that the charity has a clear vision, mission and strategic direction and is focused on achieving these.

o Being responsible for the performance of the charity and for its “corporate” behaviour; ensuring that the charity complies with all legal and regulatory requirements.

o Acting as guardians of the charity’s assets, both tangible and intangible, taking all due care over their security, deployment and proper application.

o Ensuring that the charity’s governance is of the highest possible standard.

Trustees should make full use of any specific skills, knowledge or experience to help the board make good decisions and all trustees must adhere to our Trustee Code of Conduct.

Dr Frost Learning is seeking a new Chair of Trustees to multiply our impact as we scale. We're an edtech charity supporting millions of students and thousands of teachers through our online platform. We aim to combine the dynamism of a tech start-up with the purpose-driven impact of a charity.

Founded by Dr Jamie Frost (winner of the Covid Hero Award in the Global Teacher Prize 2020), the charity has has a big impact with a relatively small team: during lockdown it was within the top 200 most visited sites in the UK, and based on independent market research it is the second largest secondary maths education brand in the UK. 

There are currently 12 staff at the charity with an exciting growth strategy and mandate to increase targeted support to UK schools serving the most disadvantaged communities. We are excited to appoint a Chair lead our trustees and staff to make a life-changing difference to even more students.

Lead the Charge for Animal Welfare! Join the League Against Cruel Sports as a trustee

Passionate about animal welfare? Ready to make a real impact? We're looking for experts in fundraising and marketing to join us in ending cruelty to animals in sport.

About us:

We're dedicated to creating a kinder society where animals are protected from persecution in the name of sport. We've been at the forefront of change, instrumental in landmark legislation like the Hunting Act 2004. Through our wildlife reserves, investigations and advocacy, we're driving tangible change and standing up for those who can't speak for themselves. The League operates in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, striving to protect animals from the horrific acts of hunting, shooting and animal fighting.

Your role:

As a trustee, you'll have a shared responsibility with 6-10 fellow board members to play a pivotal role in shaping our strategic direction, ensuring compliance and supporting our CEO. You'll lead policy, monitor financial stability, identify and manage risks, and as a League ambassador you’ll champion our cause.

As a trustee you will attend four board meetings per year (three virtually) and the AGM.  In line with the Charity Commission regulations, no payment will be made for this role, but all expenses will be reimbursed.

Skills/knowledge:

· Proven track record of successful fundraising or marketing campaigns

· Experience of various fundraising methods (e.g., major gifts, corporate sponsorships, events, digital fundraising) at a strategic level

· Established relationships with potential donors, corporate sponsors and other stakeholders.

· Inspirational leadership

· Excellent communication skills

· Strong analytical and decision making skills

· Financially astute and good attention to detail

It’s not necessary to have previous board experience as training can be provided.

We particularly welcome applications from diverse backgrounds as we want our board to be more representative.

Why join us?

By becoming a trustee at the League, you'll be part of a dynamic team driving real change for animals across the UK. You'll have the opportunity to make a tangible difference, influence policy, and be at the forefront of the fight against animal cruelty.

This position is an excellent development opportunity if you’re taking your first steps to develop wider board level and governance experience.

To apply:

If you're ready to lend your expertise to a cause that truly matters, please submit your CV accompanied by a covering letter outlining your motivations, interests and how your skills and experience fulfil the requirements of the role.  We will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis and will respond to all applications.

Recruitment process: Applications will be reviewed against pre-identified requirements from the job specification, followed by a single interview stage.

Together, we can redefine what is acceptable and create a better world for animals.

Overview 

Thank you so much for your interest in this important role. WaterHarvest has a small UK team of three part-time home-based staff – CEO, Operations Manager and Fundraising Manager (we will be recruiting for a second fundraising role shortly). In Uganda we employ a local engineer to support delivery of our programme, liaising with our local partner (MADLACC) and a regional building contractor team.

Our new CEO joined in March 2024 and has led the development of a new three-year strategy approved by the Board focusing on the expansion of our existing programmes in Africa.

Our current Chair, Neil Mehta is stepping down after nine years of wonderful service. Neil has overseen a long term pivot of our focus to delivering water harvesting programmes in Africa. We are focused on growing in an ambitious, yet sustainable manner, as climate change brings a renewed focus on the need for sustainable solutions for clean water.

We are looking for an experienced Trustee who can appreciate our significant legacy but help us move forward to support delivery of our new strategy. Ideally, we are seeking someone living in/near London to meet with our CEO and funders.

Remit & time commitment

• The Chair is responsible for holding the Board and CEO to account for the charity’s mission and vision, providing inclusive leadership to the Board, ensuring each Trustee fulfils their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of the charity. 
• Legally, all members of the Board share collective responsibility for providing oversight, governance and leadership. In addition to the standard Trustee remit, the Chair has a specific role with principal responsibilities outlined on the next page.
• The Board meets formally via Zoom for half a day (usually on a Tuesday  morning), four times per year. Additional informal calls/meetings are held with Trustees on an ad-hoc as needed basis.
• The Chair and CEO hold a fortnightly Zoom catch-up call and aim to meet face to face on a quarterly basis.

Chair Responsibilities

Board leadership

• Provide leadership to the WaterHarvest Board to operate within its charitable objectives and fulfil its legal duties and governance responsibilities. Facilitate the Board’s regular review of major risks and associated opportunities, managing and mitigating the risks.
• Closely monitor the financial health of WaterHarvest.
• Inspire & motivate other Board members and lead on the induction of new Trustees ensuring external Trustee training is provided as needed.

Governance

• To guide Board actions concerning organisational priorities and governance concerns and help the Board reach sound decisions.
• Ensure that all governance arrangements are compliant with Charity Commission regulations.
• In consultation with other Trustees, lead the appointment of new Board members to fill identified skills gaps and monitor the effectiveness of all Board members. 
• Sign on behalf of the Board, the Annual Report and Financial Statements and other financial and legal documentation, in accordance with Board resolutions.
• Visit our overseas programmes in Uganda and Ghana on annual/biannual basis to meet with our local delivery partners and to review impact.

External Relations

• Act as an ambassador/spokesperson for WaterHarvest alongside the CEO when appropriate, representing the charity at external functions, meetings and events.
• Safeguard the good name and reputation of WaterHarvest.

Efficiency and effectiveness

• Chair meetings of the Board of Trustees effectively and efficiently, bringing impartiality and objectivity to the decision-making process.
• Lead the Trustees to be fully engaged so that decisions are taken in the best, long-term interests of the charity and that the Board takes collective ownership of these decisions.
• With the CEO, agree the agenda ahead of Board meetings & approve draft minutes prior to circulation to the full Board. Take the lead on ensuring decisions taken at Board meetings are implemented.

Relationship with the CEO and team 

• Act as a critical friend to the CEO, providing support when needed to deliver WaterHarvest’s new strategy.
• Ensure regular contact with the CEO and develop/maintain an open and supportive relationship within which each can speak openly about concerns, worries and challenges.

Conduct regular meetings (in person or by Zoom etc) and an annual appraisal for the CEO in consultation with other Trustees.

About you

Experience

Essential:

• Experience of operating at a senior strategic leadership level within an organisation, including significant line management experience.
• Long term experience of being a Charity Trustee.
• Experience of external representation, delivering presentations and managing stakeholders.
• Significant experience of chairing formal meetings.
• Excellent relationship skills, even in a virtual environment.

Desirable:

• Strong budgetary/financial skills.
• Direct experience of raising income within a charity setting.
• Experience of working directly for a charity.
• Experience of delivering programmes/working with colleagues in Africa.

Knowledge

Essential:

• Broad knowledge & understanding of the charitable sector and current issues affecting it.
• Strong leadership skills, ability to motivate other Board members and the staff team. 
• Excellent understanding of the Charities Act, Fundraising Code of Practice, Data Protection Act and other relevant legislation and guidance.

Desirable:

• Digital/virtual fundraising expertise.

Skills & attributes

Essential:

• Demonstrate a deep concern for those impacted by water shortage and a genuine commitment to our vision and strategic objectives.
• Exhibit strong inter-personal and relationship building abilities.
• Have tact and diplomacy, with the ability to listen and engage effectively.
• Ability to commit time to conduct the role well, including attending and preparing for Board meetings and other events/meetings.

Desirable:

• Of African heritage and/or with connections to the communities we serve in Ghana and Uganda.
• Living in/near to London to meet with CEO and funders.

How to apply

We are a small but very impactful charity that has been focused on harvesting rainwater in remote communities for almost 40 years. 

This role offers an opportunity to make a real difference in a range of areas such as improving health, reducing poverty, building climate change resilience and increasing the attendance of girls at school. 

Please note, as is standard with Charity Trustees this role is offered on a voluntary and unremunerated basis. In accordance with our Articles of Association, each trustee should commit to serving an initial three-year term, with an expectation of a further three-year term.

To apply, please submit your CV and a short a cover letter (no longer than one side of A4) outlining how your meet the requirements detailed in the Person Specification by noon on Friday 31st January 2025. Interviews will be held in February 2025.

Thank you again for your interest, we hope to hear from you.

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.