People and culture manager volunteer roles in haringey, norfolk

At the Mental Health Foundation, we are preparing to strengthen our Board with several new Trustee appointments. These are voluntary positions which will bring you a rewarding experience and an opportunity to help the Foundation deliver its mission. The roles are part-time, with attendance required at various meetings throughout the year.

Deadline: 5pm on Sunday 27th April
Location: Glasgow/London/Belfast/Cardiff
Time commitment: 2-3 hours every 6-8 weeks, plus an away day each year, for a 3-year term

This is an exciting opportunity for individuals to join a dynamic and inclusive Board of trustees and help ensure the Foundation maximises its impact.

What does the role involve?

• To contribute to the Foundation’s Board and one or more of our committees, helping the Foundation to fulfil its objectives in line with charity law, company law and other relevant legislation.
• To uphold the Foundation’s values and be an ambassador for the Foundation.
• Take part in Board and Committee meetings.

What skills, knowledge and experience are we looking for?

• Integrity, strategic vision and good relationship building skills
• Understanding of or interest in mental health and public mental health approaches

Safeguarding is Everyone’s business – Mental Health Foundation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of all its beneficiaries, those who surround them, its staff, volunteers, and anyone else who comes into contact with its services and expects all trustees, staff, and volunteers to share this commitment.

How to apply

If you think your skills match and you’d like to be part of a dynamic and growing organisation, please complete and submit your application form by clicking 'Apply via Website'. Please ensure you attach an up to date CV and statement of suitability answering all points of the person specification. Applications will close at 5pm on Sunday 27th April.  Interviews are planned for 20th, 26th & 27th June. 

We believe our people should represent the communities, organisations and individuals we work with. Diversity and inclusion is a strategic priority for us as an employer and mental health charity, and we are proud to be signatories of the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter and the Disability Confident Committed Scheme. Applications from under-represented sections of the community are actively encouraged.

If you have a disability, require any additional support or have any questions regarding the role, please contact us. We make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and during employment. Disabled candidates who meet all the essential person specification criteria will be offered an interview. Therefore, please do ensure you tick the relevant box on the application form and clearly indicate in your application/covering letter if you consider yourself to meet the requirements of the Equality Act 2010 / Disability Discrimination Act 1995.

We are currently operating mostly digital recruitment (including interviews via video conferencing).

We look forward to hearing from you!

Lead Volunteer

Mind Retail

About the role

Without the help and support we receive from our Lead Volunteers and volunteer teams we wouldn’t be successful at what we do. Our Lead Volunteers play a key role by supporting the shop management team with the day to day running and management of our shops - helping us to raise crucial funds from the sale of pre-loved, donated stock to fund Mind's vital mental health support services.

Our shops are vibrant hubs in local communities across England and Wales. In our Lead Volunteer role, you’ll play a key part in building this community, helping to create a culture where every person is valued and supported - and where people have fun!

You can gain a wide variety of knowledge, skills and experience by becoming one of our valued Lead Volunteers, including:

· Experience working as part of, and leading, a diverse team

· Shop management, retail management and key holder experience

· Opportunities to improve your management, leadership and interpersonal skills

· Stock organisation, processing, pricing and merchandising skills

· Cash handling skills, including management cash functions

· Understanding of sales information, including takings

· Commercial knowledge and skills

· Understanding of policies and procedures

· Administrative skills

· IT skills

· Additional learning and development opportunities, including your own eLearning account with access to personal and professional development courses

Our Lead Volunteer roles are also flexible, so they're perfect for fitting in around your commitments. We value any time that you can give us, so whether it’s a few hours a week or a few days – we’d love to hear from you!

We need great people like you to help us in the fight for mental health. Will you join us?

Click on the role profile to find out more about our Lead Volunteer role and read on to hear some stories from our existing Lead Volunteers!

About You

• Commitment to our values & behaviours
• Enthusiastic and committed to achieving shop targets
• Flexible and adaptable approach
• Ability to work as a team and on your own initiative
• Able to build good working relationships
• Ability to work within Mind Retail’s policies and procedures
• Willingness to learn
• Good customer service skills
• Good communication skills

About Mind Retail

Mind Retail are a network of almost 200 shops across England and Wales, generating a net income of around £21 million per year. We have ambitious plans to grow over the next few years and we're going to be fighting for mental health in a way we never have before. We won't stop until everyone with a mental health problem gets the support and respect they deserve.

Safer Recruitment at Mind Retail

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our employees and volunteers and we expect anyone working or volunteering with us to share this commitment. This role may involve the supervision of young volunteers who are under 18. Because of this, the minimum age for this role is 18 and under our Safer Recruitment Policy, you’ll also be required to agree to an enhanced DBS check.

Our Commitment

We embrace the different perspectives that each of us bring. We want our staff and volunteers to be authentic and bring their whole selves to work. We want Mind to be a workplace that truly reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the people we support. Where everyone is appreciated – regardless of race, gender, age, religion, identity and experience.

Hear from some of our existing Lead Volunteers…

Stuart, Lead Volunteer at our North Shields Mind Shop

Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?

I chose to volunteer at Mind, specifically because of the cause – I support the charity in what they want to achieve. Mind also supported me through the lockdown period during the pandemic, which I found very isolating.

I’ve volunteered for Mind for 20 years - I started volunteering for Mind in 2005. At the time, I had a full-time job, but I wanted to try volunteering. I’ve volunteered in a number of Mind shops, including Wallsend, Whitley Bay, Gateshead (which was where I became a Lead Volunteer) and finally, North Shields.

I wanted to become a Lead Volunteer to gain more experience, which I can then pass onto others. I now undertake key holder duties in my current shop. It was a little scary to begin with, but there was plenty of support from the wider region and I feel really proud to now be doing the role.

What knowledge and skills have you gained or developed whilst being in the Lead Volunteer role?

I’ve developed my technology skills – I’ve learnt how to use the till, how to use the computer including emails and Microsoft Teams, how to complete eLearning and the new Gift Aid hub. I struggled a bit before with technology, so it’s really helped me to be exposed to it more. I’ve also developed cash handling skills and how to deal with external contractors. My confidence has really grown and I’m also now able to cover local stores too!

What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?

I really enjoy giving amazing customer service and working with the team of staff and volunteers – we have lots of fun whilst we work! The shop has a great atmosphere. My Shop Manager has said she couldn’t do without me! I would really recommend for anyone to come and volunteer with Mind – it’s a great way to meet new people.

Lead Volunteer at our Turnham Green Mind Shop

Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?

I wanted to become a Lead Volunteer because I wanted to take on more responsibilities and keep myself as productive as possible. By taking on more responsibilities, I’m able to support the wider team with certain activities within the shop. It’s also helped me become less focused on my myself and my own problems. I suffer from low self-esteem and felt that by becoming a Lead Volunteer, it would help strengthen my self-worth.

What knowledge and skills have you gained or developed whilst being in the Lead Volunteer role?

As I have never worked in retail, becoming a Lead Volunteer has given me more insight into how the retail industry and how Mind Retail operates day-to-day. I have become more patient and not as isolated as before. My communication skills have improved too.

What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?

Certain customers are confiding in me about their mental health. I find it great to be able to assist and provide some support. We all just need an ear to listen…

It’s also great to be able to make decisions too. The team I work with at the shop are very supportive and understanding – they look after me and I feel like a belong to a small family. The team really understand that our shops are not just shops! They’re a place where everyone, including those with mental health problems, can feel safe and listened to.

Vice Chair
Location: London (Hybrid)
Remuneration: This is an unremunerated role. However, expenses such as childcare, care for other dependants, and travel will be covered to support attendance at board meetings.

Our client is a registered Charity Incorporated Organisation that aims to support and invest in young people (predominantly 18-25 years old) through their adolescent years which can be difficult because of both personal circumstances and the injustices in society. They fund work nationally, as well as having a specific focus on several counties in the South East of England. The grants they make total c. £3 million per year.

The Trust has evolved a lot over the years and is very much values driven around their mission “to bring lasting change to the lives of young people; investing in them as powerful forces for change and acting upon their right to be heard in pursuit of a fair and just society.” They really want to be a foundation that listens well and gives young people power to change and improve society whilst staying responsible, trusting and progressive. They do this primarily by providing grants to organisations working with young people, influencing youth policy alongside them and investing directly in young changemakers.

Our client is looking for a new Vice Chair to join their inclusive, inspiring and professional Board. The Vice Chair will provide support to the current Chair and additional leadership to the Board. You will bring experience of working with young people or within/around youth led organisations. This individual will be able to be an effective ambassador and will bring an understanding of boards and charity governance, ideally though a previous board role or experience in an aligned role. The Trust provides training and ongoing support, and they looking for someone committed both to the role and to continuous learning.

Most importantly, this individual will be motivated to live the Trust’s values and share their vision of a world where all young people have hope, access to the support they need, a stake in society and influence over their futures. They are committed to centering the voices of those thet seek to serve. The board and staff team have relevant lived and learnt experiences to help us fulfil the Trust’s mission. They listen to the communities they seek to serve both directly and broadly to have as accurate of an understanding as possible about the issues that those they’re here to serve are facing. Our client encourages applications from younger candidates and for those who may not have previously held a Chair or Vice Chair role.

For further details about this exciting opportunity, please refer to the full appointment brief attached below. To apply, please click ‘Redirect to Recruiter’

Deadline for applications: 18th May
Interviews with client: w/c 26th May or 2nd June

We are looking for a passionate individual with skills and expertise in Finance/Treasury.

We will welcome applications from anyone who is keen to transform lives and join us on this exciting journey with us. You don’t need prior experience of sitting on a Board, a dance background or specific qualifications to become a Trustee. What matters most is your passion for supporting people with learning disabilities, your commitment to building a more equitable society and your willingness to contribute to our work, our vision and our future success.

Trustees play a crucial role in shaping what we do, helping us stay clear on our purpose and offering ideas that guide our organisation as we grow. We’re looking for Trustees who can bring fresh perspectives and valuable insights from their lived and professional experiences. We want our Board to reflect the diversity of our work, our participants, and our supporters.

We are based in Lancashire, with national and international reach, and we welcome applications for remote Trustees. We currently have Trustees based in Portugal and the Netherlands.

The role of Trustee is a volunteer role and is not accompanied by any financial remuneration, although reasonable expenses for travel may be claimed.

The role requires attendance & contribution at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) and four Board meetings per year (plus any required preparation and pre-reading). Quarterly Board Meetings take place mostly online and periodically in person at a North West location.

There will also be potential additional engagement in strategy work and sub working groups throughout the year and occasional representation of the charity at various events with key stakeholders.

Immediate Theatre is a Hackney based community arts organisation with almost 30 years’ experience of providing quality arts opportunities in East London.  We are looking for people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our board. Estimated time commitment 25 hours a year.

We are particularly keen to engage people with at least one of the following attributes:

• Young people under 25 interested in developing leadership skills.
• Lived experience of the issues facing our participants e.g.:
  • 90% of our youth theatre participants are from diverse ethnic backgrounds and a high proportion experience economic disadvantage, we know of 115 regular participants who access Free School Meals.
  • 32% of registered participants have special educational needs or a disability
  • Many participants on our Pathways to Employment programme have mental health challenges
  • We work with over 60’s including those experiencing long term illness
• Knowledge about education, we are keen to engage someone with knowledge of Secondary Education and/or academic connections with a relevant University
• Experience of managing a similar size organisation or team
• Experience of marketing.
• Experience in the community arts sector

A full breakdown of the trustee role can be found on Immediate Theatre's website.

An exciting opportunity for a senior level manager with a commercial background who wishes to use their skills and knowledge to support and enhance the delivery of our growing LWEL services

Lancashire Wildlife Enterprises Limited (“LWEL”) is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Lancashire Wildlife Trust and was established as the vehicle for the commercial activities of the Trust.

LWEL is governed by a board of directors consisting of Executives and Trustees of the parent Trust, together with two experienced independent Non-executive Directors.

Due to internal movement amongst the Trustees, we are looking to recruit into one of the two independent Non-executive Director roles .

The role of Non-Executive Director is a voluntary position, and we are seeking enthusiastic candidates with the following skillsets:

• Commercial and marketing experience at a senior level, preferably in the tourism or hospitality sector across multiple-sites.
• Skills in delivering a high-quality welcoming experience for visitors whilst maximising revenue generation from retail, catering, events and other commercial activities.
• Experience in developing strategies to enhance visitor experience, ensuring inclusivity, accessibility and a broad audience reach.
• Experience in marketing, plans and campaigns, sales tools and presentations, particularly in the conference/wedding/events space.
• Experience in nature/wildlife/outdoorbased visitor attractions preferable, although not essential

The Wildlife Trusts work to engage and empower people of all identities, cultures, backgrounds and abilities, supporting them to value, enjoy, speak up and take action for wildlife. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures. We believe that a diverse team will help us create our vision of people close to nature, with land and seas rich in wildlife.

This is a varied and exciting voluntary position with the opportunity for someone to use their skill set to help the Trust deliver its strategy and join this ambitious team to make a real difference to local wildlife in Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside.

Further details including a role profile and how to apply can be found on our website.

Closing Date: 9am Wednesday 30th April 2025

Interviews: Week commencing Monday 12th May 2025

Treasurer 

Closing date Midnight Sunday 27th April 2025 

We are looking for ambitious and passionate Treasurer to join our Team at Advicenow at a time of growth for the charity but also substantial social and economic challenges for our beneficiaries.

Advicenow has been providing legal support to individuals and communities since 2011. We provide routes to access to justice for people who are otherwise unable to secure basic rights and entitlements to their income, their home and to protect their families. We have a strong track record in leading technological innovation, and educational and research design to tackle legal needs at scale.

As a member of the board you will ultimately be responsible for the overall direction, vision and strategy of Law for Life. We are seeking an enthusiastic and committed Treasurer to work alongside the Chair, Board, CEO and Finance Manager to ensure the charity’s financial wellbeing, accountability, and sustainability.

You will have the ability to innovate, to think strategically, while demonstrating sound judgement. You will help us to move on to the next stage of our three year strategic plan.

We are looking to appoint individuals who share our values in social justice and legal empowerment and would like to become involved. In particular, we would also like to hear from people who have experience in any of the following areas:

• People with experience in financial management, accounting, audit, or a senior finance role in a relevant sector.
• Professional experience in working with or advising Boards on financial matters, particularly in a charity context.
• Leadership or governance experience in charity & non-for-profit, justice & human rights, health, or technology sectors.
• People with lived experience of legal, social, or financial challenges similar to those faced by Advicenow’s service users, offer a first-hand perspective on their needs and barriers to access.

We are searching for people from all backgrounds and sectors but are particularly keen to enhance Board expertise from people with lived experience of discrimination, poverty or access to justice needs.

For more information and how to apply download our recruitment pack.

African Development Choices (ADC) is a UK-based Social Enterprise on a mission to reduce poverty by empowering communities to make more informed choices in the management of public resources.

ADC’s purpose is to enable communities to independently meet their needs for essential services, such as clean water and safe sanitation and improve lives in Africa.

At ADC we encourage a working culture of seeking and giving input, showing, and taking initiative and commitment to the organisation and its purpose.

Main Purpose of Job: You will be the main point of contact for the HR General Team, handling day-to-day management of volunteers, communications, and policy administration. Additionally, you'll support Talent Acquisition by screening CVs, scheduling interviews, and managing onboarding. This is a great opportunity to contribute to new HR initiatives and strategies.

Department: HR General

Division: People & Culture

Position Reports to: Chief People Officer

Position is Responsible for: No direct reports

Main Duties & Objectives
 

Your main responsibilities will include but are not limited to:
 

• Assist with the Talent Acquisition process by screening CVs, coordinating interviews, and managing the onboarding of new hires.

• Support the HR team with administrative tasks related to recruitment and employee onboarding.

• Assist in the development and implementation of human resources policies, systems, and processes.

• Undertake tasks around performance management.

• Gather and analyse data with useful HR metrics to develop effective action plans (i.e., employee turnover rates, volunteer satisfaction, retention rate per manager, etc.)

• Create strong relationships across the organisation and develop a network of contacts throughout your area and understand who the key individuals are.

• Update and maintain volunteer records when necessary.

• Provide administrative support to the Talent Acquisition team by screening CV’s and setting up interviews.

• Working with leadership teams on developing, organising, and implementing design models.

• Attend the HR General Team weekly meeting.

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

Essential

• Previous administrative experience in Talent Acquisition

• Proven experience as an HR Generalist or HRBP and be able to demonstrate your complete understanding of the position.

• Knowledge of HR processes and HRIS systems and HR best practises.

• Able to assist on developing action plans for the implementation of new HRIS systems, policies, HR strategies, etc.

• Excellent communication and people skills.

• Experience in working closely with business leaders and line managers to build their people capability.

• Able to deliver a high standard of work in a timely manner, within defined processes and with minimal supervision.

• The ability to keep sensitive information confidential.

• Available to volunteer at least 7-10 hours a week 

• Ability to actively take initiative and help set things up in a start-up environment.

• Ability to actively seek and give input in a collaborative team environment.

• A committed team player with good communication skills.

Desirable

• Hold a qualification related to HR.

What ADC Offers You

This is a volunteer, remote and unpaid position with the following benefits:

• Professional learning and career development opportunities.

• An opportunity to build on your work experience within your profession.

• An opportunity to be part of a diverse team representing different parts of the world, that is changing lives in Africa.

• An opportunity to help shape a start-up social enterprise.

• We will provide work reference for you.

This job description is a written statement of the essential characteristics of the job, with its principal accountabilities, incorporating a note of the skills, knowledge and experience required for a satisfactory level of performance. This is not intended to be a complete, detailed account of all aspects of the duties involved.

Here at African Development Choices, we celebrate diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our teams are made up of people from all over the world and we welcome all applications. If you are disabled or have a long-term health condition, and you require any reasonable adjustments for your application with us, please let us know by contacting recruitmentatafricandevelopmentchoicesdotorg.

The Salusbury World advice team have been successfully helping clients to navigate welfare benefits, immigration problems, housing support and to find work for 20 years. 70% of our clients require an interpreter. 

We particularly need interpreters to support our Arabic-speaking clients.

Some appointments take place virtually and some are face-to-face appointments, usually in the London borough of Brent. 

Your main tasks will be to: 

*offer clear independent interpreting of the client’s issue and responses from the advice worker to the client. 

*support clients from a variety of Arabic-speaking countries, many with almost no English.

Experience of interpreting is desirable but not essential. You need a warm personality and an ability to build a rapport with people quickly, a high standard of English, and a non-judgemental and supportive approach.

Commitment: this is an irregular commitment, as and when needed. It is likely to be 2 or 3 hours per month but may be less.

We offer induction training, support and reimburse travel costs. 

Can you help give musical talent a chance?

Over the last 26 years our committed team of trustees, staff, volunteers and supporters have made Young Sounds UK one of the largest and most respected charities in music education. As we move into the next phase of our development, we’re looking for a committed chair with energy, passion and the time to continue to help drive us forward. The successful candidate will work closely with the CEO to ensure the charity continues to achieve its ambitions and will lead the board in delivering its responsibility for the overall governance and strategic direction of Young Sounds UK.

We want to hear from people who are passionate about and willing to advocate strongly for giving those young people facing the most barriers the support they need to fulfil their potential. We also expect candidates to demonstrate a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.

If you think this may be you, please see our recruitment pack for more information and to apply.

If you’d like an informal chat with one of our current trustees, please email Young Sounds’ CEO.

This is an exciting time in our growth as we look to grow our governance systems, build on our successes and ensure we are a radical, dynamic organisation rooted in our anti-racist and anti-oppressive values.  We are looking for a new Chair for our Trustee board, to join us and help lead and shape the future of the organisation. 

Here at Youth4Youth, we have grown a strong, tight-knit community of individuals who are passionate about making a difference and improving the lives of young people across the UK. Our growing team of volunteers all contribute, significantly, to the impact that we have as a charity on our direct beneficiaries, regardless of the department that they work in of the level of time that they are able to commit. Our services primarily offer a peer-support network to young people right across the UK, allowing them to access a peer mentor who is of a similar age to them and somebody that they feel more comfortable speaking with.

If successful, you will be joining a growing team of diverse, but likeminded individuals, collaborating to increase the reach of the Charity and improve support provisions available to young people. All of our volunteers and employees are remote workers, but that doesn't stop us keeping in touch and maintaining a strong positive culture amongst our whole team.

About the role

As Youth4Youth continues to grow, we are focusing on strengthening the long-term financial sustainability of the Charity. We are seeking 3 - 4 experienced individuals to join the Board of Directors of a new Commercial Trading Subsidiary (Y4Y Trading Ltd, yet to be incorporated). This is an exciting opportunity for individuals to have a material impact on the success of the wider charity by promoting and ensuring commercial excellence throughout all commercial activities. 

Responsibilities 

• Attend 4 to 6 Board Meetings per year, each up to 1.5 hours in length and will be held remotely via teams. 
• Hold ultimate authority, in line with all management agreements between Y4Y Trading Ltd and Youth4Youth Ltd, to ensure the success of all commercial activities.
• Hold legal responsibility for the subsidiary entity, ensuring that all statutory requirements are met ahead of deadlines. 
• Constructively challenge opinions and biases to ensure the right decisions are made, with the ultimate aim of delivering maximum return to the charitable group.
• Providing scrutiny of executive and business performance in meeting agreed strategy, plan, goals and objectives, as well as monitoring reporting of performance.

Skills 

• Extensive strategic or leadership experience in relevant areas, including procurement, sales, operational management, vendor management, business development and other key commercial areas.
• Strong communication skills, able to actively challenge and drive decisions forward to the right outcome.
• Ability to foresee problems arising and present solutions to solve potential problems.
• Experience in commercial planning and budgeting desired.

Our mission is to continue to grow towards becoming one of the best charities in the UK. Our aim is to do this by building a diverse team, rich with different backgrounds and perspectives. Therefore, even if you feel you only are a 75% match, we would still love to hear from you. Skills can be learned, but diversity cannot.

Benefits of volunteering with Youth4Youth

We recognise that you will be joining us and giving your time as an 'in-kind' donation, but there must be benefits for you too. When joining our team, you will be open to the following benefits:

• Professional and personal development opportunities in a variety of skill areas through volunteering in real roles. This may be general development or tailored to your specific needs or ambitions
• Becoming a member of a strong network of likeminded individuals, spread across the UK, who you can connect with and collaborate with both within and outside of the Charity
• Access to bespoke discounts, specifically designed for non-profit workers and Youth4Youth volunteers
• Opportunities to truly shape the future of the Charity, having a direct influence over the impact that Youth4Youth has on its direct beneficiaries

The hiring process

The hiring process for a Commercial Trading Subsidiary Board is slightly different to our standard process. Candidates should understand that the process entails:

• A written expression of interest for the role, including a cover letter and CV
• An initial interview, with the interview panel made up of the Group CEO & Chairperson and the Group Commercial Director (Chair of the Trading Subsidiary)
• Successful candidates will be nominated to the Board of Trustees for the Group Charity to be put to a vote

Some roles will have extra stages but we’ll let you know as early as possible if so.

Please let us know if you require any accommodations for the interview process, and we’ll do our best to assist.

We are seeking to recruit a Vice Chair and four Trustees to join us to help us achieve our ambitious goals for a fairer and more effective criminal justice system.

The Criminal Justice Alliance (CJA) is a network of 200+ organisations and academics working towards a fair and effective criminal justice system. Working with our members, the CJA brings together a broad and diverse range of expertise across the sector, championing and elevating the voices of those directly impacted by the criminal justice system. 

We are in an exciting time of growth and development as we continue our ambitious and much-needed work, focusing on systemic change, constructive criminal justice journalism, race equity and lived experience leadership. 

The CJA is committed to achieving greater diversity in its trustees and staff, particularly as there are issues affecting individuals from non-majority backgrounds across the criminal justice system. We actively encourage applications from minority ethnic communities and people with protected characteristics. We also welcome applications from younger people and from first-time trustees.

This is a voluntary role without remuneration. However, travel expenses as well as other reasonable and necessary costs incurred (including childcare), as part of official Trustee business, will be reimbursed. We will also provide suitable training and mentorship for first-time Trustees.

For more information about the role, please see CJA Trustee Appointment Brief.  

About Wikimedia UK
Wikimedia UK is the national platform for open knowledge, bringing together practical and policy expertise about Wikipedia and the other Wikimedia projects. Delivering impact of over 1 billion views each year and engaging thousands of people through advocacy, education, outreach and partnerships, Wikimedia UK demystifies and drives engagement in open access to information.

Wikimedia UK's Board of Trustees provides strategic guidance, direction and oversight for the charity as a whole while recognising and respecting the domain of staff responsibility. In particular, the board:

• sets and maintains our direction, vision, mission and values, and helps develop strategy for effective charitable impact

• sets and maintains the policies, practices, budgets and other processes necessary to deliver those aims

• selects and supports the CEO who has oversight of operations, staff and employment procedures

• maintains fiscal oversight and accountability, including risk management and ensuring that the charity operates in a prudent and solvent manner

• ensures that the law and our Articles of Association are complied with

• promotes and champions the charity

• maintains its own effectiveness as a board

We have a board of up to 11 trustees who are appointed for three-year terms. Most trustees are elected however we can have up to four co-opted trustees at any one time. Trustees of Wikimedia UK are expected to sign the Code of Conduct and to declare any actual or potential conflicts and personal interests. 

Full board meetings are held quarterly, as are meetings of the two formal sub-committees (Audit and Risk, and Governance).

ROLE DESCRIPTION

Governance & Board Development:

• Lead the Board of Trustees in setting and supporting the charity’s strategic direction and ensuring the work of the organisation is aligned with the strategy 

• Oversee the recruitment and induction of trustees, ensuring an effective, diverse and inclusive Board

• Monitor trustee engagement and compliance with the Code of Conduct

• Lead the development of best practice in governance, including conducting regular board evaluations and working with the staff team on board training and development

Meetings:

• Chair quarterly meetings of the full board, an annual away day, and the Annual General Meeting, working with the CEO on setting the agenda and ensuring the timely distribution of papers.

• Facilitate constructive, open, and respectful discussion during meetings, ensuring all relevant factors are fully considered and clear decisions are made.

• Chair the Governance Committee (which meets as needed) and liaise with the Chairs of other Board Committees

Staff:

• Act as the main channel of communication between the Board and staff

• Act as the line manager for the Chief Executive, providing support and input through regular one-to-one meetings, and conducting annual appraisals

External Relations:

• Represent Wikimedia UK externally as required, collaborating with the Chief Executive on advocacy and outreach efforts

• Monitor the charity’s financial performance and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements

Person Specification:

• Proven experience in a leadership role within a nonprofit organisation

• Demonstrated commitment to open knowledge and the values of Wikimedia UK 

• Strong understanding of governance, strategy, and the nonprofit sector

• A good understanding and experience of best practice within charity governance

• Familiarity with charity finance, reporting, and fundraising practices

• Excellent communication, negotiation, and advocacy skills

• Ability to foster a culture of collaboration and inclusivity

• Experience in chairing meetings and leading diverse teams or boards

• Committed to promoting and supporting equity, diversity, and inclusion

• Knowledge and experience in one of the sectors or areas that Wikimedia UK’s works with, such as cultural heritage, education or civil society, is desirable

Time Commitment:

• Approximately one day a month, including Board meetings (typically held quarterly), an annual strategic planning meeting, meetings with the Chief Executive and occasional attendance at public and community events.

• Reasonable expenses, including travel and accommodation, will be reimbursed.

Term:

• As per our Articles, co-opted trustees are appointed for an initial term of two years, with the possibility of co-option for two further terms. We are ideally looking for a commitment of at least three years from our new Chair of Trustees.

• Application Process: Please submit a CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role using the subject line: "Chair of the Board of Trustees Application."

Deadline: Sunday 18th May 2025

Wikimedia UK particularly welcomes applications from individuals from diverse backgrounds. If you require this information in an alternative format or need adjustments during the application process, please contact Sharon on the email address below.

This is a unique opportunity to lead a dynamic charity and play a pivotal role in advancing free knowledge and open content for all.