Person to person volunteer volunteer roles in crook, county durham

World Physiotherapy is looking for a volunteer to support the charity's Finance Committee. Finance committee meetings are held quarterly via teleconference and last for between 90 to 120 minutes.

Founded in 1951, World Physiotherapy (the operating name of the World Confederation for Physical Therapy, “WCPT”) is the sole international voice for physiotherapy, representing more than 600,000 physiotherapists worldwide through its 129 member organisations. World Physiotherapy operates as a non-profit organisation and is registered as a charity in the UK.

World Physiotherapy is committed to moving the physiotherapy profession forward and promoting its contribution to global health. It encourages high standards of physiotherapy research, education and practice.
As the international voice of physiotherapy, World Physiotherapy’s mission is to preserve, protect and promote the good health of the general public in particular by promoting good practice and high standards in the field of physiotherapy, including by:

• Promoting high standards in the practice and application of physiotherapy globally;
• Encouraging the development of national physiotherapy associations and supporting those associations to deliver physiotherapy to a high standard for the benefit of patients and the public;
• Organising international congresses of physiotherapists representing national physiotherapy associations, encouraging communication and the exchange of information with a view to raising standards of practice;
• Promoting the health and wellbeing of global populations;
• Representing and advocating for physiotherapy internationally by educating the general public in the subject of physiotherapy.

For further details about World Physiotherapy - with links to our Strategic Plan; our vision and purpose; as well as our Financial Statements - can be found on our website: https://world.physio/

Finance Committee
The finance committee oversees the finances of the registered charity (WCPT), the company WCPT Trading Ltd, and in time the CIO. The Finance Committee, provides reports, advice, and makes recommendations to the Board in accordance with the Committee’s functions. Further information can be found in the committee terms of reference.

Commitment
The commitment required for these roles includes attendance at quarterly finance committee meetings, attendance at annual meetings with auditors, reading papers in advance of meetings, as well as availability from time to time to support the chair and senior management team through correspondence or ad-hoc meetings.

The roles is an unpaid voluntary position and no travel is anticipated.
Specification
The successful candidate will be working to support a passionate and committed group of trustees who are elected from our member organisations around the globe. World Physiotherapy is interested in hearing from candidates who substantially meet the following criteria:

• An accounting qualification and experience of providing financial support and advice, ideally with experience in UK charity finance requirements and knowledge of charity governance. An understanding of operating internationally would also be valuable
• Finance Committee experience (or equivalent) in either the public, charity or private sector
• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to their duties as a committee member
• Proven interpersonal, communication and people skills including critical listening and the ability to ask probing questions
• Ability to work within a framework of collective decision-making
• Ability to examine evidence and complex documentation and take an independent and unbiased view
• Ability to assess issues relating to audit, risk management, internal and external audit, investment, insurance and general financial management
• A commitment to high standards of governance and probity
• A commitment to the organisation and its objectives and a personal interest in the work of World Physiotherapy
• Ability to respect confidentiality
• A willingness to be available to staff for advice and enquiries on an ad hoc basis

The Board always welcomes applications from people with lived experience of a disability, physical health or mental health conditions.

How to apply
To apply for this role, please supply the following:
• a short introductory statement demonstrating your motivation for this role;
• supporting statement, explaining how you believe your skills and experience match the requirements of the role, directly addressing the person specification
• a comprehensive CV including details of your achievements in each role

The closing date for applications is 30 April 2025.

For an informal and confidential discussion about the role, please contact the Head of Finance

About the Safeguarding Trustee Role

Role Overview

The Safeguarding Trustee ensures Rebuilding Lives UK meets all safeguarding obligations and promotes a culture of safeguarding at every level. They provide expert oversight, policy guidance, and ensure best practices are embedded across the organisation. The Safeguarding Trustee works closely with senior leadership to ensure the organisation remains compliant with safeguarding regulations. Trustees are expected to be actively involved in the charity’s work, providing hands-on support where appropriate.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure robust safeguarding policies are in place, regularly reviewed, and adhered to.
• Provide safeguarding advice to the board and senior leadership.
• Ensure all trustees and staff receive appropriate safeguarding training.
• Oversee risk management relating to safeguarding, ensuring all cases are handled correctly.
• Promote a safeguarding-first approach across the charity’s activities.
• Ensure compliance with relevant safeguarding legislation and guidance.
• Act as the board’s safeguarding lead, providing regular updates and reports.
• Trustees share collective responsibility for the charity’s governance, ensuring the charity’s mission is achieved and its operations are effective. Trustees support the CEO by contributing to strategic planning, offering expertise, and working together to provide the necessary oversight and direction for the charity’s growth and success.

Who We Are Looking For

Essential Skills & Experience:

• Professional experience in safeguarding children or adults.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to advise on safeguarding matters.
• Awareness of safeguarding regulations in the charity sector.
• Ability to ensure safeguarding remains a board-level priority.

What You’ll Gain from This Role

Becoming a trustee with Rebuilding Lives UK is more than just a governance role—it’s an opportunity to be part of a team dedicated to creating real, lasting change. As a trustee, you will:

• Play a vital role in supporting survivors and helping them rebuild their lives.
• Be part of a passionate and driven team working towards a shared mission.
• Gain valuable leadership, governance, and strategic experience.
• Develop transferable skills in decision-making, safeguarding, and advocacy.
• Expand your professional network and engage with like-minded individuals.
• Have access to training and development opportunities to strengthen your expertise.

Mandatory Training Requirement

The Safeguarding Trustee must complete trustee governance and safeguarding training within the first three months of appointment. Additional training will follow as needed.

Terms of Appointment

Trustees serve an initial one-year term, with the option for renewal up to a maximum of three years.

Voluntary Role

All voluntary roles are subject to satisfactory references and an enhanced DBS check.

This is an unpaid remote position (UK Based); however, reasonable expenses will be reimbursed. 

Time Commitment:

• 8 hours per month, including:
  • Monthly board meetings (held via Zoom).
  • Active involvement in governance and decision-making processes.
  • Annual half-day strategy session to contribute to the charity’s direction.
  • Engagement in charity activities beyond board meetings, as appropriate.

Springboard Youth Academy is seeking a qualified accountant to join our Board of Trustees as Treasurer. 

About Springboard 

Springboard Youth Academy supports refugee and asylum-seeking young people who have recently arrived in the UK to help them succeed in the classroom and beyond. By combining participatory learning, life skills and holistic support into action-packed weekend, half-term and summer programming, we work to bridge the gap in support for young people whose needs can't be met in mainstream schools. 

Refugee and asylum-seeking young people who have made the difficult journey to the UK – especially those who come alone – are saddled with many challenges common to starting a life somewhere new. Though they are required to enroll in school, more often than not, they aren’t provided with the language and psychological support necessary to succeed in their new circumstances. They are simply not set up to thrive. Coupled with budget cuts to tailored learning provision in schools, these young people often miss their chance to progress at a natural pace and to reach their fullest potential.

As educators, service providers and youth workers with years of experience working to offset the challenges these young people face, we launched a programme that helps develop young people’s English language skills whilst addressing their psychological and social needs, preparing them for mainstream education and helping them rebuild their lives in London.

We do this by providing interactive and engaging programming that combines English learning, life skills and practical and emotional strategies for young people on their journey to independence and adulthood. 

About the Opportunity

Role Title: Treasurer

Direct Report:Works closely with the Chair, Director and the Board of Trustees. 

Background: Finance, Strategy and Governance, Fundraising, Legal, Risk.

Role Summary

The Treasurer will be required to:

• Monitor the financial standing of the charity and report to the Board and Director regarding cash-flow forecasting, income streams, out-going expenses and the overarching strategic management of the organisation’s financial resources. 

• Oversee the charity’s financial risk-management process and report financial health to the Board of Trustees at regular intervals.

• Act as a counter signatory on cheques and applications to funders and ensure that annual accounts are submitted to all relevant regulators in a timely fashion.

• Liaise with external auditors as required on financial issues and ensure that the organisation's finances are responsibly managed/invested for the betterment of the organisation’s work and for the beneficiaries it serves.

See attached for the full role description and person specification. 

Time Commitment 

In line with all charities, Trustees are unpaid volunteers. Trustees must be able to commit to attending quarterly Board meetings and making time to read paperwork in advance of Board meetings. As a small charity, our resources are limited and Trustees are also asked to actively contribute their skills in relevant areas. As a guideline, Trustees must be prepared to offer a minimum of four hours per month to the charity, for example to be involved in fundraising, interviews and business plans, etc. We will also require new Trustees to spend one day on site during one of our programmes to get a feel for the work, as well as undertake Trustee and Safeguarding training, within the first three months of starting the role.

Board meetings are currently held virtually, and, where possible, are arranged at least two months ahead. On occasion, Trustees will be required to respond on email or phone in relation to issues that arise outside of Board meetings. Travel costs will be covered if they are a barrier.

Values

We’re looking for people who share our love of high quality and inclusive education, as well as our commitment to working with, for and alongside refugee communities. We are keen to meet people who can bring skills, knowledge and both professional and lived experience that will help us scale up. We’re looking for people who can think strategically and creatively, work collaboratively and want to make a significant contribution to Springboard Youth Academy’s future, as well as the wider education sector.

We are committed to nurturing a Board that is representative, diverse and inclusive. We are interested to hear from individuals with experience in governance, as well as those new to Trustee positions. We are particularly encouraging applications from those with personal experience of forced migration and Leaving Care.

Application Process

Please send your CV and a brief, half-page cover letter outlining why you would be a brilliant Treasurer for Springboard Youth Academy and what excites you about our work by midnight on 26th April. 

Please get in touch with us for alternative application formats if you have any accessibility requirements.

About the Chair of Trustee Role

Role Overview

The Chair of Trustees ensures effective governance and strategic direction for Rebuilding Lives UK. They provide leadership to the board, oversee decision-making, and act as a key ambassador for the charity. The Chair supports the Chief Executive while ensuring accountability and compliance with regulatory requirements. A key responsibility of the Chair is to ensure that all trustees are actively engaged in their roles, fulfilling their responsibilities, and participating in training.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the board to ensure strong governance, accountability, and strategic leadership.
• Ensure that all trustees actively fulfill their roles, contribute to decision-making, and engage with the charity’s work.
• Provide mentorship and oversight to the Chief Executive.
• Hold trustees accountable for attending training and participating in board activities.
• Ensure that safeguarding measures are implemented across the charity.
• Oversee board meetings, ensuring productive discussions and informed decision-making.
• Represent the charity externally and strengthen partnerships with key stakeholders.
• Support financial oversight, ensuring sustainability and compliance.
• Be actively involved in the charity’s operations where possible, offering support beyond governance.
• The Chair plays a key role in providing strategic direction and supporting the CEO through regular mentoring and guidance. While the board collectively oversees the charity’s performance, the Chair works closely with the CEO to ensure they are supported in their role, offering insights and fostering a collaborative relationship between the CEO and trustees.

Who We Are Looking For

Essential Skills & Experience:

• Experience in chairing boards or senior governance roles.
• Strong strategic leadership and decision-making abilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI).
• Minimum of 10 hours per month dedicated to board duties.

What You’ll Gain from This Role

Becoming a trustee with Rebuilding Lives UK is more than just a governance role—it’s an opportunity to be part of a team dedicated to creating real, lasting change. As a trustee, you will:

• Play a vital role in supporting survivors and helping them rebuild their lives.
• Be part of a passionate and driven team working towards a shared mission.
• Gain valuable leadership, governance, and strategic experience.
• Develop transferable skills in decision-making, safeguarding, and advocacy.
• Expand your professional network and engage with like-minded individuals.
• Have access to training and development opportunities to strengthen your expertise.

Mandatory Training Requirement

All trustees, including the Chair, are required to complete trustee governance and safeguarding training within the first three months of their appointment. Additional training will follow as needed.

Terms of Appointment

The Chair serves an initial one-year term, with the option for renewal up to a maximum of three years.

Voluntary Role

All voluntary roles are subject to satisfactory references and an enhanced DBS check.

This is an unpaid remote position (UK Based); however, reasonable expenses will be reimbursed. 

Time Commitment:

• 10 hours per month, including:
  • Monthly board meetings (held via Zoom).
  • Providing strategic leadership and guidance to the CEO.
  • Annual half-day strategy session and leadership planning.
  • Regular check-ins with trustees to ensure engagement and accountability.

We are looking to recruit a new Vice-Chair, four trustees and three non-exec members of either our Finance, Audit, Risk and Governance, Remunerations or Nominations sub-committees.

We are particularly looking for candidates with experience in the following areas:

• Leading a food bank

• Leading or working in a church

• Digital, AI and/or Technology

• Safeguarding

• Managing investments

Role profile Role outline and purpose

Trustees have collective responsibility for the governance of the organisation and for all decisions made by the Board. They set the strategic direction for the organisation, ensuring alignment to our values, and are responsible for setting organisational policy, defining goals, agreeing the financial plan, evaluating performance, and ensuring that strong relationships are maintained between the Trustees and the Senior Leadership Group.

Role responsibilities Organisational purpose:

• Drive, embrace and commit to the organisation’s vision, mission, strategy and values.

• Ensure the charity complies with its governing document and charity law.

Leadership

• Commit to uphold our trustee code of conduct

• Ensure that the charity has a clear and relevant set of aims and an appropriate strategy for achieving them.

• Lead by example, ensuring the charity’s values are reflected in all of its work, and that the ethos and culture of the organisation underpin the delivery of all activities.

Integrity

• Safeguard and promote the charity’s reputation by living its values and by extension promote public confidence in the wider sector.

• Act in the best interests of the charity’s purposes and its beneficiaries, creating a safe, respectful and welcoming environment for those who come into contact with it.

• Make objective decisions about delivering the charity’s purposes, without undue influence by special or personal interests.

Decision-making risk and control

• Ensure clear focus on strategy, performance, and assurance, rather than operational matters.

• Promote a culture of sound decision making, monitoring and management of resources whilst understanding that being over-cautious and risk averse can itself be a risk and hinder innovation.

Board effectiveness

• Uphold board collective responsibility.

• Make reasonable use of own skills and experience to support the work of the Board and the wider organisation.

• Commit sufficient time and energy to the role of trustee.

Equity, diversity and inclusion

• Ensure the principles of equity, equality, diversity and inclusion are embedded in the organisation and help to deliver the charity’s public benefit.

• Work to reduce obstacles to participation, ensuring the organisation’s work is designed and open for everyone included within its charitable purposes.

• Actively challenge inequality and achieve improved equality of outcomes.

Openness and accountability

• Ensure that the charity’s performance and interaction with its stakeholders are guided by the values, ethics and culture put in place by the board.

• Take seriously the responsibility for building public trust and confidence in the organisation’s work.

• Ensure the charity is seen to have legitimacy in representing its beneficiaries and stakeholders.

Person specification

• Demonstrate a strong and visible passion and commitment to the charity, its strategic objectives and cause and a heart for the people in crisis who we serve.

• Demonstrate Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

• Exhibit strong inter-personal and relationship building abilities and be comfortable in an ambassadorial role.

• Demonstrate tact and diplomacy, with the ability to listen and engage effectively.

• Strong networking capabilities that can be utilised for the benefit of the charity.

• Ability to foster and promote a collaborative team environment.

• Ability to commit time to conduct the role well, including travel and attending events out of office hours.

• Broad knowledge and understanding of the charity sector and current issues affecting it.

• Strong leadership skills, ability to motivate staff and volunteers and bring people together with an overarching commitment to working effectively and harmoniously with other board members and the staff team.

• Good understanding of charity governance issues, including the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of a trusteeship.

• An understanding of and commitment to the principles of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

• Bring relevant skills that help the Board perform its role effectively and achieve the charity’s vision.

Key stakeholders

• Chief Executive

• Senior Leadership Group

• Food banks

Our values

Trussell is a charity that works to end the need for food banks. It is founded on and shaped by Christian principles. Our values of dignity, justice, compassion and community, are central to all that we do and therefore supports our aim to be an organisation where the diversity of all employees is valued. We welcome people of all faiths and none and those that are committed to these values.

We recognise that we have under-represented groups within our workforce. As part of our commitment to diversity and equality of opportunity we are actively encouraging applications from under-represented groups such as returning parents or carers who are re-entering work after a career break, people who are LGBTQIA+, from racially minoritised communities such as Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, with a disability, impairment, learning difference or longterm condition, with caring responsibilities, from different nations and regions and those with a lived experience of poverty as well as any other underrepresented group in our workforce.

We are committed ensuring the safety and protection of our employees from all forms of harm.

Time commitment: 3 Board meetings per year plus attendance at least one subcommittee (3 meetings per year each) plus contact with the Chair between meetings

Remuneration: Whilst the Trustee role is unpaid, reasonable expenses, such as those incurred in travelling to meetings, are payable in line with Trussell’s standard expenses policy.

As exciting plans for a new National Centre for Music (NCM) at Edinburgh's former Royal High School progress, we are searching for a Chair and Board of Trustees to help bring this iconic, cultural destination to life.

From our home in the former Royal High School building on Calton Hill in Edinburgh, the National Centre for Music will become an energising force in Scotland’s music sector. Through a variety of programmes and partnerships, the centre will nurture and celebrate music making from across Scotland. It will present a striking programme of music – across all genres – for audiences to enjoy within a spectacular location, as well as supporting artists and organisations to develop new projects, skills, networks and profile. Nestled within two acres of beautiful, landscaped gardens, the centre will be open every day for people to enjoy and expand their musical passions.

We are looking for around four new trustees, including a Chair, to work closely with our executive team to develop and launch the organisation -  defining the brand, setting the business model and staff team, establishing business partnerships and ensuring integration and collaboration with the music sector, as well as with Edinburgh and Scotland’s wider cultural infrastructure.

During these early years, there is expected to be five board meetings per year, plus one strategy development day. Given the nature of the project, it’s hoped trustees will offer their expertise in leading working groups and attending workshops.

As we launch ourselves as a new national player, we need fresh entrepreneurial thinking to build an innovative, resilient organisation. We are particularly seeking candidates with expertise in:

- Business development
- Brand and marketing
- EDI (Equalities, Diversity and Inclusion) 
- Finance

We also want to ensure the music community at large feels represented in our governance and welcome applications from musicians. So whether you’re an experienced Trustee or someone who has never been on a board before, if you have first-hand knowledge of the music sector in Scotland or feel truly passionate about what we’re trying to achieve, we’d love to hear from you – and we’ll make sure you feel welcome and supported.