Safeguarding volunteer roles

The Board and Leadership team at Charity People is thrilled to be partnering with Amnesty International UK on their 2025 Board Recruitment.

Amnesty International UK:

Amnesty International UK operates in the UK as two distinct legal entities: Amnesty International UK Section Charitable Trust (‘the Charitable Trust’), and Amnesty International United Kingdom Section (‘the UK Section’). Each entity is governed by its own Board with the two working together and co-operating but remaining independent. Each Board operates and makes decisions based on the long-term interests of their respective entity and within the constraints imposed by applicable UK law, their separate constitutions and the overall rules of the global Amnesty International movement.

The Charitable Trust:

Amnesty International UK Section Charitable Trust is a registered charity and a limited company. It fulfils its objectives by raising money and providing charitable grants. It is one of the largest financial contributors to Amnesty International’s work around the world and also funds the UK Section to deliver human rights work in the UK.

The purpose of the Trust:

• To serve as a Trustee of Amnesty International UK Charitable Trust ensuring that the Trust successfully pursues its vision and objectives while acting within its constraints and responsibilities.
• The Trust Board holds fiduciary responsibility for the organisation and safeguards its good name and values. Members of the Trust Board are legally defined as Company Directors and are also accountable as Trustees under charity law.

About You:

Professional experience is of less importance than lived experience or grassroots experience. However, should any applicants have competence in the following areas, we would be pleased to hear from them:

• Human Rights Legal Expertise e.g. practicing Immigration Solicitor
• Grants Administration (either as a grant maker or recipient)
• Strategic Leadership/Governance

How to Apply:

We will host a Q&A webinar with AIUK at 6pm on Monday 28th April 2025, where they will share further insights and answer any additional questions you may have. In the first instance send your CV and we will forward you the recruitment pack as well as the link to register to attend this webinar.

Timeline:

Closing date: 5pm 23rd May 2025

First Interviews: w/c 30th June

Final Interviews: w/c 7th July

HF Mencap is looking for new trustees to expand the skills within its board. This initiative comes as the organisation embarks on a new strategy and experiences a period of growth, made possible by the appointment of a new CEO.

What will you be doing?

HF Mencap  is the only disabilities charity in Hammersmith and Fulham that focuses solely on people with learning disabilities, autism, and other developmental conditions. The Charity provides a range of service-user led activity: Community Advocacy, a Youth Development Project for young adults, and a 6 Day a week Service where the focus is on peer support and skills development through a range of inclusive activities.

As a Trustee you will help HF Mencap continue to provide the highest standards of professional, specialist support and care for the people who use our services and set a clear, ambitious direction for the charity’s future. The Trustees have overall responsibility for ensuring the charity is well-run and meets legal requirements, charitable objectives, and those of good governance. You will use your personal skills and experience to help the Board of Trustees in reaching structured and sound decisions.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for candidates who are based in London. You may or may not have been a Trustee or worked in the voluntary sector. 

We would love to hear from individuals who have personal experience with learning disabilities and/or autism, as well as parents or caregivers of those affected. Additionally, we are interested in hearing from professionals who have worked with people with these disabilities. Alternatively experience in fundraising or as a company secretary would be a plus.

Whatever your circumstances you feel strongly about the cause of HF Mencap and want to combine your expertise and passion to create a better world for people with learning disabilities and autism. You are willing to bring your skills and experience to the table to help shape HF Mencap’s future. You are enthusiastic, able to commit time and effort, and enjoy  working as part of a team.

The role is voluntary, with any necessary out of pocket expenses reimbursed. Appointment is for a three year term with the opportunity to be re-appointed for a further term up to three years.

What difference will you make?

The current social and economic pressures have put the needs of those living with learning disability further down the national agenda. You will be helping to keep their voice heard and enabling a local charity to take an even more active role in helping to address the inequality faced by so many of them.

Before you apply

Please contact us via Reach with a cover letter detailing why you are interested in this role and your relevant experience.

Help us to make a difference tackling loneliness in Oxfordshire.

We are a pioneering charity who have been changing lives for more than 40 years.

If you have experience in fundraising and would like to help us to develop our income generating approach, we would love to hear from you. Your expertise in fundraising will be instrumental in ensuring the financial sustainability and growth of our organisation.

Job description available on the Archway Foundation website (details attached).

If you'd like to discuss the role with the CEO, please call our office to arrange a call or email (details attached).

We actively encourage applications from individuals belonging to underrepresented groups.

As the Treasurer of The Soup Kitchen (Charity Number: 1203641), you will play a pivotal role in overseeing the financial affairs of our organization, ensuring its financial health, and supporting our mission to alleviate food poverty

Who we are

Charitable objects

THE PREVENTION OR RELIEF OF FOOD POVERTY IN LONDON BY PROVIDING FOOD AID TO PREVENT OR RELIEVE FOOD POVERTY AND TO RAISE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE ISSUE OF FOOD POVERTY.

The role

Treasurer Role Description

As the Treasurer of The Soup Kitchen (Charity Number: 1203641), you will play a pivotal role in overseeing the financial affairs of our organization, ensuring its financial health, and supporting our mission to alleviate food poverty in Hounslow. This voluntary position requires a commitment to our cause and a proactive approach to financial stewardship.

Key Responsibilities:

• Financial Oversight:

• Maintain an overview of The Soup Kitchen’s financial activities, ensuring financial stability and sustainability.

• Ensure that effective financial measures, controls, and procedures are in place and adhered to.

• Budgeting and Financial Planning:

• Oversee the preparation and presentation of budgets, accounts, and financial statements to the Board of Trustees.

• Advise on the financial implications of the organization’s strategic plans and activities.

• Reporting and Compliance:

• Ensure that annual accounts are prepared in compliance with statutory requirements and submitted to relevant authorities, such as the Charity Commission.

• Present financial reports to the Board, highlighting key financial issues and proposing corrective actions when necessary.

• Fundraising and Resource Management:

• Contribute to the development and implementation of The Soup Kitchen’s fundraising strategy.

• Ensure that the organization’s resources are managed effectively and align with our charitable objectives.

• Governance:

• Ensure that the organization complies with its governing document, charity law, and any other relevant legislation or regulations.

• Safeguard the good name and values of The Soup Kitchen.

Person Specification:

• Essential:

  • Financial qualifications and experience, preferably as a qualified accountant.

  • Experience in financial control and budgeting.

  • Good communication and interpersonal skills.

  • A commitment to the mission and values of The Soup Kitchen.

• Desirable:

  • Experience with charity finance and fundraising.

  • Knowledge of charity accounting principles and regulations.

Time Commitment:

The Treasurer is expected to attend Board meetings, which are held twice a year, and additional meetings as required. The role may also involve liaising with staff, volunteers, and external stakeholders on financial matters.

We are looking for up to 3 Trustees to join our Board at Citizens Advice Tandridge District to support and develop our strategic priorities as the organisation works to ensure it can help as many clients as possible at a time when they need us most.

Who we are

Citizens Advice Tandridge District is a local independent charity that provides information and advice to help people resolve their problems, including benefits, debt, employment, housing and so on. We provide free and independent advice to help people solve the difficulties they face, and improve the policies and practices that affect peoples’ lives.

The role

Citizens Advice Tandridge District is seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic individuals who can bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, and broaden the diversity of thinking on our board.

This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of people in our community in Tandridge.

We are seeking dedicated and passionate individuals who preferably, but not essentially, have expertise in Human Resources, and Fundraising.

As a Trustee, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction of our organisation, offering guidance and support to our small team of staff and volunteers and most importantly the people in our community. We are looking for individuals who are committed to making a positive impact and who bring valuable skills and insights to help us achieve our mission and ensure the sustainability and growth of Citizens Advice Tandridge District

We are committed to developing a diverse and inclusive Board of Trustees that reflects the communities we serve. We believe that increasing the diversity of our board will enhance our ability to deliver meaningful and effective services.

We particularly encourage applications from people who are currently underrepresented on our board, including individuals from communities of colour, disabled people,those with physical or mental health conditions, LGBTQIA+ people, and individuals with diverse gender identities. We welcome candidates from all socioeconomic backgrounds and value the perspectives and experiences they bring.

We are looking for someone with lived experience of accessing services provided by the wider psychological workforce. As a member of the Registration Advisory Panel, you will provide input on the service user experience of the wider psychological workforce. Members are led by the Chair who is responsible for preparing an independent report on an annual basis that will be submitted to the Trustees and will form part of the Professional Standards Authority annual accreditation renewal reporting.

In 2021 the British Psychological Society launched a new voluntary register for certain roles within the psychological workforce currently without statutory or other registering bodies. This important work ensures that these roles (currently Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners, Clinical Associate in Psychology, Children’s Wellbeing Practitioner, Clinical Associates in Applied Psychology, Mental Health and Wellbeing Practitioner and Education Mental Health Practitioner with a view to expand to other roles) ensures public safety, registrant accountability and a framework of fitness to practice including handling and investigating complaints.

The Registration Advisory Panel are responsible for strategic oversight of the Wider Psychological Workforce Register and reports directly into the Board of Trustees. The panel aims to hold the society to account against standards set by the PSA and its own policies on areas such as complaints, register developments, audit and accountability and reporting.

Job description
Fantastic opportunity to make an impactful difference in women and girls lives by leading our social media department and content for the charity's social media platforms, monitoring performance and establishing and/or maintaining active social media accounts, in addition to researching and creating creative content for different social media channels.

What will you be doing?

• Creating and managing social media posts across all social media platforms e.g. Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube,TikTok, and X.
• Develop new, engaging informative content to educate, raise awareness and prevention, increase interest, attract supporters and encourage ambassadors.
• Working in conjunction with the Operations Manager, be responsible for posting original, high-quality content (three times per week) to improve our brand presence, grab the attention of our target audience and drive engagement.
• Assist with creating our new social media strategy 

What are we looking for?

• Commitment and passion to advocate and fight to end sexual exploitation and sex trafficking
• Clear understanding of social media platforms
• Innovative and creative leader
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Highly motivated, enthusiastic and a positive can-do attitude.
• Knowledge of marketing is also desirable.

Skills, experience and qualities needed

• Creative Skills
• Canva Experience
• Commercial Awareness
• Creating Calendar
• Customer Service
• IT Skills
• Marketing and PR
• Research
• Team Working
• Written Communication Skills

- Up to 5 hours per week (remote)
- We request a minimum commitment of 1 year volunteering.

What difference will you make?

Joining our team will give you the opportunity to:

• Contribute to a good cause that makes a real difference to lives
• Make a lasting impact in lives and communities
• Provide education and information on a topic where the silence needs to be broken
• Be a voice for women and girls who cannot speak
• Use and share your skills and gain new skills and experience
• Be part of a friendly team of people

Please note that we will request references.

The Housing and Welfare team is a fast-paced team which works to make sure that all of our clients have safe and comfortable accommodation and are able to access any benefits to which they are entitled. People seeking asylum are restricted in the benefits they can access, if any, and their legal status determines whether or not they can engage in employment and what statutory accommodation is available for them, so the Housing and Welfare team is vital in helping HBF’s clients to navigate this system. People recently granted refugee status and those who have experienced exploitation are also at high risk of destitution, homelessness and unsuitable accommodation.

As a very busy team, our casework volunteers are invaluable, supporting the staff team on anything from liaising with statutory bodies and voluntary agencies, to drafting grant applications for individual welfare needs. To be able to meet the enormous demand for welfare and housing support, we ideally need to have volunteer support throughout the week.

Main tasks and activities

· Assisting clients to access asylum support, community care, housing, mainstream benefits, charitable support (etc.), within the remit of prevention of homelessness and destitution;

· Maintaining contact with clients within the remit of prevention of homelessness and destitution;

· Liaising with statutory bodies (Asylum Support, DWP, local authorities), solicitors and voluntary agencies to ensure client needs are met;

· Referring clients internally and externally as appropriate for specialist help with issues that fall outside the remit of the housing and welfare casework service, including health/therapeutic services, referrals to immigration/housing/community care solicitors;

· Maintaining accurate and timely client records and follow-up work;

· Other administrative duties as required, including database management and filing.

Skills and experience needed

· Understanding of, and commitment to, the objectives of the Helen Bamber Foundation;

· A demonstrable empathy for our vulnerable clients, including people seeking asylum, refugees and survivors of torture and trafficking;

· Some knowledge of the challenges facing vulnerable clients including people seeking asylum, refugees and survivors of torture, trafficking;

· Some experience in a casework and/or advice role;

· Some knowledge of the rights and entitlements of people seeking asylum and refugees;

· Some knowledge of mainstream benefits, housing, social care;

· Ability to keep up to date with legislation, case law, policies and procedures relating to welfare, housing and immigration;

· Punctual, reliable and self-motivated;

· Able to commit regularly (ideally same day each week)

· Awareness of confidentiality/data protection;

· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills;

· Excellent organisational skills and ability to manage own time and workload, and to prioritise a range of competing demands;

· Excellent IT skills including the use of databases, email, word processing;

· Flexibility and willingness to undertake other duties as required.

What you will get out of the role:

· A better understanding of UK processes and systems which concern people seeking asylum and refugees (including asylum support, homelessness, welfare benefits, local authority support etc.) and what support is available;

· Increased confidence in working on a one-to-one basis with clients;

· Stronger administrative skills;

· Ability to process large amounts of data and prioritise or categorise it;

· An ability to multi-task between competing priorities;

· Experience of working with a multi-disciplinary team in a Human Rights charity.

Equal Opportunities

The Helen Bamber Foundation and Asylum Aid is an equal opportunities and Living Wage employer. We are committed to attracting and recruiting diverse candidates as we are keen to make sure that our staff, trustees, volunteers and ambassadors reflect the communities we serve and the wider community we work in at every level within the organisation.  We particularly welcome applications from those with migrant and refugee backgrounds and those with lived experience of the UK’s immigration systems.

To apply, please attach you CV and cover letter. Applications without a cover letter will, unfortunately, not be considered.

Due to capacity constraints, we will only respond to applicants who are being invited to interview. 

Please note, a three-month probation period is in place across all HBF voluntary roles.

Successful candidates will be offered the position subject to a DBS check.

We have a fantaastic opportunity for you to join our Board of Trustees in a growing and expanding organisation that makes a difference in the lives of women and girls, preventing exploitation and trafficking and advocating for a life of freedom, dignity and empowerment.

Emerge Worldwide is a humanitarian organisation whose purpose is to advocate and raise awareness against sexual exploitation and sex trafficking, focused on women and girls. Our activities provide interventions, tools and resources in prevention work, as we seek to end it everywhere. 

We help and support those suffering trauma, and who are victims of sexual exploitation and sex trafficking and empower survivors of this horrific crime, to go on and live independent successful lives.

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. 

We are seeking passionate individuals to join our Board of Trustees, who will partner with us in our dedication and fight to combatting this heinous crime. We are keen to receive your application if you have human rights, fundraising, or sexual exploitation / sex trafficking experience.

We are keen to receive applications with experience in any of the following areas:

• human rights

• fundraising / income generation

• asylum seekers / refugees

• sexual exploitation / sex trafficking

Your experience will help to support Emerge Worldwide to engage in high-level discussions and actions, which will position and promote our voice and impact, create positive change within the humanitarian and modern slavery sectors and deliver on our purpose to end sexual exploitation and sex trafficking everywhere.

Duties

• Support and provide advice on Emerge Worldwide’s purpose, vision, mission, goals and activities. 

• Approve operational strategies and policies, and monitor and evaluate their implementation.

• Oversee Emerge Worldwide’s financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress. 

• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.

• Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively.

• Keep abreast of changes in Emerge Worldwide’s operating environment.

• Contribute to regular reviews of Emerge Worldwide’s own governance. Attend Board meetings and adequately prepared to contribute to discussions.

• Use independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect Emerge Worldwide’s interests, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or any third-party interests.

• Contribute to the broader promotion of Emerge Worldwide’s objects, aims and reputation by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts.

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

Personal skills and qualities

• Enthusiasm and commitment to Emerge Worldwide vision, mission, purpose and work.

• Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities as trustees and to act in the best interests of the organisation.

• Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member with good governance.

• Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussions. 

• Good independent judgement.

• A strong personal commitment to equality and diversity.

• Willingness to lead according to our values.

• Fulfilling the criteria of a charity trustee the essential trustee 

Terms of office

• Trustees are appointed for a minimum of 2 years of office

• This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses are reimbursed.

Time commitment

• Attending quarterly Board meetings annually - currently meetings are held remotely.

• Trustees are encouraged to attend all staff in-person meetings which run 3 times annually plus any relevant training days.

You will be part of a professional, friendly and skilled Board of Trustees.

We are a welcoming organisation, dedicated to creating a positive and engaging experience where you’ll feel valued, inspired, and empowered to bring your ideas to life.

Apply and help us end sexual exploitation and sex trafficking for good!

Application:

To apply, please submit your CV and a covering letter outlining your motivation for the role and how your skills and experience make you a good fit. 

If you do have any questions, our HR Manager can arrange to speak with you or communicate with you by email.

Please note that we will request references, and a DBS check will be required due to the nature of our work.

Want to support a migrant organisation striving for systemic change? We are looking for a trustee with HR expertise to contribute to the governance of an organisation, whilst centring migrant voices and experiences, and embedding our campaigning and policy work within a migrant-led agenda to help make a just society for migrants a reality.

​The role of an MRN trustee

As with any small charitable organisation, we are reliant on the skills and dedication of the trustees to support the organisation. We pride ourselves on a diverse board which primarily consists of those with the lived migrant, including refugee experiences.

As a trustee, you are instrumental in ensuring that MRN is achieving its objectives and purpose, and it is complying with its governing document and other legal requirements. Trustees are key to developing and delivering the strategy that will help drive the organisation forward.

With our Chair stepping down due to capacity reasons, we are seeking a Chair to lead the board and organisation. Alongside this, through a skills audit and analysis of our gaps, we have identified the following areas of expertise to have a full complement of skills and knowledge on the board: HR, fundraising and income generation for small/medium UK charities or businesses.

We want to reflect the communities we engage with, and therefore want to continue to attract those with the lived experience of migrating or the refugee system, who are from racialised or migratised backgrounds. We are also keen for those under 25 and those living outside of London to apply.

As a trustee you will be able to apply your significant skills and abilities, while working alongside devoted and enthusiastic trustees and staff who are committed to working and campaigning for the rights of all migrants.

Trustees duties and responsibilities

• Ensuring that MRN pursues its stated objects (purposes), as defined in its governing document, by developing and agreeing a long-term strategy

• To ensure MRN follows effective governance to meet regulatory and statutory requirements and complies with its governing document (i.e., memorandum and articles of association), charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations

• To make balanced and informed decisions in the best interests of the charity to achieve its purposes, and avoid personal conflicts of interest when making decisions

• Ensuring that MRN applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its charitable objects (i.e., the charity must not spend money on activities that are not included in its own objects, however worthwhile or charitable those activities might be) for the benefit of the public

• Ensuring that MRN defines its goals and evaluates performance against agreed targets

• To act responsibly, reasonably, and honestly, and safeguard the good name and values of MRN

• Ensuring the effective and efficient administration of MRN, including having appropriate policies and procedures in place

• Ensuring the financial stability and probity of MRN

• Protecting and managing the property of the charity and ensuring the proper investment of the charity’s funds

• Following proper and formal arrangements for the appointment, supervision, support, appraisal, and remuneration of the CEO

In addition to the general qualities of a trustee, we are specifically looking for the following experience:

• A significant understanding of UK HR policies and procedures to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

• To provide oversight and strategic guidance on HR matters, advocate for best practices in employee management

We would expect the trustee with HR expertise to sit on the staff committee which is due to be formed.

Award-winning inclusion charity seeks Co-Chair to shape and lead next phase of growth

WAVE (We’re All Valued Equally) for Change inspires, encourages and enables people with and without learning disabilities to enjoy working together, creating genuinely inclusive worship and social places in the heart of their communities. You will be co-leading our Board of Trustees in North London and supporting our CEO to ensure that our mixed-ability groups and activities positively change experience and attitudes around learning disability.

If you want to make a difference to people living with a mental health condition then we’d love to hear from you!

About us

At The Mental Health Community we use our lived experience to build understanding and support for what it’s like to live and work alongside managing a mental health condition. 

We know that it can be difficult to get, or keep a job if your energy levels, how you’re feeling and your ability to go to a place of work every day are affected by a mental health condition like anxiety or depression. But we also know that having a sense of purpose and belonging can really help with the symptoms and impact that mental health conditions can have on you.

Our work is focused on helping people with a mental health condition who are in work or looking for work. We do this by supporting businesses to improve how they look after people, because we know that by creating inclusive and safe spaces at work we make it possible for people with mental ill health to stay in the workplace which helps keep them well and benefits the businesses too.

By joining our board you will be: 

• Making a lasting impact by helping us make more workplaces safe and inclusive for people with a mental health condition
• Shaping the future of our charity as we expand our services and reach more people who need our support
• Using your skills and experience for good by helping guide the strategic direction of our charity.

What we’re looking for

We are looking for at least 4 new trustees to join our team. Whatever your skillset, we’d love to hear from you and there are some areas where we need particular help:

· Treasurer: oversee our financial health, provide guidance on building long term financial plans to help us grow and ensure appropriate financial management.

· Marketing and Communications: strategic oversight of our marketing and communications, raising awareness of our work and reaching new audiences through digital strategies and media engagement.

· Fundraising: develop our fundraising strategy and income streams, including grant applications, corporate sponsorship and campaigns.

· Governance: guide us in operating transparently and effectively whilst maintaining high standards of governance in compliance with our governing document and charity law.

We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of mental ill health, young people aged 18-30, people of all socio-economic backgrounds, genders and people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.

About the role

As a board of trustees we meet remotely every 6 weeks, there may be some activity in between meetings so the estimated total time commitment is 4 hours every 6 weeks.

In addition to using your specific skills to develop how we work, all trustees share responsibility for:

· Developing our activities to help us achieve our purpose and positive impact,

· Making sure we are compliant with our governing document and the requirements of the Charity Commission, and

· Being an active member of the board to help us make good decisions

What you can expect from us

We are committed to supporting our Trustees: you can expect an induction to the organisation and trustee role plus any additional conversations and support you need to help you feel confident in your role.

Our meetings are relaxed and informal; there are no expectations of ‘business clothes’, technical jargon or having all the answers.

We welcome and support your preferences for the way we work together, how you like to receive information and how we can make it easier for you to participate actively in our discussions.

One more thing

We know that great trustees come from many backgrounds and with a variety of experiences and that’s great - we really value people who bring different perspectives and add new voices to our team.

But you might not feel you ‘check all the boxes’ as you read this advert or the role description, especially if you’ve been marginalised or excluded. We get it, and we’ve felt like that too. But we hope you’ll apply anyway because we’d love to hear from you and will take care to help you feel welcome and included.

For more information on the role please see the role description.

We are looking for two Governors for our voluntary-aided boys’ school who care deeply about transforming the lives of young people through education in some of the most disadvantaged and ethnically diverse communities in the UK.

What will you be doing?

About You

Applicants must have a keen interest in the school and be prepared to play an active part in the governing body’s work to help improve outcomes for students. Successful candidates will:

• be a member of the governing body
• join one additional sub-committee (Teaching & Learning; Pay & Personnel; Finance; or Pastoral, Premises, Health & Safety) 
• act as link governors for one faculty (Link governors act as liaison between the governing body and a particular faculty)
• participate in a range of other ad hoc circumstances where governor involvement is necessary (e.g. periodic meetings with students, staff and parents that usually take place during the day).

Time Commitment

Governors usually spend ~20 hours per term on core governing duties. Successful candidates would be expected to attend up to 4 governing body/committee meetings a term, which usually take place on a Thursday (late afternoon/early evening). They would also need to allow time to read papers and prepare for meetings. The link governor role involves spending one morning or afternoon in school during the year, meeting with the faculty lead and visiting classrooms. 

In addition, we are particularly looking for the successful candidate to be able to spend a further 8 – 10 hours per term on ad hoc matters requiring more 'hands on' governor involvement, including meetings with students, staff and parents which usually take place during the school day. 

Skills and Background

We are particularly interested in individuals who have had experience in law or finance or are experienced at a senior leadership level in a large company. We encourage applications from all members of society, regardless of background, gender, ethnicity, disability, or age.

Being a Foundation Governor

Governors come from a wide range of backgrounds and professions and include some appointed by the staff of the school, parents and the Islington Local Authority.  A majority of the governors are appointed by the Central Foundation Schools of London. As an Educational Charity we support two schools in inner London, the Boys' School and also the Central Foundation Girls' School in Tower Hamlets. This appointment will be a joint appointment by the Foundation and the boys' school governing body.

Training on the of role of governor will be provided for the successful candidates.

What are we looking for?

Applicants need to have a keen interest in the school and are prepared to play an active part in the governing body’s work to help improve outcomes for students.  We are particularly interested in individuals who have had experience in law or finance or are experienced at a senior leadership level in a large company. We encourage applications from all members of society, regardless of background, gender, ethnicity, disability, or age.

What difference will you make?

Your impact matters

As a Foundation Governor you will play a critical role in fulfilling our vision that through an exceptional Central Foundation education, every student learns, develops, and grows so they can reach their full potential. 

The Boys' School is a popular, over-subscribed, voluntary-aided, comprehensive school for boys aged 11-16, with a successful co-educational Sixth Form. A Central Foundation education involves providing students with a wide range of educational experiences not available to many state schools or students from the communities and backgrounds we serve.

As well as an outstanding academic offer, the support of the Central Foundation and its funding partners enables an extensive sporting, performing arts, careers, activities and wider programme to be offered. As a Foundation Governor, you will ensure that through this provision students develop the knowledge, skills and attributes they need to lead successful lives and develop their own unique talents and confidence to forge their individual paths in life.

Underpinning a Central Foundation education is a rigour and a drive for excellence.  We are proud of our students’ examination results. In the last few years these results have consistently shown Central Foundation Boys' School to be one of the leading educators of boys in the country.   

Central Foundation Boys' School aim is that every single student can achieve outstanding outcomes in their education, both in terms of qualifications and the development of the skills, attributes, knowledge and understanding necessary to thrive in a rapidly changing world. It is these outcomes that will transform their futures and your role as a Foundation Governor will oversee and ensure the character of the school is preserved and developed.

Before you apply

Please apply through Reach in the first instance. 

In your application we would really like to hear why you are interested in joining the Central Foundation Boys School Governing Body and what you think you would bring so please send your CV with a short covering statement.

Interviews will take place in May initially with the Chair of Governors, Simon Dodds. An appointment confirmation meeting with the Chair of the Foundation Board of Trustees and the opportunity to visit the school. 

New governors will be invited to join the Governing Body at their final meeting in the current academic year in July 2025.

Please contact us via Reach with any questions.

Could you lead the local SSAFA services in your area? You don’t need a military background for this role, but you should be empathic to the needs of the armed forces community, have some experience of managing people and possess good I.T. skills. If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you.

What is a Branch Chair?

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas. Many are further divided into local areas called divisions. Each branch has a Chair to oversee all aspects of the branch. Ultimately accountable to the Chair of the Board of Trustees, through the National Chairman your role is to ensure that the branch is running in line with SSAFA’s Royal Charter Rules, Regulations, and policies. Also, to ensure that clients and volunteers are safe, all services provided are appropriate and effective and that the branch is financially sound. You will be the public face of SSAFA in your branch area.

Why do we need you?

We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan. More people than ever are contacting SSAFA for financial, practical and emotional support. To do this we need local branches and volunteers who can coordinate people, ensure the local population know about SSAFA and keep things running smoothly behind the scenes.

Our branches support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles, and fundraisers.

When would you be needed and where would you be based?

This role is about leadership, coordination, and administration. As part of your local branch, you might have access to an office, but many volunteers are based at home. The role requires an ongoing time commitment, usually about 2-3 days per month. In addition, you would need to organise and attend regular meetings throughout the year.

What would you be doing?

• Providing leadership to the Branch and ensuring that all activities comply with SSAFA regulations both directly, and through the Branch Secretary, other Branch Officers, and Divisional Officers.
• Providing support and guidance to volunteers in office holder roles, and support with recruitment of volunteers into these positions to ensure the sustainability of the branch.
• Ensuring the financial integrity of the Branch, including the appointment of Treasurers and a local fundraising programme to meet branch running costs.
• Ensuring that all data is processed and held in accordance with SSAFA’s data management policies.
• Monitoring volunteer numbers against the demand for support and working with other volunteers, regional and central office staff to attract and recruit new volunteers as required.
• Ensuring that all volunteers are recruited, inducted, supported, and managed in line with SSAFA policies, such as the Volunteering Policy, Volunteer Code of Conduct, Data Protection Policy, and Safeguarding Policy.
• Building relationships with regional and central office staff, local voluntary organisations and, if applicable, SSAFA Service committees, local military establishments, prisons etc.
• Overseeing an appropriate programme of awareness raising so that potential clients, volunteers, and supporters know how to contact the branch.
• Providing timely reports and information to SSAFA’s Central Office
• Overseeing a programme of meetings including an AGM, branch meetings, committee meetings, training etc.
• Supporting any salaried branch staff and ensuring that their line management arrangements are working appropriately.
• Resolve any complaints that are suitable for local resolution in accordance with SSAFA’s Complaints Policy and procedures, referring upwards any that are not suitable for local resolution.

The remit of this role may change over the next 12-18 months depending on the outcome of a trial currently being undertaken.

What could you gain from this volunteering role?

• Gain experience of holding a key local role with oversight of all SSAFA activity in the local area
• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.
• Support from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
• Experience, training, and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

What training and support would you receive?

• Role specific training to prepare you for your voluntary role – caseworker training, caseworker IT system training, volunteer management – attracting, recruiting, and inducting volunteers. 
• Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
• Local orientation as well as meet and greet sessions with key Central Office and regional teams.
• Access to a range additional e-learning courses as well as local opportunities for your personal and professional development.
• Support from Regional and central staff and peer support from fellow Chairs in neighbouring branches.
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
• Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.

What are we looking for?

• Friendly and approachable people of any age (18+) with some experience of coordinating people and admin
• Willingness and ability to lead and manage a team of volunteers.
• Respectful and non-judgemental approach with beneficiaries, their family, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues
• Willingness and ability to learn basic digital skills. Ability to send and receive emails – you will receive your own SSAFA email address which you will be required to use when exercising your role.
• Willingness to use our on-line case management system (this is covered in the training course)
• Ability to understand and keep within the boundaries of the role for which training will be given.
• Reliability
• Practice confidentiality and data protection in line with SSAFA policies.
• Willingness and means to travel to meetings or events as required.
• Good written and spoken English.

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.

Minimum Age: 18

Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.

References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)

Is a criminal record check required? No