Trustee chair volunteer roles in egham, england

The Organisation:
Founded in 1868, the Royal Commonwealth Society (RCS) is the oldest charity dedicated to the Commonwealth. The RCS is a network of organisations and individuals across more than 70 countries in the Commonwealth and beyond who promote the value and the values of the Commonwealth.
His Majesty The King is the Patron of the Royal Commonwealth Society, and Her Majesty The Queen is the Vice-Patron.
The King succeeded The late Queen Elizabeth II, who had been Patron since 1952 when she was also Head of the Commonwealth. Queen Camilla had previously been our inaugural Vice-Patron since 2018.
The Honorary Vice-President is the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth.
The Royal Commonwealth Society is governed by an experienced Council
comprising the Executive Chair and Trustees.
The offices are in Guildhall, London, with team members based in Canada, Malta, Nigeria, the Solomon Islands, South Africa, and Sri Lanka.
In addition to branches, the Royal Commonwealth Society has an active network of over 450 Associate Fellows. Formerly Queen’s Young Leaders and other outstanding young people from all 56 Commonwealth countries, the Associate Fellows are reappointed annually based on their contributions to their respective Working Groups.

To find out more about the Royal Commonwealth Society, visit the website.
 
The Role:
To get the most out of being on the RCS’s Council, we are looking for those who have a passion for our aims and can commit to the time and effort required. Our trustees need strategic vision, independent judgement, and an ability to work effectively and actively as part of a small but dedicated charitable organisation. We are seeking an experienced Chair who can lead the Council in a collegiate and effective manner to deliver the most impact for the citizens of the Commonwealth.
To fulfil the duties of this role, we are looking for someone who has considerable board experience and a commitment to charitable endeavours. A background in the Commonwealth is not required. We are especially keen to hear from people from a wide range of backgrounds.

• Oversee the Council and the Society’s strategy and direction
• Management of finances of the Society
• Lead fundraising efforts
• Responsible for the governance of the Society
• Maintain relationships with external stakeholders

Person Specification:

• Chair experience would be highly desirable
• Board experience would be required
• Trustee experience of charitable organisations would be desirable
• High-level professional experience
• Interest in the voluntary sector and its contribution to society
• Commitment to good governance
• Strong interpersonal skills and a collegiate approach
• An interest in global affairs and an international outlook
• Experience of working with stakeholders and doing so with professionalism and discretion
• Confidence in being the high profile representative of a significant institution

Further Information:
For comprehensive information about the Royal Commonwealth Society, the role responsibilities and the person we are looking for, please download the Candidate Information Document.

How to Apply:
If you are passionate about joining the Royal Commonwealth Society and believe you have the skills and experience we are looking for, please apply with the following:

• An up-to-date 2 page CV
• A supporting statement of no more than 1 side of A4, detailing why you would like to be considered, your relevant experience and expertise and what you think you can bring to the role.
• 3 referees’ contact emails and telephone numbers. 

All applications are being handled by our recruitment partner, Trustees Unlimited (part of the Russam group).

All applications should be sent to Trustees Unlimited.

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Melissa Baxter, Managing Partner - Charities.

Closing date for applications: Monday 5th May 2025
Interviews with Royal Commonwealth Society: Monday 19th May [online] and Tuesday 27th May 2025 [in person, at the Guildhall]. 

The role commences on 1st June 2025.

Please confirm the above dates are suitable in your covering letter. Please also highlight any potential conflicts of interest. References and other checks will be conducted.

We believe that every child should have access to a quality education at a safe, inclusive school, with the opportunity to become a truly global citizen… do you too?

It’s an incredibly exciting time at African Adventures Foundation as we develop the vital programmes we deliver at the 34 partner schools we work with in Ghana, Kenya, and Zanzibar.

We have ambitious plans to help drive greater impact at our partner schools, and are looking to strengthen our existing Trustee Board that’s full of energy and experience!

 Do you have experience in charity governance, delivering projects in an African culture and context, or delivering WASH or female empowerment/education/menstrual health programmes?

If so, read on… we’d be keen to hear from you about becoming one of our amazing volunteer trustees! 

Introduction to African Adventures Foundation

African Adventures Foundation is a registered charity set up in 2013 to provide support to 34 schools in developing areas of Ghana, Kenya and Zanzibar.

These schools provide education, health and food security, and social support to young people whose access to these basic services would otherwise be very limited. African Adventures Foundation helps by funding food security programmes, the construction of important school facilities, and hygiene projects that will benefit children’s health and education.

Our mission is to provide more children with a quality education and better opportunities in life.

 All trustees are responsible for governing a charitable company and directing its management and operation. They must also ensure that the trust complies with all legal and statutory requirements.

Trustee Responsibilities:

The role of a Governance & Delivery Trustee is to ensure the Foundation complies with its charity obligations, maximise impact through effective in country project delivery, and bring valuable insight into the specific cultural and operational context of working in Africa.

We are looking for two Trustees to bring specific expertise to the overall Trustee Board alongside the Chair, Fundraising, and Treasurer Trustee positions.

Governance (role specific)

● Understand and represent the needs of the charity’s governing framework on behalf of the Chair and board.

● Recommend relevant changes or documentation, and identify any areas od noncompliance to be addressed within improvement plans.

● Act as spokesperson and figurehead for African Adventures Foundation internally and externally concerning our charity governance.

 Delivery (role specific)

 ● Contribute to governance, approval, and impact assessment processes at board level for the successful delivery of Foundation projects.

● Provide best practice advice, support, and oversight to the projects being delivered on behalf of the board as required.

Context & Culture (role specific)

●    Bring experience, knowledge and good judgement relating to the culture and context of the communities and territories we operate in.

● Bring an understanding of delivering charitable projects in an African educational context to board level.

● Bring an understanding to Trustee Board level, of delivering WASH programmes and Female empowerment, education, and menstrual health projects.

General (all Trustees)

 ● Support and provide advice on AAF’s purpose, vision, goals, and activities while working alongside the trustee Board, founder, and African Adventures personnel.

● Approve operational strategies and policies and monitor and evaluate their implementation, adding to overall good charity governance.

● Support broad decision-making, risk management, and charity planning through a range of platforms and processes.

● Keep abreast of changes in AAF’s operating environment through your external experience.

● Be fully prepared to attend, participate and contribute in Board meetings and Trustee events.

● Act as AAF ambassador applying your skills, experience and knowledge in a range of scenarios including government, fundraising and networking events.

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

● Support the Chair with administrative tasks as required.

 What we are looking for:

● Attention to detail.

● A good knowledge of charity governance and willingness to challenge.

● A good understanding of delivering charity/NGO projects.

● A good understanding of operating and/or overseeing delivery in an African culture and context.

● Background in WASH and/or female empowerment, education, and menstrual health projects.

  Essential qualities and attributes of all our trustees

● Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as trustees, and to act in the organisation's best interests.

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

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

● A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

● Enthusiasm for our vision and mission.

● Willingness to lead according to African Adventures Foundation’s values.

● Commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership.

 Terms of appointment

 ● Trustees are appointed for a 2-year term of office, renewal for 2 further terms to a maximum of 6 years.

● This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

 Time commitment (estimated at one day every month)

● Attending quarterly Trustee Board meetings. Currently, these are alternating between online and in-person at HQ near Southampton, UK. 

● Flexibility to respond swiftly to the occasional ad hoc issue and Trustee comms

● Attending occasion workshops and fundraising & networking events as per availability.

We are looking for people to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role and broaden the diversity of thought within our board.

Chair of the Board
Minimum 2-year period
8 hours / 4 meetings per year

Our client was established in 1979, to improve the quality and wellbeing of the Chinese community living in the UK, empowering and working them to meet their needs while also focusing on preserving their culture and heritage.

Based adjacent to Leicester Square, London, they take their income through membership fees, fundraising events, donations and room hire.

Their aim is to improve the quality and wellbeing of their community, empowering and working with them to meet their needs while also focusing on preserving the Chinese culture and heritage. They offer valuable advice and support; they have helped more than 60,000 people over the years. During the past 20 years alone, their Centre has secured claims of over £29m in benefits to assist those in need.

 The majority of Chinese immigrants to the UK prosper well; our client targets their services at:

• Those who are in need of support as they grow older.
• New arrivals whilst they settle into their new life in the UK.
• Younger members of the community who grow up in the UK and seek opportunities to connect with their Chinese heritage, culture and language.

 To meet these needs, they provide:

• Support with translation, completion of government forms and benefit claims, for those on low-income or even no-income within their community.
• Cultural and educational classes.

What are they looking for?

• To have an understanding, knowledge, or experience of the charity or non-profit sectors.
• To be able to operate strategically and to work effectively with the Board of Trustees and Centre Director to develop the strategic vision for the charity.
• Work closely with the Centre Director to ensure the smooth running of governance and oversight processes, board meetings, and agendas.
• Where appropriate, the Chair will represent our client at public events organised by and for themselves.
• Support the Centre Director and wider organisation in generating new fundraising opportunities and in identifying and establishing partnerships.

Those who have been involved in the voluntary sector are especially welcome to help guide our client’s Centre through future challenges.

The Commitment:

Being a Chair of the Board is an “Unpaid” role lasting for a minimum of TWO years. You will need to take part in a minimum of four board meetings which will take about six hours in total of your time each year.

For You:

The acknowledgement and fulfilment of contributing to an underprivileged part of our client’s community.

Apply now with your CV.

Job title: Trustee Secretary also known as Secretary of Trustees

Commitment: 5 hours per month (approx.) which includes Board meetings.

Board meetings: Held 5 times a year both in-person and (a minimum of 2) online. One is also an ‘away day’

Contract type: Part-time

Location: Ideally located in the south of England and able to travel to Ox/Bucks/London region for board meetings.

Salary: Voluntary position. Travel expenses will be paid at 25p per mile.

Deadline for applications: 15th March 2025 (applications may close early so please apply asap)

About Been There:

Been There is a charity that uses an app to connect people aged 18 and over with a vetted and trained Mentor to help with any body image issues they may be experiencing. This gives them the opportunity to speak to someone who has ‘Been There’ themselves. Our Mentors are here to support, empower and, most importantly, listen.

About the role:

Been There is looking for an enthusiastic and experienced individual to join a small, supportive and dynamic team as a Trustee and Secretary of the board. Alongside relevant experience, you will also possess an ability to work to tight deadlines, prioritising multiple tasks, and will be a natural team player with excellent written and spoken English.

Main Responsibilities:

● To liaise with the chair and chief executive to plan, arrange and produce agendas and supporting papers for trustee meetings and for drafting the subsequent minutes

● To act as charity secretary and ensure that charity law, and regulatory requirements of reporting and public accountability are complied with

● Ensure that all meetings comply with the requirements of the governing document

● Arranging and administrating trustee meetings and any sub-committees in line with legal, and other regulatory requirements, and in accordance with the governing document

● Advise and guide the board on any legal and regulatory implications of the charity’s strategic plan

● Acting as the custodian of the governing document, in liaison with the trustees, reviewing its appropriateness and monitoring that the charity’s activities reflect the objects set out in the governing document. Also, to act as the holder of statutory registers and books, and other legal and important documents such as insurance policies

● Supporting the trustees in fulfilling their duties and responsibilities, organising trustee induction and ongoing training

● Ensuring that trustee decisions are implemented in accordance with the charity’s governing document or other internal operational procedures

● Ensuring the charity’s stationery, including electronic communications (emails, websites etc.), orders, invoices, cheques and other relevant documents include all the details required under company law and, if applicable, charity law and/or VAT law

● Plan and prepare the committee meetings and AGM with others as appropriate (planning dates, booking rooms, sending out minutes and other papers

● Minute committee meetings or ensure another minute taker is available

● Accurately record decisions and actions in the minutes and report to the next committee meeting on the progress of actions and the result of decisions

● Taking ownership of the reviewing and updating of policies by the Trustees.

Person Specification

Individuals are sought who have a strong empathy with any body image issues and related mental health concerns. Experience, skills and expertise in charity law, an interest in the well-being of people combined with an in-depth understanding of our work and ambitions are particularly sought.

Knowledge, skills and understanding:

● Record keeping, information retrieval and dissemination of Management Committee data/documentation to the trustees and relevant parties

● Writing agendas and concise minutes

● Knowledge of Charity law and the voluntary sector

● Commitment to the organisation and a willingness to devote the necessary time and effort

● Preparedness to make recommendations to the board and a willingness to speak their mind with diplomacy

● An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship

● An ability to work effectively as a member of a team

● Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

● Commitment to promoting equality and diversity.

● Ability to organize time and work to deadlines.

To apply for the Trustee Secretary position at Been There, please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and interest in the role.

Thank you for your interest.

Diversity, Equality & Inclusion Statement:

Diversity, equity and inclusion are at the heart of what we value as an organisation. Been There is an equal opportunities employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability or any other status protected by law. Our recruitment team are happy to support any reasonable adjustments that are needed within the recruitment process.

Further Information

Context – Being a Trustee

The Board of Trustees is jointly responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity, its financial health, the integrity of its activities and developing the organisation’s aims, objectives and goals in accordance with the governing document, and legal and regulatory guidelines.

All trustees should also be aware of, and understand, their individual and collective responsibilities, and should not be overly reliant on one or more individual trustees in any aspect of the governance of the charity.

The statutory duties of a trustee are:

● To ensure the organisation complies with its governing document.

● To ensure that the organisation pursues its objectives as defined in its governing document.

● To ensure the organisation applies its resources exclusively in the pursuit of its objectives - the charity must not spend money on activities which are not included in its own objectives, no matter how 'charitable' and 'worthwhile' those activities are.

● To contribute actively to the Board of Trustees role in giving firm strategic direction to the organisation, setting overall policy, defining goals and setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets.

● To safeguard the good name and values of the organisation.

● To ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.

● To ensure the financial stability of the organisation.

● To protect and manage the property of the organisation and to ensure the proper investment of the organisation's funds.

● If the organisation employs staff, appoint the CEO and monitor his or her performance.

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

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

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

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

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

● Trustees are required to sign a non-disclosure agreement at the time of joining the board.

● As well as the various statutory duties, any trustee should make full use of any specific skills, knowledge or experience to help the board make good decisions.

BuDS’ visionary aim is to abolish disability by building a world which is Fair4All, free of the barriers which disable people.We are on an exciting journey to become a national charity, expanding our reach and impact across England. By 2025-26, this transformation will be complete, marked by a name change to ‘BuDS Disability Service’ and a shift to Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) status.

The role of Co-Secretary will be pivotal for the charity as it moves forward. We have decided to recruit Co-Secretaries because we recognise that the role will be easier to manage if divided between two individuals. The Co-Secretaries will be Trustees of BuDS and will need to embody our values and ethos. 

What Does the Role Entail?

The role of Co-Secretary is expected to involve a time commitment of around 2.5-3 hours per week, a combined total of 5-6 hours between the two post-holders. BuDS works remotely and flexibly using Microsoft Teams, so much of the work can be done at your own pace at times which suit you best. Meetings are kept to a minimum as all the Trustees are busy people.

Working closely with the Co-Chairs and Co-Treasurers, and split between the two CoSecretaries, the four key responsibilities will be:

1.The running of the Trustee Board & its meetings

2.Arranging the Annual General Meeting and curating the Annual Report

3.Liaison with the Charity Commission

4.Supporting the move to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation

What Experience & Skills Are Needed?

These are the skills and experience we think are needed for this role, divided between the two Co-Secretaries. We are keen to develop people’s knowledge and skills through training and mentoring.

Essential:

Experience and knowledge of supporting meetings and decision-making

Can use Microsoft Office 365 applications for remote working

A flexible, positive, problem-solving and organised approach to tasks

Commitment to the social model of disability

Lived experience as a disabled person Lives in England

Desirable:

Understanding of charity governance and the role of charity secretary.

Knowledge about Charitable Incorporated Organisations

We are seeking people with an interest in improving access to justice and opportunity for refugee and migrant individuals and communities to join our committed Trustee Board here at South London Refugee Association.

What will you be doing?

Our organisation

South London Refugee Association was established in 1991 and is a well respected and trusted local resource. We are a front line community organisation providing advice and support to people who find themselves in extreme difficulty because of past trauma or because of restrictions related to their current immigration status.  As a relatively small charity with a wide reach, we support those who hold an aspiration of a normalised safe life here in the UK yet who face numerous obstacles in realising their dreams of settlement and safety.

We ‘re able to evidence excellent outcomes and value for money to the numerous Trusts, Foundations and public agencies which fund or commission our services.

Our Board

We have a committed Board of Trustees who bring a range of experience and expertise to the organisation. 

The role

Strategic Direction and oversight

• To ensure that SLRA fulfils its objects and set out in its governing documents and complies with regulations issued by the Charity Commission, charity law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
• To contribute actively to giving strategic direction to SLRA.

Decision making

• To ensure that funding received is used for purposes agreed with funding bodies.
• To review and approve the annual audited accounts.
• To manage the organisation’s assets responsibly.
• To contribute to management decisions as and when they are required by the Chair and CEO.

Responsibilities

• To ensure that SLRA is managed efficiently by appointing and supporting the CEO and monitoring performance.
• To keep informed about the work of SLRA and the issues that affect our work.
• To raise the profile of SLRA and foster our excellent reputation.

Trustee Person Specification

Trustees need to be:

• People of integrity with good judgement and an ability to think strategically.
• Able to work constructively as part of a small team.
• Open minded with a strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
• Able to access the internet and to receive and send emails.

Ideally applicants will also have a knowledge of the local area gained through work or residence, however this is not essential if the trustee has other valuable and relevant experience.

What are we looking for?

Trustees need to be:

• People of integrity with good judgement and an ability to think strategically.
• Able to work constructively as part of a small team.
• Open minded with a strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
• Able to access the internet and to receive and send emails.

Ideally applicants will also have a knowledge of the local area gained through work or residence, however this is not essential if the trustee has other valuable and relevant experience.

We are particularly interested in applicants who have specific knowledge and experience of Human Resources or of Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable adults, however, we are happy to consider applications from potential trustees with other skills and experience.

What difference will you make?

As an SLRA trustee you will help to shape our strategic direction and to ensure that we continue into the future as a vital and trusted local resource.

Before you apply

Please apply through Reach in the first instance. Our Trustee Information Pack provides detail of our recruitment process.

Are you passionate about improving healthcare in your community? Do you have expertise in fundraising, philanthropy or corporate partnerships and want to use it for good? Join St George’s Hospital Charity as a Trustee and help us deliver transformative change for patients, families, and NHS staff.

Why Join Us Now?

St George’s Hospital Charity supports St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, home to world-leading care and the setting of 24 Hours in A&E. Following the voluntary merger on 1 August 2024. City St Georges University has become one of the largest higher education destinations for London students, and a powerful multi-faculty institution with a distinctive focus on professional education and research at the frontier of practice.

This is a pivotal moment to shape the future of our fundraising and impact for 10,000 staff members and 1 million patients we serve every year.

We’re Looking for a Fundraising-Focused Trustee

We are seeking a new Trustee to bring insight, experience or networks in one or more of the following areas:

• Major gifts and high-net-worth individual (HNWI) engagement
• Philanthropy and strategic giving
• Corporate partnerships
• Business development or entrepreneurial leadership

You’ll work alongside our dynamic Board and Executive Team to shape and strengthen our high-value fundraising strategy. Your input will help us grow income from £3 million to £5 million over the next four years.

What You’ll Bring

You don’t need to be a seasoned fundraiser—but you do need to bring passion, strategic thinking, and a desire to use your skills to support transformational change.

We're particularly keen to hear from candidates who:

• Live locally or have strong connections to the communities we serve
• Have professional expertise in business, finance, philanthropy, or communications
• Can champion our work and help expand our reach and influence
• Reflect the diversity of our communities, especially individuals from Black, Asian and global majority backgrounds, those living with disabilities, or across a broad age range

What’s In It for You?

Make a Lasting Impact – Help shape how we care for patients, families, and NHS staff.
Grow Strategically – Influence a growing charity with ambitious goals and strong leadership.
Develop Your Skills – Enhance your governance, leadership and strategic thinking.
Join a Passionate Team – Be part of a warm, supportive and committed Board of Trustees.

Time Commitment

• 4x Board meetings per year (in person, Tooting)
• 4x Fundraising Sub-Committee meetings (online)
• 1x annual strategy day
• Occasional attendance at fundraising events or activities

About Us

St George’s Hospital Charity funds projects that go beyond the NHS—enhancing care, supporting staff wellbeing, and funding cutting-edge research and equipment. We support St George’s Hospital in Tooting, Queen Mary’s Hospital in Roehampton, and community services across South West London.

Recent milestones include our largest-ever appeal, Time for a Change, to transform children’s services and our continued investment in the arts, wellbeing and mental health support for NHS staff. Read more about our impact: Reports and Financial Statements - St George's Hospital Charity

Aspens are looking for trustees to join us on the next exciting part of our journey. We'd love to hear from you if you have accountancy, social care, business development or fundraising experience.

What will you be doing?

Are you passionate about making a real difference in the lives of people with learning disabilities and autism? Do you have the skills, experience, and dedication to help guide a forward-thinking charity? If so, we’d love to hear from you!

About Aspens CharitiesAt Aspens we provide high quality care and support to people on the autism spectrum and with learning disabilities; and their families; meeting their needs and aspirations and empowering them to learn and grow through an integrated network of services across the South-East.

Why Become a Trustee?As a Trustee, you will play a vital role in overseeing the governance and strategic direction of Aspens Charities. You will work alongside a committed Board to ensure our services remain impactful, sustainable, and aligned with our core values.

Your Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic leadership, ensuring Aspens meets its charitable objectives.
• Oversee financial management, risk assessment, and compliance with legal and regulatory standards.
• Support and challenge the Executive Team to drive excellence in service delivery.
• Act as an ambassador for Aspens, promoting our work and values.
• Attend Board meetings and contribute to key strategic decisions.

What We’re Looking For:We welcome applications from individuals with diverse professional backgrounds. Key attributes include:

• A strong commitment to the aims and values of Aspens Charities.
• Strategic thinking and decision-making abilities.
• Willingness to dedicate time to Board meetings and governance activities.
• Integrity, good judgment, and the ability to work collaboratively.

We are particularly interested in candidates with expertise in:

• Accountancy
• Health & Social Care sector knowledge
• Fundraising and business development

Time Commitment & LocationThis is a voluntary, unpaid role with reasonable expenses covered. The Board meets approximately three times a year, with 3 committee meetings and occasional additional meetings or events. Meetings are held in person and virtually.

What are we looking for?

• Commitment to the goals and aims of the charity. 
• Dedication to the role and a willingness to devote the required time. 
• The ability to make good independent judgements. 
• Being able to think creatively. 
• Understanding the importance of carrying out required legal duties. 
• Proven strategic abilities that can be used to create effective plans. 
• Strength of character coupled with the ability to voice concerns and opinions.
• Proven experience working as a member of successful teams. 
• Integrity and objectivity which can be applied to all aspects of the role.

Experience of either accountancy or fundraising / income generation. 

What difference will you make?

As a Trustee, your leadership will directly shape the future of Aspens Charities and the lives of the people we support. You will help:

• Improve Quality of Care – Ensuring individuals with learning disabilities and autism receive the best possible support.
• Drive Strategic Growth – Expanding and developing services to reach more people in need.
• Ensure Financial Sustainability – Overseeing resources to secure long-term impact.
• Strengthen Governance – Upholding transparency, compliance, and ethical leadership.

Your expertise will make a lasting difference, creating a more inclusive society where everyone can thrive.

Interested in and committed to supporting good mental health through counselling?

Could you be the next Chair of Sandhurst Counselling Services?

 We are looking for an entrepreneurial and dynamic individual to lead our charity through the next and exciting phase of our existence, as Sandhurst Counselling Service transforms onto a durable financial footing.

If you have the skills and enthusiasm to cooperatively govern, lead our trustee Board to bring our strategy into action, you could be the next Chair of our small and long-standing charity, based in Sandhurst, Berkshire. As we are also recruiting for a new Treasurer, you could be part of our new ‘transformation team’.

About us:

Sandhurst Counselling Service evolved from a drop-in service started in August 1990 by St Michael's church in Sandhurst, and provides a safe confidential space for anyone feeling anxious, stressed, depressed, hopeless or lost, to help people find their way. The charity is an unincorporated Charitable Trust with an income of  ~£60k p.a.

Trustees have set out a plan for our immediate and longer-term future that initially includes transforming our funding base between now and September 2025.

About the role

We’re looking for someone with an understanding of leadership for our charitable organisation. If you have previous experience of governance in an appropriate corporate or charity environment, or of general charity trusteeship, that will be highly-valued.

This is a high-profile appointment, with strong commitment to our values and to the future of our charity both essential qualities.

Our trustees are the people who make the top-level decisions for our charity. Our Board includes people with understanding of our counselling services, and we require all new trustees to have strong empathy with our cause and our delivery.

If you can think and lead strategically and plan long-term, you have the primary skills needed by our trustees; you also must be able to work collectively with other Board members.

We are a charity not a business, but we apply business principles alongside our values to govern our organisation. We are looking for fresh expertise and experience from a variety of backgrounds to our charity. We want to expand the diversity of our Board, in all meanings of the word, and strongly welcome applications from people from less-represented groups. 

The Board meets quarterly face-to-face at our premises, GU47 8HN, on a mid-week afternoon (this is flexible, and can be subject to future discussion/negotiation), for up to three hours.

As Chair you will need to dedicate approx. six hours per month to the role, and at key times, a little more. This includes preparation for and attendance at Board meetings; many of your duties may be carried out online and by phone/video, as well as at face-to-face meetings.

How to apply

This appointment is being managed for us by inVOLve Community Services, a charity-support organisation, who offer a no-obligation discussion by phone or video. A detailed Role Description and Skills Specification can be made available to you upon request.

Trustee appointments are subject to satisfactory references, and a satisfactory Enhanced DBS check.

Your CV and supporting statement will be read by our existing trustees; an informal discussion followed by a more-formal interview can be offered as soon as mutually convenient.

I need to know more

Contact Mike Allen via Quick Apply, below, for more information and arrange to have a no-obligation initial informal discussion (Teams/Zoom/phone), explanation about this important role and any assistance in your application.

About Been There

Been There is a growing UK charity that aims to unlock the powerful role peer support can play in supporting mental health across the nation. We provide a free, confidential Peer-to-Peer support for people over 18.

To-date, the service has connected 300 people (Mentees) struggling with body image challenges and eating disorders with vetted, trained and clinically supervised volunteer “Peer Mentors”.

We have an unwavering focus on the safety and wellbeing of our Mentors and Mentees and are deeply committed to maximising the impact of our service through iterative data-driven learning. We plan to expand our service to support people struggling with other challenges including, for example, anxiety, OCD, depression, and grief.

Please see the appendix, (from page 6-11), for more information about Been There, including our origin story and qualitative and quantitive feedback data.

The Roles:

Been There is seeking to recruit a:

• Clinical Advisory Board
• Clinical Trustee who will chair the Clinical Advisory Board

Information about both roles follows below.

How to Apply

To apply for either role, please send your CV and a covering letter.

Please indicate whether you are applying for only the advisory group, or if you would like to be considered for the Clinical Trustee Role too.

Summary: Advisory Board

The Advisory Board will compromise of 4-5 experienced clinicians who, together, will provide clinical assurance of the training, safeguarding, supervision, and operational processes for the Been There service, and ensure the charity works from, and contributes to, the growing evidence base on the power of peer support.

Key Responsibilities:

• Clinical and professional expertise: Provide expert advice and recommendations on clinical practices, peer support methodologies, and safeguarding protocols to ensure the charity operates within the highest ethical and professional standards.
• Review and verification: Check and verify processes, training materials, safeguarding policies, and procedures to ensure compliance with regulatory and best-practice standards.
• Strategic guidance: Offer strategic advice to support the development and growth of Been There’s programs and services.
• Collaborative support: Work with the charity’s leadership to identify potential risks, improve processes, and address challenges related to training, service delivery, and safeguarding.
• Advocacy and networking: Advocate for Been There’s mission and connect the charity with relevant networks, funding opportunities, and professional bodies.

Expectations & Commitment:

• Meetings: The Advisory Board will meet quarterly, with additional ad hoc meetings or consultations as necessary. Meetings may take place virtually or in person, depending on availability and need.
• Engagement: Members are expected to work collaboratively as a group, while also providing individual support to the charity when required. This may include: reviewing materials; providing guidance on urgent matters; or participating in specific projects.
• Newly formed group: As this is a newly established board, members will help shape the structure and operation of the Advisory Board, contributing to its development and long-term effectiveness.

Expertise we are seeking:

• Senior-level experience as a psychiatrist or psychologist in mental health, either in private practise or NHS.
• Peer support understanding and advocacy.
• Expertise in safeguarding, process design, or training delivery is highly desirable.
• Passion for Been There’s mission to support individuals through lived experience.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team.
• Willingness to commit time and expertise to the charity’s success.
• Significant experience in service development and academic research

Benefits of joining:

• The opportunity to influence and shape the direction of a growing and impactful charity.
• Collaborate with other high-level professionals and experts in the field.
• Contribute to meaningful work that makes a real difference in people’s lives.

About the role: Clinical Trustee:

We are seeking dedicated Clinical Trustee to join the Board and help shape the future and play an integral role in chairing and leading the Clinical Advisory Board. As a Trustee, you will be part of shaping the strategy, ensuring compliance, and supporting the charity's growth. These are hands-on roles for individuals ready to bring their skills and passion to a growing organisation.

We are looking for a passionate trustee who is eager to get involved, driven by our mission, and ready to help our small charity grow and create a meaningful impact.

Statutory Responsibilites:

Trustees will share responsibility for directing the affairs of Been There and help guide the charity’s governance, strategy, and financial oversight to ensure our mission thrives. Individuals will bring a willingness to engage beyond board meetings, to support growth and to commit 12–24 months as a trustee.

Individuals responsibilities include:

• Ensure the organisation complies with its governing document.
• Ensure organisation pursues its objectives, as defined in its governing document.
• Ensure organisation applies resources exclusively in pursuance of its objectives.
• Contribute actively in giving firm strategic direction to the organisation.
• Safeguard the good name and values of the organisation.
• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.
• Ensure the financial stability of the organisation.
• Protect and manage any property of the organisation, and to ensure the proper investment of the organisation's funds.
• Ensure that the charity has a clear vision, mission and strategic direction and is focused on achieving these.
• Be responsible for the performance of the charity and for its “corporate” behaviour; ensuring that the charity complies with all legal and regulatory requirements.
• Act as guardians of the charity’s assets, both tangible and intangible, taking all due care over their security, deployment and proper application.
• Ensure that the charity’s governance is of the highest possible standard.
• As well as the various statutory duties, any trustee should make full use of any specific skills, knowledge or experience to help the board make good decisions.

Benefits of joining:

• Lead clinical strategy: Guide the development of Been There’s clinical approach by chairing the Clinical Advisory Board—ensuring our peer support model is safe, effective, and evidence-informed.
• Shape the future of Peer Support: Influence the strategic direction of a rapidly growing charity, and help embed robust clinical standards into a support system that’s more vital than ever.
• Collaborate with clinical & Sector Experts: Engage with fellow senior professionals across psychiatry, psychology, social care, and lived experience to co-create best practice in peer-led mental health support.
• Drive Meaningful Impact: Use your clinical insight to help ensure our services deliver real outcomes—empowering individuals and improving lives at scale.
• Build a Sustainable, Safe Framework: Lay the foundations for a clinically sound and ethically governed support model that stands the test of time and scales responsibly.
• Be a Catalyst for Change: Champion a new wave of clinically guided peer support—bridging gaps in the system and helping to reimagine how communities access early help.

Closing Date: 20th April 2025

Applications may close early. Interviews will take place middle of April/start of May.

Join us in making a difference.

Lead Been There into its next chapter!

Commitment to diversity, equity & inclusion:

At Been There, diversity, equity, and inclusion are central to our values and the way we work. We are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and respected.

We are an equal opportunities employer, and we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds. All qualified candidates will be considered for employment regardless of age, disability, gender identity, race, religion, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, our team will be happy to support you.

Help children as Trustee of an innovative, enterprising Tees Valley Charity that is increasingly supporting children in care through fostering and a planned residential provision. Join an agency that transforms children's lives.

What will you be doing?

You will join us at an exciting time as we pursue growth of fostering and residential services, as well as growth of our early help offer. 

You will work across the Charity and the subsidiary fostering company (which we will amalgamate back into the parent Charity). 

You will have a particular focus on helping the fostering agency drive growth, ensure regulatory compliance, and deliver excellent care for children and support for foster parents. You will provide support and challenge to the management team.

You’ll contribute 2 to 6 hours a month. The Charity board meets every 8 weeks (shifting to quarterly after September) and the fostering board meets every 8 weeks. 

You’ll join a Charity that’s brought £millions of investment into Tees Valley and that helps over 1000 local people a year. We’ve been runners up at the national Charity Governance Awards and ‘community’ winners at the Hartlepool Business Awards. 

We are looking for experienced professionals who share our values and want to help. 

What are we looking for?

At this time we are specifically looking for Trustees with some of these areas of skills or experience:

Business development 

Safeguarding management

Fostering or children's residential care or childrens social work management 

Financial management 

What difference will you make?

We want to help children and family members heal from trauma, primarily through helping them develop a network of nurturing, loving and appropriately challenging relationships with people in their close and wider communities. Any small surplus we make from helping children in care will be diverted into work to help families stay together and thrive. You will join a team that strives to make this difference. You will help ensure the Charity keeps a strong focus on children and young peoples needs whilst being sustainability and ensuring the agency manages the risks associated with growth and investment in new services. 

Before you apply

After expressing an interest through the site, we'd welcome an initial conversation with our CEO and/or Chair. After that, we usually  take applications to the Board for consideration. This is usually quite a quick process. 

Overview:

The Vice-Chair will provide governance and strategic support, ensuring strong board engagement and external advocacy. This role focuses on maintaining board effectiveness, stakeholder relationships, and operational oversight while assisting with non-financial fundraising initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

Governance & Board Leadership:

• Work closely with the Chair to oversee governance and compliance.

• Ensure trustees are engaged, informed, and fulfilling their roles effectively.

• Chair board meetings in the Chair’s absence and ensure inclusive decision-making.

Fundraising & Stakeholder Engagement:

• Assist in developing and executing fundraising strategies.

• Represent CWV at external meetings, networking events, and with donors.

• Support the development of partnerships with businesses and local organisations.

• Encourage board members to contribute actively to fundraising efforts.

Operational & Team Support:

• Monitor team morale and performance, ensuring an efficient work environment.

• Assist in volunteer recruitment and structuring their roles effectively.

• Support the Operations Manager and Coordinator in streamlining organisational processes.

Qualifications & Skills:

• Experience in governance, strategic planning, or nonprofit leadership.

• Strong communication, organisational, and problem-solving skills.

• Background in fundraising, stakeholder engagement, or nonprofit operations preferred.

• Passion for community work and empowering young people.

The role of the Independent member is to provide the Safety Committee and the Movement with knowledge and experience for making key decisions. The role is pro bono, but reasonable expense will be paid in accordance with The Scout Association (TSA)’s Expenses Policy. The appointed candidate should expect to spend the equivalent of a day per quarter on The Scout Association’s work after the induction phase - this is based on preparation for and attendance at the scheduled Safety Committee meetings (four in each year, with the intention that two are held online and two face to face).

The Safety Committee reports directly to the Board of Trustees which has overall legal responsibility for TSA. The committee is Chaired by an external appointee who is a Trustee of the board. The safety committee comprises independent members with Health & Safety expertise across a range of sectors and members from the movement. The purpose of the committee is to hold to account those with responsibility for delivery of Health & Safety across Scouting.

Main responsibilities

The remit of the Committee is to support the Board of Trustees to fulfil its responsibilities in relation to Safety by: 

1. providing vision and direction for consideration and endorsement by the Board (as required), by identifying and contributing to the development of safety policies, procedures and guidance; 

2. ensuring that youth members, adult volunteers, parents and staff are engaged in contributing to the development of safety policies; 

3. developing and overseeing a performance framework to ensure that safety policies, procedures and practice are monitored to provide assurance to the Board (relating to members, staff and service users) and use this management information to inform and drive improvements; monitoring the local and national implementation of safety policies and procedures to ensure practice is effective and consistently applied; 

4. ensuring that appropriate connections are made with other areas of the Association’s work that may have an impact on safety (for example Adult Training by using incident data to highlight areas of success or concern); 

5. ensuring that members receive appropriate support and communication to aid understanding of their responsibilities to enable Safe Scouting; 

6. leading the process for Fatal Accident and/or Near Miss inquiries from commissioning through to completion; 

7. reviewing and overseeing actions from inquiry reports (this should be in conjunction with the respective staff functions, particularly where there is specific policy, procedure and/or practice changes that need to be recommended for consideration by the Strategy and Delivery Committee and/or Board (as required); 

8. identifying possible areas of development for the Association’s safety activities, taking into account relevant national agendas and learning from reviews whether this be external or internal to the Association. 

The person

Past or present membership of The Scout Association would be an advantage but is not an essential requirement.

What is essential is a commitment to the vision and values of Scouting and the ability to challenge the Association’s policies and practices positively.

We welcome applications from individuals with experience in a wide range of sectors, not just those from traditionally high-hazard industries. We are committed to diversity and actively seeking applicants from a wide range of backgrounds, in particular, Black, Asian and ethnic minority communities.

Skills

Primary Technical Skills (Core)

1. Competence: Experience of application of safety principles, regulations, and best practices within hazardous environments.

2. Legal Compliance: Clear understanding of legal obligations related to health and safety in the workplace and how this translates across to Scouting to assure compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

3. Application of Health and Safety Regulations: Experience of applying health and safety regulations and standards to ensure compliance. This should be combined with an understanding and ability to identify relevant health and safety regulations and standards applicable to the volunteering sector.

4. Risk Assessment and Audit and Assurance: Experience of identifying potential hazards, assessment, developing strategies to mitigate risk and audit and assurance in a work environment, including risk assessment methodologies and strategies.

Analytical Skills (Essential)

5. Analytical Skills: Capacity to analyse data related to safety performance, incident reports, and trends to identify areas for improvement.

6. Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to identify safety issues, evaluate alternative solutions, and implement effective corrective actions.

7. Continuous Learning and Professional Development: Commitment to staying updated on industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies in safety management.

Enabling Skills (Desirable)

8. Management Skills: Experience of leading safety initiatives and managing safety teams to influence organisational safety culture to prioritise safety – demonstrating an understanding of business operations and aligning safety practices with organisational goals.

9. Communication and Influencing Skills: Experience of effectively conveying safety protocols, policies, and procedures to employees to influence behaviour, management, and regulatory authorities, showing the ability to lead by example and inspire others to prioritise safety.

10.  Interpersonal Skills: Understands the need for building positive relationships with stakeholders, including volunteers and employees, management, regulatory agencies, and community members to improve safety culture.

Secondary Technical Skills (Desirable)

11.  Safety Training and Education: Experience of developing and or delivering effective safety training programmes to employees at all levels within an organization.

12.  Accident Investigation: Skill in investigating workplace accidents and incidents to determine root causes and prevent future occurrences.

13.  Emergency Preparedness and Response: Knowledge of emergency procedures and the ability to develop and implement emergency response plans.

Experience

• Experience of hazardous environments
• Experience of working in safety as a safety practitioner/holds a safety qualification
• Experience of leadership to achieve safety culture change within a complex organisation
• Expertise welcomed in mental health/wellbeing, human factors or occupational health
• Expertise welcomed in the application of strategic health protection principles (e.g. public health, food safety, and other health related safety issues)
• Experience from an activity-based sector (e.g. outdoor and adventurous activities) welcomed
• Experience of working or volunteering with charitable or youth organisations welcomed
• An understanding of governance structures and the role of boards and their sub-committees would be an advantage with experience of providing strategic advice and guidance at this level

Purpose of the Role:
The Treasurer plays a key leadership role in ensuring SAPHNA’s financial integrity and sustainability. In addition to the responsibilities of a General Trustee, the Treasurer provides strategic guidance and oversight on SAPHNA’s financial matters.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee SAPHNA’s financial management, ensuring robust processes and controls are in place.
• Advise the Board on financial strategy, risk management, and resource allocation.
• Work closely with SAPHNA’s management team to monitor budgets, cash flow, and financial performance.
• Ensure the preparation of annual accounts in accordance with charity regulations.
• Present financial reports to the Board in a clear and accessible format.
• Support the development of financial policies and procedures.
• Ensure SAPHNA’s funds are invested appropriately, achieving both security and growth.
• Oversee financial compliance with legal and regulatory obligations.

Person Specification:

• Proven financial expertise, ideally with experience in financial management, accountancy, or charity finance.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to present complex financial information clearly.
• Commitment to SAPHNA’s mission, vision, and values.
• Experience in governance, leadership, or financial oversight.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with other Trustees and SAPHNA’s management team.

Time Commitment:
Trustees are required to attend quarterly Board meetings, participation in working groups or committees, and occasional representation of SAPHNA at events. The Treasurer role may require additional time to review financial matters and liaise with staff.