Trustee Volunteer Roles

Would you like to make a difference in the lives of refugees and asylum seekers living in Bath? Bath Welcomes Refugees  is at an exciting stage of its development. If you are passionate about welcoming people seeking safety in the UK and have lived experience as a refugee or asylum seeker or experience in fundraising, legal or charity governance and management, or communications we’d love to hear from you!

We are looking to recruit Trustees with the skills, experience, energy, and time to commit to our vital work. 

What will you be doing?

Our Trustee Board is responsible for the governance of Bath Welcomes Refugees. The Board does not directly manage the day-to-day work, but provides oversight, shapes organisational strategy and supports our staff and volunteers. We are more hands-on than most charity boards. 

Please see the attached role descriptions for full details. 

Specific activities include bi-monthly trustee meetings, biannual meetings with the Management Committee, the Annual General Meeting, and ad hoc attendance at fundraising/promotional events. As a small charity, there will be times when the trustees will need to be actively involved beyond Board meetings. 

What difference will you make?

Bath Welcomes Refugees is a small, dynamic local organisation that continues to grow and develop. In the past two years, the scope and volume of our work has expanded considerably. The new trustee(s) will support us to ensure we have a strong strategy and robust governance to consolidate our growth and meet our mission. 

Trustees will bring crucial insights and guidance from their own backgrounds, as we continue to refine our strategy, strengthen our structure and fundraising, and manage risk. This is your opportunity to be part of a respectful, inclusive, friendly team and make a difference in the lives of people living in your local area.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm, and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of experience and thinking on our board. 

Please see the attached role descriptions for full details.

We are particularly looking for people with experience in the following:

• Lived experience as a refugee or asylum seeker
• Experience or knowledge of refugee resettlement and issues facing refugees and asylum seekers
• Experience of the UK charity sector, especially management and/or governance
• Fundraising
• Communications, public relations, and social media
• IT systems and data security

Are you passionate about Almshouses? Committed to supporting women in need? Looking for a volunteer role? Then read on...

The Friendly Almshouses on Stockwell Park Road currently supports twenty residents from a rich diversity of backgrounds and cultures to live independently in a safe, supported, community-inspired environment at our almshouses. We are now
seeking to grow our Board of Trustees and diversify its skills and experiences to help us improve and develop our Charity and raise its profile in the community. We welcome applicants from all fields, and particularly those from a social housing, legal and/or financial background. We would especially welcome a volunteer Treasurer for 2025, so if you have accounting skill or are interested in a specific Treasurer role, this could be exactly what you are looking for! 

Our Board meets once every two months, and our trustees are each assigned to at least one smaller working group which takes charge of a particular area of responsibility. The role of our trustees is sometimes challenging, always rewarding and never dull!

Do you want to help improve the lives of children, young people, and adults affected by cancer and life-threatening conditions? We Hear You (WHY) is seeking passionate individuals to join our Board of Trustees!

As a dynamic charity based in Frome, Somerset, we provide life-changing emotional and psychological support to over 500 people each year. With your skills and enthusiasm, you’ll help shape our future, ensuring WHY continues to offer a safe space for those navigating the challenges of diagnosis, grief, and bereavement.

We’re especially looking for expertise in:

· HR

· Legal/Charity law and governance

As a Trustee, you’ll play a vital role in setting our strategy, ensuring accountability, and supporting our incredible team. Board meetings are held six times a year, with opportunities to actively contribute beyond that.

Join us and help support a small Southwark based charity working with adults with learning disabilities

We are looking for new trustees to join our purpose driven and welcoming Board of Trustees in our work to enhance the lives of adults with learning disabilities through music, art, dance, drama, cooking and gardening.

This is an exciting time to join us, with opportunities to contribute and to help shape our future. If you are thoughtful and energetic and want to help make a difference, please apply. We welcome those who have no experience of being a trustee and will provide induction and support. Commitment and enthusiasm is more important.

We want a Board that reflects our community. We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from all individuals. We strongly encourage applications from the Black, racially minoritized and other under-represented communities, and people with experience of learning disability – either personally, professionally, as a carer or a volunteer. This will help us draw on a wide range of knowledge, interests and skills when making the decisions that will improve the lives of our service users.

We would like new trustees to have some of these interests and skills but not all:

Service user engagement, raising funds, digital delivery, helping board meetings to run smoothly and knowledge about learning disabilities.

As a trustee, you will be involved in key decision making to ensure this charity is well managed and delivers a good service for our users.  The Board meets 4-5 times a year.  There are opportunities for trustees to become involved in projects and working groups.

Play to the Crowd (Incorporating Theatre Royal Winchester, Hat Fair and Playmakers) is looking for individuals to join our Board of Trustees. Our aim is to build the collective diversity of our trustees to include a greater range of ages, backgrounds and experience.

At this time, we are particularly looking for a Trustee who can represent young people between the ages of 18 and 35 who do, or would like to, access theatre and the arts. Applications from those within that age range will therefore be prioritised on this occasion.

For more information, please have a look at our trustee information pack, which is available below. 

Deadline for application: 10am, Fri 28 Feb
Interview date: TBC

Evaluation Support Scotland is recruiting for new trustees to join our board.  We are particularly keen to receive applications from those with skills and experience in the areas of HR and / or Business Development, and welcome applicants from the third, public and private sectors.

Evaluation Support Scotland is an infrastructure charity supporting organisations to measure and explain their impact.  We are dedicated to supporting organisations to move beyond simply monitoring their work for accountability, to evaluating for learning and improvement. We predominately work with other charities, policy makers and funders so they can measure and report on their impact and use learning to improve practice and inform policy.

As a Trustee you would join a highly skilled board who are committed to the ongoing development of the organisation.  Our board meets around 6 times each year, mostly online; our AGM takes place in person at our Edinburgh office.  In addition to board meetings, Trustees are asked to contribute to work that is particualrly aligned to their skills and experience, usually as part of a sub-committee, time limited working group or by providing 1:1 advice.

We’re looking for people who are excited about our vision, can help us to deliver our strategy, and support us as we continue to evolve.

Create Change through Arts Therapies , Lead with Purpose

We are looking for trustees to oversee the direction of the charity. We have delivered rapid growth over the last two years and now need to expand our Board of Trustees. By joining our board you will be: 

• Making a Lasting Impact: you can help transform lives through creative therapeutic support for individuals taking action to deal with their mental health.
• Shape the Future: you will be part of shaping the future of our charity as we expand services and reach more people in need.
• Use Your Expertise for Good: bring your professional skills to the board, whether in finance, education, governance, fundraising, or therapeutic services, and help guide the strategic direction of our charity.

We are seeking to fill our board with the following expertise: 

Experience in the following areas would be valuable:

• Finance and Accounting: To oversee the financial health of the charity, ensuring sustainability and growth.
• Fundraising and Income Generation: To support us in developing sustainable income streams, including grant applications, corporate partnerships, and individual giving.
• Therapeutic Services and Arts Therapy: Professionals who understand the sector and can help shape our programmes in alignment with best practices in mental health care.
• Marketing and Communications: To help us raise the profile of Arts Therapies UK through digital strategies, media relations, and public engagement.
• Legal and Governance: Individuals with experience in charity law or governance to ensure we remain compliant with regulatory requirements.

Trustee Roles and Responsibilities:

As a trustee, you will:

• Ensure that the charity is carrying out its purposes for the public benefit.
• Provide strategic oversight of the charity’s projects and services, ensuring they align with the overall mission.
• Monitor financial performance and ensure the charity is operating within its means.
• Act as an advocate and ambassador for Arts Therapies UK, raising awareness of the charity’s work.
• Attend 6 weekly (approximetley) trustee meetings held online, an annual strategy day (in person), and contribute to subcommittees and requests for support where necessary.
• Uphold the charity’s commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Why Join Arts Therapies UK:

• Purpose-Driven Work: Support our mission that provides interventions to individuals facing mental health challenges across the whole country.
• Impact: Directly influence the charity’s ability to reach more people in need, through strategic decision-making and governance.
• Development: Build on your leadership and governance skills while making a meaningful difference in your community.
• Collaborative Board: Join a diverse and experienced group of trustees who are passionate about mental health and the arts.

If you are interested please read the attached role descriptions carefully and then submit a CV and brief covering letter. 

Location: Preston, Lancashire

Salary: Un-paid – out of pocket expenses reimbursed

Join Our Board of Trustees at Caritas Care

Caritas Care is a long-standing social care charity supporting children, families, and communities across Lancashire, Cumbria, and Greater Manchester for 90 years. We provide services in Adoption, Foster Care, Learning Disabilities, and community support projects for people of all ages.

Why Join Us?

Our charity is guided by strong values rooted in a caring ethos. Though we started with a Catholic foundation, we are now fully independent, while still inspired by our original values.

We’re based in Preston, employ around 200 staff, and manage an annual budget of approximately £8m. We are looking for four new Trustees to join our Board as three of our long-serving members are retiring.

What We’re Looking For:

We need people who are passionate about making a difference, can think strategically, and are willing to share their views. You’ll help guide Caritas Care’s future, ensuring we stay strong and effective during these challenging times for the charity sector.

We’re especially interested in people with experience in:

· Finance

· Business & Commercial Leadership

· Human Resources (HR)

· Senior Roles in Public or Voluntary Sectors

Time Commitment:

You’ll need to attend Board meetings and dedicate some time outside these meetings.

Diversity Matters:

We value diverse perspectives and encourage applications from all backgrounds.

Ready to Make a Difference? If you want to use your skills to support a respected charity and help shape its future, we’d love to hear from you! For an informal discussion about the role of trustee, please contact the Chief Executive, Susan Swarbrick.

Trustee – Sussex Cancer Fund 

Since 1991, the Sussex Cancer Fund has been working together with the NHS to help make life better for cancer patients in Sussex, by providing equipment, facilities and services that make a tangible difference for patients who are often on a difficult and stressful journey. We also selectively fund and enable Sussex based cancer research programs that contribute to the understanding of cancers and to improved outcomes for patients.

This is a wonderful opportunity to join our top-quality leadership team and to contribute to achieving our strategic goals and delivering on our annual plans to invest in the NHS cancer units across Sussex. 

This is a voluntary position, with reasonable travel expenses paid. It is expected the successful candidate will live in Sussex and bring a wealth of experience as a leader, in for example, the medical, care, retail or hospitality sectors, focusing on providing outstanding service to patients / clients / customers.

Experience in the ‘Not for Profit’ sector is welcome but not essential. We value transferable governance and leadership experience from a range of sectors. We are looking for a trustee who will bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to this key role. 

The Sussex Cancer Fund is an equal opportunity charity – all applicants will be considered without paying attention to race, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin or disability. 

We are seeking an individual with a safeguarding background to support our well-established Trustee board.  The role is a voluntary, unpaid role.  The role is suited to a knowledgeable professional with a background in health/wellbeing for example; social work, teacher with responsibility for safeguarding, medical professional etc, who has a desire to make a real contribution to the shaping and future of Chesham Grammar School.  Our vision for CGS and values are firmly located at the centre of everything we do. 

No previous experience in an educational environment is necessary.

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

If this role is something you are interested in and would like to explore further, we ask for a CV along with an expression of interest, stating why you think this role is suitable and what knowledge and experience you can bring to the Trust.

What we do

Together we create joy, happiness and magical memories through life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.

Whether it’s starring in their own films, walking with dinosaurs, going on an amazing holiday, meeting a celebrity hero, or having a bedroom makeover; our wishes are varied, personal and lifechanging. We go above and beyond to grant amazing wishes to very amazing children; their wish made a reality at a time when they need it most. Because a child’s life shouldn’t be about illness, hospitals and diagnosis - it should be about wonder, joy and hope.

We’ve seen the effects a wish can have on a seriously ill child: from creating incredible memories, building confidence and bringing happiness, to providing respite from the daily struggles that come with a critical illness. We know what wishes can give, and this is the driving force behind why we continue to do what we do.

Our vision is to create a wish for every eligible child

The Role of a Trustee

The expectations of a trustee, as a member of the Board, are set out in our governance handbook. If you have not been a trustee before you are also advised to read The Charity Commission publication ‘The Essential Trustee’ which sets out the legal duties, you have as a trustee. However, the key thing is that you really want to make a difference for children and their families at a time when their lives are made challenging by illness or disability and that you think you will enjoy working with others equally passionate about the cause. If you can help us to extend our reach and are willing to learn about the role and the work of the charity, we would love to hear from you and to discuss whether a trustee role might be right for you.

Skills, Experience and Personal Qualities

We are looking for 2 or 3 new trustees to replace specific knowledge skills and experience lost as some of our trustees reach the end of their term. One of the trustees we recruit will be asked to chair our CEDI (Community Equality Diversity and Inclusion) Committee. We are passionate about ensuring that there’s a strong mix on our Board of Trustees with people from varying backgrounds, experiences and skills which will enable us to serve our children and families better if we have a good balance of view and voices on our Board.

At the present time our key priorities are to recruit the following skills and experience:

• Experience of transforming operational service delivery, including through the use of technology
• Experience of delivering through volunteer networks, with understanding of how to engage, motivate and support volunteers.
• Someone who is well networked with media and broadcast relationships and brings skills in marketing, brand development, and commercial income generation

The successful candidate will also demonstrate:

• A commitment to the Make a Wish values and to being led by the voice of the child
• Embedding the principles of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion within all that they do
• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort
• Strategic vision
• Good, independent judgement
• The ability to listen actively to other people, particularly those with views that are different to their own, and work effectively as a member of a team

Terms of Appointment

Trustees are appointed to the Board for an initial term of three years, after which they will resign and, if they so desire, offer themselves for re-election for a further three-year term. Re-election will require the unanimous support of other Trustees. Exceptionally the Articles provide for a maximum term for Trustees of 9 years but in practice, unless special circumstances exist, the Board considers that it is appropriate for Trustees to serve a maximum of six years consisting of two consecutive 3-year terms.

The post is not remunerated although expenses incurred in carrying out Board business are payable.

The Board has 4 formal meetings a year plus one strategy day and one development day. We try to make these in person meetings. Sub-Committees meet virtually a few weeks in advance of each formal Board meeting. Trustees are expected to attend all Board meetings and meetings of relevant sub-committees unless in exceptional circumstances.

To see the full Governance Handbook, apply via the link.

Appointment Process

If you are interested in applying to join our Board, please submit your CV and a brief supporting statement to outline your motivation for joining Make a Wish, and what you could bring to the role of trustee via the link.

Discussions with members of the Senior Leadership team and interviews with trustee members of the Nominations and Remuneration Committee will be arranged where there is a mutual interest in exploring further with a candidate. All candidates will also be invited to meet with STARboard, our young people’s advisory board, so that we hear the view of our young people in making our appointment decisions. The Board will then be asked to approve the appointments of the successful candidate.

If you are interested in this role, please apply via the link.

The Charity Tax Group (CTG) is looking to appoint new Trustees to its proactive, forward thinking, ambitious board. 

Who are we? 

CTG is the authoritative voice of charities on tax and has recently gained charitable status. Over the past 40 years CTG has saved the sector over £8.3 billion in tax. We work together with our members for a better fiscal environment for charities, providing authoritative information, improving understanding and securing a fair deal for charities on tax. Our networks include senior figures in HMRC, HMT and major charities.

CTG’s core principles are to: 

• Strive for technical excellence in all aspects of tax that impacts on charities 

• Provide practical support to charities by mitigating their tax burden and providing informed and relevant guidance. 

• Work with others to maximise our impact. 

• Develop a sustainable funding structure that matches our ambition 

• Be brave and innovative 

The Medical Research Foundation is looking to appoint a trustee, with Board-level communications or marketing experience, to join our Board of Trustees.

Many of the diseases and conditions that affect human health have been cured or overcome as a result of medical research, but there will always be more to do and there are areas of medical need that receive little or no support – and people’s lives that see no improvement. That’s where we step in. The Medical Research Foundation is an independent charitable foundation, investing the power of our donations to change medicine and change lives.

This year we launched a five-year strategy for 2024-2029 that focuses on changing the health of children and young people, those with neglected mental health conditions and those whose health will be impacted by the changing climate. Our strategy is underpinned by a focus on planetary health. In addition to focusing our research funding in this area, we have taken steps to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and increase the environmental sustainability of our work. Our aim is to reach net zero in our activities and to influence the activities of others that we work with and fund to be more environmentally sustainable.

The Medical Research Foundation is overseen by a Board of Trustees who have ultimate responsibility for directing the charity, its assets and activities. We are looking to complement the current strengths of our Board with a trustee who has Board-level experience working within communications or marketing, who will help us achieve this vision and deliver on our five-year strategy to give hope through medical research. Ideally you will be familiar with the principles of corporate governance in the public or charitable sector.

Diversity and inclusion are a priority for us, and we encourage and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. Trustees are supported throughout their appointment with training and development opportunities, and we welcome applications from individuals are who new to charity trusteeship.

The Board typically meets four times a year, either virtually or in Central London. As part of their appointment, trustees are also asked to sit on the Board’s committees and attend occasional evening events. The position is voluntary and not remunerated, although reasonable expenses are paid, such as travel and childcare while attending our meetings and events.

The appointment will commence in June 2025 for a three-year term in the first instance.

How to apply

You can find full details of the role and how to apply by visiting our website. 

Closing date: 14 February 2025, 12 noon

Interview date: 6 March 2025

CARA (Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse) works with victims and survivors of sexual violence and child sexual abuse, providing independent, specialist support and promoting and representing their rights and needs.

CARA works with adults, young people and children from across Mid and North Essex and Uttlesford. Over the last 10 years, CARA has grown significantly. Our client numbers have more than quadrupled and we have developed a wide range of services for victims and survivors of all ages and genders. We currently have a team of 36 full and part-time staff and over 20 sessional counsellors.

CARA is looking to recruit new trustees to our Board. As a CARA trustee, you will have the opportunity to be involved with a forward-thinking and fast-developing feminist charity. Our Board of trustees provide strategic direction and governance to CARA, overseeing our finances and management, working closely with the Senior Management Team. CARA’s Board of Trustees are also registered as our directors for the purposes of company law.

CARA has recently undertaken a Governance Review, and we are currently working to implement the recommendations from this review to ensure we are following best practice in charity governance.

Our existing Board members have a wide range of skills and expertise, but to ensure CARA’s effective governance we are particularly looking to recruit new trustees with the following skills and experiences:

• Law and legal compliance

• Experience as a CARA service-user

We would also be interested in hearing from people with skills and experience in the following areas:

• Best practice in charity governance

• Campaigning

• Charity management

• Experience in the Women’s Sector

• Financial skills e.g. accountancy, auditing, scrutinising financial information

• Fundraising and income generation, including fundraising strategy, bid writing and grants and trusts

• Networks and connections with relevant stakeholders.

People from Black and minoritised ethnic backgrounds are under-represented on CARA’s Board of Trustees, and we particularly welcome applications from people from these groups. Applications from survivors of sexual violence are always welcome.

For more information or to arrange an informal chat about being a CARA Trustee, please contact Helen Parr, CEO or Vicky Beckwith, Chair of Trustees. 

Trustee Role Description

Our trustees play a vital role in making sure that CARA achieves its core purpose. They oversee our overall management and ensure that CARA has a clear strategy and that our work and goals are in line with our vision, culture and values.

Trustees are responsible for:

1. Supporting and providing advice on CARA’s mission, vision, goals and activities.

2. Approving CARA’s strategy and organisational policies.

3. Overseeing CARA’s financial plans and budgets.

4. Ensuring the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.

5. Ensuring that key risks are identified, monitored and controlled effectively.

6. Reviewing and approving CARA’s financial statements.

7. Providing support and challenge to CARA’s CEO.

8. Keeping abreast of changes in CARA’s operating environment.

9. Contributing to regular reviews of CARA’s governance.

10. Scrutinising Board papers and attending Board meetings adequately prepared to contribute to discussions.

11.Using independent judgement to promote and protect CARA’s interests.

12.Contributing to the broader promotion of CARA’s aims and reputation by applying their skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts.

Person specification:

1. Willingness and ability to understand and accept responsibility and liability as a trustee and to act in the best interests of CARA.

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

3. Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion.

4. A strong personal commitment to feminism, anti-racism, equality, diversity and inclusion.

5. A demonstrable commitment to CARA’s vision and mission.

6. Willingness to lead according to CARA’s values and to foster CARA’s organisational culture.

7. Commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership. Board members have a collective responsibility. This means that trustees always act and make key decisions as a group and not as individuals.

Terms of appointment of trustees

• Trustees are appointed for a 3-year term of office, with potential for re-appointment for 2 further terms to a maximum of 9 years. Reappointment is subject to satisfactory performance and contribution.

• This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed. Time commitment (Estimated at 0.5 day per month):

• Attending 6 Board meetings annually, including some face-to-face meetings. 100% attendance is expected, except in emergencies.

• Attending strategy days or other strategic sessions, as agreed.

• There will be times when 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 or presenting externally. All trustee appointments will be conditional on an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check, and satisfactory references.

If you are interested in the role, for more information or to arrange an informal chat about being a CARA Trustee, please contact Helen Parr, CEO or Vicky Beckwith, Chair of Trustees.