Trustee Volunteer Roles

We are looking for a new Chair of Trustees to join a rich and diverse team of MOVE Trustees, MOVE Europe is an inspiring charity for children and young people with physical disabilities, encouraging movement opportunities across the learning day to develop independent lifelong functional skills of sitting, standing, walking and transitioning.

At MOVE Europe our mission is to enable children and young people to have autonomy over their goals and ambitions in life, and we achieve this through a physical development programme known as the MOVE Programme.

Our mission started 27 years ago with a small cohort of special education need teachers in England in a Special Educational need settings. Today we are in over 160 settings across England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Ireland, with satellite provisions in Denmark, Austria and Germany! The MOVE Programme is now utilised in SEN provisions, Health Boards, Mainstream Settings and Resource Centres with a few extra curricular settings getting on board too.

We support children and young people from the ages of 3-25 predominantly in SEN provision. Currently we have over 1600 children and young people formally using the MOVE Programme, with a wider cohort embedding the MOVE ethos into everyday life.  

We employ 4 members of staff currently, alongside 6 Trustees. However, MOVE would not happen with just our small but mighty team. MOVE Europe also has 27 Associate Trainers based in Education and Health settings across the UK, alongside trained staff within schools who ensure MOVE is embedded and utilised to the best of it’s ability.

We are looking for a Chair who has experience of working within the charity sector and has a can-do attitude towards challenge and ambition. MOVE Europe works with children and young people who often experience the word through unwelcomed limitations, and as one of our families stated in a recent meeting ‘In a world where you are told what your child can’t or won’t do, MOVE comes along and shows the world what your child can and will do.’

The role would be predominantly remote with an annual strategy day that would take place in person. Please see attached a ‘Role and Person Spec’ and ‘Induction Pack’ to find out more.

If you would like to apply for this position – please Emma Dyer with an attached up to date Curriculum Vitae. See email address in the downloadable recruitment pack. 

We look forward to hearing from you.

Are you an experienced leader with time to spare for the benefit of young people in Doncaster?

We are seeking a voluntary Chair of Trustees to bring strategic leadership and strong governance expertise to our board.

This role offers a unique opportunity for an accomplished professional to guide a charity that has been making a meaningful difference in the community for almost 170 years.

As Chair, you will play a crucial role in shaping the future of YMCA Doncaster, overseeing our governance structures and working closely with the Chief Executive and trustees to develop and implement strategic plans that deliver measurable outcomes.

Your senior leadership experience, ideally within charitable or other not-for-profit sectors, will be invaluable as you ensure that we meet our regulatory and compliance obligations whilst also encouraging a collaborative and high-performing board.

You will meet regularly with the Chief Executive, offering support, development and guidance to ensure the charity’s operational success.

Most importantly, your role will also include chairing board meetings, monitoring progress, and ensuring that all decisions are aligned with our charitable objectives. You will play a key part in maintaining accountability and encouraging a culture of transparency and trust across the organisation.

Your ability to foster a constructive relationship with trustees, the CEO, and other strategic stakeholders will be vital in achieving our goals. We are looking for someone who not only understands governance structures but can also inspire and lead with confidence, helping us to strengthen our impact in the community.

If you are committed to YMCA’s values and have the time and expertise to contribute at this strategic level, we would be delighted to hear from you. This is a rewarding opportunity to shape the future of YMCA Doncaster and ensure we continue to provide valuable services that reflect our Christian heritage.

The type of person we are looking for is as follows:

• An understanding and enjoyment of the work of YMCA, with an aspirational enthusiasm to encourage and support the work of YMCA Doncaster in fulfilling its charitable objectives.
• Experience of service on charitable Board(s) and/or governance experience in another relevant organisation(s).
• Experience of developing and/or understanding of governance structures, procedures, and establishing terms of engagement, to enable fulfilment of charitable objectives, including accountability and support of the work of the CEO and Trustees.
• Significant senior leadership team experience with a focus on achieving outcomes, and overseeing and working with a CEO, individual Trustees, and other strategic stakeholders as appropriate.
• Time to regularly meet (typically monthly) with the Chief Executive to support, develop and appraise their outputs and outcomes, including progress updates against Board actions and strategic meeting planning commensurate with the role of Chair.
• Time where needed to sign financial or other documents.
• Supportive and warm to the Christian heritage of the YMCA.

The purpose of the role of Chair includes the following:

• Oversee and work with the Chief Executive on strategic organisational planning, developing governing structures that facilitate and encourage input from trustees and empower the CEO and leadership team.
• Work with the CEO and Board of Trustees to develop strategic planning, working with a focus on outcomes and with measurable indicators.
• Chair board meetings and monitor the implementation of Board decisions.
• Hold a casting vote on any decisions where votes for and against are equal.
• Ensure that the board operates within, and fulfils, its role regarding governance, compliance and oversight.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks including those of the Social Housing Regulator, Charity Commission and Companies House.
• Ensure that the induction, education and development of the Board is appropriate to the needs of the charity.
• Ensure that the conduct and competence of the CEO and trustees are understood and concerns addressed and resolved wherever possible.
• Refer all other operational disciplinary and/or grievance issues to the appropriate member of staff, with CEO as responsible for operational matters.
• Approve urgent expenditure in accordance with the Financial Control Policy.
• Ensure that the work of YMCA Doncaster is always respectful of its Christian heritage.

We are delighted to be working with Valley Leisure Ltd (VLL), an independent charitable trust, with a long history of improving people’s health & wellbeing. 

For over 30 years, helping people move more has been at the heart of our charity's mission. Founded in 1987, they managed the leisure contract for Test Valley until 2017. Since stepping away from the leisure contract, they have introduced two new services in the community: Riverside Activity Zone and the I Can Therapy Centre. In 2023, they expanded further with the launch of a third service brand, I Can Connect.

VLL are now seeking to appoint a Chair of Trustees to provide leadership and direction to the Board of Trustees. The Chairperson will have a strategic role in representing the vision and purpose of the organisation.   The Chairperson will ensure that the organisation complies with its governing document, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations and to make sure that the organisation pursues its objectives as defined in its governing document.

The Chairperson will also ensure that the Board functions properly and everyone has a voice and that effective decisions are made and carried out, they will also be an ambassador for the organisation.

Key areas:

• Strategic Leadership
• Governance 
• External Relationships 
• Board and Trustee Efficiency and Effectiveness
• Chairing and leading the Board
• Relationship with the CEO and the wider management team
• Ambassador for VLL

The successful candidate will have Board experience as a Chair or Deputy Chair.  You will have excellent communication skills with great leadership qualities and the ability to confidently lead with tact and diplomacy and with the ability to foster and promote a collaborative team.  You will deliver the vision of the charity and bring people together and act as an ambassador attending functions and meetings and acting as a spokesperson.  If you feel you can commit to the charity and its strategic objectives and the cause, we would like to hear from you.

For more information, please contact Sandra Smith, Associate Director, Charisma Charity Recruitment. Your application should be submitted through the Charisma website and include your CV and supporting statement.

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or other category protected by law.

Closing date: 12th January 2025

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.

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. From finance to foxes, new builds to new residents, the role of our trustees is sometimes challenging, always rewarding and never dull!

Bromley Arts Trust CIO Opportunity to join the Board of Trustees

Ready for a challenge? Good team player? Good at seeing the bigger picture ?

Consider joining our small Board of Trustees. The Board of Bromley Arts Trust is eager to expand the number of trustees and is looking for enthusiastic individuals with special skills and wide-ranging experience to enjoy finding solutions. Whether you are an experienced Trustee or are considering becoming one, we would like to hear from you.

If you have the time (estimated to average 2 to 3 days per month) to undertake this exciting role do contact the Business Manager at Bromley Arts Trust for more details of the role, person specification, the application process and documentation. 

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.

World Land Trust seeks new Trustees who will be engaged, ensure good governance, and help deliver its ambitious growth strategy. The successful candidates must bring expertise in one of the following areas:

Fundraising – we are keen to hear from candidates with significant fundraising experience at large UK charities. Current knowledge of fundraising strategy and best practice is essential. It is also desirable to have experience in one or more of, regular giving, major giving, or trusts and foundations, with a strong preference for experience in donor acquisition, preferably in the environmental space.

 Conservation – we are particularly interested in candidates from high-biodiversity countries in tropical regions with first-hand experience of conservation on the frontline. In particular, we’re looking for fresh perspectives on one or more of the following: strategic landscape prioritisation and planning, area-based mechanisms for effective land protection, community-led conservation, innovation in conservation, and/or payment for ecosystem services. We would especially welcome applications from early-career conservation professionals to complement our existing Trustee expertise.

 We would also welcome applications from people open to taking on the role of Chair in the future and those interested in chairing sub-committees or advisory panels.

World Land Trust would like to receive applications from those who have not held a board role before now, provided they can demonstrate that they have the ability to work at a strategic level, think creatively and criticise strategies and 

ABOUT THE ROLE

Overview

The Board of Directors manages the business of the Academy Trust and focuses on the three core functions of governance:

v  Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos, and strategic direction.

v  Holding executive leaders to account for educational performance and staff management.

v  Overseeing financial performance to ensure money is well spent.

The Trust Board of Inspire Education Trust has established Local Governor Committees (LGCs) for each academy within the Trust. The Trust Board decides which, if any, governance functions are delegated to these committees.

We are constantly reviewing our needs, and the composition of the Board as the Trust grows and the needs of governance evolve. If you believe you can contribute and would relish the challenges and opportunities that being a Trustee (Director) brings, we would love to speak to you.

Independence and Objectivity

To maintain objectivity, there should be a clear separation between the LGCs and the Trust Board. If local governors also serve on the Trust Board, it could compromise the Board's ability to exercise impartial judgment. While local governors may have a strong interest in the specific schools they represent, Directors of the Trust must prioritise the interests of all schools within the Trust. Therefore, it is recommended that most Directors be independent of local governance.

The Trustees (Directors) of Inspire Education Trust are currently looking to recruit to the Trust Board and are particularly interested in hearing from individuals with skills and experience at a strategic level in the following areas:

v  Accounting and Finance

v  Education

v  Human Resources

v  Audit & Risk

Composition and Membership

Trustees (Directors) are not school-specific but have an overarching and strategic view of all schools within the Trust. Directors ensure compliance with the Trust’s charitable objects and with company and charity law. They also sign off on the annual accounts and are responsible for ensuring adherence to the Trust’s funding agreement with the Secretary of State.

In contrast, each LGC must include elected representatives: two parents of current pupils, one staff member from primary schools, and two staff members (one teaching and one support staff) from secondary schools. The total membership should be sufficient to carry out the committee's responsibilities effectively, with a maximum of 9 members in primary academies and 12 in secondary academies.

Meetings and Leadership

Trustees (Directors) meet up to six times a year for board or committee meetings, in addition to a strategy day and an Annual General Meeting (AGM). Adequate time must be allocated to prepare for these meetings by reading papers and formulating challenging questions. Directors are also expected to attend training to expand their knowledge of governance.

LGCs meet four times a year. The Chair and Vice Chair of each LGC are elected annually by committee members, subject to Trust Board approval. The LGC appoints other members with support from the Head of Education, and all appointments require Trust Board approval, except for Diocesan/Foundation representatives, who are appointed by the Diocesan Board of Education.

Terms and Conduct

Although the position of Director is voluntary, it is rewarding, allowing individuals to make a real difference in the lives of young people within the community. Directors gain new skills and experience and have the chance to meet and work with others who are equally passionate about improving educational outcomes.

LGC members serve up to two four-year terms but may resign earlier by submitting a written notice. Members may also be asked to leave by the Directors if they fail to adhere to the Code of Conduct.

Responsibilities

Directors must ensure the Trust’s accountability to Parliament and the Secretary of State as the Principal Regulator of academies, which are exempt charities. Their duties include signing off on financial documents, ensuring the proper use of funds, and monitoring the educational performance of all schools in the Trust.

LGCs, on the other hand, play a crucial role in the Trust's governance by:

v  Assuring the Trust Board and external bodies, such as Ofsted, that the academy’s performance is being scrutinised and policies are followed;

v  Being accountable for decisions made within the scope of the Trust’s policies on complaints, exclusions, admissions appeals, and staff disciplinaries;

v  Participating in collaborative development, quality assurance activities, and decision-making processes, such as appointing a new Headteacher or during an Ofsted inspection;

v  Ensuring that the committee has the right membership and balance of skills;

v  Engaging with the community, championing the Trust and the academy, fostering positive attitudes toward learning, and connecting the classroom with the outside world through professional networks.

Differences Between LGCs and Directors

There are key differences in the roles and responsibilities of Local Governor Committees (LGCs) and Trustees (Directors) of the Trust:

1. Scope and Focus:

· Directors have a broader, strategic role that encompasses all schools within the Trust. They are responsible for setting the vision and direction for the entire Trust, ensuring compliance with legal obligations, and overseeing the financial and operational performance of all academies.

· LGCs are focused on individual academies within the Trust, ensuring that school-level performance is monitored and standards are maintained.

2. Governance Function:

· Directors manage the business of the Academy Trust and ensure compliance with charity and company law, as well as the Trust’s funding agreements. They oversee educational performance across all academies and hold executive leaders accountable for overall Trust performance.

· LGCs scrutinise academy performance and provide assurances to the Trust Board and external bodies like Ofsted that policies are being followed. Their role is school-specific, focusing on governance at a local level.

3. Decision-Making Authority:

· Directors exercise all powers of the Trust, including financial oversight and strategic decision-making. They hold ultimate responsibility for the Trust’s accountability to Parliament, the Secretary of State, and regulatory bodies. Directors sign off on the annual accounts and ensure the Trust’s adherence to its charitable objectives.

· LGCs make decisions related to complaints, exclusions, admissions appeals, and staff disciplinaries, within the framework of Trust policies. They are involved in specific processes such as appointing a Headteacher or participating in Ofsted inspections.

4. Meetings and Commitments:

· Directors meet up to six times a year, in addition to a strategy day and an AGM, and are required to prepare thoroughly for these meetings by reviewing relevant materials and asking probing questions. Directors are also expected to commit to ongoing training to enhance their governance skills.

· LGCs meet four times a year and primarily focus on the local school context.

5. Independence and Objectivity:

· Directors must maintain independence from local governance to prioritise the interests of the entire Trust over any individual academy. This separation ensures that Directors can exercise impartial judgment across all schools.

· LGC members are often directly connected to the school they represent, such as parents or staff members, which can limit their independence in certain matters.

Additional Considerations

Directors hold executive leaders to account for the performance of the organisation as a whole, ensuring the Trust’s long-term strategic goals and its financial health.

LGCs, however, should not duplicate the work of the Trust’s executive functions, particularly in the performance management of the academy’s senior leadership. Their role is to scrutinise, not to hold to account.

Lead the Charge for Animal Welfare! Join the League Against Cruel Sports as a trustee

Passionate about animal welfare? Ready to make a real impact? We're looking for experts in fundraising and marketing to join us in ending cruelty to animals in sport.

About us:

We're dedicated to creating a kinder society where animals are protected from persecution in the name of sport. We've been at the forefront of change, instrumental in landmark legislation like the Hunting Act 2004. Through our wildlife reserves, investigations and advocacy, we're driving tangible change and standing up for those who can't speak for themselves. The League operates in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, striving to protect animals from the horrific acts of hunting, shooting and animal fighting.

Your role:

As a trustee, you'll have a shared responsibility with 6-10 fellow board members to play a pivotal role in shaping our strategic direction, ensuring compliance and supporting our CEO. You'll lead policy, monitor financial stability, identify and manage risks, and as a League ambassador you’ll champion our cause.

As a trustee you will attend four board meetings per year (three virtually) and the AGM.  In line with the Charity Commission regulations, no payment will be made for this role, but all expenses will be reimbursed.

Skills/knowledge:

· Proven track record of successful fundraising or marketing campaigns

· Experience of various fundraising methods (e.g., major gifts, corporate sponsorships, events, digital fundraising) at a strategic level

· Established relationships with potential donors, corporate sponsors and other stakeholders.

· Inspirational leadership

· Excellent communication skills

· Strong analytical and decision making skills

· Financially astute and good attention to detail

It’s not necessary to have previous board experience as training can be provided.

We particularly welcome applications from diverse backgrounds as we want our board to be more representative.

Why join us?

By becoming a trustee at the League, you'll be part of a dynamic team driving real change for animals across the UK. You'll have the opportunity to make a tangible difference, influence policy, and be at the forefront of the fight against animal cruelty.

This position is an excellent development opportunity if you’re taking your first steps to develop wider board level and governance experience.

To apply:

If you're ready to lend your expertise to a cause that truly matters, please submit your CV accompanied by a covering letter outlining your motivations, interests and how your skills and experience fulfil the requirements of the role.  We will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis and will respond to all applications.

Recruitment process: Applications will be reviewed against pre-identified requirements from the job specification, followed by a single interview stage.

Together, we can redefine what is acceptable and create a better world for animals.

We are seeking Trustees to join our Board and support us in our vision for BulliesOut

The Board of Trustees purpose is to provide:

• Strategic Leadership and Support
• Accountability and Assurance
• Engagement

If you have:

• Passion for our cause
• Time to spare
• An energy and willingness to help
• Please get in touch 

St Helena Hospice helps local people face incurable illness and bereavement, supporting them, their families, friends and carers. We are seeking two new trustees to join our Board.

We hope one new trustee will bring a medical focus and the second will bring fundraising skills. These opportunity have arisen at an exciting time in our journey at St Helena.

However, to achieve our vision we need to find a way through a perfect storm of spiraling costs and increased demand, at the same time as income from traditional fundraising methods is diminishing and inflationary pressures are increasing. 
To help with income, we have set up a subsidiary trading arm to manage our growing range of commercial activities.

Already the lead organisation for palliative and end of life care in our area, we want to extend our reach and services to also become a key provider of complex frailty and dementia care. We are exploring moving to a new site and taking the opportunity that presents to develop business cases for new ventures that could be co-located with 
existing services.

Values
The office holders must embody and conduct business in a manner that reflects the 
values of St Helena:
• Bold
• Passionate
• Caring

Personal Qualities
The successful candidates will have:
• Tact and diplomacy 
• Good communication and interpersonal skills 
• Impartiality and objectivity 
• Fairness and the ability to respect confidences
• Commitment to the organisation 
• Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort 
• Strategic vision 
• Independent judgement 
• Willingness to speak one’s mind 

It is desirable that the successful candidates will have experience of Board and Committee 
work at a senior level

Age UK Hillingdon, Harrow and Brent is committed to making later life better for everyone in Hillingdon, Harrow and Brent. We have an active board of Trustees from a range of different backgrounds who continually provide guidance and support to the charity.The Trustee role offers an exciting opportunity to get involved in an engaging, decision making role which contributes to the strategy, financial strategy and day-to-day management of the organisation.

Our existing Board has a diverse range of experience and skills and we are looking to grow and develop these to support the organisation in the future.  We are particuarly interested in hearing from people with experience and/or knowledge of the following areas:

• Financial Management (including investment planning/management accounts) 
• Estate Planning
• Charity Retailing
• Fundraising / Income generation Fundraising

This is not an exclusive list of skills as each new Trustee brings their own valuable skills and experience.  We are keen to develop our Board's diversity and appreciate that the role of a Trustee is new to some people.  If you would like an informal chat about what the role involves please contact us.

As a well-regarded specialist charity, we have been a cornerstone of support for the LGBTQ+ community for over 46 years. Now, as we transition into Leicestershire LGBTQ+ Centre, we are excited to invite new voices to join us on our journey toward an impactful future.

Our Vision and the Role of Trustees
In the coming years, we will focus on cementing our long-term sustainability through innovative projects and income-generating activities. To help us achieve these goals, we are strengthening our Board by recruiting two new trustees to join our current team of six. Specifically, we are looking for a General Trustee and a Treasurer. We encourage applications from trans individuals and those with financial management experience in the charity sector, as we value diverse perspectives and expertise that will guide our strategic direction.

The Role of Trustee
As a trustee, you will play a critical role in shaping our future. This is an opportunity to contribute your skills and experiences to an organisation at a transformative time in its history. Your involvement will support our efforts to deliver diverse services and activities that address the needs of our community, making a tangible difference in the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals across Leicestershire and Rutland.

We hope you share our vision and excitement for the future of Leicestershire LGBTQ+ Centre. We look forward to the possibility of working with you as we embark on this meaningful journey.