Trustee Volunteer Roles in Greater London

As a Trustee you must:

• Always act in the best interests of GMWSA exercising the same duty of care that a prudent person of business would in looking after the affairs of someone for whom they have responsibility.
• Act as a group and not as an individual

Duties of a Trustee Board Member:

• Ensure that GMWSA complies with charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations
• Ensure that GMWSA pursues its objectives as defined in the Strategy and Business plans
• Ensure that GMWSA applies its resources wisely and applies ‘best value’ principles
• Contribute actively to the Board of Trustees' role in giving firm strategic direction to the CEO in setting overall policy, defining goals and setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets
• Contribute actively to Board Meetings and other appropriate events and activities
• Safeguard the reputation and values of GMWSA
• Ensure the financial stability of GMWSA
• Ensure that the accounts are audited in the manner prescribed by Charity Commission regulations, and any recommendations of the auditors implemented
• Ensure that GMWSA has an appropriate reserves policy
• Be assured that the financial resources of GMWSA meet its present and future needs

In addition to the above statutory duties, each Trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the Board of Trustees reach sound decisions. This may involve leading discussions, focusing on key issues, scrutinising board papers, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, evaluation or other issues in which the Trustee has special expertise.

Person Specification-
Each Trustee must:

• Have commitment to the mission and values of GMWSA
• Show willingness to devote the necessary time and effort
• Act with integrity and have a willingness to speak their mind
• Employ a strategic vision
• Have an understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of Trusteeship
• Have the ability to work effectively as a member of a team and to take decisions for the good of GMWSA.

Minimum time commitment:

• Trustees are expected to attend an induction meeting with the Chair of the Board and the CEO prior to attendance at their first Board meeting.
• Trustees are expected to attend all Board meetings, which are 6 time per year, online and in person.

Salary: Unremunerated (travel expenses will be reimbursed)
Reporting To: Chair of Help Musicians
Location: London, with occasional attendance of meetings outside London required
Contract and hours: A 14-day time commitment per year is expected, which includes attendance at the charity’s AGM, 4 Board meetings a year (including a two-day event) and further meetings and events, some of which will be held outside London

About Us 

Help Musicians and sister charity Music Minds Matter are powered by a love of music, which is why they empower and support those who create it and make it happen.

For over 100 years, Help Musicians has been working hard to make a meaningful difference to the lives of musicians across the UK. In a precarious profession often filled with ups and downs, opportunities are hard-won whilst challenges come along all too easily, with unsteady income and physical and mental health concerns common issues. Help Musicians offers a broad range of help to support music creators in times of crisis and opportunity — ensuring musicians across the UK can achieve their creative potential and sustain a career in music.

Music Minds Matter, puts mental wellbeing centre stage in music. It works proactively to help prevent mental health crises, providing everybody who works in music with the early support, knowledge and tools they need, at exactly the time they need them.

About the role 

Trustees of Help Musicians are responsible for directing the affairs of the charities and ensuring they are delivering against their missions, are well – run and are acting in accordance with their charitable objectives. 

We are now searching for new Trustees to join our Board in 2025 to help us to continue to ensure that those working in music can thrive. 

Music has diversity at its heart and as a national charity, we strive to ensure our Board represents the range of individuals we are here to help. We therefore would like to encourage applications from women and people from under-represented communities.

About you 

We’re looking for dedicated individuals from diverse backgrounds, who care deeply about music, our vision for the future and who have the appropriate time to commit to the organisation. 

Our Trustees play a vital role in helping to grow our impact and securing the success of the organisation for decades to come. You will therefore bring curiosity and constructive challenge to support the Executive in defining future strategy and helping to advocate for the charity within their networks and beyond. 

You will have strong interpersonal skills and the ability to operate effectively within a team and to confidently contribute at board meetings. It would be helpful if you have previous experience of charity governance.

How do I apply? 

Please send your CV and response to the following questions to recruitment@​helpmusicians.​org.​uk by the deadline of Wednesday 16 October at 9am.

Please tell us:

• Why you are applying for the role of Trustee at Help Musicians and how you will help the charity achieve its diversity aims. (500 words maximum)
• What specific skills and experience will you bring to the charity which you feel is most relevant to the role of Trustee? (500 words maximum)

Interviews by the charity’s Nominations Committee are expected to take place in mid to late November 2024. Please indicate any time you are NOT available for interview to our recruitment team when emailing us your application.

The Gold Standards Framework (GSF) charity are seeking new Trustees to join our Board to support the important work of enabling generalist frontline teams improve care for people nearing the end of life. We are seeking in particular, new Trustees who have business development, finance, charity or fundraising expertise or experience, who might be interested in this area, as well as others interested in social care, education or palliative or end of life care.

The Gold Standards Framework (GSF) Centre recently celebrated 25 years of work improving end of life care given by generalist frontline teams. GSF is the leading provider of training in end of life care for generalist front line staff across health and social care. We have trained and accredited thousands of teams, influenced national policy and practice and GSF has improved the care for many millions of people and their families.

Much has been achieved but there is still more to do ... We have a bold and exciting vision to ensure that everyone experiences Gold Standard end of life care. We want to see a big increase in the number of people that are trained, and we want to influence policy to make Gold Standard end of life care a requirement. We have recently become a CIO charity and as we enter a new chapter of our story, we are seeking new trustees to help us to achieve our vision and contribute to our strategic purpose. 

Could you help us achieve these goals? We are a small team and value the contribution of our trustees, partners, associates and professional reference groups. Trustees will typically attend 4-6 online board meetings a year, along with other communications and support between meetings, plus occasional strategy away days. 

For full details, read more on the Gov (dot) UK website.

We are looking for people with the same shared values and commitment to improving end of life care in our country. We need experienced and passionate trustees to help our excellent team to meet our vision. We are particularly interested in:

• Finance Fundraising Business management, especially in the charity or training sectors
• Marketing/communications
• Health and/or social care provision
• Palliative/End of Life Care/GSF in practice
• Senior board level/charity experience
• Integrated care systems/local authorities
• Health & Care Policy

Please email Keri Thomas, Sue Richards, or Julie Armstrong-Wilson if you’re interested in having an informal chat. More information on GSF can be found on our website

West London Centre for Counselling is a registered charity that has been delivering high quality, free, confidential counselling to the local community in Hammersmith and Fulham for over 30 years. We are currently contracted by the NHS Talking Therapies service in Hammersmith and Fulham to deliver short-term therapeutic interventions of 12-20 weeks to people with mild to moderate mental health conditions. All clients receive an assessment before starting treatment, and we assess over 1,000 clients each year.

We have a dedicated, experienced team of clinicians and administrators, and premises in Hammersmith, off Glenthorne Road. We are a BACP accredited service.

We are looking to appoint new volunteer Trustees to join our Board, which meets 4 – 5 times a year, usually on a Monday or Thursday evening in Hammersmith. This is a chance to help to shape the future of the organisation, and to play a role in ensuring its continued success.

We would particularly like to hear from people with experience in strategic development, human resources, or financial management; however the most important thing is an interest in and enthusiasm for the fields of counselling, psychotherapy and/or NHS mental health provision.

If you are interested in joining our small, friendly board as a Trustee, and can commit to attending 4 board meetings each year, please send your CV and a covering letter explaining why you are interested in the position.

Thank you.

Sutton Mental Health Foundation was established as a charity in 1998. Its aim is to support individuals experiencing serious mental health issues in the London Borough of Sutton. We aim to keep such individuals well and active helping them to have a voice in the provision of mental health care in the Borough.  Our vision is to provide a community in Sutton which values mental wellbeing and understands how to respond positively to individuals’ anxiety and distress.  The Foundation works together to promote mental wellbeing resilience and recovery from mental distress.We provide nonclinical support through our Intentional Peer Support programme together with a Day Service and a Crisis Cafe at our centre in Belmont. We receive funding mainly from the NHS and the London Borough of Sutton although we are part of the Voluntary Sector. 

We are seeking to add to the expertise of our experienced, professional Board of Trustees all of whom are volunteers.  All our Trustees require excellent communication skills, the ability to work effectively as part of a team, strategic vision and good independent judgement. Although not limited to, we would particularly value the experience and skills in the following areas : 

• Company Secretary/Legal Experience 
• Fundraising in the following areas – Grant, Corporate and Public 
• Marketing 

Lived or shared experience of mental health – desirable. 

Inclusion is one of our values and we are looking for diversity in the makeup of our Board. We particularly welcome applications from underrepresented communities.

The Board of Trustees meets every six weeks, in the evening at 7 p.m. for approximately 2 hours in Sutton.  Sometimes our Board meetings are on-line.

The Association for Young People’s Health works to understand and meet the particular health and wellbeing needs of 10-25 year olds. We are recruiting several voluntary positions to join our Board of Trustees and Advisory Council.

• Our vision is that all young people have the best possible health and equal access to high quality youth friendly services.
• Our mission is that we work with everyone to understand and meet the particular health and wellbeing needs of 10-25 year olds. Young people and their rights are at the centre of everything we do.

We are looking for Trustees who have experience of working with small charities and fundraising. We are also looking for members of our Advisory Council who have experience in a broad range of skills including education. All candidates should have a commitment to improving young people’s health and AYPH’s vision and mission.

TRUSTEES

 As a Trustee of AYPH you will receive:

• Induction, training and reimbursable expenses
• Opportunities to network with senior professionals
• Opportunities to support the organisation with new ideas and diversity in the development of our strategic direction, funding framework and policy agenda
• Opportunities to develop new skills
• Opportunities to shape new projects and research
• Opportunities to attend our events and conferences

Time commitment: The board meets quarterly during the year online; one of these meetings will incorporate a strategic away day and AGM in London. There are opportunities for ad hoc committee work.

ADVISORY COUNCIL

As an Advisory Council member of AYPH you will support the Board of Trustees in its governance function by discussing and prioritising issues in the young people’s health field from a broad professional perspective. The Advisory Council responds to the needs of the AYPH membership as well as reflecting and responding to the views expressed by other professionals in the field.

Time commitment: The Advisory Council meets twice a year online, with opportunities to attend the away day and other AYPH events.

Both Trustees and the Advisory Council link with our Youth Advisory Panel to explore Young Ambassadors’ perspectives on young people’s health together.

London-based housing and homelessness charity, Fresh Horizons CNB, are seeking new Trustees to provide strategic support to their Trustee board.

Fresh Horizons CNB offers a safe and stable living environment for those who are on the journey back to independent living. We are seeking three Trustees to join our Board.

What will you be doing?

• Reflect the organisation’s vision and values, strategy and policies.
• Work closely with the Board to formulate and review the strategic aims of the organisation.
• Ensure the policy and practices of the organisation are in keeping with its aims.
• Ensure that the organisation functions within the legal and financial requirements of a charity.
• Use resources effectively and efficiently.
• Ensure best practice is developed and applied.
• Monitor and evaluate the performance of the organisation.
• Take part in training sessions.
• Contribute specific skills, interests and contacts.

Time Commitment

• The Board meets 4 times a year, meetings usually last for 2 hours.
• There are 4 other meetings a year, which usually last for 1 hour. These meetings are a chance to catch up on how things are going and complete any relevant training.
• Most meetings are held remotely.
• One away day per year.

What are we looking for?

• Commitment to our mission and values.
• Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort.
• Strategic vision and experience.
• Sound, independent judgement.
• Ability to think creatively.
• Willingness to speak one’s mind and listen to others.
• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of Trusteeship.
• Ability to work effectively within a team.
• We would be interested in hearing from candidates with experience of the housing or homelessness sector.
• First time Trustees are welcome, as training is provided for all Board members.

What difference will you make?

Bringing your skills and experience to the Board enables us to continue re-housing those who have been street homeless, providing training and growth through acquiring properties and valuable resources. It is a very rewarding and fulfilling role.

Closing Date: 10th October

Term: 3 years per term with 2 terms expected – maximum 3 terms

Application Process: Please ensure you apply with your most updated CV and a supporting statement on why you believe you would be the most suitable individual to join our Trustees. 

Interviews:Week of 21st October

My Name’5 Doddie Foundation was set up by late rugby legend Doddie Weir, who was diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease (MND) in 2017. A devastating disease with no effective treatments and no cure, each of us have a lifetime risk of developing MND of 1:300. The condition takes the life of one third within a year of diagnosis and half within two years. 

The Foundation has a single, clear vision: a world free of MND. Funding research lies at the heart of everything we do; it’s what allows world-leading experts to investigate potential drugs, expedite new treatments and, fundamentally, work towards finding a cure for this disease. In April 2023, we launched our ambitious new research strategy “Catalysing a Cure”, which outlines our continued commitment to our vision and to all the people affected by MND.

 

Trustees

 

We have an exciting voluntary opportunity to bring in new Trustees to join the board and we are keen to hear from candidates who can bring high level experience, skills and expertise to support the delivery of our ambitious plans.

As a Trustee, you will be taking on a highly valued and critical role at the Foundation, which will include setting and monitoring progress against our strategic vision; working with our Executive team; and acting as a high-level ambassador for our work.

 

What we are looking for

 

To complement the existing skills and knowledge on our Board, particularly as current members conclude their terms, we are looking for people who share our vision and could bring their expertise of one or more of the following areas:

●Fundraising, income generation or philanthropy

●Communications / Media / PR / Social Media

●Research and innovation/drug discovery and development

●Finance

 

Board meetings are typically held every quarter either in person or online.

Be Part of Our Growth Journey and Help Us Reach Even More People

This is an exciting time of accelerated growth for MediCinema. We are in the process of a strategic expansion, delivering on the ambition to reach more beneficiaries by growing our network of in-hospital services. As part of this we are also developing new partnerships and building new cinemas, with the first one opening at Alder Hey Children's Hospital later this year. Fuelling this growth is our success in fundraising and income generation, with our income reaching a significant £1.3 million in 2023, alongside winning significant  long term capital grants.  

For this trustee role, we are specifically seeking candidates who have led a charity through a significant period of growth i.e. from small to medium size (c £1.5 - £5m), and are therefore able to bring contemporary knowledge, guidance, and insight, to support us in delivering our ambitious vision. Experience of income growth and diversification, and/ or, the UK Public Health sector is of special interest to us.

· To have a substantial background and proven success as a charity CEO or COO, with a track record of growing organisational impact, income, and profile.

  · To bring innovative thinking and energising drive as the designated Charity Trustee, developing the knowledge of MediCinema’s Board and Exec in regard to sector best practice.

· Via your input, to help ensure the value and quality of our initiatives, across all functions as we grow, working closely with the CEO, and Senior Leadership Team. 

· Use your experience of leading organisational growth to support MediCinema in developing its culture and systems to enable successful scaling and expansion.

All Trustees of MediCinema

All trustees have the following generic responsibilities.

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

· Ensuring that the organisation complies with its governing document (i.e. its trust deed, constitution or memorandum and articles of association), charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.

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

· Ensuring that the organisation defines its goals and evaluates performance against agreed targets.

· Safeguarding the good name and values of the Charity. 

· Ensuring the effective and efficient administration of the organisation, including having appropriate policies and procedures in place.

· Ensuring the financial stability of the organisation, and

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

Time Commitment

The standard term for a Trustee is 3 years, with a maximum of 9 years (consecutive or non-consecutive). MediCinema's board currently meets five times per year, including one fully online meeting and four hybrid meetings held in a central London location. We strongly prefer that trustees attend at least 50% of the hybrid meetings in person.

Join Us and Make a Difference

Being a MediCinema Trustee is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of NHS patients, families, and carers. You'll collaborate with a passionate team, contribute to the growth of a unique charity, and bring the magic of film to a growing network of hospitals across the UK.

Our Board believes the best teams not only share common goals and values, but they also need a diverse set of skills, perspectives and experiences to truly succeed. We actively seek to engage diverse employees, Trustees and supporters to promote inclusion and diversity.

 

Trustees | The Launchpad Collective vua Oeridot Partners 

Help us create a world where refugees are seen for more than just a label, where their unique experiences and skills are valued.

Location: Remote

Time commitment: 8 days per year

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Monday 7th October.

Who we are.

The Launchpad Collective (TLC) is a newly registered charity dedicated to challenging the systems and inequalities that prevent refugee talent from being recognised and valued. We are committed to breaking down the barriers that hinder refugees and asylum seekers in the UK from accessing meaningful employment.

We connect with third parties to unlock additional employability support and push for social change. Together, we open doors so that refugees are recognised as positively enriching society.

About the role

We are now a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO) and seek to grow our Board of Trustees. We are looking for individuals with experience in Finance, HR, Communications, Senor Leadership of a company or charity and Education (ideally Higher Education or Students’ Unions). Experience with ethical organisations like B Corps would also be welcomed.

We welcome first-time Trustees and those with lived experience. We are particularly keen to appoint a Trustee based in the Midlands or North of England, as we work nationally and seek representation in these areas.

Please click 'Apply via website’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Monday 7th October.

It Gets Better UK envisions a world where all LGBTQ+ youth are free to live equally and know their worthiness and power as individuals. We strive to tell the stories of LGBTQ+ people and to provide positive and reassuring messages to LGBTQ+ youth.

Founded in 2010 in America, the It Gets Better Project has since grown into a global movement, with affiliated charities in 20 different countries. We launched in the UK in October 2018 and have grown significantly since then. Our rapidly expanding organisation now includes a newly appointed staff team consisting of a CEO and a Volunteer Coordinator, alongside a dedicated team of volunteers across the UK.

As we continue to grow, we are seeking dynamic and committed individuals to join our Board of Trustees. We are particularly looking for expertise in the following key areas:

Key areas of expertise and desired backgrounds

• Corporate Partnerships and Strategic Fundraising:
  • Experience in securing and managing corporate partnerships, preferably within the charity sector. Knowledge of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and strategic fundraising initiatives that drive financial support and long-term relationships.
     
• Charity Law:
  • Extensive knowledge of UK charity law, with experience in providing legal advice on governance, compliance, contracts, and safeguarding within a charitable context.
     
• Small Charity Growth and Development:
  • Proven track record in leading or advising small charities through periods of growth. Expertise in strategic planning, resource management, volunteer engagement, and scaling operations sustainably.
     
• Community Engagement and Advocacy:
  • Deep understanding of the LGBTQ+ community, with experience in community organising, advocacy, or public engagement. Ability to build strong relationships with community stakeholders and effectively represent the charity’s mission.

Roles and responsibilities

As a trustee, you will play a critical role in guiding our strategic direction, ensuring good governance, and supporting the delivering of our mission. Your responsibilities will include:

• Strategic Oversight: Collaborate with fellow trustees and staff to develop and implement strategies that align with the charity’s goals and ensure its sustainable growth.
• Advisory Role: Provide expert advice in your area of expertise, whether that be corporate partnerships, legal matters, charity growth, or community engagement.
• Support and Advocacy: Act as an ambassador for the charity, promoting our work and engaging with key stakeholders to advance our mission.
• Operational Input: While our board is transitioning from an operational to a more strategic focus, trustees will still be expected to take on functional roles as needed, especially in areas where the charity requires additional support

Qualifications and skills

We are looking for individuals who are passionate about supporting LGBTQ+ youth and can bring the following skills and experience:

• Demonstrated commitment to advancing equality and inclusivity within the LGBTQ+ community.
• Relevant professional experience in one or more of the key areas listed above.
• Strong strategic thinking and the ability to contribute to high-level decision-making.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in a team.
• Willingness to dedicate time and expertise to the charity’s success.

Time commitment

• The Board meets at least four times a year.
• It is expected the trustees spent at least two hours a week on their duties.
• As we continue to transition our board to a more strategic focus, trustees may be asked to support operational tasks on an as-needed basis.

The John Laing Charitable Trust (JLCT) is a grant-making charity inspired by the legacy of Sir John Laing, a prolific and innovative philanthropist. We are seeking an additional Trustee to join us in our mission to improve the lives of those in need.

• Location: Board meetings in London
• Time commitment: c.8 hours per month
• Closing date: 9 a.m. Monday 30th September

Who we are.

The John Laing Charitable Trust (JLCT) is both dedicated to supporting the welfare of current and former employees of John Laing and a significant independent grant-making charity which supports and collaborates with others in the community to improve the lives of those in need.

Sir John Laing CBE was one of Britain’s most successful business leaders and a prolific philanthropist. He inherited his father’s building business in the early 1900s, and under his leadership, the firm expanded into a national enterprise. Sir John was a pioneer and innovator, committed to helping people, regardless of their background or position in society, in ways that encouraged them to help themselves and progress. This ethos continues today in the work of JLCT. We award grants to charities focused on tackling the root causes of socioeconomic inequalities, with a strong emphasis on long-term solutions to societal challenges. Through our grant-making activities, we aim to strengthen community-based services, empower young people, improve access to education, and help break the cycle of homelessness. A proportion of our grants are jointly awarded with John Laing Group, with whom we have a close working relationship.

Building on Sir John’s legacy, JLCT has grown into a grant-making body that positively impacts individuals and communities worldwide.

About the role.

We are looking for a new trustee with senior experience in an organisation supporting people experiencing homelessness and/or disadvantaged young people. This person will be contributing as a key member of our trustee Board with a particular focus on our grant giving and how we direct our funds to organisations creating longer-term impact in our areas of focus.

As a proactive grantmaker, we are always looking to refine and develop our grant-giving activity. You will play a key part in helping us think through and advise on grant-giving opportunities, bringing your insights and understanding to inform our grant-giving activity.

Who we are looking for.

You will bring a real passion for our work and a strong alignment to the values and principles that underpin our work, in particular values of compassion and respect, by which Sir John Laing lived his life and which shaped his support for others.

As our trustee, you will have relevant experience in an organisation that focuses on supporting people who are experiencing homelessness and/or disadvantaged young people facing socio-economic barriers and inequality. We are interested in funding organisations that create long-term systemic and strategic change. Bringing insight into initiatives that drive this,  whether it is empowering young people, contributing to ending the cycle of homelessness or strengthening communities, would be interesting to us.

With a commitment to equity and inclusion, we welcome first-time trustees and those with lived experience to consider this opportunity, and a full and comprehensive induction will be provided to enable you to contribute fully.

Time commitment.

Board meetings are held quarterly in central London, and attendance in person is preferred, but may be virtual. Our new Trustee will be expected to participate in the Board meetings, spend up to 2 days a year attending events and/or visiting projects, and give strategic insight on grant making / advise on specific grant proposals. The time commitment will be c.8 hours per month.

Please click 'Apply via website’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Monday 30th September.

Freshwater Habitats Trust (FHT) is the UK’s leading charity for all freshwaters. We’ve been creating, restoring and protecting high quality habitats for freshwater wildlife for more than 30 years.

Our aim is to reverse the decline in freshwater biodiversity. We work to achieve this through practical conservation, scientific research, community engagement and by influencing policy. As an evidence-based organisation, we target our practical delivery work where it will make a real difference. We have projects in many parts of the UK, focused on restoring and protecting high quality habitats for freshwater wildlife.

Now, we want to enhance the current Board and bring a range of backgrounds and experiences reflective of the people we currently serve and those we would like to be serving in the future.

We particularly welcome new Trustees that bring skills and experience in any of the following areas:

· Communications:

· Policy and Parliamentary influence

· Human Resources

Please do not be put off from applying if you do not have any of these skills or if you have never been a Trustee before. The most important qualities for our Trustees are enthusiasm, engagement and a desire to get involved and make a contribution to FHT. 

This is a voluntary role (reasonable travel expenses reimbursed) involving:

· Attending four Board meetings a year (three online, one in London or Oxford).

· Approximately four days per year to cover meetings and occasional extra duties.

Letter from Imelda Redmond, our chair of trustees 

The current Board is a welcoming, collegiate and energetic group, working hard to make a positive impact on the lives of older people in Tower Hamlets, Newham and Hackney. I have recently joined the organisation as chair and am looking forward to steering the organisation through an exciting period of transformation as we begin to implement our new, and ambitious, five year strategy.

AUKEL has sound finances and a strong reputation for its service delivery (Hospital to Home service, community services, digital inclusion and Information and Advice). From this strong base, the organisation has an ambition to amplify the voices of older people within our communities and to create a more collaborative culture which both improves the connectedness of our services and also strengthens our relationships with local voluntary, statutory, community and faith groups.

We are looking for someone with the time, passion and expertise we need to work collegiately with trustee colleagues to lead the organisation through this next exciting phase.

Yours, 

Imelda Redmond 

AUKEL Chair of trustees 

About us 

Age UK East London (AUKEL) is a local independent charity, which is part of the national Age UK network. We work across Tower Hamlets, Hackney and Newham to deliver services which support older people to live healthier, happier and more fulfilled lives. 

Our work 

Each year we support around 20,000 older East Londoners by providing flexible practical and emotional support in homes, hospitals and in the community. 

Our boroughs have the country’s highest pensioner poverty in the country, further exacerbated by the current cost of living crisis. 

How we help 

1. We tackle poverty 

Each year our advice service supports over 2,000 older people to claim £3.2million in welfare benefits, grants and relief entitlements. During the cost of living crisis we distributed £42,000 worth of emergency vouchers for food, helping older people ensure there was food in the fridge. 

1. We alleviate loneliness 

According to a national model, Tower Hamlets has the highest rates of loneliness in London and in England. Our East End Friends initiative teams housebound older people who’d like a bit more company with a volunteer to visit them at home. 92% of older people said they felt less isolated and lonely and 100% of volunteers would recommend the scheme. 

1. We improve health. 

Many older people in our boroughs have very poor health. For example, at age 65, women can expect just six more years of good health, which is the lowest in London and almost the lowest in England. This reduces their quality of life and can make it harder to remain independent. As well as increasing income and addressing loneliness (both determinants of health) we offer yoga, walking, and chair-based exercise groups at our community centre in Bow. 87% of participants said they are more independent as a result. 

1. We increase independence. 

Many older people live alone and struggle to manage around the home. Our home from hospital service supports 3,000 older people to return to a safe and warm home. Just 6% are readmitted to hospital within 28 days compared to 15.3% in areas where there aren’t these services. 

The Team 

We have an established and talented Senior Management Team, a committed staff team and an extraordinary group of volunteers. Fifteen months ago the board recruited a new Chief Executive. She is ambitious for the charity, comes with a great track-record of charity leadership, and has worked hard with trustees to develop our new organisational strategy. 

Role Requirements 

We are looking for someone with finance expertise, and a recognised accountancy qualification, to support our treasurer. This is potentially a developmental role where you will gain knowledge and experience of charity finance practice. Any previous experience in the voluntary sector, adult social care, NHS, or similar relevant experience to the work of AUKEL would be helpful.

You must want to improve the lives of older people across East London and be committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and understand the impact disadvantage and discrimination has on the life chances of our population. You will be curious, collaborative and ambitious and able to commit to an average of one-to two days a quarter (most meetings are in the evenings). 

We would really like our board of trustees to look more like the community we serve. We would particularly encourage you to apply if you are an older person and/or you are a person of the global majority. 

Full role description can be found in appendix 1 and 2 

What I get out of being on the AUKEL Board 

'I continue to be impressed with the extent of the help AUKEL provides in our communities. The need for the service is increasing as the cost of living crisis deepens. I see the Trustee role as an enabling role. I enjoy rolling up my sleeves alongside my fellow trustees to tackle some challenging issues with our combined skill sets. I particularly enjoy working on the new People sub-committee and I can sense a renewed enthusiasm for finding ways to optimise the Trustee contribution.' 

Trustees will be required to complete an induction to the organisation and the Board. This will include site visits and meetings with the CEO, Senior Management Team, Chair and Board members. 

Time commitment 

The Board meets quarterly on Wednesdays from 6.00 – 8.00pm in East London.

In addition to the full Board meetings, the Finance Committee meets quarterly on Thursdays from 6.00 – 8.00pm in East London, the People Committee meets quarterly on Mondays from 6.00-7.30pm online, and the Service Development Committee meets quarterly online (regular days/times tbc). 

The new finance trustee will be expected to attend Finance Committee meetings. 

Travel expenses can be reimbursed. 

Board members may be asked to commit additional time to support staff recruitment, review tenders and share expertise. 

The agenda and papers for each meeting are usually emailed to Trustees a week in advance 

To allow for preparation time.

How to apply 

If you are interested in being considered for this role please submit your CV/LinkedIn profile with a covering letter explaining why you wish to join the charity and the skills/experience you will bring to the Board

Potential candidates are welcome to have an informal conversation about the role. Please contact AUKEL recruitment team to arrange this

Closing date is Monday 30th September. Interviews will be in mid-October. 

Appendix 1 

Trustee role description 

Purpose of the role 

The Board is responsible for the governance of the organisation, supporting the Chief Executive to ensure things run smoothly and effectively You will be supporting our 75 members of staff and part of our 90+ strong volunteer team. You will also have the opportunity to learn about how to tackle the challenges that our beneficiaries face, and how to deliver appropriate co-produced services that enrich older people’s lives and enhance the whole community of East London. 

Trustee Main tasks 

• Make decisions for the benefit of Age UK East London, exercising independent judgement and declaring any interests, exercising reasonable skill, care and diligence in carrying out activities. 

• Contribute to Board meetings, helping to give firm strategic direction to the organisation, setting policy and targets and evaluating performance. 

• Be familiar with the rules that govern Age UK East London (Articles of Association) and make sure we follow those, Charity Law, Company Law and all other relevant legislation and regulations., training and support is available. 

• Ensure the organisation’s financial stability, overseeing the setting of the budget and monitoring variance against the budget (the Board also has a Finance Sub-Committee to help oversee this). 

• Ensure that we use our resources in line with our Articles and the requirements of 

funders, and that our accounts are a ‘fair and true’ representation of our finances. 

• Safeguard the values of Age UK East London a maintain positive reputation for the organisation and its work. 

• Contribute to a subcommittee that best suits your knowledge.

Trustee Person specification 

A blend of the following skills and experience would be beneficial: 

• A commitment to the mission and values of AUEL 

• Strategic vision 

• Good, independent judgement 

• An ability to think creatively 

• A willingness to speak your mind 

• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of Trusteeship 

• An ability to work effectively as a member of a team and to take decisions for the good of AUEKL 

• Have a personal commitment to the Nolan Principles of Public Life 

• selflessness 

• integrity 

• objectivity 

• honesty

• leadership 

In particular, we are looking for individuals with a skill set in Finance. 

Appendix 2 

Finance Trustee role description 

Purpose of the role 

To support the Treasurer and Board in overseeing the financial operations of the charity in line with good practice, the Articles of Association and legal and reporting requirements.

Main tasks 

• Liaise with the Treasurer Director of Finance and Operations (or other appropriate member of staff) and support on financial matters 

• Support the Board to monitor the financial viability of the charity. 

• Advise on the financial implications of the charity’s strategic plan. 

• Review the annual accounts in liaison with the Treasurer and Director of Finance and Operations 

• Review the annual budget and management information in liaison with the Treasurer

• Ensure close working relationships with the internal Finance Department and Finance subcommittee. 

• Deputise for the Treasurer at Finance subcommittee and main board meetings 

• Assist the Treasurer and the Director of Finance and Operations to ensure that sound financial management is maintained in line with our Financial Procedures and related policies. 

• Assist the Treasurer in formulating and recommending to the board an appropriate reserves policy

• Assist the Treasurer to ensure annual audit is carried out a timely manner 

Finance Trustee Person specification 

• Recognised accounting qualification, ACA or ACCA

• Good financial analysis skills. 

• Ability to communicate clearly.   

• Integrity, independence of thought and judgement, being prepared when necessary to recommend unpopular decisions. 

• Ability to work well as a team member and values diversity in all forms. 

• Can demonstrate AUKEL values (accountable, kind, flexible, inclusive, collaborative) 

Desirable experience 

• Charity sector experience 

• Up to date knowledge and experience of finance practice relevant to small/medium charities, including the Charities statement of recommended practice and reporting standards.