Trustee volunteer roles in wimbledon park, greater london

Passionate about animal welfare? Bring your expertise to our Board.

Our mission

Our mission is to improve the lives of dogs and cats today and avoid harm tomorrow.
The Edgard & Cooper Foundation exists to end the suffering of dogs and cats.
To realise our mission, we work in partnership with projects that meet our three key goals:

1. Stop the avoidable suffering of dogs and cats
2. Help people understand what dogs and cats need
3. Champion the legal protection of dogs and cats

Since the start of our operations in 2016, The Edgard & Cooper Foundation has worked hard to reach its full potential but we need your help. We see the need to bring a new Trustee to the Board, with a background in legal or governance and animal welfare to help us continuously improve and further our impact.

Edgard & Cooper and the Foundation

The Edgard & Cooper Foundation operates as a distinct and independent entity from Edgard & Cooper, the pet food brand. While both share a deep commitment to improving the lives of dogs and cats, the Foundation is solely dedicated to philanthropic efforts, focusing on funding impactful animal welfare initiatives worldwide. Since our inception, we have provided financial support to 22 projects in 16 countries, with a total funding commitment of €3,303,869. In 2024, we donated €770,000 to partners addressing animal welfare, education, and legal protection.

Person Specification

It’s essential to us that all persons involved with The Edgard & Cooper Foundation in any capacity have a genuine passion for the welfare of all animals, and fully support our mission and values.
We are seeking a Trustee with expertise and experience in:

• Animal welfare issues faced by dogs and cats, and their possible solutions locally and globally, to enhance impact.
• Legal, compliance, and risk management to ensure strong charitable governance.
• Previous Board Trustee experience, ideally within animal welfare philanthropy or related causes.

Trustee Responsibilities

• Developing and upholding the mission and values of The Edgard & Cooper Foundation.
• Strategic input on our Theory of Change model and setting our goals and key priorities.
• Expert input on decision-making and evaluation of partners and grant-making activities.
• Ensuring legal, compliance, and risk management best practices are integrated into all Foundation activities.
• Reviewing budgets and statutory annual accounts, as well as reviewing and developing all internal processes; financial, operational and otherwise.
• Reviewing and development of external communications when required.
• Supporting the Foundation team with expertise and critical advice.
• Review of organisational structure, including advice and decision-making on new Board members and succession.
• Acting as an ambassador for The Edgard & Cooper Foundation and paying keen attention to any organisations we fund through grant-making.

What's in it for you?

This is the perfect opportunity to make a tangible, lasting difference in dog and cat welfare while using your professional skills for a meaningful cause. As a Trustee, you will play a crucial role in shaping the Foundation’s impact, working alongside a passionate and dynamic Board committed to driving positive change.
This role offers valuable learning and developing opportunities, exposure to high-level strategic decision-making, as well as network expansion opportunities.
Please note that trustee roles are not accompanied by financial remuneration, though reasonable travel expenses may be claimed.

Hiring Process

• Fill in your information through our Careers Page to express your interest in the position and we will schedule a “Get to know you” call (25’)
• Match? Please send us your resume and a cover letter
• Competency-based interview with the Executive team (1 hour)
• Opportunity to engage with the other Board Members

Equal opportunities

We believe our strength comes from its diversity. We strive to create an environment where every person feels valued and empowered. So no matter who you are, where you come from, what you believe in or what your dreams are, we welcome you and look forward to receiving your application.
If your circumstances require any special arrangements at any stage of our interview process, please let us know.
We're looking forward to hearing from you.

We kindly ask you to apply in English.

Dreams Come True – Chair of Board of Trustees

Terms: This is a voluntary role and is therefore unremunerated

Length of tenure: The Chair’s tenure is for an initial period of three years.

Dreams Come True, a national charity which creates life-enhancing and life-changing experiences for children with serious and life-limiting conditions and who live in social deprivation, is seeking a new Chair for their board of trustees.

For over 30 years, Dreams Come True has been transforming lives through their unique mission and dream programme, bringing joy and lasting impact to thousands of children every year from the UK’s most socially deprived areas who have serious illnesses, life-limiting conditions or disabilities.

The charity helps to transform individual and community dreams into reality, and is committed to scaling up their work by forging new partnerships, innovating their fundraising approaches and enhancing the dream programmes to ensure that every dream granted has a lasting and transformative impact. They are now seeking a new Chair to help lead them into the next chapter of this journey to broaden reach and impact.

This is an opportunity for a compassionate and visionary individual with proven leadership skills and the ability to guide the board and executive team in achieving strategic objectives.  The ideal candidate will have significant experience on a charity board, either as a Chair or as a trustee, with a personal empathy to the mission of Dreams Come True. They will also bring strategic oversight and governance expertise, and a wider involvement with the voluntary sector and well-established networks would be highly desirable. A solid understanding of finances, particularly within the charity sector, to support sustainability and growth will be essential, alongside strong diplomacy, interpersonal and negotiation skills. They will also need to understand the challenges and opportunities of a growing charity.

The new Chair will work closely with the CEO and a talented and committed board of trustees to ensure the charity continues to deliver life-changing dreams, builds on their successes and looks to the future with ambition and optimism.

Please click through to access and download our Candidate Pack for more information [PDF] including application details.

CLOSING DATE: Monday 31st March, 9am GMT.
 

PLEASE NOTE: We will be longlisting applications as soon as we receive them, so please apply early to register your interest. 

As part of our new strategy,  we are looking to invite people with some or all of the following strategic NHS/Commissioning skills on to our Board of Trustees.

• Significant & strategic understanding of integrated care boards (ICBs),

• Understanding of the NHS funding landscape e.g. commissioning and/or NHS Trusts , personal health budgets

• Strategic incentives within the NHS e.g. Joint Strategic Needs Assessments and Health and Wellbeing Strategies

• The evidence and data that is important to the NHS when taking decisions on care pathways choice

You will offer your expertise and guidance in a period of learning, testing and growth for us.

You will bring your knowledge of best practice at both localised and national levels to help the newly formed Business Development team (focused on Music Services and Delivery) achieve targets.

Trustees on the relevant Committees (in this case the role would also sit on the Music Services Committee – MSC) hold the delegated authority responsibility on behalf of the board.Complete Trustee duties and role expectations are detailed in our Trustee recruitment pack.

Introduction

Do you care about the future of the countryside in North and East Yorkshire?  Do you have skills and experience in in policy development in or for Local Authorities that you could bring to our work?  CPRE North and East Yorkshire are looking for a Trustee and Local Authority Communications Lead to contribute to our important work protecting our beautiful local countryside and green spaces.

Who we are

CPRE campaigns nationally and locally for positive solutions which safeguard the long-term future of our precious countryside which is facing multiple threats. At national level, the charity produces in-depth research and sound arguments to press government, Parliament and other decision-makers to support our countryside, be it national landscapes or simply much loved local green spaces, through policies which ensure:

- The right development in the right place

- Active support to improve biodiversity and 

- Countryside protection from climate change impacts and contribution to climate change solutions.

Here in North and East Yorkshire, the largest of the CPRE regions (6,900 square miles!), we have a successful track record of enabling residents and community groups to help shape development in ways that enrich the countryside around them. We also use our planning expertise to proactively campaign for local authority planning policies that safeguard and enhance our beautiful and varied landscapes.

The role

Our small but energetic team of volunteer Trustees enable people to protect the countryside they love and enjoy the benefits it brings wherever they live.  But with your support we can do even more! 

In joining us as a Trustee on the Board you’ll have a general role in developing the charity in line with our strategy and, together with other Trustees, ensuring compliance with Charity Commission and other legal and governance regulations.  However additionally as our Lead for Local Authority Communications you will use your particular  knowledge of policy development in this arena to inform and guide the Trustee Board on Local Authority campaigning and coordinate and drive forward related activities to meet agreed aims.   

+Trustees initially serve a three-year term and may serve up to six years in total. 

What we need and what’s in it for you

You don’t need to have prior Trustee experience but we are looking for applicants with manager/senior level experience in policy development in Local Authorities and/or as policy advisor to Local Authorities. By volunteering with us you’ll be using what you know  to help find positive solutions for the major issues facing the countryside and the environment as well as being part of a group of people who share your passion for the countryside.  Our friendly team will provide you with initial training and support to develop in your role. You’ll gain valuable skills and experience in charity governance and leadership.  Further information on role responsibilities and our skill requirements are provided in the supplementary documents available on our application website, CPRENEY.

The Historic Towns and Villages Forum (HTVF) is seeking new trustees to help the Board make the most of a transformative stage in its history. HTVF became a registered charity in 2024, and over the last year has undertaken a review of its mission, vision and strategy, with two new Executive Co-Directors.

About us: The Historic Towns and Villages Forum (HTVF) is an independent charity with a mission to promote the prosperity, sustainability and heritage of historic cities, towns and villages for the benefit of all.

We provide support, training and information to organisations (including local authorities, town and parish councils, civic and amenity societies, and consultancies) as well as individual professionals, students, and members of the public engaged in the planning and management of historic cities, towns and villages. We aim to help them conserve the character and significance of historic places, while realising their full social, environmental and economic potential. We do this through events, research projects, publications, and partnerships.

What we’re looking for: We are seeking a minimum of three individuals with experience in one or more of the following areas to join our Board of Trustees:

• Senior professional leadership in a Local Authority
• Placemaking and urban regeneration expertise
• Marketing and fundraising
• Financial management
• Community and political engagement
• Research programme development and management

For these roles we also value:

• Innovative Thinking: HTVF is entering a new phase of development. A creative and forward-thinking approach to challenges and opportunities is sought from our new intake of trustees.  The ability to facilitate the Forum’s engagement with other organisations and groups would be helpful too.
• Geographical Spread: We aim for a wide geographical representation and welcome applications from across the UK, bearing in mind some meetings will be face-to-face in either London or Oxford.
• Inclusivity: We also aim to reflect the diversity of the communities with which we engage, and welcome applications from people of all ages and backgrounds who can bring the skills and experience identified above.

In this round of recruitment, we are looking in particular for an Honorary Treasurer. All new trustees will receive a comprehensive induction to the role and the work of the Charity.

We are seeking to recruit a Vice Chair and four Trustees to join us to help us achieve our ambitious goals for a fairer and more effective criminal justice system.

The Criminal Justice Alliance (CJA) is a network of 200+ organisations and academics working towards a fair and effective criminal justice system. Working with our members, the CJA brings together a broad and diverse range of expertise across the sector, championing and elevating the voices of those directly impacted by the criminal justice system. 

We are in an exciting time of growth and development as we continue our ambitious and much-needed work, focusing on systemic change, constructive criminal justice journalism, race equity and lived experience leadership. 

The CJA is committed to achieving greater diversity in its trustees and staff, particularly as there are issues affecting individuals from non-majority backgrounds across the criminal justice system. We actively encourage applications from minority ethnic communities and people with protected characteristics. We also welcome applications from younger people and from first-time trustees.

This is a voluntary role without remuneration. However, travel expenses as well as other reasonable and necessary costs incurred (including childcare), as part of official Trustee business, will be reimbursed. We will also provide suitable training and mentorship for first-time Trustees.

For more information about the role, please see CJA Trustee Appointment Brief.  

About Vibes in Care (ViC)

Vibes in Care CIC is a newly forming Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) dedicated to amplifying the voices of children and young people who are care-experienced or at risk. By harnessing insights from lived experience, we develop training, workshops, and advocacy initiatives that reshape professional practices within the care sector.

• Founded on Lived Experience: We believe that those who have gone through the care system have the clearest insights into how to improve it.
• Innovative Training & Workshops: Our programmes empower professionals - such as social workers, educators, and youth workers - to bring about lasting change in how care is delivered.
• Collaborative Culture: Partnership is at the heart of ViC. We work closely with local authorities, youth organisations, and sector specialists to co-create solutions.

Why We Need You

We are seeking Trustees who share our passion for transforming the care experience. Whether you have direct care experience (e.g., have been in care yourself), professional experience in the sector, or simply a deep commitment to improving outcomes for care-experienced children and young people, your voice and leadership are invaluable at this pivotal stage of our growth.

The Role

• Steer Strategic Vision: Help shape and refine ViC’s long-term plans, ensuring that lived experience remains at the core of every decision.
• Champion Good Governance: Oversee compliance with charity regulations, manage financial health, and set policies that maintain transparency and integrity.
• Advocate for Care-Experienced Children and Young People: Act as an ambassador, raising awareness about ViC’s mission and the importance of centring care-experienced voices.
• Support Growth & Partnerships: Contribute insights on fundraising, partnership-building, and community engagement to help ViC expand its reach and impact.

What We’re Looking For

1. Care Experience (Highly Valued): We particularly encourage applications from individuals who have first-hand insights into the care system.
2. Dedication to Social Impact: A genuine desire to improve day-to-day experiences and long-term outcomes for care-experienced children and young people.
3. Collaborative Mindset: Ability to work well in a team, valuing diverse perspectives and open dialogue.
4. Integrity & Oversight: Commitment to upholding the highest ethical standards and acting in the best interests of ViC’s beneficiaries.
5. Strategic Thinking: Capable of understanding big-picture objectives, assessing organisational risks, and spotting growth opportunities.

Skills & Experience (Desirable)

• Professional or Personal Care Experience: Lived experience, in social care work, child protection, or related fields.
• Finance/Accounting: Competent in budget oversight, financial planning, or grant management.
• Legal & Compliance: Familiarity with UK charity regulations or basic legal frameworks.
• HR & Governance: Ability to guide policy setting, recruitment, and staff/volunteer support.
• Fundraising & Communications: Skill in securing resources and raising organisational visibility.

What’s In It For You?

• A Real Chance to Influence: Your perspective will be integral in shaping how ViC evolves.
• Professional Development: Gain governance experience, hone leadership skills, and build your professional network.
• Impact & Legacy: Contribute directly to improving practices that affect some of society’s most vulnerable young people.
• Flexible & Supportive Environment: We meet quarterly, with much of our collaboration happening remotely, so you can fit your responsibilities around other commitments.

Time Commitment

• Board Meetings: Held four times per year (virtually or in person).
• Preparation & Engagement: A few hours each quarter to review papers and stay updated on organisational developments.
• Additional Involvement: Optional sub-committees or working groups on areas like safeguarding, finance, and training delivery.

Application Process

• CV & Cover Letter: Apply via CharityJob outlining your relevant experience (especially care experience), why you’re passionate about our cause, and how you hope to contribute as a Trustee.
• Informal Interview: We’ll invite shortlisted candidates for a conversation with our Director (Founder) to explore mutual fit and answer any questions.
• Appointment: Successful applicants will be welcomed onto the board, pending usual referencing and compliance checks.

Join us in creating meaningful change for care-experienced children and young people. Your lived insight, passion, and dedication could transform how professionals approach care and, ultimately, transform futures. We look forward to hearing from you!

ABOUT SPRINGBOARD

Springboard Youth Academy supports refugee and asylum-seeking young people who have recently arrived in the UK to help them succeed in the classroom and beyond. By combining participatory learning, life skills and holistic support into action-packed weekend, half-term and summer programming, we work to bridge the gap in support for young people left behind by the mainstream school system.

As educators and youth workers with years of experience working to offset the challenges these young people face, we launched a programme that helps young people develop their English language and self-advocacy skills whilst addressing their social and wellbeing needs, preparing them for mainstream education and helping them rebuild their lives in the UK.

We do this by providing interactive and engaging programming that combines English learning, life skills and practical and emotional strategies for young people on their journey to independence and adulthood. 

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

We are seeking a Chair to work with the Board of Trustees and Director to oversee Springboard's operations and strategic direction. We're looking for someone who thinks strategically and creatively, enjoys working collaboratively and wants to make a significant contribution to Springboard Youth Academy’s future, as well as the wider education and migration landscape.

We’re looking for people who share our love of high quality and participatory education, as well as our commitment to supporting and platforming displaced young people. We're keen to meet people who can bring skills, knowledge and both professional and lived experience that will help us continue to refine our delivery and grow. 

We are committed to nurturing a board that is representative, inclusive, anti-racist and commited to actively challenging the hostile environment and violent border regimes across all its work. We are interested in hearing from individuals with experience in governance, as well as those new to Trustee positions. We particularly encourage applications from those with personal experience of forced migration and leaving care. 

Responsibilities of the Chair include:

• Providing leadership for the Board of Trustees in their role of setting the strategy and policies for the organisation
• Planning the annual cycle of board meetings and setting the agendas
• Chairing and facilitating board meetings 
• Monitoring that decisions taken at board meetings are implemented
• Representing the organisation at appropriate events, meetings or functions  
• Liaising with the Director on organisational activity and providing support as appropriate 

Qualities:

• Strategic thinking
• Excellent communication skills
• Confidence and a willingness to speak their mind and ask challenging questions
• Teamwork and collaboration skills
• Understanding of safeguarding and confidentiality
• Understanding of the wider political landcape, abolitionist perspectives and commitment to challenging the hostile environment
• Independent judgment
• Commitment to making meetings inclusive and welcoming to Trustees with all levels of experience
• Advocacy and networking skills to help us build new relationships
• Willingness to offer expertise, skills and personal insight to support us
• Passion for championing work that centres newly arrived young people

TIME COMMITMENT

In line with all charities, Trustees are unpaid volunteers. Trustees must be able to commit to attending quarterly Board meetings and making time to read paperwork in advance of Board meetings. As a small charity, our resources are limited and Trustees are also asked to actively contribute their skills in relevant areas. As a guideline, Trustees must be prepared to offer a minimum of two hours per month to the charity. 

As Chair, you will be required to support with annual reporting to the charity commission, plan the agenda for board meetings and provide intermittent support to the Director. We also require new Trustees to spend one day on site during one of our programmes to get a feel for the work, as well as undertake Trustee and Safeguarding training, within the first three months of starting the role. Board meetings are currently held virtually, and, where possible, are arranged at least two months ahead. On occasion, Trustees will be required to respond by email or phone in relation to issues that arise outside of Board meetings. Travel costs will be covered if they are a barrier. 

Skaped is excited to announce that we are recruiting at least two new Trustees to join our current Board! We are particularly interested in people with a background in HR, community organisers, fundraising, and business development/or social entrepreneurship, and those with a strong passion for social justice. 

Our Board currently consists of three trustees dedicated to guiding and overseeing the organisation. We are now looking for new board members who want to see Skaped expand its ambitious plans for the future. As a trustee, you will play a key role in ensuring we stay true to our core values: Creativity, Inclusivity, Intersectionality, Community Empowerment, Empathy, and Social Justice. If you resonate with our values, please apply today!

We are striving to be unconventional, creating an organisation that prioritises care and acceptance both within our activism and general workspace. We aim to be prominent and committed to building a truly inclusive and diverse organisation. We welcome applications from individuals from all walks of life, particularly those who have lived experiences of the migration system, racism, sexism, and/or marginalisation in any form.

As a member of the Skaped Board, you will be expected to champion the Skaped values and support our senior team leaders as we begin the next chapter of our journey.

About Skaped:

Skaped is an East-London community-led Artivist organisation that encourages young people to engage with community building and social change through the creative arts. As an organisation, we run relatable creative workshops, educational programmes and art projects for 11-30-year-olds mainly from marginalised communities. Our programmes have sparked conversations surrounding societal change, decolonisation, gender equality, gentrification, migration, anti-discrimination, and the like.

Job Responsibilities

• A trustee must comply with he charity's governing document and the law
• Support the development and provide support for the CEO and Team in the running of SKAPED
• Review and approve the organisation's annual and financial report
• Keep accurate records and provide periodic accounting to the beneficiaries
• Champion Skaped’s vision, mission, and values, driving the organization forward.
• Contribute ideas and help implement new systems, policies, and processes
• Advocate for creativity, inclusivity, and community-driven change.

Job Requirements

• An understanding of working with a founder who is still involved in the organisation's delivery.
• Commitment to Skaped policies and procedures.
• Understands the value of art and how this can lead to community and societal change
• Who possesses a good understanding of working with young people, especially in deprived areas
• Skaped is a women-led organisation, so we're looking for someone who has a strong commitment to supporting and championing the Skaped community of women: (by women, we mean anyone who ever self-identifies as such, be they cis, trans, non-binary, or gender fluid!)

Desirable Qualities:

• Previous experience of being a Trustee
• Experience working with small grassroots, creative community organisations and/or in social justice and community organising
• To be willing to be a main contact for HR-related enquiries
• Commitment to supporting Skaped’s business plan
• Desire to commit to further learning and development opportunities as a Trustee

For more details about the recruitment packs and the application form, please follow the link to our website below.

About Wikimedia UK
Wikimedia UK is the national platform for open knowledge, bringing together practical and policy expertise about Wikipedia and the other Wikimedia projects. Delivering impact of over 1 billion views each year and engaging thousands of people through advocacy, education, outreach and partnerships, Wikimedia UK demystifies and drives engagement in open access to information.

Wikimedia UK's Board of Trustees provides strategic guidance, direction and oversight for the charity as a whole while recognising and respecting the domain of staff responsibility. In particular, the board:

• sets and maintains our direction, vision, mission and values, and helps develop strategy for effective charitable impact

• sets and maintains the policies, practices, budgets and other processes necessary to deliver those aims

• selects and supports the CEO who has oversight of operations, staff and employment procedures

• maintains fiscal oversight and accountability, including risk management and ensuring that the charity operates in a prudent and solvent manner

• ensures that the law and our Articles of Association are complied with

• promotes and champions the charity

• maintains its own effectiveness as a board

We have a board of up to 11 trustees who are appointed for three-year terms. Most trustees are elected however we can have up to four co-opted trustees at any one time. Trustees of Wikimedia UK are expected to sign the Code of Conduct and to declare any actual or potential conflicts and personal interests. 

Full board meetings are held quarterly, as are meetings of the two formal sub-committees (Audit and Risk, and Governance).

ROLE DESCRIPTION

Governance & Board Development:

• Lead the Board of Trustees in setting and supporting the charity’s strategic direction and ensuring the work of the organisation is aligned with the strategy 

• Oversee the recruitment and induction of trustees, ensuring an effective, diverse and inclusive Board

• Monitor trustee engagement and compliance with the Code of Conduct

• Lead the development of best practice in governance, including conducting regular board evaluations and working with the staff team on board training and development

Meetings:

• Chair quarterly meetings of the full board, an annual away day, and the Annual General Meeting, working with the CEO on setting the agenda and ensuring the timely distribution of papers.

• Facilitate constructive, open, and respectful discussion during meetings, ensuring all relevant factors are fully considered and clear decisions are made.

• Chair the Governance Committee (which meets as needed) and liaise with the Chairs of other Board Committees

Staff:

• Act as the main channel of communication between the Board and staff

• Act as the line manager for the Chief Executive, providing support and input through regular one-to-one meetings, and conducting annual appraisals

External Relations:

• Represent Wikimedia UK externally as required, collaborating with the Chief Executive on advocacy and outreach efforts

• Monitor the charity’s financial performance and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements

Person Specification:

• Proven experience in a leadership role within a nonprofit organisation

• Demonstrated commitment to open knowledge and the values of Wikimedia UK 

• Strong understanding of governance, strategy, and the nonprofit sector

• A good understanding and experience of best practice within charity governance

• Familiarity with charity finance, reporting, and fundraising practices

• Excellent communication, negotiation, and advocacy skills

• Ability to foster a culture of collaboration and inclusivity

• Experience in chairing meetings and leading diverse teams or boards

• Committed to promoting and supporting equity, diversity, and inclusion

• Knowledge and experience in one of the sectors or areas that Wikimedia UK’s works with, such as cultural heritage, education or civil society, is desirable

Time Commitment:

• Approximately one day a month, including Board meetings (typically held quarterly), an annual strategic planning meeting, meetings with the Chief Executive and occasional attendance at public and community events.

• Reasonable expenses, including travel and accommodation, will be reimbursed.

Term:

• As per our Articles, co-opted trustees are appointed for an initial term of two years, with the possibility of co-option for two further terms. We are ideally looking for a commitment of at least three years from our new Chair of Trustees.

• Application Process: Please submit a CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role using the subject line: "Chair of the Board of Trustees Application."

Deadline: Sunday 18th May 2025

Wikimedia UK particularly welcomes applications from individuals from diverse backgrounds. If you require this information in an alternative format or need adjustments during the application process, please contact Sharon on the email address below.

This is a unique opportunity to lead a dynamic charity and play a pivotal role in advancing free knowledge and open content for all.

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

What will you be doing?

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

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

What are we looking for?

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

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

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

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

What difference will you make?

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

Before you apply

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

Social Anxiety Alliance UK is a young and developing charity looking for an experienced Treasurer with a background in financial management and accounting to continue the charity's development.  

The Treasurer would also need to be willing to be a Trustee and be aware of the governance issues relating to such a role.

Social anxiety involves an excessive fear of social situations. Sufferers will often fear being embarrassed or worry about being negatively evaluated by others. Anticipatory anxiety and situational avoidance are common, and individuals may endure social situations with a high level of discomfort. The scope of the anxiety may be focused on specific types of social situations or generalised to almost any social encounter.

We are the first UK charity dedicated to Social Anxiety.

What will you be doing

Contribute towards the good management of the charity by carrying out key responsibilities as follows:

· To ensure that the charity complies with its governing document, charity law, company law, and any other relevant legislation or regulations.

· To ensure that the charity pursues its charitable objects as defined in its governing document.

· To ensure that the charity uses its resources exclusively to further its objects.

· To contribute towards setting the charity’s strategic direction and to evaluate performance and progress against agreed targets.

· To uphold the reputation and values of the charity.

· To commit to read papers in preparation for meetings and attend regular board meetings.

What we are looking for

· An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties and responsibilities of trusteeship.

· A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to their duties as a trustee.

· Willingness to act in the best interests of the organisation.

· An ability to work effectively as a member of the team.

· Willingness to prepare for and attend monthly Board meetings.

· Willingness to participate actively in discussions.

· Enthusiasm for the charity’s vision and mission.

· Empathy for the challenges faced by people affected by social anxiety.

· A strong commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

· Integrity and honesty.

· Good, independent judgement.

Experience in some of the following areas:

Accounting, charity accounting, financial management

Other experience in areas such as charity management, governance, compliance, law, fundraising and grant applications, would also be useful but not essential.

What difference will you make

As part of our board, you will help to support and develop the charity and set its strategic direction. You will have the opportunity to offer your unique skill set, experience and enthusiasm to help us to achieve the charity’s mission and goals.

Board meetings and projects

We are a friendly board and we hold our meetings monthly online in the evening, typically on a Tuesday at 7pm to 8:30pm.
We would hope that Trustees can contribute to other charity tasks and projects as the need arises. 

About the role

British Scouting Overseas wishes to appoint  two trustees, to serve for an initial term of three years, starting in September 2025. Our trustee board provides collective leadership and oversight of the charity, and supports our volunteers who deliver our programme to young people around the world. 

The Trustee Board’s role is to support our volunteer line managers, through the Area Lead Volunteer and Area Chair, so that they can be as successful as possible in their role of supporting leadership teams to deliver our programme.

You may be of any nationality and live in any part of the world – the only condition is that you are willing and able to carry out the duties of a trustee and to bring a constructive and independent-minded approach to the role. We are keen to include younger adults in the team.

About British Scouting Overseas (BSO)

BSO is a part of the UK Scout Association with headquarters in Gilwell Park, London. BSO members have access to the same resources, support and programme as UK based Scout groups. BSO exists to support British families living overseas in the provision of a UK Scouting programme to expatriate British children and to several British Overseas Territories.

We aim to ensure that all our members have the opportunity to feel and experience high quality UK Scouting whilst providing support and advice to adult members no matter where they are in the world. BSO undertakes Scouting activities in a safe and secure environment with flexibility to adapt to both local customs and guidelines set out within The Scout Association's policies and rules.

BSO operates 57 Scout Groups, 22 Explorer Units and 3 Scout Networks, with an impressive 2,997 young people supported by 936 adult volunteer leaders across 30 countries around the world.

Whilst most adult volunteer members are delivering programme activities with our young people, many volunteers are also based in the UK offering support, training, mentoring, governance and resources in a variety of different roles from trustee to marketing and event support to skills assessors.

BSO is fully inclusive and open to all who share our fundamental values. BSO exists to actively engage and support young people in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society.

The BSO Trustee Board

The Trustee Board’s role is to support our volunteer line managers, through the Area Lead Volunteer and Area Chair, so that they can do their role of supporting leadership teams to provide a great programme for young people.

The Trustee Board  is responsible for supporting Scouting in BSO in the following areas:

• Following the rules of the organisation
• Insuring people, property and equipment
• Managing the money
• Fundraising, recruitment and any other support needed, so that Scouting can operate
• Providing Scouting safely
• Connecting Scouting with the local community and supporting it to grow
• Involving young people in decision making
• Meeting the requirements for the BSO Scout Council of the General Data Protection Regulation 2018 (GDPR) 
• Making decisions about opening, closing and merging of sections and units at the BSO Scout Council level
• Appointment of new volunteers at the BSO Scout Council level

What experience do I need to be a BSO trustee?

You may be of any nationality and live in any part of the world – the only condition is that you are willing and able to carry out the duties of a trustee.

The main requirement is a commitment to Scout values and willingness to do the best you can to help the Board carry out their role. It’s a bonus if you can bring some personal skills or experience in a particular area, such as any of the following:

• Administration and meeting management
• Data protection - policy and practice
• Development planning in a voluntary group
• Finance and budgeting - oversight
• Governance
• Media and public affairs
• Risk management - policy and practice
• Safety - policy and practice

The role of trustee is a volunteer one, but reasonable authorised expenses may be claimed.

Trustees serve for three years terms, up to a maximum of nine years, after which they must stand down.

Trustees may only be appointed if they are not disqualified under UK law from being a trustee of a registered charity. Successful candidates will be required to sign a statement confirming that they are not disqualified.

There is some mandatory online training for our trustees.

The Board meets four times a year, plus the annual general meeting. There are additional ad hoc meetings from time to time. Meetings are held online via Microsoft Teams. 

South West London Law Centres (SWLLC) is an independent registered charity providing specialised legal advice and assistance covering Wandsworth, Merton, Croydon, Kingston-upon-Thames, Richmond-upon-Thames and Sutton in South West London.

Our vision is a future where people who cannot afford a lawyer:

• Have equal access to assert and enforce their rights;
• Are empowered to benefit from everything a healthy society has to offer;
• Are treated equally with dignity and respect.

You will play a critical role in helping SWLLC to grow and prosper. If you have a passion for access to justice and believe that you can improve the impact the SWLLC can make, then we look forward to hearing from you. 

What will you be doing?

Our previous chair stood down after an extended term of 6 years. They helped oversee the law centre during the pandemic and its aftermath during which we have seen the law centre continue to flourish in a very challenging environment. We are looking for a new chair who believes in what we do and is prepared to lead and act as an ambassador for the charitable trust so that we can continue to do this work. We currently have a strong trustee board of varying skills and tenures and the day to day management of the law centre is delegated to a small team. This team is small for what the law centre is trying to achieve. We need you to bring your expertise, energy and networks to the law centre. The role isn't glamorous, it's unpaid, and it's sometimes unacknowledged, but it is rewarding. You will play a critical role in helping SWLLC to support over 6,000 people a year, who would not otherwise have access to legal advice. We are very proud of the impact that we have had over the last 50 years, and continue to have. SWLLC continues to operate in a challenging environment, the work of the law centre is regulated and audited by a number of external bodies, our finances continued to be challenged by static legal aid, grants and donations, despite this we have continued to flourish, but the need for our services is greater than we can provide. The main areas that our trustees board can support alongside the role of governance of the law centre are:

• Finance
• Fundraising
• Human Resources
• Communications and Marketing
• IT and facilities
• Community Engagement and Community Activism

Time commitment:

6 Board meetings per year. Take place through a mixture of in person and online meetings in the evenings (usually midweek between 6pm – 7:30pm). The Chair will also need to have regular meetings with the Chief Executive, and Senior Management Team outside of these regular board meetings. Such meetings will typically be brief, online and arranged at a mutually convenient time. The Chair will also need to represent the Charity at various events and meetings with key stakeholders. Our head office is based in Croydon with other offices in Clapham Junction and Morden. We expect the role to take around 1 -2 days per month.

What are we looking for?

Principal responsibilities:

Strategic leadership

• Act as representative of the whole board and not its defacto head
• Provide leadership to the charity and its Board, ensuring that the Charity has maximum impact for its beneficiaries

Governance

• Ensure that the governance arrangements are working in the most effective way for the Charity

External Relations

• Act as an ambassador for the cause and the charity in partnership with the CEO

Efficiency and effectiveness

• Chair meetings of the Board of Trustees effectively and efficiently, bringing impartiality and objectivity to the decision-making process
• Ensure that Trustees are fully engaged and that decisions are taken in the best, long-term interests of the Charity and that the Board takes collective ownership

Relationship with the Chief Executive and the Senior Management Team

• Establish and build a strong, effective, supporting and a constructive working relationship with the Chief Executive, ensuring s/he is held to account for achieving agreed strategic objectives 

Personal Qualities:

• Personal gravitas to lead a significant organisation demonstrating a strong and visible passion and commitment to the law centre, its strategic objectives and cause  
• Exhibit strong inter-personal and relationship building abilities and be comfortable in an ambassadorial role
• Demonstrate tact and diplomacy, with the ability to listen and engage effectively
• Strong networking capabilities that can be utilised for the benefit of the law centre
• Ability to foster and promote a collaborative team environment
• Ability to commit time to conduct the role well, including travel and attending events out of office hours

Experience:

• Experience of operating at a senior strategic leadership level within an organisation
• Successful track record of achievement through their career
• Experience of external representation, delivering presentations and managing stakeholders
• Significant experience of chairing meetings and events Knowledge and skills
• Broad knowledge and understanding of the legal sector and current issues affecting it
• Strong leadership skills, ability to motivate staff and volunteers and bring people together
• Good understanding of charity governance and finance issues Terms The charity’s Chair (and board members) will serve a four-year term to be eligible for re-appointment for one additional term.

What difference will you make?

The impact the Chair will have is to ensure the continuation of the law centres' successful mission 

Law Centres are community-led, not-for-profit organisations that help local people to understand and enforce their legal rights. Their services are free, and they attempt to target the people who most need them – people who are at risk of discrimination and ill-treatment and those who are least able to protect themselves, for example because they lack the money to hire someone with legal expertise to help them.  We are currently celebrating our 50th year. SWLLC s is one of the larger Law Centre in Great Britain covering six London boroughs – Croydon, Kingston, Merton, Richmond, Sutton and Wandsworth. Our catchment area covers 1.7 million people. We now operate from 3 branch offices. We help over 6,000 people each year with a face to face service covering 3 broad services. 

• Expert casework and representation in the social welfare law covering community care, debt, employment, housing, immigration/asylum, public law, welfare rights and cost of living support 
• Emergency representation as part of the Housing Possession Court Duty Scheme 
• Pro Bono Clinics 

Amongst the results we achieve that make us proud of what we do are:

• the prevention of homelessness 
• the prevention and reduction of poverty 
• the protection of family life by reuniting people living in the UK with those living abroad
• the prevention of torture and death beyond our borders by the provision of advice and representation to people fleeing persecution 
• the prevention of ill-health by successfully challenging unfit living conditions 
• the prevention of mental ill-health by assisting people to deal with their personal debts

Before you apply

If you would like an initial discussion before putting in your application please message through the Reach Volunteering Platform and Senior Management Team will be on contact to further discuss the role and the opportunity. A panel of trustees and senior management team will review your application. If we consider that your skills and experience are a good fit with the Law Centre, you will be invited for an informal discussion with the panel about our work and the trustee role. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, and we encourage early submissions.