Trustee Volunteer Roles

Can you help give musical talent a chance?

Over the last 26 years our committed team of trustees, staff, volunteers and supporters have made Young Sounds UK one of the largest and most respected charities in music education. As we move into the next phase of our development, we’re looking for a committed chair with energy, passion and the time to continue to help drive us forward. The successful candidate will work closely with the CEO to ensure the charity continues to achieve its ambitions and will lead the board in delivering its responsibility for the overall governance and strategic direction of Young Sounds UK.

We want to hear from people who are passionate about and willing to advocate strongly for giving those young people facing the most barriers the support they need to fulfil their potential. We also expect candidates to demonstrate a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.

If you think this may be you, please see our recruitment pack for more information and to apply.

If you’d like an informal chat with one of our current trustees, please email Young Sounds’ CEO.

Immediate Theatre is a Hackney based community arts organisation with almost 30 years’ experience of providing quality arts opportunities in East London.  We are looking for people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our board. Estimated time commitment 25 hours a year.

We are particularly keen to engage people with at least one of the following attributes:

• Young people under 25 interested in developing leadership skills.
• Lived experience of the issues facing our participants e.g.:
  • 90% of our youth theatre participants are from diverse ethnic backgrounds and a high proportion experience economic disadvantage, we know of 115 regular participants who access Free School Meals.
  • 32% of registered participants have special educational needs or a disability
  • Many participants on our Pathways to Employment programme have mental health challenges
  • We work with over 60’s including those experiencing long term illness
• Knowledge about education, we are keen to engage someone with knowledge of Secondary Education and/or academic connections with a relevant University
• Experience of managing a similar size organisation or team
• Experience of marketing.
• Experience in the community arts sector

A full breakdown of the trustee role can be found on Immediate Theatre's website.

Neighbourhood Watch Network (NWN) is the national umbrella organisation of the largest voluntary movement for crime prevention in England and Wales, and we support people to prevent and reduce crime by coming together with their neighbours to create safer, stronger and active communities.

We estimate that our 93,000 Neighbourhood Watch (NHW) schemes engage with over two million people in a spirit of local activism that can address the issues that often give rise to crime and anti-social behaviour and help prevent them from becoming more serious.

In the past year we have partnered with the Suzy Lamplugh Trust to provide training on being an “active bystander” and our “Are You OK?” campaign that showed how to respond in the event of witnessing aggression aimed at women, racial minorities or LGBTQ+ people. During 2022/23 we also launched a Community Safety Charter which has been endorsed more than 2500 times by Police Forces, local authorities and many different public and commercial organisations as well as by individuals and local communities.

With a small central support team of around 9 people who facilitate and co-ordinate the work of our local associations and volunteers, the charity punches above its weight. Our annual income has been consistent at around £400,000 - £500,000 for the past few years, of which a large part is a grant from the Home Office. We have invested in fundraising from trusts and foundations and also commercial partnerships, where we have established relationships with home security and cyber-security businesses. Currently we are expanding our work with young people with funding from City Bridge Trust and the National Lottery and have also been commissioned by BT to support vulnerable consumers through the telephone network switchover from analogue to digital. As a result, turnover will rise to around £900,000 for 2024/25 and we hope to sustain it closer to this level for future years.

Our Treasurer is keen to hand over the reins of this role as soon as possible but would stay on the board for a while so there would be a managed transition. He is a finance professional but is also heavily involved in NHW activities in the West Midlands and, more generally, in developing our work with faith groups which he would like to focus on.

Our Chair has been in post for nearly four years and would look to hand over to a successor over the next two years. We would like to ensure that the next chair has the opportunity to learn about the organisation and build relationships with trustees, staff and other stakeholders before taking on the role formally.

Are you vegan or vegetarian? Do you think it is important that older people should have access to quality vegan/vegetarian food when in need of care? Would you like to ensure that older people can find trustworthy information and advice on healthy eating and rights while sustaining their vegan or vegetarian diet?

Vegetarian for Life (VfL) is the only UK charity specifically dedicated to supporting older vegans and vegetarians. Our trustees work with the CEO and operational team to ensure good governance and realise the strategic aims and development of this unique charity. VfL has experienced sustained growth and impact since it was formed in 2007 and is highly respected for the breadth and quality of its work across care, advocacy, and catering sectors.

To prepare for changes in our board membership during 2025 we are seeking new trustees. Experience of business development including income generation would be particularly welcome.

 We also seek someone who can lead the board and bring experience of:

• Charity Governance (as a trustee/chair).

The role of trustee is a voluntary one although expenses are paid when incurred in connection with the role. The board meets quarterly, mainly via video conferencing but with at least one meeting a year in Manchester where VfL is based. Full board meetings are held on a Saturday. Some communications occur between meetings (usually by WhatsApp or email) and occasionally additional (short) meetings are required to make decisions timeously – these will always be scheduled by arrangement with members.

To be considered for this role 

You should have the skills and experience outlined above and be committed to the aims of VfL. You should be able to articulate the contribution you believe you can make to furthering these aims. To find out more about the charity visit our website.

To apply 

Please send a covering letter along with a CV of no more than 2 pages FAO Chair, Dr Barbara Sharp. We usually offer an informal chat about the role to applicants in the first instance prior to a formal recruitment process including interview.

The Community Forest Trust (CFT) supports, enables and champions England’s 15 Community Forests, creating a strong and resilient network of woodlands that enhance the environment for people, wildlife and the wider planet.

Who we are.

Community Forest Trust supports, enables and champions England’s network of Community Forests so that they have an increasing and positive impact on people’s health and happiness and the environment – improving the agriculture, commerce, and climate of derelict or harmful sites.

Community Forests ensure urban areas are economically, socially and environmentally more sustainable and resilient for everyone. They support the regeneration of local communities and create better places. They also educate and empower people about environmental matters and transform places for the social and economic well-being of the community.

About the role.

CFT  is a registered charity with a Board of Trustees and has a small but dynamic team.

They are currently looking for a Finance Trustee to join the Board to work with the existing Senior Finance Trustee.

This is a great opportunity to contribute to a high-profile agenda and support the delivery of national programmes of tree planting.

All trustees must be committed to helping take the organisation through the next few years of dynamic and exciting change, evolution of operations and on-the-ground delivery.

Who are we looking for?

CFT is looking for an additional Finance Trustee. They need to be aligned with CFT’s values and able to bring the skills listed below.

Person Specifications:

CFT need an additional board member with the specific skills, outlined below, who also brings vision and an appreciation and understanding of how to grow a network in a non-traditional and decentralised way that empowers all partners and stakeholders.

Strategic Finance & Risk Trustee:

CFT is seeking a finance and risk Trustee who has a background as a Chief Finance Officer, Finance Director or Finance Manager who can offer strategic guidance to a multi-faceted, multi-million-pound charity at this pivotal time in their growth.

This individual needs to be a qualified accountant with experience in operating at a strategic level. A person who appreciates the needs of a complex and growing organisation with diverse income and expenditure is needed for this role. CFT’s finances are multi-faceted because they apply for funding, distribute grants and are also developing their Green Finance work so that they can monetise the outputs of England’s Community Forests, as appropriate. They are also diversifying their income including through fundraising.

The new trustee will attend the quarterly Board meetings and also support the Senior Finance Trustee in chairing the quarterly Finance & Risk Committee for CFT. They will work with the CEO and Finance Manager as well as the external auditors concerning all financial matters and relevant reporting cycles.

We very much welcome applications from candidates without previous trustee experience.

All Trustees must align with CFT’s Values:

• CFT are passionate about the power of trees to transform urban environments.

· They aim to innovate, share knowledge and collaborate to achieve best practice in the field of community forestry.

• They see England’s Community Forests as a way to achieve widespread, environmental, social and economic benefits.
• CFT act as an advocate for England’s Community Forests and aims to listen, be responsive and work in close partnership; and
• They work in partnership with others. This includes a combined ECF level and the individual ECFs.

CFT are also interested in the development of diversity on their board and want to encourage younger professionals to apply.

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 28th April.

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.

Following a change to our Articles concerning the composition of our Board, the successful candid could be the first Trustee in the 60-year history of the British Wheel of Yoga to be drawn from outside the membership, as part of our commitment to increasing the skills base and diversity of our Board.

We have a high-performing staff finance team so this is not a “nuts and bolts” Treasurer role where you are required to do the book keeping. Instead you will be the key link between the finance team and the Board as you lead your fellow Trustees in the performance of their fiduciary duties and engagement with the charity’s finances.

Key requirements include:

• ​Good knowledge, understanding and experience of charity and company finance, accounting requirements and procedures
• ​Good knowledge and understanding of the regulators’ (Charity Commission, Registrar of Companies) requirements regarding charity and company finance and reporting
• The ability to be an effective member of the Board team and its finance sub-committee (which you will chair), thinking strategically and working cooperatively.
• The ability and willingness to commit sufficient time to fulfil the role effectively.

Meeting schedule:

• Quarterly Board meetings in March, June, September and December
• Financial Planning Workshop in May
• The above meetings are all held via Zoom
• In person Board Retreat (January). A 24-hour residential event which gives an opportunity for Trustees to get to know each other and do some strategic thinking and planning.

With the exception of the Board Retreat, this is a fully remote role that would suit candidates from anywhere in the UK.

Tender aims to prevent domestic abuse and sexual violence by educating children and young people about the issues through creative projects. Our programmes are safe, enjoyable, and age-appropriate which allow people to engage with sensitive topics and “rehearse” for real-life scenarios. Participants are encouraged to learn through script-work, role-play and creative media such as films and art. Throughout, we enable young people to explore their choices, rights and expectations in relationships and to recognise the early warning signs of abuse. 

Our Trustees are vital to us, setting the strategy for the organisation, ensuring its financial stability and offering insights that help us to ask and answer questions. The Board of Trustees lead and control Tender and are responsible for its governance, policy and affairs. Trustees have responsibilities under charity and company law, and also under Tender’s Memorandum and Articles of Association, for directing the affairs of the organisation, ensuring that it is solvent, well run and delivers Tender’s objects. The day-to-day running of the charity is delegated to the CEO and the Senior Leadership Team.

All trustees are expected to:

• Safeguard and promote the reputation, vision, mission and values of Tender
• Ensure the charity complies with its governing documents, relevant legislation and regulatory requirements
• Determine the overall strategic direction and development of Tender, by agreeing organisational polices, budgets and objectives, and to ensure targets are set and performance is measured against those targets
• Contribute any specific skills, knowledge, and experience which they may have to help the Board of Trustees reach sound decisions
• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of Tender and its financial stability
• Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively
• As requested by the Chair, represent the Chair of the Board at functions and events, and lead or be a member of committees/panels/groups
• Collectively own and hold the Board to account for its decisions and activities, ensuring the avoidance of any personal conflict of interest
• Provide support and challenge to Tender’s CEO in the exercise of their delegated authority and affairs
• Engage with volunteers, Patrons and other beneficiaries to keep informed about the organisation's activities and wider issues that affect Tender's work
• Attend Board meetings, adequately prepared to contribute to discussions

What we are looking for

We look for the following qualities in all trustees:

• An interest in and commitment to the mission, values and vision of Tender
• The ability to think and act strategically
• Leadership, communication and influencing skills
• Sound independent judgement and integrity
• An understanding of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship, or a willingness to learn (we will provide training and guidance on charity governance if you do not have previous experience)
• A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion
• The ability to inspire trust and confidence in people
• A willingness and ability to devote the necessary time and effort to prepare for and attend board and committee meetings, including remaining in the role for a minimum term of two years

For trustees with communications experience, we are also looking for:

• Experience in developing or implementing communications strategies
• Experience of building communications capacity within a growing organisation
• Knowledge of crisis communications management
• An ability to use communications to aid the diversification of our fundraising

For trustees with policy and influencing experience, we are looking for:

• Knowledge of UK politics and parliamentary processes
• Knowledge of policy areas and governmental departments relevant to Tender, in particular Education, Health and Home Office
• Experience of developing and promoting policy and campaign strategies for an organisation, and creating effective public affairs influencing strategies
• Experience of engaging with stakeholder at different levels of government (Parliament, civil service, local authority) to influence policy decisions

Finance & Audit Committee Trustee – Voluntary Role
Salary: Voluntary Role
Location: East Anglia

We have an opportunity for you to join our Finance & Income Generation and Audit, Risk and Compliance Committees in a voluntary role to make a positive contribution to the work we do and ensure strong financial governance.

Are you:

• Experienced in the private, public or voluntary sectors with the drive to make a difference.
• A fully qualified accountant with broad business experience.
• Experienced at a senior level (ideally Finance Director)
• A member of CIMA, ICAEW or ACCA.
• Over 18 and eligible to act as a Charity Trustee in England.
• You are able to drive and have your own transport?

Can you commit to:

Four full day committee meetings per year (held in person at our hospice near Norwich) as well as four half day meetings held at our Milton (Cambridge) hospice.

There is normally an additional one-day awayday meeting annually and some ad hoc activities, such as hospice quality visits or attendance at fundraising or community events in the East Anglia region.

Our trustees drive our strategic development and hold our management team to account and the range of perspectives and lived experience trustees bring to board-level discussions helps us respond more effectively to our service users and the children and young people we support.

We would particularly like to hear from you if you are well networked in our local communities across East Anglia (with a particular interest in those in the Cambridgeshire region) and you will have a high level of financial and business acumen working (or previous working) at a senior level in industry.

Trustees are appointed initially for a three-year period and can be reappointed for up to an additional two 3 yearly terms.

What can a trustee role give you?

Being a trustee can be extremely rewarding.

Trustee positions are un-remunerated although reasonable out of pocket expenses will be paid. This role offers a person the chance to make a strong valuable contribution to a respected community organisation with exposure at Board level.

You will have:

• A comprehensive induction and training plan
• Opportunities to influence important strategic decisions
• Opportunities to gain new skills and to collaborate with senior managers across a variety of functions at EACH
• Influence to shape innovative projects
• Build broader business awareness and professional development
• The chance to improve the palliative and end of life care of children and young people and the support we offer to their families

We value hugely the contribution trustees make to EACH and helping us to ensure our service users and families receive safe, well-led compassionate care.

The organisation

East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) ensures the best possible quality of life and makes every moment count for children and families across Cambridgeshire, Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk. Our family-centred approach includes specialist nursing care, symptom management nursing, short breaks, wellbeing activities, therapies, care at end of life, bereavement support, counselling and volunteer services in the family home; all meeting the individual needs of the child, young person and whole family.

In 2020, all three of our hospices; The Nook (Norfolk), The Treehouse (Ipswich) and Milton (Cambridge) were rated OUTSTANDING by the Care Quality Commission.

Our people are central to our success. We have a talented workforce of staff and volunteers in Care, Fundraising, Retail, Facilities, IT, Finance, Marketing & Communications and Human Resources.

We employ around 400 employees and have more than 1,800 volunteers across the organisation, including 49 shops and a Retail Distribution Centre.

The closing date for applications is 13th April 2025
Interviews expected to be held on Friday 2nd May 2025
EACH reserves the right to close this vacancy early, should we receive a sufficient number of applications.

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

Diversity statement

At EACH we believe in fostering a workplace where every individual feels valued and respected. We are committed to building a culture of inclusion where differences are embraced. We are actively seeking talent from all walks of life, recognising that diversity drives innovation, creativity and success.

Join us on a journey to create a more inclusive workplace, where everyone has equal opportunities to grow, contribute and succeed. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds to apply for opportunities at EACH and adjustments will be made to facilitate the application and selection process.

Please note:

This post is subject to a Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check prior to appointment.

It is a criminal offence for people who are barred from working in Regulated Activity (under the Safeguarding and Vulnerable Groups Act 2006) to apply for roles that require them to work unsupervised with that particular group.

EACH has a legal responsibility to ensure that its employees have the legal right to live and work in the UK. Therefore, if you are made an offer of employment, this will be subject to verification that you are eligible to work in the UK before you start work.

No agencies please.

Birkbeck Students' Union is looking for two exceptional individuals to join our Board of Trustees as volunteer Lay Trustees. This is a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on the student experience at Birkbeck, guiding our strategic direction and ensuring we continue to support and enrich the lives of our diverse student body.

Role Overview: As a Lay Trustee, you will attend and actively participate in five Board of Trustee Meetings and five Finance & Audit Committee meetings per year. Your strategic oversight and governance will help ensure the Students' Union operates in line with its mission, values, and legal obligations. You will provide guidance and insight based on your expertise in one of the following areas Cybersecurity; Fundraising; Legal; and Marketing.

How to Apply: Interested candidates should submit a resume and a cover letter outlining their relevant experience and motivation for applying. Applications should be sent via email by 13th April 2025. 

Any questions about the role please email Yousuf Joondan (CEO).

Birkbeck Students' Union is committed to diversity and encourages applications from all individuals, regardless of background, who meet the role's criteria.

Sunderland Students’ Union is looking for a Trustee with a strong finance background, to support the Board and the continued development of the Union.

Applications close at 9 a.m. Monday 14th April. 

Who we are.

The University of Sunderland Students’ Union is a charity and the students’ union for over 25,600 students. We operate across Sunderland’s University, supporting their Sunderland Campus and offering support their London campus also.

This is an exciting time to join the SU as they look to focus on commercial growth and explore potential opportunities, as well as support their strategic planning for the future. This is a vital period for the SU as they continue to be a crucial support base for students at Sunderland University.

About the role.

The Trustees play a key role in overseeing all activity within the University of Sunderland Students’ Union. Acting as guardians of our values and strategy, the Board ensures that our work aligns with our mission. Trustees approve, monitor, and contribute to key initiatives that drive the Union’s business plan while demonstrating strong leadership and supporting the development of leadership skills in others.

Bringing innovation and energy to the role, Trustees challenge current practices, seek out fresh ideas, and show genuine enthusiasm for the SU’s work. They uphold fairness and equality by acting with transparency, respect and dignity, actively advocating for inclusion and striving to understand the diverse needs of our members.

Trustees empower staff and members to be independent decision-makers and leaders, fostering a culture of accountability and encouraging innovative approaches. Additionally, they play a crucial role in ensuring the Union’s financial stability, overseeing investments, streamlining processes, and managing risk with keen attention to detail.

Who we are looking for.

If you’re a motivated leader with a background in finance and a passion for driving organisational success, we’d love to hear from you. We’re looking for someone who can help shape a positive and inclusive culture while making a real impact on both our members and staff.

We are looking for candidates with the ability to lead, inspire, and contribute to a high-performing organisation. If you have experience in strategic planning, risk management, or stakeholder engagement, and you’re eager to grow and develop in a leadership role, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.

Your independent judgment, confidence in decision-making, and ability to express your views with tact and diplomacy will be key. Above all, we value enthusiasm, a commitment to excellence, and a willingness to learn.

If this sounds like a role where you could make a difference, we encourage you to apply, we are open to first time trustees. We’re excited to hear from candidates with a range of experiences and perspectives.

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 14th April.

East Yorkshire Foodbank seeks an inspiring and visionary trustee who balances commercial acumen with an empathetic and collaborative approach. They will be passionate about the ethos of the food bank.

East Yorkshire Foodbank provides food parcels to those facing food poverty across the entire county. We give out parcels at centres in Beverley and Bridlington. Trustees are also committed to helping those in rural areas where there is no public transport and those who are house bound. In 2023/24 we distributed food to cover 138,000 meals.

The ideal trustee will play a central role in the governance of the organisation. They will join an accomplished, engaged and collaborative board of trustees. A confident communicator with great interpersonal skills, they will be comfortable playing an ambassadorial role, have prior experience of board working and be able to demonstrate leadership.

Overview of the role:

This role involves leading on the financial affairs of the foodbank and ensuring that they are conducted within the required legal, accounting and good practice conventions. It is also the responsibility of the treasurer to work in partnership with the chairperson and trustees to ensure the financial viability and development of the organisation.

Key tasks

Treasurer Responsibilities:

• Ensure the trustee board fulfils its financial responsibilities.
• Ensure that the food bank has proper systems for budgeting, financial control, insurance, and reporting.
• Inform the trustee board members of the finances of the food bank by written report, at each board meeting ensuring that the board have a clear picture of the financial health of the food bank.
• Ensure that financial reports:
• Are comprehensible and properly discussed at trustee board meetings.
• Are provided in the proper format and at the proper time, as required by the relevant charity regulator body (Charity Commission of England & Wales, Charity Commission of Northern Island or OSCR etc).
• Have properly appointed auditors or independent examiners (on income over £25k).
• Are reported on an annual basis at annual general meetings (AGMs).

Objects of the food bank:

• To ensure the Trustee board develop a long-term strategy for the food bank with clear objectives which can be monitored and adapted.

Other responsibilities, along with the board of trustees, include:

• To work alongside the trustee board to ensure the organisation’s financial dealings are systematically accounted for and on time, independently examined (on income over £25k) and made publicly available when necessary.
• Ensure your charity is accountable, actively complying with statutory accounting and reporting requirements and the law. 
• To ensure appropriate financial plans are in place for future budget allocations as well as looking after contractual agreements with external partners that award money for core costs and additional projects.
• To help promote the organisation to a wider audience of potential funders and beneficiaries.
• To ensure the food bank has appropriate procedures to comply with current legislation and good practice; including employment, health and safety, equal opportunities, safeguarding & GDPR compliance/data protection etc.
• Act with reasonable care and skill, giving your time, thought and energy to your role.
• To serve as an ambassador of the food bank in the community.

About you

East Yorkshire Foodbank seeks an inspiring and visionary trustee who balances commercial acumen with an empathetic and collaborative approach. They will be passionate about the ethos of the food bank. Our ideal candidates would demonstrate:

• A knowledge of and commitment to the work of the East Yorkshire Foodbank.
•  Passion for the food bank’s ethos.
• Previous experience or an ability in:
  • financial accounting and reporting procedures.
  • communicating financial information to those who may have little or no financial background.
  • keeping all financial records up to date (book-keeping).
  • balancing commercial acumen with an empathetic and collaborative approach.

Benefits of volunteering

•  Use your existing skills to make a difference.
• Meet new people who share your passion to eradicate poverty in the local community.
• Make a real difference to the running of the food bank.

Impact of your role

By leading on the financial matters of the food bank operation, you are part of providing a vital holistic support function in your local community, ensuring a dignified experience to anyone visiting or anyone who comes into contact with East Yorkshire Foodbank.

Support

A full trustee induction is in place to support the prospective candidate within their role, as well as access to local voluntary action trustee training.

Social Anxiety Alliance UK is a young and developing charity looking for an experienced Trustee.

It may be possible for someone with a dedication and passion for helping those with social anxiety to apply for this role providing they are aware of the governance issues relating to the role (please read the charity commission document "The essential trustee")

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 or interest in some of the following areas:

· • Charity management, governance, compliance, law, or the dedication to learn about governance and what it takes to be a Trustee

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:
To foster a society in which social anxiety is widely understood, where there is easy access to appropriate information, support and treatment so that no one has to face social anxiety alone.

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 some other charity tasks and projects as the need arises. 

Location: Mix of online and in-person meetings.

In-person meeting locations can be UK-wide but will most often be in Manchester or London. Most in-person meetings can be joined remotely if required, though in-person attendance is encouraged.

Estimate of time required: Approximately 1-3 hours per week on average. Approximately five Board meetings per year, some additional committee meetings and the Annual General Meeting. Most meetings take place during Monday-Friday, between 10am and 4pm. Trustee Directors are also expected to regularly read and respond to BABCP emails between meetings.

Deadline: 11.59pm Monday 21 April 2025

About BABCP: The British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) is a charity and the lead organisation for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) in the UK and Ireland. We are a membership body with over 23,000 members and as a professional organisation we promote, improve and uphold standards of CBT practice, supervision and training. Our CBT Register is accredited by the Professional Standards Authority. We were founded over fifty years ago, and have experienced significant growth in recent years, moving from a highly regarded special interest group to a professional association. We recognise the importance of high-quality mental healthcare that is evidence-based, and we help to protect the public by supporting best practice. We value diversity, integrity and professionalism – you can read more about our strategy and values on our website. BABCP is a registered charity and a limited company in law. We have a staff team of around fifty people and annual income in excess of £3m.  

What we are looking for?: We are looking for up to two new lay people to join our Board as ‘Lay Trustee Directors’, meaning you will be both a trustee of the charity and a director of the company. Our Board is made up of ten Trustee Directors who are elected from within BABCP’s membership and up to three Lay Trustee Directors. We are looking for Lay Trustee Directors with a proven track record of excellence in their field, who can bring fresh perspectives and experience from other professional sectors and walks of life.

You should:

• Be able to take important decisions using sound, objective reasoning and with good attention to detail.
• Be willing to ask questions and constructively challenge the status quo.
• Be able to think creatively and strategically, while being committed to operating with integrity.
• Have the capacity to devote time and effort to the role.
• Understand the responsibilities of the position.
• Not be barred from acting as charity trustee or company director (further eligibility declarations and checks will be required if appointed).

We particularly welcome applicants with skills and expertise in any of the following:

• Finance
• Human Resources
• Digital and data governance
• Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
• Marketing, communications and public relations
• Legal, ideally in the professional regulation sphere
• Risk management
• Governance and charity management

We recognise that skills and experience come in many forms, and that some groups have traditionally faced barriers in accessing formal opportunities. BABCP welcomes applications from those who possess the relevant attributes and experience drawn from all aspects of their lives and those who may have had a less traditional career pathway.

While we are looking to bring fresh ‘lay’ perspectives to our Board, if you are one of the millions of people who have direct or indirect lived experience of CBT and related therapies, you may find this experience helps to bring the value of this role to life.

What will you be doing?: As a Trustee Director you will, as part of the wider Board, oversee the  organisational structures, systems, policies and resources in place to achieve the charitable objects of the Association. You will help ensure that BABCP exclusively pursues its stated purpose against a defined strategy and in compliance with its governing document and relevant legislation and regulation. You will attend our Board meetings, reviewing all Board papers in advance. You may also be asked to participate in additional committees or working groups focused on specific themes areas, taking into account your areas of expertise and interest where possible.

The role is voluntary and unpaid, though travel and approved out-of-pocket expenses will be covered.

How you will you make a difference?: There are very few who are not affected by the consequences of mental health difficulties in the UK and Ireland. By volunteering your expertise and experience with BABCP, you will ultimately be helping to improve the mental wellbeing of those nations and to protect the public who are directly or indirectly impacted by mental health issues.

How to apply:

For more information, please download the Person Specification.

Please email a CV and covering letter by 23.59pm Monday 21 April 2025. It is anticipated that interviews will be held remotely on , or around, 12th May 2025.

This vacancy may close ahead of the above-mentioned deadline if a large number of applications are received. We therefore encourage early submissions.