Trustee Volunteer Roles

 WHO WE ARE

The Developers Club Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation primarily established  to support the housing and professional development of young adults at risk of long term youth homelessness. Our mission is to acquire and provide quality accommodation that is truly affordable to our charity partners whom have well established programmes that tackle the causes of long-term homelessness amongst those aged 18 – 25. Close to 130,000 young adults were recorded as homeless 2021 – 2022 and we believe that providing a solid foundation to them at such a crucial time in their transition into independence can be life changing for generations to come.

The TDC Foundation is seeking a dedicated and experienced individual to fill the role of Secretary. This key position will support the governance of the foundation and ensure the smooth operation of its activities.

The three key activities of the foundation are:

1. Provision of affordable housing: Partnering and providing quality homes to charities at an affordable rent that gives young adults at risk of long-term homelessness the best start to their transition into independent living.

2. Volunteer Mentorship: Providing talks and 1-2-1 Life Skills, Education and Career Development mentoring.

3. Grant funding: Giving grants to charities working towards the prevention of youth homelessness and or providing mentorship in the areas of Life Skills, Education and Career Development.

In order to facilitate the above, we aim to raise £250,000 annually through several charitable initiatives e.g. charity races and auctions.

About the Role: The Secretary will be responsible for providing administrative support to the Board of Trustees, organizing meetings, taking minutes, and maintaining essential records. This role also involves ensuring compliance with charity regulations, coordinating communication, and helping to execute the foundation’s mission. Candidates must be able to commit to a minimum of three years as a trustee, dedicate up to 20 hours per month (depending on the foundation’s current activities), and be interested in volunteer work.

Key Responsibilities:

• Schedule and organise board meetings, including circulating agendas and related materials. 
• Take minutes during board meetings and ensure timely follow-up on action items.
• Ensure compliance with relevant charity and legal requirements.
• Manage correspondence and communications with board members and external partners.
• Maintain and update foundation records, including governance documents.
• Assist with trustee recruitment and onboarding processes.
• Support the foundation’s fundraising and grant application activities when required.
• Attend fortnightly board meetings and contribute actively to discussions during the setup phase. Meetings will transition to quarterly once the setup phase is complete.
• Act as an ambassador for the organisation and promote its mission and values.

Skills and Experience:

• Previous experience in a similar administrative or secretarial role (experience within a charity or nonprofit organization is a plus).
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and handle sensitive information with confidentiality.
• Familiarity with charity governance and compliance requirements is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Who We’re Looking For: We are seeking a professional, preferably with prior experience in the charity sector or similar organizations, to help guide our foundation through its next phase of growth. An individual with a strong understanding of charity administration or governance would be ideal, but we welcome applicants from all backgrounds who meet the requirements.

Why Join Us: At TDC Foundation, you'll be part of a passionate team committed to driving positive change. You will play a crucial role in shaping the foundation's direction and making a tangible impact on our mission.

APPLICATION PROCESS

To apply for the role, applications should be sent to the email provided.

By joining our Board of Trustees, you will have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of young adults at risk of homelessness. We look forward to receiving your application and welcoming you to our team.

Please note that The Developers Club Foundation is yet to receive official charity status, and an application will be submitted once suitable additional Trustees have been appointed. Thank you for your support.

Help shape the future of youth gaming and gambling-related harms prevention by joining the board of Ygam, an evidence-led charity.

Applications close on: Monday 13th January 2025

Location: London

About Ygam

Ygam is a national charity with a clear mission: to prevent children and young people from experiencing gaming and gambling harms through awareness raising, education and research. Our award-winning workshops are assured by City & Guilds and informed by psychologists, academics and health professionals alongside people with lived experience.

Founded in 2014, Ygam has evolved into the UK’s leading charity in this area, delivering impact-focused training and education across the UK to those in positions of influence over children and young people.

Over the past decade, Ygam has trained over 28,000 delegates and reached an estimated 4.3 million children and young people. With 95% of delegates recommending our training, we’re making real progress in safeguarding our digital generation.

About the roles

The digital revolution has fundamentally transformed how young people interact with games and gambling.

As smartphones become ubiquitous and the lines between gaming and gambling increasingly blur, young people face unprecedented risks in the digital space. This evolving landscape presents both challenges and opportunities for protecting vulnerable youth.

As we enter the third year of our “Safeguarding our Digital Generation” strategy, we’re seeking visionary leaders to join our board and help shape the future of harm prevention. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a vital cause at a critical time when digital safeguarding has never been more important.

We provide comprehensive support to help our trustees succeed, including a thorough induction programme, regular one-to-one meetings with the Chair, and access to training and development opportunities. You’ll be joining a supportive board environment where your contribution will be valued and your development supported.

Who we are looking for

We believe that diverse experiences and perspectives are crucial to effective governance. The digital challenges facing young people today are complex and interconnected, requiring a board that can view issues through multiple lenses.

For our Vice Chair position, we’re seeking an individual with strong educational leadership experience and the ability to guide strategic discussions. This role requires someone who can balance strategic oversight with practical governance experience, ensuring Ygam continues to evolve and adapt to emerging challenges.

For our trustee positions, we’re looking for individuals who can bring fresh thinking and diverse expertise.

Whether you’re a health and social care professional with insights into service delivery and commissioning digital technology innovator helping us understand the latest trends, a commercial leader who can help us build sustainable partnerships, or someone with experience in gaming, your perspective could be invaluable.

We’re particularly keen to hear from candidates who can bring additional diverse perspectives to our board. This might include younger voices who can bring current expertise or people with lived experience who understand the importance of prevention work.

The ideal candidates will share our passion for safeguarding and educating young people while bringing their own unique insights to enhance our work. You’ll be commercially aware, strategic in your thinking, and able to help drive our ambitions forward while ensuring we maintain our focus on delivering impact.

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 on Monday 13th January 2025.

The Sussex Reptile Rescue Centre is a small, charitable organisation based in West Sussex, which has been set up to provide care, rehoming, education and treatment to ill, injured and unwanted reptiles across the county of Sussex. We are an organisation which is pending registration as a charity run by volunteers purely through expertise and love of reptiles.

We are a very small team and are currently awaiting confirmation of charity status after recently applying to register as a charity.

Our Trustees play a vital role in making sure that The Sussex Reptile Rescue Centre achieves its core charitable purpose. They oversee the overall management and administration of the charity. 

They ensure that The Sussex Reptile Rescue Centre has a clean strategy and that our work and coals are in line with our vision. 

Just as importantly, they support and challenge the executive team to enable the Sussex Reptile Rescue Centre to grow and thrive, and through this achieve our charitable purpose.

Main duties and responsibilities 

• Support and provide advice on The Sussex Reptile Rescue Centre’s purpose, vision, goals and activities.
• Approve operational strategies and policies, monitor and evaluate progress
•  Ensure the effective administration of the organisation. 
• Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively
• Review and approve the Sussex Reptile centres, financial statements
• Provide support and challenge to The Sussex Reptile Rescue’s CEO in the exercise of their delegated authority and affairs.
• Keep abreast of changes in The Sussex Reptile Rescue’s operating environment.
• Contribute to regular reviews of The Sussex Reptile Rescue’s own governance. Attend Board meetings, adequately prepared to contribute to discussions.
• Use independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect The Sussex Reptile Rescue’s interests, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or any third-party interests.
• Contribute to the broader promotion of The Sussex Reptile Rescue’s objects, aims and reputation by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts.

As a small charity, there will be times when the trustees will need to be actively involved beyond Board meetings. This may involve scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, presenting externally, or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise.

 What we are looking for

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. 

You do not need previous governance experience – we will provide a full induction and training.

Personal skills and qualities

• Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as trustees and to act in the best interests of the organisation.
• Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member.
• Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion. 
• A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Enthusiasm for our vision and mission.
• Willingness to lead according to our values [charity values].
• Commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

Terms of appointment

Terms of office

• Trustees are appointed for a 2-year term of office, renewal for 2 further terms to a maximum of 8 years.
• This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses are reimbursed.

Time commitment

• Attending 6 Board meetings annually. Currently meetings are held both remotely and in person. 
• Attending [details of annual strategy / training days]

Committee membership

Ad hoc and occasional support through working groups and / or support to the executive team.

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.

In late 2023, the Cathedral adopted a new governance structure under the Cathedrals Measure 2021 and became  a registered charity with the Charity Commission in March 2024.The new Chapter must consist of between nine and twelve members and is led by the Dean as Chair. The other members are: four residentiary canons (two executive and two non-executive); the senior non-executive member (SNEM), and five other non-executive members, including the Chair of Finance and two elected at the annual meeting of those on the Cathedral’s electoral roll.

Following a successful initial round of appointments, we are now looking for people who are willing to build on the commitment, enthusiasm and energy of members as the Cathedral diversifies its strategic thinking.

Portsmouth Cathedral, the Cathedral of the Sea, has been the seat of the Bishop of Portsmouth since the creation of the Diocese of Portsmouth in 1927.  It has a distinctive history and role in a great maritime city, and serves a diverse diocese that stretches from the Isle of Wight to East Hampshire.

Portsmouth Cathedral is a member of Inclusive Church.  We are committed to growing in diversity and inclusion and seek to reflect this in Chapter, welcoming and encouraging applications from people of all backgrounds. The role contains an Occupational Requirement, in line with the Equalities Act 2010, in that the successful candidates will be a practising Christian: either a communicant member of the Church of England, or of a church with which it is in communion.  An enhanced DBS check (child and adult workforce) will be required.

 A full induction programme and ongoing training in offered to enable members to deliver their responsibilities. 

Applications will be considered on an ongoing basis.

Join Neuroverse Charity as a Treasurer Trustee

Contribute to the ever-evolving landscape of support and inclusion for the Neurodivergent community. We are Neurodivergent Led.

Our purpose:

We are a brand new nonprofit, grassroots charity, currently in its founding stages. We are recruiting trustees to become part of our innovative, changemaking governing body to grow Neuroverse into a leading force for neurodivergent support and empowerment.

We have multiple aims that are all reflective of the lived experiences of our own community and the common themes and needs that show up again and again and desperately need addressing and responding to. Examples are:

• Inconsistent, non-inclusive models: Many learning models lack a unified, inclusive approach to community support.
• Lack of holistic, authentic community spaces: Few environments foster learning, creativity, and support, leading to isolation.
• Insufficient support for the newly diagnosed: Limited resources and nonmedical, compassionate support are available for those newly diagnosed and their caregivers.

Who our charity needs currently:

A treasurer - to ensure financial sustainability and transparency in our growing charity

Why Become a Trustee with Neuroverse Charity?

Champion Changemaking: Be an innovative, grassroots leader, creating much-needed and impactful social change with and for the neurodivergent community.

Collaborative Impact: Work remotely alongside a committed and passionate neurodiverse team to empower and support in a strengths-based way.

Shape Our Future: Influence and be part of the direction and success of a charity that is ever-evolving for the greater good.

How we’ll make a difference:

We will create an ethics bound, inclusive model centred on community, designed for replication across the UK. Our holistic spaces will foster learning, creativity, and support for the neurodivergent community. We will provide welcoming environments with experienced facilitators, combat isolation with regulating spaces for parents and carers, and offer newly diagnosed people tailored courses and resources. Grounded in warmth, humour, and positive action, our nonmedical therapeutic support will ensure everyone feels valued, empowered and heard.

What else?

We work flexibly, with monthly Zoom meetings. You can manage your time (and your spoons) around your commitments, working when it suits you best.

Neuroverse Charity is committed to embracing diversity and intersectionality in all forms. We encourage applications from individuals across the UK of all backgrounds, including those with lived experience of neurodivergence and disability.

Friendly, accessible interviews via Zoom will take place for these voluntary roles.

Welcome to Unlock YOUR Potential, a dynamic charity starting up thats dedicated to transforming lives and empowering individuals aged between 18 and 60 years old from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds. We are passionately committed to creating new pathways for positive change through our comprehensive programmes and holistic support.

Our Vision: We envision a world where every individual has the opportunity to unlock their full potential and make meaningful contributions to society.

Our Mission: Our mission is to empower, inspire, and support those facing barriers and challenges. We deliver tailored programmes that foster skills, confidence, and networks, paving the way for success.

Our Values:

• Passion: Our work is fuelled by a deep care for the communities we serve.

• Results: We are driven by the tangible outcomes and achievements of our beneficiaries.

• Innovation: We constantly seek innovative methods to enhance our programmes.

• Collaboration: We believe in the power of partnership and inclusivity.

• Integrity: Our operations are marked by professionalism, ethics, and transparency.

At Unlock YOUR Potential, we offer a suite of transformative programmes and services designed to empower individuals from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Our holistic approach addresses key areas such as employment, education, life skills, mentoring, and personal development.

Trustee Team:

We are looking for Trustees (various roles), who can join our new charity start-up and help us build a solid foundation and help to build a strategy and plan to get Unlock YOUR Potential set-up and running, providing our key services to those who need it.

We are looking for the following Trustee roles:

Chairperson

As Chairperson you will guide the board of trustees and ensure the organisation stays true to its mission.

Here are the primary responsibilities:

1. Leadership: You will lead the board, setting the agenda with the CEO and ensuring that meetings are efficient and productive.

2. Governance: You will ensure that the charity adheres to legal and ethical standards and follow its governing documents.

3. Strategic Oversight: You will work with the Chief Executive and other senior leaders to develop and review the charity's strategic direction.

4. Support and Supervision: You will support the Chief Executive, providing guidance, support and ensuring that the team have all the resources needed to carry out their duties.

5. Representation: You will help recruit and develop board members, ensuring a diverse and effective team, all working towards the same goal and aspirations for Unlock YOUR Potential.

Overall, as Chairperson you will ensure that the charity is well-governed and operates effectively in achieving its goals.

Vice Chairperson

As Vice Chairperson you will support the Chairperson in leading and managing the board of trustees.

Here are the key responsibilities:

1. Support to the Chair: You will assist the Chairperson in their duties, often stepping in when the Chairperson is unavailable.

2. Leadership: You will take on special projects or lead sub-committees, ensuring effective governance and strategic oversight.

3. Representation: You will represent the charity at events and meetings, acting as an ambassador.

4. Board Collaboration: You will work closely with the CEO and other board members to ensure cohesive and effective decision-making.

As the Vice Chairperson ensure continuity and support in the charity’s leadership, helping to guide and maintain its mission and objectives.

Treasurer

As Treasurer you will be managing the financial affairs of the organisation.

Here are the key responsibilities:

1. Financial Oversight: You will manage and monitor the charity's financial position, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting.

2. Budgeting: You will assist in the preparation and approval of the charity's budget, ensuring alignment with its objectives.

3. Bookkeeping: You will lead, steer and oversee record-keeping and ensures that all financial transactions are accurately documented.

4. Compliance: You will ensure the charity complies with all relevant financial regulations and reporting requirements.

5. Financial Strategy: You will create, develop and contribute to the development of financial policies and strategies, advising the board on financial matters.

6. Fund Management: You will oversee the management of funds, investments, and reserves, ensuring the charity's financial stability.

The role of the Treasurer is essential for maintaining the financial integrity and sustainability of the charity, enabling it to effectively pursue its mission.

Secretary

As Secretary you will focus on ensuring the smooth running of the board's activities and maintaining effective communication.

Here are the key responsibilities:

1. Meeting Coordination: You will arrange and schedule board meetings, prepares agendas, and distributes necessary documents, book meeting rooms and sort logisitcs for meetings.

2. Minutes and Records: You will take detailed minutes during meetings, record decisions, and track action items to ensure follow-up, ensuring everyone understands what needs to be done, when and by whom.

3. Compliance: You will ensure the charity complies with statutory requirements, such as filing annual returns and maintaining up-to-date records with regulatory bodies and lead on these tasks and duties.

4. Communication: You will act as a liaison between the board and other stakeholders, ensuring clear and timely communication.

5. Documentation: You will create, manage and store important documents, including governing documents, policies, and procedures.

6. Support to the Board: You will provide administrative support to the board members, facilitating their roles and responsibilities.

The role of the Secretary is essential for maintaining effective governance and ensuring the charity operates within its legal framework.

Trustees

As Trustee you will play a critical role in ensuring the charity is well-managed and adheres to its mission, making key sound decisions in the charity's interests.

Here are the main responsibilities:

1. Governance: To provide oversight and direction for the charity, ensuring it operates legally and ethically.

2. Strategic Planning: To contribute to the development and implementation of the charity's strategic plans, aligning activities with the organisation's goals.

3. Financial Stewardship: To oversee the charity's finances, ensuring funds are managed effectively and responsibly.

4. Compliance: To ensure the charity complies with all legal requirements and regulatory standards.

5. Policy Development: To create, lead or help to develop and approve policies that guide the charity's operations.

6. Support and Advocacy: To support the charity's executive team and act as ambassadors, promoting the charity's work to stakeholders and the public.

Trustees are volunteers who bring diverse skills and perspectives to the charity, helping it to achieve its mission and make a positive impact.

Join us in making a difference and unlocking the potential of disadvantaged people in our community!

Unlock YOUR Potential

• BREAKING BARRIERS
• UNLOCKING POTENTIAL

We are Penderels Trust, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting people with disabilities and long-term health conditions to live independently. Our vision is for a world where disabled individuals can simply get on with their lives. One way we make this possible is by helping people manage the process of purchasing their own care. Based in Coventry, we support over 15,000 individuals across the country, with a team of 200 staff in six offices. Most of our work is delivered under contracts with local authorities or the NHS.

We are looking for someone to join us who has experience of sitting on a Board of Trustees and ideally, someone looking to become Chair within the next 12 months.

What will you be doing?

Are you passionate about making a difference to people with disabilities who live independently? Do you have the skills and dedication to help steer our organisation towards an exciting future? If so, we want to hear from you.

As a trustee, you will: 

• Provide strategic direction and oversight. 
• Ensure the organisation is financially stable and compliant with legal requirements. 
• Support and challenge the executive team to achieve our mission. 
• Act as an ambassador for the organisation, promoting our work and values.

Mostly during office hours. Estimate of time needed: 0-5 hours / month

What are we looking for?

We are seeking individuals who have:

• A strong commitment to our mission and values. 
• An understanding of governance, excellent financial acumen and experience of strong leadership. 
• Vision and be able to inspire others to work towards it. 
• A strategic focus and able to guide the board and management team to set and achieve long-term goals. 
• Integrity and accountability to stakeholders. 
• Experience and knowledge of the health and/or social care sector.

What difference will you make?

We are a non-profit organisation dedicated to improving the lives of people with disabilities or long-term health conditions to live independently. As a member of our board you will be helping to make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities using our independent living services. 

Before you apply

Please contact us via the Reach platform for an application pack. Or If you are interested in joining our board of trustees, please send us your CV and a cover letter outlining your interest and what you can bring to the role via the Reach platform by 7th January 2025.

We are the Elisabeth Curtis Centre, a purpose built Riding for the Disabled centre on the outskirts of Bedford in the village of Bromham. We’re an independent charity and a member of the national Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA UK), supporting over 80 participants with the support of over 100 volunteers in the last year.

We provide our participants the therapy, fitness, skills development and the opportunity to achieve through the use of our fabulous herd of 9 horses and ponies. We have extensive need for our services and are excitingly working to further enhance and develop our offering to cater to more and new needs.

Now is an exciting time to join us on our journey in the role of Social Media, Marketing and Communications portfolio holder on a voluntary basis.

Join Us as a Trustee with Middle East Expertise: Shape the Future of Peacebuilding at Encompass Trust

Are you passionate about peacebuilding and have a deep understanding of the Middle East, particularly the ongoing dynamics in Israel and Palestine? Do you believe in the power of dialogue and collaboration to confront conflict and bring about positive change? If so, Encompass Trust is looking for someone like you to join our Board of Trustees as a voluntary Trustee with Middle East expertise. This is an opportunity to play a pivotal role in guiding our organization’s strategic direction and supporting young people caught in some of the world’s most protracted conflicts.

About Encompass Trust: Connecting Communities, Confronting Divides

Since our founding in 2003, Encompass Trust has been committed to breaking down barriers and building connections between young people from diverse backgrounds. Our mission centers on providing a platform for young Israelis and Palestinians to challenge the status quo, explore nonviolent approaches to conflict, and engage in meaningful dialogue. Through our “Journey of Understanding” programs, we bring participants together on neutral ground, such as Cyprus or Turkey, to deeply explore the root causes of the conflict and the barriers that divide them.

In addition to our work in the Middle East, Encompass Trust has a long history of engaging young people from regions like Indonesia, Pakistan, the US, and the UK. We are proud of our extensive alumni network, who continue to spread our message of peace through independent projects and initiatives. At Encompass Trust, we believe that real change comes from equipping young people with the skills and confidence to influence their peers and communities, both now and in the future.

The Role: Trustee with Middle East Expertise

We are looking to strengthen our Board by appointing a Trustee who brings direct experience or a deep understanding of the Middle East, specifically Israel and Palestine. Whether you have lived in the region or acquired your expertise through study, your insights will be invaluable in advising on the strategic direction and decisions that shape our programs.

As a Trustee, you will be expected to:

• Provide Strategic Guidance on Regional Programs: Advise on how Encompass Trust can best achieve its mission in the Middle East, offering insight into the local context to ensure our programs are effective and impactful.
• Support Partner Engagement Efforts: Help maintain relationships with existing partners in the region and identify new partnerships that can further our impact.
• Advise on Staff and Volunteer Wellbeing: Work with the executive leadership to support the wellbeing of our Country Representatives and sessional facilitators, ensuring they have the necessary support and resources.
• Participate in Governance and Compliance: Ensure Encompass Trust complies with relevant charity laws and organizational policies, safeguarding the charity’s reputation and upholding its values.
• Contribute to Strategic Planning: Take an active role in shaping the organization’s future by attending quarterly board meetings (in-person or online) and contributing to discussions on overall policy, setting goals, and evaluating performance.
• Ensure Financial Stability: Monitor the financial administration of Encompass Trust, ensuring our resources are used exclusively in line with our charitable objectives.
• Protect the Charity’s Interests: Manage and oversee the property and resources of Encompass Trust, ensuring proper investment and use of funds.

Who We’re Looking For

We are seeking a dedicated and passionate individual who meets the following criteria:

• Expertise in Middle Eastern Politics and Culture: You have a deep understanding of the Middle East, either through lived experience or academic study, particularly regarding the conflict in Israel and Palestine.
• Experience in Charity Governance: Familiarity with charity governance and nonprofit financial management, including budgeting and planning.
• Strong Interpersonal and Communication Skills: You can engage with diverse stakeholders and provide strategic input on programmatic decisions.
• Commitment to Our Mission: Alignment with Encompass Trust’s core principles and a genuine dedication to promoting peace and understanding.
• Strategic Thinker: Ability to provide valuable insights and contribute to the organization’s long-term vision.
• Active Contributor: Willingness to engage in quarterly meetings and ad-hoc initiatives as needed.

Why Join Us?

By joining Encompass Trust as a Trustee with Middle East expertise, you will directly impact our approach to conflict resolution and youth empowerment in the region. This voluntary role allows you to apply your skills and experience toward a meaningful cause. While the position is not remunerated, all expenses related to the role will be covered. Your involvement will help Encompass Trust continue its important work and expand our reach, ensuring that we can support even more young people as they work towards building a more peaceful future.

The Peter Sowerby Foundation is a significant, charitable grant-maker supporting work in the fields of health, education and community, the arts, and the environment. It is seeking grant making trustees.

Registered with the Charity Commission in 2011, the Foundation aims to fulfil the charitable aims of its late settlor, Dr Peter Sowerby, a retired GP from rural North Yorkshire and founding partner in Egton Medical Information Systems (EMIS), which now provides database and records management software for over 10,000 healthcare organisations in the UK and in excess of 16M of the UK population.

The Foundation is currently managed by a board of four trustees.  These are David Aspinall, Chair of Trustees; Dr David Stables, Peter Sowerby’s former GP partner and an expert in management information systems; Sara Siegel Poulios, lead partner in Deloitte’s Healthcare Strategy who has been seconded to senior positions in the Department of Health and NHS, and Dr Carole Longson, Chief Scientific Officer at the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI).

Since it was established, the Foundation has awarded hundreds of grants. Some of these have been small grants to local, grass-roots organisations, whilst others have been to large, well-established charities and educational institutions. In total, the Foundation has awarded some £15 million in grants since inception.

Principles

In keeping with the wishes and personal character of Dr Sowerby, the Foundation continues to be a funder that is distinctive in its approach to grant-making and which is prepared to push the boundaries of achievement within its chosen fields so as to make a tangible and lasting impact. The Foundation also places innovation and influence on wider policy and practice at the forefront of grant making​.

 In terms of geography, the Foundation largely supports UK-wide projects but has occasionally provided grants to international ventures. Trustees are particularly interested in supporting projects in Dr Sowerby’s much-loved home of North Yorkshire.

Estimate of time needed: 0-5 hours / month

What are we looking for?

The Foundation is currently seeking additional trustees to join the Foundation and is particularly looking for individuals with one or more of the following:

• experience working within the health sector/NHS in a front line capacity ­– we note this could be current GP, consultant, clinician or another similar post
• experience in financial management/strategic oversight – especially at Board Level
• experience in grant making and the evaluation of the impact of grant making.

The Foundation will also consider applications from potential trustees, with experience outside of the above areas, but with an interest in the work of the Foundation and its charitable endeavours.

Person Specification

The Foundation is seeking to appoint at least two trustees with skills and experience that can help us achieve our objectives, who can bring energy, enthusiasm, and commitment to the role and who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our Board.

Individuals should have the ability to exercise good, independent judgement and provide a willingness to participate actively in discussion and debate.

Knowledge of the process of charitable grant-making would be beneficial for the role but is not essential.

A comprehensive induction process will be available to the selected individual(s).

What difference will you make?

The trustees have overall control of the governance of the Foundation and are ultimately responsible for the charity. Grant solicitation and directorial support is provided under contract from Cause4, whilst an outsourced finance function is provided by FLB Accountants. The Foundation also employs a governance expert as administrator to the board.

The Foundation has an expendable endowment of some £65M and Trustees are advised by their investment consultancy, HFMC Wealth, with investment management services provided by four leading investment houses.

The Board meets virtually each quarter (for up to three hours) and, from time to time, Trustees are also asked to attend to governance and grant matters remotely between meetings. We estimate the total time commitment to be about four-six days per year.

Specific responsibilities of trustees include:

• reviewing and setting the strategic aims for the Foundation
• reviewing progress against the strategic aims
• setting annual budgets for grant-making and management
• considering operational and financial risks
• authorising grant programmes
• approving and assessing grants
• approving the investment policy and reviewing investment performance and risk
• approving annual accounts and annual report.

Before you apply

To arrange an informal conversation about the role, please contact us on the Reach platform in the first instance. 

To apply for the position, submit a letter of no more than two sides showing how you satisfy the required skills and experience, together with a copy of an up-to-date CV. 

The Trustees seek to make an appointment at the earliest opportunity and will assess applications as they arrive. Interviews will be arranged at a mutually convenient time.

We already have a fantastic group of volunteers, working in our charity shops, fostering animals in our care and undertaking vital home assessments of potential animal adopters.  We want to grow this group and deepen our engagement with them.  If you have volunteer management experience, we would love to hear from you.

In April 2024, our branch expanded, encompassing our existing area of Lincoln, Gainsborough, Wragby, Witham St Hughs, Woodhall Spa and Horncastle and gaining new geographical areas including Grimsby, Cleethorpes, Louth and Mablethorpe. Our volunteer base is crucial to support our re-homing, run our charity shops and fundraising activities efficiently and we now have ambitious plans for our expanded area to ensure more mistreated animals can find their forever homes.

About us:

RSPCA Lincolnshire Mid, NE & Lincoln Branch rehabilitates and re-homes animals rescued by the RSPCA's national Inspectors. We also promote responsible pet ownership and hold animal action days such as for microchipping.

We currently run two charity shops and regular fundraising events, to support more than 100 animals escape cruelty and neglect, to find their forever home each year.

What you can bring to our board:

The Trustees make extremely important decisions for the branch, for example deciding on how to raise income for the branch, as well as meeting in sub-groups to consider important subject matters with recommendations being made to the full board of trustees.  Our branch is an extremely passionate branch with eleven trustees currently forming the committee.

We are looking for someone willing to bring their volunteer management experience to our board. We want to ensure we are communicating well with our volunteers and maximising opportunities for them to bring their skills and expertise to our branch activities through targeted engagement.  You will support our decisions around communications and events, volunteer activity planning, volunteer recruitment, training and performance management, and much more. 

You will live and/or work in our branch area in Lincolnshire, UK, to bring local insight to our branch decisions.

We meet monthly as a board, with most of these online but we like to also meet at least 3 times each year in-person, as well as support local fundraising events. 

If you would like an informal chat about the opportunity, please contact the Chair, Sophie Easteal.

Trustee for Age Concern Twyford & District
Do you want to support the governance of Age Concern Twyford & District and help improve the lives of older people?

Our charity, set up in 1988, opened our Day Centre in 1996, and is now an independent, local charity, unaffiliated with others, providing a wide range of services and social support to older people in Twyford and its vicinity. We’re looking to upskill our trustee Board, looking for new trustee appointments of people with a range of appropriate interests and abilities.

In 2023-24, our turnover was £160k, as our charity recovers after the financial constraints of the pandemic, and our services and facilities return to being well-used and very well-appreciated in our community.

Our Board includes people with experience and skills in an organisation that provides for local older people, and we’d expect you to have empathy with our cause and our beneficiaries. 

We’re looking for a “general” trustee, but if you have specific interests or skills in Financial Management, possibly in a charity context, or an understanding of corporate (or charity) Governance, including some legal understanding of compliance, we’d like to speak with you.

And if you don’t have those skills, please talk to us anyway, as you don’t necessarily need prior experience of charity trusteeship: support from local charity-advice organisations is always available.  Full induction to our organisation will be provided, plus specialist support as a new trustee, including access to external training.

If you can think strategically and plan long-term, you have what’s needed by our trustees, and you’ll work collectively with all other Board members. Support and information from our Centre Manager is available, as they deal with the day-to-day running of the organisation.

We are a charity not a business, but we apply business principles to governing our organisation. We are looking for fresh expertise and experience to expand the diversity of our Board, in all aspects, and we welcome potential trustees with ideas and expertise from a wide variety of backgrounds.

The Board meets face-to-face, monthly at our Day Centre (RG10 9RP) for up to 2 hours and some of your trustee duties can be carried-out online.

The focus of a trustee role is strategic, and trustees will not be expected to get involved in the organisation’s operations on a day-to-day basis; however, contact and liaison with other trustees and employees is expected. 

How to apply  

This appointment is being managed for us by inVOLve Community Services, a charity-support organisation, who offer a no-obligation discussion by phone or video. A detailed Role Description and Person Specification can be made available to you upon request.

Trustee appointments are subject to satisfactory references, to completion of an online Safeguarding course and an Enhanced DBS check. 

Your CV or similar will be read by our existing trustees, and an interview offered as soon as mutually convenient.

Contact Mike Allen via Quick Apply, below, for more information and arrange to have a no-obligation initial informal chat (Teams/Zoom/phone) about this role.

We are seeking a Secretary to help us support our Board and ensure smooth and efficient operations as we grow our community of Christian storytellers on the frontline of influence.

We are looking for an enthusiastic, open-minded and forward thinking individual to join our small and enthusiastic team of volunteers; and who will share our love of, and desire to, protect the special and historic gardens and landscapes of Essex.

Who we are

Essex Gardens Trust was set up in 1996 with the aim of protecting the special and historic gardens and landscapes in our county. We do this through: i) research, ii) conservation and iii) education.

Our research team has recently completed a funded project to identify and record historic gardens and landscapes in the City of Southend. The results of this research has been given to both the County planning authority and the Essex Records Office where it will join our existing inventories.

The role

As Chair of Essex Gardens Trust you will be responsible through and with the Management Committee for:

• Providing overall leadership and oversight to EGT
• The overall health of EGT and its ability to continue to deliver the objectives for which it was founded;
• Chairing meetings of the Management Committee, ensuring that they are run efficiently and that decisions made are in accordance with good governance and are clearly recorded;
• Understanding the role and activities of each of the Trust’s core functions and, with this knowledge, being open to new opportunities for EGT to develop and extend its influence and activities;
• Being an ambassador for the Trust;
• Maintaining and developing external contacts and relationships with organisations such as, but not exclusively, The Gardens Trust, Essex Records Office, ARU Writtle and other County Gardens’ Trusts;
• Maintaining contacts with and attend relevant meetings of the movement’s national body, The Gardens Trust, and other external bodies.

You should have at least three years’ experience of the charity sector as a trustee or senior employee and be able to demonstrate a keen interest in gardens and landscapes; plus…

• Strategic vision
• Good, independent judgement and integrity
• An ability to think creatively
• The ability to lead and work effectively as a member of a team and with volunteers in a range of capacities
• The ability to research and ask probing questions.

Knowledge of landscape design and garden history is not necessary, but it would be helpful if you have an appreciation of their application.

The Management Committee meets six times a year for about two hours, either by Zoom or at ARU Writtle. There is usually an annual meeting of County Chairs organised by The Garden Trust. Including these meetings, your time commitment would be on average eight to ten hours per month.