Trustee Volunteer Roles

About us – the Irene Taylor Trust: Creating Music. Transforming Futures.

We believe that creating original music collaboratively can have a powerful impact on people’s lives, bringing them new confidence, important transferable skills and raised aspirations for the future. Our programmes Music in Prisons, Sounding Out and Making Tracks support people of all ages in prisons, previously imprisoned people rebuilding their lives on release, and young people experiencing challenging circumstances in the community. We have a measurable impact on recidivism, helping people into training and jobs, and on enhancing wellbeing. We work with around 600 participants each year. The quality of our work was recently recognised by the Royal Philharmonic Society with their ‘Gamechanger’ award.

About you – who we’re looking for to join our board

We are looking for Trustees to join our welcoming and productive Trustee Board - in particular, we are looking for a Finance Trustee/ Treasurer to take a lead on overseeing our finances (c £500k and in good order). 

We are also starting succession planning for the Chair role, so please get in touch if this would be of interest to you and you have experience and skills in leading others. This is an exciting time to join the team, as we look ahead to celebrating 30 years of the Irene Taylor Trust in 2025. 

At the Irene Taylor Trust, we understand that diverse perspectives strengthen our work and help us better serve the communities we aim to uplift. We actively encourage applications from individuals who bring a wealth of different experiences, particularly those from Black, Asian, and other global majority backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ communities and neurodiverse individuals. We are also eager to hear from those who may not have previous trustee or board membership experience but are passionate about making a difference. Your voice is valuable. We are open to applications from people with a criminal conviction (and could help you to check your eligibility under the Charity Commission rules). We will deliver an induction and support working collectively as team. 

Our terms of office are three-years, renewable up to twice. The time commitment for Trustees includes attending quarterly meetings (in-person in London or online), attending our project performances when possible, and supporting the office team on emerging issues in your areas of skills and interest.

Finance Trustee role details

We are looking for someone with a skill for numbers to take the lead at the Trustee Board concerning keeping our finances in good order, meeting financial governance requirements and thinking strategically. This role is formally referred to as the Treasurer. We have a Fundraising and Finance Committee which you would also join alongside our Vice Chair, who is an investment professional; this meeting is also attended by the office staff responsible for our fundraising and finances; you would chair this committee. You would also have occasional involvement with the office team in approving larger payments or verifying financial aspects of reports for funders.

This role would suit someone with the following particular skills and attributes:

· Knowledge of charity finances and the Charity Commission's requirements, or the willingness to develop this knowledge.

· An accountancy qualification and/or good financial management experience

· The ability to provide, communicate and explain financial information and advice to members of the Trustee Board and other stakeholders.

· A collaborative approach to working with others

Risk Management Trustee - The Methodist Central Hall Westminster

We are looking to appoint a person with professional experience of risk management to help us with our risk strategy for the future.

The Methodist Central Hall Westminster is an iconic building owned by the Methodist Church in Great Britain, standing opposite Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament.

We are seeking to appoint two new trustees to join the Trustee body which oversees the long term sustainability of this important building.

Working collaboratively with other trustees, you will bring your skills and experiences across a wide-range of responsibilities, providing expertise and support.

Expressions of interest are invited. You do not have to be a Methodist to apply for either of these posts but you will be supportive of the work of the Methodist Church. We are aiming to have a breadth of experience and backgrounds among the members of the Trustee body, and therefore we particularly welcome applications from women and minority ethnic backgrounds.

You're encouraged to apply if you feel that overall your skills and experience meet the person specification requirements. To request further information contact the email below.

If you would like to speak to someone about this role then please contact the HR Team. 

Deadline: Tuesday 7 January 2025

Interviews will be held on: Wednesday 15 January 2025

Abbeyfield Southern Oaks is deeply interconnected with the local community on many levels in the spirit and practice of our vision and values. Residents, employees, trustees, volunteers and service professionals are all drawn from the local area.

Abbeyfield Southern Oaks is a not-for-profit organisation. We provide supported housing for people who are still able to care for themselves and wish to remain independent. Our residents generally don’t want the responsibilities of maintaining a house or flat, or a garden, but they’re not ready to go into a care home. We currently have five supported houses with between 7-11 residents in each at any one time and a 60-unit independent living facility.

We have recently developed Nonsuch Abbeyfield, a supportive, vibrant retirement hub in Surrey, where active, independent living is at its heart. Thirty-six of the flats are leaseholds while the remaining twenty-four are rented at an affordable rate, when the local council has referred residents.

Background to the role

We are keen to appoint a new Trustee to bring skills, knowledge and experience to the Board of a charity that is passionate about providing older people with supported independent living for companionship and social interaction and diminishing the effects of loneliness and isolation. 

Our colleague, Anne Carrington, is stepping down having done a sterling job on our Board since we merged with Abbeyfield Purley, where she had been their Deputy Chair and volunteers’ team leader. We are seeking someone to join the Board to continue her focus on the welfare of our residents, working closely with our Community and House Managers and sharing the oversight of the work done by our Director of Business and Operations and his team, namely: resident communications; new residents pipeline; admissions; medical policy; relationships with care partners; staff recruitment and training; volunteer recruitment, training and management. 

This is an important role as it directly links residents, House Managers, our Community Manager, and the Board. It demonstrates our commitment to the care of our residents and to the people who volunteer at our Houses and at Nonsuch Abbeyfield. It ensures good communication allowing information and messages to be passed directly from our Operational Services Committee to residents and to the House Managers. It encourages activities and outings to be arranged, is a connection to all staff who visit the houses, and overall provides a social link for all concerned.

Main Responsibilities

• Provide advice and guidance to the Chair and trustees regarding all matters relating to resident care and welfare
• Provide thought leadership on, and analysis of, opportunities for increased resident welfare and the overall provision of support
• Co-chair the Residents and Volunteers Group with fellow Trustee, Andrew Hoy
• Liaise with the Services Committee to monitor all policy implementation and delivery standards
• Make regular informal visits to our five houses to get to know residents and to support the House Managers
• Attend coffee mornings and any social activities in the houses to see residents and meet volunteers
• Attend occasional lunches in the houses

Person Specification

• Good experience of working with older people or
• Personal and practical experience of being a carer for an older person
• A good listener with empathy for the challenges experienced by older people
• Compassionate and caring with the ability and interest in building relationships and engaging with the older people as well as the range of staff members involved in providing care to the residents

Diversity and inclusion

Abbeyfield Southern Oaks is fully committed to equality of opportunity and diversity to ensure that we reflect the full breadth of the people we aim to support. We work within an increasingly diverse area, and it is important that the Board is representative of the communities that we serve. We would particularly welcome applications from women and people from an ethnic minority background who are currently under-represented on the Board and warmly welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

How to apply

Eastside People is supporting Abbeyfield Southern Oaks in the recruitment of these roles. 

Please apply by submitting your CV and a cover letter, which should indicate why you are interested in applying for the particular role and how you meet the selection criteria. If you would like a call to discuss the role in more detail, please email Lucinda Shaw at Eastside People to arrange a convenient time. Having a call of this kind will not influence the success or otherwise of your application.

The closing date for applications is Monday 27 January. Shortlisting interviews will take place shortly after and shortlisted candidates will have an interview with Abbeyfield Southern Oaks during the week beginning 3 February.

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so that we can help with making the application process work for you. 

Trustee with an HR-focus for Age Concern Twyford & District
Do you want to support the governance and people of Age Concern Twyford & District, to help them 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, and are particularly interested if you have people-management and HR skills, experience and interest, in order to help us better support our employees and volunteers.

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.

About the role

Trustees are the people who make the top-level decisions for our charity. 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 trustee with an HR-focus, to help plan our people-management (staff and volunteers), and advise trustees and the Centre Manager in our recruitment, retention, reward and recognition systems. This is not an operational management opportunity, rather a high-level strategic opportunity to drive change.

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.   

We ask for at least 4 hours of your time per month, which includes all meetings, discussions, communication, etc.  

How to apply and find out more

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.

Learning Without Limits Academy Trust is recruiting one Trustee, possessing skills in senior leadership experience involving primary education, having worked in school improvement or a leadership role across more than one school.

The Trust was founded in 2016 to serve the communities of Leicester city and Leicestershire. Originally born out of Babington Academy in the Northwest of Leicester, the Trust supports five schools (two primary and three secondaries). Three of the schools have had recent success in Ofsted inspections moving from ‘Requires Improvement’ to ‘Good’.

The Trust prides itself in supporting some of the most challenging schools in Leicester city and Leicestershire with a desire to raise aspirations, outcomes, and life chances for all of the children with which it works. Several of the schools manage high levels of deprivation, with significant numbers of learners in the top three most-deprived indices.

Many of the Trust’s schools have to manage high rates of mobility, being significantly impacted by movement within the city. The Trust serves a diverse range of communities with some schools having a high proportion of pupils from a white working class background and other schools have a much more ethnically diverse cohort.

Babington Academy is a dedicated resource for 30 children with Speech & Language difficulties with many of the pupils having an Education Health Care Plan (EHCP) which helps the school to support them in a mainstream school setting. Some of the other schools also have special units for children with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs where pupils may spend part of each day or week receiving additional support whilst remaining in mainstream classes.

The Trust has an annual operating budget of around £30m and collectively the schools serve over 3,800 pupils with over 700 staff. Some of the primary schools are currently working to attract more pupils to their roll. The Trust has managed its finances to support the Primary schools however it is expected that this will continue to be a matter which needs reviewing in order to support sustainability.

The Trust's Requirements

The Trust requires a Trustee to join their Trust board and also sit on their Education Standards Committee. Education Standards remains a key priority for the Trust, its desire being to raise aspirations, outcomes, and life chances for all children.

Ideally the successful candidate should have senior leadership experience involving primary education, having worked in school improvement or a leadership role across more than one school. Additionally, a firm understanding of primary education data and the Ofsted inspection process would be an advantage. The Trust welcomes applications from all backgrounds but would particularly welcome applications from those from traditionally under-represented backgrounds.

Meetings

Trust board meetings are held five times a year (September, December, February, March, and June). Meetings run 5pm-7pm and are typically held on Thursdays. Meetings are in person however remote access can be arranged in exceptional circumstances. The Education Standards Committee meets four times a year and meetings are often held on site during the school day although remote access can be arranged. Education Standards Committee times are arranged in advance and will be set in discussion with the Committee members to ensure best fit.

Induction and eLearning

All Trustees are provided with induction on appointment and will receive access to Governors for Schools’ ‘First 100 Days as a Trustee’ eLearning.

This is an exciting opportunity to be a hands-on trustee at branch level, helping to promote kindness and prevent animal cruelty, reach out to more supporters, and influence how we do things.  With your expertise and support we will achieve so much! 

We need volunteers who have expertise in Legal and GDPR matters to help us manage the Branch effectively and within legal limitations. You will get new skills and experience whilst enabling us to help more animals. 

Overview of the Branch Trustee opportunity

We are looking for an enthusiastic and passionate person, with a legal background, who could devote their time to volunteer as a trustee at our Preston & District Branch and support us with GDPR compliance.

Alongside passing on your expertise, this opportunity will give you the chance to influence how we care for and prevent cruelty to animals and drive the implementation of key initiatives. You will serve on the governing body of the charity and be instrumental, alongside fellow trustees, in the running of the Branch and setting out both the short and long term aims.  As a minimum, trustees would normally be expected to attend a bi-monthly committee meeting lasting around 2 to 3 hours (virtual meetings are an option). However, the commitment may vary depending on your availability,  and if you decide to take on additional duties.Trustee do not need to live within the branch boundaries but occasional travel to Branch sites may be required from time to time.

About the National RSPCA

Founded in 1824 we have been saving animals for 200 years and are proud to be the oldest welfare charity around. It has always been our vision to live in a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion, so our volunteers and employees work tirelessly to ensure that all animals can live free from pain and suffering. Through our numerous campaigns, we seek to raise standards of care, and awareness of issues affecting animals today. We rely heavily on our volunteers who play a significant role in enabling us to carry out this important animal welfare work every day!

The RSPCA Preston & District Branch

Over 80% of the animal welfare work of RSPCA is carried out through local branches, which are run by staff & volunteers who have the support of the National Society of RSPCA.

The Preston & District Branch is part of a network of  140  branches, and one of only 8 in the North of England with an animal centre. We are a separately registered charity looking after animals in our local area and engaging with the local community. Our mission is to provide safe homes to abandoned, neglected or abused animals, to nurse them back to health, rehabilitate them and find them their forever home.

RSPCA Preston is a well established branch with approximately 20 members of staff and 75 volunteers across 4 locations. The main activity of our branch is providing a rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming centre within the Preston area (close to JCN 31 of the M6). To continue helping animals in need we also operate 3 charity shops in Longridge, Chorley and Penwortham which bring in a regular income to keep our animal centre open. 

Take a look at our website to see a little more about the work we do.

Primary responsibilities of the Branch Trustee – Legal and GDPR

• Assist the Branch in ensuring that activities are GDPR compliant and reviewing and updating the Branch processing activities register.
• Support the Branch in developing and updating Branch policies, particularly the Branch privacy notice and internal data protection policy, to make sure they are compliant.
• Support the Branch when liaising with external specialist providers such as HR and health and safety specialists. 
• The Branch may occasionally enter into new leases with regards to its charity shops; so, liaising with external specialists for advice if it does not fall under your area of expertise. 
• To assist the Branch when developing new schemes, such as providing welfare assistance to those on low incomes, to ensure any new schemes are GDPR compliant.

Core Branch Trustee responsilities

• Appreciate and support the aims and policies of the RSPCA.
• Work in conjunction with fellow trustees and branch officers and jointly act in making decisions for the best interest of the branch and the RSPCA.
• Work with national RSPCA staff to ensure that the branch meets all minimum animal welfare standards (MAWS).
• In conjunction with your fellow trustees and Branch Partnership Manager write, adopt, monitor, and review a development plan setting out the short and long term aims of your branch.
• Actively participate in branch committee meetings and to attend the branch annual general meeting and regional conference.
• Be aware of the outcome of regional board meetings and support regional initiatives.
• Actively promote and advertise the society in an ongoing programme to recruit new branch trustees and volunteers and welcome new members.
• In conjunction with your fellow trustees, ensure the proper management and control of all activities and decisions relating to any premises held or staff employed by the branch if applicable.

What we are looking for in a volunteer:

We are committed to creating a Board which is representative of our society and in particular, our community and surrounding areas so encourage people from any background to apply for any of our opportunities.

Alongside legal and GDPR compliance experience, we are looking for someone who is committed to the RSPCA’s charitable objectives and shares our passion for animal welfare. You would be creative, innovative, bring a fresh perspective, and can put ideas into action. 

You will need to be able to work with people and have good interpersonal skills. You do not need to be an expert although commitment, common sense, and the ability to be objective are vital.

What we can offer you as a volunteer Branch Trustee

• We will provide you with a comprehensive trustee training course which will provide you with everything you need to carry out the role.
• Ongoing support is also provided by local and national RSPCA staff in addition to any additional training provided by the relevant branch.
• The platform to utilise your skills and experience to oversee the charity and make decisions that have a direct impact on local animal welfare.
• The opportunity to gain new skills and develop existing ones, whilst making a real difference to the lives of animals.
• A way to expand your professional and personal network through working with like-minded people.

Practical considerations

• Please also note that to become a Trustee, you will need to be aged 18 or over and a member of our branch for three months before you are eligible to be elected at our AGM.
• Trustees are elected for a 12-month term each year.
• Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.
• Trustees must sign a Trustee Declaration of Willingness to Act to clarify that they are not disqualified from being a trustee and read the Charity Commission’s guidance for individuals who cannot be a trustee or senior manager of a charity.
• References will also be required.

How to find out more about being a Branch Trustee

For more information on becoming a Charity Trustee, and to ensure it is the right decision for you there is some information on the RSPCA website about Branch Trustees, and we have an online session about Becoming a Branch Trustee, which should hopefully give you more of an idea of what the RSPCA Branch Trustee role will involve.

We hope you are interested in volunteering for our branch! 

Our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and trial period. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees, and dependent on the position, you may need to sign an agreement and undergo specific training before starting the role.   

War on Want believes poverty, inequality and injustice are political. They result from rigged political and economic systems that increase wealth and power for the elite few at the expense of the majority of people on earth. A better world is possible; a world free from poverty and oppression that's based on social justice, equality and human rights for all.

We’re looking to recruit a Trustee, with significant income generation and/or membership engagement experience, to help deliver these initiatives and strengthen War on Want’s continuing global impact. We are particularly keen to hear from people with lived experience of inequality or human rights issues. Greater representation from the Global South, diaspora communities, or individuals of African or African-Caribbean decent would also strengthen our Council of Management.

The deadline for applications is: 01 December 2024, 23:59 

Hampton Fund supports individuals and families on low income with a grant to help with the costs of gas and electricity; and voluntary sector organisations to provide services and activities for people in need. 

Use your professional experience in investment management, investment analysis/advice to help drive forward of our locally focused endowed foundation. Our purpose is to provide funding to relieve financial, physical and emotional hardship.

What will you be doing?

This is a great opportunity for someone keen to use their professional experience in investment management, investment analysis or investment advice to help drive forward the work of a locally focused endowed foundation. Our purpose is to provide funding to relieve the burden of financial, physical and emotional hardship in our local community of Hampton, Teddington, Twickenham and Whitton.

The perception of Richmond Upon Thames as a wealthy borough masks high levels of need and disadvantage. That means that support for those in need locally rarely comes from outside the borough which in turn means the work of local funders and voluntary sector organisations, like Hampton Fund, is critical.  Our endowment of £60m+ enables us to make grants to both individuals and community organisations of £2m-£2.5m pa.

We wish to appoint a new trustee who will have the enthusiasm, time and commitment to contribute to the work of the charity as it begins delivering an ambitious new three-year strategy.  You will be involved in making decisions on a wide range of issues, influencing the development of our work and bringing about change. You will specifically be involved in the ongoing monitoring and development of our investment strategy and selecting and monitoring the external investment managers tasked with implementing this strategy.  Broader financial and management experience will also be welcomed.

It is hoped that the candidate will have a connection to our area of benefit through either their daily life or work.

It is not necessary to have previous board committee experience as training will be provided. We encourage applications from people with a range of life experiences, ages and backgrounds.

Estimate of time needed: 0-5 hours / month or 1-3 hours / week. Approximately 9 meetings per year preferably in Hampton, or remote. Some pre-meeting comms with other members.

What are we looking for?

Professional experience in investment management, investment analysis or investment advice.

What difference will you make?

You will be involved in making decisions on a wide range of issues, influencing the development of our work and bringing about change. You will specifically be involved in the ongoing monitoring and development of our investment strategy and selecting and monitoring the external investment managers tasked with implementing this strategy.

BRANCH TRUSTEE – MARKETING AND SOCIAL MEDIA

Branch Trustee (Preston & District reg Charity No 232256)

This is an exciting opportunity to be a hands-on trustee at branch level, helping to promote kindness and prevent animal cruelty, reach out to more supporters, and influence how we do things. With your expertise and support we will achieve so much! We need volunteers who have expertise in Marketing and Social Media to help us maximise our revenue and increase engagement.You will get new skills and experience whilst enabling us to help more animals. 

Overview of the Branch Trustee opportunity

We are looking for an enthusiastic and passionate person, with a background in marketing and social media, who could devote their time to volunteer as a trustee for our RSPCA Preston & District Branch and support us in boosting our campaigns online. 

Alongside passing on your expertise, this opportunity will give you the chance to influence how we care for and prevent cruelty to animals and drive the implementation of key initiatives. You will serve on the governing body of the charity and be instrumental, alongside fellow trustees, in the running of the Branch and setting out both the short and long term aims.

As a minimum, trustees would normally be expected to attend a bi-monthly committee meeting lasting around 2 to 3 hours (virtual meetings are an option). However, the commitment may vary depending on your availability,  and if  you decide to take on additional duties.

Trustee do not need to live within the branch boundaries but occasional travel to Branch sites may be required from time to time.

About the National RSPCA

Founded in 1824 we have been saving animals for 200 years and are proud to be the oldest welfare charity around. It has always been our vision to live in a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion, so our volunteers and employees work tirelessly to ensure that all animals can live free from pain and suffering.

Through our numerous campaigns, we seek to raise standards of care, and awareness of issues affecting animals today. We rely heavily on our volunteers who play a significant role in enabling us to carry out this important animal welfare work every day!

About the RSPCA Preston & District Branch

Over 80% of the animal welfare work of the RSPCA is carried out through local Branches which are run by staff and volunteers, supported by the RSPCA National Society.Preston & District Branch has been affiliated with the National RSPCA for 150 years!A separately registered charity looking after animals in the local area and engaging with the local community.Our mission is to seek out safe homes for abandoned, neglected or abused animals who are  nursed back to health, rehabilitated and found forever loving homes.Preston & District Branch is part of a network of 140  branches, and 1 of only 8 in the North of England with an animal centre. The rehoming centre is within the Preston area (close to JCN 31 of the M6). 

RSPCA Preston & District Branch is a well established Branch with approximately 20 members of staff and 75 volunteers across 4 locations and raises all its funds locally through supporters and other income streams.

To continue helping animals in need the Branch also operates 3 charity shops in Longridge, Chorley and Penwortham (within our specified branch area) which bring in a regular income to keep our animal centre open. 

Primary responsibilities of the Branch Trustee – Marketing and Social Media

• Take the lead in assisting the Branch to generate and develop social media strategies to maximise the promotion of animal welfare, rehoming campaigns, fundraising opportunities, and engagement with local supporters.
• Support the Branch in using social media effectively and working within the social media strategy. 
• Support the Branch in ensuring any social media or marketing content is in line with RSPCA brand guidelines. 
• Responsible for feeding back key insights and performance markers to the rest of the committee at board meetings. 
• Support the Branch in promoting animal welfare campaigns and events using various digital media platforms.

Core Branch Trustee responsibilities

• Appreciate and support the aims and policies of the RSPCA.
• Work in conjunction with fellow trustees and branch officers and jointly act in making decisions for the best interest of the branch and the RSPCA. 
• Work with national RSPCA staff to ensure that the branch meets all minimum animal welfare standards (MAWS).
• In conjunction with your fellow trustees and Branch Partnership Manager write, adopt, monitor, and review a development plan setting out the short and long term aims of your branch.
• Actively participate in branch committee meetings and to attend the branch annual general meeting and regional conference.
• Be aware of the outcome of regional board meetings and support regional initiatives.
• Actively promote and advertise the society in an ongoing programme to recruit new branch trustees and volunteers and welcome new members.
• In conjunction with your fellow trustees, ensure the proper management and control of all activities and decisions relating to any premises held or staff employed by the branch if applicable.

What we are looking for in a volunteer:

• Ideally you would have some level of knowledge in the following areas- finance, legal, fundraising, project management, business experience, awareness of employment and/or charity legislation. These all can be useful to help ensure we have a sound and robust business model and long term strategic development plan, however, they are not essential.
• We are looking for people who are creative, innovative, who have experience of or are part of groups and communities we want to attract, who can bring new ideas, different experiences and fresh perspectives to the board and to help put those ideas into action. 
• We are committed to creating a Board which is representative of our society and in particular, our community and surrounding areas so encourage people from any background to apply for any of our opportunities.
• Ultimately we are looking for someone who is committed to the RSPCA’s charitable objectives and shares our passion for animal welfare. 
• You will need to be able to work with people and have good interpersonal skills. You do not need to be an expert although commitment, common sense, and the ability to be objective are vital.

About Us: Blossom LGBT CIC is a community interest company dedicated to supporting and empowering the LGBTQ+ community. We provide resources, advocacy, and a safe space for individuals to express their true selves. Our mission is to foster inclusivity, equality, and well-being for all members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Role Overview: As a Board Member of Blossom LGBT CIC, you will play a crucial role in guiding the strategic direction of the organization. You will work collaboratively with other board members and the executive team to ensure the organization fulfills its mission and achieves its goals. This is a voluntary position that requires a commitment to our values and objectives.

The Council for British Research in the Levant (CBRL) is seeking to appoint an Honorary Treasurer. CBRL is a research charity which operates the UK’s overseas research institutes in Amman and East Jerusalem and supports academic research across a broad range of subject areas – from archaeology to modern social science – in the Levant. CBRL has 12 staff across 3 locations and an income derived from government and research grants and its various activities. 

CBRL is one of the British International Research Institutes (BIRI), a network of overseas research organisations that operate in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. All the BIRI conduct research, collaborate with overseas and UK-based partners, and provide facilities, training and financial, academic and logistical support to researchers. The BIRI also run events and outreach programmes, held in the UK and overseas.

The charity has been through significant change in recent years, broadening its sources of funding and professionalising its processes.  This is expected to continue, and the Hon Treasurer will play a key role in helping to drive the Strategic Plan. 

Working with the Chair, Trustees, and senior management (Director and Financial Controller), the role of the Hon Treasurer will involve: 

• overseeing the strategic financial management of the charity to ensure that CBRL achieves a financially sustainable position and builds appropriate reserves;

• overseeing and presenting budgets, internal management accounts and annual financial statements to trustees;

• involvement, with management and other Hon Officers, in strategic planning and in presentation of plans to potential funders and stakeholders; 

• leading in the trustees’ duty to ensure that proper accounting records are kept and that effective financial procedures and controls are in place; 

• advising on the financial implications of the charity’s strategic plan; 

• board-level liaison with the external auditor; 

• ad hoc advice and support for the management team and Trustees on financial matters, policies, procedures and best practice; 

• chairing the Finance & Governance Sub-Committee; 

• supporting fundraising and sustainability initiatives to secure the future of CBRL; and 

• playing a representational role for CBRL when required. 

Southend East Community Academy Trust has a total of six schools within 1.5-mile radius of each other:

• Shoeburyness High School
• Hinguar Community Primary School
• Thorpedene Primary School
• Bournes Green Infant School
• Bournes Green Junior School
• and Richmond Avenue Primary and Nursery School

All schools were judged 'Good' at their last Ofsted inspections and serve a diverse catchment area, covering different communities and needs. There are some areas of severe deprivation and others of relative affluence. For example, Shoeburyness High has 48% pupil premium - as measure of deprivation - with high numbers of children in care, high numbers of SEND (Special Education Needs and Disability) including c.80 pupils with Education and Health Care Plans (EHCPs). SECAT is ambitious to grow further, preferably with the future addition of another secondary school.

All schools are within their budgets and the trust has suitable reserves. The current board has a good mix of expertise and skills, with good diversity in age, gender and ethnicity. This includes two trustees who are parents of children in some of the schools.

Meetings

All trustees tend to join one committee, either Curriculum & Pupil Matters or Finance, Audit & Risk. The board meets four times a year - these meetings have been mainly virtual but there is a clear desire to move to more (if not all) face to face.

Remote access will still be available but likely to become the exception rather than the norm. Meetings held at Trust HQ (SS3 9NP).

The Trust's requirements

The trust is seeking to fill two Trustee vacancies who will be able to allocate 6-8 hours per month.
The first will be someone with a background in education, while the second priority is for HR skills. Ideally, they are looking for keen volunteers who will be interested in committee chair roles as part of longer-term succession planning. The trust has two committees, Curriculum & Pupil Matters and Finance, Audit & Risk. However, this is not an immediate need.

What difference will you make?

Volunteering on an academy trust board is deeply rewarding as it allows you to impact the life chances of young people. Academy trusts support schools to give children a better future. For young people to have the best possible opportunities in later life, it’s vital we have individuals with the right expertise leading schools and holding executive teams accountable.

Becoming a trustee is a fantastic opportunity to give back to your local community by strengthening education. As well as looking for new opportunities to give something back to society, you may be looking for opportunities to build your experience in strategic decision-making at senior level or demonstrate your ability to perform in a non executive position as part of a portfolio career.

All roles are pro bono

People from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Governing boards should represent the communities they serve, as well as wider society. We welcome interest from underrepresented groups to ensure academy trust boards are diverse in background, skillset, and thought.

Diversity is a powerful instrument for effective governance. Trustees are required to make choices that impact the daily lives of children, from school finance all the way through to staff and pupil recruitment. It’s essential that boards possess a broad set of beliefs, experiences, and ideas to inform their final judgements. We believe that true representation at board level enables all children to fulfil their potential.

As Chair of Trustees you will provide strategic direction for the charity, ensuring that we are meeting the demand for our services, and making certain that we help and support people in crisis in the local community.

Key tasks

Responsibilities:

• Chair meetings so that the Board functions effectively and carries out its duties
• Ensure the Board sets an overall direction for the food bank with clear objectives
• Ensure that the business of meetings is dealt with and decisions are recorded and implemented,
• In consultation with the rest of the Board, to recruit Board members with relevant expertise and experience when required.
• Manage your charity’s resources responsibly, including ensuring the charity's assets are used only to carry out its purpose, avoid undue risk and not over-commit the charity.
• To ensure the Board regularly reviews its structure, roles and relationship to staff and implementing changes when necessary
• Ensure that there is appropriate line management in place to support the CEO.

Objectives of the food bank:

• To ensure that the Trustee Board develops a long term strategy for the food bank with clear objectives which can be monitored and adapted.
• Ensure an effective relationship between staff, volunteers and stakeholders
• To plan with the CEO an annual schedule of any sub committee /steering group meetings and other key events which Board members should attend
• To work alongside the CEO to ensure there is appropriate communication between the Trustee Board and staff, volunteers and any other stakeholders.

Other responsibilities along with the Board of Trustees, include:

• To work alongside the Treasurer to ensure the organisation's financial dealings are systematically accounted for and on time, independently examined and made publicly available when necessary.
• Ensure your charity is accountable actively complying with statutory accounting and reporting requirements and the law.
• 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 legislations and good practice, including employment , health and safety, equal opportunities, safeguarding & GDPR compliance/data protection.
• Act with reasonable care and skill, giving your time, thought and energy to your role.
• Promote the food bank in the community.

What are we looking for?

Applicants should have:

• A knowledge and passion for your local community.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Willingness to actively participate in discussions concerning needs of the food bank's beneficiaries, staff, and the Trustee Board.
• Willingness to act in the best interest of the charity.
• Sound, independent judgement, and the ability to think creatively.
• Working effectively as a team member and demonstrating a willingness to learn, develop and collaborate.
• A knowledge of and commitment to the work of Leeds North and West foodbank.
• An ability to lead a Trustee team in a supportive and confident manner.
• Excellent meeting and presentation skills

Whatever your background, we want to make sure you are supported and empowered and enjoy your time volunteering with us. We know that having volunteers from a diverse range of backgrounds, with varying experiences, can help to make what we do as effective as possible. As such, we welcome all applicants regardless of age, religion or beliefs, disability, ethnic background, gender reassignment, sex, or sexual orientation. We also encourage those with lived experience of poverty to apply.

We need a Trustee / Treasurer. SNMH is now looking for people who have an interest in mental health and the services provided for people with mental health issues to join us as a trustee. At present we have 6 trustees who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Board. We are now looking to expand our capability by appointing a trustee with financial management skills and expertise to help us monitor and manage the charity – and to assist in the delivery of our sustainability plan.