Trustee Volunteer Roles

Brighton Youth Centre are looking for Trustees, if you have an understanding of the importance of Youth Work, delivering Young People's lives, and are looking to join a board of trustees, please read on! 

Would you like to play a significant role in supporting the emotional and social development of children and young people and breaking down barriers to inclusion? Do you have a particular passion for the arts and creativity? Our Trustees play a vital role, not just promoting our work but helping to define and develop it. 
(Voluntary - unpaid. Reasonable travel and other expenses reimbursed)

SKILLS REQUIRED:

We are looking, in particular, for one or more of the following skills/experience to complement our existing Trustees.

- Treasurer

- Legal

- PR/Communications

- HR

- Fundraising (Major Donors)

You don't need to have been a trustee before as training will be provided. We’re very open to hear from all applicants!

At Brighton Youth Centre we embrace diversity. We feel passionate that our Trustee board should be truly representative of the people it serves. We’re therefore encouraging applicants from all backgrounds and (especially those) from Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups. We are also keen to add more voices from younger trustees or non-male backgrounds, helping us better reflect the demographic we serve.

WHAT WE CAN DO FOR YOU:

We recognise volunteering with us as a two-way process and are keen to ensure you get the most out of your time with us.

TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT

We provide opportunities for training and development including child protection, Trustee Training as well as chances to improve your public speaking.

ACCESSIBLE MEETINGS

We want all of our meetings to be accessible to all, therefore our meetings and papers will be written and spoken about in simple language. Additionally. any actions required such as closed captions and extra induction support shall be offered as and where required. 

We endeavour to circulate board papers 2 weeks before the meetings and are always open to new ideas and ways to make our Board as accessible as possible.

TO APPLY:

Please email us with

- Your CV or LinkedIn URL

- A short covering letter (max 1 side of A4) OR a short video explaining what you think you would bring to the role.

MORE ABOUT BYC:

About Us

Established in 1917, Brighton Youth Centre is Brighton's leading youth project, with 100 year history of delivering services in the city. It's a thriving hub of activity providing a central hub for the city's youth work and attracting over 1500 young people every year from across the city.

It is truly a citywide resource for young people who come from every area of the city to access it's services. It is also notably very effective in engaging older teenagers: 57% of our young people are age 16+.

“My favourite part of the week is coming to BYC, having a conversation with the youth workers and interacting with all the activities put on for the day. I enjoy making new friends and having a space that really feels like my own where I can really be myself and not have to worry about judgement.” Young Person

Brighton Youth Centre is a safe space where all the young people have the freedom to be themselves, come together, learn from each other, and challenge themselves to make a difference in their own lives and the lives of their community. We place their voices, aspirations, and concerns at the heart of everything we do because we believe all children and young people deserve to be taken seriously.

We work with over 20 partner organisations and projects who use the centre as their base including specialist services for young people who are care experienced, on the autistic spectrum, LGBTQI+, asylum seekers, experience mental ill health or homelessness such as Brighton and Hove Pupil Referral Unit, Allsorts Youth Project, YMCA Downslink and Mascot, and youth arts and creative industries organisations like Southeast Dance, Block Builders, Miss Represented and Art In Mind.

Role Profile

Safe Passage International is looking for people to join our Board of Trustees who are passionate about our mission to champion safe passage for people seeking asylum. 

We would particularly welcome applications from people who have lived (personal) experience of having to leave their home and cross borders in search of asylum and from people from Black, Asian, and other Minoritised Ethnic communities. 

We are particularly seeking expertise in the following areas:

• UK and, international / EU law and public policies on the subject of asylum-seeking and immigration.

Safe Passage International has offices in the UK, France, and Greece, and we welcome international applicants with the expertise we require.

Whether you have been a Trustee before or are considering a Trustee role for the first time, we want to hear from you!

About Safe Passage International

Safe Passage International (SPI) is a charity that champions the rights of people seeking asylum and displaced people as they flee persecution. We use the law to help them access safe routes to a place of safety and we work alongside them to campaign for change and build public support for safe passage for all.

We have a particular focus on supporting unaccompanied children and young people to reunite with family and reach protection in Europe, although we also work with adults and family groups too.

We are based in the UK, with small offices also in France and Greece. These offices are locally registered not for profit companies who are part of Safe Passage International, overseen by the international UK Board of Trustees. 

Safe Passage International advances its mission through five main strands of work:

• providing legal advice to asylum-seekers and their family members to help them be safely and legally reunited;
• holding governments and decision-makers to account on their legal obligations to people seeking asylum;
• campaigning and advocacy with policy makers in Government, Parliament, and other authorities to provide safe and legal routes for people seeking asylum;
• helping young people seeking asylum to settle upon arrival and working with them to campaign on issues that they are passionate about;
• Improving public awareness of the need for safe routes.

About our Board of Trustees

Joining the Safe Passage International Board means playing a leading role in a charity that supports people seeking asylum to access safe routes and reunite with family. By contributing your skills and perspective, you have the opportunity to support them to find safety. 

SPI is run by a Board of Directors known as Trustees. The Trustees work on a voluntary basis to uphold the core purpose of the charity, set its strategy, and protect its reputation. They are also responsible for overseeing the charity’s finances and ensuring that the charity’s activities fulfil its aims and are in line with charitable rules and regulations.

SPI’s existing Board currently has ten Trustees who between them have expertise by experience and / or knowledge and experience in the areas of safeguarding and casework, campaigning and advocacy, EU policies and law, finance, HR, leadership development, public policy, and governance.

It is very important that the Board’s decision-making is informed by the perspectives of people seeking asylum. We value the powerful insight that lived experience brings to the Board. We also respect that people’s identity is not defined by their past experiences and do not expect candidates to describe their lived experience during the interview process unless they wish to. 

What support will you receive?

We welcome applications from people without prior experience of being a Trustee, as well as those who have been on Boards before. As part of our commitment to supporting a diverse and effective Board we will provide you with:

• Full induction
• Training sessions
• Guidance
• An experienced Trustee to buddy with   you
• Expenses (travel to meetings)

What is a Trustee at Safe Passage International expected to do?

The overriding duty of all charity trustees is to advance the purposes of their charity as well as several basic legal duties. You can find out more about Trustees’ legal responsibilities here.

As a new Trustee, you will be a full and equal Board member. The Board of Trustees works closely with the Chief Executive and Senior Leadership Team of Safe Passage International to achieve its mission, and is responsible for providing support, guidance, and decisions in the following areas:

• Leadership: appointing the Chief Executive, supporting them in their role and holding them accountable.
• Accountability: ensuring that Safe Passage International is transparent and accountable to the public, our beneficiaries, and our donors about the way we carry out our mission and the way we spend the funds our supporters entrust to us.
• Strategic thinking: helping the charity to set goals and objectives, and work towards achieving them.
• Financial Oversight: including a formal review of the charity’s annual budget and supporting the Senior Leadership Team in financial management and organisation.
• Fundraising: including helping the charity to gain access to potential donors and supporters and providing general advice on areas of fundraising.
• Guidance and Support: including advising, where appropriate, the Chief Executive and Senior Leadership Team in areas such as employee management, strategic choices, and legal requirements.

Time Commitment and Expectations: If selected to join Safe Passage Internationals Board of Trustees, you will be expected to:

• Attend a range of training sessions prior to your first board meeting
• Attend 4 Board Meetings per year, plus one Strategy Day (in person where possible, otherwise   electronically).
• Read required Board documents before each meeting and be ready to ask questions and actively contribute to the Board’s discussion
• If requested, ad-hoc meetings on particular subjects
• Join a sub-committee to contribute to a specific area
• Attend occasional meetings with members of the public, for example with Safe Passage International’s supporters, or with politicians and policymakers
• Be an ambassador for the charity and for young people seeking asylum
• Collaborate and work with Safe Passage International’s staff as required. The successful appointee will be required to apply for an enhanced DBS or criminal record check, but a criminal record is not necessarily a barrier to being appointed to this role.

Safe Passage International’s Board members are appointed for a term of three years, which can be renewed. Throughout your time as a Trustee, we are committed to supporting your growth and offer access to relevant courses and development opportunities to help you build your skills and maximise your impact

Like all other charities, Safe Passage International’s Board members are volunteers. The role is therefore unpaid. However, SPI will pay for your travel to meetings and other necessary expenses.

How to apply

If you are interested in applying to become a Trustee and would like to find out more about our work and existing Board, we would be pleased to set up a conversation with our Chair of Trustees. Similarly, if you are excited by the idea of becoming a Trustee but are unsure if you have the right experience, we encourage you to reach out to discuss the role and the skills and experiences you think are relevant.

To apply, please send a copy of your CV and a Cover letter (no more than 2 pages) addressing the following points:

• Why you wish to join the Safe Passage International Board
• What skills and experiences you would bring to the Board, with reference to those listed in the role profile, including lived experience of seeking asylum

Email applications with the Email Subject Line: First name, Surname, Trustee Application. Attachments should be titled First name, Surname Cover Letter or CV.

Application Deadline: Wednesday, 20th November 2024 at 11.59 pm

Interview Date: Wednesday, 4th December 2024

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.

About the role

Solent Mind’s Board of Trustees are jointly responsible for the charity’s governance, ensuring we deliver against the organisation’s purpose, use our resources wisely and uphold our values and legal duties. Solent Mind trustees are also Directors of Solent Mind, (a company limited by guarantee and governed by company law).

As Trustee, you will join the Board of Trustees and share responsibility for the charity's overall governance. This includes setting a clear strategic direction, goals, and policies to deliver services to agreed outcomes. You will also be responsible for the charity’s financial health, financial accountability and control.

Your role will also work closely with the Senior Management Team (SMT) and support staffs to develop positive and productive relationships with partners, including corporate, statutory and voluntary organisations as well as individual supporters and members.

We currently have two positions available. 

About you

We seek Trustees who can build relationships internally with staff, and externally with key stakeholders, with the ability to influence and act as an ambassador for Solent Mind.

We are looking for candidates who represent the broad diversity of the communities we serve, and in the specific areas of expertise set out in this pack.

Experience of fundraising in a charitable organisation would be most welcome in light of diminishing statutory funding.

We actively welcome and encourage applications from people with lived experience of mental health, from diverse communities within Hampshire. 

About us

Solent Mind is the largest mental health charity in Hampshire, supporting over 48,000 people with mental health interventions annually. It is part of a network of 125 local Minds in England and Wales, which are independent charities affiliated to Mind, the national mental health charity. Solent Mind has its own Board of Trustees and raises its own funds to deliver its services, support and training tailored to the needs of people living in Hampshire, Southampton, Portsmouth, and the Isle of Wight. Solent Mind has a Gold award for Workplace Wellbeing Index 2022/2023 and has signed up to be a Mindful Employer.

For details on how to apply for this role, please click the 'how to apply' button. 

Closing date for applications: 25 November 2024.

Interviews: 4 December 2024.

Please note that we may close vacancies before the advertised closing date if we receive a sufficient number of applications. Therefore, we recommend submitting your application as early as possible.

We welcome applications from all the communities in which we work. We also positively encourage applications from people with lived experience of mental health to apply for roles within Solent Mind. Appointments are made on merit.

Posts may be subject to a relevant DBS check.

Solent Mind welcomes applications from all the communities in which we work. Appointments are made on merit.

Registered Charity No: 1081116. Registered with Limited Liability in England and Wales No: 4004500.

• Voluntary (expenses paid)
• Approximately 4-8 hours per month
• Board Meetings take place in London Bridge. Most sub-committee meetings take place virtually via Video Conference

South East London (SEL) Mind was formed through the merger of Bromley, Lewisham & Greenwich Mind and Lambeth & Southwark Mind in January 2024. We are a highly regarded, innovative local charity working alongside people with mental health problems and dementia in their local communities to improve their quality of life. With an annual turnover of £8m, 250 staff and over 200 volunteers, we are one of the largest charities in the Mind network.

We are seeking to add to the expertise of our experienced, professional Board of Trustees. All our Trustees need excellent communication skills, the ability to work effectively as part of a team, strategic vision and good, independent judgement.

In this recruitment, we are particularly seeking people with experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Legal
• Fundraising
• Marketing and Communications
• IT/Facilities/Property management
• Lived experience that will bring further diversity to the Board

Inclusion is one of our core values and we see great benefits in having a diverse Board. We would therefore strongly encourage applications from the following, currently under-represented, groups:

• People from Global Majority backgrounds
• LGBTQ+ people
• People aged under 35

Closing date: Sunday 24 November (11:59pm)

Likely Interview date: 04 or 05 December 

More details, including how to apply, can be found in the recruitment pack on our website.

Successful applicants will be expected to undergo a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service check

Registered Charity: 1082972

Come and join the Board of Trustees at Caspari Foundation, the home of educational psychotherapy training. As a charity, we rely on the enthusiasm, knowledge, and experience of our brilliant trustees to support our small team. If you’re passionate about education and children’s mental health, we’d love to hear from you.

We are looking for:

Chair of Trustees with knowledge and experience of one or more of the subjects below:

· Education (any level and Senior Leadership / policy level)

· Psychotherapy

· Finance / Fundraising

· Marketing

· Network / Advocacy

We’d prefer you to have previous experience as a trustee, and of working with a small business and small charity. We’d also like you to be aware of and sensitive to the pressures faced by a small team working with limited resources.

About us:

Caspari Foundation is the UK’s only provider of educational psychotherapy in schools, and the UK’s leading trainer in this field. This approach was pioneered by Irene Caspari in the 1970s and bridges the gap between education and therapy.

It offers a safe way for children to explore and make sense of experiences that may be blocking their development. The aim is to help them to learn about themselves, improve their relationships with peers and staff, and gain confidence. Together, this enables them to experience the joy of learning.

The Caspari Foundation does not discriminate on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, marital or civil partner status, gender identity, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, disability, age, class or culture.

Caspari Foundation is forward thinking, progressive and fully committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).  We expect all prospective trustees to be engaged with their own learning in this area.

Commitment:

· Trustees are volunteer positions

· Three meetings a year (one per term, dates agreed with trustees)

· Further ad hoc (up to three) meetings a year to support the charity’s running and decision-making process

· All meetings are on Zoom. There may also be in-person meetings in future.

· Share knowledge, skills, and experience, and keep up to date on developments in area of specialism

· Take an active role in managing the charity, contribute to regular decision-making, and, if appropriate, act as an informal mentor to employees

· Successful applicants will sign up to a (renewable) three-year term

We’re passionate about making the countryside in Berkshire a better place for everyone to enjoy. As Chair, we expect an interest in how land is used and a willingness to learn how CPRE works with the planning system to protect the countryside and green spaces.

By volunteering with CPRE Berkshire you’ll be helping to find positive solutions for the issues facing the countryside and the environment. By applying your skills and experience you can make a real difference and be a central part of a friendly and dynamic charity. 

We’re ideally looking for someone with leadership and charity board experience and a passion for environmental and countryside issues. 
Candidates should have an interest in how land is used and a willingness to learn how CPRE works through the planning system to protect the countryside and green spaces.
We work to promote, enhance and protect the countryside in Berkshire. Could you provide leadership to help us to achieve our vision and ensure the long-term success of our charity?

What you will be doing

· Providing strategic leadership to our charity and supporting fundraising, membership and engagement initiatives

· Ensuring our charity meets constitutional and governance requirements

· Ensuring the financial integrity and long-term sustainability of our charity

· Ensuring board and subgroup meetings and our AGM are held on a regular basis

· Building relationships and representing CPRE at community, council and partnership meetings

· Liaising with local CPREs, regional groups and national CPRE

· Supporting trustees and volunteers and identifying candidates for succession

· Safeguarding the good name and values of our charity

· Providing or arranging line management of any employees

· Advocating the work of CPRE through public speaking and media interviews

· Chairs also represent our charity by being the voting member at national CPRE.

The skills you need

· A commitment to CPRE policies, brand, campaigns and initiatives

· Some previous experience in leadership, management and organisational development

Good interpersonal skills with the ability to demonstrate diplomacy, impartiality, respect and confidentiality 

Barnsley Community and Voluntary Service is in an exciting phase of development.  After recently hiring a strategic and forward-looking CEO, we are seeking to diversify the Barnsley CVS board to provide a strong governance framework and fresh thoughts and ideas.

The Barnsley CVS play an instrumental role in ensuring the voluntary, charity and social enterprise (VCSE) sector fully realises it’s potential in Barnsley.  To do this, we work closely with the council and the NHS to gather, understand and respond to the ever-developing needs of the population of Barnsley.  Simultaneously, we empower and provide leadership to the charity and voluntary sector to be a key player in these strategies.  We aim to achieve this by supplying capacity building support for charities; provide opportunities for greater partnership working and collaborations; identify avenues to amplify the voices of the most marginalised communities; and understand and share the needs of the people in Barnsley to forge change.

If you are passionate about the VCSE sector in Barnsley and the potential it holds to change the lives of those who live and work here; we are seeking your thoughts, ideas and insights to propel Barnsley CVS to it’s next stage of development.

We are specifically looking for skills in:

· Financial knowledge and/or accounting

· Business strategy and/or fundraising

· Property law or management

· Legal

· HR

· Communications

· Someone who works within a Barnsley based charity and is well connected to understand the wider needs of VCSE’s in the area

To help us with diverse thought and challenge, we are particularly keen to welcome applications from those from the global majority, working or student age, first time trustees or those who consider themselves to have experienced additional barriers in life.

If this is your first time applying for, or becoming a trustee, we will look to provide training and/or mentorship to help you understand your role.

Role

You will be responsible, along with the other trustees, for providing accountability to the CEO and executive team to ensure they are carrying out their legal and strategic responsibilities for the organisation and that the charity is closely aligning itself with its charitable mission and aims.

This could look like:

- Reading the finances and asking astute questions on income and expenditure

- Contributing to the development of new strategies

- Looking through risk assessments/risk registers to check the charity understands and responds to risk

- Providing your expertise in a specific area such as developing a new income stream; writing or checking property management procedures; assisting with a new social media strategy

- Checking that policies meet the current standards of practice

- Representing the charity at public events

- Connecting the Barnsley CVS to people or organisations of influence

- And many more exciting and varied tasks

Commitment

The board currently meet once every two months, and you may be asked to go to occasional meetings or events in between these.  You will be expected to read papers in the week leading up to the meeting and contribute towards discussions and decisions.

What you will get

- Excellent board and governance experience useful for developing into leadership

- A deeper understanding of finances and strategy

- The chance to impact Barnsley on a wider level

- Opportunities to make new connections and speak in to places of influence

- Social occasions and events to meet staff or others in the community

- Reimbursement of necessary expenses

- Tea and biscuits ��

Application

Please send your CV and a short covering letter about why you would like to be considered for trusteeship to us by the 15th December.  If you will struggle to provide a CV, please email us to have a conversation, we do not want this to be a barrier.

We may hold informal interviews as we receive applications depending on the time commitments of the current board and applicants.  Alternatively, they will be held after the closing date and into the new year.

Age UK Milton Keynes is looking for keen individuals to join our Board - people who want to make a real and positive difference on quality of life for older people and would like to share their skills and ideas for the benefit of the charity. 

Age UK Milton Keynes is a local independent charity working to improve the quality of life for all the older people living in Milton Keynes.  We do this by providing a range of services which help people to stay in their own homes.  We also provide a social network to help keep our clients involved with their community as well as working closely with other organisations who can provide support.

As our organisation represents all older people in Milton Keynes, it is important that our Board also represents our diverse community.  Therefore, we encourage applications from a broad range of applicants, especially currently under-represented groups.

You will be willing to apply your skills and experience in regular Board meetings, (4 per year all day), Trustee only meetings (2 per year) as well as other ad hoc meetings around your subject matter expertise as may be needed. 

We welcome enthusiastic and focused applicants who can offer knowledge and expertise in the following areas:

• Fundraising
• Financial Management
• Social Care Sector
• Governance
• Equity Diversity and Inclusion

However, if your skills lie in other directions, we would still love to hear from you!

The Board is looking to establish more robust succession planning for the Chairperson and Treasurer - so would welcome such ambitions, leadership and expertise in new members.

Whether you’re an experienced Trustee or wanting to take your first step, we would like to hear from you.

PLEASE NOTE THAT UNFORTUNATELY WE ARE UNABLE TO TAKE APPLICANTS WHO ARE NOT RESIDENT IN THE UK

We are delighted to be working in partnership with the Manchester United Foundation, to appoint new Trustees to join the board. 

The Foundation brings Manchester United to the heart of the local community by delivering a diverse range of educational, leadership, and personal development initiatives to some of the most disadvantaged areas across Greater Manchester. These initiatives are designed to develop young people to achieve and fulfil their potential.

As a Trustee, you will not only fulfil your general and statutory duties but also bring your unique knowledge and expertise to ensure sound decision-making by the Board. This is an opportunity to make a lasting difference and be a part of shaping a brighter future for the community the Foundation serves.

Successful candidates must be able to demonstrate at least one of the following:

• Strong business and commercial acumen 
• A track record of engaging with diverse stakeholders and external partners to achieve strategic and contractual goals
• Experience managing large budgets and ensuring allocated funds are maximised against agreed programme activity and objectives
• Knowledge of public affairs or media and communications

We are seeking individuals who possess the ability to work strategically and thrive in collaborative team environment. We value integrity and encourage constructive challenges when necessary. If you are driven by a genuine passion for the work of the Foundation, particularly its dedication to empowering young people and benefiting local communities across Greater Manchester, then we would love to hear from you. 

For more information, please contact Adam Stacey, Managing Director, Charisma Charity Recruitment. To apply, visit the Charisma website and complete the application process. Please remember to include your CV and a supporting statement along with your submission.

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or other category protected by law.

Location: Manchester / London / Hybrid 

Closing date: 12 December 2024

Interviews are due to take place in January 2025.

Applications are being reviewed throughout the process. Charisma interviews will need to be completed by close of play on Monday 16 December in preparation for shortlisting on 18 December.

Community engagement charity Sobus is looking for talented, passionate individuals to join our Board of Trustees.  We are looking for a new Trustee Treasurer to help guide the charity through a time of exciting opportunity and development.

It's an exciting time for Sobus, as we look to refresh our service offer, and maximise the investment opportunity following the disposal of a property in early 2024.

Our overarching aim is to “strengthen local communities”, through the provision of infrastructure support to the local voluntary sector in the borough of Hammersmith & Fulham and supporting business communities around our North Kensington hub. 

Our work is focussed on five main areas:

• Voice & Representation
• Information & Intelligence
• Brokerage & Partnerships
• Capacity Building & Business Support
• Affordable Premises (through the provision of our business hubs in Fulham and North Kensington)

Trustee Treasurer: We are seeking a committed individual with a proven, professional track record of financial management and leadership at the highest level, and a sound understanding and experience of the voluntary sector.  We need someone with significant experience of leading long-term strategic development and driving financial sustainability.

You will share our vision and want to take a leading role in our journey to be recognised as an outstanding organisation. It would be a significant advantage if you have an understanding or experience of working in the voluntary and community sector, and even more so if you are a current or former resident of Hammersmith & Fulham or have a tangible, established and current connection with the area.

Sobus was formed in 2014 following a merger between the Community & Voluntary Sector Association and Fulham Community Partnership Trust. However, we were first established as the local CVS in Hammersmith & Fulham in 1998. 

Sobus is fully committed to equality of opportunity and diversity to ensure that we reflect the full breadth of the people that we support. We therefore warmly welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

Selection process:

Candidates are requested to complete an application and a equalities monitoring form., and if shortlisted, an interview with our outgoing Treasurer, Chair of the Board of Trustees and the CEO.  t

For an informal discussion about the position, of for the Job Description and application form, contact the Sobus CEO, Sue Spiller

Join us and help support a small Southwark based charity working with adults with learning disabilities

We are looking for new trustees to join our purpose driven and welcoming Board of Trustees in our work to enhance the lives of adults with learning disabilities through music, art, dance, drama, cooking and gardening.

This is an exciting time to join us, with opportunities to contribute and to help shape our future. If you are thoughtful and energetic and want to help make a difference, please apply. We welcome those who have no experience of being a trustee and will provide induction and support. Commitment and enthusiasm is more important.

We want a Board that reflects our community. We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from all individuals. We strongly encourage applications from the Black, racially minoritized and other under-represented communities, and people with experience of learning disability – either personally, professionally, as a carer or a volunteer. This will help us draw on a wide range of knowledge, interests and skills when making the decisions that will improve the lives of our service users.

We would like new trustees to have some of these interests and skills but not all:

Service user engagement, raising funds, digital delivery, helping board meetings to run smoothly and knowledge about learning disabilities.

As a trustee, you will be involved in key decision making to ensure this charity is well managed and delivers a good service for our users.  The Board meets 4-5 times a year.  There are opportunities for trustees to become involved in projects and working groups.

Chair of Trustee -  a visionary leader for an exceptional charity supporting children, young people and families.

About Grief Encounter:

Grief Encounter is a leading charity dedicated to providing transformative bereavement support for children, young people, and their families. With a compassionate approach and evidence-based programmes, we empower those navigating the complexities of grief, with the mission to ensure that no child grieves alone. As we embark on an exciting new chapter of growth and innovation, we seek an exceptional individual to lead our Board as Chair of Trustees.

Role Overview:

This pivotal position will require a visionary leader who is not only passionate about our work but also possesses the strategic acumen to guide the charity in its mission to support bereaved families, As Chair, you will work closely with our talented Board, management team, and stakeholders to drive our vision, foster impactful partnerships and ensure governance excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic leadership to the Board, setting a clear vision and direction for Grief Encounter.
• Oversee the effective governance of the charity, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and ethical standards
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive culture within the Board and across the organization.
• Represent Grief Encounter at key events, fundraising initiatives, and public engagements, acting as an ambassador for the charity.
• Cultivate relationships with stakeholders, partners, and the community to enhance awareness and support for our mission.
• Lead the Board's performance evaluation processes, ensuring continuous improvement and strategic alignment.

What we are looking for:

• Proven experience in a senior leadership role, preferably in the charity sector or with organizations focused on mental health, education, or social care,
• Strong understanding of governance, financial management, and strategic planning in a non-profit context.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to inspire and engage a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Demonstrated passion for supporting bereaved children and families, with a commitment to advancing their needs.
• A track record of successful relationship-building and influence within organizational or community settings.

What We Offer:

• The opportunity to lead a respected charity making a difference in the lives of children and families experiencing loss.
• A collaborative and dynamic Board committed to innovation and excellence in bereavement support.
•  Networking opportunities with influential leaders, stakeholders, and supporters in the non-profit sector.
• A chance to shape the future of Grief Encounter, driving impactful initiatives and contributing to our strategic growth.

Join Grief Encounter in leading the charge for change and healing, ensuring that every child and family receives the compassionate support they need during their most challenging times.

Grief Encounter is an equal-opportunity organisation. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all.

Trustees

Overall Purpose

The Board of Trustees is responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity, developing the organisation’s aims, objectives and goals in accordance with the governing document, legal and regulatory guidelines.

Main Responsibilities

• To ensure that the charity, and its representatives, function within the legal and regulatory framework of the sector and in line with the organisations’ governing document, continually striving for best practice in governance.
• To uphold the fiduciary duty invested in the position, undertaking such duties in a way that adds to public confidence and trust in the charity.
• To take appropriate professional advice in all matters where there may be material risk to the charity, or where the Trustees may be in breach of their duties. This course of action will ensure the obligation to exercise their duty of care.
• To determine the overall direction and development of the charity through good governance and clear strategic planning.
• To avoid any personal conflict of interest.

Main Duties

• Ensuring the charity complies with legislative and regulatory requirements, and acts within the confines of its governing document and in furtherance to organisational activities contained therein.
• Acting in the best interest of the charity, beneficiaries and future beneficiaries at all times.
• Promoting and developing the charity in order for it to grow and maintain its relevance to society.
• Maintaining sound financial management of the charity’s resources, ensuring expenditure is in line with the organisation’s objects and that its investment activities meet accepted standards and policies.
• Interviewing, appointing and monitoring the work and activities of the senior paid staff.
• Ensuring the effective and efficient administration of the charity and its resources, striving for best practice in good governance.
• Acting as a counter-signatory on charity cheques and any applications for funds, if appropriate.
• To maintain confidentiality about all sensitive/confidential information received in the course of trustee’s responsibilities to the charity.
• Planning and setting trustee meetings and AGMs.
• Whilst there is no formal requirement to live in or near south London, trustees are expected to attend in-person meetings on a small number of occasions each year, including at PECAN.

Accountable to

As trustees are responsible for the governance and functioning of the charity, they are accountable in varying degrees to a variety of stakeholders, including: service-users, members, funders, the Charity Commission, and Companies House. Close attention must be given to the governing document.

Skills

Property (building management/surveying); legal; financial; fundraising; change management; and IT/digital; other applicants meeting the advertised criteria are also sought.

Please download a copy of the Trustee Recruitment Pack for more information.

For more information on how to apply, please view our information pack

Since 1971, Refuge has led the campaign against domestic abuse. On any given day, our services support thousands of survivors, helping them to overcome the physical, emotional, financial and logistical impacts of abuse and rebuild their lives - free from fear.

Trustees oversee Refuge’s governance, compliance, strategy and planning.  Our watchwords are openness, inclusion, challenge and support in equal measure, and we bring a range of different experiences, professional backgrounds and skillsets to this vital work. The Treasurer is a specialist trustee role, working closely with the Chair of Trustees, the Chief Executive and Director of Corporate Services.

About you

We’d love to hear from senior finance, audit and risk professionals with knowledge and expertise in:

• Working with the Board to develop a medium-term financial strategy that ensures we use our limited resources to deliver our mission and strategic purpose. This will include overseeing long-term financial performance and managing risk in a complex organization with a breadth of services and multiple sources of income.

Sector background is less important than the ability to work collaboratively with others, focus on the important issues and offer sound judgement and advice

We value your time. Our Trustee Board meets six times a year (including two strategy days), with four meetings a year usually taking place in London. You will also be a member of our Audit & Risk and Resources sub-committees, which meet four times a year. 

Please note that expenses are reimbursed.

We welcome applications to extend the diversity of its membership and expertise from all sectors of the community. 

Closing date:  09:00 am on Monday 25 November 2024

Interview Date:Week commencing 2 December 2024

Refuge is a feminist organisation striving for inclusivity and equality, and we want to be an organisation that is reflective of the communities we serve; therefore, we actively encourage and welcome applications from candidates of diverse cultures, perspectives and lived experience. We are also proud to be a Disability Confident employer.