Trustee Volunteer Roles

Volunteering opportunity: The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain is seeking new Trustees 

Join us as a Trustee at The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain! As a registered charity, we’re seeking dedicated individuals to guide us in fulfilling our mission with integrity and passion.

Responsibilities include shaping strategic direction, safeguarding the organisation’s values, ensuring financial stability, and actively contributing to board decisions. Trustees play a key role in promoting openness, honesty, and leadership.

We’re looking for committed individuals with a love for brass banding and youth music, and expertise in areas like arts management, funding development, audience development, marketing and communication.

We hold four trustee meetings a year - three online (typically 2-3hrs) one in person (full day). Estimated annual time commitment 20hrs per year. You are also encouraged to attend performances and events.

If you’re ready to make a meaningful impact, join us on this exciting journey! We are seeking applications from a broad range of backgrounds and ages. Don't be put off if this is would be your first charity trusteeship - to develop greater youth voice, applications from under 25s are also welcome.

Are you passionate about making a positive impact in your community? Do you believe in empowering survivors of domestic abuse? If so, we invite you to become a trustee for our well-established domestic abuse charity.

About Us:

Independent Choices Greater Manchester provides advice and support for survivors of domestic abuse in Greater Manchester. We offer a confidential helpline that offers survivors information about their legal options for safety, housing options, refuge availability, safety planning, contacting, and reporting to the police as well as emotional support, aimed at breaking the cycle of abuse and empowering survivors to take control of their lives through informed choices. Our helpline is accessed by survivors, friends and family and professionals who support survivors.

Position Overview:

As a trustee, you will play a pivotal role in guiding the strategic direction and governance of our organisation. Your insights, expertise, and commitment will help us fulfil our missions and aims.

You will:

• Ensure alignment with our vision, mission and values and help identify new opportunities to meet these.
• Develop the board of trustees to make the most of existing skills and experience and build capability and diversity.
• Champion an evidence-based approach to decision-making using data and evaluation from our programs to meet the needs of survivors and provide feedback to funders.
• Where relevant use your network to raise awareness of Independent Choices Greater Manchester and advocate for the needs of domestic abuse survivors within the community.
• Support our manager to identify and focus on operational priorities and efficiently build resilience amongst our team of staff and volunteers.
• Collaborate with trustees to provide strategic direction regarding the charity’s services, finances, legal, HR, communication, and partners/ stakeholders engagement.
• Ensure the board of trustees uphold the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability in all aspects of governance and decision-making.

Knowledge and Experience:

• A good understanding of the trustee role, coupled with the readiness and dedication to invest the required time, preparation, and effort to fulfil trustee duties effectively.
• Understanding or openness to learning about the intricate nature of domestic abuse and its effects on individuals, families and communities.
• Creativity and innovation in problem-solving, with a focus on driving continuous improvement and excellence.
• We are especially interested in hearing from people who have experience in any – finances, legal, HR, communication, and partners/ stakeholders engagement.

Abilities and skills:

• Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• A proactive mindset, with the willingness to dedicate time and effort to furthering the charity’s mission.
• Have a commitment to the role for at least 12 months.

Join Us:

If you share our vision and are ready to make a difference, we welcome your application to join our board of trustees.

Hi… we’re Gaddum. 

We’ve been around a while, nearly 200 years in fact. But throughout this time there has always been one constant – our trusted board of trustees who’ve guided us on our Charitable mission to empower communities and enhance lives. 

So – we’re really excited to be on the lookout for new trustees to join our board. 

Our passionate and dedicated Trustees use their skills and experience to have a direct influence on the governance, strategic objectives and running of Gaddum and the amazing work we do.  We are diverse, in our lived experience and skills, but we have a number of positions on our board where we are looking to open up to others who can bring their special something to Gaddum. 

What is the time commitment? 

Trustee terms are generally 3 years but there are exceptions. We meet every 3 months and alternate virtual and physical meetings. Face-to-face meetings are usually held in Manchester City Centre. There are also trustee subgroups that trustees can opt to join, and occasional staff and beneficiary engagement events that trustees attend, but this is not mandatory. 

What are we looking for? 

We are looking for people with all types of experience, and particularly welcome those who are from the diverse backgrounds and communities that make our city region the unique place we all know and love. 

We are particularly keen to hear from people with awareness and experience in at least one of the following 

• Lived experience of caring, mental health issues or accessing services in Greater Manchester 

• A professional background in finance, and an ability to guide a charity in it’s financial forecasting and diligence 

• Legal skills, particularly with experience of charity sector legal matters 

• Commissioning, procurement and contract management as it related to service design, delivery and purchasing. 

We are looking for an experienced senior finance leader to chair our Finance and Resources Committee (FRC). As well as principal oversight of all financial matters, you will also overlook the disposition of the investment portfolio and strategic planning for our whole property portfolio.

With multi-million pound annual cash flows from our thousands of volunteers across dozens of divisions nationwide, the role requires a deft and experienced hand as we move through the final stages of our organisational transformation and finalise Strategy 2030.

As well as attending quarterly Board meetings in Cardiff, you would Chair the FRC, which meets online with a similar frequency. Board Members setthe overall direction of the organisation whilst providing insight and constructive challenge.

Volunteering as a Trustee and Committee Chair is a unique opportunity to build your leadership skills and discover new areas of personal development whilst also supporting and setting the strategic direction within a worldwide organisation that traces its roots back a thousand years and has hundreds of thousands of volunteers worldwide.

SJAC has ambitious plans in place and we are seeking trustees to join our board helping, supporting and guiding us on our journey, willing to be strong advocates for the charity and with the ability to steer the charity towards achieving its strategic priorities.

We welcome applications of interest from all for this exciting and prestigious opportunity to join us in governing the charity, but key areas of experience we are looking for from applicants are;

Finance - a fully qualified accountant with senior level experience and strong analytical skills, you will be able to interpret and scrutinise financial reports and advise the board on the financial performance and risk profile of the charity.

We have supported people and communities across Wales since 1880. We existed before the NHS in Wales and provided the earliest medical support to those who were sick or injured.

Since March 2020, weve worked closely with NHS Wales, increasing our capacity and developing new innovative ways of working to assist and relieve the overwhelming pressure on the frontline healthcare. We are first responders and provide services for people who have fallen and those in crisis. We look after hundreds of thousands of people at over 1000 events per year from football crowds to marathon runners and night time revellers.

We continue to play a major role in strengthening community resilience and ensuring people are trained in first aid so they can be the difference between a life lost and a life saved with a blend of St John People, both employees and volunteers.

We provide the opportunity for people from all backgrounds to volunteer with us and develop their personal skills and confidence to support our charitable and income generating services whilst assisting their own career development and their community.

Were undergoing an extensive and exciting programme of modernisation preparing for our new 2025-2030 and beyond strategy. This includes a review of our existing services, financial and workforce models and were developing a rejuvenated culture aligned to our core vision and values to improve our overall people experience.

Job responsibilities

In accordance with our governance rules, our current trustee appointments run for a triennium with potential for a further triennium, presenting an exciting opportunity for suitable persons to join us in governing the charity.

Statutory duties of SJAC trustees

• Ensuring the organisation pursues our stated objects (purposes), as defined in our governing document, by developing and agreeing a long-term strategy.
• Ensuring the organisation complies with our governing document (i.e. our trust deed, constitution or memorandum and articles of association), charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
• Ensuring the organisation applies resources exclusively in pursuance of our charitable objects(i.e. the charity must not spend money on activities that are not included in our own objects, however worthwhile or charitable those activities are) for the benefit of the public.
• Safeguarding the good name and values of our organisation.
• Ensuring the organisation defines its goals and evaluates performance against agreed targets.
• Ensuring the effective and efficient administration of the organisation, including having appropriate policies and procedures in place.
• Ensuring the financial stability of the organisation.
• Protecting and managing the property of the charity and ensuring the proper investment of the charity's funds.
• Following proper and formal arrangements for the appointment, supervision, support, appraisal and remuneration of the Chief Executive.

Commitment

• Preparing for and attending quarterly in person meetings of the Board each year (currently full days during working hours).
• Attending St John Ambulance Cymru' s AGM (which usually precedes the June Board meeting).
• Being a member of, and actively participating in, at least one (usually more) of the Boards Standing Committees Audit, Risk & Governance, People, Financial Resource, Fundraising & Engagement, Digital & Data, Priory Honours & Awards which all meet at least quarterly. This will include a mixture of face-to-face, hybrid and online meetings, and the requisite preparation work and following up of actions outside the meetings.
• Supporting St John Ambulance Cymru events throughout the year, including the annual Investitures.
• Being responsive to emails and being available to offer ad hoc assistance / advice as required.
• In addition to the above statutory duties, each trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the Board of trustees reach sound decisions. This may involve scrutinising Board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise

Tushinde Children’s Trust, founded in 2010, believes the best place for children to grow up is in their family units. We work in the informal settlements of Mathare and Kiambiu of Nairobi, Kenya. Our targeted programmes and dedicated social workers provide tailored family care and access to education for the poorest families. We help families strengthen and stay together. We provide families with a path from crisis to independence. We support families to help children thrive.

Tushinde is a child-focused organisation and committed to child protection and the protection of vulnerable adults. All shortlisted candidates will be screened prior to joining the board and have background checks that may go beyond contacting referees. Every candidate, regardless of post applied for, will be expected to adhere to the principles of child protection and ensure that those around them do the same.

Tushinde is a UK registered charity, with a board of six trustees. Its programme is delivered through a Kenyan registered NGO of the same name, which has its own independent board of trustees. We are looking for up to three new trustees to join our UK board, to compliment and broaden the skills and knowledge of our existing trustees. 

The Board of trustees meets four times a year and is responsible for ensuring:

• We comply with our governing document and the law

• Act in the charity’s best interest

• Manage the charity’s resources responsibly

• Act with reasonable skill and care

• Ensure we are accountable to our stakeholders

In addition, we focus on:

• Oversight of the Kenyan operations, particularly safeguarding

• Fundraising to support our ongoing programme

• Potential partnership opportunities

• UK charity governance

Beyond the regular board meetings there are plenty of opportunities to support the organisation both in the UK and Kenya. All UK meetings are remote and are typically scheduled at 18:00 UK time.

We are looking for a flexible, committed and reliable individual who has an interest in child welfare in Africa. In addition, we would be particularly interested to hear from individuals with any of the following skills or experience:

• Fundraising, particularly growing or diversifying income streams

• Child welfare, particularly in low or middle income countries

• Risk and charity governance

• And finally, if you have experience of or a connection to Kenya or East Africa even better!

We have an exciting opportunity for someone with a desire to make a difference to join our Board of Trustees. You will bring an enthusiasm for social impact and a keen interest in helping to shape the future of a vibrant and friendly charitable social enterprise.

Who are Acorn Early Years?

Acorn Early Years is a charitable social enterprise providing childcare and early education, with day nurseries, forest schools, out-of-school clubs, and specialist early years catering and training services.  We are growing rapidly, despite the challenges facing the sector, with just over 450 employees, 16 nurseries and an expected turnover of approximately £10m this year.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for an enthusiastic individual to join our friendly team of voluntary trustees. We are committed to being representative of our communities and aim to bring together a variety of skills and experience to shape how we work, and to continually develop our model of excellence.  We are particularly keen to recruit someone with knowledge or experience of Early Years and/or Forest School. You will need to be an excellent communicator with strong leadership skills. In addition to your expertise, alignment with our values is essential, and that you are able to bring broad life experience from other aspects of your professional and personal life. We recognise that the skills of a trustee can be developed through a range of different experiences and it is not necessary to have previous experience as a trustee to apply.

Being a trustee is an unpaid role usually lasting at least three years. To carry out the duties of a trustee you will need to take part in about five board meetings each year, held in Milton Keynes. There are also specialist trustee committees which further support our work.

What difference will you make?

Our board of trustees play a very important role in our organisation, shaping and supporting our current work and the future direction and development of the organisation. As a trustee you will be joining the Trustee Board which has been making an impact since our charity was established in 2012.

To find out more or if you would like the opportunity to discuss the role before applying, please contact Sue, our HR Manager (details on our website). If you would like to apply to be an Acorn trustee, please send your CV together with a covering letter detailing your experience in the management of Human Resources to the same email address.

Iprovision is the benevolent fund of The Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR). Iprovision is currently looking for new volunteers to join its Board of Trustees.

You don’t need to be a member of the CIPR to become a Trustee of Iprovision, but you do need to be willing to donate your time – and your understanding of the challenges life can throw at us – to consider the plight of those less fortunate.

The role Iprovision plays in helping members in need is really important. For example, Iprovision provides the funding for the CIPR’s mental health hotline that gives members access to expert advice and online materials. CIPR members coping with stress, with job loss, family illnesses or other challenges can turn to Iprovision for expert advice, counselling and, in many cases, financial support. To mark CIPR’s 75th anniversary we also established an education fund to help people get into the PR profession. We plan to continue with this fund in future years.

As a registered charity, Iprovision is led by its small board of up to 12 volunteer Trustees who consider the applications from CIPR members for support. Based on advice from a professional Support worker – the Trustees make the final decision on the type and level of support to be provided. This might be a straight cash grant, or the Trustees might elect to pay for some training and coaching to help someone get back into employment.

Each applicant for support is presented to the Trustees anonymously, and decisions are taken purely on the facts presented, the situation being experienced, and the types of support that are available.

As a charity, Iprovision depends for its funding purely on the voluntary annual donations that some members pay on top of their CIPR subscriptions, and fundraising activity and events.

The Trustees have a vital role to play – driving awareness of the fund, arranging and supporting fundraising activity, and of course considering applications for support. The Trustees meet four times a year (mix of in person and hybrid meetings), and are responsible for ensuring that the charity manages its funds wisely.

Knowledge, experience and attributes

Charitable Trustees have a general obligation to:

- Act in the charity’s best interests

- Manage the charity’s resources responsibly

- Act with reasonable care and skill.

Trustees should understand the purpose and activities of the charity and ensure they are in line, and complying with the governance documents (the Memorandum and Articles of Association).

We are particularly keen to hear from people with experience or knowledge of:

- Finance and managing finances

- Supporting people with financial advice and assistance

- Digital marketing, branding and fundraising.

Support & Training

We will provide opportunities for you to learn new skills and grow your expertise as we develop our plans. We encourage a culture of learning amongst our trustees, encourage and support them to develop existing skills, which help you flourish as a trustee on our board.

Benefits

This is a volunteer role so no material rewards are offered. Benefits are non-material and include experience, the opportunity to contribute, to learn and become part of a dynamic community. You will gain lasting relationships, insight into a benevolent fund, experience of non-executive leadership and the rewards of contribution. We will reimburse out of pocket expenses, including travel to attend any Iprovision meetings.

Liability

Iprovision is a separate legal entity (it is incorporated) and this acts as a mitigation to any personal liability.

For more information: see the essential trustee: what you need to know, what you need to do. Charity Commission England & Wales.

Our terms of service

Trustees are elected to serve terms of three years with an expectation that they will serve no more than 2-3 terms of three years.

We encourage applications from all sections of society and locations and are keen to ensure continued diversity brings constructive challenge and adds to the governance and work, of the charity.

About the Role 

As a result of increased awareness and signposting for individuals receiving a positive CACNA1C diagnosis, our community is increasing in size. Therefore, we are seeking new Trustees who will take an active role in the board, bringing new skills and ideas for how to support our community, advocating for improvement to CACNA1C diagnosis, outcomes and quality of life and to support CACNA1C research initiatives.

Our new Trustees will be responsible for setting the overall strategy and direction for TSA, as well as monitoring the charity’s activity to evaluate progress towards our objectives and goals. 

This can include making sure the charity complies with regulations, overseeing financial management and monitoring financial performance, creating and implementing policies and procedures to mitigate risk, and supporting the charity’s operations. Additionally, you will also have the chance to help develop fundraising strategies, including applying for funding and grants to support TSA’s work. Whilst representing the charity externally, there will also be plenty of opportunities to advocate for TSA’s mission of supporting individuals and families affected by CACNA1C-related disorders and raising awareness for this rare disease.

FAQs

How big is the current Board and what opportunities might there be in the future?

• The board currently consists of 7 Trustees. As the charity’s turnover continues to grow, they are currently going through an evolution in their structure and the operations of the charity. This means the new Trustees will be presented with enormous opportunities to shape the future of the charity and to play a leading role on the board moving forward. As a result, it is expected that there will be an opportunity for a new Trustee to develop into the Chair of Trustees role soon.

What are you looking for in candidates?

• As a small team, we are ideally seeking those who have prior experience of being a Trustee at a UK based charity or working within the UK charity sector, who can bring demonstratable experience of navigating the challenges that face small charities.

However, we also welcome applications from candidates with an interest in or prior knowledge of charity law and compliance; the change management process; volunteer management; financial planning, processing and auditing; regulatory or policy issues; data management or fundraising. 

UK based candidates are preferred, however this is not essential. 

What time commitment do you expect from Trustees?

• As well as our Board of Trustees meetings, which currently take place 4 times a year, we ask Trustees to dedicate around 2 hours per week to the work of the charity. However, this may fluctuate during busy or quiet periods.

I haven’t heard of TSA or CACNA1C-related disorders before. Can I still be a Trustee?

• Absolutely! We are working in the rare diseases space and raising awareness is one of our key goals. Therefore, we have plenty of resources that can help you to learn more about this disorder and how it affects our community. We just ask that people have a passion for helping people and improving patient outcomes.

Benefits

As well as supporting the charity and members of the TSA community, we will provide you with opportunities to grow and develop. For example, in this role you will be able to:

Develop new professional and personal skills: Our current Board of Trustees have expertise in leadership, safeguarding, chairing meetings, strategic planning, learning and development, stakeholder engagement, marketing and branding. This is an opportunity to work with, and learn from, a new group of people and build skills in different areas. 

Take on a new challenge: The role of a Trustee is unlike many other professional positions, giving you the chance to take on a brand-new challenge which many of our Trustees find hugely motivating. Additionally, there are many challenges facing small charities as well as the wider rare diseases community, for example fundraising during a cost-of-living crisis as well as connecting with our members after the pandemic. Considering new and innovative approaches to tackle these issues is essential, pushing you to think creatively. 

• Delve into a selfless and rewarding role: Given the under-represented nature of rare diseases, as well as the challenges surrounding research, diagnosis and treatment, the work of charities like TSA is crucial. We can sometimes be a family’s only support network, so you will be deeply motivated by seeing firsthand the difference the charity makes to families. Real-life impact is at the heart of everything we do for our growing community. 

How to Apply 

We anticipate that the recruitment process will involve an initial telephone call, followed by an interview with members of the Board. Your application should be submitted by Sunday 1st September. Once applications have closed, we will be in touch in the week commencing 16th September regarding next steps. 

About the Charity

The Timothy Syndrome Alliance (TSA) is a charity set up to improve diagnosis, treatment and care of individuals with CACNA1C-related disorders, including Timothy Syndrome and LongQT8, and to support the families and carers of those diagnosed worldwide. The charity it is run entirely by families and volunteers, who work with scientists, researchers and medical professionals. 

We Stand are recruiting a number of Board of Trustee Volunteers.

We Stand is the only national charity that specialises in helping non-abusing parents and carers to protect and support their sexually abused children.

Our Mission is to provide support in a non - judgmental environment for non abusing parents and carers of sexually abused children. 

Our Services help families at a time of extreme trauma caused by child sexual abuse – providing emotional and practical support to young victims, siblings and non-abusing parents/carers so that they can move on positively with their lives together. 

We are in exciting times as we develop new services across the UK and have recently launched a new program of work in Wales.

We Stand is run by a Board made up of Trustees. We are seeking committed and passionate individuals, we are  particularly interested in applications from those with the following experience but also we are interested in applicants from diverse backgrounds and experiences, to support our work. 

• Charity finance/funding experience - Individuals with day-to-day experience of setting and managing charity budgets. 

• HR experience 

• Legal experience, ideally experience within family law. 

Previous board experience not required

Expectations

• Actively participate in board meetings (which occur once every 6 weeks, on Tuesday evenings), and working groups where required 

• Oversee the strategic direction of the organisation, supporting its development through good governance

• Use personal skills, expertise and time to support the organisation’s development

• Undertake tasks required by the Board from time to time - such as recruitment 

Forward Funding is a charity that is currently in the set-up phase - we are looking for 4 additional trustees to join the set-up team.

Forward Funding is a charity that will use funds to aid in funding private diagnosis and support through other charities and organisations to support people with developmental, physical and mental health conditions.

There is a focus for the charity specifically on working with people who are neurodivergent, but the charity will be formed to create a better road for anyone who is struggling to have treatment through the current state funded options.

We are looking for people who have a background in finance, funds, fundraising, mental health and developmental condition support, as well as business and marketing.

We will be looking for people who, over the next 12 months will aid the charity in its formation as well as initial fundraising efforts. We are currently not a registered charity but want to be once we have enough trustees to do so. 

Currently, there is a sperate limited company that is set up by one of the people who will be a trustee to raise funds for Forward Funding and directly support people who are neurodivergent within the workplace. This means that the funds from this limited company can be raised without risking the charity itself. This operation is set up to run a retail operation on behalf of the charity (once formed), taking responsibility for all high-risk elements of this type of operation but working closely with the charity both in terms of raising income through the retail operation and ensuring neurodiversity in the workplace, opening opportunities for all.

If you are interested in knowing more, please send us a message.

If you would like to apply, please submit a CV and a personal statement to let us know how you think you would be part of our team as we take this leap in to a new charity to support neurodiversity in the workplace as well as private diagnosis and treatment when it out of reach through other means.

We are happy to accept a video application as well if this is better for you.

About WeSwim:

WeSwim is a dynamic and inclusive organisation dedicated to making swimming accessible to everyone. Our mission is to provide dedicated activity sessions for adults with disabilities, in swimming pools across London. With sessions led by friendly volunteers across 5 pools, WeSwim creates a safe space for its diverse communities to be sociable, build confidence and become more active.
 

Role Overview:

WeSwim is recruiting a new team of Trustees and is seeking passionate and dedicated individuals to join our Board of Trustees. As a Trustee, you will play a crucial role in shaping the strategic direction of our organisation, ensuring effective governance, and supporting our mission to enable every adult with a disability, a local opportunity to be active in, and around, water.

Key Responsibilities:

• Governance: Ensure WeSwim complies with its governing documents, charity law, company law, and any other relevant legislation or regulations.

• Strategy: Contribute to the development and implementation of WeSwim's strategic goals and objectives.

• Financial Oversight: Monitor the financial health of the organization, ensuring proper financial controls are in place.

• Advocacy: Act as an ambassador for WeSwim, promoting our mission and values to a wider audience.

• Support and Guidance: Provide support and guidance to the executive team, drawing on your expertise and experience.

Who We're Looking For:

WeSwim actively encourages people with disabilities to apply.  Applications from individuals with a diverse range of skills and backgrounds are welcome. Ideal candidates will have:

• Passion for Our Mission: A strong commitment to promoting swimming and water safety.

• Professional Expertise: Skills in areas such as finance, fundraising, digital, marketing, law, HR, or nonprofit management.

• Leadership Experience: Previous experience in a governance or leadership role is desirable.

• Commitment: Willingness to dedicate time and effort to fulfill the responsibilities of a Trustee.

• Team Player: Ability to work collaboratively with other board members and the executive team.

Benefits:

• Impact: Play a significant role in shaping the future of a growing organisation and making a positive difference in communities.

• Development: Enhance your professional skills and gain experience in nonprofit governance.

• Network: Connect with like-minded individuals and expand your professional network.

• Fulfillment: Contribute to a cause you are passionate about and see the tangible impact of your work.

WeSwim is committed to promoting equality and diversity. We welcome applications from all sections of the community and strive to ensure our Board is representative of the diverse communities we serve. We especially welcome candidates with disabilities. 

Thank you for considering this opportunity to contribute to our mission.

Track Acadermy is a small but highly respected sport for social change charity in North West London. We are essential in the local community and are currently seeking proactive and postive trustees to bolster our board and give the support to staff, volunteers and coaches to help change young lives in London.

We are particularly keen for expertise in any of the below areas:

• Charity governance.
• Charity fundraising.
• Youth or social work/programme delivery.
• Corporate marketing/Communications.

Desirables:

It  would be great if a candidate has insight into any of the following: 

• Local government policy making.
• Sports, ideally athletics.
• Education or mentoring. 

You can make a difference.

We need trusatees to maintain our effectiveness, help us to better measure our impact, increase income and so reach more young people and have an even bigger positive impact in the local community.

You may not have heard of us before but as a trustee in a small charity you will become connected to the young people and our community. You'll become a member of our family working to challenge disadvantage and provide young people with opportunities, role models, mentors, education support and sporting help they may otherwise not have. You'll be be changing young people's aspirations, showing them a productive path and giving them the tools to fulfil their potential. You'll be helping to change lives.

Carers UK is the leading national charity for unpaid carers. We support, advocate for, champion and connect carers across the UK, so that no one has to care alone.

Our values

Carers are at the heart of everything we do. We are:

Attentive

• we welcome everyone and are always supportive and ready to help
• we listen carefully and respond with expertise and understanding.

Ambitious

• we’re courageous and innovative, aiming high and seeking out new ideas and opportunities that take us forward
• we are always learning and improving, pushing boundaries to increase our impact.

Achievers

• we are passionate about what we do and tenacious in our pursuit of change
• we adapt to new challenges and are always striving for excellence
• we love to collaborate and enjoy working with others to reach our goals.

Trustee role description

The duties of a Trustee are to:

• contribute actively to the Board of Trustees’ role in giving firm strategic direction to the organisation, setting overall policy and defining goals
• to set targets, and evaluate performance against agreed targets
• ensure that Carers UK complies with and pursues its objects as defined in its governing document, the Articles of Association
• safeguarding the good name and values of Carers UK
• ensure that Carers UK complies with charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations
• ensure the financial stability of the organisation
• ensure that Carers UK applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects, ie the charity must not spend money on activities which are not included in its own objects, no matter how worthwhile or charitable those activities are
• protect and manage the property of the charity and ensure the proper investment of the charity’s funds
• ensure the effective and efficient administration of Carers UK
• ensure the organisation acts within employment and health and safety laws
• appoint the Chief Executive and monitor their  performance.

In addition to the above statutory duties, each Trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the Board of Trustees reach sound decisions including the annual election of the Officers (Chair, Vice-Chairs and Treasurer)

Additional duties may involve leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives and other issues in which the Trustee has special expertise, and positively representing the organisation.

Person specification

Trustees, collectively and individually, have ultimate responsibilities for the charity. To be effective each Trustee must have:

• a commitment to the organisation
• a willingness to devote the necessary time and effort including attending meetings
• strategic vision
• good, independent judgement
• an ability to think creatively
• a willingness to speak their mind
• an understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of Trusteeship
• an ability to work as part of a team
• appreciation of Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

Nations Trustee role description

We are specifically looking for two Nations Trustees, one each for Northern Ireland and Wales. In addition to the general responsibilities of a trustee, the Nations Trustee will be expected to ensure that the Carers UK Board is informed on key issues affecting carers in the respective Nations. 

In order to discharge this responsibility, the Nations Trustee will be expected to: 

• attend the quarterly Nation Committee meetings and the Annual Conference
• establish working relationships with the Director of Devolved Nations, and with the Chair and other members of the Nations Committees
• represent Carers Wales and Carers Northern Ireland at some external events
• sit on recruitment panels as required.

Person specification 

• Sound knowledge of the relevant Nation’s issues, the devolved responsibilities held by the relevant Government, its diversity and geographical challenges
• A willingness to understand the work being delivered in the relevant Nation, context, key priorities and aims
• Be a Welsh/ Irish language speaker, or willing to learn (desirable)
• It is essential that the Trustee lives in the relevant Nation and is willing and able to travel to Cardiff/Belfast and London with some overnight stays required. 

Commitment 

10-12 days per annum.

How to apply

Please email us to request a copy of the full candidate pack. 

Please submit a CV outlining your experience, employment and volunteering history and any Trustee, non-executive or public service roles you currently have or have had in the past.

Please also submit a 500-word statement based on the Person Specification. You should clearly explain your ability and/or experience in relation to the criteria in the Person Specification.

Please also submit the Candidate Summary Form, Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form and the Declaration of Eligibility with your application. These start overleaf. 

If you are shortlisted for interview, you will be asked to provide us with the names and addresses of two people who can provide references.

Applicants are required to declare any unspent criminal convictions. The Charities Act disqualifies people convicted of offences involving dishonesty or deception (unless the conviction is legally regarded as spent), undischarged bankrupts and those disqualified from company directorship from acting as charity Trustees.

Closing date for applications: 15 September 2024 5pm

Interviews dates:  October, dates to be confirmed. 

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.

Could you help make a difference to those affected by hostage-taking and arbitrary detention? An exciting opportunity is open for individuals to apply as trustees for the board of Hostage International. 

It is a chance to play a part in leading our international charity in supporting families during and after a kidnap or arbitrary detention, and hostages when they return home.

We also run a training and education programme in family support for organisations who operate in high-risk zones, and when appropriate we advocate for improved policy and practice in family and post-release support.

Our work is delivered by a small team of experienced staff, supported by volunteers, and governed by our dedicated board of trustees.

We are open to applicants from the UK and internationally from within our key countries of operation.

The minimum expected time commitment for trustees is four, half-day, board meetings (either in person or virtual depending on geographical availability), plus preparation for these meetings. We aim for at least one full in-person board meeting per year. On top of this, there may be ad-hoc meetings around training or specific governance topics, and/or working groups to join on a voluntary basis.