Trustees volunteer roles in poole, dorset
We are seeking to recruit two trustees who will bring different viewpoints, expertise and experience to further strengthen our board. In addition to the general duties of a Truste, we are looking for candidates with expertise and experience in:
- HR and People
- Marketing, Communications and Public Relations.
This is an incredibly exciting time to join us as we launch a bold new strategy and embark on a re-brand that will strengthen our voice and impact.
At Z2K, we are driven by a clear and urgent mission: to end poverty for the more than 1 in 5 people in the UK who experience it. Through frontline advice and representation, we work to secure adequate incomes and freedom from high costs, while campaigning for systemic change. And we do this in partnership with those who have lived experience of poverty, ensuring their voices are at the centre of everything we do.
As a Trustee, you will play a vital role in achieving this vision. With people and culture, as well as brand and communications, central to achieving our strategic objectives, we are seeking passionate and skilled individuals to help shape our future. Whether you bring expertise in HR and people leadership or marketing, communications, and PR, your insight and strategic guidance will help us build a thriving, inclusive organisation and amplify our message for change.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
About the Chair of Trustee Role
Role Overview
The Chair of Trustees ensures effective governance and strategic direction for Rebuilding Lives UK. They provide leadership to the board, oversee decision-making, and act as a key ambassador for the charity. The Chair supports the Chief Executive while ensuring accountability and compliance with regulatory requirements. A key responsibility of the Chair is to ensure that all trustees are actively engaged in their roles, fulfilling their responsibilities, and participating in training.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the board to ensure strong governance, accountability, and strategic leadership.
- Ensure that all trustees actively fulfill their roles, contribute to decision-making, and engage with the charity’s work.
- Provide mentorship and oversight to the Chief Executive.
- Hold trustees accountable for attending training and participating in board activities.
- Ensure that safeguarding measures are implemented across the charity.
- Oversee board meetings, ensuring productive discussions and informed decision-making.
- Represent the charity externally and strengthen partnerships with key stakeholders.
- Support financial oversight, ensuring sustainability and compliance.
- Be actively involved in the charity’s operations where possible, offering support beyond governance.
- The Chair plays a key role in providing strategic direction and supporting the CEO through regular mentoring and guidance. While the board collectively oversees the charity’s performance, the Chair works closely with the CEO to ensure they are supported in their role, offering insights and fostering a collaborative relationship between the CEO and trustees.
Who We Are Looking For
Essential Skills & Experience:
- Experience in chairing boards or senior governance roles.
- Strong strategic leadership and decision-making abilities.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI).
- Minimum of 10 hours per month dedicated to board duties.
What You’ll Gain from This Role
Becoming a trustee with Rebuilding Lives UK is more than just a governance role—it’s an opportunity to be part of a team dedicated to creating real, lasting change. As a trustee, you will:
- Play a vital role in supporting survivors and helping them rebuild their lives.
- Be part of a passionate and driven team working towards a shared mission.
- Gain valuable leadership, governance, and strategic experience.
- Develop transferable skills in decision-making, safeguarding, and advocacy.
- Expand your professional network and engage with like-minded individuals.
- Have access to training and development opportunities to strengthen your expertise.
Mandatory Training Requirement
All trustees, including the Chair, are required to complete trustee governance and safeguarding training within the first three months of their appointment. Additional training will follow as needed.
Terms of Appointment
The Chair serves an initial one-year term, with the option for renewal up to a maximum of three years.
Voluntary Role
All voluntary roles are subject to satisfactory references and an enhanced DBS check.
This is an unpaid remote position (UK Based); however, reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.
Time Commitment:
- 10 hours per month, including:
- Monthly board meetings (held via Zoom).
- Providing strategic leadership and guidance to the CEO.
- Annual half-day strategy session and leadership planning.
- Regular check-ins with trustees to ensure engagement and accountability.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Play a crucial role in shaping the future of Gateway Qualifications and support this award-winning awarding organisation in its mission to make a difference in the world of education.
Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Wednesday 28th May 2025.
About Gateway Qualifications
Gateway Qualifications is an organisation on a mission to make a difference in the world of education. With a commitment to promoting high-quality education for all, we are a growing and passionate team that believes every individual deserves the opportunity of high-quality education. We have a strong national presence and are rapidly expanding in key areas across the UK.
We aim to bridge the gap between employers and education, especially in the context of skills and qualifications. Our organisation follows noble principles, striving for transformation and development while serving a charitable cause.
About the roles
Gateway Qualifications is a synonym of innovation and, as we approach the launch of our new 5-year strategic plan, we are seeking three new Trustees to bring their experience and knowledge to help us make it a reality.
The role of a Trustee is pivotal in ensuring we respond to any sector challenges such as post 16 funding and curriculum reviews, the new QAA Access to HE license process and policy reforms, whilst safeguarding our award-winning reputation for quality and customer service.
We also need to ensure that we remain compliant with our regulatory bodies, including the Charity Commission, Ofqual, QiW, the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA), and Companies House, while also spearheading innovative initiatives that empower learners and apprentices to attain qualifications, advance their career prospects, and transform their lives.
As a Trustee, you will collaborate closely with our executive team to further the organisation’s mission to support all learners to acquire the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in life.
Gateway does this by providing qualifications and assessment opportunities sought by employers and delivered by education and training providers.
Your wealth of skills and experience will play a crucial role in realising our strategic direction, with a heightened emphasis on product innovation, modernisation through technology and system improvements, and maintaining quality and customer focus through periods of policy and sector reforms.
This will allow us to lead national efforts in skill development and position Gateway Qualifications as a leading voice in education that works closely with providers and employers.
Who we are looking for
We are searching for individuals who are committed, passionate, and forward-thinking. While specific skills and experience are essential, what matters most is the dedication and enthusiasm to make a positive impact on the future of education.
Our goal is to ensure that students from all backgrounds are represented and provided with equitable opportunities. We are focusing on three key areas where our new Trustees can contribute their expertise most effectively. There are:
- Quality and standards
- Innovation and digital transformation
- Audit and risk
Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.
Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Wednesday 28th May 2025.
We’re an executive search firm working across third sector, education and membership sectors to transform leadership and inspire change.

Activity Alliance looking for a Chair and three new Trustees who will add value to the charity and exciting journey ahead. You will bring your expertise and/or lived experience to drive meaningful change for disabled people. Two Trustees will be Board-appointed, and one will be Member-appointed. Their start times will vary. We are pleased that you are interested in joining us to work towards our vision and thank you for your interest.
The key responsibilities of the Chair will be:
- Provide visionary leadership to the Board of Trustees, ensuring that Activity Alliance fulfils its mission and objectives.
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within the organisation.
- Oversee the governance framework, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
- Lead the Board in monitoring organisational performance and ensuring effective risk management.
- Act as an ambassador for Activity Alliance, promoting our vision and mission. This includes being a spokesperson for the charity with the media and at events.
- Champion the voices of disabled people, advocating for change and influencing policy and decision-making at the highest levels.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including partners, funders, and government bodies.
The key responsibilities of the Trustees will be:
- Have outstanding commitment to Activity Alliance with a strong understanding of the organisation’s values as well as of the Nolan Seven Principles of Public Life.
- Contribute actively to the Board of Trustees role in giving strategic direction to the organisation, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets, and evaluating performance against agreed targets.
- Ensure that the organisation complies with its governing documents, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
- Safeguard the reputation and values of the organisation.
- Represent the organisation at functions and meetings when appropriate, and act as an ambassador for Activity Alliance.
Currently, we are particularly interested in recruiting Trustees with understanding, skills, and/or experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Legal
- Commercial and corporate affairs
- Income generation
- Application of AI and technology
The posts are for an initial term of up to three years, which may be extended for two further terms of three years.
The Forum seeks to recruit Trustees who have a keen interest in mental health and a desire to build on their understanding through experience.
The Organisation:
The Dorset Mental Health Forum is a values-based Charitable Incorporated Organisation influencing social change and advocating for social justice in Dorset and beyond.
Our workforce increase understanding of mental health, wellbeing and Recovery, challenging prejudice around people’s experiences of mental distress and trauma, through lived experience expertise, education and coproduction.
We are a community of people who have experiences of mental distress and managing a mental health condition, experiences of trauma, living with long term health issues or caring for someone who is in emotional distress. Our lived experience infrastructure brings the collective voice of lived experience expertise to the heart of real and sustainable change across Dorset.
The Role:
The Forum seeks to recruit people who have a keen interest in mental health and a desire to build on their understanding through experience and who:
- Feel that their personal values and beliefs align with those of the Forum.
- Are able and willing to allocate enough time to the role.
- Are looking to bring their skills and experience to a meaningful and proactive role.
- We celebrate diversity and welcome applications from people with a broad range of backgrounds and experiences. Non-executive experience is desirable but not essential. We encourage applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates.
Any person aged 18 or over can act as a Forum Trustee provided they are not disqualified under the Charities Act.
We ensure appointments are made following a transparent, balanced and appropriate process and based on merit.
Person Specification:
- Understanding of the role of governance and non-executive leadership to support the Chief Executive and Senior Leadership Team.
- Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties and responsibilities of being a Trustee.
- Experience and understanding of mental health and the social care sector.
- Understanding of and ability to operate in accordance with the Principles of Wellbeing, Recovery and Coproduction.
- Professional background in finance.
- Understanding and experience in relation to safeguarding.
- Ability to think strategically and articulate strategic vision.
- Ability to scrutinise and analyse information, leading to constructive, strengths focused and supportive challenge.
- Good critical thinking, objective reasoning and decision-making skills.
- Good interpersonal and relationship building skills.
- Ability to communicate effectively.
- Ability and confidence in utilising digital technology and systems.
Further Information:
For comprehensive information about the Dorset Mental Health Forum, the role responsibilities and the person we are looking for, please download the Candidate Information Document.
Science plays a crucial role in shaping the future of our planet, and at Physics Partners, we’re on a mission to inspire and support the next generation of physicists. We’re a small charity focused on enhancing the physics skills of teachers and students, with a particular emphasis on underrepresented groups.
We are seeking two new trustees with expertise in charity law, STEM education, industry, or fundraising, to help us grow and impact even more schools. One of these trustees will also be invited to take on the Honorary Secretary role.
As a trustee, you’ll have the chance to guide the charity’s strategic direction, support fundraising efforts, and ensure effective governance. This is a voluntary, unremunerated role with travel expenses covered. If you’re passionate about education and want to help shape the future of physics education, we would be delighted to hear from you.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Can you help give musical talent a chance?
Over the last 26 years our committed team of trustees, staff, volunteers and supporters have made Young Sounds UK one of the largest and most respected charities in music education. As we move into the next phase of our development, we’re looking for a committed chair with energy, passion and the time to continue to help drive us forward. The successful candidate will work closely with the CEO to ensure the charity continues to achieve its ambitions and will lead the board in delivering its responsibility for the overall governance and strategic direction of Young Sounds UK.
We want to hear from people who are passionate about and willing to advocate strongly for giving those young people facing the most barriers the support they need to fulfil their potential. We also expect candidates to demonstrate a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
If you think this may be you, please see our recruitment pack for more information and to apply.
If you’d like an informal chat with one of our current trustees, please email Young Sounds’ CEO.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Are you looking for a volunteering role that supports the impact of the whole third sector? Infrastructure charity DataKind UK is looking for new members to join our Board of Trustees, including a Chair and Treasurer.
DataKind UK is a small charity with a vision for a strong, thriving third sector that embraces data use to become more impactful. We connect third sector organisations with data professionals to improve their decision making, problem solving, and working practices, by applying data science approaches to sector-wide challenges.
We’re looking for enthusiastic and supportive individuals to fuel our mission and direction by providing oversight of our operations, supporting with major decision-making, and advocating for our work and cause.
Being a trustee is a great way to give your time to a cause you care about, broaden your network, and develop your strategy and governance skills and knowledge. We particularly welcome applications from black, Asian, and minority ethnic candidates, LGBTQ+ candidates, and candidates with disabilities, as we would like to increase the representation of these groups in our community.
How to apply
To apply, please read our candidate pack for more detail and send a 1-2 page cover letter outlining what you would bring to the role based on the skills outlined in the candidate pack, especially highlighting if you are interested in the Chair or Treasurer role, along with your CV, by Monday 2 June.
Initial screening calls will take place during the week commencing Monday 9 June.
Interviews will take place on the 17, 18, and 19 June 2025, with the aim of new members being recruited and onboarded for the following board meeting in August.
Supporting third sector organisations to achieve their missions through increased use of data science.




The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are looking for a passionate individual with skills and expertise in Finance/Treasury.
We will welcome applications from anyone who is keen to transform lives and join us on this exciting journey with us. You don’t need prior experience of sitting on a Board, a dance background or specific qualifications to become a Trustee. What matters most is your passion for supporting people with learning disabilities, your commitment to building a more equitable society and your willingness to contribute to our work, our vision and our future success.
Trustees play a crucial role in shaping what we do, helping us stay clear on our purpose and offering ideas that guide our organisation as we grow. We’re looking for Trustees who can bring fresh perspectives and valuable insights from their lived and professional experiences. We want our Board to reflect the diversity of our work, our participants, and our supporters.
We are based in Lancashire, with national and international reach, and we welcome applications for remote Trustees. We currently have Trustees based in Portugal and the Netherlands.
The role of Trustee is a volunteer role and is not accompanied by any financial remuneration, although reasonable expenses for travel may be claimed.
The role requires attendance & contribution at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) and four Board meetings per year (plus any required preparation and pre-reading). Quarterly Board Meetings take place mostly online and periodically in person at a North West location.
There will also be potential additional engagement in strategy work and sub working groups throughout the year and occasional representation of the charity at various events with key stakeholders.
To be a sustainable community role model that provides high quality inclusive dance leadership, participation, performance and training opportunities.





The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We have a fantaastic opportunity for you to join our Board of Trustees in a growing and expanding organisation that makes a difference in the lives of women and girls, preventing exploitation and trafficking and advocating for a life of freedom, dignity and empowerment.
Emerge Worldwide is a humanitarian organisation whose purpose is to advocate and raise awareness against sexual exploitation and sex trafficking, focused on women and girls. Our activities provide interventions, tools and resources in prevention work, as we seek to end it everywhere.
We help and support those suffering trauma, and who are victims of sexual exploitation and sex trafficking and empower survivors of this horrific crime, to go on and live independent successful lives.
We are looking for people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our board.
We are seeking passionate individuals to join our Board of Trustees, who will partner with us in our dedication and fight to combatting this heinous crime. We are keen to receive your application if you have human rights, fundraising, or sexual exploitation / sex trafficking experience.
We are keen to receive applications with experience in any of the following areas:
• human rights
• fundraising / income generation
• asylum seekers / refugees
• sexual exploitation / sex trafficking
Your experience will help to support Emerge Worldwide to engage in high-level discussions and actions, which will position and promote our voice and impact, create positive change within the humanitarian and modern slavery sectors and deliver on our purpose to end sexual exploitation and sex trafficking everywhere.
Duties
• Support and provide advice on Emerge Worldwide’s purpose, vision, mission, goals and activities.
• Approve operational strategies and policies, and monitor and evaluate their implementation.
• Oversee Emerge Worldwide’s financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress.
• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.
• Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively.
• Keep abreast of changes in Emerge Worldwide’s operating environment.
• Contribute to regular reviews of Emerge Worldwide’s own governance. Attend Board meetings and adequately prepared to contribute to discussions.
• Use independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect Emerge Worldwide’s interests, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or any third-party interests.
• Contribute to the broader promotion of Emerge Worldwide’s objects, aims and reputation by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts.
As a small charity, there will be times when the trustees will need to be actively involved beyond Board meetings. This may involve scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, presenting externally, or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise.
Personal skills and qualities
• Enthusiasm and commitment to Emerge Worldwide vision, mission, purpose and work.
• Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities as trustees and to act in the best interests of the organisation.
• Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member with good governance.
• Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussions.
• Good independent judgement.
• A strong personal commitment to equality and diversity.
• Willingness to lead according to our values.
• Fulfilling the criteria of a charity trustee the essential trustee
Terms of office
• Trustees are appointed for a minimum of 2 years of office
• This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses are reimbursed.
Time commitment
• Attending quarterly Board meetings annually - currently meetings are held remotely.
• Trustees are encouraged to attend all staff in-person meetings which run 3 times annually plus any relevant training days.
You will be part of a professional, friendly and skilled Board of Trustees.
We are a welcoming organisation, dedicated to creating a positive and engaging experience where you’ll feel valued, inspired, and empowered to bring your ideas to life.
Apply and help us end sexual exploitation and sex trafficking for good!
Application:
To apply, please submit your CV and a covering letter outlining your motivation for the role and how your skills and experience make you a good fit.
If you do have any questions, our HR Manager can arrange to speak with you or communicate with you by email.
Please note that we will request references, and a DBS check will be required due to the nature of our work.
Raising awareness and prevention on sexual exploitation & sex trafficking. Amplifying our voice until freedom is experienced for all women and girls.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Join Our Board of Trustees and Help Drive Positive Change!
Are you passionate about making a difference in people’s lives? Do you thrive in a team environment and want to give back to the community where you live, work, or study?
We are a local charity dedicated to providing social welfare advice, information, and support through our incredible team of staff and volunteers. We are now seeking two new Trustees to join our board and help guide our organisation forward.
Last year, we:
✅ Assisted over 15,000 clients in finding solutions to their challenges
✅ Addressed over 37,000 separate issues for those in need
✅ Secured nearly £2 million in additional income to support people during the cost-of-living crisis
Who We’re Looking For
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and communities across Cheshire West—your age, background, origins, or health conditions are not barriers. We actively seek diverse perspectives to better serve our community.
We are particularly interested in individuals with:
Experience in digital and AI solutions implementation
Expertise in volunteer engagement
A strong commitment to our mission, enthusiasm, and a supportive approach
However we welcome applications from people from all backgrounds, skills and experience including lived experience.
What’s Involved?
As a Trustee, you will:
Attend at least five board meetings per year (in-person and remote, often in the evenings)
Participate in one annual trustee development day
Have opportunities for further involvement in shaping our work
This is a voluntary role, but all reasonable expenses will be reimbursed. Volunteering does not affect state benefit entitlement.
If you’re ready to play a key role in shaping the future of our organisation, we’d love to hear from you!
We advise, support and empower people to improve their lives providing the best, impartial advice and influencing policy for a more equal society
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Position: Chair of Trustees
The Board of Trustees is the ultimate governance body for the organisation, serving as stewards of the organisation’s resources, and is ultimately responsible for Self Help UK’s strategy, operations, adherence to law and regulation, and financial management. The Trustees serve on a voluntary basis and currently meet virtually every 6 weeks.
Chair Responsibilities: The Chair leads the Board of Trustees and works closely with the Charity’s Chief Executive and Senior Management Team to achieve its goals. The Chair is responsible for key areas, including:
Strategy and Governance
• Ensuring that the Board operates effectively in the consideration, iteration, and approval of the organisational strategy in support of the charity’s mission and values.
• With Trustees, ensuring that the charity operates efficiently and effectively to fulfil its objectives
• Safeguarding the interests of the charity’s beneficiaries and providing oversight of stakeholder interests • Maintaining high standards of governance and risk management.
• Ensuring that the Board is as diverse as possible and provides the range of knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to deliver the charity’s aims.
• Ensuring the organisation is accountable and transparent in its activities.
• Maintaining compliance with relevant charitable and company legislation.
• Oversight of the Sub Committees of the board.
• Ensuring a high-performing and effective board by committing to regular appraisal and review of Trustees and board performance (including managing retirements and resignations of Trustees).
Guidance and support to the Chief Executive
• Appointment of the Chief Executive and approval of Chief Executive’s salary with the Trustees.
• Line management of and work in partnership with the Chief Executive to support them in achieving the aims of the charity.
• Support and guidance on operations, including personnel management.
Financial
• Ensuring, with the Board, sound financial oversight, including review and approval of the annual budget
• Oversight of high standards of financial management
Advocacy and fundraising
• Using personal and professional networks to help the executive with access to potential donors and supporters, including governments, international bodies, corporations, trusts and foundations, NGOs, and individuals.
• Advise and assist in raising and maintaining the charity’s profile in the UK and internationally.
Lead Board Meetings:
• Lead all aspects of meeting management.
• Encouraging discussion at Board meetings, summarising key points and ensuring decisions are made and implemented.
Remuneration: Unremunerated, but reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed
Time Commitment: Estimated at 2 days per month, but some flexibility and the ability to offer more time on occasion are required.
Standard commitments include:
• Attending Board meetings every 6 weeks. Currently, meetings are held via Zoom
• Attendance at subcommittee meetings as necessary
• Monthly scheduled meeting with the CEO, with flexibility to respond swiftly to the occasional ad hoc issue.
• Attending, as a minimum, an annual half-day strategy session and other face-to-face events as required.
Qualities of a Chair
Essential
• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of Trusteeship and adhering to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership.
• Commitment to the charity’s objects, aims, and values and willingness to devote time to carry out responsibilities. • Strategic and forward-looking vision in relation to the charity’s objects and aims.
• Good, independent judgement, political impartiality and the ability to think creatively in the context of the organisation and external environment.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to respect the confidences of colleagues.
• Balancing tact and diplomacy with willingness to challenge and constructively criticise.
Desirable
• Prior experience of committee/trustee work.
• Knowledge of the type of work undertaken by the organisation.
• A wider involvement with the voluntary sector.
• Experience of chairing meetings, committee work, some experience of charity finance, charity fundraising.
• Leadership skills exercised through a period change.
Lead the Board of Via, the charity delivering vital substance use, mental health and well-being services across the UK, and help provide high-quality, person-centred care to the people and communities affected.
Location: Flexible (Via has services across London, NW England and SW England)
Closing date: Tuesday 27th May
Who we are.
Via is an exceptional charity that puts people at the heart of everything we do. Over three decades, we’ve evolved from our origins as Westminster Drug Project, with a new now award-winning name and brand, into a dynamic, multi-service organisation delivering vital support across substance use, mental health, employment, sexual health, smoking cessation and youth services. With a turnover of £36m for 24/25 and remarkable growth of over a third in 2023/24, we’re now supporting over 12,500 service users annually across an expanding geographical footprint from London to Gloucestershire.
Our commitment to excellence and innovation is evident in our industry-leading services, which consistently perform significantly above the national average. We’re particularly proud to be pioneering the development of the UK’s first women-only detox facility, demonstrating our commitment to addressing crucial gaps in service provision.
Our Approach Makes Us Different
At Via, we believe in doing things differently. This starts with our commitment to staff well-being, including up to six months of full sick pay – a policy that exemplifies our trust in our people and our understanding that supporting our staff enables them to better support our service users. We achieved Investors in People Gold certification and were nominated for UK Employer of the Year and Third Sector Employer of the Year at the Investors in People Awards 2024, recognising our dedication to creating an outstanding workplace culture.
Our active Diversity, Equity and Inclusion group drives real organisational change, ensuring our services are accessible and effective for all communities. These aren’t just initiatives – they’re expressions of our core values: Care, Be Human, and Do the Right Thing, which guides everything we do.
The opportunity.
As we have experienced growth and are launching our new strategy, we had new Trustees join our Board as others have come to the end of their terms. As our current Chair, Yasmin Batliwala MBE comes to the end of her term later this year, we are looking to appoint a new Chair.
What Makes a Great Via Chair
- A Strategic Leader with proven experience operating at a senior level with a successful track record of achievement. You’ll have the personal gravitas to lead a significant, complex, national organisation, alongside the ability to lead a newly evolving and forming Board.
- Passionate About Our Cause: You will bring your expertise and passion for improving lives and reducing inequality. You’ll be someone who understands the complexity of our work yet can think strategically about our future. Your genuine enthusiasm will inspire others and strengthen our impact.
- Governance Experience: you will bring the experience of being on Boards and will work to lead the board to ensure sound financial health and accountability while effectively managing risk and continuing to innovate in service development and delivery.
- An Inclusive Champion committed to fostering diversity that reflects the communities we serve, promoting DEI training and growth, and holding staff and trustees accountable to these practices.
- A Relationship Builder with excellent interpersonal skills and diplomatic tact. You’ll develop a strong working relationship with the Chief Executive, maintain connections with key stakeholders, and represent Via as an effective ambassador.
- A Collaborative Leader who can bring people together, foster a team environment, and work in partnership with our board and team to drive our ambitious strategy.
Our Commitment to Inclusion
Diversity in governance isn’t just a goal for Via – it’s a necessity. Our services support people from every part of society, and we want our Board to reflect this diversity. We actively encourage applications from people with lived experience of addiction/recovery (whether personal or as family members/carers), and people from communities currently underrepresented at board level.
Time Commitment
The Board meets quarterly, usually in person. Including preparation time, representation at events, and strategic input, we estimate a commitment of the equivalent of 2-3 days per month. This includes:
- Four Board meetings per year
- Quarterly committee meetings
- Annual strategy and away day
- Ad hoc conversations with fellow board members and the Executive
- Occasional representation at events and meetings with key stakeholders, including at services.
Making a Difference Together
This is an extraordinary time to join Via. As we implement our new 2025-29 strategy and expand our geographical reach, innovate our evidence-based offer and increase access to more people. We’re not just growing – we’re evolving. You’ll help shape innovative services like our women’s detox facility while ensuring we maintain our unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and person-centred care
Please click 'Apply via website’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.
Applications for this role close on Tuesday 27th May.
We’re an executive search firm working across third sector, education and membership sectors to transform leadership and inspire change.

Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We seek a Chairperson to head our Board at Evolve Counselling who will guide our strategic direction in the provision of lowest cost mental health counselling for individuals and businesses.
Location: Cambridgeshire area of operations. Chair can be fully remote.
Voluntary: Reasonable expenses paid
Commitment: Initial term of 1 -3 years. Flexible hours per month
Closing date: Tuesday 6 May at 9:00
Overview
For over 40 years Evolve Counselling has provided lowest-cost professional mental health counselling for adults in Cambridgeshire, Peterborough, Northamptonshire and beyond, through the skill and dedication of our team of 60+ BACP-registered counsellors.
The role
We are looking for a new Chair who understands the growing demand for our services and the challenges of competing as a medium sized charitable business at this time. We shall look to our new Chair to build trust and engagement with our CEO, the Trustee Board, our volunteers, and supporters, as we capitalise on great recent work to stabilise and find new opportunities for significant growth.
The new chairperson will ideally bring health and wellbeing experience and commercial skills, as well as a demonstrable empathy for charitable working and commitment to the Nolan Principles of public life.
The role of the Chair is hugely rewarding and the scope under the leadership of the current CEO for Evolve to grow and innovate is significant. You will have significant senior leadership experience to drawn upon as you take ultimate responsibility for directing and inspiring the Trustees, making sure we are financially sustainable, and well run for our clients. Our ethos is to look upwards and outwards as we strive for a leading position in mental health services for all, and your commercial acumen, professional contacts, and powers of persuasion in business will be a huge support for our ambitions.
Including quarterly board meetings, committee sessions (at present virtual), a face-to-face AGM event, plus away days, and regular meetings with our CEO and the trustees, we anticipate a flexible time commitment of around 2 - 5 days per month.
For further information or an informal discussion on the role, please contact Kevin Bottrell.
Application process: Expressions of interest in the first instance by email to our CEO Gordon Ackroyd.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
OneSpirit Interfaith Foundation was established as an educational charity in 2003. Our aim is to develop spiritual awareness and to support people of all faiths, and none, by delivering a range of training programmes that allow open-hearted adults to serve their chosen communities through Ministry, Spiritual Counselling and in supporting life’s transitions. Our interfaith ministers bring unconditional love and radical commitment to members of the public through ceremony, ritual, spiritual counselling, and other methods of support.
We are seeking new trustees, with a focus on marketing and/or legal experience, with a commitment to the vision and purpose of the organisation to join our board. Trustees are appointed for a term of 4 years and are essential to the progress and growth of our organisation.
Organisational purpose:
To benefit the public by the education of mature adults in:
• the core principles of the world’s religions, faiths, and spiritual traditions;
• principles and methods of forgiveness, reconciliation and peace-making;
• and the practice of non-denominational spiritual and pastoral service in the community.
Our Vision
is a world in which humanity awakens into an inclusive global spirituality that encompasses us all in the field of love and life.
Our Mission
is to work towards evolving consciousness in the world, by facilitating open-hearted people to awaken to inner leadership and their capacity for forgiveness, reconciliation, and peace-making.
Ideally, you will have experience working in a not-for-profit organisation and will be passionate about spiritual life and faith-freedom. We would particularly love to hear from anyone with experience of Human Resources, Adult Education, Financial Management, Fundraising, Legal, and IT.
Formal trustee meetings take place with senior staff quarterly, and we hold up to nine trustee-only meetings annually. To ensure our work is collaborative, we also have an annual two-day gathering of trustees and the wider leadership team. All trustees are volunteers, with expenses available for travel to and from meetings and other incidental expenses where applicable. Please note that meetings are currently being held via Zoom.
We have a strong commitment to diversity and aim to reflect the diversity of the communities we work with on our Board of Trustees. We welcome all candidates irrespective of sex, gender, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership status, race, nationality, ethnic or national origin, culture, religion, age, responsibilities for dependants, physical/mental disability (“protected characteristics” as per the Equality Act 2010), economic status or offending background.
We welcome both OneSpirit ministers and candidates who are not OneSpirit ministers. However, we expect all candidates to adhere to OneSpirit’s code of ethics.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.