Trustee volunteer roles

ABOUT SPRINGBOARD

Springboard Youth Academy supports refugee and asylum-seeking young people who have recently arrived in the UK to help them succeed in the classroom and beyond. By combining participatory learning, life skills and holistic support into action-packed weekend, half-term and summer programming, we work to bridge the gap in support for young people left behind by the mainstream school system.

As educators and youth workers with years of experience working to offset the challenges these young people face, we launched a programme that helps young people develop their English language and self-advocacy skills whilst addressing their social and wellbeing needs, preparing them for mainstream education and helping them rebuild their lives in the UK.

We do this by providing interactive and engaging programming that combines English learning, life skills and practical and emotional strategies for young people on their journey to independence and adulthood. 

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

We are seeking a Chair to work with the Board of Trustees and Director to oversee Springboard's operations and strategic direction. We're looking for someone who thinks strategically and creatively, enjoys working collaboratively and wants to make a significant contribution to Springboard Youth Academy’s future, as well as the wider education and migration landscape.

We’re looking for people who share our love of high quality and participatory education, as well as our commitment to supporting and platforming displaced young people. We're keen to meet people who can bring skills, knowledge and both professional and lived experience that will help us continue to refine our delivery and grow. 

We are committed to nurturing a board that is representative, inclusive, anti-racist and commited to actively challenging the hostile environment and violent border regimes across all its work. We are interested in hearing from individuals with experience in governance, as well as those new to Trustee positions. We particularly encourage applications from those with personal experience of forced migration and leaving care. 

Responsibilities of the Chair include:

• Providing leadership for the Board of Trustees in their role of setting the strategy and policies for the organisation
• Planning the annual cycle of board meetings and setting the agendas
• Chairing and facilitating board meetings 
• Monitoring that decisions taken at board meetings are implemented
• Representing the organisation at appropriate events, meetings or functions  
• Liaising with the Director on organisational activity and providing support as appropriate 

Qualities:

• Strategic thinking
• Excellent communication skills
• Confidence and a willingness to speak their mind and ask challenging questions
• Teamwork and collaboration skills
• Understanding of safeguarding and confidentiality
• Understanding of the wider political landcape, abolitionist perspectives and commitment to challenging the hostile environment
• Independent judgment
• Commitment to making meetings inclusive and welcoming to Trustees with all levels of experience
• Advocacy and networking skills to help us build new relationships
• Willingness to offer expertise, skills and personal insight to support us
• Passion for championing work that centres newly arrived young people

TIME COMMITMENT

In line with all charities, Trustees are unpaid volunteers. Trustees must be able to commit to attending quarterly Board meetings and making time to read paperwork in advance of Board meetings. As a small charity, our resources are limited and Trustees are also asked to actively contribute their skills in relevant areas. As a guideline, Trustees must be prepared to offer a minimum of two hours per month to the charity. 

As Chair, you will be required to support with annual reporting to the charity commission, plan the agenda for board meetings and provide intermittent support to the Director. We also require new Trustees to spend one day on site during one of our programmes to get a feel for the work, as well as undertake Trustee and Safeguarding training, within the first three months of starting the role. Board meetings are currently held virtually, and, where possible, are arranged at least two months ahead. On occasion, Trustees will be required to respond by email or phone in relation to issues that arise outside of Board meetings. Travel costs will be covered if they are a barrier. 

About our charity

Everyone deserves to live their life to the full, with maximum choice and control.  Our purpose is to make that a reality for young people with vision impairment and complex needs.  They face a multitude of barriers because of the combined impact of a vision impairment with other disabilities and support needs.  We enable each person to find their unique pathway towards their very best life, using our specialist expertise and knowledge.

Our charity is now looking to recruit new trustees to help shape this vital work.

Plans to develop our board

We are specifically seeking one or more trustees with a good knowledge and experience of adult social care.  As well as the normal duties of a trustee, you would take a specific interest in our adult care service provision – St Davids House (residential care), Jigsaw (day service) and our Supported Living service.  You would scrutinise the quality and operation of our care services for adults and offer advice and challenge to our staff team as a member of our Adult Care Advisory Committee.  You will liaise closely with the Director of Care and Support.

You may have been a senior manager in an adult care service or have been a commissioning manager within the NHS for people with complex care needs.  You will have a passion for great person-centred care.  Experience of CQC would be an advantage.

The Board meets seven times a year and is also invited to all events and celebrations which is optional.  Trustees are warmly encouraged to attend meetings in person, but if required can attend some meetings online.  Expenses are paid for travel and overnight accommodation can be arranged for those not local to Devon.

Don’t have the time to become a full trustee?

Don’t have the time to become a full trustee?  We also have a role of Advisory Member on all our committees.  Advisors are appointed by the Board.  This role allows us to access knowledge and experience about running a charity, specialist SEND education and adult social care, but you do not have to take on the full role and responsibility of a trustee.  If you would be interested in finding out more about this role, please contact us.

The Martin James Foundation (MJF) is a global network of charitable organisations working with a shared vision of a world in which children grow up and thrive in safe and loving families.

Through our work, we strive to bring an end to institutional care for children, including orphanages, by engaging in family strengthening work and gatekeeping to prevent family separation, reunification and reintegration of children back into their families and communities when possible and facilitating family-based alternative care when it is necessary. 

The Foundation is comprised of the following:

• MJF Global - utilises technical and financial resources generated by the Foundation to invest in partner organisations that support children and families in various countries, contributing to the global efforts in deinstitutionalising care practices.

• Key Assets - independent, non-profit fostering agencies in Australia, Canada, Japan, and New Zealand delivering charitable services for children, families and communities.

The Role:

The Martin James Foundation is currently seeking a new Chairperson. This is an exciting time for the Foundation as we continue to deliver on our new Strategy. We are looking for an individual who will contribute to guiding the charity on its mission to support children and families around the world.

For the Chairperson role, we are hoping to attract candidates with the following:

1. Required - Experience in a leadership capacity within the i) children’s social care sector, ideally foster care and/or family support services, ii) and/or in the provision of global development,
2. Required – Time commitment – availability to prepare for and attend quarterly board meetings, quarterly sub-committee meetings and monthly CEO catch-ups (estimate 8hrs per month),
3. Location – UK, or amenable to attend meetings within GMT working hours, and amenable to attending one face to face meeting per annum.
4. Desirable – Local or national government engagement experience, such as securing and delivering contracts or lobbying for policy change,
5. Desirable – Prior experience as a Charity Trustee (or non-UK equivalent), ideally as a Chair

Applications from people with experience in the practical, operational delivery of community and development projects, either in the UK or internationally, would be highly welcomed.

Board positions are voluntary, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed, and any training costs will be covered.

The Martin James Foundation strives to enable a diverse range of participation and contributions, and we welcome applications from all ages and backgrounds. People with lived experience of alternative care, and from people outside of the UK are encouraged to apply.

Join the Wave of Change

Are you ready to inspire and guide efforts to restore and protect our ocean? Surfers Against Sewage is seeking a dynamic and daring leader to take the helm as our Chair of the Board.

As we enter a new strategic plan period for 2025-2028, we are driven by our values of being open, authentic, daring, dynamic, and purposeful. We are a vibrant and diverse community of Ocean Activists, taking action where we surf, swim, and play.

Our mission is to connect the stories, evidence, and data of our community to those in power to demand systemic change. As a strong advocate and skilled networker, you will amplify our voice, build influential relationships, and mobilize support to advance our cause.

We are ambitious and seek nothing short of an end to pollution and the restoration of our seas and wild waters. You’ll work closely with the Chief Executive and the Board to push the boundaries of what we might achieve and help keep SAS at the forefront of environmental activism. We sound the alarm and lead the fight to stop polluters, always.

If you are interested in learning more about this volunteer position as Chair of the Board of Trustees,  please visit our website job opportunities page to download the Recruitment Pack.

Are you passionate about supporting young people and giving back to your community?

Whether you have experience in fundraising, governance, building corporate partnerships, or simply a willingness to get involved and make a difference – we’d love to hear from you! 

About us 

We’re part of the Royal Air Force Air Cadets, a national youth organisation empowering 12- to 20-year-olds through flying, adventure training, sports, and leadership development. 

West Mercian Wing supports over 900 cadets across 27 Squadrons in Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Shropshire, the Black Country, and overseas in Cyprus. 

Each squadron has a Civilian Welfare Committee, a team of trustees who support the squadron by overseeing governance, fundraising, and building community partnerships. Trustees are vital in ensuring squadrons can continue providing incredible opportunities for cadets. 

Squadrons in this sector 

• 223 (Halesowen) Squadron, 27 King Street, Halesowen, West Midlands, B63 3SU 
• 347 (Dudley) Squadron, Army Reserve Centre, 5 Vicar Street, King Street, Dudley, West Midlands, DY2 8RH 
• 451 (Stourbridge) Squadron, Army Reserve Centre, Old Swinford Road, Stourbridge, West Midlands, DY8 2LQ 
• 2488 (Kingswinford) Squadron, Rear of Kingswinford Health Centre car park, off Standhills Road, Kingswinford, West Midlands DY6 8DN 

Why become a trustee? 

Volunteering as a trustee isn’t just about helping others - it’s about growing yourself too! 

• Gain valuable experience in leadership, governance, and fundraising. 

• Expand your network and become part of a supportive team. 

• Make a lasting difference to young people in your community. 

• Shape the future of an organisation with a rich legacy. 

What’s involved? 

Meetings are structured but friendly, typically every three months for around two hours. A typical agenda includes: 

• Updates from the Chairperson, Treasurer, and Squadron Commander 

• Funding requests and financial decisions 

• Future planning, upcoming events, and key priorities 

• Opportunities to contribute based on your skills and interests 

Beyond meetings, involvement is flexible depending on your availability and expertise. 

What we’re looking for 

We welcome all backgrounds and skill levels, but we’d particularly love to hear from those with experience in: 

• Fundraising 

• Governance & charity compliance 

• Corporate partnerships 

No military background or youth work experience is required—just enthusiasm, reliability, and a passion for making a difference! 

Opportunities for progression 

Trustees can take on leadership roles within their squadron, support squadrons at sector or wing level, or even contribute to regional and national RAF Air Cadets governance. Some trustees also transition into squadron volunteer roles, working directly with cadets. 

To join us, you’ll need to 

• Be 20 years or older 

• Have lived in the UK for at least 3 years 

• Attend an evening meeting every three months (varies by squadron) 

• Bring enthusiasm, reliability, and a willingness to support young people. 

Typical joining process: 

1. Submit an expression of interest. 

2. We’ll invite you to visit your chosen squadron to learn more. 

3. Complete a simple online application if invited. 

4. Undergo a DBS and basic security check. 

This process usually takes a few weeks, depending on availability and checks. 

Ready to make an impact? 

If you’re excited about supporting young people and helping your local squadron thrive, we’d love to hear from you! 

Wirral Foodbank are looking for someone with accounting experience to join the Board as a Trustee to advise on financial matters, ensure we meet our financial obligations, and help us build a sound financial strategy.

What will you be doing?

Treasurer Responsibilities

• To chair Finance Committee (three times per year)
• Ensure the trustee board fulfils its financial responsibilities.
• Ensure that the food bank has proper systems for budgeting, financial control, insurance, and reporting.
• To work alongside the General Manager in informing the trustee board members of the finances of the food bank and overseeing all finance reports submitted to the board, ensuring that the board have a clear picture of the financial health of the food bank.
• Ensure that financial reports are, a) comprehensible and properly discussed at trustee board meetings, and b) provided in the proper format and at the proper time, as required by the Charity Commission of England & Wales.
• Oversee the preparation of Gift-aid submissions.
• Appoint auditors or independent examiners (on income over £25k).
• To present the annual financial results at the annual general meeting.

Other responsibilities, to be carried out along with the board of trustees, include:

• To work alongside the Chair, General Manager, and the trustee board to ensure the organisation’s financial dealings are systematically accounted for and on time, independently examined (on income over £25k) and made publicly available when necessary.
• Developing a long-term strategy for the food bank with clear objectives which are monitored and adapted.
• Ensuring the food bank has appropriate procedures to comply with current legislation and good practice, including employment, health and safety, equal opportunities, safeguarding and GDPR compliance/data protection etc.
• Recruiting, managing, and supporting employees and volunteers.
• Ensuring the organisation’s financial dealings are systematically accounted for and on time, independently examined (on income over £25k) and made publicly available when necessary.
• Ensuring the food bank is accountable and actively complying with statutory reporting requirements and the law.
• Ensuring appropriate financial plans are in place for future budget allocations as well as looking after contractual agreements with external partners that award money for core costs and additional projects.
• Promoting the organisation to a wide audience of potential funders, beneficiaries, and the wider community.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for people who want to help their local community and work towards the eradication of food poverty. We are looking for someone who:

• Is committed to the work of the Wirral foodbank.
• Supports our values.
• Is a team player and sound decision maker.
• Has experience in financial accounting and reporting and is able to communicate with those who have no such experience, in a clear and understandable way.

What difference will you make?

By leading on the financial matters of the food bank operation, you will ensure the financial viability of the foodbank, enabling it to provide vital support in your local community.

South West London Law Centres (SWLLC) is an independent registered charity providing specialised legal advice and assistance covering Wandsworth, Merton, Croydon, Kingston-upon-Thames, Richmond-upon-Thames and Sutton in South West London.

Our vision is a future where people who cannot afford a lawyer:

• Have equal access to assert and enforce their rights;
• Are empowered to benefit from everything a healthy society has to offer;
• Are treated equally with dignity and respect.

You will play a critical role in helping SWLLC to grow and prosper. If you have a passion for access to justice and believe that you can improve the impact the SWLLC can make, then we look forward to hearing from you. 

What will you be doing?

Our previous chair stood down after an extended term of 6 years. They helped oversee the law centre during the pandemic and its aftermath during which we have seen the law centre continue to flourish in a very challenging environment. We are looking for a new chair who believes in what we do and is prepared to lead and act as an ambassador for the charitable trust so that we can continue to do this work. We currently have a strong trustee board of varying skills and tenures and the day to day management of the law centre is delegated to a small team. This team is small for what the law centre is trying to achieve. We need you to bring your expertise, energy and networks to the law centre. The role isn't glamorous, it's unpaid, and it's sometimes unacknowledged, but it is rewarding. You will play a critical role in helping SWLLC to support over 6,000 people a year, who would not otherwise have access to legal advice. We are very proud of the impact that we have had over the last 50 years, and continue to have. SWLLC continues to operate in a challenging environment, the work of the law centre is regulated and audited by a number of external bodies, our finances continued to be challenged by static legal aid, grants and donations, despite this we have continued to flourish, but the need for our services is greater than we can provide. The main areas that our trustees board can support alongside the role of governance of the law centre are:

• Finance
• Fundraising
• Human Resources
• Communications and Marketing
• IT and facilities
• Community Engagement and Community Activism

Time commitment:

6 Board meetings per year. Take place through a mixture of in person and online meetings in the evenings (usually midweek between 6pm – 7:30pm). The Chair will also need to have regular meetings with the Chief Executive, and Senior Management Team outside of these regular board meetings. Such meetings will typically be brief, online and arranged at a mutually convenient time. The Chair will also need to represent the Charity at various events and meetings with key stakeholders. Our head office is based in Croydon with other offices in Clapham Junction and Morden. We expect the role to take around 1 -2 days per month.

What are we looking for?

Principal responsibilities:

Strategic leadership

• Act as representative of the whole board and not its defacto head
• Provide leadership to the charity and its Board, ensuring that the Charity has maximum impact for its beneficiaries

Governance

• Ensure that the governance arrangements are working in the most effective way for the Charity

External Relations

• Act as an ambassador for the cause and the charity in partnership with the CEO

Efficiency and effectiveness

• Chair meetings of the Board of Trustees effectively and efficiently, bringing impartiality and objectivity to the decision-making process
• Ensure that Trustees are fully engaged and that decisions are taken in the best, long-term interests of the Charity and that the Board takes collective ownership

Relationship with the Chief Executive and the Senior Management Team

• Establish and build a strong, effective, supporting and a constructive working relationship with the Chief Executive, ensuring s/he is held to account for achieving agreed strategic objectives 

Personal Qualities:

• Personal gravitas to lead a significant organisation demonstrating a strong and visible passion and commitment to the law centre, its strategic objectives and cause  
• Exhibit strong inter-personal and relationship building abilities and be comfortable in an ambassadorial role
• Demonstrate tact and diplomacy, with the ability to listen and engage effectively
• Strong networking capabilities that can be utilised for the benefit of the law centre
• Ability to foster and promote a collaborative team environment
• Ability to commit time to conduct the role well, including travel and attending events out of office hours

Experience:

• Experience of operating at a senior strategic leadership level within an organisation
• Successful track record of achievement through their career
• Experience of external representation, delivering presentations and managing stakeholders
• Significant experience of chairing meetings and events Knowledge and skills
• Broad knowledge and understanding of the legal sector and current issues affecting it
• Strong leadership skills, ability to motivate staff and volunteers and bring people together
• Good understanding of charity governance and finance issues Terms The charity’s Chair (and board members) will serve a four-year term to be eligible for re-appointment for one additional term.

What difference will you make?

The impact the Chair will have is to ensure the continuation of the law centres' successful mission 

Law Centres are community-led, not-for-profit organisations that help local people to understand and enforce their legal rights. Their services are free, and they attempt to target the people who most need them – people who are at risk of discrimination and ill-treatment and those who are least able to protect themselves, for example because they lack the money to hire someone with legal expertise to help them.  We are currently celebrating our 50th year. SWLLC s is one of the larger Law Centre in Great Britain covering six London boroughs – Croydon, Kingston, Merton, Richmond, Sutton and Wandsworth. Our catchment area covers 1.7 million people. We now operate from 3 branch offices. We help over 6,000 people each year with a face to face service covering 3 broad services. 

• Expert casework and representation in the social welfare law covering community care, debt, employment, housing, immigration/asylum, public law, welfare rights and cost of living support 
• Emergency representation as part of the Housing Possession Court Duty Scheme 
• Pro Bono Clinics 

Amongst the results we achieve that make us proud of what we do are:

• the prevention of homelessness 
• the prevention and reduction of poverty 
• the protection of family life by reuniting people living in the UK with those living abroad
• the prevention of torture and death beyond our borders by the provision of advice and representation to people fleeing persecution 
• the prevention of ill-health by successfully challenging unfit living conditions 
• the prevention of mental ill-health by assisting people to deal with their personal debts

Before you apply

If you would like an initial discussion before putting in your application please message through the Reach Volunteering Platform and Senior Management Team will be on contact to further discuss the role and the opportunity. A panel of trustees and senior management team will review your application. If we consider that your skills and experience are a good fit with the Law Centre, you will be invited for an informal discussion with the panel about our work and the trustee role. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, and we encourage early submissions.

Trustee for Wokingham Pride

Do you want to support and increase the effectiveness of our LGBTQ+ charity?
You could be a trustee for Wokingham Pride, our family & disability-friendly organisation

Wokingham Pride is a small, grassroots Pride charity, and we are growing.  We are here for support to the LGBTQ+ community in the Wokingham Borough area all year round, and run an annual, family-friendly event in Wokingham town centre. That event is free, and everyone who supports the aims of Pride is welcome. We have a particular aim of being accessible to people with a disability or are neurodiverse, and to younger members of the community, along with their families, obviously all within a LGBTQ+ focus.

We have grown Pride from very small beginnings in 2019, registered as a charity in 2024 and expect to run a slightly larger event in 2025, with a team of volunteers to spread the workload, and a well-governed organisation to support them.

 Wokingham Pride is looking for more trustees to oversee our Governance and build our strategic vision.  Now a Charitable Incorporated Organisation, we will turnover ~£2.5k this year, with hope to at least double that in the next few years.

The role and what we are looking for in a new trustee

Trustees are the people who make the top-level decisions for our charity.
Our Board includes people from the LGBTQ+ community, and we are looking for allies and supporters to join as new trustees, as well as more members of the LGBTQ+ community. All trustees must be trans-inclusive and have a strong empathy with our beneficiaries and our activities.

Although we’d welcome people without experience of charity or of trusteeship, we are also looking for those with some experience of charity Governance, in order to raise our understanding of, and performance as, a Registered Charity.

If you can think strategically and plan long-term, you have the primary skills needed by our trustees; you’ll need to be able to work collectively with other Board members.

We are a charity not a business, but we apply business principles to governing our organisation. We want to expand the diversity of our board, in all meanings of the word, and strongly welcome applications from people from less-represented groups. 

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

We ask for up to eight hours of your time per month, which includes all meetings, discussions, etc.  You will need access to digital communications, as much of our charity’s business is run that way.

How to apply  

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

You will need to be eligible to be a charity trustee, which we will explain. Trustee appointments are subject to satisfactory references.

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

I need to know more 

Contact Mike Allen via Quick Apply below for more information and arrange to have a no-obligation initial informal discussion (Teams/Zoom/phone)

Social Anxiety Alliance UK is a young and developing charity looking for an experienced Treasurer with a background in financial management and accounting to continue the charity's development.  

The Treasurer would also need to be willing to be a Trustee and be aware of the governance issues relating to such a role.

Social anxiety involves an excessive fear of social situations. Sufferers will often fear being embarrassed or worry about being negatively evaluated by others. Anticipatory anxiety and situational avoidance are common, and individuals may endure social situations with a high level of discomfort. The scope of the anxiety may be focused on specific types of social situations or generalised to almost any social encounter.

We are the first UK charity dedicated to Social Anxiety.

What will you be doing

Contribute towards the good management of the charity by carrying out key responsibilities as follows:

· To ensure that the charity complies with its governing document, charity law, company law, and any other relevant legislation or regulations.

· To ensure that the charity pursues its charitable objects as defined in its governing document.

· To ensure that the charity uses its resources exclusively to further its objects.

· To contribute towards setting the charity’s strategic direction and to evaluate performance and progress against agreed targets.

· To uphold the reputation and values of the charity.

· To commit to read papers in preparation for meetings and attend regular board meetings.

What we are looking for

· An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties and responsibilities of trusteeship.

· A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to their duties as a trustee.

· Willingness to act in the best interests of the organisation.

· An ability to work effectively as a member of the team.

· Willingness to prepare for and attend monthly Board meetings.

· Willingness to participate actively in discussions.

· Enthusiasm for the charity’s vision and mission.

· Empathy for the challenges faced by people affected by social anxiety.

· A strong commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

· Integrity and honesty.

· Good, independent judgement.

Experience in some of the following areas:

Accounting, charity accounting, financial management

Other experience in areas such as charity management, governance, compliance, law, fundraising and grant applications, would also be useful but not essential.

What difference will you make

As part of our board, you will help to support and develop the charity and set its strategic direction. You will have the opportunity to offer your unique skill set, experience and enthusiasm to help us to achieve the charity’s mission and goals.

Board meetings and projects

We are a friendly board and we hold our meetings monthly online in the evening, typically on a Tuesday at 7pm to 8:30pm.
We would hope that Trustees can contribute to other charity tasks and projects as the need arises. 

HF Mencap is looking for new trustees to expand the skills within its board. This initiative comes as the organisation embarks on a new strategy and experiences a period of growth, made possible by the appointment of a new CEO.

What will you be doing?

HF Mencap  is the only disabilities charity in Hammersmith and Fulham that focuses solely on people with learning disabilities, autism, and other developmental conditions. The Charity provides a range of service-user led activity: Community Advocacy, a Youth Development Project for young adults, and a 6 Day a week Service where the focus is on peer support and skills development through a range of inclusive activities.

As a Trustee you will help HF Mencap continue to provide the highest standards of professional, specialist support and care for the people who use our services and set a clear, ambitious direction for the charity’s future. The Trustees have overall responsibility for ensuring the charity is well-run and meets legal requirements, charitable objectives, and those of good governance. You will use your personal skills and experience to help the Board of Trustees in reaching structured and sound decisions.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for candidates who are based in London. You may or may not have been a Trustee or worked in the voluntary sector. 

We would love to hear from individuals who have personal experience with learning disabilities and/or autism, as well as parents or caregivers of those affected. Additionally, we are interested in hearing from professionals who have worked with people with these disabilities. Alternatively experience in fundraising or as a company secretary would be a plus.

Whatever your circumstances you feel strongly about the cause of HF Mencap and want to combine your expertise and passion to create a better world for people with learning disabilities and autism. You are willing to bring your skills and experience to the table to help shape HF Mencap’s future. You are enthusiastic, able to commit time and effort, and enjoy  working as part of a team.

The role is voluntary, with any necessary out of pocket expenses reimbursed. Appointment is for a three year term with the opportunity to be re-appointed for a further term up to three years.

What difference will you make?

The current social and economic pressures have put the needs of those living with learning disability further down the national agenda. You will be helping to keep their voice heard and enabling a local charity to take an even more active role in helping to address the inequality faced by so many of them.

Before you apply

Please contact us via Reach with a cover letter detailing why you are interested in this role and your relevant experience.

This is a dynamic and evolving charity with a high profile locally. We anticipate continuing to evolve rapidly and therefore the contribution of individual trustees in shaping our next phase is key. Every new idea can make a difference.

What will you be doing?

The trustees' role is to provide guidance, governance and strategic direction. We have small paid staff (including a full-time CEO) who co-ordinate a large cohort (~150) of volunteers.

The commitment for a trustee is 6 meetings (early evening) per year plus an annual away-day. Periodically trustees will also be needed for other duties - eg interviewing potential employees.

Our funding comes from a variety of sources: local council, National Lottery and other major funders as well as many local people and businesses.

We our looking to boost our Trustee capacity with a need for both "general" trustees and in particular people with financial knowledge able in due course to take on the role of treasurer. Other specific skills desired are: HR, knowledge/experience in the homeless sector, property management.

Whilst we welcome people of all faiths and none, the charity has its roots in local Christian churches and we particularly welcome interest from people active in their local churches.

What are we looking for?

We are looking to add more than one trustee. 

We are particularly interested in people with: financial expertise, experience in the homelessness sector, experience in property management, HR. 

However what is needed above all is people with vision and commitment to what we do as an organisation and a lack of experience in those areas is not a bar to application.

Though we welcome people of all faiths and none as users of our service, the organisation has its roots in local Christian churches and we especially welcome expressions of interest from people active in their local church.

What difference will you make?

This is a small charity which has grown quickly from a traditional volunteer-only, seasonal night shelter, to something much bigger.

It's clear that what we do makes a huge difference to our guests and everything the trustees do is built around doing what will best benefit them.

We anticipate continuing to evolve rapidly and therefore the contribution of individual trustees in shaping our next phase is key. Every new idea can make a difference.

Cornerstone Library in Churchtown, Southport

Trustee/Fundraiser vacancy

The Role

Our community library is looking for a proactive Trustee who will lead on fundraising in tandem with our volunteer fundraising team to identify event opportunities and move them to successful completion. The successful fundraiser will also help to develop corporate sponsorship, legacy giving and individual donations to support our small charity . The skills we would appreciate are abilities to:

· Bring ideas for new and resourceful fundraising activities;

· Manage fundraising events with our volunteer fundraising team from forecasting through to conclusion;

· Research local corporate and individual sponsorship and partnerships and communicate effectively with them;

· Maintain a simple fundraising database;

· Assist in marketing our events, creating posts for social media and email marketing, possible digital fundraising and sponsored events;

· Communicate with our small team of fellow-Trustees to help us move forward and shape our strategy.

The attributes we hope that you, as a volunteer, will bring include:

· Experience in successful fundraising;

· Good written and verbal communication skills, including computer software skills;

· Have available a minimum of 6 months commitment.

If you are enthused by the opportunity to use your skills to help us to move forward our small community library, we look forward to hearing from you. This is a volunteering, unpaid role but one which will realise a long-held vision to provide not just a community library but a safe, warm community space for local residents.

As part of our new strategy,  we are looking to invite people with some or all of the following strategic NHS/Commissioning skills on to our Board of Trustees.

• Significant & strategic understanding of integrated care boards (ICBs),

• Understanding of the NHS funding landscape e.g. commissioning and/or NHS Trusts , personal health budgets

• Strategic incentives within the NHS e.g. Joint Strategic Needs Assessments and Health and Wellbeing Strategies

• The evidence and data that is important to the NHS when taking decisions on care pathways choice

You will offer your expertise and guidance in a period of learning, testing and growth for us.

You will bring your knowledge of best practice at both localised and national levels to help the newly formed Business Development team (focused on Music Services and Delivery) achieve targets.

Trustees on the relevant Committees (in this case the role would also sit on the Music Services Committee – MSC) hold the delegated authority responsibility on behalf of the board.Complete Trustee duties and role expectations are detailed in our Trustee recruitment pack.

We are on a mission to end excessive and harmful inequality, and we need your help. You might have encountered the impacts of inequality in your life or see them in your community or work. You might read the news and feel dismay at government inaction. You might distrust common arguments about "it costs too much". You might feel much much more can be done, and know the time is right to lean in.

Whatever your background, whatever your age, whatever your life story - if that is you, read on.

The qualities we seek in all of our trustees are: 

• Passionate commitment to the aims of the Equality Trust

• Good written and verbal communication 

• Ability to work with people from different backgrounds and with differing opinions

• Able to manage their time effectively

• Keen to devote time to contribute to the work of the Equality Trust - this is equivalent to one day per month, but can flex depending on the needs of the charity and the responsibilities you take on

• Understanding of, or willingness to learn about, the role of a trustee; 

• Desire to lead the organisation, to support and stretch staff, to unite on its strategy, to steward the assets and to look after its future 

• Willing and able to take on trustee and charitable company director responsibilities for an initial three year term 

To complement the existing range of skills of our trustees, we are particularly interested in receiving applications from people with experience in: 

• Safeguarding - to ensure that we are operating safely for our staff and participants we need a trustee who will be our named Safeguarding Lead 

• Finance - to Chair our Finance and Risk subcommittee to enable all trustees to understand the financial position of the charity and to support the SMT to develop a finance strategy

• Fundraising - to provide accountability and practical support with the development and implementation of a sustainable fundraising strategy 

• HR law, regulations and practice - to bolster our approach to staffing, with a focus on wellbeing, fairness and inclusivity

• Lived and living experience of inequalities

• Evaluation, monitoring and impact measurement - to improve how we evaluate and learn from our work 

• Participatory approaches to knowledge generation and democracy - to ensure that our strategic approach is in keeping with best practice

We encourage applications from anyone with lived experience of the issues to which inequality gives rise, even if you do not have the specific technical experience outlined above, to ensure that our board has the empathy and focus which make for effective strategy.