Trustee Volunteer Roles

Becoming a Trustee for Herts Musical Memories

Herts Musical Memories are celebrating there 8th Year of becoming a charity and we are now at last, beginning to recover from the Pandemic. We urgently need to expand our board to ensure that the charity continues to grow – the following provides some background to our work and lays out what it means to become a trustee.

Herts Musical Memories purposes are:

• To facilitate structured group sessions designed around the principles of music therapy and group singing for people with dementia and their carers.

Herts Musical Memories objectives are:

• To provide activities for people with dementia and their carers that help stimulate memories

• To provide activities that incorporate social interaction and peer support for people with dementia and their carers

• To reduce feelings of isolation for families coping with dementia and to provide access to artistic and social stimulation

What Herts Musical Memories values are:

Health, wellbeing and equality will be at the core of all Herts Musical Memories activities relating to service users, staff and volunteers and the wider public.

In relation to our service users Herts Musical Memories will actively promote equality for people with dementia.  To free them from fear and isolation and to use our services to demonstrate to the wider public that people with dementia still have a place in society and should be treated with dignity and respect.

The Singing Sessions:

‘Thank you for Bringing the sunshine into my Mum’s week.’  Carer

Herts Musical Memories provides stimulating social activities involving music, seated movement and singing for people with dementia and their carers.  The charity runs 9  groups in 4 weekly blocks across Hertfordshire with an admin and song preparation session every 5th week.  There is an average of 25 people per session with sometimes over 30 people attending.  The sessions last 90 minutes with time set aside for socialising and light refreshments. 

Most of the participants are dealing with the impact of an early diagnosis and are usually accompanied by a family member, usually a spouse.  People who live alone often come with a professional carer.

Sessions are held at fixed dates and times in community centres or church halls. The venues are chosen carefully for ease of access, to be on regular bus routes, good parking and for having good facilities. This does mean that, sometimes the venue can be expensive, but the venue plays an important part in making the sessions a positive experience.

The sessions are structured to include a range of activities that are repeated each week providing the service users with a routine that becomes familiar with regular attendance.  Songs are chosen from popular music from the 1950s going up to the 1970s. The sessions will include; songs that require movement, singing rounds where people get a chance to sing in harmony, rhythm exercises using percussion instruments and exercises in dexterity using bean bags.

The service users are taught new songs – incredibly due to the way the human brain remembers music, people with dementia can cope with this and actively enjoy learning new things – this increases their confidence and boosts their self-esteem.

The sessions are delivered by a professional group leader with the support of volunteers. 

Finances:

Herts Musical Memories has no formal funding – we raise a contribution through fees which are £6 per session, we raise up to £10,000 per year through events held on our behalf another £5,000 through donations and the rest we have to fundraise for.  To run the charity effectively we need to raise just over £10,000 per group.  To help us achieve this we have developed a 5 year fundraising strategy.  Our goals are to achieve enough funding to recruit a part time administrator, create a reserve of 6 months running costs ensuring a sustainable future.

‘I’d like to thank you, you make me feel so happy’ - guest

What Does it Involve to Become a Trustee

Trustees share formal responsibility for the charity and must act in its best interests, regardless of how they're elected or appointed. Some trustees may take on specific roles on the board, such as chair, vice-chair, secretary and treasurer.

Herts Musical Memories meets 4 times per year mainly on Zoom but with some face to face in West Hertfordshire.  If a trustee has particular expertise in finance, fundraising, HR we do occasionally hold one on one sub meetings with the CEO.  No experience is necessary as there is plenty of training available – it is a commitment but it is a rewarding commitment.  Becoming a trustee is about taking on a position where you can make a real difference to the people who live in your local community.

Top five traits of a good trustee

· A good trustee is ready for a challenge – running a small charity is always a challenge and supporting the CEO in facing those challenges is a vital role of a trustee.  Whether it be support, advice or helping to access the necessary expertise that can support the charities development

· They are open and listen to many voices – there are many people prepared to offer advice and many voices to be heard, from the team running the charity to the beneficiaries.  Listening and understanding enables a trustee to offer advice and help the charity seek solutions that will improve and enable it to reach its goals.

· Trustees are team players – running a charity is a team effort which is relevant from the Board through to the beneficiaries by working together as a team a charity is more likely to prosper and grow.

· Trustees have expert knowledge – this expert knowledge can be in training, marketing, fundraising, HR, Law or it could be in a first hand knowledge of the charities services and the impact it has on families and the ability to use that understanding to enhance the charities service for people living with dementia.

· They exercise good judgement and care – this is essential, working with vulnerable adults comes with a lot of responsibility. We need to be sure we work within the parameters of Charity Commission’s guidelines to ensure good practice which protects all involved from the  trustees, staff and beneficiaries.

A good trustee also knows what they are doing within the framework of their role. At a basic level, they should understand and know how to act as described by The Charity Commission.  The regulator’s ‘The essential trustee’ guidance sets out six main duties:

· Ensuring that the charity is working for the benefit of the public

· Compliance with the law

· Acting in the best interests of the charity

· Ensuring accountability

· Financial responsibility

· Acting with reasonable care and skill

It may seem overwhelming to become a trustee but it is, as mentioned so rewarding and the satisfaction, that as a trustee you are truly making a positive difference to people lives.

 Please note Herts Musical Memories is based in Bushey, Hertfordshire (Hence why this is the position location listed), however meetings with trustees are typically held in locations within West Hertfordshire or remotely via Zoom.

An opportunity to become a trustee of a longsanding Chariy bringing energy healing to the public both at our beatiful country retreat in the Surrey hills and remotely.

Trustees have ultimate control of the Charity which includes the management of a paid staff of 18; determining Strategy and responsibsilty for its successful implementiaton. 

Tanzania Development Trust (TDT) works in some of the poorest parts of Tanzania, helping people to lift themselves out of poverty by funding small projects that meet their essential needs.  

It sponsors 40-50 small rural development projects p.a. in Tanzania, mainly in the areas of clean water, girls' education and small income generating activities. It also has 3-4 larger, longer-term projects. Its primary function is fundraising, although it provides general project management and business advice where appropriate. 

Around half of its income comes from individual donors, and half from Trusts & Foundations. It helps villagers in Tanzania who lack the capacity and language skills to present their projects to international donors, conducting project appraisals and monitoring project outcomes on their behalf. The projects are implemented by the villagers themselves, or by small local contractors.

TDT is run entirely by volunteers (17 regular volunteers in the UK and 16 local representatives in Tanzania). It has no paid staff, premises or overheads, so 100% of all money raised goes directly to projects in Tanzania.

We are looking for additional Trustees who can help us to grow by identifying potential donors, increasing awareness of our activities, and strengthening our project selection and monitoring procedures.

We would like at least one of the new Trustees to help us with fund-raising by piloting more innovative and creative approaches. Experience of living or working in Tanzania is not essential, but to improve the Board’s racial diversity we would like at least one of the new Trustees to be of Tanzanian origin or have strong connections with East Africa.

The Trustees are all unpaid. Although their main job is the overall direction of the business, they can become involved in day-to-day operations if they so wish. We all work remotely, which helps us to engage with our local representatives in Tanzania in everything we do.

The work we do is immensely rewarding. You would be joining a close-knit organisation that is growing and adapting to meet the needs of a changing world, where helping poor people to help themselves is of paramount importance. 

Hours: We aim to be transparent about the time commitment required for this role. While we strive to balance the needs of the organization with respect for your time, we anticipate an average of 6 full days per year, in addition to a minimum of 4-6 hours per month. This includes attending key meetings, participating in essential activities, and contributing to ongoing projects. We expect in-person attendance at quarterly Board meetings whenever feasible.

Remuneration: Unpaid Volunteer role (reasonable expenses will be reimbursed for Board related work)

Duration: 3 years with possible extension

Location: In person meetings held in Manchester, UK

Are you passionate about using your expertise to support an international health NGO and charity?

UK-Med is a frontline medical aid charity. Born of the NHS, we’ve been working for over 30 years towards a world where everyone has the healthcare they need when crises or disasters hit.

We are seeking for a trustee to help our charity develop through a period of growth and change.

You will be passionate about what we do and committed in using your experience and expertise to contribute to the strategic development and good governance of the charity. We will welcome applications from people with a background in the following fields:

• Risk management
• Fundraising, including fundraising strategy and/or personal networks that can provide opportunities for major gifts
• Providing healthcare in humanitarian contexts

How to apply

We strongly recommend that you read the **Candidate Information Pack**before applying.

To apply, please submit a current CV and a supporting letter (2 pages) through our online jobs portal. Your covering letter must include a detailed explanation of your suitability for this post with specific reference to the criteria in the person specification.

Applications must be submitted no later than Monday 12 August 2024.

Applications for work in the UK can only be accepted from people with an existing right to work in the UK.

UK-Med is committed to safeguarding of our personnel and beneficiaries and has a zero tolerance approach to sexual exploitation and abuse. We conduct thorough vetting before any appointment is confirmed.

UK-Med is committed to the principles of diversity, equality, and inclusion. We strive to provide an inclusive and supportive environment where employees feel respected and supported to be able to fulfil their potential.

St Hilda’s East is a vibrant, multi-purpose community organisation with a 135-year history of combating deprivation and social exclusion in East London.

Founded as a settlement in 1889 by alumnae of the Cheltenham Ladies’ College, we now work across 2 sites within the London Borough of Tower Hamlets: a large community centre in Shoreditch, and a day centre in Shadwell.

We welcome local people of all ages to our community centre where we offer a wide range of life-changing services and opportunities to enhance wellbeing, learn new skills and meet people of diverse backgrounds.  We provide support and services including pre-school, children’s and youth projects for boys and girls, legal advice provision, a volunteer-run Food Co-op, a Women’s Project working with Bangladeshi and local women, and two projects for the Over 50s: Feeling Good and LinkAge Plus. 

At our day centre, Sonali Gardens, we provide culturally appropriate care and support for Bangladeshi and other communities with a focus on supporting elders in the community, with a team of bi-lingual Bengali speaking staff.

Funding for our work comes from a range of sources: charitable trust grants, livery companies, local Council contracts, sponsored events, corporates, community fundraising and donations – as well as income generation from hiring out space in the freehold community centre premises.

We are seeking new Trustees to become actively involved in the strategic direction, governance and decision making of St Hilda’s East.  As a Trustee you will join an actively engaged group of volunteers who are committed to making a difference to the residents of Tower Hamlets.

You do not need to have prior experience of being a Trustee or of working with boards; training on the charity and the role of a Trustee will be provided.  Whether you are an experienced Trustee or wanting to take your first step at Board level, we would love to hear from you.

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

• Finance (especially charity accounting)

• Human Resources

• Property Management

We consider applications from all ages and backgrounds, and our aim is that our Trustee board is truly representative of the people it serves; we would therefore particularly welcome applications from people who live in Tower Hamlets, or who bring a high level of understanding of the challenges faced by residents in the local community.

The most important requirements for the role are the desire to effect positive change for those facing disadvantage, the ability to bring energy, enthusiasm and creativity to help tackle the many challenges facing the Board, and the ability to commit sufficient time to attend board meetings and to participate in working groups.

The Board meets 6 times a year on weekday evenings; meetings are usually in person.  In addition, Trustees are encouraged to join the working group best suited to their interest and skillset; these meetings are held via Teams/Zoom during office hours.  Trustees are appointed for a term of 3 years, with the possibility of serving multiple terms.

If you would like to apply, please send your CV and a short cover letter detailing why you are interested in the role.  For more information please visit our website.

The closing date for applications is 31 August 2024.

We are looking for a trustee volunteer to join our board who is passionate about supporting our work with survivors of rape and sexual abuse.

You don’t need any previous experience as a trustee, we are interested in your professional experience and your ability to offer insights outside of our knowledge and experience.

We are particularly interested to hear from individuals with skills and experience in communications and PR, criminal justice, fundraising and law.

To find out more go to RASASC Guildford's website where you can download the role description.  To apply, please send your CV and a completed equal opportunities form to Liz Joyce at RASASC Guildford by Sunday 28 July.

If you have any questions or wish to discuss the role, please go to RASASC Guildford's website where you will find our contact details.

Please note this is a volunteer position.

The board of trustees are jointly and severally responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the Farm, it’s financial health, probity of its activities, developing the organisation’s aims, objectives and goals in accordance with the governing document and legal and regulatory guidelines.
All trustees should be aware of, and understand, their individual and collective responsibilities, and should not be overly reliant on one or more individual trustees in any particular aspect of the governance of the charity. For example, all trustees should be able to read the financial accounts.

THE ROLE

Main Responsibilities

· To ensure that the charity, and its representatives, function within all legal and regulatory requirements applicable, and in line with the organisation’s governing document, continually striving for best practice in governance.

· To maintain the fiduciary duty invested in the position, undertaking such duties in a way that adds to public confidence and trust in the charity.

· To take appropriate professional advice in all matters where there may be a material risk to the charity, or where the trustees may be in breach of their duties.

· To determine the overall direction and development of the charity through good governance and clear strategic planning.

· To avoid any personal conflict of interest.

· To manage and use the resources of the charity so as to optimise its potential.

· To ensure that robust systems are in place for internal financial control and the protection of the charity’s funds and assets.

· To undergo a thorough induction upon appointment and ongoing training to remain alert to, and aware of, their duties and responsibilities, and of the environment in which they operate.

· To achieve the purpose of the charity and to pursue the charitable objects, and provide public benefit.

Main Duties

• Ensuring the charity complies with legislative and regulatory requirements, and acts within the confines of its governing document and in furtherance to the charitable objects.
• Acting in the best interest of the charity, beneficiaries and future beneficiaries at all times.
• Promoting and developing the charity in order for it to grow and maintain its public benefit and recognising the situation when it may be more appropriate to wind the charity up where there is no longer a need for the charity to provide the services it does or because the charitable objects are no longer relevant to contemporary social situations.
• Maintaining sound financial management and control of the charity’s resources.
• Ensuring a fully effective and appropriate system for the recruitment, appointment and monitoring of the work and activities of the General Manager and, where applicable, other members of the senior management team.
• Ensuring the effective and efficient administration of the charity and its resources, striving for best practice in good governance.
• Acting as a counter-signatory on charity cheques (including any electronic transactions) and any applications for funds.
• To maintain absolute confidentiality about all aspects of the trustees’ business, bearing in mind the over-riding legal obligations placed upon trustees.

PERSONAL SPECIFICATION

• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship.
• Good independent judgment
• Strong communication
• Friendly and approachable
• Knowledge of and interest in animals and community farms is desirable.  
• Candidates who are local are desirable, but it is essential that you are able to travel to the farm for meetings, events and the odd day of volunteering.
• We are particularly looking to recruit trustees who have animal welfare and grant application experience/knowledge.

ABOUT DEEN CITY FARM
Deen City Farm and Riding School is an urban farm with an educational focus in the heart of the London Borough of Merton. With over 60,000 visitors a year, our five-acre site includes a farmyard, gardens, riding school, shop, café and small playground. As well as welcoming visitors who want to meet the animals and enjoy the setting, we also work with local schools and community groups to fulfil our charitable aim of improving the lives of everyone in the community. Volunteering is at the heart of the project and we also provide a work experience programme.
Deen City Farm is a limited company as well as a registered charity.

EnhanceAble’s mission is to impact positively on the lives of local disabled people and their families through the provision of excellent social care.  We pride ourselves on going the extra mile in provision of service and placing our customers at the centre of our work.

EnhanceAble is a medium sized charity in the social care sector.  We have a turn over of circa. £2 million per annum.  We have a Board of Trustees, and a Senior Management Team (SMT) consisting of our Chief Executive, Deputy Chief Executive, Head of Finance and HR Manager.

Our trustees play a vital role in making sure that EnhanceAble achieves its core  purpose. They oversee the overall management and administration of the charity.  They also ensure that EnhanceAble has a clear strategy and that our work and  goals are in line with our vision. Just as importantly, they support and challenge the  executive team to enable  EnhanceAble] to grow and thrive, and through this, to achieve our mission. 

Board members have a collective responsibility. This means that trustees always act  as a group and not as individuals.

Duties Include: 

• Support and provide advice on EnhanceAble’s purpose, vision, goals and activities.

• Monitor and evaluate the implementation of new strategies

• Oversee EnhanceAble’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.

• Review and approve EnhanceAble’s financial statements.

• Provide support and challenge to EnhanceAble’s CEO in the exercise of their delegated authority and affairs.

• Keep abreast of changes in EnhanceAble’s operating environment. 

• Contribute to regular reviews of EnhanceAble’s own governance.

•  Attend  Board meetings, adequately prepared to contribute to discussions.

• Use independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect EnhanceAble’s interests, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or any third-party interests.

• Contribute to the broader promotion of EnhanceAble]’s objects, aims and reputation by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts.

What we are looking for 

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.

You do not need previous governance experience – we will provide a full induction  and training.

Personal skills and qualities

• Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as trustees and to act in the best interests of the organisation. 

• Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgment and work effectively as a board member.

• Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion.

• A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. 

• Enthusiasm for our vision and mission.

• Willingness to lead according to our values.

• Commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity,  objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

Terms of appointment

Terms of office

• Trustees are appointed for a 3 year term of office, renewal for 3 further terms to a maximum of 9 years.

• This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses are reimbursed.

Time commitment

• Attending 4  Board meetings annually. Currently meetings are held in person at our head office in KT1 2TW 

• Attending circa 4 other meetings or event during any year

Trustees - Actors Benevolent Fund 

For over 140 years, the Actors’ Benevolent Fund has supported actors and stage managers experiencing hardship due to injury, illness or old age.

The charity has been on a journey of transformation, with a new Board and strategy in place, and they are looking for two additional trustees to join them on this journey. 

Trustee with financial experience - ASCape

ASCape is the only charity of its kind dedicated to improving the lives of Autistic and socially anxious children and young adults and their families in West Dorset. 

Its mission is to provide a programme of social activities and events, peer support and information for Autistic and socially anxious children and young people between the ages of 4-25 years and their families.

The Charity is looking for a Trustee with financial experience to join its Board.

To take an active role in the charity activities.  Responsible for governance, safeguarding and strategic direction of the charity with other board members.  To work in partnership and to support contractors and volunteers helping them to achieve the aims of the organisation.

• Ensure the charity is run in accordance with the governing document, charity law, company law and that the decisions of the board and any other appropriate legislation or regulations are upheld.
• Ensure the charity pursues its objects as defined in its governing document.
• Work within SDAC’s Safeguarding Children and Adults policies at all times.
• Assisting with the development of strategic plans and ensuring the charity operates efficiently.
• Assisting in setting organisational aims and objectives and setting priorities.
• Supporting other trustees in their roles.
• Assisting with reports and being responsible for own secretarial work.
• Attending and actively participating in monthly Zoom board meetings on a Tuesday from 6.30 to 8.30pm and yearly AGM.
• Seek out new opportunities to work with vulnerable residents in Surrey to promote the success of SDAC Ltd.

· Take delegated roles/tasks for the Board as discussed and agreed with the

Chair and report back to the Board.

· Ensure the charity’s confidentiality and safeguarding policies are adhered to with regards to the management of the charity.

· Attending in person meetings with volunteers in Guildford.

Spark! are a growing youth employment charity and are seeking to strengthen our Board through the appointment of 5 new trustees with a passion for supporting young people in to pathways towards meaningful and sustained employment and rewarding careers.

We are particularly looking for trustees who can demonstrate skills or experience in one or more of the following areas to enhance our Governance.

• Finance and accounting
• Local authority
• Education sector
• HR and training
• Central Government and campaigning

We are also seeking Young Trustees (under 25 years old) to represent youth voice on our Board. Ideally this will be someone with relevant lived experience and/or someone who has participated in Spark! programmes.

We also welcome candidates with links to our priority areas of Barnet, Brent, Ealing, Hammersmith & Fulham, Harrow, Hillingdon and Hounslow, and from those with backgrounds that reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.

Trustee - Salusbury World Refugee Centre

Salusbury World is a charity supporting refugees and migrant helping young people and families to realise their rights and potential.

It is looking for trustees who have the passion and commitment drive its strategy. The charity need a range of skills in order to move forward, including significant expertise in Fundraising, Strategy, Finance or Communications.

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.