Trustees Volunteer Roles

Do you want to be inspired by the impact of education? Do you have the skills to lead an established board of governors? A school in Taunton is looking for a skilled volunteer to drive school improvement by becoming a chair of governors.

What will you be doing?

Governing bodies are responsible for the strategic management of a school and will make decisions about a wide range of issues

The core responsibilities involved are:

· Ensuring accountability

· Providing support and challenge to the schools senior leadership team

· Monitoring and evaluating the school’s progress

· Budgetary allocation and control

· Shaping plans for school improvement and overseeing their implementation

· Setting the school’s aims and values

· Appointing senior members of staff including the Head Teacher

A school governing body is made up of representatives from the school, the parents, and the local community.

What are we looking for?

This vacancy is for a Secondary school (11-18). They are looking for someone who has previous governance or board level experience.  Ideally, you would have education experience however please still apply if your skills lie in a different industry. You do need to have a deep commitment to inclusive education, ability to form good relationships with the school and Trust leaders and an understanding of and compassion for children experiencing disadvantage.

You must be over 18, but you don’t need to be a parent or have children of school age. Often, it’s the outside perspective you can bring that a school needs. Professional experience in areas such as safe guarding, change management, and leadership skills are all useful to a school. Soft skills such as communication and problem solving are also great additions.

What difference will you make?

Governors make decisions that affect schools for years to come. Chair of Governors work in partnership with Head Teachers and the Senior Management Team to help deliver the best possible education, and help children realise their expectations and aspirations.

Our recent impact survey found that our volunteers bring £9.9 million worth of value to schools each year, and 9/10 volunteers would recommend being a governor to a friend.

As a chair of governors, you will be encouraged to visit the school to gain an understanding of the culture and ethos and to get the most out of the role. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet children, parents, and teachers, and see the impact of your work first-hand.

What's in it for the volunteer?

Volunteering as a chair of governors is a challenging but rewarding role. As part of the governing board, you’ll:

· Have support from the vice chair(s) and the clerk, to ensure the effective functioning of the board by keeping it focused on its core functions. You will also encourage the board to work together as an effective team, building its skills, knowledge and experience.

· help schools overcome challenges to ensure a bright future for children in your community

· work collaboratively with people from different backgrounds, challenging your own perspective and broadening your network

· gain experience outside of your job description and skills you can bring back to work

Before you apply

You will need to complete an application form and will have an interview with the school. DBS checks will be taken up.

About Governors for Schools

Objectives

Governors for Schools exists to improve educational standards so that children and young people have the chance to realise their full potential.

We believe the key to improving school performance is effective governance. By finding, nurturing and supporting a committed network of governors we help to drive systematic change in how schools operate. We have been connecting schools across England for over 20 years, and expanded our service into Wales in 2020, with skilled and committed volunteers, supported by our business and university partnerships.

Opportunity to Make a Difference: Become a Trustee at St. Luke's Hospice

St. Luke's Hospice is here for our local community when and where they need us. As a Hospice we provide compassionate care and work to ensure equity of access to those in the communities we support, whose illnesses are no longer curable.

Our care ensures dignity and empowers people to make the choices they want from the moment they are diagnosed. We provide support from our two Hospices (Basildon and Thurrock) as well as out in the community at a person’s place of residence, when needed. Our team is made up of various health and social care professionals, many of whom work with us on a voluntary basis.

Our organisation is going through an important and exciting period of transformational change, and we are looking to recruit new Trustees to be part of this on a voluntary basis and to help diversify skills and lived experiences that our Board has.

Our Board are collectively responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity working with the Chief Executive and Executive Team. 

We would welcome applications from individuals from a range of backgrounds (private/public/third sector) who have experience of working at a senior level with or without board experience. For an informal discussion about joining our Board, feel welcome to contact Eileen Marshall, Chief Executive.

Role Details

• Salary: The role is unremunerated, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.
• Contract: Trustees are appointed to the Board which is renewable annually at the Annual General Meeting (AGM).
• Time Commitment: There will usually be up to eleven meetings a year at 4-6 week intervals. Meetings are currently scheduled for Wednesdays and last for 2 hours. Board members are expected to attend at least eight meetings a year and actively contribute to discussions.
• Location: St. Luke's Hospice, Basildon and possible hybrid arrangements available.

Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with fellow Trustees and the Executive Team, to set and review strategic goals.
• Ensuring the hospice complies with its governing document, charity law, and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
• Attend Trustee meetings (in-person or remotely), which are approximately every 6 weeks and also represent the organisation at external events or other meetings.
• Being an ambassador for St. Luke’s Hospice, promoting its values and work within the wider community.
• Actively contributing to Board meetings and Sub-Committees with insight, perspective, and expertise.

About You:

• Commitment to the mission and values of St. Luke's Hospice.
• Experience in HR, Digital/IT, commercial retail management or clinical.
• Excellent communication, teamwork, and leadership skills.
• A passion for making a difference in the community and improving the lives of those facing life-limiting illnesses.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively within a team and independently when necessary.

Belonging, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion:

At St Luke's Hospice, we are committed to creating an inclusive Board that promotes and values diversity. We particularly invite applications from disabled, LGBTQ+ and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic candidates, as these groups are currently under-represented. We have procedures in place to ensure that all applicants are treated fairly and consistently at all stages of the recruitment process, including the consideration of access requirements for individuals with disabilities.

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. 

Are you passionate about putting the voice of disabled children and young people centre stage?  Do you believe that disabled children and young people have the right to a fulfilling life?

Bexley Snap are seeking a Chair for our Trustee Board.  In addition to the core responsibilities of all Trustees, the Chair is overall responsible for ensuring the Board works well together and supports the organisation to fulfil its purpose.Specifically, the Chair will:

• provide leadership to the Board of Trustees to ensure the Board gives firm strategic direction to the organisation, setting overall policy, defining goals and setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets.
• chair meetings of the Board of Trustees effectively and efficiently, bringing impartiality and objectivity to the decision-making process.
• ensure the Board is able to regularly review major risks and associated opportunities, and satisfy itself that systems are in place to take advantage of opportunities and manage and mitigate the risks.
• 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.
• monitor that decisions taken at meetings are implemented.
• appraise the performance of the Trustees and the Board on an annual basis.
• monitor the Director's performance through robust bi-monthly supervisions and appraisals.
• be the final point of decision making for any appeals for disciplinary/complaints escalated to Board level.
• ensure our operational business plan is utilised as a dynamic , current, working document, used to achieve our strategic objectives.
• foster, maintain and ensure constructive relatioships exist with and between the Trustees.

Relevant experience

Individuals are sought who have a strong empathy  with our mission to provide positive opportunities for disabled children and young people and their families in Bexley.

We are looking for someone who:

• has effective experience of leading a Board/management committee.
• has a high degree of emotional intelligence, showing empathy, tact and diplomacy to others with the ability to listen and engage positively.
• demonstrates strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and bring people together.
• has a good undersanding of charity governance issues.
• has relevant experience as a parent, carer or professional.
• has a track record of commitment to promoting equality and diversity.

Help us SHINE and bring SUNSHINE into peoples lives!

We are SUNSHINE, a brand new grassroots community charity that is being set up. We are a small charity trying to make a BIG impact. SUNSHINE is dedicated to bringing people together, spreading joy and community spirit through a range of community-based initiatives that foster connections, enhance wellbeing and transform lives. We especially aim to target those that are at risk and hard to reach living with social isolation who will need access to our charity the most.

At SUNSHINE, we’re not just a charity; we’re a movement fuelled by compassion, dedication, and a shared vision. Our mission? To change the world - one smile at a time with passionate, dedicated and driven positive role models.

We can’t do it alone!!! We need your help!!!

We're looking for a volunteer to fill the role of Trustee and as our Treasurer/Accountant sitting on the Board of Trustees at SUNSHINE. As our Treasurer/Accountant, you’ll lead on the financial management and controls of SUNSHINE, including creating financial systems, processes and policies, lead on banking related matters and register SUNSHINE with HMRC for both Gift-Aid and also PAYE.

​You MUST have UK finance experience and an accounting qualification.

You will also act as a Trustee at SUNSHINE, supporting the work of the Board of Trustees, especially at the set up phase and charity registration process.

You will work with fellow Trustees to;

• Lead and participate in quarterly Trustee Meetings and actively take part in discussions and decisions that benefit SUNSHINE and supporting its impact in the community.
• Provide strategic guidance and direction to the organisation.
• Lead on all financial management and controls at SUNSHINE and Report on the financial aspects of the charity and answer questions at board meetings.
• Register SUNSHINE with the Charity Commission and complete Annual Reports and Audits.
• Register SUNSHINE with HMRC for Gift Aid and lead on the management of this.
• Lead on the creation of a Business Plan and a SUNSHINE 3 year Strategy with other Trustees.
• Lead on and contribute to the development and implementation of organisational policies and procedures with other Trustees.
• Lead on fundraising activities that generate much needed income, including grant writing with other Trustees.
• Support and advise the CEO, ensuring a good working and professional relationship.
• Manage relationships with stakeholders, including donors, partners, and community members.
• Ensure that SUNSHINE has the much needed resources and support it needs to carry out its much needed community work.
• Other Trustee duties relevant for a start-up charity.

If you are interested in joining SUNSHINE, please send your CV for an Application Form.

We look forward to hearing from you and thank you for your interest in SUNSHINE!

SUNSHINE

• Fostering Connections
• Enhancing Wellbeing
• Transforming Lives

Step into our Interim Trustee role and help us cast a ray of SUNSHINE in the community!

We are SUNSHINE, an inspiring grassroots community charity with a mission to make a BIG impact. Our aim is to bring people together, spread happiness, and foster community spirit through initiatives that build relationships, enhance wellbeing, and transform lives. We focus on supporting those at risk and living in social isolation, ensuring they have access to our support when they need it most.

At SUNSHINE, we’re more than a charity; we’re a movement driven by compassion, dedication, and a shared vision. Our goal? To change the world—one smile at a time—with passionate, dedicated, and inspiring leaders.

We can’t do this alone—we need you!

We’re seeking a volunteer to take on the essential role of Interim Trustee, who will oversee our charity’s governance and be a guiding light in SUNSHINE’s leadership, combating social isolation and nurturing our young charity.

As an Interim Trustee, you will play a crucial role in our transformative mission. Your role will involve:

1. Governance Guardian: Oversee the governance of our charity, ensuring we operate within legal and ethical guidelines.
2. Strategic Advisor: Provide strategic oversight and guidance to ensure our charity’s objectives are met.
3. Fiduciary Steward: Monitor our financial health and ensure resources are used effectively to achieve our mission.
4. Advocacy Ambassador: Represent SUNSHINE, advocating for our cause and building relationships with key stakeholders.
5. Leadership Mentor: Support and mentor our team, embodying the values of SUNSHINE and fostering a culture of excellence and empathy.

Who We’re Looking For:

1. Governance Experience: You have experience in charity governance, law, finance, or a related field.
2. Strategic Insight: You possess the wisdom to guide our charity towards achieving its goals.
3. Heart of Gold: You resonate with our values and are driven to make a difference in the lives of others.

If you’re ready to take on this role and shine with us, please send your CV to apply.

We eagerly await your response and appreciate your interest in joining SUNSHINE!

SUNSHINE

Fostering Connections - Enhancing Wellbeing - Transforming Lives

We are looking for an enthusiastic and passionate person, with a legal background, who could devote their time to volunteer as a trustee at our Tunbridge Wells & Maidstone Branch and support us with GDPR compliance. 

Alongside passing on your expertise, this opportunity will give you the chance to influence how we care for and prevent cruelty to animals and drive the implementation of key initiatives. You will serve on the governing body of the charity and be instrumental, alongside fellow trustees, in the running of the Branch and setting out both the short and long term aims.

As a minimum, trustees would normally be expected to attend a monthly committee meeting lasting some 2 to 3 hours. However, the commitment may vary depending on whether or not the trustee takes on additional duties.

Primary responsibilities of the Branch Trustee – Legal and GDPR

•  Assist the Branch in ensuring that activities are GDPR compliant and reviewing and updating the Branch processing activities register.
• Support the Branch in developing and updating Branch policies, particularly the Branch privacy notice and internal data protection policy, to make sure they are compliant.   
• Support the Branch when liaising with external specialist providers such as HR and health and safety specialists.
• The Branch may occasionally enter into new leases with regards to its charity shops; so liaising with external specialists for advice if it does not fall under your area of expertise.
• To assist the Branch when developing new schemes, such as providing welfare assistance to those  low incomes, to ensure any new schemes are GDPR compliant.

What we are looking for in a volunteer:

We are committed to creating a Board which is representative of our society and in particular, our community and surrounding areas so encourage people from any background to apply for any of our opportunities.

Alongside legal and GDPR compliance experience, we are looking for someone who is committed to the RSPCA’s charitable objectives and shares our passion for animal welfare. You would be creative, innovative, bring a fresh perspective, and have the ability to put ideas into action.

You will need to be able to work with people and have good interpersonal skills. You do not need to be an expert although commitment, common sense, and the ability to be objective are vital.

What we can offer you as a volunteer Branch Trustee – Legal and GDPR

•  We will provide you with a comprehensive trustee training course which will provide you will everything you need to carry out the role.
• Ongoing support is also provided by local and national RSPCA staff in addition to any additional training provided by the relevant branch.
• The platform to utilise your skills and experience to oversee the charity and make decisions that have a direct impact on local animal welfare.
•  The opportunity to gain new skills and develop existing ones, whilst making a real difference to the lives of animals.
•  A way to expand your professional and personal network through working with like-minded people.

This is an exciting opportunity to pass on your human resources and employee relations expertise whilst helping the RSPCA; promote kindness and prevent animal cruelty, reach out to more supporters, and influence how we do things.

As a HR & Employee Relations expert you would be supporting the branch by helping them maintain and develop staff throughout the organisation. You would play a key role in advising Trustees on the long-term and strategic direction of human resources and contributing towards policy setting.

As a minimum, trustees would normally be expected to attend a monthly committee meeting lasting some 2 to 3 hours. However, the commitment may vary depending on whether the trustee takes on additional duties.

Primary responsibilities of the Branch Trustee – HR & Employee Relations

•  Advise Trustees on the long-term vision and strategic direction for investment in human resourceSupport the Branch grow, maintain, and develop staff throughout the organisation.
• Contribute to HR policy setting, strategic direction, goal and target setting, and evaluate performance against targets, budgets, plans and charitable objectives.
•  Ensure that HR activities and interventions are linked to the RSPCA Isle of Wight Branches charitable objectives and complement the company culture.
• Advise on and help improve management of HR.
•  Ensure the Board of Trustees properly remunerates staff, reviewing and rewarding performance and development opportunities.
• To work with the Branch Manager to review current HR management arrangements and provide guidance on HR strategy and short and long-term direction. 
• Receive progress reports on HR and any recurring staffing issues.

 What we are looking for in a volunteer:

We are committed to creating a Board which is representative of our society and in particular, our community and surrounding areas so encourage people from any background to apply for any of our opportunities.

Alongside Human Resources experience, including a CIPD membership, we are looking for someone who is committed to the RSPCA’s charitable objectives and shares our passion for animal welfare. You would be creative, innovative, bring a fresh perspective, and can put ideas into action.

You will need to be able to work with people and have good interpersonal skills. You do not need to be an expert although commitment, common sense, and the ability to be objective are vital.

What we can offer you as a volunteer Branch Trustee – HR & Employee Relations

•  We will provide you with a comprehensive trustee training course which will provide you will everything  you need to carry out the role.
•  Ongoing support is also provided by regional and national RSPCA staff in addition to any additional training provided by the relevant branch.
• The platform to utilise your skills and experience to oversee the charity and make decisions that have a direct impact on local animal welfare.
• The opportunity to gain new skills and develop existing ones, whilst making a real difference to the lives of animals.
•  A way to expand your professional and personal network through working with like-minded people.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and passionate person, with a background in health and safety, who could devote their time to volunteer with us as one of our trustees at our Tunbridge Wells & Maidstone Branch. This role will give you the chance to influence how we care for and prevent cruelty to animals and drive the implementation of key initiatives.

As a minimum, trustees would normally be expected to attend a monthly committee meeting lasting some 2 to 3 hours. However, the commitment may vary depending on whether or not the trustee takes on additional duties.

Primary responsibilities of the Branch Trustee - Health and Safety

•  To act as the branch committee member with specific responsibility for informing co-trustees, branch  volunteers, and staff on health and safety matters relating to branch activities, and to assist with the implementation of good health and safety practices.
• Liaise with the branch manager regarding the implementation of any new health and safety guidelines from the Society, or the branch’s health and safety provider.
• Work with staff managers to ensure that the required staff training on health and safety is carried out.
• Ensure that health & safety risk assessments including manual handling, COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations), and fire is carried out and reviewed annually.

 What we are looking for in a volunteer:

We are committed to creating a Board which is representative of our society and in particular, our community and surrounding areas so encourage people from any background to apply for any of our opportunities.

Alongside health and safety experience, we are looking for someone who is committed to the RSPCA’s charitable objectives and shares our passion for animal welfare. You would be creative, innovative, bring a fresh perspective, and can put ideas into action.

You will need to be able to work with people and have good interpersonal skills. You do not need to be an expert although commitment, common sense, and the ability to be objective are vital.

What we can offer you as a volunteer Branch Trustee - Health and Safety

•  We will provide you with a comprehensive trustee training course which will provide you will everything you need to carry out the role.
•  Ongoing support is also provided by local and national RSPCA staff in addition to any additional training provided by the relevant branch.
• The platform to utilise your skills and experience to oversee the charity and make decisions that have a direct impact on local animal welfare.
• The opportunity to gain new skills and develop existing ones, whilst making a real difference to the lives of animals.
•  A way to expand your professional and personal network through working with like-minded people.

This is an exciting opportunity to share your Governance and Compliance expertise whilst helping to promote kindness and prevent animal cruelty. You will be able to influence how we do things, and with your support, we will achieve so much more!

We are looking for someone with a Governance and Compliance background that could spare some time to volunteer with us as one of our trustees at our Tunbridge Wells & Maidstone Branch.

This role will give you the chance to influence how we care for and prevent cruelty to animals and drive the implementation of key initiatives.

As a minimum, trustees would normally be expected to attend a monthly committee meeting lasting some 2 to 3 hours. However, the commitment may vary depending on whether or not the trustee takes on additional duties.

Primary responsibilities of the Branch Trustee – Governance and Compliance

•  Take the lead on policy review, amendment and implementation and create a timetable to ensure Branch policies are reviewed at appropriate intervals.
•  Set out processes and work with senior staff and trustees to ensure policies are implemented and embedded throughout the Branch.
•  Use your experience and expertise to ensure the Branch is complying with its governing document and other regulatory requirements.
•  Provide technical governance knowledge and leadership and to keep abreast of any developments in the charity sector that are relevant to the Branch operations.
• Assist in setting the long term strategy of the Branch, ensuring the charity meets its objects and purpose.

What we are looking for in a volunteer:

We are committed to creating a Board which is representative of our society and in particular, our community and surrounding areas so encourage people from any background to apply for any of our opportunities.

Above all, we are looking for someone who is committed to the RSPCA's charitable objectives and shares our passion for animal welfare. You would have a background in Governance and Compliance and have the ability to put ideas into action.

You will need to be able to work with people and have good interpersonal skills. You do not need to be an expert although commitment, common sense, and the ability to be objective are vital.

What we can offer you as a volunteer Branch Trustee – Governance and Compliance

•  We will provide you with a comprehensive trustee training course which will provide you will everything you need to carry out the role.
•  Ongoing support is also provided by local and national RSPCA staff in addition to any additional training provided by the relevant branch.
• The platform to utilise your skills and experience to oversee the charity and make decisions that have a direct impact on local animal welfare.
• The opportunity to gain new skills and develop existing ones, whilst making a real difference to the lives of animals.
•  A way to expand your professional and personal network through working with like-minded people.

At the Eco Centre our mission is to empower people to live and work sustainably. We inform, inspire and enable people to take action on climate change and the environment.

What we do

Our focus is on practical help so people can reduce carbon, live sustainably and combat climate change.

We’ve developed an innovative approach to helping people make that transition to sustainable living that has the potential of being scaled up and used nationwide – putting us on the road to zero carbon. We’re working closely with communities to pilot and develop the scheme.

In the next 12 months we planning an events programme to engage inspire the public and businesses, and for collaboration and co-creation for climate action innovation.

The next step will be a regional sustainability hub – a visitor attraction with hands-on activities. A go-to destination, training facility, and events/exhibition space – and a resource base for outreach and schools’ programmes.

How you can help

As Finance Board Member you’ll take on the role of Treasurer. As a key member of a newly enlarged team, you will have a leading role in ensuring we are able to step up our action on climate change and sustainability and the drive to Zero Carbon.

Key information:

Position: Finance Board Member/Treasurer

Responsible to: The board and membership

Working Location: Generally remote working but the ability to help occasionally at events in the South West is preferable.

Location Requirements: Preferably living or working in the South West. Regulations permit only a limited no. of directors from outside the area of benefit.

Hours: Minimum of 6-8 hours a month. Flexible

Renumeration: None. Voluntary. Expenses only.  

How to apply: Click the Quick Apply button below. You’ll be asked to submit a CV and answer a few short screening questions about your relevant skills and motivation. Please also submit a cover letter saying why you would like to be a board member and what skills you will bring to our board, operations and plans.

Interviews may take place in the week August or September.

Applicants can contact us for an informal discussion.

What you’ll be doing

As a hands-on board member, you’ll:

• Take on the role of Treasurer.
• Undertake bookkeeping and transaction processing dugites
• Lead on developing and implementing financial procedures and systems
• Be joining newly enlarged team, steering and developing the Eco Centre, helping it to realise its ambition of a Sustainability Centre for the South West.
• Play an important part in developing strategy and ensuring the organisation is well run and able to deliver, and step up, its impact on climate change and sustainability.
• Be contributing to the day-to day running of the organisation and/or its operations.

What are the requirements?

This unique opportunity is for you if…

• You have accounting qualifications or bookkeeping experience
• You have a working knowledge of excel and/or accounting applications
• You work effectively with others to identify, analyse, and solve problems.
• You can use your experience and knowledge to make considered judgements
• You have a commitment to action on climate change/sustainability.

This position is open to people residing in the UK only.

We are looking for an innovative Chief Operating Officer (COO) to provide leadership, guidance  and oversight ensuring operational efficiency and sustainabiltiy, with a passion for supporting children and young people with disabilities. 

F6IT os an inclusive, family centric organisation for children and young people with disabilities and additional needs. We believe in the importance of participation, personal development and fulfilment, making friends and having fun alongside family and friends within their community. F6IT is also a strong, active advocate of disabilty, inclusion and language in local goverment and all parts of the community.

You will be joing a growing organisation and you will help build and drive forward the ambitious plans to deliver more support, fitness clubs and leisure activities to more children and young people with disabilties You will ensure that the needs of our Beneficiaries are at the heart of everything J6IT does.

About Bramber Bakehouse

Bramber Bakehouse works alongside victims of domestic abuse, survivors of human trafficking, asylum seekers and refugees to break the cycles of poverty, violence and disadvantage.

Our trauma-informed programme is a direct response to the situation women face as a result of their past experiences. Learning together in the kitchen fosters community, increases self-esteem, improves mental health and develops trust.

Combine this with our tailored wellbeing sessions, transferable life skills lessons and future-proof support, it’s a recipe for success.

We are seeking Trustees with a variety of skills to join our Board.

What will you be doing?

Trustees are given a full induction, receive training opportunities and can claim reasonable expenses to enable them to carry out their duties. 

Main Tasks 

• Reflect the organisation’s vision and values, strategy and policies 
• Work closely with the board to formulate and review the strategic aims of the organisation 
• Ensure the policy and practices of the organisation are in keeping with its aims 
• Ensure that the organisation functions within the legal and financial requirements of a charity and company limited by guarantee 
• Use resources effectively and efficiently 
• Ensure best practice is developed and applied
• Monitor and evaluate the performance of the organisation 
• Take part in training sessions
• Contribute specific skills, interests and contacts 
• Fulfil other duties as required from time to time by the Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees meet six times a year: four early-evening meetings and two weekend away-days, in Eastbourne or Brighton.

What are we looking for?

• Sector knowledge - experience in the charity or social enterprise sector, knowledge of purpose driven organisations and trauma informed practice
• Safeguarding - experience of child and adult safeguarding from a practitioner or governance perspective
• Fundraising - experience in the charity sector, at a senior level.
• Business Development - experience of developing social enterprise, trading; property management
• Equity, Diversity & Inclusion - experience of developing ED&I strategies and frameworks

We aim to achieve equity, diversity and inclusion at every level of our workforce. As a result, we're prioritising applicants with lived experience of gender-based violence, displacement, exploitation or racism. We believe organisational diversity matters and we will be more accountable and better able to assess the needs of the women we support if we have a good range of perspectives within our team.

What difference will you make?

We are a charity that works alongside women who've experienced gender-based violence, exploitation and/or displacement. Through the power of baking, women are able to lead safe, purposeful, independent lives.

Time Commitment and Location

The Board of Trustees meet six times a year: four early-evening meetings and two weekend away-days, in Eastbourne or Brighton.

We have a clear strategy, an expanding staff team and ambitious plans for growth. None of this would be possible without the input and support of a skilled and engaged Board of Trustees.

This role is mainly home-based.

About ESRA

We help people in East Sussex to live free from addiction and follow an abstinence base programme. Our recovery hub is run by staff with lived experience and volunteers, most of who are in recovery themselves. We provide a range of health and well-being services that are inclusive, accessible, and responsive to the needs of local people in recovery.

The Chair will play a key role in the strategic direction of ESRA and support the Board with their leadership skills.

What will you be doing?

The Chair will hold the Board and Senior Management Team to account for ESRA’s mission and vision, providing inclusive leadership to the Board of Trustees, ensuring that each Trustee fulfils their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of the charity.

The Chair will also support the CEO and ensure that the Board functions as a unit and works closely to achieve agreed objectives.

Main Responsibilities of the Chair

• Strategic leadership
• Governance
• External Relations
• Efficiency and Effectiveness
• Relationship with the CEO

Please request a copy of the candidate pack for a full list of responsibilities

What are we looking for?

We are interested in an individual who brings the following: 

• Have commitment to the mission and values of ESRA
• Strong leadership skills and ability to motivate a team
• Show willingness to devote the necessary time and effort for the role
• Strong inter-personal, networking and relationship building abilities
• Someone with existing charity experience, for example either on a charity Board, or a CEO of a charity
• Experience of working in drug and alcohol services is desirable

We warmly welcome candidates from a range of cultures, backgrounds, contexts, ages and experience. We would also love to hear from candidates with lived experience of addiction. We strongly value the contribution that people with these characteristics will bring to our Board discussions.

What difference will you make?

This is a great opportunity to use your skills and experience to help ensure that the charity continues to provide its valuable services, to empower people in East Sussex to live free from addiction.

Time Commitment and Location

• The Board currently meets quarterly
• There is an away day once a year
• Ad hoc communication in between Board meetings with the CEO.
• This can be a hybrid role, so the new Chair doesn’t necessarily need to be based in Hastings