Policy Volunteer Roles in Yorkshire And The Humber

The Proof of Age Standards Scheme (PASS) is operated by a non-profit Community Interest Company providing accreditation to suppliers of Proof of Age Cards in the UK. Card suppliers are assessed against strict standards by qualified auditors to ensure that they operate to the highest standards. Sellers of age restricted products can be confident in accepting cards with a PASS hologram, safe in the knowledge that the scheme is supported by the police, trading standards and a wide range of trade bodies. 

We have entered exciting times and are currently working with our interoperability provider on digital proof of age (dPASS) which will allow individuals to prove their age quickly and securely using digital proof of age providers accredited against industry defined PASS standards.

We are seeking an experienced Independent Director, who will also act as Vice Chair, who can put to use their knowledge and expertise into supporting PASS as we move towards implementing our digital proof of age scheme.

We are seeking a passionate individual with specific knowledge and expertise in at least one of the following areas:

·Digital proof of age and/or age estimation

·Interoperability systems and process

·Commercial / technical 

·CiC background and/or strategic business development

·Legally qualified

Please apply if you have experience being a volunteer Board member and have a clear understanding of what the role involves.

Closing date: Friday 29 November 2024

Interviews: Tuesday 17 December 2024 in London (SW1)

Nb:

The appointment will commence on 17 January 2025 (successful candidates will be required to attend the PASS Board meeting on 17 January 2025 in London)

All Directors are required to attend 4 Board meetings a year in London

OUR VISION

A world where primary bone cancer is cured.

OUR MISSION

To save lives and improve outcomes for people affected by primary bone cancer.

OUR VALUES 

PIONEERING. We lead the way, we leave no stone unturned, we are prepared to take risks.

DYNAMIC. We don’t stand still, we innovate, we celebrate every success.

SUPPORTIVE. We listen, we understand, we care.

KNOWLEDGEABLE. We know our stuff; we are eager to know more.

TRUSTWORTHY. We do what we say we’re going to do; we do the things that matter.

Bone Cancer Research Trust are currently looking for exceptional individuals to join our board of Trustees. Trustees have overall control of the charity and are responsible for making sure it’s doing what it was set up to do. As a trustee, you will use your skills and experience to support BCRT, helping it achieve its aims. 

We are a highly driven and ambitious charity and at the centre of our plans are our patients. They are the driving force of our 2022 – 2032 strategy More Patients Surviving. More Patients Thriving. We are looking for equally driven and motivated individuals to help us achieve our strategic aims.

We are looking to recruit two individuals and are particularly interested in candidates who might have experience in the areas of finance or policy. If you feel you have the experience, knowledge and skills we are looking for, or feel you can add significant value to BCRT’s board in other ways, we would like to hear from you.

MORE PATIENTS SURVIVING. MORE PATIENTS THRIVING. 

Would you like to help tackle loneliness, one conversation at a time?

Loneliness and isolation can have devastating effects on a person’s mental and physical health. We are a registered charity providing a pathway of support to alleviate the hurt and distress, and the impact on mental and physical health, caused by loneliness and social isolation. 

We are looking for Impact volunteers to help us with the monitoring and evaluation of our services so that we can understand the impact of them and make sure we are meeting our aims and fulfilling our remit. 

The role involves conducting a survey, mostly over the telephone (there may be face-to-face interviewing opportunities) that helps us measure our impact on loneliness and social isolation. 

For all our roles:

Enhanced DBS checks for working with vulnerable adults (formerly called criminal records bureau checks)  which we will organise (no cost to this) and two references are required.

For any roles involving driving Archway Friends, we will need to see evidence of insurance and driving license as well as MOT and tax documents for the vehicle to be used.

We will happily cover out of pocket expenses (eg mileage or costs of calls made.).

We provide training relevant to the roles as well as ongoing supervision, guidance and support for all volunteers.

Share Psychotherapy (Share) is recruiting for a Chair to lead our board of trustees.

We are in an exciting phase of development, strengthening our core clinical team, improving administrative and business systems and solidifying our financial position. We want to build upon our position as a centre of excellence in psychotherapy, by significantly increasing engagement of users, and to make an even bigger contribution to improving mental health in Sheffield.

The Chair of the Board will provide leadership as we develop and grow. Using your skills in leadership, communication, integrity and openness, you will work alongside the other trustees on the board to drive the ambitious vision for Share’s future and guide the staff and large volunteer base. The following areas represent the main elements of the role. Key activities that will usually be the responsibility of the Chair are:

· Lead with the Board the strategic and sustainable development the organization

· Chair formal board meetings and the annual AGM

· Ensure that trustees comply with their duties and the charity is well governed and all aspects of financial, corporate and clinical governance are maintained 

· Act as a spokesperson and advocate for the charity

· Be a proactive communicator and embrace a participatory leadership style

· Line manage and provide support to senior staff

The Board holds quarterly formal meetings (usually online), intervening monthly informal sessions and provides general oversight of the work of Share. The commitment as Chair is approximately 3-4 days per month.

We currently have a co-chair job share arrangement which has worked well for the organisation and the individuals holding the post. The board would be open to another co-chair arrangement and there is the opportunity to job share with one of our existing chairs, either as a permanent arrangement or for an introductory period.

If you would like an informal discussion about the role, please contact Astrid Walker Bourne

BPS Assessments and Awards Limited wishes to appoint an independent director. The successful applicant will be required to attend quarterly online board meetings and up to one additional strategy session per year. This is a voluntary role.

We are interested in candidates with skills and experience in the following areas:

• Knowledge of apprenticeships,  with a particular interest in the health sector.
• Experience of end-point assessment organisations, or assessment of apprenticeship.
• Evidence of strong commercial knowledge and business development expertise.
• Ability to express opinions, while respecting the thoughts and opinions of others.
• Dynamic in thinking and approach with a drive and passion to make a substantial impact.
• Other areas of interest may include finance, social media, brand development and marketing or public sector commissioning.

BPS Assessments and Awards Ltd is a trading subsidiary of The British Psychological Society (BPS). BPS Assessments and Awards Ltd has been approved to act as an End Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO) to provide end-point assessment services to providers, employers, and their apprentices. Its current directors are either trustees of BPS or employed by BPS, therefore the company wishes to appoint an independent director.

We encourage applications from people with a diverse range of experiences and backgrounds to ensure the board truly represents the people they serve. 

English for Action (EFA) provides free, participatory, and empowering English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes for migrants in London. Our classes are spaces to build community and support students to organise collectively around issues like employment and housing rights. Our work currently supports around 400 adult migrants across London. We’ve become a national centre of good practice for a radical participatory approach to ESOL, informed by the work of Paulo Freire, and we share this approach through training, research and partnerships.

The #LoveESOL team is looking for #Campaign #Research #Volunteers to take our message to the next level. If you are passionate about improving access to English for Speakers of Other Languages (#ESOL) for migrants and sanctury seekers, enjoy doing desk-based research, are comfortable completing tasks on your own and as part of a team, and can commit to at least two hours per week for a minimum of four months, we'd love to hear from you! 

African Development Choices (ADC) is a UK-based Social Enterprise on a mission to reduce poverty by empowering communities to make more informed choices in the management of public resources.

ADC’s purpose is to enable communities to independently meet their needs for essential services, such as clean water and safe sanitation and improve lives in Africa.

At ADC we encourage a working culture of seeking and giving input, showing and taking initiative, and commitment to the organisation and its purpose.

We now have an exciting opportunity for a volunteer Co-Chief Social Impact Officer to join ADC and job share with our current volunteer Chief Social Impact Office Francesco Carvelli. 

Main Purpose of Job: To oversee the design and delivery of social impact programs while ensuring their financial viability through fundraising and partnerships.

Division: Social Impact

Department: N/A

Position Reports to: Founder and CEO

Position is Responsible for: Head of Fundraising, Head of Programs, Head of Partnerships, Head of Policy & Research

Main Duties and Responsibilities:
 

• Lead the development of ADC’s social impact strategy, including practical tools and systems that not only track and measure impact performance, but also integrate impact analysis into strategy and decision-making
   
• Lead the development of ADC’s fundraising strategy, with a focus on developing long-term strategic public and private sector partnerships with global and regional corporates, institutions, foundations and high net worth individuals
   
• Play a role in relation to revenue generation by helping to define market relevant value propositions for consulting services based on our Theory of Change, with a goal of achieving a business model that is financially sustainable and delivers on ADC’s strategic vision for catalysing social impact
   
• Lead the creation of new social impact programs, interventions and goals that will inspire and drive the organisation to deliver social impact at scale, and ensuring that the ADC approach and Theory of Change is upheld and enhanced
   
• Lead the development of thought leadership initiatives that position ADC as an influential driver of systemic social change in Africa and leader in social impact research
   
• Play a role in creating and maintaining social impact content, and making it accessible to our Marketing & Communications team for sharing with internal and external audiences to promote ADC’s work
   
• Coordinate and provide oversight and support to the Social Impact team, guiding recruitment and onward career development of team members

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience:
Essential
 

• +15 years of experience in the not-for-profit sector 
   
• A track record of leading successful fundraising campaigns and grants applications
   
• Experience of design and delivery of social impact programs
   
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to develop long term relationships with institutional sponsors and individual major donors
   
• Familiarity with impact assessment methodologies and latest developments in the impact measurement field
   
• Ability to create powerful narratives that present social impact in a simple manner
   
• Ability to drive strategy in a multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural team environment
   
• Demonstrated ability to create global and regional networks across the industry
   
• Ability to actively take initiative and help set things up in a start-up environment
   
• Ability to actively seek and give input in a collaborative team environment
   
• A committed team player with good communication skills
   
• Available to volunteer at least 10-15 hours a week

Desirable
 

• Experience working in an early stage star-tup and gone through a scaling phase
   
• Passion for the start-up life and comfortable in a role with a little ambiguity
   
• Experience leading, managing and coaching successful teams in different geographical locations

What ADC offers you:

This is a volunteer, remote and unpaid position with the following benefits:

• Professional learning and career development opportunities
• An opportunity to build on your work experience within your profession
• An opportunity to be part of a diverse team representing different parts of the world that is helping to deliver systemic social change in Africa
• An opportunity to help shape a start-up social enterprise
• We provide work reference

This job description is a written statement of the essential characteristics of the job, with its principal accountabilities, incorporating a note of the skills, knowledge and experience required for a satisfactory level of performance. This is not intended to be a complete, detailed account of all aspects of the duties involved.

Here at African Development Choices, we celebrate diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our teams are made up of people from all over the world and we welcome all applications. If you are disabled or have a long-term health condition, and you require any reasonable adjustments for your application with us, please let us know by contacting recruitmentatafricandevelopmentchoicesdotorg.

Overview of the role:

PECAN is seeking to appoint a new Chair of Trustees. Under PECAN’s governing articles of association its trustees, including the Chair, are appointed for a three-year term, which may be renewed for a further two terms (so a maximum of nine years’ unbroken service).

Key tasks:  

The Chair will hold the Board and Executive Team to account for the Charity’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 management team and ensure that the Board functions as a unit and works closely to achieve agreed objectives. They will act as an ambassador and the public face of the charity in partnership with the CEO.

Key responsibilities

· Provide leadership to the organisation and the Board by ensuring that everyone remains focused  on the delivery of the organisation’s charitable purposes to provide greater public benefit.

· Chair and facilitate board meetings, oversee and ensure proper record-keeping

· Ensure that decisions taken at meetings are implemented.

· Give direction to board policy-making.

· Ensure that the charity has a clear vision, mission and strategic plan, and that there is a common understanding of these by the management team and the Trustees.

· Develop the Board of Trustees including induction, training, appraisal and succession planning

· Ensure that 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 the Board fulfils its duties to ensure sound financial health of the charity, with systems in place to ensure financial accountability.

· Encourage positive change where appropriate and address and resolve any conflicts within the Board.

· Act as an ambassador for the cause and the Charity.

· Bring impartiality and objectivity to decision-making

· Address conflict within the Board and within the organisation and liaise with the CEO to achieve this.

· Foster, maintain and ensure that constructive relationships exist with and between the Trustees.

· Liaise with the CEO to keep an overview of the organisation’s affairs and to provide support as appropriate.

· Lead the process of supporting and appraising the performance of the CEO.

· Sit on appointment and disciplinary panels where required.

With the CEO:

· Plan the annual cycle of board meetings and other general meetings where required, for example annual general meeting.

· Set agendas for board and other general meetings.

· Ensure that the Board receives sufficient and timely information to make informed decisions.

Relationship with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and the wider management team:

· Establish and build a strong, effective and a constructive working relationship with the CEO ensuring they are held to account for achieving agreed strategic objectives.

· Support the CEO, whilst respecting the boundaries which exist between the two roles.

· Ensure regular contact with the CEO and develop and maintain an open and supportive relationship within which each can speak openly about concerns, worries and challenges.

· Liaise with the CEO to maintain an overview of the charity’s affairs, providing support as necessary.

About you:

PECAN is a Christian charity whose values are kindness, belief and hope. There is a requirement for all Trustees, including the Chair, to sign a statement of belief. The CEO is also required to be a Christian.

In addition to the qualities required of a Trustee of the charity, the Chair should have the following qualities:

· Leadership

· Experience of committee work, including at least one previous Trustee role.

· Tact and diplomacy, with the ability to listen and engage

· Good communication and interpersonal

· Impartiality, fairness and the ability to respect

· Ability to foster and promote a collaborative team

· Empathy

It would be desirable to demonstrate experience of the Chair role and/or be willing to join the Association of Chairs to increase their knowledge that will help with the role.

Impact of your role

By leading the Board of trustees of the charity, you will be part of a team providing a vital support function in your local community, seeking to ensure a dignified experience to anyone visiting or anyone who comes into contact with PECAN.

Support

A full trustee induction will be provided to support the new Chair in their role, as well as access to training opportunities to develop in their role as a trustee.

Please note:

· The Chair of Trustees will be appointed for three years. Under the terms of PECAN’s memorandum and articles of association this appointment may be renewed for a maximum of two further three-year terms (a total of nine years).

· You must be 18 or over and must not be disqualified from acting as a trustee and declare any conflict of interest while carrying out the duties of a trustee.

· The role of Chair is not accompanied by any financial remuneration, although reasonable expenses may be claimed (e.g. for travel and subsistence).

Do you want to make high quality, inclusive relationships and sex education a reality for all children and young people? 

We are looking for four new volunteers to join our current Board of Trustees. We are keen to recruit people with fundraising, financial management, lived experience or youth participation expertise. The experiences and voices of young people are central to our work, so we are encouraging more young people (aged 18 years old and above) to join our board. 

The Sex Education Forum campaigned successfully for the introduction of compulsory relationships and sex education (RSE) in all schools in England. Now we are focused on making sure this promise becomes a reality. We partner closely with young people to understand where the gaps are and who is missing out. We run training for educators and we bring lots of different organisations together to form a community around our shared goal of high quality, inclusive RSE for all, because we know it can make a huge difference to the lives of children and young people. 

Being a trustee can be very rewarding. It’s an opportunity to develop yourself and gain skills, and have the chance to help shape what we do and how we do it. Take a look at the trustee role description and don’t feel you have to tick all the boxes. If you share our passion for RSE please read on and consider applying to join us. 

Do you want to gain professional writing skills and have your named work viewed by thousands? Do you have a passion for great literature or fine art or classical or contemporary music or history or archaeology or something else in the humanities? Do you love to learn about other cultures, their cuisine, customs and language? Do you want to join a vibrant community of writers? Then write for us!

The Cultural Me helps our subscribers learn about the arts and culture the same way they would learn a new language. We are a tech company and are developing artificial intelligence-assisted learning.

We are looking for writers to research and write micro-articles (roughly 300–350 words) on selected subjects, for example, a piece on Tolstoy, or Early Renaissance to Contemporary Art, or Latin American magic realism to Postcolonial Literature, or Sri Lankan culture, or Beethoven, or Film... You will also be involved in editing contributions from other writers.

If you have never written professionally before, then don't worry: all we ask for is a Bachelor’s Degree in the Arts and Humanities. We are also happy to consider you if you have alternative qualifications — provided you can demonstrate specialist subject matter knowledge in one or more areas in the arts and culture (and you love reading). The articles we produce (unlike popular media) are to the best academic standards. The ideal person, therefore, should enjoy writing articles that are well-researched yet written in an accessible format suitable for the public at large.

Here is what you can expect from us in return for your voluntary work:

• Detailed and friendly, one-to-one editorial feedback on almost every line you write.
• How to write for a busy mainstream reader: developing a story.
• A language and style guide reflecting modern trends in mainstream media.
• The chance to develop a deeper understanding of the arts, history, philosophy...
• Publication of your work to a global audience on a fast-growing platform.
• A link to your writing portfolio to include in your CV.
• A chance to join our diverse community of writers in our active chat space with the option to contribute to our growing social feed on the Cultural Me website.

In addition, if you provide The Cultural Me as a reference for a potential job, we will provide a personalised reference based on your portfolio. Our writers have secured jobs with organisations such as the Red Cross, Kobalt Music, Oxford University Museums, amongst others.

This is a brilliant opportunity for someone with a passion for the arts and culture to join a community on a worthy mission. If you love the idea, then please email Emma by clicking on ‘Apply’ and writing a short cover letter explaining what you like about the role.

COMMENTS FROM OUR WRITERS

Claire Woods — MA Creative Writing, Open University

‘The editors have a keen eye for detail, and I’m learning so much already!’

Florence Gildea — MPhil Sociology, University of Cambridge

‘The level of support, the attention to detail and the encouragement I experienced while writing for The Cultural Me was absolutely unprecedented in all my years of writing. Editing is an underappreciated skill these days, as people are keen to publish content as quickly as possible. It is a testament to the commitment of the Editors at The Cultural Me for producing resources of the highest quality that they put so much time and effort into working with writers like me. I felt both stretched and valued.’

Zoe Willis — BA French and German, University of Bristol

‘Working on The Cultural Me micro-articles really made me interrogate what I was writing, making sure the subject was absolutely clear for those reading it. At university, you are never told to examine each sentence as to how it fits in with your argument.’

Elise Czyzowska — BA English Literature & Language, University of Oxford

‘Writing for The Cultural Me has allowed me to continue practising my analytical reading from university, and given me the opportunity to share my thoughts on the literature I know and love.’

Nicholas Benton — BA English Literature, University of Sheffield

‘The Cultural Me provided me with a detailed commendatory reference that helped me secure a place on a master’s degree at the University of Birmingham.’

Tom Mackinnon — BA History of Art, University of Cambridge

‘Since starting to write for The Cultural Me, I’ve actually learned a lot about writing for mainstream readers. At the same time, I really enjoy being able to keep in touch with the topics I love. I do recommend this experience to anyone wanting to pursue a career in writing, curation or education.’

SAMPLE MICRO-ARTICLES

Please see the attachment.

SAMPLE WRITER PROFILES

Ugne — https://thecultural.me/people/Ugne-Civilyte-109496

Isabella — https://thecultural.me/people/Isabella-Barber-109388

Rami — https://thecultural.me/people/Rami-Barhoumi-109470

Judith — https://thecultural.me/people/Judith-Kuthy-109397

Ashly — https://thecultural.me/people/Ashly-Cork-109382

Christina — https://thecultural.me/people/Christina-Apostolidou-109357

Katerina — https://thecultural.me/people/Katerina-Koukouthaki-109393

Satkartar — https://thecultural.me/people/Satkartar-Chaggar-109383

Role Summary:

The Chair of the Board of Trustees will provide strategic leadership to Hidayah, ensuring the organization remains aligned with its mission to support and advocate for LGBTQ+ Muslims. The Chair will guide the Board of Trustees in effective governance and act as an ambassador for the charity within both the Muslim and LGBTQ+ communities.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Leadership and Governance:
   • Provide leadership to the Board, ensuring that Trustees fulfil their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of the charity.
   • Oversee the Board of Trustees’ operation, ensuring its members work collaboratively and effectively.
   • Ensure the charity complies with its constitution, governing documents, charity law, and other relevant legislation/regulations.

1. Strategy and Planning:
   • Lead the development and implementation of the charity’s annual strategic plan, ensuring alignment with the needs of LGBTQ+ Muslims.
   • Write the annual report outlining Hidayah’s impact and achievements
   • Work with the Board of Trustees to ensure that strategic objectives are effectively executed and serve the community
   • Write and develop a portfolio of policies to ensure the smooth running of Hidayah

1. Board of Trustees Management:
   • Chair monthly Board meetings effectively, ensuring decisions are taken in a timely manner and that actions are followed up.
   • Facilitate a positive and inclusive Board culture where diverse viewpoints are encouraged and respected.
   • Manage all volunteers taken on by Hidayah

1. Advocacy and Representation:
   • Act as an ambassador for the charity, promoting its work within both the Muslim and LGBTQ+ communities and to a wider audience.
   • Represent the charity at key events, meetings, and functions, and develop relationships with key stakeholders and partners.

1. Financial Oversight:
   • Oversee the charity’s financial health, ensuring it operates within its means and maintains proper financial control and accountability.
   • Work with the Treasurer and the finance team to ensure the Board of Trustees receives accurate and timely financial information.
   • Act as a signatory for Hidayah’s bank account and financial operations.
   • To seek out partnerships, sponsors and endorsements from individuals and organisations.

1. Risk Management:
   • Ensure appropriate risk management policies and procedures are in place and adhered to.
   • Regularly review and address potential risks to the charity’s operations and reputation.

Person Specification:

Essential:

• Demonstrable experience in a leadership role within a charity, non-profit, or similar organization.
• Strong understanding of governance best practices and charity law.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to foster a collaborative and inclusive culture.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into actionable plans.
• Strong financial acumen and experience overseeing budgets and financial planning.
• Passion for the charity’s mission and commitment to its values, with a deep understanding of the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ Muslims.

Desirable:

• Previous experience as a Chair or in a senior non-executive role.
• Experience in fundraising and development activities.
• Established network within the Muslim and LGBTQ+ communities and among relevant stakeholders.

Terms of Appointment:

• The Chair will be appointed for an initial term of 3 years, which may be renewed for a further term(s).
• This is a voluntary position; however, expenses incurred in fulfilling the role will be reimbursed as approved by the Board of Trustees in line with Hidayah’s policies.

Trustee Role

 The Developers Club Foundation is seeking dedicated individuals to join our existing Board of Trustees, which consists of 6 individuals. As a not-for-profit organisation, we are committed to supporting the housing and professional development of young adults at risk of long-term youth homelessness. We believe that providing quality accommodation and mentorship can be life-changing for generations to come.

 Role Description:

As a Trustee, you will play a vital role in guiding the strategic direction of The Developers Club Foundation. You will be responsible for ensuring the effective governance and financial stability of the organisation, as well as overseeing the implementation of our charitable initiatives.

 Key Responsibilities:

- Attend fortnightly board meetings and contribute actively to discussions during the setup phase. Meetings will transition to quarterly once the setup phase is complete.

- Provide guidance and oversight on the organisation's strategic direction.

- Review and approve budgets, financial reports, and fundraising plans.

- Support the fundraising efforts of the organisation.

- Act as an ambassador for the organisation and promote its mission and values.

Skills and Experience:

We are looking for individuals with a passion for social impact and a commitment to our cause. Ideal candidates will have expertise in one or more of the following areas:

- Housing or homelessness support

- Fundraising and financial management

- Legal or governance

- Marketing and communications

- Youth development

 Application Process:

To apply for the role of Trustee, please submit your CV along with a supporting statement outlining your interest in the position and what expertise you can bring to the table. 

By joining our Board of Trustees, you will have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of young adults at risk of homelessness. We look forward to receiving your application and welcoming you to our team.

 Please note that The Developers Club Foundation is yet to receive official charity status, and an application will be submitted once suitable additional Trustees have been appointed. Thank you for your support.

The Mental Health Foundation is recruiting for Non – Trustee Committee Members to support our UK Public Mental Health Committee

Deadline: 21 October

Location: Primarily online

Salary: n/a, voluntary expenses

Hours: 2- 4 per month

Contract type: For 3 years initially

The Mental Health Foundation are the UK’s leading charity for public mental health. We work in each of the UK nations to advance our mission to prevent mental health problems and tackle inequalities. This has never been more important. As a member of our Public Mental Health Committee, you will play an important role in guiding our research, policy and programmes. These are voluntary, non-Trustee advisory positions which will bring you a rewarding experience, a chance to further your professional development and an opportunity to help the Foundation deliver its mission. In this role you will:

· Participate in 5 online meetings and one in-person meeting each year

· Provide support, advice and insights to the senior team on the strategy and key areas

What skills, knowledge and experience are we looking for?

We are seeking 2-3 new advisers who will bring different skills, experiences and perspectives to strengthen our Public Mental Health Committee. We welcome applications from diverse backgrounds and are especially keen to hear from applicants that have experience of;

· Policymaking or public health at UK level

· Refugee and asylum seeker issues and/or anti-racism work

· The use of new technologies including AI in prevention

We value the involvement of people who bring knowledge of lived experience of mental health issues. To strengthen and maintain diversity on the Committees, we would particularly welcome applications from young people, women and people from minority ethnic backgrounds.

Safeguarding is Everyone’s business – Mental Health Foundation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of all its beneficiaries, those who surround them, its staff, volunteers, and anyone else who comes into contact with its services and expects all trustees, staff, and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to appropriate vetting procedures (proof of eligibility to work in the UK, proof of residency and satisfactory employment screening, including a Disclosure check and two most recent references) along with 3-year renewals of Disclosure checks. We are unable to provide sponsorship for this post, you must be able to demonstrate your eligibility to work in the UK. 

How to apply

If you think your skills match and you’d like to be part of a dynamic and growing organisation, please complete and submit your application via our website.  Please ensure you attach an up-to-date CV and statement of suitability answering all points of the person specification.  Applications will close at 5pm on Monday 21st October and we are unable to accept late applications.  Interviews are planned for Wednesday 6th and/or Thursday 7th November.

We believe our people should represent the communities, organisations and individuals we work with.  Diversity and inclusion is a strategic priority for us as an employer and mental health charity, and we are proud to be signatories of the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter and the Disability Confident Committed Scheme.  Applications from under-represented sections of the community are actively encouraged.

If you have a disability, require any additional support or have any questions regarding the role, please contact us  We make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and during employment.  Disabled candidates who meet all the essential person specification criteria will be offered an interview.  Therefore, please do ensure you tick the relevant box on the application form and clearly indicate in your application/covering letter if you consider yourself to meet the requirements of the Equality Act 2010 / Disability Discrimination Act 1995.

We are currently operating mostly digital recruitment (including interviews via video conferencing).  We have moved to a hybrid working model of a minimum of 2 days per week in the office and the rest working from home.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Responsible to: Chair of Trustees 

Start date: November/December

Who We Are

M4RD is a UK charity that is advancing rare disease training for medical professionals. The aim of our work is to help reduce diagnostic delay and improve patient experience for those impacted by rare conditions.

We work with an extensive network of patients, carers, advocates and advocacy groups to deliver training to medical schools, foundation schools, royal colleges, hospitals and trusts.

The charity is small and consists of a friendly group of staff and Trustees. The work can be intense but is very rewarding, as the charity responds to the needs of the rare disease political landscape.  

Please take a look at the M4RD website for more information on our team, and our work. You can also find more details on this position here.  

Why Join Us

At M4RD we are not just talking about change; we are making it happen - as evidenced by the attitude change towards rare disease training in healthcare driven by M4RD for the last five years. By becoming a Trustee, you will play a vital role in shaping the future of healthcare for people with rare conditions. Working with a dedicated team committed to systemic change in medical education, you will bring skills, experience, and knowledge that will support M4RD in achieving their objectives. 

Open Trustee Positions

We are expanding our board and seeking individuals with specific expertise to help us achieve our mission. Our new Trustees will be passionate about supporting the charity to deliver its objectives, and have skills and/or experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Income generation 

• Lived experience of a rare condition 

• Healthcare education 

• Clinical practice 

• Lived experience of health and/or social inequality

• Lived experience of societal marginalisation

Key Responsibilities

• Ensuring the organisation pursues its stated objects (purposes), as defined in its governing document, by supporting the development of - and agreeing - a long-term strategy

• Ensuring that the organisation complies with its CIO constitution, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations

• Ensuring that the organisation applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its charitable objects for the benefit of the public

• Ensuring that the organisation defines its goals and evaluates performance against agreed targets

• Safeguarding the reputation and values of the organisation

• Ensuring the effective and efficient administration of the organisation, including having appropriate policies and procedures in place

• Ensuring the financial stability of the organisation

• Protecting and managing the property of the charity and ensuring the proper investment of the charity’s funds

• Following proper and formal arrangements for the appointment, supervision, support, appraisal, and remuneration of the Chief Executive

Why this Role is for You

• You are passionate about the landscape of rare disease.

• You have the skills and experience M4RD is looking for.

• You are prepared to challenge systemic inequities within healthcare and medical education.

• You are ready to make a long-term commitment to improving the lives of people impacted by rare disease. 

Time Commitment: The expected time commitment is:

• 4 online Trustees meeting per year;

• 1 face to face strategy meeting or event; and 

• Some ad hoc committee work. 

However, we are also keen to invite those who are passionate about the charity's work and able to support in other areas.

Please take a look at the Job Description for more details on this role. 

We look forward to hearing from you!