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.

Join us as a Trustee / Director and make a difference!

Are you passionate about making a positive impact in the community? Do you have a strong desire to contribute your skills to a cause that matters? We invite you to become a Trustee / Director and be a driving force for change!

Who we are: A purpose-driven charity, dedicated to making a difference to the lives of young, homeless people. We believe in the power of community, collaboration, and transparency to create lasting change.

Our organisation comprises a registered Charity & Community Interest Company each with its own Board. The Charity provides supported accommodation, advice, support & guidance to vulnerable, homeless young people. The Community Interest Company provides 24 / 7 concierge services to CAYSH young people & externally to vulnerable adults with complex needs.

As we continue to grow, we are seeking dedicated individuals to join our board of Trustees / Directors.

What we're looking for: Passionate individuals from a variety of backgrounds, with a range of expertise to contribute to our board. Whether you have experience in social care, safeguarding, finance, law, marketing, technology, or other fields, your unique skills and perspectives are valuable to us. As a Trustee / Director, you will play a pivotal role in guiding our organisation towards success and helping us develop our business growth strategy. We particularly seek a trustee who can take a safeguarding lead. 

Why you should join us as a trustee / director: Impact: Be part of an organisation making a real difference in the lives of homeless young people. Leadership: Contribute to strategic decision-making and shape the future direction of the organisation. Fulfilment: Experience the satisfaction of knowing that your efforts contribute to positive change.

Commitment to safeguarding young people and vulnerable adults is essential as well as commitment to equal opportunities and eliminating discriminatory practice.

Time commitment:

Our Trustees and Directors provide a valuable and positive contribution, building on our strengths and ensuring our results are sustained. There are currently 9 Trustees / Directors within the Group who bring a wide range of skills, knowledge and experience to the organisation.

To support the decision making at CAYSH, you will attend an average of 4 Board meetings and up to 4 Committee meetings a year, plus Trustee / Director away-days & other events, such as AGM. Meetings are held outside regular business hours and are mostly online. Events (including strategy days, AGM and service user get-togethers) usually take place at our offices in Croydon.

How to Apply: If you are ready to embark on a rewarding journey and become a Trustee with CAYSH, we would love to hear from you! Apply now and become a catalyst for positive change! Together, let's build a better future.

Supporting men in crisis, saving lives: James’ Place provides vital, life-saving therapy when it’s needed most. Join James' Place as a Trustee and help us transform support for men in suicidal crisis.

Location: Flexible within the UK

About James’ Place

James’ Place Charity was set up by Clare Milford Haven and Nick Wentworth-Stanley in 2008 after their twenty-one-year-old son, James, died by suicide ten days after a minor operation. James had no history of mental illness or depression and had sought urgent help for anxiety and suicidal thoughts but didn’t find it. We know that suicide is the biggest killer of men under 50, and we know that many men find it difficult to reach out for help.

James’ Place was set up to make the experience of finding help as easy as possible. James’ Place offers men who are experiencing a suicidal crisis a brief, intensive, therapeutic intervention in a safe environment. Men who walk through the door at James’ Place will be in a space where they feel valued and respected.

We have been chosen as one of the charities for The Times and The Sunday Times Christmas Appeal 2024 and we were also thrilled to win two awards at the Royal Society for Public Health and Wellbeing Awards, winning the Public Health Minister’s Award for our innovation and strong academic focus on prevention and inclusion, as well as our regional spread and scale.

About the roles

We’re at an exciting point in our history. As we continue on our growth trajectory, our current Board and Executive team are looking to strengthen and diversify our board to support this growth, including establishing a new centre in Birmingham, reaching more men in crisis, and saving lives.

Who we are looking for

We are looking for new Trustees to join our board, complementing the skills and expertise of our existing members while strengthening key areas. We’d love to hear from you if you share our values and are passionate about our work.

We are particularly keen to ensure our board includes the voices of those we support, so we are looking to hear from individuals who have used James’ Place as service users and who also bring additional skills and diversity to the board.

We also recognise the importance of diverse perspectives in building a strong board and ensuring good governance. To better reflect the communities we serve, we strongly welcome applications from people from diverse backgrounds who share our values and who can contribute to the diversity of thought.

Please click 'Apply via website’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Company Description

Sudbury and South Suffolk Citizens Advice helps people find solutions to life challenges by proving expert advice. We are an independent charity and part of the national citizens advice network. Although our office is in Sudbury, our coverage area is South Suffolk where we work closely with Suffolk County Council, Babergh District Council and other agencies and elected bodies. Our office has a team of c50 volunteers and staff, and their efforts contribute over £1m of value to the local community.

Role Description

We are looking for several additional trustees on a part time and voluntary  basis to join the Board of Trustees.  We need leadership from people who really care about social issues in our community. Board members are responsible for participating in Board meetings and sub-Committees, providing strategic direction to the executive and  to make decisions that impact the organisation and therefore the wider community.  There is also an opportunity  for Trustees  to get involved in some specific issues and  support the organisation using your own specialist skills.  A time commitment of half a day a week is ideal but not expected with the opportunity to contribute more time if available

Qualifications & Experience

Strategic decision making, governance and sound judgement

Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment

An awareness of  the non-profit sector

An awareness of  financial management and budgeting

The Board welcomes applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds, age, and ethnicity

Trustee – Melanoma UK
Make a difference in the fight against melanoma.

Melanoma UK is seeking dedicated and passionate Trustees to join our Board and help shape the future of our charity. If you are committed to improving lives and reducing the impact of melanoma, this is a meaningful opportunity to contribute your expertise.

About Melanoma UK
We are a leading charity dedicated to raising awareness of melanoma, supporting individuals and families affected, and advocating for prevention, early detection, and innovative treatments. Through collaboration, education, and research, we aim to make a lasting impact in the fight against this preventable disease.

The Role
As a Trustee, you will play a vital role in the governance and strategic direction of Melanoma UK. Working alongside a team of committed individuals, you will ensure the charity operates effectively, meets its objectives, and upholds the highest standards of governance. 

The Elliot Foundation Academies Trust seeks three dedicated individuals to join our Board of Trustees to play a part in making a positive, lasting impact on the lives of thousands of children.

Applications close: 9 a.m. Wednesday 7th May 2025

Location: Hybrid with regular meetings in London

Time commitment: 6 board meetings per year

About The Elliot Foundation Academies Trust

The Elliot Foundation Academies Trust (TEFAT) is a charitable multi-academy trust dedicated to reshaping primary education. With over 14,000 children across 36 schools in the West Midlands, East Anglia, and London, we are committed to fostering a nurturing and ambitious learning environment.

Our approach is simple yet powerful: put children first, equip teachers with the resources they need, and ensure that every child receives an education tailored to their needs. We believe in a broad, creative curriculum that inspires lifelong learning, empowering pupils to become confident, curious and engaged members of society.

The Elliot Foundation Academies Trust (TEFAT) was founded to provide a safe and inclusive learning environment where children and educators can thrive. We believe that every child deserves an excellent education, regardless of background and that schools should be places where children feel valued, challenged and inspired.

About the roles

Becoming a Trustee of TEFAT is a unique opportunity to contribute to a thriving multi-academy trust that is making a real difference in children’s lives. As a Trustee, you will provide strategic leadership, governance and oversight to ensure that our schools deliver the highest standards of education while remaining financially and operationally sustainable.

Who we are looking for

Educational leadership and governance

We seek individuals who are deeply committed to improving educational outcomes for children, particularly in primary education.

Whether you have experience as a headteacher, school governor, policymaker, or education strategist, your insights will help shape our approach to learning and development.

We welcome candidates with:

• A strong understanding of curriculum design, pedagogy and system leadership across multiple schools.
• Experience working within multi-academy trusts, local authorities, or educational charities.
• Senior leadership in other areas of the public sector, for example, the NHS or Emergency Services.
• A passion for inclusivity, ensuring that children from all backgrounds, including those with SEND, receive equal opportunities to succeed.

Your expertise will support our schools in providing innovative, high-quality education that prepares children for lifelong success.

Risk management and financial oversight

Effective governance relies on strong risk management and financial stewardship. We are particularly interested in individuals with experience in finance, law, corporate governance, or compliance.

Key areas of focus include:

• Ensuring financial sustainability and value for money
• Identifying and managing risks related to safeguarding, operations, and regulatory compliance.
• Overseeing strategic planning and investment in school infrastructure and development.

Your skills will help protect the long-term stability of TEFAT while enabling us to continue delivering outstanding education across our academies.

Please click 'Apply via website’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Wednesday 7th May 2025.

Exeter Food Action (EFA) is seeking to appoint one or more trustees with particular experience in fundraising, marketing or comms.

EFA is an Exeter-based charity  dedicated to tackling food waste and food insecurity. We ‘rescue’ surplus food from supermarkets, producers and other sources, redistributing it to over 60 food banks and community groups in Exeter and across Devon. These organisations, in turn, support thousands of individuals and families experiencing food insecurity.

It’s a shocking fact that, globally, some 1.3 billion tonnes of food are wasted each year.  In the UK alone, up to 40% of food produced never gets eaten.

By preventing surplus food from going to waste, we aim to reduce environmental harm while making a meaningful difference to the lives of people living with food insecurity. The volume of food we rescue increases year on year and has increased fivefold since we became a Charitable Incorporated Organisation in 2017.

In 2023, in partnership with FareShare (South West), we distributed just over 118 tonnes of food to 64 food banks and community groups, (equivalent to the weight of 3 Boeing 737-800 planes), supporting thousands of people every week. We anticipate that our 2024 figures will be the same, if not higher.

As a Trustee, you will:

· Help shape the strategic direction of our organisation,

· Ensure our resources are managed effectively and ethically,

· Attend quarterly Board meetings and other occasional events,

· Act as an ambassador for our mission within your community.

· Take a lead on a specific area where you will be supported by the wider trustee and staff and volunteer teams.

What we’re looking for

We welcome candidates from all backgrounds, particularly those with skills or experience in:

· Fundraising,

· Legal expertise or governance,

· Marketing, branding or comms

Why join us?

· Be part of a passionate and dynamic team,

· Use your skills and experience to benefit a cause close to your heart,

· Gain valuable experience in governance and leadership.

The current trustee board is made up of 6 people from a wide range of backgrounds.EFA employs 3 members of staff and has over 50 active volunteers.

How to apply

Interested? Please share your CV with letter of interest with us. 

Applications close on May 1st 2025 .

Diversity and Inclusion

We believe in the strength of a diverse board and encourage applications from all ages, genders, ethnicities, abilities, and backgrounds.

Opportunity to join The Restart Project’s Board of Trustees

As we embark on implementing our newly formed strategy, we are looking for a treasurer who can support us by connecting our ambitious goals with financial realities, as well as new trustees to join our board.

Our vision is by 2035, we’ve helped to end the throwaway production and consumption of electrical products. With systemic support, repair and reuse is easier, cheaper and more rewarding for all.

Who are we looking for?

Having trustees with a mix of backgrounds, approaches and perspectives leads to better decision-making. We believe that a governance and accountability structure enriched by multiple voices and intersectional expertise, leads to more thoughtful, informed, just and liberatory strategies, decisions, and practices.

If you are interested in applying for a trustee position, but do not meet the full criteria as outlined in the person specification, or at early stages of your career, we will provide the necessary mentorship from other board members.

We especially encourage applications from young people and others underrepresented in tech and environmental sectors, and from those passionate about what we do.

Responsibilities as a treasurer

• Ensuring that proper processes and procedures exist for assuring all financial records, decisions and delegations are maintained
• Oversee the preparation and scrutiny of annual accounts
• Oversee the preparation of the annual budget
• Ensuring the reserves policy is viable
• Ensuring the charity complies with relevant laws and regulations (eg SORP)
• Ensuring the trustee board is aware of financial duties and responsibilities

Treasurer person specification:

• Fully qualified chartered accountant / financial qualifications and charity finance experience
• The skills to analyse proposals and examine their financial consequences
• A commitment to Restarts vision, mission and values
• Willingness to devote the time and effort needed to fulfil the role
• A commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, and to contributing to a positive working culture 

Responsibilities as a board member

• Contribute actively to the board of trustees' role in giving strategic direction to the charity, setting overall strategy and policy, setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets
• Ensure the charity applies its resources exclusively in pursuing its objectives
• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the charity
• Safeguard the good name and values of the charity
• Declare any conflict of interest while carrying out the duties of a trustee
• Be collectively responsible for the actions of the charity and other trustees
• Participate in other tasks as arise from time to time, such as interviewing new staff, helping with fundraising etc.
• Attend meetings and read papers in preparation for the meeting
• Keep informed about the activities of the charity and wider issues which affect its work
• Be available to staff for advice and enquiries on an ad hoc basis 

Further information is available about both the treasurer and trustee role in the job specifications available on our website.

Join Us as Treasurer Trustee – Help Secure the Future of Sherwood Forest for People & Nature

Do you have strong financial acumen and are passionate about conservation and heritage? Since 1995, our charity has been at the heart of protecting and preserving the rich natural and cultural heritage of Sherwood Forest. Through dedicated conservation projects, community engagement, and educational initiatives, we work to restore threatened heathlands, expand woodlands, and inspire people to connect with this historic landscape.

With funding from the National Heritage Fund, we are embarking on an exciting programme to restore lowland heathlands across the Sherwood National Character Area. As Treasurer Trustee, you will play a vital role in ensuring the charity’s financial health, sustainability, and strategic growth—helping us make the most of our resources to continue this important work for future generations.

We have a high-performing staff finance officer so this is not a Treasurer role where you are required to do the book keeping. Instead you will be the key link between the staff team and the Board as you support your fellow Trustees in the performance of their governance duties and understanding of the charity’s finances.

You’ll be joining a passionate, committed and experienced board of trustees who are in close connection with our CEO led staff team. This is a fantastic opportunity to use your financial expertise to shape the future of a well-established charity. If you’re looking for a meaningful way to apply your skills in financial oversight, strategic planning, and governance - while making a real impact on the environment we would love to hear from you.

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive board and welcome applicants from all backgrounds, including those with varied professional expertise and lived experiences. We encourage applications from individuals who can bring different perspectives to our work and help us better serve the communities we support.

If you would like an informal chat around the role, please contact our CEO, Helen (contact details on the next tab). To apply, please send your CV or Linkedin profile accompanied with a letter explaining why you want to become a trustee and what you hope to bring to the Board of Trustees.

Use your skills to ensure every child can grow up in the love of a family, never orphanages, and join the board of Hope and Homes for Children, a brave, can-do organisation with an ambitious and collaborative team.

Location: Open to applications from any global location

Time commitment: Up to a day a month

Closing date: Friday 2nd May

Who we are.

For almost 30 years, Hope and Homes for Children has been driven by an unwavering belief: every child deserves to grow up in a loving family, never in orphanages. We’re working to transform care systems and eliminate orphanages worldwide because we know that the last thing an orphanage can provide is the first thing a child needs – someone to love them. We help to bring millions of separated children back to family.

Our unique strength lies in our practice base – hands-on experience in successfully closing orphanages and reforming childcare systems. An estimated 5.4 million children live in institutions around the world. We’ve already helped reduce the number of children in Romanian institutions from over 100,000 to less than 4,000, and we’re close to eliminating ALL orphanages entirely in Romania, Bulgaria, Moldova and Rwanda whilst scaling our work across India, Nepal, South Africa, Kenya, and Ukraine to support overhauling their child care systems.

Our advocacy reached a watershed moment when all 193 UN member states unanimously agreed that orphanages must be eliminated – a historic first in global child welfare. Now, with refreshed branding and strategic partnerships that amplify our impact, we’re embarking on our most ambitious decade yet. Our goal? To create a decisive shift in how policymakers, businesses, and society view institutional care, establishing family-based care as the only acceptable standard.

We’re architects of systemic change, successfully influencing EU funding regulations to prioritise family-based care over institutions. We’re also working closely with governments to ensure child care reform remains central to Ukraine’s reconstruction efforts, and spearheading major conferences across Asia.  We’re building unstoppable momentum for change.

While our achievements are significant, they’re just the beginning of our journey to ensure every child grows up where they belong – in a loving family.

The opportunity.

As poverty deepens and discrimination persists, an estimated 5.4 million children remain confined in orphanages – 80% of whom have at least one living family member who could care for them with the right support. This is why our work has never been more critical.

We stand at a pivotal moment. By 2030, we aim to build a global consensus that orphanages are an unacceptable way to care for children. Working as a catalyst, our strategy ‘Alive With Hope’ focuses on three key objectives:

• Implementing national reform across 9 countries.
• Building influential partnerships to secure significant commitments to make child care reform a human imperative.
• Developing innovative financing mechanisms to support global reform.

To help drive this ambitious agenda forward, we’re seeking three exceptional individuals who share our unwavering commitment to transforming children’s lives to join us as trustees.

Who we are looking for.

As we drive toward this ambitious goal, and current board members come to the end of their terms, we are looking for someone to join us with the following skills and experiences:

• Strategic Leader: We’re seeking an individual with significant experience in one or more of the following areas; governance, risk management, partnerships, advocacy, or NGO leadership to strengthen our strategic oversight and help drive our ambitious plans forward. Understanding of the charity sector would be particularly valuable.

While Board meetings are usually held in London, there are options to join virtually, and we are open to applications from individuals based in any location.

We’re looking for individuals who:

• Bring energy, rigour, and an entrepreneurial spirit.
• Can act as critical friends, asking the challenging questions while remaining supportive.
• Are willing to invest time in understanding our work.
• Share our ‘can-do’ mentality and belief that change is possible.
• Can contribute to a collegiate board culture that values robust discussion and mutual support.

You believe fundamentally that children belong in families, never in orphanages. Beyond this commitment to our cause, you bring strategic vision coupled with practical insight and the ability to work collaboratively as part of our dedicated Board.

While Board meetings are usually held in London, there are options to join virtually, and we are open to applications from individuals based in any location.

If you share our values of courage, integrity, and excellence, we want to hear from you. We actively encourage applications from diverse backgrounds and experiences, as we believe this strengthens our ability to achieve our mission. We’re particularly interested in hearing from candidates from diverse ethnic minority backgrounds, women, and younger trustees who can bring fresh perspectives to our work.

You’ll join a high-calibre Board where your contribution will be valued. We provide comprehensive induction, including opportunities to visit our programs and see first-hand the transformation we’re achieving.

Time commitment.

Our Board meets quarterly in London (with an option to join virtually), with meetings designed to maximise engagement and impact. We also hold an annual two-day away day, either in the UK or one of our operational countries, providing valuable insights into our frontline work. Subcommittees meet virtually, 4-5 times annually, ensuring efficient use of trustees’ time while maintaining robust governance. Overall, we expect the time commitment to be up to a day a month, including board and committee meetings, ad hoc discussions and preparation for board meetings.

Please click 'Apply via website’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close Friday 2nd May.

Join us and make a real difference to local families

Being a parent can be lonely, frustrating, and overwhelming. Home-Start is there for families when they need it the most.

Our longstanding Chair and Treasurer are standing down. We require

• an experienced Chair
• a Treasurer with financial management experience, preferably in a non-profit
• two members with experiences that will add insight into the challenges families with young children in South Wiltshire face. We welcome interest from all backgrounds/skill sets and are particularly keen to find people with HR experience.

You can help children in South Wiltshire have the best start in life. We would love to hear from you.

“The team feels like ordinary people doing extraordinary things for families.” Volunteer

“Been amazing, knowing I’ve got that (volunteer visit) to look forward to in a difficult week, she listens, she’s great, helps to know I have her visit when I’m having a difficult week.” Mum

“Families who are lucky enough to have Home-Start involvement flourish. Home-Start can connect with families who would otherwise struggle to gain access to their communities while they are vulnerable and coping with difficult and sometimes complex situations. Home-Start is not duplicated by other services and if not in South Wiltshire some families would slip between the statutory agencies.” Health Visitor, South Wiltshire

We seek candidates with experience across various sectors to bring their expertise to the non-executive leadership of our Trust.

About Forward Education Trust

Forward Education Trust aims to provide high-quality education and support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Their primary objective is to create an inclusive learning environment that fosters academic, social, and emotional development. The trust is committed to improving educational outcomes, promoting independence, and ensuring equal opportunities for all students.

What will you be doing?

Our Executive Leaders work alongside Trustees as a team, united by the shared purpose of achieving the Trust’s vision and mission. As a Trustee, you will be expected to attend our main board meetings four times a year, with additional meetings depending on the committee you join. Trustees are responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the Trust, including its financial health, the integrity of its activities, and the development of the organisation’s aims, objectives, and goals in line with the governing document, legal, and regulatory guidelines. This responsibility encompasses both the Trust’s culture and its performance. Governing a successful school trust is a challenging and demanding role, but it is also highly rewarding, with the opportunity to work alongside like-minded, supportive colleagues.

For full details please request a copy of the candidate pack.

What are we looking for?

Trustees bring a diverse range of skills, knowledge and experience to the Board.

The basic requirements for applicants are enthusiasm and a commitment to working collaboratively with others for the benefit of the Trust and its objectives.

We are currently seeking candidates with experience and expertise in:

· Human Resources - Our staff are the most important part of making our schools a success

· Education - Ideally state-funded, at any age-range, in senior positions from Deputy Headteacher upwards

· Financial Management - Whether in education, other public bodies, commercial enterprise or accountancy practice

· Business Operations - Including project management and multi-site operations

· Information Technology - Contributing to our digital systems for sustainability

What Difference will you make?

As a Trustee, your expertise and leadership will directly shape the future of Forward Education Trust and the students we serve. By ensuring strong governance and strategic decision-making, you will help our seven special schools provide the highest quality education for children with complex learning and physical needs. Your role as a Trustee will provide the support and accountability needed to create stable, thriving school environments where children with special educational needs can flourish, achieve their full potential, and transition into fulfilling adult lives.

Time Commitment

The estimated commitment for this role is between one and three hours per week.

We are looking for committed and compassionate female trustees to join our board and help drive our mission forward, whether you bring professional expertise or or lived experience of abuse.

Who we are

We are an East Sussex based charity and member of Women’s Aid, dedicated to supporting women who have experienced domestic abuse, sexual violence, or other forms of gender-based harm. We provide trauma-informed services, advocacy, and practical support to help women rebuild their lives in safety and dignity. Our charity upholds the principle that survivors deserve access to single-sex spaces, in line with the Equality Act 2010.

The role

Seeking Female Trustees for Lotus, an East Sussex Abuse Charity

Role: Trustee (Voluntary)

Location: East Sussex (Meetings are held in person in Newhaven, with remote access available, and fully remote meetings as needed.)

Time Commitment: Approx. 4–6 board meetings per year, plus occasional involvement in projects or events. Meetings are currently held on weekday mornings to help accommodate women with childcare responsibilities, ensuring greater inclusivity.

​We welcome applications from women who share our commitment to empowering survivors and protecting women-only spaces.

Who We’re Looking For

We welcome applications from women with a range of backgrounds, particularly those with experience in:

• Safeguarding and domestic abuse/VAWG services
• Fundraising and grant applications
• Finance, HR, or charity governance
• Legal expertise (especially in family law, housing, or safeguarding)
• Communications, PR, or digital marketing
• Survivor advocacy and lived experience

You don’t need prior trustee experience – we provide training and mentoring to support your development in the role. If you have a passion for supporting survivors and want to influence real change, we’d love to hear from you.

What You’ll Gain

• The opportunity to make a real impact in the lives of women and girls
• Experience in charity leadership and governance
• A supportive and empowering team of women working towards a common goal
• Training and development to help you thrive in the role

Commitment & Accessibility

We recognise that many women have caring responsibilities or other commitments, so we ensure our meetings are flexible, with remote participation available. We are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse board that reflects the communities we serve.

Join The Orchard Project as a Trustee to help grow thriving urban orchards, tackle climate change, boost biodiversity, and empower communities across the UK.

Applications close: 9 a.m. Tuesday 6th May 2025.

Location: Remote/London EC2A 3EQ

Time commitment: Half day per month

About The Orchard Project

The Orchard Project is the UK’s only national charity dedicated to creating, maintaining, and celebrating community orchards. Our vision is for everyone in urban areas to be within walking distance of a thriving orchard where people and nature can flourish together.

Once a significant part of the UK’s landscape, many orchards have been lost due to urban development. We are bringing them back — especially in areas with little green space, helping communities reconnect with nature, improve biodiversity, and tackle climate change. Through planting, training, and advocacy, we empower people to care for orchards long-term, ensuring they become lasting, productive spaces for food, wildlife, and well-being.

We focus on reaching those most in need, including people on low incomes, individuals with mental health challenges, and pupils in inner-city schools. Our work spans London, Swansea, Manchester, Glasgow, and Edinburgh, and we continue to grow.

At The Orchard Project, we are as committed to building a diverse, inclusive organisation as we are to creating resilient, biodiverse orchards. By working together, we can create greener, healthier, and more connected urban communities.

About the roles

As a trustee of The Orchard Project, you will play a vital role in shaping the strategic direction of the UK’s only national charity dedicated to community orchards. Your leadership and expertise will help us expand our impact, strengthen governance, and drive innovation in urban greening and community engagement.

Your contribution will directly support our mission to bring thriving community orchards to urban areas, tackle climate change, increase biodiversity, and improve well-being.

By guiding our strategy, expanding our reach, and ensuring financial resilience, you will help create a more sustainable, inclusive, and connected society — one orchard at a time.

Who we are looking for

We seek passionate, strategic, and forward-thinking individuals who can bring diverse perspectives and expertise to our board. You will be committed to environmental and social change, have strong strategic thinking, and be able to constructively challenge conventional ideas.

With a passion for equity, diversity, and inclusion, you will champion these values within our organisation. Strong networking and relationship-building skills, alongside the ability to provide governance oversight and contribute to effective decision-making, will be key to this role.

You may have connections in philanthropy, corporate partnerships, or funding sectors — or be experienced in business development, finance, fundraising, or innovation with an interest in environmental sustainability, biodiversity, or community engagement.

While prior leadership, governance, or advisory experience is welcomed, we also encourage first-time trustees to apply. We are especially keen to hear from individuals from racially diverse backgrounds, younger candidates and those looking for their first trustee role as we work to make our board more representative and inclusive.

We recognise the importance of supporting trustees and offer training, a buddy system, and financial recognition for your time.

Please click 'Apply via website’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for these roles close at 9 a.m. Tuesday 6th May 2025.