Volunteer Officer Volunteer Roles in Manchester

thank you for your interest in supporting Headway – the brain injury association (charity no. 1025852), otherwise known as Headway UK.

This empowering charity has for more than 40 years been improving the lives of individuals and families affected by brain injury.

Whether it is providing a listening ear or expert guidance via our nurse-led helpline; increasing the confidence of brain injury survivors to become more independent with the safety net provided by our bespoke identity card scheme; or supporting a UK-wide network of independent local Headway charities and volunteer-led branches, the work we do changes lives.

About the role

The Honorary Treasurer plays a key role on the board of trustees, ensuring sound financial management and oversight of the charity’s resources in line with its mission, vision, and legal requirements.

The Treasurer works closely with the Chair, CEO, Director of Finance and Administration and the board to maintain financial stability and sustainability while supporting strategic decision-making.

As the charity undergoes a period of modernisation following an independent governance review, the Honorary Treasurer will be instrumental in leading the financial aspects of this transformation, ensuring robust financial controls, transparency, and the alignment of resources with the charity’s strategic goals

Interested?

Download our trustee recruitment pack to find out more about this opportunity.

Ever Thought About Being an Interview Expert?

Here's your chance to learn the invaluable skill of interviewing and becoming top-rated in a way that will shape your entire life. At IHF, we believe that being adept at one requires excellence in the other. Join our dynamic team where you will hone these crucial skills.

 About IHF

• IHF, an award-winning global Non-profit, has been making a positive impact since 2001.

• Our mission is two-fold: Educate and nourish impoverished children, promote healthy communities, and educate global citizens about the realities of impoverished communities.

Why Join Our Skill-Building Team?

•  Lifetime Skill: Learn to be an expert in interviewing, a skill applicable throughout your life.

• Apply

• Discover more about our volunteer programs and apply through our website. Alternati First Response Mastery: Develop proficiency in first response, a critical component of successful interviews.

•  Global Learning: Engage in real-life experiences online and in person, understanding the realities of diverse communities.

Mothers’ Union Southwest

Trustee and Honorary Treasurer

Location – Remote

Salary – Unpaid Voluntary Role

The Organisation

Mothers’ Union is a federated  global Christian movement working to transform lives, strengthen families and advocate for change. Active for nearly 150 years and now with 4 million members in 84 countries, our programmes have extraordinary reach and an approach that is in line with best practice – our members serve in their local communities, have strong established relationships, and are there for the long term. They see what is needed, where it is needed and work as volunteers to facilitate change and help others. This local knowledge, combined with their Christian faith perspective enables transformation in the communities they serve.

Our work around the world is focused around the three pillars identified by our members of stopping violence (especially gender based violence), poverty and injustice.

The Role

We now seek a Trustee and Honorary Treasurer for a new charity being formed in England as apart of a pilot reorganisation and consolidation of operations within Britain. This is an exciting opportunity to use your skills and experience to help transform our movement and drive lasting change in communities in the South West of England.

For further information, please click apply for this role and see the job pack attached.

Closing date for applications is 24th January 2025.

Interviews to be held week commencing 27th January 2025

The Organisation
PMH is one of the few charities in the UK that specifically helps parents who are supporting a child with mental health challenges and whose needs and impact for positive change are all too often overlooked. In most cases support is focused on the child and parents are left isolated, unaware of what the best approach is and have to try and cope on their own. The impact on families can be devastating. Friendships, social activities, work, school and family relationships can be disrupted. All energy is focused on the one child with their siblings often feeling neglected. For parents, realising that their child is struggling with their mental health, that they might be experiencing anxiety and depression, be suicidal, self-harming or have an eating disorder, is incredibly difficult to come to terms with and accept and they feel totally out of control. They often blame themselves for the struggles their child is enduring. It is the start of an emotional roller coaster, with many finding it hard to cope having nobody to turn to for help and support. 

To find out more about the work PMH do, visit the website.

Person Specification:
Preferred:
•  Lived experience of parenting a child with poor mental health
•  Technology, digital, and/or online community experience

Essential:
•  A passion for the aims of Parenting Mental Health and the energy and skill to balance connection to the founding principles with a sustainable, impactful future focused approach
•  Belief in the power of the parent to effect change in their family
•  Commitment to lived experience working and to developing deeper knowledge, process, and potential of our volunteers
•  Collaborative in approach
•  A proven track record of leadership in either the voluntary, public or commercial sectors
•  Experience of operating at a senior strategic leadership level within an organisation
•  Successful track record of achievement through their career
•  Experience of charity governance and working with or as part of a Board of Trustees

Further Information
For comprehensive information about Parenting Mental Health, the role responsibilities and the person we are looking for, please download the Candidate Information Document.

How to Apply
If you are passionate about joining PMH and believe you have the skills and experience we are looking for, please apply with the following:

•    An up-to-date CV
•    A supporting statement of no more than 2 sides of A4, detailing why you would like to be considered, your relevant experience and expertise and what you think you can bring to the role.

All applications are being handled by our recruitment partner, Trustees Unlimited (part of the Russam group). 

All applications should be emailed to Trustees Unlimited.

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Melissa Baxter, Managing Partner - Charities.

Closing date for applications: Monday 20th January 2025 
Interview with Parenting Mental Health: 30th / 31st January 2025 

We look forward to receiving your application. 

Join our amazing volunteer team to raise awareness of sight loss and RNIB services at local events. You will give talks in person or virtually, sharing your own story to improve understanding of sight loss to local service providers and community groups. You’ll be making a real difference to people living with sight loss by helping to improve accessibility and inclusivity, creating a world without barriers. What you’ll be doing: • Giving talks to groups of people to raise awareness of sight loss in your local community by sharing your story to audiences, for example, local businesses, community and voluntary groups. • Delivering Talks to raise awareness of RNIB services as a trusted source of support for blind and partially sighted people • Representing RNIB as an Ambassador for the Community Connection service What you’ll gain from the role: • An opportunity to give something back. • A chance to build a strong community. • A sense of achievement through the difference you make. • A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people • An opportunity to develop and explore different roles with RNIB, including our internal job vacancies. In return for donating your time we will provide: • A supportive route to building your confidence in presenting and sharing your story with an audience. • A rewarding experience. • A great Induction and training

Who this opportunity will suit

Minimum age

• You must be at least 18 years old to apply

What skills and experience are needed?

• • Lived experience of issues affecting blind and partially sighted people • Be comfortable speaking to different audiences to share your story, or a willingness to try with our support. • Able to communicate effectively. • Have an outgoing, friendly approach to meeting new people.

We’re seeking new trustees to join our board. This is an exciting opportunity to help lead Big Leaf Foundation in the next phase of its development and to use your skills and experience to make a lasting difference to the lives of displaced young people in Surrey.

We are seeking individuals with:
o commitment to our vision, mission and values;
o excellent teamwork and leadership skills and effective decision-making;
o willingness to commit time and effort to the role;
o good, independent judgement, strategic vision and ability to communicate ideas;
o history of impartiality, fairness and commitment to promoting equality and diversity.

We particularly need individuals with skills and experience in one or more of the following areas:

o charity governance;
o risk management;
o data security and IT;

o diversity and inclusion;
o evaluation and reporting.

The statutory duties of a trustee are to:

o Ensure the organisation complies with its governing document.
o Ensure that the organisation pursues its objectives as defined in its governing document.
o Ensure the organisation applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objectives – the charity must not spend money on activities which are not included in its own objectives, no matter how 'charitable' and 'worthwhile' those activities are.
o Contribute actively to the Board of Trustees' role in giving strategic direction to the organisation, setting overall policy, defining goals and setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets. o Safeguard the good name and values of the organisation.
o Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.
o Ensure the financial stability of the organisation.
o Protect and manage the property of the organisation and to ensure the proper investment of the organisation's funds.
o If the organisation employs staff, to appoint the Chief Executive Officer and monitor his or her performance.

In addition, with other trustees to hold the charity “in trust” for current and future beneficiaries by:

o Ensuring that the charity has a clear vision, mission and strategic direction and is focused on achieving these.

o Being responsible for the performance of the charity and for its “corporate” behaviour; ensuring that the charity complies with all legal and regulatory requirements.

o Acting as guardians of the charity’s assets, both tangible and intangible, taking all due care over their security, deployment and proper application.

o Ensuring that the charity’s governance is of the highest possible standard.

Trustees should make full use of any specific skills, knowledge or experience to help the board make good decisions and all trustees must adhere to our Trustee Code of Conduct.

Reports to: Chief Development Officer

We are looking for a highly motivated and experienced Head of Governance & Legal Support to lead the governance and legal functions of Youth Advantage UK. The Head of Governance & Legal Support will oversee compliance, risk management, and legal operations to ensure the charity operates within all applicable regulations and ethical standards. Managing the Governance & Legal Support Manager, this role will also involve developing and implementing governance frameworks that support organisational growth and sustainability.

Key Responsibilities:

● Manage Governance & Legal Support Team: Provide leadership and guidance to the Governance & Legal Support Manager and ensure the team operates effectively.

● Develop Governance Frameworks: Create and implement policies, procedures, and systems to strengthen the charity’s governance structure.

● Ensure Regulatory Compliance: Monitor and ensure adherence to all relevant laws, regulations, and ethical standards, including charity law, data protection, and safeguarding.

● Risk Management: Identify, assess, and mitigate risks, maintaining a comprehensive risk register and working with leadership to address potential challenges.

● Support the Board of Trustees: Act as a key liaison for the Board, preparing meeting agendas, maintaining minutes, and ensuring timely submission of governance reports.

● Legal Oversight: Manage contracts, agreements, and other legal documents, ensuring accuracy and compliance with legal requirements.

● Training & Development: Provide training and resources to staff and volunteers on governance and compliance matters, ensuring understanding and adherence to policies.

● Partnerships: Build and maintain relationships with legal advisors, regulators, and other stakeholders to support organisational compliance.

● Drive Organisational Values: Promote a culture of accountability, transparency, and ethical practice across the organisation.

Ideal Candidate:

● Experience: At least six months in a senior governance, legal, or compliance-focused leadership role within the charity sector or a similar organisation.

● Leadership Skills: Proven ability to manage and develop teams, fostering a high-performance culture.

● Legal Knowledge: Strong understanding of charity law, governance best practices, and regulatory compliance.

● Risk Management Expertise: Experience in identifying and mitigating risks in a complex organisational environment.

● Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels.

● Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with governance and compliance tools, systems, and processes.

● Commitment to Diversity: Understanding and experience in embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion within governance practices.

● Passion for Youth Development: Genuine enthusiasm for supporting young people and advancing the mission of Youth Advantage UK.

Day-to-day Tasks:

● Managing the Governance & Legal Support team, including sharing best practices and ensuring professional standards are met.

● Ensuring compliance with governance frameworks, legal regulations, and internal policies.

● Preparing and distributing materials for Board of Trustee meetings, including agendas and reports.

● Reviewing and negotiating contracts, agreements, and legal documents.

● Monitoring and updating the organisation’s risk register.

● Providing guidance on data protection, safeguarding, and ethical practices.

● Maintaining organisational policies and ensuring they are up-to-date and effectively implemented.

● Building relationships with external legal advisors and regulatory bodies.

Short-term Tasks:

● Conducting a review of current governance policies and frameworks to identify areas for improvement.

● Establishing a schedule for regular governance and legal compliance audits.

● Updating the organisation’s risk register and developing mitigation plans for high-priority risks.

● Developing training materials for staff and volunteers on governance and compliance topics.

● Creating a roadmap for aligning governance practices with the organisation’s strategic goals.

Why Join Youth Advantage UK?

Youth Advantage UK is a research led organization that aims to further the rights of young people between 11 and 25 years old across the UK through policy work and projects. As the Head of Governance & Legal Support, you will play a critical role in ensuring the charity operates with integrity, accountability, and transparency. You will work with a passionate and dedicated team, contribute to meaningful initiatives, and develop frameworks that ensure the long-term sustainability of our mission. Youth Advantage UK is committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment where volunteers can grow both professionally and personally.

Age UK Hillingdon, Harrow and Brent is committed to making later life better for everyone in Hillingdon, Harrow and Brent. We have an active board of Trustees from a range of different backgrounds who continually provide guidance and support to the charity.The Trustee role offers an exciting opportunity to get involved in an engaging, decision making role which contributes to the strategy, financial strategy and day-to-day management of the organisation.

Our existing Board has a diverse range of experience and skills and we are looking to grow and develop these to support the organisation in the future.  We are particuarly interested in hearing from people with experience and/or knowledge of the following areas:

• Financial Management (including investment planning/management accounts) 
• Estate Planning
• Charity Retailing
• Fundraising / Income generation Fundraising

This is not an exclusive list of skills as each new Trustee brings their own valuable skills and experience.  We are keen to develop our Board's diversity and appreciate that the role of a Trustee is new to some people.  If you would like an informal chat about what the role involves please contact us.

Reports to: Chief Development Officer

We are looking for a highly motivated and experienced Head of Fundraising to lead the Fundraising department of Youth Advantage UK. The Head of Fundraising will be responsible for managing all fundraising initiatives and functions of the charity, including strategy development, donor engagement, and team leadership. This position requires a dynamic leader who can inspire and support the Fundraising team, ensure the charity complies with relevant laws and regulations, and drive the development of innovative fundraising strategies to secure long-term sustainability.

Key Responsibilities:

● Manage the Fundraising Team: Provide leadership to the fundraising team, including managing the fundraising manager and other team members.

● Develop Fundraising Strategies: Create and implement effective fundraising strategies to achieve financial targets and align with organisational goals.

● Ensure Compliance: Maintain adherence to regulations, policies, processes, and legislations, including data protection and the Charity Governance Code.

● Strengthen Donor Relationships: Cultivate relationships with individual donors, corporate sponsors, trusts, and foundations to secure sustainable funding.

● Innovate Income Streams: Identify and develop new income streams, including digital fundraising, legacy giving, and strategic partnerships.

● Monitor Performance: Track fundraising metrics and provide reports to the Chief Development Officer.

● Promote Organisational Values: Ensure the charity’s values, mission, and approach are reflected in all fundraising activities.

● Foster Partnerships: Build and maintain collaborative relationships with other organisations to enhance fundraising opportunities and resources.

Ideal Candidate:

● Experience: At least six months in a senior fundraising role with proven success in meeting and exceeding income targets.

● Leadership Skills: Strong leadership and team management abilities to inspire and develop fundraising staff.

● Strategic Thinking: Ability to design and implement innovative fundraising strategies.

● Communication Skills: Exceptional communication skills to engage donors, partners, and internal stakeholders effectively.

● Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with fundraising tools, CRM systems, and data analytics.

● Commitment to Inclusion: Understanding and experience in embedding diversity, equality, and inclusion within fundraising practices.

● Passion for Youth Development: Genuine enthusiasm for supporting young people and advancing the mission of Youth Advantage UK.

Day-to-day Tasks:

● Managing the fundraising team, including sharing best practices and meeting professional standards.

● Leading the execution of fundraising campaigns and initiatives to achieve financial goals.

● Building and maintaining relationships with donors and partners.

● Ensuring compliance with fundraising regulations and ethical standards.

● Developing donor engagement plans to nurture long-term relationships.

● Tracking progress against financial targets and reporting to senior leadership.

● Representing Youth Advantage UK at fundraising events and meetings.

Short-term Tasks:

● Recruiting and onboarding new members of the fundraising team.

● Conducting donor prospecting and research to identify new opportunities.

● Updating and improving fundraising materials, including donor communications.

● Reviewing and streamlining internal fundraising processes for efficiency.

● Creating a roadmap for the upcoming year’s fundraising strategy.

Why Join Youth Advantage UK?

Youth Advantage UK is a research led organsation that aims to further the rights of young people between 11 and 25 years old across the UK through policy work and projects. As the Head of Fundraising, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the organisation's growth and making a tangible impact on the lives of young people. You’ll work with a passionate and dedicated team, contribute to meaningful projects, and develop strategies to ensure the sustainability of our mission. We are committed to providing a supportive and inclusive work environment where all volunteers are valued and encouraged to grow both personally and professionally.

Here at Teenage Helpline, we have grown a strong, tight-knit community of individuals who are passionate about making a difference and improving the lives of young people across the UK. Our growing team of volunteers all contribute, significantly, to the impact that we have as a charity on our direct beneficiaries, regardless of the department that they work in of the level of time that they are able to commit. Our services primarily offer a peer-support network to young people right across the UK, allowing them to access a peer mentor who is of a similar age to them and somebody that they feel more comfortable speaking with.

If successful, you will be joining a growing team of diverse, but likeminded individuals, collaborating to increase the reach of the Charity and improve support provisions available to young people. All of our volunteers and employees are remote workers, but that doesn't stop us keeping in touch and maintaining a strong positive culture amongst our whole team.

About the role

This is an exciting opportunity for a highly experienced individual to join the Executive Leadership Team of the Charity. As Teenage Helpline continues to grow, it is important that we build and maintain strong partnerships with other organisations. These partnerships may involve us working together with another organisation, providing services for others, or seeking services from others to advance the impact that we are able to have on our primary beneficiaries. The Partnerships Director will ensure that partnership opportunities are identified, relationships are formed and that any working partnerships are maintained appropriately. 

Responsibilities 

• Develop, maintain and execute our partnerships strategy, taking into account a wide variety of partnerships that are available. Take guidance from the CEO and the Board of Trustees on potential partnership opportunities that will allow the Charity to continue to advance the impact that it has on young people. 
• Work closely with the CEO to build and maintain strong relationships with other Charities, Companies and other organisations that will create prosperous opportunities for the Charity.
• Where appropriate, and in conjunction with the Board of Trustees, seek opportunities for acquisitions. Propose clear opportunities, should they present themselves, to strengthen the individual output of separate organisations by allowing for the combining of skills and resources.
• Recruit, design and lead a team of Partnership volunteers, ensuring that they have the right coaching and guidance to succeed. This involves ensuring that the structure of the Partnerships team remains appropriate as the Charity grows.
• Partner closely with the Youth Services Director to ensure that any proposed partnerships would have the desired positive impact on the services that we are delivering to young people. 

Skills 

• 5+ years experience required at a leadership or strategic level, with clear prior experience in building partnerships across multiple organisations.
• Exceptional leadership, business, and interpersonal proficiency.
• Be able to set business targets, timelines, plans and financial targets.
• Be able to develop key partnership strategies and build a team to ensure delivery against commitments to the Charity.
• Prior thriving managerial experience.
• Demonstrate clear ability to inspire and motivate others to achieve.
• Excellent computer and technology skills.
• Demonstrate sound communication and presentation skills.

Our mission is to continue to grow towards becoming one of the best charities in the UK. Our aim is to do this by building a diverse team, rich with different backgrounds and perspectives. Therefore, even if you feel you only are a 75% match, we would still love to hear from you. Skills can be learned, but diversity cannot.

Benefits of volunteering with Teenage Helpline

We recognise that you will be joining us and giving your time as an 'in-kind' donation, but there must be benefits for you too. When joining our team, you will be open to the following benefits:

• Professional and personal development opportunities in a variety of skill areas through volunteering in real roles. This may be general development or tailored to your specific needs or ambitions
• Becoming a member of a strong network of likeminded individuals, spread across the UK, who you can connect with and collaborate with both within and outside of the Charity
• Access to bespoke discounts, specifically designed for non-profit workers and Teenage Helpline volunteers
• Opportunities to truly shape the future of the Charity, having a direct influence over the impact that Teenage Helpline has on its direct beneficiaries

The hiring process

Our hiring process typically has two stages 

1. Video or Written Application (when applicable) 
2. Interview with the Volunteering Coordinator for that role

Some roles will have extra stages but we’ll let you know as early as possible if so.

Please let us know if you require any accommodations for the interview process, and we’ll do our best to assist.

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

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

Duration: 3 years with possible extension.

Location: In-person meetings held in Manchester, UK

Are you passionate about using your networking skills and philanthropic interests to support an international health NGO and charity?

UK-Med is a frontline medical aid charity. Born of the NHS, we’ve been working for over 30 years

towards a world where everyone has the healthcare they need when crises or disasters hit.

UK-Med invites applications to join our Board of Trustees from well-connected individuals with a track record of securing significant gifts for charities from individuals or corporations.

The ideal candidate will have demonstrable experience in networking and fostering partnerships with corporate and individual donors, trusts, fundraisers and other stakeholders. They will play a pivotal role in supporting our small but growing fundraising team to develop and deliver the UK-Med fundraising strategy and supporting fundraising efforts through networking, soliciting gifts and championing the work of the charity at events and meetings.

You will be passionate about what we do and committed to using your experience and expertise to contribute to the strategic development and good governance of the charity.

How to apply

We strongly recommend that you read the Candidate Information Pack –Trustees - November 2024before applying for this role.

To apply, please submit a current CV and a supporting letter (2 pages) through our online jobs portal.

Please apply below, as soon as possible and no later than Monday 20 Janaury 2025

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

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

Submit a CV and a cover letter to express your interest.

Those who submit their CV will be considered and will be invited to an informal insight event towards Janunary 2025 before interviews occur.

What does a Trustee do! 

A Trustee’s role is to act in the best interests of the organization. They are accountable for the organization’s finances, legal affairs, overall performance, and serious arising issues. Trustees must ensure that executives align with the organization’s purpose and mission, acting in ways that advance these goals and uphold the organization’s values. Statutory duties include ensuring compliance with laws and regulations, safeguarding assets, and maintaining accurate financial records.

Commitment

Each Trustee will attend Trustee meetings on a regular basis, a Trustee may also be appointed as a Co Chair and into other roles such as Treasurer and Secretary, and also may join a committee.

A Little About Us!

Youth Advantage UK is a research-led, un incorporated un registered charitable organisation with the aim to become a CIO soon. We use a research-led approach promote and further the rights and interests of young people through positive action such as projects, policy work and research. We promote and empower change.

What we are looking for!

We are looking to appoint experienced Trustees with a background in one or more of the following areas: finance, law, academia, research, leadership, youth sector, policy, education, social action, human rights, issues facing young people and fundraising.

Why we need you!

Youth Advantage UK are in our early stages but are growing and looking for Trustees to help achieve our aims to become a registered charitable organisation. Your skills and expertise are what we need to continue to grow. 

​What we offer!

Anybody who wishes to help and contribute to a good cause are welcome to join us. By being a Trustee with us you have the chance to learn something new and contribute to a successful organisation who is looking to help young people in the UK.

Role Description: Trustee
To be a Trustee of an organisation is an exciting and fulfilling role and the most effective Boards are ones which benefit from individuals from a diverse range of backgrounds, experiences and skill sets.

The role of a Trustee is to ensure that GFS fulfils its duty to its beneficiaries and delivers on our vision, mission and values.

Key Responsibilities
The statutory duties of a trustee are:
• To ensure the organisation complies with its governing document (articles of association).
• To ensure that the organisation pursues its objectives as defined in its governing document.
• To ensure the organisation applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objectives - the charity must not spend money on activities which are not included in its own objectives.
• To contribute actively to the Board of Trustees’ role in giving firm strategic direction to the organisation, setting overall policy, defining goals and setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets.
• To safeguard the good name and values of the organisation.
• To ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.
• To ensure the financial stability of the organisation.
• To protect and ensure the proper investment of the organisation’s funds.
• To appoint the Chief Executive and monitor their performance.
• In addition, with other trustees, to hold the charity “in trust” for current and future beneficiaries by:
• Ensuring that the charity has a clear vision, mission and strategic direction and is focused on achieving these.
• Being responsible for the performance of the charity and for its behaviour; ensuring that the charity complies with all legal and regulatory requirements.
• Taking care of the charity’s assets.

The Board of Trustees are jointly and severally responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity, its financial health, the impact of its activities and developing the organisation’s aims, objectives and goals in accordance with the governing document, legal and regulatory guidelines.

Beyond the statutory duties of GFS, we ask that our trustees take a supporting role within the organisation to help drive the delivery of the strategy and support the team. This could include activities such as chairing committees/working groups, mentoring members of the team or actively supporting meetings with potential funders for example.

Personal Qualities & Skills
• A commitment to the mission, vision and values of GFS
• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to the role of Trustee
• An ability to work effectively as a member of a team and willingness to be available to staff for advice and enquiries on an ad hoc basis.
• Integrity and a willingness to speak their mind • Good, independent judgement and strategic vision.
• An ability to think creatively
• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
• An understanding of the respective roles of the Chair, Trustees and Chief Executive.

Overview 

Thank you so much for your interest in this important role. WaterHarvest has a small UK team of three part-time home-based staff – CEO, Operations Manager and Fundraising Manager (we will be recruiting for a second fundraising role shortly). In Uganda we employ a local engineer to support delivery of our programme, liaising with our local partner (MADLACC) and a regional building contractor team.

Our new CEO joined in March 2024 and has led the development of a new three-year strategy approved by the Board focusing on the expansion of our existing programmes in Africa.

Our current Chair, Neil Mehta is stepping down after nine years of wonderful service. Neil has overseen a long term pivot of our focus to delivering water harvesting programmes in Africa. We are focused on growing in an ambitious, yet sustainable manner, as climate change brings a renewed focus on the need for sustainable solutions for clean water.

We are looking for an experienced Trustee who can appreciate our significant legacy but help us move forward to support delivery of our new strategy. Ideally, we are seeking someone living in/near London to meet with our CEO and funders.

Remit & time commitment

• The Chair is responsible for holding the Board and CEO to account for the charity’s mission and vision, providing inclusive leadership to the Board, ensuring each Trustee fulfils their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of the charity. 
• Legally, all members of the Board share collective responsibility for providing oversight, governance and leadership. In addition to the standard Trustee remit, the Chair has a specific role with principal responsibilities outlined on the next page.
• The Board meets formally via Zoom for half a day (usually on a Tuesday  morning), four times per year. Additional informal calls/meetings are held with Trustees on an ad-hoc as needed basis.
• The Chair and CEO hold a fortnightly Zoom catch-up call and aim to meet face to face on a quarterly basis.

Chair Responsibilities

Board leadership

• Provide leadership to the WaterHarvest Board to operate within its charitable objectives and fulfil its legal duties and governance responsibilities. Facilitate the Board’s regular review of major risks and associated opportunities, managing and mitigating the risks.
• Closely monitor the financial health of WaterHarvest.
• Inspire & motivate other Board members and lead on the induction of new Trustees ensuring external Trustee training is provided as needed.

Governance

• To guide Board actions concerning organisational priorities and governance concerns and help the Board reach sound decisions.
• Ensure that all governance arrangements are compliant with Charity Commission regulations.
• In consultation with other Trustees, lead the appointment of new Board members to fill identified skills gaps and monitor the effectiveness of all Board members. 
• Sign on behalf of the Board, the Annual Report and Financial Statements and other financial and legal documentation, in accordance with Board resolutions.
• Visit our overseas programmes in Uganda and Ghana on annual/biannual basis to meet with our local delivery partners and to review impact.

External Relations

• Act as an ambassador/spokesperson for WaterHarvest alongside the CEO when appropriate, representing the charity at external functions, meetings and events.
• Safeguard the good name and reputation of WaterHarvest.

Efficiency and effectiveness

• Chair meetings of the Board of Trustees effectively and efficiently, bringing impartiality and objectivity to the decision-making process.
• Lead the Trustees to be fully engaged so that decisions are taken in the best, long-term interests of the charity and that the Board takes collective ownership of these decisions.
• With the CEO, agree the agenda ahead of Board meetings & approve draft minutes prior to circulation to the full Board. Take the lead on ensuring decisions taken at Board meetings are implemented.

Relationship with the CEO and team 

• Act as a critical friend to the CEO, providing support when needed to deliver WaterHarvest’s new strategy.
• Ensure regular contact with the CEO and develop/maintain an open and supportive relationship within which each can speak openly about concerns, worries and challenges.

Conduct regular meetings (in person or by Zoom etc) and an annual appraisal for the CEO in consultation with other Trustees.

About you

Experience

Essential:

• Experience of operating at a senior strategic leadership level within an organisation, including significant line management experience.
• Long term experience of being a Charity Trustee.
• Experience of external representation, delivering presentations and managing stakeholders.
• Significant experience of chairing formal meetings.
• Excellent relationship skills, even in a virtual environment.

Desirable:

• Strong budgetary/financial skills.
• Direct experience of raising income within a charity setting.
• Experience of working directly for a charity.
• Experience of delivering programmes/working with colleagues in Africa.

Knowledge

Essential:

• Broad knowledge & understanding of the charitable sector and current issues affecting it.
• Strong leadership skills, ability to motivate other Board members and the staff team. 
• Excellent understanding of the Charities Act, Fundraising Code of Practice, Data Protection Act and other relevant legislation and guidance.

Desirable:

• Digital/virtual fundraising expertise.

Skills & attributes

Essential:

• Demonstrate a deep concern for those impacted by water shortage and a genuine commitment to our vision and strategic objectives.
• Exhibit strong inter-personal and relationship building abilities.
• Have tact and diplomacy, with the ability to listen and engage effectively.
• Ability to commit time to conduct the role well, including attending and preparing for Board meetings and other events/meetings.

Desirable:

• Of African heritage and/or with connections to the communities we serve in Ghana and Uganda.
• Living in/near to London to meet with CEO and funders.

How to apply

We are a small but very impactful charity that has been focused on harvesting rainwater in remote communities for almost 40 years. 

This role offers an opportunity to make a real difference in a range of areas such as improving health, reducing poverty, building climate change resilience and increasing the attendance of girls at school. 

Please note, as is standard with Charity Trustees this role is offered on a voluntary and unremunerated basis. In accordance with our Articles of Association, each trustee should commit to serving an initial three-year term, with an expectation of a further three-year term.

To apply, please submit your CV and a short a cover letter (no longer than one side of A4) outlining how your meet the requirements detailed in the Person Specification by noon on Friday 31st January 2025. Interviews will be held in February 2025.

Thank you again for your interest, we hope to hear from you.

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.