Volunteer Trustee Volunteer Roles in London

Ready to make a difference to the lives of young people in Croydon?

For 180 years, Reedham Children’s Trust has provided support to the most vulnerable children and young people in Croydon through their schools and communities. We believe every child deserves to enjoy a healthy, happy, and fulfilling life. And we know when the right support is offered, family problems and disadvantage need not continue through generations. Reedham Children’s Trust enables local projects and innovative programmes to tackle the barriers and challenges which too many children and young people in Croydon face daily.

Our Trustees play an important role in helping our charity fulfil its ambitions and aspirations by supporting the strategy, providing robust governance and being ambassadors for our work.

What are we looking for in a new Trustee?

1) We want our Trustees to reflect and understand the communities we serve. Lived experience of the challenges our beneficiaries face is welcomed, as are Trustees who live/work in and around Croydon.

2) We value enthusiasm and commitment as much as experience and professional knowledge. This includes - but is not limited to - individuals early in their careers.

3) We are interested in Trustees who are open to learning as well as to contributing from their place of expertise. In particular, we are interested in candidates who understand Safeguarding. 

What being a Reedham Trustee can offer you:

• · Professional development in governance, safeguarding, finance, advocacy and fundraising.
• · The opportunity to provide to support young people in Croydon and improve their life chances.
• · Friendly and supportive meetings and engagement with staff and other Trustees.

Commitment Requirements

• ·Attend four regular Board meetings a year in Purley/Croydon
• ·Regular engagement with the charity’s work through visits to projects and active participation in meetings and events.
• ·Act as a critical friend in meetings and whenever a new project or activity begins.
• ·Be an advocate for the charity in your daily life.

This is a non-remunerated positions and all Trustees are asked to give approximately 10 days per annum for meetings, preparation and events.

To apply, please visit our website for more details. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Finance (especially charity accounting)

• Human Resources

• Property Management

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

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

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

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

The closing date for applications is 31 August 2024.

The Powell Family Foundation (TPFF) is a new charity providing grants to support vision-impaired children and young people in the UK. We are seeking an additional Trustee with property management expertise to help us build on a highly successful first year.

Applications close at: 9 a.m. Wednesday 21st August 2024.

Location: London and Virtual

About The Powell Family Foundation (TPFF)

The Powell Family Foundation (TPFF) is an independent Foundation funded by investments and run by Trustees and staff who are passionate about improving the lives of vision-impaired children and young people.

Our mission is to support vision-impaired children, young people, and adults aged 25 and under by providing grants to individuals and charitable organisations. We aim to improve their emotional and physical well-being, increase their knowledge and skills, and support their independence.

The Trustees’ policy on grant giving is discretionary and aims to support individuals who are unable to otherwise afford the cost of habitation, assistive technology, knowledge and skills development or activities to promote well-being and independence. The charity accepts applications for grants from both individuals and other charitable organisations with similar objectives.

During our first year in 2023, we awarded over 100 grants totalling almost £650,000. This is an exciting time for the Foundation as, in 2024, we will review our first year and consider how we use our investment income of approximately £1m p.a. to achieve the greatest impact.

We currently have two members of staff (an Executive Director and Grants Manager) and seven Trustees including our Chair.

About the role

We are looking for an additional Trustee with experience in property management to strengthen our dynamic and committed Board. This person will maintain oversight of our portfolio of residential and retail properties and be a member of our Property Sub-Committee.

As a member of the main Board, you will play a key role in discussing and agreeing on the award of grants and the governance of the Foundation. You will also update the Board on matters relating to the property portfolio.

You will also advise the Executive Director, Trustees, and other employees on an ad hoc basis and develop a good working relationship with the Foundation’s property management company.

As a Trustee, you will help ensure we operate effectively so that The Powell Family Foundation delivers on its vision, mission and values and fulfils its legal responsibilities and requirements outlined by the Charity Commission. By playing a key role in developing the Foundation, you will directly support vision impaired children and young people to fulfil their potential.

Our new Trustee will serve an initial three-year term with the potential to extend.

We respect and value difference and seek to create an inclusive workplace that promotes and values equality, diversity and inclusion. We, therefore, welcome applications from all backgrounds especially from people with lived experience of vision impairment.

Who we are looking for

We are looking for someone with a real passion for our work and a high degree of personal integrity to help us make a positive difference in the lives of vision impaired children and young people.

Our new Trustee will have relevant experience in the management of residential and retail properties, either operationally or as a Trustee.

The ideal candidate will also have:

· Strong understanding of the law relating to UK property

· Good independent judgement, and a strategic vision.

· The ability to work effectively as part of a team, communicating tactfully with a diverse range of individuals.

· Able to provide sound advice to the Executive Director, Trustees and other employees within the Foundation.

· Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship and a willingness to comply with the Foundation’s policies and procedures.

Crucially, you will demonstrate a commitment to the Foundation and a willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to your role.

Please note that we are happy to accept applications from first-time Trustees, and all necessary training will be given.

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 21st August 2024.

Volunteering opportunity: The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain is seeking new Trustees 

Join us as a Trustee at The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain! As a registered charity, we’re seeking dedicated individuals to guide us in fulfilling our mission with integrity and passion.

Responsibilities include shaping strategic direction, safeguarding the organisation’s values, ensuring financial stability, and actively contributing to board decisions. Trustees play a key role in promoting openness, honesty, and leadership.

We’re looking for committed individuals with a love for brass banding and youth music, and expertise in areas like arts management, funding development, audience development, marketing and communication.

We hold four trustee meetings a year - three online (typically 2-3hrs) one in person (full day). Estimated annual time commitment 20hrs per year. You are also encouraged to attend performances and events.

If you’re ready to make a meaningful impact, join us on this exciting journey! We are seeking applications from a broad range of backgrounds and ages. Don't be put off if this is would be your first charity trusteeship - to develop greater youth voice, applications from under 25s are also welcome.

The role of northern NGOs is up for debate. Share your insights as a trustee of Ace Africa UK, a small international development charity that has changed the lives of more than 2 million adults and children in Kenya and Tanzania since 2003.

Three independent charities (in Kenya,Tanzania and the UK) make up the Ace Africa family.  We share the same vision - to unlock the potential of the most vulnerable children and families in East Africa. 

Ace Africa UK staff work with amazing supporters who have helped us raise an average of £750,000 the last six years.  We are really proud that many of the philanthropists, foundations and bike riders chose to support us year, after year. 

Two new trustees are needed to help lead the charity. If you already work in the non-profit sector, Ace Africa UK would love to benefit from your hard won insights. And you don’t have to be in the UK to apply; one of our current trustees is Africa based.

Our trustees:
✔️ respect and listen to our partners in East Africa
✔️relish the challenges of being the trustee of a small UK based charity supporting work overseas
✔️understand that fundraising takes time and requires investment
✔️work with the executive on the basis of mutual respect and trust

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

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

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

Relevant experience

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

We are looking for someone who:

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

Elizabeth Casson Trust seeks new Trustees to support the development of occupational therapists and the profession in the UK and internationally.

Location: Remote (with occasional travel for meetings and events) 

Closing date: Monday 9th September

Time commitment: Equivalent of up to a day per month

The Elizabeth Casson Trust was established in 1948 to further the profession of occupational therapy and support the development of occupational therapists within the UK and beyond. We have developed as an organisation through the years but have always worked to stay true to the pioneering spirit of Dr Elizabeth Casson.

The Trust supports the development and translation of research into practice, and the acquisition of knowledge and skills by occupational therapists. We achieve this through the awarding of grants. In addition, we commission specific projects through our innovation awards to respond to current and emerging needs.

We stay connected to our profession, professionals and service users to ensure the relevance and sustainability of the Trust.

Our current strategy includes working in partnership across all organisations where occupational therapists have a presence. We provide support and development in the most accessible way and ensure equality and diversity from the Board through funding awards to our future focus.

As we continue to deliver our current strategic plan for 2020-2025, we are in the process of appointing a new Executive Officer. Our current EO is leaving after 8 years with the organisation. As we look to the future in anticipation of creating our next strategy and with trustees coming to the ends of their terms, we are looking to appoint three new trustees to our Board.

Who we are looking for.

We are looking to appoint three new trustees, including two occupational therapists and one lay trustee. To ensure our Board broadly represents the profession, we have a particular interest in recruiting OTs with experience in social care, learning disabilities, acute care, NHS/ICS and/or independent practice. For the third trustee, we are looking for an individual with finance experience and an understanding of investments. We are keen to ensure our Board is representative of the UK and interested in appointing people from Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.

We are committed to ensuring the diversity of our Board, so we expressly encourage applications from a wide range of applicants, including individuals who will approach discussions through a different lens and bring a range of life experiences. This includes the categories protected by UK law (age, disability, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation), as well as socio-economic background and ways of thinking. We welcome people who have never held Trustee roles to apply.

The Board meets four times a year, twice online and twice in person in London, including our Away Day and AGM. The time commitment is the equivalent of up to a day per month, which includes meeting preparation, representation at external events and, from time to time, participation in a Trust project. Our trustee with financial expertise will join our Finance and Governance Committee, which meets monthly for up to an hour online.

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 on Monday 9th September.

Track Acadermy is a small but highly respected sport for social change charity in North West London. We are essential in the local community and are currently seeking a proactive and postive Chair of Trustees to lead and bolster our board and give the support to staff, volunteers and coaches to help change young lives in London.

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, and where appropriate, challenge the Chief Executive and ensure that the Board functions as a unit and works closely with the entire Executive of the charity to achieve agreed objectives. They will act as an ambassador of the charity in partnership with the Chief Executive.

Principal responsibilities:

• Strategic leadership
• Governance
• External Relations
• Efficiency and effectiveness
• Relationship with the Chief Executive and the wider management team

For more detail see attached job description.

We are particularly keen for a Chair with expertise in:

• Strategic leadership
• Charity governance.
• Charity fundraising.
• Service delivery and community work.

Desirables:

It would be great if a candidate has insight into any of the following: 

• Youth sports and athletics.
• Education sector.
• Small charities.

Vacancy - Chair of the Board of Trustees Barbara Bus Fund, Stanmore

The Barbara Bus Fund is recruiting for a new Chairperson.

The Barbara Bus Fund is a registered charity, which was set up in 1968 to help people who cannot get out or use public transport or an ordinary car, because they have a disability that necessitates full-time use of a wheelchair.

Today the BBF operates a fleet of 15 specially converted vehicles from Stanmore, Aylesbury and North Wales. The BBF is operated by a combination of paid and volunteer staff with head office at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore.

The role of Chair is a voluntary position with the requirement to commit to one to two days per month, attend online meetings every 6-8 weeks and the AGM. The Chair will lead the Board of Trustees, chair committee meetings and the AGM.

Previous trustee / charity experience is required and the commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership. Previous experience within the health / care / transport sectors will be a distinct advantage however, other relevant experience and the right attributes will also be considered.

The BBF holds an annual meal to thank the volunteers and staff, and there are other periodic meetings and events throughout the year.

Please see the full Application Pack for further information.

About the Role 

As a result of increased awareness and signposting for individuals receiving a positive CACNA1C diagnosis, our community is increasing in size. Therefore, we are seeking new Trustees who will take an active role in the board, bringing new skills and ideas for how to support our community, advocating for improvement to CACNA1C diagnosis, outcomes and quality of life and to support CACNA1C research initiatives.

Our new Trustees will be responsible for setting the overall strategy and direction for TSA, as well as monitoring the charity’s activity to evaluate progress towards our objectives and goals. 

This can include making sure the charity complies with regulations, overseeing financial management and monitoring financial performance, creating and implementing policies and procedures to mitigate risk, and supporting the charity’s operations. Additionally, you will also have the chance to help develop fundraising strategies, including applying for funding and grants to support TSA’s work. Whilst representing the charity externally, there will also be plenty of opportunities to advocate for TSA’s mission of supporting individuals and families affected by CACNA1C-related disorders and raising awareness for this rare disease.

FAQs

How big is the current Board and what opportunities might there be in the future?

• The board currently consists of 7 Trustees. As the charity’s turnover continues to grow, they are currently going through an evolution in their structure and the operations of the charity. This means the new Trustees will be presented with enormous opportunities to shape the future of the charity and to play a leading role on the board moving forward. As a result, it is expected that there will be an opportunity for a new Trustee to develop into the Chair of Trustees role soon.

What are you looking for in candidates?

• As a small team, we are ideally seeking those who have prior experience of being a Trustee at a UK based charity or working within the UK charity sector, who can bring demonstratable experience of navigating the challenges that face small charities.

However, we also welcome applications from candidates with an interest in or prior knowledge of charity law and compliance; the change management process; volunteer management; financial planning, processing and auditing; regulatory or policy issues; data management or fundraising. 

UK based candidates are preferred, however this is not essential. 

What time commitment do you expect from Trustees?

• As well as our Board of Trustees meetings, which currently take place 4 times a year, we ask Trustees to dedicate around 2 hours per week to the work of the charity. However, this may fluctuate during busy or quiet periods.

I haven’t heard of TSA or CACNA1C-related disorders before. Can I still be a Trustee?

• Absolutely! We are working in the rare diseases space and raising awareness is one of our key goals. Therefore, we have plenty of resources that can help you to learn more about this disorder and how it affects our community. We just ask that people have a passion for helping people and improving patient outcomes.

Benefits

As well as supporting the charity and members of the TSA community, we will provide you with opportunities to grow and develop. For example, in this role you will be able to:

Develop new professional and personal skills: Our current Board of Trustees have expertise in leadership, safeguarding, chairing meetings, strategic planning, learning and development, stakeholder engagement, marketing and branding. This is an opportunity to work with, and learn from, a new group of people and build skills in different areas. 

Take on a new challenge: The role of a Trustee is unlike many other professional positions, giving you the chance to take on a brand-new challenge which many of our Trustees find hugely motivating. Additionally, there are many challenges facing small charities as well as the wider rare diseases community, for example fundraising during a cost-of-living crisis as well as connecting with our members after the pandemic. Considering new and innovative approaches to tackle these issues is essential, pushing you to think creatively. 

• Delve into a selfless and rewarding role: Given the under-represented nature of rare diseases, as well as the challenges surrounding research, diagnosis and treatment, the work of charities like TSA is crucial. We can sometimes be a family’s only support network, so you will be deeply motivated by seeing firsthand the difference the charity makes to families. Real-life impact is at the heart of everything we do for our growing community. 

How to Apply 

We anticipate that the recruitment process will involve an initial telephone call, followed by an interview with members of the Board. Your application should be submitted by Sunday 1st September. Once applications have closed, we will be in touch in the week commencing 16th September regarding next steps. 

About the Charity

The Timothy Syndrome Alliance (TSA) is a charity set up to improve diagnosis, treatment and care of individuals with CACNA1C-related disorders, including Timothy Syndrome and LongQT8, and to support the families and carers of those diagnosed worldwide. The charity it is run entirely by families and volunteers, who work with scientists, researchers and medical professionals. 

Hi… we’re Gaddum. 

We’ve been around a while, nearly 200 years in fact. But throughout this time there has always been one constant – our trusted board of trustees who’ve guided us on our Charitable mission to empower communities and enhance lives. 

So – we’re really excited to be on the lookout for new trustees to join our board. 

Our passionate and dedicated Trustees use their skills and experience to have a direct influence on the governance, strategic objectives and running of Gaddum and the amazing work we do.  We are diverse, in our lived experience and skills, but we have a number of positions on our board where we are looking to open up to others who can bring their special something to Gaddum. 

What is the time commitment? 

Trustee terms are generally 3 years but there are exceptions. We meet every 3 months and alternate virtual and physical meetings. Face-to-face meetings are usually held in Manchester City Centre. There are also trustee subgroups that trustees can opt to join, and occasional staff and beneficiary engagement events that trustees attend, but this is not mandatory. 

What are we looking for? 

We are looking for people with all types of experience, and particularly welcome those who are from the diverse backgrounds and communities that make our city region the unique place we all know and love. 

We are particularly keen to hear from people with awareness and experience in at least one of the following 

• Lived experience of caring, mental health issues or accessing services in Greater Manchester 

• A professional background in finance, and an ability to guide a charity in it’s financial forecasting and diligence 

• Legal skills, particularly with experience of charity sector legal matters 

• Commissioning, procurement and contract management as it related to service design, delivery and purchasing. 

Would you like to join our board and help us protect and grow the Kingston Women’s Centre? The Clinical Trustee role ensures the Clinical practice of KWC staff and volunteers are kept in line with BACP ethical standards and KWC’s Policies and Procedures.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Strategic 

·  To assist and advise in the formation of the KWC’s strategy with particular regard to ensuring KWC has the clinical expertise to deliver the strategy. 

2. Clinical 

·To offer advice and support to the Clinical Manager in the development of KWC’s clinical services.

·To support the Clinical Manager in the development of innovative and developmental concepts for volunteers, staff and service users where appropriate.

· To assist the Clinical Manager, staff, and Board members in networking within the clinical sector.

· Where needed to support the Clinical Manager in the recruitment of Supervisors.

· To make recommendations to the Board of appropriate clinical changes to KWC’s Policies and Procedures and controls.

· To ensure the Board receives appropriate information on the activities that affect the clinical running of KWC. 

3. Governance

· To ensure the Board is aware of its clinical duties and responsibilities and the need to comply with legislation and BACP code of ethics. 

· To ensure all clinical policies, procedures and any appointment of external clinical advisors are reviewed on a regular basis.

· To monitor and report to the Board and offer solutions to any clinical concerns.

5. Key Qualities/Experience 

· Experience in a Senior Clinical role; ideally currently working in counselling, psychotherapy and or supervising counsellors and psychotherapists.

· Experience in developing Clinical Services and of working within the community.

· Good communication/interpersonal and decision- making skills.

· Ability to work collaboratively and constructively as a member of the Board.

· Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to the role of Trustee.

· An understanding and acceptance of legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship.

· Good independent judgment, strategic perspective, and vision.

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

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

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

We can’t do this alone—we need you!

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

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

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

Who We’re Looking For:

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

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

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

SUNSHINE

Fostering Connections - Enhancing Wellbeing - Transforming Lives

Carers UK is the leading national charity for unpaid carers. We support, advocate for, champion and connect carers across the UK, so that no one has to care alone.

Our values

Carers are at the heart of everything we do. We are:

Attentive

• we welcome everyone and are always supportive and ready to help
• we listen carefully and respond with expertise and understanding.

Ambitious

• we’re courageous and innovative, aiming high and seeking out new ideas and opportunities that take us forward
• we are always learning and improving, pushing boundaries to increase our impact.

Achievers

• we are passionate about what we do and tenacious in our pursuit of change
• we adapt to new challenges and are always striving for excellence
• we love to collaborate and enjoy working with others to reach our goals.

Trustee role description

The duties of a Trustee are to:

• contribute actively to the Board of Trustees’ role in giving firm strategic direction to the organisation, setting overall policy and defining goals
• to set targets, and evaluate performance against agreed targets
• ensure that Carers UK complies with and pursues its objects as defined in its governing document, the Articles of Association
• safeguarding the good name and values of Carers UK
• ensure that Carers UK complies with charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations
• ensure the financial stability of the organisation
• ensure that Carers UK applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects, ie the charity must not spend money on activities which are not included in its own objects, no matter how worthwhile or charitable those activities are
• protect and manage the property of the charity and ensure the proper investment of the charity’s funds
• ensure the effective and efficient administration of Carers UK
• ensure the organisation acts within employment and health and safety laws
• appoint the Chief Executive and monitor their  performance.

In addition to the above statutory duties, each Trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the Board of Trustees reach sound decisions including the annual election of the Officers (Chair, Vice-Chairs and Treasurer)

Additional duties may involve leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives and other issues in which the Trustee has special expertise, and positively representing the organisation.

Person specification

Trustees, collectively and individually, have ultimate responsibilities for the charity. To be effective each Trustee must have:

• a commitment to the organisation
• a willingness to devote the necessary time and effort including attending meetings
• strategic vision
• good, independent judgement
• an ability to think creatively
• a willingness to speak their mind
• an understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of Trusteeship
• an ability to work as part of a team
• appreciation of Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

Nations Trustee role description

We are specifically looking for two Nations Trustees, one each for Northern Ireland and Wales. In addition to the general responsibilities of a trustee, the Nations Trustee will be expected to ensure that the Carers UK Board is informed on key issues affecting carers in the respective Nations. 

In order to discharge this responsibility, the Nations Trustee will be expected to: 

• attend the quarterly Nation Committee meetings and the Annual Conference
• establish working relationships with the Director of Devolved Nations, and with the Chair and other members of the Nations Committees
• represent Carers Wales and Carers Northern Ireland at some external events
• sit on recruitment panels as required.

Person specification 

• Sound knowledge of the relevant Nation’s issues, the devolved responsibilities held by the relevant Government, its diversity and geographical challenges
• A willingness to understand the work being delivered in the relevant Nation, context, key priorities and aims
• Be a Welsh/ Irish language speaker, or willing to learn (desirable)
• It is essential that the Trustee lives in the relevant Nation and is willing and able to travel to Cardiff/Belfast and London with some overnight stays required. 

Commitment 

10-12 days per annum.

How to apply

Please email us to request a copy of the full candidate pack. 

Please submit a CV outlining your experience, employment and volunteering history and any Trustee, non-executive or public service roles you currently have or have had in the past.

Please also submit a 500-word statement based on the Person Specification. You should clearly explain your ability and/or experience in relation to the criteria in the Person Specification.

Please also submit the Candidate Summary Form, Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form and the Declaration of Eligibility with your application. These start overleaf. 

If you are shortlisted for interview, you will be asked to provide us with the names and addresses of two people who can provide references.

Applicants are required to declare any unspent criminal convictions. The Charities Act disqualifies people convicted of offences involving dishonesty or deception (unless the conviction is legally regarded as spent), undischarged bankrupts and those disqualified from company directorship from acting as charity Trustees.

Closing date for applications: 15 September 2024 5pm

Interviews dates:  October, dates to be confirmed. 

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.