Volunteer Trustees Volunteer Roles

Traumaform CIC is a West Wales based non-profit organization specializing in therapies for trauma-related issues such as Complex Trauma and PTSD.

We are looking for compassionate, enthusiastic and committed people with a range of skills to support our organization in its ongoing development.

You will have the opportunity to make decisions that will impact people’s lives and make a real difference to those suffering from the effects of trauma.

Trustees are ultimately responsible for leading our non-profit organisation and deciding how it is run. They play a very important role in helping to develop Traumaform’s work.

Why volunteer as a trustee for Traumaform?

Volunteering as a trustee can be very rewarding. It’s a fantastic way to contribute to other people’s well-being – to ‘give something back’ – but also to develop your own skills in a number of areas:

- Leadership

- Negotiating

- Strategic planning

- Organisation

- Networking

We particularly encourage applications from people who reflect those supported by Traumaform. For example, if you have lived experience of trauma, have mental health needs, or are perhaps a parent, relative or carer for somebody with mental health needs, we would love to hear from you.

Previous experience as a trustee is not necessary as training will be provided.

Traumaform Trustee Role Description

We are looking for people whose values align closely with those expressed in our mission statement, who are keen to take our work forwards by helping to guide the development of our organisation and provide strategic input.

This is a voluntary position, expenses will be paid, and Governance training will be provided. As trustee you will be attending our board meetings 5-6 times a year, which may be in person but can also be online.

Desirable:

One or more of the below:

- Accounting/financial experience

- A legal background

- An educational background

- Business management experience and skills

- Knowledge and experience of community engagement

- Lived experience of trauma and/or mental health

- Awareness and understanding of trauma

- Some understanding of symptoms of PTSD and Complex PTSD and their co-occurring disorders

Essential:

- A desire to make a difference

- Demonstrating passion for Traumaform’s work

- Compassion for those suffering from the effects of trauma

- Commitment to attend board meetings either online or in-person

- Ability to work as part of a team

- A flexible, open approach

- An empathic and non-judgmental attitude

- Contributing to Traumaform’s development through innovative and creative ideas

If you can spare the time, if you want to gain experience, if you want to contribute to community benefit, or expand your horizon and feel you have something to offer Traumaform as a trustee, you are welcome to get in touch.

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law.

The closing date for applications is Monday 11th November 2024 at 5pm.

Interviews will be held on Zoom between Wednesday 13th November – Wednesday 21st November 2024.

The first board meeting will be held on Sunday 24th November 2024. It is important that you can attend this meeting – if you wish to apply but are unable to attend, please make this clear when applying.

Join Transition Network as our new Trustee Treasurer

Can you bring an understanding of budgets and organisational finances, a fresh perspective, time and energy to help us to deliver on our purpose and strategy?

Transition Network is a charity registered in England and Wales that works internationally to support the Transition movement.  We are looking for a new Treasurer to join our team as a trustee, and we welcome applicants from a diversity of backgrounds and lived experiences.  As Treasurer you would join a groundbreaking organisation, using shared governance structures and processes. 

We are looking for a new Honorary Treasurer to join our diverse Board of Trustees. This is a key role within the organisation, offering a wonderful opportunity to make a difference to the lives of separated children arriving in the UK.

In addition to the general responsibilities of a Trustee, the Honorary Treasurer maintains an overview of The Separated Child Foundation’s financial affairs, monitors the financial administration of the charity and provides financial management advice and information to the Board of Trustees and to the Chief Executive.

Main responsibilities

• Making sure the charity keeps proper accounts

• Reviewing the charity’s financial performance

• Drawing up or reviewing policies for finance and investment

• Ensuring that the charity has robust and effective financial controls in place

• Liaising with external bookkeeping providers and with the charity’s Independent Examiner

• Reporting on financial matters where relevant

• Acting as a counter signatory on bank payments

• Liaising with external payroll provider regarding payroll preparation for new employees

• Ensuring our banking services are fit for purpose

Financial overview

• Act as the main interface between the Board of Trustees and the Chief Executive on financial matters

• Advise the Board as necessary on its financial duties and responsibilities

• Maintain an overview of the organisation’s financial status and viability and provide overall financial management advice to the Board and to the Chief Executive

• Advise and monitor financial risks to which the organisation is exposed

• Oversight of and input into financial controls

• Involvement in the preparation of the Trustees’ Annual Report and Accounts (TARA) and Annual Review

Strategic input and budget monitoring

• Work with the Chief Executive to draft 1-3 year budgets to deliver the strategic plan

• Advise on the financial implications of the strategic plan

• Support the Chief Executive’s review of monthly management accounts as needed

Additionally, the Honorary Treasurer is a key member of the Management Committee, which – amongst other duties – reviews and makes recommendations to the Board on staff pay in line with the charity’s policy

The Organisation
We're Scouts and everyone's welcome here. All genders, races and backgrounds. Every week we give almost half a million people aged 4-24 the skills they need for school, college, university, the job interview, the important speech, the tricky challenge and the big dreams: the skills they need for life. 
All this is made possible by a dedicated team of 140,000+ adult volunteers and 500 staff who work together towards a common goal. Every one of us believes in helping more young people see a brighter future, giving them the skills they need for a rapidly changing world. 
We’re at the heart of the UK’s communities, including those with the fewest opportunities. 
We believe that through adventure we challenge young people so that they learn and experience new things and enrich their lives. From coding and camping and kayaking, our young people develop skills, confidence and friendships they’ll take with them throughout their lives. It’s our role to make sure that everyone of our Scouts has the encouragement and support they need to take part in these activities safely. It all adds up to one big difference. 

More information about The Scout Association can be found on our website.

The Role
The role of the Trustees is to develop Scouts in keeping with its charitable objectives and in the parameters of good governance. We are particularly looking for a Trustee to contribute their extensive senior level skills and experience in the area of Safeguarding and to Chair the Safeguarding Committee.

Person specification

• A record of proven and significant achievement and executive background in operational and strategic safeguarding.
• An understanding of the type of work undertaken by the Association and commitment to the values and ethos of The Scout Association.
• Successful experience of operating on a board or a major committee in a charitable, public sector or commercial organisation.
• Demonstrable experience of building and sustaining relationships with key stakeholders and colleagues to achieve organisational objectives.
• Confident and effective communication skills with a range of audiences, including Trustees, the Chief Executive, senior staff, senior volunteers and others, and the ability to challenge in a constructive way.

Please download the Candidate Information Pack for further information on the role.

How to Apply
If you are passionate about joining The Scout Association 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.

If you have any difficulty uploading your application or if you would like to have an informal and confidential discussion about the role, alternatively please contact Melissa Baxter.

Closing date for applications: Wednesday 30th October 2024  
Interview with The Scout Association: w/c 18th November 2024 

We look forward to recieiving your application.

The Legal Trustee will participate in all areas of the charity’s governance with a special interest in the legal implications of the strategy, governance and support with the Board’s understanding and interpretation.

The Board of Trustees is responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity, developing the CLAPA’s aims, objectives and goals in accordance with the governing document, legal and regulatory guidelines.

You would be joining our board at an exciting time, as we create and implement our new 5 year strategy for 2025-2030.

Family Thing Dance is a small but growing charity that provides inclusive dance classes for people with learning differences and diverse abilities. We are looking for Trustees to join our Board to offer governance and support to grow the charity. 

The dance base is commercial dance and hip-hop. Family Thing's mission is to provide opportunities for empowerment, support and a sense of belonging using dance as a vehicle to reach these aims. 

Family Thing is passionate about providing these dance opportunities for everyone.  There are many reasons why. Mencap lists the main benefits of taking part in leisure activities as improving physical and mental health, personal social skills, self-worth and confidence, and social attitudes (Mencap, 2019). Yet despite these widely understood benefits, only 16.8% of people with a learning disability take part in a sport or physical activities at least once a week, compared with 39.9% of the general population (Sport England, 2018). Additionally, there is a great deal of evidence that inactivity is a major contributing factor of ill health in people with learning disabilities. Only 9% of participants in a 2016 review met the minimum recommended guidelines for physical activity (Dairo et al, 2016).

We know that organisations like Family Thing play a role in the well-being of people with learning disabilities by providing activities that promote good physical health as well as positive psychological and social stimulation, and offers a way to overcome situations such as loneliness and anxiety. We know that a positive impact of Family Thing is the increase in social engagement and improvements in physical and mental well-being for those who participate in our classes.

Activities: Family Thing offers free or subsidised, supportive, fun and creative dance classes to diverse groups of children, young people and adults. During each session, dancers are invited to create their own ‘dance hero persona’, and have opportunities to express themselves as individuals with the support of the group. There is a focus on strengthening their sense of community through the concept of “supporting your crew”. As defined by those who attend the groups, the overall aim is to create a “big family” that’ll dance altogether basically!

What are we looking for?

At this particular time we are keen to find people with a financial services background and someone who may be willing to take on the role of Treasurer in due course and/or someone with marketing skills, including digital marketing.

Experience

• Experience of the dance community (desirable but not essential)
• An understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion and a desire to support those with learning differences and diverse abilities
• Leadership experience (desirable but not essential)
• Experience of delivering strategic organisational change (desirable but not essential)

It is not necessary to have previous board experience as training and support can be given

Skills

• A commitment to the Family Thing
• A willingness to devote half a day a month to this work and be able to attend the bi-monthly board meetings
• Good, independent judgement
• An ability to think creatively
• A willingness to speak your mind and communicate well
• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
• An ability to work effectively as a member of a team
• An understanding of safeguarding practices
• Some experience of charity finance and fundraising is desirable, but not essential (and candidates do not need prior experience as a charity trustee)
• Knowledge and experience of current and fundraising activities relevant to voluntary and community organisations (desirable but not essential)  

Attitude

• Honest, open and trustworthy with an understanding of the duty of candour
• Respectful of confidentiality procedures

Special Conditions

The post requires the ability to attend online meetings and occasional face to face events.  All expenses will be reimbursed.

What difference will you make?

We are interested in potential Trustees who can bring experience across of range of areas. At this particular time we are keen to find people with a financial services background and someone who may be willing to take on the role of Treasurer in due course and/or someone with marketing skills, including digital marketing.

We are also keen to hear from people who can bring experience in any of these areas:

• working with charitable organisations
• developing strategy;
• project management;
• fundraising and grants management;

Bringing skills in any of these areas will make a huge difference to the work Family Thing is able to provide. 

Join our board of trustees at York Childcare!

We are seeking passionate, dynamic individuals to join our Board of Trustees at York Childcare. As a trustee, you will play a vital role in guiding our organisation, ensuring we continue to make a positive impact in our community and beyond.

Why become a Trustee?

Make a difference: Use your expertise to influence key decisions and help us achieve our mission. Gain experience: Enhance your leadership, governance and strategic planning skills. Collaborate: Work alongside a diverse team of professionals who share your passion for change.

What we are looking for:

Commitment to our values and mission. Skills in areas such as; Finance, HR legal, Ofsted, childcare and early years and Out of School Clubs. Willingness to dedicate time for meetings and strategic planning.

No previous trustee experience is required- just enthusiasm, fresh perspectives and a desire to contribute!

Apply today! If you would like some more information, please email us.

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.

Citizens Advice Esher & District is a well-established local advice charity that is seeking a HR professional to joins its trustee board and help deliver effective people management policies and plans.  If you’re excited to help us have the right team in place to meet the advice needs of our local community in Surrey, we would love to hear from you.

Our Trustee Board is responsible for providing us with strategic thinking.  As our Human Resources expert on the Board, you will work alongside the Chair, Personnel Sub-committee and Chief Executive to:

• Provide strategic and occasional operational advice on issues such as recruitment, employment contracts and remuneration
• Take a lead in reviewing the charity’s people management policies and procedures
• Advise on workforce planning and engagement to deliver our short and long term objectives
• Chair our Personnel sub-committee, setting the agenda for each six-monthly meeting and helping to prepare agenda papers

As a member of the Trustee Board, you will be responsible for:

● Maintaining an awareness of how our charity is operating

● Reading papers for Board meetings and attending six meetings per year

● Working on specific projects with other trustees or staff to further the strategic objectives of the charity

● Taking an active discussion during Board meetings and working with other trustees to:

- set policy and strategy direction, set targets and evaluate the performance of the charity

- ensure that all the finances and supporting financial control systems of the charity are in order

- monitor the financial position of the charity ensuring that it operates within its means and objectives

- monitor how well the service meets the needs of the local community

- ensure that the service plans for the recruitment and turnover of staff and volunteers

- review its own work and how effectively it operates including action for improvement

Person Specification

We need someone who either lives, works or studies in Elmbridge who has:

• HR experience with current knowledge of UK employment law, policy and practice, including compensation and benefits
• A commitment to the Citizens Advice organisation
• An understanding of the differences between managing the rights of employees and managing the rights of volunteers
• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort

We are particularly keen to achieve a more diverse Board of Trustees and welcome applications from all sections of the community.  Experience of Citizens Advice work is not required.

Time commitment

Our Trustees are expected to attend six board meetings each year.  These normally take place on a Monday evening, alternating between 5-7pm and 7pm-9pm, at our office in Esher. There is an option to join most meetings online, although we encourage meeting in person.  Reading preparation for each Board meeting will take around one-two hours.  All Citizens Advice Trustees are required to complete a small number of e-learning courses each year.

You will also be asked to Chair and prepare papers for our Personnel sub-committee which meets six-monthly, and to offer ad-hoc support relevant to your expertise.

What difference will you make?

People with good local knowledge and strategic vision can really help us to develop a service that meets the changing advice needs of our community.

More specifically, your input will help us to recruit and retain staff and volunteers and achieve a sustainable future.  Without this, we risk having to cut our service to local residents and workers - and the most vulnerable members of society will have nowhere else to turn.

What's in it for you?

Citizens Advice is a well-respected and influential organisation.  This is an opportunity to help develop this much-needed charity at a local level, making a real difference to people's lives.

As well as intellectual stimulation, the role will provide you with practical management experience of the voluntary sector to help develop your career.

Initial induction and training takes place in-house, online and through peer support but there some opportunity to attend national Citizens Advice conferences.  Travel expenses to any events are paid.

We are a friendly Board, keen to welcome new members.

Michael Roberts Charitable Trust (MRCT), a cornerstone of Harlow's community support network, is seeking four passionate and dedicated practicing Christians to join its Board of Trustees.

MRCT provides vital services to those in need in and around Harlow. These services include the Harlow Foodbank, Maybury Open Door (drop-in centre), Bump to Five (baby bank), Harlow Community School Uniform Exchange, the Bounty Club Community Supermarket, the Hive Community Forum and the Community Cafe. 

We rely on the commitment of our Trustees to ensure responsible governance and continued impact, all motivated by our strong Christian ethos. Currently, we are seeking to recruit new trustees to bring extra skills and experience to our board.

As a Trustee, you will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the MRCT.  Your expertise will be vital in guiding the Trust's strategic direction, overseeing financial management, and ensuring compliance with UK charity law.

Key tasks:

• Embrace the organisation’s vision, mission and values.
• Ensure the charity complies with its governing document and charity law.
• Ensure focus on strategy, performance, risk and assurance rather than operational matters.
• Act with integrity, making objective decisions without undue influence by special or personal interests.
• Ensure openness and accountability, build public trust and confidence in MRCT’s work and legitimacy in representing beneficiaries and stakeholders.
• Uphold collective responsibility of the board.
• Commit sufficient time and energy to the role of trustee and make reasonable use of own skills and experience to support the work of the board and MRCT.
• Ensure an understanding of, and commitment to, the principles of equality, equity, diversity and inclusion.

We welcome applications from individuals who are committed to their local Christian church. Our ideal candidates would:

• Share our passion for supporting the Harlow community.
• Possess strong strategic thinking and decision-making skills.
• Be an effective team player with excellent communication skills.
• Demonstrate the 7 principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.
• Able to commit the time and effort required.
• Bring relevant capabilities that help the board perform its role effectively and achieve  MRCT’s vision.
• Pray for and thus actively contribute to the Trust's work.

MRCT would particularly welcome applications from those with experience in one (or more) of the following areas: 

• Finance: To provide guidance on financial best practice.
• Marketing & Communications: Helping to raise awareness of the Trust's work and attract new supporters.
• Human Resources: Providing guidance on recruitment, management, and development.
• Volunteer Management: Providing guidance on recruitment, management, and development of volunteers.
• Fundraising: Providing insight with regard to effective fundraising strategies.
• Legal: experience or knowledge of Charity Law.

Overview of the role:

Uttlesford Foodbank are seeking to recruit Trustees with an interest in helping others, who are willing to uphold the food bank’s values, and who can bring life experience to the board of trustees. As a Trustee you will play a vital role by ensuring that we are meeting the demand for our services, providing help and support to people in crisis in the local community as well as providing strategic direction for the charity.

Trustees ensure that the foodbank acts in conformity with its purpose and with charity legislation, and that good governance, best practice policies and rigorous financial supervision are in place. They will be required to work collaboratively, with other trustees and with the staff and volunteers of the foodbank, and other external agencies.

Responsibilities:

• To ensure the Foodbank has appropriate procedures to comply with current legislation and good practice including; employment; health and safety; equal opportunities; safeguarding & GDPR compliance/data protection etc.
• To work alongside the Treasurer and the trustee board to ensure the organisation’s financial dealings are systematically accounted for and on time, independently examined (on income over £25k) and made publicly available when necessary.
• To ensure our charity is accountable, actively complying with statutory accounting and reporting requirements and the law. 
• To ensure appropriate financial plans are in place for future budget allocations as well as looking after contractual agreements with external partners that award money for core costs and additional projects.
• To help promote the organisation to a wider audience of potential funders and beneficiaries.
• To act with reasonable care and skill, giving your time, thought and energy to your role.
• To promote the Uttlesford Foodbank in the community.
• Ensure an understanding of, and commitment to, the principles of equality, equity, diversity and inclusion.

About you

We are looking for people who want to help their local community and work towards the eradication of food poverty whilst support the food bank to continue to provide emergency food to people who find themselves in crisis. Our ideal candidates would demonstrate:

• A knowledge of and commitment to the work of Uttlesford Foodbank.
• A knowledge and passion for your local community.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills
• Willingness to actively participate in discussions concerning needs of the foodbank’s beneficiaries, staff, and the trustee board.
• Willingness to act in the best interest of the charity.
• Sound, independent judgement and ability to think creatively.
• Working effectively as a team member and demonstrating a willingness to learn and develop.

The food bank would particularly welcome applications from those with experience in one (or more) of the following areas: 

• Charity Governance
• Strategy Development
• P/R Marketing
• Health
• Children & Young People.

We know that having volunteers from a diverse range of backgrounds can help to make what we do as effective as possible. As such, we welcome all applicants regardless of age, religion or beliefs, disability, ethnic background, gender reassignment, sex, or sexual orientation; we particularly encourage applications from people with lived experience of poverty, and also those who live in the south of the district (Stansted, Dunmow and Takeley areas).

Benefits of volunteering

• Use your existing skills to make a difference.
• Meet new people who share your passion to eradicate poverty in the local community.
• Make a real difference to the running of the Foodbank.
• A full trustee induction is in place to support the prospective candidate within their role, as well as access to ongoing training provided by the Trussell Trust.

Impact of your role

By supporting the governance of the food bank, you are part of a team providing a vital holistic support function in your local community, ensuring a dignified experience to anyone visiting or anyone who comes into contact with Uttlesford Foodbank.

Passionate about education and the transformative role it can play in African children’s lives?

Ready to lead and grow a small all volunteer organisation?

Unhappy with the status quo of Aid and Development and believe in a model that a helping hand, locally led, can be transformative?

If so, RedEarth Village Schools warmly invites you to lead as our Chair of Trustees 

 “Building a brighter future for Ugandan village children – TOGETHER” 

Position Summary:

We are seeking an inspirational and engaged leader with a strategic vision, strong communication skills and genuine desire to make a difference.  You will work closely with the CEO (voluntary position) in leading as we scale up in the UK, building a skilled diverse board of trustees, volunteers and staff so we have a sustainable future.

Responsibilities:

Willingness to lead 

Providing experience, strategic leadership and direction to the trustee board, volunteers and others. 

Championing our Vision

Advocating – be able and willing to champion RedEarth Village Schools through personal networks, social media etc

What’s in it for you ?

Joining Redearth Village Schools as Chair of Trustees offers a genuine opportunity to lead and make a tangible difference to the lives of children in rural Uganda. Over the next five years we aim to replicate our impact to more primary schools that feed into Bishop Willigers Secondary School  - working in partnership with School Leaders and locally led NGOs. But in order to do this we need to grow in the UK . You will be leading and helping to shape a passionate Board, volunteers and staff (when funds allow) in the UK committed to creating a lasting impact. This role provides a platform to leverage your skills, expertise, leadership and networks to drive positive change for village children and a legacy that is lasting.

Our trustees play a vital role in making sure that Confident Conversations achieves its core purpose: to help parents in hospital become partners in their child’s care. Trustees oversee the overall management and administration of the charity. They also ensure that Confident Conversations has a clear strategy and that our work and goals are in line with our vision. Just as importantly, they support and challenge the executive team to enable Confident Conversations to grow and thrive and so support more parents and carers in hospital.

Duties

This is currently a virtual role. All meetings are held virtually (online). Trustees need access to a computer, smartphone or tablet with internet access.

• Support and provide advice on Confident Conversation’s purpose, vision, goals and activities.
• Approve operational strategies and policies, and monitor and evaluate their implementation.
• Oversee Confident Conversation’s financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress; and review and approve Confident Conversations’s financial statements.
• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.
• Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively.
• Provide support and challenge to Confident Conversations’s Director in the exercise of their delegated authority and affairs.
• Keep abreast of changes in Confident Conversations’s operating environment.
• Contribute to regular reviews of Confident Conversations’s own governance. Attend Board meetings, adequately prepared to contribute to discussions.
• Use independent judgement, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect Confident Conversations’s interests, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or any third party interests.
• Contribute to the broader promotion of Confident Conversations’s objects, aims and reputation by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts.

What we are looking for

We are looking for someone willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role of trustee, and who will broaden the diversity of thinking and experience on our Board. You do not need previous experience of being a trustee – we will provide a full induction and training.

However, you should have experience of advocating for a patient in hospital who cannot effectively advocate for themselves. This includes parents and carers with lived experience of advocating for their child, and medical professionals (doctors, nurses, other medical specialists) who work in paediatrics.

Legally, trustees must be at least 16 years old. We do not accept applications from anyone who is currently disqualified from acting as a charity trustee.

Personal skills and qualities

• Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as   trustees and to act in the best interests of the organisation.
• Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member.
• Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion.
• A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Enthusiasm for our vision and mission.
• Willingness to lead according to our values. All our work, including our interactions with each other, stakeholders and those we support, is guided by the following principles:
  • Kindness in our approach to our work and ourselves.
  • Differences are our strength. Difference of experience and thought is vital to our success.
  • Confidence in engaging with, and challenging, our work at all levels. We must be welcoming and supportive to ensure this happens.
• Commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

Terms of appointment

Board members have a collective responsibility. This means that trustees always act as a group and not as individuals.

Terms of office

• Trustees are appointed for a three year term of office.
• This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses are reimbursed.

Time commitment

• Attending four one-hour Board meetings annually. Meetings are currently held virtually.
• Reading papers and preparing for Board meetings. Papers are circulated at least one week before every meeting. They are usually around two pages of A4 per paper, and meetings have, on average, four papers.
• There may be times when the trustees will need to be actively involved beyond Board meetings. This can involve scrutinising papers circulated by email, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, presenting externally, or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise.

To apply, please email Lydia Strachan, Director, attaching your CV and a paragraph on why you feel you are suited to the role.

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.

We are seeking a Clinical trustee to help CLAPA reach the next stage of its journey, with the clinical skills, knowledge and expertise to help drive the organisation forward.

The Board of Trustees is responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity, developing the CLAPA’s aims, objectives and goals in accordance with the governing document, legal and regulatory guidelines.

You would be joining our board at an exciting time, as we create and implement our new 5 year strategy for 2025-2030.

Salary: N/A This is an unpaid volunteer role

Location: UK-based. Meetings are held in London, Manchester, Bradford, and Birmingham

About Refugee Action

Refugee Action exists to work with refugees and people seeking asylum who’ve survived some of the world’s worst regimes. We are a national charity with more than 40 years’ experience of empowering people who’ve survived some of the world’s worst regimes to secure the protection and support that they need to live with dignity and respect and build a new life in the UK. We do this by providing expert advice and casework, building the capacity of partner organisations and campaigning on the policies that affect them.

Our new 2030 Strategy

We have recently launched our new 2030 Strategy; you can read more here.

Everyone involved in developing our new strategy was clear that if we want to create the future that refugees and many people in the UK want, we must demolish the hostile environment. It’s an environment that manifests itself in the racist rhetoric of our leaders and the systems they create; systems that are dehumanising and complex, which segregate people and sap their spirit. Our current leaders may be stooping to new lows with their words and policies, but they are simply repeating the behaviour of previous Governments. The hostility has been ramping up for years. And that hostility is rooted in a racialised logic that underpins the entire asylum and immigration system.

As a trustee of Refugee Action

You will be responsible for developing and guiding the strategic direction of the organisation and steering the long-term stability of the charity. You will need to persuade, influence and communicate effectively with the rest of the board.

We are interested in talking to anyone who can demonstrate the ability to think strategically and the integrity to take on this important role.  Please don’t be discouraged if this isn’t something you’ve done before, or if you don’t meet all elements of the role specification; we will provide mentoring and training to support new Trustees to understand their role. Please do consider applying if you have the courage and enthusiasm to encourage, challenge and support us to be the best we can be.

All our trustees are committed to being actively anti-racist and removing the barriers to power for people with lived experience. You will need to be committed to and demonstrate an understanding of shifting power to people with lived experience, anti-racist practice and decolonisation.

Treasurer trustee:

We are currently looking to appoint a trustee to join the Board of Refugee Action.  This role will be the lead Trustee for our Treasurer work to advise and guide Trustees in the charity’s financial management to enable the board to fulfil their responsibilities.

This role will:

• Advise the board on the budgetary implications of strategy and ensure that strategy is optimal for Refugee Action to be a sustainable and successful going concern.
• Ensure statutory financial responsibilities are met and report formally to the board on the annual Auditor’s report and accounts.
• Lead on the boards duty to ensure proper accounting records are kept, and financial resources are properly controlled and used.
• Work with and support staff in Refugee Action with financial responsibility, in order to be satisfied that the financial information presented to the board is comprehensive and accurate.

Specialist skills, knowledge & experience for this role:

Essential

• Experience of working in a senior financial role: setting budgets, working with management accounts, financial controls and risk assessment systems.
• Ability to work with auditors with a good understanding of the financial obligations of charities.
• Ability to effectively guide and support Finance staff.

Safeguard and promote the values and mission

• An understanding of, and empathy for, the needs of refugees and asylum seekers and of their communities
• Commitment to Refugee Action’s (RA) vision, purpose and values and to act in a manner consistent with these
• An understanding of the importance of RA being responsive to the needs of its beneficiaries and of their wider communities
• Determine the Strategy and Structure
• Experience of setting, monitoring and reviewing strategic plans so as to be able to ensure any Refugee Action plan reflects the charity’s values and mission and that progress is being achieved
• An understanding of how an organisation remains sustainable

Be effective, responsible and accountable

• As part of the Trustee board, be able to ensure that the organisation is using its resources appropriately (comply with legislation and ensure the organisation can account for its activities)
• An understanding of and ability to review key areas of risk for Refugee Action to ensure appropriate policies and controls are in place
• Ability to review organisational policies and practices

 Make sure the board of Trustees functions effectively

• An understanding of the role of Trustee and the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities attached to it
• An understanding of the role of the Hon Officers (Chair, Vice Chair and Treasurer) and those of the Chief Executive and his/her management team
• A commitment to prepare for and attend Trustee meetings
• Ability to analyse information and, in an appropriate manner, challenge when necessary
• Ability to recruit and induct other Trustees where necessary

 Overall duties of Trustees

 Statutory duties

• To ensure that the organisation complies with its governing document, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations
• To ensure that the organisation pursues its objects as defined in its governing document for public benefit
• To ensure the organisation uses its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects: the organisation must not spend money on activities that are not included in its own objects, no matter how worthwhile or charitable those activities are.
• To contribute actively to the board of Trustees’ role in giving firm strategic direction to 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 manage the property of the charity and to ensure the proper investment of the charity’s funds

Other duties

In addition to the statutory responsibilities outlined above, other duties may include

• Lead and provide guidance to the board in a given area of expertise
• Meet with donors and any other stakeholders to represent Refugee Action and its beneficiaries
• Keep up to date with Refugee Action’s services to clients, Influencing and Fundraising work
•  Attend 5 meetings a year– 4 board meetings and 1 away day.
• Read and scrutinise board papers before a meeting so as to be able to contribute fully in the meeting
• Occasional participation in a working group
• Occasional participation in staff interview, disciplinary or grievance panels

Funding

Refugee Action’s board of Trustees has approved a three-year budget for Refugee Action, to accompany our 2030 strategy. A core priority for us in this period is to diversify our income and to ensure that public support enables us to be a sustainable charity in the long-term so that we can deliver on our ambition for a fairer society for refugees.

Our income in the current year 2024-25 will be around £7.78 million. Around 43% is donations of individuals and other grant giving bodies. As this support will be central to Refugee Action’s future, we aim to increase this source of income, and we have started investing in our public fundraising activities to achieve it. We also rely on grants from Trusts and Foundations and contract income from local authorities. The income we get from local authorities is for our resettlement services, providing integration support to refugees from Ukraine and elsewhere to enable them to rebuild their lives during their first 12 months in the UK.

Your experience via paid work or volunteering

How you meet the skills knowledge and experience outlined in the person specification – remember, don’t be discouraged if this isn’t something you’ve done before, or if you don’t meet all elements of the role specification; we will provide mentoring and training to support new Trustees to understand their role.

We ask that you provide information using a maximum 3-4 A4 pages – you are not required to use 4 pages.

Those with lived experience as a refugee are particularly encouraged to apply

Closing date: 23:59 on Sunday 27 October 2024

Interviews: 14 November 2024 (on Zoom)

Refugee Action only operates in the UK, so all roles are UK-based.