Activities support volunteer volunteer roles in london, england

This is an exciting opportunity to join a charity at the very start and to make a difference in shaping how we move forward.

Who are we looking for?

At present we are working towards being fully operational, over the next year Living Reasons will be looking to ensure that all of our operational activity, whether internally or with people who come in contact with the organisation, are having the best experience they can possibly have and that the work we are carrying out, the campaigns we are focusing on and where we are focusing our time and our money, is relevant and remains so moving forward.

That is where I lived experience board of volunteers comes in. In essence that lived experience board is the driver for all that we do as an organisation and will inform, guide and develop the organisation.

The board is broken in to separate lived experiences which hold focus groups, support groups and communicated with each other to talk about members lived experiences, support each other and feel part of a community, while also using the voice and power of that lived experience to bring about change. The board chooses what information is passed on to the organisation and what is not.

Additionally, to the community aspects of the role, you will also be sent specific materials to share your experiences or take part in research or in new policy discussions or campaign ideas as the organisation evolves.

Additionally, to the specific lived experience groups, the full board can communicate with each other and will have periodic full board meetings that will allow people to share their experiences from various viewpoints, so that cross overs and shared experiences can become strength but can also guide the overall operation of Living Reasons.

For this role, all you need is to have lived experience of mental health conditions, either from a personal viewpoint, or as a supporter/care giver/guardian/family member. There will be two separate groups (one for personal experience and people who are supporting someone – this allows for different conversations to happen).

This role will really drive change, not just in Living Reasons as an organisation, but in society as a whole.

What is the plan?

The person who is starting the charity up is autistic, has ADHD, CPTSD and also multiple physical conditions that effect daily life and is part of the LGBTQ+ community and has faced a lot of issues in life because of these things.

Living Reasons is being created to fix what we think is a challenging situation that is getting harder to achieve every week, month and year in the current economic, political, environmental and societal landscape. It is not easily defined but we hope the charity objects below will help put context to what we want to achieve, what we can say is that below are the issues we are trying to address, how we do this will change as quickly as society does, but the issues we want to tackle are these:

1) Outdated and damaging employment practices

2) Accessibility to services

3) Limited employment, training and education opportunities

4) Lack of support during times of crisis or need

5) Lack of equity and agency for many people in society

6) Institutional discrimination that is not challenged

7) Abuse of the legal system at all levels

8) Abuse of power in government bodies

9) Poor access to healthcare

10)  Unequal treatment of many people in society by large corporations

11)  Assumptions made by wider society based on incorrect, outdated or discriminatory rhetoric that is used in daily life

12)  Outdated company engagement with the public

13)  Lack of support that is not talked about and not being addressed

Our Living Values -

Creativity

1) Imaginative Development (Individual)

2) Instilled Collaboration (Internal)

3) Changing The Status Quo (External)

Prospectivity

1) What Can You Do (Individual)

2) What Can We Do (Internal)

3) What Can They Do (External)

Revolutionary 

1) Inspire With Confidence (Individual)

2) Boundaryless Innovation (Internal)

3) Challenge Traditions (External)

Attentivity

1) Analyse and Redesign (Individual)

2) Rebel and Reform (Internal)

3) Enquire and Reimagine (External)

INTRODUCTION
Thank you for your interest in joining the Board of Trustees at The Diana Award. We are expanding our Board to help shape the future of a charity that exists to celebrate and empower young people making positive change in their communities.

As we mark 25 years of continuing Princess Diana’s legacy, we stand at a pivotal moment. Our newly refreshed strategy and global partnerships demand an ambitious, dynamic, and forward-thinking Board – one that reflects both our values and the communities we serve.

We are seeking to appoint:

• Four new Trustees
• With one Trustee to serve as Chair of our new Income Generation sub-committee

A few words from the Chair

“This is a pivotal and exciting time for our charity. We have a clear vision, an ambitious strategy for growth, and the support of a skilled and dedicated senior team and Board.

Since stepping into the role of Chair last year, I’ve been continually inspired by the passion, expertise, and commitment of our trustees and staff. Their collective experience has been invaluable as we navigate the evolving challenges facing the sector.

While the external environment remains complex for all charities, we are focused on the future – confident in our direction and energised by the opportunities ahead. We are now seeking new trustees to join us on this journey and help shape the next chapter of our work.” - Rebecca Crook

ABOUT THE DIANA AWARD

The Diana Award is a charity legacy to Diana, Princess of Wales’ belief that young people have the power to change the world for the better. Since 1999, over 47,000 young people have been recognised with The Diana Award for making an outstanding difference in their communities’ across the globe.

With the support of HRH Prince William, The Duke of Cambridge and HRH Prince Harry, The Diana Award aims to inspire and recognise social action in young people by going beyond its original Awards programme with three additional youth led initiatives that emphasize a peer led approach.

We exist to:

1. UNLOCK POTENTIAL

With support, guidance, and opportunities, every young person can reach their full potential, ensuring no young person is left out or left behind.

2. CREATE OPPORTUNITIES

It is vital that young people have a seat at the table. Through our initiatives, we will provide them with skills, tools, and experiences which empower them to lead the change they want to see, both for themselves and the world around them.

3. INSPIRE ACTION

We will continue to inspire, empower, and advocate for action through our initiatives, guided by young people and the change they want to see in the world.

WHY WE ARE RECRUITING

Our Board of Trustees is committed, diverse, and values led. We have strong foundations in strategic leadership and finance. However, a recent skills audit highlighted areas we now wish to strengthen as we continue to evolve.

We are therefore seeking up to four Trustees with experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Fundraising and Income Generation
• Mental Health and Wellbeing 
• Education Sector
• Social Sustainability 
• Marketing, PR, or Communications
• Legal and Compliance

We are particularly keen to hear from diverse leaders and individuals with lived experience related to our mission. 

Please note: All applications must have the right to volunteer as a trustee in the UK. As part of our safeguarding commitments, all trustee appointments are voluntary and subject to a UK Enhanced DBS check, which must be satisfactorily completed before confirmation of the role.

THE ROLE OF A TRUSTEE

As a Trustee, you will be part of a Board that sets the strategic direction and ensures robust governance of the charity. You will work in partnership with the Chief Executive and Senior Leadership Team to oversee the delivery of our objectives and safeguard the charity’s future. Training and support will be provided for all new trustees.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Trustees are expected to:

• Ensure compliance with Charity Commission regulations and governance best practice
• Uphold the charity’s vision, values, and legal and financial integrity
• Provide strategic oversight and challenge to plans, budgets and risks
• Support income generation through networking, advocacy or fundraising
• Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of the charity’s work
• Attend and contribute to Board and sub-committee meetings

COMMITMENT

• A three-year term, renewable once

• About of 2 hours per month, which breaks down as:
  • Four board meetings per year (2.5 hours each, usually 5pm–7.30pm)
  • One full-day annual strategy session
  • Optional participation in events or subcommittees

• Meetings are hybrid (London-based with virtual access)

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR - PERSON SPECIFICATION

ESSENTIAL ATTRIBUTES

• Passionate about The Diana Award’s mission and youth empowerment

• Understand the importance of youth voice participation

• Strategic thinker with good judgement and independence of mind

• Inclusive communicator who values diverse perspectives

• Willing to contribute time, expertise, and networks

• Understanding of governance, or willingness to learn quickly

• Commitment to safeguarding practices

DESIRABLE SKILLS/EXPERIENCE

One or more of the following:

• Fundraising and Income Generation - In an increasingly competitive and uncertain funding environment, we need trustees who can help us think creatively and strategically about income generation. This includes drawing on networks, identifying new opportunities, and supporting innovative fundraising approaches that will strengthen our financial resilience and enable us to deliver long-term impact for young people. We are also looking for a new Trustee to chair our new Income Generation sub-committee.
• Mental Health & Wellbeing - With youth mental health at a critical point, we seek trustees with expertise from educational, therapeutic, or public health settings to guide evidence-based strategies that help young people thrive.
• Education Sector - As our work is deeply rooted in schools and learning environments, we value trustees with knowledge of the education sector. Your insight will help us navigate its priorities and challenges, forge strong partnerships, and ensure our programmes complement and enhance the role of education in young people’s lives.
• Social Sustainability - We are seeking trustees who understand how to build inclusive cultures, systems, and communities. Your expertise will help us embed equity and belonging across our organisation, partnerships, and programmes, ensuring every young person feels seen, valued, and able to thrive.
• Marketing, PR, or Communications - We need trustees with senior-level experience in communications, marketing, or public/government relations to help amplify our voice, strengthen our brand, and influence key audiences. Your skills will ensure our message resonates with supporters, partners, and decision-makers.
• Legal and Compliance - Robust governance is critical to maintaining the trust of our stakeholders and the integrity of our work. We are seeking trustees with expertise in legal and compliance matters to help us navigate an evolving regulatory landscape, manage risk effectively, and ensure our policies and practices meet the highest standards.

GOVERNANCE

The Board is chaired by Rebecca Crook and supported by a strong leadership team including CEO Dr Tessy Ojo CBE. The Nominations Committee, a sub-committee of the Board, leads the trustee recruitment process. We are committed to inclusive recruitment and welcome candidates from all backgrounds. In particular, we welcome and encourage applications from young people, and those from black, Asian and global majority backgrounds.

You can see more information about the Nominations Committees governance structure and terms of reference at the end.

RESOURCES

If you’re new to being a trustee, you may find the following resources helpful in understanding the role and responsibilities:

Charity Commission (UK): The Essential Trustee Guide

Young Trustee Movement

Getting On Board - Resources for aspiring trustees

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, please email:

1. Your CV (including contact details for two referees)

2. A Supporting Statement (no more than two pages), outlining:

o The skills and experience you bring in relation to the list of desirable criteria

o How your skills and expertise align with the needs of our Board at this time

o If you wish to be considered for the role of Chair of the Income Generation Subcommittee, please outline your relevant experience and how it would support this area of our work

o Your motivation for becoming a Trustee of The Diana Award and the contribution you hope to make to our mission

Email Subject line: Trustee Application – Your Name

Please submit your applications by Friday 26 September 2025 at 5.00pm

PROPOSED TIMELINES

Application Milestones

Dates

• Trustee Recruitment Launch: Week commencing 1st September
• Deadline for Applications: Friday 26th September, 5:00pm
• Interviews Conducted: Thursday 9th & Friday 10th October
• Induction Begins: November
• Trustees Officially Begin: November/December

INTERVIEW PROCESS

Youth Panel Interview (Online) 30 minutes - You will meet with members of our Youth Panel. This will include structured questions and a 5-minute presentation about yourself, focusing on your background, motivations for applying, and what you hope to bring to the trustee role

Nominations Committee Interview (Online)  45 minutes - You will also meet with our Nominations Committee. This will involve structured interview questions focusing on your skills, experience, and alignment with our organisational values and strategic priorities

FUTURE BOARD MEETINGS

Dates

• 21st November 2025 - Strategy Day
• 12th February 2026, 5-7pm
• 7th May 2026, 5-7pm
• 10th September 2026, 5-7pm
• 26th November 2026 - Strategy Day

FINAL THOUGHTS

This is an exciting time to join The Diana Award. As we enter a new chapter, we are looking for bold, compassionate and future-facing leaders to help us shape our journey. We hope you are inspired to join us in empowering young people across the UK and the world.

We look forward to hearing from you.

APPENDIX

Purpose: The primary purpose of the Nominations Committee is to identify, evaluate, and recommend candidates for appointment as Trustees of The Diana Award. This committee ensures that the Board has the appropriate mix of skills, expertise, and diversity to effectively govern the organisation and fulfil its mission.

Membership: The Chair of the Nominations Committee (a Trustee) A minimum of two other Trustees CEO (ex officio member) Any additional members as deemed necessary (e.g., board secretary or HR support)

Frequency of Meetings: The committee will meet as required, typically monthly, and more frequently when necessary for the recruitment process 

Key Responsibilities:

• Review the current composition of the Board of Trustees to identify gaps in skills and diversity
• Develop a recruitment strategy that aligns with the strategic direction of The Diana Award
• Source and evaluate potential Trustee candidates
• Conduct interviews and assessments of candidates’ skills, expertise, and commitment to the mission
• Provide recommendations for new Trustee appointments to the full Board
• Ensure that diversity and inclusivity are considered in all recruitment activities
• Ensure compliance with legal and governance requirements related to Trustee recruitment
• Onboard new Trustees and ensure they understand their roles and responsibilities

Reporting Structure: The Nominations Committee reports to the Board of Trustees, providing recommendations for Trustee appointments

Mothers’ Union (MU) is a women-led, volunteer movement founded in 1876, with a membership of some 4 million worldwide. It is a movement based on Christian fellowship, with members driven to express their faith through action in their local communities, aiming to create a world where every individual can reach their full potential, by stopping poverty, injustice and violence.

We are a federated international movement with the central Charity, Mothers’ Union, registered and operating in England, sitting at the centre of the global movement. We connect and support the global movement to achieve its aims and objects and thus transform the lives of women and families around the world.

The Central Charity is governed by an international Board of Trustees, made up of elected leaders from within the global movement and also appointed external experts to fill identified skills gaps.

The Trustees collectively are responsible to the global membership for ensuring that the Central Charity achieves its core purposes. This is achieved through overseeing the management and administration of operations and ensuring that the charity has a clear strategy and that operations and goals are in line with that vision. 

The Worldwide Board comprises:

• Worldwide President (elected)
• 11 Zonal Trustees (elected)
• Up to four appointed trustees, with expertise to complement the skills and experience of the elected Board members.

All Board members have voting rights.

Zones: The list of Provinces as allocated to Zones is given in the detailed role specification. Elections are held every 3 years, and the current Board took up office in 2025. The appointed trustees are also appointed for up to 2 terms of 3 years each. However, these do not need to be co-terminus with the elected trustees.

This is un UNPAID position

General Responsibilities of All Trustees:

• To participate actively in Board discussion, to ensure that the Board takes appropriate steps to determine the organisation’s vision and mission, by engaging in strategic planning and tracking progress towards achievement of strategic goals.
• To approve and monitor the organisation’s operational plans and budgets.
• To safeguard the assets and resources of the charity and provide effective financial, risk and operational oversight, by the proper consideration of management accounts, external audits, risk reviews, policies and internal procedures and controls.
• To ensure organisational compliance with all statutory duties and sector best practice.
• To ensure adequate financial resources are available to carry out the work of the whole organisation by consideration and approval of subscription levels and alternative income streams worldwide.
• To enhance the organisation’s public image by participating in activities that promote a positive image of Mothers’ Union, recognising that we need to challenge stereotypes rather than contribute to their perpetuation.

Particular Focus for the Trustee with expertise in Finance:

The elected Board members conducted a skills audit and determined that they do not have strong backgrounds in finance and resources management. The role of the Finance trustee would be to ensure that the appropriate level of support and challenge is given by the Board to management to discharge their duties effectively, be a critical friend to the Director of Finance and Services and be an active member of the Audit and Risk Committee.

They will be asked to provide a particular focus on ensuring that key strategic initiatives, including the ongoing development of IT systems, the potential future sale of the building, Mary Sumner House, and the implementation of the fundraising strategy are executed in line with agreed parameters

All trustees are asked to:

• have an active commitment to Christian faith;
• be committed to the aim and objects of Mothers’ Union;
• be confident with virtual communication and have an ability to access an appropriate device and the internet easily;
• be able to travel internationally if required;
• be in a good state of health, mental and physical, to enable them to discharge their duties fully and well.
• devote the time required to this critical role

A strong Candidate for Finance Trustee would have many of the following attributes, skills and experience:

• CCAB Qualified finance professional (or QBE)
• Experience of operating at Board level and of the charity sector
• An understanding of membership organisations
• Experience of Audit and Risk Committees and engaging with external advisors
• Experience of risk management
• Experience of project evaluation and funding
• Experience of change management
• Basic knowledge of Charity SORP and GDPR requirements
• IT competent
• Proven ability to communicate finance information clearly to non-finance professionals
• An understanding of the governance responsibilities and accountabilities of a Board member of a major international Charity

Additional Information:

What is the time commitment in a three-year period?

In a three-year term of office, Trustees are expected to attend three residential Trustee meetings (one per year) each lasting around 5 days, generally in the UK. We recognise that this may be challenging for professionals, so attendance for at least one day of the week would be acceptable. In addition, at least a further 3 virtual formal meetings a year, each comprising roughly 2 hours starting at 12.00 UK time. The Board may also choose to meet informally on a number of further occasions for fellowship or capability development, virtually, by mutual agreement – it is recognised that this may not be feasible for an active professional.

Written material is circulated to Trustees prior to each meeting. Trustees are expected to read and study the material before the meeting and any follow up material after the meeting.

The specialist trustee for finance will additionally prepare for and attend the quarterly Audit and Risk meetings which take place on Zoom, each lasting 2-3 hours

The specialist trustee may be asked to be available to the Director of Finance and Resources as a sounding board, and to provide input on a time-limited basis to strategic projects

Who will this Trustee work with/relate to in the role?

1. Worldwide President, Chief Executive, fellow Trustees and Leadership Team members

2. Mothers’ Union members from around the world.

3. Finance team

Work Location

This role can be performed fully remotely most of the time.

How to Apply

If you are interested in this position, please apply by sending your CV and a Cover Letter via Charity Jobs. The Cover Letter should clearly outline how your skills match the main responsibilities of the role.

Application Deadline

The deadline for applications is 17 September 2025 at 5:00 pm. Due to the number of applications we may receive, we will not be able to individually respond to each applicant. Kindly note, we will only be getting in touch with the applicants shortlisted for an interview. We aim to get in touch with the shortlisted candidates after the application deadline. We will be conducting interviews for suitable candidates as we go along and may fill the role before the closing date.