Activity volunteer roles in brookmans park, hertfordshire
Letter from Imelda Redmond, our chair of trustees
The current Board is a welcoming, collegiate and energetic group, working hard to make a positive impact on the lives of older people in Tower Hamlets, Newham and Hackney. I joined the organisation a year ago as chair and am enjoying steering the organisation through an exciting period of transformation as we implement our new, and ambitious, five year strategy. AUKEL has sound finances and a strong reputation for its service delivery (Hospital to Home service, community services, digital inclusion and Information and Advice). From this strong base, the organisation has an ambition to amplify the voices of older people within our communities and to create a more collaborative culture which both improves the connectedness of our services and also strengthens our relationships with local voluntary, statutory, community and faith groups. We are looking for someone with the time, passion and expertise we need to work collegiately with trustee colleagues to lead the organisation through this next exciting phase.
Yours,
Imelda Redmond
AUKEL Chair of trustees
About us Age
UK East London (AUKEL) is a local independent charity, which is part of the national Age UK network. We work across Tower Hamlets, Hackney and Newham to deliver services which support older people to live healthier, happier and more fulfilled lives.
Our work
Each year we support around 20,000 older East Londoners by providing flexible practical and emotional support in homes, hospitals and in the community.
Our boroughs have the country’s highest pensioner poverty in the country, further exacerbated by the current cost of living crisis.
How we help
1. We tackle poverty
Each year our advice service supports over 2,000 older people to claim £3.2million in welfare benefits, grants and relief entitlements. During the cost-of-living crisis we distributed £42,000 worth of emergency vouchers for food, helping older people ensure there was food in the fridge.
2. We alleviate loneliness
According to a national model, Tower Hamlets has the highest rates of loneliness in London and in England. Our East End Friends initiative teams housebound older people who’d like a bit more company with a volunteer to visit them at home. 92% of older people said they felt less isolated and lonely and 100% of volunteers would recommend the scheme.
3. We improve health.
Many older people in our boroughs have very poor health. For example, at age 65, women can expect just six more years of good health, which is the lowest in London and almost the lowest in England. This reduces their quality of life and can make it harder to remain independent. As well as increasing income and addressing loneliness (both determinants of health) we offer yoga, walking, and chair-based exercise groups at our community centre in Bow. 87% of participants said they are more independent as a result.
4. We increase independence.
Many older people live alone and struggle to manage around the home. Our home from hospital service supports 3,000 older people to return to a safe and warm home. Just 6% are readmitted to hospital within 28 days compared to 15.3% in areas where there aren’t these services.
The Team
We have an established and talented Senior Management Team, a committed staff team and an extraordinary group of volunteers. Two years ago, the board recruited a new Chief Executive. She is ambitious for the charity, comes with a great track-record of charity leadership, and has worked hard with trustees to develop our new organisational strategy.
Who we are looking for
We want our trustees to understand the community we serve and are therefore specifically looking for applicants who live in and/or have strong connections with Hackney, Tower Hamlets or Newham. Additionally, we are determined to increase the diversity of the current Board in line with our organisational EDI Objectives. For this reason, we are actively seeking candidates from the Global Majority (all non-white ethnic groups, including Black, Asian, and other groups previously labelled as "ethnic minorities" or ‘BAME’).
Previous experience in the voluntary sector, adult social care, NHS, or similar relevant experience to the work of AUKEL would be helpful. As would communications/marketing experience. However, this is potentially a developmental role where you will gain knowledge and experience of charity governance – so the most important thing is your commitment to our organisational aims and your local connection.
You must want to improve the lives of older people across East London and understand the impact disadvantage and discrimination has on the life chances of our local population. You will be curious, collaborative and ambitious and able to commit to an average of one-to two days a quarter (most meetings are in the evenings).
If you're new to being a trustee, we can offer additional training and pair you with a fellow trustee as a ‘buddy’ to help guide you. They’ll be there to walk you through trustee materials, answer any questions, and provide support along the way.
Full role description can be found in appendix 1
What I get out of being on the AUKEL Board
'I continue to be impressed with the extent of the help AUKEL provides in our communities. The need for the service is increasing as the cost-of-living crisis deepens. I see the Trustee role as an enabling role. I enjoy rolling up my sleeves alongside my fellow trustees to tackle some challenging issues with our combined skill sets. I particularly enjoy working on the new People sub-committee and I can sense a renewed enthusiasm for finding ways to optimise the Trustee contribution.' (Teresa, a current trustee)
New Trustees will complete an induction to the organisation and the Board. This will include site visits and meetings with the CEO, Senior Management Team, Chair and Board members. During your induction you’ll have the opportunity to really understand our services and get to know our team. You’ll be able to ask any questions you want and visit any service you wish!
Time commitment
The full Board meets quarterly on Wednesdays from 6.00 – 8.00pm in our Hackney centre.
We hope that all our trustees additionally sit on a sub-committee which reflects their interests and/or expertise. All the Committees meet quarterly the Finance Committee meets on Thursdays from 6.00 – 8.00pm usually face to face in Bethnal Green, the People Committee 5 meets quarterly on Mondays from 6.00-7.30pm online, and the Service Development Committee usually meets from 6.00-7.30pm on Thursdays online.
Travel expenses can be reimbursed.
Board members may be asked to commit additional time to support staff recruitment, review tenders and share expertise.
The agenda and papers for each meeting are usually emailed to Trustees a week in advance.
How to apply
If you are interested in being considered for this role please submit your CV/LinkedIn profile with a covering letter explaining why you wish to join the charity and the skills/experience you will bring to the Board.Please visit our website for the recruitment email address.
Potential candidates are welcome to have an informal conversation about the role. Please visit our website for the recruitment email address.
Closing date is the 30th of June.
Appendix 1
Trustee role description
The Board is responsible for the smooth-running of the organisation and supporting the Chief Executive. You will be supporting our 70+ members of staff and part of our 80+ strong volunteer team. You will also have the opportunity to learn about how to tackle the challenges that our beneficiaries face, and how to deliver appropriate co-produced services that enrich older people’s lives and enhance the whole community of East London.
Main tasks
- Contribute to Board meetings, helping to give firm strategic direction to the organisation, setting policy and targets and evaluating performance.
- Make decisions for the benefit of Age UK East London, exercising independent judgement and declaring any interests, exercising reasonable skill, care and diligence in carrying out activities.
- Be familiar with the rules that govern Age UK East London (Articles of Association) and make sure we follow those, Charity Law, Company Law and all other relevant legislation and regulations.
- Ensure the organisation’s financial stability, overseeing the setting of the budget and monitoring variance against the budget (the Board also has a Finance Sub-Committee to help oversee this).
- Ensure that we use our resources in line with our Articles and the requirements of funders, and that our accounts are a ‘fair and true’ representation of our finances.
- Safeguard the values of Age UK East London a maintain positive reputation for the organisation and its work.
Person specification
We’re looking for someone who:
- Cares about older people and wants to make a positive difference in their lives.
- Is open-minded, fair, and respectful, and values the opinions and experiences of others.
- Understands equity, diversity, and inclusion and its impact on older people and organizational practices
- Is committed to the charity’s mission, values, and social impact.
- Is reliable, committed and can dedicate some time to attending meetings and getting involved in the charity’s work.
- Is willing to learn about the charity’s work, the role of a trustee, and the challenges older people face.
- Can work well with others as part of a team, sharing ideas and supporting the charity’s goals.
It would be helpful (but not essential) if you:
- Have personal or professional experience with older people, or an understanding of the issues they face.
- Have lived experience or a connection to the charity’s mission.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Who we are
As the charity partner of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS), we are dedicated to advancing the quality of veterinary care for the benefit of animals, the public and society. We achieve this through evidence-based veterinary medicine, research and education. By working together with veterinary teams, animal owners and all those involved in animal health, we strive towards our vision of healthier animals, people and planet.
The role
We are looking for individuals who share our commitment to improving animal health to join our Board as lay trustees. Lay trustees (ie, trustees who are not vets or vet nurses) play a crucial role in ensuring that the Board benefits from a diverse range of perspectives and skills.
We are particularly seeking people who have experience of:
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Fundraising and/or leadership in the charity sector, or
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Business development and entrepreneurship, or
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Commercial leadership experience, with a strong understanding of business operations and strategic management, or
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Quality Improvement in human healthcare
This is a voluntary position, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to the strategic direction and governance of a dynamic charity.
Key responsibilities
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Attend and actively participate in three Board meetings each year and additional committee meetings as required.
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Provide independent oversight and constructive challenge to the Board’s decision-making processes.
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Ensure the charity adheres to its mission, values and legal obligations.
What we offer
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The opportunity to make a significant impact on animal health and welfare, the veterinary profession and experience of animal owners.
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A supportive and collaborative board environment.
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Reimbursement of travel expenses.
Trustees are appointed for a term of three years, with the option of re-appointment for a further term.
If you are passionate about making a difference to the veterinary care that animals receive, we invite you to join us in shaping the future of our charity.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The Sheila McKechnie Foundation (SMK) was set up in June 2005 in memory of legendary campaigner, Sheila McKechnie.
In a free and hopeful society, people need to know they have the power to make a difference: that they are able to envisage change and can push for that change to happen. For nearly two decades, we have helped all sorts of individuals, causes and charities to find their power as changemakers – as campaigners. We support, connect and champion these campaigners, equipping them to go after the social change they seek.
As well as the responsibilities of being a trustee, which the Treasurer shares with all the Board members, the Treasurer is expected to be the financial expert on the Board, and to provide advice on all financial matters. Their role is to ensure the Board fulfils its duties to ensure the sound financial health of SMK, with systems in place to ensure financial accountability and sustainability.
For more information see our website, and the recruitment pack.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
This is an exciting time in our growth as we look to grow our governance systems, build on our successes and ensure we are a radical, dynamic organisation rooted in our anti-racist and anti-oppressive values. We are looking to recruit 2 new trustees. We are looking to diversify the experience and expertise of our Board, and we believe that there are people out there who have knowledge, skills and passion in different areas that will help SWWB. Areas for organisational development include:
· Embedding lived experience expertise into the design, delivery and evaluation of our work
· Developing our campaigning and strategic work
· Building up our social media and comms presence
· Stepping up our fundraising game
If you think you can help with any of these things (or something else), and you are interested in being a trustee, please get in touch, we would love to hear from you!
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
This is an opportunity to become Chair of a Charity which has recently celebrated its 10th anniversary. If you are someone who is looking to make a “real difference” for mothers/birthing people and their families facing one of the most challenging and unexpected periods of their lives, then we would like to hear from you. We are also looking for a Chair who can lead and “harness” the range of skills present within our existing Board members, who come with a range of experience.
Now into our second decade as a charity, it is exciting time to join Mummy’s Star as the Chairperson. We have broadened the conversation about cancer and pregnancy nationwide, and internationally too despite our small stature. We now must sustain what we have built and help take the charity to that next level where we can elevate the voices of those we support, so that their needs are not only understood, but are also prioritised and used to inform policy and planning.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
This is an exciting time in our growth as we look to grow our governance systems, build on our successes and ensure we are a radical, dynamic organisation rooted in our anti-racist and anti-oppressive values. We are looking for a new Treasurer for our Trustee board, to join us and help lead and shape the future of the organisation.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The Chair of the Middlesex FA should bring genuine enthusiasm for grassroots football and a willingness to drive forward our four-year strategy, with ambitious targets to continue to raise standards across the game, improve local facilities and drive growth in participation, helping to ensure everyone has access to a safe, fun and inclusive place to play. The ideal candidate will be an experienced Chair, proficient in good governance and able to bring together and bring the best out of a committed Board. An accomplished relationship builder, they will support the County to deliver the best possible service to the game at the local level, working in partnership with a diverse array of stakeholders across the community. They will have the energy and ability to support and guide the Executive in shaping a modern and effective organisation that is fit for purpose through this strategic cycle and beyond, ensuring a positive long-term future for the game.
It is expected that the Chair will:
- Be an experienced non-executive with Chair experience.
- Be an accomplished and inclusive leader, able to bring the best out of board colleagues Have a good grasp of good governance
- Be an effective decision maker, able to achieve consensus around outcomes
- Have the energy and desire to act as an ambassador on behalf of Middlesex FA Act as wise counsel and critical friend to the Chief Executive
What will you do?
- Ensure the Board provides effective governance of the organisation and supports the development and execution of the new strategy within the scope of its Terms of Reference.
- Support the Chief Executive and ensure that the Board’s work supports the objectives of Middlesex FA.
- Help the Board’s development and ensure a diverse and complementary skillset across its membership.
- Contribute to the promotion and positioning of the organisation with a wide range of external stakeholders.
ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES
- Ensure the Board sets Middlesex FA’s vision, mission, values, and standards and that its obligations to its stakeholders and others, including any funders, are understood and met.
- Promote good governance and ensure that Middlesex FA remains compliant with the highest tier of sports governance, as set by Sport England and UK Sport through the Code for Sport Governance and the FA through the Code of Governance for County FAs.
- Contribute to the effective governance of Middlesex FA through membership of committees or sub-groups. Ensure that the business of the Board is conducted efficiently and foster an inclusive environment where all Board members are given the opportunity to express their views.
- Lead the Board in the approval of the long-term financial plan and annual budget. Monitor the delivery of the strategic plan and objectives of the Association.
- Lead the annual review process of Board members, and take an active role in Board renewal, recruitment, and succession planning.
- Chair Board meetings effectively, ensuring that Directors receive accurate, timely and clear information and that adequate time is available for discussion and time is used productively.
- Oversee the production of Board paperwork including the development of the agenda and papers with the Chief Executive Officer.
- Ensure that the Board receives professional advice when it is needed from external sources. Is a visible and known presence to members of the Middlesex FA Council and can champion change initiatives with them.
- Conduct an annual appraisal of the Chief Executive Officer and their remuneration, and should the occasion arise ensure a new Chief Executive is recruited in line with Middlesex FA’s employment policies.
- Act as an ambassador for the Middlesex FA and help build its brand and public image. Appoint Chairs to the various committees in consultation with members of the Board.
- Represents Middlesex FA with key stakeholders, such as the Football Association, other Football Associations and other influential decision-makers. Perform other responsibilities as assigned by the Board.
PERSON SPECIFICATION - Essential (Required to fulfil the role)
- Excellent meeting chairing skills including the ability to generate a productive group discussion ensuring that all voices and points of view are heard and given due consideration.
- Strategic leadership and management skills.
- The ability to facilitate a positive Board culture, and in particular the relationship between the Board and the executive workforce.
- Decision-making skills.
- The appropriate use of knowledge and experience to make informed decisions to the benefit of the organisation.
- Excellent interpersonal skills including rapport-building, active-listening and incisive questioning.
- Recruitment and selection skills.
- The ability to form productive relationships both internally and externally and strategic partnerships for the benefit of the Association.
- Knowledge and understanding of the responsibilities of a Board Director.
- Knowledge and understanding of the Companies Act (2006).
- Thorough knowledge and understanding of the Safeguarding Requirements for the Association.
- Thorough knowledge of the Articles of Association and their application.
- Up to date and thorough knowledge of Grassroots Football and the role of the Association in its governance. Knowledge of the County FA Governance Code.
- Understanding of how to apply Principles of inclusive practice. Knowledge and understanding of financial accounts, management accounts and budgeting.
- An understanding of The FA National Game Strategy and how this affects the work of the County Football Associations.
- A sound understanding of the volunteer/ professional relationship and how this can best work to support the work of the Association.
- An understanding of and commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
- Effective use of digital communication including email and the internet.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
This is an exciting time in our growth as we look to grow our governance systems, build on our successes and ensure we are a radical, dynamic organisation rooted in our anti-racist and anti-oppressive values. We are looking for a new Chair for our Trustee board, to join us and help lead and shape the future of the organisation.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you passionate about creating a culture of welcome for refugees in the UK? Do you have extensive experience in the governance of a charity or public sector organisation? This could be the perfect role for you!
STAR is a dynamic and exciting national charity which makes a huge impact on a small budget. We are looking for our new Co-Chair of Trustees. We are looking for individuals who are passionate about creating a culture of welcome in the UK for refugees ,who believes in the power of young people as changemakers and who wants to empower refugees to reach higher education to join our board of trustees.
The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in the governance of a charity or public sector organisation and be able to commit to at least 2 years in the role.
We are in particular looking for applicants who:
- Have lived experience
- Have HR experience
- Have campaigns experience, in particular hybrid campaigning.
- Have charitable fundraising experience.
Applications from persons with lived refugee experience are highly encouraged.
Role Description
To provide strategic oversight of:
- STAR’s compliance with its Articles of Association, policies, and law;
- STAR’s compliance with all funding conditions and contracts;
- Whether STAR is best using its resources to meet its objectives;
- The effective and efficient administration of STAR;
- Monitoring and reporting of financial information;
- STAR’s funding and expenditure situation; and
- Implementation of STAR’s Equal Opportunities Policy and Safeguarding Policy in employment and service delivery.
Also to:
- Contribute actively to STAR by giving strategic direction and evaluating performance against targets
- Attend and prepare for board meetings
- Appoint board members and officers via the procedures in this policy
- Approve accounts
- Ensure that STAR and the board safeguard STAR’s values and reputation
- Provide any other assistance the board or STAR may require, as appropriate, particularly utilising any specialist skills or experience they may have.
Specific responsibilities of the Co- Chair
- Ensure the proper management of board meetings, including setting agendas in consultation with the Director, chairing meetings, facilitating discussions and decision;
- Oversee the administration and coordination of any sub-committees;
- Monitor implementation of board and sub-committee decisions;
- Take "Chair’s action" between meetings, where an immediate decision is required;
- Serve as line-manager to the Director, and conduct regular planned supervision and appraisal;
- Represent Board as required to the public or external parties such as funders and government; and
- Keep other officers fully informed so that they can deputise if necessary
- Working alongside and in collaboration with the other STAR trustee co-chair, sharing responsibilities and ensuring excellent communicative shared working.
Person Specification
Essential
- Experience of governance of a charity or public sector organisation
- A commitment to STAR’s values
- An awareness of issues affecting both STAR and the wider refugee sector, the ever shifting landscape of refugee policy and media coverage, or a willingness to learn and stay abreast of these current topics and new developments.
- A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to prepare for and attend regular STAR meetings for at least 2 years
- Integrity and good independent judgement
- Strategic vision and an ability to stay focused on strategic objectives
- Willingness to take part in STAR discussions, contribute constructively and listen to others
- Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties and liabilities of trustees of a charitable company
- Ability to work effectively as a member of a team
- Ability to maintain confidentiality
- A commitment to the principles of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, as well as an understanding and acceptance of the Equal Opportunities Policy
- Willingness to undertake training required to allow them to fulfil their duties.
Desirable
Five years experience in one or more of:
- Working with people seeking asylum and refugees;
- Other work with the asylum/refugee/migrant sector;
- Charitable fundraising;
- Voluntary sector issues, such as trends for charities and partnership/network formation;
- Organisational development, growth or change;
- Human resources;
- Financial management/accountancy;
- IT;
- Negotiations;
- Marketing and public relations;
- Lobbying, advocacy and campaigning regarding social justice or social policy;
- Management and administration of a charity, for example as a director or trustee;
- Campaigning;
- Social Media/ Communications
About Student Action for Refugees
STAR (Student Action for Refugees) is the national network of students building a society where refugees and asylum seekers are welcomed and can thrive.
Set up by students at Nottingham University in 1994, STAR is creating a more understanding, just and welcoming society by:
- empowering young people to be changemakers;
- providing practical support and connecting local communities through volunteering and student volunteer led community projects;
- challenging the structural barriers that refugees and asylum seekers face when seeking protection and building new lives in the UK;
- Sharing trusted information about asylum and the lived experience of refugees to combat misinformation, hostile narratives and instead spread compassion and humanisation
We have a small staff team who train and support the network and lead on national campaign and advocacy work, with expertise in improving access to higher education for forced migrants.
Here are just some of our highlights from last year:
- 37 STAR university student society groups, across 28 towns and cities, run by 222 STAR student leaders.
- 262 events were organised by STAR groups to educate, campaign, and fundraise for a more welcoming UK, from art exhibitions to cookery classes and film nights.
- 1,280 refugees and people seeking asylum were supported by 413 volunteers through 28 community projects and 25 one off volunteering events.
- 100s of students mobilised to support calls for better treatment of refugees in the UK including standing against detention, for a fairer plan for refugees and to lift the ban on work.
- 88 UK universities now offer sanctuary scholarships for refugee students. The STAR staff team was involved in the development of many of these new scholarships and the improvement of existing scholarships. We also ran workshops for hundreds of university staff.
- 15 STAR groups campaigned for Equal Access at their institutions and 4 won!
- 65 aspiring refugee students were supported by our mentoring project and we provided signposting and advice about accessing HE to over 470 people.
If you would like an informal chat before applying, please get in touch.
Deadline for applications: 11th July 2025
Interviews: Rolling