Activity volunteer volunteer volunteer roles in Belfast

Are you looking for a new opportunity to make a real difference, change lives, and help create a positive, supportive environment?

Hidayah is a volunteer-led organisation supporting LGBTQ+ Muslims through community support, advocacy, education, and wellbeing initiatives. It creates safe, inclusive spaces where people can connect, feel empowered, and have their voices heard, while promoting equality and positive change across the UK and beyond.

The Wellbeing Officer Trustee provides guidance, support, and signposting on mental health and wellbeing to volunteers and service users.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and implement proactive wellbeing strategies to reduce harm and support volunteers in public-facing roles. 

• Manage and respond to wellbeing queries via the designated inbox, including triage and signposting. 

• Create and maintain wellbeing resources for service users and volunteers. 

• Use feedback and data to identify wellbeing needs and improve support provision. 

• Build and maintain relationships with external mental health and wellbeing services. 

• Attend Trustee Board meetings and provide regular updates. 

• Support planning, events, and organisational activities where possible. 

• Assist with fundraising and promotion of Hidayah initiatives. 

• Participate in internal communications and maintain shared systems (e.g., Google Drive). 

• Contribute to the Annual Report. 

• Respond to communications promptly. 

• Uphold Hidayah’s values and mission. 

• Serve until the next AGM (subject to a 6-month probation period).

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential Knowledge & Experience

• Understanding of mental health, wellbeing, or emotional support in a community or voluntary setting. 

• Experience supporting individuals through advice, signposting, mentoring, or similar roles. 

• Awareness of safeguarding, confidentiality, and boundaries when working with vulnerable people. 

• Experience working or volunteering in collaborative or community-based environments. 

Essential Skills & Abilities

• Strong listening, communication, and empathy skills. 

• Ability to respond calmly and appropriately to sensitive or emotional situations. 

• Good organisational skills and ability to manage inboxes, queries, or tasks efficiently. 

• Ability to work independently and take initiative with minimal supervision. 

• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills. 

• Basic IT skills (email, Google Workspace, or similar tools). 

Personal Qualities

• Compassionate, approachable, and non-judgmental. 

• Reliable, responsible, and consistent in availability. 

• Committed to equality, inclusion, and supporting LGBTQ+ Muslim communities. 

• Able to maintain professionalism, confidentiality, and emotional boundaries. 

• Passionate about improving wellbeing and community support

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be 18+ and based in the UK. 

• Willingness to commit to a voluntary trustee role (approximately 4–5 hours per week minimum, with flexibility for additional time when required).

WHAT BENEFITS DO I GET FROM THIS ROLE?

• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact in LGBTQ+ Muslim wellbeing. 

• Governance and leadership experience. 

• Opportunity to shape wellbeing support services within the community.

• Training and development

Could your fundraising expertise help save lives?

The Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) is looking for a Trustee with senior fundraising, supporter engagement and income generation experience to join our Board.

This voluntary role is an opportunity to use your expertise to help shape the future of a life-saving charity. As a Trustee, you'll provide strategic oversight, constructive challenge and specialist governance, helping to ensure we can continue delivering critical care to people across the North East, North Yorkshire, Cumbria and the Isle of Man.

You won't be involved in delivering fundraising activity day to day. Instead, you'll work alongside fellow Trustees to scrutinise strategy, monitor performance, oversee risk and ensure our fundraising remains ethical, effective and aligned with our mission.

We're particularly interested in hearing from people with senior experience in fundraising, development, external engagement or income generation within the charity, social enterprise, public benefit or purpose-led sectors.

You will bring experience in:

· Fundraising strategy and income diversification

· Donor stewardship, supporter journeys and campaign planning

· Fundraising governance, compliance and ethical practice

· Board-level thinking, constructive challenge and sound judgement

· Building relationships and acting as an ambassador for a mission-led organisation

You will also share our mission, values, equity, diversity and inclusion, and Nolan’s seven principles of public life.

Time commitment

The Board meets at least four times a year, plus a strategy day. Trustees are encouraged to sit on two Board Committees, with additional contact usually taking place by email, telephone or Microsoft Teams.

Interested?

If you are passionate about using your fundraising expertise to make a meaningful difference, we would be pleased to hear from you.

Closing date for applications: 28th August 2026

We are seeking committed individuals to join our Management Committee, supporting the strategic oversight and governance of Help4Homeless.

This is a voluntary leadership role responsible for ensuring the charity operates effectively, ethically, and in line with its mission to support people experiencing homelessness in Peterborough.

Management Committee members carry out trustee-style responsibilities, providing oversight, guidance, and accountability for the organisation, without being part of day-to-day operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic oversight of Help4Homeless and its long-term direction
• Act in the best interests of the organisation and its beneficiaries at all times
• Attend committee meetings and contribute to decision-making and planning
• Support and challenge the leadership team to ensure effective delivery of services
• Monitor the organisation’s activities, impact, and overall performance
• Help ensure financial transparency and responsible use of funds
• Identify risks and help ensure appropriate safeguarding and compliance measures are in place
• Uphold the values, mission, and reputation of Help4Homeless
• Act as an ambassador for the organisation within the community
• Declare and manage any conflicts of interest appropriately

Please Note

Although this role is titled Management Committee Member, it carries responsibilities equivalent to a trustee position, including governance, oversight, and accountability. The committee collectively ensures the organisation is well-managed and acting in the public interest.

Location

On-site / Hybrid – Peterborough, UK

Working Hours

Approx. 2–6 hours per month (including meetings and review responsibilities)

Expenses

Reasonable expenses may be covered where agreed in advance.

Reports To

Collective responsibility as part of the Management Committee

Works Alongside

• Founder / Operations Lead
• Directors and Senior Volunteers
• Community Engagement Team
• Social Media and Fundraising Teams

Skills & Experience

• Commitment to helping people experiencing homelessness
• Good judgement and ability to think strategically
• Willingness to take responsibility for governance decisions
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Ability to act independently and objectively
• Experience in charity, business, community work, or leadership (desirable but not essential)

Important Governance Note

Help4Homeless is currently transitioning from an informal community group into a more structured organisation. Management Committee members will play a key role in shaping governance, policies, and long-term sustainability.

Why Join Us

This is an opportunity to help shape a growing grassroots charity making a direct impact in Peterborough, ensuring that every donation goes directly toward supporting people in need.

We are looking for English teachers or tutors to provide one-to-one, group or asynchronous lessons to Palestinians aged 13+ and adults for at least 3 months. All volunteers must complete training before they begin. 

The autumn term will run from 13/09/26 to 20/12/26.

What will you be doing?

• Applying the concepts learned through trauma-informed and emergency education training. 
• Delivering weekly 90-minute lessons, plus 30–60 minutes of preparation for at least 3 months.
• Creating a supportive, positive learning environment.
• Tailoring methods to individual learner needs.

• Filling in a weekly check-in form to track attendance and student progress.

What are we looking for?

• Tutoring Experience, or
• TEFL/CELTA Certification
• Ability to prepare structured and engaging lessons
• Strong communication and teaching skills
• Flexibility
• Empathy

What difference will you make?

This role is crucial because it enables Palestinian students to learn English, French and German alongside volunteers from around the world. Proficiency in English opens the door to a wider range of work and educational opportunities. Students can work for humanitarian organisations on the ground or find remote opportunities thanks to their English skills. English is also essential for scholarships. Furthermore, proficiency in English enables students to contribute to their community and have their voices heard on the global stage.

Do you want to help guide and support a welcoming community centre in Calderdale

Do you want to help make Calderdale a more welcoming place for refugees and people seeking asylum?

Do you have experience in finance, accounting or company secretarial work?

We are looking for a Trustee Treasurer to join the Board of St Augustine’s Centre.

This is a voluntary role, but a vital one, helping to ensure our charity remains financially sustainable and well governed.

About St Augustine's Centre

St Augustine’s is a highly respected specialist charity working with people seeking asylum, and new refugees, who are rebuilding their lives in Calderdale. We help with advice on immigration and asylum and offer one-on-one support with welfare, housing, health, and access to wider services.

Renowned for our person-centered approach, we provide a welcoming, safe and inclusive space.  We offer English language classes, training, creative, social, sports and wellbeing activities, trips and volunteering opportunities. 

About the Trustee Treasurer role

Our current Trustee Treasurer is stepping down after more than seven years in the role. We are seeking someone with the right skills and experience to take on this important position.

Key responsibilities include:

• Acting as Company Secretary
• Filing accounts and annual returns to Companies House and the Charity Commission
• Maintaining bank accounts and mandates
• Authorising payments and overseeing movement of funds
• Ensuring compliance with our governing documents (Memorandum and Articles of Association)
• Supporting the preparation of annual accounts
• Working with the Director on budgets and forecasts
• Supporting financial systems (including QuickBooks)

Time commitment

• This is a voluntary role (reasonable expenses are paid, including travel and childcare where needed)
• 4 Board meetings per year, lasting around 2 hours each
• Meetings are usually held in person, with the option to join online
• Preparation time of around 1 hour per meeting
• Trustees also join at least one Board sub‑group, meeting 4 times a year

Overall, the commitment is approximately 8 hours per month, with flexibility depending on your availability.

Support is available for trustees whose first language is not English.

Job description

As Clinical Lead, you will provide professional oversight, guidance, and liaison for all cultural and emotional therapy initiatives within the organisation. You will work closely with membership, engagement, and programme teams. This role blends strategic leadership, operational management, and community-facing support to build safe, transformative, and accessible therapy systems.

Experience Qualification and Requirements

Essential / Highly Valued Experience

• Professional qualification and current registration in Clinical Psychology, Counselling Psychology, Psychotherapy, Counselling, or a closely related discipline (e.g. HCPC, BACP, UKCP, BABCP, or equivalent)
• Demonstrable experience providing trauma-informed therapeutic support, with strong understanding of how trauma, culture, identity, and systemic factors affect emotional wellbeing
• Sound knowledge of safeguarding frameworks, risk management, and ethical practice within clinical, voluntary, and community-based settings
• Working understanding of GDPR and data protection principles, particularly relating to confidential health and safeguarding information
• Experience supervising, mentoring, or providing reflective practice to clinical practitioners, facilitators, or volunteers (including non-clinical staff delivering emotional support)
• Ability to assess risk, respond calmly to complex or sensitive situations, and provide clear, proportionate clinical guidance
• Strong organisational skills, balancing strategic oversight with operational input in a volunteer or resource-limited environment
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to explain clinical concepts to non-clinical audiences and work collaboratively across teams
• High levels of professional integrity, emotional intelligence, cultural humility, and commitment to inclusive, ethical care

Main Responsibilities/ Key Duties

• Provide strategic and hands-on clinical oversight to ensure the effective delivery of culturally informed emotional and therapeutic services. Ensure that programmes are safe, ethical, inclusive, and responsive to the diverse needs of members.
• Oversee the planning, delivery, and evaluation of emotional wellbeing and therapeutic services, ensuring that interventions are culturally appropriate, trauma-informed, and aligned with the organisation’s mission and values. This includes supporting programme design, session structures, referral pathways, and evaluation frameworks to promote positive member outcomes.
• Liaise closely with therapists, facilitators, programme leads, and safeguarding officers to ensure consistent alignment with clinical governance, ethical frameworks, safeguarding policies, and professional standards. Provide expert consultation on complex considerations.
• Support the recruitment, onboarding, training, and supervision of therapy facilitators and volunteers. Advising on role suitability, contributing to training content, offering reflective supervision, and promoting best practice in boundaries, self-care, and ethical decision-making.
• Review and approve therapy protocols, session guidelines, risk assessments, and safeguarding procedures, ensuring they are clinically sound, culturally sensitive, and proportionate to the needs and risks of the service users. Ensure that all therapeutic activity complies with relevant professional regulatory standards, safeguarding legislation, and data protection requirements, including GDPR.
• Monitor member wellbeing outcomes, qualitative feedback, and service impact data to inform continuous improvement, learning, and programme development. This includes identifying trends, risks, or unmet needs and advising on appropriate service adaptations.
• As the primary clinical point of contact, the role holder will provide professional oversight for complex cases, escalations, or member concerns that require clinical judgement, risk management, or safeguarding intervention, working collaboratively with internal teams and external professionals where required.

We are seeking two enthusiastic and committed individuals to serve on our Board. This is an exciting opportunity to join an ambitious organisation working at the intersection of law, campaigning and social justice. As a Trustee, you will help shape the future of PILC, ensuring that we remain true to our purpose while continuing to deliver meaningful impact for the communities we serve.

We are committed to developing and maintaining a Board that is as inclusive as possible and representative of the communities we work alongside. Therefore, having lived experience in an area of our work would be advantageous. We welcome applicants from a wide range of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives, recognising that a diverse Board strengthens discussion, improves decision-making and helps us better fulfil our mission.

We are particularly interested in applications from individuals who have legal expertise (ideally in the non-profit sector), or expertise in Human Resources or Finance.

As a member of the Board of Trustees, you will oversee the strategic direction, governance and financial sustainability of the organisation. You will help ensure that PILC has a clear strategy, that its resources are used effectively, and that its activities remain aligned with its charitable objectives and values. You will also provide constructive support and challenge to the Senior Management Team, helping the organisation to develop, grow and achieve its mission.

Trustees have collective responsibility for the governance of the charity. This means that decisions are made collectively by the Board and trustees share responsibility for those decisions, always acting in the best interests of PILC.

Please note that this is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed. The time commitment for this role is approximately 8-10 days per annum. The Board meets online on the 3rd Monday of every other month from 6-8pm and trustees are required to attend with their cameras on. All Board papers are circulated usually 2 weeks ahead of the meeting.

Duties
As a Trustee, you will be expected to:
• Attend bi-monthly Board meetings (held remotely), having read the papers in advance and being prepared to contribute constructively to discussion and decision-making.
• Attend the annual Board away day and Annual General Meeting (AGM).
• Support, promote and provide advice on PILC’s charitable purpose, vision, values and strategic objectives.
• Approve operational strategies, policies, and monitor and evaluate their implementation.
• Oversee PILC’s financial sustainability by reviewing and approving budgets, PILC’s financial statements and monitoring and evaluating financial performance.
• Ensure that the charity is well governed, effectively managed and compliant with its legal and regulatory obligations.
• Support the effective management of risk and ensure that appropriate systems of internal control are in place.
• Provide appropriate support, constructive challenge and accountability to the Director in the exercise of their delegated authority.
• Keep informed about developments affecting PILC, the non-profit legal sector and the wider operating environment.
• Contribute to the regular review and continuous improvement of the Board's effectiveness and governance arrangements.
• Exercise independent judgement, act with reasonable care and skill, and always act in good faith in the best interests of PILC’s, managing any actual or potential conflicts of interest appropriately.
• Act as an ambassador for PILC, promoting its work and using your skills, knowledge, experience and networks to support the organisation where appropriate.

We are asking Local Coordinators to launch Amnesty Human Rights Where You Live initiatives in their area of the East Midlands, helping to bring together local people with an interest in human rights. This is an on-the-ground role promoting activism in your area.

Over the next twelve months, Coordinators would then support their local team to: 

• Raise awareness of and campaign on human rights issues locally. 

• Persuade local politicians to put human rights at the heart of their decisions 

• Engage their local community and ‘change the conversation’ on human rights

• Mark International Human Rights Day on 10 December 

• Set up an Amnesty local group with fundraising to enable future campaigning 

They would also have the chance to team up with other Coordinators to help develop and deliver a human rights campaign for the East Midlands. 

This is a great opportunity to make a difference in your local area on issues you are passionate about while also gaining experience and confidence with a wide range of campaign and communication skills.  

What support would I get? 

Coordinators will be supported at every step by the Amnesty East Midlands Regional Organiser and other staff, who will provide: 

• Support for a local launch meeting for Human Rights Where You Live 

• Training in knowledge and skills 

• 1-1 coaching 

• Organising, campaigning and fundraising resources 

• Face-to-face and online networking with other activists as a regional team. 

My main staff point of contact would be: East Midlands Regional Organiser

All Coordinators would:

• Communicate regularly with the East Midlands Regional Organiser

• Feedback on their activities on a regular and structured basis. 

• Aim to attend a reasonable number of core training and networking sessions online and in-person, depending on individual circumstances. 

What skills and knowledge are needed? 

• Some knowledge of your local area in the East Midlands. 

• Good written and oral communications skills 

• Experience of team-working 

• Basic IT competency (email, word processing, etc.) and internet access 

Experience of campaigning is always welcome but not essential – we find that people often have skills from something else they have done that would be very helpful for the role. 

How much time is needed? 

We would estimate around 2-3 hours a week would be the average, although there may be some periods where more or less commitment is needed. We’d ask that you commit to your local Human Rights Where You Live project for at least one year, although we recognize that people’s circumstances do change. 

We also understand that this role may need to fit around your family, studies, caring or other commitments.  

Any other requirements? 

Coordinators would need to be living in the East Midlands and unlikely to move in the next 12 months. We welcome interest from students at East Midlands universities. 

We would ask that any Coordinator be at least 18. However, if you are under 18 but would still like to get involved in Amnesty, please do get in touch to find more about our youth groups. 

We welcome interest from people who are already volunteering with another community or campaign group with an interest in human rights, and who are interested in doing a local Human Rights Where You Live project as a collaboration between Amnesty and that group. 

Help review our health information! 

Could you help review our public health information?

We are looking for UK-based volunteers to help us make sure the information we put together is as clear and accessible as possible. 

You don't need any expert knowledge or personal experience of breast cancer – we are seeking people who can look at the information we produce and decide if it is easy to understand.

About Breast Cancer UK: 

At Breast Cancer UK we are striving for a world where everyone is empowered to reduce their breast cancer risk. Our mission is to lead a movement to empower individuals, advance scientific research, and reshape policy to reduce breast cancer risk for all. We are the only UK charity dedicated to the prevention of breast cancer by focusing on lifestyle and environmental risk factors of the disease, including diet, physical activity and exposure to harmful chemicals. 

Breast Cancer UK produces its own literature and publications on a range of breast cancer risk factors and holds the Patient Information Forum (PIF) trusted mark. We are also a member of the Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC). Our purpose is to provide practical information and advice about reducing the risk of breast cancer that is evidence-based, easy to read and user-involved. 

About the Public Engagement Panel: 

The main purpose of the Public Engagement Panel is to review and feedback on key information for the Breast Cancer UK website produced by the Science and Health Education Team. You’ll help us ensure the information is easy to read, understand and use, and is inclusive so that it reflects our diverse audiences. 

Additionally, the Public Engagement Panel will provide helpful insight and suggestions on future science and education resources so we can ensure they are relevant, accessible and engaging. 

As part of the Public Engagement Panel, you will: 

1. Undertake periodic reviews of Breast Cancer UK content on chemicals, diet, lifestyle or other risk factors for breast cancer, and/or our public health information and advice leaflets. 

1. Provide feedback to help inform content and resource development to reflect the public’s needs. 

1. Be invited to participate in an annual meeting organised by Breast Cancer UK. Participants in the annual meeting will be reimbursed for reasonable economy travel costs. 

You may also be invited to help review research grant applications to provide a public perspective on the proposed projects, alongside our Science Panel.

Members of the Public Engagement Panel are expected to spend approximately 4 hours each year on Panel-related work for Breast Cancer UK (excluding our annual in-person meeting).

Membership in the Public Engagement Panel is voluntary and will have an initial fixed term of 3 years that can be extended by up to another 3 years. 

About you: 

You don't need any experience reviewing health information, expert knowledge or personal experience of breast cancer.

To be eligible to be on the panel, you should not hold a science qualification higher than GCSE level or equivalent. This helps to provide insights from people who do not have a specialist background. If you are not sure whether this applies to you, just get in touch. 

You will need to have at least an intermediate level of English proficiency. 

To apply for this role please use the link to our webpage and application form. 

The closing date for applications is Friday 4th September. However, we are reviewing applications for this role on a rolling basis and reserve the right to close recruitment early if all panel member positions are filled before the deadline. We therefore encourage interested applicants to apply as soon as possible. We aim to contact you on the outcome within a fortnight of application. 

Breast Cancer UK is committed to being a caring and welcoming place, where all volunteers and employees feel like they belong. Our vision is to create a supportive and inclusive culture where our volunteers and employees can reach their full potential, without prejudice and discrimination. We are committed to a culture where respect and understanding is fostered and the diversity of people's backgrounds and circumstances are positively valued. 

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities and abilities. 

It is important to us that our Public Engagement Panel reflects the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve, enabling us to hear a wide range of voices, experiences and perspectives. 

Following a recent review of the Panel's composition, we have identified some groups that are currently under-represented. We would therefore particularly welcome applications from people aged 25–45, people from Black African, Black Caribbean and other Black backgrounds, men, and people who identify as LGBTQIA+. 

Selection will be based on the skills, experience, perspectives and qualities required for the role, and we encourage anyone who feels they can make a valuable contribution to apply. 

Make a difference in the lives of children, families and women. Become a PACT Trustee.

We are seeking two voluntary trustees to join our exceptional Board of trustees: One with professional experience in Safeguarding and one with professional experience within the Violence Against Women and Girls sector, or closely aligned areas.

If you are committed to making a lasting impact and guiding a charity that makes a positive difference to hundreds of lives every year, this is an incredible opportunity to join us on our mission.

You do not need previous trustee experience as we provide a full induction and ongoing training. This is a unique chance to apply your expertise at strategic level, playing a pivotal role in ensuring we continue delivering high-quality, trauma-informed services, championing the welfare of vulnerable families, and shaping supportive policies that protect children and strengthen communities.

PACT (Parents and Children Together) has been building and strengthening families since 1911 through outstanding adoption services and specialist therapeutic and trauma informed support services across Reading, the Thames Valley, and southern England. As one of the UK’s leading voluntary adoption agencies, we place children with loving, permanent families (over 81 placements last year) and offer lifelong specialist support through services like our Strengthening Families Team, CATCH and Adopter Champions. Alongside our adoption service provision, we empower women facing multiple disadvantages through our Alana House women’s centre and help children and their non-abusing parents recover from trauma via our Bounce Back 4 Kids programme.

Who we are looking for

We warmly welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and actively encourage individuals from underrepresented groups, including those with lived experience of adoption, care or disadvantage to apply. Diversity of thought and experience strengthens our Board, and we value perspectives from different communities, cultures and lived experiences. Your expertise will help us deliver inclusive, high quality services for children, families and women.

These trustee roles are voluntary positions that are home-based with occasional travel to our Reading head office for in person board meetings or to collaborate with PACT colleagues relevant to your lead role (reasonable expenses covered) and support for our events. The time commitment is around one day per month, including quarterly Board meetings and input into wider charity matters. We aim to be flexible and will make adjustments where we can support accessibility and your availability.

For the Safeguarding Lead Trustee role, we would welcome applications from interested individuals who have current strong understanding and experience of safeguarding legislation, especially in children’s social care.

For the Violence Against Women and Girls Trustee role, we are looking for individuals with demonstrable experience of working in this sector, or in closely aligned areas (e.g. domestic abuse, sexual violence, women in the criminal justice system, safeguarding, trauma informed services). You will have a strong understanding of the policy, commissioning and funding landscape relating to this field.

What would you get as a PACT trustee?

· Satisfaction of helping vulnerable children, women and families, and giving something back

· An opportunity to exercise your skills and knowledge, possibly in a different environment or context

· A chance to contribute to the charity’s strategic growth

· A chance to expand your experience of charities and gain new skills

· An opportunity to work alongside other skilled and committed trustees

· High-quality induction, training and support from us and other charity-support organisations

· Being a Trustee can support the acquisition of valuable skills and experience that support career development

We understand that becoming a trustee is a commitment and you want to ensure that you are applying for a role that matches your values and requirements. You will find lots more information about PACT on our website and one of our trustees also kindly provided this short video with further details.

If you believe you can contribute to the skills and diversity of our Board and would like to apply, please visit the volunteer page of our website  where you will find the trustee recruitment pack and application form.

We are committed to making our recruitment process accessible. If you need the information in a different format or require adjustments during the application process, please let us know.

We look forward to hearing from you!

The closing date for applications is 9am on Tuesday 01 September 2026.

Early applications are encouraged as we may review and appoint on an earlier basis if a successful candidate is secured.

Safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do at PACT. We have robust measures and best practices in place to safeguard and protect the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and we take pride in maintaining outstanding safeguarding standards.

Anyone joining our team is subject to PACT’s safer recruitment pre-appointment enquiries, including an Enhanced Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check.

For more than a century, the RAF Benevolent Fund has stood beside the RAF Family;
through war and peace, hardship and change. From the first day in uniform to the final
years of life, we have been a constant source of emotional, practical and financial support.
Today, our work reaches serving personnel, veterans, families and the bereaved in more
than 30 countries.
As the demands on the RAF Family grow in complexity and urgency, so too must the resilience
of the charity that serves them. Our ability to provide life-changing support, whether keeping a
family in their home, helping veterans navigate injury or isolation, or walking beside the
bereaved, relies on strong, stable and sustainable income streams. Therefore, we are seeking a
Trustee with significant fundraising expertise to help shape and strengthen our long-term
financial future. The successful candidate will join our diverse and highly skilled Board and
Fundraising, Communications and Engagement Committee to:
• play a key strategic role in supporting our fundraising vision and strategy
• provide strategic input into fundraising plans and campaigns
• support and advise on income generation, donor engagement and partnerships
The full role description can be found on our website here. The role is voluntary, however
reasonable out-of-pocket expenses are paid. We will provide the successful candidate with a
bespoke induction programme and relevant training / development.
Interested?
We would love to hear from you if you have the experience and passion we are seeking.
Please send an up-to-date CV and covering email / letter outlining your background, skills,
experience and interest in the role. Email address and contact details can be found on our website. If you have any questions about the role or would like to have an informal
discussion prior to applying, please contact Lisa (information on website).
We welcome applications from anyone who has the experience we are seeking, irrespective of
background, community, industry or protected characteristics. If you require any reasonable
adjustments as part of your application process, please let us know. You must be eligible to be
a charity trustee under UK law to be considered for this role. We operate safer selection
practices; this will involve the successful candidate being required to have a Disclosure and
Barring Service check.
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, and this position will remain open until we
have found our ideal candidate. No agencies please.

Chair of the Board of Trustees

The Ripple Pond Charity - Supporting Armed Forces and Veteran Families

A Voluntary Trustee Position
With reasonable expenses reimbursed

Please note that although the closing date for applications is 11 September 2026, we will be reviewing applications as they are received and may interview suitable candidates before the closing date. We therefore encourage interested candidates to apply early, as the recruitment process may close once a suitable appointment is made.

 Help Shape the Future of Support for Military Families

The Ripple Pond is seeking an exceptional individual to serve as Chair of our Board of Trustees.

This is an opportunity to lead a unique and growing charity that supports the families and carers of Armed Forces personnel and veterans who have sustained a service-related physical or psychological injury. Through peer support, advocacy, collaboration and innovation, we help military families feel seen, heard and supported throughout their journey.

We are looking for a values-driven leader with strategic vision, strong governance experience and a genuine commitment to improving the lives of military families and the wider Armed Forces community.

About the Role

As Chair, you will lead the Board of Trustees, ensuring that The Ripple Pond remains focused on its charitable purpose, strategic priorities and long-term sustainability.

Working closely with the Chief Executive Officer and fellow Trustees, you will help guide the charity through its next phase of development, strengthening our impact, partnerships and influence across the military, veterans, health and social care sectors.

You will function as an ambassador for the charity, helping to build relationships, influence decision-makers and create opportunities that support lasting positive change for those we support.

Who Are We Looking For?

The Chair of The Ripple Pond leads a small but complex charity that provides support to more than 1,200 Armed Forces and veteran family members across the UK. Around 20% of new Members joining our services live in environments that place them at high risk.

These challenges often arise from complex and overlapping circumstances, including addiction, suicidal ideation, domestic abuse, safeguarding concerns, risk of homelessness and wider welfare needs.

This places significant responsibility on the Chair to provide strong board leadership, support and develop trustees, maintain effective governance and strategic oversight, and work in close partnership with the CEO to ensure the charity remains focused on delivering meaningful impact for military families. The Chair also acts as one of the charity's principal ambassadors and public representatives.

We are seeking an individual with a broad range of experience and perspectives, ideally gained across multiple sectors. This might include commercial business, the public sector, healthcare, social care, the arts, the Armed Forces, emergency services or the voluntary sector.

You will have experience in developing and delivering regional or national strategies that have achieved sustainable and measurable positive outcomes, preferably through collaboration and partnership with a range of stakeholders.

You will have operated at executive or equivalent senior leadership level and be comfortable working across organisational boundaries, where success is achieved through influence, relationships and shared purpose rather than formal authority alone.

You will possess a strong understanding of risk, including strategic, organisational, and people-related risks, and be able to explain complex issues in a way that is clear, practical, and accessible to others.

Most importantly, you will demonstrate humility, integrity and compassion. You will care deeply about people, value the contribution of others and be motivated by a desire to serve the Armed Forces community and improve the lives of military families.

Role Profile

We are seeking an experienced senior leader who can provide effective governance, constructive challenge and confident stewardship to help guide The Ripple Pond through its next phase of development.

The successful candidate will bring:

Experience and Capability

Organisational Leadership and Change

• Significant executive, board-level or equivalent senior leadership experience.
• Experience of leading organisations through growth, transformation or periods of significant change.
• A proven ability to develop and deliver complex strategies, align stakeholders behind a shared purpose and achieve sustainable outcomes.
• The ability to balance organisational ambition, opportunity, risk and long-term sustainability.

 Governance, Finance and Risk

• A strong understanding of governance, accountability and effective board leadership gained through charity trusteeship, corporate governance, public service or other relevant senior leadership experience.
• Experience of supporting effective decision-making, constructive challenge and organisational assurance.
• Financial confidence and literacy, including the ability to understand budgets, financial performance, investment decisions and long-term sustainability.
• An understanding of risk management and the importance of robust oversight.

Influence, Partnerships and Representation

• Experience of building effective partnerships and relationships across sectors.
• The ability to represent an organisation with credibility, authenticity and professionalism.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to engage and influence a wide range of audiences.

Leadership Style and Values

We are particularly interested in individuals who demonstrate:

Integrity and Accountability
A commitment to ethical leadership, transparency and maintaining the highest standards of governance.

Collaborative Leadership
The ability to build trust, bring people together and create an environment where trustees, Members, workforce, partners and other stakeholders feel valued and able to contribute. You will listen, encourage open discussion and help create a shared sense of purpose both within The Ripple Pond and across the wider community.

Compassion and Respect
An understanding of the experiences of military families and carers, with genuine respect for different perspectives, backgrounds and lived experiences.

Courage and Constructive Challenge
You will be confident asking the difficult questions, challenging thinking and encouraging open and honest conversations. You will build trusted internal and strategic relationships, using your influence to ensure the experiences of military families and carers are understood and reflected in wider conversations and decision-making. This will help ensure that The Ripple Pond continues to play its part in shaping a stronger support landscape for military and veteran families.

Self-Awareness and Learning Mindset
A willingness to listen, reflect and continue developing, recognising that effective leadership requires curiosity, humility and openness to new ideas.

Commitment to Our Purpose
A genuine desire to improve the lives of military families, carers and veterans affected by service-related injury. You will understand the importance of lived experience in shaping services, strategy and practice, ensuring that those we support remain central to organisational decision-making.

Experience within the Armed Forces, veterans, healthcare, social care, public service or charity sectors would be beneficial but is not essential.

Safeguarding and Creating a Safe Culture

The Ripple Pond is committed to creating a safe, inclusive and supportive environment for all Members, volunteers, staff, trustees and partners. Safeguarding is fundamental to our work, and trustees share responsibility for ensuring that people feel respected, listened to and able to raise concerns.

The Chair will champion a strong safeguarding culture, ensuring the Board maintains appropriate oversight of safeguarding practice, risk management, policies and organisational culture.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

The Ripple Pond believes that diversity of experience and perspective strengthens our organisation and improves the support we provide. We welcome applications from people with different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives, including those with relevant lived experience.

The Chair will help ensure equality, diversity and inclusion are embedded throughout governance, decision-making, culture and service development, creating an organisation where everyone feels valued, respected and able to contribute.

Time Commitment

The role of Chair is a rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the lives of Armed Forces and veteran families. While voluntary, it carries significant responsibility and requires a consistent commitment throughout the year.

Key responsibilities include:

• Chairing at least four formal Board meetings annually.
• Participating in occasional committee, strategic planning and development meetings.
• Maintaining regular engagement with the Chief Executive, providing guidance, support and constructive challenge.
• Supporting trustee recruitment, development and succession planning.
• Attending selected events, conferences and stakeholder engagements.
• Acting as an ambassador for The Ripple Pond with partners, funders, supporters and the wider community.
• Providing occasional availability for matters requiring Chair input between scheduled meetings.

Many meetings are held virtually to maximise accessibility and efficiency, although some travel will be required for Board meetings, key events and stakeholder engagement.

Professional Practice

As a national charity supporting over 1,200 military family members across the UK, the Chair will maintain an informed understanding of The Ripple Pond’s work, operating environment, opportunities and risks to provide effective Board leadership and appropriate support and challenge to the Chief Executive.

Applicants should be able to commit sufficient time in line with Charity Commission guidance and recognised principles of good governance. The time requirement will vary throughout the year, with additional involvement likely during periods of strategic development, organisational change or significant emerging issues.

Above all, the Chair will view this not simply as a governance appointment, but as an opportunity to help shape and strengthen an organisation making a lasting difference to military families across the United Kingdom.

Digital Confidence and Ways of Working

The Ripple Pond is a digitally enabled charity, with services, meetings and engagement activity delivered predominantly through online platforms. The Chair should therefore be comfortable working in a digital environment and using technology to support effective governance and communication.

This includes participating in virtual Board meetings, reviewing digital reports and documents, communicating with the Chief Executive and engaging with stakeholders online. Confidence using video conferencing, shared document systems and online collaboration tools is essential to ensure effective participation, timely decision-making and organisational agility.

Term of Appointment

The appointment is for an initial term of three years.

Trustees may be reappointed for further three-year terms up to a maximum of nine years, subject to the charity's governing document and Board approval.

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to lead the Board of a growing charity with a clear purpose and a strong commitment to military families across the United Kingdom.

The Ripple Pond exists because the experiences and challenges faced by families caring for injured serving personnel and veterans are often unseen and not fully recognised. As Chair, you will help shape our next chapter, working with an experienced team and community of Members to strengthen our impact, ensure the voices of military families and carers are heard, and help influence wider understanding, services and support.

Who we are

The Humane League UK (THL UK) is dedicated to ending the abuse of animals raised for food by influencing the policies of leading food companies, advocating for stronger animal protection laws, and encouraging individuals to take action. We are part of a global network of organisations working to create a future where all animals are treated with respect and compassion.

Thanks to our effectiveness, The Humane League has been named Top Charity by the independent evaluator Animal Charity Evaluators for every rating period since 2012.

THL UK is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to furthering equity and inclusion, and we value diversity. We seek people from a wide range of backgrounds who will bring a fresh perspective to the team, not just because it is the right thing to do, but because it makes us stronger. We are proud to be a Disability Confident Committed Employer, demonstrating our commitment to recruiting, retaining, and supporting disabled people and people with health conditions, based on their skills and talent.

The Position

We are seeking two new Trustees to add to the current Board of four voluntary members.

Board members (trustees) of THL UK are responsible for providing strategic leadership, ensuring strong governance, and safeguarding the organisation’s mission, values, and financial sustainability.

This is a voluntary position, and trustees are expected to act in the best interests of the charity and in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements.
 

Whether you are an experienced charity trustee or looking for your first board position; if you believe you can share our commitment for ending the abuse of animals raised for food and have the qualities, knowledge and experience we are looking for, then we’d love to hear from you.

For full details about the role of trustees please view our information pack which you can find in the application resources below.

If you would like to watch a recording of our recent webinar where we discussed the role in more detail, you can view this by following the link to our website.

Person specification and requirements for this role

While specific experience in animal protection is not essential, all Board members must:

• Demonstrate a commitment to the aims and values of THL UK.

• Understand and accept the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship.

• Bring a strategic mindset and the ability to make well-reasoned, independent decisions.

• Be able to communicate in ways that build understanding and trust, and contribute positively to collaborative team working.

• Be willing to devote the necessary time and effort to the role.

• Be committed to moving forward with Diversity, Equity and Inclusion best practices.

Specialist Expertise Sought

In addition to the general requirements above, we are particularly seeking candidates who can bring expertise in one or more of the following areas:

1. Charity Governance

• In-depth knowledge of charity governance best practice, preferably gained through prior trustee, board, or senior charity leadership experience.

• Understanding of regulatory compliance and governance frameworks for UK charities.

• Legal skills relating to charity law, contracts, risk management, or related fields (desirable).

2. Charity Fundraising

Experience and understanding of charity fundraising, with particular relevance to EA-aligned funding environments.

• Knowledge of charity fundraising principles, governance considerations, and ethical fundraising practice.

• Understanding of the Effective Altruism funding landscape, including grant-making bodies, donor expectations, and impact-led funding criteria.

• Experience supporting or advising on grant applications, funder relationships, and individual donor stewardship.

3. Farmed Animal Campaigning

Knowledge of campaigning and advocacy within animal protection movements, with a particular focus on farmed animals.

• Understanding of the strategic landscape of farmed animal protection, including corporate campaigns, legislative advocacy, public engagement, and movement priorities.

• Experience of designing, advising on, or evaluating campaigns that seek measurable improvements for farmed animals.

• Awareness of the wider animal protection movement, including key organisations, campaign tactics, risks, and opportunities for collaboration.

• Scientific or veterinarian understanding and experience with farmed animals (desirable).

We welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds and with a range of perspectives. Having reviewed existing Trustees' diversity we would particularly welcome applications from ethnic minorities, disabled people and marginalised groups.

Where candidates bring similar skills and experience, we may take lived experience or background into account to help us build a more representative and inclusive board.
 

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute actively to the Board’s role in giving strategic direction, setting overall policy, defining goals, and evaluating performance.

• Ensure that THL UK complies with its governing document, charity law, and any other relevant legislation or regulations.

• Oversee the financial health of the charity, approving annual budgets and monitoring financial performance.

• Champion the fundraising work of THL UK in various ways–for example by introducing new donors from your network, actively promoting THL UK’s fundraising initiatives (like our end of year appeal), or by donating directly if you have the means to do so.

• Protect and promote the charity’s values, reputation, and effectiveness.

• Support and challenge the executive team to achieve the organisation’s objectives.

• Act as an ambassador for THL UK, promoting its work to stakeholders and the public.

• Participate in Board meetings (typically four per year) and occasional sub-committee meetings, as well as contributing advice and guidance outside formal meetings when required.

Key competencies

• Strategic thinker: Looks at consequences, implications, interdependencies, and indirect effects, all in both the short and longer term. Looks beyond the immediate goal or issue and with the greater context, not just the content of the moment. Is able to think and act creatively in difficult situations.

• Problem solver: Identifies issues, effectively structures problems, analyses information to produce insights and generates wise, actionable recommendations. A forward-looking thinker who anticipates the needs of the organisation.

• Effective: Strategically able to focus our energy, resources and talent toward impactful actions that will reduce, and ultimately end, the abuse of animals for food.

• Communication and strong interpersonal skills: Ability to communicate in ways that build understanding and trust and can adapt to different tones and styles and be able to engage with people from all walks of life.