Administrative trustee volunteer roles

Closing date for applications: 31st May 2025

Location: New Cross, London

Salary: Voluntary, Unpaid

Interviews: June 9th - 10th 2025

___________________________________________________________________________________________

About Us:
​
Goldsmiths Students’ Union is a charity representing over 10,000 students studying at Goldsmiths, University of London, on issues that matter to them. We are student-led, with hundreds of volunteers, dozens of part-time elected officers, and four Sabbatical Officers - students who have been elected by their peers to take a year out of their studies to lead us from the front.

We are a democratic organisation, with a Student Assembly and established trustee board. The Trustee Board delegates responsibility for the day to day management of the organisation to the Chief Executive. The Chief Executive serves the Trustee Board and is responsible for developing and implementing the strategic plan for the management of all staff and resources. The Students’ Union staff team is made up of over 120 permanent and casual employees who work full-time and part-time. ​

Our Culture:

At the heart of our culture lies a genuine dedication to nurturing the personal and professional growth of our staff. In this year's engagement survey 93% of our staff wholeheartedly agreed that they would recommend Goldsmiths Student Union as a fantastic place to work. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where each team member thrives.

The Role:

As a trustee, you will work closely with the Student Union Officers, staff team and students, to deliver on our strategic aims, ensuring that we are making continuing progress to be recognised for the innovation and quality of the services and support that we provide.

We are seeking at least one trustee with experience in the charity or education sector. The Trustee Board meets formally six times annually, with meetings generally held midweek in the early evening and lasting a few hours.​

Download the full job pack ​below:​

______________________________________________________________________

Applications Process 

If everything above sounds good to you, we would love to receive your application. Please use our application form to apply as we do not accept CV's and Cover Letters.

_________________________________________________________________________

Students at Goldsmiths University come from a variety of backgrounds. We are therefore committed to ensuring our workforce is reflective of our members. We encourage applications from people with different circumstances and from all walks of life as well as those from traditionally underrepresented groups. 

NACE is the UK’s leading charity that supports and champions the education of more able learners. With over 40 years of experience, NACE works with a diverse network of member schools, leaders in education and practitioners to increase challenge for all learners. We believe that that all young people, including the more able, are entitled to have the opportunity to develop their abilities without limits – no matter what barriers to learning they may face and no matter what school they attend.  

Please only apply if you have the right to reside and work in the UK.

To support NACE its strategic objectives and advance its plans for the future, NACE is seeking to appoint a Finance Trustee to join the Association’s Board who has a passion for public service as well as sufficient time at their disposal to positively impact the lives of young people. Whilst an interest in or knowledge of education is desirable, it is not a pre-requisite because the role includes holding the executive leaders of NACE to account plus agreeing and overseeing the strategic direction of the organisation, whilst ensuring that resources are deployed to achieve maximum effectiveness and financial sustainability underpins all activities and operations that NACE undertakes.

Key responsibilities:

• Maintain an overview of the Association's affairs and advise the Board appropriately;

• Ensure the charity’s money is safe and properly used;

• Ensure that the Charity has an appropriate reserves policy;

• Ensure the Association's compliance with legislation;

• Support the CEO in preparing for the annual audit, or independent examination, ensuring that the accounts are examined in accordance with SORP and FRS 102, and implement any recommendations by the auditor/examiner;

• Review of management accounts and budgets prior to presentation to the Board;

• Keep the board informed about its financial duties and responsibilities;

Terms of appointment:

The initial term is for a period of 3 years. One third of the Trustees must retire every two years. Subject to remaining eligible to be a Trustee, a retiring Trustee may be re-appointed. The maximum term of office for a Trustee should be 9 years, with 2 cycles of 3 years with the option of a further 1, 2 or 3 years. The Trustees meet 4 times each year as a Board. 3 of these meetings are now held online in September, November and March. The final meeting of the academic year is held in-person in June. In addition, meetings are held, as required, between the Chair, Finance Trustee and CEO to monitor and adapt the organisation’s response to schools’ priorities. 

If you are interested in applying to join the NACE board, please send us your CV and an expression of interest by Friday 9th May. Interviews will take place on Thursday 15th and Friday 16th May. The interview process will involve current Board members so you will have the opportunity to meet some of the people with whom you could be working in the future. Trusteeship is a voluntary, unpaid role, but if you possess the energy and skills to make a real contribution to enhancing the educational achievement of young people, you will find the work extremely rewarding. If you want to make a difference and you share the ambitions and aspirations of the current NACE Board, please apply to become a Trustee. You will be warmly welcomed. 

You will be making a real difference by helping Swanage Pier Trust to protect and maintain our heritage. Becoming a volunteer shop manager could be just what you’re looking for.

Supported by a wider team, you would be responsible for the overall running of the Swanage Pier Gift Shop.

Purpose of Role

The main purpose of the post is to manage the Gift Shop for Swanage Pier Trust. This is a customer facing role and will require good customer service, retail and administration skills. A good knowledge of retail will help. The postholder will need some experience in a retail role. A flexible approach and a great sense of humour will help. 

Task Duties

To be responsible for the trust gift shop and act as a first point of contact for visitors, members of the public, trustees, volunteers and staff.

To have a flexible working approach and to help coordinate cover by volunteers and staff at all other times.

To efficiently manage and direct enquiries.

To be responsible for the sale of merchandise in the shop and online and to oversee shop stock levels.

To liaise with shop suppliers, place orders and record new stock on the till system.

To ensure that the gift shop area and displays are kept tidy, stocked and well presented.

To assist with the administration of shop income.

To identify and uphold health and safety measures.

To maintain confidentiality and ensure equal opportunities is upheld at all times.

To encourage people to be supporters of Swanage Pier Trust. 

The New Normal are seeking a Chair of our Board of Trustees! The primary responsibilities are providing leadership, strategic direction and governance oversight for the charity. They ensure that the board functions effectively, that the organization remains true to its mission, and that it meets its legal and ethical obligations. 

We are looking for a driven and diligent person to support TNN in it's mission to provide free-to-access peer support for a diverse range of grief experiences, communities and identities. 

Applicants should have the capacity to provide around 4 hours per month on a flexible basis, with some months quieter/busier than others.

We are seeking someone who has strong leadership, facilitation and decision-making skills, excellent communication and public-speaking, understanding of financial management, fundraising and stakeholder engagement, and a passion for the Charity's mission and long-term success. You should have experience in ​governance, strategic planning, or non-profit leadership. ​

We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and pathways. This is a voluntary role and responsibilities are listed in below Job Description.

[Due to the nature of the role and the work we do, the successful applicant will be required to undertake a DBS check. Persons will be shortlisted and appointed based solely on character, skills, qualifications and experience.]

About Beat

Beat is the UK’s eating disorder charity. Established in 1989 as the Eating Disorders Association, Beat’s mission is to end the pain and suffering caused by eating disorders—for all individuals, regardless of background, ethnicity, gender, age, sexuality, or class. The organisation recognises that achieving this mission requires a diverse and passionate workforce.

The Organisation

Beat provides nationwide support through its Helpline, encouraging and empowering individuals to seek help early, significantly increasing the chances of recovery. Support is available online and by phone, offering a space where individuals are heard, informed, and guided toward positive steps in their recovery journey.

Beat also supports the families and friends of those affected, equipping them with the skills and guidance needed to assist their loved ones while also caring for their own mental health. The organisation is driven by its vision to end eating disorder-related suffering, the impact it strives to make, and the collective commitment of its team.

The Role: Treasurer

The Treasurer will:

• Monitor the financial administration of the charity and report regularly to the Board of Trustees on its financial health, in alignment with best practice, charity law, and Beat’s governing document.

• Chair the Finance and Risk Committee, contributing to strategic development and strong governance as a trustee.

Person Specification

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Chartered Accountant status (e.g., ACA, ACCA, CIMA) with professional experience in a business, social enterprise, or charitable setting.

• Strong empathy for and commitment to Beat’s mission, bringing energy and determination to support its goals.

• The ability to understand and contribute meaningfully to the organisation’s strategies and plans.

• A willingness to engage actively and constructively in Board meetings and communications, understanding the importance of collective responsibility.

• Leadership skills to chair the Finance and Risk Committee and support the full Board in fulfilling fiduciary duties.

• Enthusiasm for supporting fundraising activities and the willingness to use personal networks to benefit the charity.

Additional desirable attributes include:

• Expertise in financial strategy and planning.

• Familiarity with relevant legislation and regulations, including the Charities Act 2011, tax law affecting charities, and Gift Aid.

• Experience in producing and auditing statutory accounts.

Immediate Theatre is a Hackney based community arts organisation with almost 30 years’ experience of providing quality arts opportunities in East London.  We are looking for people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our board. Estimated time commitment 25 hours a year.

We are particularly keen to engage people with at least one of the following attributes:

• Young people under 25 interested in developing leadership skills.
• Lived experience of the issues facing our participants e.g.:
  • 90% of our youth theatre participants are from diverse ethnic backgrounds and a high proportion experience economic disadvantage, we know of 115 regular participants who access Free School Meals.
  • 32% of registered participants have special educational needs or a disability
  • Many participants on our Pathways to Employment programme have mental health challenges
  • We work with over 60’s including those experiencing long term illness
• Knowledge about education, we are keen to engage someone with knowledge of Secondary Education and/or academic connections with a relevant University
• Experience of managing a similar size organisation or team
• Experience of marketing.
• Experience in the community arts sector

A full breakdown of the trustee role can be found on Immediate Theatre's website.

ICOM UK is seeking a Finance Lead trustee to help us deliver our new strategy to support UK museums working internationally and connect members to the global museum community. 

The trustee role will maintain strategic oversight of ICOM UK’s financial position and of the conduct of its financial affairs such that they provide well-grounded advice to the Board of Trustees.

The trustee role requires experience and skills in financial governance, planning and management, preferably in a charity and/or company, along with the ability to understand and communicate the impact of decisions on the organisation’s finances.

ICOM UK is the UK's only museum alliance with a dedicated international focus. As a professional organisation, we connect members based in the United Kingdom and the UK's overseas territories to the global museum community. Through participation in collaborative projects and with a lively events programme, ICOM UK actively contributes towards the international heritage agenda. Our bursary scheme is designed to help our members participate in international museum activity.

For more information about the role and how to apply, please read our Trustee Recruitment Pack.

https://uk.icom.museum/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Trustee-Application-Pack-for-ICOM-UK-Board-2025-2-1.pdf

The Farm Animal Sanctuary is seeking a dedicated Trustee to join its board and help shape a secure future for the 600 rescued farm animals in its care. Founded nearly 40 years ago by Jan Taylor, the charity is committed to providing a safe, nurturing home for neglected and abandoned farm animals.

Who we are

On a wet February morning, Jan visited a livestock market and witnessed the horrors unfolding before them. Sick, malnourished, diseased, and deformed animals were being offered up for sale.

To this day, the charity campaigns against animal cruelty, aiming to change both legal and individual perceptions of Farm Animal Welfare.

The charity's mission is to provide a safe and comfortable home for neglected farm animals.

The Role
Do you have a passion for farm animal welfare, an acumen for business and finance, and the determination to drive the charity forward?

Then you could become their next board member!

The Farm Animal Sanctuary invites individuals to join their small but dedicated team as they embark on an exciting journey to create a secure future for the charity and the 600 farm animals in their care. The Farm Animal Sanctuary is currently incorporating and purchasing the farm from which the charity operates.

Meetings are usually 1–2 hours long and held via Zoom, so trustees do not need to live locally — although visits to the sanctuary are always welcome. Previous trustee experience is not required, but trustees are expected to be proactive and contribute to administration, fundraising, or financial planning. An interest in Farm Animal Welfare would also be beneficial.

Those interested in helping the charity on this important journey are invited to send their CV and covering letter.

WellChild, based in Cheltenham, is the national charity for seriously ill children and their families. We fund programmes and services to make it possible for children and young people living with complex medical needs to thrive at home instead of hospital.

What we are looking for:

An experienced senior paediatric doctor with knowledge of the current challenging environment faced by children with complex medical needs and their families.

Purpose of the role:

Our medical trustee is the professional/clinical link championing our families and professional voices to ensure that we always act in the best interest of our service users which is the focus of our charity.

It is the duty of the board of trustees to act in the interests of the charity’s service users. It should ensure that the charity has a clear strategic direction and fulfils its charitable purpose as set out in the charity’s governing document – Articles of Association.

The board of trustees follows the Nolan principles of acting with integrity. It adopts values, applies ethical principles to decisions and creates a welcoming and supportive culture which helps achieve the charity’s purpose. The board ensures the charity’s ethics and values are embedded throughout the organisation.

Trustees undertake their duties with this in mind.

Trustee – Board of Trustees

We are looking for one person, who will join the other fourteen Trustees who make up the Board of Trustees for The Passage.

We would be particularly interested in someone with knowledge and experience of the creative industries to add to the wide range of skills and capabilities that the Board possesses.

Location: Westminster, London

Remuneration: This is an unpaid voluntary role, however reasonable expenses may be reimbursed

Time Commitment: Four board meetings per year (with each meeting lasting around two and a half hours). Plus, attendance of occasional events and meetings with key stakeholders

Report To: Chair of Board of Trustees

Closing Date: Rolling advert

Interview Date: TBC, held in London (SW1P).

About the role

Are you passionate about ending homelessness?

Trustees are responsible for giving direction to The Passage and ensuring it meets its objectives effectively.

They are concerned with the policy, strategy and monitoring of the organisation; day-to-day management is delegated to paid professional staff who report to the Board of Trustees.

Trustees are appointed initially for a period of 3 years and can be re-appointed for 2 further periods of 3 years, up to 9 years.

What you will be doing

Principle responsibilities:

The formal duties of the Board of Trustees collectively are to:

• Ensure that The Passage complies with its Memorandum and Articles of Association, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
• Ensure that The Passage pursues its charitable objects as defined in its memorandum of
  association.
• Ensure The Passage applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects.
• Give clear strategic direction to the organisation, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets.
• Safeguard the good name and the values of The Passage.
• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of The Passage.
• Ensure the financial stability of The Passage.
• Protect and manage the property of The Passage and to ensure the proper investment of its funds.
• Appoint the Chief Executive, monitor their performance and determine their remuneration.
• Act at all times in the best interests of The Passage, and declare any conflicts of interest.

In addition to the above statutory duties, all Trustees should use any specific knowledge or experience they have to help the Board of Trustees reach sound decisions. This will involve focusing on key issues and providing advice and guidance requested by the Board on issues and initiatives relevant to the area of Passage Housing Services work in which the Trustee has special expertise.

Expectations

In order to fulfill the role of Trustees effectively, all Trustees are expected to:

• Attend Board meetings, currently held quarterly.
• Attend and participate in the Board’s annual strategic planning day held on a weekday (usually off-site).
• Visit The Passage from time to time to build an awareness of the work and develop an understanding of the needs of the different teams.
• Occasionally attend functions on behalf of The Passage, liaise with other Trustees and the Senior Executive Team in between Board meetings.
• Read Board papers in advance of meetings and come prepared to discuss key points arising from those papers.
• Complete the trustee induction process.
• As part of the Board’s ongoing Development Process participate in a one-to-one annual review with the chairman.

Essential

• An understanding of and commitment to The Passage’s vision, mission and values, including stakeholder engagement and diversity.
• Empathy with the essential principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.
• The ability to think strategically and creatively, with an ability to anticipate issues and risks, and to identify opportunities.
• The ability to use good independent judgement and to challenge appropriately as a “critical friend”.
• The ability to work effectively as a member of a team in order to reach timely decisions. This includes being able to speak openly in discussion, whilst listening and respecting the views of others.
• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship.
• Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to the role.
• The ability to act as an ambassador for the Passage, to champion its mission and promote its reputation and image, and to establish useful contacts.
• Experience in any range of skills needed to run and govern a housing association, including finance, supported housing, RSH expertise (non-exhaustive list).
• Legal expertise, especially in the areas of commercial property arrangements.
• Excellent networking with other members of relevant sectors, and influencing and communicating skills.
• Demonstrable success in a private, charitable or public sector organisation.

Desired

• Good understanding of charity and/or social housing sector.
• A good knowledge of relevant general legislation and statutory requirements, including charity law, employment law and/or health and safety law.
• Experience of successfully dealing with strategic issues and involvement in longer term planning.
• We believe that achieving long-lasting social impact starts with having our Board and Management Teams reflect the diverse community we serve. Enhancing Board diversity is essential to our core values as an organization. It not only makes us more effective and capable of making better decisions but is also crucial for the successful delivery of our mission.
  • We are therefore, actively encouraging applications from individuals who are Black or from minoritized ethnic backgrounds, disabled, LGBTQ+, and those with varying levels of educational attainment.
  • We particularly welcome applications from younger individuals aged 18 to 30 and are also keen to hear from candidates with a background or advanced knowledge in relevant fields.

RNOH Charity is a vital partner in the way the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital delivers care. Since its inception in 1997, the Charity has raised and administered millions of pounds in donations, which have funded numerous essential projects around the hospital.

We are seeking a qualified and practicing legal professional to join our Board and provide legal insight, ideally with a minimum 10 years post qualification experience. You don’t necessarily need to be a specialist in healthcare, but an understanding of legal risk, charity law, commercial, governance, or regulatory frameworks would be valuable.

You will help ensure that we fulfil our legal duties as a charity, protect our interests, and make well-informed decisions—particularly when reviewing policies, commercial agreements, or collaborations with our NHS partners and other bodies. Crucially you will advise the CEO and Board of Trustees when seeking external professional legal advice.

Trustees must have a strong empathy with the Charity’s vision, mission and values.

What difference will you make?

As a Trustee, you will support the Board to fulfill its responsibilities for the overall governance and strategic direction of the Charity. You will contribute to the Charity by actively participating in strategic decision-making, jointly with the rest of the Board of Trustees, whilst working in partnership with the Chief Executive and other senior members of staff to achieve the aims of the Charity.

What’s in it for the volunteer?

You will be part of a cutting edge and pioneering organisation, which aims to continue making a significant difference in the lives of the 150,000 people who come to the hospital every year. The RNOH has been at the cutting edge of orthopaedic care for over 100 years. This is an exciting time to join our Charity and help steer its strategic direction to continue providing its invaluable work for more years to come.

Time commitment

• Four virtual Board meetings a year, held at the end of the working day.
• Four virtual Committee meetings a year, held at the end of the working day.
• Two in-person Board Away Days per year held in the Stanmore area.
• Trustee appointment is for 3 years, with the possibility of being re-appointed for a maximum of 3 terms. Induction and ongoing training.
• The role of Trustee is not accompanied by any financial remuneration, although out-of-pocket expenses may be claimed.

How to apply

Reach Volunteering's TrusteeWorks team are supporting the RNOH Charity with their Board recruitment. Please submit your CV, LinkedIn profile or similar along with a covering letter stating why you would like to apply to become Trustee of the RNOH Charity and how your skills, abilities and experience would add value to the Board. If you would prefer to have a chat with a current Trustee or the Chief Executive before making a formal application please get in touch to request this.

RNOH Charity values and promotes diversity and are committed to equality of opportunity for all and appointments made on merit. The Charity believes that the best Boards are those that reflect the communities they serve. The Charity particularly welcome applications from young people, women, people from black and minority ethnic communities, and disabled people who we know are under-represented in Chair and Trustee roles. Additional induction will be organised for successful candidate without previous Board experience.

The deadline for applications is Tuesday 10 June.

Overview of the role

Uttlesford Foodbank are seeking someone with financial experience to join the board as a trustee, who will be able to lead on financial matters, ensuring we meet our financial obligations and help us build a sound financial strategy as we move forward. This role involves leading on the financial affairs of the food bank and ensuring that they are conducted within the required legal, accounting, and good practice frameworks.

Responsibilities

As a trustee you will share collective responsibility for the governance of the food bank and all decisions made by the board, ensuring the organisation is well run, fulfils its mission, is compliant with charity law and that the charity is open and accountable. It is also the responsibility of the treasurer to work in partnership with the chairperson and other trustees to ensure the financial viability and development of the organisation.

Key tasks:

• ensure the Board of Trustees fulfils its financial responsibilities
• ensure that the food bank has proper systems for budgeting, financial control, insurance and reporting
• ensure that financial reports: are comprehensible and properly discussed at trustee board meetings; are provided in the proper format and at the proper time, as required by the relevant charity regulator body (Charity Commission of England & Wales); have properly appointed auditors or independent examiners

Other responsibilities, along with the board of trustees, include:

• to approve, support, and guide the charity’s purpose, vision, strategy, goals and objectives
• to manage the charity’s resources responsibly, including ensuring the charity’s assets are used only to carry out its purpose, avoid undue risk, and not over-commit the charity
• to ensure the effective and efficient administration of the charity, responding to changes in the local community as appropriate to ensure that key risks are identified, monitored, and controlled appropriately
• to ensure appropriate financial plans are in place, budgets are monitored, and progress is evaluated
• to review and approve financial statements
• to help promote the organisation to key stakeholders and beneficiaries
• to ensure the charity has appropriate procedures to comply with current legislation and good practice, including employment, health and safety, equity, diversity and inclusion, safeguarding, and GDPR compliance/data protection
• to prepare for and regularly attend and participate in board and subcommittee meetings and any trustee away days.

About you

• a knowledge of and commitment to the work of the Uttlesford Foodbank
• previous experience or an ability in: financial accounting and reporting procedures; communicating financial information to those who may have little or no financial background; keeping financial records up to date.
• A knowledge and passion for your local community
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills
• Willingness to actively participate in discussions concerning needs of the foodbank’s beneficiaries, staff, and the trustee board
• Willingness to act in the best interest of the charity
• Sound, independent judgement and ability to think creatively
• Working effectively as a team member and demonstrating a willingness to learn and develop

Benefits of volunteering

• feeling you are making a difference whilst volunteering with us
• meeting new people and being part of a motivated team who share a passion to eradicate poverty in our community
• building a movement of change with our volunteers, staff, and the people who use our food bank
• bringing our staff, volunteers, and trustees together to achieve our vision
• gaining a greater insight and understanding of local agencies and partnerships

This role would be ideal for an early- or mid-career financial professional who is looking to broaden their range of skills and experiences within a friendly, welcoming, charity setting.

Impact of your role

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

Support

A full trustee induction is in place to support the prospective candidate within their role, as well as access to local voluntary action trustee training.

Would you like to be a part of the elimination of viral hepatitis?

Operating since 2001, The Hepatitis C Trust (HCT) is the only national UK hepatitis C charity. It is a peer-led and peer run organisation; most of its board, staff and volunteers have been affected by hepatitis C. Alongside the delivery of a national peer support programme we lobby and educate policy makers and raise awareness to ensure hepatitis C stays on their agenda and we reach elimination. 

We are routed in lived experience…Our Peer delivery model is at the core of everything we do.

Our mission is to see the elimination of hepatitis C as a serious public health issue by 2030. 

As a Trustee at The Hepatitis C Trust with a focus on the Treasurer role, you will play a vital part in ensuring the financial stability and integrity of The Hepatitis C Trust.

The role of the treasurer 

·Oversee the charity’s financial management and reporting, ensuring transparency and accountability.

·Work closely with the CEO and Board to develop a long-term financial strategy.

·Ensure compliance with charity finance regulations and best practices.

·Contribute to financial reports to the Board, making complex information accessible and actionable.

Remuneration: None, voluntary position. Expenses for travel may be claimed.

Time Commitment: Four formal three-hour board meetings per-year

Sub-committee and other officer roles require additional time. Additional meetings as and when circumstances require.

Term: Three-year terms for a maximum of three consecutive terms after which a Trustee may be reappointed following a year away from the board.

Location:Oxfordshire

Reporting: To the Board of Trustees

Reference Documents:

Charity Commission Essential Trustee Guide

Charity Governance Code

Charity Commission Guidance

Please read our accompanying recruitment pack for more information about working at

Oxfordshire Youth, including our approach to diversity and inclusion through recruitment.

To apply, please send a copy of your CV accompanied by a covering letter to our recruitment team, alternatively, visit our website or more information.  

Oxfordshire Youth

Oxfordshire Youth is a boundary-breaking youth development charity, passionate about creating a future for and with young people that gives them the best possible opportunity to realise their potential. Oxfordshire Youth supports the youth sector across the county, working with grassroots leaders; it delivers innovative youth leadership programmes; and it provides a transformational supported accommodation service for young people. In everything it does, OY aims to meet the needs and aspirations of young people. All the charity’s work is grounded in best practice safeguarding and youth work principles and practice.

1.Charity Trustees

The Charities Act 1993 defined charity trustees as those responsible under the charity’s governing document for controlling the administration and management of the charity. This is the case regardless of the terminology used to describe the role. The trustee board at Oxfordshire Youth usually comprises up to twelve trustees, although there is no formal limit on the number of trustees, including the following roles: 

● the Chair of the Board of Trustees

● the Deputy Chair and CEO Line-Manager 

● the Treasurer and Chair of the Finance, Audit and Risk Sub-Committee 

● the Safeguarding Lead and Chair of the Safeguarding,Quality and Impact Sub-Committee the People and Development Lead and Staff Liaison Trustee

2.The Role of the Board

At its most fundamental the role of the trustee board is to receive assets from donors, safeguard them and apply them to the charitable purposes of Oxfordshire Youth. The trustee board must always act in the best interests of Oxfordshire Youth, exercising the same standard of duty of care that a prudent person would apply if looking after the affairs of someone for whom they have responsibility. Trustees are ultimately and legally responsible for everything Oxfordshire Youth does. Trustees fulfil this responsibility by deciding the strategy, establishing organisational policies and implementing appropriate monitoring, reporting and control mechanisms to ensure and evidence compliance. Trustees appoint the CEO and, on recommendation by the CEO, appoint the Senior Leadership Team to manage all operational matters and the operational team in line with the approved strategy, policies and control mechanisms.

3.Duties of a Trustee

The statutory duties of a trustee are

● Ensure that Oxfordshire Youth complies with its Articles of Association, charity law, and any other relevant legislation or regulations

● Ensure that Oxfordshire Youth pursues its objects as defined in its Articles of Association 

● Ensure Oxfordshire Youth applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects. For example, it must not spend money on activities which are not included in the objects, however worthwhile they may be 

● Contribute actively to the board of trustees by giving firm strategic direction to Oxfordshire Youth, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets

● Safeguard the good name and values of Oxfordshire Youth

● Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organization

● Ensure the financial stability of Oxfordshire Youth 

● Protect and manage the property of the organisation and to ensure the proper investment of the organisation’s funds 

● Appoint the Chief Executive Officer and monitor performance 

In addition to the statutory duties listed above, each trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the board of trustees reach sound decisions. This may involve leading discussions, identifying key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives and evaluating or offering advice on other areas in which the trustee has particular expertise. Trustees must ensure that the charity has a clear vision, mission and strategic direction and is focused on achieving these.

4. Minimum Time Commitment

Trustees are expected to attend an induction session at Oxfordshire Youth prior to their first board meeting. Trustees are expected to attend the four annual board meetings which last approximately three hours (typically 6.30-9.30pm). Papers, proposals and reports are distributed one week in advance of meetings. Trustees may be asked to join a sub-committee or working group each of which have their own terms of reference and minimum time commitments. There is also an annual strategic planning board away-day or residential held each year.

5.Person Specification

Each trustee must have: 

● A commitment to the mission of Oxfordshire Youth 

● A willingness to meet the minimum time requirement 

● An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship 

● Strategic and forward-looking vision in relation to the charity’s objects and aims 

● Independent judgement, political impartiality, an ability to think creatively and a willingness to speak their mind 

● Good communication and interpersonal skills including a willingness to use tact and diplomacy to challenge and constructively criticise 

● Integrity

The board of trustees collectively needs skills and experience in the following areas: 

● Leadership and human resource management 

● Financial management, income generation and enterprise 

● Safeguarding experience and expertise 

● Public policy and public affairs 

● National and local youth sector

For this position, we are looking for an individual to join the Board of Trustees who is currently practicing within the legal profession, or who has significant skills and experience within this field, and who would be happy to use their position to provide legal advice and guidance to Oxfordshire Youth.

Oxfordshire Youth (OY) recruits outstanding talent to ensure we provide outstanding programmes services to the young people of Oxfordshire and the organisations who serve them. We are committed to creating a team of people that make diversity and inclusion the normal. Oxfordshire Youth are actively seeking to recruit candidates from Global Ethnic Majority backgrounds, and from candidates who may consider themselves to have lived experiences in the areas in which they work. 

Oxfordshire Youth offers Trustees robust training to support them to succeed in their role and to broaden their knowledge on the youth sector, and other relevant issues.

6. Trustee Role Boundaries

Trustees in a decision-making capacity:

● As a board of trustees 

● As a sub-committee

● Chair - delegated authority by the board to make decisions between board meetings where necessary 

● CEO Line Manager - delegated authority by the board to make decisions between board meetings where necessary

Trustee roles outside of the above decision-making capacity:

1. Advisory role (i.e. offering advice in an area of expertise). In this capacity the Trustee is acting as Trustee but, as noted above, does not have decision-making capacity in their own right.

2. Volunteer role (i.e. participating in an operational working group). Here the Trustee is subject to the decision-making of the operational team-member who is in a position of authority. As a volunteer the Trustee is at liberty to withdraw.

3. Observer role (i.e. attending an OY workshop for young people or observing OY work). In this capacity they are acting as a Trustee but have no role beyond observing or information gathering for the purposes of strengthening their own understanding and / or board-level decision-making.

Champion role (i.e. spreading the message about the work of OY). In this capacity they are acting as a Trustee, helping to build the profile of the work of OY, with no decision making, but with the view of creating a positive image and sign-p