Administrator and communications volunteer roles

Attitude is Everything are looking for someone with charity finance experience at a senior level, and someone who shares Attitude is Everything’s Vision and Mission to join our Board of Trustees as Treasurer.

To make sure that Attitude is Everything operates within the legal and financial guidelines set out in current legislation and its own financial procedures

To ensure that strong financial controls are in place and that the organisation operates within a sound financial framework

Volunteer to help women coming out of prison

We are currently looking for a female volunteer with a keen interest in working with female ex-offenders with complex needs on release from prison. You will be working alongside our experienced staff supporting women on a day-to-day basis and assisting with the smooth running of the project in a supportive and confidential environment. 

If you are looking to gain hands-on experience in supporting women with experience of the criminal justice system under the guidance, support, and supervision of a friendly and experienced staff team, this is the perfect opportunity for you. We will provide relevant training and support. 

Join disability and education charity National Star as a Trustee, guiding the organisation as it implements its recently agreed five-year strategy.

What will you be doing?

Do you want to play your part in supporting one of the UK’s leading disability charities to achieve its ambition for growth, providing more education and long-term living opportunities for people with complex disabilities?

National Star, whose headquarters is in Gloucestershire, is seeking several people who share its vision of a world in which people with disabilities are able to realise their potential as equal and active citizens in control of their lives. As a member of the Trustee Board, you will also be a company director as the charity is also a registered company.

Ideal Trustees will:

* Adhere to the charity's values

* Have personal integrity and be able to demonstrate a passion and commitment to National Star

* Prepare and participate actively in meetings

* Work collaboratively with fellow Trustees and Governors, demonstrating empathy and awareness of the needs of others

* Have good communication skills, tact and diplomacy

* Have experience, or a willingness to learn, about strategic thinking and risk

* Have knowledge, or a willingness to learn, about issues affecting people with disabilities and the specialist education sector

* Be prepared to commit time to conduct the role well, including travel and attending events out of office hours.

What you will bring:

The charity is looking to recruit people with a broad range of experience and are particularly interested in attracting candidates with knowledge / experience of:

* Company law and the specific legal requirements for charities in special needs and social care sectors

* Marketing and communication expertise including networking and fundraising

* Business acumen with a strong financial background

National Star is a Disability Confident Employer. The charity is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all sections of the community, including those currently under-represented on o0ur Trustee Board, which includes women, people with disabilities and members of black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.

The Trustee Board meets four times a year, generally during the week between 4pm – 7pm. In addition, Trustees are expected to become active members of a sub-committee. Board papers are distributed in advance to allow Trustees to prepare for each meeting.

What are we looking for?

Ideal Trustees will:

* Adhere to the charity's values of ambition, collaboration, integrity, respect and sustainability

* Have personal integrity and be able to demonstrate a passion and commitment to National Star

* Prepare and participate actively in meetings

* Work collaboratively with fellow Trustees and Governors, demonstrating empathy and awareness of the needs of others

* Have good communication skills, tact and diplomacy

* Have experience, or a willingness to learn, about strategic thinking and risk

* Have knowledge, or a willingness to learn, about issues affecting people with disabilities and the specialist education sector

* Be prepared to commit time to conduct the role well, including travel and attending events out of office hours.

We are recruiting several trustees with a range of skills.

What difference will you make?

By joining National Star's Trustee Board, you will have the satisfaction of knowing that you are playing a part in the future development of one of the leading disability charities in England and Wales as well as being able to develop your own skills in board level discussions, executive decision making and strategic planning. Your fresh perspective could help the charity to see things in a different light and your professional expertise could be utilised to support our staff team in delivering our vision and values.

You will gain a broad understanding of the challenges faced by young people with complex disabilities and be able to build your professional network.

Before you apply

Please apply through Reach in the first instance providing a cover letter detailing why you are interested in this role and a CV. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to complete our additional application form

Volunteer Research Assistant Wanted

Are you a curious and meticulous individual with a knack for digging up information? Do you want to use your research skills to help build a new nation?

The Principality of Scotia is charting its course, and The Scotia Foundation is seeking a dedicated Volunteer Research Assistant to help us explore and document the rich cultural heritage that inspires us. This is a vital role for someone who is passionate about history, culture, and building a foundation of knowledge for our future.

Your careful work will be instrumental in shaping our cultural identity.

The Role

As our volunteer Research Assistant, you will be responsible for conducting research on a variety of topics that support our mission of cultural preservation and community building.

Your key duties will include:

• Conducting research on Scottish and Gaelic history, traditions, and culture.

• Documenting findings in a clear, organised manner for use in our articles, social media, and other content.

• Assisting with the development of our digital cultural archive.

• Verifying information to ensure all our content is accurate and reliable.

Who We're Looking For

We are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented individual who:

• Has a strong interest in history, culture, or related fields.

• Possesses excellent research skills and knows how to find credible sources.

• Is organised, reliable, and able to work independently.

• Is passionate about The Principality of Scotia's vision and mission.

What You'll Gain

This is an opportunity to play a foundational role in a truly unique project. You will:

• Gain invaluable experience in archival research and historical documentation.

• Build a unique and impressive project for your professional portfolio.

• Work alongside a dedicated and passionate team.

Ready to help us uncover our heritage?

How to Apply

To apply, please send a brief message outlining your interest and any relevant experience, along with your CV.

We look forward to hearing from you.

THE

SCOTIA

FOUNDATION

Our trustees play a vital role in making sure that Julian Support achieves its core purpose. They ensure that Julian Support has a clear strategy and that our work and goals are in line with our vision. They scrutinise financial management and ensure the process of sound governance including the identification and mitigation of risks. Just as importantly, they support and challenge the Chief Executive and the senior leadership team to enable Julian Support to grow and thrive, in line with its objectives and values.

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

Duties:

· Support and provide advice on Julian Support’s purpose, vision, goals and activities.

· Approve operational strategies and policies and monitor and evaluate their implementation.

· Oversee Julian Support’s financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress.

· Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.

· Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively.

· Review and approve Julian Support’s financial statements.

· Provide support and challenge to Julian Support’s CEO in the exercise of their delegated authority and affairs.

· Keep abreast of changes in Julian Support’s operating environment.

· Contribute to regular reviews of Julian Support’s own governance. Attend Board meetings, adequately prepared to contribute to discussions.

· Use independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect Julian Support’s interests, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or any third party interests.

· Contribute to the broader promotion of Julian Support’s objects, aims and reputation by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts.

Finance Trustee - What we are looking for

As with all our Trustee roles we are looking for people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, and someone who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our board. For the Finance Trustee role you will:

· ideally be a qualified accountant

· have experience in financial management including budgets and forecasts, cash flow, investments and liquidity and financial systems

· an understanding of the audit process

You do not need previous governance experience – we will provide a full induction and training.

Personal skills and qualities

· An understanding of the difficulties faced by people experiencing significant challenges with their mental health.

· Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as trustees and to act in the best interests of the organisation.

· Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member.

· Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion.

· A willingness to speak their mind and engage in discussions in an open, frank, and assertive (not aggressive) way.

· A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.

· Enthusiasm for our vision and mission.

· Willingness to lead according to our values of Hope Equity Accountable Real Trust

· Commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

Terms of appointment

Terms of office

· There is currently no fixed term of office.

· This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses are reimbursed.

Time commitment

· Attending 4 Board meetings annually including the AGM. Currently meetings are held in person at Julian Support’s Head Office, 23 Pilling Park Road, Norwich, NR1 4PA

· Attending 2 Board Strategy days and training days as required

Committee membership

Ad hoc and occasional support through working groups and / or support to the executive team.

Additional requirement

Please note, all Trustees are required to have a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and hold an up-to-date certificate. The DBS check will be arranged by Julian Support.

Raising Futures Kenya is looking for an enthusiastic, committed Trustee, with a passion for supporting our small but mighty international NGO through a journey of shifting power to our partner NGO.  We are particularly looking for individuals with experience in fundraising in the international development sector, and a strong understanding of the international fundraising landscape. 

Responsible to: Chair, Raising Futures Kenya

Purpose: To guide and advise on the international fundraising landscape, and shifting the power (including fundraising) to our Kenyan partners.

Hours: Approximately 6-8 hours a month. 

Salary: This is a voluntary role. 

We currently have seven Trustees across the UK, USA and Kenya and three paid, part-time staff. Board meetings are every 6-8 weeks in the evening via Google Meet.

About Raising Futures Kenya

For 22 years, Raising Futures Kenya (England & Wales charity no.1181670) has worked alongside local people, and our partner NGO, in Kenya to develop projects which are owned by the community and create long-term, sustainable change to reduce poverty and improve livelihoods. 

Through our Seed of Hope training and support programme we enable 14-25 year olds (75% girls) to secure employment or start a small business, generating enough income to live above the poverty line. We provide free technical vocational and business skills training, alongside mental health and wellbeing support which has led to over 90% of graduates being in employment, self-employment or further education. Seed of Hope offers young people opportunity, dignity and hope. 

All training is combined with 3 key elements of support which makes our project unique and more successful than vocational training alone. 

1. Daily life skills and mental health wellbeing curriculum which includes topics on common mental health issues to challenge stigma and signpost students to the free counselling sessions we offer, gender equality, knowing and asserting your rights, family planning, health, hygiene and nutrition. 

2. Practical help is provided to ensure we remove any barriers young people may face in gaining an education and attending lessons, such as; free cooked lunches, support with travel costs, childcare vouchers for young mothers and free menstrual hygiene packs. 

3. Graduate support helps young people set up their own business and generate a sustainable income. This includes tailored business and financial literacy training, access to the Seed of Hope Business Hub providing computers, tools, and materials for graduates to use to launch their business, plus an ongoing peer mentoring scheme from former successful Seed of Hope graduates. 

If students are traumatised, hungry or can’t afford sanitary products, they won’t be in a position to learn. We treat every student as an individual and personalise our support to their specific needs and circumstances to set every student up for success. We know this holistic approach is more successful than vocational training alone, and has the most meaningful impact for young people.

Achievements

Some of our achievements include:

• Over 3,100 young people in Kenya have received free skills training.

• Since 2021 we now support more young people in a year than our first 15 years combined.

• 91% of our graduates are in full time employment, self-employment or further education.

• Received multi-year funding from the Department for International Development (now FCDO) and other reputable grant givers, including a US funder who has granted us $100,000USD a year to go directly to our Kenyan partner as part of our journey to shift power to our partner.

• Awarded the ‘Small Charity, Big Impact’ award by the Foundation of Social Improvement 2019 for achieving disproportionate impact to our size.

• Awarded ‘Charity Governance Award for Improving Impact’ in May 2022.

• Shortlisted for ‘Diversity and Inclusion Award for Best NGO on Promotion of Human Rights’ in Kenya in March 2022.

The future of Raising Futures Kenya

We are in Year 3 of our 2022-2026 year Strategic Plan. The focus is on shifting the decision making power to our partner NGO in Kenya.  It’s an exciting time to join as we think about our plan for the next strategic era.

Role Summary

Responsibilities of all Trustees

• Ensuring the organisation pursues its charitable objects (purposes), as defined in its governing document. 

• Ensuring strategic objectives are developed and met in order to provide greater public benefit, namely to the young people and communities we work alongside in Kenya.

• Ensuring that the organisation complies with its governing document (i.e. constitution or memorandum and articles of association), charity law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.

• Ensuring that the organisation applies its resources exclusively in pursuit of its charitable objects (i.e. the charity must not spend money on activities that are not included in its own objects, however worthwhile or charitable those activities are) for the benefit of the public.

• Ensuring that the organisation defines its goals and evaluates performance against agreed targets.

• Safeguarding the good name and values of the organisation.

• Ensuring the effective and efficient administration of the organisation, including having appropriate policies and procedures in place.

• Ensuring the financial stability of the organisation.

• Protecting and managing the property of the charity and ensuring the proper investment of the charity’s funds.

• Following proper and formal arrangements for the appointment, supervision, support, appraisal and remuneration of the CEO.

• In addition to the above statutory duties, each trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the board of trustees reach sound decisions. This may involve scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise. 

Networking and partnership development

• All Trustees are expected to assist Raising Futures Kenya to secure a sustainable and diverse funding base for the organisation, from seeking funding opportunities to galvanising personal and professional networks to generate income.

• Act as a proud ambassador for Raising Futures Kenya, representing the charity at meetings and facilitating networking and funding opportunities as these arise. 

• Join relevant networks and associations to further your understanding of the sector we are in, and to promote the work and best practices of the charity. 

Advise on fundraising 

• Support the strategic direction of how funds are raised by the UK and Kenya, in terms of shifting the power.

• Provide direct feedback to fundraising staff on approaches, bids or key organisations.

• Link Raising Futures Kenya with key contacts or organisations in the fundraising sector.

Person Specification

The ideal candidate will have the following skills and experience;

Essential:

• Experience as a fundraiser in an international development organisation.

• Understanding of the localisation or shift the power agenda.

• A commitment to the organisation, and willingness to devote approximately 6 hours a month and attend Board meetings.

• Understanding of the regulatory responsibilities of a Charity Incorporated Organisation (or willingness to learn) 

• A willingness to speak your mind with respect, tact and diplomacy. 

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. 

• Honesty and integrity. We’re a values led organisation and want to ensure that everyone who joins us shares our values of honesty and integrity.

• Teamwork and commitment. We’re a small organisation and rely on each other to lean in and play a part in achieving our objectives. We believe in getting the work done, but having fun along the way so our meetings are often light-hearted.

• Passionate about furthering the impact of our work, in whatever way you can. For example utilising your networks to share the work we do or to seek donations.

Desirable: 

• Competent in understanding finances.

• Knowledge and experience of programmes in;

• Education, Technical Vocational Training or Entrepreneurship

• Mental Health and Wellbeing

• Young people

• Girls and women

• Income generation

• Farming/agriculture

• Programmes in Kenya

• We are always looking for candidates who have lived experience of any of the following;

  • Kenya

  • East Africa

  • Technical Vocational Training

We are committed to a culture of inclusivity.  We are able to grow and learn better if we have a diverse organisation formed of the collective sum of individual differences, lived experiences, knowledge and self-expression.  We don’t want to exist in an echo chamber.  In recruiting for our team we welcome the unique perspectives you can bring in terms of culture, education, opinions, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity, values, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, beliefs, nation of origin and languages spoken.

Normally Trustees are asked to commit to a 3-year term on the Board and serve for a maximum of 2 terms.  All appointments are subject to completion of a successful 3 month probationary period. For more details about the legal obligations of Trustees visit the Charity Commission website and read its publication CC3, The Essential Trustee. 

Please note: the law places certain restrictions on becoming a charity Trustee (for example, you cannot be under the age of 18, or been convicted of an offence involving deception or dishonestly).  If you are in any doubt about your eligibility, visit the Charity Commission website.

Are you a qualified accountant, looking to make a real difference to a human rights charity?

The Restraint Reduction Network (RRN) is looking for a dedicated and passionate honorary Treasurer to join our Board of Trustees.  

About the RRN Treasurer role

This is an exciting opportunity to volunteer with the RRN in a vital governance role: the Treasurer maintains an overview of the RRN’s financial affairs, ensuring effective and appropriate financial measures, controls and procedures are in place. As a member of the Board of Trustees, the Treasurer also supports good governance helping set the strategic direction of the charity for the years to come.

The role would suit a qualified accountant with some knowledge of charity accounting and the ability to communicate financial information to the wider board in a clear and accessible way. 

With a passionate Board of Trustees and a committed staff team, you’ll join an organisation focused on positive change.

This is a voluntary role. Any expenses incurred while carrying out the duties of the role will be reimbursed.

About the RRN

RRN is a national charity with an ambitious vision to eliminate the unnecessary use of restrictive practices across health, social care and education. We want to develop a culture of respect for human rights across services.

If you share our vision, we would love to hear from you.

Ever been told you have a calming presence or you're great at putting individuals at ease?

Join as a volunteer friend at the QE Hospital in Birmingham. You don’t need a medical background or all the answers – just a kind heart, a listening ear and a little time to give. Be there when it matters and join our Companion Volunteer Team

What you’ll do: 

• Visit different patients at QE Birmingham Hospital
• Offer thoughtful and light-hearted conversation
• Create a sense of calm over a cup of tea/coffee
• Listen to stories, memories, or just talk about the everyday

You’d be a great fit if you’re:

• Patient and non-judgmental
• Emotionally steady in sensitive moments
• Able to commit to 3 hours a week
• Comfortable with email and completing a brief visit report
• Respectful of boundaries and confidentiality

What you’ll gain:

• A deep sense of purpose
• Thorough training and continued support
• A friendly network of volunteers
• Recognition for your time
• Expenses reimbursed monthly

Kindness doesn’t have to be big to be life changing.

Need more information?

If have questions about this opportunity or just want to understand what it's all about before applying, please get in touch.

Staffordshire Wildlife Trading Ltd is seeking a:

Non-Executive Director

We are looking for a Non-Executive Director to join our Trading Board at an exciting time of growth and ambition.

A fully owned, yet independent company of The Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, the trading company manages and oversees the development of commercial enterprises for the Trust. This currently includes a café at The Wolseley Centre, charity shops in Leek, Penkridge and Codsall and a retail shop in the Wolseley Centre.

Whilst no previous experience of acting as a director is necessary, we are keen to talk to applicants with senior experience or knowledge in the Commercial / Retail / Business sectors.

The role of our directors is varied and stimulating and covers both overseeing operational activity within the trading company and contributing to the forward strategic development of the trading organisation. You will be bringing your expertise, experience and passion to help lead the company into the next phase of its development.

Director Tenure: 4 year term – maximum 3 terms

Regularity: Normally 4 Board Meetings per year at 1.30 pm on a Monday

Location: The Wolseley Centre, Wolseley Bridge, Stafford, ST17 0WT 

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Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, the leading local charity in Staffordshire, is dedicated to the conservation of nature and connecting people with their local wildlife

By contributing to the success of the trading company you will be helping us to protect and enhance the wildlife and wild places of Staffordshire and promote understanding, enjoyment and involvement in the natural world

We are welcoming. One of the core values of Staffordshire Wildlife Trust is that we nurture a culture of equality, inclusivity and diversity.

We are welcoming to those underrepresented in our communities and we strive to listen, learn and share from each other.

Staffordshire Wildlife Trust is committed to keeping children and young people safe, you can see our policy by visiting our website.

Safeguarding and protecting our visitors, customers, members, staff and volunteers is the responsibility of every trustee, director, employee, and volunteer at Staffordshire Wildlife Trust and Staffordshire Trading Company.

For more information and to request an application pack visit our website.

Closing Date: 9am Monday 6th October 2025

Interviews:    First interviews TBC

We are looking for 2 Helpline Volunteers to play an essential role in ensuring service users (SUs) receive timely, empathetic, and confidential support, as well as clear signposting to relevant services.

You will support the SBS Helpline in providing high-quality, trauma-informed advice, information, and emotional support to Black and minoritised women and girls affected by domestic abuse and other forms of gender-based violence, including forced marriage, rape and sexual abuse, so-called honour crimes, and related issues such as immigration and No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF).

Do you love to lend an empathetic ear? 

Be a part of an amazing group of women supporting other women.

The Womankind helpline offers emotional support to women struggling with their mental health and past experiences. Helpline volunteers offer empathy and nonjudgmental listening to the women who contact us over the phone and webchat.

Womankind is an established charity helping hundreds of women every year to improve their mental health and wellbeing.  Our wonderful volunteers are the backbone of our organisation. We need you!

Whether you are looking for work experience, community, to learn, develop new skills or fulfil a passion to help other women, volunteer with us!

Training 

Our training comes with over 30 years’ experience of working with women’s mental health and will fully equip you to work on our helpline.

Over 6 sessions, our training covers a range of topics from women’s mental health to sexual violence and domestic abuse.

The dates and structure of our autumn training will be:

• Session One - Friday 10th October – 10am-4pm at our offices in Brunswick Square

• Session Two – Sunday 12th October – 10am-4pm at our offices in Brunswick Square

• Skills Practice - week commencing 13th October - 2-hour remote skills practice at home to be arranged with your training triad

• Session Three - Friday 24th October – 10am-4pm at our offices in Brunswick Square

• Session Four – Sunday 26th October – 10am-4pm at our offices in Brunswick Square

• Skills Practice - week commencing 27th October - 2-hour remote skills practice at home to be arranged with your training triad

• Session Five - Monday 3rd November – 7-9pm online

• Webchat Skills Practice - week commencing 3rd November - 2-hour remote skills practice at home to be arranged with your training triad

• Session Six - Monday 10th November – 7-9pm online

• Post-training Interview – to be arranged on a one-to-one basis after 10th November 

The Role 

Once you have successfully completed the training, you will be offered a place on our helpline. Each volunteer works the same shift every week, with the same volunteers – so you can make friends and support each other on shift!

You can come into our offices to do your shift or work remotely if you have a confidential and quiet space at home.

Your role will be to offer empathic, non-judgemental listening support to the women who contact us on the phone or through our webchat, with calls or chats lasting up to 50 minutes. You will also take more administrative calls, where you will talk about our counselling services and calls where you need to signpost to other services. Our training will fully equip you for this as well.

A three-hour shift includes: 

30 minutes to check in with your supervisor at the beginning 

2 hours taking calls or chats on the helpline 

30-45 minutes to debrief with the other volunteers and your supervisor at the end of your shift

You will also be expected to attend group supervision with all the other volunteers, which runs in the evening on alternating Mondays and Wednesdays each month.

There will always be a supervisor available during your shifts to support you, and we often run extra training to support the work you do on the helpline.

You 

We are looking for volunteers who are enthusiastic and interested in supporting other women to improve their mental health and wellbeing. You will be honest, friendly and reliable with good communication skills, as well as a non-judgmental and patient listener.

The helpline role can be challenging and emotionally demanding at times. Therefore, we need women who have adequate life experience and feel emotionally resilient enough to take on the role. We welcome volunteers with personal experience of mental health and other relevant issues, but we require you to have had a one-year period of stability at least before starting the training.

While most of our helpline opening hours are during the daytime, we have two evenings shifts on Mondays and Tuesdays. 

What Past Helpline Volunteers Say 

‘Womankind is doing amazing and essential work for women, and I am incredibly proud to have the opportunity to be involved’.

‘Having completed the helpline training, I have never been in a learning environment in which I felt so supported and received so non-judgementally. It felt like a huge privilege to get to hear such expertise and insights’. 

We are looking for trustees who will offer challenges, experience, and expert knowledge to help us think differently. We are looking for individuals who will take an active role in the governance of the Charity and support our expansion objectives - to remain financially stable whilst actively growing our volunteer network, our geographical coverage and our paid services to increase the number of families and young people we can support each year.

Person specification:

• Good, independent judgement and strategic vision.

• Commitment to the organisation and a willingness and ability to devote the necessary time & effort to the role.

• An understanding of, or interest in, special educational needs and disability affecting children and young people and their families.

• Skills to analyse proposals, examine their strategic consequences and make concise recommendations as part of the Board.

• Ability to cooperatively work with the whole team of trustees, and with employees and volunteers.

• Willingness to speak your mind and appropriately challenge other trustees and employees; but also listen to the views of different people before reaching a decision.

• Secure personal access to digital communication technology with an ability to competently and efficiently use those resources.

• Willingness to be available to employees for advice and enquiries on a scheduled or ad-hoc basis.

The ideal applicant would also possess the following:

• Extensive networks, and a willingness to draw on contacts as appropriate.

• Experience of working at a senior management / leadership level.

We are keen to hear from anyone who has a passion for our cause and feels that their experiences and expertise could be beneficial to our Board.

If you would like to be considered, please contact us for an application form link and provide a copy of your CV.

The application process will comprise of a two-stage interview, followed by referencing. We anticipate that successful applicants will be invited to join the Board in Autumn 2025.

We look forward to hearing from you.

As a member of the GACD Board of Trustees, you will provide strategic leadership and oversight for GACD as it seeks to fulfil its charitable objects. You will ensure GACD operates in accordance with its governing document and meets its legal and regulatory requirements. The role is voluntary, and trustees do not receive any renumeration for their contribution to the governance of GACD.

The appointment will commence in December 2025/January 2026 for a three-year term, in the first instance.

Why the role is important to us

Our trustees are jointly and severally responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of GACD, its financial health, integrity of its activities, and for setting and overseeing the delivery of the organisation’s aims and objectives. The Charity Commission’s Guidance ‘The essential trustee: what you need to know, what you need to do’ identifies the main duties of a trustee as to:

1. Ensure the charity is carrying out its purposes for the public benefit
2. Comply with the charity’s governing document and meets its legal and regulatory requirements
3. Act in the charity’s best interests
4. Manage the charity’s resources responsibly
5. Act with reasonable care and skill
6. Ensure the charity is accountable
7. Reduce the risk of liability.

What you will bring to the Board

The current Board members would particularly wish to seek a new trustee that offers experience in one or more of the following areas:

1. Prior governance experience, ideally in a charity context (essential)
2. Leadership or senior management experience within the charity sector and familiarity with UK charity regulation, legislation and operations (essential)
3. Applied health/medical research, or health research funding.
4. Communication strategies to enhance profile and impact.
5. Links to relevant networks and potential stakeholder organisations in chronic diseases.

What you will do

As a GACD trustee, you will:

1. Ensure that GACD has a clear strategy and that the goals are in line with GACD’s charitable objects.
2. Ensure GACD functions within all applicable legal and regulatory requirements and in line with its governing document, continually striving for best practice in governance.
3. Promote and develop GACD in order for it to grow and maintain its global public benefit (or to recognise the situation when it may be more appropriate to wind the charity up where there is no longer a need to provide the services it does or because the charitable objects are no longer relevant to contemporary social situations).
4. Ensure the effective and efficient administration of GACD and its resources in pursuit of its objects, striving for best practice in governance.
5. Ensure that key risks are identified, monitored, and mitigated effectively.
6. Take appropriate professional advice in all matters where there may be a material risk to GACD, or where the trustees may be in breach of their duties.
7. Provide strategic oversight, support and challenge to the Chief Executive.
8. Ensure the GACD has the proper arrangements in place for the appointment, supervision, support, appraisal and remuneration of the Chief Executive.
9. Safeguard the good name and values of GACD.

About you

You possess:

1. A willingness to commit to GACD and to devote the necessary time and effort (approximately four days annually, including scrutinising papers and meeting preparation time). Trustees are expected to attend all Board meetings.
2. Leadership and senior management experience with an ability to carry the confidence of colleagues.
3. An ability to be strategic and forward-looking in relation to the charity’s objects and aims.
4. Sound, independent judgment and a willingness to speak your mind, contributing to discussions.
5. An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship and adhering to recognised principles of public life that include selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness and honesty and leadership.
6. Good communication, interpersonal, team working and decision-making skills and the ability to respect confidentiality to work effectively as a member of the Board.
7. A commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. 

Disqualification

Trustees must not be disqualified from acting as a trustee. You must not:

1. Have an unspent conviction for an offence involving deception or dishonesty (such as fraud).
2. Be bankrupt or have entered into a formal arrangement (e.g. an Individual Voluntary Arrangement).
3. Have been removed as a charity trustee because of wrongdoing.
4. Have an unspent conviction for:
   1. Specified terrorism offences
   2. A specified money laundering offence
   3. The offence of contravening a Charity Commission Order or Direction
   4. Offences of misconduct in public office, perjury, or perverting the course of justice
   5. For aiding, attempting or abetting the above offences.
5. Be on the sex offenders register.
6. Have an unspent sanction for contempt of Court.
7. Have disobeyed a Commission Order.
8. Be a designated person (under specific anti-terrorist legislation).

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.

 Key dates

Closing date

26 September 2025

Interview (virtual)

w/c 13 October 2025

Invited to observe Board meeting

2 December 2025

Position starts

Approx. 1 January 2026 (or earlier)

Board meeting dates 2026

TBC

GACD (the Global Alliance for Chronic Diseases) is the only alliance of international research funders jointly funding, developing and facilitating global research collaborations to tackle the growing burden of chronic ‘non-communicable diseases’ (NCDs) including heart disease, diabetes, cancers and mental health conditions. The worldwide burden of NCDs is increasing, but doing so most rapidly in poorly resourced countries where they are a significant risk to health and wellbeing. GACD aims to provide essential evidence on the most effective ways to prevent or manage these chronic conditions and improve health equity.

As a member of the GACD Board of Trustees, you will provide strategic leadership and oversight for GACD as it seeks to fulfil its charitable objects. You will ensure GACD operates in accordance with its governing document and meets its legal and regulatory requirements.

At this time, we are particularly looking to attract a candidate with a strong understanding of the UK charity sector, including experience with charity governance and best practices in charity management.

This is a voluntary role and the position is expected to start from December 2025/January 2026 for a three-year term, in the first instance.
You can find full details of the role by downloading the role description.

Closing date: 26 September 2025 at 12 noon
Interviews (virtual): w/c 13 October 2025