Advisory board member volunteer roles

Be Part of Shaping the Future of Careers Education

We are the national body for careers education in England, delivering support to schools and colleges to deliver modern, 21st-century careers education. 

The Careers & Enterprise Company is a great place to work. We operate within a fast-paced and collaborative environment. We are brought together by one thing: our passion to ensure young people get the best possible start in life and are supported to find their best next step. 

Are you passionate about improving careers education for all young people? Do you want to amplify youth voice, influence decision-making, and help shape a system that truly listens? If so, read on. 

Role Summary

The Careers & Enterprise Company is looking for passionate young people aged 14–25 who are interested in shaping the CEC’s work to join its Youth Advisory Group.

It doesn’t matter where you’re from, your background, or how much experience you have with careers education – your voice matters, and CEC wants to hear it. CEC would love to hear from you whether you are still in education, you are embarking on your career journey, you’ve left education and are still deciding what to do, or whether you are now in employment. 

CEC welcomes applications from those with experience in secondary schools, colleges or further education, specialist provision (such as PRU or SEND schools), home-schooled, T Levels, apprenticeship programmes and other training. Whatever your experience, CEC wants to hear from you!

CEC would like to hear from young people who are:

• Between the ages of 14 and 25 years old.
• Living in England.
• Passionate about improving the careers education system for all young people.

As a member of the Youth Advisory Group, you will:

• Govern: play a key role in challenging and guiding CEC to embed youth voice at every level of its work.
• Enrich: help CEC design products and strategies that are more inclusive, effective, and impactful for all young people.
• Advocate: bring more young voices into the conversation and help to improve careers education for everyone in the system.

What You’ll Gain

• The opportunity to influence a national organisation.
• A platform to represent youth perspectives and inspire change.
• Access to training, skill-building, and leadership development.
• All travel, food, and event costs covered for in-person sessions.
• A chance to work as part of a team and be a part of a strong and supportive peer network.

If you're ready to make a difference, grow your skills, and help shape the future, apply now and bring your voice to the table.

Closing date: Midnight on Monday, 7th July 2025

It is our policy to review all applications within two weeks of the closing date. If you do not hear from us within three weeks following the closing date, then your application has unfortunately not been successful on this occasion. We are unable to provide feedback to candidates who have not been shortlisted and attended an interview.

The Great Autistic CIC is Newly-Founded and exists to tackle rising mental health concerns, hypermobility, inadequate support systems, limited awareness and inclusion, educational barriers and community disconnection faced by neurodiverse individuals, particularly those with autism and learning difficulties. 

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We believe that every neurodiverse brain has its own superpowers. Our organisation turns challenges into opportunities by offering tailored educational support, creative social activities like art clubs and nature walks, and strong advocacy that gives voice to those with autism. We’re a community built on lived experience and on a mission to help every unique individual shine.  

”

Are you a creative whiz with a knack for web design? Do you want to make a real difference in your community?

The Great Autistic CIC is looking for a passionate and talented Volunteer Web Designer to join our team! We're a friendly bunch dedicated to supporting the autistic community, and we need your help to make our online presence shine.

What You'll Be Doing:

• Help us create a beautiful and user-friendly website: We want our website to be a welcoming and informative space for everyone.
• Work on exciting projects: You'll get to use your design skills on real projects that make a difference.
• Learn and grow: We're a supportive team, and you'll have the chance to develop your skills and learn new things.

What We're Looking For:

• Someone with a passion for web design: Whether you're a beginner or a pro, we'd love to hear from you!
• A friendly and reliable person: We're looking for someone who's easy to work with and committed to helping out.
• Someone who's kind, honest, and understanding: We value these qualities in all our volunteers.

What You'll Get:

• The chance to build your portfolio: Showcase your skills and experience with real-world projects.
• Connect with a wonderful community: Meet new people and make a difference.
• Feel good about giving back: Your work will help us support autistic individuals and their families.

Interested: please email us!!

and tell us a bit about yourself and why you'd like to volunteer with us!

Healthwatch Haringey is the independent ‘people’s champion’ for health and social
care in the London Borough of Haringey.

We actively seek out the views of the public and patients on all matters relating to
health and social care, e.g. their experience in hospital, interim care, at the GP or
dentist, and collate those together to produce impact statements and reports.

With this evidence we seek to campaign for and change for the better the way
health and social care services are designed, delivered, and improved.

We have a statutory role, as set out in the Health and Social Care Act 2012, are a
member of the London Borough of Haringey Health and Wellbeing Board and have
excellent relations with Commissioners across the borough. We also have a great
staff team who work hard to achieve the aims of Healthwatch Haringey.

While you might not have a background in health or social care, we are looking
for someone who has the transferrable skills to play a leading part in the future of
Healthwatch Haringey.

You will ensure Healthwatch Haringey is well governed with robust policies and
procedures in place, continue to establish and build constructive relationships with
Healthwatch Haringey’s key stakeholders and represent the organisation externally
whenever appropriate as one of its leading ambassadors.

As well as line managing the Healthwatch Haringey Manager, you will be responsible
for the strategic development of the organisation, the setting of priorities and the
delivery of statutory and contractual obligations.

We welcome applications from anyone who lives or works or is registered with a
GP in the London Borough of Haringey or North Central London ICS area (includes
London Boroughs of Haringey, Barnet, Enfield, Camden, and Islington). We absolutely
welcome and encourage applications from ALL sections of the community including
those from minority ethnic communities, disabled people, every gender, every age
group (over 18), and all socio-economic groups. You would be representing all
Haringey residents, but it is essential to make sure every voice is heard.

Please see the Person Specification in the recruitment pack on page 10 for more details and how to apply on
page 12.

We look forward to receiving your application. Thank you.

Do you have some spare time and would like to volunteer with a charity who is doing life saving work? Samaritans Research Ethics Board is looking for volunteers. This work could involve working alongside us on specific projects, joining an advisory group, or taking part in a workshop.

If you have experience of suicidal thoughts, self-harm or you’ve lost someone to suicide, we’d like your help to shape the work we do.

Opportunities will come and go so if there's nothing live at the moment don't worry, we're working on new projects and they'll be posted as soon as we're able.

• Take part in research - Help seeking in public places
• Become the next lived experience member of our Research Ethics Board

Click 'apply' to be taken to our website to learn more about the voluntary opportunities working with our Research Ethics Board at Samaritans

Join CAP's Board and help transform the UK's relationship with alcohol.

Location: London Bridge

Time commitment: The equivalent of a day a month

Closing date: Monday 21st July

After 18 years of proven local impact, Community Alcohol Partnerships (CAP) stands at an extraordinary inflexion point. What began as a pioneering pilot in 2007 has grown into the UK’s most effective approach to tackling underage drinking, with over 300 partnerships already established across England, Scotland and Wales. But our greatest achievements may still lie ahead.

Who we are

The numbers tell a compelling story. Across our network, we’ve achieved a 63% reduction in weekly drinking among under-18s, a 44% reduction in anti-social behaviour, and 98% pass rates in Challenge 25 compliance tests following our training. We’ve surveyed over 42,000 young people, gathering evidence that has shaped policy and practice nationwide. Yet perhaps our most significant discovery came through groundbreaking research into the issue that remained stubbornly resistant to change: parental supply of alcohol to children.

While we celebrated success after success in reducing underage drinking through retailer training and youth engagement, one statistic troubled us. More than 6 in 10 children aged 11-15 who drink regularly still obtained their alcohol from their parents. Despite all our community interventions, this remained the single biggest driver of underage alcohol consumption.

That challenge led us to commission to conduct the most comprehensive review ever undertaken of why parents supply alcohol to their children and what interventions might change this behaviour. Parents aren’t acting from malice or ignorance alone – they’re driven by complex beliefs about protection, social norms, and misplaced confidence in their ability to teach “responsible drinking” to their children by allowing them to sample alcohol while their brains are still developing.

Armed with these insights, CAP secured unprecedented funding increases from our industry partners, who recognised that addressing parental supply could transform the landscape of underage drinking. Our annual income has doubled, our team has expanded significantly, and we’re now positioned to pilot evidence-based interventions that could change parental behaviour at scale.

This is where our story becomes your opportunity. CAP is transitioning from a programme with significant local impact to one with genuine national reach. Our analysis suggests we need to double our current coverage – establishing perhaps 250-300 additional partnerships in high-harm areas across the UK. We’re developing the first systematic campaign to tackle parental supply, with pilots planned across six locations that could lay the groundwork for national policy change and action.

We’re have also expanded our remit to support 18-25 year olds, recognising that our work with under-18s creates a perfect foundation for promoting safer drinking cultures in universities and young adult communities. Projects like our Cardiff CAP’s groundbreaking work on alcohol-free student activities show the potential for reshaping social norms around alcohol throughout young adulthood.

About the roles

To realise this vision, we need new Board Directors who can provide both strategic wisdom and operational insight during our most ambitious period of growth. We’re particularly seeking individuals with deep expertise in

• Finance (ideally a qualified accountant)
• Marketing and public influence
• Government relations at local or national level
• Adolescent development or education

Experience in Scotland or Wales would be especially valuable as we prioritise expansion in these high-harm regions.

This isn’t a typical non-executive role. You’ll be helping to steer an organisation that’s pioneering new approaches to one of the UK’s most persistent public health and social challenges.

You’ll work alongside an independent chair in Derek Lewis, industry representatives who are committed to our mission, and fellow independent directors who bring diverse expertise to our governance.

The policy landscape has never been more receptive to evidence-based approaches to alcohol harm reduction. The Westminster and devolved governments increasingly recognise that traditional enforcement-only approaches have limitations, and our track record of delivering measurable impact through partnership working positions us perfectly to influence national policy.

More importantly, we have the research foundation, funding commitments, and operational capacity to achieve transformational change. Our pilots on parental supply interventions, if successful, could influence how the UK approaches underage drinking prevention for generations to come. Our expansion into high-harm areas could bring effective prevention to communities that have struggled with alcohol-related problems for decades.

The commitment is manageable but meaningful: five board meetings annually (two in-person near London Bridge, three virtual), occasional evening events, and informal advisory support to our small but dynamic executive team. Overall we expect the time commitment to be the equivalent of a day a month.

If you’re someone who believes that evidence-based interventions can create lasting social change, who has experience in strategic leadership, and who wants to contribute to work that directly improves young people’s life chances, we’d welcome your interest.

You’ll join a board that’s committed to CAP’s constitutional objectives while providing the strategic oversight needed to navigate our most ambitious period of growth.

CAP has spent 18 years building the foundations for this moment. We now have the tools, the team, and the momentum to achieve significant new progress. The question is whether you’ll join us in writing the next chapter of this story.

Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Somebody goes missing in the UK every 90 seconds. Missing People exists to ease the heartache experienced by those missing someone, and to help people who are away from home find their way back to safety. 

What will you be doing?

Missing People's vision is for every missing child, adult and family left behind to find help, hope and a safe way to reconnect. We are a non-judgemental, highly skilled team of staff and volunteers working for everyone who needs us. We provide free, confidential support, help and advice by phone, email, text and live chat.

In our 30th anniversary year, The Trustees and Executive launched a new 2023-2028 Strategy 'From Crisis to Hope' in consultation with people with lived experience and key stakeholders. The three key goals are:

1. Going missing is understood as a crisis that can be a matter of life or death
2. All missing people and their loved ones get the right help at the right time
3. Fewer missing people come to harm.

The new Chair of Trustees must be passionate about Missing People, its purpose and its values. We are looking for a new Chair of Trustees who brings valuable experience, skills and expertise. This might relate to the issue of missing (including personal experience of going missing), senior financial experience, charity experience, policing, legal experience and safeguarding. We are keen to further broaden thinking and perspectives and welcome applications from all areas of the United Kingdom, from all communities, which is important as missing touches every community. We believe diversity is important, and we aim for our board to have a mix of people, talents and backgrounds..

What are we looking for?

We are looking for a new Chair of Trustees who brings valuable experience, skills and expertise. This might relate to the issue of missing (including personal experience of going missing), senior financial experience, charity experience, policing, legal experience and safeguarding.

You will need to be aged over 18 and have:

• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to your duties as the Chair of Trustees - approximately 2-3 days per month
• Leadership, strategic vision and creative thinking
• Ability to manage a trustee board and take decisions for the good of the charity
• Ability to chair board meetings effectively and manage diverse perspectives
• Strong communication, interpersonal and networking skills
• Independent judgment and be willing to speak your mind
• The ability to read, understand and question reports including financial plans and information
• The ability to follow the rules of governing documents and any professional advice
• The ability to work effectively as a member of a team and encourage team working
• A commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion policies and practices
• Prior experience of committee / trustee work (desirable) 
• Knowledge of the type of work undertaken by the charity (desirable) 
• Wider involvement in the voluntary sector (desirable)

What difference will you make?

Our Chair of Trustees is integral to the mission and purpose of the charity, holding the Board and Executive Team to account for delivering the mission and achieving our ambitious goals. The Board of Trustees is made up of an experienced team of individuals who bring breadth of background, a range of deep skill sets, lived experience of the issue of missing and demonstrable empathy and passion for the work of Missing People. The Chair of Trustees will be responsible for the effectiveness of the Board of Trustees, planning and guiding meetings to ensure broad dialogue, good decision-making and clear actions.

Our Chair will work closely with the CEO and the Board to develop the charity’s strategy and to oversee its implementation and progress against its business plan. As part of this the Chair will provide support and challenge to the CEO and their senior team. 

As the Chair of Trustees at Missing People you will be driven by a powerful mission to be a lifeline when someone disappears. You will work closely alongside the Board, Executive team and Chief Executive in a collaborative way to lead the charity. The role provides a good opportunity to be involved in strategic planning in an organisation grounded in the issue of missing with a diverse group of committed and motivated Trustees.

Trustees meet quarterly at online and in-person meetings (usually in London). The Board has dedicated Committees for Finance, HR, Ethics, and Safeguarding, and Advisory Groups representing people with lived experience of the issue of going missing, policing, fundraising and policy. The Chair will attend and be a member of other committees or working groups and ensure that the governance arrangements are working in the most effective way for the charity.

Before you apply

Please apply through Reach or the application form on the Missing People website, attaching your CV and a supporting statement (maximum 2 A4 pages) that demonstrates how you meet the criteria listed in the role description attached. 

On the 'Work for Us' page of the Missing People website you will also find a Letter to Applicants detailing more information about the role and the charity. 

Inclusive Boards is delighted to be supporting St Hilda’s College Oxford in their search for an inaugural independent Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee. 

St Hilda’s College was founded by Dorothea Beale in 1893 as a Hall for Women Students. The College received its first Royal Charter in 1926 when it was incorporated under the title “Principal and Council of St Hilda’s College, Oxford”. In 1960, it became a College of the University, and since 2008 has welcomed the admission of male students.

The College is seeking to recruit an independent Chair for the newly-established Audit and Risk Committee to assist the Governing Body in fulfilling its governance and oversight responsibilities by monitoring and reviewing the following aspects of its work:

• Integrity of financial statements.
• Mechanisms through which the College ensures its financial sustainability and value for money.
• Effectiveness of risk management policies, processes and oversight.
• Effectiveness of internal controls.
• Mechanisms through which the College ensures ongoing compliance of the College with the conditions and principles of the Charity Commission, Office for Students and other legislation under which the College operates.
• Consideration and approval of plans for external and, where appropriate, internal audits.
• Effectiveness of arrangements for corporate governance and making recommendations about these to the Governing Body.

This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of the audit and risk function at St Hilda’s College. The person specification for this opportunity is as follows.

Essential:

• A good knowledge and experience of working in a senior finance role.
• Experience and an excellent understanding of audit and risk.
• Experience as a Trustee and a good understanding of the role and operation of an Audit and Risk Committee.
• Board level leadership experience with the ability to provide constructive advice and challenge in a manner which inspires confidence and enables a culture of continuous improvement.
• The ability to think strategically, analyse information and debate complex issues.
• The ability to work effectively as part of a team, to motivate and empower others to achieve desired outcomes.
• A commitment to the tenets of diversity, equality and inclusion.
• A commitment to the Nolan Principles.

Desirable:

• A good understanding of charity finance and accounting.
• Holds a CCAB qualification.
• Knowledge of the tertiary education sector.

As our Treasurer Trustee, you’ll bring your financial expertise to our dynamic international board working alongside trustees from member organisations, our leadership team and co-opted trustees bringing a range of specialist skills to our Board.

What will you be doing?

We are looking for a Treasurer with experience of working with not for profits in setting strategic financial direction,. It would be desirable to have experience in complying with the Charity Commission for England and Wales or similar bodies’ regulations. 

You would be joining our board at an exciting time, as we implement our new strategy, build on our campaigns, broaden our advocacy to mobilise greater support and achieve change. 

The Treasurer will maintain an overview of the organisation's affairs, ensuring its financial viability and that the organisation has policies and systems in place to ensure robust financial planning, implementation and reporting.

What are we looking for?

The Treasurer will maintain an overview of the organisation's affairs, ensuring its financial viability and that the organisation has policies and systems in place to ensure robust financial planning, implementation and reporting. This will involve :

• Reviewing budgets, accounts and financial statements, and recommending them to the Board for approval 
• Being assured that the financial resources of the organisation meet its present and future needs 
• Ensuring that the charity has an appropriate reserves policy 
• Ensuring that appropriate accounting procedures and controls are in place
• Ensuring that the charity has an appropriate investment policy 
• Ensuring that the accounts are prepared and disclosed in the form required by funders and the relevant statutory bodies 
• Ensuring that the accounts are scrutinised through external audits and internal reviews and that any recommendations are implemented 
• Keeping the Board informed about its financial duties and responsibilities 
• Chairing the Resource Mobilisation and Communications Committee (formerly the Finance and Human Resources Committee), leading online meetings three times a year
• Ensuring that organisation has processes in place to meet any compliance requirements 
• Ensuring the organisation has a risk management process in place 
• Reviewing and signing financial transactions and other documentation requiring board approval 

What difference will you make?

This is a substantive role at the core of our organisation. We are a global alliance of 51 local organisations in 40 countries, working on the front line with children and families in need. Our vision is a world in which children and families everywhere have access to the support they need to survive and thrive. Our mission is to make that happen through research, knowledge exchange, campaigning and humanitarian responses. We are registered as a charity under the Charity Commission for England and Wales and have two subsidiaries registered in New Zealand and in the US

 Family values mutual accountability and has a Responsibility Framework which outlines responsibilities and rights for board trustees, members and staff. The Treasurer has a key role in ensuring that mutual accountability is upheld in areas of finance by identifying and highlighting potential conflicts of interest.

Through campaigning, we influence and inspire others to take action for children and families worldwide. For more information about our work and our members, please visit our website.

Before you apply

Please apply, or contact us if you have any questions,through Reach in the first instance. Please provide a cover letter detailing why you are interested in this role, your relevant experience and indicate your availability. Interviews will take place via Zoom. Deadline for applicaions is 06 Nov 2025.

Desirable, but not essential requirements: 

• experience of working with or on a board 
• a qualified member of a recognised accountancy body
• some experience of charity fundraising is desirable

Join a charity that’s been empowering local, physically disabled people for over 30 years.

About Disability Peterborough

Disability Peterborough, legally registered as DIAL Peterborough, is a user-led charity dedicated to supporting physically disabled individuals and their families in Peterborough and the surrounding areas.

What will you be doing?

As a Board member of Disability Peterborough, you will serve as both a Director of the Company and a Trustee of the Charity. As Treasurer, you’ll play a key role in helping us manage our finances responsibly and sustainably, ensuring we can keep delivering vital services to physically disabled people in Peterborough. Your expertise will help us make informed decisions, plan confidently for the future, and safeguard the resources that make our work possible.

We have a contract with a local accountancy firm who use Xero software to prepare monthly management reports and the annual return. The accountancy firm also manage the wage runs each month. The Treasurer’s input is therefore primarily at a governance and advisory level rather than day-to-day financial administration.

The estimated time commitment is approximately 4 hours per month. This includes attending Board meetings, reviewing documents, and carrying out occasional follow-up tasks.

We are open to remote candidates for the Treasurer position, recognizing that much of the work can be done behind the scenes.

Please request the candidate pack for a full list of responsibilities

What are we looking for?

We’re seeking someone with the following attributes:

· Commitment to the charity’s mission and values

· Ability to analyse financial reports, budgets, service proposals, and contracts, and assess their financial impact

· Strong teamwork skills with an understanding of collective decision-making and responsibilities

· Excellent organizational skills; able to work remotely using own initiative and as part of a wider team

· Sound, independent judgment and creativity, with willingness to make tough or unpopular recommendations

· Understanding or willingness to learn legal duties and responsibilities of the treasurer and trustee roles

· Previous finance experience or a good understanding of financial management, preferably in the charitable sector

· Willingness to provide occasional advice and support to staff and volunteers via email, Zoom, or phone

No Prior Experience Required: Whether you have prior board experience or not, we welcome all applicants. What matters most is your passion, commitment, and willingness to contribute.

What difference will you make?

As a trustee, you can help us continue delivering essential services that improve independence, well-being, and access to rights for thousands of physically disabled people every year. Your input will help us:

· Develop and sustain life-changing programs like our Handyperson Service, Wellbeing Calls, and Shopmobility.

· Advocate for policy change and champion the rights of disabled individuals locally and nationally.

· Ensure that our services remain relevant, inclusive, and informed by those who use them.

By lending your time, insight, and passion, you directly support our mission to create a society where disabled people are valued equally, listened to, and included. You won’t just be shaping strategy - you'll be changing lives.

Our Mission

Brain tumours do not discriminate, and they do not respect boundaries. They can strike anyone, at any age. And they strike quickly.

The Scottish Steering Committee (SSC) is our voluntary group who drive policy, campaigning and influencing work in Scotland, with the support of The Charity. It aims to represent the views of the community in Scotland and be a solution orientated advisory board to help achieve agreed objectives.

An ambitious and dedicated group, members previously agreed that the key objective of the Committee would be to campaign for a faster diagnosis for those affected by a brain tumour. Their aim is to achieve this through influencing, supporting and campaigning to improve all aspects of the diagnostic journey. Two years after setting this objective, as per the Committee’s terms of reference, we are now seeking new members to join and advocate for change in Scotland.

How can you help?

To achieve these ambitions – the Committee is now seeking five new members with particular experiences and skill sets that can help drive and enable the Committee to achieve its ambitions.

Your experience and skills will provide valuable input during SSC meetings but won’t be limited to just that – you can actively engage with stakeholders across Scotland and the wider UK, contribute to the creation of our policy positions in Scotland and raise the voice of the community across Scotland and beyond.

What impact will you have?

You will be a core member of a group that is seeking to improve outcomes for all those affected by brain tumours in Scotland.

We’re looking for...

People with experiences, knowledge and skills that can actively contribute to the operation of the SSC. This includes but is not limited to:

• Experience of being personally affected by a brain tumour in Scotland

• Clinician who is involved with brain tumours in some capacity

• Experience of working within Scottish Public Affairs or within a Commercial Landscape and environment

• Experience of working within Public Relations or media management

However, all applications will be considered, and we seek to have as varied a skillset as possible with a range of different experiences to have as much representation across Scotland as possible.

We particularly encourage applications from those who are significantly underrepresented in our sector, including individuals from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities.

What can you gain from volunteering?

• You’ll have the opportunity to utilise your existing skills, while developing and learning new ones to take forward into the future

• You’ll join a friendly, passionate team and develop an understanding of how the Committee operates and its connection to The Charity

• You will be a part of a group who are seeking to positively influence change in Scotland.

Time commitment

The Committee currently holds 90 minute virtual meetings every six weeks. There will also be opportunities to take on additional tasks which can arise at different moments and depending on the activities of the Committee. We will also aim to meet in person at least once a year at an agreed location.

Practical considerations

You will receive a full induction to The Brain Tumour Charity and any specific training for the role, as well as ongoing direction from one of the team, who will be your key contact. We carry out reference checks for all individuals who will be volunteering with us on a regular basis. Volunteers will be required to complete some internal data protection and disclosure documentation before commencing the role. Volunteers must be over 18. We encourage volunteers to claim for any reasonable expenses that are incurred in the course of their volunteering with the Charity. The Deadline for applications is Monday 30 June at 5pm but we may close early if we receive a high number of applications.

Need support with the application process?

We are committed to being inclusive and recognise that there may be a number of ways we could support you through the application process. If there’s any adjustments we can make to help you fully engage in the process, don’t hesitate to let us know by getting in touch with the Volunteering team. 

Who We Are

Sense International is the only international non-governmental organisation dedicated to supporting people with deafblindness and their families around the world. Sense International supports programmes in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Romania, Peru, India, Bangladesh, and Nepal.

Our vision
Our vision is of a world in which all people with deafblindness can be equal and active members of society. 

Our mission
Our mission is to work in partnership with others across the globe – people with deafblindness, their families, carers and other professionals – to remove barriers in societies and systems, so that people with deafblindness are fully included and can fulfil their potential.

What We Do

Sense International’s 2022-2027 strategy aims to remove barriers in societies and systems, so that people with deafblindness are fully included and can fulfil their potential, in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.

The ambitions of our strategy are to uphold and realise the rights of people with deafblindness:

Innovate People with deafblindness are included in national systems

Inform People with deafblindness, and the people who support them, have more information, skills and knowledge

Influence People with deafblindness are recognised in laws, policies and budgets

The Role

Working alongside our Chief Executive, Kavita Prasad, and the Senior Leadership Team, our trustees steer the organisation in achieving its charitable aims and setting its strategic direction.

We are looking for three new Trustees to join us. We are looking for candidates with an interest in international development and disability inclusion. 

Based on our recent Trustee skills audit we have identified specific needs for Trustees with the following expertise and/or experience: 

• Business leaders with connections in the corporate world
• People with experience of fundraising
• People with experience of international development and disability  
• People with lived experience of disability and/or caring for a family member with disability
• Representation of the geographies that Sense International works in 

Key Responsibilities 

• Ensure the organisation carries out the statutory responsibilities of a trustee in an efficient and effective manner in keeping with its objectives and mandate
• Represent and promote Sense International’s vision and values internally and externally, and to serve occasionally as a spokesperson and public representative for Sense International when requested
• Contribute to development of strategy and setting the strategic direction and ensure high level oversight of delivery of the organisation’s strategy.
• Ensure good governance and compliance including risk management, identifying and addressing issues that require the attention of the Board
• Support Sense International’s fundraising efforts
• Contribute to sub-committees and ad-hoc bodies as considered appropriate by Board (e.g. Fundraising Advisory Committee, Finance and Audit Committee, Programmes Advisory Committee).
• Bring specific skills and experience to the Board and to lead on issues connected to these if asked by the Chair. 

The Board meets at least quarterly in London, with meetings held late afternoon on a weekday. We prefer to hold our meetings face-to-face, with most of our Trustees attending in person.  However we can offer hybrid options and are flexible to accommodate the right candidates. 

Trustees are encouraged to support other Sense International events and provide ad-hoc support to the Executive and Senior Leadership Team in between meetings. They are also encouraged to join the board sub committees who support the work of the board. These committees meet at least quarterly. 

Trustee roles are not paid but reasonable expenses can be paid. There is no requirement to have served on a Board previously, and we are keen to diversify the range of voices, perspectives and backgrounds represented. 

Person Specification

Essential

• Ability to consistently devote time and effort to the role
• Ability to contribute to strategic thinking
• Ability to communicate your area of specialism to other members of the board with different specialist knowledge
• Evidence of personal integrity and high ethical standards and strong values consistent with those of Sense International
• Ability to understand financial information
• Commitment to diversity and for the respect and dignity of our stakeholders and their experience and expertise
• Open to learning
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including teamwork.
• Ability to mobilise personal networks for fundraising and advocacy purposes. 

Desirable

• Experience of charity governance and understanding of the respective responsibilities of Trustees and staff.
• Knowledge of international development, disability or other human rights issues.

Experience of working in the international development sector or a background in any of the eight countries where SI works.

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.

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  

● Ensure appropriate safeguarding governance, processes, training and competences are in place to safeguard children, young people, adults, staff and others that OY may come into contact with

● 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, these usually take place in the evening. 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 should have:

● A commitment to the mission of Oxfordshire Youth

● A willingness to meet the minimum time requirement

● 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 criticize

● Integrity

● An understanding of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship (although further training will be provided)

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 marketing, pubic relations and business development profession; or who has significant skills and experience within this field, and who would be happy to use their position to provide marketing, pubic relations and business development 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.

4. 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-posting people to OY.

Family for Every Child, est. 2014, is a unique and innovative model of collaboration. We seek Trustees ready to do things differently and challenge conventional approaches to social impact across 51 local organisations in 40 countries.

What will you be doing?

You would be joining our International Board at an exciting time, as we implement our new strategy, build on our campaigns and broaden our advocacy to mobilise greater support and achieve change. Our vision is a world in which children and families everywhere have access to the support they need to survive and thrive. Our mission is to make that happen through research, knowledge exchange, campaigning and humanitarian responses. Our model is based on local leadership at all levels and we are committed to a journey to decolonise the way we work. We are registered as a charity under the Charity Commission for England and Wales and have two subsidiaries registered in New Zealand and in the US. 

Our Board is unique in comprising Trustees from national member CSOs alongside co-opted Trustees. Our Board receives guidance on strategy from our General Assembly made up of all our members. This means that our Board and governance processes are truly representative of our democratic principles. 

What are we looking for?

Our Board is unique in comprising Trustees from national member CSOs alongside co-opted Trustees. Our Board receives guidance on strategy from our General Assembly made up of all our members. This means that our Board and governance processes are truly representative of our democratic principles. 

We are looking for a Trustee bringing experience of two or more of these key capabilities : 

• High level networking for fundraising or policy change
• Digital strategy/innovation
• Income Generation
• Global advocacy
• Global employment
• Legal 

Experience in complying with the Charity Commission for England and Wales or similar bodies’ regulations is desirable.

We welcome responses from individuals who perform best in agile environments, bringing curiosity and connections to enrich the Board in shaping our direction and overseeing our delivery of impact. Your experience and connections will be crucial in helping us sustainably grow our network of supporters and funders to future proof Family For Every Child’s voice for children.

All Trustees need to have the following: 

• Passion for delivering social change for families and children 
• Willing to bring disruptive thinking and challenge to discussions.
• Committed to decolonising international development and instead achieving democratic, equitable collaboration.
• Understanding of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of Trustees of a UK charity. 
• Acceptance of these duties, responsibilities and liabilities, and a commitment to operate within them.
• Interest in local and/or international not for profit sectors
• Good independent judgement and the ability to operate at a strategic level
• An ability and willingness to work as a part of a team and to support the staff team.
• Understanding and empathy with Family for Every Child’s vision, mission, values and beliefs. 

Desirable, but not essential requirements: 

• We especially welcome those whose own lived experience resonates with our Vision and Mission.
• We are looking for individuals who can connect us with people who will help us take forward our mission be that policy makers, donors, or strategic partners, as we look to grow both our impact and our reach.
• Experience of working with a Board. 

What difference will you make?

As local practitioners, we provide direct support every day to children and families in our communities, based on our frontline knowledge of the changes that are needed. We are committed to local leaders being in the driving seat, influencing policy and practice at local, national, regional, and international levels. 

• As an alliance - we use this local insight to inform research, practice exchange, campaigning and humanitarian responses. These lead to change nationally, regionally and globally. 
• Research - we gather and analyse evidence to discover and develop better ways to help children and families to live well. 
• Knowledge exchange - we maximise the reach of solutions that have been shown to work so they can be used to support even more children and families. 
• Campaigning - we influence and inspire others to take action for children and families worldwide. For more information about our work and our members, please visit our website
• Digital Impact - we have embraced the opportunities with digital technology to achieve greater reach and impact. Our digital platform Changemakers for Children is the largest online collaborative space for practitioners working on child wellbeing with over 4,000 users. Our Virtual Gallery is a powerful tool for children and young people to share their perspectives and call for change.

Before you apply

We welcome applications from everyone, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability. Family’s Board is international, we wish to continue to strengthen representation of different cultures and world views. We are hoping to appoint a Trustee who will enrich our Governance and progress impact by bringing different perspectives and experiences,  reflecting our global alliance. 

If you believe this is an opportunity you can commit your time to fulfil and enjoy the challenge of our embracing our innovation in social impact please provide a cover letter detailing why you are interested in this role and your relevant experience. Please apply through Reach in the first instance.

We are currently seeking a trustee to join the board of GREENHEART LEARNING PARTNERSHIP, a trust of 10 schools in the authority areas of Birmingham, Walsall and Staffordshire. The trust has an annual budget of £24m.

Greenheart Learning Partnership comprises 10 primary schools spread across three local authorities (Birmingham, Walsall, and Staffordshire). All but one school was judged as ‘Good’ at their last Ofsted inspections. The one exception was judged ‘Requires Improvement’ overall but was rated ‘Good’ in two areas. The trust has undergone some changes since its establishment in 2012 with the University of Wolverhampton as its sponsor. The Trust previously had a small number of secondary schools, but these moved to another trust two to three years ago, shifting the focus of the trust to primary education. There is no immediate plan for further growth, but this remains open for discussion.

The trust supports over 400 staff and serves around 3,150 children. One of the schools also has a special resource base, and two additional special units are being added to other schools. These units, each accommodating approximately 10 pupils with additional needs (specialising in autism), provide specialist support while enabling access to the mainstream curriculum. The trust also has robust financial procedures, healthy reserves, and a central strategic statement.

Greenheart Learning Partnership replaced its Local Governing Boards with Parent Forums in Summer 2024. This decision aimed to enhance community and stakeholder engagement at the local governance level. Two of the schools have Interim Advisory Boards (IABs) to provide additional challenge and support, and the reports/minutes from each Parent Forum (along with the IABs) are shared with Trustees at meetings. The trust has received positive feedback regarding the Parent Forums, with the Governance Lead noting that the more informal setting has reduced barriers and encouraged greater engagement. The Governance Lead joined the trust at the start of 2025 and is currently reviewing all aspects of governance to ensure its effectiveness and sustainability.

An external governance review is planned for the next academic year, following the Governance Lead’s initial review and implementation of necessary changes.

The Trust’s requirements

The trust currently has seven Trustees and is recruiting to build capacity and ensure sustainability. The board possesses a range of skills but seeks to expand its expertise further. Ideal candidates may have backgrounds in business, finance, HR, or governance. The trust welcomes applications from individuals of all backgrounds but is particularly keen to encourage candidates from traditionally underrepresented groups.

Greenheart Learning Partnership seeks enthusiastic Trustees who are committed to strengthening governance and driving best practices. The Chair has been in post for nearly two years, and the Vice Chair previously chaired a local governing board that was deemed effective. As governance develops, there are likely to be opportunities for the right candidate to contribute to succession planning, potentially stepping into roles such as committee chair, vice chair, or even future chair of the board.

Trustees are currently expected to attend Trust Board meetings and two committees, though this is likely to reduce to one committee as the board’s capacity increases through this recruitment campaign. Trust Board and committee meetings are currently held remotely on Mondays from 1pm – 3pm, however this is currently under review and there may be some in-person meetings required.

All new Trustees will receive an induction programme led by the Governance Lead, as well as access to CST and GovernorHub Knowledge (formerly The Key). Additionally, all new Trustees will be provided with access to Governors for Schools’ ‘The First 100 Days as a Trustee’ eLearning module.