Area chair volunteer roles

Could you lead the local SSAFA services in your area? You don’t need a military background for this role, but you should be empathic to the needs of the armed forces community, have some experience of managing people and possess good I.T. skills. If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you.

What is a Branch Chair?

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas. Many are further divided into local areas called divisions. Each branch has a Chair to oversee all aspects of the branch. Ultimately accountable to the Chair of the Board of Trustees, through the National Chairman your role is to ensure that the branch is running in line with SSAFA’s Royal Charter Rules, Regulations, and policies. Also, to ensure that clients and volunteers are safe, all services provided are appropriate and effective and that the branch is financially sound. You will be the public face of SSAFA in your branch area.

Why do we need you?

We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan. More people than ever are contacting SSAFA for financial, practical and emotional support. To do this we need local branches and volunteers who can coordinate people, ensure the local population know about SSAFA and keep things running smoothly behind the scenes.

Our branches support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles, and fundraisers.

When would you be needed and where would you be based?

This role is about leadership, coordination, and administration. As part of your local branch, you might have access to an office, but many volunteers are based at home. The role requires an ongoing time commitment, usually about 2-3 days per month. In addition, you would need to organise and attend regular meetings throughout the year.

What would you be doing?

• Providing leadership to the Branch and ensuring that all activities comply with SSAFA regulations both directly, and through the Branch Secretary, other Branch Officers, and Divisional Officers.
• Providing support and guidance to volunteers in office holder roles, and support with recruitment of volunteers into these positions to ensure the sustainability of the branch.
• Ensuring the financial integrity of the Branch, including the appointment of Treasurers and a local fundraising programme to meet branch running costs.
• Ensuring that all data is processed and held in accordance with SSAFA’s data management policies.
• Monitoring volunteer numbers against the demand for support and working with other volunteers, regional and central office staff to attract and recruit new volunteers as required.
• Ensuring that all volunteers are recruited, inducted, supported, and managed in line with SSAFA policies, such as the Volunteering Policy, Volunteer Code of Conduct, Data Protection Policy, and Safeguarding Policy.
• Building relationships with regional and central office staff, local voluntary organisations and, if applicable, SSAFA Service committees, local military establishments, prisons etc.
• Overseeing an appropriate programme of awareness raising so that potential clients, volunteers, and supporters know how to contact the branch.
• Providing timely reports and information to SSAFA’s Central Office
• Overseeing a programme of meetings including an AGM, branch meetings, committee meetings, training etc.
• Supporting any salaried branch staff and ensuring that their line management arrangements are working appropriately.
• Resolve any complaints that are suitable for local resolution in accordance with SSAFA’s Complaints Policy and procedures, referring upwards any that are not suitable for local resolution.

The remit of this role may change over the next 12-18 months depending on the outcome of a trial currently being undertaken.

What could you gain from this volunteering role?

• Gain experience of holding a key local role with oversight of all SSAFA activity in the local area
• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.
• Support from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
• Experience, training, and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

What training and support would you receive?

• Role specific training to prepare you for your voluntary role – caseworker training, caseworker IT system training, volunteer management – attracting, recruiting, and inducting volunteers. 
• Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
• Local orientation as well as meet and greet sessions with key Central Office and regional teams.
• Access to a range additional e-learning courses as well as local opportunities for your personal and professional development.
• Support from Regional and central staff and peer support from fellow Chairs in neighbouring branches.
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
• Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.

What are we looking for?

• Friendly and approachable people of any age (18+) with some experience of coordinating people and admin
• Willingness and ability to lead and manage a team of volunteers.
• Respectful and non-judgemental approach with beneficiaries, their family, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues
• Willingness and ability to learn basic digital skills. Ability to send and receive emails – you will receive your own SSAFA email address which you will be required to use when exercising your role.
• Willingness to use our on-line case management system (this is covered in the training course)
• Ability to understand and keep within the boundaries of the role for which training will be given.
• Reliability
• Practice confidentiality and data protection in line with SSAFA policies.
• Willingness and means to travel to meetings or events as required.
• Good written and spoken English.

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.

Minimum Age: 18

Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.

References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)

Is a criminal record check required? No

Why we want you

As branch chair you and your branch members will create a range of activities to help spread the word about SSAFA within your community. To ensure that our Armed Forces community know that SSAFA are here to help and that we need the public’s support to continue offering our services.

What you will be doing

· Overseeing an appropriate programme of awareness raising activities so that potential beneficiaries, volunteers and supporters are aware of SSAFA as first in mind for support.

· Building relationships with the regional and national SSAFA team, local voluntary organisations and, if applicable, SSAFA serving community teams, local military establishments, etc.

· Attending events as a key SSAFA representative.

· Providing timely reports and information to SSAFA’s central office

· Overseeing a programme of meetings including an AGM, branch meetings, committee meetings, training etc.

· Working with other volunteers, regional and national team members to attract and recruit new volunteers as required.

· Work closely with the community engagement co-ordinator to recruit, welcome, induct, support, and manage volunteers in line with SSAFA policies, such as the Volunteering Policy, Volunteer Code of Conduct, Data Protection Policy, and Safeguarding Policy.

The skills you need

· Motivating leadership with an ability lead a team of volunteers.

· Friendly and approachable

· Great written and verbal communication skills

· Basic IT skills

What's in it for you

· Gain experience of holding a key local role with oversight of all SSAFA activity in the local area.

· Support and friendship from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community.

· Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.

· Support in your role from the team at SSAFA

· Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.

Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment.

Could you lead the local SSAFA services in your area? You don’t need a military background for this role, but you should be empathic to the needs of the armed forces community, have some experience of managing people and possess good I.T. skills. If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you.

What is a Branch Chair?

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas. Many are further divided into local areas called divisions. Each branch has a Chair to oversee all aspects of the branch. Ultimately accountable to the Chair of the Board of Trustees, through the National Chairman your role is to ensure that the branch is running in line with SSAFA’s Royal Charter Rules, Regulations, and policies. Also, to ensure that clients and volunteers are safe, all services provided are appropriate and effective and that the branch is financially sound. You will be the public face of SSAFA in your branch area.

Why do we need you?

We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan. More people than ever are contacting SSAFA for financial, practical and emotional support. To do this we need local branches and volunteers who can coordinate people, ensure the local population know about SSAFA and keep things running smoothly behind the scenes.

Our branches support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles, and fundraisers.

When would you be needed and where would you be based?

This role is about leadership, coordination, and administration. As part of your local branch, you might have access to an office, but many volunteers are based at home. The role requires an ongoing time commitment, usually about 2-3 days per month. In addition, you would need to organise and attend regular meetings throughout the year.

What would you be doing?

• Providing leadership to the Branch and ensuring that all activities comply with SSAFA regulations both directly, and through the Branch Secretary, other Branch Officers, and Divisional Officers.
• Providing support and guidance to volunteers in office holder roles, and support with recruitment of volunteers into these positions to ensure the sustainability of the branch.
• Ensuring the financial integrity of the Branch, including the appointment of Treasurers and a local fundraising programme to meet branch running costs.
• Ensuring that all data is processed and held in accordance with SSAFA’s data management policies.
• Monitoring volunteer numbers against the demand for support and working with other volunteers, regional and central office staff to attract and recruit new volunteers as required.
• Ensuring that all volunteers are recruited, inducted, supported, and managed in line with SSAFA policies, such as the Volunteering Policy, Volunteer Code of Conduct, Data Protection Policy, and Safeguarding Policy.
• Building relationships with regional and central office staff, local voluntary organisations and, if applicable, SSAFA Service committees, local military establishments, prisons etc.
• Overseeing an appropriate programme of awareness raising so that potential clients, volunteers, and supporters know how to contact the branch.
• Providing timely reports and information to SSAFA’s Central Office
• Overseeing a programme of meetings including an AGM, branch meetings, committee meetings, training etc.
• Supporting any salaried branch staff and ensuring that their line management arrangements are working appropriately.
• Resolve any complaints that are suitable for local resolution in accordance with SSAFA’s Complaints Policy and procedures, referring upwards any that are not suitable for local resolution.

The remit of this role may change over the next 12-18 months depending on the outcome of a trial currently being undertaken.

What could you gain from this volunteering role?

• Gain experience of holding a key local role with oversight of all SSAFA activity in the local area
• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.
• Support from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
• Experience, training, and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

What training and support would you receive?

• Role specific training to prepare you for your voluntary role – caseworker training, caseworker IT system training, volunteer management – attracting, recruiting, and inducting volunteers. 
• Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
• Local orientation as well as meet and greet sessions with key Central Office and regional teams.
• Access to a range additional e-learning courses as well as local opportunities for your personal and professional development.
• Support from Regional and central staff and peer support from fellow Chairs in neighbouring branches.
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
• Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.

What are we looking for?

• Friendly and approachable people of any age (18+) with some experience of coordinating people and admin
• Willingness and ability to lead and manage a team of volunteers.
• Respectful and non-judgemental approach with beneficiaries, their family, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues
• Willingness and ability to learn basic digital skills. Ability to send and receive emails – you will receive your own SSAFA email address which you will be required to use when exercising your role.
• Willingness to use our on-line case management system (this is covered in the training course)
• Ability to understand and keep within the boundaries of the role for which training will be given.
• Reliability
• Practice confidentiality and data protection in line with SSAFA policies.
• Willingness and means to travel to meetings or events as required.
• Good written and spoken English.

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.

Minimum Age: 18

Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.

References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)

Is a criminal record check required? No

South Bank Employers’ Group – working together for a better South Bank for all.

For nearly 35 years, South Bank Employers’ Group has been at the heart of making South Bank the place it is today - an internationally important destination, an economic powerhouse, and a real and authentic neighbourhood with diverse business, residential and student communities. We are a member-led, not for profit company, and our work is diverse and wide-ranging.

We are recruiting five new members to our Board of Directors.

About Us

In line with our vision of working together for a better South Bank for all, we deliver to our members, and have strategic agreements with Lambeth Council, South Bank Business Improvement District, and Jubilee Gardens Trust. We coordinate and direct a significant collective investment across the South Bank and Waterloo neighbourhood, working with our members and partners to ensure that this investment addresses our shared priorities. This includes the annual revenues raised through the pioneering and innovative London S106 agreement, whereby 1% of the Eye’s annual turnover is reinvested in services and initiatives that benefit the neighbourhood.

Following an extensive review of our governance and membership arrangements, we are now creating our new Board, which will work alongside our Members’ Council, which is also new. The Board is member-led, with six Directors that are appointed from SBEG’s full members, and we are now looking for five additional non-member Directors. They will join Tom Sleigh, SBEG’s Chair, the six member representative Directors, and Nic Durston - SBEG’s Chief Executive - on the Board.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for people who have the right skills and experience to ensure that the Board ensures that SBEG works towards its vision, achieves its corporate goals and objectives, and supports and enhances the work of the team. We are also keen to ensure that our Board is diverse and inclusive, reflecting the area’s identity, and those that work, visit, study and live here. Following a skills review of our current Directors, we are keen to hear from candidates with experience and skills in sustainability, marketing, human resources and legal.

You don’t need to be based in the South Bank area to be a Board member, but we would like to know about why you are interested in this opportunity. If you are interested, please click on "How to apply" to see the next steps. 

The deadline for applications is 5pm on Monday 22 September.

Why we want you: Can you inspire and bring a team together? We need leaders to unite the Parkinson's UK community locally, aligning with the charity's values. Local groups across the UK are volunteer-run, offering friendship and support to people living with Parkinson's and their families. As a forward-thinking Branch Chair, you'll provide leadership to the group, from liaising with the wider charity to bringing out the best in the lead volunteer team, driving your local team to have the greatest impact on those affected by Parkinson's in your area.

What you will be doing: Be an ambassador for Parkinson's UK by engaging with local staff, volunteers, and your community to maximize the group's impact. Stay updated with Parkinson's UK news, share it, and ensure the group operates within guidelines. Effectively utilize volunteers' skills, delegating when necessary, and working as a team to meet local needs. Be responsible for keeping up with training, leading by example, and performing your role in line with the Parkinson’s UK Volunteering Agreement and values.

The skills you need: Enthusiasm for Parkinson's UK and as a local group ambassador. Strong leadership, organisational, delegation, and communication skills. The ability to lead inclusive meetings, make decisions considering multiple viewpoints, and possess a can-do attitude for community engagement, incorporating feedback innovatively. Confidence in learning and using computers, email, and other digital tools is also required. What's in it for you: Play a crucial role in the local Parkinson's community, Team Parkinson's, and wider local planning, making new friends and building connections. Develop valuable leadership, teamwork, and people skills. You'll be part of a pioneering organisation committed to finding a cure and improving life for everyone affected by Parkinson's, both locally and beyond.

Disclaimer: As a Branch Chair handling personal or sensitive data, you must complete and maintain data protection and confidentiality training.

At Finance Innovation Lab we believe in a financial system that serves people and planet. Our financial system has become disconnected from the real needs of people, the environment, the wider economy and society. It doesn’t have to be this way. Could you help us change it?

About the roles

We’re looking for up to three new trustees to join our board from January 2026. Fully remote participation is possible.

You'll use your expertise to help the Lab be more effective and impactful, while gaining insights into our work and experience of charity governance and leadership. During 2026, there may also be an opportunity to take on the role of Chair, co-Chair, or Vice Chair.

All roles are voluntary, with reasonable expenses reimbursed, including childcare or other caring costs if this is needed to attend meetings.

Who are we looking for?

We’re looking in particular for people with experience in:

• Financial sector policy: at the Lab, we work to change the policies and rules which shape and govern the financial system, so it can deliver more socially, economically and environmentally just outcomes. Do you have experience developing, influencing or driving government policy, legislation or regulation for the financial sector?  This could be either from within or outside the mechanisms of power. Could you help us to achieve our goals?

• Communications: effective communications are key to our work, and an area where we're looking to grow and improve. If you've got experience in media or digital comms, and would be willing to support and mentor the team as we develop our skills and capacity, we'd love to hear from you.

• Fundraising: the majority of our funding currently comes from trusts and foundation grants, plus we’re working on building our earned income streams. In future we’d also like to explore individual giving. Do you have relevant experience in these areas you’d enjoy sharing?

We’re also keen to hear from candidates with the relevant expertise to join our Finance and Operational Risk Committee, and/or our Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion working group. You can read more about these in the attached Trustee Recruitment Pack.

We recognise that people's backgrounds and the identities they hold have a significant effect on the ways that they experience and are impacted by the financial system. We know that our own work will be stronger if it is directly informed by a diversity of perspectives, including from those most negatively impacted by the current financial system. We therefore particularly welcome applications from people with backgrounds or identities that are currently under-represented on our board and team, including those from Global Majority backgrounds, neurodivergent people, disabled and/or chronically ill people, those with lived experience of financial exclusion, and women and non-binary genders. For info, you can find the results of our 2024 diversity survey results on our website.

You must feel confident in supporting the team and the board by providing advice and input on your areas of expertise, based on your experience. However, previous experience of serving on a board of trustees is not required, and we provide training and mentoring on fulfilling the obligations required of a trustee.

Our Commitment to Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

We believe that justice, equity, diversity and inclusion are fundamental to what we are trying to achieve.

We are committed to providing equality and fairness for all and not to discriminate on any grounds, including gender, marital status, race, ethnic origin, colour, nationality, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, mental health, religion or age.

You can read more about this, including the concrete steps we commit to during this process, in the Trustee Recruitment Pack.

About the role

We are seeking applications from suitably qualified individuals to become members of the Finance Sub-Committee of our Board of Trustees. As a member of this group, you will offer strategic financial advice to our Board of Trustees and to our Provincial Team - the canonical leadership team of our province of Central Europe and the Islands. The work will include advising on all aspects of the Society’s finances including our properties and investments. This is a new committee reflecting our desire to improve our financial governance.

The Committee will oversee the work of our existing investments committee and a financial advisory group.

Commitment

After an initial induction day, we anticipate that the group will meet three times each year for a two-hour period. Meetings will be a mixture of online and face to face meetings in Hammersmith, London.

This is a voluntary position. We will pay all reasonable expenses including travel and refreshments at meetings.

Term Length

We are seeking an initial commitment of 3 years.

About you

We are looking for experienced Board or Committee members with a background and expertise in finance, property, risk or audit at a senior level.

As a member of our Finance Committee, you will help the Society in England and Wales to ensure that we have effective financial governance arrangements and will help to monitor our financial performance.

We invite scrutiny and challenge of our financial affairs and sound advice to our trustees and leadership team.

We expect that applicants will respect the Catholic beliefs and ethos of the Society.

Skills and Expertise

We are seeking to recruit individuals with a wide range of skills and experience

• Relevant financial or property management qualifications e.g. accountancy qualification

• Experience of service on a finance committee or Board of Trustees

• Knowledge of Charity law and accounting practice

• Experience at a senior level of financial management, scrutiny and planning

• An understanding of investments and management of an investment portfolio

• An understanding of organisational risk and risk management

• Understanding of audit practice within charities

• An ability to understand budgets and to review audited accounts

• A collaborative approach and a supportive nature.

We welcome applications from all sections of the community.

About us

The Society of the Sacred Heart is an order of women religious in the Catholic Church. As a registered charity in England and Wales, the Society undertakes work in the fields of education, spirituality, justice and peace. In addition to the care of our sisters, the Society makes use of its resources to support the work of other charities, educational institutions and faith groups. You can read more about our history and our work on our website. Our care home provides care and support for up to sixteen of our thirty seven sisters in England and Wales. The remainder live in community and individually, with the majority in London. The Society has a long tradition of working successfully in partnership with lay colleagues and we currently employ a range of lay staff in areas such as care, health, safeguarding and finance.

How to apply: To apply, please submit your CV and a covering letter that outlines how your skills, experience and qualifications match those set out in this pack.

Volunteer Trustee English Language Teaching Experience – International House London

Job Description 

Trustee - International House London (English Language Teaching (ELT) background preferred) 

International House Trust Ltd (trading as International House London, IH London), a registered UK charity is seeking passionate and dedicated new Trustee to join their Board and help drive the mission of delivering high-quality language and communication training that unlocks human potential. As a global leader in language teaching, teacher training, and trainer development, IH London is committed to creating meaningful change in the world by fostering effective communication. 

 We are particularly committed to creating an inclusive environment and are actively seeking applications from individuals from diverse backgrounds, including women and individuals from underrepresented communities, to ensure that our Board truly reflects the communities we serve. Your unique perspective and expertise will help us expand our impact and create lasting change. 

Vision: Do you want to be part of an ambitious, forward-thinking organization that brings people together and acts as a force for positive change? If so, we want to hear from you! 

Specific Expertise: We are actively seeking for candidates with specific expertise and experience in English Language Teaching (ELT) to offer strategic oversight on language training programs. 

Location: Remote 

Report to: Chair of Board of Trustees 

Time commitment: Quarterly Board and Committee Meetings (normally remote), ad hoc issues etc. 

Remuneration: This is an unpaid voluntary role, with reasonable expenses reimbursed 

Responsibilities: As a Trustee, you will play a vital role in shaping the future direction of IH London. 

 Key responsibilities include: 

• Contributing to the strategic and long-term direction of IH London 

• Ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and aligning resources with objectives 

• Protecting and promoting the reputation of IH London and acting in the best interests of the charity 

• Ensuring financial stability, sustainability, and effective risk management 

Person Specification: 

We are looking for candidates who can bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to provide oversight at a senior level to join our strong and committed Trustee Board including: 

Essential 

• A strong track record in education, with clear evidence of career progression including teaching experience and holding a senior position of responsibility. 

• Proven leadership skills. You will display a record of leadership and a proven track record of working at strategic and senior levels, with an ability to provide sound governance and oversight alongside objective, independent judgment. 

• Communication skills. Demonstrable effective written and oral communication skills, the ability to influence others and to advocate on behalf of IH London. 

• Strategic thinking ability. You will demonstrate a proven ability to think strategically, analyse complex concepts and actively contribute to the strategic direction setting of IH London, both over the long and short term. 

Desirable 

• Extensive experience in English Language Teaching (ELT), both in the UK and internationally. 

• Demonstrated engagement with wider industry bodies and professional networks. 

• A history of sharing expertise and knowledge with colleagues and peers. 

• Experience of working within a commercial education environment. 

• Awareness of recent developments and innovations in learning technologies. 

Application process 

If you are interested in joining the Board of one of the world’s most respected English Language educational brands, please submit a CV and a brief covering letter explaining your interest in the role and how your skills can contribute to our success. 

Applications should be sent by 5pm 16 October 2025 

The selection process for shortlisted candidates will include an online conversation with the Chief Executive and a meeting with a group of Trustees. 

Gendered Intelligence is looking to expand the current Board of Trustees in order to bring fresh perspectives and skills to support the vital work that we do. We are currently recruiting for up to three new trustees.  

Any successful applicants will need to understand the history of, and the issues that affect trans, nonbinary and gender questioning people and our communities in the UK, either as a member of this community themselves or as a committed ally. They will also need to have a strong commitment to the values and mission of Gendered Intelligence.

Summary

• Hours: Voluntary, but Trustees are expected to commit to a minimum of 10 hrs per month 
• Location: Board meetings are a mix of online and in-person, at times arranged to suit the Trustees. Ability to travel to London is necessary
• Reports to: Chair/Charity Commission/Companies House
• Function: Governance

Particular areas of expertise 

Whilst we are looking for trustees with a broad range of skills, we are particularly interested in finding people with skills and experience in the following areas:

• Youth work. Experience as a senior or strategic practitioner, especially within vulnerable and marginalised communities.
• Legal work. This could be in human rights, discrimination, employment law or general charity law, but we are open to other areas of expertise, including regulatory, risk and governance expertise. You may not be a lawyer but could bring knowledge of legal systems more widely, or networks who can support this area as required.
• HR management experience. An experienced HR professional who can bring a strategic HR perspective to board discussions and support the GI in developing effective and inclusive people practices.

If your experience does not fall into these categories but you would still like to be considered, please do let us know. The best trustees can come from all sorts of backgrounds, and we’d love to know what your experience can offer us.

Commitment 

We currently hold five scheduled Board meetings a year and occasional ad hoc meetings as deemed necessary. Additionally there is the opportunity to join subcommittees and working groups to allow deeper involvement in an area of particular interest. In order to facilitate availability for each meeting, to read all necessary paperwork in advance, and to be available to advise in your area of expertise, we consider that successful candidates should be able to commit to being available for a minimum of 10 hours per month.

Appointments are for an initial three-year term, renewable for up to two further terms.

More information about being a Trustee, including a checklist to confirm that you are eligible is available from the Charity Commission here. 

Training and support will be provided to successful candidates to ensure that all responsibilities can be met.

Full role description can be found on our website

Enjoy a good book?

Passionate about the role which literature plays in our lives? 

Interested in using your skills to support Scottish literature in Edinburgh and internationally?

Excited by the prospect of working with the Board and Executive to shape our strategic direction?

Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature Trust is looking for two or three individuals to join the Board of Trustees of the world’s first City of Literature as we look to our future after our 20th anniversary.  

You will be joining an organisation at the heart of Edinburgh’s literary community and an international network of UNESCO Cities of Literature. Literary cities are granted the designation if they can boast a proud creative tradition and demonstrate a commitment to placing stories, literature and reading at the heart of civic life.

If you have experience, knowledge, or interest in the following, please get in touch:

· Financial management (including willingness to take on a leadership role as Chair of our Finance, Audit and Risk Committee)

· Accountancy skills

· Publishing

· Bookselling

· Tourism

Any additional experience in the following areas would also be welcomed:

• HR
• Marketing
• Technology
• Governance

We welcome applications from across all ages, communities and backgrounds. We encourage applications from under-represented groups.

The new appointments will be for an initial period of up to three years. The posts are not remunerated but some expenses are covered as per our Board Members’ Expenses Policy.

Time Commitment:

The Board of Trustees meets five times each year.

Meetings are generally 6 -8pm on Mondays in Edinburgh and in a hybrid format

The Finance, Audit and Risk Committee meets quarterly ahead of Board meetings.

There is an annual half-day board planning session.

Outwith Board meetings, there are individual meetings as required and the opportunity to attend events of interest in the sector.

The overall time commitment for the role is estimated at 8 -10 hours per month.

Application Information

Our Trustee Information Pack contains information about the role, requirements and the application process.

To apply please submit your CV and a covering letter (no more than two sides of A4) outlining why this position is of interest and what you believe you can offer.

If you have any questions or you would like an informal chat, please do get in touch with our Director, Dr Harriet MacMillan.

Trustees at Bromley Experts by Experience play a vital role, collaborating with the Chair, fellow Trustees and the Senior Management Team to set a clear and strong strategic direction for the organisation. You will ensure that Bromley Experts by Experience is delivering against its charitable objectives and working in line with our governing documents. You will also support Bromley Experts by Experience to grow and develop as an organisation by combining your lived experience and professional expertise in a specific field, enabling us to become more impactful and effective.

As a trustee, you are also responsible for ensuring that Bromley Experts by Experience uses its resources effectively and efficiently to deliver its charitable purposes and continue to provide benefit to our members, beneficiaries and local Deaf and Disabled people.

Areas of expertise we are prioritising

We are especially seeking trustees with expertise in one or more of these areas:

• Fundraising Strategy:
  • Supporting X by X Bromley to sustain, maximise and diversify income streams and fundraising activity.
  • Supporting the development of a Fundraising Policy and Plan of Action.
  • Building and maintaining relationships with funders and commissioners.
• Human Resources:
  • Supporting the Deputy CEO and ensuring that X by X Bromley complies with relevant employment laws and regulations.
  • Advising on good practice in staffing and HR matters.
  • Supporting the development, and review of, HR policies and procedures.
• Legal and Policy:
  • Guiding on relevant legal and policy matters, including contracts and governance.
• Organisational Strategy:
  • Supporting Senior Management Team to shape our strategic direction and plan for implementation.
• Secondary and Further Education:
  • Supporting X by X Bromley with advice for a brand-new stream of youth work in education settings.

IMPORTANT: As a Deaf and Disabled People’s Organisation, our governing articles require that our staff, trustees and volunteers bring with them lived experience of disability (self-identified or otherwise). See how we define this below.

Responsibilities of Trustees:

• Ensure that Bromley Experts by Experience operates in accordance with its governing documents and the law
• Set a clear and strong strategic direction for the organisation
• Ensure that Bromley Experts by Experience uses its resources (financial and otherwise) effectively and efficiently to deliver its charitable purposes
• Manage risks responsibly, avoiding exposing Bromley Experts by Experience to unnecessary risk and taking appropriate steps to mitigate risks
• Make decisions about Bromley Experts by Experience’s policies and strategies
• Be an ambassador for Bromley Experts by Experience, promoting our work and values

What we ask of you:

• Trustee Board Members should expect to serve for a minimum of 12 months.
• Trustee Board Members are required to attend scheduled meetings with some ad hoc meetings where necessary.
• It is anticipated that the time commitment will be an approximate average 1.5 hours per week. This will mainly comprise of:
  • Board meeting attendance (plus preparation and minutes) every 8 weeks.
  • AGM attendance (plus preparation and minutes)
  • Supporting our annual Disability Pride event.
  • Occasional scheduled meetings with senior staff and/or Chair.
• As we are a very small charity, there could be occasions when extra time will be required (e.g. during the planning of new projects or dealing with any particular difficulties that arise), or where additional support would be appreciated (e.g. attending events, meeting members at project days)

Key Skills and Qualities:

• Lived Experience of disability (can be self-identified)
• A belief that Disabled people can and should be actively welcomed and included in our communities. An understanding that it is barriers in society that make that harder. This is called the Social Model of Disability.
• Strong organisational skills.
• Experience of how Trustee Boards operate and of effective charity governance
• Accuracy and efficiency with an eye for detail.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills, communicating in a way that is accessible to you.
• Possess and demonstrate integrity, objectivity, accountability, and honesty.
• An effective team worker, contributing an independent perspective.
• Understanding of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship and the financial aspects of running a charity.
• A genuine interest in local communities and people.
• Commitment to Bromley Experts by Experience’s aims, objectives and values.

You must be legally eligible to stand as a registered Company Director and Charity Trustee. Having had previous experience as a trustee of a voluntary organisation is an advantage.

We require a DBS Check to be completed for all Trustees.

We are especially seeking trustees with expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• Fundraising Strategy
• Human Resources
• Legal and Policy
• Organisational Strategy
• Secondary and Further Education

What we mean by lived experience of disability:

As we follow the Social Model of Disability, our definition of Disabled person includes anyone who is being discriminated against or disabled by barriers in society, including:

• People with physical impairment
• People with visual impairment
• Deaf people
• People with hearing impairment
• People who are neurodivergent
• People with learning difficulties/disabilities
• People who experience mental health conditions/mental distress
• People with long-term health conditions

We recognise that a lot of these impairments are invisible and many people have more than one impairment.

Hull College is a vibrant, inclusive further education provider based in the heart of Hull, serving a diverse urban population across the city and the wider East Yorkshire region. With one main campus (HU1 3DG), the College delivers a broad curriculum from entry level to higher education, including vocational, academic, and apprenticeship pathways. The College supports around 8,000 learners in total, including approximately 2,100 aged 16–19, 4,750 adult learners, 200 higher education students, and 800 apprentices. It employs around 500 staff, has an annual turnover of £30 million, and was graded Good with Outstanding features by Ofsted in October 2023. Hull College also holds an Outstanding financial health grade.

Hull College is defined by its "Hullraisers" spirit. This is an ethos of ambition, resilience, and transformation. The College is more than a place of learning; it is a thriving community committed to innovation and tangible impact. Its "Living and Thriving" personal development programme supports learners beyond academics, helping them develop confidence, promote their wellbeing, and prepare for the future. Strong partnerships with employers and civic organisations ensure the curriculum aligns with industry, while enrichment activities build learners leadership, digital, and employability skills. The College plays a critical role in meeting the skills needs of the region and is on a journey to be recognised nationally as a world-class institution.

Hull College has recently approved an ambitious Strategic Plan ‘Fearless by Design’ for 2025–28, with exciting developments underway including the launch of a new Higher Education strategy and brand, deployment of Microsoft Copilot, an AI Academy, and the start of an estate transformation. The College is also expanding local partnerships, aiming to grow its regional impact. Governors will play a vital role in overseeing delivery, monitoring key performance indicators, and championing the College.
Looking to the rest of a new governor’s term, priorities for the College include launching major capital projects, building international partnerships, and achieving national recognition in areas such as Construction. Governors will contribute to strategic decisions to drive development and support the College’s national profile. By 2027–28, Hull College aims to be a sector leader in AI, sustainability, and technical education. Governors will help shape the post-2028 vision, guide improvement, and ensure long-term financial resilience.

Becoming a Governor at Hull College is an opportunity to influence meaningful change and make a tangible difference in local lives. Governors help set the strategic direction of the College, ensure high standards of education and training, and support its financial sustainability. This is a chance to work alongside likeminded professionals, build networks across education and industry, while using your experience to support a vital community institution. It is a role where your insights matter, your contributions are valued, and your decisions shape the future of thousands of learners each year.

The College’s requirements

The Corporation Board at Hull College is seeking to appoint three new governors to support the College’s strategic growth, academic excellence, and governance capability. These vacancies include: an opening on the Higher Education Advisory Committee; a vacancy for the role of Chair of the Standards Committee; and a role as Vice-Chair of the Corporation. All roles require individuals who can act as a critical friend by providing robust challenge, strategic oversight, and constructive support to senior leaders while helping ensure accountability, compliance, and progress against the College’s objectives.

The successful applicant to the Higher Education Advisory Committee will bring significant knowledge of Higher Education regulation and governance, including the Office for Students (OfS) conditions of registration, QAA frameworks, and statutory guidance. With experience of governance or leadership in HE or FE, they will contribute a strong understanding of academic assurance, compliance, and risk. Their role as a critical friend will involve offering independent insight, questioning standards where appropriate, and supporting the continued delivery of high-quality, compliant HE provision.

The incoming Chair of the Standards Committee will be an educationalist, ideally from a FE background, with substantial experience in curriculum quality, student outcomes, and sector-wide benchmarks. They will be confident in scrutinising performance data, challenging achievement rates, and applying their knowledge of Ofsted’s Education Inspection Framework. This individual will be responsible for leading rigorous, evidence-based discussions and ensuring continuous improvement across teaching, learning, and progression. They will support the executive team while holding them accountable to high expectations for learner success.

The future Vice-Chair of the Corporation will be a senior leader with strong governance experience and a background in complex, high-level corporate or public sector settings. They will bring expertise in leadership resilience, talent management, and succession planning, and will Chair the Remuneration Committee. This role requires strategic thinking, a deep understanding of governance and accountability, and the ability to work collaboratively with the Chair, Board, and senior leaders to ensure effective leadership continuity and organisational stability.

New governors are supported through a structured induction to help them quickly understand their role, responsibilities, and the college’s strategic priorities. Before appointment, they receive a recruitment pack outlining the role and expectations. Once approved, they are welcomed with an appointment letter, key documents, and early meetings with the Chair and Director of Governance to explore board culture and key issues. An induction pack and mandatory training in areas like safeguarding, GDPR, and finance ensure a strong foundation.

To build college familiarity, governors tour facilities, meet staff and students, and observe meetings before active participation. A buddy system and specialist link roles (e.g. safeguarding or finance) deepen engagement. Throughout the first year, regular check-ins, ongoing development opportunities, and an appraisal support their growth.
These are vital roles for the next phase of Hull College’s journey; ideal for professionals who want to make a tangible impact on education, the community, and the region’s future skills landscape.

Time commitment and meeting schedule

On average, the DfE expect governors to commit up to two days per month to effectively contribute to their role, including meetings, any preparation, committee involvements and on-site visits.

Hull College estimates that governors typically volunteer around two days per month to fulfil their responsibilities. While expectations may vary depending on the individual’s committee involvement or role, we encourage all prospective candidates to discuss their availability and capacity during the application process and the College has already laid out its 2025/2026 meeting schedule.

The Corporation Board meets five times per academic year, with one additional strategic away day and one SAR validation day. Committees meet between three and five times annually. Meetings are usually scheduled for Tuesdays or Thursdays at 4pm. Corporation meetings are encouraged in person at Hull College (Wilberforce Drive, Hull, HU1 3DG), though hybrid arrangements via Microsoft Teams are available. Committee meetings are primarily remote.

Some in-person engagement is recommended to build relationships, gain a deeper understanding of the college environment, and contribute effectively to the College’s strategic aims. If you are ready to take the next step in your governance journey and want to play a meaningful role in shaping the future of Hull College and its wider community, we welcome your interest in these roles.

Establishment Information

• Unique Reference Number (URN): 130579
• Address: Wilberforce Drive, Hull, HU1 3DG
• Type of establishment: Further Education

What does the role include?

Governors work together as a board to provide strategic leadership, ensuring the College Corporation or company is legally compliant, financially sustainable, and delivers excellent value for public funds. FE College Corporations / companies operate as independent charitable institutions, with governors acting as charity trustees and the governing board ultimately accountable for overall performance. The principal regulator of FE and Sixth-Form College corporations is the Secretary of State for Education, and the Department for Education (DfE) works closely with the FE Commissioner and sector stakeholders to both regulate and support FE governance. Where needed, support is provided by the Commissioner’s team of advisers and National Leaders of Governance for FE, who offer peer-led mentoring. To read further about regulation, support and intervention please refer to the sixth-form College Corporations: governance guide, linked within the further reading on the GfS website. 

What are the benefits?

Volunteering on a College Corporation board is a meaningful way to shape learner’s lives and strengthen education in your community. You will play a vital role in setting strategic direction and holding executive leaders to account — ensuring the College delivers the best outcomes. This is a great opportunity to support your career development and give back to education.

Further information

You can also find out more public information about the College, along with useful resources, additional reading and interactive content about being a FE College Governor by clicking through to the GfS website.

TRC was set up in 2010 to provide a free, confidential and non-judgemental specialist support service run by women for women and girls who have experienced any form of rape, sexual abuse or sexual violence at any time in their lives. We are a feminist organisation and we actively challenge the values, beliefs and behaviours that contribute to women’s
oppression. Our mission is to raise awareness about sexual violence through providing training, guidance and information and working in partnership with local service providers and communities to promote the values of TRC.

We are looking for women who hold feminist values and principles and who are passionate about the mission and values of TRC. We are particularly looking for Trustees who have relevant qualifications and/or experience in the following areas:

• Safeguarding, offering support to the chair and safeguarding leads with the management of safeguarding cases and keeping up to date with best practice
• Legal and Governance, including strategic planning and understanding of the wider political Greater Manchester landscape
• Human resources and personnel management, including a knowledge of employment legislation
• Financial management, planning and budgeting
• Public Relations, Marketing and fundraising, including awareness raising and campaigning through social media
• Capacity building and training, especially for volunteers
• Women’s health and mental health, outreach and partnership work with local services

The Bromley Experts by Experience Secretary will play a vital role, working with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chair of Trustees. You will help the Trustee Board carry out their duties in an efficient manner, ensuring all governance documents and procedures are followed. The Secretary will ensure the smooth and efficient running of accessible trustee board meetings and will be the Trustee responsible for leading preparation, administration, and delivery of the AGM.

The Secretary will ensure the trustees recognise and complete relevant actions related to their decisions, and that all decisions made by the trustees comply with the relevant legislative and regulatory requirements the charity is subject to, are in accordance with Bromley Experts by Experience’s governing documents, reflect the aims of the charity, and continue to provide benefit to our members, beneficiaries and local Deaf and Disabled people.

Working closely with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chair of Trustees, the Secretary will ensure the charity meets all its regulatory requirements, has strong governance and foundations to enable Bromley Experts by Experience to achieve as much as we can in future.

IMPORTANT: As a Deaf and Disabled People’s Organisation, our governing articles require that our staff, trustees and volunteers bring with them lived experience of disability (self-identified or otherwise). See how we define this below.

Responsibilities of the Secretary:

• Prepare agendas in consultation with the Chair and CEO.
• Ensure arrangements for meetings are met including hybrid arrangements and access requirements of attendees.
• Receive agenda items from other Trustees and circulate agendas and any supporting papers in good time.
• Check that quorum is present at each meeting (including hybrid attendance)
• Minute meetings, circulate draft minutes and action points to Board members.
• Ensure the Chair signs (electronic or wet) minutes once approved.
• Check Trustees have carried out action(s) agreed.
• Circulate agendas and minutes of the annual general meeting (AGM) and any special or extraordinary general meetings.
• Ensure up-to-date records are kept of Trustee Board membership.
• Ensure the board fulfils their duties and responsibilities for effective charity governance in line with Bromley Experts by Experience’s policies and the requirements of the Charity Commission for England and Wales.

• Ensure X by X Bromley activities benefit its members and beneficiaries.
• Support and advocate for X by X Bromley’s mission, vision and values.

What we ask of you:

• The Secretary should expect to serve for a minimum of 12 months.
• The Secretary is required to attend scheduled meetings with some ad hoc meetings where necessary.
• It is anticipated that the time commitment will be an approximate average 2.5 hours per week. This will mainly comprise of:
  • Board meeting attendance (plus preparation and minutes) every 8 weeks.
  • AGM attendance (plus preparation and minutes)
  • Supporting our annual Disability Pride event.
  • Occasional scheduled meetings with senior staff and/or Chair.
• As we are a very small charity, there could be occasions when extra time will be required (e.g. during the planning of new projects or dealing with any particular difficulties that arise), or where additional support would be appreciated (e.g. attending events, meeting members at project days).

Key Skills and Qualities:

• Lived Experience of disability (can be self-identified)
• A belief that Disabled people can and should be actively welcomed and included in our communities. An understanding that it is barriers in society that make that harder. This is called the Social Model of Disability.
• Strong organisational skills.
• Experience of how Trustee Boards operate and of effective charity governance
• An understanding of how to make meetings accessible.
• Experience of minute-taking and strong record keeping skills.
• Accuracy and efficiency with an eye for detail.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills, communicating in a way that is accessible to you.
• Possess and demonstrate integrity, objectivity, accountability, and honesty.
• An effective team worker, contributing an independent perspective.
• Understanding of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship, the Secretary role, and the financial aspects of running a charity.
• A genuine interest in local communities and people.
• Commitment to Bromley Experts by Experience’s aims, objectives and values.

The Secretary must be legally eligible to stand as a registered Company Director and Charity Trustee. Having had previous experience as a trustee of a voluntary organisation is an advantage.

The Secretary will require a DBS Check to be completed.