Area volunteer roles in harlow, essex

Events Volunteer

We’re the MS Society – a community of people living with MS, scientists, campaigners, listeners, organisers, ambassadors and fundraisers. Our volunteers are a key part of achieving our goals and their support is vital. Join us. 

About this opportunity
We are looking to recruit a Regional Development Event Volunteer for the London area. As an Event Volunteer, you will be participating in events and promoting them locally. 
We need you to get involved and help make positive changes to the lives of people affected by MS.
This is a great opportunity to gain experience within a large charity and develop your existing skills and learn new ones.

About you
You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that we do, as well as the enthusiasm to represent both us and our values locally.
You will understand the needs of people affected by MS in your area and be sympathetic to the needs and motivations of volunteers. 
You’ll be friendly and welcoming and able to work as part of a team, with flexibility to travel across London.

Apply 
- Read through the role description and project brief carefully
- Apply by clicking the ‘Apply’ link provided.

The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.

We have 250 local groups which play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS across the UK. They provide sense of belonging, unity and friendship. And they deliver services and support for their local MS community.

We are looking to recruit a Group Coordinator for our Haringey group. As our local Group Coordinator you’ll take the lead in making sure your local group works as effectively as possible. You’ll recruit, induct and support other group volunteers to make sure your group’s activities meet the needs of your local MS community. You can see a video about one of our Group Coordinators here.

In this role you’ll be able to develop your leadership, management, communication, organisation and motivation skills. 

Time Commitment

We estimate this role will need around 5 hours a week. Our roles are flexible and aim to fit around you. Time commitments for this role may vary depending on your activities. This is an ongoing role.

This is a great opportunity to gain experience within a large charity and develop your existing skills and learn new ones. We need you to get involved and help make positive changes to the lives of people affected by MS.

About you

You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that we do, as well as the enthusiasm to represent both us and our values locally. You will understand the needs of people affected by MS in your area and be sympathetic to the needs and motivations of volunteers. You’ll be confident using Microsoft Office, the internet and email. You’ll be able to apply disability, equality and inclusion practices and understand and apply our risk management system. Ideally you’ll understand the local area and organisations that provide local services.

You will be reliable and easy to contact and you need to live in or near the Haringey area to carry out this role.

The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.

Across the UK, our 270 local groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS. They provide sense of belonging, unity and friendship. And they deliver services and support for their local MS community.

We are looking to recruit a Fundraising Volunteer for the Asian MS Group. As our Fundraising Volunteer you’ll support your Group Coordinator to organise local fundraising activities and events throughout the year.

In this role you’ll be able to develop your organisation, communication and team working skills.Most importantly you’ll inspire your local community to raise funds that help make sure no one has to face MS alone.

Time Commitment

We estimate this role will need around 2 hours a week. Our roles are flexible and aim to fit around you. Time commitments for this role may vary depending on your activities. This is an ongoing role.

This is a great opportunity to gain experience within a large charity and develop your existing skills and learn new ones. We need you to get involved and help make positive changes to the lives of people affected by MS.

About you

You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that we do, as well as the enthusiasm to represent both us and our values locally. You will understand the needs of people affected by MS in your area and be sympathetic to the needs and motivations of volunteers. You’ll be confident using Microsoft Office, the internet and email. You’ll be able to apply disability, equality and inclusion practices and understand and apply our risk management system. Ideally you’ll understand the local area and organisations that provide local services.

You will be reliable and easy to contact and you need to live in or near the area the group to carry out this role.

Apply 

1. Read through the role description carefully

2. Please apply online

The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.

Across the UK, our 270 local groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS. They provide sense of belonging, unity and friendship. And they deliver services and support for their local MS community.

We are looking to recruit a Support Volunteer for the Camden Group. As our local group Support Volunteer you’ll help people affected by MS find information about local and national services. That could be helping someone access local information about the care or benefits they need or giving them a hand with a grant application. See a video about one of our Support Volunteers here.

In this role you’ll be able to develop your listening and communication skills, as well as your knowledge of local services. Most importantly you’ll help people affected by MS to access the help they need. 

Time commitment

We estimate this role will need around 2 hours a week. Our roles are flexible and aim to fit around you. Time commitments for this role may vary depending on your activities. This is an ongoing role.

This is a great opportunity to gain experience within a large charity and develop your existing skills and learn new ones. We need you to get involved and help make positive changes to the lives of people affected by MS.

About you

You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that we do, as well as the enthusiasm to represent both us and our values locally. You will understand the needs of people affected by MS in your area and be sympathetic to the needs and motivations of volunteers. You’ll be confident using Microsoft Office, the internet and email. You’ll be able to apply disability, equality and inclusion practices and understand and apply our risk management system. Ideally you’ll understand the local area and organisations that provide local services.

You will be reliable and easy to contact and you need to live in or near the local area the group to carry out this role.

Apply 

1. Read through the role description carefully

2. Please apply online

The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.

Invitation to apply for the position of Society Chair

A. Description of the Society

The Society is the third oldest local conservation charity in England, founded in 1897 by many of the public figures who  campaigned to procure the passing of the 1871 Hampstead Heath Act, which saved Hampstead Heath as a public open space in perpetuity, and who went on to found the National Trust.

The Society is an unincorporated association, constituted by its contractual constitution, and is a registered charity. Its charitable objects are as follows:

3. (a)  to preserve those parts of Hampstead Heath which are subject to section 16 of The Hampstead Heath Act 1871* in their wild and natural state, and also to preserve the natural and characteristic features of the later additions to the Heath, so far as is consistent with their enjoyment by the public;

(b) to promote and maintain the amenities and characteristics of the environs of the Heath, and of the buildings and streets of Hampstead; and

(c) to promote public interest in the study of natural history, conservation, and the history of the areas referred to in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Rule 3.

*[Section 16 provides: The [Metropolitan] Board [of Works] shall at all times preserve, as far as may be, the natural aspect and state of the Heath, and to that end shall protect the turf, gorse, heather, timber and other trees, shrubs, and brush-wood thereon.]

The Society’s geographical remit is limited to Hampstead Heath, the fringes of the Heath, and the old borough of Hampstead (now legally subsumed into the London Borough of Camden).

It is governed by a ‘general committee’ of some 15 trustees which is supported by (i) three subcommittees (each of approximately a dozen members) responsible for the distinct areas of Hampstead Town, Hampstead Heath, and local planning applications, and (ii) a Plaque Selection Panel which is responsible for the erection of plaques on buildings in Hampstead Town commemorating famous residents.

The Chair, along with principal Society officers, is elected annually at the annual general meeting.

The Society has approximately 2,000 members and is in sound financial and reputational shape. Further details of the Society may be found on the Society's website. 

B. General role of the Chair

The general role of the Society Chair includes the duties outlined in the English Charity Commission document entitled “The essential trustee: what you need to know, what you need to do”, namely:

· help plan and run general committee meetings and in members’ meetings

· take the lead on ensuring that meetings are properly run and recorded

· take the lead on ensuring that trustees comply with their duties and the charity is well governed

· act as a spokesperson for the charity

· act as a link between trustees and committee members.

Reference should also be made to “A Chair’s Compass - A guide for chairs of charities and non-profit organisations”. 

Given the local remit of the Society, it is desirable that the prospective Society Chair should be resident in Hampstead (including West Hampstead), Belsized, Highgate or Hampstead Garden Suburb. The prospective Society Chair will be invited to join the general committee and ‘shadow’ the current Chair for the appropriate period before taking over.

C. Core and specific tasks of the Society Chair

Convene, set the agenda for, and chair bi-monthly meetings of the general committee, and approve the draft minutes of those meetings

Convene and set the agenda for the Society’s annual general meeting in June of each year, deliver a verbal annual report at that meeting, and approve the draft minutes of that meeting

Write the annual trustees’ report for inclusion in the annual return to the Charity Commission

Settle and approve the Society's annual financial statements as prepared by the Treasurer and the Society's auditors/examiners

Write a column of approximately 2,000 words for the Society's newsletter published in January, May and October

From time to time, as an observer, attend meetings of the Society's three subcommittees (Town, Heath and Planning) and the Society’s Plaque Selection Panel

Support the Society’s vice-chairs in their chairing of the Society’s three subcommittees (see above)

Oversee recruitment to the general committee and, as required, the Society's three subcommittees

As required, be the public or official face of the Society in dealings with the media, and the City of London Corporation (the freehold owner of Hampstead Heath and the sole trustee of the Hampstead Heath registered charity), Camden Council (including Hampstead Ward local councillors) and other local or governmental bodies

As required, lead (even if only in  a titular or nominal sense) campaigns run by the Society

Attend and, as required, host Society events, including the New Members Party, the Xmas Party and Society lectures (usually two to three a year)

Maintain relations with other non-governmental bodies with which the Society has regular dealings in matters of common interest, including the Vale of Health Society, the Highgate Society, the Hampstead Garden Suburb Residents Association, the Hampstead Neighbourhood Forum,  Heath Hands, the Kenwood Estate, Keats House, Camden History Society, the London Forum and Civic Voice

Identify, and suggest to its editor, items for inclusion in the Society's newsletter

The Senior Chef is responsible for the daily planning and preparation of the on-board menus, training of the Galley Team, hygiene, safety and cleanliness of the Galley areas. This position supports the Food Services Manager by ensuring the Galley Team Leaders have everything they need to complete their daily tasks and supply the crew with well-balanced, nutritious, and enjoyable meals.

   Ensure coordination for supplies and food preparation between Galley teams.

• Contribute and coordinate with Food Services Manager for the 6-week menu and long-term supply order.

• Oversight of cleanliness and hygiene of Galley areas by conducting daily spot checks.

• Carry out final walk-through of the Galley in the evening to ensure high standard of cleanliness and all equipment is switched off and stowed appropriately.

• Train Galley crew in preparation, hygiene and safety procedures as laid out in Food Services SOP.

• Take lead on special functions and coordinate for events requiring catering.

• Working outside of regular hours as required.

• Assist the Food Services Manager.

• Attend departmental meetings on all workdays.

Across the UK, our 270 local groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS. They provide sense of belonging, unity and friendship. And they deliver services and support for their local MS community.

We are looking to recruit an Activities Organiser for the West Hertfordshire Group. As our local group Activities Organiser you’ll play a crucial role in developing and planning activities and events with your local group. You’ll be responsible for creating and coordinating an annual calendar of events and making sure they’re run safely and effectively to make the most impact. You’ll take a lead role at events on the day and inspire your fellow volunteers to get involved.

In this role you’ll be able to develop your organisation, communication, administration and negotiation skills. 

Time commitment

We estimate this role will need around 2 hours a week. Our roles are flexible and aim to fit around you. Time commitments for this role may vary depending on your activities. This is an ongoing role.

This is a great opportunity to gain experience within a large charity and develop your existing skills and learn new ones. We need you to get involved and help make positive changes to the lives of people affected by MS.

About you

You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that we do, as well as the enthusiasm to represent both us and our values locally. You will understand the needs of people affected by MS in your area and be sympathetic to the needs and motivations of volunteers.

You’ll be confident using Microsoft Office, the internet and email. You’ll be able to apply disability, equality and inclusion practices and understand and apply our risk management system. Ideally you’ll understand the local area and organisations that provide local services.

You will be reliable and easy to contact and you need to live in or near the local area the group to carry out this role.

Apply 

1. Read through the role description carefully

2.Please apply online

The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.

Do you want to co-ordinate vegan volunteering?

As an Organiser, you would be the caretaker of your local area. This is the more time-intensive role but so rewarding! Tasks would be emailed to you directly every month by our Volunteering Coordinator, who would be your main point of contact here at The Vegan Society. It would then be your job to send out the task to Advocates in your local area and get feedback from them. You'll also be able to ask your Advocates for help with any stalls and lobbying. Every Organiser receives an outreach pack, including a table runner, leaflets and banners. We make sure you are fully supported with an Organisers' WhatsApp group for socialising and ideas. We also have a monthly gathering on video.

What does the Organiser role involve? 

Every month, you will be sent a collection of tasks to choose from. We create these from our programme of campaigns. You would be the point of contact for Advocates in your area, sharing these tasks and coordinating activities, such as stalls and lobbying councillors. We will provide you with a campaign toolkit and be in regular contact with you to ensure you have everything you need. You will also be invited to our private Facebook group and WhatsApp chat.

We would expect you to provide any updates from your group and give feedback on each task. It's vital that we measure the impact that we are having, in terms of positive conversations and leaflets handed out. You can also give us ideas you have for future outreach tasks or campaigning. Many Organisers find a huge sense of satisfaction, improvement in self-esteem and enjoy the social side of volunteering in this role.

You will also be responsible for welcoming new Advocates in your area. We will let you know when somebody new applies, and you will help them to get involved with any activities. As the main contact for Advocates, this role does require some awareness of safeguarding and data protection procedures and policy. There will be full training on your role in this, as well as a handbook and ongoing guidance and support. 

What training and support is available? 

There will be a full induction to the role, with a gradual introduction of new tasks and responsibilities. To start with, we will provide an initial training session to cover the basics of community organising, communication skills and event planning. This will be done remotely from wherever you are. Along with this, we will provide a full pack of resources that covers a range of work that we do. 

From there, there will be regular conversations and reviews, where we can discuss other training requirements. Staff are always available to Organisers for any questions, via phone or email. 

What skills would be useful in doing this role? 

• Great organisational skills
• Experience of coordinating people
• Experience of working to specific dates and deadlines
• Good time keeping
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to motivate people around the topic of veganism
• Ability to stick to branding
• Ability to read emails in a timely manner and translate tasks into actions quickly
• Ability to report back on activities
• Excellent knowledge of vegan issues

How much time do I need to invest?

You should be able to commit around two days a month to carry out actions, and this is usually spread out across the month. We also expect timely responses to emails. When a new Advocate applies to work with you, we would like them to be contacted within seven days via email.

Overview:
We are seeking enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers to assist in the operation of our new community cafe. Volunteers will support the Community Cafe Managers in delivering excellent customer service, making & serving meals (sandwiches, salads, daily specials) maintaining the cafe, and engaging with the community. This is a great opportunity to contribute to a vibrant community hub, gain valuable experience, and meet new people.

Key Responsibilities:
1. Customer Service:
   - Greet and welcome customers warmly.
   - Take customer orders and process payments.
   - Make & serve food and beverages to customers.
   - Handle customer inquiries and provide information about the cafe and its offerings.

2. Cafe Maintenance:
   - Assist in setting up and closing down the cafe each day.
   - Maintain cleanliness and hygiene standards in all areas of the cafe, including the kitchen, dining area, and restrooms.
   - Wash dishes, clean tables, and ensure the cafe is tidy and presentable at all times.

3. Stock Management:
   - Help monitor stock levels and report low supplies to the manager.
   - Assist with the receipt, storage, and organisation of deliveries.
   - Restock shelves and display areas as needed.

4. Community Engagement:
   - Support community events and group activities held in the cafe.
   - Engage with customers and community members, fostering a friendly and inclusive atmosphere.
   - Help promote community programs and initiatives.

5. Team Collaboration:
   - Work collaboratively with other volunteers and staff members.
   - Attend training sessions and team meetings as required.
   - Provide feedback and suggestions to improve cafe operations.

Qualifications:
- Passion for Community Service: Enthusiasm for helping and engaging with the community.
- Customer Service Skills: Ability to interact positively with customers and provide excellent service.
- Reliability: Dependable and punctual, with a commitment to fulfilling scheduled shifts.
- Team Player: Willingness to work as part of a team and support fellow volunteers and staff.
- Adaptability: Flexibility to assist with various tasks and adapt to changing needs.
- Basic Food Handling Knowledge: Understanding of basic food hygiene practices (training will be provided).

Time Commitment:
- 4 hr shifts are available on weekdays and weekends, with flexible scheduling options.

Benefits:
- Experience: Gain valuable experience in customer service, hospitality, and community engagement.
- Training: Receive training and support from experienced managers and team members.
- Community Involvement: Make a positive impact in your community and meet new people.
- Recognition: Be part of a supportive team that values your contributions.

Application
Please fill in this application form: https://zfrmz.eu/teuq7xUKAFr5FfxDGQ9V and we will give you a call
 

Youth Advantage UK is seeking a Volunteer Head of Policy to develop and lead its Long-Term Research & Policy Team in identifying and delivering on opportunities for the organisation to grow its impact. The successful candidate will be responsible for creating an ambitious yet achievable programme of policy work in line with the organisation’s strategic priorities. Working closely with the Heads of the Initial Research Team, the ideal candidate will use their prior experience to build strong and effective relationships with external actors with the potential for evidence-based change. They will should have excellent writing and speaking skills, IT literacy, and the ability to work well independently and in a team.

Responsibilities:

•    In line with the organisation’s strategic priorities, to lead the Policy Team in designing, developing and implementing impactful project objectives.
•    To take responsibility for key relationships with external stakeholders, ensuring the visibility, reach and impact of the organisation.
•    To work on an on-going basis with the other members of the organisation’s Senior Leadership Team in determining its areas of strategic priorities.
•    To monitor, analyse and respond to external trends which impact on the organisation’s strategic policies and focus.
•    To work with HR in creating a strong Policy Team composed of individuals with the appropriate skills and expertise. To ensure that these volunteers are appropriately supported and trained during their period of service.
•    To support and work with the Heads of the Initial Research Team in developing frameworks for initial research which enable effective and efficient research on the organisation’s areas of strategic priorities.
•    To work closely with the organisation’s Communications Team in developing and implementing effective strategies to raise the organisation’s profile and impact.
•    To create blogs and articles on policy related issues and to support with the development of academic articles and reports.
•    To support the Chief Executive Officer in presenting policy strategies to the organisation’s Trustees.
•    To train the other teams in the organisation in policy work, ensuring all members have the opportunity to learn more about how policy can be influenced and how they can contribute.
•    To find and distribute information on related topics which may be of interest to the other organisation members.

Requirements:

•    Experience in policy work, leading key campaigns or programmes.
•    High-level understanding of policy and practice, ideally in an area related to the organisation’s priorities.
•    Excellent knowledge of a range of methods and approaches to applying research and development in public policy.
•    Excellent leadership and organisational skills, with proven experience of setting priorities and motivating team members.
•    Excellent writing and speaking skills.
•    IT literacy, including proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Suite.
•    Ability to work well independently and in a team.
•    Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.
•    Ability to prioritise tasks and manage time effectively.

Benefits
•    Gain valuable experience in leading a policy team.
•    Opportunity to work with a dedicated and passionate team.
•    Flexible working hours.

Branch Trustees

RSPCA Stort Valley Branch – multiple opportunities

Help us make the world a better place for animals

RSPCA Branches rescue, rehabilitate and rehome those animals most at risk through clinics, animal centres, boarding and fostering facilities; offer advice and education on animal welfare; and support with microchipping, neutering and subsidised animal treatments for animals owned by people in financial difficulty.

Each RSPCA branch (of which there are approx. 150) is a separately registered charity, operating at a local level across England and Wales. Branches did 78% of the rehoming activity across the RSPCA network in 2020 and took more than 31,000 animals into their care. There are also over 300 RSPCA charity shops, all of which are run by RSPCA branches. The RSPCA has been at the forefront of animal welfare since 1824 when we were founded in a London coffee shop, and we’re proud to be the oldest animal welfare charity around.

What does RSPCA Stort Valley Branch do?

We cover an area either side of the M11 from Saffron Walden in the north to Harlow in the south and fundraise and offer welfare services within this area.

The animal welfare services that we offer are centred around our busy clinic in Harlow and include:

•  Subsidised routine veterinary treatment and microchipping for owned animals - in 2024, we made over 2,200 consultations at our Harlow clinic and administered more than 500 vaccinations and 250 microchips.
•  Advice and education
• Community outreach

We operate a charity shop in Bishops Stortford town centre, selling clothes, books, games and other items to help with our fundraising.

In addition to our Harlow clinic, we work closely with RSPCA animal centres and inspectors to support their work and to look after and re-home animals rescued in our branch area. We also support neighbouring branches by seeing some owned animals from their nearby towns at our clinic. We are working to improve our fostering network to help with rehoming, and are keen to step up our fundraising work to enable us to provide additional welfare support to the community.

What do RSPCA branch trustees do?

RSPCA branch trustees are volunteers who shape the work that the branch does, and are collectively responsible for governing and managing the affairs of the branch. “Trustees have overall control of a charity and are responsible for making sure it’s doing what it was set up to do.” “Trustees are the people who lead the charity and decide how it is run.” “They may be known by other titles, such as: directors, board members, governors, committee members” - Charity Commission. At Stort Valley, we have a lovely team of staff and volunteers with experienced, capable people managing our shop and clinic day-to-day. Trustees will set the strategy, make the big decisions and lead on new initiatives.

To find out more about being a Trustee, visit the Goverment Trustee - What's involved which explains what trustees do. There is some information on the RSPCA website about Branch Trustees, and we have an online session about becoming a Branch Trustee, which should hopefully give you more of an idea of what the RSPCA Branch Trustee role will involve.

Stort Valley Branch is presently in the process of converting to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (‘CIO’), the modern legal form for many charities - loosely equivalent to a Limited Company. We expect to complete the change in the second half of this year (2025).

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for applications from people from all social and cultural backgrounds, who are passionate about improving animal welfare. It doesn’t matter whether you are an experienced trustee or not, as trustee training and induction will be provided. If you can bring relevant skills and experience from other aspects of your life, that’s great, and we’re pretty sure you’ll learn some new ones here!

Right now, we would like to recruit several additional Trustees. We’ll define and re-balance the roles of all the Trustees once our new Trustees have settled in, so we’re not necessarily looking for you to select a specific role at this stage. The opportunities could include taking the lead on fundraising, overseeing our clinic or shop, increasing our local outreach and education activities, enhancing our online presence and recognition, and more. Ideally, for some of the roles, you’ll be relatively local to the branch area; others can be done remotely.

We hold monthly Trustees’ meetings, which last 1.5~2 hours. We ask for Trustees to join as many of these meetings as possible. You’ll also need to allow time to prepare for meetings - creating or reading through any relevant documents in advance – and of course, for the specific activities you take on. We normally meet in the evening, online (Google Meet), at times chosen to suit Trustees’ availability.

Trustees are elected or re-elected for a 12-month term at the branch’s Annual General Meeting (AGM). Between AGMs, branches have the ability to co-opt an additional three trustees who serve until the next AGM and can then be elected.

What’s in it for you?

There are lots of benefits to becoming an RSPCA Branch Trustee, including:

•  induction and trustee training
•  the chance to meet like-minded people who share your enthusiasm for animal welfare
•  the opportunity to gain new skills and develop existing ones
• the ability to use your skills to improve the wellbeing of animals in your local area, and make a real difference to the lives of animals
•  the capacity to shape innovative projects, and be part of the RSPCA’s ten-year strategy - “Together for animal welfare”
•  access to our learning hub, which contains training materials and courses on a variety of subjects
•  the chance to shape the services in your local area
•  volunteering is good for your wellbeing.

Join us in making a real difference to the lives of animals in need.

Our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and trial period. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees, and dependent on the position, you may need to sign an agreement and undergo specific training before starting the role.

Are you a people person? Would you enjoy helping clients with their problems, as well as developing employability skills or putting your spare time to good use? Then look no further!

Our friendly team are looking for volunteers for our Adviceline which offers the general public information to empower them to find a solution to their problems in areas such as welfare benefits, housing and debt. For more complex issues you would be arranging an appointment with our advisers who will be using the information you have already gathered from the client.

You will need to be familiar with Microsoft Word and Excel and have excellent verbal and written communication skills, as well as being non-judgemental and respect views, values and cultures that are not your own. Full training will be given.

We cover travel expenses within the boundaries of Enfield.

Interested? Great, we'd love to hear from you.

We’re looking for trustees

We’re looking to recruit dynamic, committed and motivated people with professional skills and experience who are as passionate as we are about empowering individuals to work through and beyond their experience of sexual abuse.

Specific qualifications are not necessarily required and we welcome applicants with lived experience. A genuine interest in learning about our charity and our services within the local community is essential.

These trustees will help to form a new board dedicated to supporting the charity and contributing to the effective and quality governance of Trust House. You will play an active role in developing the strategic direction of the charity and provide guidance to ensure the charity continues to support anyone affected by rape or sexual abuse in the Thames Valley area.

Federation of Scottish Theatre (FST) have an exciting new opportunity to join their Board of Trustees. In a bold step toward broadening our vision and impact, FST recently updated our governing documents to welcome Non-Executive Directors from outside our membership. This change opens the door to fresh ideas, diverse expertise, and valuable insights from beyond the arts—strengthening FST’s leadership and enriching our work. We are particularly interested in candidates with backgrounds in finance, public policy and research, and legal and/or finance. 

FST are actively working to build a Board and staff team that reflects the richness and variety of the communities we serve, believing that diversity fuels creativity and strengthens leadership. We’re looking for curious, and collaborative thinkers—people who bring different perspectives and challenge the status quo. We particularly welcome applications from people of colour, gender-diverse individuals, disabled people, and others whose voices have historically been underrepresented in our sector. This is a space where your voice matters—and will be heard.  

What’s Involved 

The Board of Trustees work on a voluntary basis and meet four times a year. We welcome candidates from all over Scotland and can facilitate online attendance at meetings as required.   

Role of a Trustee:  

1. To play a key role in the development of the FST vision, contributing to the strategic leadership, sound management and proactive development of the organisation.  

1. To ensure that the FST principles of good and proper governance continue to be upheld, and to fulfil duties and responsibilities in line with the organisation’s Memorandum and Articles of Association.  

1. To ensure that FST protects its future through robust policies, risk management, accounting procedures, internal controls and systems and to ensure that these are audited and reviewed in line with all regulatory and legal requirements.  

1. To attend and contribute to Board meetings and the Annual General Meeting.  

1. To work closely with the Chair and all other Trustees and to advise on major issues to the Board as required.  

1. To work constructively with the Chief Executive, and as appropriate with senior management and the wider staff, to ensure that FST delivers on its core vision, mission and business plan.  

Additional information about the responsibilities of being a Trustee can be found on the website of Scottish Charity Regulator - more information in the job pack.

What We’re Looking For 

We are looking to recruit two Co-opted Board members over the coming months.   

Following a recent review of Board membership, we have identified the need for new Trustees and are looking for candidates with skills and experience in each of the following areas:  

• Financial – Strong financial background, ideally with expertise in charity and not-for-profit accounting and experience working with small charities 

• HR/Legal - Senior level experience in HR and/or the legal landscape surrounding employment with knowledge of of best practices in people management, organisational culture, and employment law—particularly within the charity or arts sector 

• Public Policy and Research - Senior experience in public policy and research, ideally within Scotland. For example, you may have worked on developing policy positions, conducting sector-specific research, or creating tools to influence change at a national or local level 

As well as the skills and experience aligned to one of the two candidate opportunities described above, we expect all Board members to embrace the following qualities :  

1. An understanding of (or willingness to learn) the culture sector  

1. Advocacy experience  

1. Sound analytical and problem-solving skills  

1. Ability to communicate effectively with a diverse range of colleagues and stakeholders  

1. An understanding of access, inclusion, diversity and equal opportunities issues  

1. Experience of working effectively as part of a team, project group or committee  

1. Good, independent judgment  

1. An ability to think creatively  

1. Awareness of risk and the need to balance ambition with sustainability  

1. Ability to conduct oneself with integrity, objectivity, and honesty  

Recruitment timeline   

The deadline for applications is 10am on Tuesday 22 July 2025.   

You will receive a response from FST by 6pm on Friday 25 July 2025.   

Interviews will be held from w/c 28 July onwards depending on individual candidates' availability.