Board director volunteer roles

The Board and Leadership team at Charity People is thrilled to be partnering with Amnesty International UK on their 2025 Board Recruitment.

Amnesty International UK:

Amnesty International UK operates in the UK as two distinct legal entities: Amnesty International UK Section Charitable Trust (‘the Charitable Trust’), and Amnesty International United Kingdom Section (‘the UK Section’). Each entity is governed by its own Board with the two working together and co-operating but remaining independent. Each Board operates and makes decisions based on the long-term interests of their respective entity and within the constraints imposed by applicable UK law, their separate constitutions and the overall rules of the global Amnesty International movement.

The Charitable Trust:

Amnesty International UK Section Charitable Trust is a registered charity and a limited company. It fulfils its objectives by raising money and providing charitable grants. It is one of the largest financial contributors to Amnesty International’s work around the world and also funds the UK Section to deliver human rights work in the UK.

The purpose of the Trust:

• To serve as a Trustee of Amnesty International UK Charitable Trust ensuring that the Trust successfully pursues its vision and objectives while acting within its constraints and responsibilities.
• The Trust Board holds fiduciary responsibility for the organisation and safeguards its good name and values. Members of the Trust Board are legally defined as Company Directors and are also accountable as Trustees under charity law.

About You:

Professional experience is of less importance than lived experience or grassroots experience. However, should any applicants have competence in the following areas, we would be pleased to hear from them:

• Human Rights Legal Expertise e.g. practicing Immigration Solicitor
• Grants Administration (either as a grant maker or recipient)
• Strategic Leadership/Governance

How to Apply:

We will host a Q&A webinar with AIUK at 6pm on Monday 28th April 2025, where they will share further insights and answer any additional questions you may have. In the first instance send your CV and we will forward you the recruitment pack as well as the link to register to attend this webinar.

Timeline:

Closing date: 5pm 23rd May 2025

First Interviews: w/c 30th June

Final Interviews: w/c 7th July

We are working in partnership with New Citizens’ Gateway, a charity that empowers refugees and asylum seekers to foster a sense of belonging, integrate into the UK and rebuild their lives. They provide support for refugees and asylum seekers across London and beyond through a holistic model and multifaceted approach, which acknowledges the whole person and all their physical, social, emotional, and spiritual needs. Their services including advice and guidance, campaigning, ESOL classes, community classes and groups, counselling, wellbeing services, youth activities and mentoring. 

New Citizens’ Gateway (NCG) are actively developing their Board and are now seeking new Trustees, bringing fresh skills and professional backgrounds to help continue their growth. The new trustees will join a collaborative and ambitious team and will be responsible for providing strategic support related to their area of expertise and support overall governance and leadership of the organisation.

NCG wants its Board to reflect the people it serves, so they actively encourage candidates to apply with lived experience of the refugee and/or forced migration journey to rebuilding your life in the U.K.

Key skills and experience are sought, although not limited to, the following areas: 

• Finance / wealth management
• Fundraising
• Marketing and communications
• Youth work
• NGO leadership

However, the Board is open to expressions of interest from candidates who do not possess skills in these areas, but that would like to be considered as a Board member. 

Board meetings are held four times a year (hybrid) in addition to attending occasional networking, fundraising and ceremonial events and meetings. All reasonable expenses will be covered by the charity. We anticipate a 1-2-hour monthly time commitment. 

If you do not match the criteria for this role, please don’t be put off from applying - training and support can be agreed for the right candidate.

For more information, please contact Katherine Anderson-Scott, Associate Director, Charisma Charity Recruitment. Your expression of interest should be submitted through the Charisma website and include your CV and supporting statement.

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or other category protected by law.

Closing date: 12th May 2025

Charisma vetting interviews must be completed by the EOD on Monday 19th in preparation for submission to NCG on Tuesday 20th May.

Interviews with NCG: TBC

We’re looking for a new fundraising volunteer and/or director! Are you passionate about securing funds for grassroot organisations?

This opportunity involves overseeing Fuel Poverty Action’s fundraising plans and strategy, reaching out to donors and promoting our vital campaigns through grant bids to help end fuel poverty in the UK. 

This role would require an average of 16-20 hrs per month and can be done remotely. We are also open to you joining FPA’s board of directors, subject to capacity and experience. 

This offers a chance to directly contribute to tackling fuel poverty and ensuring access to affordable energy for all whilst strategizing and learning alongside great activists. If you're eager to contribute, we’d love to hear from you!

Tasks:

• Organise and manage our fundraising planning and pipeline

• Reach out to potential donors and help build relationships

• Lead on grant applications

• Work closely with the team to develop new fundraising strategies

• Contribute ideas and experience to FPA campaigns

Closing date for applications:  April 20th 2025

Do you care deeply about mission, justice, and the future of the church? Do you want your skills to help shape something that really matters?

Then this might be for you.

Church Mission Society (CMS) is a movement of people who believe that every person can live out their part in God’s mission. CMS works globally and locally, making Jesus known at the edges, where the church is least known but beautifully alive. And right now, we’re partnering with CMS to recruit up to four new trustees to help lead this work forward.

This isn’t about ticking boxes or just turning up to meetings. It’s about bringing your wisdom, your experience, your faith and your heart to a board that genuinely cares about each other, the people CMS serves, and the world they are called to reach.
You don’t need to have all the answers. But you do need to be thoughtful, strategic and committed to the vision. We’re especially keen to hear from people with skills in finance (CFA or equivalent), governance or legal, HR, fundraising, digital or mission leadership. If you’ve been part of a global majority church, worked cross-culturally, or led at the grassroots, your voice is especially welcome.

We are committed to building a more diverse and representative board. All appointments will be made based on the skills, experience and qualities required for the role. However, we particularly welcome applications from individuals from minority ethnic communities and those with lived experience of global majority heritage.

We’re not simply saying your voice matters at the table – we recognise that it is essential.

Timewise, the commitment includes four board meetings a year, plus roughly 10 hours a month for things like preparing for meetings, joining a subgroup, or visiting a project. The bigger roles like finance and governance leads will need a bit more time, so may suit someone not in full-time work.

You’ll be joining a board that’s thoughtful, prayerful and not afraid to wrestle with big questions. So we’re looking for people who are strategic and spiritual. Serious about governance, yes, but also about kindness, hospitality and hope.
If that sounds like your kind of place, we’d love to hear from you.

Please contact Adam Stacey, Managing Director, Charisma Recruitment. Your expression of interest should be submitted through the Charisma website and include your CV and supporting statement.

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion*, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or other category protected by law.

*In accordance with the equality act 2010 it is a genuine occupational requirement that the post holder is a practising Christian.

Closing date: 15 June
Charisma interviews must be completed by 17 June
First stage interviews with CMS (online): w/c 23 or 30 June
Second stage interviews with CMS (in person): w/c 7 July

e are delighted to be working with Restore, an Oxfordshire-based charity that has been offering employment support to people with mental ill-health since 1977. Restore supports people - through recovery groups, coaching and learning - to take control of their own recovery, develop skills, and progress towards their own goals to live more fulfilling lives. It works within the community to increase knowledge, awareness and reduce stigma associated with mental ill health. Restore is also home to the Oxfordshire Recovery College for therapeutic peer learning and is an expert provider of formal mental health training.

Restore are now seeking to appoint a Treasurer, to join the Board to support the organisation to achieve its goals. They will have a strategic role ensuring that the organisation complies with its purpose, charity law and company law and that the organisation pursues its objectives as defined in its governing document.

The Treasurer will have relevant accounting/finance experience to oversee all financial aspects of Restore, on behalf of the Board, to ensure its short and long-term sustainability. They will partner with the CEO and Head of Finance and Administration, along with chairing the Finance sub-committee to ensure that Restore operates within the financial guidelines set out in current legislation, by the charity commission and in Restore’s governing document.

Aside from specialist skills, the successful candidate will need excellent communication skills with great leadership qualities, the ability to confidently lead the Board, promote a collaborative team, deliver the vision of the charity and bring people together.

The successful candidate will need these essential skills:

• Some Board-level or governance-related experience
• Strategic vision and sound independent judgement
• Creative thinking and problem solving
• An understanding of legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
• A commitment to and passion for Restore’s aims and objectives 
• Integrity, objectivity, accountability, honesty and leadership.

Restore has been a fairly diverse board over the years and are still looking for ways to improve. The Board recognises the need to be entirely representative of the community it serves in Oxfordshire and is keen for the board to reflect it. We welcome and encourage adult applicants of all ages, gender, ethnicity, sexuality, sexual orientation, socio-economic background, religion, neurodiversity and lived experience. 

Time Commitments:

You’ll need to be able to:

• Attend quarterly board meetings from 4:30pm to 7pm. 
• Attend the Annual General Meeting (AGM) alongside the CEO once per year.
• The Treasurer will Chair the Finance Sub Committee
• Trustees will join a Sub Committee linked to skill set, in order to get a proper feel for what is going on and contribute to discussion and decision-making.
• Make visits to recovery groups and head office teams to ensure you stay close to the services we are providing
• Correspond by email to discuss items and make decisions between meetings
• Attend other activities/fundraising events. 

Meetings are currently hybrid, where attendance can be in person or online. Restore are aware that people who are working full-time or have family/other responsibilities may not always be able to travel to the meetings in person. It is important that Trustees are able to visit services, attend at least some meetings in person and have a connection with the community to which we deliver services. With this in mind, it’s unlikely that you will be based outside of Oxfordshire and its surrounding counties. 

Tenure:

Trustees can join at any time during the year but are formally appointed at the November AGM for a three-year term at a time which can be extended twice (plus an extra year by agreement).

If you feel you have a passion for mental health and the aims of this charity, we would like to hear from you. For more information, please contact Sandra Smith, Associate Director, Charisma Charity Recruitment. Your application should be submitted through the Charisma website and include your CV and supporting statement.

Closing date: 5 June 2025

Our trustees play a vital role in making sure that Wiltshire Law Centre achieves its core purpose. They oversee the overall management and administration of the charity. They also ensure that Wiltshire Law Centre has a clear strategy and that our work and goals are in line with our vision. Just as importantly, they support and challenge the executive team to enable Wiltshire Law Centre to grow and thrive, and through this, achieve our mission. 

About our charity

Everyone deserves to live their life to the full, with maximum choice and control.  Our purpose is to make that a reality for young people with vision impairment and complex needs.  They face a multitude of barriers because of the combined impact of a vision impairment with other disabilities and support needs.  We enable each person to find their unique pathway towards their very best life, using our specialist expertise and knowledge.

Our charity is now looking to recruit new trustees to help shape this vital work.

Plans to develop our board

We are specifically seeking one or more trustees with a good knowledge and experience of adult social care.  As well as the normal duties of a trustee, you would take a specific interest in our adult care service provision – St Davids House (residential care), Jigsaw (day service) and our Supported Living service.  You would scrutinise the quality and operation of our care services for adults and offer advice and challenge to our staff team as a member of our Adult Care Advisory Committee.  You will liaise closely with the Director of Care and Support.

You may have been a senior manager in an adult care service or have been a commissioning manager within the NHS for people with complex care needs.  You will have a passion for great person-centred care.  Experience of CQC would be an advantage.

The Board meets seven times a year and is also invited to all events and celebrations which is optional.  Trustees are warmly encouraged to attend meetings in person, but if required can attend some meetings online.  Expenses are paid for travel and overnight accommodation can be arranged for those not local to Devon.

Don’t have the time to become a full trustee?

Don’t have the time to become a full trustee?  We also have a role of Advisory Member on all our committees.  Advisors are appointed by the Board.  This role allows us to access knowledge and experience about running a charity, specialist SEND education and adult social care, but you do not have to take on the full role and responsibility of a trustee.  If you would be interested in finding out more about this role, please contact us.

ABOUT SPRINGBOARD

Springboard Youth Academy supports refugee and asylum-seeking young people who have recently arrived in the UK to help them succeed in the classroom and beyond. By combining participatory learning, life skills and holistic support into action-packed weekend, half-term and summer programming, we work to bridge the gap in support for young people left behind by the mainstream school system.

As educators and youth workers with years of experience working to offset the challenges these young people face, we launched a programme that helps young people develop their English language and self-advocacy skills whilst addressing their social and wellbeing needs, preparing them for mainstream education and helping them rebuild their lives in the UK.

We do this by providing interactive and engaging programming that combines English learning, life skills and practical and emotional strategies for young people on their journey to independence and adulthood. 

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

As Springboard’s Youth Academy’s activities and ambitions continue to grow, we are seeking a Secretary to join our existing Board of Trustees. 

We’re looking for people who share our love of high quality and participatory education, as well as our commitment to supporting and platforming displaced young people. We're keen to meet people who can bring skills, knowledge and both professional and lived experience that will help us continue to refine our delivery and grow. 

We are committed to nurturing a board that is representative, diverse and inclusive. We are interested to hear from individuals with experience in governance, as well as those new to Trustee positions. We are particularly encouraging applications from those with personal experience of forced migration and Leaving Care. 

Responsibilities of the Secretary include:

• Organising meetings
• Taking minutes and summarising actions for a team
• Contributing to Charity Commission reporting
• Preparing papers for board meetings
• Convening the Chair and Director to develop meeting agendas
• Assisting with planning Springboard’s annual Away Day 

Qualities: 

• Strategic thinking
• Excellent communication skills
• Confidence and a willingness to speak their mind and ask challenging questions
• Teamwork and collaboration skills
• Understanding of safeguarding and confidentiality
• Understanding of the wider political landcape, abolitionist perspectives and commitment to challenging the hostile environment
• Independent judgment
• Commitment to making meetings inclusive and welcoming to Trustees with all levels of experience
• Advocacy and networking skills to help us build new relationships
• Willingness to offer expertise, skills and personal insight to support us
• Passion for championing work that centres newly arrived young people

TIME COMMITMENT

In line with all charities, Trustees are unpaid volunteers. Trustees must be able to commit to attending quarterly Board meetings and making time to read paperwork in advance of Board meetings. As a small charity, our resources are limited and Trustees are also asked to actively contribute their skills in relevant areas. As a guideline, Trustees must be prepared to offer a minimum of two hours per month to the charity. 

As Secretary, you will be required to spend approximately 1-2 hours prior to each quarterly meeting supporting with preparation. We also require new Trustees to spend one day on site during one of our programmes to get a feel for the work, as well as undertake Trustee and Safeguarding training, within the first three months of starting the role. Board meetings are currently held virtually, and, where possible, are arranged at least two months ahead. On occasion, Trustees will be required to respond by email or phone in relation to issues that arise outside of Board meetings. Travel costs will be covered if they are a barrier. 

Join the EAUC board and make an impact on over 2 million people working in post-16 education, embedding sustainability in everything they do: equipping learners for their lives and shaping society for the better.

This is a unique opportunity for someone to bring a further education leadership perspective to our charity. We are looking for someone who is passionate about sustainability and education.

Position: Trustee and director
Location: Remote within UK and Ireland
Renumeration: Voluntary with reasonable expenses paid
Positions available: One
Closing date: 16th May 2025

The EAUC is the leading body for sustainability in the post-16 education sector in the UK and Republic of Ireland. We've been promoting sustainability in post-16 education for over 20 years. Primarily a membership body, we serve 300 organisations whilst also working to change systems that enable sustainability action. ​We’re both a charity and a company limited by guarantee and are always not-for-profit. ​You can find out more about our vision and values on our website.

Who we’re looking for
The EAUC board has twelve volunteer trustees. One vacancy will arise following the July 2025 AGM.

We seek someone who:

• Is passionate about sustainability and education
• Has insight into the further education or skills sectors
• Has senior leadership experience
• Is committed to our mission, values and social justice principles

We particularly encourage applications from people who are under-represented on our board with regards to age, ethnicity and disability.

We’ve developed a trustee information pack containing full details about the role, what it entails and how to apply as well as more about EAUC, our work and our EDI commitments. Please do consider joining us, or forward this to colleagues and contacts who are well suited to help us achieve our goals.

Job Title: Volunteer Finance Lead
Reporting to: Operational Director
Hours: 10 to 15 hours per month (we can be flexible and work with your schedule)

Willowbrook Farm Charity

Willowbrook Farm Charity exists to create nurturing educational and cultural spaces in the Oxfordshire countryside that are welcoming, inclusive, and accessible to communities who have been historically underrepresented in rural environments — including people from racialised backgrounds, neurodivergent individuals, and young people with diverse learning needs.

In partnership with Willowbrook Farm (www  willowbrookfarm  co  uk), where we host our activities, we aim to build a nationally recognised centre of excellence that supports personal growth, wellbeing, and connection with nature. Through hands-on learning, community building, and cultural exchange, we empower individuals and groups to explore sustainable living, ethical land stewardship, and the transformative potential of nature-based education.

Our Values

Community
We foster a culture of care, connection, and belonging. We create space for people to come together in joy, learning, and mutual support, building relationships rooted in respect and shared purpose.

Stewardship
We honour the land as a living system and recognise that the wellbeing of people and nature are deeply interconnected. We are committed to nurturing the next generation of ethical and responsible stewards — who care for the earth, each other, and future generations.

Equity & Inclusion
We are dedicated to removing barriers so that people of all identities, backgrounds, and abilities can access and participate fully in experiences of farming, countryside living, and sustainability. We celebrate diversity and work to create welcoming spaces where everyone can thrive.

Connection with Nature
We centre our actions on a deep respect for the natural world. We believe in restoring and nurturing the bond between humans and nature, creating a place where both can flourish in harmony.
 

Job description

We are thrilled to welcome a Finance Lead to support our Operational Director and Fundraising Team at a pivotal time for our charity.

After a challenging period of inactivity due to the impacts of Covid, we are excited to embark on a new chapter, as we are ready to restart our activities in 2025 and to develop our projects and create a positive impact in our community.

This is a unique opportunity for those eager to be part of a project evolving from its early stages to the launching of new initiatives. The volunteer will have ample opportunity to learn about charity structure, develop skills within the third sector and grow with the charity.

We are looking for a passionate and articulate person to fill this role.
 

What this position entails

We are looking for a dedicated volunteer who can provide long-term support to our charity as we prepare to relaunch our activities after a period of inactivity post-Covid.

The Volunteer Finance Lead will assist the Fundraising team and the Operational Director in creating budgets, clarifying budget limitations, preparing cash flow forecasts, and ensuring the charity has a comprehensive understanding of operational and project costs to help us secure necessary funding.

Ideal candidates should be genuinely passionate about our mission and values, work well in a team, and be able to communicate financial information clearly to those who may not have a finance background.

As a Finance Lead, your main responsibilities will include:

• Give general financial advice for projects, events and activities strategy.
• Take leadership in preparing cash flow forecasts.
• Clarifying budget limitations.
• Take leadership on producing projected budgets, outlining expected income and expenses for specific periods of the charity lifecycle, helping our charity plan our finances and allocate resources.
• Taking on leadership for producing all events/activities/projects budgets and keeping accurate reporting of post-projects income/expenses records and producing reports to the board of trustees.
• Monitoring the financial health of all our projects.
• Produce general quarterly financial reporting to management and the board of trustees, highlighting points of concern.
• Contributing to decisions regarding financial strategy for our projects.
• Understanding and reporting costs for specific areas: internal staff, delivery staff, running activities etc.
• Able to recommend improvements and implement changes on financial processes and procedures, supporting the operational team to have clarity on our financial health.

What do you need to become our Finance Lead?

Essential:

• 3+ plus experience with accounts/finance
• Fully qualified Accountant or relevant financial qualification.
• Highly experienced with budgets and cost management of projects.
• Numerate, accurate individual with strong Excel, Word, and presentation skills
• Professional approach.
• Experience of working with small teams and communicating financial information clearly to those who may not have a finance background.
• Able to work on own initiative with a conscientious approach, always looking to continuously improve processes and be dedicated to the improvement of our charity's financial processes and procedures.

As a volunteer-led charity, it’s essential for us to find someone who understands the importance of being part of our team and engaging in the growth of the charity. Therefore, we will prioritise applications from volunteers who are committed to a long-term partnership and want to be an integral member of our team.

By getting involved you will gain:

• A chance to expand your skills in charity strategic operations and fundraising.
• This is an excellent opportunity for professionals eager to utilise their talents to address community needs and contribute to reducing inequality.
• Additionally, this is an excellent starting point for those wanting to work in the third sector but lacking the experience.

Location: Fully Remote. But we welcome those who wish to come and visit the farm at least once to understand more about us.

Commitment:

We estimate that you'll need to commit around 10 to 15 hours each month. However, depending on the specific projects/events running, there may be times when you need to invest more time, while other months might require less support. We're looking for a volunteer who is excited to build a long-term partnership with us and can adapt their schedule as needed.

We can be flexible and work with you to find hours that fit ours and your schedule, working out of office hours or weekends - all help is much appreciated!

As a volunteer-led charity, we prioritise volunteers who want to become part of our team of volunteers rather than those looking for a temporary assignment. Therefore, we won’t accept applications from volunteers who cannot commit to at least 5-6 months with us.

How to apply:

Candidates must have the legal right to work in the UK at the time of application.

Please send your CV and cover letter demonstrating your relevant experience and why you would like to get involved with our charity. 

We will be holding interviews starting on the 15th May.

If we find some great candidates, we may close the vacancy earlier than the application deadline mentioned. So don't delay - apply today!

Job Notes:

The volunteer acknowledges their responsibility to perform their tasks diligently and to promptly inform their line manager of any concerns that may arise during their volunteering period. Given the time commitment required for this position, we regret to inform that we cannot provide references for volunteers who serve less than three months with us.

Heartwood House is a dynamic education charity that supports young people who self-exclude from school and are missing education because of bullying or other trauma. They provide both an academic and therapeutic programme to enable their students to get back on track and reconnect with society. Heartwood House has been delivering services in NW London for 20 years.  They have supported many students in their return to mainstream education, further education and employment.  They work with many local authorities such as Harrow, Hillingdon, Hertfordshire, Brent, Ealing, Barnet, Camden and many more.

Heartwood House (based in Harrow) is now looking to strengthen its Board and we are seeking a Company Secretary and named Trustee for Governance and Law – you will bring insight and understanding of charity law, Charity Commission legal regulations, Company Legislation and best practice. 

Trustees have a duty to ensure that the charity is well run, solvent, legally compliant, and working towards the charitable purpose for which it was established, and Trustee roles are an important and a highly rewarding way to support an organisation. Please note that Trustee roles are unremunerated voluntary positions, although reasonable travel expenses will be paid.

Heartwood House is committed to equality of opportunity, supports, and encourages under-represented groups, and values diversity. We seek people from a wide range of backgrounds, who will bring a fresh perspective to the Board, and having reviewed existing Trustee's diversity, skills, and experience, Heartwood House are keen for the Board to reflect the diversity of the communities that they work with and therefore welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Please contact Heidi Earp, Director of Langton Not 4 Profit our retained consultants for further information on the role.

Lay Trustee

Voluntary

20-25 hours per year

3-year term of office (maximum of 2 terms)

Would you like play an important role in supporting our Executive to continuously improve our organisation, to navigate the current financial climate and challenges in higher education, and to maintain excellent services to students (our members)? 

Worcester Students’ Union (WSU) is a registered charity (number 1145192) and a membership organisation, with its primary object being the advancement of education of students at the University of Worcester. The Union aims to achieve this through:

• representing students’ interests and welfare
• being the recognised representative channel between students, the University, and external stakeholders, and by
• providing social, cultural, sporting and recreational activities for students. 

WSU is an unincorporated company with a Board of Trustees comprising of three Officer Trustees (the Full-time, elected Officers), up to four Student Trustees, and up to four Lay Trustees. The Board is responsible for the oversight of the Union’s governance, strategy, and financial sustainability. The post of Lay Trustee has a 3-year term and post holders may serve a maximum of two terms, either consecutively or non-consecutively. 

We pride ourselves on providing a range of excellent services to students, having a strong reputation nationally, and going above and beyond for students to make a difference. As a team, we are determined to constantly evolve with the help of our dynamic and committed staff, who are working to our new Strategic Framework for 2023-28, which you can find on the WSU's website under the About Us section.

This is a very important time for WSU as we manage the challenges posed by the ongoing cost-of-living crisis and the well-documented difficulties being experienced by higher education providers. We must support the needs of a diverse and ever-changing student body across multiple campuses, with less resource and pressure to diversify income streams.  

Students’ Unions are unique organisations where change is the norm and where students are at the heart of strategy and decision-making. They deliver a wide range of services in a passionate, cost-effective, and professional way and are necessarily responsible, vibrant, and fast-paced. Becoming a Trustee of a Union is an excellent way of providing support and guidance whilst gaining personal knowledge and satisfaction. We have an excellent Board and currently have a vacancy for a Trustee with experience of charity/organisational senior management (Director/CEO etc.) and/or business development.

There are 5 full Board meetings per year and, also, 5 meetings of the two Sub Committees of the Board. We estimate that time to attend meetings (we ask that Lay Trustees sit on one Sub Committee), as well as time to prepare and read papers and liaise with the Chief Executive, totals between 20 to 25 hours per year. Meetings are on-line and so we welcome applications from further afield.

WSU recognises the value of difference and is committed to equality of opportunity for all. We welcome applications from individuals regardless of race, colour, ethnic or national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religious belief, age, marital status or disability, or any other individual characteristic or intersectionality of different characteristics.

We want to support a diverse and inclusive environment as we believe it makes a team more effective and are actively looking for people who share our values. You can see our work as an organisation and commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion by visiting the About Us section of the WSU's website.

To maintain our independence from the University of Worcester, and to ensure a balance to the student membership of the Board, we cannot consider applications for the role of external trustee from current registered students of the University of Worcester. Alumni are not eligible to be Trustees until at least five years after graduation. 

To avoid potential conflicts of interest, applications also cannot be considered from individuals who are employees of either the University of Worcester or Worcester Students’ Union.

Testimonial from one of our current Lay Trustees:

"As a Trustee I have been able to share my knowledge of the voluntary sector to support WSU, but it has also been an opportunity for me to develop professionally, through broadening my understanding and learning from others. When I first became a Trustee, I was in a Business Development role, but through the experience I have gained, it has helped me to progress my career, now as a Managing Director of a local VCSE organisation."

How to apply:

• To apply for this position, please follow the link to our website to read through the information pack and obtain the application form for this role.
• The Appointments Panel aim to hold interviews on-line during June 2025, with the aim of the successful candidate being inducted ready to commence their role in September 2025.
• If you would like an informal chat about the role, please contact the Chief Executive, Sophie Williams, via the email provided in the vacancy listing on our website.

Thank you for your time and we very much look forward to hearing from you.

Our existing 12 trustees bring a variety of skills and experiences, such as fundraising, safeguarding, finance and investments and lived RAF experience to the Fund. Your background, skills and experience will further enhance this for the benefit of the RAF Family.

The successful candidates will:

• be aligned to our vision, purpose, key goals and values and be able to demonstrate their commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion;

• be able contribute positively to the Fund in a non-executive capacity, operate strategically, be held accountable and hold others to account;

• be able to build supportive relationships and work as a team. This will involve working collectively with others, supporting collective decision-making, being comfortable in sharing your views and expertise with fellow trustees and the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) trustees whilst still bringing your own ideas, perspectives and experiences to discussions;

• have the ability to analyse and interpret complex information and evidence, demonstrate impartiality, intellectual flexibility and sound judgment;

• have the ability to listen, communicate and influence effectively;

• have the capacity and skill to understand stakeholder priorities; and

• be a collaborative and pragmatic problem-solver and have the ability to adapt and respond to change.

This is an exciting opportunity to get involved as a Finance Trustee in an engaging, decision making role in a charity that inspires and empowers young disabled adults to live fulfilling, independent lives – promoting personal development through the arts.

About the Orpheus Centre

The Orpheus Centre is a charity and college which supports young disabled adults aged 18-25 to learn essential life skills, gain formal qualifications and prepare for future employment.

There are currently 66 students with 21 living on site in Godstone, Surrey. Students come from across the UK and all have a love of the arts.

Started by lyricist and musician Sir Richard Stilgoe, the organisation offers learning, care and development opportunities at the college and in the wider community, working with professional artists, businesses and other charities.

The overall aim is to equip the students with the skills they need to live as independently as possible and to pursue their chosen careers.

Our core values are to be Joyful, Bold, Inclusive, Resilient and Determined. These values are the foundations for all our work and are what the organisation stands for.

Why should you apply?

Orpheus is a vibrant Independent Specialist college for young disabled adults who have a passion for the arts and a desire to live independently. Orpheus believes that disabled people should have the same opportunities as their non-disabled peers.

The Board of Trustees are looking for a new Trustee who is passionate about our vision to empower and equip young disabled people with the skills and confidence they need in order to live independent and fulfilling lives in the community.

Time commitment

The time commitment is between 7 and 12 days per annum, including four Board meetings including the AGM (mainly in person), four committee meetings (mainly virtual), one or two awaydays and ad-hoc attendance.

What will you be doing?

The Board of Trustees is responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of Orpheus, developing the organisation’s aims, objectives and goals in accordance with the governing document and with legal and regulatory guidelines.

The role of the Finance Trustee includes all the above, but with a particular focus on the financial stability and wellbeing of the Orpheus Centre. As a member of that committee, you will play a full and active part in the work of the Finance and HR Committee, and in ensuring that the Board fulfils its responsibilities for the governance of the Orpheus Centre in relation to finance and HR. You will also work closely with the Chief Executive, Director of Finance & Operations and Head of HR (as well as with the Board Chair and the committee Chair) to support them in achieving the aims of the Orpheus Centre in the areas of finance and HR.

Your responsibilities will include:

• monitoring the charity’s financial management, and seeking assurance that ensuring expenditure is in line with Orpheus objects;
• liaising as necessary with the Chair of Trustees, Chair of Finance and HR Committee, Chief Executive, Head of Finance and Head of HR;
• supporting the Finance and HR Committee and Board to monitor Orpheus’ financial viability;
• monitoring the financial processes and procedures for the control of Orpheus’ assets;
• advising on the financial implications of Orpheus’ strategic plan;
• reviewing the annual accounts and, if necessary, liaising with the Orpheus Centre’s external auditors to ensure the accounts are compliant with current SORPs;
• reviewing the auditors' representation letter and monitoring and advising on any necessary remedial measures;
• ensuring that you undertake a thorough induction programme;
• monitoring progress in implementing decisions taken at committee meetings and keeping in close touch with the work of the Finance and HR Departments in general – while always respecting the boundary between the respective roles of executives and non-executives; 
• assessing and monitoring risks relevant to the finance and HR functions of the Orpheus Centre;

and

• monitoring and scrutinising performance data within the Finance and HR Departments.

How to apply

If you wish to apply for this position, please supply the following:

• A detailed CV setting out your career history, with responsibilities and achievements.
• A covering letter (maximum two sides) highlighting your suitability for the role and how you meet the person specification. Please note that the covering letter is an important part of your application.
• Contact details of two professional referees together with a brief statement of their relationship to you and over what period of time they have known you; referees will not be contacted without your prior consent.

If you have any questions or would like to arrange a call to discuss the role, please contact the Orpheus Centre to speak to our Head of HR.

The Orpheus Centre is proud to be a disability confident employer

We have made a positive commitment to employing disabled people. Reasonable adjustments will be made to the recruitment procedure as required in consultation with the applicant to ensure no-one is disadvantaged because of their disability. If a disabled person is selected for a position, reasonable adjustments will be made to the workplace, including premises and equipment, work duties and practices or policies, as appropriate. All disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role as set out in the role profile and person specification will be considered for interview.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we are:

• Challenging attitudes towards disability
• Increasing understanding of disability
• Removing barriers to disabled people and those with long-term health conditions
• Ensuring that disabled people have the opportunities to fulfil their potential and realise their aspiration