Board member volunteer roles in birmingham, warwickshire
A fantastic opportunity has arisen for two trustees to join the Smart Works Birmingham Board of Trustees.
Our Trustees support all aspects of our work, with the aim of providing strategic support, governance and assurance that enables us to continue to deliver our core service and increase the number of women we can support into work by dressing and coaching women for interview and job success.
The time commitment for this voluntary, unpaid role is an average of a 1-2 days a month, with more time given at busy periods of the year. There will be a requirement to attend board meetings, with some trustees also sitting on subcommittees that meet around 4 times a year. In addition, there are events to attend and occasional additional duties to support our wider work.
If you feel you have valuable experience and skills to contribute to the Smart Works Birmingham mission and would like to use your professional experience for good, we would love to hear from you.
Please see the attached job pack for full details of the role and apply via our portal by 3rd July 2025.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
What does a Trustee look like?
Look in the mirror!
Right now, less than 3% of charity Trustees are under 30, 8% are people of colour and 36% are women. We are looking for people from across the UK and are keen to recruit trustees from all nations in the UK.
We value the many skills and experiences that you can bring to the Marine Conservation Society. We are committed to a Board culture that enables everyone to be their authentic selves and to enjoy the Trustee experience.
It’s a critical time for our ocean. There is not a moment to waste. Our goal is to recover the health of our ocean so it can help with healing our climate; to make seas protected in law to be protected in practice; and to stop the tide of plastic that’s getting into our waters. By joining as a Trustee, you will help navigate us through the risks and opportunities that we meet.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion are essential to achieving ocean recovery so everyone can expect to be treated with consideration and respect in an atmosphere without prejudice, discrimination, harassment or violence.
What we’re looking for
We’re looking for people to join our Board with expertise in one or more of the following areas – click on the links for a fuller description:
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Governance/Legal – expected to be a legal professional with experience in charity, company or regulatory law.
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Marine Conservation – knowledge of the marine environment, with policy and/or practical experience of conservation. A network of contacts across the marine sector, particularly with business or government, would be an advantage.
What you can bring to our Board can be just as interesting as where you’ve been working. Ideally, you will have the relevant skills and experience set out in the profile but you should not feel prevented from applying if you do not have experience across all criteria. You do not need to have previous charity trustee experience, but you will need to be comfortable participating at a senior level with complex discussions and the need to be comfortable making pragmatic but key decisions.
We tackle the ocean emergency by working with communities, businesses and governments.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Do you have proven experience in the charity sector, preferably at senior level? Would you like to make a positive, impactful difference to the lives of our vulnerable clients by using your skills?
What will you be doing?
We're looking for passionate and committed people to join our Board of Trustees! Ashford Place is a thriving forty-year old charity based in NW London, making a real difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals. From one-on-one guidance to engaging group activities, we focus on building resilience and improving well-being in our community. As a trustee, you'll help guide our work and ensure we remain strong and sustainable, especially during these challenging times. It’s a chance to be part of something meaningful, shaping our future while helping us continue to provide vital support in London NW2.
What are we looking for?
- Proven experience in the charity sector, preferably at senior level.
- Commitment to, and an enthusiasm for, our mission and values.
- Skills in governance, finance, legal, fundraising, risk management, and/or advocacy.
- Understanding of trustee responsibilities, including financial oversight and strategic planning.
- Collaborative mindset and excellent communication skills.
- Solutions driven
- Available
What difference will you make?
As a valued member of our board, you will play a pivotal role in shaping our vision, steering our strategic direction, and driving the success of our mission. In an increasingly competitive charitable world, your expertise and leadership will be instrumental in ensuring we continue to meet the needs of our community.
As a local charity, a significant proportion of our funding is derived from partnerships with statutory organizations. We are seeking a trustee who can strengthen our engagement within this sector, increasing our meaningful connections and identifying opportunities to secure vital funding. Your efforts will enable us to sustain and expand our impact, ensuring we can continue delivering essential services to those who rely on our work.
Before you apply
Please contact us via Reach with any questions.
Make a real difference to the student movement by joining NUS Charity as a Trustee.
We’re seeking two committed individuals to help provide strategic leadership, oversee our finances, and ensure we continue to support strong and sustainable students’ unions across the UK. As a Trustee, you’ll play a vital role in shaping our direction and championing the value of students’ unions at a national level.
Who We’re Looking For
We want to attract the widest possible pool of talent. Whether or not you’ve previously held a board or committee role, if you bring relevant expertise, lived experience, or a fresh perspective, we’d love to hear from you.
We’re particularly interested in candidates with backgrounds in:
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Financial oversight, audit, or risk management
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Human resources, recruitment, or EDI expertise
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Legal, strategic, or governance experience
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Communications, campaigning, or public affairs knowledge
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Experience in the charity, education, or membership sectors
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A collaborative and values-driven mindset
We are fully committed to equality of opportunity and especially welcome applications from black, Asian, and minority ethnic candidates, who are currently under-represented as committee members and within the voluntary sector more broadly.
Why Volunteer With Us?
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Help shape the student movement and the future of education
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Influence decisions that impact millions of students
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Work alongside experienced, passionate, and values-led colleagues
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Develop your leadership and governance skills
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Make a meaningful contribution to social change
You’ll receive a full induction, ongoing support, and all reasonable expenses covered—including travel and accommodation when needed.
How to Apply
To apply, please send your CV (or a link to your LinkedIn profile) and a short covering letter (max 1 page) outlining your motivation and what you would bring to the role.
Apply by: Thursday 12 June 2025, 12 noon.
If you’d like an informal chat about the roles before applying, we’d love to hear from you.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Please read the attached Trustee Information Pack for more detail
As a Trustee, you will play a crucial role in the governance and strategic oversight of the charity, ensuring that we operate effectively, achieve our mission, and comply with all legal and regulatory requirements. Trustees are collectively responsible for safeguarding the charity’s assets, ensuring they are used exclusively to further our objectives, and overseeing the charity’s financial health, including budgets, financial controls, and reporting. Acting with integrity and in the charity’s best interests is at the heart of the role.
To strengthen our board and support the growth of our charity, we have identified three key areas where additional expertise is needed:
- Marketing
- Legal
- Fundraising
Each of these areas play a vital role in helping us achieve our mission, enhance our impact, and ensure the charity’s sustainability for years to come. In the attached Recruitment Pack, we have outlined individual role profiles for each of these specialisms.
We welcome candidates from diverse professional backgrounds who share our commitment to supporting those affected by Body Dysmorphic Disorder. If your current or previous skills or experience align with any of these profiles, we encourage you to apply and join us in driving meaningful change.
To apply for this role, please submit the following documents:
- An up to date CV outlining your relevant experience and qualifications.
- A cover letter of no more than 800 words indicating which role you are applying to, explaining why you are interested in the Trustee role, what you would bring to the board, and how your skills align with the needs of the charity.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a panel interview. The interview panel will include:
- Dr. Rob Willson (Chair of the Board)
- Dr. Amita Jassi (Vice Chair of the Board)
- Kitty Wallace (Managing Director)
- Gemma Ponting (People & Projects Manager)
Interviews are due to take place week beginning 16th & 23rd June 2025
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
This is an exciting time in our growth as we look to grow our governance systems, build on our successes and ensure we are a radical, dynamic organisation rooted in our anti-racist and anti-oppressive values. We are looking for a new Treasurer for our Trustee board, to join us and help lead and shape the future of the organisation.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
At PAS we believe that everyone has the right to be treated fairly, properly and with respect. Prisoners can be ‘ out of sight, out of mind’, or considered to not be as deserving of good treatment as other people – but not for PAS; our reason for existing is ensuring that prisoners can fully exercise their rights.
It is my privilege to be Chair of Trustees for PAS, I believe that the work we do is fundamental to my belief that we judge our society by the way in which we treat the most vulnerable people. Contrary to popular culture, prisoners are some of the most vulnerable, neglected people in our society, and I am proud to be a part of an organisation that helps to protect them.
My fellow trustees are an impressive group of people, actively engaged with PAS, who energise me whenever I meet with them. However, our numbers have dwindled over the past year, as it can been difficult for people to fit in the demands of being a trustee around their busy lives. We also very sadly lost one of our most long-standing trustees to cancer – he is still sorely missed by us.
If you feel that you could offer your skills and experience, but most importantly your commitment and enthusiasm to our cause, we would be very interested in considering you joining us as a new Trustee.
As a Trustee, you will contribute to the strategic governance of the organisation and the setting and monitoring of overall policy; refine strategic priorities; agree targets and budgets; evaluate organisational performance and help the organisation fundraise.
Meetings take place quarterly in central London in the evening (with some virtual attendance), with additional attendance requested at Awaydays and PAS’s Annual Lecture and debates.
The Board encourages applications from candidates with disabilities or experience of mental health services, as well as black and minority ethnic applicants and ex-prisoners.
PAS does not accept Home Office or Prison Service money as this may affect its independence.
Trustees are volunteers, but travel costs and reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.
The Prisoners’ Advice Service (PAS) is the only independent registered charity dedicated to offering free legal advice and representation to adult prisoners on their rights and prison rules in England and Wales.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are looking for a new Honorary Treasurer for the BPA.
This is a good opportunity for someone who wishes to be part of the financial decision-making process of the BPA and to learn how the organisational side of the BPA functions.
The Hon. Treasurer works closely with the Finance Committee, the Board, the Executive and the General Manager. There is a strong financial team at the BPA. Ideally we are looking for an organized, strategic thinker comfortable with financial planning/budgeting with good teamwork and communication skills
· Currently the finance committee is keeping things going on a month to month basis; however, the Treasurer should be the focal point on the Board to articulate the strategic financial direction of the Society with input based on the priorities of the Society as communicated by the Board. The Treasurer should also represent the Financial Strategy as agreed by the Board to all members of the Society. The Treasurer is supported by the Finance committee.
· Attend Board meetings (3rd Monday of each month – 10 months a year)
· Attend Finance Committee Meetings termly (3 times a year)
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Do you have fundraising, communications, HR, IT or other skills and wish to become a trustee of a pioneering and ambitious charity which funds and develops girls’ education in South Sudan? Friends of Ibba Girls School (FIGS) works to support a girls’ boarding school which provides free high-quality education for over 300 primary and secondary school girls, providing both education and a source of inspiration for the country. Boarding provides safety and security for girls in a country emerging from war. FIGS works closely with Windle Trust International, a highly experienced UK charity which provides the practical support on the ground in South Sudan. FIGS must raise £400-500k each year to keep the school thriving, while longer-term plans are put in place for greater self-sufficiency within the country. The trustees are both strategic and operational, as the charity only has 2 employees (1.5 FTE). Fundraising skills and experience are particularly sought and the trustee will need to be prepared to give about eight hours a week to the work. Communications is also important and needs about four hours a week. HR and IT are both valuable skills but do not have particular time requirements. Applicants with other skills and experience relevant to FIGS are welcome to apply.
Please download the recruitment pack below and visit out website for further information.
Friends of Ibba Girls School, South Sudan aims to improve the opportunity and quality of primary and secondary schooling for marginalised girls.
Teach First is a charity that believes education is the most powerful tool to help a child fulfil their potential. We find and train change-makers to teach in the schools that need them most; we equip school leaders with evidence-led training; we support local teacher training providers; and we plug education leaders into supportive professional networks. We are a movement, working within the classroom and beyond, to bring an end to educational inequality. Because a child’s future shouldn’t depend on their postcode.
Teach First Board of Trustees
Chaired by Dame Vivian Hunt, our Board of Trustees is responsible for the governance of Teach First, ensuring it is run in accordance with our Charity Articles and the law. Our Trustees are all non-executives, who volunteer their time to support our work.
Trustees meet regularly as the Board of Trustees to focus on strategy, performance and assurance and to make decisions in relation to:
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the long-term strategic direction of the Charity, ensuring delivery of its objectives and ongoing public benefit
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the Charity’s financial and other resources, ensuring these are adequate, managed appropriately and that the Charity remains solvent
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implementing policies, controls and activities which will support the Charity’s objectives; and
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compliance with relevant laws and regulation.
Trustee role description
The Board of Trustees is looking to appoint a Trustee with:
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Strategic understanding of the education policy landscape and the research and evidence base needed to drive education system change, with the ability to influence and activate decision-makers.
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Influence and experience in building networks to deliver and scale impact across the sector.
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A commitment to, and experience working towards, Teach First’s charitable mission to end educational inequality.
This Trustee would be expected to:
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attend and participate in regular Board of Trustees meetings (usually four per year, plus an extended meeting to focus on strategy at the beginning of each academic year)
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attend and participate in meetings of the Education Committee (usually four per year), a formal sub-committee of the Board of Trustees, which advises the Board on Teach First’s education strategy and provides assurance to the Board on the quality and impact of the Charity’s educational activities
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provide strategic advice and support to members of the senior management team in a non-Executive capacity
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participate in the recruitment of Executive roles, when necessary, and provide support in hearing appeals from trainees
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declare any interests (financial or otherwise) which give rise to an actual or perceived conflict with the business of the Board.
Board meetings are held in person, either at Teach First’s London office or in a school setting. Sub-committee meetings usually take place online.
The time commitment for this non-remunerated role is approximately one day per month, including preparation for meetings.
In addition to attendance at formal Board and sub-committee meetings, there are opportunities for Trustees to be involved in the day-to-day work of the Charity in support of its objectives e.g. fundraising activity, meeting with supporters, attending events, joining working groups looking at new areas of strategic activity or acting as mentors to senior employees.
Appointments to the Board of Trustees shall be for a period of three years, renewable up to a maximum of nine years served. Most Trustees will serve two three-year terms.
Our governance structure
The Board has three permanent sub-committees, each providing oversight of, and advice on, a defined area of the Charity’s work. Sub-committee membership comprises Trustees, Teach First Ambassadors (alumni of its programmes), and, in some cases, external members, who are co-opted on the basis of their expertise in a particular field.
The Board has an Education Committee, a Finance, Risk and Audit Committee (FRAC), and a Nominations Committee. Nominations Committee is responsible for the composition of the Board and its sub-committees.
If you would like to be considered for this important role at Teach First, please submit a CV and Cover Letter detailing your experience and suitability.
We expect to hold Formal interviews and informal conversations from 30th June – 11th July 2025, with induction beginning in July and August 2025.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are looking for an Education trustee for Lancaster Independent School for Alternative Learning with senior educational experience.
What will you be doing?
We are looking for an Education Trustees who can contribute to the strategic direction of our small independent school based in Lancaster, Ofsted rated "Good"; attending termly Board meetings required by the independent school standards.
The Board meetings are usually on a Friday afternoon and can be attended remotely.
Be the trustee presence on the Education Committee (other members of the committee are senior teaching staff), to provide oversight of the School Improvement plan and report back to the board of Trustees on status; attending bi-termly Education Committee Meetings.
The Education Trustee has line manager responsibility of two members of the school senior leadership team, including annual performance reviews.
At least once per term (3 times per year) the Education trustee will be expected to spend at least half day at school to complete lesson observations of direct report.
We are looking to make prompt appointment to better support our school.
What are we looking for?
Commitment to the ethos and values of the school and a willingness to devote time, enthusiasm and effort to the duties and responsibilities of a Trustee.
Specific professional knowledge and strategic experience in at least one of the following:
▪ Leadership experience within a school
▪ Experience of Independent School Standards
Willingness to attend meetings of the Board and other meetings as required . Willingness to undertake training and participate in evaluation of the Board’s work.
The Charity and schools are committed to safeguarding and promotes the welfare of children and young people, and expects all staff to share this commitment. An enhanced DBS check is required for all successful candidates.
Conduct as a Trustee is underpinned by the seven principles of public life, as identified by the Nolan Committee:
Selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.
What difference will you make?
The opportunity carries the responsibility and purpose of ensuring the future viability of a very special school offering alternative education in the Lancaster area.
The school is not running at optimum capacity and strategic direction and support to broker key relationships to ensure student recruitment is operating in a way which reaches the young people most in need of our support is vital to the overall success of the charity and to open up opportunities for future investment and growth.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
This is an exciting time in our growth as we look to grow our governance systems, build on our successes and ensure we are a radical, dynamic organisation rooted in our anti-racist and anti-oppressive values. We are looking to recruit 2 new trustees. We are looking to diversify the experience and expertise of our Board, and we believe that there are people out there who have knowledge, skills and passion in different areas that will help SWWB. Areas for organisational development include:
· Embedding lived experience expertise into the design, delivery and evaluation of our work
· Developing our campaigning and strategic work
· Building up our social media and comms presence
· Stepping up our fundraising game
If you think you can help with any of these things (or something else), and you are interested in being a trustee, please get in touch, we would love to hear from you!
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are looking for a Finance Trustee to support the Board by providing an oversight of our affairs, ensuring our financial viability and that proper financial records and procedures are maintained.
We are a small CIO with 3 part time staff. Our Finance Trustee will participate in all areas of our governance but take a special interest in the financial strategy and governance. They will use their sound financial skills & experience to support the Board’s understanding & interpretation & to ensure legislative compliance.
Our payroll is outsourced and we have an external investment portfolio manager.
Our current finance trustee has served their term of office & it is now time to look for their successor.
All meetings except our AGM/annual award event are remote. We need you to be available to attend:
2 (evening) Board meetings
1 summer (evening) business meeting
3 Finance subcommittee (evening) meetings
1 in person day Board/AGM/Award event
Fundraising sub committee meetings - frequency tbc these will be held remotely in the evenings
The Finance Trustee will adhere to the role description of a trustee & in addition has the following key responsibilities:
- To support the Board to oversee & to ensure appropriate presentation of budgets, accounts, management accounts and financial statements.
- To ensure appropriate presentation of accounts and records, ensuring that financial resources are spent in accordance with the charity’s policies, good governance, legal & regulatory requirements.
- Liaising, where applicable, with the Chair/ other appropriate members of staff & supporting on financial matters
- Supporting the Board to monitor the financial viability of the charity.
- Creating in conjunction with relevant trustees & staff sound financial processes & procedures for the control of the charity’s assets.
- Advising on the financial implications of the charity’s strategic plan.
- Reviewing the annual accounts &, where applicable, liaising with the charity’s external bookkeeper to ensure the accounts are compliant with the current charities’ SORP.
- Ensuring that sound financial management is maintained & ensuring expenditure is in line with the charity’s objects.
- Authorisation of charity expenditure & banking transactions set up on online bank accounts
- Liaison with the fund manager responsible for the charity’s investment portfolio
- Oversight of payroll, HMRC reporting & operation of auto-enrolment pension scheme for staff
Our mission is to increase the number of midwives and student midwives supported by our sustainably and ethically financed annual awards programme
Thank you for your interest in the role of Chair of the Board of Trustees at Music For Youth (MFY); a national youth music charity that provides life-changing musical experiences for young people aged 25 and under.
Music for Youth brings together over 40,000 young people a year to perform in live music festivals and concerts across the UK. The charity uniquely provides open access to young people, from whatever background or ability, to perform live to audiences: from grass-roots community halls to the Royal Albert Hall. We develop their musicianship, showcasing the richness and diversity of their music through our impactful live performance and development programmes. The wider social and life skills developed by participating in our events benefits all who take part and propels some of the UK's most promising young musicians onto career-changing platforms.
Our vision is to ensure that every young person in the UK can achieve their musical potential by performing the music they love. We believe that music, and the chance to participate in high-quality musical activities, should be open to every young person.
As Chair, you will guide a committed and experienced Board of Trustees, working closely with the CEO and senior leadership team to drive strategic growth, strengthen partnerships, and champion our cause at the highest levels.
This is a crucial time for Music For Youth, as we navigate a changing funding landscape and continue to innovate to reach even more young people.
If you are an experienced leader with a passion for the vision, mission, impact and potential of this unique organisation, we would love to hear from you.
About Us
Who We Are
Music For Youth is a national youth music charity that works with schools, youth groups, music hubs, and community organisations to break down barriers to music-making and showcase the incredible talent of young musicians.
Our Programmes and Impact
Each year, Music For Youth reaches over 40,000 young people across the UK, offering them platforms to develop their musical talents across all music genres, and gain confidence. Many of our alumni have gone on to successful careers in the music industry and beyond.
National Music Festivals and Concerts:
We produce and stage high-quality professional standard live music events (including gigs, concerts, and festivals) for young musicians, both regionally at grass roots level, and at the UK’s most prestigious live music venues.
Young Artist Development:
We nurture and develop young musicians so they can realise their musical potential, by initiating adventurous collaborations, commissioning new music, and providing a robust music mentoring programme.
Creative Skills Development:
We provide skills and training development for young people looking for a career in the creative industries in non-performance and stagecraft roles such as stage management, sound engineering, lighting and digital production skills.
Advocacy for Young Musicians:
We campaign to highlight the brilliance of young musicians.
Our work takes place across the whole of the UK with events in all nine regions of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. This coverage enables us to support and tour the work of other partner organisations so they can reach young people further afield.
For over 50 years, Music for Youth’s annual cycle of regional festivals, local events, a national festival and showcase concerts has made a significant contribution to the music education calendar, bringing together regional providers and young performers, and putting young people’s own achievements into a wider national context:
The Music for Youth Regional Festival is a collection of festivals across the UK aimed to inspire musicians at every level of experience and across every genre of music. This collection of regional festivals forms the UK’s largest festival for young musicians. 30,000 musicians take part every year and many go on to perform again at the Music for Youth National Festival and Music for Youth Proms.
The National Festival is a coming together of musicians, bands and ensembles from across the regions to perform on world-class stages including Symphony Hall, and the CBSO Centre. It is a key date in the Music for Youth calendar, hosted by the city of Birmingham in July. Over 12,000 young musicians aged 4-21 from across the UK take part, featuring all styles, instruments and genres of music.
The Music for Youth Proms takes place at the renowned Royal Albert Hall in London. This two-day showcase celebrates the incredible diversity, talent and creativity of young musicians from all corners of the UK. From orchestral ensembles to choirs, bands, soloists, and more, these talented young performers get the unique opportunity to showcase their skills and share their music with a wider audience.
Staff and Head Office
Given the charity’s national reach, the head office recently relocated from London to Birmingham, now based in CBSO Centre (City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra) close to the city centre. The staff team of seven permanent staff are based across the UK, with hybrid home / office working arrangements.
Board and Governance
There are nine Trustees, each co-opted on to one (or more) subcommittees: the Audit & Risk Committee, Programmes Committee, and Fundraising Committee.
How Music For Youth is Funded
Music For Youth is one of Arts Council England’s National Portfolio Organisations, receiving 42% of its funds from the annual grant of £279,980 in 2023/24. In addition, the charity raises income from fundraising (sponsorship, institutions, individuals) totalling 33% of annual turnover £672,938 in 23/24, with 10.6% from earned income including event ticket sales of £71,785 in 2023/24.
The charity’s turnover in 2023/24 was £672,938, ending the year with reserves of £101,224.
For further information, please see our latest Annual Account and Report here.
The Opportunity
We are excited to be seeking our next Chair of Trustees to lead the organisation, as our current Chair, John Dixon, comes to the end of his term of service.
With an energetic, skilled and focused Executive Team led by Phil Castang MBE - and a highly experienced supportive Board of Trustees bringing their wealth of collective experience spanning leadership in music, education, arts, fundraising and industry - now is an exciting time to join this unique national music charity, as we prepare for the next phase of development.
The Chair of the Board of Trustees will provide strategic leadership and governance to Music For Youth, ensuring the organisation is well-managed, financially sustainable, and delivering on its charitable objectives:
Leadership
- Chairing meetings of the Board and ensuring that it runs effectively, fulfils its duties and carries out resolutions.
- Creating an environment in which all Board members are encouraged to participate and challenge constructively and appropriately.
- Provide clear strategic direction for the charity, working with the CEO and Board to set long-term goals.
- Act as an ambassador for MFY as required, promoting our work and advocating for youth music at national and local levels.
- Support MFY in maintaining strong partnerships with funders, arts organisations, schools, and the wider music sector.
Governance & Compliance
- Lead an engaged and effective Board of Trustees, ensuring good governance and compliance with charity law.
- Manage, support and appraise the performance of the CEO, ensuring they and their senior leadership team have the resources and guidance to deliver MFY’s mission.
- Oversee financial sustainability, risk management, and organisational policies.
Fundraising & Advocacy
- Work with the Board and executive team to develop fundraising strategies, securing income from grants, corporate sponsors, and individual donors.
- Represent MFY at high-profile events, engaging with stakeholders and championing the value of youth music.
What we are looking for
As our new Chair, you will share a commitment to the mission of Music For Youth. While it is not essential to be from a Music or Music Education background, we are looking for someone who has passion for the impact - and potential - of the charity and can demonstrate how their experience can help us navigate the pivotal years ahead.
We are looking for someone who can demonstrate the following:
- Strong leadership and strategic thinking.
- Financial literacy
- High level networking and advocacy skills.
- Knowledge of charity and corporate governance.
- Experience and confidence in managing risk, change and innovation.
- Understanding and awareness of broader social, political and economic issues.
In addition, please let us know if you are able to bring experience, skills or knowledge in one or more of the following beneficial areas.
- Board membership in the not-for-profit sector
- Working in or with organisations and with individuals in the cultural sector
- Working in or with public bodies or national policy makers
The organisation recently undertook a Skills Audit of the Board and identified the following areas where we are looking to continue strengthening the experience. While not essential for the role of Chair, alongside the core skills and experience outlined, we would certainly welcome individuals who may also be able demonstrate experience around:
Digital: to take advantage of the potential for digital transformation
Finance: to provide additional oversight and financial rigor
Fundraising: with income from individuals a future opportunity to explore further
Time Commitment
The Chair can expect to commit the equivalent of 12-15 days per year at - and in prep for - key Trustee meetings, including full Board Meetings held four times a year (at least one in person in Birmingham, where the charity is headquartered). This time also includes regular meetings with the CEO (the majority online), and regular comms with the CEO as required, which may ebb and flow, depending on the time of year. In person meetings are kept to a minimum.
In addition, the Chair would be expected to attend a minimum of two of our: Regional Festivals (March – April), National Festival (Birmingham or elsewhere, early-mid July) and the Youth Proms (London, end of November), to represent the Board and host key stakeholders, including funders. ,
Term
We are looking for someone who can commit to an initial three-year term, which could then be renewed for a second term.
Learn more and apply
If you would like to have an exploratory conversation with the current Chair or Vice Chair about the charity or the role, please contact John Dixon (current Chair).
Application Process
To apply for the role of Chair at Music For Youth, please submit:
- 1. A CV.
- 2. A cover letter (max 2 pages) detailing:
- Why you are interested in this role.
- How your skills and experience align with MFY’s mission.
- What you would bring to the organisation.
Please send your CV and Cover Letter to Phil Castang (CEO) with the subject line: Application for Chair of Music For Youth.
Deadline for Applications: Friday 27th of June at 12pm.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to the Music for Youth National Festival taking place between Thursday 10th to Saturday 12th July in Birmingham. (Please note - this is not a requirement of the application process but a chance for you to see the work of the charity in person).
Interviews: will take place on Wednesday 10th September in Birmingham.
The week before the interview (week commencing 1st September), you will have the opportunity to have an informal conversation with the CEO and other Trustees online. Date to be confirmed.
If you have any access needs or other practical questions - or if you would like to discuss any aspect of the role with the Vice Chairs before applying - please get in contact.
This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Trustees, Committee Co-optees, and Directors
Help Shape the Future of a Leading Disability Charity in Birmingham
Who We Are
Queen Alexandra Charity (QAC), based in Birmingham, supports people with learning difficulties, disabilities and other complex needs through a wide range of life-changing services. These are
- College – Specialist further education for 400+ students with over 450 staff
- Community Services – Outreach, day opportunities, and local support
- Residential Services – Supported living, respite and educational placements
- QAC Enterprises Ltd, our trading subsidiary, which produces accessible format services, All Formats®; owns Sight Village® exhibitions and generates income to support our charitable mission.
Why Join Now?
- QAC is embarking on one of the most ambitious and exciting developments in its history: a major redevelopment of our Birmingham site over the next decade, creating new, inclusive spaces to enable us to support significantly more people with complex needs.
- This is a rare opportunity to be part of a once-in-a-generation transformation. As a trustee, co-optee, or director, you will help shape the future of a well-established, values-led charity with a national reputation.
Opportunities to Get Involved
We are looking for individuals to strengthen our governance and bring expertise, insight and energy to become
- Trustees – Provide strategic oversight across QAC’s charitable activities, with optional involvement in sub-committees and occasional site visits
- Committee Co-optees – Bring your specialist knowledge to one of our governance committees (Audit; Curriculum & Quality; Governance; Resources; Remuneration)
- Directors (QAC Enterprises Ltd) – Join the board of our trading subsidiary, helping it grow sustainably and support the wider charity.
Who We’re Looking For
We welcome expressions of interest from individuals who are passionate about inclusion and want to use their skills to make a real difference.
You don’t need previous board experience—but we are looking for people who can bring real value to our experienced and high-performing executive team. That might include
- Property, estates management, or capital development
- Specialist education and SEND leadership
- Business growth, social enterprise, or trading subsidiary leadership
- Finance or charity accounting
- Governance of strategic planning during periods of organisational change.
We are also keen to hear from those with lived experience of disability, and we are committed to ensuring our Board reflects the diversity of the people we serve.
What We Offer
In return, we offer a structured induction, a supportive and inclusive Board, and the chance to be part of a leadership team helping shape the next decade of QAC. Our Director of Governance is also on hand to support your journey and development.
This is a voluntary role with reasonable expenses covered.
This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.