Board member volunteer roles in manchester

Shooting Star Children’s Hospices is a leading children’s hospice charity caring for babies, children and young people with life limiting conditions and their families.  Our bespoke support is free of charge and available 365 days of the year. The supplementary support to our paid staff that our volunteers offer ensures the best experience for our supported families. The hospice recognises and values the unique contribution volunteers make. 

Role Purpose

Shooting Star Children's Hospices is seeking an experienced and dedicated academic with a strong interest in paediatric palliative care, or related field to join our Research Governance Committee as a Volunteer Academic Member. 

This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to the strategic development of research at a research active children’s hospice, to ensure that our research activities meet the highest standards of integrity, ethics and governance.

You will work with the Committee Chair, the Research Fellow, and other committee members to support research that makes a meaningful difference to children with life-limiting conditions and their families as well as bereaved families, including those where a child died unexpectedly. 

Appointment to the Committee will be subject to confirmation by the Shooting Star Children’s Hospices Trustee Board.

Duties and key responsibilities

• Participate in quarterly meetings: Attend and contribute to online committee meetings held four times per year (papers and slide deck will be prepared by the Chair). 
• Review research proposals: Provide expert review of project proposals, contributing to the assurance of ethical and governance standards. 
• Support research oversight: Help ensure that all research complies with regulatory and ethical requirements and reflects best practices. 
• Contribute academic expertise: Share your knowledge and experience to strengthen the quality and impact of the charity’s research portfolio. 
• Promote collaboration: Encourage partnerships between Shooting Star Children’s Hospices and wider academic, clinical, and research communities. 
• Champion good governance: Actively promote equity, transparency, and excellence in research oversight. 

Essential Skills and Experience

• Proven experience in academic research, research governance, and research ethics. 
• Strong academic background in higher education, and health or social care research. 
• In-depth understanding of research compliance frameworks (e.g., GDPR, HRA, UKRIO, Caldicott Guidelines, or equivalent). 
• Ability to evaluate research proposals and provide constructive feedback. 
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills. 
• Confidence using virtual meeting platforms and digital collaboration tools. 

Desirable Attributes

• Academic research background with a track record of publications in the area of paediatric palliative care or related field.
• Previous experience serving on or chairing a research committee or governance board.
• Commitment to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion in research.

Commitment

• Quarterly committee meetings (Approximately 1 hour per meeting).
• Reviewing project proposals (Approximately 1 hour per month).
• Email communication and ad hoc queries (Approximately 1 hour per month).
• 2–3 years in the role would be appreciated for both parties to gain the most out of this experience.
• This is a voluntary role. Reasonable expenses related to attendance and participation will be reimbursed. 

What can I expect from volunteering for Shooting Star Children's Hospices?

• Full training and Induction for the volunteer role.
• To make a valuable and worthwhile contribution to the services we provide
• Ongoing Support from a line manager and the Volunteer Development team.
• Reimbursement of agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our volunteer policy.
• A monthly volunteer newsletter with news about the charity and any ad-hoc volunteering opportunities.
• The possibility to switch volunteer roles if you decide that you would like to try something different.
• An invite to our yearly Volunteer thank you event.
• An opportunity to provide feedback via our feedback forms, surveys and our Volunteer Forum

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.

Join us at this exciting time, to help secure the future of this vital work.

We are running our first fundraising campaign for our first paid member of staff, a Campaigns Manager, to help build a sustainable future for the organisation.

The Treasurer has a key role to play in supporting the team making key decisions as we move the charity forward into the next phase.

About Long Covid SOS:

Long Covid SOS (LCSOS) is a charity set up for the advancement of health and relief of need among people with Long Covid.

“Long Covid” means post-acute Covid-19 syndrome, where symptoms and/or long-term complications occur beyond four weeks from initial infection or symptoms onset to include any post viral illness with a suspected or evidenced link to Covid-19.

LCSOS aims to raise awareness of Long Covid, its treatment, recovery and rehabilitation among health policymakers, healthcare providers and the general public.

To do this we advocate for and make it known to healthcare providers, health policymakers and other relevant policy makers the views and lived experience of members of the general public suffering from or affected by Long Covid. We also support research into the causes, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of Long Covid, and publish results of such research.

Main duties and responsibilities of the Treasurer:

· Advising the Board about its financial duties and responsibilities

· Advising the Board on the approval of budgets, accounts and financial statements

· Advising on the financial implications of LCSOS strategic plans and key assumptions in the annual budget

· Ensuring that all Board members have a clear understanding of the accounts presented at meetings and their implications

· Understanding the accounting procedures and key internal controls to be able to assure the board that the charity’s financial integrity is sound

· Ensuring that a realistic budget is produced which meets the needs of LCSOS and that there is an appropriate reserves policy

· Approving and, where appropriate, advising the Board on unbudgeted expenditure proposals in accordance with LCSOS financial procedures

· Ensuring that full financial records are kept for all transactions

· Ensuring that proper financial procedures and controls are in place to safeguard LCSOS

· Ensuring that money received is only spent on the purposes for which I was given, and, where required, ensuring that reports and accounts demonstrating this are submitted to funders

· Ensuring that accounts are prepared at year-end  in compliance with the Charities SORP (FRS102) and making arrangements for them to be audited or independently examined, as required by the Charity Commission

· Ensuring that annual accounts are submitted to the Charity Commission and/or Registrar of Companies, within the deadlines set

· Liaising with the Chair about financial matters

· Advising the Board on identifying and managing key risks effectively, and maintaining LCSOS’s risk register

· Leading on selecting and implementing a suitable financial accounting system

Personal skills and qualities:

· Commitment to the aim and goals of LCSOS

· Professional financial or accountancy qualifications or equivalent senior financial or accounting experience

· Experience or knowledge of charity finance

· Experience and knowledge of budgets and budgeting processes

· Ability to analyse proposals and anticipate their financial consequences

· Preparedness to make unpopular recommendations to the Board

· Willingness to be available to provide advice and guidance on financial matters

Other Information:

· The Treasurer is a full member of the Trustee Board

· Formal Trustee Board meetings are held online up to six times per year (or as required); Team meetings are held monthly and Trustees are invited to attend

· The Treasurer role requires approximately 2 – 4 hours work per month

· Trustees are appointed for an initial term of three years and can be reappointed

· This is an unpaid position and out of pocket expenses are reimbursed to Trustees

For more information about LCSOS, please visit our website.

Digital Trustee

Main responsibilities 

• Provide thought leadership on the role of digital in Easing Anxieties’ fundraising, marketing, communications, and help build and implement this vision.

• Highlight the opportunities and the risks of digital, in terms of our strategy in general, and in reference to [project name] in particular.

• Translate the risks and opportunities of digital for other trustees, to enable the board as a whole to engage in an informed way.

• Take the lead in evaluating proposals for the future of Easing Anxieties for the board.

• Provide strategic oversight of Easing Anxieties implementation.

• Champion the use of data in board discussions, and in driving the delivery and improvement of marketing/communications.

• Contribute to the work of [sub committee / working party].

• Draw on your networks to support our work.

• Help ensure that the executive / operations teams have the digital capabilities that they need to implement the strategy.

Qualities of a digital trustee

• Successful track record in digital marketing as a media consultant.

• Demonstrable and practical experience of social media dn digital media management..

• Experience of current agile project management practices, open source, cloud platforms and digital services.

• Ability to work as part of a team and willingness to take collective responsibility for the governance of our charity.

• Ability to work at a strategic level whilst understanding the detail and complexities of delivery, and the influencing skills needed to bring staff and stakeholders along with plans.

• Strong communicator – willing and able to help the board understand digital. 

• Ability to analyse risks and opportunities, and take a balanced approach to both.

• Extensive networks, and a willingness to draw on contacts as appropriate.

• Long-term commitment to Easing Anxieites..

In addition to the above, the Digital trustee has the same responsibilities and qualities as all trustees:

Responsibilities of all trustees

• Support and provide advice on [charity name]’s purpose, vision, goals and activities. 

• Approve operational strategies and policies, and monitor and evaluate their implementation.

• Oversee Easing Anxieites’ financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress. 

• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.

• Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively.

• Review and approve [charity name]’s financial statements.

• Provide support and challenge to [charity name]’s CEO in the exercise of their delegated authority and affairs.

• Keep abreast of changes in [charity name]’s operating environment.

•  Contribute to regular reviews of [charity name]’s own governance.

• Attend Board meetings, adequately prepared to contribute to  discussions.

• Use independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect Easing Anxieites’ interests, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or any third party  interests.

• Contribute to the broader promotion of [charity name]’s objects, aims and reputation by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts.

 Essential qualities and attributes of all trustees

• Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as  trustees and to act in the best interests of the organisation.

• Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member.

• Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion. 

• A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.

• Enthusiasm for our vision and mission.

• Willingness to lead according to our values Easing Anxieites. 

• Commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership

Terms of appointment

Terms of office

• Trustees are appointed for a [2] year term of office, renewal for [2] further terms to a maximum of [10] years.

• This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

Time commitment

• Attending [4] Board meetings annually. Currently meetings are held remotely.

• You will be a member of a sub-committee which will meet [6] times in a year.

Would you like to use your skills and experience in organisational finance and strategy to help some of the most vulnerable children in the UK? And to help a small user-led charity that has become reputationally successful and punches way above its weight to grow sustainably, yet at speed, into its next iteration and be able to serve more families?

Founded in June 2020 , The Belay Foundation was created to fill an urgent need for practical ‘in-home’ support to families whose children have previously been in local authority care. We were awarded charity registration in December 2020 and were soon working with families and Local Authorities across the UK. Our main areas of focus are: finding, training and supporting people who can offer trauma-responsive childcare and respite; disability benefits advice to families and young people; training professionals and parents to understand and respond to the impact of early-life trauma. 

Currently, The Belay Foundation has an income of £120k and has supported over 400 families. Feedback from those families is very positive and reflects the change from crisis to coping. We are currently conducting a major review of our services and business model to enable us to relaunch services which can be scaled to the next level and respond to an ever-expanding need. This review is being led by our new CEO, Libby McVeigh, who looks forward to working with our new Treasurer to ensure that our financial systems and processes match our ambition.

Role Description

As a trustee you will:

• Meet regularly (mostly online and in the evening) with the other trustees to shape, drive and monitor the charity’s strategy
• Scrutinise the proper management and administration of the charity
• Champion the charity’s core values
• Help develop the financial sustainability of the charity
• Consider further service delivery in line with the charity’s aims
• Promote the work of the charity and develop contacts externally

As Treasurer you will:

• Support the development of operational financial processes, working creatively and supportively with the CEO and Chair to choose the right financial frameworks and tools for our needs
• Present financial reports to the board so all trustees understand the charity’s financial position
• Advise the board on how to carry out its financial responsibilities
• Oversee the preparation and scrutiny of annual accounts

Person specification

Essential:

• Qualified accountant (ICAEW, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA) or experienced senior finance professional
• Some experience of charity finance and fundraising, with an understanding of core accounting principles and charity reporting requirements
• Excellent financial acumen, with the ability to present financial information clearly to non-finance trustees
• Ability to scrutinise financial processes and budgets, and a willingness and ability to support with operational financial tasks
• An interest in good governance and strategy
• Experience of providing oversight of operations in an organisation
• Excellent communication skills
• Collaborative, enthusiastic and empathetic
• Able to offer 6+ hours per month in Trustee and other meetings and in small group/1:1 support; and attend one in-person away day each year.

Preferable but not essential: 

• Experience of a trustee role
• Personal or professional interest in adoption, special guardianship and/or kinship care
• Experience in supporting the growth of a small organisation from its origins to its next stage 

In accordance with our commitment to equal opportunities and improving the diversity of our Board, we 
particularly welcome applications from people from Black, Asian, and other minority ethnic backgrounds, 
who are currently under-represented in our governance structure.

Click on the 'How to Apply' link for more information, including on how to apply by the deadline of midnight on Sunday 9th November. 

The Operations Lead will play a vital role in ensuring the smooth running of Path to Prosper’s activities. As Operations Lead, you will lead in various administrative, logistical, and operational tasks, enabling the CEO, Board and Operations Team to maximise the charities impact. This position is ideal for someone with strong organisational skills and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

As a BGEN Trustee, you’ll:

• Share your passion for plant and nature education on a national and international stage
• Be part of a friendly, supportive team shaping BGEN’s future
• Build experience in governance, strategy, fundraising and leadership
• Expand your professional network across cultural, heritage and environmental sectors
• Develop your own skills in decision-making, communication, and strategic planning

As a BGEN Trustee, you will be an active member of the Board and join a workstream.

Key responsibilities include:

• Provide strategic leadership and support the development of BGEN’s priorities
• Ensure compliance with relevant regulations and governing documents
• Monitor financial performance, working with the Treasurer
• Help identify and manage organisational risks
• Contribute to effective, transparent decision-making in the best interests of BGEN
• Support record-keeping and communication with the BGEN Coordinator
• Collaborate with fellow Trustees across workstreams

The Maritime Archaeology Sea Trust is seeking a new trustee to support our exceptional Board of existing trustees.

About Us

MAST is a registered UK charity, founded in 2011 by maritime archaeologist and author Jessica Berry, to address the gulf in the way our maritime Underwater Cultural Heritage is protected in contrast to land-based archaeology. We are considered the foremost maritime archaeological organisation in the UK, providing full-cycle maritime archaeological services, from discovery, recording, excavation and conservation of the artefacts for the public to enjoy and understand. We exist to fill a long overdue void in our understanding of our nation’s rich maritime heritage, to ensure that there is a sustainable future for such sites, through archaeology, research, study and dissemination. 

MAST is accredited to the Governing Bodies of the UNESCO Convention on Underwater Cultural Heritage 2001.

Desired skills and experience

• Strategic and business development
• Familiarity with the management of large projects
• Leadership skills, commercial acumen and integrity
• Willing to work closely with our fundraiser
• Has a strong network of business associates and the ability to build relationships with organisations and potential donors including high net worth individuals
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to represent MAST to government bodies, the public, stakeholders, and other organisations
• Previous experience of being a trustee is not necessary, but an understanding of the charity and voluntary sector will be an advantage

The role

• To work with fellow Board members to build on MAST’s reputational standing nationally and internationally, and to assist in fundraising for MAST’s Centre of Excellence in Maritime Archaeology and ongoing work
• To play a pivotal role in raising MAST’s profile and defining our long term future 

Trustee role description  

About IMIX 

Immigration is one of the key debates within UK politics and the media. IMIX is working to ensure that debate includes the voices of migrants and those who support them.

Our vision is for a society that welcomes people who move to the UK and understands the different journeys—through migration or displacement—that bring them here. A society that recognises how overlapping injustices shape those journeys, and where everyone can belong, be treated fairly, and live well together. 

Our mission is to use our media and communications expertise to ensure the voices and stories of migrants and refugees help shape how migration is understood and discussed in the UK. 

We do this by working with people who have lived experience of the immigration system, the organisations that support them, and the journalists who shape public opinion—always recognising the inequalities and barriers that affect whose voices are heard. 

We have a new strategy to 2030, which sets out the role that we play in the migration sector, and our ambitions for the years ahead. These are to:

1. ensure that more people with lived experience of migration have the skills and confidence to communicate effectively in the media. 

1. ensure that more organisations working to support migrants and refugees develop their media communication skills and capacity to tell the human story of migration.

1. work with journalists and media teams to significantly increase the level of positive migrant and refugee stories reported in the UK media, designed to increase empathy and understanding of the issues experienced by migrants and refugees. 

To strengthen our governance for this new strategic period, we’re recruiting four new Trustees.

Here’s what our current Trustees say about being part of IMIX: 

“It has been a privilege to support IMiX as part of the board. I have enjoyed seeing the organisation progress. A small but hugely passionate and effective team doing work that is more important than ever. IMiX has proved itself invaluable to the sector and whoever joins the board next will have important work to do to continue to strengthen IMiX at this crucial time for the debate on immigrants and refugees. This role offers the opportunity to help spread a reasoned narrative on a hot topic political issue that badly needs balance.”  Shazia Ejaz 

“It’s truly been a privilege to serve on the Board and to be part of such an inspiring organisation. I’ve learned so much from this experience.” Zain Hafeez 

“To an increasingly challenging public conversation about migration, IMiX brings calm expertise and evidence, positive messages and life-changing stories that change people's minds. It's a really important role to play, and the Board of Trustees make this possible by steering the strategy of the organisation and ensuring the staff and volunteers can deliver their work in a safe and supportive environment.  Our Trustees are a strong and committed group of people and it's a pleasure and privilege to work with them.”  Geraldine Blake (Chair) 

The Duties of a Trustee 

Trustees have overall control of a charity and are responsible for making sure it’s doing what it was set up to do, keeping the organisation on track and running effectively.

The IMIX Board meets four times a year to discuss with the Chief Executive and the team a wide range of issues. Our shared duties are to:

Strategy  

• Support the implementation of IMIX’s vision, mission, values and strategy.

• Approve activities that deliver the strategic goals, along with operational policies, and monitor and evaluate their implementation.

• Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively. 

Finance and Resources 

• Ensure the strategy is resourced by overseeing IMIX’s financial plans and budgets.

• Support and participate in fundraising and income generation activities

• Review and approve IMIX’s annual financial statements. 

IMIX Team  

• Provide support and challenge to IMIX’s Chief Executive

• Ensure that structures are in place that safeguard the well-being of IMIX’s team including volunteers and ambassadors.

• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation. 

External 

• Act as a champion of IMIX, promoting IMIX’s aims and reputation by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts whilst also ensuring that IMIX plays an appropriate role in the wider migration sector.

• Act as an ambassador for IMIX, attending events and relevant meetings.

• Bring intelligence to the Board on changes in IMIX’s operating environment.

General 

• Contribute to regular reviews of IMIX’s own governance.

• Attend Board meetings, coming prepared to contribute to discussions. 

Being a trustee means making decisions that will impact on the services and support that IMIX delivers and making a difference to the debate on migration.

What we’re looking for 

We are looking for people to join our Board who have either or both of the following:

Lived experience of migration or asylum  

More than half of our Board of Trustees have lived experience of migration, ranging from arriving as a refugee, growing up in the UK without settled status, moving to the UK from Europe, or being British but born outside of the UK.

It is important to us that people with lived experience are leading the governance of the organisation, as well as being involved across our projects, through Advisory Groups and Ambassador programmes. We recognise that diverse perspectives strengthen governance and decision-making, and we seek to continue broadening the range of backgrounds and experiences represented on our board.

Professional skills  

We’re particularly looking for experience in one or more of the following areas: 

• Media and Journalism 

• Digital

• Fundraising and/or income generation  

• Legal and financial oversight for charities

• Public sector/local authority experience, in particular regional links beyond London

Personal attributes 

All our Trustees need to have:

• A commitment to IMIX and its values

• The ability to analyse information and understand the implications and opportunities 

• Sound, independent judgement, and a willingness to speak your mind 

• A willingness and ability to devote the necessary time and effort 

• An understanding of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship 

• An ability to work collectively and effectively on a Board

What’s the commitment?  

The Trustee term is three years, with an option to renew for a second term.

We have quarterly board meetings which take place online, with at one in person away day each year in London.  We also have two sub-committees, one on People and HR, and the other on Finances and Funding, which meet in the month before a Board meeting.

How will we support you?  

We’ll provide a full induction to the work of IMIX, and opportunities for you to understand what we do and how.

The Chair and Chief Executive will support you to settle in, and there is an annual one-to-one with the Chair for you to reflect on your learning and your experience of being on the Board.

We can also provide training and opportunities for you to develop your governance skills and particularly welcome people who may be new to governance roles. 

What difference will you make? 

IMIX is at the heart of the UK’s migration debate.  By 2030, we want to see a shift—not just in media coverage, but in the national conversation. Migration will no longer be framed as a problem to be managed, but as part of who we are as a society. Public understanding will be more empathetic, informed and connected to lived experience. People who move will be seen as neighbours, colleagues, carers and community members—not strangers. 

We believe this future is possible. It will be built through shared values, solidarity across communities, and powerful storytelling that reflects the full complexity of people’s lives. At its heart will be the principle that migration is not a threat but a vital part of a healthy, connected society.

At a time when the rise of the far right is fuelling hostility and fear around migration, our work has never been more urgent. IMIX stands with partners across the migration sector to counter divisive narratives and strengthen solidarity. As a Trustee, you will help us ensure that truth, empathy and shared humanity remain at the centre of the national conversation. 

IMIX will continue to play its role—supporting the sector, amplifying migrant voices, and changing the story. As a Trustee of IMIX, you will help us to deliver this future.

We are seeking a Director and Chair of Trustees Designate to help shape the future direction of our organisation. We are looking for an individual with proven senior leadership experience - ideally, though not necessarily, within the third sector - who can bring strong strategic thinking, sound judgement, and a collaborative leadership style.

Make a difference in Kent by joining our team of trustees!

Kent Community Foundation (KCF) is looking for individuals to join our Board of Trustees who have a real passion for our county and want to make a demonstrable difference to the lives of people in our communities.

KCF is a professional grant-maker and local philanthropy advisor for Kent and Medway. We have been established for 24 years; distributing more than £60 million in grants to voluntary sector organisations across the county; supporting small charities to be sustainable and successful, and helping major donors maximise the impact of their donations.

Trustees are the volunteers who lead charities and decide how they are run; setting strategic plans, monitoring the performance, impact and sustainability of the charity and overseeing its governance. People of any age and background can be a trustee, and we're looking for people with specific experience to help us support communities in Kent. We are particularly interested in applications from people who are typically under-represented on trustee boards.

We have a comprehensive trustee induction programme, so if you have never been a trustee or on a board before, we will ensure you have all the knowledge and support you need.

Trustee: Desirable skills

We are looking for applicants to have one or more of the following:

· Lived experience of the communities we work with and the issues which arise in our county

· Experience of grant making; either as a philanthropist, grant maker or grant applicant

· Experience in working with or within social enterprises

· Experience in communications and PR

· A background in socio/economics, or connections with education in that field

· Knowledge of, and experience in promoting diversity, equality and inclusion

· Professional experience or active interest in technology, digital communications and AI

· Long term connections and networks with any of our stakeholder groups in Kent; such as philanthropists, businesses  owners, key voluntary sector influencers

We hope to recruit up to three new trustees with different experience to offer, who can give some of their time and expertise to help KCF continue to grow and develop. We have four in-person Board meetings a year, and trustees also sit on at least one of our sub-committees, which meet two to four times a year (often remotely). There are also occasional events trustees are invited to attend to promote and engage with our work.

Trustee (Voluntary Role)

Location: Nationwide

Department: Volunteer Roles

Salary: Volunteer Role

Job Type: Part time

Contract Type: Permanent

Guide Shannon Trust’s next chapter – Become a trustee

Do you believe that everyone, no matter their circumstances, deserves the chance to learn to read and improve their numeracy skills?

Currently, 65% of people in prison can’t read, or struggle to. Even more struggle with numeracy.

At Shannon Trust, we believe everyone deserves the chance to learn. Over recent years, we’ve made significant progress – expanding our programmes, growing our team, and reaching more people than ever before. Now, we’re looking for new Trustees to join our board and help guide the next phase of our journey.

As a Trustee, you’ll work as part of a passionate board of 14 non-executive members, helping to shape our strategic direction and ensure strong governance. You’ll be involved in setting priorities, monitoring progress, overseeing finances, and ensuring we meet our legal and regulatory obligations. Trustees also play an important role in supporting and constructively challenging senior staff and acting as ambassadors for Shannon Trust.

This is a voluntary position, typically requiring around four to ten days per year. This is an unpaid role, though reasonable travel and other expenses are reimbursed.

You don’t need previous trustee experience — we’ll provide training and ongoing support to help you thrive in the role.

We’d particularly welcome applications from people with experience in:

• Governance, regulation, or legal practice
• Digital strategy
• Marketing, communications, and brand development
• Fundraising
• Board-level financial management
• HR and organisational development
• Education and learning practice
• Leadership across the public, private or charity sectors
• Government relations
• Equality, diversity, inclusion and belonging

We’re also keen to hear from people with lived experience relevant to our mission – for example, learning to read later in life or having personal experience of the criminal justice system.

What we offer:

• Full induction and ongoing training
• Regular support to help you get the most from your role
• Reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses
• The opportunity to make a difference to people’s lives through supporting them to learn

If you share our dedication to supporting people with literacy, numeracy and personal transformation, we’d love to hear from you. Please see our recruitment pack for further details.

Vacancy closes 31 October 2025

Benefits: Induction training and ongoing training to support and develop you in your volunteer role; ongoing support and quarterly reviews to gain the most from your volunteering experience; flexible volunteering opportunities, subject to the requirements of your role; reasonable, out of pocket, volunteering expenses are reimbursed.

REF-224 530

Home-Start Suffolk is seeking an exceptional individual to join our Board of Trustees as Vice Chair.
This is a unique opportunity to play a key leadership role in a well-established and growing charity that
supports families across Suffolk. As Vice Chair, you will work closely with the Chair, CEO and wider Board to
help shape our strategic direction, support strong governance and ensure we continue to meet the needs of
families in our communities.

We are specifically looking for someone with charity governance experience. You will bring a solid
understanding of how effective boards operate and feel confident supporting other trustees, offering
constructive challenge and helping to ensure the charity meets its legal and strategic responsibilities.
This Vice Chair role is part of our wider trustee recruitment and we welcome applicants who bring any of the
following:

• Experience or knowledge of the local charity or voluntary sector
• Understanding of family support or volunteer management
• Strong networks and connections within local businesses
• Previous involvement with Home-Start Suffolk as a volunteer or someone who has received support
• A passion for making a difference in your community

Interested?
We would love to hear from you. more information and a candidate pack can be found on our website.

Closing date: This is an open and rolling recruitment
Interviews: Held as applications are received
 

Would you like to use your skills and experience to help some of the most vulnerable children in the UK? And to help a small user-led charity that has become reputationally successful and punches way above its weight to grow sustainably, yet at speed, into its next iteration and be able to serve more families?

Founded in June 2020, The Belay Foundation was created to fill an urgent need for practical ‘in-home’ support to families whose children have previously been in local authority care. We were awarded charity registration in December 2020 and were soon working with families and Local Authorities across the UK. Our main areas of focus are: finding, training and supporting people who can offer trauma-responsive childcare and respite; disability benefits advice to families and young people; training professionals and parents to understand and respond to the impact of early-life trauma. 

Currently, The Belay Foundation has an income of £120k and has supported over 400 families. Feedback from those families is very positive and reflects the change from crisis to coping. We are currently conducting a major review of our services and business model to enable us to relaunch services which can be scaled to the next level and respond to an ever-expanding need. This review is being led by our new CEO, Libby McVeigh, who looks forward to working with our new Trustees to ensure that our strategy, systems and processes match our ambition.

Role Description

As a trustee you will:

• Meet regularly (mostly online and in the evening) with the other trustees to shape, drive and monitor the charity’s strategy
• Scrutinise the proper management and administration of the charity
• Champion the charity’s core values
• Help develop the financial sustainability of the charity
• Consider further service delivery in line with the charity’s aims
• Promote the work of the charity and develop contacts externally

Person specification

Essential:

• An interest in good governance and strategy
• Ability to scrutinise organisational systems and outputs, and a willingness and ability to support with operational tasks.
• Experience of providing oversight of operations in an organisation
• Excellent communication skills
• Collaborative, enthusiastic and empathetic
• Able to offer 4+ hours per month in Trustee and other meetings and in small group/1:1 support; and attend one in-person away day each year.

Preferable but not essential: 

• Experience of a trustee role
• Personal or professional interest in adoption, special guardianship and/or kinship care
• Experience in supporting the growth of a small organisation from its origins to its next stage 

In accordance with our commitment to equal opportunities and improving the diversity of our Board, we particularly  welcome applications from people from Black, Asian, and other minority ethnic backgrounds, who are currently under-represented in our governance structure.

Click on the 'How to Apply' link for more information, including on how to apply by the deadline of midnight on Sunday 9th November

We’re looking for a motivated finance professional to join our Trustee Board as Treasurer, provide us with financial strategic direction and help us maintain our long-term sustainability

Working closely with our Chair and Chief Officer, your key responsibilities will include:

• Keeping the Board informed about its financial duties and responsibilities

• Guiding and advising the Board in the approval of budgets, accounts and financial statements

• Chairing the Board’s Finance Sub-Committee

• Reviewing the quarterly and year end accounts produced by our Administrator

• Presenting the year end accounts at the Annual General Meeting

• Ensuring that proper financial procedures and controls are in place to safeguard the charity’s resources

• Ensuring that the charity has appropriate reserves and investment policies

You don’t need to have been a trustee before, but you’ll need to:

• have recognised professional financial qualifications or experience

• ideally, have some knowledge or experience of charity finances

• be familiar with Quickbooks accounting systems and spreadsheets

• have the skills to analyse proposals and examine their financial consequences

• be able to explain complex financial information in an accessible way

• be able to exercise good independent judgment and if necessary to make difficult recommendations

• work effectively as part of a team

• have the time and flexibility to respond to the demands of the charity

• be willing to learn about and follow the Citizens Advice aims, principles and policies, including confidentiality, equality and data protection

• represent Citizens Advice professionally at all times

If you are interested in joining our successful and expanding service, as we continue to meet the advice needs of the diverse communities we serve, we would love to hear from you.