Board member volunteer roles in milton keynes, buckinghamshire

Rainforest Foundation UK (RFUK) is seeking a dynamic and well-connected professional with experience in fundraising, marketing and relationship building to join its Board of Trustees.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a unique and growing organisation working at the nexus of human rights, rainforests and climate change, and to use your skills and passion to deliver impact for Indigenous Peoples and other local communities on the frontline of the fight against tropical deforestation.

The role of the Board is to provide strategic vision, direction and leadership, to support the financial and operational stability needed to advance RFUK’s mission, and to promote the organisation’s continued effectiveness.

We are looking for a Trustee with experience and skills in one or more of the following areas:

• Philanthropic giving
• Charitable foundation grants
• High net worth giving
• Corporate partnerships and CSR fundraising
• Individual giving and legacies
• Networking and profile raising
• Marketing, PR and communications

JOIN THE BOARD

Are you currently doing great things for the people of Northern England, and can help People’s Powerhouse? 

Download full advert here – Join the board 

Invitation to Apply: Non-Executive Directors for People’s Powerhouse CIC 

The People’s Powerhouse is growing – and we’re seeking values driven, exceptional new Directors to join us on this fascinating journey.  We’re seeking applications from those who may not have considered this type of involvement before. If you have diverse lived experience, deep connections in places and/or with communities, energy, enthusiasm, insight, and an appetite to effect change; we’d be delighted to hear from you. 

In the first instance, we’re particularly looking for individuals with skills, knowledge and experience in finance, income generation and business development, to join the People’s Powerhouse CIC’s active, dynamic, and passionate Board. We’re also interested to hear from people with strong networks and ‘reach’ to support community representation (those traditionally excluded from decision making, young people, diverse communities). 

At People’s Powerhouse CIC, we believe in building a North where everyone’s voice counts. Our mission is to put people at the centre of decision-making, and we know that to succeed, we need strong foundations. That’s why we’re seeking Directors who can help strengthen our financial strategy, guide our business development plans, and ensure robust governance. 

Do any of these sound like you? If so, we’d love to hear your story and see how you could help us grow by: 

1. Helping organisations manage their money. 

1. Finding new ways for a business to thrive and stay healthy. 

1. Exploring different ways to earn and use income. 

1. Keeping an eye on things and making sure risks are managed. 

1. Guiding and collaborating with teams with a clear vision and steady leadership. 

1. Sharing your ‘know how’ in a down-to-earth way. 

Whilst this is a pro-bono opportunity, by joining the Board, you’ll have the opportunity to strategically shape and influence the new mayoral footprint of The Great North, ensuring we have the resilience and resources to bring community voices to the decision-making tables, across the North of England. 

The board currently meets approximately 8 times per year, mainly online and annually for planning purposes for 1-2 hours depending on subject matter. Beyond this, you’d be expected to offer occasional support to the team and attend key events. 

We warmly encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and experience, particularly those who share our commitment to inclusive leadership and believe in the power of community-driven change. 

This is more than a Board role — it’s a chance to be part of something bigger. 

If you have the expertise, the passion, and the vision to support this important work, we’d be delighted to hear from you. 

For an informal conversation with the Chair of People’s Powerhouse, Edna Robinson 

How to apply: 

Please send a CV and a cover letter (max 2 sides of A4) telling us about the following: 

1) What interests you about joining People’s Powerhouse CIC’s board? 

2) What skills, knowledge or experience will you bring and how will this strengthen the work of the company? 

3) What would you like to get from working with People’s Powerhouse CIC? 

Deadline for applications – Midnight on 25th August 2025 

Interview date:  To  be confirmed. 

Join Our Board: Shape the Future of the Climate Movement

Are you passionate about addressing the climate crisis through evidence, advocacy, and global collaboration? We are The Climate Crisis Advisory Group (“CCAG”) - a mission-driven, science-based climate change organization seeking new Board members to strengthen our impact. CCAG is the operating name of Climate Response Limited (“CRL”) a UK company registered with the Charities Commission. You would be a Board member for CRL as the company under which the CCAG brand operates.

CCAG is at the forefront of the climate conversation, guiding public, governmental, and institutional understanding of the crisis. CCAG’s global experts distil complex science into actionable insights, fostering informed decisions that help educate and influence audiences around the world.

CCAG’s strategies come to life through a broad spectrum of activities. For example, CCAG advisors unravel climate complexities through public online discussions, free publicly available in-depth reports, strategic campaigns, and in-person briefings on request.

See our work here: Climate Crisis Advisory Group

What we’re looking for

Our current Board brings deep expertise in leadership, finance, and strategic direction. Now, we’re looking to complement this with specific skills and lived experience—particularly from those who can help amplify our voice, reach new audiences, and deepen our global relevance.

This is a great opportunity for first-time Board members.

We’re especially interested in candidates with experience or skills in:

• Global advocacy in climate or social justice

• Strategic communications or public affairs 

• Fundraising for NGOs, especially from philanthropic donors

• Digital communications, media, and content creation

• Campaigning and public influencing

• Marketing, branding, and public relations

• Experience of working within the Global South or working across cultures and disciplines.

You don’t need prior Board experience—just a commitment to science-based climate action and a willingness to contribute your time, skills, and perspective to help us tackle one of the greatest challenges of our time. 

This is an unremunerated voluntary Trustee role and, like all UK charity trustees, you’ll take on some important responsibilities for overseeing the charity’s work. But you won’t be doing it alone—you’ll be joining a supportive Board with experienced members who will guide you as you learn. 

What’s in it for You?

• The opportunity to be a driving force in the fight against climate change and leave a lasting legacy for future generations.

• Learn leadership and governance skills while contributing to a cause with global significance.

• Connect with other professionals in the environmental and climate sectors.

Your Commitment:

We work remotely and Board meetings are held 3 times a year online. Board members are expected to commit approximately 1 day per month.

How to Apply:

If you are ready to make a meaningful impact on the climate crisis, please send your CV and a brief cover letter outlining why you’re interested in joining the Board of Climate Response Limited by 22nd August 2025. We are also available to answer any questions you might have.

We look forward to hearing from you!

We're a not for profit Community Energy organisation operating in Southwark and Lambeth and has been established by members of the South London community to relieve fuel poverty by providing renewable energy locally. We have been set up as a Community Benefit Society, which means we are a business managed for the benefit of the community. It’s is run by its shareholders, and shareholding is open to everyone.

We were established in 2023 and received grants from four funds (Government, Mayor of London, Southwark Council, Centrica Energy for Tomorrow) and a fuel poverty alleviation contract from Uk Power Networks (Leaving No One Behind) in 2024 to set up our pilot projects. We have two part time paid managers running the fuel poverty activity and the overall programme.

Our pilot projects include a fuel poverty service delivering energy advice and support for those in need and we currently have five trained energy champions who work with us part-time. We are also running feasibility studies for four solar arrays on housing estates and we’re exploring different possible business models. If we can make this work then we will be setting a precedent for a model for renewables on mixed tenure estates and long term financial sustainable fuel poverty alleviation.

At this exciting and pivotal time at the beginning of our journey we are looking for a Treasurer to support our organisation by overseeing the financial affairs.

The Role

The Treasurer will be overseeing the work of Martin, our dedicated Lead Finance Volunteer, who is an accountant working in Government and has been supporting our work for several months. We estimate that the treasurer role will require an average of less than one day a month, including attendance at six board meetings a year and weekly half hour meetings as necessary to be a mentor to Martin. We hold board meetings every other month on Tuesdays 1-2.30pm. The majority of these are held online with occasional in person meetings in Southwark. The Treasurer will also be responsible for holding a general oversight of financial activities and ensuring that we are keeping in line with our financial responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee financial matters to ensure that the organisation is compliant with regulations and good practice
• Support the finance team and other members of the board to ensure that effective financial procedures are in place
• Support the team in maintaining accurate financial records and oversee the year-end and funders financial reporting processes
• Advise on finance related initiatives that could benefit the society and input to strategy
• Support the creation of financial prospectuses for community share offers

Essential Qualities, Skills and Experience

• Chartered accountant with at least three years experience
• Understanding of financial management in organisations
• Ability to communicate financial information in a clear and effective manner
• Interest in renewables, sustainability and Community Energy
• Willingness and ability to work as part of a team and build good relationships
• Willingness to mentor our Lead Finance Volunteer

Desirable Qualities, Skills and Experience

• Experience of Community Energy and/or the renewable energy sector
• Knowledge of social enterprise structures
• Experience of being on the board of a not for profit organisation
• Being a resident of or having a connection to South London

Volunteer Board Member (California Only) – HELPING CHILDREN INC (Remote)

Organization: HELPING CHILDREN INC
Location: Remote (Must reside in California, USA)
Type: Volunteer Position – Board of Directors
Time Commitment: Approx. 4–6 hours/month
Start Date: Immediate

About HELPING CHILDREN INC:
HELPING CHILDREN INC is a nonprofit organization committed to empowering children globally through education, health, and rights-based initiatives. We are a California-registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a growing presence in Sri Lanka, Ukraine, and other regions.

Volunteer Opportunity – Board Member (California Resident Only):
We are seeking a dedicated and reliable Volunteer Board Member who lives in California to join our U.S. Board of Directors and support the operational and legal representation of our organization.

Key Responsibilities:

• Act as an authorized representative of HELPING CHILDREN INC in the State of California.

• Assist with opening and managing a U.S.-based bank account on behalf of the organization.

• Participate in virtual board meetings and strategic planning discussions.

• Sign official documents and complete state/federal filings as needed.

• Provide guidance on compliance and administrative matters relevant to California-based nonprofits.

• Support fundraising and public engagement efforts, when possible.

Qualifications:

• Must be 18 years or older and currently reside in California.

• Familiarity with nonprofit operations or willingness to learn.

• Strong communication and organizational skills.

• Commitment to the mission and values of HELPING CHILDREN INC.

• Ability to represent the organization with professionalism and integrity.

Preferred (not required):

• Experience with nonprofit banking, governance, or legal compliance.

• Background in law, finance, or public administration.

Benefits:

• Opportunity to make a real impact in the lives of children globally.

• Gain nonprofit board leadership experience.

• Receive a letter of recommendation and volunteer certificate upon request.

• Flexible remote work with meaningful purpose.

Winners Group Initiative

Winners Group Initiative works to improve the lives of marginalized youth, women, children, and people living with HIV/AIDS through education, entrepreneurship, and sustainable, community-driven change. Addressing challenges such as poor-quality education, inadequate healthcare, discrimination against marginalized groups, and lack of skills, they run four key programs. Education provides resources and support to 10 local public primary schools, with special focus on girls’ education. Community Development fosters collective action and skills training for employment. Advocacy empowers marginalized voices to influence decisions. Health promotes preventive care, strengthens local facilities, and extends grassroots services—creating lasting, equitable improvements in the community.

Volunteer Board Member

Volunteer Role Description (remote, unpaid)

In their capacity, they will offer guidance to the organization, manage international partnerships, and use they experience to strategize and implement action plans that will assist the organization in meeting its objectives and goals. This is a flexible role only 10 hour per week, there are no monthly meetings unless you request for it to communicate with the organization on your progress. The organization will be sharing with you of all their work through your desired communication mode regularly.

Weekly Time Commitment

10+ hours per week

Duration of Volunteer Role (remote)

6+ months

This is an exciting opportunity to join a charity at the very start and to make a difference in shaping how we move forward.

Who are we looking for?

At present we are working towards being fully operational, over the next year Living Reasons will be looking to ensure that all of our operational activity, whether internally or with people who come in contact with the organisation, are having the best experience they can possibly have and that the work we are carrying out, the campaigns we are focusing on and where we are focusing our time and our money, is relevant and remains so moving forward.

That is where I lived experience board of volunteers comes in. In essence that lived experience board is the driver for all that we do as an organisation and will inform, guide and develop the organisation.

The board is broken in to separate lived experiences which hold focus groups, support groups and communicated with each other to talk about members lived experiences, support each other and feel part of a community, while also using the voice and power of that lived experience to bring about change. The board chooses what information is passed on to the organisation and what is not.

Additionally, to the community aspects of the role, you will also be sent specific materials to share your experiences or take part in research or in new policy discussions or campaign ideas as the organisation evolves.

Additionally, to the specific lived experience groups, the full board can communicate with each other and will have periodic full board meetings that will allow people to share their experiences from various viewpoints, so that cross overs and shared experiences can become strength but can also guide the overall operation of Living Reasons.

For this role, all you need is to have lived experience of mental health conditions, either from a personal viewpoint, or as a supporter/care giver/guardian/family member. There will be two separate groups (one for personal experience and people who are supporting someone – this allows for different conversations to happen).

This role will really drive change, not just in Living Reasons as an organisation, but in society as a whole.

What is the plan?

The person who is starting the charity up is autistic, has ADHD, CPTSD and also multiple physical conditions that effect daily life and is part of the LGBTQ+ community and has faced a lot of issues in life because of these things.

Living Reasons is being created to fix what we think is a challenging situation that is getting harder to achieve every week, month and year in the current economic, political, environmental and societal landscape. It is not easily defined but we hope the charity objects below will help put context to what we want to achieve, what we can say is that below are the issues we are trying to address, how we do this will change as quickly as society does, but the issues we want to tackle are these:

1) Outdated and damaging employment practices

2) Accessibility to services

3) Limited employment, training and education opportunities

4) Lack of support during times of crisis or need

5) Lack of equity and agency for many people in society

6) Institutional discrimination that is not challenged

7) Abuse of the legal system at all levels

8) Abuse of power in government bodies

9) Poor access to healthcare

10)  Unequal treatment of many people in society by large corporations

11)  Assumptions made by wider society based on incorrect, outdated or discriminatory rhetoric that is used in daily life

12)  Outdated company engagement with the public

13)  Lack of support that is not talked about and not being addressed

Our Living Values -

Creativity

1) Imaginative Development (Individual)

2) Instilled Collaboration (Internal)

3) Changing The Status Quo (External)

Prospectivity

1) What Can You Do (Individual)

2) What Can We Do (Internal)

3) What Can They Do (External)

Revolutionary 

1) Inspire With Confidence (Individual)

2) Boundaryless Innovation (Internal)

3) Challenge Traditions (External)

Attentivity

1) Analyse and Redesign (Individual)

2) Rebel and Reform (Internal)

3) Enquire and Reimagine (External)

This is an exciting opportunity to join a charity at the very start and to make a difference in shaping how we move forward.

Who are we looking for?

At present we are working towards being fully operational, over the next year Living Reasons will be looking to ensure that all of our operational activity, whether internally or with people who come in contact with the organisation, are having the best experience they can possibly have and that the work we are carrying out, the campaigns we are focusing on and where we are focusing our time and our money, is relevant and remains so moving forward.

That is where I lived experience board of volunteers comes in. In essence that lived experience board is the driver for all that we do as an organisation and will inform, guide and develop the organisation.

The board is broken in to separate lived experiences which hold focus groups, support groups and communicated with each other to talk about members lived experiences, support each other and feel part of a community, while also using the voice and power of that lived experience to bring about change. The board chooses what information is passed on to the organisation and what is not.

Additionally, to the community aspects of the role, you will also be sent specific materials to share your experiences or take part in research or in new policy discussions or campaign ideas as the organisation evolves.

Additionally, to the specific lived experience groups, the full board can communicate with each other and will have periodic full board meetings that will allow people to share their experiences from various viewpoints, so that cross overs and shared experiences can become strength but can also guide the overall operation of Living Reasons.

For this role, all you need is to have lived experience of autism, ADHD, dyslexia or dyspraxia, either from a personal viewpoint, or as a supporter/care giver/guardian/family member. There will be two separate groups (one for personal experience and people who are supporting someone – this allows for different conversations to happen).

This role will really drive change, not just in Living Reasons as an organisation, but in society as a whole.

What is the plan?

The person who is starting the charity up is autistic, has ADHD, CPTSD and also multiple physical conditions that effect daily life and is part of the LGBTQ+ community and has faced a lot of issues in life because of these things.

Living Reasons is being created to fix what we think is a challenging situation that is getting harder to achieve every week, month and year in the current economic, political, environmental and societal landscape. It is not easily defined but we hope the charity objects below will help put context to what we want to achieve, what we can say is that below are the issues we are trying to address, how we do this will change as quickly as society does, but the issues we want to tackle are these:

1) Outdated and damaging employment practices

2) Accessibility to services

3) Limited employment, training and education opportunities

4) Lack of support during times of crisis or need

5) Lack of equity and agency for many people in society

6) Institutional discrimination that is not challenged

7) Abuse of the legal system at all levels

8) Abuse of power in government bodies

9) Poor access to healthcare

10)  Unequal treatment of many people in society by large corporations

11)  Assumptions made by wider society based on incorrect, outdated or discriminatory rhetoric that is used in daily life

12)  Outdated company engagement with the public

13)  Lack of support that is not talked about and not being addressed

Our Living Values -

Creativity

1) Imaginative Development (Individual)

2) Instilled Collaboration (Internal)

3) Changing The Status Quo (External)

Prospectivity

1) What Can You Do (Individual)

2) What Can We Do (Internal)

3) What Can They Do (External)

Revolutionary 

1) Inspire With Confidence (Individual)

2) Boundaryless Innovation (Internal)

3) Challenge Traditions (External)

Attentivity

1) Analyse and Redesign (Individual)

2) Rebel and Reform (Internal)

3) Enquire and Reimagine (External)

Trustee Role

Become a Trustee for ellenor

ellenor is a charity that provides hospice care to people of all ages living in Dartford, Gravesham, Swanley and Bexley (Children only). To help us provide this specialist hospice care and support, we need amazing people.

This is a fantastic opportunity for business professionals to join ellenor at Board level to influence our strategic direction and support our developments. We are seeking an individual with a legal background with expertise in Charity Law.

As a Trustee you will be responsible for the governance and strategy of ellenor, its financial health and the probity of its activities in accordance with ellenor’s Articles of Association.

People are at the heart of everything we do.

Join us to make a real difference to the patients and families ellenor cares for

This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS clearance. 

To apply please email your CV and a short covering letter toc/o HR. Mr Mac Cheema, Chair of the Board

Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. Therefore, if you are interested, kindly submit your application at your earliest convenience as the vacancy may close prior to the closing date.

At ellenor, we are committed to acknowledging and celebrating our differences, fostering an inclusive environment for all. Join us in building an outstanding and diverse team dedicated to supporting our patients and their families during one of life's most challenging times

Role Description

This is a part-time, unpaid role for a Chair of Trustees for Equilore, a mental health charity located in Croughton, Northamptonshire. The Chair of Trustees will be responsible for collaborating with other board members to guide and support the organisational mission, developing and maintaining policies and procedures, ensuring financial stability and accountability, monitoring and evaluating organizational performance, and participating in fundraising and strategic planning activities, working closely with the Founding Director.

Qualifications

• Experience in governance, strategic planning, and policy development in Charities.
• Financial acumen and understanding of non-profit financial management or fundraising
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and leadership skills
• Commitment to the mission and values of Equilore - Equine Therapy and Learning
• Previous board experience is advantageous
• Background in healthcare, therapy, or equine-related fields is a plus

Time Commitment

• Board meetings: 6 times per year (2–3 hours each, plus prep)
• Regular contact with the Founding Director (monthly check-ins)
• Emails, reviewing documents (budgets, policies, reports)
• Ad hoc support during funding bids, strategic planning, safeguarding issues, or crisis management

Can you support our trust in its innovative approach?  Do you share our values of inclusion, innovation & impact? Are you excited about Educational and Operational Excellence. Could you be an #EMATter? What would it mean for you?

What will you be doing?

EMAT needs a committed and enthusiastic trustee, with experience in holding senior leaders to account whilst sharing their professional experience and expertise.  Our recent skills audit shows our board to have a broad and deep skill base and we are now looking to build upon that with colleagues that have specific interest and or experience in Equality, Diversity & Inclusion and / or Safeguarding. 

Any new governance #EMATters will ideally be local to, or have strong links to Northamptonshire and / or Milton Keynes and will have capacity to attend at least 6 x 2 hour meetings in person at our central office in Grange Park (Hybrid attendance is available when necessary).   We would particularly welcome those that have additional capacity to then attend opportunities throughout the academic year, to really get to know the trust, it's academies and all those that work and learn within them. 

What are we looking for?

We would welcome applications from committed and enthusiastic members of our local community (Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes) who have a passion for education and opportunities for young people.

We are particularly interested in those with lived or professional experience of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion and / or Safeguarding. Previous experience of governance is not a pre-requisite but is welcomed. 

Trustees must be confident to speak within a group and express their opinion and share their expertise.

What difference will you make?

As a member of our board you will support and shape our work and strategic direction, as well as help us achieve our purpose that every child will be the best that they can be. 

In joining a well established and effective board you will contribute to supporting our trust in its innovative approach. We have exciting projects focusing on inclusion and equality, that will benefit from your experience as well as an ongoing cycle of continuing improvement and pursuit of Educational and Operational Excellence. Could you be an #EMATter?  What would it mean for you?

Our trustees have a trust level responsibility but are strongly encouraged to network and interact with our local advisory boards so that they have a strong understanding of each of our academies when discussing and challenging finance, risk, safeguarding, teaching and learning and 'beyond the classroom' services.  

Before you apply

Please express your interest through Reach in the first instance.  We can then have an informal conversation, either in person or on teams about the role, before we ask you to complete an application form and our safer recruitment process. 

Can you bring your skills and experience to support the future of acupuncture?

Collectively, our members provide millions of treatments each year to the UK public. Traditional acupuncture is widely accepted in mainstream medicine and is formally recommended in NICE guidelines such as those for chronic primary pain. For this reason, acupuncture alleviates the suffering of a significant proportion of the UK public and it can do much more.

Your participation on this committee could make all the difference to our members and to the patients that they serve!

The British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) is the largest traditional acupuncture regulating body in the UK and the only body that maintains training and regulatory standards that meet the accreditation standards of the Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care (PSA).

However, for acupuncture to succeed, acupuncturists must be able to meet the significant challenges of maintaining and developing their clinical skills, running a private practice and supporting their own physical and mental health. The BAcC also has a mission to influence government and national healthcare policy to create better opportunities for those of all incomes and backgrounds to have access to acupuncture from trusted practitioners.

The BAcC Membership Services Committee (MSC) was established to aid the organisation to meet the needs of its practising membership. The committee is comprised of both practitioner members and non-practitioner lay representatives. It is chaired by a member of the governing board and supported by the BAcC CEO and staff.

As a lay member of the MSC, you will have the opportunity to make a real difference to the lives and opportunities of practising acupuncturists and in turn enhance the availability, effectiveness and safety of acupuncture to the UK public.  The BAcC is looking for candidates who have an interest and motivation to support acupuncture and acupuncturists and have experience and skills in one or more relevant areas including:

• Delivering value to membership organisations
• Business development and promotion
• Political lobbying and influencing external stakeholders
• Experience of support for UK-based East Asian communities

If you are inspired to be part of this committee, please download the Candidate Pack and submit your CV and covering letter/supporting statement by 5pm on Tuesday 19 August 2025.

This is a recruited position so all applicants will be considered for interview which will take place on Wednesday 27 August 2025 (online by Microsoft Teams).

The Corporate Justice Coalition (CJC) is seeking dynamic, motivated and experienced people who want to add their energy and expertise to pursuing our mission to end corporate abuses of human rights and the environment.

Corporate Justice Coalition’s (CJC) mission is to secure greater protection of human rights and the environment with regard to the global operations of UK corporations, including improved access to justice for those harmed by the activities of UK companies. We work with a diverse range of mainly civil society coalition partners from the fields of global poverty, environmental sustainability and human rights to: change government policies and the law; maintain and strengthen civil society advocacy and campaigning on corporate accountability; develop and promote shared policy solutions; promote public support for the rights of people affected by corporate abuses and solutions to this.

We are looking for two new trustees to join our board. We are looking for a treasurer and another trustee with experience of fundraising in the charity sector.

In addition to the time required to fulfil the responsibilities of any trustee, the role of treasurer would require around 1 additional hour a month.

We are seeking to deepen the diversity of our board and will take that ambition into account when appointing trustees. We would especially like to hear from people with lived experience of the impact of corporate wrongdoing - either overseas or in the UK. In addition, trustee members with experience or skills in running a small charity are always welcomed.

Welcome from Chair

Welcome to Action Duchenne. I became Chair of the Charity in January 2025. By background, I am a retired GP and NHS Leader, and my grandson Sebastian has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

The Charity has been going through a period of significant change, as our previous CEO has moved on and several of our Trustees have retired. It has given us the opportunity to review and refresh our focus and our ways of working together.

We have also recently been awarded significant funding from the National Lottery over the next three years to develop and expand our All Through Support programme. The programme offers tailored support to families over years as they navigate the different challenges Duchenne brings and aims to travel alongside them throughout their journeys. No other statutory or charitable organisation is able to offer this level of support.

We want to expand and develop the Trustee Board to harness a wider set of skills, expertise and experience that will enrich the charity as we go forward. It is an exciting time to join us, and to be part of something that makes a real and tangible difference.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Dr Vicky Pleydell

Background and Direction

Action Duchenne is a charity providing holistic support to those living with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (Duchenne) and their families. Our core activities involve bringing people together to share their experiences and learn from one another, increasing awareness of Duchenne, and bringing together families, Clinicians and pharmaceutical companies to increase understanding of the needs of those living with Duchenne. We provide support for families from the moment of diagnosis through their whole Duchenne journey.

We have been through a period of change and development, and are now looking to expand our Trustee Board with people with the following skills:

• Finance (a Treasurer role is available)

• Charity Governance

• Fundraising

• Legal 

We have recently been awarded significant funding from the National Lottery, which is enabling us to develop and increase the reach of our programmes. 

Trustee Role and Person Specification

The Trustees of Action Duchenne are pivotal roles, providing oversight and ensuring legal compliance. Board members are each expected to actively participate in quarterly meetings, and in turn are expected to dedicate sufficient time to the role.

The Trustees appointed will become Directors of the Company limited by guarantee (no. 04899036) and a Trustee of the registered charity (no. 1101971), and therefore need to be eligible to take on these roles.

All Trustees must 

• ensure that the charity is carrying out its purpose for the public benefit

• Comply with governing documents and the law

• Act in the charity’s best interests

• Manage the charity’s resources responsibly

• Act with reasonable care and skill, and

• Ensure the charity is accountable.

The Trustee role is voluntary and unpaid, but reasonable expenses will be met.

The majority of formal meetings are conducted remotely through emails and conference calls, with bi-annual away days.

Essential Criteria

Applicants must clearly demonstrate:

• A strong commitment to the holistic approach of support

• Relevant skills and experience drawn from a professional background

• A willingness to devote time to the governance of Action Duchenne, including preparing for and attending Board meetings and Away Days

• Emotional intelligence to understand the physical, mental, social and emotional challenges facing those living with Duchenne

• An understanding and acceptance of legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities associated with trusteeship, or the willingness and ability to acquire this

• Strong independent judgement and the ability to constructively challenge ideas on the Board and with the CEO

• Proven ability to work creatively and strategically in a Trustee or Board setting.

• Strong communication and analytical skills

Skills

Action Duchenne is looking for new Board members with a wide range of skills; please note these are a few areas of focus, but we are also looking for general Trustees, so please apply as we are looking to grow the Board in a number of ways.

• Finance experience and skills

• Governance experience and skills developed through time on a Charity Board

• Fundraising experience and expertise, with evidence of success across different income streams

• Legal experience

Lived experience/diversity

The Board currently has a majority of Trustees with lived experience of Duchenne, and therefore in this instance, we are looking for those without personal experience. If there is a reason relating to accessibility or diversity in which you feel you can’t apply for this role, please contact us for a chat before making your application.

Time Commitment

The Trustees currently meet monthly, and aim to move to quarterly meetings. For each meeting, there is an expectation of pre-reading and preparation, and where there is capacity and appropriate expertise, Trustees can advise on their anticipated standards relating to areas of work (safeguarding, fundraising, HR, for example).

The anticipated time commitment is likely to be 4-8 hours a month, with the away days in addition to this.

A trial period of six months is offered, to ensure the fit works for both the new Trustee and the Board, and a maximum term of three years, with the opportunity to be re-elected once, to serve for a total of two terms - six years.

How to apply

If you would like to have a chat about the role first, please contact Vicky Pleydell, Chair, via our website. Please share your CV and a short covering letter (no more than two A4 pages) noting why you would like to be a Trustee of Action Duchenne, how you align with the Charity, and what you feel you can give to the organisation through the Apply button before the closing date.

Closing date for applications

Applications will close on 9am on Tuesday 26th August, with interviews aiming to be held in the week commencing Monday 18th August.