Board member volunteer roles

The Board of Aston Community Education Trust, comprising 12 schools primarily centred in Sheffield, is recruiting up to four new Trustees possessing a range of skills – including finance, risk and audit; marketing; safeguarding, curriculum and standards; and legal/procurement. The Trust supports 5,000 young people and has an annual budget of c.£40 million.

Aston Community Education Trust (ACET) operates 12 schools, primarily based in Sheffield, with offices in Holderness. Established in 2011, ACET was an early adopter of the Multi-Academy Trust (MAT) model. The Trust includes nine primary academies—most of which received ‘Good’ or better ratings in their latest Ofsted inspections—and three secondary academies. Of the secondaries, one is rated ‘Good’ while the other two are judged as ‘Requiring Improvement,’ though both are progressing well according to Ofsted monitoring.

ACET runs an Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) unit at Thurcroft Juniors, which has been rated ‘Outstanding’. From September 2025, all junior schools within the Trust will transition to full primary schools, expanding their intake to include Reception and Key Stage 1 pupils. ACET is a well-established, medium-sized Trust known for its robust leadership and transparent governance, with regular audits and Ofsted reviews publicly shared online. The Trust is firmly embedded in the urban heart of South Yorkshire.

ACET operates under clearly defined Articles of Association and a revised Scheme of Delegation that guides its governance. It maintains strong working relationships with Sheffield, Rotherham, and Derbyshire local authorities. The Trust actively engages with DfE-funded English and Maths Hubs for curriculum and teacher training support.

Its secondary academies collaborate with Wales High School in Rotherham, and all schools participate in teacher training placements for PGCE and QTS qualifications through partnerships with Sheffield Hallam University and the University of Sheffield. The primary schools benefit from a collaborative hub model, with professional development and leadership training available across all academies.

Currently, ACET is not seeking immediate expansion in terms of adding new schools to the Trust. The strategic focus is rather on converting its junior schools into full primary settings and strengthening outcomes across its secondary phase. The CEO’s senior leadership team includes a range of school improvement professionals working across both phases, supporting leaders with inspections and improving educational outcomes.

The Trust serves approximately 5,000 pupils and employs around 750 staff. Its academies serve a diverse demographic, predominantly from lower socio-economic areas of Sheffield. Two schools—Listerdale and Waverley Primary Academies—have more balanced socio-economic intakes. A defining characteristic of the Trust is its focus on supporting disadvantaged communities, including families with intergenerational unemployment. The Trust leadership is deeply committed to using education as a transformative tool and views ACET as a central community anchor.

Financially, ACET’s 2023/24 outturn aligned with expectations. All academies operated within their original budgets, and the Trust maintained an annual income of approximately £40 million. The 2023/24 external audit report confirmed ACET’s compliance and effective management of DfE funding. The Trust holds reserves in line with DfE recommendations, indicating prudent financial stewardship. Nonetheless, like many Trusts serving disadvantaged populations, ACET faces growing budgetary pressures. High SEND (Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities) needs and poor attendance rates among secondary students are particularly impactful on financial and academic performance.

The Trust’s Requirements

ACET’s Trust Board currently comprises eight Trustees, though several retirements are anticipated within the next year. The Trust aims to recruit at least four new Trustees to maintain governance capacity and expertise. Specifically, the Trust seeks individuals with skills in:

1. finance, risk and audit;
2. marketing;
3. safeguarding, curriculum and standards;
4. legal/procurement.

There may also be a need to appoint a new Chair and Vice Chair within 12 months, so candidates with Board leadership experience and ambition to assume such a role within the Trust are especially welcome.

Succession planning is underway, and the Trust is working to ensure Board resilience during this transition. All Trustees have the option to operate remotely if required.

In terms of governance structure, ACET has four members – an ‘eyes-on, hands-off’ role akin to that of the shareholder – and completed an External Trust Review with the Confederation of School Trusts (CST) in March 2023. A follow-up action plan is currently in progress.

Trustee time commitments are clearly outlined: the full Board meets up to six times per year, while sub-committees meet at least once per term. Trustees usually join one or two committees aligned to their expertise.

Meetings are scheduled for late afternoons and offer both in-person and remote attendance options. Local candidates from Sheffield, Rotherham, Doncaster, or Derbyshire are especially encouraged to apply, provided they bring relevant expertise.

New Trustees will complete a structured induction that includes face-to-face and online sessions, mentoring, and engagement with senior leaders, including the CEO, CFO, and academy heads. Trustees are expected to contribute beyond regular meetings by joining committees, participating in review panels, attending key Trust events, and, where appropriate, helping to appoint senior leaders. Committee meetings are held termly and typically last around two hours.

ACET has a well-developed governance infrastructure. It employs a Lead Governance Professional, a Financial Director, and a team of School Improvement Directors who support the CEO in preparing reports and maintaining oversight. The Trust places high importance on safeguarding and has a dedicated Safeguarding Governance Group led by executive staff and supported by designated safeguarding leads across academies. A safeguarding Trustee is nominated annually, and all Trustees are required to complete safeguarding training and remain familiar with statutory guidance, including the DfE’s Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSiE). Safeguarding is monitored rigorously, with data shared regularly with the Board and included in the Annual Report.

ACET supports its Trustees through partnerships with the National Governance Association (NGA) and CST, enhancing professional development opportunities. The Trustee role is seen as a meaningful opportunity to contribute to educational and social impact in South Yorkshire. The Trust is described as forward-thinking and led by a second-generation CEO committed to sustainable growth over the next five years. Every decision is anchored in ACET’s values of excellence, equity, integrity, empowerment, and esteem, all of which place children at the heart of the Trust’s mission.

Join Gloucestershire College as a HR Governor to play a vital part in shaping the College’s vision, mission, and values, develop its long-term strategy and contribute to the future success of the organisation.

Applications close: 9 a.m. Monday 10th November 2025

Location: Gloucester

Time commitment: 40 hours per year

About Gloucestershire College

Gloucestershire College (GC) is a career-focused further education provider operating across three campuses in Cheltenham, Gloucester, and the Forest of Dean. We are proud to have been rated “Good” in our latest Ofsted inspection and to have strong financial health.

We offer a range of academic, professional, and technical training programmes for school leavers, adults, and employers. These include award-winning apprenticeships, university-level and professional qualifications, part-time, online, and short courses, with tailored support for students from start to finish.

Our mission is to deliver ‘learning that works‘ through practical courses that offer skills businesses really need in industry-standard facilities, taught by passionate, subject specialists.

We provide bespoke training solutions to more than 1,300 employer-partners, enabling them to fill skills gaps and build a solid talent pipeline for the future. We provide training programmes in a wide variety of areas, including accounting (AAT), automotive, business support, construction and building services, education and early years, engineering, hairdressing, health and social care, hospitality, human resources, IT and cyber, management and marketing.

All our learners benefit from tailored support and development throughout their journey to higher education or employment, including valuable work placement and enrichment opportunities.

We are committed to ensuring all individuals are valued and work in a safe environment, promoting the ethos of safeguarding and equality, diversity, and inclusion in all our practices. We expect all Board Members to share this commitment.

About the role

The Board of Governors aims to set and take forward an ambitious vision for the College that equips its learners for their future lives and meets the needs of the community, employers and the wider Gloucestershire community whilst maintaining the College’s financial health.

The role of a governor is to contribute to the work of the Board as follows:

• The Board sets the strategic direction of the College and monitors College performance by setting targets and agreeing key performance indicators with the Executive Team.
• The Board, led by the Chair, provides checks and balances to the operational Executive Team led by the Principal & CEO.
• The Board is accountable for its stewardship of public funds to deliver a quality service and for the performance of its legal and statutory duties.
• The College values its governors’ breadth of experience and skills and recognises the contribution that governors make to the success of the College.

In return, you will benefit from joining a high-performing board and thriving College, with the opportunity to develop your professional, contribute to the local community and transform lives.

Who we are looking for

We are looking to engage a new Governor from a wide range of backgrounds with the skills, experience, and commitment to play a pivotal role in shaping all aspects of the future of the College. We are particularly keen to engage strategic HR/OD expertise on the Governing Body that will help support the future direction of our college, bring valuable insight and support, and hold the executive to account on the full portfolio of board-related matters.

You will need to bring your own sector knowledge, professional curiosity and a passion for societal change through education. There is no requirement for you to be an expert in education, and both fellow board members and the executive team will value your experience from outside the sector.

If you are looking to develop your board skills or to use the skills and experience you have gained to give back to your community and help others to succeed, and you share our passion and commitment to our goals and values, we would welcome your interest.

Peridot Partners and Gloucestershire College are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and our client expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references before any final offer can be made.

Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Monday 10th November 2025.

A Trustee will bring an individual area of expertise to benefit our organisation. Among the many skills they may have relate to business development, financial management; charity governance, staff development, performance management, local government, disability service development and adult social care. The Trustees work closely with the Executive Management Team (EMT) on the strategic direction of the business. They coordinate and attend quarterly board meetings, through which they review the work of the charity and provide advice, support and focus attention onto the areas that the EMT needs to consider and prepare for, to continuously improve what we do and respond to the changing environment in which Bethphage operates. Bethphage is a values-based charitable business, supporting some of the most vulnerable people in the community. The charity also needs to make a modest financial surplus to remain viable. The role of a Trustee is to be a critical friend to the management team, lending expertise and experience to help guide the organisation in achieving its aims and sometimes competing objectives. Some of our board members have been a part of Bethphage for many years, you will be joining a supportive, friendly, and collegiate team that will help you develop and grow your role as a Trustee. Trustees generally thoroughly enjoy the role and find that it is a very rewarding experience. The Trustees work on a voluntary capacity for the benefit of the charity, this usually equates to one day per month. All Trustees are requested to undergo a DBS check (Disclosure & Barring service). Currently, we are particularly interested in hearing from people with financial and/or legal experience and expertise.

Women's Aid Luton is seeking a visionary and dedicated Chair of the Board to lead and support the transformation and growth of our small yet impactful charity.

Women’s Aid Luton supports over 800 of society's most vulnerable women and children each year, helping them escape horrific abuse and violence. We provide a safe haven across our five refuges in Luton, operate a helpline, and offer bespoke assistance for families. Our services include access to legal advice, mental health support, employment assistance, and resettlement aid.

One of our refuges is dedicated to women from South Asian communities, with staff who speak Punjabi, Bengali, and Urdu. We also have a refuge for single women with complex support needs, such as mental health issues and drug and alcohol dependencies, often stemming from the trauma of domestic violence and abuse.

In addition to our direct support services, we focus on prevention and intervention by working with schools to raise awareness of domestic abuse. We are committed to disrupting exploitative and abusive relationships to prevent loss of life and reduce the long-term economic and social costs to society. Our services contribute to creating a safer, more compassionate community, supporting women and children from diverse socio-economic, religious, and cultural backgrounds, including those with complex needs.

With the current challenges facing our sector, we are focused on creating financial sustainability and resilience within the organisation, focusing on a robust funding strategy and a dynamic response to risk.

Our current Chair will come to the end of their term next year, and therefore we’re seeking a new Chair to support the charity in delivering our vital work.

The Chair of Trustees is a pivotal role within our organisation. Your leadership and dedication will be instrumental in ensuring we not only maintain but also expand our vital support and services for those in need. By guiding our strategic vision and fostering a culture of compassion and excellence, you will directly impact the lives of countless vulnerable women and children, helping them rebuild their lives and find hope for the future. Your commitment will drive our mission forward, creating lasting change and a safer, more supportive community for all.

What are we looking for?

EXPERIENCE

• An understanding and passion for the violence against women and girls sector
• Significant experience as a non-executive
• An understanding of UK charity governance and working with or as part of a Board of Trustees
• Experience of operating at a senior strategic leadership level
• An ability to network with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Sensitivity and discretion in dealing with staff and service user issues.
• Significant experience and success in leading groups of people in either a professional or voluntary capacity to achieve results.
• Experience of chairing meetings.
• Significant experience of managing, motivating, and developing people.
• Strong experience of developing, deploying, and evaluating strategic plans with a view to maximising impact and benefit.
• Experience of financial management and a broad understanding of charity finance issues

 SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Exceptional leadership skills; able to cultivate effective collaboration but also comfortable in taking responsibility for difficult choices.
•  Effective strategic communicator: able to articulate Women’s Aid Luton’s vision and engage and inspire others both within the organisation and externally.
• Highly effective relationship and alliance building abilities.
• Sound judgement with high capacity for self-reflection.
• Capacity to support both Board and Executive development.
• An ability to work within the realistic expectations and limitations for the Charity

ATTRIBUTES

• Dynamic leadership style that guides and inspires the Board and Executive to fulfil their respective responsibilities.
• A strong personal commitment to improving Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.
• Collaborative approach with excellent interpersonal skills.
• A strong personal commitment to Women’s aid Luton’s vision and mission replace with: Demonstrate a strong and visible passion and commitment to the charity, its strategic objectives and cause
• Demonstrate tact and diplomacy, with the ability to listen and engage effectively
• Strong networking capabilities that can be utilised for the benefit of the charity
• Ability to commit time to conduct the role well, including travel and attending events out of office hours

TERMS OF APPOINTMENT

The initial appointment is for a three-year term but can be extended for one further term for a maximum of six years. 

 “Joining Women’s Aid in Luton as a Board member has enabled me to use my professional expertise in a way that gives back to the community. I know that all the energy and time I give is helping to strengthen the organisation and ultimately the women and children it seeks to support. Joining the Board has been immensely rewarding and I highly recommend it as a valuable way to volunteer your time for a good cause.” – current Board Trustee at Women’s Aid in Luton.

Due to the sensitive nature of this role, we will be considering female volunteers only for this post in accordance with the provisions of the Occupational Requirement (Equality Act 2010, pursuant to schedule 9 part 1). Applicants will be required to have a satisfactory enhanced disclosure through the Disclosure and Barring Service.

We actively encourage applications from women from a variety of backgrounds, and with a range of skills and experiences. We are particularly interested to hear from women from Black, Asian and minoritised communities and women who have personal experience of domestic abuse.

If you have some time, energy and interest in the domestic abuse sector and believe you can make a difference to Women’s Aid Luton, we would love to hear from you.

Mothers’ Union (MU) is a women-led, volunteer movement founded in 1876, with a membership of some 4 million worldwide. It is a movement based on Christian fellowship, with members driven to express their faith through action in their local communities, aiming to create a world where every individual can reach their full potential, by stopping poverty, injustice and violence.

We are a federated international movement with the central Charity, Mothers’ Union, registered and operating in England, sitting at the centre of the global movement. We connect and support the global movement to achieve its aims and objects and thus transform the lives of women and families around the world.

The Central Charity is governed by an international Board of Trustees, made up of elected leaders from within the global movement and also appointed external experts to fill identified skills gaps.

The Trustees collectively are responsible to the global membership for ensuring that the Central Charity achieves its core purposes. This is achieved through overseeing the management and administration of operations and ensuring that the charity has a clear strategy and that operations and goals are in line with that vision. 

The Worldwide Board comprises:

• Worldwide President (elected)
• 11 Zonal Trustees (elected)
• Up to four appointed trustees, with expertise to complement the skills and experience of the elected Board members.

All Board members have voting rights.

Zones: The list of Provinces as allocated to Zones is given in the detailed role specification. Elections are held every 3 years, and the current Board took up office in 2025. The appointed trustees are also appointed for up to 2 terms of 3 years each. However, these do not need to be co-terminus with the elected trustees.

This is un UNPAID position

General Responsibilities of All Trustees:

• To participate actively in Board discussion, to ensure that the Board takes appropriate steps to determine the organisation’s vision and mission, by engaging in strategic planning and tracking progress towards achievement of strategic goals.
• To approve and monitor the organisation’s operational plans and budgets.
• To safeguard the assets and resources of the charity and provide effective financial, risk and operational oversight, by the proper consideration of management accounts, external audits, risk reviews, policies and internal procedures and controls.
• To ensure organisational compliance with all statutory duties and sector best practice.
• To ensure adequate financial resources are available to carry out the work of the whole organisation by consideration and approval of subscription levels and alternative income streams worldwide.
• To enhance the organisation’s public image by participating in activities that promote a positive image of Mothers’ Union, recognising that we need to challenge stereotypes rather than contribute to their perpetuation.

Particular Focus for the Trustee with expertise in Finance:

The elected Board members conducted a skills audit and determined that they do not have strong backgrounds in finance and resources management. The role of the Finance trustee would be to ensure that the appropriate level of support and challenge is given by the Board to management to discharge their duties effectively, be a critical friend to the Director of Finance and Services and be an active member of the Audit and Risk Committee.

They will be asked to provide a particular focus on ensuring that key strategic initiatives, including the ongoing development of IT systems, the potential future sale of the building, Mary Sumner House, and the implementation of the fundraising strategy are executed in line with agreed parameters

All trustees are asked to:

• have an active commitment to Christian faith;
• be committed to the aim and objects of Mothers’ Union;
• be confident with virtual communication and have an ability to access an appropriate device and the internet easily;
• be able to travel internationally if required;
• be in a good state of health, mental and physical, to enable them to discharge their duties fully and well.
• devote the time required to this critical role

A strong Candidate for Finance Trustee would have many of the following attributes, skills and experience:

• CCAB Qualified finance professional (or QBE)
• Experience of operating at Board level and of the charity sector
• An understanding of membership organisations
• Experience of Audit and Risk Committees and engaging with external advisors
• Experience of risk management
• Experience of project evaluation and funding
• Experience of change management
• Basic knowledge of Charity SORP and GDPR requirements
• IT competent
• Proven ability to communicate finance information clearly to non-finance professionals
• An understanding of the governance responsibilities and accountabilities of a Board member of a major international Charity

Additional Information:

What is the time commitment in a three-year period?

In a three-year term of office, Trustees are expected to attend three residential Trustee meetings (one per year) each lasting around 5 days, generally in the UK. We recognise that this may be challenging for professionals, so attendance for at least one day of the week would be acceptable. In addition, at least a further 3 virtual formal meetings a year, each comprising roughly 2 hours starting at 12.00 UK time. The Board may also choose to meet informally on a number of further occasions for fellowship or capability development, virtually, by mutual agreement – it is recognised that this may not be feasible for an active professional.

Written material is circulated to Trustees prior to each meeting. Trustees are expected to read and study the material before the meeting and any follow up material after the meeting.

The specialist trustee for finance will additionally prepare for and attend the quarterly Audit and Risk meetings which take place on Zoom, each lasting 2-3 hours

The specialist trustee may be asked to be available to the Director of Finance and Resources as a sounding board, and to provide input on a time-limited basis to strategic projects

Who will this Trustee work with/relate to in the role?

1. Worldwide President, Chief Executive, fellow Trustees and Leadership Team members

2. Mothers’ Union members from around the world.

3. Finance team

Work Location

This role can be performed fully remotely most of the time.

How to Apply

If you are interested in this position, please apply by sending your CV and a Cover Letter via Charity Jobs. The Cover Letter should clearly outline how your skills match the main responsibilities of the role.

Application Deadline

The deadline for applications is 17 September 2025 at 5:00 pm. Due to the number of applications we may receive, we will not be able to individually respond to each applicant. Kindly note, we will only be getting in touch with the applicants shortlisted for an interview. We aim to get in touch with the shortlisted candidates after the application deadline. We will be conducting interviews for suitable candidates as we go along and may fill the role before the closing date.

Join the Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth as a Safeguarding Committee Member

We are seeking skilled and experienced professionals who are passionate and committed to the safeguarding of children and vulnerable people, to contribute to the work of the Safeguarding Committee for the Diocese of Portsmouth.

Time Commitment

The Safeguarding Committee meets 5 times a year with a mix of ‘online’ and in person meetings. Members are required to attend a minimum of 3 meetings a year.

About the Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth and Safer Recruitment

Portsmouth Diocese adheres to the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency safer recruitment policy and procedure. Protecting people and safeguarding is a priority.

As a Diocese, we work in accordance with the eight national safeguarding standards and are a regulated affiliate with the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (CSSA).  As part of our regulatory agreement, we are subject of independent audit and review. 

We are governed by the Bishop of Portsmouth, Bishop Philip Egan. We belong to the One, Holy, Catholic Church, which is led by the Bishop of Rome, Pope Leo.

Our Diocese is spread across five counties on England’s South Coast, and the Channel Islands. We are the local Church for the whole of Hampshire, Berkshire, the Isle of Wight, Jersey, and the Bailiwick of Guernsey as well as the Southern Part of Oxfordshire and the Eastern part of Dorset.

We are made up of 87 Parishes in 24 Pastoral Areas, for a total of 136 Churches. We have 115 priests, 40 Deacons, 35 houses of religious brothers and sisters, and a Catholic population of more than a quarter of a million.

We belong to the province of Southwark, which covers the whole south coast from Kent to Cornwall. Our Metropolitan is the Archbishop of Southwark. Our province also includes the Archdiocese of Southwark, the Diocese of Arundel and Brighton, and the Diocese of Plymouth.

Role Profile and Person Specification

You will have a role in providing scrutiny and oversight on the work of the Diocesan safeguarding office, ensuring the arrangements are appropriate, continuously evaluated and developed.  Accordingly, you will be required to demonstrate skills and experience in the field of safeguarding, whilst being sympathetic to the values and teachings of the Catholic Church.

For more information, please refer to the attached Role Profile and Person Specification: Safeguarding Committee Member.

Safer Recruitment

Please refer to the attached Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency: Safer Recruitment Policy.

More Information

To arrange an informal chat with a member of the Diocese Safeguarding Team, or for more information about the role. Please find our contact details on the attached Role Profile and Person Specification: Safeguarding Committee Member document.

How to Apply

If you are ready to embark on a rewarding journey and contribute to the work of the Safeguarding Committee for the Diocese of Portsmouth, we would love to hear from you.

Please provide a CV and covering letter, detailing your relevant experience and why you are interested in this role. Please apply via Charity Jobs, or apply direct to the Diocese of Portsmouth, contact details stated on the Role Profile and Person Specification document.

Your application will be reviewed and shortlisted candidates will be invited to an informal meeting with a member of the Diocese Safeguarding Team, to have the opportunity to find out more about the role and to discuss your application further.

Applications Close: Sunday 31st August at 11pm

The British Society for Heart Failure (BSH) is seeking a qualified finance professional to join our Board of Trustees as Treasurer - a vital role to join the eminent Heart Failure clinical experts that make up our Board, in our mission to reduce heart failure mortality and improve patient care across the UK.

Thank you for your interest in becoming a Trustee and Treasurer of the British Society for Heart Failure (BSH), the leading UK charity dedicated to improving care for people living with heart failure. Our work supports education, research, collaboration, and national awareness - all aimed at improving outcomes for the nearly 1 million people in the UK living with this serious condition and the further 400,000 estimated to be undiagnosed.

We’re at an exciting stage of growth, with a new team, a new strategy in development, and bold plans for the future.

As Treasurer, you will provide strategic financial oversight to a respected national charity with an annual income of £1.5 million. You will also support our flagship campaign, 25in25, which aims to reduce deaths from heart failure by 25% over the next 25 years.

We are seeking an experienced, qualified finance professional (e.g. ACCA, CIMA) with strong financial leadership credentials. Excellent communication and board-level decision-making skills are essential. Experience in charity finance is desirable but not required.

BSH is a registered charity and professional membership organisation governed by a Board of Trustees, mostly elected from our 1,300 members - heart failure clinicians including doctors, nurses, and pharmacists. The Treasurer is a co-opted trustee, appointed for their financial expertise.

Our team is small and mostly remote, with access to offices next to Hyde Park in London. The Board consists of 9 volunteers and is supported by over 50 active committee members working across education, research, and regulatory affairs.

Our Values

• Collaborative - we work closely with clinicians, health organisations, and patients.
• Evidence-based - we ground our work in research and lived experience.
• Professional and member-led - we are guided by expert members devoted to improving heart failure care.

Trustee Duties

All Trustees are expected to:

• Uphold BSH’s mission, values, and governance.
• Act in the charity’s best interests, ensuring compliance and minimising risk.
• Participate in Board meetings and contribute to at least one committee.
• Use personal expertise to add value and support innovation.
• Seek professional advice when necessary.

Additional Treasurer Responsibilities

• Monitor financial health and ensure timely, accurate reporting.
• Advise on financial implications of plans and strategy.
• Support annual budgeting and ensure alignment with objectives.
• Ensure compliance with financial regulations and reporting standards.
• Maintain and review the reserves policy.
• Liaise with the Finance Director and CEO to present reports to the Board.
• Oversee the annual audit and coordinate with external auditors.
• Ensure statutory accounts are correctly prepared and disclosed.
• Identify and manage financial risks through appropriate controls.

This is a voluntary, unremunerated position. The Board meets 4-5 times per year (2 in-person, in London). Average time commitment is 1-2 days per month. Trustees serve a three-year term, renewable once. Travel expenses are reimbursed, and full induction provided.

The Treasurer also becomes a Director of BSH Services Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary.

To apply, please provide:

• Your CV (max 3 pages, including 2 referees)

• A supporting statement (max 2 pages), outlining your motivation for applying and confirming that you meet the requirements in Part 1 of the Person Specification and detailing how you meet the criteria in Part 2 of the Person Specification

Timetable:

• Closing date: 11:59pm, Sunday 14 September 2025
• Final interviews: Late Sept/early Oct, in person (London)
• Start of term: Nov/Dec 2025
• Induction: Morning of 5 December 2025
• First Board Meeting: 9 January 2026

Role title: Trustee

Location: Flexible (travel to London will be required at least three times a year for in person board meetings)

Salary: N/A (Volunteer role)

Time commitment: Attend 3 in person board meetings annually and 3 online sub committees. Exceptional board or sub-committee meetings may be scheduled when necessary.

Contract: The Trustee is appointed for an initial 3-year term with the option of renewal for up to 3 terms. The maximum term for all trustees (including the Chair) is 9 years. 

Purpose of the role:

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced leader to join an impact-focused and ambitious charity supporting refugees to access meaningful employment and build a new life.

The board’s role is to govern Breaking Barriers effectively, in service of our vision and mission. Trustees provide support and challenge to the Chief Executive, Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and are ambassadors for the charity.   

Essential Duties of the Trustee Role:

• Ensure Breaking Barriers is carrying out its purposes for the public benefit
• Comply with Breaking Barriers' governing document and other laws that apply
• Act in Breaking Barriers' best interests: prioritise Breaking Barriers' objectives, avoid conflicts of interest, and follow procedures to manage any conflicts
• Ensure Breaking Barriers is accountable: meeting legal, accounting and reporting requirements
• Manage Breaking Barriers' resources responsibly: managing risks, protecting assets and people, getting the resources we need, having appropriate controls and procedures
• Act with reasonable care and skill using your skills and experience, deciding when you need professional advice, ensure Breaking Barriers remains solvent

Other Responsibilities:

• Understanding the vision, mission, goals and values of Breaking Barriers together with a good grasp of the operational context and the expectations of partners
• Strategic leadership and vision: help to guide the organisation with a strategic vision, aligning the board and staff's efforts with the mission. Ensure that the organisation defines its goals and evaluates performance against agreed targets
• Facilitating discussions: Lead conversations when necessary, ensuring focus on key issues and decisions
• Leveraging opportunities: Support and participate in fundraising strategies, leveraging networks, and engaging with donors and stakeholders to secure necessary resources for the organisation's work
• CEO and SLT support: Maintain a constructive relationship with the CEO and SLT, creating a positive and strong working relationship to jointly set and achieve appropriate targets, staying in regular contact and acting as a sounding board to discuss strategic or staffing related matters, issues - coaching, supporting and challenging as necessary
• Ambassadorship: Act as an ambassador, representing and promoting the organisation's mission, values, and interests to external stakeholders, enhancing its reputation, and fostering collaboration, fundraising and promotional opportunities

Person Specification: 

We are seeking board members with a passion for the mission, vision and values of Breaking Barriers, and a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. We strongly encourage applications from individuals with lived experience which we define as people from a refugee background, with first hand experience of seeking sanctuary or migration to the UK.

In addition, we actively seek candidates who bring any of the following:

• Prior fundraising expertise: focusing on corporate and high-end individual funding to generate leads, ability to contribute to active fundraising efforts, introductions to relevant networks and relationships
• Leadership experience at a senior level within corporate organisations and a commitment to actively making introductions to relevant networks and contacts
• Refugee/forced migration sector experience: leading or developing initiatives/programmes in areas relevant to the mission, such as employability or recruitment

To view the full job description and person specification, as well as details on our accessible recruitment process, please view the attached recruitment pack.

Other considerations

• As part of our safeguarding commitment to our clients, we carry out checks to ensure that successful applicants are suitable to work with adults at risk. These include basic DBS checks, obtaining references and verifying a candidate’s identity and right to work in the UK.
• Breaking Barriers is committed to protecting an adult’s right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect and for their views, wishes and beliefs to be fully considered when deciding action.   

How to apply

If you are looking for a role where you can make a real difference, we want to hear from you. To apply, please submit a CV and statement (up to approximately 500 words/1 A4 page) outlining:

• Why you are interested in the role
• What skills you would bring to be successful in this role
• Any experience you would like to highlight
• Any reasonable adjustments you require for the interview process

Please note that applications without a covering letter will not be considered.

Closing date for applications is 11:30pm on Tuesday 09 September. Interviews will be held on a rolling basis so please apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

If you are an expert by experience (a refugee or a migrant with direct, first-hand experience of issues and challenges of the UK asylum or immigration system), you can ask for an independent and confidential support for your job application from the Experts by Experience Employment Network. 

Catching Lives is looking for a Chair and up to 4 Trustees to join our Board. We are an award-winning homelessness charity with a strong reputation and local presence in East Kent. Our vision is of a society where everyone has a safe place to live and the opportunity to lead a fulfilling life. We work to achieve this by supporting people at our Canterbury day centre, providing essential facilities and individual support to improve housing, health and social connection.

Previous experience of charity governance is essential for the role of Chair, while for general Trustees we are interested in a range of professional skills. We also value lived experience of issues such as homelessness and substance dependency.

There are 5 Board meetings a year, plus an AGM and away day, either in our day centre or at another location near Canterbury city centre. Trustees usually meet in person with the option of occasionally joining remotely. For full details please download the recruitment pack.

Please apply by sending your CV or a link to your LinkedIn profile, along with a supporting statement explaining why you are interested in being a trustee at Catching Lives, the skills and experience you will bring to the Board and what you would hope to get out of the role. If you are applying specifically for the Chair role, please mention this in your supporting statement and briefly describe your prior governance experience.

The closing date is 4 September 2025.

About 1st Place
1st Place was established in 2005 as part of the Aylesbury Sure Start Programme, shaped by the vision of local children and parents. It was created to be a welcoming and supportive space where families come first—where parents could access the support they need, professionals could collaborate, and services could evolve to better serve the local community.

Families remain at the core of everything 1st Place does today.

The Opportunity
1st Place Children and Parents’ Centre is a respected Family Hub and provider of early years education. Through outreach, nursery provision, and a range of family-focused projects—particularly for children under five—the organisation delivers high-quality, consistent services to the local community.

The Board of Trustees is seeking a new Honorary Treasurer to succeed the outgoing postholder. The Treasurer chairs the Finance & General Purposes Sub-Committee and holds responsibility, on behalf of the Board, for overseeing budgets, internal management accounts, and annual financial statements. The role also ensures that appropriate financial controls and procedures are in place.

The ideal candidate will bring a strong understanding of the voluntary sector, charity governance, finance, and risk management. Strategic thinking, effective communication with trustees and senior managers, and leadership experience are essential. A commitment to dedicating time and energy to the organisation’s mission is vital.

The International Council of Museums in the United Kingdom (ICOM UK) is seeking a new trustee with strong financial acumen and a passion for the museums and heritage sector and working internationally to be the Finance Lead on our Board. This is a strategic finance role to support the Strategic Director and advise the Board of Trustees in respect of the conduct of the charity’s financial affairs.  

The role requires experience and skills in financial planning and management, preferably in a charity and/or company, along with the ability to understand and communicate the impact of decisions on the organisation’s finances. 

We welcome applications from professionals with the skills, knowledge and lived experience that will strengthen and diversify our Board. 

 For further details on the roles and ICOM UK, you can view our Finance Lead Trustee Recruitment  Pack. 

Join a vibrant Yorkshire-based countryside charity helping disabled people to get 'Out There Together'.

Since 1990, Open Country has been helping people with disabilities to access and enjoy the countryside. The voluntary role of Treasurer is a crucial role in helping us manage our finances responsibly and sustainably. You will serve as a Trustee of the Charity and a Director of the Limited Company, helping us to make informed decisions to allow us to perform our inspirational work.

We have a part-time Finance Officer and use a local firm of book-keepers to prepare our monthly management accounts using Paxton software. Payroll issues are dealt with using the services of another third party. Thus, your input will be primarily at a governance level rather than one of financial administration.

We seek someone with the following attributes:

- Ability to analyse financial data and assess their financial impact on our charity.

- A great teamwork ethic and willingness to work collaboratively with other Board members and staff.

- Previous financial experience, ideally in the charity sector.

- A strong commitment to Open Country's values and purpose.

About Women’s Aid in Luton
Women’s Aid in Luton supports over 800 of society’s most vulnerable women and children each year, all of whom are fleeing abuse and violence. The charity offers refuge across five safe houses in Luton, a helpline, tailored support for families, and access to legal advice, mental health services, employment, and resettlement guidance. It also prioritises prevention and early intervention through education, working closely with schools to raise awareness of domestic abuse.

The Opportunity: Chair of Trustees
Women’s Aid in Luton is seeking a new Chair of Trustees to lead its Board and help shape the future of the organisation. This is a pivotal leadership role with significant influence over the strategic direction and governance of the charity. The incoming Chair will guide the Board in supporting the Executive Team to sustain and grow its essential services, ensuring women and children can rebuild their lives in safety and dignity.

The current Chair will conclude her term next year, and the charity is therefore inviting expressions of interest from those who are deeply committed to making a meaningful impact in the violence against women and girls (VAWG) sector.

Candidate Profile

Experience:

• A strong understanding and commitment to the VAWG sector.

• Substantial non-executive experience.

• Knowledge of UK charity governance and experience of working with or serving on a Board of Trustees.

• A background in senior strategic leadership.

• Proven ability to engage with internal and external stakeholders.

• Sensitivity and discretion when dealing with confidential matters involving staff and service users.

• A track record of successfully leading teams or groups in either a voluntary or professional context.

• Chairing experience, ideally at Board or committee level.

• Significant experience in motivating, managing, and developing people.

• Experience in shaping and evaluating strategic plans to maximise impact.

• Sound financial acumen, including an understanding of charity finance.

Skills and Abilities:

• Inspirational leadership with the ability to foster collaboration and, when needed, make difficult decisions.

• Strong communication skills with the ability to articulate the charity’s vision and inspire others.

• Relationship-builder with the ability to form effective alliances and partnerships.

• Sound judgement and the capacity for reflective leadership.

• A supportive presence for both the Board and Executive, fostering their continued development.

• Ability to operate within the realistic capacities and constraints of a charity environment.

Personal Attributes:

• A dynamic and inclusive leadership style that inspires trust and accountability.

• A visible and unwavering commitment to the charity’s mission and strategic aims.

• Tact, diplomacy, and strong listening and engagement skills.

• Excellent interpersonal skills and a collaborative approach.

• Well-developed networking skills that can be leveraged to support the charity’s objectives.

• A personal commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI).

• Willingness and ability to dedicate sufficient time to the role, including travel and occasional out-of-hours engagement.

Terms of Appointment
The initial term of office is three years, with the possibility of reappointment for one additional term, up to a maximum of six years.

Eligibility
In accordance with the Equality Act 2010 (Schedule 9, Part 1), this role is open to female applicants only due to the nature of the services provided. All appointments are subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS check.

Encouragement of Diverse Applications
Women’s Aid in Luton warmly welcomes applications from women of all backgrounds. The charity is especially keen to hear from women from Black, Asian and minoritised communities, as well as from those with lived experience of domestic abuse.

A Trustee's Perspective
“Joining Women’s Aid in Luton as a Board member has enabled me to use my professional expertise in a way that gives back to the community. I know that all the energy and time I give is helping to strengthen the organisation and ultimately the women and children it seeks to support. Joining the Board has been immensely rewarding and I highly recommend it as a valuable way to volunteer your time for a good cause.”
– Current Trustee, Women’s Aid in Luton

To Express Interest
Women who feel they can contribute to the ongoing success of Women’s Aid in Luton and are passionate about supporting survivors of domestic abuse are encouraged to get in touch. This is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful and lasting difference.

Respond is seeking a qualified accountant to join the Board of Trustees as honorary Treasurer.

About the Respond Treasurer role

This is an exciting opportunity to volunteer in a vital governance role at Respond: the Treasurer maintains an overview of the charity’s financial affairs, ensuring effective and appropriate financial measures, controls and procedures are in place.

As a member of the Board of Trustees, the Treasurer also supports good governance, helping set the strategic direction of the charity for the years to come.

The role would suit a qualified accountant with some knowledge of charity accounting and the ability to communicate financial information to the wider board in a clear and accessible way. 

With a passionate Board of Trustees and a committed staff team, you’ll join an organisation focused on making a real difference to the lives of people with learning disabilities and autistic people who have experienced abuse, violence or trauma.

Please note this is a voluntary role. Any expenses incurred while carrying out the duties of the role will be reimbursed.

About Respond

Respond is a national charity supporting people with learning disabilities and autistic people who have experienced abuse, violence or trauma. Respond offers psychotherapy and advocacy support and provides specialist trauma informed training for services.

Through specialist advocacy and therapeutic support, we support people to navigate complex systems such as criminal justice, social services and housing, and to cope with the impact of trauma, build healthy relationships and move forward with their lives.

If you are a qualified accountant that shared our passion for supporting survivors, we would love to hear from you.