Board member with policy skills volunteer roles

Are you a qualified human-focused medical professional with an interest in multi-species medicine? Are you innovative, with creative insight & a vision for progressive medical practice? If so, we would welcome your application to join our Board of Trustees.

Our ideal candidate:

• A qualified medical professional with expertise in human medicine and a strong interest in multi-species medicine and innovative healthcare practice.

• Understands trustee commitments and responsibilities.

• Can contribute to strategic discussions through effective communication and judgment.

• Is non-judgmental and respectful of diverse experiences, views, and cultures.

• Is committed to the aims and values of Humanimal Trust and can work collaboratively to enrich the vision and strategy of our growing organisation.

We welcome applications from individuals with a range of perspectives, experience, backgrounds and skills.

What’s in it for you?

• A unique opportunity to drive innovative change and have a positive impact on millions of human and animal lives.

• Development of career enhancing skills and experience, including governance and leadership skills.

• The opportunity to build interdisciplinary relationships with a team of passionate trustees, staff, and volunteers.

Summary of responsibilities

• Drive strategic planning, provide leadership and oversee delivery of results.

• Approve business plans and budgets, agree targets, and monitor performance.

• Ensure board members have required skills through appropriate recruitment, induction and development processes.

• Ensure effective audits and approve annual accounts.

• Support the CEO and ensure good management.

• Ensure productive relationships are maintained.

• Ensure a high standard of corporate governance and behaviour.

• Be clear about the most significant strategic risks ensure mitigation steps are in place.

• Empathy with the aims of the organisation, its values and behaviours.

Appointment term: A minimum term of three years, with the possibility of two consecutive terms, so six years in total.

Time commitment: Quarterly Board meetings, c.2h per meeting, plus preparation.

Preferred background, knowledge and experience: A qualified medical professional with expertise in human medicine and a strong interest in multi-species medicine.

Could you use your skills and experience to make a difference as a trustee for a fantastic small health charity?

Pharmacy Research UK is the principal research charity supporting pharmacy professionals to develop research skills and lead research to improve healthcare for the benefit of patients and the public.

We fund research projects and individual bursaries, working to improve skills across the pharmacy sector, to provide an evidence-base to improve the practice of pharmacy, to highlight the vital role of pharmacy in our health services and ultimately to improve public health. 

We are looking to recruit two new trustees to join our board as we look to grow and develop this fantastic small charity.PRUK is run by a small but dedicated staff team, with oversight from our trustee board. Anyone can be a trustee and we welcome all applications to join our board. We always seek to maintain a good balance of skills and experiences on the board and so are particularly interested to receive applications from people with experience in academia, pharmacy, fundraising and the voluntary sector, and / or finance and accounting. We also want to ensure that our board is representative of the community we serve and so encourage applications from female candidates and candidates from black and minority ethnic (BAME) backgrounds, and from candidates across all nations of the UK. 

Be Enriched - recent recipients of The Kings Award for Voluntary Servie 2025 - are seeking an inspirational Chairperson to lead our Board of Trustees and guide our next phase of strategic growth. We use food as a tool to bring people together, cultivate joy and dignity whilst fighting food waste and nourishing the community.

What will you be doing?

The Chair plays a pivotal role in guiding the board, ensuring the charity is governed effectively and remains true to our vision and mission. With an inclusive leadership style, the Chair will foster a collaborative atmosphere within the board, while offering both support and constructive challenge to the CEO. Additionally, the Chair serves as a passionate ambassador for the charity, representing its values and goals.

What difference will you make?

Since 2013, we have been dedicated to enriching our communities through food. Our work tackles critical issues head-on: alleviating food poverty, combating social isolation, and empowering individuals through practical skills training. We believe in the power of food to bring people together, share knowledge, and cultivate lasting connections. 

As Chair, you will play a pivotal role in steering our ambitious strategy, working closely with an active and committed Board and our dedicated staff team. This is a unique opportunity to leverage your leadership skills to strengthen our impact and ensure the long-term sustainability of our vital community services. 

Scope of Responsibilities 

Governance and Strategic Leadership 

• Provide leadership to the board in the establishment of organisations overall strategy and policies.

• Direct boards policy-making process and guidance to ensure strategic alignment. 

• Monitor decisions taken by the board to ensure effective execution. 

Board Management 

• Build and develop the board by leading efforts in recruiting new trustees and ensure the board is diverse, skilled, and working cohesively. Foster a culture of mutual respect and collaboration. 

• Plan annual schedule of board meetings and establish agendas. 

• Chair and facilitate board meetings. 

Representation and Advocacy 

• Act as Ambassador for Be Enriched at external events, meetings and functions when required. 

• Actively participate in and show support for the charity's events and projects, demonstrating leadership and commitment to its mission. 

Executive Liaison and Oversight 

• Liaise closely with CEO to maintain strategic overview and provide appropriate support. 

• Serve on senior appointment panels as needed.

Formal Procedures 

• Act as the final stage adjudicator in formal disciplinary and grievance procedures, in accordance with the organisation’s policies. 

What We Are Looking For 

Essential Qualities

• Proven experience as a trustee, with a passion for governance and making a difference.  Prior Chair experience is welcome but not required. 

• A keen sense of strategic purpose. 

• An inclusive leadership style. 

• The ability to listen and engage. Comfortable with challenge and debate and can encourage that in others whist fostering a collaborative board environment.

• Advocate – be able and willing to champion Be Enriched’s work through personal networks, social media, and other channels. 

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

• Be proactive and responsive – as a small charity, there are times when issues arise that require the Chair's guidance, support, or approval. 

In addition to the above, the Chair will have the responsibilities and qualities of all trustees: 

Responsibilities Of All Trustees 

• Support and provide advice on Be Enriched’s visions mission and goals. 

• Ensure the effective, efficient, and prudent administration of the organisations.

• Safeguard the organisations financial stability and ensure proper investment of funds. 

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

• Provide support and challenge the CEO in the exercise of their delegated authority and affairs. 

• Attend quarterly board meetings (online) and AGM (in-person), adequately prepared for group discussion.

• Use independent judgement, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect Be Enriched’s interest, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or third-party interest.

• Maintain a thorough and informed understanding of the organisation's activities, as well as the broader external issues that affect its work.

• Accept collective responsibility, as part of the board, for the actions and decisions of the organisations and its trustees. 

• Participate in additional tasks as required, such as providing expert advice or assisting with fundraising initiatives.

Terms of Appointment 

Terms of Office 

• Trustees are appointed for a three-year term, with renewal available at end of first term.

Time Commitment 

• Attendance required at four quarterly board meetings (conducted online via Teams from 4:30-5:30pm). 

• Attendance compulsory at the Be Enriched AGM (conducted in-person).

Organisation: Community360
Contract Type: Voluntary
Working Hours: Approximately 1-2 days per month (flexible)
Location: Hybrid and flexible working options
Salary: Voluntary role (reasonable expenses reimbursed)

About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and inspiring Chair of the Board of Trustees to provide strategic leadership and governance for C360. As Chair, you will work closely with the Chief Executive to ensure the charity delivers its mission and objectives while championing our core values: Collaboration, Innovation, Resilience, Initiative, and Inclusion (CIRII).
 

The Chair also holds trustee responsibilities, ensuring Community360 operates within the law, maintains the highest standards of governance, and protects the charity’s reputation, assets, and beneficiaries.
 

Key Responsibilities
 

Strategic Leadership & Governance
 

• Lead the Board in providing clear strategic direction and oversight of C360’s activities, ensuring alignment with its vision and mission.
• Ensure the Board pursues its stated charitable objectives and maintains compliance with governing documents, charity law, and other regulations.
• Promote best practice in governance and foster a culture of accountability, openness, and integrity.
• Chair and facilitate Board meetings efficiently, promoting informed, constructive, and inclusive discussion and decision-making.
• Appraise and support the Chief Executive, including monitoring performance against agreed objectives and providing professional development opportunities.
• Oversee risk management, financial stability, and the effective use of the charity’s resources.
• Ensure proper policies and procedures are in place and followed, maintaining confidentiality of sensitive information.

External Relations & Ambassadorship
 

• Act as an ambassador for C360, building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders, partners, and the wider community.
• Represent the charity externally at events, meetings, and functions, promoting its mission and values.

Trustee-Level Duties
 

• Act in the best interests of C360, its beneficiaries, and the wider community at all times.
• Safeguard the charity’s assets, property, and financial integrity.
• Support the strategic development of key areas of C360 business using local knowledge, networks, and relationships.
• Act as a counter-signatory on cheques and applications for funding in accordance with financial procedures.

Required Skills & Qualifications
 

• Significant experience as a trustee, non-executive board member, or senior leadership role within a charity, social enterprise, or complex organisation.
• Strong strategic leadership skills with the ability to inspire, challenge, and support the Board and Executive.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with confidence in an ambassadorial role.
• Proven ability to foster collaboration, innovation, and resilience in teams.
• Knowledge of charity governance, finance, and regulatory requirements.

Experience
 

• Experience of working at a senior strategic level, chairing meetings, and leading organisational change.
• Successful track record of external representation, stakeholder engagement, and building networks.
• Experience of promoting organisational growth, innovation, and high standards of governance.

Benefits

• Development opportunities, including access to sector training and workshops
• Full induction and support for the Chair role
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements to suit your schedule
• Opportunities to network and engage with key stakeholders across the charity sector
• Reasonable expenses reimbursed for travel and events

Note

• Covering letter is mandatory and must demonstrate how you meet essential criteria and reflect C360’s CIRII values.
• Upload your CV and covering letter via Community360’s vacancies page on BreatheHR
• Applications may close early if sufficient applications are received.
• Feedback cannot be provided on unsuccessful applications.

Join us as Treasurer and Trustee of Humanimal Trust

Are you an experienced finance professional with a passion for good governance and a commitment to making a difference? Are you skilled at translating complex financial information into clear insights? If so, we would welcome your application to join our Board of Trustees as Treasurer. This is a pivotal role at the heart of our charity, helping to shape our strategic direction and support our mission to drive collaboration between human and animal medicine, for the benefit of both.

About the role:

The Treasurer works alongside fellow trustees and relevant staff to oversee Humanimal Trust’s financial strategy, planning and management. You will provide the Board with clear, comprehensive information to inform decisions, ensure financial systems and controls are sound, and advise on the financial implications of strategic and operational plans.

You’ll bring:

• Professional financial expertise (e.g. accounting and financial management expertise).
• A strong understanding of charity finance and governance, or a willingness to learn.
• The ability to analyse, explain and present financial information clearly to non-specialists.
• Strategic thinking and sound judgement.
• Commitment to the mission and values of Humanimal Trust.

Key responsibilities include:

• Overseeing the preparation of budgets, management accounts, financial statements and cashflow forecasts.
• Ensuring effective financial systems and controls are in place.
• Supporting compliance with relevant legislation and reporting requirements.
• Ensuring the Board understands and fulfils its financial responsibilities.
• Advising on financial risks and opportunities in relation to strategy and operations.
• Overseeing the preparation of the annual accounts and reports for submission to relevant authorities.

What’s in it for you?

• A unique opportunity to use your financial skills to make a lasting impact on healthcare for both humans and animals.
• Development of career enhancing skills and experience, including charity finance, governance and leadership.
• The opportunity to be part of a team of passionate trustees, staff, and volunteers.

Appointment term: A minimum term of three years, with the possibility of two consecutive terms (six years) in total.

Time commitment: Quarterly Board meetings, c.2h per meeting, plus preparation, with some additional input for finance-specific matters.

Preferred background, knowledge and experience: An experienced accounting professional, ideally with knowledge of charity finance

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

If you would like to use your financial skills to help drive positive change in human and animal medicine, we would love to hear from you. 

Hospice care for local people

Rowans Hospice is dedicated to improving the lives of people with a life-limiting illness.  We are a registered Charity, operated as a company limited by guarantee. The Board of Directors of the company are also Trustees of the Charity.

Established since 1994, our purpose is to enable support for those people in Portsmouth and Southeast Hampshire who need palliative and end of life care, irrespective of their diagnosis, ethnicity, religion, or age. Our services are provided free of charge, but each year it costs more than £7 million to continue our vital work.

Would you like to join us?

To help us in our endeavours, we need experienced members of the public to join our Board. We have a strong and committed group of Trustees, comprised of people with varied professional expertise and backgrounds. Working closely with the Hospice Senior Leadership Team, our Trustees have collective responsibility for the governance of the Charity and our strategic direction.

As a member of our Board, you will support and shape our work, as well as help us to achieve our key ambitions.  We want to further increase the diversity of thinking and range of skills and experience amongst our Trustees.  No previous experience as a Trustee is necessary, as we will give you all the support you need.  We are looking for people who have the capacity to contribute at Board level; who can think creatively and strategically; who share our commitment to providing high quality, compassionate care to those who need us; and who are able to devote the necessary time, effort and enthusiasm to the role.  

Currently, we are seeking to appoint up to three new Trustees and are particularly interested to hear from individuals who have senior-level Clinical; Legal; Marketing and Sales; or Finance experience.

The Board of Trustees meets at the Hospice six times a year.  Additionally, Executive and Trustee members of the Board’s sub-committees meet regularly to cover topics spanning Clinical Services; Governance; Human Resources; Income Generation; Retail; Estates and Facilities; and Finance and Audit.

Trustee roles are voluntary and unremunerated, but legitimate costs such as travel expenses can be paid.

Bring your senior-level expertise to a committed and forward-thinking Board.

Unlock has achieved a great deal for the people we support, thanks to the talents and dedication of our staff, volunteers, and trustees. By listening to and working alongside people who face difficulties because of their criminal records, we have built a strong track record of identifying problems, developing solutions, and turning those solutions into real change. We also influence national policy and drive systemic reform.

We are now seeking a new Chair of Trustees to join our engaged and committed board.

About the role

Trustees play a crucial part in shaping Unlock’s leadership, strategic direction, and governance. As Chair, you will work in partnership with the Chief Executive to provide clear and inclusive leadership, ensuring that the board operates effectively and that the organisation remains focused on its charitable purpose. You will help the board set strategy, scrutinise performance, uphold good governance, and support the CEO and senior team to deliver Unlock’s mission.

 About you

We would love to hear from you if you can bring the following attitudes and skills:

· Experience as a trustee and of working with or managing senior leaders.

· A willingness to offer advice to staff when needed, and to get involved practically where appropriate.

· A strong commitment to Unlock’s vision, values, and mission.

· Experience in the charity sector is helpful but not essential. If you have the right leadership qualities and a passion for our work, we will provide support to help you step confidently into the role. So if you’re new to the voluntary sector, please don’t let that discourage you from applying.

· We are committed to increasing diversity across Unlock, including within our board. We particularly welcome applications from people who have themselves faced and overcome the disadvantages associated with a criminal record.

If you’re energised by the prospect of helping to lead a small criminal justice charity with an impressive national impact, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Are you passionate about building a more inclusive, sustainable and resilient economy? Are you looking for a meaningful way to use your finance expertise?

ECU is a small, dynamic non-profit working to transform the economy so that everyone has the freedom and security to live a good life. 

We are now recruiting for ECU’s first Treasurer, who will lead at board level on monitoring ECU’s financial performance and sustainability, ensuring that we have robust financial policies and processes in place, and supporting other board members to fulfil their collective responsibilities around finance. 

This is an exciting time to join ECU. We have an ambitious vision for change, a strong analysis of the opportunities and barriers to progress, and a clear view of our role in building a better economy. Our board is committed, collaborative and inclusive, with a strong understanding of its role and remit, and a culture of open dialogue. Our work is challenging, fascinating, and fulfilling – and, with rising levels of inequality, an unfolding climate emergency, overstretched public services and a growing concentration of corporate power, it couldn’t be more important.

Become a Trustee at Dougie Mac Hospice ��

Help shape the future of outstanding palliative and end-of-life care across  Staffordshire

Dougie Mac Hospice is looking to appoint new Trustees to join our Board and support the effective leadership, governance and long-term sustainability of our organisation.

For over 50 years, Dougie Mac has provided specialist, compassionate care for local people living with life-limiting conditions. Today, we are a multi-faceted, all-age hospice supporting children, young people, adults and families across Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire. With over 500 staff, 700 volunteers, and an annual cost of more than £23 million, strong governance has never been more important.

We are seeking individuals who share our commitment to our values — Compassion, Accountability, Respect and Excellence — and who can bring insight, challenge and support to help us deliver our vision of being a centre of excellence in palliative and end-of-life care.

�� What Does a Trustee Do?

As a Trustee of Dougie Mac, you will play a key role in ensuring the hospice is well-governed, financially resilient and able to meet the needs of our community now and in the future. Trustees collectively:

• Provide strategic leadership and help shape organisational priorities.
• Ensure our resources are used effectively and in line with charitable objectives.
• Oversee organisational performance, risk management and financial sustainability.
• Support and challenge the Executive Team to deliver high-quality care.
• Uphold our values and safeguard the reputation of the hospice.
• Act as ambassadors for Dougie Mac in the community and within their networks.

This is a voluntary role that requires integrity, sound judgement, teamwork and a genuine commitment to supporting excellent hospice care.

�� Who Are We Looking For?

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, skills and lived experiences. You do not need previous trustee experience — just the right mindset, values and ability to contribute at Board level.

We are particularly interested in hearing from individuals with experience in:

• Senior leadership or board-level decision-making
• Strategy, governance or risk management
• Healthcare, palliative care or wider public sector services
• Finance, investment or commercial management
• HR, workforce, organisational development or culture
• Digital, data or information governance
• Community engagement, fundraising or voluntary sector work

Above all, you should bring curiosity, integrity, compassion, and the confidence to both support and constructively challenge.

⏰ Time Commitment

Trustees are expected to attend:

• 4 Board Meetings per year
• 2–4 Committee or Trading Board meetings
• The AGM
• The Annual Trustee Away Day

Additional preparation time and occasional hospice events are also expected.
Out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed.

�� Training & Support

You will receive a full induction into the role and ongoing access to training, including mandatory governance modules and development opportunities. Trustees are well supported to thrive in their role.

�� Why Join Dougie Mac?

As a Trustee, you will:

• Make a real, lasting difference to local families at the most difficult times in their lives.
• Help shape services across a unique all-age hospice.
• Join a values-driven Board that works collaboratively and respectfully.
• Become part of a warm, passionate, community-centred organisation.

�� How to Apply

If you are inspired by our mission and believe you can contribute to the future of Dougie Mac, we would love to hear from you. See attached Trustee Application Pack. 

�� For more information, please contact:
Wendy Dale, Assistant to Hospice Board

Mavar is currently seeking a seasoned networker to join the Mavar Trustee Board as a Trustee with special responsibilities for strengthening our fundraising practice and broadening the charity’s donor base. Working with our Board and CEO, you’ll bring experience, insight and strategic guidance to help develop our fundraising capacity in support of the strategic development of the charity.

Mavar’s Mission

Founded on the belief that everyone has the right to choose their own path in life, Mavar’s central mission is to empower individuals who choose to explore opportunities beyond the strictly orthodox community to fulfil personal goals. Mavar supports our members’ efforts to achieve independence, live authentically and cope with the obstacles they may encounter as they explore options to live, work or study in the secular world – whether or not they choose to leave the Charedi community.

Mavar’s Service Users

Some men and women who have grown up in the closed world of the Charedi community hold personal and religious values that are not in line with the rest of the community. Attempts to follow their own path often bring them into direct confrontation with family, friends and neighbours who regard expressions of individualism or self-determination as heresy. These individuals fear that the community will ostracise them, leaving them feeling trapped, isolated and helpless.

Some may simply wish to explore options for obtaining a general education or improving their access to employment opportunities whilst wishing to remain within the ultra-orthodox community; others may look to divest themselves of the strictures of ultra-orthodoxy and to lead a more mainstream lifestyle. They all typically lack the everyday life skills to cope with the challenges of the secular world, which appears to them as a confusing, frightening and alien planet. Any effort to integrate with the outside, secular world is hampered by limited English language skills, cultural disorientation, lack of basic education or qualifications and negligible skills for employment.

Trustee Role Details

The day-to-day operations of Mavar are conducted by staff and volunteers under the leadership of our CEO and with the overall oversight of the Trustee Board.

Main Duties of the Fundraising Trustee:

• Contribute to the overall governance of the charity as a member of the Board of Trustees.
• Provide advice and support on fundraising strategy, ensuring income generation is planned and executed in alignment with Mavar’s budget framework and objectives.
• Act as a fundraising champion on Mavar’s board, working with the CEO and supporting other trustees to explore fundraising possibilities.
• If you have personal networks with fundraising potential, utilise them to support the work of the charity.
• Support the development of diverse fundraising streams (e.g. individual giving, trusts and foundations, community fundraising, corporate support) and advise and support with appeals and major fundraising events/campaigns.
• Act as an ambassador for the charity, promoting its work and helping to raise its profile.
• Ensure compliance with fundraising regulation and best practice, as well as Mavar’s policies and procedures.

You are expected to give at least one day per month to your role. Board meetings take place four times a year in London, with a mixture of online and in-person meetings and are complemented by occasional online or in-person feedback meetings with the CEO and the Treasurer.

Person Specification

Essential

• Commitment to the charity’s mission and values
• Understanding of the legal duties and responsibilities of charity trusteeship
• Knowledge and experience of fundraising (e.g. trusts, corporates, major donors, community fundraising, or digital campaigns)
• Strategic thinker, able to balance long-term planning with practical advice
• Strong communication and networking skills

Desirable

• Experience of charity fundraising
• Existing networks that could support the charity’s fundraising efforts
• Understanding of charity finance and/or marketing
• Familiarity with Jewish cultural context

Become a Trustee at Dougie Mac Hospice. Help shape the future of palliative and end-of-life care in Staffordshire. We’re seeking committed individuals who share our CARE values to support strong governance and help guide our all-age hospice serving our local community.

What will you be doing?

The Board requires a broad mix of skill, experience and attributes to achieve the efficient and effective governance of the organisation. Trustees need the knowledge, experience, aptitude and commitment to make a significant contribution to the Board. The hospice’s governing document allows for 6 – 15 trustees at any one time. We are committed to building a diverse Board that reflects the community we serve.

The voting members of the Board are responsible for the governance of the organisation. They must ensure that it operates in a manner that:

• Enables it to fulfil the objectives set out in the governing document
• Utilises assets and resources for charitable purposes in line with the governing document
• Gives due attention to charitable and company law
• Adheres to the organisation’s philosophy and values
• Upholds the reputation of the organisation.

Trustees must always act in the best interests of Dougie Mac, working together to put patients, families and the wider community at the heart of every decision. This is a voluntary role and Trustees cannot pursue their own professional and business interests, to personally benefit from their position.

As a Trustee of Dougie Mac, you will play a key role in ensuring the hospice is well-governed, financially resilient and able to meet the needs of our community now and in the future. Trustees collectively:

• Provide strategic leadership and help shape organisational priorities.
• Ensure our resources are used effectively and in line with charitable objectives.
• Oversee organisational performance, risk management and financial sustainability.
• Support and challenge the Executive Team to deliver high-quality care.
• Uphold our values and safeguard the reputation of the hospice.
• Act as ambassadors for Dougie Mac in the community and within their networks.

This is a voluntary role that requires integrity, sound judgement, teamwork and a genuine commitment to supporting excellent hospice care.

�� Who Are We Looking For?

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, skills and lived experiences. You do not need previous trustee experience — just the right mindset, values and ability to contribute at Board level.

We are particularly interested in hearing from individuals with experience in:

• Senior leadership or board-level decision-making
• Strategy, governance or risk management
• Healthcare, palliative care or wider public sector services
• Finance, investment or commercial management
• HR, workforce, organisational development or culture
• Digital, data or information governance
• Community engagement, fundraising or voluntary sector work

Above all, you should bring curiosity, integrity, compassion, and the confidence to both support and constructively challenge.

⏰ Time Commitment

Trustees are expected to attend:

• 4 Board Meetings per year
• 2–4 Committee or Trading Board meetings
• The AGM
• The Annual Trustee Away Day

Additional preparation time and occasional hospice events are also expected.
Out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed.

What are we looking for?

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, skills and lived experiences. You do not need previous trustee experience — just the right mindset, values and ability to contribute at Board level.

We are particularly interested in hearing from individuals with experience in:

• Senior leadership or board-level decision-making
• Strategy, governance or risk management
• Healthcare, palliative care or wider public sector services
• Finance, investment or commercial management
• HR, workforce, organisational development or culture
• Digital, data or information governance
• Community engagement, fundraising or voluntary sector work

Above all, you should bring curiosity, integrity, compassion, and the confidence to both support and constructively challenge.

What difference will you make?

Why Join Dougie Mac?

As a Trustee, you will:

• Make a real, lasting difference to local families at the most difficult times in their lives.
• Help shape services across a unique all-age hospice.
• Join a values-driven Board that works collaboratively and respectfully.
• Become part of a warm, passionate, community-centred organisation.

Before you apply

• If you have any questions or would like an Application Pack, please email

Role Description

St Edmundsbury Cathedral became a registered charity on 1 May 2023 and is looking to appoint additional independent non-executive members to join Chapter which is the Board of Trustees. Chapter is accountable for the governance, strategic direction and management of the Cathedral, and has ultimate responsibility for the care, maintenance and development of the Cathedral estate, all aspects of Cathedral activity, and for securing its long-term viability and financial sustainability.

The objects of the Chapter are:

(a) to advance the Christian religion in accordance with the faith and practice of the Church of England, in particular by furthering the mission of the Church of England;

(b) to care for and conserve the fabric and structure of the Cathedral Church building;

(c) to advance any other charitable purposes which are ancillary to the furtherance of the purpose referred to in sub-paragraph (a) or (b).

Membership

The Chapter consists of the Dean, the Residentiary Canons and other lay members holding appointed or elected positions. The constitution allows for between 8 – 12 members of Chapter. Currently, membership comprises the Dean and the Residentiary Canons (4 clergy) who serve as executive members. One member serves as the senior non-executive member who is a lay person appointed by the Bishop. Two of the other non-executive members are directly elected from the congregation. We are now seeking to appoint an non-executive safeguarding member.

We would particularly welcome applications from individuals with substantial experience in safeguarding. This individual will provide strategic oversight and assurance in safeguarding practice, ensuring that the Cathedral continues to uphold the highest standards of safety, care, and compliance for children, young people, and vulnerable adults, in line with national and diocesan requirements.

Term of Office

Non-Executive Chapter members are generally appointed for a term of three years, and subject to the approval of Chapter and with the agreement of the non-executive member may serve a further three year term, which is the maximum permitted term of office. The role is voluntary and unremunerated. Expenses are paid in respect of some travelling costs, in accordance with the Cathedral’s policies. The appointment is subject to satisfactory references.

Time Commitment and Meetings

Chapter usually meets six times each year. Meetings are held in the Chapter Room within Abbey House beside the Cathedral and the business agenda rarely exceeds two hours. A light lunch or Evensong follows each meeting of Chapter, allowing time for members to socialise. Attendance at some sub-committee meetings as appropriate.

Key Responsibilities

Non-executive members of Chapter ensure that the focus of the Cathedral is the promotion of the Christian faith, maintaining an effective balance between that and its important financial and commercial obligations and ventures.

Members offer strategic advice and oversight on all aspects of the work of the Cathedral, including ensuring compliance with all regulations and statutory obligations and adherence to the highest standards of good governance. They also offer constructive challenge to the executive team, offering expertise and experience to help with evidence-based decision-making.

Chapter members advise and support the Dean, Residentiary Canons, and Chief Operating Officer on issues that are within their areas of particular expertise. This Chapter Trustee will also sit on the Safeguarding Committee, which meets four times a year.

Chapter members are invited to bring innovative thinking, together with new ideas and insights, to help secure the long-term future of the Cathedral and the delivery of its strategy through the Masterplan 2030. Particular emphasis will be placed on members promoting the life and work of the Cathedral at the heart of the Bury St Edmunds community, across the county of Suffolk and the wider eastern region.

Chapter members are welcomed as leading members of the Cathedral community and as such are expected to take part in meetings and events. Visible participation in the worship at the heart of the Cathedral's mission is an important expression of the non-executive membership of Chapter. Lay members robe and have individual stalls in the Quire of the Cathedral. We would hope for attendance at the Sunday Eucharist once a month; and at occasional Evensongs, Greater Festivals and civic occasions as personal circumstances permit.

Person Specification

Successful candidates must possess the following competencies and personal attributes:

• be a communicant member of the Church of England, or of a Church which is not in communion with but subscribes to the doctrine of the Holy Trinity.
• have an empathy with and be a compelling advocate for the Vision of the Cathedral through the Masterplan 2030; to be able to inform, lead and direct the strategy of the Cathedral
• be competent and able to exercise the highest standards of good governance in a complex Christian organisation
• have the ability to gain the trust, respect, and support of fellow members of Chapter, and the wider Cathedral community
• have the capacity to work collaboratively with all members of Chapter to translate the Masterplans aims into tangible outcomes
• be able to show empathy in dealing with others and to engage diplomatically and with authority in dialogue and debate on critical issues
• be able to voice concerns appropriately, in a frank but professional manner and to deal with conflict constructively
• have the capacity to communicate clearly with other members of Chapter, the Senior Leadership Team and employees on technical, financial and business matters in accordance with the non-executive member’s particular skills
• possess the ability to communicate with confidence and to provide effective strategic guidance
• have strong intellectual and analytical skills with a broad-based and long-term view of strategic and organisational goals
• be able to grasp the bigger picture and avoid immersion in minute detail
• possess the highest levels of trust and integrity
• demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to safeguarding and the promotion of a safe culture within the Cathedral community.

Specific Competencies

In addition to the matters set out above we are looking to recruit a non-executive member with specific skills, expertise or experience in Safeguarding.

Applicants should bring substantial and demonstrable experience in safeguarding policy, practice, or oversight, ideally within a church, education, health, social care, or charitable context. They will provide independent assurance, constructive challenge, and strategic advice to ensure that safeguarding remains at the heart of the Cathedral’s governance and mission.

Do you want to support the running of the charity that supports people in Berkshire’s hospitals?

Are you the person to develop and lead our business opportunities planning, alongside our existing trustees?

You could join the Board of the Friends of Berkshire Hospitals, a charity that improves the experience of patients, visitors, medical staff and others who work in the Royal Berkshire and Wokingham Hospitals.

Our charity grew from a Reading-only organisation set up in 1957, which itself grew from a charitable group in the 1940s. We’re now serving both Reading and Wokingham hospitals, and intend to expand our services and thus our charitable business even further: to better serve all those in the hospitals. Our expenditure in 2024 was £366k, and we have plans to expand our business and fundraising operations outside of hospital premises.

The role and what we are looking for in a new trustee

Trustees are the people who make the top-level decisions for our charity. Our Board includes people with experience and skills in the services we provide to those in hospitals, and we’d expect new trustees to have empathy with our cause and our beneficiaries. 

We are looking for experience of developing a business, not necessarily in the not-for-private-profit sector, identifying new opportunities and relationships, creating and implementing our new marketing strategy.

We are a charity not a business, but we apply business principles to governing our organisation. We are looking for people from a variety of backgrounds to join our charity. We want to expand the diversity of our board, in all meanings of the word, and strongly welcome applications from people from less-represented groups. 

You don’t necessarily need prior experience of charity trusteeship, as full induction to our organisation will be provided, plus specialist support as a new trustee, including access to external training.

If you can think strategically and plan long-term, you have the primary skills needed by our trustees; you’ll also need to be able to work collectively with other Board members.

Trustees are not be expected to get involved in the organisation’s operations on a day-to-day basis; however, regular contact and liaison with other trustees and employees is expected.   

We ask for no more than ten  hours of your time per month, which includes all meetings, discussions, etc.  You will need access to digital communications, as much of our charity’s business is run that way.

How to apply  

This appointment is being managed for us by inVOLve Community Services, a charity-support organisation, who offer a no-obligation discussion by phone or video. A detailed Role Description and Skills Specification is available.

Trustee appointments are subject to satisfactory references.

Your CV or similar will be read by our existing trustees, and an interview offered as soon as mutually convenient.

I need to know more 

Contact Mike Allen via Apply Now, below, for more information and arrange to have a no-obligation initial informal discussion (Teams or Zoom)  

The Chapter constitutes the board of charity trustees of Worcester Cathedral (registered charity: 1207427). The Chapter comprises members who are lay and ordained, executive and non-executive as set out in the Cathedral’s Constitution. The non-executive members provide constructive challenge, input and support to the Cathedral’s strategic direction and operational implementation.

Commitment

Meetings: The Chapter currently meets formally 8 times per year (including two away days), usually for four hours on a weekday morning. Papers are received in advance and all members of the Chapter are expected to have read papers and be prepared to contribute as needed to discussion.

The Chapter does not normally meet in August. Expenses can be claimed for attendance at meetings or carrying out functions on behalf of the Chapter. Non-executive members of the Chapter will serve as lay canons of the Cathedral (or honorary canons if ordained), having the right to the title of ‘Canon’ and of being assigned a stall in the Cathedral’s 14th Quire. Non-executive members of the Chapter are required to adhere to the Chapter Member / Trustee Code of Conduct

Responsibilities of the Chapter:

A non-executive member of the Chapter shall take a full part in the discussions and decision-making of the Chapter as it fulfils its statutory responsibilities:

• to order the worship and promote the mission of the Cathedral;
• to formulate proposals in connection with the strategic direction and mission of the Cathedral;
• to manage all property vested in the Cathedral and the income accruing from it;
• to ensure that necessary repairs and maintenance of the Cathedral and its contents and other buildings and monuments are carried out;
• to attend to all matters concerning the appointment of staff to the Cathedral;
• ​to prepare an annual budget for the Cathedral;
• to prepare an annual report and accounts;
• to keep under review the Constitution and Statutes of the Cathedral;
• to ensure legal and regulatory compliance;
• to meet safeguarding requirements and ensure best practice; 
• to exercise the power if necessary to provide for the incorporation of limited companies for the better management of the Cathedral.

Contributing to the Cathedral's Life, Worship and Mission:

A non-executive member of the Chapter shall contribute the skills and experience they bring to the Cathedral as opportunity allows, for example:

• by serving on such incorporated limited companies as the Chapter may establish, on sub-committees of the Chapter and on any working groups of the Chapter as may be created;
• by attending and contributing to worship at the Cathedral;
• by contributing to the ministry of hospitality offered at the Cathedral and to such other Cathedral activity as may be appropriate;
• by acting as an advocate for the Chapter of Worcester Cathedral within and beyond the Church of England, across the city, the Deanery and the Diocese of Worcester and the wider region;
• by serving as a Canon of the Cathedral, being seen and present as such, as may be appropriate; 
• by providing critical friendship and constructive challenge to Chapter colleagues, the Chief Officers and the wider Senior Executive Team.

In general:

• to ensure their own compliance with the Chapter’s policies and procedures, and contribute to the review and development of policy and practice;
• to promote and uphold the Cathedral’s reputation and good standing at all times.

Person specification

Essential

1. Communicant member of the Church of England (within the meaning given in Rule 83(2) of the Church Representation Rules), or a communicant member of a Church which is not in communion with the Church of England but subscribes to the doctrine of the Holy Trinity
2. Committed to the Cathedral’s Christian vision, values, mission and ministry.
3. Able to carry out legal duties as set out in the Charity Commission’s ‘CC3 - The Essential Trustee’ and make decisions in accordance with the guidance provided in ‘CC27 – Decision-making for charity trustees’.
4. Willing to follow the Chapter’s Code of Conduct and to uphold all of the Chapter’s safeguarding responsibilities.
5. Willing to complete appropriate safeguarding training and DBS checking.
6. Demonstrable strategic leadership and governance skills; previous experience volunteering as a trustee is welcome but not essential.
7. Willingness to attend to professional personal development including undertaking training.
8. Able to commit a minimum of eight hours a month to attending Chapter meetings (or other business on behalf of the Chapter) including preparation for meetings.

Desirable

1. A professional background or significant experience of working in one (or more) of the following areas:
   •  strategic human resources management
   • property management / development
   • strategic planning

ELIGIBILITY

The Chapter members must be eligible to be trustees under the Charities Act. The Chapter members may not act as a trustee if they are disqualified unless authorised to do so by a waiver from the Commission. The reasons for disqualification, issued by the Commission include:

• being bankrupt or having an individual voluntary arrangement (IVA);
• having an unspent conviction for certain offences;
• being on the Sex Offenders Register