Board members and chair volunteer volunteer roles

About International Lawyers Project

ILP is an alliance of talented and passionate lawyers drawn from diverse countries and cultures across the globe. We pull together teams of pro bono experts to support the policy and legal needs of individuals, communities and organisations that would otherwise not have access to expert advice.

A UK registered charity founded in 2005, we are staffed by a group of lawyers dedicated to using the law to achieve economic and environmental justice through strategic pro bono legal support. Our focus areas are environment and sustainable development, sustainable finance, governance and accountability (with a focus on anti-corruption measures), and protecting the civic space of those working on these themes. Over twenty years we have supported partners in more than 100 countries.

We are proud to have a diverse staff team from Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Europe, reflective of the communities we support. Our staff have extensive experience in our focus areas, as well as international law and development. We work primarily in the Global South, with active projects across sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, Asia and Europe.

As a charity, our ultimate aim is to help our partners create long-lasting change, in line with our vision of a just and sustainable world in which law serves as a tool for those who need it the most.

You may find out more about ILP’s work at its website.

About the Role

ILP has a 13-member Board, with members based in the UK, Spain, Kenya and the USA. Successful candidates will be joining a collegial team with a wide range of expertise in the thematic areas of ILP’s work and experience in charity governance.

ILP is a growing and ambitious organisation, with its budget more than doubling in size over the course of the last few years. Currently with a budget of approximately £500,000 and an additional £6 million value mobilised in pro bono hours, we are looking for a trustee and ultimately a Chair who is able to support the team as the organisation continues to grow and move to the next level.

Successful candidates will be appointed initially as an ordinary Trustee. The term of the current Chair comes to an end in mid-2027. Shortly before then the Board will decide on the appointment of a new Chair, with the expectation that the successful candidate will be elected from the Board in accordance with the Articles of Association.

The key responsibilities of Board members are to ensure that the organisation has a clear strategy for the fulfilment of its charitable purposes, and to provide oversight of and support to the executive team, in accordance with the Articles of Association and the guidance on governance obligations established by the Charity Commission.

 In addition to these general obligations the Board Chair’s key responsibilities are to:

• Provide leadership to the Board of Trustees in oversight of the strategic direction and execution of the governance responsibilities of the Charity.

• Chair and facilitate meetings of the Board (hybrid meetings held from ILP’s London office), ensuring that they are conducted in an effective and inclusive manner and monitoring the implementation of decisions taken at such meetings.

• Support ILP’s Executive Director in leading the day-to-day management of the Charity and preparing for Board meetings.

• Take lead responsibility on behalf of the Board for the relationship with ILP’s Executive Director, appraising their performance and holding him or her to account.

• Give direction to Board policy making.

• Act as an ambassador for the Charity, representing its strategy and contribution to its partners and funders.

• Plan for the recruitment and development of Board members as needed in order to improve the performance of the Board.

Term of Office: Trustees are appointed for a 3 year term, serving a maximum of 3 consecutive terms.

Expected Time Commitment: Variable, but up to two days a month as Board Chair. Ordinary trustees attend four two-hour Board meetings annually, for which moderate background reading is required, and may be requested to assist with other contributions.

Compensation: This is a volunteer role, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

Specification for Board Chair

• Experience serving on the Board of one or more other registered UK charities.

• Understanding of the Charity Commission’s governance requirements, and the balance of roles between governance and management.

• Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to support the charity.

• Professional background related to ILP’s thematic areas of focus and familiarity with the non-profit sector working in an international context.

• Commitment to ILP’s strategic objectives.

• Good communication and people management skills and strong independent judgement.

We are seeking an inspirational Chair of Trustees and a Vice Chair to lead Studio Upstairs into its next exciting chapter.

This pivotal role requires integrity, compassion, and strategic vision to ensure our much-loved arts and mental health charity fulfils its charitable objectives, maintains the highest standards of governance, and continues to thrive as a respected and trusted organisation.

The Board of Trustees plays a vital role by steering and supporting the charity development. 

We are seeking to appoint a Chair,Vice Chair or initially to join the board as a Trustee.. The Studio Upstairs Board is drawn from a diverse range of backgrounds and has a variety of skills. To complement the current Board, we would envisage that the Chair had a wide experience of running organisations and a particular interest in the charity sector. We are keen to hear from candidates with skills in the areas of Corporate Governance and Business Development ie: Charity Financial Management, Partnership working or Fundraising as well as those within Digital Technologies, Health or Legal expertise.

Studio Upstairs exists to transform lives through creativity. We have branches in Bristol and London. We are a trusted arts and mental health charity offering open studios and a creative community. We help people overcome challenges through therapeutic art practice and supportive peer interaction.

In addition to the full board meetings  there may be occasional committee meetings or meetings of specific task groups. It is expected that the Chair will also maintain regular contact with the Managing Director and other Board members.

The Board Meetings are to be held four to six times a year in London (currently online). 

A clear empathy with the aims of the charity are essential. You can find out more about our work on our website. 

The shortlisted candidates will be offered an opportunity to discuss the role informally prior to an interview. 

Chair of the Board of Trustees 

This is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of a respected and impactful organisation, guiding our strategic direction and supporting our mission to empower and strengthen communities across Lincolnshire. We are looking for an inspiring and values-driven individual to lead a committed Board of Trustees and work closely with the Chief Executive to ensure YMCA Lincolnshire remains ambitious in its vision, financially sustainable, and firmly rooted in its purpose and values.

Hours per week: Quarterly Board meetings that are held on weekdays, starting at 4pm and typically finishing at 6pm. Occasional Saturdays for strategic planning when required 9am - 2pm.

As Chair, you will foster a culture of effective and collaborative governance by encouraging constructive challenge, inclusive discussion, thoughtful decision-making, and collective accountability. You will help create the conditions for the Board to operate at its very best, while ensuring the organisation remains focused on the people and communities it exists to serve.

YMCA Lincolnshire’s work is varied from tackling homelessness, delivering early year education and working alongside young people and communities across the county. In all of these fields we aspire to creating safe spaces, supporting wellbeing, building resilience, and helping people realise their potential. We are looking for someone who understands that lived experience strengthens governance, sharpens strategy, and helps organisations stay connected to the change they are seeking to create.

We are looking for someone who brings:

· Strategic thinking and sound judgement

· The ability to guide and influence with credibility and integrity

· A collaborative and inclusive approach

· Experience of governance, senior decision making or organisational oversight

· An understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing charities and communities today

· The confidence to support, challenge, and inspire others constructively

· A commitment to equity, inclusion and amplifying diverse voices

· Passion for the mission and values of YMCA Lincolnshire

The Chair will be expected to attend Board meetings, Committee meeting where appropriate and key organisational events while maintaining regular contact with the Chief Executive and Trustees.

As Chair you will have the opportunity to help shape the future of the organisation and contribute to meaningful, lasting change across Lincolnshire.

If you are interested in applying, please click on our attached Recruitment Pack for full details about the role and how to submit your application.

The closing date for applications is Friday 17th July 2026 at 5pm.

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by Wednesday 22 July 2026 with interviews taking place week commencing the 3rd August 2026 at The Showroom with our panel.

We are the Lincs Mid, NE and Lincoln Branch of the RSPCA. Our Branch rehabilitates and re-homes animals rescued by National RSPCA Inspectors, as well as taking in animals from members of the public who can no longer care for them. We have three charity shops as well as other fundraising activity and local partnership to raise funds for our animal care activities.

We are a passionate and ambitious team seeking a new Chair of our Board. We are currently 9 Trustees with a wide range of experience. As Chair, you will lead our monthly committee meetings as well as AGM. We are hands on as a board, with a great team of staff and volunteers who deliver our core activity.

If the Chair role isn't for you, we also have opportunities on our Board to take the lead on our Charity Retail Operations or Health & Safety. We already have Trustees with specific expertise in e.g. HR and finance, and would love you to join us if you have experience in either charity retail management or health & safety. 

Please contact me to find out more.

Cambridge Nightline is a confidential and anonymous listening service run by students, for students.  We have been providing peer-to-peer support to students at the University of Cambridge and Anglia Ruskin University for over 50 years.  We offer support via telephone and instant messaging (IM), and open at night when other support services are often closed.

Cambridge Nightline has recently appointed a Board of Trustees, and is working towards becoming a registered charity.  Our aim as Trustees is to provide oversight and guidance to the student Executive Committee, whilst supporting them as much as possible to continue to lead the direction of the service.

We are now seeking a voluntary Treasurer to join the Board of Trustees.

For more details about Cambridge Nightline, job description and person specification, please see the attached recruitment pack.

Please note, this position is open to applicants resident in the United Kingdom, the Isle of Man, or the Channel Islands. 

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Role of Treasurer of the Board

The Treasurer of the Board of Trustees will take the lead at board level in assuming responsibility for the financial oversight of Cambridge Nightline.  You will work alongside the Board of Trustees and student Executive Committee in reviewing the organisation’s financial performance to ensure its finances are managed responsibly, in accordance with the objects of the organisation and with legal requirements.

The Treasurer of the Board will work closely with the Student Treasurer to oversee the budget and financial administration, and to ensure the sustainability of the organisation’s funding and reserves.  As Cambridge Nightline works towards becoming a registered charity, you will provide advice and guidance to the Board of Trustees to ensure financial compliance with charity law.

We are looking for our next Chair of Trustees – someone who will work closely with our Executive Team and Board to guide the organisation through what is both a challenging and genuinely exciting time. The funding environment is tough. The political context is difficult. And yet the need for what we do has never been greater.

This is an unpaid voluntary role. Reasonable out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with our Volunteer Expenses Policy.

The successful candidate will lead a vibrant, well-established, national charity as it navigates the next chapter of its story.

Main tasks

• Developing and setting our future strategy, alongside the Executive Team and other Trustees
• Helping shape and deliver our future, identifying opportunities in an evolving landscape
• Leading the Board of Trustees, including regular 1:1s and providing space for reflection
• Acting as a 'critical friend' to our Executive Team, as well as formal line management to the CEO (and COO in their absence)
• Acting as an ambassador for the charity – raising awareness of what we do and engaging potential supporters and other key stakeholders
• Responsibility, along with the other trustees, for the governance of the charity
• Contributing to the ongoing strategy of the charity, in line with our charitable objectives
• Participating in board meetings and sub-committees in an inclusive and thoughtful way

Please download our Chair Application Pack for more information.

Charity Trustees (volunteer) – North West, Stoke-on-Trent, Shropshire and Staffordshire

This is an opportunity to join a Board engaged in real strategic decisions, where your contribution will have direct and lasting impact. 

About us

Adoption Matters is a children’s charity and one of the largest voluntary adoption agencies in the UK. We recruit, train and support individuals, couples and families looking to adopt and offer ongoing support and training. We also offer a support service for adopted adults and birth families, and a specialised therapy service.

In 2024, we launched our not for profit fostering agency, Foster Care Matters. As a non profit provider, the service is committed to reinvesting resources to deliver high quality support and ongoing training for foster parents. More recently in 2026, we acquired 1st Affinity Fostering Service in Wrexham, securing a not-for-profit future for the agency in Wales.

What we’re looking for

We are seeking Trustees to join our purposeful and dedicated Board of Trustees and contribute to our organisation and the lives of children and families. We are looking for individuals who share our ambition and have the skills and ability to make a meaningful contribution.

This is a meaningful opportunity to help shape the future of a children’s charity that transforms the lives of children who cannot live with their birth families. For many of the children we support—often older, in sibling groups, or with complex needs - adoption can be life-changing.

For further information, please refer to the Person Specification in the Trustee Recruitment Pack. 

Term commitment 

The term of appointment will be three years initially, with a review of performance for renewal for a further three years and again after this period, up to a maximum of nine years. In exceptional circumstances, the term may extend beyond this period.

Remuneration and expenses 

This position is unremunerated; however, reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

Why become a Trustee? 

Make an impact, gain experience, expand your network, and enhance your skills and knowledge. If you are passionate about what we do and believe you can add value to the current Board of Trustees, we would be very interested to hear from you. 

What we offer in return 

• Our values: Honesty, Empathy, Ambition, Respect, and Together — which we hope align with your own. 
• The opportunity to make a difference, feel valued, and achieve the role satisfaction you’ve always wanted. 

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement 

At Adoption Matters, we are committed to fostering an environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered. Our ambition is to create a culture that embraces diversity, promotes equality, and ensures inclusion for all. 

We are open to discussions about any adjustments or flexible arrangements you may need at any stage of the process. If you join us, we will support you to reach your full potential. The only aspect we assess in your application is how you have demonstrated your ability to meet the essential requirements of the role. 

Together, we can build a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive future.

Our values: Honesty, Empathy, Ambition, Respect, and Together - which we hope to align with your own.

The opportunity to make a difference, feel valued, and achieve the role satisfaction you’ve always wanted.

What’s next? It’s easy!

How to apply

Apply with your contact details and we will be in touch with the full Recruitment Pack and Application Form.

Chair of Trustees - The Family Place Foundation

We are recruiting a new Chair of Trustees to lead our Board and support the next stage of our charity’s development.

Location: Remote, with occasional in‑person trustee meetings (typically once or twice a year) held in the Clyro/Herefordshire area.

Time commitment: Approximately 1–2 days per month. This includes six trustee meetings a year, occasional ad‑hoc discussions and light‑touch support between meetings (for example reviewing policies or responding to emails).

Remuneration: Voluntary role (reasonable expenses reimbursed)

About us

Established in 2020, we are a small, well-established charity with a strong grounding and a clear purpose. We raise funds to provide support to adopted, fostered and kinship care children and their families to improve emotional wellbeing, strengthen relationships, and reduce the impact of early trauma. In collaboration with leading UK practitioners, we support the delivery of a range of services providing essential therapeutic care and family support that isn’t covered by statutory funding. Services offered include Family Activity Days, Specialist Clinical Workshops, Advisory Consultations and Family Respite Camps. We also work to raise awareness of the challenges faced by children who cannot live with their birth families. We are a warm, committed team with a strong reputation for high‑quality support, clear governance, and genuine care for the families we serve.

To learn more about our work, please search online for “The Family Place Foundation”.

We are now seeking a Chair of Trustees to help guide the charity through its next stage of development, including shaping our emerging Family Foundations project, a significant new early‑years initiative for the charity, alongside our ongoing portfolio of funded projects delivered through our specialist partner. This is an exciting opportunity to join a dedicated Board and a small operational support team who care deeply about the families we serve and the long‑term sustainability of the organisation.

The charity is currently led by a Board of four trustees, supported by two part‑time operational staff and a small group of volunteers.

As Chair, you will provide leadership to the Board, ensure effective governance, and help the charity continue enabling the delivery of high‑quality, trauma‑informed support. You will work closely with the trustees and operational colleagues to help shape strategy, strengthen partnerships, and ensure the charity remains compliant, resilient, and focused on its mission. You will also play a key role in strengthening the charity’s governance and fundraising, which in turn enables the therapeutic delivery carried out by our specialist partner. 

A supportive handover will be provided to ensure a smooth and confident transition into the role.

Person Specification

We are looking for someone who brings:

• Warmth, clarity and good judgement, with a balanced, proportionate approach to governance.

• A genuine commitment to improving the lives of adopted, fostered and kinship care children and an understanding of the challenges faced by families affected by early trauma.

• Confidence in chairing discussions, helping the Board reach clear, well‑considered decisions.

• An understanding of good governance, including risk, safeguarding and compliance (or a willingness to learn).

• The ability to work collaboratively with trustees and our small operational support team, offering encouragement and constructive challenge while supporting the charity’s governance and fundraising role, which enables the specialist delivery work carried out by our partner.

• Strategic thinking, with the ability to help shape the charity’s direction and ensure long‑term sustainability.

• Reliability, integrity and a calm, steady approach, keeping the charity’s purpose at the centre of decision‑making.

• Meets the eligibility requirements to serve as a charity trustee, as set out by the Charity Commission.

Helpful but not essential:

• Experience of chairing a board or committee

• Experience in charity governance, education, social care, therapeutic work, or community leadership would be helpful, but we are open to a wide range of backgrounds.

• Lived or professional experience related to adoption, fostering, trauma or family support.

What We Offer

• A warm, committed Board, small operational support team and group of volunteers who work collaboratively and value clear communication.

• A meaningful opportunity to shape the future of a small but growing charity with a strong reputation for high‑quality, trauma‑informed support.

• Flexible time commitments that fit around work and family life.

• A chance to make a tangible difference to adopted, fostered and kinship-care children and young people, and the families who care for them.

How to apply

Please apply through the CharityJob platform with your CV and a short supporting statement outlining your interest in the role and your relevant experience. 

If you would like an informal conversation before applying please contact the charity directly using the details provided on our website. We would be happy to arrange a conversation with the current Chair or another member of the Board if you would like to learn more about the role.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and lived experiences.

About the Trustee role

We have a detailed role description and person specification over the next few pages to

help you understand the requirements of the role.

The main purpose of our role:

As trustees at Back Up, we are volunteers with a specific legal responsibility to:

· Ensure our aims and objectives are being met

· Act in the best interest of the charity

· Manage responsibility for what we have (our people, our money etc)

· Act with reasonable care and skill

You can find more information from the charity commission.

What you will gain:

· An insight into how a charity runs, particularly how a charity board runs

· A new group of friends and colleagues

· A sense of pride when hearing about the difference our services make and that you

· A role in transforming lives affected by spinal cord injury.

· Confidence in building relationships with a wide range of people and speaking up at meetings

· An opportunity to develop your skills and experiences

· An opportunity to use your skills and experience to the benefit of the charity

Being a trustee is a voluntary role, therefore unpaid, but expenses including for travel are reimbursed.

You will receive a full induction to help you in the role at Back Up. In addition, where there is a training need, a range of training courses are on offer. You’ll need to commit time and energy to attend these, building up your knowledge so that you feel confident in the role. This often takes longer than you think, but we understand that – we were all new trustees once too.

Trustee Person Specification

Key Skills:

· Ability to support, motivate and inspire people to get involved

· Excellent communication skills in person, in writing and on the telephone

· Respect for others, for confidentiality and able to treat people equally

· Highly organised: able to manage multiple tasks, conflicting priorities, and responsive to deadlines

Qualifications and Experience:

Specific experience that would be useful to Back Up. You may have one or more of these:

· Accountancy

· Third Sector Knowledge

· Fundraising knowledge

· Personal experience of spinal cord injury

Personal Attributes:

· Integrity and honesty

· Proactive – seek out answers to your questions without a prompt

· A demonstrable commitment to Back Up's aims and values

· Honest, reliable, enthusiastic and conscientious

· Team player, flexible and adaptable

· Willingness to understand and hear about issues relating to spinal cord injury

Time Commitment:

· Currently, three and a half hourly board meetings four times a year, evenings in SW London

· One to two away-days per year

· Two-hour committee meetings (four times per year)

· Spending two to three hours prior to meetings, reading and absorbing information

· Reflecting and discussing by telephone

· Follow up to meetings – reading and commenting on minutes, carrying out any

· agreed actions

Requirements:

You must be…

· Over 18

· Not bankrupt

· Subject to satisfactory DBS check and references

· Not excluded by Companies House or Charity Commission

· Not bound by conflicts of interest that would be so significant as to undermine the role in general e.g. a member of a group that discriminates against people based on gender or ethnicity

Specific responsibilities

Role Description: Trustee

Reports to: Chair of Trustees

Accountable to: People affected by spinal cord injury, Charities Commission and Companies House

Summary:

The Board supports the vision and mission of the organisation. We ensure the delivery of the strategy, so that people affected by spinal cord injury can realise their full potential.

Vision and Mission

· To uphold the values of the charity, undertaking the duties of trusteeship in a way that adds to public confidence and trust in the charity

· Promoting and developing the charity in order for it to grow and maintain its relevance to society

· To support decisions that are in the best interest of service users, donors, volunteers and stakeholders at all times

· To take big decisions about the future

Compliance, quality and effectiveness

· Support development of policies that further the aims and objectives of Back Up and to monitor their success

· Ensure compliance with our memorandum and articles

· Ensure Back Up’s accountability and legal obligations

· Maintain sound financial management of the charity’s resources, ensuring expenditure is in line with the organisation’s objects and investment activities meet accepted standards and policies

· Ensuring resources are used in an efficient and cost-effective manner

· Maintain effective board performance

· Remain aware of the legal responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship and act in accordance with liabilities

· Manage/declare any personal conflicts of interest.

· Strive for best practice in governance, through proactive learning and Development

This is an exciting time for the Helen Bamber Foundation Group (which comprises Helen 
Bamber Foundation and Asylum Aid) as we continue to grow our impact and strengthen our 
services for survivors of torture, trafficking, and human cruelty and those seeking protection. 
Our work is more crucial than ever, as we advocate for vulnerable individuals within a 
challenging and evolving global landscape. 

This year, we are looking to recruit a Trustee and Chair of the Finance and Fundraising Committee 
to replace the current position holder who is retiring from the role. This role is a key member of 
both Boards of Trustees, providing oversight of both charities’ financial health and helping ensure 
strong financial governance of the Group. Working closely with the CEO of Helen Bamber 
Foundation Group, the Executive Director of Asylum Aid, the Director of Finance and Governance 
and both Boards, this trustee will support strategic decision-making by ensuring that trustees 
have clear and accurate financial information and that the Group operates with robust financial 
controls. The role plays an important role in helping the Boards balance ambition and growth 
with responsible financial stewardship.

As a Trustee you will be part of a small team of volunteers who are collectively responsible for 
developing and guiding the strategic direction of the Group and steering the long-term stability. 
You’ll also chair the Finance and Fundraising Sub-Committee, which serves both Helen Bamber 
Foundation and Asylum Aid.

Please see the role description for further details.

Do you want to be inspired by the impact of education? Do you have the skills to lead an established board of governors? A school in Tewkesbury is looking for a skilled volunteer to drive school improvement by becoming a chair of governors.

What will you be doing?

Governing bodies are responsible for the strategic management of a school and will make decisions about a wide range of issues

The core responsibilities involved are:

· Ensuring accountability

· Providing support and challenge to the schools senior leadership team

· Monitoring and evaluating the school’s progress

· Budgetary allocation and control

· Shaping plans for school improvement and overseeing their implementation

· Setting the school’s aims and values

· Appointing senior members of staff including the Head Teacher

A school governing body is made up of representatives from the school, the parents, and the local community.

What are we looking for?

This vacancy is for an alternative provision secondary school. Ideally, you would have previous experience in the education sector however please still apply if your skills lie in a different industry. Previous chairing or leadership experience is desired but not necessary if you feel you have education knowledge to offer.

You must be over 18, but you don’t need to be a parent or have children of school age. Often, it’s the outside perspective you can bring that a school needs. Professional experience in areas such as safe guarding, change management, and leadership skills are all useful to a school. Soft skills such as communication and problem solving are also great additions.

What difference will you make?

Governors make decisions that affect schools for years to come. Chair of Governors work in partnership with Head Teachers and the Senior Management Team to help deliver the best possible education, and help children realise their expectations and aspirations.

Our recent impact survey found that our volunteers bring £9.9 million worth of value to schools each year, and 9/10 volunteers would recommend being a governor to a friend.

As a chair of governors, you will be encouraged to visit the school to gain an understanding of the culture and ethos and to get the most out of the role. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet children, parents, and teachers, and see the impact of your work first-hand.

What's in it for the volunteer?

Volunteering as a chair of governors is a challenging but rewarding role. As part of the governing board, you’ll:

· Have support from the vice chair(s) and the clerk, to ensure the effective functioning of the board by keeping it focused on its core functions. You will also encourage the board to work together as an effective team, building its skills, knowledge and experience.

· help schools overcome challenges to ensure a bright future for children in your community

· work collaboratively with people from different backgrounds, challenging your own perspective and broadening your network

· gain experience outside of your job description and skills you can bring back to work

Before you apply

You will need to complete an application form and will have an interview with the school. DBS checks will be taken up.

About Governors for Schools

Objectives

Governors for Schools exists to improve educational standards so that children and young people have the chance to realise their full potential.

We believe the key to improving school performance is effective governance. By finding, nurturing and supporting a committed network of governors we help to drive systematic change in how schools operate. We have been connecting schools across England for over 20 years, and expanded our service into Wales in 2020, with skilled and committed volunteers, supported by our business and university partnerships.

Do you want to be inspired by the impact of education? Do you have the skills to lead an established board of governors? A school in Barking in Essex is looking for a skilled volunteer to drive school improvement by becoming a chair of governors.

What will you be doing?

Governing bodies are responsible for the strategic management of a school and will make decisions about a wide range of issues

The core responsibilities involved are:

· Ensuring accountability

· Providing support and challenge to the schools senior leadership team

· Monitoring and evaluating the school’s progress

· Budgetary allocation and control

· Shaping plans for school improvement and overseeing their implementation

· Setting the school’s aims and values

· Appointing senior members of staff including the Head Teacher

A school governing body is made up of representatives from the school, the parents, and the local community.

What are we looking for?

This vacancy is for a Primary School and nursery (ages 3-11).  The school would ideally like to find someone who has experience in safeguarding and anti-bullying.

You must be over 18, but you don’t need to be a parent or have children of school age. Often, it’s the outside perspective you can bring that a school needs. Professional experience in areas such as safe guarding, change management, and leadership skills are all useful to a school. Soft skills such as communication and problem solving are also great additions.

What difference will you make?

Governors make decisions that affect schools for years to come. Chair of Governors work in partnership with Head Teachers and the Senior Management Team to help deliver the best possible education, and help children realise their expectations and aspirations.

Our recent impact survey found that our volunteers bring £9.9 million worth of value to schools each year, and 9/10 volunteers would recommend being a governor to a friend.

As a chair of governors, you will be encouraged to visit the school to gain an understanding of the culture and ethos and to get the most out of the role. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet children, parents, and teachers, and see the impact of your work first-hand.

What's in it for the volunteer?

Volunteering as a chair of governors is a challenging but rewarding role. As part of the governing board, you’ll:

· Have support from the vice chair(s) and the clerk, to ensure the effective functioning of the board by keeping it focused on its core functions. You will also encourage the board to work together as an effective team, building its skills, knowledge and experience.

· help schools overcome challenges to ensure a bright future for children in your community

· work collaboratively with people from different backgrounds, challenging your own perspective and broadening your network

· gain experience outside of your job description and skills you can bring back to work

Before you apply

You will need to complete an application form and will have an interview with the school. DBS checks will be taken up.

About Governors for Schools

Objectives

Governors for Schools exists to improve educational standards so that children and young people have the chance to realise their full potential.

We believe the key to improving school performance is effective governance. By finding, nurturing and supporting a committed network of governors we help to drive systematic change in how schools operate. We have been connecting schools across England for over 20 years, and expanded our service into Wales in 2020, with skilled and committed volunteers, supported by our business and university partnerships.

CVS Cheshire East exists to ensure local voluntary and community groups are strong, empowered organisations that make a difference in our community. We are seeking trustees with a passion for the VCFSE sector, a desire to make a difference and achieve change, and the commitment and dedication to engage with the Board and senior leadership to actively drive the organisation forward.

Trustees are collectively responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of CVS Cheshire East. They develop the organisation’s aims, objectives and goals in accordance with its governing document, legal obligations and regulatory guidelines, ensuring the charity operates effectively and delivers genuine public benefit.

Being a trustee is both a privilege and a responsibility. It means lending your experience, skills and insight to strengthen not just CVS Cheshire East, but the wider VCFSE sector across Cheshire East.

Key Responsibilites

• Legal and Governance Duties
• Financial Responsibility and Risk
• Safeguarding
• Strategic Leadership
• Supporting the Chief Executive
• Collective and Individual Responsibility for descisions

Time commitment

Trustees are expected to read all Board papers in advance of meetings and come prepared to contribute. In addition, trustees may receive requests for information or decisions between meetings and are expected to respond in a timely manner: we anticipate that in addition to the meetings outlined above, trustees will need to spend between 2-4 hours per month contributing to CVSCE governance.

Skills

CVS Cheshire East welcomes applications from people with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.

What matters most is passion for the VCFSE sector, a desire to make a difference and achieve change, and the commitment and dedication to engage with the Board and senior leadership to actively drive the organisation forward.

We are particularly keen to recruit trustees who reflect the diversity of the communities we serve, and those with lived experience of being an employee or trustee of one of our member organisations.

Are you ready to use your leadership, wisdom, and faith to make a tangible, life-changing impact across the UK? Christians Against Poverty (CAP) is embarking on an exciting new chapter as the nation’s largest specialist community-based debt help provider, and we are looking for dedicated volunteer Trustees to help guide our mission. For over 30 years, CAP has partnered with local churches to release thousands from the crushing chains of debt and poverty, restoring hope, financial resilience, and introducing people to the transformational love of Jesus. As a vital member of our Board, you will provide the strategic direction and prayerful governance needed to steer an agile, innovative £15m organization—vanguarding AI-driven solutions and cutting-edge platforms—while navigating a challenging economic landscape. If you are an active Christian with senior-level experience in fundraising, financial management, or strategic partnerships, this is your invitation to join a thoughtful, bold, and joyful team united to see transformed lives, thriving churches, and an ultimate end to UK poverty