Board members volunteer volunteer roles

Join the Board of Trustees at EFT International, a global membership charity promoting excellence in Emotional Freedom Techniques. Help shape our strategy, strengthen governance and support sustainable growth. Volunteer role: 10–15 hours per month with induction and expenses.

What will you be doing?

Our Board of Trustees is seeking one or more new trustees to help shape the future of EFT International as we continue to strengthen our governance, support our members, and deliver our charitable mission. This is an exciting opportunity to join a collaborative board at a time when we are focused on sustainable growth, developing our long-term strategy, and ensuring we continue to operate to the highest standards of governance and accountability.

Our trustees bring a range of professional backgrounds and work together to provide strategic leadership, oversee the charity's activities, and support its future development. We are looking for individuals who are keen to contribute their expertise, and help guide the organisation through its next stage of development.

The successful candidates will be full members of the Board, attending monthly board meetings and contributing to strategic discussions and decision-making. 

This is a rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful difference to an international charity, working alongside committed volunteers to support a professional community and help ensure the EFTi organisation continues to thrive for years to come.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for individuals who are passionate about supporting the work of charities and can bring strategic thinking, sound judgement, and a collaborative approach to our Board.

You will have experience in a leadership, management or advisory role, with the ability to build positive relationships, communicate effectively, and work constructively with volunteers and fellow trustees. Previous experience of serving on a charity board or working within the voluntary sector is welcomed but not essential.

We're particularly interested in people who can contribute expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• Governance
• Marketing and communications
• Finance
• Human Resources
• Legal
• Event management

You should be able to think strategically, make balanced decisions, maintain confidentiality, and work both independently and as part of a team. As our Board meets online, you'll also be comfortable using digital tools such as Zoom and Google Workspace.

Most importantly, we're looking for someone who shares our commitment to the mission and values of EFT International and is willing to dedicate around 10–15 hours per month to the role, including completing an induction programme, attending monthly Board meetings, and engaging with the charity's activities. We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds and experiences who can bring fresh perspectives to our Board.

Why join us

Rebuild with Hope was established in 2021 and began supporting people facing multiple barriers to employment. From our humble beginnings we have seen continued and exciting growth which has allowed us to further develop and expand our support programmes alongside the opening of several retail outlets, high street stores and a community hub and café.

Our additional retail stores are in Runcorn (two stores), Earlstown, Kirkham, Thorn Cross and Wrexham. Our mission is to support those facing multiple barriers to employment by providing mentorship, employment opportunities and holistic support. Rebuild With Hope provides opportunities and delivers comprehensive support making transitioning back to work as smooth as possible.

We offer training, volunteering, work experience and progression to real work opportunities, coupled with wrap around support to foster independence, promote self-esteem and provide hope for people when they need it most. Employment and volunteering opportunities continue to help us support communities with the ongoing and ever challenging cost of living crisis.

Overview

The Rebuild with Hope Foundation is a fast growing and impactful charity supporting those facing barriers to work. Due to our continued growth we are looking to increase and diversify our Board membership. We are looking to appoint Trustees, no former experience is required as training will be provided. We are also looking to appoint a Treasurer a long with an experienced Chair of the Board. There are separate recruitment packs for each of the three roles, with each outlining the different knowledge and experiences required .

As Trustee you will help steer the charity towards achieving its mission. This vital role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to meaningful community initiatives, support sustainable growth, and foster positive relationships with stakeholders. As a Trustee, you will play a key part in shaping the charity’s future, ensuring accountability, transparency, and effective governance. This paid position invites passionate individuals eager to make a lasting difference through dedicated service and innovative thinking.

Role Description

Board Members are jointly and severally responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity, its financial health, probity of its activities, developing the organisation’s aims, objectives, and goals in accordance with the Constitution, legal and regulatory guidelines. All Board Members should be aware of and understand their individual and collective responsibilities and should not be overly reliant on one or more Members in any aspect of the governance of the charity.

Chair Specific Duties

• Rebuild with Hope operates within the law, and according to its constitution and its commitments to stakeholders and is adequately resourced to meet its commitments.
• Rebuild with Hope develops an effective strategy in line with the core values of the organisation
• All Board Members are fully involved in discussions and decisions, and the contribution of individual Members is monitored. The Chair will encourage group decision making, teamwork, and a sense of shared purpose, and will foster a sense of inclusivity and shared mission by informing the Board at each meeting of any ‘Chair’s business’ which has taken place since the last meeting
• The Board’s agenda is appropriate and focuses on the key strategic issues, all planned business is dealt with in an equitable, fair manner and a conclusion is reached in each case, and that decisions are clearly and accurately minuted
• The Board continually monitors Rebuild with Hope’s progress, and that Board Members have regular, timely and relevant information on strategic and financial issues and key risks
• Board Members have a proper knowledge and understanding of their roles and responsibilities
• The Board delegates, as appropriate, to its Committees and to its Chief Executive
• Regular reviews of Board, Committee and Chief Executive performance are undertaken, and a programme of development processes for the Board, its Members, and the Chief Executive is established
• Periodic reviews of the composition and workings of Rebuild with Hope are undertaken to ensure it continues to respond appropriately to changes in the wider environment
• Effective use is made of the Board’s time within, and between, meetings
• The Board receives professional advice when necessary
• The support and commitment of Rebuild with Hope’s partners and key stakeholders are developed and sustained
• They represent Rebuild with Hope as required and foster positive relationships with a range of stakeholders. The Chair will ensure that a high profile is maintained for the organisation, and that stakeholders are kept informed of our work
• Positive working relationships are maintained among Board Members and with the Chief Executive to enable an appropriate balance of challenge and support to be provided 

Duties

• Ensuring the charity complies with legislative and regulatory requirements and acts within the confines of the Constitution and its charitable objects.
• Acting in the best interest of the charity, beneficiaries, and future beneficiaries.
• Promoting and developing the charity to help it grow and maintain its public benefit.
• Maintaining sound financial management and control of the charity’s resources.
• Ensuring a fully effective and appropriate system recruitment, for appointment the and monitoring of the work and activities for the CEO and Senior Management team.
• Ensuring the effective and efficient administration of the charity and its resources, striving for best practice in good governance.
• Maintaining absolute confidentiality about all aspects of Trustees’ business

This role offers an inspiring opportunity to contribute your skills and experiences toward creating positive change while working alongside passionate professionals dedicated to making a difference in our communities.

How to apply

Please download the relevant recruitment pack for either Trustee, Treasurer and Chair. The application process is outlined within the pack.

We request no contact from external agencies

Inclusive Boards is delighted to be supporting Oaklea Trust in their search for their next Chair of Trustees. 

About Oaklea Trust

The Oaklea Trust is a charitable organisation whose purpose is to give vulnerable people the opportunity to live and work as independently as possible within their community. Established in 2002 and based in Cumbria, County Durham and Northumberland, we support disabled, disadvantaged and vulnerable children and adults. Our charitable work supports people of all ages who have Learning Disabilities, Physical Disabilities, Mental Health needs, and/or Dementia.

The Oaklea Group is made up of the charity, Oaklea Trust, and its commercial arm, Right2Work. Together, they support people and communities to learn, develop and thrive through person-centred care and support, learning opportunities, and pathways into employment.

This is a unique opportunity to help lead a values-driven organisation that supports people and communities across the North of England to learn, develop and thrive.

About the Chair opportunity

As Chair, you will energise and empower the Board and the Group as a whole. You will foster a culture of openness, collaboration, and constructive debate. You will inspire confidence and ensure the highest standards of governance, integrity and accountability. 

You will also help shape the Group’s future impact, supporting our mission to reduce inequality and create opportunities for people and communities to thrive. Through your strategic insight and advocacy, you will help extend our reach, strengthen partnerships and ensure more people can access the care, support and opportunities they need and deserve.

The Chair of the Oaklea Board of Trustees will:

• Ensure the Board functions effectively
• Guide Oaklea Trust’s strategic direction
• Ensure governance oversight
• Represent Oaklea Trust internally and externally
• Evaluate and support the Chief Executive
• Champion the leadership of Committees

We are seeking a new Chair of Trustees who can bring the following experience and capabilities to the role. We recognise that lived experience can offer valuable insights that greatly enhance a role like this, especially when combined with professional expertise.

Experience/Background:

• Experience of strategic leadership and governance within an organisation of equivalent size and complexity to Oaklea Trust, ideally within a Group structure. 
• A track record of driving growth and innovation, with the ability to apply insight to support the achievement of Oaklea Trust’s strategic objectives. 
• Understanding of the challenges associated with leading and delivering regulated services and the management of the associated risks.
• Ability to constructively challenge and hold space for compassionate and constructive conversations.
• Financial and commercial acumen, including experience in financial planning, oversight, risk management, and the establishment and monitoring of systems of control and accountability. 
• Ability to scrutinise and manage financial risk, ensuring long-term financial sustainability and safeguarding against fraud. 
• Ability to open doors, build networks and maximise opportunities with a range of stakeholders, funders and partner organisations.
• Previous trustee and/or Chair/Vice Chair experience is desirable.

Inclusive Boards is delighted to support Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice Care in their search for a Trustee.

Phyllis Tuckwell is an independent Hospice Charity based in Farnham, Surrey. They offer specialist palliative care in a compassionate and friendly environment. They aim to provide equitable supportive and end of life care to those with an advanced or terminal illness and to their families.

Their services help around 2,000 people each year and include a newly built hospice which can accommodate 18 in-patients, a living well centre, outpatient appointments, and a community service, including our Hospice Care at Home team.

About the Trustee opportunity

Phyllis Tuckwell  is currently seeking to appoint a Trustee who is an experienced qualified accountant and business professional and has:

• a clear understanding of our mission to put the patients and their families at the centre of any decisions made;
• compassion with a respect to the nature of Palliative care;
• knowledge of the Charities Statement of Recommenced Practice (SORP);
• strategic finance experience, business acumen, and the ability to communicate complex financial information effectively to trustees from a range of professional backgrounds;
• a desire to work collaboratively with fellow Trustees and volunteers;
• strategic thinking for the charity’s long-term aims;
• integrity so that decisions made by the Board are in the best interest of the Charity;
• good governance to ensure we comply with our legal and ethical goals and; 
• the time and commitment needed to join our high-performing Board.

They would especially welcome interest from individuals who have personal experience of caring for a loved one, as this perspective would bring additional value and understanding to the role.

The Board usually meets 4 times each year. In addition to which Trustees are expected to attend the annual Strategy Away Day with the Senior Management Team and sit on at least one of the quarterly sub committees, many of which can be held via Teams. Trustees are also encouraged to play an active role in the life of the Hospice including attending fundraising events, joining in with staff and volunteer events and working alongside the senior team to act as a sounding board.

Phyllis Tuckwell is committed to equality and diversity within their workforce and all volunteering opportunities. They welcome expressions of interest from individuals with a range of backgrounds and particularly encourage ethnic diversity, disabled people and those from under-represented backgrounds, communities and groups to apply.

Inclusive Boards is delighted to support University of Birmingham Guild of Students in their search for their next Chair of Trustees. 

The Guild of Students plays a key and pivotal role in the student experience at Birmingham, offering a range of services and activities which not only help to attract students to the University, but which also contribute to a vibrant student experience, as well as supporting the wider sense of community and belonging.

The breadth of the Guild’s service and activity portfolio is comparable with other large students’ unions in the Russell Group and as an organisation the Guild is well regarded within the sector. As leaders in the field, the Guild has paved the way in key areas such as representation, student groups and societies, social opportunities, events and activities.

About the Chair opportunity

This is a brilliant opportunity to join an award-winning, multifaceted, and complex charity as our next Chair of Trustees. The Trustee Board is collectively responsible for overseeing the affairs of the Guild and ensuring that the Guild works for and with its membership in all that it does.  The Chair’s role is to steward this at the highest level. They act as a role model for the Board, maintaining the highest standards of good governance, with a focus on strategy, risk, and long-term sustainability.

They must ensure a culture of inclusion, trust, and openness where all Trustees contribute their views and expertise, and champion student democracy. The Chair will work closely with the President and Chief Executive Officer, supporting them to achieve the aims and objectives of the Guild’s strategy and vision, and ensure the Guild meets the needs of its diverse student membership.

We are in the final year of the Guild’s 2022-27 strategy (aligned to the University’s priorities under its strategic framework, ‘Birmingham 2030’), making this a formative time as we look beyond 2027, in a challenging time for the Higher Education sector. We are seeking skilled leadership to continue to support us to deliver excellence and are, therefore, looking for an experienced non-executive, with demonstrable experience of supporting organisations at Board level.

The Guild values applications from a wide range of backgrounds that are reflective of the full diversity of Birmingham’s community, in particular from Black, Asian, and minoritised ethnicities as we seek to continually enhance diversity within our governance structures.

We would encourage candidates with current or previous experience in charities or the public sector, with experience of chairing meetings and of non-executive leadership, to apply. A connection to the Guild or University and/or to the West Midlands area is also beneficial, but not essential. Full details are outlined in the role description and person specification.

Inclusive Boards is delighted to be supporting Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance in their search for two new Trustees.

About  Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance

The Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance (LNAA) is one of the UK’s leading Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) charities, providing rapid, life-saving critical care across Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Our Helicopter and Critical Care Cars take the expertise of the hospital directly to the scene of the emergency, reaching any point in our two counties in under 20 minutes. Each mission costs approximately £4,000, and with over 32,000 missions since our founding in 1994, our service is made possible entirely through the generosity of the communities we serve.

LNAA is in a period of significant growth and transformation. We celebrated our 30th anniversary and our 30,000th mission in 2024 and were rated Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission in 2025 – a milestone that reflects the exceptional standards across our entire organisation. Looking ahead, our five-year strategy focuses on expanding our service further, including the introduction of a second helicopter in 2027 to ensure we can be by the side of even more patients when they need us most.

About the Trustee roles

To support this ambitious strategic direction, LNAA is seeking to appoint two new Trustees: one Generalist Trustee who will bring broad strategic leadership experience and sound governance judgement, and one specialist Trustee with expertise in Digital Technology and AI.

Role 1: Generalist Trustee

A strategic and collaborative leader, bringing broad experience, sound judgement and the ability to contribute constructively to Board discussion across a range of areas.

Essential:

Senior-level strategic leadership or governance experience. Ability to contribute broad perspective, constructive challenge and sound judgement to Board discussions.

Desirable:

• Experience in areas such as Finance, Aviation, Commercial leadership, Marketing or another relevant discipline.
• Familiarity with the charity or not-for-profit sector.

Role 2: Digital Technologies / AI Expertise

Use your skills and expertise to provide insight into digital transformation, AI innovation and emerging technologies, ensuring our work remains relevant, ethical and future-ready.

Essential:

• In depth knowledge of Digital and AI technologies, including strategy and emerging trends.
• Experience providing strategic oversight or advisory input at board or senior level.

Desirable:

• Awareness of ethical and regulatory issues around AI and digital transformation.
• Track record in driving digital innovation, ideally in a non-profit or public sector setting.

The Alec Dickson Trust is a grant making charity looking to recruit one volunteer to join its Board with expertise in Fundraising. The Trust supports young people who, through volunteering or community service, aim to enhance the lives of others, particularly those most marginalised by society.

Non-Executive Director (Board member) 

Positive Money is a leading international think tank and campaign organisation working to redesign our economic system for social justice and a liveable planet. We publish research, advocate for our proposals with politicians, policymakers, and the press, collaborate with civil society, and mobilise our community of supporters with digital campaigns. We work across six key areas: racial economic justice, finance and democracy, green finance, the future of money, housing, and macroeconomics.

We are seeking up to 4 new Non-Executive Directors (NEDs) to join the board of Positive Money UK. Our board is a non-executive body responsible for the organisation’s vision, mission, strategic direction, finances and governance. These positions are voluntary and unremunerated. Our board meets four times per year at our office in Vauxhall, and NEDs also support the organisation via membership of occasional working groups, or in reviewing policies or other documents.

We are looking for people who will bring strategic insight and either have, or wish to develop, a good understanding of governance. At a time when the funding landscape for our sector is volatile, we are also seeking people who can bring insight, experience or new connections to our fundraising efforts. We are also seeking a candidate with a strong finance background to take over from our current Non-Executive Finance Director, who will be retiring at the end of his term by the end of 2027. We are not seeking all these attributes in each candidate, and recognise that different candidates will bring different strengths and skillsets. See our application pack (link below) for full details

We are committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility and aim to dismantle oppression in all areas of our work. If you have any questions or considerations you would like us to accommodate in the recruitment process, please contact us.

Contract: Voluntary unremunerated position

Time commitment: Attendance at four board meetings annually, including at least three in person. NEDs may also be asked to review policies, proposals or other documents for the organisation or serve on occasional working groups. NEDs generally spend 3-5 hours per month on Board work.

Deadline: Closing date for applications is 9am Mon 7th Sept with interviews held on Wed 16th Sept

There will also be an open webinar on Wed 26th August at 6pm at which some current board members and Co-ED’s at Positive Money will speak a little more about the organisation and the role, and take questions.

Start Date: We aim to appoint new NEDs formally at our Dec board meeting. We may also invite successful candidates to attend some upcoming strategy development sessions this autumn, see application pack for dates and further details.

How to apply: Please visit our website vacancies page to view a full application pack and details of how to apply.

Could you help shape the future of our Charity?

We are recruiting new Trustees to join our Board and help guide the strategic direction, governance, and long-term success of ECI.

Trustees play a vital role in shaping how we deliver our services and ensuring we continue to meet the needs of our communities.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and do not require previous Trustee experience — full support and induction will be provided.

Who we’re looking for

We are particularly interested in people with lived experience or skills in areas such as:

• Using ECI services or similar support services
• Moving to Exeter or building a sense of belonging in a new community
• Being part of a minority group within the community
• Disability access and inclusion
• Child safeguarding and/or adult safeguarding
• Human resources (especially employee relations or employment law)
• Legal services or law

We also welcome anyone with different lived experience, professional skills, or perspectives that could help us improve and develop our services.

What you’ll be doing

As a Trustee, you will:

• Help shape ECI’s strategic direction and priorities
• Contribute to the governance and long-term development of the charity
• Ensure ECI meets legal, regulatory and financial responsibilities
• Champion ECI’s work and its impact in the community
• Use your experience, skills or networks to support and strengthen the organisation

The Board meets every two months, in person and online (usually weekday evenings). Between meetings, you may be asked to support areas linked to your skills or interests.

Commitment

• Around 3–4 hours per month
• Bi-monthly Board meetings
• Flexible involvement outside meetings when needed
• Open to applicants aged 18+

What you’ll get

• Full induction and ongoing support
• Opportunity to influence and shape a local charity’s future
• Experience in charity governance and strategic decision-making
• A chance to use your skills and lived experience for community impact
• Travel and reasonable expenses reimbursed
• A welcoming and supportive Board and staff team

Swansea Carers Centre are seeking an experienced and inspirational Chair to lead our Board of Trustees and help shape the next phase of our development.

About Swansea Carers Centre

Swansea Carers Centre is a vibrant, welcoming Tier 2 charity supporting unpaid carers across the City & County of Swansea. Every year, over 1,800 carers access our services, and more than 10,500 carers have registered with us since our founding. We provide welfare benefits advice, counselling, respite opportunities, dementia support, young adult carer projects, volunteer‑led initiatives, training, social groups and more. The services are all designed to ensure carers feel valued, connected and empowered. We also look to identify hidden carers and make certain that people looking after others can find the support they need.

An unpaid carer is anyone who provides support to a family member, friend or neighbour due to a variety of reasons which could include illness, disability, mental health needs, addiction, or age‑related frailty. Many people do not recognise themselves as carers yet they take on vital responsibilities that can have a profound impact on their wellbeing, finances and daily life. Our vision is a society where carers are recognised, respected and supported as equal partners in care. Our mission is to make a positive difference to carers’ lives by working in partnership with carers, statutory bodies and voluntary organisations.

The Role

The Chair will lead a committed Board of Trustees, ensuring Swansea Carers Centre is well-governed, financially sustainable and forward‑looking.

You will work closely with our CEO and Senior Management Team to embed strong governance practices, support strategic decision‑making, and champion a culture of empowerment across the organisation. This is a pivotal leadership role at a time when carers’ needs are growing, and the charity is strengthening its strategic direction.

We are particularly seeking a Chair who can:

• Embed modern, effective governance approaches
• Support the Board to focus on strategic leadership rather than operational detail
• Empower staff and volunteers to deliver high‑quality, carer‑led services
• Build strong partnerships with local authorities, health bodies, funders and community organisations
• Represent Swansea Carers Centre with confidence and credibility

Monthly Board meetings are held in person in Swansea, and we welcome applications from candidates based elsewhere who are willing to travel to attend.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Board to ensure balanced, inclusive and focused discussion
• Promote high standards of governance and regulatory compliance
• Provide strategic leadership and support effective decision‑making
• Build a strong, supportive working relationship with the CEO
• Ensure trustees receive timely, relevant information
• Champion carers’ interests and represent the charity externally
• Support succession planning and Board development
• Attend approximately 12 Board meetings per year, plus occasional sub‑committees and events

Term: Three years, renewable

Who We’re Looking For

Essential Experience

• Experience chairing Boards, committees or senior governance meetings
• Strong understanding of charity governance and trusteeship
• Proven leadership and excellent communication skills
• Strategic thinker with sound judgement
• Ability to build consensus and foster positive relationships
• Commitment to improving the lives of unpaid carers
• Financial awareness and comfort with digital tools
• Integrity, emotional intelligence and a collaborative approach

Desirable

• Previous experience as a Chair or Vice Chair
• Experience in voluntary, community, health or social care sectors
• Knowledge of charity finance, fundraising or organisational development
• Experience working with diverse communities

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to make a meaningful, lasting impact on the lives of carers across Swansea. You’ll be joining a passionate team, a committed Board, and an organisation with a clear mission, strong values and a desire to evolve its governance and strategic leadership.

If you want to help shape a charity that empowers carers, strengthens communities and delivers high‑quality support, we would love to hear from you.

Asist is an acronym for Advocacy Services in Staffordshire and Stoke-on Trent. Asist provides specialist independent advocacy support focused on one to-one, issue-based advocacy for adults, children and young people with learning disabilities, physical disabilities and/or mental health issues.

We support adults, children and young people to make small and big decisions in their own lives and to speak to services who make decisions because of a person’s health or disability. Advocacy is about enabling all people to have an equal voice in the choices and decisions that affect their lives. Asist advocates will not be judgemental and will not guide or influence the people they work with – whatever their age. Advocacy is about including people in their own story.

We are excited to be recruiting for new members to join our Board this year. Whether you are an experienced board memember or wanting to take your first step at Board level, we want to hear from you!

What we are looking for:

• Leadership experience

• Strategic thinking

• HR experience

• Business background

• Marketing skills

• Commitment to our mission

• Collaborative spirit

Asist’s Board meets once every two calendar months (six per year). Board members are required to attend a minimum of four meetings to remain active. Board meetings are agreed in advance, collectively, by the chair and trustees.

Who we are

The Humane League UK (THL UK) is dedicated to ending the abuse of animals raised for food by influencing the policies of leading food companies, advocating for stronger animal protection laws, and encouraging individuals to take action. We are part of a global network of organisations working to create a future where all animals are treated with respect and compassion.

Thanks to our effectiveness, The Humane League has been named Top Charity by the independent evaluator Animal Charity Evaluators for every rating period since 2012.

THL UK is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to furthering equity and inclusion, and we value diversity. We seek people from a wide range of backgrounds who will bring a fresh perspective to the team, not just because it is the right thing to do, but because it makes us stronger. We are proud to be a Disability Confident Committed Employer, demonstrating our commitment to recruiting, retaining, and supporting disabled people and people with health conditions, based on their skills and talent.

The Position

We are seeking two new Trustees to add to the current Board of four voluntary members.

Board members (trustees) of THL UK are responsible for providing strategic leadership, ensuring strong governance, and safeguarding the organisation’s mission, values, and financial sustainability.

This is a voluntary position, and trustees are expected to act in the best interests of the charity and in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements.
 

Whether you are an experienced charity trustee or looking for your first board position; if you believe you can share our commitment for ending the abuse of animals raised for food and have the qualities, knowledge and experience we are looking for, then we’d love to hear from you.

For full details about the role of trustees please view our information pack which you can find in the application resources below.

If you would like to watch a recording of our recent webinar where we discussed the role in more detail, you can view this by following the link to our website.

Person specification and requirements for this role

While specific experience in animal protection is not essential, all Board members must:

• Demonstrate a commitment to the aims and values of THL UK.

• Understand and accept the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship.

• Bring a strategic mindset and the ability to make well-reasoned, independent decisions.

• Be able to communicate in ways that build understanding and trust, and contribute positively to collaborative team working.

• Be willing to devote the necessary time and effort to the role.

• Be committed to moving forward with Diversity, Equity and Inclusion best practices.

Specialist Expertise Sought

In addition to the general requirements above, we are particularly seeking candidates who can bring expertise in one or more of the following areas:

1. Charity Governance

• In-depth knowledge of charity governance best practice, preferably gained through prior trustee, board, or senior charity leadership experience.

• Understanding of regulatory compliance and governance frameworks for UK charities.

• Legal skills relating to charity law, contracts, risk management, or related fields (desirable).

2. Charity Fundraising

Experience and understanding of charity fundraising, with particular relevance to EA-aligned funding environments.

• Knowledge of charity fundraising principles, governance considerations, and ethical fundraising practice.

• Understanding of the Effective Altruism funding landscape, including grant-making bodies, donor expectations, and impact-led funding criteria.

• Experience supporting or advising on grant applications, funder relationships, and individual donor stewardship.

3. Farmed Animal Campaigning

Knowledge of campaigning and advocacy within animal protection movements, with a particular focus on farmed animals.

• Understanding of the strategic landscape of farmed animal protection, including corporate campaigns, legislative advocacy, public engagement, and movement priorities.

• Experience of designing, advising on, or evaluating campaigns that seek measurable improvements for farmed animals.

• Awareness of the wider animal protection movement, including key organisations, campaign tactics, risks, and opportunities for collaboration.

• Scientific or veterinarian understanding and experience with farmed animals (desirable).

We welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds and with a range of perspectives. Having reviewed existing Trustees' diversity we would particularly welcome applications from ethnic minorities, disabled people and marginalised groups.

Where candidates bring similar skills and experience, we may take lived experience or background into account to help us build a more representative and inclusive board.
 

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute actively to the Board’s role in giving strategic direction, setting overall policy, defining goals, and evaluating performance.

• Ensure that THL UK complies with its governing document, charity law, and any other relevant legislation or regulations.

• Oversee the financial health of the charity, approving annual budgets and monitoring financial performance.

• Champion the fundraising work of THL UK in various ways–for example by introducing new donors from your network, actively promoting THL UK’s fundraising initiatives (like our end of year appeal), or by donating directly if you have the means to do so.

• Protect and promote the charity’s values, reputation, and effectiveness.

• Support and challenge the executive team to achieve the organisation’s objectives.

• Act as an ambassador for THL UK, promoting its work to stakeholders and the public.

• Participate in Board meetings (typically four per year) and occasional sub-committee meetings, as well as contributing advice and guidance outside formal meetings when required.

Key competencies

• Strategic thinker: Looks at consequences, implications, interdependencies, and indirect effects, all in both the short and longer term. Looks beyond the immediate goal or issue and with the greater context, not just the content of the moment. Is able to think and act creatively in difficult situations.

• Problem solver: Identifies issues, effectively structures problems, analyses information to produce insights and generates wise, actionable recommendations. A forward-looking thinker who anticipates the needs of the organisation.

• Effective: Strategically able to focus our energy, resources and talent toward impactful actions that will reduce, and ultimately end, the abuse of animals for food.

• Communication and strong interpersonal skills: Ability to communicate in ways that build understanding and trust and can adapt to different tones and styles and be able to engage with people from all walks of life.

I am working on behalf of my Client BeFriend Cows, who are a U.S.-based nonprofit organization that promotes compassion toward animals. They are seeking a financially-minded leader to join their board and guide their organization's financial health as they grow. This role combines financial stewardship with strategic thinking, helping ensure they have the resources and stability to expand their impact for animals, families, and communities worldwide.

Current status: This is a volunteer role. As they scale, they envision transitioning board leadership into compensated positions.

Your Core Responsibilities

Financial Leadership

• Present clear, accurate financial updates to the full board

• Guide the annual budget process and monitor organizational spending

• Lead audit preparations and ensure strong financial controls

• Oversee how we manage reserves and any investment activities

• Offer strategic input on major financial decisions

Board Governance

• Participate in evaluating and supporting our Executive Director

• Help navigate complex legal or ethical questions facing the organization

• Ensure we remain aligned with our charitable mission and legal obligations

• Act as an ambassador, opening doors to partnerships and visibility

• Contribute to fundraising conversations and donor relationship building

• Provide perspective on organizational strategy and long-term direction

Action for Refugees in Lewisham is looking for a trustee to act as secretary, supporting the board's governance role helping AFRIL deliver for refugees and vulnerable migrants in south-east London. Time commitment is flexible, and not onerous, and formal company secretary functions are supported by a member of staff.

AFRIL was founded in 2006 to support asylum seekers, vulnerable migrants and refugees in south-east London to lift themselves out of poverty and rebuild their lives in the heart of our community. Our support is holistic: both crisis support to meet immediate need, and longer-term, flexible programmes that tackle the underlying problems that lead to crisis, supporting people to integrate, contribute and thrive. We work in the community across south-east London, including in local asylum hotels.

We are a small charity, with mostly part-time staff, but we make a significant difference. Our client group is predominantly people in, or with experience of, the asylum system. We also support newly granted refugees, and migrants with no recourse to public funds who have complex and unmet protection needs.

AFRIL's board of trustees is collectively responsible for supporting and challenging the charity to oversee its good governance and proper financial control in line with its charitable aims and strategic plan, charity law, and all other relevant legislation. The time required of trustees is not onerous, and is flexible - although it is, of course, possible to take on more responsibility and expand your time commitment.

As a board member, you will be expected to be available for board meetings approximately every two months, which are generally an hour and a half long and take place in a weekday evening. These mostly take place online, with occasional hybrid meetings or meetings in-person.

As secretary to the board, you will be responsible for the timetabling of meetings, the agenda, and for taking and sharing a minute of board meetings – just main points and actions – to support the board in carrying out our remit. You may also assist with other areas of support to the governance for the charity, such as ensuring that we maintain regular review of the organisation’s policies, and providing some assistance from time to time to the member of staff leading on liaison with the Charity Commission and Companies House.

You will also need to be able to commit some ad hoc time to consider papers ahead of meetings, and occasionally to take part in email discussion on issues as they arise. You would also be expected to attend the charity’s AGM, which tends to take place on a Saturday afternoon in January/February.

We value diversity in our trustee team, as we do in the staff team. We particularly welcome applications from anyone who can bring lived experience of the immigration and asylum system, and are always keen to see applications from people with experience with fundraising, or with HR. We welcome applications from everyone, regardless of age, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religion or belief.

To apply, please submit a short (no more than one side of A4) letter explaining why you would like to join AFRIL’s board, and what skills and experience you would bring to the role, along with your CV.