Board members volunteer roles in sittingbourne, kent

Purpose of the Role:
The Treasurer plays a key leadership role in ensuring SAPHNA’s financial integrity and sustainability. In addition to the responsibilities of a General Trustee, the Treasurer provides strategic guidance and oversight on SAPHNA’s financial matters.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee SAPHNA’s financial management, ensuring robust processes and controls are in place.
• Advise the Board on financial strategy, risk management, and resource allocation.
• Work closely with SAPHNA’s management team to monitor budgets, cash flow, and financial performance.
• Ensure the preparation of annual accounts in accordance with charity regulations.
• Present financial reports to the Board in a clear and accessible format.
• Support the development of financial policies and procedures.
• Ensure SAPHNA’s funds are invested appropriately, achieving both security and growth.
• Oversee financial compliance with legal and regulatory obligations.

Person Specification:

• Proven financial expertise, ideally with experience in financial management, accountancy, or charity finance.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to present complex financial information clearly.
• Commitment to SAPHNA’s mission, vision, and values.
• Experience in governance, leadership, or financial oversight.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with other Trustees and SAPHNA’s management team.

Time Commitment:
Trustees are required to attend quarterly Board meetings, participation in working groups or committees, and occasional representation of SAPHNA at events. The Treasurer role may require additional time to review financial matters and liaise with staff.

Purpose of the Role:
As a Trustee of SAPHNA, you will play a vital role in ensuring the organisation achieves its mission to promote excellence in school and public health nursing. Trustees are responsible for the overall governance, strategic direction, and financial sustainability of SAPHNA.

Key Responsibilities:

• Contribute actively to the Board’s strategic decision-making and direction.
• Ensure SAPHNA complies with its governing document, charity law, and relevant regulations.
• Uphold SAPHNA’s values and promote its objectives.
• Provide guidance and expertise to support SAPHNA's development and growth.
• Oversee SAPHNA’s financial stability, approving budgets and ensuring resources are used effectively.
• Attend and actively participate in Board meetings (approximately four per year) and contribute to subcommittees or working groups as required.
• Support fundraising, partnerships, and advocacy activities where appropriate.
• Act as an ambassador for SAPHNA, representing the organisation to stakeholders.

Person Specification:

• A commitment to SAPHNA’s mission, vision, and values.
• Strong strategic thinking and decision-making skills.
• Effective communication skills and a collaborative approach.
• Experience in governance, leadership, or relevant professional expertise.
• Knowledge of school and public health nursing or the broader healthcare landscape (desirable but not essential).

Time Commitment:
Trustees are required to attend quarterly Board meetings, participation in working groups or committees, and occasional representation of SAPHNA at events.

Founded in 1997, the Islington Centre for Refugees and Migrants provides a place for refugees, migrants, and people seeking asylum to rebuild their life with support and community. From classes to casework to financial assistance, the Centre has a wide offering available for our community of over 200 people. Our approach is compassionate and human and the support we offer is long term - on average people stay with us around four years.

The current Board brings a wide range of charity and public body experience including strategy and fundraising and we are looking for skills to both enhance and complement these strengths.

The Centre has a dedicated and talented staff team led by our CEO, Andy Ruiz Palma, who joined in 2000 as an English teacher. In addition to this staff resource we have around 40 volunteers who provide direct support through activities. We also have in place accountancy support to the executive and a dedicated fundraising team.

We are looking for people who can demonstrate a strong empathy with our client group and who understand how to work with organisations rooted in a local community. You will bring excellent people and communication skills and demonstrate good team-working.

You will demonstrate this through your experience working with marginalised communities (either in a frontline operational role, a policymaking role, or on the Board of another organisation) or personal lived experience as a member of a marginalised community.

We are open to applications from people looking for their first Trustee role or who may not have considered being a Trustee before and will provide mentoring to help trustees find their feet.

We are looking to recruit 2- 3 new trustees and have a strong preference for any of the following or a combination of these skills:

• Finance/Accountancy qualification – we have an excellent Treasurer Trustee and are looking for a deputy
• HR
• Fundraising
• IT/Data management
• Lived Experience as a refugee or migrant

We are looking for two dedicated Lay Trustees who will join our Board to support the strategic direction of the charity. We are member-led, funded by our universities and together with students we strive to create a world class student experience for all.

Introduction

Thank you for your interest in our Lay Trustee roles here at Falmouth and Exeter Students’ Union (The SU); based in beautiful Cornwall. We're very pleased to announce the opening of applications for our esteemed Board of Trustees. We are very proud of what we do, and we are looking for two dedicated Lay Trustees who will join our Board to support the strategic direction of the charity. You will need to share the values of the SU and commitment to achieve our priorities, working collaboratively to help take us to the next level. We are a member-led charity, funded by our universities and together with students we strive to create a world class student experience for all.

Our membership comprises of students studying with both Falmouth University and the University of Exeter (Cornwall) which creates a unique and special experience of which we love to be a key part of.

The role of Lay Trustee provides an opportunity to support our President Trustees and Student Trustees, foster a culture of student leadership and deliver a student focused service.

You will be taking up the role at a critical and exciting time, as we are undertaking two crucial pieces of work: finalising our new 2025-2028 strategic plan, and beginning the quintennial review of our Constitution.  If you are excited at the prospect of contributing to the growth and development of the SU, then we eagerly anticipate the possibility of working alongside you to shape the future of our organisation.

We are especially keen to hear from applicants with experience in Finance, Higher Education, Human Resources, Charity or Employment Law.

About Us

We’re an autonomous organisation and we’re funded by the University of Exeter and Falmouth University. Acting independently ensures that we remain entirely focused on our students with one purpose in mind: to improve their student experience.

As a registered charity (1193045), our charitable purpose is the advancement of education, and our funds can for used for this charitable purpose only. This means that as a not-for-profit organisation: any income we gain goes straight back into providing services for students.

We are a member-led democratic organisation; our students are at the heart of everything we do. Our members views, opinions and experiences regarding students’ lives influence decision makers operating at every level, helping to shape the wider student experience and we enjoy positive collaborative relationships with both universities. Students have the power to shape what the Union does through our Annual Student Members’ Meetings and referenda, and they lead our Student Forum, which determine our Union priorities.

We are proud of the range of opportunities and services that we provide to students, which includes student led societies and sports clubs, volunteering opportunities, professional independent specialist advice, academic representation, and democratic activities. We also help students to organise a wide range of events and activities specifically for their fellow students.

Our Board

Our board is unique in the charity sector. We have a young and dynamic board; two thirds of the trustees are either recent or current students at the universities resulting in a purposefully high turnover of trustees. The charity is based in a complex, ever-changing Higher Education sector, working closely with two very different universities.

We have three sets of Trustees:

• Four President Trustees: a President and Vice President from each university, elected by cross-campus ballot. These are student leaders who have either just finished their degree or take a sabbatical to take up this role, in which they are also a full-time employee. Term: one year, maximum of two terms.

• Four Student Trustees: two from each university, appointed via the Appointments Committee. These are current students who offer direct insight into university life. Term: two years, maximum of two terms.

• Four Lay Trustees: appointed via the Appointments Committee. These trustees offer expertise, continuity, and insight. They are experienced, skilled members who enjoy being part of a dynamic board and supporting the younger trustees. Term: three years, maximum of three terms.

The Chair of the Board will always be a President Trustee, and the Deputy Chair will always be a Lay Trustee. Any Trustee can chair one of our three sub-committees: Finance, Appointments, Remuneration and Human Resources.

Why Should You Become a Trustee?

Being a Trustee is a valuable and rewarding experience. You’ll get to make a lasting difference to the lives of our students, and influence how the Union is run. You will use your skills, knowledge, and experience to support the Board in reaching sound decisions. You will be involved in leading discussions, making collective decisions, and identifying key issues. You’ll have the opportunity to mentor and support our President and Student Trustees. As a Lay Trustee, you are eligible to become Deputy Chair of the Board, or Chair of one of the sub-committees.

You will receive comprehensive induction training, and further training relevant to your role as a Chair or member of a sub-committee.

Job Description

We’re looking for someone to work collectively with our board of trustees to provide support and strategic direction to our Students’ Union.

Remuneration: Lay Trustees are voluntary, unpaid roles. However, all reasonable out of pocket expenses will be reimbursed, such as travel costs to board meetings.

Hours: Hours can vary however typically each year:

• Four Board of Trustees meetings – each meeting is around three hours long conducted online.

• Additional two (eight for Finance) sub-committees meetings conducted online – each meeting is around 45 minutes.

• There are usually one or two in-person events per year including a Board of Trustees meeting – each event is usually a day and/or an evening event. These are delivered in Cornwall (expenses paid).

Term of office: three years, up to three terms.

Location: Homebased with one or two in-person events in Cornwall per year.

Role Purpose

The Trustees are ultimately responsible, individually and collectively, for all activity within the SU. The Board is legally responsible for our staff, finances, risk management and reputation. The Board is responsible for setting the vision and values of the organisation and for ensuring the delivery of organisational purpose. The Trustees ensure development of and agree a long-term strategy. They approve and monitor plans to deliver the strategy.

Key Responsibilities:

• To ensure The SU acts in accordance with its charitable purpose, constitution and other governing documents and relevant legislation while remaining true to its Mission, Vision and Values.

• To contribute actively to the Board of Trustees role by determining the Students’ Union strategy, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets.

• Ensure The SU uses its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects/purpose.

• Act as guardians of The SU’s assets and ensure the financial stability of the organisation.

• Prepare for Board meetings by reading through materials and Board papers beforehand, scrutinising information and be able to discuss issues.

• Take advice on matters on which you are not competent to decide.

• Provide support to President Trustees and Student Trustees.

• Take part in Board Reviews and Skills Audits each year.

• Use personal skills and experience to ensure the Union is well-run and efficient

• Seek external professional advice where there may be material risk to the Union or where the Trustees may be in breach of their duties or at any other appropriate moment.

• Add value to the Trustee Board and the Union through generating ideas, challenging the status quo, broadening thinking and supporting and promoting innovation and creativity.

• Abide by the Union Trustee Code of Conduct.

CRITERIA

All Trustees must display the following characteristics

Commitment to and passion for The SU.

Willingness and reliability to devote the necessary time and effort.

Strategic vision.

Good, independent judgment.

Ability to think creatively.

An understanding of and commitment to the values and principles of student representation and democracy.

Willingness to speak their mind.

Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship.

Ability to work effectively as a member of a team.

Responsible, especially when handling sensitive and confidential information.

A commitment to act in accordance with the Nolan principles for ethical conduct in public service.

We are looking for individuals who have skills, knowledge or experience in one or more of these sectors

Finance

Higher Education

Human Resources

Charity or Employment Law

How To Apply

Please visit the role posting on our website for further details on how to apply. We require the completion of a Person Details form, and Skills Audit spreadsheets, along with your CV and covering letter. The deadline for applications is 09:00 on Friday 16 May. Interviews will take place online via MS Teams on Wednesday 21 May, an additional slot is also available on Thursday 22 May if this is not convenient.

You must be available to attend Trustee Training on Friday 20 June, and Board of Trustees on Wednesday 25 June (as an observer), both online via MS Teams. Your term of office will start on Tuesday 1 July.

Eligibility

There are strict conditions placed on charity Trustees by law and all applicants must declare that they are eligible to become a charity Trustee. You will not be eligible if:

• You are on the Sex Offenders’ Register

• You have any unspent conviction for an offence involving:

o deception or dishonesty

o terrorist offences

o money laundering

o bribery

o misconduct in public office, perjury, perverting the course of justice

o contravention of certain preventative Orders of the Charity Commission (Section 77 of the Charities Act 2011)

o attempting, aiding or abetting the above offences

• You have any designation under specific anti-terrorist legislation

• You have been convicted of contempt of court

• You have been removed from:

o trusteeship, or as an officer, agent or employee of a charity by the Court or the Commission for misconduct or mismanagement

o a position of management or control of a charity in Scotland for mismanagement or misconduct

• You have been found guilty by the High court of disobeying a Commission order or direction

• You have an undischarged bankruptcy

• You have a composition or arrangement with creditors which includes an individual voluntary arrangement (IVA) and is currently on the Insolvency Service Register

As part of the recruitment process, we will ask you to sign a declaration that you are legally entitled to become a Trustee and commit the required time.

Data Protection

We’re committed to data protection and it’s important to know what’s happening with your data when you apply for a role. That means we’ll only use the information you supply for the purposes of progressing your application (or to fulfil legal or regulatory requirements if necessary) and we’ll never share your information with any third parties for marketing purposes or store it outside of the European Economic Area.

Equal Opportunities

We’re committed to ensuring our workforce accurately reflects the diversity of the world we live in. We positively encourage applications from all individuals irrespective of their gender, age, home country, ethnic background, sexuality, religious beliefs or disability. All candidates will be treated equally and all appointments made on merit.

It’s an exciting time for the Employers' Initiative on Domestic Abuse: momentum is growing, with heightened public awareness of domestic abuse following the pandemic, increased government focus, and employers increasingly recognising their crucial role in enabling employees to recognise the signs of, and seek support on, domestic abuse.

The Employers’ Initiative on Domestic Abuse (known as EIDA) is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion in our mission to empower employers to act effectively against domestic abuse. 

Our aim is to ensure that all team members, volunteers, trustees, job applicants and the people we come into contact with are given equal opportunity and that our organisation is representative of all sections of society.

We want our board to be representative of our society and membership and particularly welcome applications from people with lived experiences of domestic abuse, people based outside the southeast of England and in the nations of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and from people with experience as a people manager or employer, large or small.

Who we are

We are a free-to-join members' network of employers and a registered charity supporting over 1,500 large and small employers to take effective action on domestic abuse.  Our members collectively employ over 25% of the UK workforce.

Our mission is to equip employers to support their employees affected by domestic abuse and to share best practice with other employers.

We endeavour to bring about constructive change, leading to a society where survivors thrive, and where domestic abuse is not tolerated.

Our Trustees are volunteer board members who play a vital role in making sure that EIDA achieves its mission.  As a group, they:

• Oversee the overall management and administration of the charity.
• Ensure that EIDA has a clear strategy and that our work and goals are in line with our vision.
• Provide support and challenge to the executive team, enabling EIDA to grow and thrive.

We are seeking up to two new Trustees to join the existing group of ten  You can see current members of our board on our website. 

EIDA has a UK-wide remit with a membership made up of employers, and we want to reflect that across our Trustees.

Trustee duties

Trustees are the people who lead our charity and decide how it is run.  We envisage the trustee duties broadly as:

• Support and provide advice on EIDA’s purpose, vision, goals and activities.
• Attend Board meetings, adequately prepared to contribute to discussions.
• Approve operational strategies and policies and monitor and evaluate their implementation.
• Oversee EIDA’s financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress.
• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.
• Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively.
• Review and approve EIDA’s financial statements.
• Provide support and challenge to EIDA’s CEO.
• Keep abreast of changes in EIDA’s operating environment.
• Use independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect EIDA’s interests, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or any third-party interests.
• Participate in periodic appraisals of the performance of the Board of Trustees, collectively and individually.
• Represent EIDA at external functions, meetings and events.

Who we are looking for

We are looking for people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, and who will contribute to the diversity of thinking on our board.

Whether you are an experienced trustee or are looking to take your first step at board level, we would like to hear from you. We ask for:

• Commitment to tackling domestic abuse and EIDA’s mission.
• Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as trustees and to act in the best interests of the organisation.
• Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement.
• Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussions.
• A strong commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and EIDA’s core values of Collaboration, Empowerment, Versatility, Openness and Kindness.
• Time to commit to supporting the organisation, including attendance at Board meetings (2 hours, 5 times annually), virtual and in-person events (4-6 annually) and any sub committees.
• Ability to build and maintain a healthy network that promotes the aims of EIDA across the business community, to drive member growth, and to enhance EIDA fundraising activities.
• Experience in leading teams, managing people, or influencing organisational culture.

Terms of appointment

Position: Trustee

Location: This is a hybrid role, with occasional travel required to Board and network meetings held in central London

Terms: A maximum fixed term appointment of one three-year term followed by a further three-year term

This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses are reimbursed.

Time commitment: EIDA’s Board of Trustees meets 4-5 times a year within the working hours of 10-5pm.  Currently meetings are held in London and remotely (Zoom).

Closing date

9am, Monday 23 June 2025.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if sufficient applications are received, so early applications are appreciated.

Trustee – PR & Marketing Specialist

Help shape the future of deer conservation and education

The British Deer Society (BDS) is looking for a passionate and experienced professional to join our Board of Trustees, bringing expertise in PR and marketing to help us expand and diversify our reach.

Why join us?

As a Trustee, you will play a vital role in guiding BDS, ensuring we achieve our mission to educate, inspire, and advocate for deer welfare. You’ll provide strategic oversight, support our executive team, and help grow our membership by engaging diverse audiences across age, gender, and background.

About the role

Our Trustees share collective responsibility for the governance and administration of the charity. This includes ensuring BDS has a clear strategy, that our goals align with our vision, and that we operate effectively and ethically. Trustees act as a group, working collaboratively to support and challenge the leadership team.

What we’re looking for

We seek a Trustee with:
✔ Expertise in PR and marketing, ideally with experience in membership growth and audience engagement
✔ A strong understanding of governance and strategic oversight
✔ A passion for conservation, education, and wildlife advocacy

By joining BDS, you’ll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the future of deer conservation and education in the UK.

Interested? Apply now and help us take BDS to the next level! 

The Registration Advisory Panel are seeking a Legal Representative for this panel. As a member of the Registration Advisory Panel, you will offer legal insights that ensure compliance with required standards and regulations for the wider psychological workforce. The Registration Advisory Panel are responsible for strategic oversight of the Wider Psychological Workforce Register and reports directly into the Board of Trustees with the following role and remit:

· Provide assurance that competency, safe practice and high standards are maintained for the Wider Psychological Workforce Register and that the register continues to fulfil its objective of public protection.

· Ensure that voluntary register functions are carried out fairly, effectively, proportionately and transparently and in line with the standards set by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).

· Engage with relevant stakeholders and works in partnership with other bodies where appropriate to ensure registrants continue to meet the required standards for entry and maintenance on the Wider Psychological Workforce Register.

We are looking for someone with a legal background and should demonstrate the following: 

• That they are an accountable professional responsible for own professional actions and adherence to professional codes of practice

Become a Trustee at Sunrise Multicultural Project

Are you passionate about making a difference in your community?

We are looking for dedicated, enthusiastic individuals to join our Board of Trustees and help guide the future of Sunrise Multicultural Project.

As a trustee, you will play a vital role in shaping our strategy, ensuring we stay true to our mission, and supporting the development of initiatives that promote inclusivity and integration. We are seeking individuals with a range of skills, backgrounds, and experiences – whether in community work, finance, governance, fundraising, or marketing – who share our commitment to empowering minority groups and fostering a more connected, diverse community. 

If you are eager to contribute your time, expertise, and passion, we would love to hear from you!

OneSpirit Interfaith Foundation was established as an educational charity in 2003. Our aim is to develop spiritual awareness and to support people of all faiths, and none, by delivering a range of training programmes that allow open-hearted adults to serve their chosen communities through Ministry, Spiritual Counselling and in supporting life’s transitions. Our interfaith ministers bring unconditional love and radical commitment to members of the public through ceremony, ritual, spiritual counselling, and other methods of support.

We are seeking new trustees, with a focus on marketing and/or legal experience, with a commitment to the vision and purpose of the organisation to join our board. Trustees are appointed for a term of 4 years and are essential to the progress and growth of our organisation.

Organisational purpose:

To benefit the public by the education of mature adults in:
• the core principles of the world’s religions, faiths, and spiritual traditions;
• principles and methods of forgiveness, reconciliation and peace-making;
• and the practice of non-denominational spiritual and pastoral service in the community.

Our Vision

is a world in which humanity awakens into an inclusive global spirituality that encompasses us all in the field of love and life.

Our Mission

is to work towards evolving consciousness in the world, by facilitating open-hearted people to awaken to inner leadership and their capacity for forgiveness, reconciliation, and peace-making.

Ideally, you will have experience working in a not-for-profit organisation and will be passionate about spiritual life and faith-freedom. We would particularly love to hear from anyone with experience of Human Resources, Adult Education, Financial Management, Fundraising, Legal, and IT.

Formal trustee meetings take place with senior staff quarterly, and we hold up to nine trustee-only meetings annually. To ensure our work is collaborative, we also have an annual two-day gathering of trustees and the wider leadership team. All trustees are volunteers, with expenses available for travel to and from meetings and other incidental expenses where applicable. Please note that meetings are currently being held via Zoom.

We have a strong commitment to diversity and aim to reflect the diversity of the communities we work with on our Board of Trustees. We welcome all candidates irrespective of sex, gender, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership status, race, nationality, ethnic or national origin, culture, religion, age, responsibilities for dependants, physical/mental disability (“protected characteristics” as per the Equality Act 2010), economic status or offending background.

We welcome both OneSpirit ministers and candidates who are not OneSpirit ministers.  However, we expect all candidates to adhere to OneSpirit’s code of ethics.

Aspens are looking for trustees to join us on the next exciting part of our journey. We'd love to hear from you if you have accountancy, social care, business development or fundraising experience.

What will you be doing?

Are you passionate about making a real difference in the lives of people with learning disabilities and autism? Do you have the skills, experience, and dedication to help guide a forward-thinking charity? If so, we’d love to hear from you!

About Aspens CharitiesAt Aspens we provide high quality care and support to people on the autism spectrum and with learning disabilities; and their families; meeting their needs and aspirations and empowering them to learn and grow through an integrated network of services across the South-East.

Why Become a Trustee?As a Trustee, you will play a vital role in overseeing the governance and strategic direction of Aspens Charities. You will work alongside a committed Board to ensure our services remain impactful, sustainable, and aligned with our core values.

Your Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic leadership, ensuring Aspens meets its charitable objectives.
• Oversee financial management, risk assessment, and compliance with legal and regulatory standards.
• Support and challenge the Executive Team to drive excellence in service delivery.
• Act as an ambassador for Aspens, promoting our work and values.
• Attend Board meetings and contribute to key strategic decisions.

What We’re Looking For:We welcome applications from individuals with diverse professional backgrounds. Key attributes include:

• A strong commitment to the aims and values of Aspens Charities.
• Strategic thinking and decision-making abilities.
• Willingness to dedicate time to Board meetings and governance activities.
• Integrity, good judgment, and the ability to work collaboratively.

We are particularly interested in candidates with expertise in:

• Accountancy
• Health & Social Care sector knowledge
• Fundraising and business development

Time Commitment & LocationThis is a voluntary, unpaid role with reasonable expenses covered. The Board meets approximately three times a year, with 3 committee meetings and occasional additional meetings or events. Meetings are held in person and virtually.

What are we looking for?

• Commitment to the goals and aims of the charity. 
• Dedication to the role and a willingness to devote the required time. 
• The ability to make good independent judgements. 
• Being able to think creatively. 
• Understanding the importance of carrying out required legal duties. 
• Proven strategic abilities that can be used to create effective plans. 
• Strength of character coupled with the ability to voice concerns and opinions.
• Proven experience working as a member of successful teams. 
• Integrity and objectivity which can be applied to all aspects of the role.

Experience of either accountancy or fundraising / income generation. 

What difference will you make?

As a Trustee, your leadership will directly shape the future of Aspens Charities and the lives of the people we support. You will help:

• Improve Quality of Care – Ensuring individuals with learning disabilities and autism receive the best possible support.
• Drive Strategic Growth – Expanding and developing services to reach more people in need.
• Ensure Financial Sustainability – Overseeing resources to secure long-term impact.
• Strengthen Governance – Upholding transparency, compliance, and ethical leadership.

Your expertise will make a lasting difference, creating a more inclusive society where everyone can thrive.

Join us on a transformational journey

Be part of something powerful. As a Trustee on the Board of AfriKids UK, you’ll help shape the future of a proven, high-impact organisation that’s ready to go further. You’ll bring your ideas, insights and perspective to help us improve and grow for the children and communities we serve.

About AfriKids

AfriKids is an award-winning, locally-led charity dedicated to ensuring the rights of children in northern Ghana. Our mission is to help unlock the power of communities to ensure child rights, with a focus on helping people secure the means, motive and opportunity for every child to complete a quality basic education, as the most sustainable route out of poverty. Locally-led and internationally supported, we work hand-in-hand with local communities to design and deliver programmes that create lasting change for children, so they can thrive now and as the leaders of tomorrow. AfriKids UK exists to support this mission through faciliating access to international funding, partnerships, technical support and expertise — working in close collaboration with AfriKids Ghana, our independent local implementing partner.

The Role

With nearly 25 years of experience behind us, our Boards in the UK and Ghana are now helping to lead us through a period of transformational change, to impact more children than ever. We are seeking two more trustees to join the Board of AfriKids UK. As a Trustee of AfriKids, you will share collective responsibility for the governance and strategic direction of the charity, with guidance and support to learn about your responsibilities as a trustee if you have not been one before. Trustees play a crucial role in ensuring that AfriKids operates in accordance with its mission, values, and legal obligations.​ This is an opportunity to lend your unique knowledge, skills and experience to help advance our mission and make a difference for children. 

Who we are

As the charity partner of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS), we are dedicated to advancing the quality of veterinary care for the benefit of animals, the public and society. We achieve this through evidence-based veterinary medicine, research and education. By working together with veterinary teams, animal owners and all those involved in animal health, we strive towards our vision of healthier animals, people and planet. 

The role

We are looking for individuals who share our commitment to improving animal health to join our Board as lay trustees. Lay trustees (ie, trustees who are not vets or vet nurses) play a crucial role in ensuring that the Board benefits from a diverse range of perspectives and skills. 

We are particularly seeking people who have experience of: 

• Fundraising and/or leadership in the charity sector, or 

• Business development and entrepreneurship, or 

• Commercial leadership experience, with a strong understanding of business operations and strategic management, or 

• Quality Improvement in human healthcare

This is a voluntary position, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to the strategic direction and governance of a dynamic charity.

Key responsibilities 

• Attend and actively participate in three Board meetings each year and additional committee meetings as required. 

• Provide independent oversight and constructive challenge to the Board’s decision-making processes. 

• Ensure the charity adheres to its mission, values and legal obligations. 

What we offer 

• The opportunity to make a significant impact on animal health and welfare, the veterinary profession and experience of animal owners. 

• A supportive and collaborative board environment. 

• Reimbursement of travel expenses. 

Trustees are appointed for a term of three years, with the option of re-appointment for a further term. 

If you are passionate about making a difference to the veterinary care that animals receive, we invite you to join us in shaping the future of our charity.

Lead the Board of Via, the charity delivering vital substance use, mental health and well-being services across the UK, and help provide high-quality, person-centred care to the people and communities affected.

Location: Flexible (Via has services across London, NW England and SW England)

Closing date: Tuesday 27th May

Who we are.

Via is an exceptional charity that puts people at the heart of everything we do. Over three decades, we’ve evolved from our origins as Westminster Drug Project, with a new now award-winning name and brand, into a dynamic, multi-service organisation delivering vital support across substance use, mental health, employment, sexual health, smoking cessation and youth services. With a turnover of £36m for 24/25 and remarkable growth of over a third in 2023/24, we’re now supporting over 12,500 service users annually across an expanding geographical footprint from London to Gloucestershire.

Our commitment to excellence and innovation is evident in our industry-leading services, which consistently perform significantly above the national average. We’re particularly proud to be pioneering the development of the UK’s first women-only detox facility, demonstrating our commitment to addressing crucial gaps in service provision.

Our Approach Makes Us Different

At Via, we believe in doing things differently. This starts with our commitment to staff well-being, including up to six months of full sick pay – a policy that exemplifies our trust in our people and our understanding that supporting our staff enables them to better support our service users. We achieved Investors in People Gold certification and were nominated for UK Employer of the Year and Third Sector Employer of the Year at the Investors in People Awards 2024, recognising our dedication to creating an outstanding workplace culture.

Our active Diversity, Equity and Inclusion group drives real organisational change, ensuring our services are accessible and effective for all communities. These aren’t just initiatives – they’re expressions of our core values: Care, Be Human, and Do the Right Thing, which guides everything we do.

The opportunity.

As we have experienced growth and are launching our new strategy, we had new Trustees join our Board as others have come to the end of their terms. As our current Chair, Yasmin Batliwala MBE comes to the end of her term later this year, we are looking to appoint a new Chair.

What Makes a Great Via Chair

• A Strategic Leader with proven experience operating at a senior level with a successful track record of achievement. You’ll have the personal gravitas to lead a significant, complex, national organisation, alongside the ability to lead a newly evolving and forming Board.
• Passionate About Our Cause: You will bring your expertise and passion for improving lives and reducing inequality. You’ll be someone who understands the complexity of our work yet can think strategically about our future. Your genuine enthusiasm will inspire others and strengthen our impact.
• Governance Experience: you will bring the experience of being on Boards and will work to lead the board to ensure sound financial health and accountability while effectively managing risk and continuing to innovate in service development and delivery.
• An Inclusive Champion committed to fostering diversity that reflects the communities we serve, promoting DEI training and growth, and holding staff and trustees accountable to these practices.
• A Relationship Builder with excellent interpersonal skills and diplomatic tact. You’ll develop a strong working relationship with the Chief Executive, maintain connections with key stakeholders, and represent Via as an effective ambassador.
• A Collaborative Leader who can bring people together, foster a team environment, and work in partnership with our board and team to drive our ambitious strategy.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

Diversity in governance isn’t just a goal for Via – it’s a necessity. Our services support people from every part of society, and we want our Board to reflect this diversity. We actively encourage applications from people with lived experience of addiction/recovery (whether personal or as family members/carers), and people from communities currently underrepresented at board level.

Time Commitment

The Board meets quarterly, usually in person. Including preparation time, representation at events, and strategic input, we estimate a commitment of the equivalent of 2-3 days per month. This includes:

• Four Board meetings per year
• Quarterly committee meetings
• Annual strategy and away day
• Ad hoc conversations with fellow board members and the Executive
• Occasional representation at events and meetings with key stakeholders, including at services.

Making a Difference Together

This is an extraordinary time to join Via. As we implement our new 2025-29 strategy and expand our geographical reach, innovate our evidence-based offer and increase access to more people. We’re not just growing – we’re evolving. You’ll help shape innovative services like our women’s detox facility while ensuring we maintain our unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and person-centred care

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

Applications for this role close on Tuesday 27th May. 

Join Our Board of Trustees and Help Drive Positive Change!

Are you passionate about making a difference in people’s lives? Do you thrive in a team environment and want to give back to the community where you live, work, or study?

We are a local charity dedicated to providing social welfare advice, information, and support through our incredible team of staff and volunteers. We are now seeking two new Trustees to join our board and help guide our organisation forward.

Last year, we:

✅ Assisted over 15,000 clients in finding solutions to their challenges

✅ Addressed over 37,000 separate issues for those in need

✅ Secured nearly £2 million in additional income to support people during the cost-of-living crisis

Who We’re Looking For

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and communities across Cheshire West—your age, background, origins, or health conditions are not barriers. We actively seek diverse perspectives to better serve our community.

We are particularly interested in individuals with:

�� Experience in digital and AI solutions implementation
�� Expertise in volunteer engagement
�� A strong commitment to our mission, enthusiasm, and a supportive approach

However we welcome applications from people from all backgrounds, skills and experience including lived experience.

What’s Involved?

As a Trustee, you will:

�� Attend at least five board meetings per year (in-person and remote, often in the evenings)

��Participate in one annual trustee development day

��Have opportunities for further involvement in shaping our work

This is a voluntary role, but all reasonable expenses will be reimbursed. Volunteering does not affect state benefit entitlement.

If you’re ready to play a key role in shaping the future of our organisation, we’d love to hear from you!