Board members volunteer roles in tyne and wear, north east england

Exciting Volunteering Opportunity: Join CGD Society as Secretary to the Board of Trustees 

Are you passionate about governance and looking to make a meaningful impact? The CGD Society (CGDS) is seeking a dedicated individual to join the trustee board as Secretary of the Board. This position offers a unique chance to lead on governance initiatives while collaborating closely with a supportive team of Trustees and staff.

As Secretary, you’ll wear two important hats:

• Company Secretary: Keeping our records in order, organising board meetings, and ensuring timely filings with regulatory bodies.

• Governance Lead: Driving best practices, staying ahead of regulations, and working to strengthen our charity's governance framework.

You'll have strong support from our Chair, Treasurer, Executive Director, and the Governance & Finance Subcommittee. 

We’re looking for someone who’s committed and wants to make a difference in supporting those affected by CGD, Chronic Granulomatous Disorder, a rare genetic disorder. With resources like our Governance Calendar and guidance from experienced colleagues, you’ll have everything you need to succeed.

To find out more please read the job specification.

We believe this is an exciting opportunity for individuals with a strongly held belief in the benefits that empowering leadership skills can have in shaping the future of the next generation. 

We are looking for individuals that can promote our cause and are willing to share their personal and professional experience and insights as part of the collaborative decision-making of our Board of Trustees.

We are committed to diversity in the workplace through a workforce that reflects the population and communities we work with across the UK.

Our board of Trustees is currently under-represented by individuals with black, asian, and ethnically diverse heritage in addition to people aged under 30 years of age.

As such, we would welcome applicants with these backgrounds to support our aim of a nationally representative organisation workforce.

Knowledge, skills and experience

While we are interested in the person, we are looking for individuals with specific skills and experience in one, some, or all of the following areas:

o Working with primary and/or secondary schools, colleges, and/or youth-development organisations.

o Working in or with Awarding Organisations.

An understanding or experience of financial oversight is considered desirable but not essential.

Trustee commitment and responsibilities

All Trustee positions are voluntary with reasonable expenses remunerated.

To be an effective Trustee, you will need to commit approximately 1-2 days per quarter to attend and prepare for board meetings which are generally held virtually.

Members of our Audit, Risk and Compliance committee additionally meet two weeks before each board meeting for finance and regulation focused discussions with the Executive team.

Effective Trustees support our work by:

· Ensuring we are working towards our vision, mission and values in everything we do.

· Supporting strategic decision-making by actively contributing advice, guidance, and opinion in the pursuit of the organisation’s objectives.

· Constructively guide the Executive in the delivery of the organisation’s strategy.

· Actively represent and champion the work of the Leadership Skills Foundation.

· Maintaining proper financial and regulatory oversight promoting best practice as a Charity to ensure our sustainability and longevity.

Our values

Created in collaboration with the Leadership Skills Foundation team, our cultural values are our ways of working that we expect in all aspects of our interaction with each other and with our delivery centres, tutors, partners, and learners.

• We are better together

Together, we do great things. Collaboration, belonging and individuality aren’t just buzzwords to us; they’re deeply held commitments in the way we work. As we solve problems together, we make sure everyone feels listened to and valued.

• We are guided by goals

Every initiative we developed is guided by clear aims. From giving young people the confidence to achieve, to bringing major change to communities, all our goals are significant and focused on improvement.

• We evolve and innovate

As the world changes, so do the opportunities and challenges of the people we support. As different times call for different skills, we are brave enough to be different and to innovate to be fit for the future. 

• We have pride in our programmes

We never forget how valuable everyone’s future is. That’s why we go above and beyond to deliver high-quality trustworthy and regulated programmes.

Know someone great for this?

The Finance Trustee will engage in all aspects of our governance, with a particular focus on financial strategy and governance.They will use their sound financial skills & experience to support the Board’s understanding & interpretation & to ensure legislative compliance.  

• To support the Board to oversee & to ensure appropriate presentation of budgets, accounts, management accounts and financial statements.
• To ensure appropriate presentation of accounts and records, ensuring that financial resources are spent in accordance with the charity’s policies, good governance, legal & regulatory requirements.
• Liaising, where applicable, with the Chair/ other appropriate members of staff and supporting on financial matters
• Supporting the Board to monitor the financial viability of the charity.
• Creating, in conjunction with relevant trustees and staff, sound financial processes and procedures for the control of the charity’s assets.
• Advising on the financial implications of the charity’s strategic plan.
• Reviewing the annual accounts and, where applicable, liaising with the charity’s external auditor to ensure the accounts are compliant with the current charities’ SORP.
• Ensuring that sound financial management is maintained and ensuring expenditure is in line with the charity’s objects.

About Queer Beyond Belief

Queer Beyond Belief exists to imagine and build a world that welcomes and celebrates us all — no ifs, no buts. We are a values-driven, community-rooted organisation committed to integrity, collective liberation, anti-oppression, and queer joy.

Our Board holds us accountable to our mission, stewards our resources, and ensures we stay true to what we stand for.

Purpose of the Role

As a Non-Executive Director, you’ll bring your skills, insights, and lived experience to help shape our strategic direction and keep us accountable. You won’t be involved in day-to-day operations — instead, you’ll act as a critical friend: offering challenge, support, and specialist advice when needed.

Non-Executive Directors ensure that our governance is robust, ethical, and in service of the communities we exist for.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide Strategic Oversight:
  Contribute to setting and reviewing our vision, mission, and long-term plans. Offer constructive challenge and help the Board make informed, brave decisions.
   

• Champion Accountability:
  Hold the Executive Directors and wider team to account for delivery of agreed plans, compliance, and ethical practice.
   

• Safeguard our Values:
  Uphold our principles of integrity, anti-oppression, collective liberation, and queer joy in every decision and discussion.
   

• Bring Specialist Insight:
  Offer your unique expertise, perspective, or lived experience to strengthen our understanding of the issues facing our communities.
   

• Ensure Good Governance:
  Attend meetings, read papers in advance, declare any conflicts of interest, and participate actively in discussions and decisions.
   

• Act as an Ambassador:
  Represent Queer Beyond Belief positively and help build trusted relationships with our communities and allies.
   

What we’re looking for

We welcome people from all walks of life — you don’t need Board experience to apply. We’re especially keen to hear from people with skills, perspectives, or lived experience that are underrepresented in leadership.

You should:

• Share our commitment to collective liberation, anti-oppression, and queer joy.
   

• Be willing to speak up and ask questions that help us do better.
   

• Be ready to work collaboratively and collectively — no solo heroes here.
   

• Be able to commit time for meetings, preparation, and occasional ad hoc support.
   

Eligibility

• You must be legally eligible to serve as a company director in the UK.
   

• You must declare any actual or potential conflicts of interest.
   

Support

We know governance roles can feel daunting. We’re committed to making leadership accessible — we’ll provide an induction, reasonable adjustments, and opportunities to build your governance skills.

This is an unpaid voluntary role. Reasonable expenses for Board work will be reimbursed when pre-agreed.

Join us and help lead change for anyone affected by ME.

Can you help us deliver our mission to improve the lives of all people affected by ME by becoming a new Trustee on our Board?

With the recent launch of the UK Government Delivery Plan for ME/CFS, and some critical research partnerships on the horizon, now is an exciting time to join us and play a pivotal role in our work to secure a better future for people with ME.

As a Trustee, you will have a vital role within Action for ME, establishing a clear and shared vision, setting policies and acting in the best interests of Action for ME and people with ME. We are particularly looking for people who bring: Scientific and/or research expertise; healthcare and/or information, support and advocacy experience; Policy experience at local or national level; Communications and/or marketing expertise.

If you have experience in any of these areas and share our ambition for a better future for people with ME, we want to hear from you.

Trustee - Role Description

Duties of a Trustee are as follows:

• To ensure that Action for ME complies with its Memorandum and Articles of Association,charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations
• To ensure that Action for ME pursues its charitable objects as defined in its Memorandum of Association
• To ensure Action for ME applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objectives
• To contribute actively to the Board of Trustees role in establishing a clear and sharedvision for Action for ME, giving firm strategic direction, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance against the agreed targets
• To act in the interests of Action for ME and for people with ME in general
• To safeguard the good name and values of Action for METo ensure the effective and efficient administration of Action for ME
• To ensure the financial stability of Action for ME
• To protect and manage the property of Action for ME and to ensure the proper investment of charity funds
• To appoint the Chief Executive and to monitor his or her performance and determine his or her remuneration.
• In addition to the above statutory duties of all Trustees, each Trustee should use any specific knowledge or experience they have to help the Board of Trustees reach sound decisions
• To represent Action for ME as appropriate.

Time Commitment:
The time commitment expected of a Trustee is approximately six days per annum, including an AGM, preparing for and attending Board meetings, and involvement in at least one of the sub-committees: Audit, Finance & Fundraising; Public Affairs & Communications; Research; Healthcare Services; or Remunerations & Nominations.

We hold an away day once every two years. Additional time may be required dependent on circumstances/needs. You will receive a full induction and support upon appointment.

We do ask that Trustees make a commitment to at least one, three-year term of office.

Trustee - Person Specification

All Trustees must demonstrate:

• A commitment to the organisation, its cause and demonstrate an understanding of MEand its impact
• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort Strategic vision Good, independent judgment
• An ability to think creatively
• A willingness to speak their mind
• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of Trusteeship
• An ability to work effectively as a member of a team
• A willingness to participate in at least one sub-committee, as appropriate
• A commitment to working within Action for ME’s values and principles of working,including Nolan’s ‘Seven Principles of Public Life’:

             a. Selflessness
             b. Integrity
             c. Objectivity
             d. Accountability
             e. Openness
             f. Honesty
             g. Leadership.

• Be willing to sign relevant statutory and other forms (eg for opening bank accounts).

Specific requirements:

While we are open to applications from people who meet the person specification, we regularly review the skills and backgrounds of our Board members and are specifically looking for people who bring:

• Scientific and/or research expertise
• Policy experience at local or national level
• Communications and/or marketing expertise.

How to Apply

If you are interested in becoming a Trustee, please submit:

• Your CV, including all employment/voluntary roles since you left full-time education ensuring any gaps or time out is accounted for and
• A completed ‘Equal opportunities monitoring and information form’ (provided separately)
• A covering letter outlining why you would like to become a Trustee and how you meet the person specification outlined above, including how you meet the specific requirements we are currently looking for.

Please also indicate any reasonable adjustments that you may require to enableus to provide a good recruitment process with you.

You will be informed of the outcome of your application and any potential interviewdates with the Chair, the Chief Executive and another Trustee. We will be invitingpeople for interviews as applications come in and will close recruitment when we fillthe current vacancies.

Equity of access

We strive to ensure equity which includes being as accessible as possible to attract Board members with a diverse range of experience and insight. If you don’t meet the person specification fully, please do consider contacting us for a discussion as youmay be our ideal candidate!

We will consider all requests for reasonable adjustments within the parameters ofensuring Trustees are able to enact their legal responsibilities and accountabilities.

ScreenSkills launched its five-year strategy in Autumn 2024. To support the successful execution of that strategy, we are seeking new committee members who have a broad mix of industry experience to join the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee. The primary responsibilities of the committee are to provide ScreenSkills with critical oversight over the organisation’s financial health, internal controls and risk management. The Committee also offers council and insight on strategic, transformational, growth, legal, data and technology matters as required.

The committee members play a vital role in safeguarding the current and future financial health and integrity of ScreenSkills and in supporting the Board in meeting its fiduciary and legal responsibilities, thereby ensuring that the organisation can deliver its core purpose, vision and strategy. As a committee member, you will be responsible for providing independent oversight and direction to ensure strong financial stewardship, robust risk management, and effective governance of ScreenSkills. Finance, Audit and Risk Committee members have collective responsibility. This means that the committee members always act as a group and not as individuals.

We are looking for individuals willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role and can broaden the diversity of thinking on our Finance, Audit and Risk Committee. We therefore welcome applications from across the UK.

Main Responsibilities (collectively as part of the committee):

• Review the draft ScreenSkills Annual Operating Plan (AOP) and make recommendations to the Board.
• Review financial reports, budgets, management accounts and KPIs to ensure clarity, accuracy and accountability.
• Monitor performance against budget and targets
• Advise on reserves policy, approve investment and funding strategies in line with ScreenSkills objectives.
• Monitor and review the ScreenSkills risk register and advise on appropriate mitigation strategies to ensure an effective risk management approach.
• Ensure compliance with charity law, financial regulations and reporting obligations (e.g. Charity Commission).
• Liaise with auditors and review external audit findings and recommendations.
• Support and constructively challenge the ScreenSkills executive team in financial and risk-related decisions.
• Optional opportunity to support senior management on ad hoc projects linked to the execution of the strategy

Reports to: The Finance, Audit and Risk Committee Chair

Location: Hybrid / In person / different locations around the UK

Commitment: 3-year term (which can be renewed) / Committee meetings x 5 per year

The ideal candidate will have the following:

Desirable skills and experiences:

Senior Leadership experience covering areas such as:

• Experience in finance, audit, legal, technology, accounting, or risk management, ideally within or alongside the non-profit/charity sector.
• Ability to understand and interpret financial statements and reports.
• Knowledge of governance and financial regulations.
• Experience assessing organisational risk, internal controls and compliance systems.
• Expertise/expert knowledge in at least one of the following areas:
  • Financial Management
  • Risk & Control frameworks
  • Legal Counsel
  • Use of Strategic Data
  • Charitably sector knowledge of governance and financial reporting issues
  • Technology & AI

Other skills and attributes:

• A willingness to devote the time and effort to fulfil the committee member role.
• An understanding of and a network of relationships within the screen or creative industries in the UK is an advantage but not essential
• Good, independent judgement with an ability to think creatively and challenge in a positive manner.
• Ability to analyse detailed information whilst maintaining a clear view of the broader strategy. 

Applications are actively sought and welcomed from across the UK nations and regions to ensure an improved pan UK representation within the committee. We are seeking a diverse range of individuals willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the unpaid role and can broaden the diversity of thinking on our committee.

Closing date: 1st August 2025, 23:30.

ScreenSkills is committed to diversity and equality of opportunity in all aspects of our work. We particularly welcome applications from under-represented groups such as returning parents or carers who are re-entering after a career break, women, people who are LGBTQ+, minority ethnic groups, with a disability, impairment, learning difference or long-term condition, with caring responsibilities, from different nations and regions, from a less advantaged socio-economic background as well as any other under-represented group.

Further information:

Committee members will serve for a fixed tenure of three years. One further term may be served upon reappointment.

You will be required to undertake an annual self-assessment of your performance and review this in discussion with the Chair. 

As a Committee member you are personally responsible for ensuring that you:  

• Act as a champion for the organisation.
• Become a leading advocate for the importance of skills.
• Attend four Board and one Council meeting a year.
• Commit necessary additional time outside of Board meetings to support ScreenSkills’ work.
• Actively and positively engage in, prepare for, and contribute to discussions of the Board.
• Declare any conflict of interest in accordance with the Conflicts of Interests Policy and Register.
• Always act in ScreenSkills’ best interests and do not bring ScreenSkills into disrepute.

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

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

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

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

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

Trustee Vacancy

Care Ashore is a charity with a long and proud history. Since the 1920s Care Ashore has offered living accommodation, respite breaks and support to seafarers in need. Uniquely situated on a 260-acre estate in Surrey, Care Ashore provides accommodation for Merchant Seafarers and former members of the Royal Navy, RFA, Fishing Fleets and others with a maritime link, and their dependants.

With around 60 current beneficiary residents, the charity offers accommodation in purpose-built properties. The support provided to beneficiaries is funded by both rent and the commercial activities of the estate which include fishing, camping, a social club and clay pigeon shooting, making it a unique and exciting place to be part of.

Following an ambitious commitment from the trustees to invest in the accommodation and services provided, Care Ashore is at the start of an exciting journey with the creation of a new Strategic Plan, to ensure fit for purposes accommodation and services are delivered to our beneficiaries and facility users.

The current Board has a mix of backgrounds and experience but wishes to strengthen the diversity further to ensure the needs of those they serve, along with the wider community are met. There are currently 3 board vacancies and ideal candidates will bring to the board experience in one or more of the following areas:

· Legal/HR/Finance Expertise

· Property/ Surveying/ Development/ Estate Management.

· Health and safety/ Welfare/ Safeguarding

· Maritime Industry/ Seafaring background

We are looking for candidates who will be committed to the work of the Charity sector; understand good governance; and have a strategic vision combined with independent judgement.

If this challenge appeals to you, and you share our enthusiasm for providing excellent housing to our beneficiaries together with our facility users, then we are very keen to hear from you.

Further Information

The position is unremunerated (reasonable expenses paid) and there are 4 board meetings per year with the option to attend in person or remotely.

In addition to board meetings, the successful candidates will be expected to attend in person Care Ashore’s AGM, strategic away day, and committee meetings.

If you believe you can contribute and would like further information, please get in touch with the Chair of the Board of Trustees, Vince Bick. Please select the "How To Apply" button at the top of the advertisement to access the contact email address.

The deadline for applications is Sunday 24th August 2025.

This is an exciting opportunity to influence and impact the educational experience and outcomes of children in east Newcastle, North Tyneside, and Hartlepool. At the heart of our trust is the aim to nurture, educate, achieve and transform the lives of all young people within the communities we serve across the North East.

We are a mixed Multi-Academy Trust, with eight schools (6 primary, 2 secondary) and a mix of community and Church of England schools. We are a fully inclusive, working with a range of stakeholders to ensure the best outcomes and destinations for our pupils. 

NEAT is looking for people to take a leadership role as Chairs/Vice Chairs of our Local Governing Committees (LGCs). We're open to hear from any candidates who are motivated to contribute to the enhancement of education in our schools, whether that be with years of education experience, or with new insights and innovative thinking about how schools and Academy Trusts can and should support learners and other stakeholders.We are looking for people who can work with a range of people to support our schools, leading the governors and coordinating with school and trust leaders and external stakeholders. 

Our LGC members (school governors) come from a wide range of backgrounds. What they have in common is that they want to help our schools be the best they can be and our pupils to succeed. People who know our local communities bring real insight to the LGC. 

We're especially keen to support people who may not have much opportunity or experience with governing bodies, and those from underrepresented groups. If you have a passion for supporting pupils and some relevant skills or experience, we're keen to hear from you.

As a governance volunteer, our LGC members have the opportunity to use and develop their skills in:

• building relationships and networks
• teamwork
• communication and influencing
• strategic thinking
• problem solving
• using data
• leadership and Board practice
• specialist areas such as Careers, Health & Safety, Special Educational Needs (SEND), or Safeguarding

Being a school governor is not only a great way to use your existing experience and expertise in your community, but is a great way to learn new skills, receive training in leadership and board skills, upskill and make a difference. There's a wealth of opportunities for personal and professional development, networking, and working with a range of people from different backgrounds, professions, and life experience.

Our governance volunteers (school governors) have direct impact in the community through:

• decision making in the best interests of pupils to improve their education, wellbeing and future prospects and raise community aspirations
• shaping school policies and aims, allowing teachers to focus on delivering high-quality educational experiences
• stakeholder engagement to ensure that the voices of staff, parents, pupils and other stakeholders are heard

Most LGC members have a four-year term of office, except for co-opted members who are appointed for one year. They attend around four meetings each year, which are usually held late afternoon/early evening during term-time. LGC members are also involved in scrutiny activities in school, which usually happen once or twice a term during the school day. LGC members also participate in decision-making panels (for admissions and exclusions) for schools in the Trust. The average time commitment for our LGC members is 8-12 hours per month.

For LGC Chairs, there is need to be involved in contact with a range of stakeholders within the school, the community, and across the trust. This will include more frequent meetings in school, possibly during the day, although many of these may be outside normal school hours. Depending upon school priorities, we would expect the typical Chair time commitment to be around 15-20hrs per month, although some of this can be done online and by phone around work and home commitments.

NEAT takes safeguarding seriously, and all governance volunteers are required to undertake a vetting process (including DBS check) during appointment to best safeguard our pupils and schools.

Join Us as a Charity Trustee: Help Shape the Future of Befriending 

Are you passionate about building a more connected society, where no one feels forgotten or alone? 

Befriending Networks, the world’s largest network of befriending projects, is recruiting two trustees to help us champion the vital role of befriending in reducing loneliness and social isolation.

Around 1 in 6 people worldwide experience loneliness. Befriending services respond to this need by matching people in their communities for planned social activities that build meaningful connections.

Befriending Networks supports over 300 member organisations to deliver quality befriending services, through sector-specific training, events, resources, awards and 1:1 support. 

As a Befriending Networks trustee, you will be part of a welcoming and active board that enables befriending services across the UK and beyond to thrive. You will join us at an exciting time, as we begin to deliver our next strategic steps as an organisation. 

Following a recent board skills review, we are seeking two individuals who can offer skills in the following areas: 

• Income generation – This trustee will have an enterprising mindset, with experience of strategic fundraising, working with grantmakers, trusts and foundations or devising corporate sponsorships. Their guidance will help our charity to move into new ways of generating income, allowing us to become more resilient and advance our vision for a society where the importance of meaningful connections is valued. 
   
• Sector influence and advocacy – This trustee will be a great communicator, with a skill for forming and sustaining effective relationships. They will have a broad professional network which might include national or international connections. They may have connections which include the private sector, academia, thinktanks or investors interested in making social impact. Their experience might include research, policy making or campaigning. Their guidance will help us advocate for the befriending sector with greater impact and effectiveness. 

By joining the Befriending Networks board, you will play an integral role in moving our charity forward and helping us champion the impact of befriending on loneliness and isolation.  If you have the skills we’re looking for and are energised by working collaboratively to help organisations (and others) succeed, we’d love to hear from you. 

We are keen to hear from applicants with diverse lived experiences, especially those currently underrepresented in trustee boards. No previous board experience is required and you do not need to meet all requirements listed in the role descriptions to apply. 

Location: Remote/UK-wide (with one in-person meeting in Edinburgh per year) 
Time commitment: Approximately 4-6 hours per month. We have 6 board meetings per year (5 online and 1 in-person) 

Applications close: Monday 18th August 2025 

Our Board Executive will review all expressions of interest and will want to set up an online call with applicants to discuss their suitability for the role.

We are actively seeking new Trustees for the Acorn Youth Community & Sports Centre in Barton.

We are a charity organisation that has been established since 1965 and was originally created for the youth of Barton. Over the years we have developed the centre into a thriving Youth, Community & Sports Centre.

The centre has been supported by local people who have given us their precious time which has made us who we are today. Now we need YOU! We are seeking fresh eyes and support to bring the centre to the next level. Can you give some of your time and share ideas to further the longevity and success of our centre.

Job Summary
The Trustee plays a pivotal role in overseeing the governance and strategic direction of the organisation. This position requires a dedicated individual who is passionate about our mission and committed to ensuring the effective management of resources. The Trustee will work collaboratively with other board members to enhance organisational performance, engage with stakeholders, and promote our objectives within the community.

Responsibilities

• Attend board meetings, usually 4 per year, and actively participate in discussions regarding organisational strategy and policy.
• Foster relationships with key stakeholders, including donors, community leaders, and partners to enhance public relations and fundraising efforts.
• Engage in relationship management to strengthen connections with existing supporters while identifying potential new funding sources.
• Support the development of strategic plans that drive organisational growth and sustainability.

Skills

• Strong relationship management skills, demonstrating an ability to build rapport with diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent public relations capabilities, with a knack for communicating effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Proven customer service skills, ensuring that all interactions reflect positively on the organisation.
• Experience in fundraising activities, showcasing an understanding of donor engagement strategies.
• A keen interest in market trends related to non-profit organisations and community engagement initiatives.

This role is ideal for individuals seeking to make a meaningful impact within their community while utilising their skills in governance, relationship building, and strategic oversight.

Please note, this is a voluntary position.

This is an exciting opportunity to influence and impact the educational experience and outcomes of children in east Newcastle, North Tyneside, and Hartlepool. At the heart of our trust is the aim to nurture, educate, achieve and transform the lives of all young people within the communities we serve across the North East.

We are a mixed Multi-Academy Trust, with eight schools (6 primary, 2 secondary) and a mix of community and Church of England schools. We are a fully inclusive, working with a range of stakeholders to ensure the best outcomes and destinations for our pupils. 

NEAT is looking for people to join our Local Governing Committees (LGCs) as school governors. We're open to hear from any candidates who are motivated to contribute to the enhancement of education in our schools, whether that be with years of education experience, or with new insights and innovative thinking about how schools and Academy Trusts can and should support learners and other stakeholders.

Our LGC members (school governors) come from a wide range of backgrounds. What they have in common is that they want to help our schools be the best they can be and our pupils to succeed. People who know our local communities bring real insight to the LGC.

We're especially keen to support people who may not have much opportunity to be involved in governing bodies, and those from underrepresented groups. If you have a passion for supporting pupils and some relevant skills or experience, we're keen to hear from you.

As a governance volunteer, our LGC members have the opportunity to use and develop their skills in:

• building relationships and networks
• teamwork
• communication and influencing
• strategic thinking
• problem solving
• using data
• leadership and Board practice
• specialist areas such as Careers, Health & Safety, Special Educational Needs (SEND), or Safeguarding

Being a school governor is not only a great way to use your existing experience and expertise in your community, but is a great way to learn new skills, receive training in leadership and board skills, upskill and make a difference. There's a wealth of opportunities for personal and professional development, networking, and working with a range of people from different backgrounds, professions, and life experience.

Our governance volunteers (school governors) have direct impact in the community through:

• decision making in the best interests of pupils to improve their education, wellbeing and future prospects and raise community aspirations
• shaping school policies and aims, allowing teachers to focus on delivering high-quality educational experiences
• stakeholder engagement to ensure that the voices of staff, parents, pupils and other stakeholders are heard

Most LGC members have a four-year term of office, except for co-opted members who are appointed for one year. They attend around four meetings each year, which are usually held late afternoon/early evening during term-time. LGC members are also involved in scrutiny activities in school, which usually happen once or twice a term during the school day. LGC members also participate in decision-making panels (for admissions and exclusions) for schools in the Trust. The average time commitment for our LGC members is 8-12 hours per month.

NEAT takes safeguarding seriously, and all governance volunteers are required to undertake a vetting process (including DBS check) during appointment to best safeguard our pupils and schools.

At a time when we are experiencing the largest reforms to the welfare rights system in a generation, we believe this is an exciting opportunity for individuals interested in welfare rights work, to join a respected organisation working at the forefront of the advice sector.

The Welfare Benefits Unit offers specialist welfare benefits advice to those who work with members of the public. Our experienced advisers provide independent support through our advice line, publications, training, consultancy, campaigns and projects.

The Welfare Benefits Unit aims to maximise benefit take-up, helping to reduce the incidence and impact of poverty and in doing so improve health, well-being, financial and social inclusion. We are a registered charity based in York. We primarily operate in North Yorkshire and York although some of our services are accessed by organisations working further afield. 

We continue to aim towards a board that reflects the populations we work to support, and as such, welcome individuals from diverse ethnic communities, LGBTQIA+ groups, as well as younger people, those with disabilities, and those who have lived experience of the welfare benefits system.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

We welcome and support applications from those new to being a Trustee. We also know that studies have shown some people are less likely to apply for positions unless they believe meet every requirement in the description. The most important thing for us is to find Trustees that connect with our values and who can readily buy into our mission. Though we have suggested skills and experience areas below, which would be keen to hear from, we’re eager to meet people that believe in our mission and can contribute to our board in a variety of ways – not just candidates who tick all the boxes.

We’re keen to add these areas of skills and experience to our board:

• Financial, legal or HR matters (especially as they may apply to a small charity)
• Expertise in marketing, digital or similar technological areas
• Welfare benefits system and welfare rights advice or lived experience.

About the Role

All Trustee positions are voluntary with reasonable expenses remunerated. To be an effective Trustee, you will need to commit up to 1-2 days per quarter to attend and prepare for board meetings which are held virtually.

Effective Trustees support our work by:

• ensuring we are working towards our vision, mission and values in everything we do
• ensuring the effective and efficient use of resources, maintaining proper financial and regulatory oversight and best practice as a charity
• approving the annual budget, and supporting strategic decision-making by actively contributing advice and guidance
• appointing key personnel such as the Chief Executive, and determining pay and conditions for the wider team
• constructively guide the Senior Leadership Team in the delivery of the organisation’s strategy
• actively representing and championing the work of the Welfare Benefits Unit.