Board members volunteer roles

Barod is a pioneering substance misuse treatment provider in Wales, offering evidence based treatment and holistic support to individuals who access its services. Following a period of growth, we currently have some vacancies on our Board of Trustees.  We are looking for people who can contribute to the strategic direction of the organisation.

We are looking to welcome new individuals, with a range of backgrounds and experiences, to our Board of Trustees. We are interested in meeting individuals with knowledge/experience of any of the following areas:

• Business/Commercial  
• Criminal Justice 
• Accountancy
• Medical 
• Mental Health
• Social Services/Social Care
• Legal
• Housing
• Communications/Public Relations
• Lived Experience (Substance Use)

If you have the passion and the skills which can help us make a difference to people’s lives, then we would love to hear from you. These voluntary roles are unpaid, but travel expenses can be reimbursed.

Looking for an exciting opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of Londoners affected by homelessness, while contributing your professional insights to a forward-thinking and compassionate organisation? Why not join us as our Audit Committee Chair or as a Trustee!

About Evolve Housing + Support

At Evolve, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to live a safe, fulfilled and independent life. We provide support in London, offering tailored programmes to meet people’s individual needs; including housing, employment and skills training, mentoring and counselling.

We do this through our work with young parents and children at risk of exclusion to build the skills and resilience that can help prevent homelessness, campaigning to end street homelessness, and building affordable homes to help people move on to an independent life.

Our company culture: the heart of what we do

We’re proud of our inclusive culture – one where everyone’s voice matters, and where diversity of background, thought and experience helps us make better decisions for the communities we serve. Our mission - to help children, young people and adults who are homeless or at risk of homelessness reach their potential, and move on to live happy, fulfilled lives. We ensure our values - Honest, Inclusive, Optimistic, Determined, Passionate & Creative inform everything we do.

The opportunities to join us

At Evolve Housing + Support, we are championing opportunity, dignity and independence for people affected by homelessness – a cause that may resonate with you and encourage you to lend your strategic oversight and financial skills to our Board.

We are looking for a new Audit Committee Chair and two Trustees to join our Board and play a key role in shaping our governance and strategic direction.

As our Audit Committee Chair, you’ll ensure we maintain the highest standards of financial stewardship, carry out all our affairs effectively under all regulatory bodies, while keeping our mission and values at the heart of decision-making through your leadership.

The Trustee roles present the opportunity to play a crucial part in the successful running of our organisation, in partnership with the leadership team, upholding excellent governance using your professional skills. 

Who are we looking for?

We are particularly interested in speaking with people who are able to lead and inspire, who also have the strategic and analytical thinking skills to lead through periods of change, and who can communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders and audiences.

You’ll need to have the ability to proactively support the values of Evolve Housing + Support, have a strong understanding of good governance practice along with a financial or HR background at a professional level, and a strong track record in a relevant sector, with empathy for our core customer group.

Don’t think you quite meet all of the specifications? Please don’t count yourself out – we’d still love to hear from you and learn more about you and your interest in joining Evolve!

Sounding good? Here’s how you can apply today!

Please read the Candidate Information Pack for more information before you apply. 

How to Apply:

Eastside People is supporting Evolve Housing + Support in the recruitment of these roles. Please apply by submitting your CV and a cover letter, both in Word doc format.

Please use the cover letter (max 2 pages) as an opportunity to add to the information you have shared in your CV and ensure that you cover the following: 

• Why are you interested in the Chair/Trustee role at Evolve Housing + Support? 
• Having read the information pack, what relevant experience and skills do you feel you would bring to this role? 

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential. If you have a disability or require reasonable adjustments during the application or interview process, please contact us so we can support you appropriately.

The closing date for applications is Mon 22 Dec 2025. Shortlisting interviews will take place shortly after and shortlisted candidates will have an interview with Evolve during the week beginning 12 January 2026.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Can you help us build a nation of global citizens who learn, collaborate, and act for peace, social, and climate justice? Join us in making a difference on the Welsh Centre for International Affairs trustee board.

A fedrwch chi ein helpu i adeiladu cenedl o ddinasyddion byd-eang sy'n dysgu, cydweithio a gweithredu dros heddwch cymdeithasol, a chyfiawnder hinsawdd? Ymunwch â ni i wneud gwahaniaeth ar fwrdd ymddiriedolwyr Canolfan Materion Rhyngwladol Cymru fel ein Trysorydd newydd.

WCIA Trustees – 2025 Treasurer Recruitment / Ymddiriedolwyr WCIA 2025 – Trysorydd

Role of Treasurer at WCIA

Thank you for your interest in the role of Treasurer at WCIA. We are looking to recruit to this role on our Board of Trustees as our current Treasurer will be standing down at the end of March 2026.

We are seeking a trustee with a finance and/or accounting background ideally with experience in the charity sector, who will work with the Board of Trustees and Management by maintaining an overview of the organisation’s finances, ensuring financial viability, advising and guiding on financial requirements and best practice and to provide advice, assistance and information to Trustees on their financial stewardship responsibilities.

Trysorydd WCIA

Rydym yn recriwtio ar gyfer y swydd Trysorydd ar ein Bwrdd Ymddiriedolwyr, gan y bydd ein Trysorydd presennol yn ymddiswyddo ddiwedd mis Mawrth 2026.

Rydym yn chwilio am ymddiriedolwr sydd â chefndir ym maes cyllid a/neu gyfrifeg, yn ddelfrydol, gyda phrofiad yn y sector elusennol, a fydd yn gweithio gyda'r Bwrdd Ymddiriedolwyr a'r Rheolwyr drwy gadw golwg ar gyllid y sefydliad, sicrhau hyfywedd ariannol, cynghori ac arwain ar ofynion ariannol ac arferion gorau, a darparu cyngor, cymorth a gwybodaeth i Ymddiriedolwyr ar eu cyfrifoldebau o ran gofalu am gyllid.

About WCIA

WCIA connects the people of Cymru to the world and to each other. With a legacy spanning over 100 years, and as guardians of the historic Temple of Peace and Health, linked to the League of Nations, precursor of the United Nations, in Cardiff, we learn from the past to create a better future. Now, as we are about to embark on an exciting new chapter — with a fresh strategy, rebrand, and ambitious vision — this is a transformative moment to join us. Together, we’re turning local action into global change.

Through dynamic programmes such as Climate Cymru and Academi Heddwch, we spark connections, create and share knowledge, and inspire hope. We empower the people of Cymru to engage with global challenges, take meaningful action, and drive positive change. If you’re eager to be part of this movement, we’d love to hear from you.

We are looking for a new treasurer to bring fresh insights and passion as we begin this exciting new chapter. We’d love for you to join our vibrant community and be part of our journey to create positive change.

Ynghylch WCIA

Mae WCIA yn cysylltu pobl Cymru gyda’r byd a gyda’i gilydd. Gydag etifeddiaeth sy’n ymestyn dros 100 mlynedd, ac fel gwarcheidwaid y Deml Heddwch ac Iechyd hanesyddol, sy'n gysylltiedig â Chynghrair y Cenhedloedd, rhagflaenydd y Cenhedloedd Unedig, yng Nghaerdydd, rydym yn dysgu o'r gorffennol i greu dyfodol gwell. Nawr, wrth i ni fod ar fin cychwyn pennod newydd gyffrous - gyda strategaeth ffres, ail-frandio, a chyda gweledigaeth uchelgeisiol - mae hwn yn gyfnod trawsnewidiol i ymuno â ni. Gyda'n gilydd, rydym yn troi gweithredu’n lleol yn newid byd-eang.

Trwy raglenni deinamig fel Climate Cymru ac Academi Heddwch, rydym yn sbarduno cysylltiadau, yn creu a rhannu gwybodaeth, ac yn ysbrydoli gobaith. Rydym yn grymuso pobl Cymru i gymryd rhan mewn heriau byd-eang, i gymryd camau ystyrlon ac i sbarduno newid cadarnhaol. Os ydych chi’n awyddus i fod yn rhan o'r mudiad hwn, buasem wrth ein bodd yn clywed gennych.

Rydym yn chwilio am Trysorydd newydd i gyflwyno mewnwelediad ffres ac angerdd wrth i ni ddechrau'r bennod newydd gyffrous hon. Buasem wrth ein bodd petasech yn ymuno â'n cymuned fywiog a bod yn rhan o'n taith i greu newid cadarnhaol.

CBM UK Trustee (x 2 positions)

Do you believe in an inclusive world where all people with disabilities can participate and thrive? Are you passionate about changing the structures and systems that keep people poor and marginalised?

What we’re looking for

We’re looking for two new trustees to play a vital role in shaping how we deliver our work most effectively. If you’ve got business acumen, accounting expertise, or an innovative approach to international development, we’d love to hear from you.

Your contribution

Join us as a trustee and you’ll help ensure the good governance of CBM UK. You’ll provide financial scrutiny of fund management and supervise the performance of the CEO. Ultimately, you will help ensure our resources are used as effectively as possible to serve people with disabilities in some of the world’s poorest countries.

You’ll join a Board of 11 directors who have experience across international development, education, law, financial services and management. We’re looking for two new trustees who bring skills in:

• business (particularly social enterprise and start up),
• accountancy (with understanding of UK SORP), or
• innovative approaches to international development, including alternative models of development financing.

We strongly encourage applications from women and people with lived experience of disability.

About us

For over 115 years, CBM has been transforming lives around the world. Part of a Global Federation, we work with local partners to ensure people with disabilities in some of the world’s poorest communities have access to healthcare, education and livelihoods. This is a truly exciting time to join us as we embark on an ambitious new strategy to end the cycle of poverty and disability.

How to apply

If you share our vision of an inclusive world in which all people with disabilities enjoy their human rights and achieve their full potential, we’d love to hear from you.

For a full description of the experience we’re looking for as well as the duties and expectations of the role, please download the Trustee Recruitment Pack.

Newport Citizens Advice provides free advice services to thousands of people of every year    

We are seeking Trustees, particularly those with experience in income generation, finance, leadership/governance, change management, and communications. 

What will you be doing?

As a trustee you will have an essential role in supporting the organisation at a time of many exciting and challenging developments

We are in the process of securing new accommodation with the intention of moving to newly designed and refurbished premises for the whole organisation within the next year.

We are also currently developing new services in immigration - the first of their kind in any Citizens Advice organisation in Wales and we are also developing new services in housing and homelessness.

Our partnership work is also a key area for further development as we move towards delivering more and more services collaboratively.  

Our governance structure consists of a Trustee Board and sub-committees for finance and personnel and for performance, risk and compliance.  Trustee input is also encouraged in the Research and Campaigns Group, Health and Safety Committee and throughout the annual Business Development and Planning process. 

What are we looking for?

Each individual member of the trustee board brings skills and qualities to the board. They add to the collective knowledge and experience by providing:

• commitment and availability to attend trustee board meetings sub-committees and task groups
• effective communication skills
• knowledge of local needs and resources
• commitment to the aims, principles and policies of the Citizens Advice service
• willingness and ability to act in the best interests of Newport Citizens Advice
• ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as trustees and
• willingness and ability to learn, and to develop and examine their own attitudes
• ability to think creatively and strategically, and exercise good, independent judgement
• ability to work effectively as a member of a team.

What difference will you make?

Our trustees provide essential expertise, guidance and insight that help shape the work and direction of Newport Citizens Advice and at this point in time will also make a valuable contribution to ensuring our success in a period of significant change.   

Before you apply

We will invite any interested candidates to an informal meeting to enable them to find out more about the organisation and role and decide if they wish to continue with an application.  Once this is confirmed an interview will be arranged with a panel led by the Chair of the Trustee Board.  Any recommendation for appointment will then be approved by the Board.

The process has no specific deadlines and we aim to respond promptly to all applicants.

Trustee vacancy: UK Bangladesh Education Trust (UKBET)

Founded in 1993, the UK Bangladesh Education Trust [UKBET], a UK registered charity and international NGO registered in Bangladesh, is looking for one or two new dynamic trustees to join our board, supporting the charity’s mission to help end child labour in Bangladesh.  

Our Doorstep Learning Programme engages and supports child domestic workers (95% girls) and their families. Trained and supported community teachers provide three individual or small group literacy, numeracy and life skills sessions for these working children as well as signposting for their families. A key aim is to support the children’s progression out of child labour to school or, for older children to vocational training. UKBET’s Family Futures microgrants address the root causes of child labour – family poverty.  Parents can use these grants to start or continue small businesses to increase their family income, removing the need to send their children to work and enabling them to join school or, for older working children, vocational training.

Our work is funded through charitable donations, fundraising and grants.

The UK Board of Trustees set the direction for the charity and support the work of the Executive Director and his team who also benefit from an Advisory Group based in Sylhet, Bangladesh.  We meet on line three or four times a year, and as needed, plus try to have an annual in person away day meeting. There are currently four experienced Trustees with a range of expertise across finance, income generation and education. We are seeking one or two new Trustees to join us, ideally leading in one or more of the following areas:

· Organisational efficiency to assume the role of Secretary

· Knowledge and connections to build interest and financial support from Bangladesh and/or the British Bangladeshi community

· Skills and expertise in social media and comms.

For more details on the role, please see the supporting Background information and JD.

To apply, please send your CV with a covering email outlining how you meet the JD criteria and telling us about any special areas of expertise and interest you could bring to the role.

Friends Without Borders (Portsmouth) CIO. The relief of immigrants, asylum seekers and refugees who are suffering hardship or distress or in need, particularly, but not exclusively, in the City of Portsmouth, by the provision of financial and other assistance and raising the awareness of the general public.

As the new Treasurer your role will be pivotal within our team and we are excited to learn from the unique skills you bring. Your contribution will help Friends Without Borders to flourish and grow and we are excited to welcome you into our dedicated team.

What will you be doing?

Now is an exciting time to join the Board of Trustees at Friends Without Borders. This role will allow you to put your professional skills to great use for the benefit of individuals who have had to flee their homes and livelihoods. It will also provide you with the opportunity to develop your insight and expertise into all aspects of managing a growing charity. 

The Treasurer is a voluntary role that ensures the financial health and accountability of Friends Without Borders. The role combines strategic oversight, advice and hands-on financial management. Between our Client Services Manager and volunteer Bookkeeper, spreadsheets relating to petty cash, income and expenditure are prepared. Our Treasurer will be responsible for payroll, pension payments and tax returns.

What are we looking for?

Essential

• Professional accounting or finance qualification, or equivalent experience.
• Experience with financial systems and controls, ideally but not essentially in a charity or small organisation.
• Understanding of budgeting, forecasting and long-term financial planning.

Desirable

• Familiarity with charity financial regulations, Gift Aid, restricted funds and statutory reporting.

At Friends Without Borders, we believe that diversity strengthens our work. We warmly welcome applications from individuals who bring a wide range of experiences and perspectives to our Board. We particularly welcome applications from individuals with lived experience of the asylum system, as well as candidates from underrepresented communities. 

What difference will you make?

This is an exciting time to join the Trustee Board at Friends Without Borders.

As Treasurer, you will play a key role in enabling us to continue supporting refugees and asylum seekers in the UK, empowering them to rebuild their lives in safety here in Portsmouth.

This role offers a valuable opportunity to:

• Use your professional skills and experience to make a meaningful difference to individuals who have been forced to flee their homes and livelihoods.
• Contribute strategically to the management and development of a growing charity.
• Deepen your insight and expertise in charity governance, financial oversight, and organisational leadership.

Before you apply

Reach Volunteering are supporting Friends Without Borders with their Board recruitment.

Please submit your CV along with a covering letter stating why you wish to join the organisation and how your skills would add value to the board. Please do also supply the details of two Referees (no contact will be made with Referees without your express permission and only at the point that a Trustee role has been offered and accepted).

At Friends Without Borders, we are committed to meeting the aims set out in our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) policies. As part of this commitment, we invite you to complete an anonymous and voluntary EDI monitoring form. This form is not part of your application and will remain confidential. Please get in touch to request the form.

If you would like to have an informal initial conversation either with the TrusteeWorks team of with a member of Friends Without Borders, please do contact TrusteeWorks who would be happy to arrange this for you.

Help shape the future of Carers Trust Solihull.
We’re seeking a new Trustee Treasurer,a sharp financial mind with a steady hand and a big heart, to guide our charity through its next chapter. You’ll ensure every pound works harder for unpaid carers who give so much, often with little rest or recognition.

For over 25 years, Carers Trust Solihull has supported thousands of people caring for loved ones, spouses, parents, siblings, even children, who look after someone who couldn’t manage without them. As demand grows and funding tightens, your financial leadership will be vital to sustaining and expanding this lifeline.

You’ll join a skilled, compassionate Board, working closely with our CEO and managers to oversee budgets, shape strategy, and strengthen long-term stability. You’ll turn numbers into insight, helping the Board make confident, evidence-based decisions about growth, reserves, and sustainability.

This is more than governance, it’s legacy. Your work will help deliver respite breaks, wellbeing sessions, and community outreach to those who need them most. You’ll be central to how we evolve, diversify income, and explore new opportunities, including the use of Artificial Intelligence to improve our efficiency and reach.

We’re looking for someone who combines financial acumen with empathy and integrity, a professional who can interpret data, assess risk, and communicate clearly. A formal accounting qualification is helpful but not essential. What matters most is a strategic mind and a commitment to using your expertise for good.

If you’re ready to make your skills count, not just on a balance sheet, but in real lives changed, we’d love to hear from you.

We are looking for someone who preferably has a professional fundraising background within the charitable sector. We currently have a fundraising subcommittee set up, this role would chair the subcommittee and lead on fundraising initiatives. This subcommittee is currently made up of 3 trustees & 1 staff member, though we are actively looking for fundraising volunteers to join the committee.

This role will lead on branches fundraising & income generation (not via the branches 2 shops).

As a minimum, trustees would normally be expected to attend a monthly committee meeting lasting some 2 to 3 hours. However, the commitment may vary depending on whether or not the trustee takes on additional duties. This role will join the current trustee board (made up of 9 members) and you will be supported by other trustees.

For this role we are looking for individuals with the following experience/skills:

• Fundraising & Income Generation - Essential
• Creative - Essential
• Innovative - Essential
• Passionate about the welfare of animals - Essential

We'd love applicants within or very close to the branch area - Finchley, Hendon, Golders Green, Edgware, Whetstone, Stanmore.

Join disability and education charity National Star as a Trustee, guiding the organisation as it implements its recently agreed five-year strategy.

What will you be doing?

Do you want to play your part in supporting one of the UK’s leading disability charities to achieve its ambition for growth, providing more education and long-term living opportunities for people with complex disabilities?

National Star, whose headquarters is in Gloucestershire, is seeking several people who share its vision of a world in which people with disabilities are able to realise their potential as equal and active citizens in control of their lives. As a member of the Trustee Board, you will also be a company director as the charity is also a registered company.

Ideal Trustees will:

* Adhere to the charity's values

* Have personal integrity and be able to demonstrate a passion and commitment to National Star

* Prepare and participate actively in meetings

* Work collaboratively with fellow Trustees and Governors, demonstrating empathy and awareness of the needs of others

* Have good communication skills, tact and diplomacy

* Have experience, or a willingness to learn, about strategic thinking and risk

* Have knowledge, or a willingness to learn, about issues affecting people with disabilities and the specialist education sector

* Be prepared to commit time to conduct the role well, including travel and attending events out of office hours.

What you will bring:

The charity is looking to recruit people with a broad range of experience and are particularly interested in attracting candidates with knowledge / experience of:

* Company law and the specific legal requirements for charities in special needs and social care sectors

* Marketing and communication expertise including networking and fundraising

* Business acumen with a strong financial background

National Star is a Disability Confident Employer. The charity is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all sections of the community, including those currently under-represented on o0ur Trustee Board, which includes women, people with disabilities and members of black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.

The Trustee Board meets four times a year, generally during the week between 4pm – 7pm. In addition, Trustees are expected to become active members of a sub-committee. Board papers are distributed in advance to allow Trustees to prepare for each meeting.

What are we looking for?

Ideal Trustees will:

* Adhere to the charity's values of ambition, collaboration, integrity, respect and sustainability

* Have personal integrity and be able to demonstrate a passion and commitment to National Star

* Prepare and participate actively in meetings

* Work collaboratively with fellow Trustees and Governors, demonstrating empathy and awareness of the needs of others

* Have good communication skills, tact and diplomacy

* Have experience, or a willingness to learn, about strategic thinking and risk

* Have knowledge, or a willingness to learn, about issues affecting people with disabilities and the specialist education sector

* Be prepared to commit time to conduct the role well, including travel and attending events out of office hours.

We are recruiting several trustees with a range of skills.

What difference will you make?

By joining National Star's Trustee Board, you will have the satisfaction of knowing that you are playing a part in the future development of one of the leading disability charities in England and Wales as well as being able to develop your own skills in board level discussions, executive decision making and strategic planning. Your fresh perspective could help the charity to see things in a different light and your professional expertise could be utilised to support our staff team in delivering our vision and values.

You will gain a broad understanding of the challenges faced by young people with complex disabilities and be able to build your professional network.

Before you apply

Please apply through Reach in the first instance providing a cover letter detailing why you are interested in this role and a CV. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to complete our additional application form

We are looking for an enthusiastic and passionate person, with a background in retail operations and income generation. An individual who could devote their time to volunteer as a trustee for our Branch, and support us in maximising the revenue generated from our charity shops as we want to increase our skill set across our trustee board.

Alongside passing on your expertise, this opportunity will give you the chance to influence how we care for and prevent cruelty to animals and drive the implementation of key initiatives. You will serve on the governing body of the charity and be instrumental, alongside fellow trustees, in the running of the Branch and setting out both the short and long term aims.

As a minimum, trustees would normally be expected to attend a monthly committee meeting lasting some 2 to 3 hours. However, the commitment may vary depending on whether or not the trustee takes on additional duties. This role will join the current trustee board (made up of 9 members) and you will be supported by other trustees.

Primary responsibilities of the Branch Trustee – Retail and Income Generation

• Assist the Shop Managers in maximising the profitability of the Branch’s two charity shops, directly line manage the branches 2 shop managers.
• Work with the Trustee committee to explore any potential for expanding the retail operation by researching the potential for further charity shops.
• Support the Branch with the Branch’s e-commerce operation via online sales platforms such as eBay/Vinted.
• Work with other trustees, the Branch staff to ensure the charity shops meet health and safety standards.
• Explore other ways to generate income for the Branch and work closely with other committee members/branch staff members to put these ideas into action.

What we are looking for in a volunteer:

We are committed to creating a Board which is representative of our society and in particular, our community and surrounding areas so encourage people from any background to apply for any of our opportunities.

Alongside retail operations and income generation experience, we are looking for someone who is committed to the RSPCA’s charitable objectives and shares our passion for animal welfare. You would be creative, innovative, bring a fresh perspective, and can put ideas into action.

You will need to be able to work with people and have good interpersonal skills. You do not need to be an expert although commitment, common sense, and the ability to be objective are vital.

What we can offer you as a volunteer Branch Trustee – Retail and Income Generation

• We will provide you with a comprehensive trustee training course which will provide you with everything you need to carry out the role.
• Ongoing support is also provided by local and national RSPCA staff in addition to any additional provided by the relevant branch.
• The platform to utilise your skills and experience to oversee the charity and make decisions that have a direct impact on local animal welfare.
• The opportunity to gain new skills and develop existing ones, whilst making a real difference to the lives of animals.
• A way to expand your professional and personal network through working with like-minded people.

We'd love applicants within or very close to the branch area - Finchley, Hendon, Golders Green, Edgware, Whetstone, Stanmore.

Bring your strategic expertise and financial acumen to the Board of Hugh Baird College, an outstanding organisation with no intention of standing still whilst seeking to be the best in the country.

Location: Liverpool, Merseyside, North West

Time commitment: Around 10 – 12 hours per month

Applications close at 9 a.m. Monday 19th January.

At Hugh Baird College, we provide education and training to over 6,000 students each year across our two campuses in Bootle and Sefton. We offer a diverse range of educational pathways, including study programmes for young people, A Levels and apprenticeships. We are recognised as a beacon of opportunity across the communities we serve and are proud of the many ways we continue to support a range of stakeholders, including our students, our staff, and an ever-growing number of local employers.

Our vision is simple: to be the best college in the country, and to achieve this by living our values of excellence, accountability, innovation, collaboration, and integrity. Whilst we may now be recognised as outstanding, we continue to work with passion and determination to achieve our vision. 

About the role

Our Board is a collaborative and inclusive body formed of up to 20 members, up to 15 of whom are independent Governors. We have a diversity of expertise as well as thought, which helps our Board ensure that we continue to have a group of committed and determined volunteer non-executives who each share in the vision and mission of our college.

Our governors each share the responsibility for developing our organisational strategy and for setting the educational character of our college. They model the behaviours we expect from our staff and our students, which helps us to sustain such a vibrant culture across the College and they are each a positive and vocal ambassador for the work that we do.

Having given consideration to our strategy and the future aspirations of our colleges, we have identified a need to add further depth to our Board, and more specifically, we seek to appoint candidates who will bring experience in the areas of:

• Financial leadership and strategy
• Audit
• Risk mitigation

Who we are looking for

We are looking for professionals who will use their experience and expertise within their professional field to offer appropriate levels of challenge, scrutiny and support as we continue to achieve our strategic objectives and improve student outcomes. You will need a passion for success and recognise the important impact education has on the communities we serve.

New governors are welcome to apply, provided they are keen to bring their experience to an organisation with a social conscience and a demonstrable track record of positive impact. All new members will be supported with a full induction, ongoing support, and training.

Peridot Partners and Hugh Baird College are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and our client expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references before any final offer can be made.

Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ 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 at 9a.m. Monday 19th January.

Location: Shepherd’s Bush, West London

Time Commitment: Approx. 1–2 days per month (including quarterly board meetings and annual Away Day)

Type: Voluntary

Start Date: Early 2026

Join a unique West London charity creating lasting change in people’s lives

The Upper Room is seeking a Chair of Trustees (Designate) to join our Board in 2025/26 and, after a year of active trusteeship and shadowing, to step into the role of Chair when our current Chair reaches the end of their tenure in 2027.

This is an exceptional opportunity for a passionate, values-led individual to help shape the next phase of our work, from strategic resilience to community innovation.

About Us

From small beginnings more than 35 years ago The Upper Room has grown into a thriving charity with an annual budget of around £650K.

Food provision has always been at the heart of what we do. UR4Meals serves approximately 40,000 meals a year, operating five days a week.

UR4Driving works with ex-offenders and young people identified as at risk of offending. We help them pass their driving theory test, and then provide free driving lessons. Last year 37 students gained a full driving licence with us. This has a significant impact on their employability and self-esteem, and dramatically reduces re-offending.

UR4Jobs helps people become work-ready, and supports their wellbeing.

We are still based in our original home at St Saviour’s Church near Shepherd’s Bush in west London.

About the Role

As Chair, you’ll lead a committed and skilled Board of Trustees, working closely with our CEO and senior team to guide strategy, ensure good governance and champion our impact.

You’ll also play a key role externally, acting as an ambassador to funders, partners and supporters.

We’re looking for someone who can

• Provide strategic leadership through a period of growth and innovation
• Foster a culture of inclusion and respect, both on the Board and across the organisation - Support and challenge the CEO, acting as a critical friend and sounding board
• Ensure excellent governance, compliance and risk management
• Represent the charity publicly, building relationships and influence

About You

We welcome candidates with prior Board experience as a Trustee, Chair or Non-Executive Director, and a strong commitment to social justice.

We especially encourage applications from those with lived experience of disadvantage, as well as those from under-represented backgrounds, including individuals from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.

We’re interested in candidates with

• A clear understanding of charity governance and the role of a Chair
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills
• Strategic thinking and sound judgement
• A collaborative, values-driven approach
• The time, energy and commitment to make a lasting difference

Additional experience in fundraising, partnerships, organisational development or public sector engagement would be welcome, though not essential.

Time Commitment

• As a Trustee in 2025/ 26 (approx. 1–2 days per month)
• Transition to Chair in 2027, subject to mutual agreement and Board approval
• Quarterly evening Board meetings (in person in London)
• Annual summer Away Day with staff and trustees
• Optional involvement in sub-committees or events depending on interest and availability
• Representing the charity at local events

Why Now

By inviting a prospective Chair to join our Board as a Trustee in 2025/26, we can ensure a smooth, informed transition, with the support and handover of our current Chair, and plenty of time for deep onboarding and relationship-building.

The new Chair will help consolidate our growth, and lead our Board through the next chapter, ensuring our mission continues to serve those who need us most in the years ahead.

How to Apply

Please send your CV and a brief covering letter explaining your interest and suitability to the Upper Room.

If you would like to have an informal conversation before applying, feel free to reach out via email to arrange a call.

Because we are planning for the long term we are not placing a deadline on this process. However, we aim to appoint in the first quarter of 2026.

Interviews will be held in two stages, including an in-person meeting with key Board and staff members.

Make a difference – become a school governor

You do not have to be a parent or member of staff to be a school governor – applications are appreciated from all with an interest in the local community. School governors come from all walks of life and specialist knowledge is not always needed. What IS essential is a desire to get involved in children’s education and make a difference to their lives.

We welcome applications from those with educational, health & safety and safeguarding experience but school governors are all volunteers and training and support is provided. The University of Chichester (Multi) Academy Trust partners new governors with a ‘buddy’ – a trusted and more experienced colleague on the governing body – who initially acts as their mentor. Briefing information and assistance is also available through newsletters, websites and helplines provided by the Department for Education.