Board members volunteer roles

Saferworld is an independent international organisation working to prevent violent conflict and build safer lives. We work with people affected by conflict to improve their safety and sense of security, and conduct wider research and analysis. We use this evidence and learning to improve local, national and international policies and practices that can help build lasting peace. Our priority is people – we believe in a world where everyone can lead peaceful, fulfilling lives, free from fear and insecurity. We are a not-for-profit organisation operational in 12 countries across Africa, Asia and the Middle East.

Saferworld is currently looking for a new Chair of the Board of Trustees. This role will be responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of Saferworld, ensuring the organisation’s aims, objectives, and goals align with its governing document, as well as legal and regulatory guidelines. The ideal candidate should have a broad understanding of the charity sector as well as an understanding of how charities operate in a local context – often operating effectively in extremely challenging environments. An understanding of the UK charity context would be helpful but is not crucial. 

The Board is currently reviewing different governance models, including the possibility of a Chair/Vice Chair structure. While this model is still under consideration, it would involve clearly defined roles and responsibilities, helping to balance the workload and bring diverse perspectives to the Board’s leadership. The incoming Chair should be adaptable and open to these ongoing discussions, and play a key role in shaping and refining the governance structure to ensure it aligns effectively with Saferworld’s needs.

We are interested in hearing from individuals who share our values, possess the capacity for independent and creative thinking, and bring strong leadership, relevant competence and experience to our governing body. Whether you are an experienced Chair or wanting to take your first step at senior Board level, we still want to hear from you. 

Please download the recruitment pack for more information on how to apply to be the Chair of the Board of Trustees.

Closing date: 11 May 2025

This is an exciting time in our growth as we look to grow our governance systems, build on our successes and ensure we are a radical, dynamic organisation rooted in our anti-racist and anti-oppressive values.  We are looking for a new Chair for our Trustee board, to join us and help lead and shape the future of the organisation. 

Who they are

Citizens Advice Richmond is a local charity that has helped the people of Richmond since 1940. They offer generalist advice on any issue and specialist debt advice. Citizens Advice Richmond is a member of the national Citizens Advice service, a network of around 300 local advice centres.

The role What will you do?

● Complete an introduction for your role.

● Maintain an awareness of how the local Citizens Advice is operating.

● Read papers for board meetings and attend six board meetings per year.

● Work on specific projects with other trustees or staff within the local Citizens Advice to further the strategic objectives of the local Citizens Advice.

● Provide support and assistance to the Chair and the Chief Officer in carrying out their responsibilities, acting as a ‘critical friend’ and sounding board.

● Take on specific responsibilities delegated by the Chair, e.g., supporting new trustees with their induction.

● Carry out the Chair’s duties in their absence, with the acknowledgment of the board as being capable and suitable to do so.

● Be prepared to take over as Chair in the near future.

● Be open to approaches, where appropriate, from other trustees about the work or judgment of the Chair. The Vice Chair will then discuss any issues arising with the Chair or National Citizens Advice.

● Take an active role in discussions during board meetings and work with other trustees to:

● Set policy and strategy direction, set targets, and evaluate the performance of the local Citizens Advice.

● Seek the views of all sections of the community and monitor how well the service meets the needs of the local community.

● Ensure that the service plans for the recruitment and turnover of staff and volunteers.

● Review their own work and how effectively they operate, including action for improvement.

The New Normal are seeking a Secretary to join our Board of Trustees! The primary responsibility is to act as the central point of contact for Board administration, ensuring compliance with governance requirements.

We are looking for a driven and diligent person to support TNN in it's mission to provide free-to-access peer support for a diverse range of grief experiences, communities and identities. 

Applicants should have the capacity to provide around 4 hours per month on a flexible basis, with some months quieter/busier than others.

We are seeking someone who has strong attention to detail, excellent organisational and administrative skills, proficiency in document management and record-keeping and excellent communication, both written and verbally. It's preferable that you will have experience with charity governance processes and compliance.

We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and pathways. This is a voluntary role and responsibilities are listed in below Job Description.

[Due to the nature of the role and the work we do, the successful applicant will be required to undertake a DBS check. Persons will be shortlisted and appointed based solely on character, skills, qualifications and experience.]

Who they are

Citizens Advice Richmond is a local charity that has helped the people of Richmond since 1940. They offer generalist advice on any issue and specialist debt advice. Citizens Advice Richmond is a member of the national Citizens Advice service, a network of around 300 local advice centres.

The role: What will you do?

● Complete an induction for your role.

● Maintain an awareness of how the local Citizens Advice is operating.

● Plan the board meetings, including the dates and the agenda, with the Company/Charity Secretary and the Chief Officer.

● Read papers for board meetings and attend six board meetings per year.

● Facilitate the trustee board meetings by leading the meeting, ensuring that agenda items are discussed, enabling all members to contribute their views and take part, and seeking clarification where necessary.

● Ensure that decisions and actions taken at board meetings are carried out.

● Ensure that the board decisions are made within the remit of the Citizens Advice membership agreement, governing documents, and policies.

● Monitor attendance and commitment of all trustees.

● Provide or arrange training or support for trustees if needed.

● With other trustees and the Chief Officer, recruit a trustee board with a diverse range of skills, experience, and knowledge, with an aim to promote trusteeship to underrepresented groups that represent the community.

● Ensure that all trustees receive an induction and the training needed for them to fulfil their role.

● Be proactive in recruiting successors to key positions such as Chair, Treasurer, etc.

● Arrange or provide support and supervision for the Chief Officer, including an annual appraisal.

● Together with the Treasurer, ensure proper management and control of local Citizens Advice finances.

● Together with the Chief Officer, represent the local Citizens Advice in relationships with funders or potential funders, at local events, and in the community.

● Work together with all trustees to ensure that the board can:

♦ Set policy and strategy direction, set targets, and evaluate the performance of Citizens Advice Richmond.

♦ Monitor the financial position of Citizens Advice Richmond, ensuring that it operates within its means and objectives, and ensuring there are clear lines of accountability for day-to-day financial management.

♦ Monitor whether Citizens Advice Richmond complies with its governing document and meets the required standards.

♦ Seek the views of all sections of the community and monitor how well the service meets the needs of the local community.

♦ Ensure the service plans for the recruitment and turnover of staff and volunteers.

♦ Review their own work and how effectively they operate, including action for improvement.

♦ Work on specific projects to further the strategic objectives of Citizens Advice Richmond.

What’s in it for you?

● Make a positive impact for people in your local area by ensuring the local Citizens Advice is sustainable and meeting the needs of the community.

● Meet people and build relationships with trustees, staff, and other volunteers.

● Build on your governance, leadership, and strategy skills.

● Increase your employability.

And they will reimburse expenses too.

What do you need to have?

You’ll need to:

● Understand the type of work undertaken by a local Citizens Advice.

● Understand and accept the responsibilities and liabilities as trustees.

● Be non-judgmental and respect views, values, and cultures that are different from your own.

● Have a good basis of leadership skills.

● Be able to facilitate and lead meetings.

● Have good interpersonal skills.

● Have good listening, verbal, and written communication skills.

● Be able to exercise good independent judgment.

● Have good numeracy skills to understand accounts with the support of the Treasurer.

● Be willing to learn about and follow the Citizens Advice aims, principles, and policies, including confidentiality and data protection.

● Be willing to undertake training in your role.

How much time do you need to give?

You will need up to one day a week for the regular activities, but this will vary. Trustee boards usually meet in the evenings, and you’ll likely need to give 12-15 hours per year to attend these. Sub-committees meet quarterly and a further 4-6 hours per year are required for these.

Valuing inclusion

Their volunteers come from a range of backgrounds, and they particularly welcome applications from disabled people, people with physical or mental health conditions, LGBT+ and non-binary people, and people from Black Asian Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities

Activity Alliance looking for a Chair and three new Trustees who will add value to the charity and exciting journey ahead. You will bring your expertise and/or lived experience to drive meaningful change for disabled people. Two Trustees will be Board-appointed, and one will be Member-appointed. Their start times will vary. We are pleased that you are interested in joining us to work towards our vision and thank you for your interest.

The key responsibilities of the Chair will be:

• Provide visionary leadership to the Board of Trustees, ensuring that Activity Alliance fulfils its mission and objectives.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within  the organisation.
• Oversee the governance framework, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Lead the Board in monitoring organisational performance and  ensuring effective risk management. 
• Act as an ambassador for Activity Alliance, promoting our vision and mission. This includes being a spokesperson for the charity with the media and at events.
• Champion the voices of disabled people, advocating for change and influencing policy and decision-making at the  highest levels.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including partners, funders, and government bodies.

The key responsibilities of the Trustees will be:

• Have outstanding commitment to Activity Alliance with a strong understanding of the organisation’s values as well as of the Nolan Seven Principles of Public Life.
• Contribute actively to the Board of Trustees role in giving strategic direction to the organisation, setting overall  policy, defining goals, setting targets, and evaluating performance against agreed targets. 
• Ensure that the organisation complies with its governing documents, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations. 
• Safeguard the reputation and values of the organisation. 
• Represent the organisation at functions and meetings when appropriate, and act as an ambassador for Activity Alliance.

Currently, we are particularly interested in recruiting Trustees with understanding, skills, and/or experience in one or more  of the following areas: 

• Legal 
• Commercial and corporate affairs 
• Income generation 
• Application of AI and technology

The posts are for an initial term of up to three years, which may be extended for two further terms of three years.

For nearly 39 years, Shama Women’s Centre has provided vital services for women across Leicester. We support women facing barriers including health inequalities, domestic violence, economic exclusion, and low employment rates, helping them gain confidence, skills, and independence. As we plan for the future, we are looking for passionate, committed, and skilled individuals to join us as Volunteer Management Committee Members to help guide our work, strengthen our governance, and ensure we continue delivering life-changing services.

What will you be doing?

As a Committee Member, you will be part of the governing body responsible for the strategic direction, decision-making, and oversight of Shama Women’s Centre. Committee Members work collectively to ensure that the charity remains legally compliant, financially stable, and true to its mission and values. Whether you’re an experienced board member or looking for your first Committee Member role, this is an opportunity to use your skills and expertise to make a real difference to the lives of women in Leicester.

What are we looking for?

We welcome interest from anyone with a passion for empowering women and a commitment to Shama’s mission. In particular, we are seeking individuals with skills and experience in: 

• Finance & Accounting - with the potential to take on the Treasurer role in future (day to-day finances are handled by staff, so this is a strategic oversight role). 
• Business Development & Sustainability - helping us identify opportunities to strengthen and diversify our income. Fundraising & Grant Applications - providing insight and expertise to support successful funding bids. 
• Human Resources - supporting the development of policies and best practices to manage staff and volunteers effectively. 
• Health Sector Experience - particularly around health inequalities affecting racially minoritised communities. 
• Strong Communication & Report Writing Skills - helping ensure our governance documents, strategies, and reports are clear, professional, and aligned with our values.

Reflecting the Communities We Serve 

As Shama is a BAME-led organisation, we are particularly keen to recruit Committee Members from racially minoritised backgrounds, especially women with lived experience who understand the cultural and social challenges facing our service users. We are also happy to support first-time Committee Members, offering induction and ongoing training to help you succeed in the role.

By joining Shama, you become part of a movement transforming lives and uplifting communities, creating a lasting ripple effect of empowerment and opportunity.

Time Commitment:

• Four board meetings per year (held in person at Shama Women’s Centre, Leicester, from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm).
• Attendance at occasional events, such as our Annual Celebration and AGM.
• Some voluntary input between meetings, typically a few hours per month depending on your role and availability.

Before you apply

The TrusteeWorks Team at Reach Volunteering are supporting Shama Women’s Centre with their Committee Member recruitment. Applications should be made via TrusteeWorks in the first instance. To apply please submit your CV along with a covering letter stating why you wish to join the organisation and how your skills and experience would add value to the board. 

Join the Board of The Gestalt Centre as a Treasurer or a new Trustee, and help shape their ambitious growth strategy with the life-changing approach to counselling, psychotherapy and organisational development – applications from first time Trustees are very welcome.

• Interviews will be held in June 2025

About The Gestalt Centre

The Gestalt Centre is an established educational and therapy charity, supporting the mental and psychological well-being of individuals, groups, and organisations.

Gestalt is a humanistic life-changing approach to life, counselling and psychotherapy. It enables people and organisations to manage change, develop meaningful relationships and lead fulfilling lives by creatively utilising their own resources, skills and strengths.

We are a dynamic organisation and run several accredited counselling and psychotherapy courses, along with professional development programmes for practitioners and organisations. We also offer affordable therapy and counselling and are a hub for a range of health and wellbeing practices for people in the community.

We value awareness and change, collaborative working, diversity and the view that we are all connected and therefore together responsible for our communities.

About the roles

The Gestalt Centre is a registered charity with a Board of Trustees and a Board of Directors. The Trustees are responsible for ensuring that the organisation carries out its purposes and for overall planning and good governance. The Directors (executive and non-executive) make decisions about strategy, the running of the organisation and oversee the work of the Psychotherapy faculty, the Counselling faculty and the management team.

Purpose of the role

Trustees are legally responsible for all aspects of the Charity, including:

• agreeing the purpose and strategy
• ensuring the Charity is financially viable
• making sure a charity does what it was set up to, which includes making decisions about how it is run

Operational matters are delegated to the CEO and the Executive.

Who we are looking for

We’re also seeking new Trustees who can strengthen our expertise in critical areas as we look to strengthen our Board to devise and deliver our ambitious plans. We are keen to hear from people with experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Events management 
• Fundraising
• Property 
• Higher Education
• Marketing and Social Media 

We are looking for a new Treasurer who will be a strategic thinker with good knowledge of charity accounting and the Charity SORP, and can ensure sound financial management. You will bring commercial acumen to guide our financial strategy during a transformative period.

You will also oversee our financial governance, reserve investment, and risk management while contributing your broader strategic insights and experience across all aspects of our work.

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.

Interviews will be held in June 2025.

Help guide our finances to ensure Gloucestershire Nightstop can provide safe homes and brighter futures for young people facing homelessness.

About Gloucestershire Nightstop

Gloucestershire Nightstop is a leading youth-specific homelessness charity dedicated to preventing homelessness among young people aged 16-25 in Gloucestershire. For nearly 20 years, we have championed bespoke housing and support models to help young people avoid, resolve, and move on from homelessness, enabling them to safely transition to adulthood and build better futures.

What will you be doing?

We are looking for someone who finds numbers and their impact interesting! We are less concerned with formal qualifications (although very welcome) than someone who commits to doing the work necessary in a timely manner and an ability to work co-operatively with the Chair, Executive Director and all trustees. The board takes the overall responsibility so you will need to be able to help trustees and staff to understand the financial information and its actual or potential impact on the charity immediately and long term. We have an experienced bookkeeper and an appointed experienced external examiner.

Overall purpose:

• Oversee all financial aspects of the charity, on behalf of the board of trustees, to evaluate our financial position and associated risks. 
• Assist the Chair and the Executive Director in ensuring that the board of trustees fulfils its duties and responsibilities for the proper financial governance of the charity. 

What are we looking for?

Essential:

• Financial Awareness: Knowledge of, or a willingness to learn, accounting practices relevant to corporate governance.
• Understanding of Regulations: Understanding of, or willingness to learn about, financial regulations governing charities and companies.
• Collaborative Approach: Financial oversight is a shared responsibility of the board, with the Treasurer working closely alongside fellow trustees as part of a team.
• Commitment & Time: Able to dedicate sufficient time to the role.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to plan ahead and contribute to the charity’s long-term vision.
• Ability to digest, present & critically evaluate a range of information, including written reports, statistics and verbal communications.
• Willingness to challenge and engage.
• Understanding and commitment to diversity issues.

Desirable:

• Experience serving as a trustee or working within the charity sector.
• Formal financial qualifications.

Support and training available: If you're new to being a trustee, the Chair and board members will offer guidance and training to help you succeed.

What difference will you make?

Your financial oversight and insight will ensure Gloucestershire Nightstop can open its doors to every young person who turns to us in crisis - not just today, but for years to come. By helping us make the most of every pound, identifying risks before they become problems, and ensuring our resources match our ambition, you’ll directly empower us to provide safe homes, compassionate support, and real opportunities for young people on the brink of homelessness.

Time commitment

Estimate of time needed: up to five hours per month.

We’ve been shaping social change since 1884.

In our 141st year, we are looking for new Trustees to us achieve our vision of a  fairer future for East London and beyond.

Vacancy: Finance Trustee x 2

About Toynbee Hall

Toynbee Hall works alongside people facing poverty and injustice to build a fairer future.

Based in the East End of London since 1884, we provide vital support to individuals through our advice and support services and work in partnership with local communities to tackle unfairness through research and advocacy. We are a place where people come together to work out solutions to the challenges facing us all and to shape systemic change.

As a charity we are governed by our Trustees - a group of volunteers who have responsibility for setting our strategy and ensuring we meet our charitable objectives.

However, with the pandemic's aftermath and the ongoing cost of living crisis, we face unprecedented challenges. The most vulnerable communities are hit hardest, and our role has never been more critical. We are constantly reviewing our own allocation of finite resources to ensure we are clearly and effectively focusing on where we can make the greatest impact. 

We are looking for Trustees with finance experience to join our Board; helping to shape our future plans and strategy.

Over the past five years, Toynbee Hall has undergone a significant renewal, revitalising our historical buildings, creating spaces that not only provide advice and community connections but also generate revenue to support the delivery of our services and research. Like many organisations we face challenges and some difficult decisions over this period but we are energised about the changes we want to see and how we can contribute. We are also keen to collaborate and grow our projects and thus have wider impact.

We have an engaged, diverse and skilled Trustee Board who are working alongside our senior team as we implement our new strategic plan and organisational priorities.

You can find out more about our existing Trustees on our website.

What we are looking for and what we can offer

It is important to us that we attract Trustees from a range of backgrounds. You don’t need to have previous experience of being a trustee, so please don’t let that put you off!

We will offer an induction program and support to take up the position.

We aim to have a trustee board that reflects the local community, so we especially encourage to apply if you live in Tower Hamlets or who have a personal connection with Toynbee Hall, Tower Hamlets or the East End. Our Board is currently diverse in age, gender and ethnicity and we are committed to maintaining that diversity. We particularly want to hear from potential Trustees who are Black or Asian.

The essential responsibilities of a Toynbee Hall Trustee is to ensure that the organisation pursues its charitable objectives and ensure we remain a going concern.

Trustees must be people with independent judgement, with an ability to think strategically and creatively about the challenges and opportunities ahead.

For this role you will have a financial qualification with at least 3 years’ experience in finance / accountancy. Ideally experience in financial decision making. An understanding of charity funding would be an advantage.

Above all you need to have real enthusiasm for our work and for supporting and guiding our Chief Executive and Toynbee Hall’s passionate and committed staff and volunteers so that they remain focused on tackling inequality and poverty in East London and beyond. And in return we are commitment to helping you gain experience in the non-profit sector strategy and decision making.

 The time commitment to be a Trustee

We ask our Board members to attend four evening Board meetings a year, an annual away-day and to be a member of one Committee. Our Committees meet up to three times a year. At the moment our committee meetings tend to be over video, where Board meetings aim to be in person. In person meetings take place at Toynbee Hall’s home in Commercial Street, E1. Board and Committee meetings are held in the evening.

Each Board member serves for a three-year term. This will then be reviewed by the Board with a maximum nine-year term.

Our Board members are also active ambassadors for Toynbee Hall. This means attending and supporting events and taking opportunities to promote and develop the work of Toynbee Hall through networks and contacts.

Next steps and what to expect

We will be accepting applications until midday on 9th June 2025. Interviews will be held with two of our trustees (online) and a second stage with the Chief Operating Officer (in person).

Trustee – Board of Trustees

We are looking for one person, who will join the other fourteen Trustees who make up the Board of Trustees for The Passage.

We would be particularly interested in someone with knowledge and experience of the creative industries to add to the wide range of skills and capabilities that the Board possesses.

Location: Westminster, London

Remuneration: This is an unpaid voluntary role, however reasonable expenses may be reimbursed

Time Commitment: Four board meetings per year (with each meeting lasting around two and a half hours). Plus, attendance of occasional events and meetings with key stakeholders

Report To: Chair of Board of Trustees

Closing Date: Rolling advert

Interview Date: TBC, held in London (SW1P).

About the role

Are you passionate about ending homelessness?

Trustees are responsible for giving direction to The Passage and ensuring it meets its objectives effectively.

They are concerned with the policy, strategy and monitoring of the organisation; day-to-day management is delegated to paid professional staff who report to the Board of Trustees.

Trustees are appointed initially for a period of 3 years and can be re-appointed for 2 further periods of 3 years, up to 9 years.

What you will be doing

Principle responsibilities:

The formal duties of the Board of Trustees collectively are to:

• Ensure that The Passage complies with its Memorandum and Articles of Association, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
• Ensure that The Passage pursues its charitable objects as defined in its memorandum of
  association.
• Ensure The Passage applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects.
• Give clear strategic direction to the organisation, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets.
• Safeguard the good name and the values of The Passage.
• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of The Passage.
• Ensure the financial stability of The Passage.
• Protect and manage the property of The Passage and to ensure the proper investment of its funds.
• Appoint the Chief Executive, monitor their performance and determine their remuneration.
• Act at all times in the best interests of The Passage, and declare any conflicts of interest.

In addition to the above statutory duties, all Trustees should use any specific knowledge or experience they have to help the Board of Trustees reach sound decisions. This will involve focusing on key issues and providing advice and guidance requested by the Board on issues and initiatives relevant to the area of Passage Housing Services work in which the Trustee has special expertise.

Expectations

In order to fulfill the role of Trustees effectively, all Trustees are expected to:

• Attend Board meetings, currently held quarterly.
• Attend and participate in the Board’s annual strategic planning day held on a weekday (usually off-site).
• Visit The Passage from time to time to build an awareness of the work and develop an understanding of the needs of the different teams.
• Occasionally attend functions on behalf of The Passage, liaise with other Trustees and the Senior Executive Team in between Board meetings.
• Read Board papers in advance of meetings and come prepared to discuss key points arising from those papers.
• Complete the trustee induction process.
• As part of the Board’s ongoing Development Process participate in a one-to-one annual review with the chairman.

Essential

• An understanding of and commitment to The Passage’s vision, mission and values, including stakeholder engagement and diversity.
• Empathy with the essential principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.
• The ability to think strategically and creatively, with an ability to anticipate issues and risks, and to identify opportunities.
• The ability to use good independent judgement and to challenge appropriately as a “critical friend”.
• The ability to work effectively as a member of a team in order to reach timely decisions. This includes being able to speak openly in discussion, whilst listening and respecting the views of others.
• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship.
• Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to the role.
• The ability to act as an ambassador for the Passage, to champion its mission and promote its reputation and image, and to establish useful contacts.
• Experience in any range of skills needed to run and govern a housing association, including finance, supported housing, RSH expertise (non-exhaustive list).
• Legal expertise, especially in the areas of commercial property arrangements.
• Excellent networking with other members of relevant sectors, and influencing and communicating skills.
• Demonstrable success in a private, charitable or public sector organisation.

Desired

• Good understanding of charity and/or social housing sector.
• A good knowledge of relevant general legislation and statutory requirements, including charity law, employment law and/or health and safety law.
• Experience of successfully dealing with strategic issues and involvement in longer term planning.
• We believe that achieving long-lasting social impact starts with having our Board and Management Teams reflect the diverse community we serve. Enhancing Board diversity is essential to our core values as an organization. It not only makes us more effective and capable of making better decisions but is also crucial for the successful delivery of our mission.
  • We are therefore, actively encouraging applications from individuals who are Black or from minoritized ethnic backgrounds, disabled, LGBTQ+, and those with varying levels of educational attainment.
  • We particularly welcome applications from younger individuals aged 18 to 30 and are also keen to hear from candidates with a background or advanced knowledge in relevant fields.

Non-Executive Director Church House Westminster – marketing focus

£3101 gross per annum (4 Board meetings)

Church House Westminster is the trading name of Church House Conference Centre Ltd and is renowned as one of London’s leading conference and event venues. A member of the prestigious Westminster Venue Collection, Church House Westminster attracts a wide variety of clients from both the corporate and public sectors. The venue can cater for meetings and events from 2 - 600 delegates.

Church House Westminster occupies the spaces used twice yearly by the General Synod of the Church of England. The building has an illustrious history, including the Second World War, when Parliament used it as an emergency location for the House of Lords and the House of Commons. Following the war, the preparatory meetings for establishing the United Nations and the first meeting of the UN Security Council were held at Church House. Major national inquiries, including the Kings Cross fire and the Herald of Free Enterprise ferry sinking, were also held at Church House in the 1980s.

The Conference Centre was established in 1990 and is the wholly owned trading subsidiary of The Corporation of The Church House, a registered Royal Charter charity. All profits from Church House Westminster are covenanted back to the parent charity.

The Board of Directors, comprising executive and non-executive directors, is seeking an additional non-executive director with significant experience in marketing ideally within the events and hospitality industries. At this time, we are particularly looking for someone who can provide strategic insight into marketing, branding, and audience engagement to help grow Church House Westminster's profile and reach. Previous board experience is not necessary; however, executive director or similar high-level leadership is. 

Role of the Non-Executive Director

As a Non-Executive Director of Church House Westminster, you will play a key role in shaping the strategic direction of the Conference Centre, ensuring it remains a leading venue in the events and hospitality sector. You will provide valuable independent oversight, helping to steer the business towards sustainable growth while maintaining its core values and charitable purpose. Specifically, your responsibilities will include:

• Contributing strategic insight and oversight to the development and implementation of the 5-year Business Plan, with a focus on marketing and audience engagement.
• Advising on marketing and brand positioning strategies to enhance Church House Westminster’s reputation and competitive advantage in the market.
• Monitoring the company’s financial and operational performance to ensure robust financial controls and risk management processes are in place.
• Acting as a critical friend to the executive team, providing independent support and challenge to help shape key business decisions.
• Ensuring compliance with regulatory and governance requirements, safeguarding the organisation’s long-term sustainability.
• Championing innovation and business development initiatives, particularly in digital marketing and audience expansion.
• Attending and actively participating in quarterly Board meetings, as well as occasional ad hoc engagements when required.

Commitment:

4 Board meetings per annum (Jan, May, July, Nov), plus occasional support, notably in support of the marketing function and events.

Recruitment timetable:

• Closing date for application: 15 May 2025
• Preliminary Interviews: 22 May 2025
• Final Interviews: TBC
• First Board meeting for successful candidate: 10 July 2025

How To Apply

To apply for this role, please submit an up-to-date copy of your CV, a Supporting Statement/cover letter stating suitability with special reference to marketing and the details of two references. 

As we look to further strengthen the depth and diversity of thought, experience and skills on the Corporation board, we are seeking to appoint new governors to support and steer the college on its journey to become exceptional.

No qualifications or previous governance experience are required – the most important thing is that you believe in the college’s values of inclusion, care, ambition and respect and are passionate about making a positive impact. All new governors are supported by our Director of Governance with a comprehensive induction programme and an ongoing development programme thereafter.

Supported by our Director of Governance, governors:

• Set the strategic direction of the college and review progress in delivering the strategic plan
• Review and monitor the implementation key college strategies and policies
• Hold senior leaders to account for the use of college resources and outcomes for learners
• Ensure compliance with statutory requirements and the Corporation’s own governing documents
• Consider and approve strategic developments and projects work collaboratively across the Corporation, contributing and applying their skills and expertise accordingly

We ask our governors to commit to a 12-month term of office in the first instance, followed by a further three years if approved by the Corporation. 

The role of the Independent member is to provide the Safety Committee and the Movement with knowledge and experience for making key decisions. The role is pro bono, but reasonable expense will be paid in accordance with The Scout Association (TSA)’s Expenses Policy. The appointed candidate should expect to spend the equivalent of a day per quarter on The Scout Association’s work after the induction phase - this is based on preparation for and attendance at the scheduled Safety Committee meetings (four in each year, with the intention that two are held online and two face to face).

The Safety Committee reports directly to the Board of Trustees which has overall legal responsibility for TSA. The committee is Chaired by an external appointee who is a Trustee of the board. The safety committee comprises independent members with Health & Safety expertise across a range of sectors and members from the movement. The purpose of the committee is to hold to account those with responsibility for delivery of Health & Safety across Scouting.

Main responsibilities

The remit of the Committee is to support the Board of Trustees to fulfil its responsibilities in relation to Safety by: 

1. providing vision and direction for consideration and endorsement by the Board (as required), by identifying and contributing to the development of safety policies, procedures and guidance; 

2. ensuring that youth members, adult volunteers, parents and staff are engaged in contributing to the development of safety policies; 

3. developing and overseeing a performance framework to ensure that safety policies, procedures and practice are monitored to provide assurance to the Board (relating to members, staff and service users) and use this management information to inform and drive improvements; monitoring the local and national implementation of safety policies and procedures to ensure practice is effective and consistently applied; 

4. ensuring that appropriate connections are made with other areas of the Association’s work that may have an impact on safety (for example Adult Training by using incident data to highlight areas of success or concern); 

5. ensuring that members receive appropriate support and communication to aid understanding of their responsibilities to enable Safe Scouting; 

6. leading the process for Fatal Accident and/or Near Miss inquiries from commissioning through to completion; 

7. reviewing and overseeing actions from inquiry reports (this should be in conjunction with the respective staff functions, particularly where there is specific policy, procedure and/or practice changes that need to be recommended for consideration by the Strategy and Delivery Committee and/or Board (as required); 

8. identifying possible areas of development for the Association’s safety activities, taking into account relevant national agendas and learning from reviews whether this be external or internal to the Association. 

The person

Past or present membership of The Scout Association would be an advantage but is not an essential requirement.

What is essential is a commitment to the vision and values of Scouting and the ability to challenge the Association’s policies and practices positively.

We welcome applications from individuals with experience in a wide range of sectors, not just those from traditionally high-hazard industries. We are committed to diversity and actively seeking applicants from a wide range of backgrounds, in particular, Black, Asian and ethnic minority communities.

Skills

Primary Technical Skills (Core)

1. Competence: Experience of application of safety principles, regulations, and best practices within hazardous environments.

2. Legal Compliance: Clear understanding of legal obligations related to health and safety in the workplace and how this translates across to Scouting to assure compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

3. Application of Health and Safety Regulations: Experience of applying health and safety regulations and standards to ensure compliance. This should be combined with an understanding and ability to identify relevant health and safety regulations and standards applicable to the volunteering sector.

4. Risk Assessment and Audit and Assurance: Experience of identifying potential hazards, assessment, developing strategies to mitigate risk and audit and assurance in a work environment, including risk assessment methodologies and strategies.

Analytical Skills (Essential)

5. Analytical Skills: Capacity to analyse data related to safety performance, incident reports, and trends to identify areas for improvement.

6. Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to identify safety issues, evaluate alternative solutions, and implement effective corrective actions.

7. Continuous Learning and Professional Development: Commitment to staying updated on industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies in safety management.

Enabling Skills (Desirable)

8. Management Skills: Experience of leading safety initiatives and managing safety teams to influence organisational safety culture to prioritise safety – demonstrating an understanding of business operations and aligning safety practices with organisational goals.

9. Communication and Influencing Skills: Experience of effectively conveying safety protocols, policies, and procedures to employees to influence behaviour, management, and regulatory authorities, showing the ability to lead by example and inspire others to prioritise safety.

10.  Interpersonal Skills: Understands the need for building positive relationships with stakeholders, including volunteers and employees, management, regulatory agencies, and community members to improve safety culture.

Secondary Technical Skills (Desirable)

11.  Safety Training and Education: Experience of developing and or delivering effective safety training programmes to employees at all levels within an organization.

12.  Accident Investigation: Skill in investigating workplace accidents and incidents to determine root causes and prevent future occurrences.

13.  Emergency Preparedness and Response: Knowledge of emergency procedures and the ability to develop and implement emergency response plans.

Experience

• Experience of hazardous environments
• Experience of working in safety as a safety practitioner/holds a safety qualification
• Experience of leadership to achieve safety culture change within a complex organisation
• Expertise welcomed in mental health/wellbeing, human factors or occupational health
• Expertise welcomed in the application of strategic health protection principles (e.g. public health, food safety, and other health related safety issues)
• Experience from an activity-based sector (e.g. outdoor and adventurous activities) welcomed
• Experience of working or volunteering with charitable or youth organisations welcomed
• An understanding of governance structures and the role of boards and their sub-committees would be an advantage with experience of providing strategic advice and guidance at this level