Board members volunteer roles

We are seeking a Director and Chair of Trustees Designate to help shape the future direction of our organisation. We are looking for an individual with proven senior leadership experience - ideally, though not necessarily, within the third sector - who can bring strong strategic thinking, sound judgement, and a collaborative leadership style.

Inclusive Boards is pleased to be supporting Child Action Northwest (CANW) in their search for Trustees.

CANW is a charity dedicated to supporting children, young people, vulnerable adults and families who need help and we’ve been doing this for 130 years.

Our history stretches all the way back to the founding of Blackburn Orphanage in 1886. A lot has changed since then, but many of the challenges facing those in need are similar today.

We have the experience and the passion to focus on the support needed by children, young people, families and communities across the North West and beyond.

CANW is seeking to recruit up to four new Trustees. Applicants should bring all of the following skills, experience and attributes: 

• A commitment to the organisation

• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort

• Strategic vision

• Good, independent judgement

• 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 commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

We are particularly interested in hearing from candidates with skills in one or more of the following areas: Finance and treasury, Commercial Law, Business Development and Growth, and Digital.

At CANW, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive and to being a place where all belong. We are keen to ensure our board membership reflects our values and therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who represent faith and cultural communities and from young people especially those who may have lived experience of the care environment.

By joining our board, you will contribute to a cause that truly matters and have the opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of the children, young people, vulnerable adults, and communities we serve.

About Charity Right

Charity Right is an international food charity - Registered Charity No. 1163944 in England & Wales

The Objects of the Charity are

1. To relieve poverty worldwide by
   • Providing food supplies, items, grants and services to individuals in need and other groups or organisations that are working to prevent and relieve hunger and poverty
   • Providing or assisting in the provision of education, training, healthcare projects and all the necessary support designed to enable individuals to generate a sustainable income and be self-sufficient
   • Undertaking and supporting research into factors that contribute to poverty and the most appropriate ways to mitigate these
   • The provision of grants to enable young people to participate in healthy recreational activities that they could not otherwise afford
2. The relief of financial need and suffering among victims of natural or other kinds of disaster in the form of money (or other means deemed suitable) for persons, bodies, organisations and/or countries affected.

Our work centres on breaking the cycle of poverty through sustainable school meals programmes. We currently provide daily school meals in displaced communities affected by extreme food insecurity. Our programme has helped save thousands of young peoples’ lives by freeing them to get an education, develop new skills into adulthood and lift themselves out of poverty.

With millions still going hungry worldwide, our vital work is needed now more than ever. We are at an exciting stage of growth and seek a trustee who can help us deepen our impact, strengthen our strategic direction, and ensure our programmes continue to transform lives for decades to come.

Our Commitment to Diverse Leadership

We strongly encourage applications from women and younger Muslim professionals who can bring fresh perspectives, sectoral expertise, and a long-term strategic vision to our board. We recognise that diverse leadership strengthens our governance, deepens our understanding of the communities we serve, and ensures our programmes remain relevant and impactful.

Age, gender and background diversity is not just important to us in principle, but it is essential to fulfilling our mission effectively. We actively seek to build a board that reflects the breadth of our supporter base and the communities we serve.

About the Role

We are seeking dedicated and passionate individuals to join our board of trustees. Our mission is to provide school meals to children in developing countries, with the goal of reducing hunger and improving educational outcomes.

As a trustee, you will work collaboratively with fellow trustees to provide strategic guidance and oversight to the charity. You will help ensure our activities align with our mission and values. The trustee will work closely with other members of the board and staff to develop and implement plans and policies that support the charity's objectives and maximise the positive impact of its work.

Key responsibilities

• Serve as a member of the board of trustees, providing governance and oversight to the organisation
• Uphold Charity Commission and legal responsibilities as a trustee and company director
• Collaborate with fellow trustees and staff to develop and implement strategies, plans and policies that support the charity's objectives and values
• Champion the charity to external stakeholders and partners
• Attend and actively participate in board meetings and events
• Ensure robust compliance with legal and regulatory requirements
• Act as an ambassador for the organisation, using your network to advance our mission

Person Specification

• Genuine passion for international development and our mission to end child hunger
• Experience in one or more of the following areas: [AK1] finance, programmes, marketing, fundraising, technology, and operations
• Strong analytical, strategic and critical thinking skills
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with ability to contribute constructively to board discussions
• Ability to work effectively as part of a diverse team
• Willingness to dedicate time and energy to the charity’s success
• Strong understanding of governance and regulatory requirements for charitable organisations, demonstrating integrity, accountability, and commitment to collective decision-making
• Demonstrates highest standards of personal integrity, honesty and ethical behaviour, avoiding conflicts of interest and prioritizing the charity's mission
• Engages respectfully and collaboratively with board members, staff and stakeholders, fostering an inclusive environment and modelling the charity's values
• Understanding of the cultural and economic contexts of the countries where the charity operates is a plus.

Organisation Structure

The board of trustees provides strategic oversight and governance to the Executive team, who manage day to day operations. Trustees work collaboratively with the Chief Executive and Senior Leadership Team, offering guidance while respecting operational independence

Commitment

Trustees are expected to attend all board meetings which are scheduled to accommodate trustee’s availability. Most meetings are done via video conferencing, and on occasion we meet in person at a suitable location. Individual commitments are agreed between each trustee and the Chair of the board.

Commitment

• Board meeting – quarterly
• 2-hour meetings with reports to read one week in advance
• Telephone meetings – as required
• 30-minute conference calls occasionally required in between board meetings
• Staff away day – once yearly
• A day of in-person workshops, planning and Q&A with staff
• Events – as required
• Occasional participation in promotional events – usually early evening
• Project groups – as required
• Occasional working alongside staff to complete projects – as fits expertise and diaries

Application Process

If you would like to formally apply for the role, please include a letter of application along with your current CV.

In your letter, please outline:

• Your motivation for applying and connection to our mission
• Your relevant experience, expertise, or perspective that you would bring to the board
• What you hope to contribute to Charity Right and gain from the trusteeship
• Your commitment to championing diversity and inclusive leadership
• Declaration of any potential conflicts of interest

We are happy to discuss the role in more detail and answer any questions you may have about the board service.

Charity Right is an equal opportunities organisation. We are committed to building a diverse board and strongly encourage applications from individuals from all backgrounds, particularly those currently underrepresented in charity governance.

Become a Trustee for the Collaborative Learning Trust and make a lasting difference to children in the local area. As a member of our Board you'll help shape the strategic direction and future success of our seven Leeds and Bradford schools (both community schools and Church of England schools).

We’re always on the lookout for people keen to both support and challenge the way we work, to enrich the learning experience of our pupils.

The role will give you the chance to make a positive impact on the lives of children and young people and an opportunity to give something back to your local community. You will also be joining the largest volunteer force in the country – there are over a quarter of a million volunteers in governing roles in state funded schools in England.

As a Trustee, you will develop valuable board-level and leadership experience, enhancing your ability to influence strategically, ask the right questions, and lead through collaboration. Working alongside senior professionals from diverse backgrounds, you’ll broaden your understanding of how effective governance and compassionate leadership creates lasting impact, use your experience to help children of every ability thrive, and grow your leadership in a supportive environment along the way.

Anyone aged over 18 can be a Trustee and you do not need to be a parent. There is no requirement for you to have a formal understanding of the education system, just an enquiring mind, the ability to work as part of a team and the time to contribute and attend the half-termly meetings. There is plenty of training available.

We are particularly keen to hear from applicants with professional experience in pupils with Special Education Needs (SEND) or expertise in audit, finance and estates management, however our schools will benefit from a range of professional knowledge on their Trust Board including education, human resources, legal, marketing, public relations and organisational change.

The role includes attendance in person at six meetings (one each half term) plus five committee meetings across the academic year, with background reading.

Trustees have a right to reasonable time off work for their public duties, although this may be unpaid. Your company’s HR department will be able to tell you about its policy.

The term of office for Trustees is four years. Many people choose to serve multiple terms. However, as a volunteer you can resign before your term is finished if your circumstances change. You will be offered an introductory meeting with the Chair of the Trust Board and CEO. A full induction programme and training will be shared and a mentor provided for all new Trustees.

Trustee roles are voluntary roles and therefore not paid, but travelling expenses are available.

Alexandra Rose Charity (ARC) is seeking to appoint a Treasurer to join the Board and support the organisation in achieving its goals. The Treasurer will partner with the CEO and Head of Finance and Business Services and chair the Finance Subcommittee, ensuring that the organisation complies with its purpose, charity and company law, and pursues its objectives as defined in its governing document.

• Oversee ARC’s financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress.
• Review and approve ARC’s financial statements.
• Support with the year-end accounts and audit.
• Convey information from the financial reports to the Board, making complex information understandable, accessible and actionable.
• Support and provide advice on ARC’s purpose, vision, goals and activities.
• Approve operational strategies and policies, and monitor and evaluate their implementation.
• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.
• Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively.
• Provide support and challenge to the Chair.
• Provide support and challenge to ARC’s CEO in the exercise of their delegated authority and affairs.
• Stay informed of changes in ARC’s operating environment.
• Monitor emerging best practices in charity finance and lead ARC in adopting progressive and relevant financial management approaches in a constantly evolving landscape.
• Contribute to regular reviews of ARC’s own governance. Attend board meetings and be adequately prepared to contribute to discussions.
• Use independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect ARC’s interests, to the exclusion of their own personal and any third-party interests.
• Contribute to the broader promotion of ARC’s objectives, aims and reputation by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts.

What are we looking for?

• Demonstrate a good understanding of sound governance practice in the UK charity sector and apply it to our work and your role.
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of financial governance in the non-profit and charity sector.
• Collaborate with Trustees and communicate financial issues clearly to non-specialists.
• Collaborate and build strong working relationships with the CEO and members of the Senior Management Team (SMT).
• Be a qualified accountant, ACA, ACCA, or CIMA, with proven experience, preferably at senior level.
• A clear commitment to the charity’s mission and values, with a genuine passion for making a positive impact and change.
• Willingness and ability to understand and accept responsibilities and liabilities as a trustee and to act in the best interests of the organisation.
• Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgment and work effectively as a board member.
• Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion.
• A strong personal commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
• Enthusiasm for our vision and mission.
• Willingness to lead according to our values.
•  

What difference will you make?

Our Board plays a vital role in making sure that Alexandra Rose Charity (ARC) achieves its core purpose. The Board oversee the overall management and administration of the Charity. They also ensure that ARC has a clear strategy and that our work and goals are in line with our vision. Just as importantly, they support and challenge the executive team to enable ARC to grow and thrive and, through this, achieve our mission of ensuring that everyone, regardless of income, can access healthy, affordable food with dignity and choice, where they live. 

We want to ensure that our Board better reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We particularly welcome interest and applications from Black, Asian, and ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, and the LGBTQ+ community. We would also like to better reflect the geographic reach of our project work and would therefore be interested in applicants from Yorkshire, Northwest England, and Scotland.

This could be your first trustee role, or you may already have experience. We have a full induction process and ongoing training to mentor and navigate you through your first year.

Do you value supporting adults of all abilities with opportunities to grow in confidence, skills, and connection?

Millennium Farm Trust use the care farm environment to nurture both people and land.

If you have the ability to engage, inspire and lead in strategic decision-making – we could use your expertise as the new Chair of their Board of Trustees!

Who are the Millennium Farm Trust?

Millennium Farm Trust is the charity behind Depden Care Farm. It is a well-established, mission-led charity providing learning, training, and wellbeing opportunities through farming. For over a decade, we’ve supported people of all abilities to grow in confidence, skills, and connection — using the care farm environment to nurture both people and land. Based at Depden Care Farm in rural Suffolk, our programmes combine purposeful agricultural and horticultural work with personalised support.

At the heart of what we do

MFT’s vision: Everyone, whatever their ability, has access to meaningful work that builds self-esteem, self-confidence and self-care and has a place where their contribution to their community is valued and respected.

Our values: that by growing together we will foster a community at Depden Care Farm that promotes transformation, accountability, and integrity. A community which is built on: Respect, Wellbeing, Teamwork, Learning & Compassion.

So what does the role of Chair at Millennium Farm Trust look like?

This really is an exciting time to lead our charity’s Board and use your governance skills to make an impact on our organisation!

As the Chair of Trustees at MFT, you’ll lead our board in providing strategic direction and governance for our organisation, along with ensuring effective performance management. As well as chairing or board and relevant subcommittee meetings, you’ll act as an external ambassador and public face of our charity alongside the director.

Our commitment to diversity and inclusion

Everyone in our organisation shares responsibility for maintaining the highest standards of care, professionalism, and accountability. We are equally committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We welcome and celebrate difference, recognising that varied perspectives and experiences strengthen our community and enrich the lives of those we support.

Who we’re looking for

Having strategic management experience, ideally in the voluntary or social care sector, along with a strong understanding of governance will be most beneficial as our new Chair. We need someone who encourages our commitment to diversity, inclusion, and representing the interests of the community served. You’ll also have the capacity to manage change and support the organisation through a period of transition, as well as the ability to inspire, engage, and draw out the skills of our board members.

Please read the candidate information pack for further information before you apply. 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 the Millenium Farm Trust!

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.

Eastside People is supporting Millennium Farm Trust in the recruitment of this role. 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 role at Millennium Farm Trust?
• Having read the information pack, what relevant experience and skills do you feel you would bring to this role? This might come from paid work, study, community or voluntary work or other experience.

The closing date for applications is Mon 15th December. Shortlisting interviews with our recruitment partner Eastside People will take place shortly after, and shortlisted candidates will an interview with MFT during the week beginning first two weeks of January 2026.

We are looking for a highly experienced finance leader to join the UK’s leading campaign for assisted dying law reform, as their Treasurer. This organisation campaigns for a change in the law so that terminally ill, mentally competent adults can have the choice of a safe, legal assisted death. This opportunity to join their board comes at a pivotal time for them, as the assisted dying Bill continues its journey to becoming law. 

Position: Treasurer 

Location: National 

Time commitment: 1-2 days per month  

Remuneration: Reasonable expenses paid  

Key skills required: Accounting, Financial Oversight, Governance, Risk Management, Knowledge of Healthcare or Legal Sectors 

They are a not-for-profit limited company with a sister charity. Both organisations have a shared aim of improving dying in the UK by putting people in charge of decisions about the end of their life, but work towards their shared aim in different ways. They are legally separate organisations with separate boards and finances, however they share a CEO and some resources, such as an office and some staff. 

The ideal Treasurer candidate will bring experience within the healthcare or charity sector, with a passion for patient choice. We are looking for someone with accountancy qualifications (or demonstrable experience). Prior Board experience is not essential.

Board members are required to attend five meetings per year, most of which are virtual or hybrid, with an away day held in person.  In addition, the Treasurer chairs the Finance and Audit Sub Committee (FASC), which meets five times per year virtually. 

With the organisation likely to see huge cultural and legal shifts around end-of-life care and choice in the coming years, all Board members need to be innovative in their approach to help build sustainable funding stream. The Treasurer will in addition have the following responsibilities:

• Oversee the finance functions of the organisation and ensure they follow accepted accounting practice 

• Oversee the production of management accounts including annual budgets and quarterly forecasts 

• Assist the Chair and CEO in ensuring that the board fulfils its duties and responsibilities for proper financial governance by providing advice to the board and senior management team on the financial implications of strategic decisions 

• Chair the Finance and Audit Sub Committee  

• Liaise, alongside the staff finance team, with external auditors annually to facilitate the creation of annual accounts 

Recruitment timetable 

We are reviewing applications on an ongoing basis, and encourage applicants to get in touch as soon as possible if interested
Estimated start date January 2026 

Our trustees play a vital role in making sure that ESS Education and Support Services achieves its core purpose. They oversee the overall management and administration of the charity. They also ensure that ESS Education and Support Services has a clear strategy and that our work and goals are in line with our vision. Just as importantly, they support and challenge the executive team to enable ESS Education and Support Services to grow and thrive, and through this, achieve our mission.

Board members have a collective responsibility. This means that trustees always act as a group and not as individuals.

Duties:

· Support and provide advice on ESS Education and Support Service’s purpose, vision, goals and activities.

· Approve operational strategies and policies, and monitor and evaluate their implementation.

· Oversee ESS Education and Support Service’s financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress.

· Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.

· Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively.

· Review and approve ESS Education and Support Services’ financial statements.

· Provide support and challenge to ESS Education and Support Services’ CEO in the exercise of their delegated authority and affairs.

· Keep abreast of changes in ESS Education and Support Services’ operating environment.

· Contribute to regular reviews of ESS Education and Support services’ own governance. Attend Board meetings, adequately prepared to contribute to discussions.

· Use independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect ESS Education and Support Service’s interests, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or any third-party interests.

· Contribute to the broader promotion of ESS Education and Support Services objects, aims and reputation by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge, and contacts.

As a small charity, there will be times when the trustees will need to be actively involved beyond Board meetings. This may involve scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, presenting externally, or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise.

What we are looking for

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

ESS Education and Support Service are looking for Trustees from the following backgrounds: Legal, Financial.

Personal skills and qualities

· Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as trustees and to act in the best interests of the organisation.

· Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member.

· Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion.

· A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

· Enthusiasm for our vision and mission.

· Willingness to lead according to our values.

· Commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

Terms of appointment

Terms of office

· Trustees are appointed for a 3 year term of office, renewal for 2 further terms to a maximum of 9 years.

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

Time commitment

· Attending 6 Board meetings annually. Currently meetings are held virtually.

· Attending charity events and other such commitments.

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.

Chair – Filling Good (Sustainable Retail Community Benefit Society)

Location: Remote/Hybrid – Maidenhead, Berkshire
Commitment: Voluntary (Approx. 4 hrs/week)
Application Deadline:  18/01/2026 - We will interview candidates as we receive applications of interest
Start Date:  ASAP

About Filling Good

Filling Good is a community-led sustainable retail community benefit society on a mission to reduce waste, promote ethical consumption, and support local, eco-conscious producers. Based in Maidenhead, we are passionate about empowering our members and customers to live more sustainably. As a co-operative, we are owned and governed by our members and guided by values of fairness, transparency, and social impact.

The Role

We are seeking a new Chair of the Board to provide strategic leadership, ensure good governance, and support the long-term sustainability and growth of Filling Good. This is a rewarding opportunity to lead a purpose-driven organisation making real environmental and social change at the local level.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Guide the Board in setting and reviewing strategic goals.

• Lead an annual strategy workshop (e.g. SWOT analysis, SMART goal setting).

• Ensure consistent progress tracking against the co-operative’s strategic plan.

Governance Oversight

• Chair Board meetings with clear agendas and effective timekeeping.

• Ensure compliance with legal, food safety, and risk management requirements.

• Support transparent communication with members and foster a shared understanding of priorities.

 Operational Support

• Act as a point of contact and line management for senior staff (e.g.Senior Retail Manager).

• Hold annual informal reviews with key volunteers to set goals and offer support.

• Monitor key performance indicators, financial updates, and operational risks.

Board & Team Development

• Facilitate reviews for individual directors and the Board as a whole.

• Support the ongoing learning and development of Board members.

• Represent Filling Good at events and within the wider co-operative and sustainability sectors.

About You

We’re looking for someone who:

• Brings leadership experience and a collaborative, facilitative approach

• Understands or is keen to learn about co-operative governance

• Is passionate about sustainability, social impact, and ethical retail

• Can commit time and energy to support a growing, purpose-led organisation

• Is diplomatic, organised, and a great communicator

Experience in strategy, governance, HR, or ethical business is desirable but not essential.

What You’ll Gain

• Be part of a vibrant, values-driven community

• Lead meaningful change in local sustainability

• Gain board-level experience in an innovative co-operative model

• Collaborate with a passionate, diverse team of volunteers and members

How to Apply

To express interest, please send a short cover letter and CV (or a brief description of your relevant experience) by 31st July 2025

Informal chats about the role are welcome – just get in touch!

Filling Good is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion and welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities.

Join Royal Agricultural University Students' Union as an External Trustee 

About Royal Agriculture University Students' Union 

The Royal Agricultural University Students’ Union (RAUSU) is an independent, registered charity dedicated to enriching the student experience at the Royal Agricultural University. Over the past year, the Students’ Union has undergone a period of transformation — and this journey is only just beginning. 

They are now seeking three dedicated and forward-thinking trustees, including a new Chair, to join them at this exciting stage in their development. As they continue to grow, they are very much in start-up mode, meaning you’ll have the opportunity to make a meaningful and visible impact from day one. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Contribute to the Board’s strategic oversight and decision-making processes. 

• Support the President and Director in achieving the organisation’s goals and objectives. 

• Ensure the organisation remains financially sound, balancing income and expenditure while planning for both short-term initiatives and long-term needs. 

• Uphold and enhance good governance practices, ensuring compliance with the Charity’s Articles and regulations. 

Candidate Profile 

RAUSU is looking for candidates who are passionate about education and organisational development. You’ll bring curiosity, courage and commitment to help shape their vision for the future. They’d especially welcome candidates who can demonstrate: 

• The ability to challenge assumptions, ask thoughtful questions and bring fresh perspectives. 

• A sound understanding of issues within Higher Education. 

• Expertise in one or more of the following: finance, HR, legal, charity governance, leadership or change management. 

• Strong strategic thinking and sound judgement, with the ability to balance competing priorities. 

RAUSU's Commitment to Diversity 

RAUSU is deeply committed to fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in everything they do. They believe their leadership should reflect the vibrant diversity of the communities they serve. 

They warmly encourage applications from candidates from racially and ethnically marginalised backgrounds, women, non-binary individuals, and those with disabilities. If you meet at least 80% of the essential criteria and identify as part of a marginalised group, you will be guaranteed an interview. 

Time Commitment 

• Term: Four years and lay trustees can serve up to two terms. 

• Commitment: Approximately 12 days per year, including six Board meetings annually. 

How to Apply 

Please click 'apply now' or contact Anh at Atkinson HR Consulting if you have any queries or would like to arrange an informal discussion. The application includes submission of a CV and a personal statement. 

Key Dates 

• Applications close: 12noon, Tuesday 2nd December 2025 

• Interviews: Monday 8th December 2025 

Trustee with a focus on income-generation, for Home-Start Wokingham District

Do you want to improve the lives of parents and young children in Wokingham  by focusing our charity on better income-generation?

You could be a trustee for Home-Start Wokingham District, an local charity that gives every child the best possible start in life.

Set up in 1996, we offer “a lifeline”, a free family support service to families with at least one child under the age of five, provided by volunteers who are parents themselves, to support other parents. That home visiting service is unique in Wokingham Borough, providing compassionate, confidential and non-judgmental help and friendship to local parents struggling to cope with the daily challenges of family life.

We are affiliated to national Home-Start UK, but we are an independent local charity responsible for our own governance and securing our own funding.

Our income in 2023/24 was over £100k, and we want to maintain at least that level in order to provide our services.

What we are looking for in an income-generation-focused trustee

Trustees are the people who make the top-level decisions for our charity. Our Board includes people with experience and skills in supporting parents, and we’d expect new trustees to have empathy with our cause and our beneficiaries. 

We’re looking for strategic focus on our income generation, for a trustee to guide and drive our plans to continue, and increase, our funding streams. You’ll offer support to our Fundraiser and Operations Manager, working with other trustees to develop and track all our income.

You don’t necessarily need prior experience of charity trusteeship, as support from local charity-support organisations is always available.  Full induction to our organisation will be provided, plus specialist support as a new trustee including access to external training.

If you can think strategically and plan long-term, you have the primary skills needed by our trustees; you’ll also need to be able to work collectively with other Board members.

We are a charity not a business, but we apply business principles to governing our organisation. We are looking for people from a variety of backgrounds to join our charity. We want to expand the diversity of our board, in all meanings of the word, and strongly welcome applications from people from less-represented groups. 

The focus of a trustee role is strategic, and trustees will not be expected to get involved in the organisation’s operations on a day-to-day basis; however, contact and liaison with other trustees and employees is expected.   

We ask for about ten hours per month on average, which includes all meetings, discussions, etc.  You will need access to digital communications, as much of our charity’s business is run that way.

How to apply  

This appointment is being managed for us by inVOLve Community Services, a charity-support organisation, who offer a no-obligation discussion by video. A detailed Role Description and Person Specification can be made available to you upon request.

Trustee appointments are subject to satisfactory references, to completion of an online Safeguarding course and an Enhanced DBS check. 

Your CV or similar will be read by our existing trustees, and an interview offered as soon as mutually convenient.

I need to know more 

Contact Mike Allen via Quick Apply, below, for more information and arrange to have a no-obligation initial informal discussion (Teams or Zoom).

Trustee with an HR-skills focus, for Home-Start Wokingham District

Do you want to help us improve the lives of parents and young children in Wokingham and surrounding areas, by helping us support our volunteers and employees?

You could be a trustee for Home-Start Wokingham District, an local charity that gives every child the best possible start in life.

 Set up in 1996, we offer “a lifeline”, a free family support service to families with at least one child under the age of five, provided by volunteers who are parents themselves, to support other parents. That home visiting service is unique in Wokingham Borough, providing compassionate, confidential and non-judgmental help and friendship to local parents struggling to cope with the daily challenges of family life.

We are affiliated to national Home-Start UK, but we are an independent local charity responsible for our own governance and securing our own funding.

As our services to local parents are delivered by our volunteers, who are in turn supported by our small employee team, we want to better aid of recruitment of both, and assist those who help our communities.

What we are looking for in a new trustee

Trustees are the people who make the top-level decisions for our charity. Our Board includes people with experience and skills in early years, education and business. We’d expect new trustees to have empathy with our cause and our beneficiaries.

We want to increase the recruitment, retention and training of our volunteers and employees, and are looking for a trustee to lead that strategy, develop our policies and help enhance the organisation’s ‘people offer’.

If you can think strategically and help us plan long-term, you have the primary skills needed by our trustees and will work collectively with all other Board members.

You don’t necessarily need prior experience of charity trusteeship, as support from local charity-support organisations is always available.  Full induction to our organisation will be provided, plus specialist support as a new trustee, including access to external training.

We are a charity not a business, but we apply business principles to governing our organisation. We are looking for people from a variety of backgrounds to join our charity. We want to expand the diversity of our board, in all meanings of the word, and strongly welcome applications from people from less-represented groups. 

We ask for about ten hours of your time per month, which includes all meetings, discussions, etc., many of which are held online. You’ll need access to digital communications, as much of our charity’s business is run that way.

 How to apply  

This appointment is being managed for us by inVOLve Community Services, a charity-support organisation, who offer a no-obligation discussion by  video. A detailed Role Description and Person Specification can be made available to you upon request.

Trustee appointments are subject to satisfactory references, to completion of an online Safeguarding course and an Enhanced DBS check. 

Your CV or similar will be read by our existing trustees, and an interview offered as soon as mutually convenient.

I need to know more 

Contact Mike Allen via Quick Apply, below, for more information and arrange to have a no-obligation initial informal discussion (Teams or Zoom).

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

We have a huge breadth of volunteer roles at Cats Protection, including caring for cats, fundraising, in our shops and many more! We also need volunteers to help us be more efficient, effective and to ensure we comply with charity law and governance.  

The purpose of the Audit & Risk Committee is to assist the Board of Trustees in fulfilling its obligations in respect of financial and governance reporting, internal control and risk. Our Audit & Risk Committee volunteers contribute to a well-run organisation, and their time and expertise help our Committee work in the best, most effective way possible.

The Board of Trustees delegates authority to the Committee to oversee the Cats Protection financial reporting process. This ensures the balance, transparency and integrity of published financial information to:

• ensure that there is a framework for accountability
• examine systems and methods of control, with particular emphasis on risk management and the effective use of risk-based outsourced internal audit receive reports from external auditors and consider rotation of audit partners
• ensure that Cats Protection is complying with statutory and regulatory requirements and good practice
• ensure implementation of recommendations from internal and external auditors
• ensure ongoing objectivity and independence

Your role will also include:

• attending Committee meetings
• reading papers
• preparing for meetings
• raising appropriate challenge or concerns undertaking any actions required in the agreed timescales
• supporting the Chair of the Audit & Risk Committee
• keeping informed about the activities of the charity and wider issues affecting the charity and the Audit & Risk Committee in particular

If you have strategic vision and an appreciation that there is much more to helping cats than meets the eye, then this is the role for you.

You can expect us to

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

• a commitment to Cats Protection and empathy with our vision, mission and values
• a willingness to devote the necessary time and effort
• strategic vision
• sound independent judgement
• relevant financial, assurance or risk management experience
• willingness to be part of a team
• the ability to express views clearly
• willingness to respectfully challenge and bring the best out in others
• an understanding of the role, duties and responsibilities of the Audit & Risk Committee

Time expectation

Our Audit & Risk Committee meets three times a year (twice in person in London and once virtually) and our volunteers normally spend a total of three years in this role.

You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!

More information on the role is available through a candidate pack for applicants. 

To apply, please submit a cover letter of no more than 500 words and a CV. Please include your motivation for applying for the role and details of any relevant experience - whether paid or voluntary. 

The deadline for applications is Friday 19 December at 23:59.

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.