Board members volunteer roles

Who we are

We deliver services across London and the surrounding regions, as well as campaign and advocate nationally on the issues that affect the people we work with. For 55 years, Hestia has stood alongside adults and children in crisis to help people who have experienced crisis and trauma find safety, hope, and purpose. Today, we support over 22,600 adults and children each year across London and the South East.

Are you passionate about creating safe environments and improving standards in supported housing?
Hestia is seeking a dedicated Non-Trustee Member to join our Performance Review Committee, bringing expertise in health and safety to help shape and strengthen our operations.

About the Role

As a committee member, you will:

• Provide expert advice on health and safety matters across our housing support services.
• Review and recommend improvements to policies and practices related to safety and risk management.
• Help identify and mitigate risks affecting residents, staff, and visitors.
• Promote a culture of safety and compliance within our charity.

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience or qualifications in health and safety, risk management, or property compliance.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate with trustees, staff, and volunteers.
• Commitment to Hestia’s mission and values, acting with integrity and confidentiality.

Time Commitment

• Attend 4 committee meetings per year plus the AGM.
• Additional time for reviewing documents and occasional project work.
• This is voluntary unpaid role

Why Join Us?

This is a unique opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals by ensuring safe, supportive environments. While this is a non-trustee role, your input will be vital in guiding our practices and protecting those we support.

​We are champions of diversity and believe in the power of a wide range of backgrounds and ways of thinking to enrich our organisation and our outputs. We welcome applications from people with the widest possible range of backgrounds.

Inclusive Boards is delighted to support Health Sciences University in their search for two Independent Governors. 

We are also supporting the appointment of the next Chair of the Board of Governors. If you are interested in this role, please visit our opportunities page. 

Health Sciences University (HSU) stands at the forefront of health and care education, research, leadership and practice. Formed in July 2024 through the merger of AECC University College and the University College of Osteopathy, HSU brings together a proud legacy of innovation and global leadership in health education, spanning over a century.

With a diverse community of around 2,500 students and over 400 staff, HSU offers more than 30 courses across allied health, sport and exercise sciences, psychology and mental health, chiropractic, osteopathy, and healthcare leadership and management. HSU’s commitment to lifelong learning is reflected in their growing portfolio of apprenticeships, accredited CPD, and masterclasses, supporting the health and care workforce across the UK and internationally.

HSU is seeking to appoint two new Independent Governors to the Board of Governors as a result of existing members retiring at the end of their terms of office. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the strategic direction and governance of our university, ensuring we continue to thrive in a rapidly changing higher education landscape. Please also note that we will also be seeking to appoint a new Chair of Finance & Performance Committee at an appropriate point later in the year. 

About the Governor Opportunities: 

We are currently seeking to appoint two new Independent Governors. Whilst our Board already demonstrates breadth and depth of experience, at this time we are particularly seeking candidates with expertise in finance and accountancy. Candidates will: 

• Bring an understanding of financial modelling.
• Be able to stimulate thinking on the Board around the ways in which the University might best prepare itself financially for the future.
• Be able to ask strategic questions and constructively challenge the Board and Executive.
• Provide experience of contributing to the shaping of strategy and the oversight of delivery of strategic objectives.
• Whilst maintaining a strategic focus, monitor the Institution’s approach to risk management, challenge management decision-making processes and outcomes, and demonstrate a well-developed commercial acumen.
• Above all, candidates will demonstrate a commitment to the values and mission of the University.

Inclusive Boards is delighted to be supporting Lambeth Links in their search for their CEO.

Lambeth Links is a small charity with a big ambition: to be a central point of rallying, communication and advocacy for the LGBTQIA+ Community who live, work and socialise in Lambeth – the largest borough in London. The organisation aims to strengthen the links between individuals and groups while also highlighting the many issues that continue to adversely affect the community.

Lambeth has a deep and rich history of LGBTQIA+ activism. From being home to founding members of the Gay Liberation Front (GLF) to hosting Europe’s first EuroPride in Brixton in 1992, the borough has long been the beating heart of the LGBTQIA+ Community. Lambeth Links exists to continue that legacy of championing collective voice and driving forward change.

As CEO, you will lead the operational and strategic running of the charity, make sure that the organisation runs well every day and that it has the people, systems and income to grow.

The ideal candidate will have :

• Significant experience of leading at senior level in a charity, social enterprise, public or community organisation. This might be as a Chief Officer, Director or Head of a significant function with clear accountability for people, budgets and organisational performance.
• Experience of working directly with or supporting a Board of Trustees or similar governing body, including preparing papers, giving honest advice and implementing decisions.
• Experience of organisational development or change, for example improving systems, structures, culture or ways of working in a small organisation.
• Understanding of the issues faced by LGBTQIA+ people, including those who are Black or from other communities of colour, disabled people and people with insecure immigration status, and a commitment to intersectional practice.

​​​​How to Apply

If you wish to apply for this position, please supply the following by 11.59pm on 21/12/2025:

• A detailed CV, setting out your career history, with responsibilities and achievements. 
• A cover letter (maximum two sides of A4) highlighting your suitability for the role. Please explain how you meet the essential criteria and give one or two examples that show how you have already operated at, or very close to, Chief Officer level. For example, leading an organisation or major function, managing whole organisation budgets or income plans, or steering a Board or governing body through a key decision. 
• Details of two professional referees together with a brief statement of their relationship to you and over what period of time they have known you. Referees will not be contacted without your prior consent.

Exciting opportunity as Chair of trustees of a small and dynamic arts and crafts re-use charity in SW London looking to take the charity forward and grow and diversify its income streams.The Chair will join an established and small board of trustees and must be experienced in leading a board in terms of strategy, risk and planning, financial governance, building positive relationships, one-to-one reviews with trustees to bring out the best in them, building the board and growing the charity's impact. 

The Chair will have a wide-ranging impact, shaping the charity's strategic direction and helping it achieve the charity's mission to promote artful re-use of waste materials diverted from landfiil and incineration for use with a wide range of beneficiaries for artistic, educational, recreational or therapeutic benefit throughout south-west London. Your leadership will ensure that the charity provides and extends its range of support and services to existing and future beneficiaries and maintains its role as an active participant in the circular economy. 

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.

Trustee and Chair of Development Board

Do you have experience of major donor/philanthropic fundraising, and/or experience of raising significant investment in a business environment?

Join a committed and high-performing Board of Trustees as a Director, working collaboratively to provide excellent governance of the charity.

Position: Chair of Development Board & Trustee

Location: White City, London

Contract: Trustees are expected to serve a three-year term to be eligible for reappointment for one additional term

Closing Date: 8th December 2025

We are seeking a new Trustee who will use their personal/professional networks, influence, and fundraising or business development experience to open doors and win financial support for the charity. You will work alongside the Board and Leadership Team to provide leadership and challenge around diverse streams of income generation.

As Chair of the Development Board you will:

• Act as a champion for the charity, using your extensive personal or professional networks, influence as well as your fundraising or business development experience to solicit funding support in line with the charity’s values and strategic priorities.
• Support the Board and the Leadership Team to develop its fundraising strategy, providing leadership oversight and challenge around income generation including corporates, individuals and families, legacy giving and trusts and foundations.

Time Committment

• 4 Board meetings/year & 4 Development Boards
• Regular engagement with the CEO & Head of Fundraising & Communications
• 1 x Board development day/year
• Participation in occasional WEST events

About the Charity

Opened in April 2024, the Youth Zone is a purpose built space fizzing with energy and crammed with incredible facilities. Staffed by talented, skilled and dedicated youth workers who truly believe in young people, helping them see what they could achieve, and giving them the skills, confidence and ambition to go for it.

About You

You will have the following key attributes:

• Experience of major donor/philanthropic fundraising, and/or experience of raising significant investment in a business environment.
• Extensive personal or professional networks in London with a willingness to actively use them to support the fundraising efforts.
• A passion for the positive contribution and role young people can play in society given the right opportunities.
• A strong and visible passion and commitment to the charity, its strategic objectives and cause.
• Strong relationship building and communication skills with an extensive personal or professional network already in place in London and a willingness to actively use it.
• A determination and drive to meet ambitious targets.
• A strategic thinker with an ability to see the big picture but also able to dig into the detail when needed.
• Ability to commit sufficient time to fulfil the needs of the role
• Awareness of equality and diversity issues including sensitivity to the lived experience of our members and an understanding of the importance of their voices in our story telling.

This is a vital charity that makes a huge difference in levelling the playing field for young people in West London, and you can be part of that journey.

As an equal opportunities’ employer, applications are welcome from under-represented groups; in particular from Black, Asian, Mixed Race and other ethnically diverse individuals, people with disabilities, and members of LGBTQ+ communities.  Ensuring a culture where everyone can be themselves and thrive.

You may have experience in areas such as Philanthropy, Fundraising, Fundraiser, Major Donor, Major Donor Fundraiser, Philanthropy Fundraiser, Account Manager, Key Account Manager, Business Development, Investment, Investing, Director of Fundraising, Head of Fundraising, Fundraising Director, Director of Philanthropy, Philanthropic.

PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.

The Charity for Action on Spiritual Abuse (formerly Replenished Life) is on a bold mission — and we need passionate, committed individuals to join us at a pivotal moment in our journey. 

Our Vision 

We believe in a world where everyone who has experienced harm in a spiritual, religious, or faith-based context is: 

• Heard and understood 

• Properly supported 

We are working towards a world where every faith and secular organisation: 

• Knows how to recognise and respond to spiritual abuse 

• Understands what a healthy religious or spiritual culture looks like 

Why Now? 

Thanks to a major Comic Relief Organisational Growth Fund grant, we are scaling up in big ways — expanding our support services, training programs, and research initiatives. With this growth comes an exciting opportunity: 
We’re recruiting 3 new trustees to join our dynamic and forward-thinking board. 

Who We're Looking For 

We are especially keen to hear from people with skills and experience in any of the following areas: 

• Financial planning and oversight 

• Strategic thinking and organisational development 

• Safeguarding and complaints handling 

• Policy, process, and quality assurance 

Whether you're already a trustee or exploring this role for the first time, if you believe in safer spiritual spaces and have time to give (around 1–2 days per month), we want to hear from you. 

We are committed to building a diverse trustee board that reflects the communities we serve, and we warmly welcome applicants from all backgrounds, faiths, and none. 

Why Become a Trustee? 

Being a trustee is more than governance — it’s purposeful leadership. It means: 

• Playing a vital role in a growing, impactful charity 

• Using your skills for social good 

• Collaborating with passionate, kind, and committed people 

• Gaining new experience and strategic insight (great for your career or personal growth!) 

• Helping shape national conversations around spiritual abuse, faith, and safeguarding 

We’ll support you every step of the way with training, resources, and a friendly, engaged trustee and leadership team. 

Time Commitment 

• Quarterly online board meetings (weekday evenings) 

• One in-person strategy day per year 

• Occasional reviews or input between meetings 

• Ongoing contribution to your portfolio area — within your flexible 1–2 days/month 

Practical Bits 

• This is a volunteer role (reasonable out-of-pocket expenses reimbursed) 

• Supportive induction and ongoing trustee development provided 

Ready to Make a Difference? 

To express your interest, contact Ruth Appleton through charity job message 

Download the full Trustee Recruitment Pack

Want a chat? Ruth is happy to talk more about the role before you apply. 

Overall purpose

To hold oversight of the financial operations of the Society and ensure transparency of this information.

Support and communicate with board members and staff/associates: Act as a reliable point of contact for understanding the financial status of the society.

Communicate financial information to the society’s members.

Assist with additional administrative tasks regarding managing the funds of the society such as bank accounts, mortgage accounts and share capital.

Organize and Chair the Finance Subcommittee.

Estimated time commitment is around 2 to 3 days per month and reports to the board. 

Main Responsibilities

1. Report regularly on the financial status of the society to the Board of Directors.
2. Report at the Annual General Meeting and Ordinary General Meetings to the members of the society on financial matters.
3. Act as a point of Contact for Financial questions of Directors, Staff / Associates and where applicable User Members.
4. Ensure accurate recordkeeping, compiling of financial accounts and other reports as required by regulators and ensure submission of such documents on time.
5. Chair and organize meetings of the Finance Subcommittee of the Society, collaborating with members of the subcommittee on relevant delegated tasks.
6. Occasional Duties: Provide support to User Members on financial matters or questions.

 Person Specification

• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Attention to detail and the ability to maintain accurate records.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including breaking down complex financial information.
• Collaboration and teamwork abilities.
• Optional: Familiarity with cooperative principles and practices.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.