Board members volunteer roles

MedicAlert is an emergency medical information charity dedicated to saving and mproving the lives of our members. We provide a comprehensive medical identity service that operates 24/7, every day of the year, from anywhere in the world. Our mission is to give peace of mind to anyone across the nation living with a medical condition, allergy or other health need, by providing access to their vital personal medical information in an emergency.

MedicAlert is the UK’s first and only charity provider of medical IDs. We place our members at the heart of everything we do. We believe everyone deserves to feel safe and secure, regardless of their medical circumstances. With MedicAlert, you can feel confident knowing that we are always here to support you.

Looking ahead, our ambitions are bold. We are focused on broadening representation, sustaining active engagement, and raising the visibility of the organisation across the sector and beyond. 

Our Trustees provide vision, direction and leadership to advance the charity’s mission and uphold its values. They support and challenge the management team to achieve agreed goals and objectives.

Joining our Board, our new Trustees will help directly shape and influence the organisation's strategic direction to ensure alignment with ts mission and long-term goals. They will also ensure the charity fulfils its charitable purpose and complies with all legal and regulatory requirements.

What are we looking for?

To help us achieve our ambitions, we are seeking to strengthen our Board by welcoming individuals with diverse skills, experiences and perspectives, outlined in the Person Specification. We are particularly interested in people who share our passion for improving lives and who are willing to actively contribute to MedicAlert’s continued growth and development.

As we seek to ensure that MedicAlert is in the strongest possible position, we particularly require applications from candidates with knowledge and experience of one of the following:

• Human Resources (and in particular, individuals with experience of Organisational Development, Employment Law and Change Management.
• Digital Transformation and the procurement, development and management of IT and database systems
• Finance management experience, either as a Board member or reporting to a Board. Ideally, this would include a working knowledge of charity finance but this is not an essential as training and guidance will be provided.
• Marketing (both to individuals and to organisations) and Communications.

These are voluntary & unpaid positions with reasonable expenses covered. Prior Trustee experience is not an essential and full induction will provided. 

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities and lived experiences and are committed to fostering an inclusive culture where everyone can thrive. We are actively working to ensure that intersecting identities are recognised, valued and represented across both the Trustee Board and the wider organisation. This includes, but is not limited to, people of colour, young people, LGBTQ+, and those with lived experience of socio-economic inequality.

The Opportunity:

Her Centre is seeking a Treasurer to enable the future of our organisation, along with
our excellent board of trustees. This opportunity will involve working closely with the
Board Chair, the Board of Trustees, the CEO, and the Head of Finance. The
Treasurer will drive change and ensure that our vital work continues to support every
woman in Greenwich who needs us. You will be joining a dedicated board that
includes expertise from across the private and charitable sectors, the local authority,
and lived experience.

Our Work:
Greenwich has one of the highest rates of domestic abuse in London. Last year
alone, over 4,000 domestic offences were recorded in the borough: a shocking 35%
higher than the London average. Demand for our services has risen sharply: in 2017,
we received 321 acute high-risk referrals but by last year, this had more than
doubled to 780. The most common form of abuse reported is physical violence
(62%), followed by controlling and coercive behaviour (46%). However, the sad
reality is that many women face multiple and overlapping forms of abuse, including
sexual abuse and rape, threats to their children, financial control, and forced
imprisonment.
Last year, Her Centre supported nearly 1,000 women to find safety, seek justice, and
rebuild their lives. We also help children who witness abuse recover from trauma and
support teenagers facing exploitation or violence to recognise unhealthy
relationships and build self-worth. Her Centre is a safe and welcoming space where
all women are listened to and believed in an environment of trust and respect.

Please submit your Covering Letter and CV by Friday, 2 January 2026.

Role Description:
Board Treasurer

• Time commitment: 3-4 hours monthly. The HER Centre board meetings are hybrid

and currently held every two months.

• Location: Hybrid, in-person meetings at Clockhouse Community Centre, Defiance

Walk, London

• Responsible to: The Board of Trustees

Purpose of the role:
The Board Treasurer is responsible for advising the board on its financial
responsibilities, ensuring its effectiveness in enabling the HER Centre to provide
best-in-class service to users and in keeping the HER Centre a leading agency
supporting women, particularly those in crisis due to abuse. The Board Treasurer
oversees annual budget planning and contributes to risk and operational plans. The
Board Treasurer also adheres to the Charity Commission's essentials of a trustee:
1. Ensure the HER Centre carries out its purpose for public benefit
2. Ensure the HER Centre complies with the governing document and law
3. Acts in the HER Centre’s best interest
4. Manage the HER Centre’s resources responsibly
5. Act with reasonable care and skill
6. Ensure the HER Centre is accountable
7. Reduce risk and liability

Main roles and responsibilities:
• Oversee the HER Centre’s finances to ensure its regulatory and legal
responsibilities are met and comply with charity accounting practice.
• Oversee the annual budget, including budget planning, monitoring and
reporting
• Ensure the HER Centre’s accounts are prepared and the key issues and risks
are reported to the trustee board in a timely and effective manner.
• Monitor and report on the HER Centre’s financial health at regular board
meetings
• Lead in the development and implementation of finance policies and robust
controls
• Liaise with external auditors or advisors, as required
• Ensure the HER Centre is up to date on financial reporting and governance
requirements
• Contribute to the HER Centre’s risk and operational plans

Term: Two years, renewable for a maximum of nine years.

Training and Induction:
You will receive an induction on the work of the HER Centre and meet the Trustees
and staff.
Payment and Expenses:
The Board Treasurer is a voluntary role. Agreed, out-of-pocket expenses will be
reimbursed.

We are seeking passionate and skilled individuals to join our Board of Trustees. As a trustee, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of WHY, setting our direction and strategy, and ensuring we build strong foundations for continued impact.

The Board has identified specific skills that would greatly benefit WHY at this time:

• A trustee with clinical experience in counselling or therapy

• A trustee with accountancy or financial expertise

​Trustees are appointed for an initial four-year term, with members typically serving up to three terms for continuity. The Board meets six times per year. In addition, trustees are encouraged to take on responsibilities, actively support staff, and participate in events.

We Hear You (WHY) is a local cancer charity providing free and low-cost professional counselling and therapy to children, young people and adults affected by cancer and other life- threatening conditions in Bath and North East Somerset, Somerset and Wiltshire.

RNOH Charity is a vital partner in the way the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital delivers care. Since its inception in 1997, the Charity has raised and administered millions of pounds in donations, which have funded numerous essential projects around the hospital.

We are seeking a Trustee with marketing or fundraising experience.

What will you be doing?

This is an exciting opportunity to join as a Trustee of RNOH Charity. Our Trustees play an important role in making sure that the charity is run in the interests of those we support. They strategically oversee the management and administration of the organisation. We are particularly interested in hearing from marketing or fundraising professionals with experience in developing successful fundraising or marketing campaigns.

In this role, you will:

• Provide strategic guidance on the planning and execution of marketing and fundraising campaigns, with a focus on channel strategy and donor engagement across digital, social and traditional media.
• Advise on market and competitive analysis to inform campaign development and positioning.
• Bring expertise in successful campaign delivery and marketing best practice reflecting appropriate legal and ethical considerations.

Time commitment

• Four virtual Board meetings a year, held at the end of the working day.
• Four virtual Committee meetings a year, held at the end of the working day.
• Two in-person Board Away Days per year held in the Stanmore area.
• Induction and ongoing training.
• The role of Trustee is not accompanied by any financial remuneration, although out-of pocket expenses may be claimed.

What are we looking for?

Ideally you will have experience of operating at executive director level or equivalent. If you have a track record of delivering successful marketing or fundraising initiatives, we would like to hear from you. 

We would welcome applications from across both commercial and charity sectors.

• Experience of operating within a Board in a charitable, public sector or commercial organisation is desirable.
• Demonstrable experience of building and sustaining relationships with key stakeholders and colleagues to achieve organisational objectives (Not essential).
• A proven track record of sound judgement, strategic thinking and effective decision making.
• A history of impartiality, fairness and the ability to respect confidences.
• A track record of commitment to promoting equality and diversity.

The Charity particularly welcome applications from young people, women, people from black and minority ethnic communities, and disabled people who we know are under-represented in Chair and Trustee roles. Additional induction will be organised for successful candidate without previous Board experience.

What difference will you make?

You would be joining a committed and diverse Board, whose collective expertise underpins our robust governance and shared dedication to our charitable purpose. As a Trustee, your contribution will be invaluable in shaping our strategy and strengthening our fundraising efforts, serving as an advisory resource to the CEO and the Board of Trustees.

Before you apply

Reach Volunteering's TrusteeWorks team are supporting RNOH Charity with their Board recruitment. Please submit your CV, LinkedIn profile or similar along with a covering letter stating why you would like to apply to become Trustee of RNOH Charity and how your skills, abilities and experience would add value to the Board.

If you would prefer to have a chat with a current Trustee or the Chief Executive before making a formal application please get in touch to request this.

The Maritime Archaeology Sea Trust is seeking a new trustee to support our exceptional Board of existing trustees.

About Us

MAST is a registered UK charity, founded in 2011 by maritime archaeologist and author Jessica Berry, to address the gulf in the way our maritime Underwater Cultural Heritage is protected in contrast to land-based archaeology. We are considered the foremost maritime archaeological organisation in the UK, providing full-cycle maritime archaeological services, from discovery, recording, excavation and conservation of the artefacts for the public to enjoy and understand. We exist to fill a long overdue void in our understanding of our nation’s rich maritime heritage, to ensure that there is a sustainable future for such sites, through archaeology, research, study and dissemination. 

MAST is accredited to the Governing Bodies of the UNESCO Convention on Underwater Cultural Heritage 2001.

Desired skills and experience

• Strategic and business development
• Familiarity with the management of large projects
• Leadership skills, commercial acumen and integrity
• Willing to work closely with our fundraiser
• Has a strong network of business associates and the ability to build relationships with organisations and potential donors including high net worth individuals
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to represent MAST to government bodies, the public, stakeholders, and other organisations
• Previous experience of being a trustee is not necessary, but an understanding of the charity and voluntary sector will be an advantage

The role

• To work with fellow Board members to build on MAST’s reputational standing nationally and internationally, and to assist in fundraising for MAST’s Centre of Excellence in Maritime Archaeology and ongoing work
• To play a pivotal role in raising MAST’s profile and defining our long term future 

Make a difference with a charity where every person matters.

Havencare is a long-established, dynamic charity providing homes and support for people with learning disabilities and autism.

We currently provide support to 87 people, providing 6,468 weekly support hours. As our housing aspirations grow, we also act as a landlord for 45 people ensuring they have a safe, secure and affordable home.

As we enter a new chapter - shaping a modernised mission, strengthening governance, and expanding our housing and support across Cornwall, Devon and Plymouth - we are seeking several exceptional Trustees, including a Chair Designate (Deputy Chair) to succeed our long-standing Chair in 2026.

Why join us?

As a Trustee at Havencare, you will contribute to an organisation that is small enough for your impact to be felt and ambitious enough to drive system-level change. You’ll work with a values-led CEO and Executive Team, and a committed Board who believe deeply in transparency, engagement, and quality.

We’re embarking on the next stage of our journey with ambitions to grow our housing offer and to support more people across all three regions. 2026/7 will see us developing our next strategic plan and increasing our approach to co-production.

This is a rare chance to influence a charity undergoing meaningful, positive transformation.

Who we’re looking for

We are looking for individuals who share our passion and commitment to delivering person-led, high-quality support and housing solutions.

As an incoming Trustee, your skills, experience, and passion will be instrumental in ensuring that we focus on what we do well, supporting people to support people.

We have identified priority areas to complement our existing strengths. In our Deputy Chair / Chair Designate, we are seeking someone who brings experience of chairing boards, ideally in a charity setting. More broadly, we are seeking Trustees with experience in strategic roles in one (or more) of the following areas:

· Legal (ideally contracts / leases / property)

· HR and People and Culture

· Finance

· Marketing / Communication

· Housing Management/Asset Management/Housing Development (ideally registered providers)

· Commissioning/safeguarding/support

· Business development – particularly in the social care sector

We are dedicated to Board diversity and equal opportunity and welcome applications from leaders who have the experience and passion to join our team. We are also keen to add people to our board who have lived experiences that may reflect the lives of those we support.

The roles

Chair Designate (Deputy Chair)
Support the Chair, strengthen governance, and prepare to lead the Board from Oct 2026.

Trustee
Provide strategic leadership, oversight, and challenge to ensure Havencare fulfils its mission: helping people live their lives through opportunity and choice.

Commitment

• Four Board meetings per year (in person)
• Four committee meetings per year (virtual/in-person)
• Trustees sit on at least one committee
• Time commitment c.10 hours/month (Trustees), increasing to 3–4 days/month for Chair appointment

How to apply

Please download the attached document for full details.

For a confidential conversation, contact our retained recruitment partner:
Anna Jay, MD, Public Leaders Appointments
 

Your application should consist of a CV supported by a covering letter outlining your motivations for applying and highlighting how your skills, knowledge and experience meet the requirements of our new trustees.

Deadline: Midday, Thursday 8 January 2026
Interviews: 27th / 28th January - Plymouth

We are looking to appoint a trustee with experience in Finance to oversee our finance functions, providing advice, scrutiny and support to the charity and to be the Chair of our Governance, Audit & Risk Committee (GAR)

Knowledge & Experience:

• Qualified accountant with demonstrated commercial awareness and knowledge and thorough understanding of the Charities SORP (statement of recommended practice)
• Knowledge and experience of charity fundraising and finance practices
• Ability to communicate and explain financial information to members of the Board and stakeholders
• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
• Dedicated to the organisation’s cause and objectives

The Governance, Audit & Risk Committee (GAR) Purpose & Duties:

The Governance, Audit and Risk Committee is a Sub-Committee of the Board of Trustees of the 1851 Marine Trust (the “Trust”). The Committee shall meet not less than 4 times a year and at such other times as it considers necessary.

The Committee shall provide support, assurance and recommendations to the Board on:

• Best practice in charity governance and as appropriate governance arrangements for the Trust
• The effectiveness of the Trust’s internal control and risk management framework, including key policies and procedures
• The conduct of the external independent examination or audit and the Trust’s annual report and accounts, including the performance of the independent examiners’
• The day-to-day financial operations and controls including monitoring income and expenditure against the annual budget

Trustee - Role and Responsibilities

As a Trustee your role will be to use your skills and your personal experience to contribute to the work of the Board. Trustee responsibilities will include the following:

Leadership:

Promote the vision, values and objectives of the 1851 Marine Trust and take an active role in supporting the Trust’s strategy. Assist fellow Trustees in agreeing strategic aims, ensuring that the necessary financial and human resources are in place to meet its objectives, and that performance is effectively monitored and reviewed. Engage positively and collaboratively in Board discussion of agenda items.

Management:

In accordance with agreed Board procedures, monitor the performance of the Trust, identify and manage risks posed by its activities and assist in the satisfaction of statutory duties around the preparation of annual reports and accounts, fundraising and safeguarding. Provide independent judgement and advice on issues of strategy, vision, performance, resources and standards of conduct and apply this to the benefit of the organisation, its stakeholders and wider community. Participate in committees as determined and delegated by the Board of Trustees.

Governance:

Commit to working to, and encouraging within the Trust, the highest standards of probity, integrity and governance and contribute to ensuring that the internal governance arrangements, including the management of conflicts of interest, conform with the Trust’s constitution, best practice and statutory requirements. Obtain assurance that financial information is accurate and that financial controls and risk management systems are robust and appropriate.

Requirements for new Trustees:

Able to attend 4-6 meetings a year with sufficient time to review meeting papers. The time commitment is estimated at a minimum 20 hours per year but could increase depending on the outcome of agenda items and related sub-committee work. Documents are sent to Trustees by email and meetings are held both electronically and in person.

Trustees/Board members are not paid, though reasonable expenses are claimable. Initial term of office is for three years. 

Could you use your skills and experience to make a difference as a trustee for a fantastic small health charity?

Pharmacy Research UK is the principal research charity supporting pharmacy professionals to develop research skills and lead research to improve healthcare for the benefit of patients and the public.

We fund research projects and individual bursaries, working to improve skills across the pharmacy sector, to provide an evidence-base to improve the practice of pharmacy, to highlight the vital role of pharmacy in our health services and ultimately to improve public health. 

We are looking to recruit two new trustees to join our board as we look to grow and develop this fantastic small charity.PRUK is run by a small but dedicated staff team, with oversight from our trustee board. Anyone can be a trustee and we welcome all applications to join our board. We always seek to maintain a good balance of skills and experiences on the board and so are particularly interested to receive applications from people with experience in academia, pharmacy, fundraising and the voluntary sector, and / or finance and accounting. We also want to ensure that our board is representative of the community we serve and so encourage applications from female candidates and candidates from black and minority ethnic (BAME) backgrounds, and from candidates across all nations of the UK. 

Help Shape the Future of Palliative Care

Join Birmingham Hospice as a Finance Trustee

Location: Birmingham
Role Type: Voluntary (Trustee Board Member) with reasonable expenses covered
Time Commitment: Approx. 1 day per month (including 4 board meetings and 4 committee meetings per year)

Close Date: 8 December 2025

Are you a strategic thinker with a strong financial background and a passion for making a difference in your local community?

Birmingham Hospice is the largest provider of adult palliative care in the region.  We are seeking a Finance Trustee to join our Board and help shape the future of palliative and end-of-life care across Birmingham and the surrounding areas. As a charity committed to dignity, compassion, and inclusivity, we provide specialist care to communities across Birmingham, Solihull, Sutton Coldfield and Sandwell.

Our vision is a future where everyone with a life-limiting illness will live and die with dignity and in comfort and our mission is to enable more people from all communities to access the care of their choice at the end of life.

Who can become a Trustee?

The Charity Commission expects trustees to be able to bring ‘time, understanding and effort’ to their role of governing a hospice, both at meetings and between meetings, as well as useful and relevant experience and/or skills. Anyone over the age of 18 may be a charity trustee, provided they are not disqualified from so doing.

About the Role

As Finance Trustee, you will:

· Chair the Finance Committee, facilitate informed discussions, and provide clear financial reports and recommendations to the Board.

· Ensure robust financial governance, including monitoring budgets, cash flow, reserves and the performance of the investment portfolio to safeguard the charity’s sustainability.

· Oversee adherence to legal, regulatory, and charity commission requirements, and manage financial risks effectively.

· Provide oversight and assurance on the long-term financial strategy of the hospice, aligning resources with organisational goals and supporting decision-making at Board level.

· Champion our values of Kindness, Respect, Positivity, Togetherness, Openness, and Innovation.

Who We’re Looking For

We welcome applications from individuals with:

· A recognised professional accountancy qualification and the appropriate skills to support the hospice’s financial oversight

· Experience in charity, NHS or similar sector finance at an appropriate level to support the chairing of the sub board committee

· A commitment to our mission and values.  You will bring integrity and a strong sense of purpose, guided by values that align with our mission.

· The ability to challenge constructively and contribute to strategic decision-making

We are especially keen to hear from candidates who reflect the diversity of our communities and bring fresh perspectives to our Board.

Why Join Us?

Being a Trustee at Birmingham Hospice is a deeply rewarding opportunity to:

· Make a lasting impact on people’s lives.

· Work alongside passionate professionals and fellow Trustees.

· Help steer a respected charity through an exciting period of growth and innovation.

Bring your expertise to Birmingham Hospice and help make very moment matter

Location: Remote / Hybrid (UK-based)
Type: Freelance / Contract – Flexible hours
Revenue Share: 70% to Solicitor / 30% to Guardian Light Enterprises LTD

About Guardian Light Enterprises LTD

At Guardian Light Enterprises LTD, we are more than a social enterprise — we are a beacon of hope for children, teenagers, and single-parent families facing homelessness, abuse, and hardship.

Our mission is to empower and protect the most vulnerable, giving them the tools, legal support, and guidance they need to build brighter futures. Every session you deliver as a solicitor doesn’t just provide legal advice — it gives someone dignity, hope, and a chance to reclaim their life.

Role Purpose

We are seeking compassionate and dedicated freelance solicitors to provide expert legal guidance to our beneficiaries. This role is flexible, allowing you to use your legal expertise to make a tangible difference in the lives of children, teenagers, and single-parent families who urgently need your support.

You will:

• Offer legal advice on family law, employment rights, housing, or other related areas

• Guide clients through complex legal processes with clarity and empathy

• Provide practical, actionable advice that empowers clients to take control of their lives

• Collaborate with GLF staff and volunteers to ensure clients are supported holistically

Hours & Commitment

• Recommended: 6–12 hours per month at the early stage

• Sessions can be scheduled flexibly to suit your availability and client needs

• Each session revenue split: 70% to you, 30% reinvested into GLF programs

Compensation & Payment

• Paid per session based on agreed client engagement

• Revenue sharing model ensures fair and transparent payment

• Payment schedule: monthly for simplicity, with detailed statements provided

• Additional incentives: high-performing solicitors may be offered Board Member or Advisory Board roles

Skills & Experience

• Qualified solicitor in the UK, practising in relevant areas (family law, housing, employment, or youth-focused law)

• Strong empathy, patience, and communication skills

• Comfortable working remotely and in collaboration with a mission-driven team

• Passion for social justice, children’s rights, and supporting vulnerable communities

Policies & Safeguarding

• DBS check required (Enhanced, £12.50 volunteer rate)

• Commitment to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults

• Adherence to GLF Confidentiality, Data Protection, and Equality policies

Benefits

• Directly impact the lives of vulnerable children, teens, and families

• Flexible working hours to suit your schedule

• Opportunities for professional growth, networking, and community recognition

• Invitation to join our Advisory Board or Board of Directors as the enterprise scales

• Being part of a mission that transforms lives — where every hour you give makes a tangible difference

• Public recognition on GLF communications, website, and reports

Ideal Candidate Profile

You are someone who:

• Believes that legal guidance is a lifeline for those who have nowhere else to turn

• Feels fulfilled by using your expertise to create social impact

• Is proactive, compassionate, and able to work independently

• Wants to be part of a groundbreaking social enterprise at the startup stage

• Values ethical work, transparency, and accountability

Could you be one of our new trustees?

We currently have space on our Board for up to eight new Trustees who want to work with us to help improve university communities so that every student gets the mental health support they need to reach their goals.

At Student Minds, we’re working to improve university communities so that no student is held back by their mental health. So it should come as no surprise that we are keen to reflect the communities we serve, maintain a diverse board and ensure student voices are represented. This is key to our mission and our continued impact. 

You may be thinking that you don't have the experience because you haven't been a trustee before, or because charity governance isn't your field. Think again!

Here's what you DO NEED need: 

• Commitment to our vision - a world where no student is held back by their mental health

• Experience in 1 or 2 of the following areas: 

  • Current higher education students

  • Professional higher education sector expertise

  • Legal expertise 

  • Fundraising and income generation expertise

  • Equity, diversity, inclusion, belonging, intersectionality and anti racism expertise

  • AI and technology expertise 

  • Campaigning, advocacy, community organising and/or public affairs expertise 

  • Marketing and brand awareness expertise 

  • People and culture, HR, organisational development or leadership development expertise 

And what you DON'T need:

• Previous experience of trusteeship

• Experience in charity law or working with a charity

Both experienced and aspiring trustees have much to bring to our table: we are looking for fresh perspectives and seasoned knowledge alike.

Key responsibilities

Student Minds Trustees are expected to commit to the following: 

• Preparation and attendance at four board meetings a year. Board meetings are held online and take place on weekdays from 5 - 7.30 pm. 

• Preparation and attendance at two board away days each year, usually from 12.30 - 5 pm. Board away days are in person and usually take place in Leeds. Travel expenses can be claimed.

• Ad-hoc meetings and conversations with the senior management team as required. This usually constitutes approximately a further five working days a year.

If appointed, you will receive the training and onboarding you need to be a confident, contributing member of the board. We are also able to provide you with a board buddy to support you in your first few months. 

So, if you want to help shape the future of student mental health, download our recruitment pack to find out more!

How to apply?

1. For more information about the role responsibilities please follow the link

2. Download and complete our application form, which is available on the link

3. Complete the Equality Monitoring Form. 

Application process

• Application closing deadline: Monday the 5th January at 11.59 pm - make sure you send your completed application form by this date

• Interviews: 29th or 30th January (general Trustees) or 5th February (Student Trustees) with a Trustee and CEO

• Appointment: subject to approval by the Student Minds Board. 

Quartet Community Foundation is seeking a new chair of trustees to lead our dynamic and committed Board.

Quartet distributes approximately £5 million across  1,000 grants each year to support local communities and charities in the region. ​Trustees on our Board  actively contribute to setting the strategic direction of Quartet, helping to advise and run the organisation. As Chair of Trustees, you will work with other members of the Board to form an effective, accountable governing body which provides leadership and support for the dedicated staff team in delivering Quartet’s strategic plan.​

The role of the Chair of Trustees

The chair, along with their deputy is appointed by the Board with the following key responsibilities: ​

• To effectively chair board meetings, ensuring that the board  considers and observes best practice governance of Quartet. ​
• To be actively engaged in setting the strategic direction and policy of Quartet.​​
• To contribute to the performance management and review of the strategic plan and related targets.​​
• To help set and agree a balanced financial budget and support the Chief Executive Officer and staff in remaining within it.​​
• To be an ambassador and advocate for the work of Quartet in the wider community, including representation at evening and daytime events (with and sometimes as a substitute for the CEO). ​
• To support the CEO in their work, conducting an annual appraisal of their work and setting realistic goals in agreement with them.​
• To participate in grant-making panels as a representative of Quartet, as required and to visit at least one funded project per year.​​
• To attend quarterly board meetings, the AGM, meetings of our four sub-committees, and chair of chairs meetings. ​
• To ensure that Quartet complies with its Memorandum and Articles of Association, charity law, company law, internal policies and procedures, and any other relevant legislation or regulations.​​
• To participate as appropriate in the national network of community foundations, contribute to its development and set the work of Quartet in the wider context.  This usually involves two days a year at a UKCF south west chairs and CEOs workshop.​
• ​Joining trustees are supported to understand and engage with all of these elements, and the successful candidate will also be offered the opportunity to shadow the existing chair  for 6-9 months, before she leaves the role in 2026.

Use your leadership skills to help the Third Sector thrive

Third Sector Leaders (TSL) Kirklees exists to strengthen, connect, and champion the voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) sector across the Kirklees district.

What will you be doing?

• Work closely with TSL’s Chief Executive to ensure an effective link between policy, strategy and delivery.
• Effectively lead the Board of Trustees.
• Ensure that the TSL Board follow governance best practice and meet their legal obligations.
• Effectively address any conflicts which may arise between Trustees, ensuring that the Board function as a collective body.
• Chair the TSL Board meetings, ensuring these are effectively managed and accurately recorded.
• Act as a positive ambassador and leader for the Charity with partners, TSL Trustees and the TSL staff team.

What are we looking for?

Experience and Skills:

• Senior leadership experience in the private, public, or voluntary sectors
• Understanding of boards, governance, and organisational accountability
• Experience in leading organisational change, restructuring, or turnaround situations
• Strong strategic insight, sound judgment, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work collaboratively, providing guidance and challenge with diplomacy
• Appreciation of the voluntary sector, even if not directly from that sector

 Personal Qualities:

• Integrity, credibility, and a strong sense of civic and ethical responsibility
• Confidence and resilience to guide the Board through sensitive or complex situations
• Commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and community impact
• Ability to inspire, mentor, and build consensus among trustees and staff

We’re committed to creating a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for everyone we work with. We warmly welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, and abilities.

What difference will you make?

As Chair, your presence will bring steadiness and encouragement to a Board that cares deeply about its role, and you will be a supportive partner to our Chief Executive as she leads the next stage of development.

By helping TSL stay collaborative, positive, and focused on what matters, you will play a part in enabling hundreds of organisations to do what they do best - helping people across Kirklees to feel more connected and hopeful about the future.

This is a role where your guidance will truly ripple outwards, strengthening the fabric of local communities through the organisations that support them every day.

Time commitment

Meetings are typically held in person at Brian Jackson House, Huddersfield.

TSL Board meetings currently take place during office hours, but this can be reviewed as necessary.

The estimated time commitment is approximately one day per month. Responsibilities include attending and preparing for five Board meetings annually and a monthly meeting with the Chief Executive.

BLUE SMILE - CHAIR OF TRUSTEES

Founded in 2010, Blue Smile is a Cambridgeshire charity supporting children aged 3-13 to manage big feelings, process difficult emotions, overcome anxieties and build resilience.

Blue Smile's mission is to transform the mental health and life chances of Cambridgeshire children through arts-based therapies, supporting over 200 children a week in the region’s schools, providing one-to-one therapy and groupwork. We work in particular, in accordance with our charitable aims, with those who face disadvantage or deprivation.

CHAIR OF TRUSTEES ROLE

As Chair of the Board of Trustees, you will provide strategic leadership and governance to ensure that Blue Smile fulfils its charitable objectives. You will lead the Board in an inclusive way, promoting collaborative working and provide support and challenge to the Charity Director.

This role is vital to ensuring the charity operates in accordance with the law, delivers public benefit, and remains financially and strategically sustainable.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR IN OUR NEW CHAIR OF TRUSTEES

Our new Chair of Trustees will:

• Have board level experience as Chair, Non-executive or Trustee.

• Show a strong understanding of governance, strategy and the legal duties of a charity trustee.

• Be able to demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

• Have sound judgment, diplomacy, and the ability to build a collaborative environment.

• Demonstrate a passion for improving children’s mental health and wellbeing which aligns with the charity’s values and commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

TIME COMMITMENT

• Six meetings a year, including one as the AGM and an annual strategy day. Board meetings are currently held online.
• Monthly scheduled meeting with the Charity Director with flexibility to respond swiftly to the occasional ad hoc issue.
• Ad hoc/occasional support through working groups and to the wider Blue Smile team.

TERMS OF APPOINTMENT

• The Chair is appointed for a 5 year term of office, renewable for 1 further term to a maximum of 10 years in line with Blue Smile’s Articles of Association.
• This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses are reimbursed.

TO APPLY

If you would like to be part of a welcoming and well-respected charity, please send your CV and a covering letter, outlining your interest and suitability for the role. We will be recruiting on a rolling basis so please do get in touch soon!

Blue Smile is committed to a diversity of voices in our organisation. We welcome applications from all backgrounds. 

Safeguarding is central to all Blue Smile activities, and we recognise that the welfare of all children, young people and adults at risk, is paramount and that all have equal rights of protection. We have a duty of care when they are in our charge, and we will do everything we can to provide a safe and caring environment whilst they attend our activities.

We are committed to safer recruitment and trustees will be asked to complete a Disclosure and Barring Service check.