Board of trustees volunteer volunteer roles

Are you passionate about helping older people to live well in later life?  Are you able to give your time, expertise and skills as a Trustee to support our charity in its hugely important mission?

This is a fantastic opportunity to join the board of an impactful and influential charity, supporting older residents in Sutton by providing valuable advice and support services regarding health, finances and wellbeing.

A trustee role can be hugely fulfilling, as well as helping you to develop and utilise strategic leadership skills, and work with a diverse and  dynamic team.

We are looking for trustees who can bring their own unique experience and expertise to support the effective governance of our charity, in particular in areas such as data and digital, commercial experience, and knowledge of the health and care sector. An understanding of charity governance, fundraising or an accountancy qualification would be beneficial.

Who are Age UK Sutton?

Age UK Sutton is a small independent charity dedicated to helping older people in our community to live well in later life. We are a network partner of Age UK, the influential national charity, and benefit from membership of a network of similar independent charities across the UK. We deliver a mixture of social and community activities while influencing strategy in Sutton. We provide vital information, expert advice and practical support. Our work enables older people to make informed decisions on finances, health, care, and wellbeing, and enables greater social connection and independence.

Location: Sutton, South West London (and online meetings)

Time Commitment:

• Quarterly Board meetings, three-hour Board meetings held virtually on Teams (twice a year), and alternately face-to-face meetings
• Quarterly Committee meetings (2-3 hours): Fundraising and Enterprise and / or Quality and / or Finance, Risk and Audit (most trustees are expected to attend 2 of the 3 standing subcommittees)
• Trustees with the capacity to do so also have the opportunity to support occasional projects or short-term working groups, supporting the CEO and wider leadership team.

Duration: A 3-year term (may be extended for two further 3-year terms)

Final closing date: Tuesday 1 April

Join Street Paws as a Trustee — Shape the Future of a Charity Making Real Change

Street Paws is the charity standing up for people and pets facing homelessness, we believe in a future where homelessness never separates people and their pets, because for them a pet is a lifeline not a luxury.

Street Paws stands up for people facing homelessness because, for them a pet is a lifeline, not a luxury. We challenge the misconception that having a pet should ever be a barrier to a secure home. That is why, in partnership with Local Authorities, hostels and support services, we provide accessible veterinary care, training and advocacy – breaking down the barriers and opening doors to make pet friendly support the norm, not the exception.

We are looking for new trustees with legal, cyber security or lobbying/ campaigning expertise to join our board and play a pivotal role in protecting and strengthening the charity as we grow. By joining our Board, you will have the chance to:

Lead Strategy at a High Level

Your decisions directly shape the direction, resilience, and long‑term impact of Street Paws. You’ll help guide a charity that supports some of the most vulnerable animals and owners across the UK.

Make a Big Difference with a Small Time Commitment

We know your time is valuable. That’s why the role is designed to be flexible and manageable:

· A few hours a month, on your schedule

· Just one board meeting per quarter (around 2 hours)

· Remote participation options available

This is a meaningful way to contribute your professional expertise without taking on a heavy workload.

Build Your Board-Level Experience

Whether you’re looking to take your first step into governance or broaden your leadership portfolio, this role offers:

· Real strategic influence

· Exposure to charity governance

· A chance to work alongside passionate, skilled trustees

You’ll be part of a committed team driving forward a mission that genuinely changes lives.

The Sutton Trust is at a pivotal moment in its development. For nearly three decades, we have been the UK’s leading voice on social mobility, working tirelessly to break the link between socio-economic background and life chances. Today, that mission is as urgent as it has ever been. Despite pockets of progress, social mobility in the UK remains low by international standards, with deep inequalities in education, access to professions, and regional opportunity continuing to limit life chances and economic potential.

We are seeking a Trustee with policy expertise who shares our commitment to fairness, evidence, and long-term change. We value diversity of thought and experience, and we are keen to hear from those who can help us navigate an evolving political landscape and leverage our research to challenge systemic barriers, ensuring our voice remains the most influential in the national drive to transform social mobility.

Duties and Responsibilities of a Trustee

Policy Responsibilities

• Providing oversight for the charity’s research and advocacy, ensuring the Trust’s work is mission-aligned, evidence-based, and intellectually rigorous
• Supporting the Board in discharging their collective duties around planning, risk and compliance, particularly in areas such as horizon scanning for upcoming legislative changes, political shifts and shifts in social trends affecting the Trust as well as specific regulations around political neutrality
• Leveraging their professional networks and expertise, enhancing the charity’s credibility and influence, ensuring our research translates into meaningful systemic change

General Responsibilities

• Inputting into and agreeing the Trust’s vision, mission and values and providing advice on the Trust’s wider purpose, goals and activities
• Inputting into and agreeing the Trust’s aims and long-term strategy in furtherance of its charitable purpose
• Ensuring key risks are identified, monitored and controlled effectively as well as keeping abreast of changes in the Trust’s operating environment
• Monitoring the Trust’s performance against its strategic aims, operational plans and budgets
• Safeguarding and promoting the Trust’s reputation, and acting in the best interest of the Trust at all times
• Ensuring the financial stability and sustainability of the Trust
• Ensuring the effective and efficient administration of the organisation, including having appropriate policies and procedures in place
• Ensuring proper arrangements are in place for the appointment, supervision, support, appraisal and renumeration of the CEO and they are held to account
• Contributing to regular reviews of the Trust’s own governance
• Ensuring the Trust complies with its governing documents, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations

In addition to the above statutory duties, each Trustee should use their specific skills, knowledge and experience to contribute to the Board’s decision-making, and dedicate sufficient time to carry out their responsibilities effectively. This may involve sitting on Board Committees, scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, or other issues in which the Trustee has special expertise.

Trustees aim to support a specific member of the SLT based on their skills and experience or may participate in appropriate subgroups, e.g., Alumni Leadership Board, Education Advisory Group, (Development) Board meetings, etc.

Person Specification

Mission and Values

• Sympathetic to the aims of the Trust and its mission to address educational disadvantage
• High level of personal and professional ethics, integrity, and accountability
• Willingness to safeguard and promote the Trust’s reputation within the wider sector

Strategy and Interpersonal Skills

• Ability to think strategically in order to provide appropriate oversight and scrutiny for the Trust’s overall activity and direction
• Ability to confidently and fairly make evidence-based decisions and constructively challenge the decisions of others if required
• Ability to collaborate and work as part of a team to provide advice, make decisions, and/or solve problems
• A commitment to personal development and a willingness to participate in regular reviews of the Board’s own performance and governance

Governance, Risk and Finance

• Understanding of the legal duties of a Trustee (or willingness to learn), including compliance with Charity Commission and Companies House regulations and commitment to the roles and responsibilities of a Trustee
• Awareness of (or willingness to learn about) financial health indicators and organisational risk management

Specialist Expertise and Experience

• A background in public affairs, civil service, think tanks, education sector organisations or senior policy or research roles in (education) charities
• Strong understanding of how UK government (at local, regional or national level) and/ or the UK education sector works
• Strong influencing and communications skills with the ability to lead discussions, provide expert advice, and influence stakeholders in a professional manner
• Good understanding of how to translate policy jargon into clear, strategic advice for the wider Trustee Board

Interviews

Applications should reach us by 10am, Monday 30th March. First round interviews will take place on Wednesday 15th and Thursday 16th April, and second round interviews will take place w/c 27th April or w/c 4th May. All interviews will be held at our London offices in Millbank Tower.

Asylum Welcome is an extraordinary local charity, offering a range of support to asylum seekers, refugees and vulnerable migrants seeking refuge in and around Oxford. We provide everything from advice, visits, legal support, education, assistance finding employment and even helping secure free bus passes.

We currently have a strong and capable Board with a wide-ranging skill set and we are seeking a Chairperson who can provide strong leadership and a collaborative approach.

As an organisation we are committed to reflecting our diverse and vibrant Oxfordshire community to help strengthen our governance and our approach. We are seeking a new Chair with a range of skills and experience. In particular, we are looking for people who can demonstrate :

· Experience of leadership

· Commitment to the aims and values of Asylum Welcome

· Tact and diplomacy

· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

· Good facilitation skills

· Impartiality, fairness and discretion

· Empathy with the challenges of running a highly diverse. largely volunteer-based organisation in a subject area which is both topical and challenging.

As Chair you will play a key role in enabling us to continue supporting refugees and asylum seekers, primarily in the Oxfordshire area, empowering them to rebuild their lives here in safety.  This role offers a valuable opportunity to use your professional skills and experience to make a meaningful difference to individuals who have been forced to flee their homes and livelihoods.

We welcome expressions of interest from people of all ages and backgrounds, and a job share arrangement would be considered. The role is currently shared by two Trustees as Co-Chairs who are retiring as Trustees after many years of service.

The Chair position is not paid but travel expenses may be claimed for attending meetings.

The Board meets (via Teams and in-person) 6 - 8 times a year, currently early evening on a Thursday. Dates are agreed a year in advance.

This is an exciting time to join the Trustee Board at Asylum Welcome and a fantastic opportunity to influence the growth and future of a dynamic charity.

For more information see the full role description.

When seconds matter, leadership matters too. 

Help save lives and shape the future. Become a Trustee of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance (HIOWAA) brings exceptional, life-saving critical care to people when they need it most — day and night, 365 days a year. As we enter a significant new chapter, we are seeking new Trustees to help guide our Charity into the future.

This is a rare opportunity to use your skills, experience and judgement at Board level to make decisions that will save lives.

Why now?

We are approaching the completion of a major strategic transformation: the relocation to a brand-new airbase in Eastleigh, near Southampton Airport. This move will:

• Dramatically improve response times
• Strengthen operational efficiency and teamwork
• Create a new operational model for the next generation of critical care delivery

As a Trustee you will help ensure this transformation delivers lasting impact for patients, clinicians, donors and communities across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

The role: Trustee (Volunteer)

As a Trustee, you will:

• Set the strategic direction of the Charity
• Provide strong governance, oversight and accountability
• Act as a critical friend to the Executive and Clinical leadership
• Safeguard long-term financial sustainability
• Uphold the Charity’s mission, values and public benefit

This is an “eyes on, hands off” role focused on strategy rather than day-to-day operations, but one where your insight and judgement will have real influence and impact. Being a Trustee is challenging, rewarding, and deeply meaningful.

Time commitment: approximately 12 part-days per year, including four Board meetings, committee meetings and one annual strategy day.Trustees are elected for an initial term of 3 years, and can be re-elected for a maximum of 3 terms (9years in total).

Who we’re looking for:

We welcome applications from people with a genuine connection to our mission and communities. To strengthen the balance of skills on our Board, we are particularly keen to hear from individuals with experience in:

• Clinical operations or leadership
• Critical care services / HEMS delivery
• Aviation industry
• Fundraising and income generation
• Digital marketing and communications
• Data, insight and performance management
• Technology or digital leadership
• Finance, investment or senior business leadership

You do not need previous trustee experience. We value sound judgement, curiosity, integrity and commitment as highly as technical expertise and welcome applications from underrepresented communities or any persons who would enhance our Board's diversity.  

Eligibility:

Trustees must be 16 years or older. You will not be able to act as a Trustee if you are disqualified, unless authorised to do so by a waiver from the Charity Commission. More information on becoming a Trustee for a charity, including the eligibility criteria for holding such a post, can be found on our website and the government website (search for: charity-trustee-whats-involved)

Our values

Everything we do is guided by openness, dedication, professionalism and teamwork.

If these values resonate with you, and you want to use your experience to make a life-saving difference, we would love to hear from you.

To find out more:
Please read the included guide for more information on the Charity and the role of Trustee, including the full person specification. We encourage you to visit the Charity's website too.

To Apply: Please send your CV and a personal statement outlining your motivation to apply and suitability for the role through this platform or the email address given on the Charity's website. 

Closing date for applications: Monday 23rd March. 

Video Call 1st Interviews: 7&8th April

In-Person Interviews (Southampton): 22-24th April. 

Together, we bring exceptional critical care to the people who need it most.

Exciting opportunity to help shape the future of the UK’s leading Badger charity 

Become a Trustee on our active board! 

Badger Trust celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2026. We are the leading voice for badgers in England and Wales, dedicated to promoting and enhancing the welfare, conservation, and protection of badgers, their setts, and their habitats. 

We have a network of over 50 local voluntary badger groups, growing all the time, supported by thousands of dedicated supporters and followers. 

We are now seeking new Trustees to join our Board.  These will support the current Trustees and Chief Executive in delivering the charity's objectives, ensuring we have the right mix of skills, experience, and people to achieve even more for badgers in the coming years. 

For these vacancies, Badger Trust is particularly interested in people with experience in charity fundraising, law, and development planning to help us achieve our goals in these areas, building on our research, citizen science, and campaigning work. 

Your skills 

Trustees with a focus on fundraising will have a strategic approach to opportunities, and might offer support through one or more of the following methods: 

- Identifying and reaching out to major donors and corporate partners 

- Assisting in writing bids for grants and trust applications 

- Offering guidance in planning and executing fundraising strategies and campaigns. 

We encourage members of badger groups to apply to ensure the group network is effectively represented. 

We are seeking applicants whose professional knowledge will bring value to our Board. 

You should be a strong strategic thinker, capable of working collaboratively, and willing to engage with the broader role of Trustee. Badger Trust values diversity and aims to broaden our Board in terms of skills, background, and life experience. 

We encourage all applications, especially from individuals of racially diverse backgrounds and those with disabilities, as these groups are currently under-represented on our Board. 

We also encourage applicants from a wide range of socio-economic backgrounds across the UK. 

Time Commitment 

The Board typically holds four to six meetings each year on Saturdays. Most of these meetings are conducted online, with two in-person meetings scheduled annually. However, there may be occasions when virtual meetings are necessary outside of the regular schedule. 

We also conduct an Annual General Meeting (AGM) or Symposium, which Trustees are expected to attend and support. The head office is located in Brighton, but in-person meetings are

generally held in central England. The 2026 Badger Trust Symposium is being held at the University of Northampton. 

In addition to routine Board activities, past and present Trustees have contributed to various initiatives and assisted with staff-led projects based on their skills, expertise, and interests. Examples of this work include assisting the creation of  our planning and development guide, updating the guide to badger rescue and rehabilitation, engaging with Government and Parliament on the Planning & Infrastructure Bill, scrutinising Government policy and commissioning information searches, taking legal action, and assisting in the recruitment and interviewing of specialised staff. 

Our Mission 

Our mission is to promote and enhance the welfare, conservation, and protection of badgers, their setts, and their habitats. 

Our Vision 

Our vision is a world where badgers are respected as part of our rich wildlife heritage and are safe from persecution. 

Chair, Rosie Wood, joined the board in 2021: 

“Being on the Board of Badger Trust brings with it plenty of opportunities to learn and collaborate with people of like mind, which I hope you would expect. But it also offers opportunities to open conversations with different decision-makers who can drive change. It gives me scope to remake our arguments in fresh and compelling ways, informed – in my case –by sharing the background of those I need to engage with. 

While we need people committed to protecting and conserving badgers, we also need them to understand those who can best help – funders, policymakers, lawmakers, and communicators. Don’t expect it to be a passive role – badgers need active friends and advocates. But it will rapidly build your skills, professional networks, and CV, and we will do our best to match your interests and availability to the Charity’s needs. 

Content publishing template for Badger Trust ©Cox and Co Creative 2023 updated 24.04.2023

Badger Trust Vice-Chair, Phil Loveday, who joined the Board in 2023, encourages you to get in touch: 

“I joined the Badger Trust board as I just love badgers and am a member of my local badger group. I also bring extensive organisational, educational and people skills gained during my career in teaching, including as a head teacher at large secondary schools in the Midlands. 

I feel passionately that we need the next generation to have the chance to enjoy nature, and to do that, we need to protect it now — that’s what Badger Trust is all about. We need more experienced people willing to help guide the charity in the years ahead.” 

Further information 

Find out more about our work on our website, where you can also see details of our current Board. You can connect with us on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube. 

We are a registered charity and limited company, registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office for data protection compliance and with the Fundraising Regulator for fundraising compliance. We are also members of the Small Charities Coalition and NCVO for best practice, guidance, and support as part of our aim to be an effective and efficient charity. 

We encourage applicants to ensure they are familiar with the legal responsibilities of a charity Trustee, and more information can be found on the Charity Commission’s website. See Badger Trust’s registration with the Charity Commission. 

Trustee roles are voluntary and unpaid. Expenses for Board business will be reimbursed in line with our expenses policy. The final appointment to the Board depends on the election of the recommended Trustees at the AGM of Badger Trust by member groups. 

How to apply 

Please complete the Trustee application form (provided as a Word document) and send it back as a pdf, with a copy of your CV.

We are seeking new trustees to strengthen our Board and help shape the future of our work. We are also seeking a new Chair of the Board of Trustees.

We are looking for dedicated, creative people, of all ages, with a range of professional and life experience to join the Age UK Stockport Board of Trustees.

Being a trustee or Chair of any charity, including ours, is to be an active volunteer in your community. Like any volunteer involved in our work, our aim is for you to enjoy what you do with us, know how you contribute towards our work and see the positive impact that you have on people’s lives. 

But it’s not the easiest volunteering role! It can be challenging, but rewarding, and a big responsibility. Trustees have collective legal responsibilities – you work together for the best interests of Age UK Stockport and for the people in later life we work with across the borough. We will tell you more about these responsibilities elsewhere in the pack. 

If you’re passionate about supporting everyone to make the most of their later life, and you have the skills and experience to help shape and guide our organisation to achieve our vision, we’d like to hear from you.

This is an exciting time to join the Endometriosis UK trustee board, as the organisation expands and develops to achieve the changes that are needed to support those affected by the disease and to drive down diagnosis time. We are looking for a new Treasurer to build on this momentum to strengthen our organisation and bring about change for those with endometriosis. We have a skills-based board, with Trustees having one or more identified skills, with the overall membership of the Board providing the complete set of skills. 

Endometriosis UK is the largest UK charity for those with endometriosis. Endometriosis UK works to:

• Provide support to those with endometriosis and their families and friends

• Provide clear, objective information about the condition and its treatments

• Raise awareness amongst health professionals and the general public about the condition

• Support research into endometriosis.

This is an unpaid role. Reasonable pre-agreed travel expenses will be paid.

Time commitment:

• Five meetings a year, including preparation for meetings, reading papers etc; and attendance at an annual strategy day and AGM (held on the same days as Board meetings).

• Trustees have the opportunity to take part in Board sub-groups and project groups to develop aspects of the organisations’ work. Current sub-groups include the Finance Committee and Diversity & Inclusion Sub-Group. Trustees are also invited to attend Endometriosis UK events.

We are recruiting for one new treasurer to join the board. We are particularly looking for:

• Personal or professional experience of diversity and inclusion issues

• Marketing and digital marketing

• Communications and social media

• Campaigning and achieving change

• Experience of working in Primary Care

• Charity finance experience

• Currently living in Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales

Personal experience of living with, or having a close family member with, endometriosis, is vital on our Board. Whilst we look favourably on applications from those in the endometriosis community, we already have Trustees with first hand lived experience and new trustees do not need to have endometriosis. 

We also particularly welcome applications from trustees from a range of backgrounds and experiences as part of our commitment to diversity.

The role will start at a Board meeting on 28th November 2026, when our current Treasurer reaches the end of their 6-year term of office. Prior to the roles starting, the incoming Treasurer will have the opportunity to observe a Board meeting in September, and induction will be planned in October.

This is a great opportunity to develop further governance skills and experience, and help steer an important charity in the right direction.

Chairing experience required + any combination of: financial management, advocacy, HR, charities, fundraising, social prescribing, NHS, local authorities, marketing, business development, governance, strategy or legal.

About Self Help UK

Self Help UK is a leading peer support organisation with over 40 years of experience in developing and delivering peer-led services. Our mission is to empower individuals and communities by embedding peer support principles into health and wellbeing initiatives. We have created a range of innovative programmes that help people living with cancer and other long-term health conditions to navigate challenges and take control of their health and wellbeing.

We work in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support on projects that make a real difference. These include national and local initiatives for the Deaf community, volunteer-led support for anyone affected by cancer, and prehabilitation services for those facing complex treatment. In 2026, we will collaborate with our Integrated Care System to improve health literacy and increase cancer screening uptake among underserved communities in Nottingham. Looking ahead, we are exploring a new direction to position Self Help UK as a holistic, person-centred support provider, embedding peer support and volunteer-led activity at the heart of everything we do. Our vision is to challenge health inequalities and enable people to feel confident, informed, and supported in shaping their own health journey.

A selection of causes covered by Self Help UK

·Peer support

·Long-term health conditions

·Cancer diagnoses and prevention

·Voluntary sector support

·Health inequalities

·Under-served communities

What will you be doing?

You will be chairing the Board of Trustees, ensuring that we have minimum representation required for decisions to be made, keeping the board aligned in decision-making, ensuring all minutes are recorded and that all decisions by trustees are made with the appropriate context provided.

Trustees meetings are usually held every six weeks, plus there is an AGM, away days, and any sub-committee meetings that trustees may be involved in. Most meetings will remain virtual but there will from time to time be a need to attend key meetings and events in Nottingham. The time commitment is approximately 4hours per month, but there may be occasions when more time is required for a short period.

Trustee positions are unremunerated, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

Who are we looking for?

Previous chairing experience

·Relevant experience in any of the following financial management, HR, charities, fundraising, social prescribing, NHS, local authorities, marketing, business development, governance, strategy or legal.

·A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort

·Good, independent judgement

·The ability to challenge and ask questions

·An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship

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

We need the support of a Board Secretary, an important role that helps keep trustees on top of our meetings and deliverables throughout the Othona year. 

What will you be doing?

The role of the Othona Community Board Secretary is to administer the Trustee meetings,

• Take and manage the Trustee/Director Meeting minutes

• Ensure essential Board and organisational records are maintained and filed without our Cloud Storage

• Support the chair and all members of the Board in fulfilling their statutory and other duties

• Informally the Board Secretary acts as the ‘memory’ of the Board

Our Christian Community was established in 1946 and has two retreat centres on the coasts of Dorset and Essex.  We are open to those of all faiths and none and our daily life follows a pattern of work worship study and play

What are we looking for?

1. UK based
2. Experience with word processing and spreadsheets
3. Some experience organising meetings
4. Experience of the charity sector
5. Experience with office and administration management

What difference will you make?

We have a diverse board of trustees with differing skills and experience.  The board secretary role places you firmly in the middle helping to coordinate the running of the charity.  As a trustee you are party to all discussions on all issues with a vote on all matters of substance

Before you apply

Please send a short CV and a brief summary of why you would like to become a trustee and board secretary for The Othona Community.

About Proteus

Proteus is an award-winning theatre company that believes the audience is as vital as the artist. The company holds that truly dynamic and relevant theatre emerges when audience and artist inspire each other’s imagination. Quality, integrity, and innovation lie at the heart of Proteus’ work and form the criteria by which its success is measured. Founded in 1981 and based in Basingstoke, Hampshire, Proteus has a long-standing history of creating and presenting high-quality work that serves both local and national audiences.

The Role

Proteus is actively seeking new members to join its Board of Trustees, offering the opportunity to make a meaningful impact. The company is committed to transforming society through radical acts of kindness and believes in the universal value of the performing arts. Trustees will support Proteus’ mission to make culture thrive within the local community while helping to deliver theatre that tours across the UK.

Trustees contribute to creating innovative theatre and support leading artists working in the performing arts today. They help bring diverse forms of art—including theatre, circus, music, spoken word, visual art, cabaret, and film—to Basingstoke communities at accessible prices.

Beyond producing touring theatre, Proteus operates as a non-profit organisation that runs an arts centre, artists’ studios, a gallery, a café, and a wide-ranging programme of support for artists. Trustees engage with a dynamic organisation whose activities span local and international stages.

Serving as a Trustee offers a fulfilling and enjoyable experience, providing opportunities to meet artists from across the industry, collaborate with Proteus staff and fellow board members, and help shape the future of one of the South’s most exciting arts organisations.

Who Proteus is Looking For

Proteus seeks individuals who are enthusiastic and passionate about the arts as a force for social change. Prospective trustees should share the company’s conviction in the transformative power of the arts and its commitment to inclusivity. Proteus actively encourages applications from people with diverse backgrounds, skills, and experiences.

Even those who feel they may not meet every criterion are encouraged to get in touch, as the organisation values the whole person and provides support for new trustees to develop their skills on the job.

Trustee Responsibilities

Trustees serve on a voluntary, unpaid basis. The primary purpose of the board is to ensure that Proteus achieves its objectives. Trustees are expected to:

• Attend four board meetings per year (usually via Zoom) for a minimum term of three years and participate in an annual one-day board retreat in Basingstoke.

• Attend Proteus performances and events when possible.

• Support fundraising activities where possible.

• Provide advice and guidance to staff as required.

• Commit to the mission and values of Proteus.

• Understand and accept the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of being a Trustee.

• Ensure Proteus is well-governed and complies with its constitutional and charitable objectives.

• Act as ambassadors for Proteus, opening doors and helping expand networks and contacts.

• Contribute actively to Proteus’ strategic direction and development, offering ideas, connections, and support in growing its network of partners, supporters, and donors.

We are seeking an inspiring and strategic individual to lead our Board of Trustees as Chair. This is an exciting opportunity to join an organisation committed to ensure the voices of long term prisoners are heard, and to enable them to realise their potential.

The Chair is responsible for leading the Board of Trustees, ensuring that it fulfils its responsibilities for the governance of the organisation. The Chair’s role is also to work in partnership with the CEO, helping them achieve the aims of the organisation and to optimise the relationship between the Board and staff. (See also the Charity Commission’s Essential Trustee Guidance)

Key responsibilities

Strategy, Governance, and Financial Management

• Lead the Board in providing strategic direction to the Hardman Trust.
• Ensure, with Trustees, that the organisation operates efficiently and effectively to fulfil its objectives in compliance with relevant charitable and company legislation.
• Maintain careful oversight of any risk to reputation and/or financial standing of the charity and ensure that the Board regularly monitors that systems are in place to take advantage of opportunities and manage and mitigate the risks.
• Ensure that the Board fulfils its duties to ensure sound financial health of the charity, with systems in place to ensure financial accountability.

Board Leadership

• Ensure a high performing and effective Board through review of Board structure, Trustees and Board performance.
• Enhance the overall contribution of the Board, through mentoring of other Board members and encouraging participation in training/coaching/development. 
• Review and ensure Trustees have the right skillsets, training and development to support effective governance of the organisation.
• Chair Board meetings inclusively, bringing impartiality and objectivity in the decision making process.

Support to Hardman Trust CEO

• Line manage The Hardman Trust CEO including annual performance reviews and regular check-ins.
• Maintain appropriate distance between the Board and the leadership team, but where necessary, provide support and guidance on operations. 
• Work with The Hardman Trust CEO to support them to achieve the aims of the charity.

General Chair responsibilities

• Where appropriate, represent the Hardman Trust at meetings and events and act as spokesperson.
• Lead the Board in fostering relationships with external partners and potential funders/donors.

Person Specification

We want our Board to look like the world we serve and to have different voices within it. We know that diverse groups of people make better decisions.  We are keen to hear from people who can bring perspectives or experiences often underrepresented in charity governance and how can help us progress our vision.  

Essential

• Commitment to the Hardman Trust’s aims and values.
• Prior experience as a charity trustee and solid understanding of good governance practices.
• Experience (voluntary or paid) within the criminal or social justice sector at leadership level.
• Experience of chairing meetings, committees or boards.
• Robust planning and organisational skills.
• Willingness to devote time to carry out responsibilities.
• Sound independent judgment and strategic vision; ability to think creatively and challenge constructively.
• A collegiate attitude and willingness to work with others.
• Honesty, integrity and commitment to act in the best interest of the charity at all times.

Desirable

• Previous experience as a Chair in the charity sector.
• Expertise of lived experience of the justice system.
• Experience of charity fundraising and/or grant making.
• Understanding of the needs of people serving long sentences and of the systemic issues within our justice system .
• Experience of building partnerships and networks.
• Experience of public speaking and willing to represent the Hardman Trust externally.

We’re seeking committed new trustees to help guide a small but ambitious charity supporting children and young people with cerebral palsy, ensuring our funds deliver meaningful, life-changing impact.

Our Board is made up of a small, committed group of trustees who bring a mix of professional expertise and personal connection to our cause. Together, we oversee a grant-making charity that has a long heritage and a clear ambition: to increase our income and ensure we can support more children and young people with cerebral palsy in meaningful, practical ways.

Like many small charities, our challenge is balancing strong governance with growth. We are financially stable and well run, but we want to think more strategically about our future: how we prioritise funding, how we grow awareness and income, and how we ensure every grant we make delivers real, lasting benefit for families. The new trustee will play an active role in shaping these conversations and helping the Board move confidently from steady state to sustainable growth.

The role is hands-on and collaborative. Trustees are expected to attend four board meetings a year, contribute thoughtfully to discussion and decision-making, and engage between meetings when specific issues arise. Depending on interest and experience, the new trustee may also be invited to take a lead role in an area of work or join a small working group, for example around fundraising development, investment oversight, or grant assessment.

This is an opportunity to influence how limited charitable funds are used where they matter most. Trustees are directly involved in decisions that enable children to access therapy, specialist equipment, and support that may not otherwise be available. For someone who wants to make a tangible difference, this is a role where your contribution can be clearly seen in the lives of the children and families we support.

The Board values open discussion, shared responsibility, and a supportive culture, making this an especially rewarding role for someone who wants their time and judgement to have genuine impact.

Working Chance is a unique, pioneering, award-winning national charity that supports women with criminal convictions into employment. We support women to create independent purposeful lives through helping them to build careers, we break cycles of reoffending and we inspire employers to embrace inclusive hiring.

This is an exciting time for Working Chance as we start developing our new three-year strategy which will come into effect from 1 September. The new strategy will see us taking an ever bolder stance on speaking up for women with convictions, solidifying our position as a thought leader on how to improve the employment rate of these women, and moving into providing consultancy for employers seeking our guidance and input on their recruitment and employment practices.

We are looking for an inspiring and committed Chair of Trustees to lead our Board at this exciting point in our development. This is a unique opportunity to shape the strategic direction of a highly respected and impactful charity, while championing a mission that addresses inequality, social justice and economic inclusion.

As Chair, you will work closely with the Chief Executive and fellow trustees to ensure strong governance, clear strategic focus, effective oversight and financial sustainability, while acting as an ambassador for Working Chance and its values. Download the Appointment Brief to learn all about the role, the charity and the recruitment process, and if you think you might be the person we’re looking for, we’d love to hear from you.

Closing date: 9am on Monday 16 March