Board of trustees volunteer roles in cramlington, northumberland

Do you want to help prevent breast cancer? Are you a highly engaged senior communications professional with charity or not-for-profit governance experience, strong networks and want to use your connections and expertise to help a fantastic charity build their profile, impact and authority in the field of breast cancer prevention? 

We are looking for individuals from the private, third, or voluntary sectors with a strong ability to bring connections and influence to the charity, to join the board of trustees. You have a thorough understanding of what good charity governance looks like, time to commit and you have a deep interest in and are keen to promote breast cancer prevention.

Specifically, we are looking for someone who has leadership experience and expertise in strategic communications, branding and marketing. 

If this sounds like you, then we would be delighted to hear from you. 

ABOUT US 

Breast Cancer UK’s vision is a world where everyone is empowered to reduce their breast cancer risk.  Our mission is to lead a movement to empower individuals, advance scientific research and reshape policy to reduce breast cancer risk for all. 

We are the only UK breast cancer charity focused entirely on the primary prevention of breast cancer by funding animal-free scientific research into the causes of breast cancer, campaigning to reduce risk, using traditional and digital channels to raise awareness. Today it is estimated that 1 in 7 women will be diagnosed with the disease at some point in their lives but at least 30% breast cancers are thought to be preventable. 

Our research and advocacy work focuses on the environmental and chemical causes of breast cancer. Our education programme and advice include all preventable risk factors.

Our strategic Plan (2025-2028) is a bold and forward-looking roadmap that aims to drive lasting change for breast cancer prevention through significantly increasing the visibility of our cause by expanding our research and collaborations, expanding access to prevention education across the UK and mobilising support behind a new policy approach that prioritises prevention.The trustee role is critical in supporting these outcomes. 

Breast Cancer UK’s annual income has grown from £107,000 (31.3.2014) to £1.5M (31.3.2024). Our new strategic plan sets out our ambition to expand further.

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Board of trustees and support the CEO and wider staff team to deliver our vision and strategy. 

FOR DETAILS OF THE ROLE PLEASE SEE THE RECRUITMENT PACK DOWNLOADABLE FROM OUR WEBSITE 

Purpose

Young Carers’ Crew is a registered charity (number 1176778) and runs a group which meets to provide emotional and practical support to Young Carers through recreational activities. We give support to local children and young people, who perform a caring role supporting another member of their household. 

Young Carers’ Crew is a small grassroots community group. We are hoping to bring in more people with diverse skills and experience to build sustainability.  

We are looking for Volunteer Trustees with a range of skills, to help steer and direct the organisation. 

The Board of Trustees takes on the ultimate legal and financial responsibility for all the activities of the organisation. They maintain an overview of policy and strategic direction rather than being involved in day-to-day operations. This position will not have any regular contact with the children or the volunteers running the Group activities. 

Role Description 

Volunteer Trustee for Young Carers’ Crew 

Volunteering is an unpaid position. Appropriate out-of-pocket expenses will be re-imbursed.

Location: Most tasks will be home-based.  Meetings will be held in and around Hitchin, Herts.

Hours: Up to 2.5 hours per month for Board meetings. Additional time for position is estimated to be 3 to 4 hours per month.

Reports to: Chair of Board of Trustees for Young Carers’ Crew

DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) requirement: Appointment to these posts is subject to an up-to-date, satisfactory, enhanced DBS check with a check against the barred lists for children and adults.

Duties and Responsibilities

We are seeking to fill these specific positions which are currently available:

• HR lead
• Safeguarding lead
• Fundraising
• Website Development

It is anticipated that the successful applicants will help to define the details of the position.

For all positions the following will be expected:

• Attend Board meetings as arranged. 
• Work as flexibly as may be required, also to carry out any other reasonable duties that may be required from time to time. 

The broad role of the Board of Trustees is summarised below:

• Be committed to the vision, mission and values of the organisation.
• Provide strategic direction, including agreeing and monitoring strategic plans.
• Keep informed of the activities of the organisation and the wider issues that affect its work.
• Ensuring that the work of the organisation is monitored and evaluated.
• Maintain that the organisation complies with its governing documents, e.g. constitution.
• Ensure the organisation complies with current Safeguarding Guidelines and Core Standards set out in the Children Act 2004 and Working Together 2013
• Ensure the organisation operates within the law.
• Safeguard the organisation in making efficient use of resources, in particular that all monies are applied to its objectives, agreed plans and budgets.
• Mitigate and manage the risks to the organisation, volunteers and service users.
• To be accountable to membership, funders and other stakeholders.

Person Specification

Please note all items are essential:

• Ability to maintain absolute confidentiality.

• Excellent organisational and time management skills.
• Good IT skills including Microsoft Office.

• Ability to work effectively, both individually and as part of a team.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Impartiality and fairness.
• Understanding of and commitment to the organisation’s mission & values.
• Ability to work in a way that promotes the safety and well-being of children and young people.
• Ability to work in a way that promotes equality of opportunity and respect for diversity.
• Commitment to continuing learning and training.

Experience

No experience is necessary for a general position on the Board of Trustees, just enthusiasm and a willingness to help the organisation grow and support the young carers.

For more specific positions; it would be highly desirable that you bring some experience in the charity sector, social care or in business development. 

So, for example, we would welcome someone with experience of working in a safeguarding role with young people specifically or from an HR background or someone who can help us raise money for the charity. .

Selection Process 

To ensure equal opportunities in recruitment, we request that all applicants complete the application form provided. A shortlist will be created and suitable applicants will be invited to interview.

BABY BASICS NORTHAMPTON

Trustee Recruitment 

Volunteer role 

An exciting opportunity to volunteer your skills to support a much-needed local charity working across Northamptonshire. 

Baby Basics Northampton is a registered charity that provides moses basket starter packs to parents with new babies in Northamptonshire, via referrals from healthcare professionals and local agencies. 

The charity is in its 12th year, and ready to grow in line with community demand for our vital service.  We are recruiting new Trustees, to join the Board to ensure this much-loved local charity thrives as it increases both its reach and impact.

If you believe you could make a difference, we’d really like to hear from you.

Areas of special interest to us include experience of: 

Health/NHS Sector

Fundraising

Marketing & Communications

Charity board experience is desirable but not as important as a desire to make a positive contribution to the wider community.

Trustees are expected to attend monthly meetings, preferably in person, and a full induction will be provided.  In addition to board meetings, we encourage Trustees to visit and occasionally support the small staff team at the Baby Basics Northamptonshire office.

Please send your CV and cover letter outlining your relevant skills, experience and interest in joining the Board of Trustees.

If you are interested in applying but would like to have an informal conversation to find out a little more, we are very happy to facilitate that. 

Thank you for your interest. 

Role Overview

We are seeking two new Trustees to join our Board and help shape the future of Norwich Outpost. As a Trustee, you will play a vital role in ensuring the organisation fulfils its mission and operates within its legal, financial, and ethical responsibilities. Working closely with the Chair and fellow Trustees, you will provide strategic oversight and support to an evolving and dynamic organisation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the organisation’s vision, values, and objectives.
• Ensure legal and financial compliance as set out by the Charity Commission.
• Provide guidance and oversight to the curatorial collective, volunteers and contractors.
• Advocate for the charity within your networks and the wider community.
• Attend and contribute to quarterly Board meetings (online).
• Participate in sub-committees or working groups.
• Assist with fundraising, partnerships, and strategic planning as appropriate.
• Contribute ambitious thinking and specialist know-how to help push the organisation towards new heights.

Person Specifications:

We welcome applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Prior board experience is strongly desired but not required. We are especially keen to hear from those with expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• Fundraising and development, particularly in the visual arts.
• Marketing, communications, or audience engagement in the contemporary arts.
• Knowledge and experience in longer-term planning of real estate and capital investment projects.
• Equality, diversity, and inclusion.
• Sustainability in the commercial arts.
• Local community knowledge and engagement in Norwich or Norfolk.

What You Will Gain

• The opportunity to support a dynamic board of emerging leaders in the arts, bringing fresh perspectives and a collaborative spirit.
• A chance to help shape an organisation at a pivotal moment of transition and growth.
• Experience contributing to governance and strategic development within the charity sector.
• Direct involvement in supporting early-career artists and shaping artist-led programming at one of the UK’s leading artist spaces.
• Opportunities to connect with curators and arts professionals across a vibrant cultural network, both in the UK and internationally.
• A collaborative, inclusive, and welcoming environment where your contributions are genuinely valued.

How to Apply

Please send your CV and a short expression of interest outlining why you would like to become a Trustee of Norwich Outpost and what you would bring to the role.

Deadline: 31 August 2025

Norwich Outpost is committed to diversity and inclusion. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented groups in the arts.

CHIPS is looking for new trustees to support our peacemaking work internationally.

About CHIPS

CHIPS (Christian International Peace Service) aims to bring about peace and reconciliation in areas of conflict or tension. We have over 59 years’ experience helping communities in the UK, Cyprus, India, the Philippines, Northern Ireland and Uganda; with our current projects being in Northern Ghana and Brixton, UK. We help communities build futures free from violent conflict through practical projects that both tackle the root causes of the division and bring the sides together to build trust and healthy relationships.

Our Vision: Our vision is for a world where conflict is met with peacemaking, division gives way to reconciliation, and communities work together to build sustainable peace.

Our Mission: Rooted in Jesus' example of peace and reconciliation, we accompany communities affected by violent conflict, fostering relationships, taking practical action, and building a foundation for lasting peace.

Our Philosophy:

• We go where we are invited
• We live in the heart of the conflict
• We take sides. Both sides.
• We are committed for the long term

About Being a Trustee

CHIPS (Christian International Peace Service) trustees play a crucial role in advancing peace in communities worldwide. Working collaboratively as part of the Board, they provide strategic oversight to the organisation, helping to strengthen its impact and sustainability by bringing their unique expertise and skills to the team. We're particularly looking for a trustee with a strong background in finance, accounting or bookkeeping in order to help support our Director and Board in there oversight of financial matters.

We hope that the experience of being a trustee for CHIPS will be rewarding. As well as making a difference to the communities that we support, we hope you will gain satisfaction from generously giving of your time. We want to have a Board of Trustees who are diverse in their experience and knowledge so that impact can be sustained. Whilst specific roles may vary, the overall duties are:

• Ensuring that CHIPS pursues its stated objects (purposes), as defined in its constitution, by developing and agreeing a long-term strategy in coordination with CHIPS staff and project teams
• Ensuring that CHIPS complies with its constitution, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations
• Ensuring that CHIPS applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its charitable objects for the benefit of the public
• Ensuring that CHIPS defines its goals and evaluates performance against agreed targets
• Safeguarding the good name and values of CHIPS
• Ensuring the effective and efficient governance of CHIPS, including having appropriate policies and procedures in place
• Ensuring the financial stability of CHIPS
• Protecting and managing the property of the charity and ensuring the proper investment of the charity’s funds
• Following proper and formal arrangements for the appointment, supervision, support, appraisal and remuneration of the senior leadership of CHIPS
• Communicating on behalf of the organisation, if necessary
• Facilitating any feedback or complaints so that any issues are addressed swiftly

In addition to the above statutory duties, each trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the board of trustees reach sound decisions. This may involve 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.

Finance Trustee specific role

• Reviewing quarterly management accounts and highlighting any variances or financial risks to the board.
• Supporting the annual budgeting process by advising on assumptions, cost control, and sustainability.
• Overseeing the preparation of annual accounts with CHIPS staff and working with the auditor or independent examiner as needed.
• Helping develop and monitor financial policies such as reserves, investments, and internal controls.
• Providing strategic financial insight to guide decision-making on fundraising, staffing, or new initiatives.

Person specification
CHIPS is particularly looking for new trustees who have strong backgrounds in finance to support the Director and team members. However, CHIPS is also looking to more generally increase the number of trustees so if you feel you have expertise which could benefit CHIPS, please still get in touch.

• A commitment to and passion for CHIPS and its objects and vision
• A commitment to CHIPS’ statement of faith
• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort
• Strategic vision
• Good, independent judgement and a willingness to speak their mind
• An ability to think creatively
• 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.
• A committed Christian willing to contribute to the spiritual life and development of CHIPS
• Experience or knowledge specific to the area in which they will oversee

If you're interested to join as a trustee, but want to find out more first - do get in contact with us.

Use Your Commercial Expertise to Shape the Future of a National Health Charity

The Infection Prevention Society (IPS) is a UK-wide charity at the forefront of reducing avoidable infections and improving patient safety across health and care settings. We are clinically led, values-driven, and rapidly growing. Following the introduction of a professional staff team and a bold new strategy, we are entering an exciting period of transformation.

We are now recruiting a non-member trustee to join our Board and help shape our commercial direction and future growth.

This is an important and unique opportunity. We are looking for someone who can bring commercial insight, strategic thinking, and a fresh, external perspective to support our mission. You will be joining a committed and multidisciplinary Board that includes infection prevention experts, clinical leaders, and senior figures from across the health and charity sectors.

We are particularly interested in individuals with experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Commercial strategy or business development
• Corporate partnerships or sponsorship
• Marketing, brand development, or digital strategy
• Income generation or diversification in the charity sector
• Innovation and growth

You do not need to be a clinician or work in infection prevention. In fact, for this role, you must not be a current member of the Infection Prevention Society. We are actively looking for someone external to the Society who can bring new ideas and different perspectives.

As a trustee, you will:

• Contribute to the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity
• Support our CEO and staff to deliver the IPS strategy and diversify income
• Help identify new commercial opportunities and strengthen external partnerships
• Provide constructive challenge and guidance to the Board and senior leadership
• Champion the Society’s work with external audiences and stakeholders

The time commitment is modest (around 6–8 hours per quarter) but the potential impact is significant. You will help shape a charity that is improving lives across the UK by working to prevent infections in healthcare, community, dental, veterinary, and built environment settings.

This is a voluntary role. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are committed to inclusive recruitment.

Closing date: 10pm, 7 September 2025

Trustees required – Evolve Counselling CIO (1181861) 

• Location: remote/Cambridgeshire area 

• Voluntary role: reasonable expenses paid 

• Time commitment: 0-5 hours per month (estimated), mostly outside office hours 

• Term: negotiable, e.g. interim/three years/extendable by re-election 

• Application closing date: 7 July 2025 

The Role: 

Dynamic Trustees needed, with charity and commercial skills, to support mental health CIO. With an ambitious development programme up and running, we need to expand our Trustee Board. This is an exciting opportunity to join us at a crucial time of growing demand for our services. 

About Us: 

Evolve Counselling is a long-established charitable social enterprise, providing low cost, affordable or funded mental health counselling to adults in mainly Cambridgeshire and surrounding counties. Our counselling community is made up of 50 – 60 qualified self-employed practitioners, working part-time. We deliver talking therapies to adults – online and in person. Our service delivers around 500 counselling sessions per month to a broad range of individuals, many of whom would not otherwise be able to access counselling support. Evolve also provides supervision, reflective practice, critical incident support, and mental health awareness and related training, to organisations and businesses large and small. 

What We’re Looking For: 

Our Trustee Board is currently drawn from the counselling and therapies community, plus commercial and other charity backgrounds. Now, with crucial development of the CIO ahead, we are looking for new members to expand the Board to its maximum ten places and to gain skills and insight from an equal, diverse and inclusive group that takes in business skills, knowledge of charities, and experience of not-for-profit finances to make growth plans a reality. 

The Board will keep us on track with good governance through oversight of our work and will also help our keen new CEO to secure a sound financial base from which to grow our operations to meet the ever-increasing demand for our services. 

We welcome applications from individuals with backgrounds in any of the following areas: 

• Business strategy and planning 
• Commerce/industry 
• Governance 
• Working within the charity/CIO sector 
• Financial management 
• Legal expertise 
• Health and wellbeing services 
• Mental health counselling 
• Health service commissioning or delivery planning 
• Advocacy or advice services 
• Data protection/GDPR knowledge 
• Adherence to the Nolan Principles of Public Life 

Application process: Please email with your CV and letter of application, stating why you’d like to become a Trustee at Evolve Counselling and how your skills and experience align with our plans for growth. 

The Charities HR Network – Trustee 

Following a period of significant growth, The Charities HR Network (CHRN) is looking for three new Trustees to join its board in 2025.

As the UK’s only network dedicated to supporting HR professionals in the charity sector, CHRN plays a vital role in connecting professionals, championing best practice, and providing tools and resources that really make a difference.

This is a voluntary role with real influence. Trustees help guide CHRN’s strategic direction, support the CEO and team, and ensure that its growing membership continues to be served in meaningful and forward-thinking ways.

Active for over 20 years, the CHRN now supports over 150 charities and is aiming to double this reach within the next three years. As part of this next chapter, CHRN is particularly keen to appoint trustees with experience in talent acquisition, learning and development, or organisational development. Two of these appointments will also help lead specialist groups in these areas.

CHRN welcomes applications from individuals with senior experience in HR or the charity sector. Previous board experience isn’t required, but the ability to think strategically, a collaborative approach, and a commitment to inclusion and equity is important.

Key details:

• Remote/virtual meetings (likely one per year face to face) – trustees can be based anywhere in the UK
• Time commitment: around 4–6 board and committee meetings per year
• Voluntary position with expenses covered
• A supportive and inclusive team culture, with opportunities to influence sector-wide change
• Personal and professional development through board-level experience, networking, and leadership of special interest groups
• Initial tenure of 3 years, with an option to extend for an additional 2 years

Trustees at CHRN are hands-on, insightful, and central to the success of the organisation. They work closely with the CEO and team to support service delivery, develop partnerships (including with the CIPD), and ensure that CHRN continues to meet the evolving needs of its members.

To apply, candidates should send a CV and short supporting statement to Peter Reeve, CEO. Informal conversations are welcome in advance and Peter can be contacted via email or LinkedIn.

Deadline for applications: 5pm, 15 September 2025

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.

Join Us as a Charity Trustee: Help Shape the Future of Befriending 

Are you passionate about building a more connected society, where no one feels forgotten or alone? 

Befriending Networks, the world’s largest network of befriending projects, is recruiting two trustees to help us champion the vital role of befriending in reducing loneliness and social isolation.

Around 1 in 6 people worldwide experience loneliness. Befriending services respond to this need by matching people in their communities for planned social activities that build meaningful connections.

Befriending Networks supports over 300 member organisations to deliver quality befriending services, through sector-specific training, events, resources, awards and 1:1 support. 

As a Befriending Networks trustee, you will be part of a welcoming and active board that enables befriending services across the UK and beyond to thrive. You will join us at an exciting time, as we begin to deliver our next strategic steps as an organisation. 

Following a recent board skills review, we are seeking two individuals who can offer skills in the following areas: 

• Income generation – This trustee will have an enterprising mindset, with experience of strategic fundraising, working with grantmakers, trusts and foundations or devising corporate sponsorships. Their guidance will help our charity to move into new ways of generating income, allowing us to become more resilient and advance our vision for a society where the importance of meaningful connections is valued. 
   
• Sector influence and advocacy – This trustee will be a great communicator, with a skill for forming and sustaining effective relationships. They will have a broad professional network which might include national or international connections. They may have connections which include the private sector, academia, thinktanks or investors interested in making social impact. Their experience might include research, policy making or campaigning. Their guidance will help us advocate for the befriending sector with greater impact and effectiveness. 

By joining the Befriending Networks board, you will play an integral role in moving our charity forward and helping us champion the impact of befriending on loneliness and isolation.  If you have the skills we’re looking for and are energised by working collaboratively to help organisations (and others) succeed, we’d love to hear from you. 

We are keen to hear from applicants with diverse lived experiences, especially those currently underrepresented in trustee boards. No previous board experience is required and you do not need to meet all requirements listed in the role descriptions to apply. 

Location: Remote/UK-wide (with one in-person meeting in Edinburgh per year) 
Time commitment: Approximately 4-6 hours per month. We have 6 board meetings per year (5 online and 1 in-person) 

Applications close: Monday 18th August 2025 

Our Board Executive will review all expressions of interest and will want to set up an online call with applicants to discuss their suitability for the role.

Purpose of the Role

Trustees are the people who share ultimate responsibility for governing a charity and directing how it is managed and run. As a trustee of The Sussex Reptile Rescue Centre, you will help ensure the charity is well-run, financially sound, and working effectively to rescue, rehabilitate, and care for reptiles.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure the charity is carrying out its purposes for the public benefit

• Comply with the charity’s governing document and relevant laws

• Act in the charity’s best interests at all times

• Manage the charity’s resources responsibly and ensure financial stability

• Safeguard the charity’s reputation and values

• Contribute to setting the charity’s strategy and long-term plans

• Monitor the charity’s performance against objectives

• Attend trustee meetings, read papers in advance, and contribute constructively

• Represent the charity positively in the community and at events

Skills & Experience

We welcome applications from people with a variety of backgrounds. Skills that are particularly helpful for our board include:

• Finance, accounting, or business management

• Fundraising or marketing

• Animal welfare knowledge (especially reptiles)

• HR, governance, or legal expertise

• Networking and relationship building

• Strategic planning

Qualities Needed

• Commitment to the charity’s aims and values

• Willingness to dedicate time and effort to the role

• Ability to think strategically and make balanced decisions

• Good communication and teamwork skills

• Integrity and sound judgement

What You’ll Gain

• A chance to make a meaningful impact on animal welfare

• Opportunity to use your skills and experience for a good cause

• Experience in charity governance and strategy

• Being part of a supportive and passionate team

The main duties of a Trustee

• To ensure that the organisation complies with the governing documents, organisation law, and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
• To ensure that the organisation pursues its objectives as defined in its governing documents.
• To ensure that the organisation applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objectives, i.e. the organisation must not spend money on activities that are not included in its own objectives, no matter how worthwhile or charitable they are.
• To contribute effectively to the board of trustees’ role by giving firm strategic direction to the organisation, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance.
• To promote the interests of the Ouseburn Trust within a wider network and throughout the community it serves, and whilst doing so, safeguard the good name of the organisation.
• To declare conflicts of interest whilst carrying out the duties of a trustee.
• To be collectively responsible for the actions of the organisation and other trustees.
• To ensure the financial stability of the organisation.
• To protect and manage the assets of the organisation and ensure funds are effectively managed.
• To attend meetings and to read papers in advance and to give advance notice if unable to attend. Trustees who fail to attend three consecutive meetings may be asked to resign their seat.
• To make sure the organisation is effectively insured.
• To support employees in their appointment and effective execution of their duties.
• To keep informed about the activities of the organisation.
• To appoint a suitable person from the board to the roles of Chair & Vice Chair.

When appointing new Directors/Trustees serious consideration will be given to the skills, knowledge and experience that will be brought to the Board of Directors.

It is essential that Directors/Trustees understand the management process and carry out their role both diligently and effectively without becoming a barrier to progress or over-stepping their responsibilities.

The requirements of the role

The culture of the organisation is to deliver its charitable aims using a business type approach. Ideally we are looking for someone who:

• has a passion for the Ouseburn Valley and our work within it.
• is sympathetic to the Trust's aims and values and
• understands the role of the third sector in driving local regeneration.

New Directors/Trustees will demonstrate:

• Integrity.
• A commitment and enthusiasm to the work and objectives of the Ouseburn Trust.
• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to their duties as a Trustee.
• An understanding and/or experience of management practice with a professional approach to the work of the Board and to the development of the Ouseburn Trust.
• A commitment to equality of opportunity.
• Good independent judgement and a strategic vision.
• An ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
• A commitment to work in the best interest of the Ouseburn Trust at all times and to take part in the work of the Ouseburn Trust through involvement in sub-committees.
• A range of skills and experience that will enable the Ouseburn Trust to fulfil its Primary Objectives and an understanding and acceptance of the legal responsibilities, duties and liabilities of Trusteeship.

Training provided

An extensive induction pack is available for new Trustees along with ongoing support from staff and fellow Trustees.

Spectra is a Community Interest Company (CIC), working to improve the choices, health, and well-being of structurally excluded communities across London, particularly in relation to their sexual health, emotional resilience, and well-being, and to combat isolation and minimise risk.

Under the steer of its Chief Executive and Board of Directors, Spectra’s outstanding staff team provides supportive, knowledgeable, and non-judgemental services, all of which are peer-led, meaning they are delivered by people with lived and learned experience. Spectra strives to proactively identify the needs of all its service users, supporting them appropriately and effectively.

We are now seeking suitably experienced and committed individuals to join our Board as Directors of the CIC.

Director with Fundraising Experience: You will provide strategic direction for the organisation around fundraising, including helping to shape and support our fundraising strategy around diversifying our funds and growing our individual giving. You will support Spectra’s delivery of statutory and grant-funded services, help us in advancing our vision, and provide constructive scrutiny and oversight of the Chief Executive and the work of Spectra’s staff.

Director with Communications, Marketing, and PR Experience: You will provide strategic direction for the organisation around communications, marketing, and PR. You will support our plans to increase our reach and brand, further our communications work and strategy, including social media marketing and campaigning, and enhance our PR opportunities. You will support Spectra’s delivery of statutory and grant-funded services, help us in advancing our vision, and provide constructive scrutiny and oversight of the Chief Executive and the work of Spectra’s staff.

Spectra is based in Vauxhall, South London. It is expected that you will attend five meetings (in the evening, currently online on a Monday evening) and two SMT/Board Away Days each year (currently in person). In addition, it is envisaged that you will contribute your expertise outside of Board meetings on occasion, e.g., to review service or planning reports, to input into a focus group, etc.

Welcome from Chair

Welcome to Action Duchenne. I became Chair of the Charity in January 2025. By background, I am a retired GP and NHS Leader, and my grandson Sebastian has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

The Charity has been going through a period of significant change, as our previous CEO has moved on and several of our Trustees have retired. It has given us the opportunity to review and refresh our focus and our ways of working together.

We have also recently been awarded significant funding from the National Lottery over the next three years to develop and expand our All Through Support programme. The programme offers tailored support to families over years as they navigate the different challenges Duchenne brings and aims to travel alongside them throughout their journeys. No other statutory or charitable organisation is able to offer this level of support.

We want to expand and develop the Trustee Board to harness a wider set of skills, expertise and experience that will enrich the charity as we go forward. It is an exciting time to join us, and to be part of something that makes a real and tangible difference.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Dr Vicky Pleydell

Background and Direction

Action Duchenne is a charity providing holistic support to those living with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (Duchenne) and their families. Our core activities involve bringing people together to share their experiences and learn from one another, increasing awareness of Duchenne, and bringing together families, Clinicians and pharmaceutical companies to increase understanding of the needs of those living with Duchenne. We provide support for families from the moment of diagnosis through their whole Duchenne journey.

We have been through a period of change and development, and are now looking to expand our Trustee Board with people with the following skills:

• Finance (a Treasurer role is available)

• Charity Governance

• Fundraising

• Legal 

We have recently been awarded significant funding from the National Lottery, which is enabling us to develop and increase the reach of our programmes. 

Trustee Role and Person Specification

The Trustees of Action Duchenne are pivotal roles, providing oversight and ensuring legal compliance. Board members are each expected to actively participate in quarterly meetings, and in turn are expected to dedicate sufficient time to the role.

The Trustees appointed will become Directors of the Company limited by guarantee (no. 04899036) and a Trustee of the registered charity (no. 1101971), and therefore need to be eligible to take on these roles.

All Trustees must 

• ensure that the charity is carrying out its purpose for the public benefit

• Comply with governing documents and the law

• Act in the charity’s best interests

• Manage the charity’s resources responsibly

• Act with reasonable care and skill, and

• Ensure the charity is accountable.

The Trustee role is voluntary and unpaid, but reasonable expenses will be met.

The majority of formal meetings are conducted remotely through emails and conference calls, with bi-annual away days.

Essential Criteria

Applicants must clearly demonstrate:

• A strong commitment to the holistic approach of support

• Relevant skills and experience drawn from a professional background

• A willingness to devote time to the governance of Action Duchenne, including preparing for and attending Board meetings and Away Days

• Emotional intelligence to understand the physical, mental, social and emotional challenges facing those living with Duchenne

• An understanding and acceptance of legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities associated with trusteeship, or the willingness and ability to acquire this

• Strong independent judgement and the ability to constructively challenge ideas on the Board and with the CEO

• Proven ability to work creatively and strategically in a Trustee or Board setting.

• Strong communication and analytical skills

Skills

Action Duchenne is looking for new Board members with a wide range of skills; please note these are a few areas of focus, but we are also looking for general Trustees, so please apply as we are looking to grow the Board in a number of ways.

• Finance experience and skills

• Governance experience and skills developed through time on a Charity Board

• Fundraising experience and expertise, with evidence of success across different income streams

• Legal experience

Lived experience/diversity

The Board currently has a majority of Trustees with lived experience of Duchenne, and therefore in this instance, we are looking for those without personal experience. If there is a reason relating to accessibility or diversity in which you feel you can’t apply for this role, please contact us for a chat before making your application.

Time Commitment

The Trustees currently meet monthly, and aim to move to quarterly meetings. For each meeting, there is an expectation of pre-reading and preparation, and where there is capacity and appropriate expertise, Trustees can advise on their anticipated standards relating to areas of work (safeguarding, fundraising, HR, for example).

The anticipated time commitment is likely to be 4-8 hours a month, with the away days in addition to this.

A trial period of six months is offered, to ensure the fit works for both the new Trustee and the Board, and a maximum term of three years, with the opportunity to be re-elected once, to serve for a total of two terms - six years.

How to apply

If you would like to have a chat about the role first, please contact Vicky Pleydell, Chair, via our website. Please share your CV and a short covering letter (no more than two A4 pages) noting why you would like to be a Trustee of Action Duchenne, how you align with the Charity, and what you feel you can give to the organisation through the Apply button before the closing date.

Closing date for applications

Applications will close on 9am on Tuesday 26th August, with interviews aiming to be held in the week commencing Monday 18th August.

Keychange is a Christian charity with a rich legacy of providing the best quality residential care and support to older people and homeless women.

We currently operate seven residential care communities for older people and two housing communities supporting women and young people who have experienced homelessness or trauma. In the past year alone, we’ve provided care and support for 245 older people and 69 women and young people across our centres. With a dedicated team of around 250 staff and an annual turnover of £9.6 million, we are committed to transforming lives through the power of community. As a Christian charity, we are motivated by the love of Jesus to support people. Our mission is to create communities where each person is supported, valued and known.

Over the past few years, Keychange has undergone a significant and successful transformation. This has included strengthening governance, aligning operations and finance, and embedding a culture of openness, collaboration and collective accountability across all levels of the organisation. As a result, Keychange has increased care home occupancy to over 90%, streamlined its services, and is now well-positioned for future growth and innovation.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a values-driven charity with a renewed sense of purpose, and a clear strategic direction aimed at deepening its impact and building on its legacy of care and community.

We are looking to appoint 3-4 Trustees with experience in the following specialist areas:

· Finance and Commercial: Capital financing, property development, or redevelopment of care facilities,

·Homelessness: Experience in services supporting women, particularly those affected by domestic violence or trauma,

· Fundraising: Capital campaigns or charitable trusts and grant-making bodies,

· Digital: Tech solutions that improve care delivery or operational efficiency.

These posts are subject to an occupational requirement that the holders are practising Christians under Part 1 of Schedule 9 to the Equality Act 2010.