Board of trustees volunteer roles in greenwich, greater london

TRUSTEE – FUNDRAISING SPECIALISM
EVERY FUTURE FOUNDATION (EFF)

About Every Future Foundation
Every Future Foundation is an anti-racist education charity committed to eradicating racism in schools. Through programmes like Champions for Change, teacher training, and the Activism Academy, we empower students, educators, and leaders to challenge institutional racism and create inclusive, equitable school environments. Our vision is to eliminate racism from the UK education system.

As we enter a new phase of growth and sustainability under our 3-Year Strategic Plan (2024-2027), we are looking for a passionate, strategic Trustee with fundraising expertise to join our Board.

Role Purpose

The Fundraising Trustee will support the Board and Senior Leadership Team in driving fundraising strategies to secure sustainable income, build key partnerships, and ensure delivery of the organisation's objectives. This role will contribute to expanding our income streams, fostering donor relationships, and strengthening EFF's financial sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

1. Governance and Strategic oversight

• Actively contribute to the strategic direction of the organisation, ensuring alignment with the 2024-2027 Strategic Plan and fundraising goals.
• Provide governance oversight as part of the Board of Trustees, ensuring fundraising activities comply with regulations, ethical guidelines, and best practices.
• Support EFF in achieving its financial targets and diversifying income streams, reducing reliance on grant funding.

2. Fundraising Strategy and Development

• Advise on and oversee the implementation of EFF's fundraising strategy, focusing on:
  • Corporate Partnerships: Develop relationships with businesses for financial and in-kind support.
  • Donor Engagement: Identify opportunities to secure major donors and philanthropic supporters.
  • Grant Funding: Support applications for project-based grants, ensuring alignment with funder priorities.
  • Earned Income: Assist in promoting paid training and consultancy services for schools and councils.
  • Mentoring: Providing mentoring and advice to the CEO and senior leadership team on fundraising applications and fundraising activities.
• Use personal networks to identify and cultivate new funding opportunities.
• Provide guidance on donor stewardship, ensuring long-term relationships are maintained and grown.

3. Advocacy and Ambassadorship

• Act as an ambassador for EFF, representing its vision and impact to prospective donors, corporate partners, and funders.
• Support the CEO and Senior Leadership Team in fundraising meetings and events, helping to articulate a compelling case for support.
• Champion fundraising priorities at Board meetings, offering challenge, advice, and support.

Person specification

Essential

• Fundraising expertise: Proven experience in fundraising, income generation, or development, particularly within the charity, education, or non-profit sectors.
• Networks and influence: Ability to leverage networks to unlock new funding opportunities and connections.
• Strategic mindset: Understanding of income diversification and sustainable fundraising models, including corporate partnerships, individual giving, and grants.
• Commitment to Anti-Racism: Passion for racial equity and a belief in the transformative power of education to create systemic change.
• Collaboration and Leadership: Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with the Board, CEO, and Senior Leadership Team.

Desirable

• Experience working with organisations that deliver training, consultancy, or social justice initiatives.
• Knowledge of fundraising regulations, charity governance, and the funding landscape in the UK.

Commitment

• Term: 3 years (renewable).
• Time commitment: Approximately 4-6 hours per month, including attendance at 4 Trustee Board meetings per year (a mix of in-person and virtual).
• Occasional participation in fundraising events, strategy workshops, and meetings with donors or partners.

Why Join Every Future Foundation?

This is an exciting time to join EFF as we scale our impact and strengthen our sustainability. As a Trustee, you will:

• Play a key role in eliminating institutional racism from UK schools.
• Contribute your expertise to a growing, ambitious organisation delivering real change.
• Work alongside a passionate and skilled team committed to education equity.
• Enhance your governance experience while championing a cause you care about.

Trustees should be able to prepare for and attend six Board meetings and four committee meetings in London per year, as well as making some local visits throughout the Charity to understand our activities and increase Trustee visibility. The time commitment is around 20 days per year, with some evenings and weekends. Much of the activity can be undertaken working remotely or at home

What you’ll do: 

• Lead strategic thinking on business development, helping shape the long-term vision and strategy, advising the Board on growing St John Ambulance’s commercial activities.
• Champion innovation and entrepreneurial approaches to enhance charitable impact through sustainable commercial growth.
• Provide oversight and input into commercial plans across training, medical supplies, events, partnerships, acquisitions, and other key business development initiatives.
• Support robust decision-making, offering challenge and guidance on risk, return on investment, and commercial opportunities to help the Board make informed choices.
• Promote ethical business practices, ensuring alignment between commercial activities and St John’s mission, values, and charitable purpose.
• Collaborate with fellow Trustees, including the Treasurer and Digital & Data Trustee, to strengthen financial governance, integrate digital strategies, and optimise organisational performance.

Closing date for these opportunities is: 16/09/2025

To apply for this opportunity, please follow the link below:

RSPCA London South East Branch

This is an exciting opportunity to pass on your human resources and employee relations expertise whilst helping the RSPCA; promote kindness and prevent animal cruelty, reach out to more supporters, and influence how we do things.

Overview of the Branch Trustee - HR & Employee Relations

As a HR & Employee Relations expert you would be supporting the branch by helping them maintain and develop staff throughout the organisation. You would play a key role in advising Trustees on the long-term and strategic direction of human resources and contributing towards policy setting.

As a minimum, trustees would normally be expected to attend a monthly committee meeting lasting some 2 to 3 hours. However, the commitment may vary depending on whether the trustee takes on additional duties.

About the RSPCA

Founded in 1824, we have been saving animals for 200 years and are proud to be the oldest welfare charity around. We are the RSPCA and it's our vision to live in a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion. Our volunteers are incredible, they play an essential role in helping us carry out our important animal welfare work every day.

The RSPCA London South East Branch

The London South East Branch is one of the branches of RSPCA, but we are also a separately registered charity looking after animals in our local area. Much of the animal welfare work of RSPCA is carried out through local branches, which is run by volunteers who have the support of the National Society of RSPCA.

The London South East Branch has two retail shops (Sydenham Road and Norwood Road) and supports the work of the Inspectorate through rehoming of animals within the branch area.

Primary responsibilities of the Branch Trustee – HR & Employee Relations

• Advise Trustees on the long-term vision and strategic direction for investment in human resources.
• Support the Branch grow, maintain, and develop staff throughout the organisation.
• Contribute to HR policy setting, strategic direction, goal and target setting, and evaluate performance against targets, budgets, plans and charitable objectives.
• Ensure that HR activities and interventions are linked to the branches charitable objectives and complement the company culture.
• Advise on and help improve management of HR.
• Ensure the Board of Trustees properly remunerates staff, reviewing and rewarding performance and development opportunities.
• To work with the Branch Manager to review current HR management arrangements and provide guidance on HR strategy and short and long-term direction.
• Receive progress reports on HR and any recurring staffing issues.

Core Branch Trustee responsibilities

• Appreciate and support the aims and policies of the RSPCA.
• Work in conjunction with fellow trustees and branch officers and jointly act in making decisions for the best interest of the branch and the RSPCA.
• Work with national RSPCA staff to ensure that the branch meets all minimum animal welfare standards (MAWS).
• In conjunction with your fellow trustees and Branch Partnership Manager write, adopt, monitor, and review a development plan setting out the short and long term aims of your branch.
• Actively participate in branch committee meetings and to attend the branch annual general meeting and regional conference.
• Be aware of the outcome of regional board meetings and support regional initiatives.
• Actively promote and advertise the society in an ongoing programme to recruit new branch trustees and volunteers and welcome new members.
• In conjunction with your fellow trustees, ensure the proper management and control of all activities and decisions relating to any premises held or staff employed by the branch if applicable.

What we are looking for in a volunteer:

We are committed to creating a Board which is representative of our society and in particular, our community and surrounding areas so encourage people from any background to apply for any of our opportunities.

Alongside Human Resources experience, including a CIPD membership, we are looking for someone who is committed to the RSPCA’s charitable objectives and shares our passion for animal welfare. You would be creative, innovative, bring a fresh perspective, and can put ideas into action.

You will need to be able to work with people and have good interpersonal skills. You do not need to be an expert although commitment, common sense, and the ability to be objective are vital.

No previous trustee experience? That’s OK! We welcome applications from anyone interested in developing their skills by becoming a trustee and will provide relevant training.

What we can offer you as a volunteer Branch Trustee – HR & Employee Relations

• We will provide you with a comprehensive trustee training course which will provide you will everything you need to carry out the role.
• Ongoing support is also provided by regional and national RSPCA staff in addition to any additional training provided by the relevant branch.
• The platform to utilise your skills and experience to oversee the charity and make decisions that have a direct impact on local animal welfare.
• The opportunity to gain new skills and develop existing ones, whilst making a real difference to the lives of animals.
• A way to expand your professional and personal network through working with like-minded people.

Practical considerations

• Please also note that to become a Trustee, you will need to be aged 18 or over and a member of our branch for three months before you are eligible to be elected.
• Trustees are elected for a 12-month term each year.
• Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.
• Trustees must sign a Trustee Declaration of Willingness to Act to clarify that they are not disqualified from being a trustee and read the Charity Commission’s guidance for individuals on who cannot be a trustee or senior manager of a charity.
• References will also be required.

How to find out more about being a Branch Trustee

For more information on becoming a Charity Trustee, and to ensure it is the right decision for you view the Government Charity Trustee Guidance.

There is some information on the RSPCA website about Branch Trustees, and we have an online session about Becoming a Branch Trustee, which should hopefully give you more of an idea of what the RSPCA Branch Trustee role will involve.

Who They Are

Peer Power Youth is a national charity that leads with empathy, supporting young people who have experienced trauma. The organisation provides life skills, training, and work experience, while working in partnership with young people to drive meaningful change across mental health services, justice, and social services. More information can be found on their website and social media channels.

The Role

Peer Power Youth is seeking a Trustee with responsibility for overseeing all financial aspects of the charity on behalf of the Board. This individual will advise the Board on financial matters, safeguarding both the short- and long-term financial stability of the organisation. They will ensure effective internal financial controls, oversee risk management, and guarantee that accurate, insightful financial information is shared internally and externally as required.

As a Trustee, they will also contribute to shaping the charity’s strategic direction, ensuring strong governance and a continued commitment to Peer Power Youth’s objectives and values.

Treasurer vacancy at the Gender and Development Network   

GADN brings together NGOs, consultants, academics, and activists committed to advancing women’s and girls’ rights, gender equality, and decolonised international development. Our vision is a world where social justice and gender equality prevail, and all women and girls can realise their rights free from discrimination.

We are now recruiting a Treasurer to join our Board of Trustees — a vital leadership role in the financial governance and future direction of our dynamic feminist network. Together with the Co-Chairs, the Treasurer is one of the Officers of the Board, a role which you can hold for a maximum of two 2-year terms. Trustees may serve a maximum of two 3-year terms. 

As we continue working to decolonise our practice and build an anti-racist organisation, we actively welcome applications from Black women and Women of Colour who we recognise are under-represented in decision-making spaces in the UK international development sector.

About the role

As Treasurer, you will:

• Maintain strategic oversight of GADN’s financial affairs on behalf of the Board.
• Provide expert advice to Trustees and the Secretariat on financial planning and stewardship.
• Work closely with the Co-Directors and Secretariat to ensure sound financial systems and decision-making.
• Support the preparation of budgets, accounts, and key legal reporting.

This is a voluntary position requiring approximately 3 days per quarter, including an in-person meeting in London.

Who we’re looking for

We are seeking someone with:

• Experience in financial oversight, budgeting, and/or charity finance.
• Strong accountancy or numeracy skills and the ability to communicate financial matters clearly.
• A commitment to GADN’s values, including gender equality, anti-racism, and decolonisation.

Experience in the international development or women’s rights sector is desirable, but not essential.

Please send your CV and cover letter to our recruitment email, referencing the role profile on our website. The closing date is  Monday 1 September, though we reserve the right to close applications earlier. Interviews will be held on 2 and 3 September. Please let us know in your email if you are not available on those interview dates.

What we're looking for

We need a finance-minded trustee who can keep us on the right track financially while we focus on creating real change. You don't need to be a charity expert (we'll teach you that), but you do need to care about what we're doing and have the skills to help us do it properly.

Your background might include:

• Professional experience in finance, accounting, or bookkeeping

• An ability to make sense of financial information and explain it to others

• Strong attention to detail (because the small stuff does matter)

• A genuine enthusiasm for our mission and charitable objects

What would be brilliant (but not essential):

• Previous charity sector experience

• Formal accounting qualifications

• Experience with charity accounting software

• Understanding of what it's like to run a small charity on a tight budget

What you'll be doing

This isn't about sitting in boardrooms making abstract decisions. You'll be:

• Keeping our finances healthy: Overseeing day-to-day financial operations and making sure our bookkeeping stays accurate

• Being our financial voice: Presenting clear, understandable financial reports at monthly trustee meetings

• Planning ahead: Leading our annual budget process and helping us make smart financial decisions

• Staying compliant: Ensuring we meet all charity financial regulations and coordinate our annual independent examination

• Managing risk: Helping us spot potential financial challenges before they become problems

• Helping with fundraising: Writing grant applications, helping come up with fundraising ideas

The need-to-know

Time commitment: Around 4-8 hours per month - this includes one monthly trustee meeting, your financial review work, and the occasional extra task that crops up

Term: We're looking for a minimum 2-year commitment initially, which then becomes a rolling 1-year term subject to the constitutional requirements. 

When we meet: We will be setting our meeting dates at the start of the organisation's year (October 2025) so everyone can plan ahead. 

Next steps timeline:

• Applications close: 5 September 2025 at 17:00

• Interview dates: TBC - dependent on application numbers

• Next board meeting: TBC

Why this role matters

Every month, we see the difference our work makes to neurodivergent legal professionals who've struggled to find their place in traditional firm culture. Your financial expertise won't just keep our books balanced - it'll help us scale our impact responsibly and ensure we're here for the long haul.

What we offer in return

• Real impact: See directly how your skills contribute to meaningful change

• Supportive team: Work with a committed and welcoming board that'll have your back

• Professional development: Gain valuable charity governance experience

• Flexibility: We’re a team of working professionals and always work around professional commitments

• Recognition: References and recommendations for future opportunities

• Reimbursed expenses: We cover reasonable costs related to your trustee duties

We're committed to inclusive recruitment and welcome applications from all backgrounds. If you need any adjustments to our application process, just let us know.

Application deadline: 5 September 2025 at 17:00

The Organisation

Muscular Dystrophy UK is the leading charity supporting over 110,000 people in the UK living with one of more than 60 muscle-wasting and weakening conditions. The organisation connects people affected by these conditions—including individuals, their families, healthcare professionals, and scientists—ensuring that everyone can access the healthcare, support, and treatments needed to thrive both mentally and physically.

Muscular Dystrophy UK provides support across all stages of life, from diagnosis to living well. The charity:

• Shares expert advice and guidance to help people live well today.

• Funds pioneering research to improve understanding of different conditions and drive the development of new treatments.

• Works with the NHS to achieve universal access to specialist healthcare.

• Campaigns to improve rights, accessibility, understanding, and access to treatments for people affected by muscle-wasting conditions.

The Role

This is an exciting time for Muscular Dystrophy UK, which will soon publish a bold new strategy guiding its work over the next decade. With strong financial foundations, diverse income streams, and robust external partnerships, the organisation is well positioned to scale its impact.

The charity is seeking to appoint a Vice Chair to support the Chair and play a pivotal role in guiding the organisation forward, helping Muscular Dystrophy UK achieve its ambitious vision for the future.

The Vice Chair serves as a Trustee and, in addition to standard Trustee responsibilities, supports the Chair in leading the Board to ensure strong governance and strategic oversight. The Vice Chair acts as a supportive and critical friend to the Chief Executive and may deputise for the Chair as required.

Person Specification

Muscular Dystrophy UK is looking for engaging individuals who bring credibility, experience, and a genuine passion for contributing at Board level. Candidates should demonstrate:

• Proven leadership experience, ideally at Board level within the charity, public, or private sector.

• Knowledge of charity governance and Trustee responsibilities.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to maintain relationships, build consensus, and manage differing perspectives.

• Commitment to the mission and values of Muscular Dystrophy UK.

• Strategic thinking, sound judgment, and integrity.

• Availability to commit approximately 20 days per year to the role.

The charity is committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that reflects the communities it serves. Applications are particularly encouraged from underrepresented groups, including individuals from ethnic minority backgrounds, LGBTQ+ communities, and those with lived experience of the conditions represented. Muscular Dystrophy UK believes diversity strengthens its work and enhances its ability to support beneficiaries effectively.

InterVol is a student volunteering charity in the United Kingdom that connects students with volunteering opportunities locally and overseas. InterVol supports students to develop their skills with community projects in the UK and then use those skills to support the work of charitable partners overseas on health, education, refugee support, and conservation placements. Our project placements and volunteering opportunities are designed by our local partners with the long-term needs of beneficiaries and communities in mind. InterVol supports a network of four student societies at English universities with around one hundred volunteers annually.

InterVol is looking to increase its presence on university campuses around England and Wales, and therefore we are accepting applications from university students interested in setting up a student committee.As a committee member, you will be responsible for recruiting students to volunteer locally and abroad, liaising between the board of trustees and the committee, and recruiting committee members for the next academic year. The student committees will be supported by the trustee board, who are drawn from past student committees. 

Setting up a student committee is an excellent opportunity to gain leadership experience, gain a developed insight into the charity sector and international development, and create positive change in your community and abroad. All student committees are supported by the trustee board, and there will be training provided. 

As a committee member you will:

·Work with the student union at your university to establish an InterVol committee. 

·Recruit students to volunteer locally and abroad. This will involve attending freshers’ fair, hosting information evenings, and running team-building days. 

·Organise local volunteering opportunities and liaise with our international project partners. 

·Recruit committee members for the following academic year. 

·Oversee volunteer fundraising. 

·Commit to being involved with the student committee for two years. 

·Be based in the United Kingdom to allow travel to meetings.

Person Specification:

·Experience of volunteering in the UK or abroad. 

·Strong teamwork, collaboration, and communication skills. 

·Capable of leading teams and working under pressure. 

·Well-versed at time management and staying organised. 

Trustees should be able to prepare for and attend six Board meetings and four committee meetings in London per year, as well as making some local visits throughout the Charity to understand our activities and increase Trustee visibility. The time commitment is around 20 days per year, with some evenings and weekends. Much of the activity can be undertaken working remotely or at home

As the Trustee (Digital & Data) for SJA, you will bring your expertise in digital transformation, data strategy, and technology leadership to bear in supporting the Board to achieve its mission and strategic goals, driving improvement, creativity and innovation, and enhanced service delivery, ensuring the organisation embraces future-ready solutions. 

This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant contribution within a diverse, inclusive, and values-driven national charity.

Closing date for these opportunities is: 16/09/2025

To apply for this opportunity, please follow the link below:

Balance Support CIO is a specialist provider of learning disabilities services across SW London. We are seeking new trustees to support the charity's widening strategic partnerships and business growth.

What will you be doing?

Reshaping our Board

Balance has trustees with substantial experience across a range of disciplines from housing law to management consultancy and information technology. This experience and knowledge have been critical in supporting the charity's executive leadership restructure operations and qaulity assurance standandards.

As a result they have steered the charitys growth and development increasing turnover from £2.3 Million in 2022 to £4.2 Million in 2024. With additional new work likely in 2025, the board see's strengthening it's knowledge and specialisms as critical in leading this new phase of our development.

Who we are looking for

We are looking for new trustees who have a commitment to driving high quality and empowering social care services. You will recognise the importance of your role in being both a critical friend to the executive leadership as well as an expert in your given field.

Following some recent resignations the board is looking for trustees who can bring backgrounds: 

• finance -  insight, support and guidance to help develop a sustainable and financially resilient charity
• marketing - knowledge of and ability to support the charity's approach to marketing its services to new customers, commissioners and other business partners
• human resources - a background in HR that provides guidance and support to board in ensuring our personnel governance aligns with our legal obligations

Previous experience as a trustee is not necessary as we will offer training and support where there may be gaps in knowledge. However we are particularly keen to hear from candidates who may be from a black and minority ethnic background, women and people living with a disability. 

Where you live

We are a charity based in Kingston with operations across a number of boroughs in SW and Central London. Whilst insight and knowledge of SW london may be an advantage, our flexible approach to attending board meetings in person or online offers wider opportunities for participation from beyond the charity's base. 

What are we looking for?

We are looking for trustees with the following experience and skills:

Financial

• Strong commercial background in a senior finance role.
• Knowledge of (or willingness to get to grips with) charity SORP and any impending changes.
• Strong ability to communicate financial information to members of the Board and other stakeholders.
• Knowledge and experience of fundraising governance and good finance practice.

Marketing and Communications

• Knowledge and experience in a marketing and/or communications role
• Can provide industry knowledge and adivce on marketing and communications to grow brand and public awareness.
• Understand the role of strategic planning in relation commuications and market development.

Human Resources

• Experience and knowledge of HR management at a senior level
• Able to provide insight and strategic direction on our governance obligations in relation managing our workforce and supporting their development.

General

• Skilled in analysis, evaluation, and sound judgement
• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties and responsibilities of being a trustee, or a willingness to undertake training at their appointment.
• A collaborative and team-oriented approach to problem solving and to management.
• The Board meets at least 6 times a year and each trustee is expected to attend all board meetings (even if remotely) to contribute to discussions and decisions and occasional attendance at other community events, service visits and away days.

The difference you will make

As a new member of our board you will be joining at an exciting time for the charity. We are increasingly recognised as a quality provider of services to people with a range of specialist and complex needs. 

The roles we are looking to fill on the board will provide expertise and insight key to our growing portfolio. You will support our growing level of privately sources income, the charity's social enterprise arm and the charity's push to grow its brand for generally.

Your commitment to transforming the lives of people with learning disabilities and/or enduring mental health support needs will also inform your application. As a trustee you will instrinsically align with our 6 values:

• Idependence
• Empowerment
• Staff Recognition
• Professionalism
• Sustainability
• Partnership

And be able to mobilise you knowledge in maximising the boards ability to lead our development in relation to them.

Before you apply

Trustee applicants will be invited for an informal discussion with the CEO prior to a more formal discussion with a selection of trustees. This will enable any candidate to find out a little more about the charity, to discuss dates when they can meet with trustee's and ensure they have space to ask any questions necessary to inform their decision making.

About It’s Time:

It’s Time is a charity created by and for young adults who have experienced the death of a parent. Founded by people who know this grief first-hand, the charity ensures no one aged 18–35 has to navigate such loss alone. Through peer-led support, events, free group therapy, and tailored resources, It’s Time offers connection and understanding during an often isolating time. The charity also partners with universities, workplaces, and families to promote better bereavement support - recognising that grief doesn’t follow a timeline, and the help offered to young adults shouldn’t either.

The charity was founded in 2021 and we now run local peer support groups throughout England, have a year long waiting list for our group therapy and supports around 500 people in the online community.  We recognise that as we grow our needs and those of our community are changing and are looking for someone skilled in charity growth to steer us into the next phase of our development.

Remuneration: This is a voluntary role with no financial remuneration. Travel expenses will be reimbursed.

Location: Remote, with one in-person strategy day per year (usually on a Saturday in London).

Time Commitment:

• 4 board meetings annually (Tuesday evenings via Zoom)

• 1 annual in-person strategy day (usually a Saturday in London)

• Participation in any relevant sub-groups

• Ad hoc involvement in events, meetings, or training as needed

Reporting to: Chair and the Board of Trustees

Role Overview

The Vice Chair supports the Chair and Trustee Board in ensuring the effective governance and strategic direction of the charity. This includes providing inclusive leadership, promoting accountability, and upholding the mission and values of the organisation.

The Vice Chair will work closely with the Chair and the senior staff team to help the Board function effectively, and may represent the charity externally when needed.

Principal Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

Working with the Chair and Trustee Board to:

• Ensure the charity delivers maximum impact for its beneficiaries

• Uphold the Board’s responsibilities in effective governance

• Support the development and delivery of strategic direction

• Monitor major risks and opportunities, ensuring systems are in place to manage them

• Safeguard the financial health and accountability of the charity

Governance

Working with the Chair and Trustee Board to:

• Ensure governance arrangements are fit for purpose and effective

• Support trustee development and capability building

• Encourage positive change and help resolve conflicts

• Ensure a diverse and skilled Trustee Board

• Operate within agreed charity policies

External Relations

Working with the Chair and Trustee Board to:

• Represent the charity at external functions, meetings, and events

• Act as an ambassador for the cause

• Support the management of external relationships and stakeholder engagement

Efficiency and Effectiveness

Working with the Chair and Trustee Board to:

• Ensure meetings are well-structured, objective, and lead to effective decision-making

• Maintain strong engagement and collective ownership among Trustees

• Foster constructive relationships within the Board

• Support the senior staff in preparing meaningful agendas and ensuring implementation of decisions

Relationship with Senior Staff

Working with the Chair and Trustee Board to:

• Build and maintain an open, constructive relationship with senior staff

• Support accountability of senior staff for strategic objectives

• Provide guidance and act as a sounding board while respecting staff autonomy

• Offer support on organisational matters as appropriate

• Contribute to the annual appraisal of senior staff if requested

Person Specification

Personal Qualities

• Strong commitment to the charity’s mission and strategy

• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills

• Tact, diplomacy, and the ability to engage and listen

• Collaborative and team-oriented approach

• Ability to dedicate time to the role, including occasional out-of-hours events

Experience

• Experience in strategic leadership roles

• Track record of achievement in professional or voluntary contexts

• Experience in business/community growth

• Experience representing an organisation externally

• Familiarity with chairing or co-chairing meetings is desirable

Knowledge and Skills

• Understanding of the Civil Society sector and key current issues

• Leadership and motivational skills

• Understanding of charity finance and governance

Term of Appointment
The Vice Chair will serve a three-year term, with the possibility of reappointment for one additional term.

Social Anxiety Alliance UK is a young and developing charity ideally looking for an experienced Trustee.

It may be possible for someone with a dedication and passion for helping those with social anxiety to apply for this role providing they are aware of the governance issues relating to the role (please read the charity commission document "The essential trustee")

Social anxiety involves an excessive fear of social situations. Sufferers will often fear being embarrassed or worry about being negatively evaluated by others. Anticipatory anxiety and situational avoidance are common, and individuals may endure social situations with a high level of discomfort. The scope of the anxiety may be focused on specific types of social situations or generalised to almost any social encounter.

We are the first UK charity dedicated to Social Anxiety.

What will you be doing

· Contribute towards the good management of the charity by carrying out key responsibilities as follows:

· To ensure that the charity complies with its governing document, charity law, company law, and any other relevant legislation or regulations.

· To ensure that the charity pursues its charitable objects as defined in its governing document.

· To ensure that the charity uses its resources exclusively to further its objects.

· To contribute towards setting the charity’s strategic direction and to evaluate performance and progress against agreed targets.

· To uphold the reputation and values of the charity.

· To commit to read papers in preparation for meetings and attend regular board meetings.

What we are looking for

· An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties and responsibilities of trusteeship.

· A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to their duties as a trustee.

· Willingness to act in the best interests of the organisation.

· An ability to work effectively as a member of the team.

· Willingness to prepare for and attend monthly Board meetings.

· Willingness to participate actively in discussions.

· Enthusiasm for the charity’s vision and mission.

· Empathy for the challenges faced by people affected by social anxiety.

· A strong commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

· Integrity and honesty.

· Good, independent judgement.

Experience or interest in some of the following areas:

· • Charity management, governance, compliance, law, or the dedication to learn about governance and what it takes to be a Trustee

What difference will you make

As part of our board, you will help to support and develop the charity and set its strategic direction. You will have the opportunity to offer your unique skill set, experience and enthusiasm to help us to achieve the charity’s mission and goals:
To foster a society in which social anxiety is widely understood, where there is easy access to appropriate information, support and treatment so that no one has to face social anxiety alone.

Board meetings and projects

We are a friendly board and we hold our meetings monthly online in the evening, typically on a Tuesday at 7pm to 8:30pm.

We would hope that Trustees can contribute to some other charity tasks and projects as the need arises. 

Are you passionate about helping young Londoners leaving prison and supporting them to build a sustainable life they can be proud of? Do you believe we should and can reform the justice system so that everyone has the opportunity to live a stable and rewarding life as an active member of a just society? And are you looking for a way that you can use your finance or fundraising experience to make a difference? If so, you might be just the person we are looking for to join our Board and help us strengthen our financial sustainability and resilience while we grow our impact.

Founded in 2008, Switchback is now a £1.5 million a year, award-winning charity with a team of 24 (and growing!) brilliant people, consistently delivering sector-leading impact through its pioneering long-term work with young Londoners leaving prison. Crucially, the young men we support, Switchback Trainees, remain at the heart of everything we do. We’re proud to have supported over 650 young men to change their lives through our intensive programme, and we’re determined to reach many more people.

Use your expertise to shape education, influence communities, and grow as a leader. Roles available at colleges England.

Are you a business leader or corporate professional looking to make a meaningful impact outside the boardroom?

By becoming a volunteer governor at a further education (FE) or sixth form college, you’ll help shape the strategic direction of an organisation that transforms lives through education and skills—while strengthening your own governance experience and leadership credentials.

Why it’s relevant to professionals like you

Further Education colleges train over 1.6 million learners annually, preparing the skilled workforce that keeps our economy moving—from engineers and IT specialists to healthcare professionals and construction experts.

As a college governor, you’ll sit on the board of an FE institution (and registered charity), where your insight into strategy, risk, people, or finance will have a direct impact on how public funds are spent, how performance is measured, and how learners are supported to succeed.

This is an opportunity to:

• Apply your corporate skills in a charitable leadership role
• Gain board-level experience and enhance your CV
• Contribute to local economic growth and social mobility
• Support a vital sector during a time of transformation

What you’ll do

As part of a governing board, you’ll:

• Set strategic direction: Help define the college’s mission and goals
• Hold leadership to account: Monitor finances, performance, and outcomes
• Ensure governance excellence: Make decisions in the best interests of learners and stakeholders
• Act as a charity trustee: Ensure financial sustainability and legal compliance

You’ll also engage with senior leaders and external stakeholders, including local employers, regulators, and community partners.

Who we’re looking for

We welcome professionals from a broad range of sectors, including but not limited to:

• Finance, Audit & Risk
• HR, People & Culture
• Strategy, Transformation & Operations
• Technology, AI & Digital
• Legal, Governance & Compliance
• Marketing, PR & Communications
• Education, Apprenticeships or vocational courses

What matters most is your strategic thinking, commercial awareness, and commitment to helping others succeed.

Prior education experience is not required. Full induction and training are provided, with access to DfE-funded development and peer mentoring where needed.

Time commitment

Expect to give approximately 1–2 days per month, including:

• Attending board and committee meetings (in-person or remote)
• Reading papers and preparing questions
• Participating in training and occasional college visits

The time commitment is manageable alongside a full-time role—and many employers actively support staff to take on governance roles as part of their professional development.

Where you’ll be needed
Some colleges offer remote governance and meetings take place online. This may suit you best, or we may suggest a role where you volunteer on a hybrid basis at a college within a reasonable distance from you. We are recruiting governors for colleges across England, with new opportunities added regularly. 

What’s in it for you?

· Enhance your board-level and governance experience

· Develop strategic oversight and leadership outside your day-to-day role

· Expand your professional network

·Give back in a way that creates long-term, measurable impact

· Gain exposure to the education, charity, and public sectors

Ready to step into a strategic, purpose-driven leadership role?

If you’re ready to bring your corporate insight to the education sector and help shape the future of skills, opportunity, and social mobility—we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now to become a volunteer college governor.