Board of trustees volunteer roles in kendal, cumbria

Introduction

Do you care about the future of the countryside in North and East Yorkshire?  Do you have skills and experience in supporter development/fundraising that you could bring to our work?  CPRE North and East Yorkshire are looking for a Trustee and Supporter Development Lead to contribute to our important work protecting our beautiful local countryside and green spaces.

Who we are

CPRE campaigns nationally and locally for positive solutions which safeguard the long-term future of our precious countryside. At national level, the charity produces in-depth research and sound arguments to press government, Parliament and other decision-makers to support our countryside, be it national landscapes or simply much loved local green spaces, through policies which ensure:

- The right development in the right place

- Active support to improve biodiversity and 

- Countryside protection from climate change impacts and contribution to climate change solutions.

Here in North and East Yorkshire, the largest of the CPRE regions (6,900 square miles!), we have a successful track record of enabling residents and community groups to help shape development in ways that enrich the countryside around them. We also use our planning expertise to proactively campaign for local authority planning policies that safeguard and enhance our beautiful and varied landscapes.

The role

Our small but energetic team of volunteer Trustees enable people to protect the countryside they love and enjoy the benefits it brings wherever they live.  But with your support we can do even more! 

In joining us as a Trustee on the Board you’ll have a general role in developing the charity in line with our strategy and, together with other Trustees, ensuring compliance with Charity Commission and other legal and governance regulations.  However additionally as our Lead for Supporter Development you will use your specialist knowledge to inform and guide the Trustee Board in this area and coordinate and drive forward related activities to meet agreed aims.   As part of this remit, you will also oversee the recruitment of a Communications and Supporter Care Officer (a brand new role) and have ongoing responsibility for communicating organisational requirements and providing feedback to the individual once engaged.

+Trustees initially serve a three-year term and may serve up to six years in total. 

What we need and what’s in it for you

You don’t need to have prior Trustee experience but we are looking for applicants with manager/senior level expertise in Supporter Development/Fundraising.  By volunteering with us you’ll be using what you know to help find positive solutions for the major issues facing the countryside and the environment as well as being part of a group of people who share your passion for the countryside.  Our friendly team will provide you with initial training and support to develop in your role. You’ll gain valuable skills and experience in charity governance and leadership.  Further information on role responsibilities and our skill requirements are provided in the supplementary documents available on our application website CPRENEY. 

OVERVIEW – ANOTHER WAY

Another Way is a charity founded by Amy Bray in 2019, when she was 16. Another Way is an educational environment charity. We educate and influence those around us, inspiring all to live with kindness towards our planet. We are youth-led with a multi-generational appeal.

We are scaling fast, particularly as our Power of 10 app grows, extending our community of young changemakers. The Another Way charity team now requires support for the Board of Trustees.

ROLE HEADLINES

The clerk will play an administrative and procedural role, supporting the smooth and compliant operation of the charity’s governance and trustee meetings, a key member of the team.

Below are the details of the role and we invite applications that demonstrate experience in the areas outlined including both charity clerk and ideally familiarity with company secretarial duties. We envisage this voluntary role to require approximately two days per month/ 2-3 hours per week.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Administrative and Organisational Support:

• Managing the trustee board's administrative tasks.
• Ensuring efficient meeting organisation and record-keeping.

Governance and Compliance:

• In conjunction with our legal partner
• providing guidance on governance, constitutional, and procedural matters.
• Ensuring the board operates in compliance with legal and regulatory frameworks.
• Advising on the potential consequences of non-compliance.

Meeting Management:

• Convening and supporting meetings of the trustees.
• Taking minutes of trustee meetings.
• Dealing with trustee correspondence between meetings.

Other Responsibilities:

• Working closely with the Chair of Trustees and the Chief Executive Officer.
• Ensuring the trustee body fulfils its responsibilities.

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS

• Strong personal commitment to the values and objectives of Another Way
• Demonstrable success managing charity governance and compliance
• Knowledge, or willingness to learn, of environmental issues and solutions
• Excellent communication abilities and organisational skills
• Knowledge of online systems such as Microsoft applications including OneDrive and Sharepoint. Also, other collaboration tools such as Slack or similar.

Please apply with a CV and a covering email summarising your experience and interest in the role.

Join the EAUC board and make an impact on over 2 million people working in post-16 education, embedding sustainability in everything they do: equipping learners for their lives and shaping society for the better.

This is a unique opportunity for someone to bring a further education leadership perspective to our charity. We are looking for someone who is passionate about sustainability and education.

Position: Trustee and director
Location: Remote within UK and Ireland
Renumeration: Voluntary with reasonable expenses paid
Positions available: One
Closing date: 16th May 2025

The EAUC is the leading body for sustainability in the post-16 education sector in the UK and Republic of Ireland. We've been promoting sustainability in post-16 education for over 20 years. Primarily a membership body, we serve 300 organisations whilst also working to change systems that enable sustainability action. ​We’re both a charity and a company limited by guarantee and are always not-for-profit. ​You can find out more about our vision and values on our website.

Who we’re looking for
The EAUC board has twelve volunteer trustees. One vacancy will arise following the July 2025 AGM.

We seek someone who:

• Is passionate about sustainability and education
• Has insight into the further education or skills sectors
• Has senior leadership experience
• Is committed to our mission, values and social justice principles

We particularly encourage applications from people who are under-represented on our board with regards to age, ethnicity and disability.

We’ve developed a trustee information pack containing full details about the role, what it entails and how to apply as well as more about EAUC, our work and our EDI commitments. Please do consider joining us, or forward this to colleagues and contacts who are well suited to help us achieve our goals.

Lay Trustee

Voluntary

20-25 hours per year

3-year term of office (maximum of 2 terms)

Would you like play an important role in supporting our Executive to continuously improve our organisation, to navigate the current financial climate and challenges in higher education, and to maintain excellent services to students (our members)? 

Worcester Students’ Union (WSU) is a registered charity (number 1145192) and a membership organisation, with its primary object being the advancement of education of students at the University of Worcester. The Union aims to achieve this through:

• representing students’ interests and welfare
• being the recognised representative channel between students, the University, and external stakeholders, and by
• providing social, cultural, sporting and recreational activities for students. 

WSU is an unincorporated company with a Board of Trustees comprising of three Officer Trustees (the Full-time, elected Officers), up to four Student Trustees, and up to four Lay Trustees. The Board is responsible for the oversight of the Union’s governance, strategy, and financial sustainability. The post of Lay Trustee has a 3-year term and post holders may serve a maximum of two terms, either consecutively or non-consecutively. 

We pride ourselves on providing a range of excellent services to students, having a strong reputation nationally, and going above and beyond for students to make a difference. As a team, we are determined to constantly evolve with the help of our dynamic and committed staff, who are working to our new Strategic Framework for 2023-28, which you can find on the WSU's website under the About Us section.

This is a very important time for WSU as we manage the challenges posed by the ongoing cost-of-living crisis and the well-documented difficulties being experienced by higher education providers. We must support the needs of a diverse and ever-changing student body across multiple campuses, with less resource and pressure to diversify income streams.  

Students’ Unions are unique organisations where change is the norm and where students are at the heart of strategy and decision-making. They deliver a wide range of services in a passionate, cost-effective, and professional way and are necessarily responsible, vibrant, and fast-paced. Becoming a Trustee of a Union is an excellent way of providing support and guidance whilst gaining personal knowledge and satisfaction. We have an excellent Board and currently have a vacancy for a Trustee with experience of charity/organisational senior management (Director/CEO etc.) and/or business development.

There are 5 full Board meetings per year and, also, 5 meetings of the two Sub Committees of the Board. We estimate that time to attend meetings (we ask that Lay Trustees sit on one Sub Committee), as well as time to prepare and read papers and liaise with the Chief Executive, totals between 20 to 25 hours per year. Meetings are on-line and so we welcome applications from further afield.

WSU recognises the value of difference and is committed to equality of opportunity for all. We welcome applications from individuals regardless of race, colour, ethnic or national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religious belief, age, marital status or disability, or any other individual characteristic or intersectionality of different characteristics.

We want to support a diverse and inclusive environment as we believe it makes a team more effective and are actively looking for people who share our values. You can see our work as an organisation and commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion by visiting the About Us section of the WSU's website.

To maintain our independence from the University of Worcester, and to ensure a balance to the student membership of the Board, we cannot consider applications for the role of external trustee from current registered students of the University of Worcester. Alumni are not eligible to be Trustees until at least five years after graduation. 

To avoid potential conflicts of interest, applications also cannot be considered from individuals who are employees of either the University of Worcester or Worcester Students’ Union.

Testimonial from one of our current Lay Trustees:

"As a Trustee I have been able to share my knowledge of the voluntary sector to support WSU, but it has also been an opportunity for me to develop professionally, through broadening my understanding and learning from others. When I first became a Trustee, I was in a Business Development role, but through the experience I have gained, it has helped me to progress my career, now as a Managing Director of a local VCSE organisation."

How to apply:

• To apply for this position, please follow the link to our website to read through the information pack and obtain the application form for this role.
• The Appointments Panel aim to hold interviews on-line during June 2025, with the aim of the successful candidate being inducted ready to commence their role in September 2025.
• If you would like an informal chat about the role, please contact the Chief Executive, Sophie Williams, via the email provided in the vacancy listing on our website.

Thank you for your time and we very much look forward to hearing from you.

The Board of Elmore Community Services is looking for new Trustees to lead the organisation at an important stage in its development.

Elmore was founded in 1989 and has successfully supported hundreds of with people with multiple and complex needs to live active and fulfilling lives. The charity specialises in working with individuals who, for whatever reason, find other mental health services hard to access and can be left unsupported at critical times.

Elmore’s clients may have mental health needs and people experiencing homelessness or unstable housing, individuals who are coping with the long-term impact of substance misuse, alcohol dependency, domestic abuse and neglect.

We are committed to persevering, trying out different approaches to engage the person and build up their trust in support services  possibly for the first time.

This is vital work, and Trustees find contributing to the Board and the overall strategy and impact of Elmore highly worthwhile.

We also need Board Members with knowledge and experience of: 

• Commissioning and Partnership Building with the NHS and Local Government

• Fundraising – especially from Trusts and Foundations 

• Improving and assessing Programme impact and Quality

We are particularly looking for Trustees with lived experience of services like Elmore’s. 

Younger people and people from ethnic minority communities are currently underrepresented on the Board and we would especially welcome applications from these groups living in Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire where Elmore currently has programmes. 

The closing date for applications is May 12th 2025.  Please send a copy of your CV and a short one page note about why you would like to become an Elmore Trustee to Mandy Williams, Head of HR.

The Mlambe Project builds school infrastructure in Malawi Africa, one of the poorest countries in the world.  We change lives through enabling access to education by transforming classrooms from "under a tree" (literally) into fully functional school blocks. We use environmentally sustainable techniques and local workers so the money gets reinvested in the communities we serve.  We do this work in partnership with our sister NGO that is Malawi based, ensuring that our priorities are aligned to the local community. We are 100% volunteer based so 100% of every dollar/pound we raise has a direct impact. The role:

• Trustee position at a UK registered charity
• Opportunity to work on social media/web channels (if interested)
• Fundraising via various channels (primarily grant applications)
• Working with our Trustee team (USA, UK and Malawi)
• Fiducuary, statuatory and regulatory responsibilities of a Trustee/Board Member
• We are open to any level of commitment i.e. board, committee, advisory, volunteer

The ASE is currently looking for a Trustee with a financial background to join our Trustee Body as Treasurer. This role will help to support the CEO, Director of Finance and Operations, Quality & Audit Committee and other Trustees in carrying out their financial responsibilities, in particular with respect to strategic financial planning.

Current focus remains on ensuring high impact, promoting membership growth and diversifying income streams.  As Trustee, you will help to shape and drive the strategy forward, ensure the association is financially stable, make key decisions on strategic and financial priorities, manage and mitigate risk, review and ensure policies and processes are fit for purpose and follow good standards of governance.  The Treasurer will work in consultation with and on advice from the Chief Executive and Director of Finance and Operations. The role is one of strategic oversight rather than involvement in day to day financial tasks. 

The Trustee board is made up of experts from across the science education community - and includes teachers and retired teachers from primary, secondary and post 16 sectors as well as teacher educators, consultants and those working for voluntary organisations in the science education sector. 

The majority of the role will be fufilled in Trustee meetings - which meet up to four times per year (all scheduled to take place online)

Following a change to our Articles concerning the composition of our Board, the successful candid could be the first Trustee in the 60-year history of the British Wheel of Yoga to be drawn from outside the membership, as part of our commitment to increasing the skills base and diversity of our Board.

We have a high-performing staff finance team so this is not a “nuts and bolts” Treasurer role where you are required to do the book keeping. Instead you will be the key link between the finance team and the Board as you lead your fellow Trustees in the performance of their fiduciary duties and engagement with the charity’s finances.

Key requirements include:

• ​Good knowledge, understanding and experience of charity and company finance, accounting requirements and procedures
• ​Good knowledge and understanding of the regulators’ (Charity Commission, Registrar of Companies) requirements regarding charity and company finance and reporting
• The ability to be an effective member of the Board team and its finance sub-committee (which you will chair), thinking strategically and working cooperatively.
• The ability and willingness to commit sufficient time to fulfil the role effectively.

Meeting schedule:

• Quarterly Board meetings in March, June, September and December
• Financial Planning Workshop in May
• The above meetings are all held via Zoom
• In person Board Retreat (January). A 24-hour residential event which gives an opportunity for Trustees to get to know each other and do some strategic thinking and planning.

With the exception of the Board Retreat, this is a fully remote role that would suit candidates from anywhere in the UK.

Introduction

Do you care about the future of the countryside in North and East Yorkshire?  Do you have skills and experience in in policy development in or for Local Authorities that you could bring to our work?  CPRE North and East Yorkshire are looking for a Trustee and Local Authority Communications Lead to contribute to our important work protecting our beautiful local countryside and green spaces.

Who we are

CPRE campaigns nationally and locally for positive solutions which safeguard the long-term future of our precious countryside which is facing multiple threats. At national level, the charity produces in-depth research and sound arguments to press government, Parliament and other decision-makers to support our countryside, be it national landscapes or simply much loved local green spaces, through policies which ensure:

- The right development in the right place

- Active support to improve biodiversity and 

- Countryside protection from climate change impacts and contribution to climate change solutions.

Here in North and East Yorkshire, the largest of the CPRE regions (6,900 square miles!), we have a successful track record of enabling residents and community groups to help shape development in ways that enrich the countryside around them. We also use our planning expertise to proactively campaign for local authority planning policies that safeguard and enhance our beautiful and varied landscapes.

The role

Our small but energetic team of volunteer Trustees enable people to protect the countryside they love and enjoy the benefits it brings wherever they live.  But with your support we can do even more! 

In joining us as a Trustee on the Board you’ll have a general role in developing the charity in line with our strategy and, together with other Trustees, ensuring compliance with Charity Commission and other legal and governance regulations.  However additionally as our Lead for Local Authority Communications you will use your particular  knowledge of policy development in this arena to inform and guide the Trustee Board on Local Authority campaigning and coordinate and drive forward related activities to meet agreed aims.   

+Trustees initially serve a three-year term and may serve up to six years in total. 

What we need and what’s in it for you

You don’t need to have prior Trustee experience but we are looking for applicants with manager/senior level experience in policy development in Local Authorities and/or as policy advisor to Local Authorities. By volunteering with us you’ll be using what you know  to help find positive solutions for the major issues facing the countryside and the environment as well as being part of a group of people who share your passion for the countryside.  Our friendly team will provide you with initial training and support to develop in your role. You’ll gain valuable skills and experience in charity governance and leadership.  Further information on role responsibilities and our skill requirements are provided in the supplementary documents available on our application website, CPRENEY.

Join the leading national charity dedicated to supporting premature and sick babies, their families and NHS staff. We are recruiting for up to four new Trustees to join Bliss’ passionate and dedicated Board.

Who are we looking for?

We are recruiting up to four new Trustees to join our passionate and dedicated Board, and are keen to increase the range of voices on the Board to bring in different experiences and skills, which is essential if we are to make the best decisions for Bliss and for the babies we serve. 

You don’t need to have been a Trustee before, nor do you need to have direct neonatal experience, as long as you are passionate about improving neonatal care across the UK.

In this round of Trustee recruitment we are particularly interested in bringing the skills and experience of younger individuals (under 30), those from minority ethnic communities, and those with lived experience of or insight into socio-economic disadvantage.

We are also keen to hear from people who bring one (or more!) of the following:

• Experience of AI and data, with the ability to apply this to an organisation of Bliss’ size and scale
• Experience of marketing or branding, and the knowledge of how this applies in the context of the charitable sector
• A neonatal healthcare professional – we are particularly interested in recruiting an allied health professional / psychology professional
• A professionally qualified accountant.

How to apply

For more details about the role and how to apply, including the support that Bliss provides to Trustees, please see the Bliss website and the attached recruitment pack.

Recruitment timeline

• The deadline for applications is 9am on Tuesday 13th May 2025
• Interviews will be held online in June
• Successful candidates will take part in induction meetings over the summer, before joining the Board away day in September and being formally appointed at the October 2025 Board meeting.

Who are Open Briefing 

People and communities around the world have the solutions to social injustice, authoritarianism, and the climate crisis. But repressive governments, corrupt corporations, and armed groups use violence and oppression to try and silence them.

By building resistance and resilience among those challenging unaccountable power, Open Briefing supports a shared vision for a world where communities and ecosystems can thrive.

Our dual approach allows us to work at every level of civil society, from the grassroots to the global. As a mission-driven nonprofit, we join forces with grassroots activists, community groups, and social movements at risk. Working together, we strengthen their physical security, digital resilience, and collective wellbeing.

As a social impact consultancy, we provide professional support and advisory services to global nonprofits and foundations seeking to bolster their risk management, data protection, and staff care.

"To describe Open Briefing as a caring partner would be an understatement. They have consistently been at the forefront, providing invaluable support whenever we have faced security threats. Open Briefing has stood by us, offering bespoke services that have enabled us to carry out our mandate with confidence and timeliness. Their support has given us the peace of mind necessary to operate fearlessly and effectively." 

Phyllis Omido, executive director of the Center for Justice Governance & Environmental Action, Kenya and Winner of the Goldman Environmental Prize 

Protecting people at risk 

The need for our work has never been greater. At least 300 human rights defenders and 91 journalists were killed in 2024. Many others were arrested, kidnapped, or forced into hiding. 

Last year, we worked with those around the world fighting for human rights and social justice, protecting the environment and defending their communities, exposing corruption and reporting the truth, and advocating for women’s rights and reproductive justice. We supported organisations and activists at risk in 100 countries across every inhabited continent, underscoring the global scale of the challenges we face.  

The number of requests for our support increased by 20% on the previous year to 575 in 2024. This represents 11 new cases every week. In response, our international team provided over 6,000 hours of direct support, a 32% increase on 2023. Roughly a third of the cases that we worked on were with individual defenders or informal collectives and 33% of all cases involved those defending their land and rivers or demanding climate action. We also trained 1,014 defenders in 112 workshops.

“I came out of my work with Open Briefing stronger. I know that because of the work I do, the security risks I face won’t go away, but I’m not as fearful. I used to doubt and question myself, but now I know what to do. I know how to manage the risks we face.” 

Director, women-led human rights organisation, West Africa 

Our efforts delivered measurable impact. We reduced perceived risk by 15% and achieved a remarkable 25% improvement in individuals' stated capacity to manage those risks - significantly enhancing the safety and resilience of those we served. An inspiring 84% approval rating from clients and grassroots partners underscores the meaningful difference we made, reaffirming the effectiveness and importance of our work in this complex and challenging field. 

I fled into exile after being arrested and torture by police and people close to me were murdered. Open Briefing helped me when no other organisation could. I had lost hope, but their support saved my life.” Investigative journalist, Rwanda

The wider impact of our work was captured in an external impact evaluation commissioned by a donor last year, which concluded that: “The different issues around which the activists had sought support from Open Briefing were profound, serious, and challenging. The scale of the risks is such that it would not be possible for them to operate without this kind of support. The nature of the support that Open Briefing has provided is therefore highly important, and has allowed activism to continue in contexts where it might not otherwise be able to.” 

Becoming fundable and findable 

With demand for our support up by 66% in the past two years, we need to ensure that we have the funding and resources to direct our support wherever we are needed most. 

We are proud to have built long standing partnerships with a small community of foundations who have been crucial to our success so far. But we can’t meet the current surge in demand for our support without growing this community. We need more people to know about the threats facing grassroots activists, human rights defenders, and indigenous communities around the world. We need more people to understand why physical security, digital resilience, and collective wellbeing is vital in helping them continue their work. We need more people to know about Open Briefing. 

“Open Briefing's expertise has been revolutionary for our organization. They have helped us develop the tools we need to better safeguard our team and respond to safety and security risks. All of this was done in a way designed for our organisation and considering our own limitations. Doing this kind of security work should be inherent to any organisation like ours that works in vulnerable communities and sensitive areas; however, it's not always within reach.” Dylan Terrell, Founder and Executive Director, Caminos de Agua, Mexico 

In May 2026, Open Briefing will come to the end of our current strategy cycle and will be looking ahead to where we need to scale our work and strengthen our impact. We need to make sure that we have the funding and resources to protect even more people, effect systemic change, and ensure the eyes of the world are on the perpetrators of attacks and reprisals. 

This means we need to be findable and fundable. To date, Open Briefing has largely operated behind the scenes, building a solid reputation as a trusted ally and critical friend to grassroots activists, movements, and foundations across the globe. 

Going forward, we must build our profile and widen our support base. We need to pursue innovative and creative approaches to communicating who we are and the human stories behind our work. We need to reach new audiences in order to engage and influence a wider network of donors, allies, and philanthropists across the globe. And crucially, we need to translate this work into new donations and unrestricted funding.

Key to this will be the formation of our first Development Board. We are looking to achieve a step change in our fundraising, help us build our audience, develop exciting communications and support us in ways we haven’t even thought of yet! 

Could this be you? 

• Are you passionate about bringing your skills, expertise, and networks to a dynamic global non-profit? 
• Are you excited about collaborating with us to help protect people and communities on the frontlines of the fight against social injustice, authoritarianism, and the climate crisis? 
• Do you have bold ideas for how Open Briefing could be more findable and fundable? Can you help us translate your ideas and our ambitions into creative, impactful strategies that could lead to new funding and resources for our security and wellbeing work? 
• Are you disinterested in ‘talking-shop Boards? Are you looking for an opportunity to use your skills, creativity, voice and connections in a way that will directly power our fundraising and communications work - making introductions to your network, brainstorming around key challenges, and executing dynamic profile-raising events and campaigns?  

We are looking for 3 - 5 people to join a dynamic, passionate and action-orientated Development Board. Previous experience as a Trustee or on a non-profit Board is not required.  We are particularly interested in people with experience from the following industries: 

• Communications, design, and media
• Technology
• Venture capital
• Strategy consultancy
• Fundraising, philanthropy, events, and giving circles.

We are asking potential members to commit to an initial one-year term and to be available to meet online on a monthly basis, with engagement between as necessary. 

If this sounds like you, please tell us what makes you excited about the role and upload your CV. If you have any questions, please reach out to us.

We would love to talk! 

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.

Trustee

The Education and Skills Development Group (ESDEG) was established by local refugee leaders and social care professionals who identified critical gaps in services for people from refugee and marginalised communities. Through extensive community consultations across local estates, community centres, and schools, we have been able to provide responsive and preventative services for children, young people, families, older people, and others from socially excluded communities. We engage in and [lead] various policy networks. We have proven track record in working with schools, children and families at local level. We have been trusted by many funders to deliver projects that benefit local marginalised communities. We provide educational and community projects including supplementary schools, mentoring, ESOL classes, short breaks for children who special educational and disability (SEND), project to help local elders escape isolation and engage into physical and social activities, youth work, information and advice and support for families who have children with Send.

ESDEG is currently seeking individuals who are eager to make a meaningful contribution by volunteering their skills, experience, ideas, and passion to the organisation’s development and future direction.

· Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion.

· A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion

· Skills in finance, governance, fundraising, communication and networking is desirable.

· Our current board lacks young members so we would like young trustees to apply and join us.

Our board meets quarterly unless there are specific issues that warrants the board to be called into a meeting, the minimum requirement is 4 meetings a year which usually takes place in the evening. If trustees can offer more time and support particular projects will be appreciated.

Thanks

Mohamed Ahmed

CEO

ABOUT SPRINGBOARD

Springboard Youth Academy supports refugee and asylum-seeking young people who have recently arrived in the UK to help them succeed in the classroom and beyond. By combining participatory learning, life skills and holistic support into action-packed weekend, half-term and summer programming, we work to bridge the gap in support for young people left behind by the mainstream school system.

As educators and youth workers with years of experience working to offset the challenges these young people face, we launched a programme that helps young people develop their English language and self-advocacy skills whilst addressing their social and wellbeing needs, preparing them for mainstream education and helping them rebuild their lives in the UK.

We do this by providing interactive and engaging programming that combines English learning, life skills and practical and emotional strategies for young people on their journey to independence and adulthood. 

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

As Springboard’s Youth Academy’s activities and ambitions continue to grow, we are seeking a Secretary to join our existing Board of Trustees. 

We’re looking for people who share our love of high quality and participatory education, as well as our commitment to supporting and platforming displaced young people. We're keen to meet people who can bring skills, knowledge and both professional and lived experience that will help us continue to refine our delivery and grow. 

We are committed to nurturing a board that is representative, diverse and inclusive. We are interested to hear from individuals with experience in governance, as well as those new to Trustee positions. We are particularly encouraging applications from those with personal experience of forced migration and Leaving Care. 

Responsibilities of the Secretary include:

• Organising meetings
• Taking minutes and summarising actions for a team
• Contributing to Charity Commission reporting
• Preparing papers for board meetings
• Convening the Chair and Director to develop meeting agendas
• Assisting with planning Springboard’s annual Away Day 

Qualities: 

• Strategic thinking
• Excellent communication skills
• Confidence and a willingness to speak their mind and ask challenging questions
• Teamwork and collaboration skills
• Understanding of safeguarding and confidentiality
• Understanding of the wider political landcape, abolitionist perspectives and commitment to challenging the hostile environment
• Independent judgment
• Commitment to making meetings inclusive and welcoming to Trustees with all levels of experience
• Advocacy and networking skills to help us build new relationships
• Willingness to offer expertise, skills and personal insight to support us
• Passion for championing work that centres newly arrived young people

TIME COMMITMENT

In line with all charities, Trustees are unpaid volunteers. Trustees must be able to commit to attending quarterly Board meetings and making time to read paperwork in advance of Board meetings. As a small charity, our resources are limited and Trustees are also asked to actively contribute their skills in relevant areas. As a guideline, Trustees must be prepared to offer a minimum of two hours per month to the charity. 

As Secretary, you will be required to spend approximately 1-2 hours prior to each quarterly meeting supporting with preparation. We also require new Trustees to spend one day on site during one of our programmes to get a feel for the work, as well as undertake Trustee and Safeguarding training, within the first three months of starting the role. Board meetings are currently held virtually, and, where possible, are arranged at least two months ahead. On occasion, Trustees will be required to respond by email or phone in relation to issues that arise outside of Board meetings. Travel costs will be covered if they are a barrier. 

The Finance Trustee will participate in all areas of our governance but take a special interest in the financial  strategy and governance. They will use their sound financial skills and experience to support the Board’s understanding and interpretation and to ensure legislative compliance.  Knowledge of UK wide midwifery provision would also be an advantage but not essential.

The Finance Trustee will support the Board to oversee the financial matters of the charity in line with good practice, the Articles of Association and legal requirements, The Finance Trustee will ensure that effective financial measures, controls and procedures are put in place and are appropriate for the charity.

The Finance Trustee should adhere to the role description of a trustee and in addition has the following key responsibilities:

• To support the Board to oversee and to ensure appropriate presentation of budgets, accounts, management accounts and financial statements.

• To ensure appropriate presentation of accounts and records, ensuring that financial resources are spent in accordance with the charity’s policies, good governance, legal and regulatory requirements.

• Liaising, where applicable, with the Chair or other appropriate members of staff and supporting on financial matters

• Supporting the Board to monitor the financial viability of the charity.

• Creating in conjunction with relevant trustees and staff sound financial processes and procedures for the control of the charity’s assets.

• Advising on the financial implications of the charity’s strategic plan.

• Reviewing the annual accounts are, where applicable, liaising with the charity’s external bookkeeper to ensure the accounts are compliant with the current charities’ SORP.

• Ensuring that sound financial management is maintained and ensuring expenditure is in line with the charity’s objects.

• Authorisation of charity expenditure and banking transactions set up on online bank accounts

• Liaison with the fund manager responsible for the charity’s investment portfolio - we are currently working towards an ethical investment portfolio and the Finance Trustee is leading on this

• Oversight of payroll, HMRC reporting and operation of auto-enrolment pension scheme for all members of staff

• The Finance Trustee will need to attend the following meetings (all meetings with the exception of the October AGM/Board meeting are held online)

  2 Board meetings (March and October - which is the AGM/Board meeting)

  1 business meeting held in the summer 

  3 Finance sub committee meetings held approximately 10 days before the Board/Business meetings

  The Finance Trustee also sits on the newly established Fundraising Sub Committee (meeting schedule to be agreed).

• Desirable skills (trustee)

• Make your own views known and make decisions in a group environment, in line with strategic objectives 

• Listen intently, carefully and objectively 

Finance Trustee additional criteria

Essential

• You must have a Bachelor’s degree and be either ACA or ACCA qualified or equivalent with 10 years PQE UK experience.

• Expertise in Finance and relevant UK regulations

• Personal Integrity

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

• Convey ideas, information and opinions clearly and concisely 

• Work as a team with the chair, fellow board members and members of staff 

• Challenge the views of others appropriately

•  Commitment and ability to work and effectively as a member of a team.

Desirable

• Experience working at board level with small non-profit organisations.