Board of trustees volunteer roles

We are seeking new Trustees and a new Chair to join our committed and dynamic Board.

We have a group of committed Trustees who support and guide the organisation in delivering its key objectives. Sadly, some of those trustees are due to step down in the next twelve months, as is the Chair, and we are beginning a process of recruiting new Trustees and a Chair.

There is excitement and expectation within the current Board and our Executive Team that along with our supporters and partners, we can achieve something special over the coming years.

To reach our potential though, requires the highest level of governance and strategic decision making, which can only be achieved with a talented, experienced and diverse Board of Trustees.

ICOM UK is seeking a Finance Lead trustee to help us deliver our new strategy to support UK museums working internationally and connect members to the global museum community. 

The trustee role will maintain strategic oversight of ICOM UK’s financial position and of the conduct of its financial affairs such that they provide well-grounded advice to the Board of Trustees.

The trustee role requires experience and skills in financial governance, planning and management, preferably in a charity and/or company, along with the ability to understand and communicate the impact of decisions on the organisation’s finances.

ICOM UK is the UK's only museum alliance with a dedicated international focus. As a professional organisation, we connect members based in the United Kingdom and the UK's overseas territories to the global museum community. Through participation in collaborative projects and with a lively events programme, ICOM UK actively contributes towards the international heritage agenda. Our bursary scheme is designed to help our members participate in international museum activity.

For more information about the role and how to apply, please read our Trustee Recruitment Pack.

https://uk.icom.museum/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Trustee-Application-Pack-for-ICOM-UK-Board-2025-2-1.pdf

About the job

We are The Brain Tumour Charity, the largest dedicated funder of research into brain tumours globally and the only charity in the UK tackling brain tumours on all three fronts: research, campaigning, and support. We’re ambitious, driven, and determined to improve the lives of those affected by this devastating disease.

Our vision is simple: to help people diagnosed with a brain tumour live longer and better lives. We’re committed to accelerating cures, driving the best lifelong care, and raising our voices for change.

About the role

As a Trustee, you’ll play a vital role in providing guidance, challenge, and oversight to ensure The Brain Tumour Charity remains true to its purpose and delivers the impact our community needs. Working alongside our CEO and senior leadership team, you will help steer our ambitious strategy for growth, advocacy, and research. You will also be a trustee member on our Finance Committee, providing essential expertise and input to help guide our income strategy and financial governance. This is a voluntary position, but the impact you will have is priceless.

Who we are looking for

We are specifically seeking a qualified accountant with strong financial expertise. If you are a qualified accountant with extensive experience in financial management, risk assessment, and governance, and are eager to contribute your expertise to support our ambitious goals, we want to hear from you. You will share our commitment to our values of being bold, collaborative, and innovative, always putting the community at the heart of what you do.

Please see the full Trustee Job Description below. 

Your skills and experience

• A commitment to our vision, mission, and strategic priorities.
• Proven expertise in financial management, risk assessment, and governance.
• A qualified accountant.
• The ability to think strategically and contribute to effective decision-making.
• Exceptional communication skills with the ability to challenge constructively.
• Sound, independent judgement and creativity when faced with challenges.
• A passion for equality, diversity, and inclusion.
• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to this important role.

What you’ll do

• Oversee our financial strategy and ensure alignment with our vision and values.
• Monitor financial performance and governance to ensure sustainability and compliance.
• Provide constructive challenge and support to our CEO and senior leadership team.
• Help shape policies and procedures to ensure effective governance and compliance.
• Promote equity, diversity, and inclusion throughout The Charity.

What’s involved

Term: Four years, with the potential to serve an additional term.

Location: Hybrid - meetings held in person at our office in Fleet, Hampshire.

Commitment: Approximately 2-3 days per year for Board meetings, plus additional subcommittee meetings and ad hoc activities.

Why join us?

This is an exciting time to join The Brain Tumour Charity. By bringing your financial expertise and passion to our Board, you will be helping to accelerate progress towards our ambitious goals. 

How to apply to our team

Please apply by clicking the red ‘join our team’ button, attaching your CV and a covering letter explaining why you are motivated to be part of our trustee team, what you would bring to the board of trustees, and how your financial skillset and experience will help us to make a real impact.

We are committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in all aspects of our organisation. We particularly welcome applications from individuals belonging to underrepresented communities.

Advert close date: Sunday 18th May 2025

Interview date and location: Friday 13th June 2025 at our Fleet office

Are you passionate about making a difference and have a head for figures? We're looking for an experienced finance professional to join Surf Life Saving Great Britain (SLSGB) as our Treasurer – a vital voluntary role at the heart of our mission to save lives and promote beach and water safety across the UK.

As Treasurer, you’ll play a key role on our Board of Trustees, helping to shape the financial future of the organisation. You’ll oversee financial governance, support strategic decision-making, and ensure we remain compliant and financially strong as we continue to grow.

This is an amazing opportunity to:

• Use your professional skills to make a real impact
• Join a passionate, purpose-driven team
• Contribute to a national charity that supports thousands of lifesavers and volunteers

We’re looking for someone with:

• A background in accountancy or financial management
• Knowledge of charity finance and reporting (SORP)
• A collaborative approach and commitment to our values

Are you passionate about the natural world and inspiring others to engage with it?

Join us as a Trustee at the Field Studies Council and help shape the future of environmental education.

• You can be based anywhere in the UK
• You’ll need to commit approx. 10 days a year
• It’s a voluntary position but reasonable expenses are reimbursed

About Us

Field Studies Council is an environmental education charity. For over 80 years, we've been inspiring people to understand and care for the natural world. Through our network of centres across the UK, we provide fieldwork and outdoor learning experiences for all ages — from school groups and university students to families and lifelong learners.

We are a leader in biodiversity training, the publisher of best-selling wildlife ID guides, and a champion for accessible outdoor education, particularly for disadvantaged young people. Our mission is simple but vital: to create outstanding opportunities that inspire everyone to engage with and care for the environment.

Your Opportunity to Make a Difference

We’re currently looking to appoint four new Trustees to bring fresh perspectives and help us grow in diversity, representation and expertise. As a Trustee, you'll help guide and shape our charity’s future.

While the day-to-day running of our charity is handled by our staff and volunteers, the Board of Trustees plays a key role in making sure everything stays on track.

That includes overseeing our work, making big-picture decisions, and ensuring we meet our legal and regulatory responsibilities. It’s an important role, but you won’t be doing it alone. You will:

• Provide strategic oversight and guidance to support our mission and values
• Use your insight and experience to influence decisions that impact tens of thousands of learners annually
• Act as an ambassador for environmental education and social inclusion
• Contribute to Board and committee meetings, and participate in key annual activities including visiting one of our field centres each year to see our work in action
• Use your knowledge, experience, and enthusiasm to help us innovate, grow, and reach more people

Who We’re Looking For

You don’t need to be an academic, ecologist or environmentalist to join us or have charity trustee, company director or equivalent experience — we welcome applicants from all walks of life. We are especially interested in candidates with skills in:

• Charity governance
• Finance (qualified professionals – potential Honorary Treasurer role)
• Fundraising & stakeholder engagement
• Marketing & communications

Above all, we want individuals who are:

• Passionate about equal access to outdoor learning
• Ready to speak up and bring a new perspective
• Willing to give their time and energy to support the Field Studies Council

We’re committed to building a Trustee board that is inclusive, representative, and reflective of the diverse communities we serve.

We warmly encourage applications from individuals who are underrepresented in charity governance — including people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, LGBTQIA+ communities, young people, and those with lived experience of social or economic disadvantage.

If you're excited by our mission and ready to help others experience the power of nature, we’d love to hear from you.
 

What’s Involved

• Approx. 10 days per year commitment for an initial 3-year term (this includes board and committee meetings, and a centre visit)
• Most meetings are held virtually, with one in-person event annually
• All reasonable expenses are covered
• Appropriate training and support will be provided

Please download the Trustee Candidate Information Pack to learn more and take the next step in helping us connect people with the natural world

Job description - Trustee

We are a successful and professionally run charitable preschool at the heart of Walthamstow with a strong ethos and excellent reputation. We’re here to make sure everyone has access to high quality and affordable early years education and childcare.

The Board

The Board can have up to nine members and may include a Chair, Vice Chair and Treasurer. The role of the Board is to make sure Shernhall Preschool acts within the law and within the best interests of residents (we currently have 5 members).

We’re keen to recruit people with experience of any of the following:

• Professional experience of working in education/teaching

• Professional expertise within Human Resources

• Financial management experience.

The Board must act as a group, not as individuals and takes decisions collectively.

· Ensure that Shernhall Preschool complies with its governing document (its Articles of Association), charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations,

· Keep up-to-date with the Charity Commission’s Regulatory Framework,

· Contribute actively to the Board by giving firm strategic direction to Shernhall Preschool, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets, and evaluating performance against agreed targets

· Ensure the financial stability of Shernhall Preschool,

· Ensure the organisation’s accounts are a true and fair representation of the organisation’s finances,

· Ensure Shernhall Preschool applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects. For example, it must not spend money on activities which are not included in the objects, however worthwhile they may be,

· Make decisions for the benefit of the organisation, exercising independent judgement and declaring any interests, exercising reasonable skill, care and diligence in carrying out activities,

· Safeguard the good name and values of Shernhall Preschool,

· Adhere to Shernhall Preschool’s Code of Conduct.

In addition to the above statutory duties, each trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the Board reach sound decisions. This may involve leading discussions, identifying key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, and evaluating or offering advice on other areas in which the trustee has particular expertise.

To apply

Please send the completed application form outlining why you’re interested in our organisation and what you would bring to the Board along with a CV to our Manager, Lilijana Markaj.

Deadline: Tuesday 29th April 2025

Ofsted Registration: 153685

Registered Charity No: 1123684

Company Number: 6420566

The Prison Reform Trust is lookging for a new Treasurer, to maintain an overview of the Prison Reform Trust’s financial affairs. The Treasurer ensures that effective and appropriate financial measures, controls and procedures are put in place and reports to the Board at regular intervals about the financial health of the organisation.

The Treasurer’s responsibilities are as follows:

1. Chairing the quarterly finance and fundraising subcommittee meetings, which includes regular reviews of; a. Financial statements (cash flow, management accounts — forecasts and budgets) b. Investments c. Financial management policies d. Risk register e. Fundraising progress f. IT function and security

2. Acting as signatory on bank accounts and on fundraising applications as needed (e.g. for National Lottery funding).

3. Liaising with external auditor through a meeting at audit time and as needed.

4. Overseeing the presentation of budgets, internal management accounts and annual financial statements to the Board of Trustees.

5. Ensuring that proper accounting records are kept, and that appropriate accounting procedures and controls are in place and support the development of policies covering financial reserves, and cost management.

6. Ensure accounts are as required by relevant statutory bodies, for example, the Charity Commission and/or the Registrar of Companies.

7. Monitoring and advising on the financial viability of the charity and ensuring investments and assets are maximised.

8. Perform additional duties and checks as tasked by the full board and/or report back to the full board on financial governance issues.

9. Advising on the financial implications of the charity’s strategic plan, including overseeing the charity’s financial risk-management process.

10. Keeping the board informed about its financial duties and responsibilities and liaising with the Chief Executive to develop the financial understanding of the Board of Trustees. In addition to the above, the Treasurer will also have the responsibilities and qualities of all trustees.

Our trustees play a vital role in making sure that Wiltshire Law Centre achieves its core purpose. They oversee the overall management and administration of the charity. They also ensure that Wiltshire Law Centre has a clear strategy and that our work and goals are in line with our vision. Just as importantly, they support and challenge the executive team to enable Wiltshire Law Centre to grow and thrive, and through this, achieve our mission. 

Help guide our finances to ensure Gloucestershire Nightstop can provide safe homes and brighter futures for young people facing homelessness.

About Gloucestershire Nightstop

Gloucestershire Nightstop is a leading youth-specific homelessness charity dedicated to preventing homelessness among young people aged 16-25 in Gloucestershire. For nearly 20 years, we have championed bespoke housing and support models to help young people avoid, resolve, and move on from homelessness, enabling them to safely transition to adulthood and build better futures.

What will you be doing?

We are looking for someone who finds numbers and their impact interesting! We are less concerned with formal qualifications (although very welcome) than someone who commits to doing the work necessary in a timely manner and an ability to work co-operatively with the Chair, Executive Director and all trustees. The board takes the overall responsibility so you will need to be able to help trustees and staff to understand the financial information and its actual or potential impact on the charity immediately and long term. We have an experienced bookkeeper and an appointed experienced external examiner.

Overall purpose:

• Oversee all financial aspects of the charity, on behalf of the board of trustees, to evaluate our financial position and associated risks. 
• Assist the Chair and the Executive Director in ensuring that the board of trustees fulfils its duties and responsibilities for the proper financial governance of the charity. 

What are we looking for?

Essential:

• Financial Awareness: Knowledge of, or a willingness to learn, accounting practices relevant to corporate governance.
• Understanding of Regulations: Understanding of, or willingness to learn about, financial regulations governing charities and companies.
• Collaborative Approach: Financial oversight is a shared responsibility of the board, with the Treasurer working closely alongside fellow trustees as part of a team.
• Commitment & Time: Able to dedicate sufficient time to the role.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to plan ahead and contribute to the charity’s long-term vision.
• Ability to digest, present & critically evaluate a range of information, including written reports, statistics and verbal communications.
• Willingness to challenge and engage.
• Understanding and commitment to diversity issues.

Desirable:

• Experience serving as a trustee or working within the charity sector.
• Formal financial qualifications.

Support and training available: If you're new to being a trustee, the Chair and board members will offer guidance and training to help you succeed.

What difference will you make?

Your financial oversight and insight will ensure Gloucestershire Nightstop can open its doors to every young person who turns to us in crisis - not just today, but for years to come. By helping us make the most of every pound, identifying risks before they become problems, and ensuring our resources match our ambition, you’ll directly empower us to provide safe homes, compassionate support, and real opportunities for young people on the brink of homelessness.

Time commitment

Estimate of time needed: up to five hours per month.

Do you have experience with UK employment law as an HR Manager, HR Director or equivalent? 

Connection Support are seeking a Trustee that will support us in our vision of being a thought-leader in the prevention of homelessness, mental ill-health, and leading innovative services that prevent crises from happening. 

About us

At Connection Support, our team of staff and volunteers work alongside people to overcome life’s challenges.  We do this through our values of empowerment, collaboration, compassion and taking a personalised approach in all aspects of our work. 

We believe in a future where people are free from crisis, and effective prevention is the key. But for times when crises do happen, we’ll be there to help every step of the way. 

About the role

The trustee will support the board, the CEO the Head of HR and wider senior team with advice, guidance and sharing their experiences specifically related to: 

• Contributing to existing projects. 

• Maintaining good relationships with relevant agencies and potential partners.

• Advising on Human Resources issues affecting Connection Support staff and volunteers. 

• Assisting the tendering process for existing and new contracts. 

• Guiding the board on addressing employee needs and advising on potential strategies that enable Connection Support to grow in the sector. 

This is an exciting time to join Connection Support as we start our new three year strategy. 

Time commitment

The anticipated time commitment for a Trustee is up to a day a month. Approximately 2-3 hours per month in person, and then 2-3 hours of supporting with projects which can be from home. 

Trustee positions are not paid but travel and subsistence expenses are reimbursed.

About you

Our values are extremely important to us, so it is essential that your personal values align with ours, and you are passionate and motivated by the impact you can have by being part of Connection Support. We would also like you to have the following;

• Experience of UK employment law as an HR Professional at Manager or Director level. 

• Creating and implementing staff and organisational development programs to support career development and staff wellbeing.

• Provide guidance on a myriad of HR topics e.g.; TUPE, remuneration, benefits, disciplinary, recruitment and training. 

If you are not sure if this role is for you, we can arrange a no obligation chat with a member of the board or the CEO. 

Previous experience as a Trustee is not necessary as we provide a full induction. We pair new Trustees with an experienced member and offer training opportunities to Board members. 

How to apply

Please submit the following documents to our recrutiment department, informaiton can be found in the recuritment pack.

• We want to know why you’re interested in becoming a trustee. Please send us a cover letter or email telling is why you want to join the Board of Trustees, and your experience as outlined above. If you would like to share your experiences with us in a different way, please let us know and we are happy to support. 

• We want to know more about you! Please send us an up to date CV of your career history, key responsibilities and achievements. If you do not have a CV, you can send us an email with a summary of your experience.

• We need to know what others say about you. Please send us two professional references(only contacted with prior consent). If you have any difficulty with references, please contact us and we can discuss alternatives with you.

Interviews

Interviews will be held as suitable people apply, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. We reserve the right to close this advertisement early. 

If you are interested in finding out more about the opportunity and would like to discuss the role informally, please contact us and we will arrange a no obligaiton chat with the CEO or a member of the board.

Further information can be found in our Board of Trustees Recruitment Pack. 

Overview of the role

Uttlesford Foodbank are seeking someone with financial experience to join the board as a trustee, who will be able to lead on financial matters, ensuring we meet our financial obligations and help us build a sound financial strategy as we move forward. This role involves leading on the financial affairs of the food bank and ensuring that they are conducted within the required legal, accounting, and good practice frameworks.

Responsibilities

As a trustee you will share collective responsibility for the governance of the food bank and all decisions made by the board, ensuring the organisation is well run, fulfils its mission, is compliant with charity law and that the charity is open and accountable. It is also the responsibility of the treasurer to work in partnership with the chairperson and other trustees to ensure the financial viability and development of the organisation.

Key tasks:

• ensure the Board of Trustees fulfils its financial responsibilities
• ensure that the food bank has proper systems for budgeting, financial control, insurance and reporting
• ensure that financial reports: are comprehensible and properly discussed at trustee board meetings; are provided in the proper format and at the proper time, as required by the relevant charity regulator body (Charity Commission of England & Wales); have properly appointed auditors or independent examiners

Other responsibilities, along with the board of trustees, include:

• to approve, support, and guide the charity’s purpose, vision, strategy, goals and objectives
• to manage the charity’s resources responsibly, including ensuring the charity’s assets are used only to carry out its purpose, avoid undue risk, and not over-commit the charity
• to ensure the effective and efficient administration of the charity, responding to changes in the local community as appropriate to ensure that key risks are identified, monitored, and controlled appropriately
• to ensure appropriate financial plans are in place, budgets are monitored, and progress is evaluated
• to review and approve financial statements
• to help promote the organisation to key stakeholders and beneficiaries
• to ensure the charity has appropriate procedures to comply with current legislation and good practice, including employment, health and safety, equity, diversity and inclusion, safeguarding, and GDPR compliance/data protection
• to prepare for and regularly attend and participate in board and subcommittee meetings and any trustee away days.

About you

• a knowledge of and commitment to the work of the Uttlesford Foodbank
• previous experience or an ability in: financial accounting and reporting procedures; communicating financial information to those who may have little or no financial background; keeping financial records up to date.
• A knowledge and passion for your local community
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills
• Willingness to actively participate in discussions concerning needs of the foodbank’s beneficiaries, staff, and the trustee board
• Willingness to act in the best interest of the charity
• Sound, independent judgement and ability to think creatively
• Working effectively as a team member and demonstrating a willingness to learn and develop

Benefits of volunteering

• feeling you are making a difference whilst volunteering with us
• meeting new people and being part of a motivated team who share a passion to eradicate poverty in our community
• building a movement of change with our volunteers, staff, and the people who use our food bank
• bringing our staff, volunteers, and trustees together to achieve our vision
• gaining a greater insight and understanding of local agencies and partnerships

This role would be ideal for an early- or mid-career financial professional who is looking to broaden their range of skills and experiences within a friendly, welcoming, charity setting.

Impact of your role

By leading on the financial matters of the food bank operation, you are part of providing a vital holistic support function in your local community, ensuring a dignified experience to anyone visiting, or anyone who comes into contact with, Uttlesford Foodbank.

Support

A full trustee induction is in place to support the prospective candidate within their role, as well as access to local voluntary action trustee training.

The Network of Wellbeing (NOW) is looking for two new Trustees to guide and support the NOW team (above). We’re particularly keen to find someone to act as our Company Secretary and another to advise and guide the management of our staff and volunteers. Do you think you could help? If so, we’d love to hear from you. The roles are unpaid but immensely rewarding. 

The Network of Wellbeing connects people, supports projects and inspires action for the wellbeing of people and the planet. We would love to bring on board two new Trustees who care passionately about our vision of people and the planet thriving together.

Trustees play an essential role in any charity and the Network of Wellbeing is no exception. Trustees are the supreme governing body in a charity. They determine its aims, its strategy and oversee all its operations. They are responsible in law for ensuring that it delivers its charitable objects.

Trustees also bring vital skills and experience to the charity’s management. We have reviewed the expertise and roles played by our existing Trustees – and found that they have strengths in business development, charity governance and environmental sustainability, to name but a few. They use their knowledge – and their wisdom – to guide the staff and inform key strategic decisions – and our existing Trustees gain a deep sense of joy and fulfilment from the role they play.

We are now looking for two new Trustees to complement and strengthen our existing Board. We are especially keen to find:

• someone to be our Company Secretary: This person will be responsible for:
  • advising Trustees and the Director on corporate governance and financial management;
  • overseeing the preparation of agendas and the taking of accurate minutes;
  • keeping up to date with regulatory or statutory changes and policies that might affect us;
  • liaising with our auditors, Companies House and the Charities Commission.
• someone to advise on and guide the management of our team of staff and volunteers. This would include:
  • advising Trustees and the Director on all matters relating to the management of staff and volunteers;
  • ensuring we have an up to date suite of policies and procedures;
  • guiding the management of the staff, including on pay, to ensure maximum effectiveness.

Trustees have the opportunity to use their skills and experience to help others and to further a cause they are passionate about – something wellbeing experts argue is key to living a meaningful life.

The commitment is four two-hour meetings per year – three of which meetings which are held online. We also like our Trustees to come and see us annually (in Devon) in person at least once.

We are committed to diversity, fairness and inclusion – and to building wellbeing together for everyone. We’re therefore keen to diversify our existing Trustee group to ensure it more broadly reflects the diversity of people in the UK. With that in mind, we’d welcome applications from people from a range of different backgrounds and experiences.

Could you be a Trustee of the Network of Wellbeing? If you are interested, please see here for the role profile and details on how to apply.

All applications will be considered by a panel of Trustees with advice from the Director.

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: 12 May 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. 

South West London Law Centres (SWLLC) is an independent registered charity providing specialised legal advice and assistance covering Wandsworth, Merton, Croydon, Kingston-upon-Thames, Richmond-upon-Thames and Sutton in South West London.

Our vision is a future where people who cannot afford a lawyer:

• Have equal access to assert and enforce their rights;
• Are empowered to benefit from everything a healthy society has to offer;
• Are treated equally with dignity and respect.

You will play a critical role in helping SWLLC to grow and prosper. If you have a passion for access to justice and believe that you can improve the impact the SWLLC can make, then we look forward to hearing from you. 

What will you be doing?

Our previous chair stood down after an extended term of 6 years. They helped oversee the law centre during the pandemic and its aftermath during which we have seen the law centre continue to flourish in a very challenging environment. We are looking for a new chair who believes in what we do and is prepared to lead and act as an ambassador for the charitable trust so that we can continue to do this work. We currently have a strong trustee board of varying skills and tenures and the day to day management of the law centre is delegated to a small team. This team is small for what the law centre is trying to achieve. We need you to bring your expertise, energy and networks to the law centre. The role isn't glamorous, it's unpaid, and it's sometimes unacknowledged, but it is rewarding. You will play a critical role in helping SWLLC to support over 6,000 people a year, who would not otherwise have access to legal advice. We are very proud of the impact that we have had over the last 50 years, and continue to have. SWLLC continues to operate in a challenging environment, the work of the law centre is regulated and audited by a number of external bodies, our finances continued to be challenged by static legal aid, grants and donations, despite this we have continued to flourish, but the need for our services is greater than we can provide. The main areas that our trustees board can support alongside the role of governance of the law centre are:

• Finance
• Fundraising
• Human Resources
• Communications and Marketing
• IT and facilities
• Community Engagement and Community Activism

Time commitment:

6 Board meetings per year. Take place through a mixture of in person and online meetings in the evenings (usually midweek between 6pm – 7:30pm). The Chair will also need to have regular meetings with the Chief Executive, and Senior Management Team outside of these regular board meetings. Such meetings will typically be brief, online and arranged at a mutually convenient time. The Chair will also need to represent the Charity at various events and meetings with key stakeholders. Our head office is based in Croydon with other offices in Clapham Junction and Morden. We expect the role to take around 1 -2 days per month.

What are we looking for?

Principal responsibilities:

Strategic leadership

• Act as representative of the whole board and not its defacto head
• Provide leadership to the charity and its Board, ensuring that the Charity has maximum impact for its beneficiaries

Governance

• Ensure that the governance arrangements are working in the most effective way for the Charity

External Relations

• Act as an ambassador for the cause and the charity in partnership with the CEO

Efficiency and effectiveness

• Chair meetings of the Board of Trustees effectively and efficiently, bringing impartiality and objectivity to the decision-making process
• Ensure that Trustees are fully engaged and that decisions are taken in the best, long-term interests of the Charity and that the Board takes collective ownership

Relationship with the Chief Executive and the Senior Management Team

• Establish and build a strong, effective, supporting and a constructive working relationship with the Chief Executive, ensuring s/he is held to account for achieving agreed strategic objectives 

Personal Qualities:

• Personal gravitas to lead a significant organisation demonstrating a strong and visible passion and commitment to the law centre, its strategic objectives and cause  
• Exhibit strong inter-personal and relationship building abilities and be comfortable in an ambassadorial role
• Demonstrate tact and diplomacy, with the ability to listen and engage effectively
• Strong networking capabilities that can be utilised for the benefit of the law centre
• Ability to foster and promote a collaborative team environment
• Ability to commit time to conduct the role well, including travel and attending events out of office hours

Experience:

• Experience of operating at a senior strategic leadership level within an organisation
• Successful track record of achievement through their career
• Experience of external representation, delivering presentations and managing stakeholders
• Significant experience of chairing meetings and events Knowledge and skills
• Broad knowledge and understanding of the legal sector and current issues affecting it
• Strong leadership skills, ability to motivate staff and volunteers and bring people together
• Good understanding of charity governance and finance issues Terms The charity’s Chair (and board members) will serve a four-year term to be eligible for re-appointment for one additional term.

What difference will you make?

The impact the Chair will have is to ensure the continuation of the law centres' successful mission 

Law Centres are community-led, not-for-profit organisations that help local people to understand and enforce their legal rights. Their services are free, and they attempt to target the people who most need them – people who are at risk of discrimination and ill-treatment and those who are least able to protect themselves, for example because they lack the money to hire someone with legal expertise to help them.  We are currently celebrating our 50th year. SWLLC s is one of the larger Law Centre in Great Britain covering six London boroughs – Croydon, Kingston, Merton, Richmond, Sutton and Wandsworth. Our catchment area covers 1.7 million people. We now operate from 3 branch offices. We help over 6,000 people each year with a face to face service covering 3 broad services. 

• Expert casework and representation in the social welfare law covering community care, debt, employment, housing, immigration/asylum, public law, welfare rights and cost of living support 
• Emergency representation as part of the Housing Possession Court Duty Scheme 
• Pro Bono Clinics 

Amongst the results we achieve that make us proud of what we do are:

• the prevention of homelessness 
• the prevention and reduction of poverty 
• the protection of family life by reuniting people living in the UK with those living abroad
• the prevention of torture and death beyond our borders by the provision of advice and representation to people fleeing persecution 
• the prevention of ill-health by successfully challenging unfit living conditions 
• the prevention of mental ill-health by assisting people to deal with their personal debts

Before you apply

If you would like an initial discussion before putting in your application please message through the Reach Volunteering Platform and Senior Management Team will be on contact to further discuss the role and the opportunity. A panel of trustees and senior management team will review your application. If we consider that your skills and experience are a good fit with the Law Centre, you will be invited for an informal discussion with the panel about our work and the trustee role. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, and we encourage early submissions.