Board of trustees volunteer roles

Cambridge Women’s Aid has been supporting women and children affected by domestic abuse for over 40 years. We are currently searching for new trustees to join our board.

Effective governance is key to the success and sustainability of our organisation. As a trustee, you will be able to use your experience, energy and creativity to shape our approach and help us to achieve our mission. There is no such thing as a ‘typical’ trustee, and you don’t necessarily need previous board experience; we welcome women with a diverse range of backgrounds, skills and life experiences, who can commit and contribute to the success of our work.

At the moment, our Board of Trustees is particularly looking to build expertise in Legal, Finance, HR & Safeguarding. However, we welcome applications from all women with a commitment to our work and are interested in hearing about full range of skills applicants can bring.

As a trustee, you will receive training to carry out your role, have opportunities to represent CWA in the community, and be part of a supportive and welcoming board. Being a trustee gives you the chance to gain experience in strategic planning, develop skills in new areas, and add significant value to a thriving charity.

Commitment

Trustees are expected to attend and minimum of four in person board meetings per year, plus one away day and one Annual General Meeting. Most trustees will get involved in the work of sub-committees, such as the Employment or Finance groups, and will attend around six sub-committee meetings per year. The minimum commitment is 3 years.

Location

Cambridge city

Remuneration

This is a voluntary position, but expenses are reimbursed.

How to Apply

For more information about the trustee role, and to apply, please email to request an application pack from our website. 

CWA values diversity promotes equality and challenges discrimination of all forms. We encourage and welcome applications from women of all backgrounds. We particularly welcome applicants from minoritised women and younger women. We also welcome applicants with lived experience of VAWG services (though we ask that applicants have not accessed our service within the last two years).

This service is run by women for women and is therefore restricted to women applicants under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, and Part 1. Section 7(2) e of the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 apply. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.

An enhanced DBS (Disclosure Barring Service) disclosure will be required for this role.

We are seeking new Trustees to help guide our next chapter. We are particularly keen to hear from people with experience in fundraising, finance, property, charity management, or with lived experience that reflects the voices of our members. We also warmly welcome applications from younger people, those from UKME/Global Majority Heritage backgrounds, and people with disabilities, who are currently under-represented on our Board. This is a rewarding opportunity to use your skills and insights to strengthen a much-loved community charity and shape its future.

1. About Katherine Low Settlement
Katherine Low Settlement is a much-loved, busy charity that has been at the heart of the
community in Battersea, South West London, since 1924. Our recent-released
documentary, The Heart of Battersea – 100 Years of Katherine Low Settlement, brings our
century of work to life through the voices of members, staff and volunteers.
We support local older people and children, young people and their families from
sanctuary-seeking backgrounds. With an annual turnover of around £1m, our small team
of 32 mostly part-time staff, along with over 120 volunteers run a range of our own
community services. We campaign for social change and we support other charities and
communities to thrive. Our building is used for community activities and events by
over 500 people a week, and our rooms are available for hire at affordable rates. KLS is
funded from supporters, trusts and foundations which enable us to achieve our goal to
reduce poverty and isolation and bring Battersea together.
The Settlement is situated on Orville Street and Battersea High Street and aims to serve
the communities of SW11 and SW8, which includes areas of significant deprivation
alongside some of the most prosperous neighbourhoods in the country. Its vision is to
bring people together, to discover a common humanity in the process and to work together
for some of the most vulnerable people in London.

2. The Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees is the legal guardian of Katherine Low Settlement to ensure that
KLS complies with its governing document (Memorandum and Articles of Association),
charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
The Board of Trustees is responsible for directing the Settlement’s strategy and vision, for
overseeing the work of its Chief Executive and Staff, and for settling policy, administering
its finance and offering advice and support in the delivery of services. The board is
currently made up of seven serving members, and has vacancies for up to three new
Trustees, to a maximum of ten. Trustees are appointed by the Annual General Meeting for
a period of three years, renewable by mutual agreement.
Gaps we’re looking to fill
The Trustees have identified gaps in its membership in terms of experience of fundraising,
finance, property, charity management and the voice of Settlement members. The board
also recognises that it lacks diversity and lived experience, particularly in representation by
UKME/Global Majority Heritage people, younger people and those with disabilities. Most of
all we are looking for willing and able trustees who are aligned with our vision, mission and
values and who are committed to this local community of Battersea.

3. Key Responsibilities of Trustees
Trustees are expected to:
▪ Formulate and review regularly the strategic aims of the Settlement in accordance with
its legal objects, and to ensure the policy and practices of the Settlement are in keeping
with its aims.
▪ Monitor the performance of the charity against the agreed strategic aims.
▪ Ensure that the Settlement functions within the legal and regulatory requirements of a
charitable organisation and strives to achieve best practice.
▪ Act as guardians of the charity’s assets, tangible and intangible, taking all due care
over their security, deployment and proper application.
Within that broad responsibility, shared among the Trustees, the main tasks and
accountabilities include:
a) Formulating and reviewing strategic aims
▪ Ensure the Settlement has a clear vision, mission and strategic plan, and that there is a
common understanding of these by Trustees and management.
▪ Work with management to formulate the business, operational and other plans
necessary to support the vision, mission and strategic objectives.
▪ Agree and review the Chief Executive’s annual and longer-term objectives, to ensure
that these support the vision, mission and strategic priorities.
▪ Agree policies which support the vision, mission and strategic priorities of the
Settlement, and monitor their implementation.
▪ Follow best practice as recommended by the Charity Commission.
b) Monitoring Performance
▪ Appoint the Chief Executive and ensure there is appropriate investment in their
professional development.
▪ Agree the method for measuring objectively the progress of the Settlement in relation
to its vision, mission and strategic priorities, business plans and annual targets, and to
receive regular reports from the Chief Executive and senior staff on the performance of
the Settlement.
▪ Ensure that the views of members on the Settlement’s performance are regularly
gathered and considered by the Board.
▪ Hold the Chief Executive to account for the management and administration of the
Settlement.
▪ Ensure that the Chief Executive receives regular, constructive feedback on their
performance in managing the Settlement and in meeting annual and longer term goals.
c) Legal and Regulatory Compliance
▪ Ensure that the Settlement complies with all legal and regulatory requirements.
▪ Has a sound grasp and awareness of its duty of care in safeguarding and that policy
and practice are aligned to make the Settlement a safe place for members, especially
children and vulnerable adults.
▪ Understand the rules and constitution that govern the Settlement, and to review the
effectiveness of such rules and constitution periodically.
▪ Agree the levels of delegated authority, whether to the Chief Executive, the Chair, ViceChair and Treasurer of the Board, or to other groups or individuals.
d) Guardians of the Settlement’s Assets
▪ Ensure that the Settlement has satisfactory control systems and procedures for holding
in trust for the beneficiaries all monies, property and other assets.
▪ Ensure that monies which are invested on behalf of the Settlement are well-managed,
within the constraints of the law and ethical and other policies laid down by the Board.
▪ Ensure that the major strategic and operational risks to which the Settlement is
exposed are reviewed annually and that systems have been established to mitigate
these risks.
▪ Ensure that the income and property of the Settlement are applied for the purposes set
out by law and for no other purpose, and with complete fairness between people who
are eligible to benefit.
▪ Ensure that intangible assets such as organisational knowledge and expertise,
intellectual property and the Settlement’s good name and reputation are properly
safeguarded.
e) Promotion of the Settlement and Engagement with Stakeholders
▪ Be prepared to act as an ambassador for the Settlement when asked to by the Chief
Executive or Chair of Trustees, and to work within an agreed brief.
▪ Attend events as an ambassador for the Settlement, to network and promote the work
of the Settlement.
▪ Seek at all times to raise awareness of the work of the Settlement to potential
beneficiaries.
▪ Assist with fundraising and awareness-raising through appropriate speaking and
networking events, with support and training as appropriate.
4. Recruiting Trustees with particular experiences
As part of a regular process of self-audit, the Trustees have identified a particular need to
recruit Trustees with experience of:
▪ Fundraising – from the perspective of either charitable trusts or high net worth
individuals or both, to help maximise our chances of success in fundraising activities
▪ Finance – to be a second finance Trustee, in addition to the Treasurer
▪ Property and general management – to help us to maintain, refurbish and develop
plans for our historic building
▪ Charity experience – to bring knowledge of financial and operational management in
that sector
▪ Lived experience - Ensuring the perspective of volunteers, members and alumni is
represented in decision making
Although the Board is very effective, it lacks significant diversity, which diminishes its
capacity to be even more effective. The Trustees would therefore particularly welcome
interest from those from UKME/Global Majority Heritage backgrounds, younger people and
people with disabilities, all of which are under-represented on the Board.

5. Person Specification
Expressions of interest are invited, in writing, with examples of experience in these areas :

Essential Experience & Skills

• Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort
• Ability to contribute to the strategic vision and direction of KLS
• Ability to work as an active and vocal part of the Trustee board
• Effective communicator – both verbal and written 
• Willingness to be available to staff for advice and enquiries 
• Committed to KLS’s mission, vision and values and its work 
• Knowledge of Battersea / Wandsworth

No prior experience is needed. Full training and support will be given.

6. Further Information

• Katherine Low Settlement is committed to equal opportunities.
•  All offers to volunteer at Katherine Low Settlement are subject to two satisfactory references, which is standard KLS policy applicable to all roles. KLS may ask for an enhanced DBS check.
• You will adhere to matters of confidentiality concerning this role and the KLS team.
•  An induction is given. This includes sharing KLS policies and procedures relevant to each post. 

The Ark Gedling is a Christian charity that exists for the prevention and relief of poverty and hardship; it is a UK registered charity and a member of Advice UK. It provides a community café, with a range of activities to support community development and mutual support, which operate in conjunction with advice sessions, so that local people receive expert advice alongside compassionate community support and empowerment. It works in close partnership with other charities and with local churches. We are excited to announce we are recruoting new trustees to support the project into a new phase in our 20-year history.  

The Bromley Experts by Experience Treasurer will help the board of trustees carry out their financial responsibilities, working closely with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chair of Trustees and staff team in establishing strong foundations for this Deaf and Disabled People’s Organisation with a view to a financially sustainable future. You will also be supporting us in developing our future approach to financial management, making the most of financial modelling, and supporting clear reporting to funders, partners and stakeholders.

The Treasurer will play a vital role, working with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chair of Trustees and staff team to help the organisation ensure sound financial records, develop income streams, and build impact reports. As part of a new, expanded board of trustees at Bromley Experts by Experience, you will provide effective financial oversight, supporting the CEO and senior staff members in developing our vision and strategy to ensure a financially sustainable future.

IMPORTANT: As a Deaf and Disabled People’s Organisation, our governing articles require that our staff, trustees and volunteers bring with them lived experience of disability (self-identified or otherwise). See how we define this below.

Responsibilities of the Treasurer:

• Present financial reports to the board in a format that helps fellow trustees understand X by X Bromley’s financial position.
• Advise the board on how to carry out its financial responsibilities.
• Work with professional advisors and staff, as needed to oversee the preparation and scrutiny of annual accounts.
• Ensure X by X Bromley activities benefit its members and beneficiaries.
• Ensure the board fulfils their duties and responsibilities for effective charity governance in line with Bromley Experts by Experience’s policies and the requirements of the Charity Commission for England and Wales.
• Support and advocate for X by X Bromley’s mission, vision and values.

What we ask of you:

• The Treasurer should expect to serve for a minimum of 12 months.
• The Treasurer is required to attend scheduled meetings with some ad hoc meetings where necessary.
• It is anticipated that the time commitment will be an approximate average of 2.5 hours per week. This will mainly comprise of:
  • Board meeting attendance (plus preparation thereof) every 8 weeks,
  • AGM attendance (plus preparation of papers and accounts),
  • Supporting our annual Disability Pride event.
  • Regular scheduled meetings with senior staff.
• As we are a very small charity, there could be occasions when extra time will be required (e.g. during the planning of new projects or dealing with any particular difficulties that arise), or where additional support would be appreciated (e.g. attending events, meeting members at project days).

Key Skills and Qualities:

• Lived Experience of disability (can be self-identified)
• A belief that Disabled People can and should be actively welcomed and included in our communities. An understanding that it is barriers in society that make that harder. This is called the Social Model of Disability.
• A qualified accountant with not-for-profit awareness and knowledge. An understanding of very small charities and/or DDPOs would be advantageous.
• Competent IT skills, including working knowledge of QuickBooks and Excel.
• Ability to communicate and explain financial information accessibly.
• Strong analytical and evaluation skills, demonstrating professional and independent judgement.
• A genuine interest in local communities and people.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, communicating in a way that is accessible to you.
• Understanding of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship, the Treasurer role, and the financial aspects of running a charity.
• An effective team worker, contributing an independent perspective.
• Possess and demonstrate integrity, objectivity, accountability, and honesty.
• Commitment to Bromley Experts by Experience’s aims, objectives and values.

The Treasurer must be legally eligible to stand as a registered Company Director and Charity Trustee. Having had previous experience as a trustee of a voluntary organisation is an advantage.

The Treasurer will require a DBS Check to be completed.

What we mean by lived experience of disability:

As we follow the Social Model of Disability, our definition of Disabled person includes anyone who is being discriminated against or disabled by barriers in society, including:

• People with physical impairment
• People with visual impairment
• Deaf people
• People with hearing impairment
• People who are neurodivergent
• People with learning difficulties/disabilities
• People who experience mental health conditions/mental distress
• People with long-term health conditions

We recognise that a lot of these impairments are invisible and many people have more than one impairment.

We are looking for a dedicated Volunteer Treasurer to join our Board of Trustees and help guide the financial well-being of the charity as we grow and respond to increasing need. Becoming a Treasurer at Shiloh means more than just numbers. You’ll be helping us build stronger futures for some of the most vulnerable people in our community. It’s a chance to use your skills for good and to be part of a dedicated, friendly team.

As Treasurer, you will:

• Work closely with the Board, Chief Executive, and Finance Manager

• Ensure our finances remain sustainable, compliant, and transparent

• Be part of a passionate team committed to lasting change for people affected by homelessness

General Responsibilities of a Trustee

• Ensure the charity focuses on its purpose and all activities align with its aims and objectives

• Comply with the governing document and meet all legal requirements

• Act in the charity’s best interests

• Prepare for meetings, seek advice when needed, and make informed decisions

• Contribute to Shiloh’s strategy and policies, and support and guide the Chief Executive and staff team

Specific Responsibilities of the Treasurer

• Ensure the charity’s financial affairs are legal, constitutional, and in line with accepted accounting practice and Charity Commission guidelines

• Oversee accurate record-keeping and effective financial procedures and controls

• Lead the Finance Sub-Group (with the CEO and Finance Manager) to monitor financial health and report key updates at Board meetings (e.g. income/expenditure, balance sheet, cash flow, reserves)

• Oversee the timely preparation of the annual budget and recommend its adoption to the Board

• Guide trustees in assessing the financial viability of plans, proposals, and feasibility studies

• Ensure financial resources meet both present and future needs

• Maintain a robust overview of financial risks facing the charity

• Oversee the production of financial reports, returns, accounts, and independent examinations

What We’re Looking For

Knowledge and Understanding

• Experience in charity finance and fundraising

• Financial qualifications (desirable)

• Previous Treasurer experience (desirable)

• Trustee board or committee experience

• Knowledge of restricted, unrestricted, and designated funds

• Knowledge of Gift Aid

• Understanding of governance and the voluntary sector

• Awareness of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship

Key Skills and Abilities

• Strong analytical skills to assess proposals and financial implications

• Ability to lead Finance Sub-Group meetings ahead of Board meetings

• Availability to provide occasional ad hoc support to staff on finance-related queries

• Able to build strong relationships and act as an ambassador for Shiloh

• Collaborative team player who values diverse perspectives

Personal Attributes

• Commitment to Shiloh’s vision and values

• Good listener, open to feedback and other perspectives

• Positive, problem-solving attitude

• High integrity and commitment to the Seven Principles of Public Life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, leadership

We are looking for passionate people to join our Trustee team and contribute their skills to the development of our highly ambitious, industry-leading organisation.

First and foremost, we’re looking for people who are passionate about equal access to music and live events, and who will fully get behind Attitude is Everything’s Vision and Mission. We have a vision for accessible employment; that disabled people can have a career in the music and live event industries.

We want our Board to be representative of the communities that it serves, so we’re particularly interested in people who identify as disabled, deaf and/or neurodivergent and who are from diverse backgrounds, including from lower socio-economic backgrounds and from regions outside of London.  We are particularly interested in hearing from senior leaders in the music industry, those with strong knowledge and experience of the fundraising landscape and individuals with policy experience.

Challengers Trustee

Join Challengers as a Trustee

Make a real impact in the lives of disabled children and young people.

Challengers is seeking three enthusiastic, committed individuals to join our Board of Trustees. We’re particularly interested in candidates with experience in:

· Governance

· Digital marketing & media

· Business strategy or finance

· Medical background

Most importantly, we’re looking for people who believe in inclusion and the power of play.

About Us
Challengers is a charity dedicated to providing inclusive play opportunities for disabled children and young people. Founded in 1979, we remove barriers to play, support families through respite, and build supportive communities. Our vision is a world where all children can play together freely.

Your Role as Trustee
You’ll contribute to the strategic direction and governance of Challengers, ensuring we deliver our mission effectively. You’ll work with a passionate Board and Senior Leadership Team.

Key Responsibilities

• Uphold and support the mission, values, and strategic aims of Challengers.
• Contribute actively to Board discussions and decision-making with independent judgment and strategic insight.
• Support and challenge the Chief Executive and leadership team to deliver the charity’s objectives effectively.
• Champion the work of Challengers externally by attending events and acting as an ambassador.
• Ensure legal, financial, and regulatory compliance as outlined in the Charity Commission’s guidance for trustees.
• Engage with and support the implementation of projects and initiatives.

Time Commitment

· 4 early evening Board meetings per year (in person)

· Participation in 1 sub-committee (4 meetings per year)

· Attendance at the AGM and at least one event annually

This is a voluntary, unpaid position, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

Pets As Therapy is a national charity with a simple but powerful mission: to share the joy of pets with people who need it most. We support more than 4,500 volunteer teams across the UK. Together, they bring comfort, connection and companionship to tens of thousands of people every year.

We are looking for three new trustees to help guide our strategy, strengthen our governance and ensure that we remain true to our purpose of spreading joy, comfort and companionship through the magic of pets.

What will you be doing?

Our trustees play a vital role in making sure that PAT achieves its core purpose. They oversee the overall management and administration of the charity. They also ensure that PAT 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 the charity to grow and thrive, and through this, achieve our mission.

Time commitment

• Attend all full Board meetings. The Board meets formally at least four times a year for between a half day and a day, depending on business. Two meetings are in-person and are held in central London. Two are virtual.
• Preparation for meetings – read papers, understand numbers, assimilate arguments.
• All trustees are asked to serve on one or more Board sub committees and working groups. This adds 3-4 shorter meetings a year.
• Trustees may be asked to chair sub committees on a rotating basis.
• At least two visits per year accompanying a PAT volunteer in a different sector and or attending/supporting an event with PAT volunteers.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our Board. We are particularly interested in hearing from individuals with the following skills and experience: 

Animal Care and Behaviour - The wellbeing of the companion animals is of upmost importance to us. Someone with experience in veterinary care will help us develop best practice in our own operation and set an example to the sector. 

Education - Our volunteers visit over 1,600 schools. Someone with education experience will help us to ensure we deliver the best possible service to children and young people. 

Volunteer Management - A key part of our current strategy is improving our volunteer engagement and our volunteer experience. Therefore we’d welcome applications from people with a background in volunteer management and volunteer led organisations.

What difference will you make?

You will bring your own skills and perspectives to help us shape PAT’s next phase of growth. In return, you’ll have the opportunity to be part of a truly unique charity, one that harnesses the bond between people and their pets to transform lives every day.

Before you apply

The TrusteeWorks Team at Reach Volunteering are supporting Pets as Therapy with their Trustee recruitment. Applications should be made via TrusteeWorks in the first instance. To apply please submit your CV/LinkedIn Profile, along with a covering letter stating why you wish to join PAT, the skills and experience you will bring to the Board and what you would hope to get out of the role. If you’d like to have an informal conversation before applying, we’d be happy to speak with you. 

Support Gunnersbury Museum to become a thriving resource for its local communities by joining their Board of Trustees.

Applications close at 9 a.m. Monday 13th October.

Location: Gunnersbury Estate, London

Time commitment: c. 1 day a month 

Gunnersbury Museum & Park Development Trust is seeking five new Trustees to help shape the future of one of West London’s most significant heritage and green spaces.

This recruitment follows a recent governance review and comes at a pivotal time for the Trust, as it builds momentum across heritage conservation, cultural programming, community engagement and environmental sustainability.

Gunnersbury is a unique estate, comprising 72 hectares of parkland, 21 listed buildings including a Regency-era mansion, and a museum that reflects the diverse histories of West London. With a growing programme of exhibitions, education, events and large-scale music festivals, it plays a vital role as both a cultural destination and a community asset.

The Trust is looking for individuals with insight, expertise and a strong commitment to its mission. Candidates with experience in heritage, sustainability, fundraising, events, or community leadership are particularly encouraged to apply.

Applications are especially welcomed from those with strong local connections and from individuals who can help the Board reflect the diversity of the communities Gunnersbury serves.

You do not need previous board experience; we will provide induction and ongoing support.

Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Monday 13th October.

We are seeking a new Chair to provide strategic leadership at a time when demand for our advice services is at an all-time high. Help shape our vision, champion our mission, and make a tangible difference in the lives of those facing challenges.

About Citizens Advice East Berkshire
Citizens Advice East Berkshire offers crucial help and advice when people need it most. No one but Citizens Advice sees so many people with so many different kinds of problems, and that gives us a unique insight into the challenges people are facing today. 

What will you be doing?
We are at an important stage in our development and we are seeking a new Chair to replace our current Chair who will be standing down as her term finishes. We have ambitious plans for our future and we are looking for a Chair who can help drive our mission forward.

Building on our successes to date, we want a new Chair to lead us through the next exciting phase of our journey. You will have a strong background and track record of providing leadership at board and/or senior executive level and will have a passion for supporting people facing tough life challenges. You should have the judgement and vision to operate effectively at strategic level and you should demonstrate the skills and expertise to help drive our mission forward. We are looking for someone with 3 years+ professional experience in one of the fields of Fundraising strategy, Governance, Operations management or Advice / Advocacy. 

We are looking for someone who has:

• Experience of operating at a senior strategic leadership level within an organisation
• Successful track record of achievement through their career
• Experience of charity governance and working with or as part of a Board of Trustees
• Passion for supporting people facing tough life challenges
• Ideally has served as a Chair or Vice Chair and is familiar with leading a Board

What are we looking for?

You’ll need to:

• Understand the type of work undertaken by a local Citizens Advice and the Citizens Advice network
• Understand and accept the responsibilities and liabilities of a trustee
• Be non-judgmental and respect views, values and cultures that are different to your own
• Have a good basis of leadership skills (and preferably you have served within a Board, ideally as Chair or Vice Chair or led a Committee)
• Have the ability to facilitate and lead meetings
• Have good interpersonal skills
• Have good listening, verbal and written communication skills
• Be able to exercise good independent judgment
• Have good numeracy skills to understand accounts with the support of the treasurer
• Be willing to learn about and follow the Citizens Advice aims, principles and policies, including confidentiality and data protection
• Be willing to undertake mandatory training in your role
• Line manage and support the Chief Executive Officer

What difference will you make?
Citizens Advice East Berkshire makes transformational differences to people who need support when facing life crises. As Chair you will play a significant part in ensuring we are able to expand and grown our services to make a significant difference to many more individuals and families. 

We are looking for a Trustee who is passionate about arts and social justice, who wants to make a difference and is able to compliment our Board of Trustees, Artistic Director, and Executive Director as we work together to develop the impact and profile of Cardboard Citizens.

We are looking for strategic thinkers and committed collaborators who are passionate about the arts and social justice.

We especially welcome those who can bring lived or professional experience in areas such as communications, campaigning, public engagement, fundraising, or media- skills that will help us grow our public profile and deepen the impact of the stories we tell.

We believe that the need for Cardboard Citizens is as urgent as it ever has been with the current external environment and the challenges for our communities with experience of homelessness and poverty.

Whilst we'd like to hear from applicants from a range of backgrounds and experiences, we are particularly keen to hear from those with skills in any of the following areas:

• Digital, New Media
• Communications / public relations
• Environment & Sustainability
• Development
• Strategic partnerships

The general attributes we're looking for in a potential Trustee include:

• Good judgement
• An ability to think creatively and strategically
• An ability to collaborate and work as part of a team
• Effective interpersonal skills
• An active commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion
• An ability to command trust and respect
• An understanding and acceptance of a Trustee's legal duties and responsibilities
• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort required.

Trustees will be required to:

• To serve an initial term of 4 years, with the possibility of re-appointment until 8 consecutive years' service has been reached.
• To attend 4 x 2-hour Board Meetings a year, committee meetings as required, as well as an annual Away Day.
• To attend events, performances, workshops and other engagements, to gain a full experience of the breadth of Cardboard Citizens work.
• To sit on one of the Board's Committees.
• To provide specialist advice and expertise as required and appropriate.
• To advocate and champion Cardboard Citizens' work, values, ambition, and strategic direction.

Help shape the future of mental health support in Devon

Step One is a long-established and ambitious charity, with over 85 years’ experience supporting people across Devon with mental health challenges, learning disabilities, and neurodiversity. Each year, we work with up to 800 individuals, helping them to live more independently and thrive in their communities.

We are seeking to further strengthen our Board of Trustees as we continue to grow and deliver our 5-year strategy. To complement our current strengths, we are looking for someone with a clinical background, with an emphasis on mental health, which could include experience as a clinical psychologist, GP, mental health nurse, or OT, amongst others.

As a Trustee, you will play a vital role in providing strategic oversight and governance, ensuring that Step One remains resilient, innovative, and impactful in a challenging but exciting environment. You will join a committed and diverse Board and have the opportunity to contribute your expertise to support our Chief Executive, senior leadership team, and staff.

What we offer Trustees:

• A chance to use your skills and experience to make a real difference in people’s lives.
• The opportunity to shape the direction of a respected and growing charity.
• A supportive and inspiring environment, working alongside a team who share your passion for improving mental health and wellbeing.

Commitment:
Trustees commit an average of 10–15 hours per month, including Board and Committee meetings (held in Exeter, with some remote options). The role is unremunerated, but reasonable expenses are reimbursed.

Do you have experience in Fundraising?

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 and wider senior team with advice, guidance and sharing their experiences specifically related to:

· Supporting the team and wider charity to achieve our fundraising goals.

· Supporting and encouraging the fundraising team in their work.

· Ensuring that our fundraising activities are in line with organisational values and the Fundraising Code of Conduct.

· Help develop a fundraising culture across the organisation.

· Share your knowledge and expertise to enhance our fundraising efforts and maximise the effectiveness of our activities.

This is an exciting time to join Connection Support as we start to see the impact of our Prevention first 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;

· A diverse range of experience in fundraising and charitable income generation at strategic and operational levels, (e.g., instance trusts and foundations, major donors, corporate partnerships, regular donors and legacy giving).

·Knowledge of the fundraising landscape and the challenges facing medium-sized, regional charities in securing funds.

Previous experience 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

On application we will email you and request the following:

· 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 email us and we will arrange a chat with our CEO Chris Keating or our Chair of the Board Emma Duke.

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.