Board of trustees volunteer volunteer roles

Background for Citizens Advice Salford’s Chair of Trustees:

Citizens Advice Salford is looking for a new chair for our board of trustees. The service is an independent charity, employing 35 people and benefiting from the support of about 70 highly trained volunteers. We are a full member of the National Association of Citizens Advice, our membership organisation, which supports our work.

Our chair plays a critical role in leading both the board and the organisation, as well as in representing the Salford service within the broader Citizens Advice movement. They will also provide strategic leadership and support the service’s chief executive.

The service provides advice to about 18,000 people each year, and is regulated by various bodies. Our offer is primarily through face to face contact, telephone advice, web access and we are looking at what new digital approaches such as AI can do for us.

We hold the specialist advice giving quality mark. Citizens Advice Salford has a strong reputation as a campaigner for change, for fighting against poverty, lobbying and campaigning on behalf of our clients, together with working across Greater Manchester with our colleague local citizens advice services.

Financially we have a range of contracts with public bodies such as the Council, together with a range of other grants and funding for specific projects.

The current chair is reaching the end of her six year term, but will still be a member of the board. It is a strong board consisting of ten people, with a diverse range of skills and experience.

If you would like to have a more general discussion about the role please feel free to contact the current Chair, or the Chief Officer. Contact details are available on our vacancy page via the apply button.

• What's in it for you?

• use your experience to make a positive impact for people in Salford by ensuring Citizens Advice Salford is sustainable and meeting the needs of the community
• meet people and build relationships with trustees, staff and other volunteers
• build on your governance, leadership and strategy knowledge and skills
• increase your employability
• be a part of infl uence and change work that looks to reduce poverty in Salford, and to make it and the country a better place for all.

How much time do you need to give?

Trustee boards usually meet in the evenings and you’ll likely need to give two or three hours, six times a year and you may need to attend other meetings if you’re involved in specifi c projects, or meet with volunteers and staff occasionally within Citizens Advice Salford. We can be fl exible about the time spent, so come and talk to us.

Valuing Inclusion

Our volunteers come from a range of backgrounds and we particularly welcome applications from disabled people, people with physical or mental health conditions, LGBT+ and non-binary people, and people from global majority communities.
If you are interested in becoming a chair of trustees and would like to discuss fl exibility around location, time, ‘what you will do’ and how we can support you please contact us.

SLOW, an award-winning charity supporting bereaved families, is excited to welcome an experienced Chair to lead our Board of Trustees, when our current Chair retires in June 2026. The appointee will be tasked with moving the organisation to the next level in delivering the sustainable growth of its bereavement services. 

Inclusive Boards is delighted to support Scope in their search to appoint two new Trustees. 

Scope is the UK’s disability equality charity. They campaign to transform attitudes to disability, tackle injustice and inspire action. They create opportunities and provide information and support that empowers.

About Scope

Scope wants a society where all disabled people enjoy equality and fairness. We provide practical advice and emotional support to people and families who need it most. We use our collective power to deliver social change and end injustice for disabled people. We do this by working to change attitudes. We inspire policy change, by both local and national government. We work with organisations as employers and product or service providers. Our shops are at the heart of communities around the country, each one increasing impact. Last year, we supported over 4 million disabled people through our services, our online advice and online community forum. This also importantly gives us the authority to speak to power on behalf of disabled people and their families across the country.

Scope’s new strategy was approved by the Board in 2023 and focuses on achieving seismic change for and with disabled people and their families. We want to build on the impact we have achieved over the last few years. We want to go further in driving social change, achieving equality for all disabled people. Our work is underpinned by our commitment to diversity and inclusion in everything we do, and our values. We are pioneering, courageous, connected, fair and open.

About the Trustee opportunities:

Scope is seeking to strengthen the Trustee Board further and want to welcome 2 new Trustees with expertise in the following areas:

• A qualified accountant with audit/risk or governance experience
• Fundraising

Trustees act as ambassadors for the organisation, engaging with stakeholders such as donors, volunteers, and beneficiaries. They foster relationships, build networks, and advocate for the organisation’s mission, enhancing its visibility and impact.

The Trustees we appoint will work closely with other Trustees, the Chief Executive and the Executive Leadership Team. Together they will oversee the delivery of our ambitious new strategy. They must be committed to equality, and to involving disabled people in decision making.

Message from the Chair of Trustees

The Trustees represent different backgrounds and experiences, but what pulls us together is a

commitment to SEED’s work on the ground in Madagascar. Several of us have been to Madagascar

and have either volunteered or worked with SEED, so we have seen first-hand how important our

work is, and the positive impact SEED has in the communities we serve. Madagascar is an

extraordinary country with exceptional biodiversity but has severely lacking infrastructure and a

high level of anthropogenic threats due to extreme poverty and considerable dependence on

natural resources.

We are looking forward to welcoming a new Chair of our Board of Trustees to join the amazing

team of dedicated staff and volunteers who are delivering sustainable development, conservation

and community work through a range of projects based on local needs. The current Chair has been

in post since 2022 and served as a Trustee for 2 years prior to that. A change of leadership and a

fresh perspective is timely and will ensure we approach the next phase of our growth and

development with new ideas. You will be assured of a warm and supportive welcome with the

benefit of a team containing years of experience, combined with new members who bring global

expertise in their field.

SEED is growing thanks to successful marketing, fundraising project development and delivery. We

are now looking to build on our implementation of our strategic plan, to deliver sustainable

development for the people of southeastern Madagascar. We are privileged to work with its

wonderful people, and we hope that you will want to join us.

Introduction to SEED

SEED has been working in the southeast corner of Madagascar for over 20 years. SEED stands for Sustainable, Environment, Education and Development and we focus on building meaningful, sustainable change in one the poorest regions of one the poorest countries in the world.

Our projects range from school building to maternal health, from Agroforestry to Lemur Conservation and rights.

We are active on social media where you can find us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, X, and YouTube. The majority of our staff are Malagasy, working in Fort Dauphin to design and deliver projects on the ground, alongside our international team, who bring external expertise and international best practices. In Madagascar, we have 95 staff in total (70 Malagasy and 25 international). They are supported by a small UK-based and remote working team of 10.

Governance structures

SEED’s Board of Trustees has 8 members, including the Chair, who meet quarterly. There are three sub-committees of the board focusing on: Audit and Risk; Marketing and Fundraising; and HR. These are chaired by a Trustee and consist of at least one other Trustee and up to two of the Senior Management team. We also have lead Trustees for Safeguarding and Whistleblowing.

The Board is international with Trustees based in a number of different countries, so the Board works remotely.

The operations are run by the Managing Director and the Director of Programmes and Operations who are both long standing senior managers.

The Chair of Trustees role

Chair of Trustee Board

In addition to the general role of Trustee, the Chair of SEED’s Board of Trustees holds overall accountability for the charity delivering its mission. Working closely with the Board and the staff senior team , they will provide leadership and direction to ensure SEED fulfils its charitable aims and objectives and abides by its governing documents and relevant legislation. They will work collaboratively with board members and senior management to ensure SEED delivers maximum benefit to the communities it serves.

Chair Role Description

Terms and conditions: Voluntary role

Responsible to: Board of Trustees

Base: The Board works remotely

Line manager of: Managing Director

Overview of SEED

SEED Madagascar is a successful, growing British Charity working in partnership with communities in the southeast of Madagascar. We integrate high-quality community health, rural livelihoods, schools and conservation programmes to support long term, sustainable change and add to international best practice through research and publication.

SEED has been working in Madagascar for over 20 years and has a wide range of impactful projects ranging from school building to sexual health, from beekeeping to improving lemur habitats. More recently, SEED has been working to address the famine in the southeast with emergency food distribution.

Employing most of its staff in Madagascar, SEED also engages international staff and interns as well as running a volunteer programme. Full details of our operations can be found on our website which includes our annual report and accounts, fundraising advice and information on our staff and Trustees.

The role will carry the usual responsibilities of a Trustee as defined by the England and Wales Charity Commission and we encourage all applicants to read through this prior to making an application.

Accountability:

As a Trustee you are responsible and liable for the governance and functioning of the charity and are accountable in varying degrees to a variety of stakeholders including service users, members, funders, the Charity Commission, and Companies House.

SEED Trustees should uphold the fiduciary duty required of all charity trustees to act in the best interests of both current and future beneficiaries of the charity, being held personally liable for any breach of that duty.

Key Responsibilities

• To ensure that the Board of Trustees understands and fulfils its responsibilities for the governance of the organisation
• To provide strategic oversight and ensure that all decisions are taken in the best interests of SEED and its charitable aims.
• To provide leadership for the Board of Trustees in their role of developing and agreeing the strategy of the organisation.
• To ensure that SEED has the effective policies and procedures needed to function properly, legally and safely including those for safeguarding, whistleblowing and anticorruption.
• To effectively chair the Board meetings, facilitating debate and bringing about consensus and clear decision making.
• To work with the Board to bring about strong and constructive working relationships and sharing of the workload across the areas of expertise.
• To oversee the membership of and effective working of the subcommittees
• To build and maintain a constructive and supportive working relationship with the MD. To be overall line manager for the MD, assessing their performance and discussing development needs with them.
• To work closely with the MD to support them in achieving the vision of the organisation ensuring they have the support needed for the effective running of SEED and bring scrutiny as needed so they are held to account for achieving agreed strategic objectives.
• To plan with the MD the annual cycle of Board meetings, setting agendas and monitoring the decisions taken at meetings are enacted.
• To review the Board’s performance and composition to ensure that SEED has a diverse, high performing Board working together in support of SEEDs strategy and Charitable objectives.
• To support recruitment and onboarding of new members to the board as needed to ensure continuity of the board responsibilities.
• To work with each Trustee to support them fulfilling their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of the charity.
• To ensure the Board regularly reviews major risks and associated opportunities.
• To lead the Board in fulfilling its duties to ensure the sound financial health of the charity, with systems in place to verify financial accountability and that SEED is operating within the legal and financial guidelines set out in the current legislation
• To represent the interests of the board and charity externally as and when needed

Person specification

• Knowledge and understanding of the role and responsibilities of a Chair of a Charity and Board Membership – experience as a board member as a minimum
• An understanding and experience of strategic planning within the corporate or charity setting.
• A proven leader with the ability to think strategically and creatively and to challenge proposals with clear logical thinking
• A strong commitment and passion for international development and an understanding of this sector, ideally able to bring experience of working within it.
• Demonstrable alignment to the charity’s mission, vision, and values
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Experience of people management and able to build strong relationships with people who are working on a voluntary basis at senior level
• An understanding of, or a willingness to understand, the strategic, legislative, political and cultural contexts that affect and influence SEED’s work
• Enthusiasm and commitment to equality and diversity in all aspects of SEED’s work
• An interest in Madagascar and an understanding of the challenges of working within different cultures and environments
• Be able to work to and advocate for all of SEED’s policies and procedures, safeguarding those that SEED works with and investigating and/or reporting any concerns appropriately

SEED Madagascar actively encourages equality, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace and aims to create a working environment free of bullying, harassment, victimisation, and unlawful discrimination, where individual differences and the contributions of all staff are recognised and valued

Time commitments and requirements

There are a minimum of four Board meetings per year with the potential for additional Board meetings and Trustee only discussions. The Chair will discuss and agree the agenda in advance with the Managing Director, Chair the meeting and ensure follow up actions take place. These meetings are on a Sunday, are virtual and typically last 3 hours.

The Chair will participate on one sub-committee which has its own quarterly cycle of meetings. The Chair will manage the MD and have regular discussions about progress and undertake the annual review process. The Chair and all Trustees are required to undertake mandatory training as part of their induction and regular updates and additional training. The Chair will work with the Board to ensure each member is taking an active part in the Board and sub committees.

The Trustee Board are encouraged to have one trustee a year take a trip to Madagascar to familiarise themselves with the environment the SEED works in and to meet and get to know the staff in country (some expenses will be covered).

Start your board journey with Citizens Advice LeicesterShire

We are looking for a Board Associate to join our team. This is a unique, developmental role designed to give you firsthand experience of how a charity board operates while you build the skills and confidence to become a Trustee in the future.

Who We are:

Citizens Advice LeicesterShire is an independent and local non-profit organisation. Our purpose is “Sharing knowledge to transform lives”. By listening to the needs of our communities and clients, we act to provide accessible, high-quality information, advice and education to anyone who needs it. We empower individuals with the tools and support they need to build resilience and thrive. By working in partnership with national and local organisations, we’re able to advocate for a fairer society, amplifying the voices of those often unheard. We demonstrate and uphold our values: we care, we help, we excel and we challenge to achieve positive outcomes for the people we help. Last year we supported over 31,000 people across Leicester and Leicestershire, securing them £14 million in additional income.

What is a Board Associate?

Think of this as a “governance apprenticeship”. You won’t carry the legal liability of a Trustee just yet, but you will be right at the heart of the action.

You will work closely with our CEO, Chair and Trustees to support the smooth running of the board. Your role will involve:

• Supporting board effectiveness: Helping to arrange meetings, prepare agendas and keep accurate records of our decisions.
• Learning by doing: Observing board discussions, participating in strategic projects and understanding how we make decisions that affect thousands of people.
• Governance support: Helping ensure we meet our legal requirements and monitoring the implementation of board actions.

What we offer you

We don’t expect you to be an expert from day one. This role is about your growth. You will receive:

• Mentoring: Direct support from experienced board members.
• Board-level exposure: A rare opportunity to see inside the strategic engine room of a major local charity.
• Skill development: Build your experience in leadership, strategy, and governance—a huge asset for your CV.
• Training: We’ll help you learn about charity law and board procedures.

What we’re looking for

You don’t need previous board experience. We are looking for someone who is organised, eager to learn, and shares our values: We Care, We Help, We Excel, We Challenge.

You might be a great fit if you have:

• Strong organisational and planning skills.
• An interest in how charities or businesses are run.
• The ability to exercise good judgment and act independently.
• A commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.

We particularly welcome applications from disabled people, those with physical or mental health conditions, LGBT+ and non-binary people, and people from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, as we want our leadership to reflect the diverse communities we serve.

Practical details

• Role Type: Volunteer (Non-Executive).

• Time Commitment: Approximately 3.5 hours every two months for board meetings (usually evenings), plus some additional time for prep or projects. We can be flexible.

• Location: Meetings are typically face-to-face in Leicestershire.

• Expenses: All reasonable out-of-pocket expenses are reimbursed.

Closing date for applications: 1st March 2026

Planned date(s) for interviews: 23rd March 2026

To apply, please read our trustee information pack, full role description and complete the application form on our website.

Taunton Brewhouse is looking for trustees from all backgrounds.  Key is sharing our vision for a bold, brilliant cultural venue in Taunton, adding to our existing skills and expedrience and prepared to to play an active role in meeting the challenges ahead.

If you have experience in general management and/or in HR, marketing or fundraising do get in touch.   We also seek a lead trustee on finance - please see separate announcement.

As a trustee, you'll share responsibility for:

• agreeing strategy and goals for Taunton Brewhouse
• appointing and setting salaries for senior management
• giving oversight and support to management
• paying attention to financial management
• ensuring due diligence in all regulatory matters including safe-guarding
• ensuring a robust approach to management of risk.

You'll attend Board meeting although much work is carried out in projects or committees.  You'll be an ambassador for Taunton Brewhouse and support our wider endeavours through attending press and community events.

There are 5 formal meetings pa held in evenings at Taunton Brewhouse.  Other meetings are generally in the day and are organised around the diaries of those involved.  We also aim for an annual 'away-day' to enable trustees time to reflect, plan and develop the organisation and themselves.

Please note that exceptional expenses are paid by prior agreement.

We aim to be in touch quickly both those who make a full application and those who prefer an informal initial discussion. 

Bournemouth Foodbank is looking for committed and skilled individuals to serve as trustees.

The Foodbank is at an exciting time as we have just secured funding to develop a whole new branch of initiatives. We are a Pathfinder Foodbank, piloting new programmes for the Trussell Trust Foodbank Network.

Food poverty is a complex issue that requires a range of joined-up approaches to solve. Frontline services are vital; however, people need more than food for the next three days; they need to feel that they are seen and heard, and they need to know that they have a legitimate place in society. That’s why we are developing these new more than food initiatives and working to prevent dependency and the need for foodbanks in the future.

In order to meet the challenges ahead we are particularly keen to recruit Trustees with legal experience, fundraising, strong administrative skills and, availability to attend the Foodbank on an ad hoc basis (at least fortnightly) during weekdays. Lived experience using Foodbanks or similar crisis services, as well as anyone with a background in Health and Well Being services, or Hospitality would all be extremely valuable additions to our board of trustees.

Vital is to be committed to the vision of Bournemouth Foodbank and concerned about our local communities in BCP as well as social justice equal opportunities. You will want to be giving your time and skills to work alongside our board to shape the future services on offer to our local community and support our few paid staff team and over 150 volunteers.

The time commitment would be a few hours a month, the expectation to attend the Foodbank at least fortnightly during weekdays and some flexibility to support occasional events would be wonderful (but entirely optional).

Responsibilities

As Chair of Trustees, you will ensure that you comply with Bournemouth Foodbank’s governing documents, charity law requirements, and other laws that might apply to it. You must act in Bournemouth Foodbank’s best interest, including doing what you and the trustee board decide will best enable Bournemouth Foodbank to carry out its purpose, as well as making balanced informed decisions.

This role involves leading and overseeing the trustee board in ensuring the effective performance of its legal, regulatory and governance responsibilities. It is also an essential part of the role to support and line manage the Foodbank Chief Executive Officer, to achieve the vision/objectives of the Foodbank and to ensure there is a positive relationship between the trustee board, staff, volunteers, and any other stakeholders.

Key Tasks

Chairperson Responsibilities:

• chair trustee meetings so that the trustee board functions effectively and carries out its duties
• ensure the trustee board sets an overall direction for the Foodbank with clear objectives
• ensure that the business of meetings is dealt with, decisions are recorded and implemented, and documentation is well managed and filed diligently
• in consultation with the rest of the trustee board, recruit board members with relevant expertise and experience when required
• to ensure that there is appropriate line management in place to manage the Food Bank Chief Executive Officer (which shall include undertaking appraisals, counter-authorising financial payments including payroll etc)

Ensure an effective relationship between staff, volunteers, and stakeholders:

• to plan with the Chief Executive Officer, an annual schedule of any subcommittee/steering group meetings and other key events which trustee board members should attend
• to work alongside the Foodbank Chief Executive Officer to ensure there is appropriate communication between the trustee board and staff, volunteers, and any other stakeholders.

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, ensuring the charity’s assets are used only to carry out its purpose, ensure the charity does not become over-committed, and ensure that key risks are identified, monitored and controlled appropriately
• to ensure the effective and efficient administration of the charity, responding to changes in the local community as appropriate
• to ensure appropriate financial plans are in place, budgets are monitored, financial statements are reviewed, and progress is evaluated
• 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.

Applications are warmly invited from potential volunteers who wish to join our Board of Trustees.

We do not require previous board experience and very much encourage applicants from across our diverse communities in Surrey. We will provide a wide range of support, training and development opportunities.

Hours: Approximately 3 - 6 hours per month

Supported by: Board and Chair of Trustees and CEO

Location: Meetings in Milford, Godalming with visits across Surrey.

Role: To work as part of the Trustee team in providing a governance framework for the Charity and to be able to make effective decisions and be accountable to the Charity Commission.

Skills:

We are looking for Trustees for our Board who may have skills in any of these areas, though not exclusively:

• Income Generation / Fundraising
• Legal
• The NHS
• Digital Marketing Experience

You would contribute actively to the Board of Trustees in defining the strategic direction of the organisation, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating organisational performance against agreed strategic targets.

You would protect the reputation of our charity.

You would attend quarterly Board meetings and, potentially, committee meetings held twice yearly.

Attendance at Board Meetings is in person or remote. Committee meetings are attended remotely.

Role involves:

Scrutinising Board papers and other communications.

Abiding by Age UK Surrey’s policies and procedures and ensure these are effectively implemented.

Participating in activities to promote the Charity to our beneficiaries, funders and the wider public.

Trustees will:

Be committed to the aims and values of the organisation.

Be willing to provide the level of commitment required for this role.

Think, strategically, about our charity and about its future direction.

Think independently and creatively.

Challenge constructively and courteously.

Have an understanding of the responsibilities of being a Trustee.

Be a team player.

Support the staff team as appropriate.

Comply with the Age UK Brand Partnership Agreement and Charity Commission guidance.

Be responsible for the financial position of the Charity, ensure it is operating efficiently and effectively, and delivers on the outcomes defined in its governing document.

Set the strategic direction and delegate operational responsibility to the CEO.

Ensure the organisation complies with its governing document, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation and regulations.

Ensure the organisation uses its resources effectively.

Protect and manage the property of the Charity and ensure the proper investment of the Charity’s funds.

At DAR we care passionately that everyone who seeks sanctuary in the UK deserves to be welcomed, treated with dignity and supported to rebuild their lives in the UK.  Our 65 volunteers provide that support through teaching English, helping them get to know Darlington, chatting, listening, fundraising and assisting with the running of our charity.  Our Board of Trustees are a dedicated group of people of diverse backgrounds who are now seeking a Leader to take DAR to the next step in its development.

This is a strategic leadership role, with responsibility for leading the Trustee Board in its role of supporting our Executive Team, ensuring effective governance and compliance.  We're looking for an engaging, inclusive leader with the energy and enthusiasm to encourage, inspire and enthuse our team.

This is a great opportunity to develop further governance skills and experience, and help steer an important charity in the right direction.

Chairing experience required + any combination of: financial management, advocacy, HR, charities, fundraising, social prescribing, NHS, local authorities, marketing, business development, governance, strategy or legal.

About Self Help UK

Self Help UK is a leading peer support organisation with over 40 years of experience in developing and delivering peer-led services. Our mission is to empower individuals and communities by embedding peer support principles into health and wellbeing initiatives. We have created a range of innovative programmes that help people living with cancer and other long-term health conditions to navigate challenges and take control of their health and wellbeing.

We work in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support on projects that make a real difference. These include national and local initiatives for the Deaf community, volunteer-led support for anyone affected by cancer, and prehabilitation services for those facing complex treatment. In 2026, we will collaborate with our Integrated Care System to improve health literacy and increase cancer screening uptake among underserved communities in Nottingham. Looking ahead, we are exploring a new direction to position Self Help UK as a holistic, person-centred support provider, embedding peer support and volunteer-led activity at the heart of everything we do. Our vision is to challenge health inequalities and enable people to feel confident, informed, and supported in shaping their own health journey.

A selection of causes covered by Self Help UK

·Peer support

·Long-term health conditions

·Cancer diagnoses and prevention

·Voluntary sector support

·Health inequalities

·Under-served communities

What will you be doing?

You will be chairing the Board of Trustees, ensuring that we have minimum representation required for decisions to be made, keeping the board aligned in decision-making, ensuring all minutes are recorded and that all decisions by trustees are made with the appropriate context provided.

Trustees meetings are usually held every six weeks, plus there is an AGM, away days, and any sub-committee meetings that trustees may be involved in. Most meetings will remain virtual but there will from time to time be a need to attend key meetings and events in Nottingham. The time commitment is approximately 4hours per month, but there may be occasions when more time is required for a short period.

Trustee positions are unremunerated, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

Who are we looking for?

Previous chairing experience

·Relevant experience in any of the following financial management, HR, charities, fundraising, social prescribing, NHS, local authorities, marketing, business development, governance, strategy or legal.

·A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort

·Good, independent judgement

·The ability to challenge and ask questions

·An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship

·A commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership

Trustee

We are seeking three committed Trustees to join a national fostering Board at a pivotal time, supporting strategic growth and championing foster care across the UK.

Position: Trustee (Volunteer)
Organisation: The Fostering Network
Location: UK wide. Particular interest in Wales and Northern Ireland
Hours: Approximately 10 to 15 days per year
Term: 3 years, renewable for up to two further terms
Remuneration: Voluntary role. Reasonable travel expenses reimbursed
Closing Date: Monday 23 February 2026
Interview Dates: W/C 16 and 23 March 2026

About the Role

This is an opportunity to join the Board of Trustees at a national fostering charity, following the launch of a new organisational strategy and the appointment of a new Chair in 2025. Trustees play a vital role in setting strategic direction, ensuring strong governance and supporting the organisation to deliver meaningful change for children and young people in foster care.

Key responsibilities include:

· Providing strategic oversight and constructive challenge at Board level

· Supporting delivery of the five year organisational strategy

· Acting as an ambassador for the charity and its values

· Contributing to effective governance, risk management and financial oversight

· Building strong relationships with fellow Trustees, senior leaders and stakeholders

· Attending Board and committee meetings, both in person and online

About You

You will bring personal experience of the foster care sector and a strong commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people.

We are particularly interested in candidates who:

· Are based in Wales or Northern Ireland

· Are qualified social workers working within fostering services

· Have skills in finance, particularly qualified accountants

· Have experience in commercial or business development

You will demonstrate sound judgement, strategic thinking, discretion and the ability to contribute confidently within a Board setting.

About the Organisation

The UK’s leading fostering charity and membership organisation. Founded 50 years ago by foster carers, it works across all four nations to influence policy, improve practice and strengthen the fostering community. At the heart of its work is a belief in the power of relationships to transform lives.

Other roles you may have experience of could include; Trustee, Non Executive Director, Board Member, Independent Board Member, Social Work Leader, Finance Director, Commercial Director, Strategic Advisor.

Carers UK is the national membership charity for the millions of people in the UK who are unpaid carers. As an organisation we provide expert advice and information for carers, campaign for greater recognition and support for carers, and use our experience and expertise to help other organisations do more for carers. Our Board of Trustees plays a vital leadership role in the work we do while ensuring the charity is equipped and governed effectively, establishing and monitoring strategy and ensuring we are true to our values and keep carers at the heart of everything we do.

We are now seeking to appoint up to four people to join our Board of Trustees, to steer us towards our vision of a world where carers are recognised, valued and supported.

It’s an exciting time to be part of Carers UK, as we launch our new strategic review in 2026. Our Board is instrumental in ensuring we make the future really impactful for carers through our vision and strategy while fulfilling all our obligations as a charity.

We are also seeking to appoint a Nations Trustees for Scotland. In addition to the general responsibilities of a trustee, the Nations Trustee will be expected to ensure that the Carers UK Board is informed on key issues affecting carers in their Nation.

Carers UK is committed to representing the diverse society in which we work and actively encourages applications from people with current or recent experience of caring from all backgrounds and experiences. We would welcome trustees with financial experience who could join our Finance and Resources sub-committee.

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.

Trustees with legal, financial or marketing expertise sought (voluntary roles) 

The Association of Breastfeeding Mothers (ABM) has supported breastfeeding families across the UK for over 40 years. We provide high-quality, evidence-based information and support to help parents make informed feeding choices and reach their own breastfeeding goals. 

ABM is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation and is currently in an important period of transition. We are moving from a predominantly volunteer-led organisation to a more sustainable staff-led model, while continuing to value and invest in our volunteers. As part of this development, ABM has recently appointed its first Chief Executive Officer, strengthening our operational capacity and enabling the Board to focus more clearly on governance, strategy and long-term resilience. 

We are now seeking three new trustees to join our Board. Legal and finance experience would be particularly welcome, but we also welcome applicants with a healthcare professional background, and from those with experience in marketing and communications.

About ABM 

Our work includes: 

• Co-running the National Breastfeeding Helpline, in partnership with the Breastfeeding Network, providing direct support to parents 24 hours a day, 365 days a year 

• Producing accessible, evidence-based resources for parents and professionals 

• Delivering education and training for volunteers and professionals involved in infant feeding support 

• Advocating nationally for breastfeeding through participation in strategic and policy-focused groups 

The trustee roles 

We are particularly keen to hear from people who can bring legal or financial expertise to the Board. The examples below are intended to give a sense of the types of experience that may be helpful in these roles, however, they are not a list of essential criteria, and we welcome applications from people whose experience may sit outwith these specific examples. 

Legal expertise 

• Charity law, employment law, governance, compliance, contracts or regulatory frameworks 

• Confidence in advising the Board on governance responsibilities, risk and sound decision-making 

Financial / accounting expertise 

• Financial management, accounting, audit, budgeting or financial oversight 

• Ability to support trustees in understanding financial information and long-term sustainability 

Previous trustee experience is welcome but not essential. What matters most is your willingness to contribute your skills thoughtfully, ask good questions, and support ABM’s mission and values. 

What being a trustee involves 

Trustees are expected to play an active and engaged role in ABM’s governance and strategic direction. This includes: 

• Attending Board meetings every second month (six meetings per year), currently held remotely in the evening and lasting up to two hours 

• Reading papers in advance and contributing thoughtfully to discussion and decision-making 

• Engaging with Board communications between meetings, including email and Microsoft Teams discussions, to support timely and informed governance 

• Taking part in occasional additional meetings or events during the year, including an annual planning and review session 

We recognise that trustees are volunteers and aim to be realistic and respectful of people’s time. What matters most is consistent engagement, good judgement, and a collaborative approach. 

Support and induction 

We offer: 

• A comprehensive induction 

• Ongoing support from the Chair, fellow trustees and staff 

• Training where needed to support you in the role 

Our values and commitment to inclusion 

You do not need personal breastfeeding experience to be a trustee. However, it is essential that you support ABM’s charitable purpose and recognise the importance of breastfeeding to the health and wellbeing of mothers and babies. 

ABM is fully committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified people and are keen to ensure our Board reflects the diversity of the families we support. We warmly welcome applications from men, as well as from people who are currently under-represented on our Board, including disabled people and people from Black and minoritised ethnic communities. 

Language note 

We celebrate diversity in family structure and individual circumstance. We use the terms parent, mother, father, and infant, welcoming every parent’s preference for the terms they use to describe themselves. We use the term breastfeeding, recognising that parents may choose to use other terms, for instance body-feeding, chestfeeding or nursing. 

As described in the Lancet Series 2023 “we use the terms women and breastfeeding throughout this [document] because most people who breastfeed identify as women; we recognise that not all people who breastfeed or chestfeed identify as women” (Baker et al, 2023). 

The best quality support is culturally sensitive and tailored to meet each 

individual’s needs (Gavine et al, 2022). 

Closing date: Friday 22nd February 2026, 5pm 
Interviews: Week commencing 3rd March 2026 

About Proteus

Proteus is an award-winning theatre company that believes the audience is as vital as the artist. The company holds that truly dynamic and relevant theatre emerges when audience and artist inspire each other’s imagination. Quality, integrity, and innovation lie at the heart of Proteus’ work and form the criteria by which its success is measured. Founded in 1981 and based in Basingstoke, Hampshire, Proteus has a long-standing history of creating and presenting high-quality work that serves both local and national audiences.

The Role

Proteus is actively seeking new members to join its Board of Trustees, offering the opportunity to make a meaningful impact. The company is committed to transforming society through radical acts of kindness and believes in the universal value of the performing arts. Trustees will support Proteus’ mission to make culture thrive within the local community while helping to deliver theatre that tours across the UK.

Trustees contribute to creating innovative theatre and support leading artists working in the performing arts today. They help bring diverse forms of art—including theatre, circus, music, spoken word, visual art, cabaret, and film—to Basingstoke communities at accessible prices.

Beyond producing touring theatre, Proteus operates as a non-profit organisation that runs an arts centre, artists’ studios, a gallery, a café, and a wide-ranging programme of support for artists. Trustees engage with a dynamic organisation whose activities span local and international stages.

Serving as a Trustee offers a fulfilling and enjoyable experience, providing opportunities to meet artists from across the industry, collaborate with Proteus staff and fellow board members, and help shape the future of one of the South’s most exciting arts organisations.

Who Proteus is Looking For

Proteus seeks individuals who are enthusiastic and passionate about the arts as a force for social change. Prospective trustees should share the company’s conviction in the transformative power of the arts and its commitment to inclusivity. Proteus actively encourages applications from people with diverse backgrounds, skills, and experiences.

Even those who feel they may not meet every criterion are encouraged to get in touch, as the organisation values the whole person and provides support for new trustees to develop their skills on the job.

Trustee Responsibilities

Trustees serve on a voluntary, unpaid basis. The primary purpose of the board is to ensure that Proteus achieves its objectives. Trustees are expected to:

• Attend four board meetings per year (usually via Zoom) for a minimum term of three years and participate in an annual one-day board retreat in Basingstoke.

• Attend Proteus performances and events when possible.

• Support fundraising activities where possible.

• Provide advice and guidance to staff as required.

• Commit to the mission and values of Proteus.

• Understand and accept the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of being a Trustee.

• Ensure Proteus is well-governed and complies with its constitutional and charitable objectives.

• Act as ambassadors for Proteus, opening doors and helping expand networks and contacts.

• Contribute actively to Proteus’ strategic direction and development, offering ideas, connections, and support in growing its network of partners, supporters, and donors.