Board of trustees volunteer volunteer roles

Location: UK - Wide (meetings mainly in person, some virtual)
Contract Type: Volunteer
Term: 3 years (with potential renewal)
Campaign Closes:19th February 2026

Interviews: W/C 9th March & 16th March 2026 – Trustee/SLT interviews
                    W/C 16th March or 23th March 2026 – STARboard interviews
                  31st March 2026 (approximately) – Recommendation expected
                  6th May 2026 – Final Board approval

Join Our Board as a Trustee – Make-A-Wish UK
At Make‑A‑Wish UK, we create joy, hope and life‑changing moments for children facing critical illness. We are seeking an inspiring Chair of the Board to provide strategic leadership, champion our mission and ensure strong governance as we work towards our vision: a wish for every eligible child.

Why join us?

• Shape the strategic direction of a national charity transforming the lives of children with critical illness.
• Lead a purpose‑driven, inclusive board, ensuring diverse voices including young people influence decision‑making.
• Use your experience where it matters most, providing governance, stewardship and support to an ambitious executive team.
• Be part of a deeply rewarding mission, helping ensure every eligible child can experience the power of a wish.

If you are ready to make a lasting impact and lead with purpose, we would love to hear from you. 

For the full recruitment pack, and to apply for this role, please visit our website.

Requirments 

Essential Criteria

• Leadership Experience: Demonstrable experience of chairing boards, committees, or senior leadership teams, ideally within the charity or non-profit sector.
• Governance Knowledge: Strong understanding of charity governance, legal responsibilities of Trustees, and regulatory environment in the UK.
• Strategic Thinking: Proven ability to drive organisational strategies and build commitment to a collective vision.
• Communication Skills: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to facilitate balanced discussions and consensus.
• Commitment to Diversity: Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of the charity’s work.
• Passion for Mission: a deep commitment to Make-A-Wish UK’s vision, values and behaviours.
• Integrity: Highest standards of integrity, probity, and professionalism

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience of leading transformational change to significantly increase reach and scale in operations
• Strong personal networks that can benefit the charity
• Understanding of the challenges facing children with critical illnesses and their families

Personal Attributes 

• A child focused approach always
• A consultative, inclusive, and collaborative style of leadership with the ability to listen and engage effectively 
• Strong inter-personal and relationship building abilities, including empathy and sensitivity, especially when interacting with wish families and children
• Sound judgement and decision-making ability.
• Ability to commit time to the role, including travel and attending events out of office hours

Eligibility
The successful candidate must be eligible to act as a Trustee under UK charity law and willing to undertake an Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check.

Responsibilities:

• Leadership and Governance: Provide strategic leadership to the Board, ensuring effective governance practices and compliance with statutory responsibilities.
• Board Meetings: Chair Board meetings, ensuring clear agendas, productive discussions, and timely decision-making.
• Strategic Direction: Work collaboratively with the Chief Executive and Trustees to set and review the charity’s strategic objectives and performance.
• Support and Supervision: Provide guidance and support to the Chief Executive, undertaking annual appraisals and ensuring their continued development as an effective leader.
• Board Development: Lead on Trustee recruitment, induction, and ongoing development, reviewing board effectiveness and taking actions for continuous improvement
• Promoting equality, diversity and inclusion in all the charity’s activities and ensuring that diverse voices, including those of young people and lived experience, are heard by the Board.
• Risk and Compliance: Oversee the charity’s risk management, ensuring that policies and procedures are robust and regularly reviewed.
• Financial Oversight: Ensure the Board fulfils its duties regarding financial stewardship, budgeting, and monitoring performance against objectives
• Advocacy: Champion the charity’s values and mission, advocating for Make-A-Wish UK within the sector and the wider community. Represent Make-A-Wish UK externally, fostering relationships with stakeholders, donors, and partners.

London Plus is looking for two new trustees who are passionate about strengthening London’s civil society. We play a unique role -  championing the role of charities and community groups in helping London and Londoners thrive.

We are particularly looking for Trustees with experience in the voluntary and community sector but you don’t need to have been a Trustee previously. We actively welcome applications from candidates who reflect the diversity of London’s communities.

This is a wonderful opportunity to give back, to support us in our work to strengthen London’s voluntary sector, to get valuable board experience and to work alongside our committed trustees and staff.

Trustees with legal or financial 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 two new trustees to join our Board, bringing strong legal expertise or strong financial / accounting experience to help guide ABM through this next phase. 

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 13th February 2026, 5pm 
Interviews: Week commencing 23rd February 2026 

Help shape the future of rural Cambridgeshire and Peterborough

Cambridgeshire ACRE is seeking committed and capable individuals to join our Board of Trustees. As a trustee, you will provide strategic direction and governance and financial oversight, while ensuring that our well-established rural charity continues to respond to the needs of the people and the communities we serve.

We are particularly keen to hear from people with experience in finance, digital systems and cyber security, environmental management or rural housing. No previous trustee experience is needed, and we welcome applications from anyone who shares our purpose and brings a fresh perspective.

Trustees are required to attend five board meetings a year, contribute to one of our committees, and join our annual away day. Reasonable expenses are reimbursed.

For over a century we have supported rural communities. We are now delivering our 2025 - 2028 strategy to strengthen our role as a trusted voice across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

Apply by: Monday 6 February 2026

Make a Difference: Become a Trustee for Emmaus Greenwich!

Are you passionate about tackling homelessness and empowering individuals to rebuild their lives? Emmaus Greenwich is seeking dedicated individuals to join our Board of Trustees and help steer our vital work in London. 

Who We Are:
Emmaus Greenwich provides a home, support, and meaningful work through our social enterprises, giving people experiencing homelessness a reason to get up in the morning and a path to regain independence. 

Your Role as a Trustee:

• Help shape our strategy and ensure goals align with our vision.
• Provide governance and oversight, ensuring compliance and robust management.
• Volunteer your time (meetings are held five times a year) and potentially get involved in projects. 

Who We're Looking For:
We're keen to build a diverse board with skills in:

• Finance & Business Development
• Human Resources (HR)
• Retail & Social Enterprise
• Housing Law
• GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation)

Time Commitment:

Trustees at Emmaus Greenwich serve for up to three terms of three years each. The Board meets every two months, both in person and online, and also comes together for an annual in-person strategy session, usually held in winter.

There are three internal sub-committees, each focusing on a specific area of the organisation’s work. These committees also meet every two months, either in person or online, and every trustee is expected to join at least one.

Ready to Get Involved?

Whether you're an experienced trustee or taking your first step at board level, we want to hear from you! 

Join us in creating lasting change for those facing homelessness in our community!

Become a Trustee at Inspire Hounslow and help shape opportunities for young people in our community 

Inspire Hounslow is seeking new volunteer Trustees to join our Board and help make a lasting difference for disadvantaged young people across the London Borough of Hounslow. 

We are a local grant-making charity that believes in the power and potential of young people. By supporting voluntary and community organisations, we help create opportunities that enable young people to thrive, feel included, and drive positive change in their communities. 

What we do 
Each year, Inspire Hounslow distributes around £300,000 in grant funding, including: 

• Small grants of up to £1,500 
• Large grants of up to £30,000 

Our funding supports 

• Projects that empower young people to develop skills, confidence and resilience 
• Initiatives that provide safe, inclusive spaces and amenities for young people 
• Community-led projects that create lasting, positive local impact 

The role of a Trustee 
As a Trustee, you will play a vital role in the governance and strategic direction of Inspire Hounslow. Trustees collectively ensure the charity: 

• Is well governed and financially sound 
• Complies with charity law and best practice 
• Delivers impact in line with its charitable objectives 

You will be part of a committed and collaborative Board of around 10 Trustees, contributing your skills, experience and local insight. 

In addition, each funded project is supported by a Lead Trustee, giving you the opportunity for hands-on involvement—building relationships with funded organisations and seeing first-hand the difference our grants make.

We welcome applications from people who: 

• Are passionate about supporting young people and the voluntary and community sector 
• Have a good understanding of local issues in Hounslow 
• Live, work or have strong links to the Borough 

Experience or knowledge in governance, HR, IT, investment management and/or the charity sector would be particularly valuable, but we are keen to hear from people with a wide range of professional and lived experiences. 

Time commitment 
Board meetings are held monthly (except August and December) on Tuesday evenings in Osterley. 

Additional involvement includes small-group work (often via Zoom) and light email engagement, averaging a few hours per week.

Trustees are appointed for a three-year term, with the option to renew. 

We offer a comprehensive induction and mentoring programme for new Trustees.  

Commitment to diversity and inclusion 
Inspire Hounslow actively encourages applications from underrepresented groups and people with lived experience relevant to our values and mission. 

Trustees play a vital role in ensuring Glasgow South West Foodbank meets its core purpose by overseeing the management and administration of the charity and ensuring that the foodbank has a clear strategy in line with our vision and goals.

What will you be doing?

We are seeking new trustees to become members of our board. Trustees ensure that the food bank acts in conformity with its purpose and with charity legislation, and that good governance, best practice policies and rigorous financial supervision are in place. They will be required to work collaboratively, with other trustees and with the staff and volunteers of the foodbank, and other external agencies.

What are we looking for?

Our ideal candidates would demonstrate:

• Clear commitment to supporting the delivery of the best possible compassionate and non-judgmental service to some of the most disadvantaged people in Glasgow.
• Some understanding of issues around poverty, even if not in depth, and willingness to extend that.
• Experience at a management, senior or professional level within the third, public or private sectors.

• (Ideally, but not essentially) experience of involvement in non-executive boards in the third, public or private sector.

By supporting the governance of the food bank, you are part of a team providing a vital holistic support function in your local community, ensuring a dignified experience to anyone visiting or anyone who comes into contact with Glasgow South West Foodbank.

As Wembley Stadium Foundation enters a period of renewed clarity and ambition, it seeks exceptional trustees to bring structure and steer strategic discipline to an organisation with enormous potential.

Location: Hybrid / Wembley Stadium

Applications close: 9 a.m. Friday 27th February 2026

About Wembley Stadium Foundation

Wembley Stadium Foundation is entering an exciting new chapter. As the independent charity of Wembley Stadium, we use the power of one of the world’s most iconic venues to inspire, connect and transform communities.

Funded directly through stadium event income, we invest in sport, movement and performing arts, helping young people overcome barriers and unlocking opportunities that last a lifetime.

Whether supporting grassroots football, funding performing arts programmes, or providing equipment and access for young people with disabilities, our grants create opportunities that last.

We are committed to collaboration, working closely with local partners, national organisations and grantees to amplify impact sustainably. With a refreshed strategy to 2028, a growing profile and a new CEO appointed in 2024, we are entering a period of renewed clarity and ambition.

Our aim is to ensure the magic of Wembley reaches far beyond the stadium walls, touching communities across Brent and throughout the UK.

About the roles

Following a period of cultural reset and strengthened governance, we are now seeking exceptional trustees to help shape the Foundation’s future. This is a rare opportunity to bring strategic leadership, governance experience and sector insight to an organisation with national reach, financial stability and the growing ambition to maximise its impact ahead of Euro 2028.

Who we are looking for

We are seeking four new trustees who combine governance maturity with a strong connection to our mission. You do not need to have served as a trustee before, but you must bring senior leadership experience, sound judgment and the ability to support an evolving board as it moves into a more confident, professional and high-performing phase.

We particularly welcome individuals with experience in:

• Governance and strategic leadership
• Sport governance and football
• Arts, culture and performing arts
• HR, marketing, communications
• Senior operational, commercial, or organisational leadership

We are also looking for trustees who can bring board-level behaviours: constructive challenge, collaborative mindset, calm leadership through change and the ability to focus discussions on strategy, risk and impact.

You will be mission-focused and comfortable operating in a charity undergoing governance strengthening, cultural renewal and increased visibility. You’ll understand that while Wembley is an iconic and exciting brand, trusteeship is not about perks; it is about responsibility, scrutiny and ensuring funds reach the right communities for the greatest impact.

Our board is diverse and welcoming, but it requires greater depth of senior experience. We encourage applications from individuals who can model strong governance, champion inclusive practice and help build a board that is effective, future-focused and ready to shape the next era of Wembley Stadium Foundation’s impact.

Peridot Partners and Wembley Stadium Foundation are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and our client expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references before any final offer can be made.

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. Friday 27th February 2026.

Individually and as part of the Trustee team to be the ‘guardians of charitable purpose’, making sure that all Board and Committee decisions put the needs of the beneficiaries first; safeguard the charity’s assets – both physical assets, including property, and intangible ones, such as its reputation ensuring these assets are used well, and in ensuring that the charity is run sustainably. 

To act reasonably and prudently in all matters relating to the charity and always bear the interests of The Hospice of St Francis in mind.

In certain circumstances, provide high-level entry to other organisations and institutions to which the charity might not otherwise have access, to further the interests of the beneficiaries of the charity

Individually and as part of the Trustee team to be the ‘guardians of charitable purpose’, making sure that all Board and Committee decisions put the needs of the beneficiaries first; safeguard the charity’s assets – both physical assets, including property, and intangible ones, such as its reputation ensuring these assets are used well, and in ensuring that the charity is run sustainably. 

To act reasonably and prudently in all matters relating to the charity and always bear the interests of The Hospice of St Francis in mind.

In certain circumstances, provide high-level entry to other organisations and institutions to which the charity might not otherwise have access, to further the interests of the beneficiaries of the charity

Main duties and Responsibilities:

· Set and maintain vision, mission and values

· Develop strategy, set overall policy, define strategic objectives and evaluating performance against agreed targets

· Assure continuous compliance with the legal and regulatory standards governing the operation of the charity, the charity governing document and any other relevant legislation, updating the articles of association as required.

· Assure proper financial control and ensure the application of resources is exclusively in pursuance of the charitable objects i.e. the charity must not spend money on activities that are not included in its objects, no matter how worthwhile or charitable those activities are

· Assure the effective and efficient administration of the charity including funding, insurance and premises

· Assure that The Hospice of St Francis pursues its objects as defined in its governing document (e.g. the promotion of any charitable purpose for the benefit of the community in the district of providing palliative care at the Hospice, at patients home, in our Spring Centre and in the community, and in particular the advancement of education, the protection of health and the relief of distress and sickness)

· Assure employment procedures and policy and procedures for volunteering are compliant with legislation and regulation, subject to regular review and support the fulfilment of strategic objectives

· Assure risk assessments for all aspects of the business are carried out including accurate and timely reporting using the format of risk registers

· To contribute to, assure and maintain effective performance of the Board and Committees, including systems and processes for external assessment of these arrangements

· Support the CEO and Executive Team to fulfil their delegated responsibilities and hold them to account for delivery of strategic objectives

· To attend Board meetings quarterly, up to two Board awaydays annually and serve as a member of up to two Committees.

· Operate as a member of the Board of Trustees

· Able to be registered as a Directors of the Charity at Companies House, sharing ultimate responsibility for governing the charity and directing how it is managed and run. 

· Act as an ambassador supporting the work of the Hospice in generating income and in its relationship with the communities served.

Term of Office

Appointments are made on an initial 4 year term, with annual appraisal, with the option to serve a second term.

Where a Trustee has completed two terms and is selected as Chair of the Board of Trustees, or asked to undertake specific project work their term of office will be reset by People Governance Committee and ratified at the AGM.

Bromley Arts Trust CIO Opportunity to join the Board of Trustees

Ready for a challenge? Good team player? Good at seeing the bigger picture ?

Consider joining our small Board of Trustees. The Board of Bromley Arts Trust is eager to expand the number of trustees and is looking for enthusiastic individuals with special skills and wide-ranging experience to enjoy finding solutions. Whether you are an experienced Trustee or are considering becoming one, we would like to hear from you.

If you have the time (estimated to average 2 to 3 days per month) to undertake this exciting role do complete the application pack and send this with your CV and covering letter to the Business Manager at Bromley Arts Trust.

Join our Board and help us support Asian mothers who are fleeing domestic abuse.

About Maa Shanti

We offer practical support, advocacy, emotional support, and activities tailored to the needs of South Asian mothers. Services are available in person, online, or in a blended format, and the team speaks Bengali, Urdu, Hindi and Punjabi to ensure culturally sensitive engagement.

What will you be doing?

Key Responsibilities: 

· Ensure the charity fulfills its purposes as outlined in its governing document.

· Ensure compliance with the governing document, charity law, and other applicable laws.

· Act in the charity’s best interests, making balanced and informed decisions. Contribute to the Board’s strategic direction, policy-setting, and goal definition, including performance evaluation.

· Provide guidance based on experience, supporting new initiatives.

· Ensure effective and efficient administration of the organisation.

· Monitor Maa Shanti’s financial, strategic, and operational performance. 

In addition to general trustee responsibilities, we're particularly interested with in candidates who have the following skills:

· HR

· Charity Governance

· Legal expertise (family law/immigration)

Time Commitment:

· Quarterly Board meetings.

· 2 away days a year.

· In addition to Board meetings, there may be some ad hoc work support required in between meetings.

· Remote/hybrid working offered if needed.

What are we looking for?

You do not need previous governance experience to join the board. We will provide an induction an ongoing support.

Personal skills and qualities:

· Willingness and ability to understand and accept responsibilities and liabilities as trustees and to act in the best interests of the organisation.

· Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member.

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

· Enthusiasm for the work of Maa Shanti.

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

We warmly welcome applications from individuals who bring a wide range of experiences and perspectives to our Board. As a woman only and led-by-and-for organisation, all board members must be women, and at least 90% of the board must come from South Asian backgrounds.

What difference will you make?

Joining Maa Shanti’s Board is an opportunity to be part of a values-led, survivor-centred organisation making a real difference in the lives of women and children affected by domestic abuse. As a trustee, you will help shape the future of a trusted, community-rooted charity at a time of growth and increasing need. You’ll work alongside a thoughtful, supportive Board and leadership team, contributing your perspective, skills and lived experience to ensure survivors’ voices remain at the heart of everything we do.

Help shape the future of CCS Adoption and make a lasting difference to children and families.

CCS Adoption is seeking a passionate and skilled individual to join our Board of Trustees. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a charity that has been rated Outstanding by Ofsted for 14 years and continues to deliver life-changing services for children and families.

Why Join Us?

As a Trustee, you’ll play a vital role in guiding our strategy, ensuring strong governance, and supporting our mission to find loving, permanent homes for children who need them. You’ll join a committed and experienced Board and work alongside a dedicated team.

What We’re Looking For

Our recent skills audit highlighted a need for expertise in:

• Marketing and fundraising – to help raise awareness and secure resources.
• Business and strategic insight – to strengthen our long-term vision.

However, if you bring passion, integrity, and a commitment to improving outcomes for children and families, we’d love to hear from you. Prior trustee experience is not required—we’ll provide support and guidance to help you succeed. We are especially keen to ensure our Board reflects the diversity of the communities we serve.

Your Role

As a Trustee, you will:

• Work collectively with fellow Trustees to govern the charity.
• Contribute your skills and perspective to strategic decision-making.
• Champion our mission and values.

Trustees meet quarterly, and we also hold two whole‑agency days each year, where we invite trustees to join staff in reflecting, learning, and planning together. For those who want to be more involved, there is an optional Business Sub‑Committee, also meeting quarterly, where trustees can contribute more deeply to financial oversight, income generation, and organisational development.

Checks and Compliance
As part of our commitment to safe and fair recruitment, all trustee appointments are subject to appropriate checks. This includes identity verification, reference checks, and a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Trustees must also confirm eligibility under charity law and complete a declaration of interests to ensure transparency and integrity.

Next Steps

Visit our website to download our:

• Trustee Information Pack
• Trustee Role Description

To apply, please submit:

• Completed application form
• Your CV
• Equal opportunities monitoring form

We welcome enquiries about this role, please contact us if you'd like to learn more before submitting your application.

We are looking for pro-active, enthusiastic and motivated young professionals to join our board - you can help lead the strategic development of one of Dundee’s most promising and dynamic charities!

We would particularly welcome applications from candidates who are young people with lived experience of mental health and wellbeing challenges.

THE DETAILS

Feeling Strong is an exciting Dundee-based charity with the ambition to improve the lives of young people living with mental health and wellbeing challenges by fostering the skills, confidence and aspirations they need to flourish. Our services are designed by young people, delivered by young people for the benefit of young people, and we believe that this youth-led/peer-led approach is our biggest asset in tackling issues around mental health and wellbeing. We support stable recovery journeys for young people, lead campaigns to tackle societal issues, develop quality resources based on our own research, and tackle the disparity they face in unemployment, underemployment and accessing opportunities like further and higher education.

YOUR COMMITMENT

Whilst the Trustee Board meets for formal meetings 6 times a year, successful candidates will be expected to contribute to the organisation more widely, taking part in fundraisers, external events, strategic planning and advising the staff team when needed. The average contribution expected of Trustees is around one - two hours per month.

Work-related travel costs will be reimbursed.

APPLYING

Training and induction will be provided so we are open to all candidates, and we expect them to develop skills once in post, but we would welcome candidates with any of the following experience:

• Governance and previous board experience

• Business development and trading income generation

• Human resources

• Lived experience of mental health and wellbeing challenges

• Financial background

This is a brilliant time to join Caxton Youth as we embark on our strategy refresh, seeking to enhance our voice and impact by building partnerships, expanding our presence in the Westminster community and growing our quality youth services. Help us steer the charity during this crucial time as the new Chair of the Board of Trustees.

Who we are

Established in 1948, Caxton Youth is the only specialist youth club in the City of Westminster dedicated to learning-disabled and autistic young people aged 11–25. We provide a safe, welcoming, and inclusive community where young people can build friendships, explore new interests, and develop the skills needed to lead independent, happy, and healthy lives.

We aim to break down disabling barriers in society by offering youth-led services shaped by the aspirations of our members. Our approach is person-centred, providing a mix of 1:1 support and inclusive group activities to help each individual reach their own goals.

Our core delivery centres on weekly youth club sessions held every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at our Westminster base. These sessions offer a vibrant mix of sports, cooking, arts and crafts and music, providing a safe space for young people to socialise and explore new interests. To ensure these opportunities are accessible to all, we provide dedicated community transport via a wheelchair-accessible minibus for our activities.

Beyond the club, we run dedicated programmes designed to foster independence and emotional well-being. These range from mastering essential life skills, such as preparing hot drinks and navigating public transport independently, to improving mental health by building self-esteem and social connections through initiatives like our “Mates Dates” outings. For our older members aged 16–25, we offer targeted employment support, including CV writing, interview preparation and assistance in securing volunteering or training opportunities.

Our impact extends into the school holidays with a comprehensive provision of day trips and overnight residentials at outdoor activity centres, allowing members to experience nature and adventure in an accessible environment. These services not only empower the young people but also provide vital respite and a local support network for parents and guardians, knowing their children are in a safe and supportive environment.

Through the power of youth work, we co-create safe, inclusive spaces where learning disabled and autistic young people can take part in accessible activities driven by their needs, wants and interests.

About the role

We seek to appoint a new Chair of the Board of Trustees to provide strategic leadership and strong governance, ensuring Caxton Youth Organisation delivers its mission and uses its resources effectively.

Working closely with the Chief Executive, the Chair will guide the board in setting direction, maintaining financial sustainability, managing risk and ensuring robust systems, policies and procedures are in place. A clear commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and to youth leadership will be central to the role.

Leading a high-performing board of trustees, the Chair will foster collective responsibility and sound decision-making in Caxton’s long-term interests. They will chair board meetings effectively, support trustees to fulfil their governance duties and oversee succession planning for the board, Chief Executive and senior management team. In partnership with the CEO, the Chair will also ensure effective board composition, trustee recruitment and ongoing development.

Externally, the Chair will act as a credible ambassador and advocate for Caxton, building strong relationships with partners, funders and key stakeholders. Drawing on their networks and influence, they will help open doors to funding, partnerships and decision-makers, ensuring youth issues remain a priority.

Who we are looking for

The successful candidate will be deeply committed to Caxton’s mission, able to see the bigger picture and lead with authenticity, tact and diplomacy.

They will bring board or committee work experience, along with strong influencing and negotiation skills, resilience and a collaborative, organised approach.

We are seeking someone with experience in leading an inclusive organisation through a period of growth or change and/or with significant fundraising expertise.

You will bring a collaborative leadership style and act as a constructive, critical friend when appropriate.

Visible and engaged, you will work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, acting as a key ambassador for the charity and supporting the staff team to raise its profile and secure new funding to ensure the sustainability of its work.

Time Commitment

There are four board meetings and four committee meetings a year and the Chair leads at least one strategy away day per year. You will also attend other internal and external meetings where necessary, including regular 1:1s with the CEO.

You will be required to be available for 3 – 5 days over a month for this role.

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 2nd February 2026