113 Board of trustees volunteer volunteer roles

The National Forest is about so much more than trees; it is pioneering new ways of working to transform landscapes, lives and livelihoods.

The last three decades have seen the National Forest Company drive forward delivery of the National Forest, taking it from a leap of faith to the success story we see today: a restored forest landscape; an emerging visitor destination; and communities that are connecting with nature. With a new Vision to 2050 now in place, highly experienced and dedicated Trustees, and a small but exceptionally committed staff team, the NFC is well placed to meet the challenges ahead.

They are now seeking to appoint a new Trustee to bring enthusiasm, ideas and expertise to support the organisation to take forward its communities and enterprise work.

This role is unremunerated, with travel, training and other expenses paid 
Time commitment: Approximately 1 day per month
Remote/ hybrid, with quarterly Trustee meetings and ad hoc meetings in person
In person board meetings are on Fridays
Location: Swadlincote, Derbyshire

The successful candidate will have the right experience and outlook to steer work on communities and enterprise, including strategy and policy, major projects and evidence.

This role would suit a professional with expertise in one or all of the following:

• Community engagement
• Education
• Health & wellbeing
• Sustainable tourism

The role provides an exciting opportunity for an executive looking to develop further, an experienced non-executive director, or an individual pursuing a portfolio career. They will be a strategic thinker, have an understanding of governance and trustee responsibilities and an awareness of charity culture.

This is an opportunity to work with a highly professional organisation that is achieving extraordinary results through its passionate staff, Trustees, ambassadors, and supporters locally, regionally and nationally.

As a Trustee, this is an opportunity to enjoy a diverse and interesting programme, a stimulating environment, and a voice on the national stage.

For more information on the role, including how to apply, please view the full Appointment Brief

Recruitment timetable:

• Deadline for applications: 30 September 2026 (midnight)
• Informal discussions with the NFC: w/c 5 October 2026
• Panel interview, including a visit to the National Forest and informal meetings in person: Wednesday 21 October 2026

If you have any queries about the opportunity or for an informal conversation, please contact Louise Driver, Director of Operations, via email (see job pack for details).

The National Forest Company relies on the experience and commitment of people of all ages and backgrounds. It operates as an inclusive organisation and welcomes applications from all.

About the Role

This is an exciting opportunity to join a distinctive and values-driven organisation. We are seeking a new Treasurer to join the Board of Trustees and play a crucial role in supporting the organisation’s sustainable future. While prior knowledge of brain injury is not required, the Treasurer is expected to demonstrate an interest in  brain injury, as well as in the Headway community, and to share the organisation’s mission and values.

The Treasurer will lead on the financial strategy, work closely with the Director of Finance, ensuring that financial insight informs the Board’s strategic thinking. This will include thorough pre-review of financial reports ahead of each Board meeting, chairing Finance & Audit Committee meetings, and presenting financial reports to the Board and at the AGM.

The role holder, will support the Board in fulfilling its responsibilities for the charity’s ambitious strategy and governance. They will work collaboratively with fellow Trustees and provide guidance to the Director of Finance and Chief Executive on the strategic management of finances.

Other

Apply the Headway London values and behaviours to every aspect of the role at all times.

Protect and enhance the interests and reputation of Headway London internally and externally.

Commit to the organisational principles of: coproduction equity, diversity and inclusion sustainability.

Headway London is an Equal Opportunities Employer and we are committed to ensuring that all staff are motivated, skilled and rewarded by their work. We welcome applicants regardless of race, religion or belief, colour, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age and other protected status as required by law. We promote and protect human rights; they are the foundation of what we do. We want to be an inclusive place where a diverse mix of talented people want to come and contribute their unique strengths and perspectives. We are focused on equality and believe that all the fascinating characteristics that make us different, make us more able to deliver our life-changing work with passion and creativity.

Fort Amherst Heritage Trust cares for Fort Amherst in Chatham, Kent, preserving an important historic site and making it available for the benefit, enjoyment and education of the wider community. The Trust relies heavily on volunteers to help maintain, restore, interpret and promote the site for present and future generations.

Role Purpose

Trustees are collectively responsible for the governance, strategic direction and long-term sustainability of Fort Amherst Heritage Trust. As a Trustee, you will help ensure that the charity fulfils its charitable purposes, complies with its legal duties and makes decisions in the best interests of the Trust and the communities it serves.

Key Responsibilities

· Work with fellow Trustees to set and review the Trust’s vision, strategy and priorities.

· Ensure the Trust carries out its charitable purposes for the public benefit.

· Oversee the responsible management of the Trust’s finances, assets, buildings, grounds and collections.

· Support good governance by complying with the Trust’s governing document, charity law and relevant regulations.

· Monitor risks, policies and procedures, including health and safety, safeguarding, finance, data protection and volunteer management.

· Contribute to discussions and decisions at Board meetings, reading papers in advance and offering constructive challenge and support.

· Act as an ambassador for Fort Amherst, promoting its heritage, community value and volunteer-led work.

· Support fundraising, partnership development and community engagement where appropriate.

· Declare and manage any conflicts of interest and maintain confidentiality where required.

Skills and Experience

We welcome applications from people with a commitment to heritage, community benefit and good governance. Previous trustee experience is helpful but not essential. The Trust is particularly interested in people who can bring one or more of the following areas of experience:

· Heritage, museums, archives, conservation or historic buildings.

· Finance, fundraising, grant applications or business planning.

· Education, learning, interpretation or visitor experience.

· Volunteer management, community engagement or inclusion.

· Marketing, communications, events or digital engagement.

· Legal, governance, risk management, health and safety or safeguarding.

· Property, estates, facilities management or environmental stewardship.

Personal Qualities

· A genuine interest in Fort Amherst, local heritage and public benefit.

· Sound judgement, integrity and a willingness to act collectively with other Trustees.

· Ability to think strategically while understanding practical operational challenges.

· Confidence to ask questions, offer constructive challenge and support good decision-making.

· Commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion and respectful working relationships.

· Willingness to give sufficient time and attention to the role.

Job Description

Kent Sexual Assault & Abuse Service is dedicated to providing safe spaces where survivors of all forms of sexual violence across Kent and Medway, can access the high-quality, trauma-informed, specialist practical and therapeutic support that they need to recover from the impact of sexual violence and rebuild their lives. Having won and mobilised the Police & Crime Commissioner Kent Wide Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA)and Trauma Therapy contracts in April 2026, we are keen to extend our trustee board to ensure high quality, robust governance for our charity and support for the KSAAS team during this time of expansion. 

Key Functions of the Trustee Board Include:

• Ensuring compliance to KSAAS’s governing document (constitution), charity law and any other relevant legislation and regulations.

• Providing robust, evidence based strategic direction to KSAAS in collaboration with KSAAS Management Team, by reviewing the mission, vision, values, goals, targets, performance and the long-term strategy of the charity.

• Ensuring effective and efficient operation of the charity through oversight of the policies, procedures and systems.

• Ensuring that KSAAS pursues its objects as set out in its governing document and applies its resources exclusively to the pursuance of these objects.

• Ensuring the financial stability and accountability of KSAAS and protecting and managing KSAAS’s funds, estate and property.

• Ensuring KSAAS robustly meets all safeguarding requirements.

• Using any specific skills, knowledge or experience to help the Trustee Board to make sound decisions in the best interest of the charity.

Knowledge and Skills

The knowledge and skills that are beneficial to our charity are included in the recruitment pack, but in particular, we are keen to hear from individuals who have experience of business management and development, human resources, finance management, fundraising, marketing and communications, IT, social media, ISVA or counselling work and safeguarding.  

Commitment

The time commitment of a KSAAS trustee is estimated at 2-4 hours per month, comprising:

• Six 2 hour board meetings per year (normally online in the evening, but some in person in Canterbury with prior arrangement)

• Attending the annual general meeting (AGM)

• Time to read and reflect on board papers & AGM Papers

• Attending an annual trustee away day and occasional training sessions

• Attending subcommittees when required

If you are interested in becoming a trustee with KSAAS, please see further details about the role and application process in the attached recruitment pack. 

We look forward to hearing from you.

The KSAAS Trustee Board

Your expert understanding of charity and/or company accounts and financial management will ensure that trustees exercise their financial responsibilities. You will act as lead trustee on overseeing the annual audit, and advise on financial procedures, regular financial reporting and forecasting.

This will involve chairing the Trust’s Audit Committee, which meets once a year to receive draft charity accounts and audit reports for The Abbotsford Trust and its subsidiary Abbotsford Trading Company. The Committee is responsible for recommending accounts for approval to the Board of Directors, and for making recommendations on the appointment of auditors.

You will exercise oversight of the Trust’s financial management throughout the year through membership of the Executive Committee, which meets up to 10 times a year to receive financial reports from management. Trading Company management accounts are the responsibility of a separate Trading Company Board.

This role will suit someone with professional accountancy qualifications and experience of audited accounts. Ideally, but not necessarily, you will have experience of charity accounts.

Come and join the magical Patchworking Garden Project, established in 2015. It is a volunteer run charity supporting volunteers with a wide variety of physical and mental health needs through gardening, crafting and friendship. We have a strong identity within the local community and are known for increasing the wellbeing of those we support by valuing everyone’s contribution unreservedly, enhancing self-confidence and encouraging, where appropriate, progression to other activities. The Charity is run entirely by volunteers and those whom we support are supported volunteers.

Under the charity we also run The Patchworking Academy which offers the opportunity to gain an internationally recognised City & Guilds qualification in Practical Horticulture Skills. The Academy seeks to address inclusion via employment-ready qualifications for adults facing challenging circumstances. With the guidance of experienced and highly qualified therapeutic horticulture tutors, learners work at their own pace with a small group of other interested learners.

We are looking for a chair with some charity and governance experience who is

● able to quickly grasp what our values are and how we operate

● used to managing change

● happy in a leadership role,

● committed to a collaborative way of working 

● comfortable dealing with finances (preferably in the charity sector)

It is a lovely role for the right person so do get in touch for a chat if you think you might be interested.  There is a full role description available.

The Alec Dickson Trust is a grant making charity looking to recruit one volunteer to join its Board with expertise in Fundraising. The Trust supports young people who, through volunteering or community service, aim to enhance the lives of others, particularly those most marginalised by society.

Join the Board of Trustees at EFT International, a global membership charity promoting excellence in Emotional Freedom Techniques. Help shape our strategy, strengthen governance and support sustainable growth. Volunteer role: 10–15 hours per month with induction and expenses.

What will you be doing?

Our Board of Trustees is seeking one or more new trustees to help shape the future of EFT International as we continue to strengthen our governance, support our members, and deliver our charitable mission. This is an exciting opportunity to join a collaborative board at a time when we are focused on sustainable growth, developing our long-term strategy, and ensuring we continue to operate to the highest standards of governance and accountability.

Our trustees bring a range of professional backgrounds and work together to provide strategic leadership, oversee the charity's activities, and support its future development. We are looking for individuals who are keen to contribute their expertise, and help guide the organisation through its next stage of development.

The successful candidates will be full members of the Board, attending monthly board meetings and contributing to strategic discussions and decision-making. 

This is a rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful difference to an international charity, working alongside committed volunteers to support a professional community and help ensure the EFTi organisation continues to thrive for years to come.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for individuals who are passionate about supporting the work of charities and can bring strategic thinking, sound judgement, and a collaborative approach to our Board.

You will have experience in a leadership, management or advisory role, with the ability to build positive relationships, communicate effectively, and work constructively with volunteers and fellow trustees. Previous experience of serving on a charity board or working within the voluntary sector is welcomed but not essential.

We're particularly interested in people who can contribute expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• Governance
• Marketing and communications
• Finance
• Human Resources
• Legal
• Event management

You should be able to think strategically, make balanced decisions, maintain confidentiality, and work both independently and as part of a team. As our Board meets online, you'll also be comfortable using digital tools such as Zoom and Google Workspace.

Most importantly, we're looking for someone who shares our commitment to the mission and values of EFT International and is willing to dedicate around 10–15 hours per month to the role, including completing an induction programme, attending monthly Board meetings, and engaging with the charity's activities. We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds and experiences who can bring fresh perspectives to our Board.

TRUSTEE RECRUITMENT ADVERTISEMENT

Help Shape the Future Health and Wellbeing of Luton

Active Luton is looking for new Trustees to help guide our charity as we continue to improve the health and wellbeing of people across Luton.

We are particularly keen to hear from people with experience in Law or Human Resources, although we welcome applications from anyone who shares our values and can bring strategic thinking, sound judgement and a commitment to good governance.

As one of Bedfordshire's leading community wellbeing charities, Active Luton manages leisure centres and libraries, delivers public health programmes, and works with partners across the town to tackle health inequalities and help people live healthier, happier lives.

As a Trustee, you will help shape our future, support our Executive Team and ensure we continue to make a lasting difference to our community.

The role includes:

• Four Board meetings each year
• Membership of a Board Committee
• An initial three-year term
• Comprehensive induction and ongoing development
• Voluntary position

If you are an experienced professional who wants to use your skills to create lasting social impact, we would love to hear from you.

Join us in creating healthier people, stronger communities and a brighter future for Luton.

Carers Support is looking for a new Chair of Trustees to lead our Board and support the next stage of our development. This is an important voluntary role for someone with strong board or senior governance experience who wants to make a real difference to unpaid carers.

About Carers Support

We are an independent charity supporting thousands of unpaid carers of all ages across Bristol and South Gloucestershire. We provide advice, information, practical help, emotional support, training, young carers services and more.

Our vision is that all carers are recognised, valued and supported. We work closely with the NHS, local authorities and voluntary organisations, and hold the Trusted Charity quality mark

Main duties would include:

As Chair of Trustees, you will:

• Lead the Board and help set the charity’s strategic direction

• Support and work closely with the Chief Executive

• Make sure the Board fulfils its legal and governance duties

• Encourage a positive, open and inclusive Board culture

• Ensure meetings are well-run and support good discussion and decision-making

• Help the charity respond to the needs and views of unpaid carers

• Ensure risks, finances and performance are monitored effectively

You do not need previous chairing experience. We are looking for someone with solid board or committee experience who can guide a group and support strong governance.

What we’re looking for

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and lived experiences. We are looking for someone who can bring:

• Board, governance or senior decision-making experience

• Calm, confident leadership and good people skills

• The ability to facilitate effective meetings or a willingness to learn

• Sound judgement and the confidence to ask questions

• A commitment to improving the lives of unpaid carers

• Time to prepare for and attend meetings

Time commitment

• 4 board meetings per year (2 hours each)

• Regular meetings with the Chief Executive

• Occasional committee meetings, events or development sessions

• Additional committee meetings, events or development sessions, as required

What you’ll gain

• A meaningful leadership opportunity with social impact

• Strategic experience in a respected local charity

• Supportive induction, training and ongoing guidance

• A warm and collaborative Board environment

 There’s lots more we could tell you, but why not apply and come and see for yourself.  If you’d like any further information, please email our recruitment team with your details and we’ll arrange for someone to call you back.

Please visit our website for all the information you need and details of how to apply.  All expressions of interest and CV’s should be returned to our recruitment inbox.

Closing date for applications is 30th September 2026 (however this vacancy may close early if we find a suitable candidate).

We are an Equal Opportunities Employer, and our workplace is free of barriers and fully accessible for people with disabilities.  We are committed to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults; from recruitment of staff through to supporting our team working with families and carers in crisis.

Registered Charity No:  1063226

Why join us

Rebuild with Hope Foundation was established in 2021 and began supporting people facing multiple barriers to employment. From our humble beginnings we have seen continued and exciting growth which has allowed us to further develop and expand our support programmes alongside the opening of several retail outlets, high street stores and a community hub and café.

Our additional retail stores are in Runcorn (two stores), Earlstown, Kirkham, Thorn Cross and Wrexham. Our mission is to support those facing multiple barriers to employment by providing mentorship, employment opportunities and holistic support. Rebuild With Hope provides opportunities and delivers comprehensive support making transitioning back to work as smooth as possible.

We offer training, volunteering, work experience and progression to real work opportunities, coupled with wrap around support to foster independence, promote self-esteem and provide hope for people when they need it most. Employment and volunteering opportunities continue to help us support communities with the ongoing and ever challenging cost of living crisis.

Overview

The Rebuild with Hope Foundation is a fast growing and impactful charity supporting those facing barriers to work. Due to our continued growth we are looking to increase and diversify our Board membership. We are looking to appoint Trustees, no former experience is required as training will be provided. We are also looking to appoint a Treasurer a long with an experienced Chair of the Board. There are separate recruitment packs for each of the three roles, with each outlining the different knowledge and experiences required .

As Trustee you will help steer the charity towards achieving its mission. This vital role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to meaningful community initiatives, support sustainable growth, and foster positive relationships with stakeholders. As a Trustee, you will play a key part in shaping the charity’s future, ensuring accountability, transparency, and effective governance. This paid position invites passionate individuals eager to make a lasting difference through dedicated service and innovative thinking.

Role Description

Board Members are jointly and severally responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity, its financial health, probity of its activities, developing the organisation’s aims, objectives, and goals in accordance with the Constitution, legal and regulatory guidelines. All Board Members should be aware of and understand their individual and collective responsibilities and should not be overly reliant on one or more Members in any aspect of the governance of the charity.

Duties

• Ensuring the charity complies with legislative and regulatory requirements and acts within the confines of the Constitution and its charitable objects.
• Acting in the best interest of the charity, beneficiaries, and future beneficiaries.
• Promoting and developing the charity to help it grow and maintain its public benefit.
• Maintaining sound financial management and control of the charity’s resources.
• Ensuring a fully effective and appropriate system recruitment, for appointment the and monitoring of the work and activities for the CEO and Senior Management team.
• Ensuring the effective and efficient administration of the charity and its resources, striving for best practice in good governance.
• Maintaining absolute confidentiality about all aspects of Trustees’ business

This role offers an inspiring opportunity to contribute your skills and experiences toward creating positive change while working alongside passionate professionals dedicated to making a difference in our communities.

How to apply

Please download the relevant recruitment pack for either Trustee, Treasurer and Chair. The application process is outlined within the pack.

We request no contact from external agencies

The BDFA is seeking a new Volunteer Treasurer/Trustee to join our passionate and dedicated Board.

As a trustee, you will play a key role in shaping the strategic direction of the BDFA, ensuring strong governance, and helping to improve the lives of children, young people, and families affected by Batten disease across the UK.

The overall role of Treasurer is to maintain an overview of the organisation’s affairs, ensure its financial viability and ensure that proper financial records and procedures are maintained.

As our Treasurer, you will:

• Oversee, approve and present budgets, accounts and financial statements
• Assure that the financial resources of the organisation meet its present and future needs
• Prepare and present financial reports to the Board
• Ensure that appropriate accounting procedures and controls are in place
• Have oversight of and give guidance to BDFA Accounting & Financial Administration Officer
• Attend board meetings
• Present financial overview at the AGM

Ideal Background:

Fully qualified chartered accountant/financial qualifications and experience. Some experience of charity finance and fundraising.

We welcome suitably qualified applicants who share our commitment to inclusion, integrity, and advocacy, and who are willing to contribute their time, skills, and experience to drive meaningful change.

Trustees meet regularly (virtually and occasionally in person) and contribute to board discussions, sub-committees, and strategic projects, including attending our in person meeting once a year.

This is a voluntary role, but the personal and social impact is immeasurable.

About us

Batten disease is a very rare genetic disorder that affects the brain and nervous system. Symptoms sometimes begin in infancy and sometimes later in childhood, after apparently normal early development. Occasionally it may start in adulthood. In individuals suffering from Batten disease, nervous system function steadily declines, causing a wide variety of neurologic problems, including loss of vision and seizures. The life expectancy of a child born with Batten disease can vary, depending on the form of the disease and the age of onset. Some children die in early childhood, while others may be able to live into their teens or twenties.

The BDFA was registered as a charity in 2001 and our mission is “to enable children and adults who are affected by Batten disease to live life to the full and to provide families with the care and support they need so that they do not walk this path alone.” The BDFA offers informed guidance and support to families and the professionals who work with them, as well as actively raising awareness, and promoting research into the management of Batten disease to improve patient care pathways and ultimately find a cure.

Work Location: Remote

Help Shape the Future of Cygnus Support

Join our Board of Trustees and use your skills, experience and passion to support mental health and emotional wellbeing across Northumberland.

About Cygnus Support

Cygnus Support is a local charity dedicated to improving the mental health and emotional wellbeing of people across Northumberland. We empower people to improve their lives by providing counselling, education and support in their local community.

At a time when demand for mental health and wellbeing support remains high, our work is more important than ever. We are seeking new trustees who can help us strengthen our charity, guide our future direction and ensure we continue to deliver the strongest possible support for the people who need us most.

You will be joining a well-respected mental health and wellbeing charity made up of a small team of friendly staff, volunteers and board of trustees who are all passionate and committed to making a difference to peoples’ lives.

The Opportunity

We are looking for people to join our Board of Trustees and support the leadership of Cygnus Support as we shape the next stage of our charity’s development. As a trustee, you will work with fellow board members and the senior team to provide strategic direction, good governance and constructive challenge.

This is a rewarding voluntary role for someone who wants to make a meaningful contribution to their local community and play a part in improving access to mental health and wellbeing support.

What Trustees Do

· Help set and review the strategic direction of the organisation.

· Ensure the charity is well governed, financially responsible and compliant with its legal and charitable responsibilities.

· Use your skills, insight and experience to contribute to board discussions and decision-making.

· Support the senior team to identify opportunities, manage risks and strengthen services.

· Champion the needs of the people and communities we support.

· Act as an ambassador for Cygnus Support and its values.

Who We Are Looking For

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of backgrounds and life experiences. You do not need previous trustee experience to apply; what matters most is your commitment to our mission, your willingness to work collaboratively and your ability to think strategically and help us grow.

We are particularly interested in hearing from people who can bring expertise or experience in one or more of the following areas:

· Fundraising and income generation

· Charity governance & secretarial support

· Commissioning

· Marketing

· Online service delivery

· Volunteer engagement and support

· Health and wellbeing services, including lived experience, service delivery or service-user insight

Time Commitment

Trustees are expected to attend Board meetings every eight weeks. Meetings are currently held online, although there may be a need to meet in person in and meetings usually last approximately two hours. Trustees may also be asked to contribute to occasional discussions, emails or focused pieces of work between meetings.

The Difference You Will Make

By becoming a trustee, you will help Cygnus Support plan confidently for the future, strengthen services and respond to the changing needs of our communities. Your contribution will help us continue to provide accessible, compassionate and effective support for people experiencing mental health and emotional wellbeing challenges.

How to Apply

If you would like to find out more about becoming a trustee please email to request an application pack.

We will be in touch with shortlisted candidates to discuss the next steps which will include an opportunity to meet the team and an interview process. References will be taken up prior to appointment, and a current DBS certificate will be required.

Chair of Trustees – Mary Frances Trust

Location: Surrey/Hybrid

Time commitment: Approx. 1–2 days per month

Remuneration: Voluntary role (reasonable expenses reimbursed)

Term: Three-year term, with potential for reappointment for up to two further terms.

We are open to reasonable adjustments and flexible approaches to the role.

About Mary Frances Trust

Mary Frances Trust (MFT) is a mental health and emotional wellbeing charity that works alongside people experiencing any kind of emotional or mental health issues, supporting them for as long as needed to restore and maintain their wellbeing. We provide a range of community-based services, co-produced with people with lived experience of mental health issues. We work closely with partners across the health sector (including NHS), local authority and the voluntary sector.

We believe that anyone experiencing mental or emotional health issues should feel confident to ask for help and receive appropriate support for as long as needed, to live a fulfilling life.

Our values are: Inspiring, Inclusive, Agile and Respectful.

We are a charitable company limited by guarantee with a Board of Trustees responsible for our overall governance, strategy and compliance.

Board culture: Our Board is friendly, established and committed, working collaboratively to provide strong governance and support MFT’s mission.

Please note, Mary Frances Trust reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role.

The Role

We’re seeking a Chair of Trustees to provide leadership to the Board as MFT embarks on its next phase of growth and development. This is an exciting strategic role offering the opportunity to drive meaningful change and shape the future of our organisation. You will work closely with a committed team of Trustees, staff and volunteers to set direction, provide governance and ensure MFT continues to deliver real impact for the Surrey community.

The Chair will:

• Lead the Board and support the organisation to fulfil its charitable purpose.
• Ensure effective working relationships between the Board and staff, volunteers, the Advisory Group, Members and key external stakeholders.
• Act as spokesperson and figurehead for the charity where appropriate.
• Supervise and support the Chief Executive, including an annual performance review.
• Plan and prepare Board meetings and the Annual General Meeting (AGM) with the Chief Executive and other staff members as appropriate.
• Chair Board meetings effectively ensuring balanced discussion, clear decisions and actions are assigned and followed through.
• Lead regular reviews of Board effectiveness and support good succession planning for the Chair role.
• Work closely with the Chief Executive and fellow Trustees to ensure MFT meets its legal, regulatory and constitutional duties while staying true to its vision and values.

Person Specification

In addition to the skills and experience required of all MFT Trustees, the Chair will bring:

• Strong governance and leadership capability.
• The ability to chair meetings well and enable inclusive, balanced discussion and clear decisions.
• Sound judgement, and the ability to support and constructively challenge the Chief Executive.
• Tact, diplomacy and strong interpersonal skills.
• Understanding of the mental health and wellbeing sector and/or the wider voluntary sector context.
• The time and capacity to commit to around 1–2 days per month.
• Commitment to MFT’s values and to improving mental health and wellbeing in the Surrey community.

Previous experience as a Chair or Vice Chair (in a charity, public, or non-profit setting) is desirable, but we also welcome applications from candidates who can demonstrate strong governance and leadership experience and the ability to step into this role.

Additional experience that would strengthen the Board (desirable):

• HR / people governance experience.
• Capacity to support Board‑level oversight of complaints or appeals (staff or client related) where matters are escalated.
• Experience of Co‑production, lived‑experience‑led work, or collaborative approaches to service design and governance.
• Lived experience of mental health issues and/or caring experience (we value lived experience alongside governance and leadership skills).

Time Commitment

The Chair is expected to commit approximately around 1–2 days per month.

These include:

• Preparing for and chairing approximately six Board meetings a year.
• Attending the Annual General Meeting (in the autumn).
• Regular meetings with the Chief Executive.
• Occasional representation at external meetings and events.

Eligibility

You must be eligible to serve as a Charity Trustee and Company Director under UK law and be willing to complete the necessary eligibility and declaration checks.

All successful candidates will be required to undertake Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks as well as reference checks. These will be a condition of any offer of volunteering post being made.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and perspectives. We strongly encourage applications from people with lived experience of mental health issues.

We welcome applications from people under‑represented in charity governance (including disabled people, people from minoritised ethnic communities, and people with lived experience of mental health challenges).