Board trustee volunteer roles

Use your expertise to shape education, influence communities, and grow as a leader. Roles available across England.

Are you a business leader or corporate professional looking to make a meaningful impact outside the boardroom?

By becoming a volunteer governor at a further education (FE) or sixth form college, you’ll help shape the strategic direction of an organisation that transforms lives through education and skills—while strengthening your own governance experience and leadership credentials.

Why it’s relevant to professionals like you

Further Education colleges train over 1.6 million learners annually, preparing the skilled workforce that keeps our economy moving—from engineers and IT specialists to healthcare professionals and construction experts.

As a college governor, you’ll sit on the board of an FE institution (and registered charity), where your insight into strategy, risk, people, or finance will have a direct impact on how public funds are spent, how performance is measured, and how learners are supported to succeed.

This is an opportunity to:

• Apply your corporate skills in a charitable leadership role
• Gain board-level experience and enhance your CV
• Contribute to local economic growth and social mobility
• Support a vital sector during a time of transformation

What you’ll do

As part of a governing board, you’ll:

• Set strategic direction: Help define the college’s mission and goals
• Hold leadership to account: Monitor finances, performance, and outcomes
• Ensure governance excellence: Make decisions in the best interests of learners and stakeholders
• Act as a charity trustee: Ensure financial sustainability and legal compliance

You’ll also engage with senior leaders and external stakeholders, including local employers, regulators, and community partners.

Who we’re looking for

We welcome professionals from a broad range of sectors, including but not limited to:

• Finance, Audit & Risk
• HR, People & Culture
• Strategy, Transformation & Operations
• Technology, AI & Digital
• Legal, Governance & Compliance
• Marketing, PR & Communications
• Education, Apprenticeships or vocational courses

What matters most is your strategic thinking, commercial awareness, and commitment to helping others succeed.

Prior education experience is not required. Full induction and training are provided, with access to DfE-funded development and peer mentoring where needed.

Time commitment

Expect to give approximately 1–2 days per month, including:

• Attending board and committee meetings (in-person or hybrid)
• Reading papers and preparing questions
• Participating in training and occasional college visits

The time commitment is manageable alongside a full-time role—and many employers actively support staff to take on governance roles as part of their professional development.

Where you’ll be needed

We are recruiting governors for colleges across England, with new opportunities added regularly. We’ll work with you to match your skills and location with a college in need of your expertise.

What’s in it for you?

· Enhance your board-level and governance experience

· Develop strategic oversight and leadership outside your day-to-day role

· Expand your professional network

·Give back in a way that creates long-term, measurable impact

· Gain exposure to the education, charity, and public sectors

Ready to step into a strategic, purpose-driven leadership role?

If you’re ready to bring your corporate insight to the education sector and help shape the future of skills, opportunity, and social mobility—we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now to become a volunteer college governor.

The Sherriff Centre, a community-focused charity now in its 11th year, and are seeking a dedicated and experienced Co-Chair to join our Board of Trustees. This pivotal role will work alongside the Vicar of the Parish of St Mary’s Kilburn and St James West Hampstead, who, because of the legal construction of the Charity and the Parish, will act as the other Co-Chair. This post holder will fulfil the usual role of a Chair of a charity and be there to provide leadership, strategic direction, and governance to help advance the mission and objectives of the Centre. 

Key Responsibilities:

1. Leadership and Governance:

·  Collaborate with the Vicar Co-Chair and Board members to provide strategic leadership and governance.

·  Ensure the Board operates effectively and meets its legal and statutory responsibilities.

·  Support the development and deployment of current trustees and staff and lead on the recruitment of new trustees.

2. Project Development and Service Delivery:

·  Oversee the planning, implementation, and evaluation of services to ensure they meet the needs of our community.

·  Work with the Co-chair and Centre Director to develop new initiatives that align with our mission and strategic goals.

3. Community Engagement:

·  Act as an ambassador, advocating for our mission and building relationships with stakeholders, funders, and partners.

·  Foster a culture of community involvement, including with the parish, and encourage volunteer engagement.

4. Strategic Thinking:

·  Contribute to the strategic planning process, setting appropriate strategic goals and workplans

·  Ensure that the Board’s decisions align with our objectives and assist with regular monitoring of our activities in line with its objectives and the Board’s overall strategic goals.

·  Monitor trends and developments in community needs and adjust strategies accordingly.

5. Collaboration with Centre Director:

·  Work closely with the Centre Director to support operational management and service delivery.

·  Assist in developing and implementing policies and procedures that enhance our effectiveness.

Person Specification:

1. Essential Qualifications and Experience:

·  Proven experience in a similar role, for example as a CEO or in senior leadership within a small/medium-sized charity.

·  Demonstrated experience in project development and service delivery within community settings.

·  Strong understanding of community work and the challenges faced by local populations.

·  Ability to be in sympathy with a community charity run in a Christian place or worship and relate to the parish community.

2. Skills and Competencies:

·  Strategic thinker with ability to develop and implement long-term plans.

·  Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and motivate stakeholders.

·  Strong leadership skills with a collaborative approach to governance and decision-making.

·  Ability to analyse information and make informed decisions.

3.  Availability:

·  Must have availability during weekdays, committing 8-10 hours per week to fulfil the role effectively.

4. Personal Attributes:

·  Passion for community service and commitment to the mission of The Sherriff Centre.

·  A proactive and positive attitude, with a willingness to address challenges and promote innovation.

·  Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team environment and build strong relationships.

About the opportunity

We are seeking committed vegetarians or vegans to join our volunteer board of trustees. Vegetarian for Life (VfL) is the only UK charity specifically dedicated to supporting older vegetarians and vegans. We believe that all older people should be able to maintain their chosen diet and lifestyle and enjoy good quality plant-based food wherever they live.

Our trustees work with the CEO to ensure strong governance and help realise the strategic aims of this unique and growing charity. Since its formation in 2007, VfL has earned widespread respect for its advocacy, training, and resources that support dignity and choice in later life.

In line with our new Vision for 2030, we are looking to strengthen our board with a new trustee who brings experience of business development, marketing and income generation gained (most likely) from the Private Sector. We are particularly interested in individuals with proven experience in:

• Growing a business in an ethical and sustainable way
• Generating income from new streams and commercial partnerships
• Developing and marketing new products and services

You’ll work alongside a committed board and leadership team as we seek to build VfL’s long-term sustainability by enhancing our earned income to complement support from our strong reserves.

Experience of charity governance is welcomed but not essential. More important is a strategic mindset, commercial insight, and a strong commitment to VfL’s mission.

The role of trustee is a voluntary one, with expenses paid when incurred in connection with the role. The board meets quarterly, mainly via video conferencing, with at least one in-person meeting annually in Manchester. Meetings are held on Saturdays, with additional (short) discussions scheduled by arrangement when needed.

For further information and an informal chat please contact Amanda Woodvine, CEO.

Are you passionate about making a tangible difference in the world? Do you have proven fundraising and leadership skills that you’d like to apply to a cause with real impact? We are seeking a new trustee to join our Board and play a vital role in shaping our future.

In this recruitment round, we are specifically seeking someone to Chair our Fundraising Sub-Committee, providing leadership and guidance to help us diversify and strengthen our income. We are especially keen to hear from individuals with experience in:

• Developing and delivering fundraising strategies
• Building individual giving programmes
• Creating and sustaining corporate partnerships

As a growing international development charity with a small but committed staff team (1.2 FTE in the UK, 10+ in East Africa), we are looking for trustees who are not only strategic thinkers but also prepared to roll up their sleeves and contribute actively within the boundaries of their role.  We do have staff who are responsible for fundraising and communications so your focus would be more on guiding and shaping our approaches particularly growing our individual giving, major donor and corporate programmes.

Newport Citizens Advice provides free advice services to thousands of people of every year    

We are seeking Trustees, particularly those with experience in income generation, finance, leadership/governance, change management, and communications. 

What will you be doing?

As a trustee you will have an essential role in supporting the organisation at a time of many exciting and challenging developments

We are in the process of securing new accommodation with the intention of moving to newly designed and refurbished premises for the whole organisation within the next year.

We are also currently developing new services in immigration - the first of their kind in any Citizens Advice organisation in Wales and we are also developing new services in housing and homelessness.

Our partnership work is also a key area for further development as we move towards delivering more and more services collaboratively.  

Our governance structure consists of a Trustee Board and sub-committees for finance and personnel and for performance, risk and compliance.  Trustee input is also encouraged in the Research and Campaigns Group, Health and Safety Committee and throughout the annual Business Development and Planning process. 

What are we looking for?

Each individual member of the trustee board brings skills and qualities to the board. They add to the collective knowledge and experience by providing:

• commitment and availability to attend trustee board meetings sub-committees and task groups
• effective communication skills
• knowledge of local needs and resources
• commitment to the aims, principles and policies of the Citizens Advice service
• willingness and ability to act in the best interests of Newport Citizens Advice
• ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as trustees and
• willingness and ability to learn, and to develop and examine their own attitudes
• ability to think creatively and strategically, and exercise good, independent judgement
• ability to work effectively as a member of a team.

What difference will you make?

Our trustees provide essential expertise, guidance and insight that help shape the work and direction of Newport Citizens Advice and at this point in time will also make a valuable contribution to ensuring our success in a period of significant change.   

Before you apply

We will invite any interested candidates to an informal meeting to enable them to find out more about the organisation and role and decide if they wish to continue with an application.  Once this is confirmed an interview will be arranged with a panel led by the Chair of the Trustee Board.  Any recommendation for appointment will then be approved by the Board.

The process has no specific deadlines and we aim to respond promptly to all applicants.

Join CARAS as Co-Chair of Trustees
Are you passionate about creating a welcoming, supportive environment for refugees and asylum seekers?
Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is seeking a Co-Chair to join our Board of Trustees, working alongside our current Co-Chair, who has been in the role for two years and has served on the Board for nine years. Our outgoing Co-Chair will remain as a trustee, ensuring strong continuity.

About CARAS
CARAS works with people from refugee backgrounds to provide practical, educational, and social support. We build relationships, networks, and spaces that enable individuals to access what they need to improve wellbeing and safety. Our dedicated staff and volunteers offer a wide range of activities and services, creating a place of welcome and helping people recognise their skills and develop their potential.

As one of the largest providers of refugee support in South London—particularly for unaccompanied and separated children—we are proud of our agility in responding to changing needs.

The Role of Co-Chair

• Provide strategic leadership to CARAS and the Board, ensuring our mission is achieved.

• Work in partnership with the CEO, staff, and volunteers.

• Lead the Board in fulfilling its governance responsibilities.

• Strengthen the relationship between the trustees and CARAS’s team.

• Plan and chair Board meetings and the AGM (with others as appropriate).

What We’re Looking For

• Experience as a trustee (chairing experience is not essential).

• A strong sense of strategic purpose.

• Inclusive leadership skills that inspire equal participation.

• Excellent listening and engagement skills, with the ability to encourage healthy debate in a collaborative environment.

• Advocacy skills and willingness to champion CARAS’s work through personal and professional networks.

• A firm commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

• Flexibility and responsiveness to the needs of a growing charity.

We especially welcome applications from people with lived experience of the UK asylum or immigration system, people of colour, disabled people, and LGBTQI+ people.

Time Commitment

• Four evening Board meetings per year (alternating between online and at our Tooting office).

• One away day annually (usually on a weekend).

• Membership of working groups.

• Regular meetings with the Co-Chair, CEO, and other trustees.

• Occasional attendance at activities (daytime, evenings, or weekends).

How to Apply
You can also request a conversation with our current Co-Chairs, Helen Gribble and Keith McGuinness, for more information.

Closing Date 

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis; we encourage early submissions.

We are now seeking a Marketing, Communications and PR Trustee to join our Board, someone who can help us amplify our voice, strengthen our visibility, and share the powerful stories of transformation that emerge from our work.

This trustee will play a key role in shaping our external communications strategy, supporting our leadership team to build our brand, engage our supporters, and influence decision-makers. By helping us to tell our story more effectively, you will help ensure that more women can access the support they need, and that our impact is recognised across Leicester and beyond.

If you bring professional expertise in marketing, communications, media or public relations, and share our belief in the power of second chances and the potential of every woman to thrive, we would be delighted to hear from you. Together, we can continue to build a future where every woman is safe, valued, and supported to reach her full potential.

Would you like to make a positive impact on your community and make a real difference to people's lives?

By joining Citizens Advice Enfield as a Trustee you can take an active part in board meetings to assist in setting policy and strategy direction, set targets and evaluate our performance.  You could work on specific projects with other trustees or staff members to further strategic objectives and learn about the range of issues that affect our clients such as benefits, debt, employment and housing.  You would need to attend 5 board meetings per year.

You will need:

• professional skills - expertise in areas such as finance, legal, HR, IT, marketing or fundraising
• strategic and leadership skills, lived experience and community knowledge.
• excellent verbal and written communication skills and good IT skills (Microsoft Office suite)
• to be friendly and approachable and non-judgmental, respecting views, values and cultures that are different to your own
• to be willing to undertake training.

We are looking for a trustee who understands charity finance.   Ideally you would  be a qualified accountant, perhaps retired, but with a particular expertise in charity finance.  We have a bookkeeper who does the work for us, so we are not looking for someone to do our accounts but we need a trustee who can give them direction and ensure the Board has the necessary financial information.  

We are looking for someone who cares about and wants to  help young people who are in the care system to make it to and through university. This is not about helping individual youngsters personally. We are building and funding programmes to enable others to help them more effectively.  

You need to be willing to be a trustee. This involves preparing for meetings by reading the papers, speaking up in meetings and sharing your opinions and experience, working with others on the board and with our education partners to develop ways we can fulfil our goal of increasing the number of care-experienced young people who successfully complete a degree and find work.

You need to be able to meet the time commitment which is to attend our (virtual) trustee meetings.  These are held on a Wednesday afternoon once a quarter – the dates are published well in advance.  We also get together, in person, for up to a full day once a year – again usually on a Wednesday. You will need to prepare for meetings and there may be the occasional other tasks so we recommend thinking of a time commitment of 2 -3 hours a month.

Previous experience as a charity trustee is highly desirable, but not essential, as you will have a full explanation of the duties and responsibilities of trustees during your induction.

MedicAlert is an emergency medical information charity dedicated to saving and mproving the lives of our members. We provide a comprehensive medical identity service that operates 24/7, every day of the year, from anywhere in the world. Our mission is to give peace of mind to anyone across the nation living with a medical condition, allergy or other health need, by providing access to their vital personal medical information in an emergency.

MedicAlert is the UK’s first and only charity provider of medical IDs. We place our members at the heart of everything we do. We believe everyone deserves to feel safe and secure, regardless of their medical circumstances. With MedicAlert, you can feel confident knowing that we are always here to support you.

Looking ahead, our ambitions are bold. We are focused on broadening representation, sustaining active engagement, and raising the visibility of the organisation across the sector and beyond. 

Our Trustees provide vision, direction and leadership to advance the charity’s mission and uphold its values. They support and challenge the management team to achieve agreed goals and objectives.

Joining our Board, our new Trustees will help directly shape and influence the organisation's strategic direction to ensure alignment with ts mission and long-term goals. They will also ensure the charity fulfils its charitable purpose and complies with all legal and regulatory requirements.

What are we looking for?

To help us achieve our ambitions, we are seeking to strengthen our Board by welcoming individuals with diverse skills, experiences and perspectives, outlined in the Person Specification. We are particularly interested in people who share our passion for improving lives and who are willing to actively contribute to MedicAlert’s continued growth and development.

As we seek to ensure that MedicAlert is in the strongest possible position, we particularly require applications from candidates with knowledge and experience of one of the following:

• Human Resources (and in particular, individuals with experience of Organisational Development, Employment Law and Change Management.
• Digital Transformation and the procurement, development and management of IT and database systems
• Finance management experience, either as a Board member or reporting to a Board. Ideally, this would include a working knowledge of charity finance but this is not an essential as training and guidance will be provided.
• Marketing (both to individuals and to organisations) and Communications.

These are voluntary & unpaid positions with reasonable expenses covered. Prior Trustee experience is not an essential and full induction will provided. 

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities and lived experiences and are committed to fostering an inclusive culture where everyone can thrive. We are actively working to ensure that intersecting identities are recognised, valued and represented across both the Trustee Board and the wider organisation. This includes, but is not limited to, people of colour, young people, LGBTQ+, and those with lived experience of socio-economic inequality.

The Finance Committee oversees on how the RTPI’s financial assets are being managed and employed for the benefits of our members. The Committee is a mix of members of the RTPI Board of Trustees and independent co-opted members. It reports directly to the Board who then report to the General Assembly.

Outline of role

Review funding requests and financial information. Bring analysis, constructive challenge and an independent perspective to the Committee’s discussions and decision-making.

Impact of the role

The Board of Trustee has delegated some of its responsibilities relating to the review of financial information, the oversight of major projects and investment management to the Finance Committee. Members of the Finance Committee assist the RTPI by providing an additional layer of scrutiny and assurance to support the RTPI Board’s decision-making.

Eligibility Criteria

• Open to both RTPI members and non-members
• Experience in reviewing management accounts, budgets and long-term financial plans
• Experience in overseeing the management of investments and/or
• Experience in reviewing major project funding requests

Clean Break is looking to appoint a Treasurer to deliver the organisation’s mission through good governance, fit for purpose financial systems and deliverable financial plans through strong partnership working with staff and trustees.

The Treasurer plays a key role in the organisation, working closely with Clean Break's Co-Chairs, the Executive Director (Interim), the Head of Finance & Operations, and fellow Trustees.

This is an important and rewarding role, which will make a significant contribution to Clean Break's mission and support our strategic delivery.

The main responsibilities of the Treasurer include:

• Chair the Finance Committee and provide regular reports to the Board of
  Trustees.
• Collaborate with the Co-Chairs and Executive Director to ensure that the
  Board is empowered to fulfil its financial responsibilities in an informed and
  timely manner.
• Work with the Executive Director and Head of Finance & Operations to ensure
  that the charity’s finance and risk management systems are fit for purpose.
• Work with the Executive Director and Head of Finance & Operations to
  develop and test robust financial plans and to monitor progress against the
  agreed plans.
• Provide support and, where appropriate, professional development
  opportunities for the Head of Finance & Operations and other finance staff.

To find out more about the role and apply, please download our Recruitment Pack.

Volunteer Trustee – Treasury & Finance

The Opportunity

We are seeking a Trustee with treasury or financial expertise to join our Board. This role is central to helping us manage our resources responsibly, plan for the future, and ensure our funds are used to achieve maximum impact.

You don’t need to be a qualified accountant, but we’re looking for someone with experience in finance, treasury management, or investment oversight who can bring clarity, challenge, and strategic thinking to our decision-making.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Overseeing financial governance alongside the Board and Finance Committee.
• Advising on treasury management, cash flow, and reserves.
• Supporting budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning.
• Helping the charity manage risk responsibly while seizing opportunities to grow.
• Acting as a constructive and collaborative member of the Board.

What We’re Looking For

• Professional experience in finance, treasury, banking, investments, or related fields.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to interpret financial reports and explain them clearly.
• Commitment to good governance and the principles of charitable accountability.
• Passion for Carrs Lane Counselling mission and a desire to make a positive difference.
• Willingness to commit time and expertise to support our Board and staff team.

What You’ll Gain

• The opportunity to use your professional skills for social good.
• Experience in charity governance and leadership.
• A chance to shape the financial resilience and long-term success of Carrs Lane Counselling
• Satisfaction from making a meaningful impact in your community.

Trustee (Voluntary Position)

Location: Meetings in Crewe, Cheshire with some virtual involvement
Time Commitment: Four Board meetings and an annual conference with some virtual involvement

Term: Three years, with potential to extend
Expenses: Reasonable travel expenses reimbursed
Interview Date: 12th December

We are seeking new Trustees to help shape and grow our national charity that supports young people leaving care to live connected, interdependent and fulfilling lives. Our approach is co-designed with young people, built on psychological and relational groupwork practice, and delivered through local house projects (LHPs) across England and Scotland.

You’ll join a small, committed Board working alongside staff and young people to support good governance, strategic development and continued growth. This is an exciting time, with new LHPs launching each year and a strong movement of young people influencing the work at every level.

About the Role

Trustees work collectively to:

· Ensure financial stability and legal compliance

· Provide strategic guidance and oversight

· Support a positive, inclusive organisational culture

· Champion the voice and experience of young people in decision making

· Act as a constructive partner to the senior leadership team

There are four in-person Board meetings a year in Crewe, usually on Wednesdays between 11am and 3pm with young people attending as expert advisors.  Trustees also attend an annual conference hosted by young people plus occasional virtual working groups relevant to their skills.

Who We’re Looking For

Previous Trustee experience is not essential. Full induction and ongoing support are provided.

We are particularly interested in applicants with skills or experience in any of the following areas and would love to hear from people who are care experienced :

· Children’s Social Care  

· Safeguarding

· Law and legal services

· Finance and accountancy

· Ai , Cyber security and digital services

· PR, Communications and marketing

More importantly, you will:

· Be committed to improving outcomes for young people leaving care

· Value equity, diversity and inclusion

· Offer sound judgement and effective decision making

· Be willing to work collaboratively as part of a team

· Share knowledge, professional insight or networks that could strengthen our work

We actively welcome applications from people of different backgrounds, ages, abilities, identities, beliefs and those with lived experience of care.

What We Offer

· A meaningful opportunity to influence change for young people

· Full induction and mentoring for new Trustees

· A supportive and collaborative Board environment

· Reimbursement of reasonable travel expenses

How to Apply

Please send a CV and a short covering statement explaining why you are interested in becoming a Trustee and what skills or experience you would bring.