Board trustee volunteer roles

We are at a very exciting stage in the development of the Trust, having increased our impact significantly over the last 3 years, with new 5-year strategy in place,  a small staff team, an expert group of Trustees, and a wonderful cohort of committed volunteers.

We are particularly interested in applications from people withknowledge, skills and experience in ecology and conservation; heritage, culture and the arts; the law; safeguarding; senior leadership experience, ideally at Chief Executive level, in the charity or social enterprise sector; and/or people with a strong connection to, and understanding of, the Forest through volunteering for EFHT or one of the other community organisations who work in/or around the Forest.

Through this recruitment process we are also aiming to further diversify our Board of Trustees, to ensure it reflects the communities surrounding the Forest. We are particularly seeking applications from Black, Asian and ethnic minority candidates and from people who are disabled. 

As way of background, several Trustees who have helped lead our transformation are now stepping down as a result of work changes or moving home, and we are recruiting between 3 and 5 new Trustees with the passion, skills and experiences to steer delivery of the new strategy, committed to making the Forest accessible to all as we help protect and preserve Epping Forest now, and for generations to come.

As a Trustee you will be expected to attend 4 Trustee meetings a year as well as our Annual General meeting, and take part in other activities as your time permits. The role is voluntary and unremunerated. 

We offer a full induction and training as necessary to help you fulfil the role.

Application is by CV and short covering letter (no more than 2 pages).

Applications close at 9am Wednesday 12th November with interviews planned for w/c 24th November.

Join our Board - Trustee Opportunities at Planning Aid for London

Do you believe everyone should have a say in how their neighbourhood changes? Planning Aid for London helps communities across the city influence decisions that shape their lives.

Planning Aid for London (PAL) is looking for two new trustees to help us deliver our ambitious five-year strategic plan.

We are entering an exciting new phase of growth as we work to become financially sustainable and expand our reach. We are especially keen to hear from applicants with experience in communications, fundraising, charity finance, and volunteer-led service delivery.

The role is a great opportunity for someone who is passionate about helping residents to have a voice in planning the future of their neighbourhoods and who enjoys working collaboratively with other trustees to make that happen.

As a trustee, your role will involve

• Overseeing and contributing to the implementation of our five-year strategic plan
• Offering an external perspective and constructive challenge
• Provide insight, challenge, and constructive support to the staff and volunteer team
• Champion PAL’s mission and help us grow our impact

You don’t need previous board experience, we’ll provide induction and support to help you succeed.

Time Commitments

• The Board meets every 6 weeks (usually online, from 6.00-7.30pm)
• There may be occasional ad-hoc meetings, agreed in advance with the Board separately
• Trustees are also invited to attend the AGM and occasional outreach events. We aim to keep meetings accessible and flexible.
• Additional hours may be required as part of fulfilling the role

​What We Offer

As a trustee, you will play a key role in shaping Planning Aid for London’s work and strengthen our organisation. You will connect with other professionals from across the built environment who share a commitment to helping communities in London to participate meaningfully in the planning process.

Person Specification

Essential Skills

• Commitment to Planning Aid for London’s mission and values
• Ability to work collaboratively and think creatively
• Willingness to attend meetings and follow up on agreed actions

Desirable Skills

Finance & Fundraising Trustee

We are looking for someone who can help strengthen our financial sustainability and guide sound governance as PAL grows. You’ll bring:

• Experience in finance, accounting, or business management
• An understanding of financial reporting and charity governance (or the willingness to learn)
• Insight into charity fundraising, income diversification, or donor engagement 
• A collaborative mindset, with the confidence to ask the right questions and support decision-making

Communications & Engagement Trustee

We’re seeking someone who can help raise PAL’s profile and share the impact of our work across London’s communities. You’ll bring:

• Experience in communications, PR, marketing, or public engagement
• Understanding of digital and social media strategy, including storytelling and audience growth
• Experience working with community groups, campaigns, or advocacy initiatives
• Creativity and strategic thinking to help shape PAL’s message and visibility

Additional desirable experience for both roles

• experience in the built or natural environment (planning, architecture, urban design, housing, environmental or community engagement)
   

How to Apply

Please send a short CV and cover letter (max 2 pages) explaining your interest and how your skills align with the role. If you’d like an informal chat before applying, please contact us through the form or via the contact page on the PAL website.

Deadline EXTENDED: Sunday 16th November 2025, (11:59pm)
Shortlisted applicants will be invited for a short online discussion around w/c 17th and w/c 24th November.

Diversity & Accessibility Statement

Planning Aid for London’s main aim is to help support greater diversity and inclusion in the planning system. We work to empower people to have real influence over decisions about their environment and communities and welcome opportunities from anyone who would like to help us to achieve that.

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive board. We especially welcome applications from people underrepresented in the planning and charity sectors including people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, women, and those from lower-income backgrounds. Please let us know if you need any adjustments to take part in this process.

Help shape the future of cleft care worldwide – become a Fundraising Trustee at CLEFT.
Are you an experienced fundraiser looking to make a meaningful difference? Join a passionate Board of Trustees committed to improving cleft care and research in the UK and internationally.

CLEFT is a UK-based charity working to bridge the gap in cleft care and knowledge through sustainable, long-term partnerships. As we grow, fundraising has become a strategic priority – and we’re looking for a new Trustee with fundraising expertise to help us reach the next level.

As Fundraising Trustee, you’ll play a key role in:

• Strengthening relationships with donors and supporters
• Identifying and progressing new grant and fundraising opportunities
• Supporting fundraising committees and events
• Developing and coordinating a fundraising plan aligned with our budget and goals
• Ensuring donor reporting and compliance with fundraising legislation

You’ll also contribute to the wider governance and strategic direction of the charity, attending bi-monthly Board meetings (mostly via Zoom), quarterly fundraising committee meetings, and our annual Away Day in London.

We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and identities. If you’re proactive, creative, and passionate about equitable healthcare, we’d love to hear from you.

Join us in shaping the future of the Royal British Legion

The Royal British Legion (RBL) stands at a pivotal and inspiring moment in its history. As we deliver Our Strategy to 2035, we are evolving to meet the changing needs of the entire Armed Forces community – serving personnel, veterans, families, and the bereaved. Our vision is clear: to bring society together to recognise, remember and support the Armed Forces community, ensuring their unique contribution is never forgotten.

To help drive this transformation, we are seeking to appoint two Trustees to join our Board.

Come and be part of the leading Armed Forces charity, making a difference to the lives of those who have served to keep us safe and protect our way of life.

Who we’re looking for

We are seeking candidates with senior-level experience and strategic insight who can provide constructive challenge, independent judgement and guidance as RBL continues to modernise.

In addition to strong governance skills, we are particularly interested in candidates with experience in one or more of the following areas:

· Strategic transformation and technology: guiding organisations through complex change programmes and digital evolution.

· Government and public policy: operating at a senior level in government or a devolved administration, with experience of ministerial engagement, policy development, or public affairs.

· Brand, marketing, or income generation: delivering sustainable growth through engagement, communication, and innovation.

Candidates will also have:

· The ability to collaborate effectively with others.

· Strong influencing and communication skills.

· Genuine commitment to RBL’s mission and values.

· Sound and relevant knowledge of good governance practices, law and fiduciary duties.

· Good powers of judgement, insight, and vision.

· Excellent listening skills and openness to diverse perspectives.

Successful candidates will be expected to attend six Board meetings per year and actively contribute as a member of at least one Board committee. Trustees also participate in commemorative and membership events throughout the year. Overall, the anticipated time commitment is approximately 20 days annually, including preparation and engagement outside of formal meetings. 

RBL is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive organisation, reflecting the diversity of the armed forces community and of wider society. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and personal characteristics.

Closing Date: 9th November 2025

Interview Date: 18th November 2025 (in person). Haig House, London

Application: Candidates should email a CV (no more than 3 sides) and a supporting statement (no more than 2 sides) which sets out why you think this role is the right move for you and how you meet the skills and experience required.

Please note that this is a voluntary role, if you are looking for paid work please do not apply.

Worth Unlimited is a national children’s charity embedded in local communities, whose mission is to create spaces where young people are heard, are valued and can grow.  We mentor and counsel young people one to one and in groups in schools and in the community. We run workshops and drop in sessions and carry out open access work within our local areas. 

We are looking to recruit 4 trustees with any of the following skills: Finance/accounting, safeguarding, youthwork, leadership, people management, communications, marketing, fundraising, event planning. This role will involve approximately 5-6 hours per month. 

We are also looking for someone to take on the role of treasurer. This would involve maintaining an overview of the organisation's affairs, ensuring its financial viability and ensuring that proper financial records and procedures are maintained. 

We are keen to involve individuals with a lived experience of our work: those who have suffered adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), come from an economically disadvantaged family or had a child who suffered from adverse childhood experiences. Throughout our work, we are committed to reflecting the full diversity of the community we serve and to promoting equality of opportunity for everyone. We are working to ensure that our workforce reflects the communities it serves and we are interested in people with skills to make our board more diverse and inclusive.

We also value life skills, a willingness to learn and get involved and a good sense of humour!

Would you like to utilise your financial skills to make a difference to the lives of young carers in the community? If you have passion and would like to give something back, we would love to hear from you!

Winchester & District Young Carers believes that young carers are children first and should be free to develop emotionally and take full advantage of opportunities for educational achievement and life success. 

Our Charity was one of the first in the country to be set up specifically to support the needs of young carers. The Charity has been successfully running for 25 years and has an established Trustee board and strong staff team in place. As the Charity's Treasurer, you will help the organisation to maintain an overview of its' affairs, ensure its financial viability, and ensure that proper financial records and procedures are maintained. You will oversee and present budgets to the Board, make financial statements available, and ensure that the charity has appropriate management accounts and financial reports. As a good communicator, you will also help other Board members to understand the statements, so that trustees can make decisions that ensure the financial resources of the organisation meet its present and future needs. 

Are you looking for a new and exciting opportunity which makes a positive difference to the everyday lives of others?

Then why not consider becoming a director with the Charity of Elizabeth Janes Jones and the David Henry Waring Home?We are an Almshouse and provide 103 units of high-quality accommodation for people of limited financial means in Bedfont, Southwest London and have plans to create a further 31 new units.

Being a director for the Charity of Elizabeth Janes Jones and the David Henry Waring Home is an exciting and challenging role, bringing with it opportunities for applying strategic thinking, planning, creativity, and stewardship which can help guide the Charity to achieve its goals in the management of its properties, a site re-development which is a significant milestone in the Charity’s history.

Our directors are responsible in law for managing the incorporated entity, and as we are a charitable organisation our directors are also trustees at law and have formal responsibilities under the Companies Act 2006.Our directors give their time voluntarily and the positions are unremunerated, but reasonable out of pocket expenses may be allowable.

As a director, you’ll work as part of a board alongside our other directors and will also have opportunities to work with the CEO, staff, and volunteers, adding to the range of knowledge, skills, and experience within the Charity’s team.  As well as bringing fresh ideas to current and future property management and development projects, the director role also has responsibilities for the governance of the Charity, regulatory compliance matters and the effective stewardship of our finances and resources.

We are looking to recruit new directors to the board. If you would like to become a director and have an interest in property and housing, then we’d be delighted to hear from you!The positions require the following commitments:

• Dedicating the necessary time to prepare for and attending scheduled meetings and other obligations.

·Understanding and accepting the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of directorship of the Charity.

·Respecting and upholding the Charity’s values, staff policies and processes and to applying the generally accepted principals of directorship, selflessness, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and personal leadership. 

• Think creatively and identify new directions, whilst preserving the overall purpose of the Charity.

We’re looking for people who are passionate about making a difference to the housing sector we would love to hear from you if you’d like to contribute. Ideally, we are hoping to find volunteers with professional qualifications experience and knowledge in the following areas:

·Practical skills and knowledge of social housing and the housing sector and an understanding of the difficulties face by individuals with disadvantaged backgrounds.

·Practical skills and knowledge of, accounting and budget management, using financial data to run a team, function or organisation and to make financial decisions which optimises budgets and contributes to the smooth running of the operation.

·Charity law and governance, with a practical understanding of a directors, legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities.

·Familiarity with personal responsibilities and liabilities like that of a director and acting in the best interests of the team and organisation.

·Time management and decision-making skills.

·Management and mitigation of risk, including areas such as finance, media and PR.

·Interacting with others and people skills, and a track record of being able to get along with, boards, employees, service users and the public.

·Working with and interpreting data and management information to develop plans and help make and support the making of informed decisions.

·An understanding of and commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Time commitment: The full Board meets every 2 months and meetings last for about 2.5 hours. In addition, Board members are expected to be members of at least one sub committees. These meet when needed but typically monthly. 

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate based on disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or other category protected by law.

Do you have senior clinical service experience and a passion to improve the lives of people with a life-limiting illness and their families?

We are looking for applicants with health care experience at a senior management or board level. As a member of the Board of Trustees this position will support the Executive Board to deliver our organisational strategy and ensure that our Charity has in place appropriate and effective controls to deliver outstanding standards of care and services to all stakeholders.

Key skills and experience for this Trustee role

• Extensive health service experience at leadership level in either primary or secondary care

• Clinical experience in community care with shown ability to enable change management

• Quality standards and requirements of the Care Quality Commission

• Ideally, active in clinical practice

• Safeguarding (adults and children), risk management and data management

• Keen interest in professional education, research and development

• Developments within the field of palliative care

Wicksteed Park opened in 1921, making it the oldest theme park on UK mainland. Its founder, Charles Wicksteed purchased the land in 1913. His initial goal was to create a model village for the local community, however following World War One and housing reforms, Charles looked to develop a park for people to spend their leisure time. He set up a charitable trust in 1916 and went on to build a number of prefabricated houses – some of which still exist and are within the park grounds.

A century ago, Charles Wicksteed put into practice his deep-held belief that all children, no matter how rich or poor, should have somewhere safe and fun to play outdoors. Public parks in Charles’ own youth had been very formal places where you walked sedately along the paths, keeping off the grass. He was determined to provide something different and here at Wicksteed he did just that, using his engineering skills to provide a new and exciting element to public open spaces.

Swings, slides and roundabouts, parks and playgrounds are the background to many of our freest and most joyful childhood memories. They are something that we all share, generations of us, from all over Britain, but this is where it all started. Wicksteed Park is truly somewhere amazing and very special.

It is good to see this story of Kettering’s contribution to our nation’s health and happiness and to remember that Wicksteed is a place with an incredible heritage and an exciting future.  Wicksteed Park is much more than an amusement park and continues to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors each year to play and explore in its beautiful grounds.

Still delivering its core heritage but focusing on the connections with Kettering and wider communities, Wicksteed Charitable Trust has an opportunity to grow and transform, ensuring we are contributing to our communities’ wellbeing for the next century.  It is thanks to the value, care, generosity, determination of our amazing volunteers that ensures the park has continued to deliver over some challenging years for the park.

We are now looking to expand our Trustee Board and are looking for people from a range of backgrounds who understand our community, the challenges that modern families face and have the drive and determination to deliver strategic objectives to build on our links and our regional presence.  We would also like to hear from people who can bring professional expertise especially in areas including Law, Finance, Leisure and Tourism and Land Management.

As a Trustee at Wicksteed Park you will join a small team of existing Trustees. We are looking for individuals who will bring their own experience to complement our collaborative approach.  You will be asked to speak out, offer opinion and be a critical friend, enabler and constructive challenge to the team..

 About Us

Charles Wicksteed’s dream was to provide free play for all.  Today The Wicksteed Trust’s main objective is to provide a safe environment for people of all ages to relax and play and to provide a focus for community activity. Wicksteed Park is a Grade II listed Historic Park with four County Wildlife Sites and a Scheduled Ancient Monument.

We play an important role in Kettering contributing to our communities’ health and happiness.  Our aim is to grow and develop our offering to Regional and National communities promoting what Wicksteed Park has to offer.

Role 

Trustees are responsible for making sure the charity stays true to its mission and vision.  Being a Trustee of an historic, community-based charity, means making decisions that will impact on the communities we serve across in Kettering and the wider county, enriching lives and providing a focus for community activity.

Trustees, led by a Chair, have independent control over, and legal responsibility for, the charity’s management and administration. They act as the ultimate decision makers of the organisation, protecting the interests of the members and the public. They agree the strategy and hold the executives to account for the management of the organisation.

Responsibilities

Governance

· Understand the charity’s purposes as set out in its governing document and ensure compliance to law and other relevant regulations.

· Ensure the charity has a clear vision, mission and strategic direction and is focused on achieving these in partnership with other Trustees.

· Ensure the sustainability of the charity and sound risk management.

· Oversee what the charity does and what it needs to achieve.

· Be responsible for the performance of the charity and for its 'corporate' behaviour.

· Act as a guardian of the charity's assets, both tangible and intangible, taking all due care over their security, deployment, and proper application.

· Ensure the charity's governance is of the highest possible standard.

Leadership

· Contribute to the development of the charity‘s long term strategy.

· Raise public profile and promote the reputation of the organisation.

Financial Management

· Ensure the charity’s assets are only used to support or carry out its purposes.

· Evaluate risks to the assets or reputation.

· Monitor and assess the organisation’s results in relation to the agreed strategy, budget and implementation plan.

In addition to the above duties, each Trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the Board of Trustees reach sound decisions. This may involve leading sub committees, leading discussions, identifying key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, and evaluating or offering advice on other areas in which the Trustee has particular expertise.

Person Specification

The Board of Trustees collectively needs skills and experience in the following areas:

· Law

·        Finance

· Land Management

· Leisure and Tourism

Essential

· Ability to commit to essential Board and Sub Committee meetings and participate on any further critical meetings or email discussions as appropriate.

· Good communication skills across all levels.

· Excellent planning and organisational ability with long term focus.

· Genuine passion and interest in the charity’s work.

· Integrity and openness.

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

Desirable

· Understanding of charity governance, legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities.

· Understanding of the voluntary sector.

Length of appointment

Our Trustees are appointed for an initial three-year term, and can be re-appointed for up to two more three-year terms (there is a maximum of nine years’ continuous service).

Time commitment

The estimated Trustee time commitment is a minimum of 6 half day full trust meetings each year (held every other month), plus reading and preparation time.  Board meetings will be held at Wicksteed Park in Kettering.  Additional commitment to any sub-committee or ad-hoc duties may be reasonably required.  Sub-Committee meetings may be held online and it is expected these will be held quarterly.

Remuneration

The Trustee appointment is voluntary but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed in line with the expenses policy.

Location

Wicksteed Park, Kettering, NN15 6NJ.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Wicksteed Charitable Trust follows the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion and seeks a diverse Trust Board to meet the needs of the organisation.

Would you like to use your skills and experience to help some of the most vulnerable children in the UK? And to help a small user-led charity that has become reputationally successful and punches way above its weight to grow sustainably, yet at speed, into its next iteration and be able to serve more families?

Founded in June 2020, The Belay Foundation was created to fill an urgent need for practical ‘in-home’ support to families whose children have previously been in local authority care. We were awarded charity registration in December 2020 and were soon working with families and Local Authorities across the UK. Our main areas of focus are: finding, training and supporting people who can offer trauma-responsive childcare and respite; disability benefits advice to families and young people; training professionals and parents to understand and respond to the impact of early-life trauma. 

Currently, The Belay Foundation has an income of £120k and has supported over 400 families. Feedback from those families is very positive and reflects the change from crisis to coping. We are currently conducting a major review of our services and business model to enable us to relaunch services which can be scaled to the next level and respond to an ever-expanding need. This review is being led by our new CEO, Libby McVeigh, who looks forward to working with our new Trustees to ensure that our strategy, systems and processes match our ambition.

Role Description

As a trustee you will:

• Meet regularly (mostly online and in the evening) with the other trustees to shape, drive and monitor the charity’s strategy
• Scrutinise the proper management and administration of the charity
• Champion the charity’s core values
• Help develop the financial sustainability of the charity
• Consider further service delivery in line with the charity’s aims
• Promote the work of the charity and develop contacts externally

Person specification

Essential:

• An interest in good governance and strategy
• Ability to scrutinise organisational systems and outputs, and a willingness and ability to support with operational tasks.
• Experience of providing oversight of operations in an organisation
• Excellent communication skills
• Collaborative, enthusiastic and empathetic
• Able to offer 4+ hours per month in Trustee and other meetings and in small group/1:1 support; and attend one in-person away day each year.

Preferable but not essential: 

• Experience of a trustee role
• Personal or professional interest in adoption, special guardianship and/or kinship care
• Experience in supporting the growth of a small organisation from its origins to its next stage 

In accordance with our commitment to equal opportunities and improving the diversity of our Board, we particularly  welcome applications from people from Black, Asian, and other minority ethnic backgrounds, who are currently under-represented in our governance structure.

Click on the 'How to Apply' link for more information, including on how to apply by the deadline of midnight on Sunday 9th November

BLUE SMILE - CHAIR OF TRUSTEES

Founded in 2010, Blue Smile is a Cambridgeshire charity supporting children aged 3-13 to manage big feelings, process difficult emotions, overcome anxieties and build resilience.

Blue Smile's mission is to transform the mental health and life chances of Cambridgeshire children through arts-based therapies, supporting over 200 children a week in the region’s schools, providing one-to-one therapy and groupwork. We work in particular, in accordance with our charitable aims, with those who face disadvantage or deprivation.

CHAIR OF TRUSTEES ROLE

As Chair of the Board of Trustees, you will provide strategic leadership and governance to ensure that Blue Smile fulfils its charitable objectives. You will lead the Board in an inclusive way, promoting collaborative working and provide support and challenge to the Charity Director.

This role is vital to ensuring the charity operates in accordance with the law, delivers public benefit, and remains financially and strategically sustainable.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR IN OUR NEW CHAIR OF TRUSTEES

Our new Chair of Trustees will:

• Have board level experience as Chair, Non-executive or Trustee.

• Show a strong understanding of governance, strategy and the legal duties of a charity trustee.

• Be able to demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

• Have sound judgment, diplomacy, and the ability to build a collaborative environment.

• Demonstrate a passion for improving children’s mental health and wellbeing which aligns with the charity’s values and commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

TIME COMMITMENT

• Six meetings a year, including one as the AGM and an annual strategy day. Board meetings are currently held online.
• Monthly scheduled meeting with the Charity Director with flexibility to respond swiftly to the occasional ad hoc issue.
• Ad hoc/occasional support through working groups and to the wider Blue Smile team.

TERMS OF APPOINTMENT

• The Chair is appointed for a 5 year term of office, renewable for 1 further term to a maximum of 10 years in line with Blue Smile’s Articles of Association.
• This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses are reimbursed.

TO APPLY

If you would like to be part of a welcoming and well-respected charity, please send your CV and a covering letter, outlining your interest and suitability for the role. We will be recruiting on a rolling basis so please do get in touch soon!

Blue Smile is committed to a diversity of voices in our organisation. We welcome applications from all backgrounds. 

Safeguarding is central to all Blue Smile activities, and we recognise that the welfare of all children, young people and adults at risk, is paramount and that all have equal rights of protection. We have a duty of care when they are in our charge, and we will do everything we can to provide a safe and caring environment whilst they attend our activities.

We are committed to safer recruitment and trustees will be asked to complete a Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Our trustees play a vital role in making sure that ESS Education and Support Services achieves its core purpose. They oversee the overall management and administration of the charity. They also ensure that ESS Education and Support Services has a clear strategy and that our work and goals are in line with our vision. Just as importantly, they support and challenge the executive team to enable ESS Education and Support Services to grow and thrive, and through this, achieve our mission.

Board members have a collective responsibility. This means that trustees always act as a group and not as individuals.

Duties:

· Support and provide advice on ESS Education and Support Service’s purpose, vision, goals and activities.

· Approve operational strategies and policies, and monitor and evaluate their implementation.

· Oversee ESS Education and Support Service’s financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress.

· Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.

· Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively.

· Review and approve ESS Education and Support Services’ financial statements.

· Provide support and challenge to ESS Education and Support Services’ CEO in the exercise of their delegated authority and affairs.

· Keep abreast of changes in ESS Education and Support Services’ operating environment.

· Contribute to regular reviews of ESS Education and Support services’ own governance. Attend Board meetings, adequately prepared to contribute to discussions.

· Use independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect ESS Education and Support Service’s interests, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or any third-party interests.

· Contribute to the broader promotion of ESS Education and Support Services objects, aims and reputation by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge, and contacts.

As a small charity, there will be times when the trustees will need to be actively involved beyond Board meetings. This may involve scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, presenting externally, or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise.

What we are looking for

We are looking for people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our board.

ESS Education and Support Service are looking for Trustees from the following backgrounds: Legal, Financial.

Personal skills and qualities

· Willingness and ability to understand and accept their 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.

· A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

· Enthusiasm for our vision and mission.

· Willingness to lead according to our values.

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

Terms of appointment

Terms of office

· Trustees are appointed for a 3 year term of office, renewal for 2 further terms to a maximum of 9 years.

· This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses are reimbursed.

Time commitment

· Attending 6 Board meetings annually. Currently meetings are held virtually.

· Attending charity events and other such commitments.

Ready to make a difference to the lives of young people in Croydon?

For over 180 years, Reedham Children’s Trust has provided support to the most vulnerable children and young people in Croydon. We believe every child deserves a healthy, happy, and fulfilling life, and we know that when the right support is offered, family problems and disadvantage need not continue through generations.

Reedham Children’s Trust funds local projects and innovative programmes to tackle the barriers and challenges that too many children and young people in Croydon face daily - which is why we are exploring a merger with Croydon Voluntary Action to create a dynamic new entity that will ensure Reedham’s legacy can continue through new strands and activity.

Our Trustees already play an important role in helping our charity fulfil its ambitions and aspirations by supporting the strategy, providing robust governance and being ambassadors for our work. But as we enter the delivery phase of redefining the charity’s future, we are particularly keen to strengthen our board with fresh Trustees who are aspirational and strategic leaders, from a range of professional and personal backgrounds.

What are we looking for in a new Trustee?

1) We want our Trustees to reflect and understand the communities we serve. Lived experience of the challenges our beneficiaries face is welcomed, as are Trustees who live/work in and around Croydon.

2) We value enthusiasm and commitment as much as experience and professional knowledge. This includes - but is not limited to - individuals early in their careers. If you are a confident communicator with a strong understanding of the importance of strategy, and are ready to commit your time and energy, we will give you the tools to be an excellent Trustee.

3) We are interested in candidates  who are open to learning as well as to contributing from their place of expertise. In particular, candidates with experience of change management, fundraising, marketing/branding and the delivery of projects and services in a local community like Croydon would help during this exciting chapter.

What being a Reedham Trustee can offer you:

• Professional development in governance, safeguarding, finance, advocacy and fundraising.
• The opportunity to support young people in Croydon and improve their life chances.
• Friendly and supportive meetings and engagement with staff and other Trustees as well as visits to projects and partner locations.

Commitment Requirements

• Attend four regular Board meetings a year in and around Croydon (including reading/preparing for meetings) as well as quarterly online briefings.
• Regular engagement with the charity’s work through visits to projects and active participation in meetings and events.
• Engage with information by remote and through digital channels.
• Act as a critical friend in meetings and whenever a new project or activity begins.
• Be an advocate for the charity in your daily life.

For an informal chat with the CEO or Chair of Trustees, please get in touch via email. 

PLEASE NOTE: PREVIOUS APPLICANTS NEED NOT APPLY AND WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

This is a non-remunerated position and all Trustees are asked to give approximately 12 days per annum for meetings, preparation and events.

This role in the current Board structure will run until 31 March 2026, with scope to become a Trustee in the new entity.

Who They Are

Crustacean Compassion was founded in 2016 to promote the humane treatment and welfare of decapod crustaceans, including crabs, lobsters, prawns, and langoustines. The organisation was established in response to reports of crabs being sold alive but fully immobilised in shrink-wrap in UK supermarkets. At the time, agencies were unable to intervene because decapod crustaceans, as invertebrates, were not legally classified as “animals” under UK animal welfare laws and were generally assumed to be insentient.

The Role

Crustacean Compassion is particularly interested in individuals with experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Campaigns and Policy – Bringing advocacy and policy expertise to support the CEO in developing high-impact strategies that drive positive change.

• Corporate Engagement – Strengthening relationships with the food sector and guiding approaches to partnerships and sector-wide improvements.

• Legal and Governance – Ensuring compliance and integrity through oversight and guidance on legal and governance matters.

• Communications – Expanding reach, growing the supporter base, and amplifying the organisation’s message through storytelling and strategic communications.

• Fishing, Food, and Aquaculture Industries – Advising on industry engagement, technological developments, and trends in aquatic farming.

• Wild Welfare – Supporting strategic development initiatives focused on decapod ecology and population health.

• Animal Welfare Research (Aquatic Care) – Providing expertise in the welfare of fish and other aquatic species to inform research, campaigns, and policies with sound scientific evidence.