Board trustee volunteer roles

Home-Start Berkshire East is an empowering, visionary family support service built on trusted relationships and rooted in the community. Looking forward, we are ambitious for our future, and looking for a Safeguarding Trustee to join us.

What you will be doing:

This role has a specific focus on promoting awareness of safeguarding and bringing experience, expertise and knowledge to the scrutiny of safeguarding arrangements and promotion of best practice within the Charity. The role will take the lead in taking oversight of our activities and performance related to safeguarding; be involved in the development of our services; and be a key enabler for our organisation to fulfil its potential and deliver on our ambition. It is important that you have an understanding of key questions to ask  and answer for the Board before making decisions relating to the future operation of new services.

What we are looking for:

Ideally you will have experience in Local Authority, Social Work Dept or Health and Social Care Trust with responsibility for safeguarding or working as a teacher and playing a key role relating to safeguarding

We are looking for an enthusiastic and passionate person, with a background in retail operations and income generation. An individual who could devote their time to volunteer as a trustee for our Branch, and support us in maximising the revenue generated from our charity shops as we want to increase our skill set across our trustee board.

Alongside passing on your expertise, this opportunity will give you the chance to influence how we care for and prevent cruelty to animals and drive the implementation of key initiatives. You will serve on the governing body of the charity and be instrumental, alongside fellow trustees, in the running of the Branch and setting out both the short and long term aims.

As a minimum, trustees would normally be expected to attend a monthly committee meeting lasting some 2 to 3 hours. However, the commitment may vary depending on whether or not the trustee takes on additional duties. This role will join the current trustee board (made up of 9 members) and you will be supported by other trustees.

Primary responsibilities of the Branch Trustee – Retail and Income Generation

• Assist the Shop Managers in maximising the profitability of the Branch’s two charity shops, directly line manage the branches 2 shop managers.
• Work with the Trustee committee to explore any potential for expanding the retail operation by researching the potential for further charity shops.
• Support the Branch with the Branch’s e-commerce operation via online sales platforms such as eBay/Vinted.
• Work with other trustees, the Branch staff to ensure the charity shops meet health and safety standards.
• Explore other ways to generate income for the Branch and work closely with other committee members/branch staff members to put these ideas into action.

What we are looking for in a volunteer:

We are committed to creating a Board which is representative of our society and in particular, our community and surrounding areas so encourage people from any background to apply for any of our opportunities.

Alongside retail operations and income generation experience, we are looking for someone who is committed to the RSPCA’s charitable objectives and shares our passion for animal welfare. You would be creative, innovative, bring a fresh perspective, and can put ideas into action.

You will need to be able to work with people and have good interpersonal skills. You do not need to be an expert although commitment, common sense, and the ability to be objective are vital.

What we can offer you as a volunteer Branch Trustee – Retail and Income Generation

• We will provide you with a comprehensive trustee training course which will provide you with everything you need to carry out the role.
• Ongoing support is also provided by local and national RSPCA staff in addition to any additional provided by the relevant branch.
• The platform to utilise your skills and experience to oversee the charity and make decisions that have a direct impact on local animal welfare.
• The opportunity to gain new skills and develop existing ones, whilst making a real difference to the lives of animals.
• A way to expand your professional and personal network through working with like-minded people.

We'd love applicants within or very close to the branch area - Finchley, Hendon, Golders Green, Edgware, Whetstone, Stanmore.

South East Dance is looking for a new Chair and another Trustee with Finance Expertise to join our Board.You will be joining us as we build on the work we have done since opening The Dance Space in 2022 as we enter the next phase of our development and continue to build a vibrant and varied programme of activities with and for artists and communities in The Dance Space and across the South East.  Our vision is a world where everybody is inspired to enjoy, take part in and create bold, brave, pioneering dance.  We are looking for a Chair and a Trustee who can help us make this vision a reality. 

Trustees are vital in supporting South East Dance to achieve our charitable aims. You will help to make key strategic decisions; monitor our progress, impact, and contribution to Brighton & Hove and the South East region; and fulfil governance responsibilities.

In return, you will join a welcoming, committed and skilled team who champion our work locally and regionally, who share our passion for dance and the contribution it can make to health, wellbeing and placemaking, and you will help make a lasting difference to people’s lives. 

If you feel you can contribute to our vision and the leadership of South East Dance, we would love to hear from you.

Salary: these are voluntary roles with expenses paid.

We are operating a rolling deadline for this recruitment.  Please submit your application as soon as you are ready and we will get back to you with next steps.

Would you like to be involved in the founding of a new charity that supports young people through grief and loss? At Beyond Tomorrow, we support young people through grief and loss with compassion, guidance, and hope. Join us to help shape brighter futures for those finding their way beyond loss.

Job Title: Trustee (Treasurer Role)

Location: Kent- but this role can be done virtually.
Time Commitment: Around 3–5 hours per month
Reporting to: The Board of Trustees

About the Role:

We’re a charity dedicated to helping young people and families navigate grief, loss, and emotional wellbeing. As our Treasurer, you’ll play a key part in keeping us financially accountable making sure we can keep supporting young people in the best way possible. You don’t have to be an accountant; we just need someone confident with numbers, organised, willing to learn and passionate about making a difference.

Key Responsibilities:

 Finance Management

• Keep track of the charity’s income and spending.

• Manage the charity’s bank account and ensure everything matches our records.

• Work with the other trustees to plan an annual budget and keep an eye on how we’re doing.

• Prepare simple finance reports for trustee meetings so everyone understands how funds are being used.

 Reporting & Compliance

• Help prepare our yearly accounts and returns for the Charity Commission.

• Make sure we’re following all the right financial policies and keeping our records clear and transparent.

Advising the Board

• Explain financial info in plain English so everyone feels confident making decisions.

• Support us in planning sustainable income streams (like grants, donations, and fundraising).

What We’re Looking For:

• Someone confident with money management, budgets, or spreadsheets (finance or bookkeeping experience is great but not essential!).

• Reliable, detail-oriented, and honest.

• Friendly communicator who can make numbers make sense.

• Passionate about supporting young people, families, and communities through loss and mental health challenges.

Commitment & Expenses:

• This is a voluntary role — trustees are not paid, but reasonable expenses (like travel or supplies) will be reimbursed.

• We usually meet once every 1–2 months, and you’ll also help out a little between meetings when needed.

• You also have the opportunity to be involved in the charity's community work, however there is no expectation of this.

What You’ll Get Out of It:

• A meaningful role where your skills make a real difference.

• The chance to help shape a starting charity and see the impact firsthand.

• Experience in the charity sector, finance, strategy, and leadership.

• A warm, supportive team that actually cares about the cause 

• A great addition to your CV for employers.

The Fishermen's Mission is the only charity solely dedicated to supporting fishermen and their families (both active and retired) in the UK. Working closely with our maritime partners, our aim is to relieve despair or deprivation 

What will you be doing?

The Board of Trustees (The Council), consists of up to 15 Trustees. Today there are 10 Trustees with a variety of backgrounds and skills and we are seeking around 5 new Trustees.

The Fishermen’s Mission is ever keen to increase the diversity of The Council and is looking for potential Trustees with a range of skills and who come from differing walks of life each with their own unique life experiences to help bring direction and focus to the delivery of vital provision in fishing communities. 

The Council meets four times a year: twice ‘in person’ during the day and usually in London, and twice online. One sub-committee meets three times yearly and two others meet twice yearly (sub-committee business is also conducted online). 

The Council also seeks to meet once annually for an in-person ‘away day’ (afternoon session / overnight stay / morning session / disperse).

We welcome interest from Christian Ministers; fishermen and family members; those who have experienced our work; healthcare practitioners; those experienced in law; HR and governance and PR. 

What are we looking for?

The Fishermen’s Mission is an incorporated charity, meaning it is a registered charity and a Company Limited by Guarantee. The charity is directed by a Board known as the Council of Management (or ‘Council’) consisting of up to 15 Trustees. 

Trustees are also company directors and are responsible for the overall direction of the charity, the general control and management of the administration of a charity and to ensure that the Chief Executive and Senior Management Team delivers the charity’s services efficiently, effectively and legally.

Currently there are 10 Trustees with a variety of backgrounds and skills. The Fishermen’s Mission is ever keen to increase the diversity of the current board and is looking for potential Trustees with a range of skills and who come from differing walks of life each with their own unique life experiences to help bring direction and focus to the delivery of vital provision in fishing communities. 

Main responsibilities of Trustees. There are six main responsibilities of a Trustee:

1. Ensure the charity is conducting its purposes for the public benefit.
2. Compliance with the Charity’s governing document and the law.
3. Act in the charity’s best interests.
4. Manage the charity’s resources responsibly.
5. Act with reasonable care and skill.
6. Ensure the charity is accountable.

Trustees must have and accept ultimate responsibility for directing the affairs of The Fishermen’s Mission, ensuring effective and efficient administration, including having appropriate policies and procedures in place and holding the Chief Executive to account when necessary. 

Trustees must ensure that the charity pursues its stated charitable objects, in compliance with the Articles of Association, establishing a clearly defined vision, set of values and strategy, ensuring that there is a common understanding of these by trustees, staff and associated personnel and evaluating output performance against agreed targets.

Trustees must ensure there are regular reviews of the environment in which the charity operates, identifying changes that might affect the way the charity operates - political, financial, demographic, competitive, partnerships, alliances.

Management of Resources. It is a Trustee’s legal duty to responsibly manage the resources and ensure the financial stability and solvency of The Fishermen’s Mission, including the proper investment of its funds. 

Personal conduct . It is a Trustee’s legal duty to act with reasonable care, skill and prudence in all matters relating to The Fishermen’s Mission. 

Conflict of interest . It a Trustee’s legal duty to act in the best interests of The Fishermen’s Mission. 

Minimum age. Trustees must be at least 16 years old.

Disqualification. You must not act as a trustee if you are disqualified under the Charities Act unless your disqualification has been waived by the Commission. 

Fit and proper persons. All trustees must be ‘fit and proper persons’.

Disclosure & Barring Service checks. The Fishermen’s Mission will conduct appropriate DBS checks.

Personal Qualities. Trustees will be committed to the values and goals of the charity including a commitment to equal opportunities and the active promotion of diversity across the charity. 

Professional skills. Trustees are expected to provide Council with knowledge, experience and skills from a wide range of areas.

What difference will you make?

Commercial fishing remains the most dangerous occupation in the British Isles. 

The Fishermen’s Mission is the only charity solely dedicated to providing emergency support alongside practical, financial, spiritual and emotional care for fishermen both active and retired and their families.

As a trustee, your passion will help support those members of one the UK's traditional industries. 

About Sanata Charitable Trust

The Sanata Charitable Trust is a registered charity and consists of two Trusts, one based in the United Kingdom, the other in Gilgil, Kenya.  The purpose of the UK Trust is to generate funds for the development and ongoing costs of the Restart Africa Children’s Centre.

Restart Africa children’s home was established in 2008 in response to the desperate needs of street children in Gilgil who are at serious risk of violence, abuse and starvation. Starting with 6 children, the centre has expanded over the years to a purpose-built home that currently has nearly 100 children in its care. Receiving no government funding, the centre is fully reliant on donations and sponsorship to finance operations. For the children in its care, Restart Africa fosters a loving, safe home, with meals, welfare and education, enabling them to enjoy their childhood and the opportunity to fulfil their potential. When it is time for the young adults to leave the permanent care of Restart, they are equipped with a qualification in their chosen field that will enable them to rejoin Kenyan society and build a success future for themselves. In conjunction with the life-changing benefits Restart Africa creates for those in its care, it also supports the local community by providing a range of employment opportunities in a safe and respectful working environment.

About the Role

The Marketing/Fundraising lead trustee role is being developed as part of our strategy to raise the profile of Restart Africa and diversify donation streams to ensure we grow sustainable financial foundations to underpin the amazing work of the Restart Africa centre. 

In addition to this Trustee role, we are also in the process of investing in a Marketing and Communications Executive which is a full time, permanent role based onsite at the Restart Africa centre.  The purpose of the role is to generate and publish emotionally engaging, authentic content that meets the needs of the varying stakeholder groups in a timely manner.

Main Trustee responsibilities:

· Provide the Board with strategic guidance for raising the profile of Restart Africa, diversifying donation streams, and addressing the ongoing engagement needs of differing stakeholder groups.

· Offer insights to the Board into advocacy trends, movement-building and changes in the fundraising landscape.

· Support the Marketing and Communications Executive in the development of the brand guidelines and strategy implementation.

· Communicate and coordinate actions required from fellow Trustees to support strategic implementation.

· Evaluate the channel/content performance and advise the Board on the success and challenges of the strategic implementation.

· Oversight of campaigns and marketing communications to ensure legal compliance, appropriate for the target stakeholders and are aligned with the charity’s policies and values.

Time Commitment

· 2 remote Board meetings per annum

· In person AGM, held in September

· Additional time as necessary to fulfil the requirements of the role

Skills and Personal Attributes

· Have the enthusiasm, passion and engagement in the charity purpose to commit to delivering the requirements of a voluntary role.

· Experience in creating and leading the successful execution of a multi-channel marketing strategy is essential.

· Experience in fundraising is desirable but not essential.

· Time spent in Kenya, or experience working with a Kenya based entity, is desirable but not essential.

How to Apply

· Please send a CV and covering note detailing your interest for the role and how you meet the role criteria.  The covering note will form a key part of the candidate selection process and should extend to no more than one page.

At St Helena, we help local people face incurable illness, frailty, dementia, and bereavement with dignity and compassion. As a Trustee, you will:

• Embody our values (bold, passionate, caring) in every aspect of governance and public representation
• Use your clinical networks to unlock new opportunities and partnerships
• Provide strategic challenge, ask the right questions, and support sustainable growth
• Lead on a topic area and build a relationship with relevant teams within St Helena
• Attend monthly Board meetings and an annual development day
• Be comfortable using Microsoft Teams (used for meetings and papers)

Location: Exeter (hybrid options available)
Hours: Flexible
Term: Three-year periods
Type: Voluntary

Help shape the future of specialist education for young people with vision impairment and complex needs.
At InFocus, we believe everyone deserves to live life to the full, with choice, control, and meaningful opportunities. We support young people who face significant barriers due to vision impairment combined with additional disabilities, helping each individual follow their own pathway towards independence and fulfilment.

We’re now looking for a Volunteer Trustee with strong experience in special education to help guide and strengthen our specialist FE College.

What the role involves

In addition to the standard responsibilities of a trustee, you will:

• Focus on the delivery and development of post-16 education for learners with vision impairment and complex needs

• Scrutinise the quality of teaching and learning

• Provide constructive challenge and professional insight as part of our Education Advisory Committee

• Work closely with our College Principal to champion high-quality, person-centred education

This opportunity would suit someone with experience as:

• A senior leader within a SEND provision

• A headteacher or principal

• A SEND improvement partner

• An Ofsted inspector

Our Board meets seven times a year, with optional invitations to events and celebrations. Trustees are encouraged to attend in person, though online attendance is possible where needed. Travel expenses are covered, and overnight accommodation can be arranged for trustees living outside Devon.

Short on time? Advisory Member roles available

If you’d like to share your expertise without taking on full trustee responsibilities, consider joining us as an Advisory Member. Advisory Members sit on committees and offer specialist knowledge without the full governance role. 

Location: Exeter (hybrid options available)
Hours: Flexible
Term: Three-year periods
Type: Voluntary

Help shape the future of a charity supporting young people with vision impairment and complex needs.
At InFocus, we believe everyone deserves to live life to the full, with choice, control, and meaningful opportunities. We support young people who face multiple barriers due to vision impairment combined with additional disabilities, helping each person move towards their most independent and fulfilling life.

We are now recruiting a Volunteer Trustee with expertise in property or estate management to help guide our strategic development.

What the role involves

Alongside the standard duties of a trustee, you’ll take a focused role in shaping and overseeing the development of our 15-acre site, which includes a wide range of specialist buildings and facilities.
Your insight will help us:

• Refurbish and repurpose buildings

• Make best use of our physical assets

• Identify opportunities to generate income for the charity

• Plan for long-term site development and sustainability

This role would suit someone with experience in building, surveying, estates or property development.

Our Board meets seven times a year and trustees are also welcome (but not required) to attend events and celebrations. While in-person attendance is encouraged, some meetings can be joined online. Travel expenses are covered, and overnight accommodation can be arranged for trustees outside Devon.

Short on time? Advisory roles available

If you’d like to contribute your expertise without the full responsibilities of a trustee, you may be interested in joining us as an Advisory Member. Advisory Members sit on committees and offer specialist insight without taking on the full governance role. To find out more, please email Amanda Gorfin.

Join disability and education charity National Star as a Trustee, guiding the organisation as it implements its recently agreed five-year strategy.

What will you be doing?

Do you want to play your part in supporting one of the UK’s leading disability charities to achieve its ambition for growth, providing more education and long-term living opportunities for people with complex disabilities?

National Star, whose headquarters is in Gloucestershire, is seeking several people who share its vision of a world in which people with disabilities are able to realise their potential as equal and active citizens in control of their lives. As a member of the Trustee Board, you will also be a company director as the charity is also a registered company.

Ideal Trustees will:

* Adhere to the charity's values

* Have personal integrity and be able to demonstrate a passion and commitment to National Star

* Prepare and participate actively in meetings

* Work collaboratively with fellow Trustees and Governors, demonstrating empathy and awareness of the needs of others

* Have good communication skills, tact and diplomacy

* Have experience, or a willingness to learn, about strategic thinking and risk

* Have knowledge, or a willingness to learn, about issues affecting people with disabilities and the specialist education sector

* Be prepared to commit time to conduct the role well, including travel and attending events out of office hours.

What you will bring:

The charity is looking to recruit people with a broad range of experience and are particularly interested in attracting candidates with knowledge / experience of:

* Company law and the specific legal requirements for charities in special needs and social care sectors

* Marketing and communication expertise including networking and fundraising

* Business acumen with a strong financial background

National Star is a Disability Confident Employer. The charity is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all sections of the community, including those currently under-represented on o0ur Trustee Board, which includes women, people with disabilities and members of black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.

The Trustee Board meets four times a year, generally during the week between 4pm – 7pm. In addition, Trustees are expected to become active members of a sub-committee. Board papers are distributed in advance to allow Trustees to prepare for each meeting.

What are we looking for?

Ideal Trustees will:

* Adhere to the charity's values of ambition, collaboration, integrity, respect and sustainability

* Have personal integrity and be able to demonstrate a passion and commitment to National Star

* Prepare and participate actively in meetings

* Work collaboratively with fellow Trustees and Governors, demonstrating empathy and awareness of the needs of others

* Have good communication skills, tact and diplomacy

* Have experience, or a willingness to learn, about strategic thinking and risk

* Have knowledge, or a willingness to learn, about issues affecting people with disabilities and the specialist education sector

* Be prepared to commit time to conduct the role well, including travel and attending events out of office hours.

We are recruiting several trustees with a range of skills.

What difference will you make?

By joining National Star's Trustee Board, you will have the satisfaction of knowing that you are playing a part in the future development of one of the leading disability charities in England and Wales as well as being able to develop your own skills in board level discussions, executive decision making and strategic planning. Your fresh perspective could help the charity to see things in a different light and your professional expertise could be utilised to support our staff team in delivering our vision and values.

You will gain a broad understanding of the challenges faced by young people with complex disabilities and be able to build your professional network.

Before you apply

Please apply through Reach in the first instance providing a cover letter detailing why you are interested in this role and a CV. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to complete our additional application form

The Chapter constitutes the board of charity trustees of Worcester Cathedral (registered charity: 1207427). The Chapter comprises members who are lay and ordained, executive and non-executive as set out in the Cathedral’s Constitution. The non-executive members provide constructive challenge, input and support to the Cathedral’s strategic direction and operational implementation.

Commitment

Meetings: The Chapter currently meets formally 8 times per year (including two away days), usually for four hours on a weekday morning. Papers are received in advance and all members of the Chapter are expected to have read papers and be prepared to contribute as needed to discussion.

The Chapter does not normally meet in August. Expenses can be claimed for attendance at meetings or carrying out functions on behalf of the Chapter. Non-executive members of the Chapter will serve as lay canons of the Cathedral (or honorary canons if ordained), having the right to the title of ‘Canon’ and of being assigned a stall in the Cathedral’s 14th Quire. Non-executive members of the Chapter are required to adhere to the Chapter Member / Trustee Code of Conduct

Responsibilities of the Chapter:

A non-executive member of the Chapter shall take a full part in the discussions and decision-making of the Chapter as it fulfils its statutory responsibilities:

• to order the worship and promote the mission of the Cathedral;
• to formulate proposals in connection with the strategic direction and mission of the Cathedral;
• to manage all property vested in the Cathedral and the income accruing from it;
• to ensure that necessary repairs and maintenance of the Cathedral and its contents and other buildings and monuments are carried out;
• to attend to all matters concerning the appointment of staff to the Cathedral;
• ​to prepare an annual budget for the Cathedral;
• to prepare an annual report and accounts;
• to keep under review the Constitution and Statutes of the Cathedral;
• to ensure legal and regulatory compliance;
• to meet safeguarding requirements and ensure best practice; 
• to exercise the power if necessary to provide for the incorporation of limited companies for the better management of the Cathedral.

Contributing to the Cathedral's Life, Worship and Mission:

A non-executive member of the Chapter shall contribute the skills and experience they bring to the Cathedral as opportunity allows, for example:

• by serving on such incorporated limited companies as the Chapter may establish, on sub-committees of the Chapter and on any working groups of the Chapter as may be created;
• by attending and contributing to worship at the Cathedral;
• by contributing to the ministry of hospitality offered at the Cathedral and to such other Cathedral activity as may be appropriate;
• by acting as an advocate for the Chapter of Worcester Cathedral within and beyond the Church of England, across the city, the Deanery and the Diocese of Worcester and the wider region;
• by serving as a Canon of the Cathedral, being seen and present as such, as may be appropriate; 
• by providing critical friendship and constructive challenge to Chapter colleagues, the Chief Officers and the wider Senior Executive Team.

In general:

• to ensure their own compliance with the Chapter’s policies and procedures, and contribute to the review and development of policy and practice;
• to promote and uphold the Cathedral’s reputation and good standing at all times.

Person specification

Essential

1. Communicant member of the Church of England (within the meaning given in Rule 83(2) of the Church Representation Rules), or a communicant member of a Church which is not in communion with the Church of England but subscribes to the doctrine of the Holy Trinity
2. Committed to the Cathedral’s Christian vision, values, mission and ministry.
3. Able to carry out legal duties as set out in the Charity Commission’s ‘CC3 - The Essential Trustee’ and make decisions in accordance with the guidance provided in ‘CC27 – Decision-making for charity trustees’.
4. Willing to follow the Chapter’s Code of Conduct and to uphold all of the Chapter’s safeguarding responsibilities.
5. Willing to complete appropriate safeguarding training and DBS checking.
6. Demonstrable strategic leadership and governance skills; previous experience volunteering as a trustee is welcome but not essential.
7. Willingness to attend to professional personal development including undertaking training.
8. Able to commit a minimum of eight hours a month to attending Chapter meetings (or other business on behalf of the Chapter) including preparation for meetings.

Desirable

1. A professional background or significant experience of working in one (or more) of the following areas:
   •  strategic human resources management
   • property management / development
   • strategic planning

ELIGIBILITY

The Chapter members must be eligible to be trustees under the Charities Act. The Chapter members may not act as a trustee if they are disqualified unless authorised to do so by a waiver from the Commission. The reasons for disqualification, issued by the Commission include:

• being bankrupt or having an individual voluntary arrangement (IVA);
• having an unspent conviction for certain offences;
• being on the Sex Offenders Register

We are looking for an enthusiastic and passionate person, with a background in health and safety, who could devote their time to volunteer with us as one of our trustees at our Lincolnshire Mid and Lincoln Branch. This role will give you the chance to influence how we care for and prevent cruelty to animals and drive the implementation of key initiatives.

As a minimum, trustees would normally be expected to attend a monthly committee meeting lasting some 2 to 3 hours. However, the commitment may vary depending on whether or not the trustee takes on additional duties.

Primary responsibilities of the Branch Trustee - Health and Safety

• To act as the branch committee member with specific responsibility for informing co-trustees, branch volunteers, and staff on health and safety matters relating to branch activities, and to assist with the implementation of good health and safety practices.
• Liaise with the branch manager regarding the implementation of any new health and safety guidelines the Society, or the branch’s health and safety provider.
• Work with staff managers to ensure that the required staff training on health and safety is carried out.
• Ensure that health & safety risk assessments including manual handling, COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations), and fire is carried out and reviewed annually.

What we are looking for in a volunteer:

We are committed to creating a Board which is representative of our society and in particular, our community and surrounding areas so encourage people from any background to apply for any of our opportunities.

Alongside health and safety experience, we are looking for someone who is committed to the RSPCA’s charitable objectives and shares our passion for animal welfare. You would be creative, innovative, bring a fresh perspective, and can put ideas into action.

You will need to be able to work with people and have good interpersonal skills. You do not need to be an expert although commitment, common sense, and the ability to be objective are vital.

What we can offer you as a volunteer Branch Trustee - Health and Safety

• We will provide you with a comprehensive trustee training course which will provide you will everything you need to carry out the role.
• Ongoing support is also provided by local and national RSPCA staff in addition to any additional training provided by the relevant branch.
• The platform to utilise your skills and experience to oversee the charity and make decisions that have a direct impact on local animal welfare.
• The opportunity to gain new skills and develop existing ones, whilst making a real difference to the lives of animals.
• A way to expand your professional and personal network through working with like-minded people.

We are seeking at least two new Trustees to oversee our charity. We offer professional, confidential and affordable counselling to individuals in and around SW London. Our team come from local churches and operate within a Christian ethos.

We want to increase the strength of our Board - currently we are overseen by only three Trustees, due to recent departures, but want to increase this to our target of 5-6 trustees. As well as providing support to the team in delivering high quality and accessible counselling services and ensuring the Charity meets its financial responsibilities, we are looking for someone to contribute to strategic oversight and effective governance.

We are seeking someone who:

1) Is passionate about the value and importance of emotional and mental health and wellbeing

2) Has experience or insight in areas such as charity governance, strategic planning, finance

3) Is a committed Christian of any denomination

4) Is willing to dedicate time, wisdom and prayer (approx. 4 meetings a year, plus occasional input)

What impact will you have? 

Our new Trustees will bring complementary skills to our Board. Specifically, we are looking for people with insight into charity governance and development, strategic vision and financial oversight.

Our new Trustees will ensure that our charity is well-governed, that quality is maintained and that those who work in the charity are well-supported. They will ensure that we keep client well-being at the heart of all we do.

They will look at new opportunities for development of the Trust, particularly at how we move on from reliance on a small management team who work voluntarily to a more resilient management model. They will ensure that new opportunities are strategically reviewed and considered.

They will ensure that we remain financially viable and have a sound operating model.

What skills, experience and qualities should you have?

Our new Trustees will bring complementary skills to our Board. Specifically, we are looking for people with skills in one or several of three areas:

1. charity governance and leadership,

2. strategic planning, to take the Trust forward into a new era

3. finance, to ensure our financial management and forward planning is optimised to achieve the objectives of the charity

Our new Trustees will share our values, especially our belief in the value of high-quality counselling with good clinical governance for client benefit. Our Christian ethos underlies who we are and we expect our new Trustees to share that ethos and see good counselling as a way to live out our christian values in our community.

Lived experience of or clinical practice in the field of mental health would be welcomed to enable greater insight into our counselling work.

We are keen to maintain a diverse board that reflects our very diverse local community.

RSPCA Alton, Haslemere & Petersfield Branch

We are looking for volunteers to join our Trustee board with expertise in any of these areas:

• Charity finance/ Treasurer
• Marketing/ Social Media
• Fundraising/Retail
• Project management

You will gain new skills and experience as a Branch Trustee whilst enabling us to help animals in our area.

Overview

We are looking for enthusiastic people to take the role as a Charity Trustee, who could devote some time to volunteer for the Alton, Haslemere & Petersfield Branch and support us in boosting our local animal welfare work. Alongside using your expertise, this role will enable you to enhance how we care for and prevent cruelty to animals and drive the implementation of key initiatives. You will serve on the governing body of the charity and be instrumental, alongside fellow Trustees, in the running of the Branch and the implementation of a development plan. At a minimum, you would normally be expected to attend a monthly online committee meeting and to spend further time driving forward our activities.

The Alton, Haslemere & Petersfield RSPCA Branch

We are the local branch of the national RSPCA, but we are also a separately registered charity looking after animals in our local area.

The Branch is in an enviable financial position and employs an experienced member of staff as Branch Manager. Once additional Trustees are in place, we expect to move towards CIO (Charitable Incorporated Organisation) status.

Our main current activities are:

• Providing financial assistance to local people unable to afford unexpected vets’ bills. In the past year, we have allocated £40,000 to this area.
• Collecting petfood donations, which we collate and then pass to our local foodbanks.
• Re-homing cats in the Alton part of our area, organised in co-operation with the neighbouring RSPCA Branch.
• Some fundraising activities, including organising fun Dog Shows.
• We are looking to recruit at least three new trustees to work on significantly developing the Branch over the next few years. Initiatives we are considering are:
• Establishing a comprehensive fostering and re-homing network, across the entire Branch area.
• Major income generation initiatives, including opening our own shops.
• Developing our own animal centre resources, possibly in co-operation with private sector providers in the Branch area.

Core Branch Trustee responsibilities

• Appreciate and support the aims and policies of the RSPCA.
• Work in conjunction with fellow Trustees and Branch Officers and jointly act in making decisions for the best interests of the Branch and the RSPCA.
• Assist the Branch, as appropriate, to work with and assist national RSPCA staff, including but not limited to Inspectors.
• Actively participate in Branch committee meetings and to attend the Branch Annual General Meeting (AGM).
• Actively promote and advertise the society in an ongoing programme to recruit new Trustees and volunteers and welcome new members.
• In conjunction with fellow Trustees, ensure the proper management and control of all activities and decisions.

What we are looking for in a volunteer

We are committed to creating a Board which is representative of our society and encourages people from any background to apply. You will need to be able to work with people and have good interpersonal skills.

What we can offer you as a volunteer Branch Trustee

• Ongoing support provided by our Branch Manager and assistance from relevant national RSPCA staff.
• The platform to utilise your skills and experience to oversee the charity and make decisions that will enhance local animal welfare.
• The opportunity to gain new skills and develop existing ones, whilst making a real difference to the lives of animals.
• A way to expand your professional and personal network through working with like-minded people.

Practical considerations

• To become a Trustee, you will need to be aged 18 or over and have become a member of our Branch.
• Trustees are elected annually.
• You must not be disqualified from being a Trustee. Please read the Charity Commission’s guidance on who can be a Trustee of a charity.
• You will need to sign a Trustee Declaration of Willingness to Act, clarifying that you are not disqualified from being a Trustee.
• References will be required.

How to find out more about being a Trustee

For more information on becoming a Charity Trustee and to ensure it is the right decision for you, we recommend reading the Charity Commission's guidance on the role of the trustee and the RSPCA website about Branch Trustees.

We have an online session about Becoming a Branch Trustee, which should hopefully give you more of an idea of what the RSPCA Branch Trustee role will involve

If you’ve got the drive and compassion to volunteer with the RSPCA and are passionate about improving animal welfare, we’d love to hear from you!

Please visit our website to learn more about what we do.

We hope you are interested in volunteering for the Alton, Haslemere & Petersfield branch

Our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and trial period. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees, and dependent on the position, you may need to sign an agreement and undergo specific training before starting the role.