Board trustees volunteer roles in bristol
Could you be our new Chair?
Our fantastic Chair’s tenure will be coming to an end in 2026, so we are looking to appoint her successor to help Student Minds improve university communities so that every student gets the mental health support they need to reach their goals.
At Student Minds, we’re working to improve university communities so that no student is held back by their mental health. So it should come as no surprise that we are keen to reflect the communities we serve, maintain a diverse board and ensure student voices are represented. This is key to our mission and our continued impact.
We are open-minded about the professional background of this individual and are mostly looking for someone with experience of leading effective, inclusive teams, of chairing complex organisations or meetings, and in building influential cross-sector partnerships.
Key responsibilities
Student Minds Chair is expected to commit to the following:
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Preparation and attendance at four board meetings a year. Board meetings are held online and take place on weekdays from 5 - 7.30 pm.
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Preparation and attendance at two in-person board away days each year, usually from 12.30 - 5 pm. These usually take place in Leeds and include a lunchtime or evening social.
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Monthly supervision calls with the Chief Executive
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Annual in-person appraisal of the Chief Executive
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Support with board appraisals and recruitment
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Ad-hoc meetings and conversations with the senior leadership team as required. This usually constitutes approximately a further five working days a year.
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Attendance at relevant task-group meetings and/or committees.
So, if you want to help shape the future of student mental health, download our recruitment pack to find out more!
How to apply?
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For more information about the role responsibilities please download our recruitment pack that is linked
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Download and complete our application form which is available via the link
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Complete the Equality Monitoring Form.
Application process
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Application closing deadline: Monday the 5th January at 11.59 pm - make sure you send your completed application form by this date
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Interviews: 27th January, with our Chair, Trustee and CEO
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Appointment: subject to approval by the Student Minds Board
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Could you be one of our new trustees?
We currently have space on our Board for up to eight new Trustees who want to work with us to help improve university communities so that every student gets the mental health support they need to reach their goals.
At Student Minds, we’re working to improve university communities so that no student is held back by their mental health. So it should come as no surprise that we are keen to reflect the communities we serve, maintain a diverse board and ensure student voices are represented. This is key to our mission and our continued impact.
You may be thinking that you don't have the experience because you haven't been a trustee before, or because charity governance isn't your field. Think again!
Here's what you DO NEED need:
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Commitment to our vision - a world where no student is held back by their mental health
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Experience in 1 or 2 of the following areas:
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Current higher education students
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Professional higher education sector expertise
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Legal expertise
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Fundraising and income generation expertise
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Equity, diversity, inclusion, belonging, intersectionality and anti racism expertise
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AI and technology expertise
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Campaigning, advocacy, community organising and/or public affairs expertise
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Marketing and brand awareness expertise
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People and culture, HR, organisational development or leadership development expertise
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And what you DON'T need:
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Previous experience of trusteeship
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Experience in charity law or working with a charity
Both experienced and aspiring trustees have much to bring to our table: we are looking for fresh perspectives and seasoned knowledge alike.
Key responsibilities
Student Minds Trustees are expected to commit to the following:
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Preparation and attendance at four board meetings a year. Board meetings are held online and take place on weekdays from 5 - 7.30 pm.
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Preparation and attendance at two board away days each year, usually from 12.30 - 5 pm. Board away days are in person and usually take place in Leeds. Travel expenses can be claimed.
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Ad-hoc meetings and conversations with the senior management team as required. This usually constitutes approximately a further five working days a year.
If appointed, you will receive the training and onboarding you need to be a confident, contributing member of the board. We are also able to provide you with a board buddy to support you in your first few months.
So, if you want to help shape the future of student mental health, download our recruitment pack to find out more!
How to apply?
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For more information about the role responsibilities please follow the link
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Download and complete our application form, which is available on the link
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Complete the Equality Monitoring Form.
Application process
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Application closing deadline: Monday the 5th January at 11.59 pm - make sure you send your completed application form by this date
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Interviews: 29th or 30th January (general Trustees) or 5th February (Student Trustees) with a Trustee and CEO
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Appointment: subject to approval by the Student Minds Board.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
PDA Society are excited to share that we are looking for 2 new Trustees to join our board.
Trustees play a key role in providing strategic direction, oversight, and support to ensure that the PDA Society continues to grow sustainably and deliver real impact for the community we serve.
Following the retirement of two Trustees we’re keen to broaden the range of skills and experiences represented. Our work is guided by people with lived experience, and our Board of Trustees plays a central role in shaping our strategy and ensuring that our values are embedded across everything we do.
Appointments are made on merit, and we are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive Board that truly reflects the communities we serve.
We particularly welcome applications from anyone who has experienced marginalisation due to their race or religion, as these voices are currently underrepresented on our Board.
This is a voluntary position, and Trustees are not remunerated, although reasonable expenses are reimbursed. Trustees are appointed for an initial 3-year term.
Our mission is to improve the lives of PDA children, PDA adults and their families. We are working hard to build awareness and understanding.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Could you use your skills and experience to make a difference as a trustee for a fantastic small health charity?
Pharmacy Research UK is the principal research charity supporting pharmacy professionals to develop research skills and lead research to improve healthcare for the benefit of patients and the public.
We fund research projects and individual bursaries, working to improve skills across the pharmacy sector, to provide an evidence-base to improve the practice of pharmacy, to highlight the vital role of pharmacy in our health services and ultimately to improve public health.
We are looking to recruit two new trustees to join our board as we look to grow and develop this fantastic small charity.PRUK is run by a small but dedicated staff team, with oversight from our trustee board. Anyone can be a trustee and we welcome all applications to join our board. We always seek to maintain a good balance of skills and experiences on the board and so are particularly interested to receive applications from people with experience in academia, pharmacy, fundraising and the voluntary sector, and / or finance and accounting. We also want to ensure that our board is representative of the community we serve and so encourage applications from female candidates and candidates from black and minority ethnic (BAME) backgrounds, and from candidates across all nations of the UK.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The Role of the Chair: The Chair of Trustees plays a vital role in shaping the strategic direction, governance and impact of Success Club. Working closely with the CEO and the Board, the Chair ensures that the charity operates effectively and remains true to its mission and values. The Chair acts as an ambassador for Success Club, promoting its mission and values to key stakeholders. This is a rewarding opportunity for an inspirational and experienced leader to guide an ambitious charity through its next phase of growth to achieve its ambitions and influence positive change for young people.
About Charity Success Club: Success Club is a dynamic and ambitious charity dedicated to supporting children and young people who are potentially at risk of under-achieving, both academically and socially. We became a charity in November 2018 but have been working in schools since 2014. We believe that, when children and young people succeed in the moment, they create templates that they can use at any time. Our team puts mindfulness at the heart of our intervention, teaching children and young people how to develop a better relationship with themselves. We help students understand the wider implications of negative attitudes, allowing them to find solutions to issues they may face now and in the future. During 2024 we have provided support and activities to 2970 children across 26 schools. Current tracking (for 2025 year to date) show that we are well on the way to surpassing those figures. We are a passionate team of staff and volunteers, supported by a committed Board of Trustees, working together to create lasting change.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The Opportunity:
Her Centre is seeking a dynamic Chair to help shape the future of our organisation
and lead our excellent board of trustees. This opportunity will involve working closely
with our CEO to drive change and ensure that our vital work continues to support
every woman in Greenwich who needs us. This is an exciting time of change, which
you will be embarking on with our CEO. You will be joining a dedicated board that
includes expertise from across the private and charitable sectors, the local authority,
and lived experience.
Our Work:
Greenwich has one of the highest rates of domestic abuse in London. Last year
alone, over 4,000 domestic offences were recorded in the borough: a shocking 35%
higher than the London average. Demand for our services has risen sharply: in 2017,
we received 321 acute high-risk referrals but by last year, this had more than
doubled to 780. The most common form of abuse reported is physical violence
(62%), followed by controlling and coercive behaviour (46%). However, the sad
reality is that many women face multiple and overlapping forms of abuse, including
sexual abuse and rape, threats to their children, financial control, and forced
imprisonment.
Last year, Her Centre supported nearly 1,000 women to find safety, seek justice, and
rebuild their lives. We also help children who witness abuse recover from trauma and
support teenagers facing exploitation or violence to recognise unhealthy
relationships and build self-worth. Her Centre is a safe and welcoming space where
all women are listened to and believed in an environment of trust and respect.
Please submit your Covering Letter and CV by Friday, 2 January 2026.
Role Description:
Board Chair
- Time commitment: 6-8 hours monthly. The HER Centre board meetings are hybrid
and currently held every two months.
- Location: Hybrid, in-person meetings at Clockhouse Community Centre, Defiance
Walk, London
Purpose of the role:
The Board Chair is responsible for leading the board, ensuring its effectiveness in
enabling the HER Centre to provide best-in-class service to HER Centre users,
providing strategic direction, and keeping the HER Centre as a leading agency
supporting women, particularly those in crisis due to abuse. The Board Chair focuses
the board on strategic matters, prioritising long-term goals and planning, including
approving the annual business, financial, risk, and operational plans. The Board
Chair also adheres to the Charity Commission's essentials of a trustee:
1. Ensure the HER Centre carries out its purpose for public benefit
2. Ensure the HER Centre complies with the governing document and law
3. Acts in the HER Centre’s best interest
4. Manage the HER Centre’s resources responsibly
5. Act with reasonable care and skill
6. Ensure the HER Centre is accountable
7. Reduce risk and liability
Main roles and responsibilities:
• Maintain high standards of governance, fostering transparency and ensuring the
HER Centre holds itself accountable to its service users and stakeholders.
• Ensure trustee awareness and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements,
including those set out in the constitution and the Charity Commission’s guidance
on trustee roles and responsibilities.
• Ensure that the trustee board annually reviews its structure, effectiveness,
delegations and key policies, and implements agreed changes as necessary.
• Manage trustee relationships to foster a positive board culture, including ensuring
the Board has the policies it needs.
• Liaising with the Board Secretary to arrange meetings and set agendas, and
chairing meetings to ensure these are well run and focused on delivering the HER
Centre’s work.
• Line managing the HER Centre CEO, by supporting, positively challenging and
holding them to account, including working with the Board to approve an appraisal
of the CEO.
• Act as a link between trustees, staff and the Service User Advisory Committee
• Act as a HER Centre representative and spokesperson as required
Term: Two years, renewable for a maximum of nine years.
Training and Induction:
You will receive an induction on the work of the HER Centre and meet the Trustees
and staff.
Payment and Expenses:
The Board Chair is a voluntary role. Agreed, out-of-pocket expenses will be
reimbursed.
Please submit your covering letter and CV by Friday, 2 January 2026.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
The Greenhouse Christian Centre is seeking to appoint a new Trustee to join our strong and committed Board. For over 70 years, the Greenhouse has offered Christ-centred hospitality, retreats, and teaching in a warm and prayerful residential environment. Our ministry continues to grow, serving more than 3,000 guests each year with a distinctive blend of welcome, worship, and spiritual refreshment.
We are looking for someone who shares our Christian faith and values, and who brings senior-level experience within a Christian residential or retreat-centre context. The role includes offering support and guidance to our Centre Director and contributing to the ongoing development of the ministry.
You will join a capable Board who care deeply about the mission and who work closely with the leadership team. This is a rewarding opportunity for someone who understands the heartbeat of Christian residential ministry and wants to invest in a work that is bearing fruit.
The Board meets quarterly in person, with occasional additional meetings as required.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The Hummingbird Project – Recruitment of two trustees to join the Board of Trustees
The Hummingbird Project is looking for two trustees with lived experience of displacement to join the Board of Trustees.
About the Hummingbird Project
The Hummingbird Project supports young people from a refugee background, many of whom arrived in the UK as unaccompanied children. We also actively campaign for the rights and protection of young refugees at a local and national level. We are based in Brighton and we work across East and West Sussex.
Trustee recruitment
As part of our work, we acknowledge the importance of building a Board of Trustees that has lived experience of the issues that our young people face in the UK. We are looking for two new trustees to join us who have lived experience of the asylum process and of being a refugee.
The Board of Trustees guides the organisation, making sure its mission, vision and core principles are applied. The Board is responsible for the organisation’s strategy, operations, adherence to law and regulation and financial management.
This is an exciting opportunity to help lead the Hummingbird Project in the next phase of its development, and to use your skills and experience to make a lasting difference to the lives of the young people from a refugee background.
Commitment to the role
The Board of Trustees meets five times a year in a hybrid format, and we request a commitment to these meetings. We value trustees who invest in the charity’s mission between those meetings, whenever possible, for example by joining and contributing to subcommittee work, supporting ad hoc working groups and supporting the team to face emerging challenges.
We provide training on trustee roles and responsibilities at the start. Please note that the role is voluntary, but we can cover travel expenses.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Bring your senior-level expertise to a committed and forward-thinking Board.
Unlock has achieved a great deal for the people we support, thanks to the talents and dedication of our staff, volunteers, and trustees. By listening to and working alongside people who face difficulties because of their criminal records, we have built a strong track record of identifying problems, developing solutions, and turning those solutions into real change. We also influence national policy and drive systemic reform.
We are now seeking a new Chair of Trustees to join our engaged and committed board.
About the role
Trustees play a crucial part in shaping Unlock’s leadership, strategic direction, and governance. As Chair, you will work in partnership with the Chief Executive to provide clear and inclusive leadership, ensuring that the board operates effectively and that the organisation remains focused on its charitable purpose. You will help the board set strategy, scrutinise performance, uphold good governance, and support the CEO and senior team to deliver Unlock’s mission.
About you
We would love to hear from you if you can bring the following attitudes and skills:
· Experience as a trustee and of working with or managing senior leaders.
· A willingness to offer advice to staff when needed, and to get involved practically where appropriate.
· A strong commitment to Unlock’s vision, values, and mission.
· Experience in the charity sector is helpful but not essential. If you have the right leadership qualities and a passion for our work, we will provide support to help you step confidently into the role. So if you’re new to the voluntary sector, please don’t let that discourage you from applying.
· We are committed to increasing diversity across Unlock, including within our board. We particularly welcome applications from people who have themselves faced and overcome the disadvantages associated with a criminal record.
If you’re energised by the prospect of helping to lead a small criminal justice charity with an impressive national impact, we would be delighted to hear from you.
To help people overcome the long-term disadvantages caused by their criminal records, and work with government, employers and others to enable people


The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are seeking passionate and skilled individuals to join our Board of Trustees. As a trustee, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of WHY, setting our direction and strategy, and ensuring we build strong foundations for continued impact.
The Board has identified specific skills that would greatly benefit WHY at this time:
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A trustee with clinical experience in counselling or therapy
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A trustee with accountancy or financial expertise
Trustees are appointed for an initial four-year term, with members typically serving up to three terms for continuity. The Board meets six times per year. In addition, trustees are encouraged to take on responsibilities, actively support staff, and participate in events.
We Hear You (WHY) is a local cancer charity providing free and low-cost professional counselling and therapy to children, young people and adults affected by cancer and other life- threatening conditions in Bath and North East Somerset, Somerset and Wiltshire.
Our mission is to provide therapeutic support for children, families, and individuals affected by cancer and life-threatening conditions.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Be Enriched - recent recipients of The Kings Award for Voluntary Servie 2025 - are seeking an inspirational Chairperson to lead our Board of Trustees and guide our next phase of strategic growth. We use food as a tool to bring people together, cultivate joy and dignity whilst fighting food waste and nourishing the community.
What will you be doing?
The Chair plays a pivotal role in guiding the board, ensuring the charity is governed effectively and remains true to our vision and mission. With an inclusive leadership style, the Chair will foster a collaborative atmosphere within the board, while offering both support and constructive challenge to the CEO. Additionally, the Chair serves as a passionate ambassador for the charity, representing its values and goals.
What difference will you make?
Since 2013, we have been dedicated to enriching our communities through food. Our work tackles critical issues head-on: alleviating food poverty, combating social isolation, and empowering individuals through practical skills training. We believe in the power of food to bring people together, share knowledge, and cultivate lasting connections.
As Chair, you will play a pivotal role in steering our ambitious strategy, working closely with an active and committed Board and our dedicated staff team. This is a unique opportunity to leverage your leadership skills to strengthen our impact and ensure the long-term sustainability of our vital community services.
Scope of Responsibilities
Governance and Strategic Leadership
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Provide leadership to the board in the establishment of organisations overall strategy and policies.
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Direct boards policy-making process and guidance to ensure strategic alignment.
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Monitor decisions taken by the board to ensure effective execution.
Board Management
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Build and develop the board by leading efforts in recruiting new trustees and ensure the board is diverse, skilled, and working cohesively. Foster a culture of mutual respect and collaboration.
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Plan annual schedule of board meetings and establish agendas.
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Chair and facilitate board meetings.
Representation and Advocacy
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Act as Ambassador for Be Enriched at external events, meetings and functions when required.
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Actively participate in and show support for the charity's events and projects, demonstrating leadership and commitment to its mission.
Executive Liaison and Oversight
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Liaise closely with CEO to maintain strategic overview and provide appropriate support.
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Serve on senior appointment panels as needed.
Formal Procedures
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Act as the final stage adjudicator in formal disciplinary and grievance procedures, in accordance with the organisation’s policies.
What We Are Looking For
Essential Qualities
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Proven experience as a trustee, with a passion for governance and making a difference. Prior Chair experience is welcome but not required.
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A keen sense of strategic purpose.
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An inclusive leadership style.
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The ability to listen and engage. Comfortable with challenge and debate and can encourage that in others whist fostering a collaborative board environment.
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Advocate – be able and willing to champion Be Enriched’s work through personal networks, social media, and other channels.
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A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
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Be proactive and responsive – as a small charity, there are times when issues arise that require the Chair's guidance, support, or approval.
In addition to the above, the Chair will have the responsibilities and qualities of all trustees:
Responsibilities Of All Trustees
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Support and provide advice on Be Enriched’s visions mission and goals.
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Ensure the effective, efficient, and prudent administration of the organisations.
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Safeguard the organisations financial stability and ensure proper investment of funds.
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Ensure key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively.
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Provide support and challenge the CEO in the exercise of their delegated authority and affairs.
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Attend quarterly board meetings (online) and AGM (in-person), adequately prepared for group discussion.
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Use independent judgement, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect Be Enriched’s interest, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or third-party interest.
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Maintain a thorough and informed understanding of the organisation's activities, as well as the broader external issues that affect its work.
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Accept collective responsibility, as part of the board, for the actions and decisions of the organisations and its trustees.
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Participate in additional tasks as required, such as providing expert advice or assisting with fundraising initiatives.
Terms of Appointment
Terms of Office
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Trustees are appointed for a three-year term, with renewal available at end of first term.
Time Commitment
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Attendance required at four quarterly board meetings (conducted online via Teams from 4:30-5:30pm).
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Attendance compulsory at the Be Enriched AGM (conducted in-person).
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Become a Trustee at Bristol Folk House
Help shape the future of one of Bristol’s most creative and welcoming community spaces.
Who we are
Bristol Folk House is a long-standing and much-loved adult education and community arts centre in the heart of the city. Our mission is to connect people through creativity, learning and wellbeing – whether that’s a first-time painting class, a salsa night, a flea market, or a quiet coffee in our garden.
We’re at a pivotal moment in our journey, with big ambitions for inclusion, access, creativity and impact. To help us get there, we’re looking for new trustees to join our board and guide the next phase of our development.
Why join us now?
It’s an exciting time to come on board. We’ve launched a refreshed strategy, completed the first stage of a major accessibility and estates project, and are deepening our relationships with Bristol’s communities.
As a trustee, you’ll help us to:
- Create a more accessible, welcoming and inspiring space
- Connect with more people across Bristol
- Strengthen our financial resilience and income generation
- Grow our reputation and visibility
- Build an inclusive, future-focused organisation
Skills and experience we’d love to add to the board
We welcome interest from people of all backgrounds, but are particularly keen to hear from those with skills or experience in:
- Property, Estates or Accessibility Projects – helping us complete and plan the future of our building
- Fundraising & Income Generation – particularly from trusts, grants or partnerships
- Community Engagement / EDI – building stronger inclusion and relationships with underrepresented groups
- Strategic Communications / Branding / Digital – growing awareness of what we do
- Finance & Governance – supporting oversight, audit and sustainability
- Creative Sector Leadership – especially if you’ve worked in arts, wellbeing, education or co-creation
You don’t need prior board experience – we’ll support new trustees to grow in confidence and understand governance.
What we’re looking for
- A genuine interest in creativity, learning and community
- Willingness to contribute actively to board meetings (every two months, 1.5 hours) and occasional working groups
- Commitment to our values of inclusion, collaboration and equity
- Fresh perspectives and lived experience – warmly welcomed
We’re especially keen to hear from people who reflect Bristol’s diversity – in background, ethnicity, age, gender identity, lived experience or professional journey.
How to get involved
If you’d like an informal chat or more information, please contact our Chair of Trustees.
To express interest, please send a short email telling us:
- Who you are
- Why you’d like to join the Bristol Folk House board
- What skills, experience or perspectives you bring
There’s no formal closing date – we’ll be reviewing expressions of interest on a rolling basis.
Thank you
We believe in the power of creativity to bring people together and transform lives. If you share that belief, we’d love to hear from you.
To express interest, please share with us:
- Who you are
- Why you’d like to join the Bristol Folk House board
- What skills, experience or perspectives you bring
Quartet Community Foundation is seeking a new chair of trustees to lead our dynamic and committed Board.
Quartet distributes approximately £5 million across 1,000 grants each year to support local communities and charities in the region. Trustees on our Board actively contribute to setting the strategic direction of Quartet, helping to advise and run the organisation. As Chair of Trustees, you will work with other members of the Board to form an effective, accountable governing body which provides leadership and support for the dedicated staff team in delivering Quartet’s strategic plan.
The role of the Chair of Trustees
The chair, along with their deputy is appointed by the Board with the following key responsibilities:
- To effectively chair board meetings, ensuring that the board considers and observes best practice governance of Quartet.
- To be actively engaged in setting the strategic direction and policy of Quartet.
- To contribute to the performance management and review of the strategic plan and related targets.
- To help set and agree a balanced financial budget and support the Chief Executive Officer and staff in remaining within it.
- To be an ambassador and advocate for the work of Quartet in the wider community, including representation at evening and daytime events (with and sometimes as a substitute for the CEO).
- To support the CEO in their work, conducting an annual appraisal of their work and setting realistic goals in agreement with them.
- To participate in grant-making panels as a representative of Quartet, as required and to visit at least one funded project per year.
- To attend quarterly board meetings, the AGM, meetings of our four sub-committees, and chair of chairs meetings.
- To ensure that Quartet complies with its Memorandum and Articles of Association, charity law, company law, internal policies and procedures, and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
- To participate as appropriate in the national network of community foundations, contribute to its development and set the work of Quartet in the wider context. This usually involves two days a year at a UKCF south west chairs and CEOs workshop.
- Joining trustees are supported to understand and engage with all of these elements, and the successful candidate will also be offered the opportunity to shadow the existing chair for 6-9 months, before she leaves the role in 2026.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thames Rivers Trust is looking for a new Trustee.
We are especially interested in people with a scientific background, ideally in Freshwater Ecology, Environmental Biology,
Environmental Science, Aquatic Conservation or Zoology.
We are looking to increase our Trustee Board's diversity and skillsets; strengthening TRT for a resilient future and supporting our mission to bring together organisations across the Thames River Basin, and foster collaborative working to benefit the environment, wildlife and communities.
This voluntary role is open to all qualifying individuals, including those with no previous Board or Trustee experience. We are looking for potential not perfection, we are happy to consider someone at the beginning of their career as well as seasoned professionals. If you will add value, we want your expertise to help achieve our vision!
Our Mission To bring together organisations across the Thames River Basin, and foster collaborative working to benefit the environment, wildlife and communities.
Our Vision Our vision is for a vibrant and healthy Thames River Basin.
Our Values Independence, Evidence-based, Sustainability, Trustworthy.
Who are we? TRT is a registered charity founded in 1986 and is part of The Rivers Trust movement. We are a Hub Trust for the Thames catchment, with our Key Partners we are dedicated to improving the Thames and its tributaries for the benefit of wildlife, communities and the environment. Rivers are vital, we all need cold, clean and plentiful water to thrive; for communities, for business, for farming and for a wealth of wildlife species; yet our rivers are facing a multitude of serious threats and challenges. Together we and our partners are striving at many levels to preserve and improve rivers now and for the future in the Thames catchment. TRT is committed to developing a collaborative, partnership approach that maximises the benefits of public, private and third sector organisations working together with communities to deliver integratedoutcomes. Our most recent flagship project was the successful Thames Catchment Community Eels Project, led by TRT this pilot project worked closely with 3 fellow rivers trusts, Zoological Society of London and Thames Estuary Partnership to strategically identify priority barriers for works to make migration upstream possible for the critically endangered European eel, trial a new citizen science ObstacEELS, monitor elver migration and run extensive hands on community and school eel education outreach. The project has led on to an exciting upscaled National Lottery Heritage Fund funded phase 2 project Development Phase, that is about to start! TRT is the convening body for the Thames Catchment Forum. This interactive regional forum brings together 27 catchment partnership hosts within the Thames for shared learning and development, themed panel discussions, expert guest speakers and Water Frame Directive updates from Thames Water and the Environment Agency, looking at issues and proposing solutions. TRT works in partnership, leading our Key Partners group of 11 organisations that through the group are more informed to do more and better from mutual trust and openness, sharing their specialist knowledge and expertise. This leads to development of strong, evidence-based projects at scale to improve Thames rivers and educate and involve local communities. Together we achieve more, increasing our positive impact sooner.
What is a Trustee? Charity Trustees are the people who share ultimate responsibility for governing a charity and directing how it is managed and run. This involves the Board of Trustees making decisions together, acting in the interests of the charity. Some charity trustees see their role as turning up to 4 meetings a year, but engaged trustees do a lot more than that. A Trustee might support a specific project’s development, attend events to network and represent TRT, have oversight of an area of TRT work that aligns with a trustee’s particular specialism and interest. Our Trustees use their skills, knowledge and experience to support TRT, helping the charity achieve its aims. Trustees also often learn new skills during their time on the Board.
What are we looking for? An applicant with a scientific background, ideally in Freshwater Ecology, Environmental Biology, Environmental Science, Aquatic Conservation or Zoology. A strong interest in the environment is essential and an interest in or knowledge of the Thames Catchment would be beneficial; in addition, do you possess any of the following skills or qualities? • Fundraising • Legal • A willingness to participate in discussions and decision making. If yes and you have time to commit to a growing and ambitious charity that is looking to develop and deliver more, we want to hear from you!
Our board of Trustees meets up quarterly in person, during the day in London and Reading. In between these meetings Trustees are in touch regularly with our small, but dedicated team. Time commitment is flexible, in addition to meetings, an average of 2 hours per month to read papers and participate in TRT business. Our Key Partners – Action for the River Kennet, Thames21, South East Rivers Trust, River Thame Conservation Trust, Cotswolds Rivers Trust, Crane Valley Community Interest Company, Zoological Society of London, Thames Estuary Partnership, Freshwater Habitats Trust, Thames Landscape Strategy and UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology. TRT values its Trustees and their contributions and will offer support and guidance to all new Trustees. The role of a Trustee is a voluntary one, however the Trust provides indemnity insurance for Trustees and reasonable expenses incurred on authorised Trust business will be reimbursed. Application To find out more about us visit our website. The deadline for applications is midnight 31st December 2025. Please apply with your CV or an application letter.
To bring together organisations across the Thames River Basin, and foster collaborative working to benefit the environment, wildlife and communities.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Make a difference in Kent by joining our team of trustees!
Kent Community Foundation (KCF) is looking for individuals to join our Board of Trustees who have a real passion for our county and want to make a demonstrable difference to the lives of people in our communities.
KCF is a professional grant-maker and local philanthropy advisor for Kent and Medway. We have been established for 24 years; distributing more than £60 million in grants to voluntary sector organisations across the county; supporting small charities to be sustainable and successful, and helping major donors maximise the impact of their donations.
Trustees are the volunteers who lead charities and decide how they are run; setting strategic plans, monitoring the performance, impact and sustainability of the charity and overseeing its governance. People of any age and background can be a trustee, and we're looking for people with specific experience to help us support communities in Kent. We are particularly interested in applications from people who are typically under-represented on trustee boards.
We have a comprehensive trustee induction programme, so if you have never been a trustee or on a board before, we will ensure you have all the knowledge and support you need.
Trustee: Desirable skills
We are looking for applicants to have one or more of the following:
· Lived experience of the communities we work with and the issues which arise in our county
· Experience of grant making; either as a philanthropist, grant maker or grant applicant
· Experience in working with or within social enterprises
· Experience in communications and PR
· A background in socio/economics, or connections with education in that field
· Knowledge of, and experience in promoting diversity, equality and inclusion
· Professional experience or active interest in technology, digital communications and AI
· Long term connections and networks with any of our stakeholder groups in Kent; such as philanthropists, businesses owners, key voluntary sector influencers
We hope to recruit up to three new trustees with different experience to offer, who can give some of their time and expertise to help KCF continue to grow and develop. We have four in-person Board meetings a year, and trustees also sit on at least one of our sub-committees, which meet two to four times a year (often remotely). There are also occasional events trustees are invited to attend to promote and engage with our work.
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