Board trustees volunteer roles in bristol

Bath Area Play Project are passionate about every child's right to play and enabling children to thrive. We are looking for a Chair of our small Trustee Board to support our vision and ethos, enabling the continuation of our support services for children and families, leading strategic oversight and ensuring we are resilient for change.

BAPP provide a range of services including an Ofsted registered Nursery & Pre-school, Ofsted registered Holiday Playschemes for disabled children and those with additional needs, Children & Family Support, Alternative Provision for children with SEND and our long standing Community based Family Playdays. More information is available on our website  

As we work with vulnerable children, Trustees are required to have an Enhanced DBS and to register as one of our Trustees as part of our Ofsted registration. There are 8 Trustee Meetings each year, alternating in person in Bath and online which includes our AGM. Other commitments in addition can include attending events, representing BAPP, supporting with recruitment/staffing and policy review. 

For further information or if you have any questions, please get in touch.

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.

BECOME A BLUE SMILE TRUSTEE

As a trustee you will be able to use your passion for children’s mental health; your experience and knowledge to guide our strategy and vision for the future.

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 providing one-to-one therapy and groupwork. We work in particular, in accordance with our charitable aims, with those who face disadvantage or deprivation.

We are seeking new Trustees to join our Board to help us achieve our mission.

Effective governance is key to the continued success and sustainability of our charity. As a trustee you will be able to use your passion for children’s mental health; your experience and knowledge to guide our strategy and vision for the future.

Our Board of Trustees is particularly looking to welcome new trustees with experience in the areas of fundraising, education (primary) and the small charity sector. However, we very much welcome people with a diverse range of backgrounds, skills and lived experience who would like to contribute to the success of our work.

As a trustee, you will receive training to carry out your role, have opportunities to represent Blue Smile in the community, and be part of a supportive and welcoming board. Being a trustee gives you the chance to gain experience in strategic planning, develop skills in new areas, and add significant value to a thriving charity.

Commitment

The Board of Trustees meets six times a year; usually on a weekday evening.

Trustees can also be involved in the work of sub-committees and will meet for a strategy planning session annually.

Location

Board meetings take place online; however, we would welcome visits to our head office in Cambridge.

We would be particularly interested to hear from you if you live or work in the Peterborough and Fenland area of the county.

Remuneration

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

We are committed to a diversity of voices in our organisation. We welcome applications from all backgrounds.  We would encourage younger people to consider applying – you do not need to have held a trustee or similar role before. We would also like to hear from you if you are from under-represented groups at Blue Smile such as individuals from Black, Asian or minority ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQI+ people and people with a disability, or if you have experience of child and family statutory services in your own personal life.

Chair of the Board of Trustees

Remuneration:

Travel and subsistence will be paid for attendance at meetings in accordance with the ARFID Awareness expenses policy where required. Board members are not remunerated for their Board/trustee work.

Reports to:

Board of Trustees

Regular Liaison with:

• Board of Trustees
• Executive Directors

Duration of appointment:

Three-year term (with a possible extension of a further three years)

Overview:

Established in 2019 and supporting a community of over 30,000 families ARFID Awareness UK is the only registered UK charity dedicated to raising awareness and further information about Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder.  As a not-for-profit, we provide individuals, parents, carers and medical professionals with up-to-date relevant information, research and support.

We are equally committed to supporting medical professionals across varying specialities, by equipping them with the information they need to ensure that their patients receive an early diagnosis and have access to appropriate care.

Our charitable aims are to:

1. Raising awareness about the condition within the medical and associated professions and the general public in such ways as the trustees shall determine;
2. Providing advice and information in such ways as the trustees shall determine to enable and empower parents and carers to advocate for the children in their care;
3. Facilitating research into the condition, the useful results of which will be published for the public benefit;
4. Potentially providing grants of financial assistance to enable economically disadvantaged families to obtain necessary treatment and medication unavailable via the NHS.
5. Advancing the education of the public in the subject of ARFID.

With regards to our structure, we are a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). As a CIO, our Charity Trustees are protected with limited liability, and whilst they are responsible for helping to manage the organisation, they do not hold dual roles of Company Director as they might with other charity structures.

Our mission is to remove the uncertainty, ambiguity and frustrations experienced by parents, carers and individuals over obtaining a diagnosis and treatment by providing general advice that may improve their journey.

Time Commitment:

Trustees meet twice a year virtually. Meetings last approximately 2 hours.

The Remuneration Committee meets once per year virtually. Meetings last approximately 1 hour.

In addition, Trustees are expected to allow time for reading of papers and preparation for meetings, attending events training and induction.  As a small charity there may also be a requirement for additional input of approximately 1-2 hours per month specific to your professional background and expertise as we continue through a period of growth.

Purpose of the role:

Board of Trustees

The Board of trustees (the Board’) is the body with the legal duty to protect the mission and vision of ARFID Awareness UK and to ensure that it is run in accordance with legal requirements.

The role of the Board is to provide good governance and leadership by: 

• Shaping ARFID Awareness UK’s organisational strategy 
• Approving organisational statutory policy
• Ensuring the organisation’s financial stability and sustainability 
• Appointing the Executive Director/s (overseen by the Chair of the Board on behalf of the Board) 
• Providing support and constructive challenge to the Executive Director/s and their staff
• Setting and monitoring procedures for assessing and managing risk 
• Taking advice from Board members and external specialist advisors 
• Monitoring strategy performance 
• Representing ARFID Awareness UK externally where necessary

As a charity CIO, Board members are charity trustees only. They do not represent any group or organisation in this role and they must act in good faith and in the best interests of ARFID Awareness UK.

Chair duties:

• Chair and facilitate board meetings
• Provide inclusive leadership to the organisation and the Board by ensuring that everyone remains focused on the delivery of ARFID Awareness UK purpose and delivering strategic and charitable aims
• Ensure that the Board is effective in its task of setting and implementing the organisation’s direction and strategy
• Support each trustee to fulfil their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of ARFID Awareness UK
• Support and constructively challenge the Executive Director/s to ensure that ARFID Awareness UK operates in line with statutory and legal requirements and is effective in its outputs
• Ensure financial probity and that all resources are focussed on achieving the aims and objectives of the organisation for the benefit of the membership and delivery of charitable objects
• Appoint the Executive Directors
• Appoint and support the ARFID Awareness UK Treasurer
• Act as an ambassador of ARFID Awareness UK
• Ensure the smooth running of Board meetings, fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment
• Ensure robust and compliant governance arrangements in adherence with charity and statutory regulation
• Lead Board development activities

Alongside the Executive Director:

• Planning the annual cycle of board meetings and other meetings where required
• Developing the board of trustees including induction, training, appraisal and succession planning
• Addressing conflict within the board and within the organisation,

Where staff are employed:

• Liaising with the Executive Director/s to oversee the organisation’s affairs and to provide support as appropriate.
• Leading the process of supporting and appraising the performance of the Executive Director/s

Person Specification:

Essential:

• Significant experience of charity governance and trusteeship, demonstrating understanding of best practice and regulatory compliance
• Proven experience of chairing boards, committees or senior leadership teams effectively
• Track record of supporting small to medium organisations through periods of growth, change and development
• Strong strategic thinking and planning skills with ability to provide vision and direction
• Excellent facilitation and interpersonal skills, able to build consensus and manage diverse perspectives
• Confident and effective communication skills including active listening and constructive challeng.
•  Ability to work effectively as a member of a diverse team whilst maintaining independence and accountability as Chair
• Understanding of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of charity trusteeship and Chair role

Desirable:

• Senior leadership experience in the charity or non-profit sector
• Experience of supporting and appraising Executive Directors or senior leaders
• Knowledge of the healthcare sector and/or ARFID
• Understanding of charity finance, risk management and compliance frameworks

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.

Be Enriched is 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 are we looking for?

Essential Qualities

• Proven experience as a trustee, with a passion for governance and making a difference - prior Chair experience is welcome but not required.
• A keen sense of strategic purpose.
• An inclusive leadership style.
• The ability to listen and engage. Comfortable with challenge and debate and can encourage that in others whist fostering a collaborative board environment. 
• Advocate – be able and willing to champion Be Enriched’s work through personal networks, social media, and other channels.
• A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.

• Be proactive and responsive – as a small charity, there are times when issues arise that require the Chair's guidance, support, or approval. 

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 strategy, working closely with an active and committed Board and our dedicated staff team. You will help us navigate being a charity in an increasingly tough climate. 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. 

Role Title  

Chair of the Board of Trustees

Board/Committee

Board of Trustees 

Remuneration  

Travel and subsistence will be paid for attendance at meetings in accordance with the ARFID Awareness expenses policy where required. Board members are not remunerated for their Board/trustee work.

Responsible to 

Board of Trustees

Regular liaison with 

· Board of Trustees

· Executive Directors

Duration of appointment 

Three-year term (with a possible extension of a further three years)

Overview

Established in 2019 and supporting a community of over 30,000 families ARFID Awareness UK is the only registered UK charity dedicated to raising awareness and further information about Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder.  As a not-for-profit, we provide individuals, parents, carers and medical professionals with up-to-date relevant information, research and support.

We are equally committed to supporting medical professionals across varying specialities, by equipping them with the information they need to ensure that their patients receive an early diagnosis and have access to appropriate care.

Our charitable aims are to:

1) Raising awareness about the condition within the medical and associated professions and the general public in such ways as the trustees shall determine;

2) Providing advice and information in such ways as the trustees shall determine to enable and empower parents and carers to advocate for the children in their care;

3) Facilitating research into the condition, the useful results of which will be published for the public benefit;

4) Potentially providing grants of financial assistance to enable economically disadvantaged families to obtain necessary treatment and medication unavailable via the NHS.

5) Advancing the education of the public in the subject of ARFID.

With regards to our structure, we are a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). As a CIO, our Charity Trustees are protected with limited liability, and whilst they are responsible for helping to manage the organisation, they do not hold dual roles of Company Director as they might with other charity structures.

Our mission is to remove the uncertainty, ambiguity and frustrations experienced by parents, carers and individuals over obtaining a diagnosis and treatment by providing general advice that may improve their journey.

Time Commitment

Trustees meet twice a year virtually. Meetings last approximately 2 hours.

The Remuneration Committee meets once per year virtually. Meetings last approximately 1 hour.

In addition, Trustees are expected to allow time for reading of papers and preparation for meetings, attending events training and induction.  As a small charity there may also be a requirement for additional input of approximately 1-2 hours per month specific to your professional background and expertise as we continue through a period of growth.

Purpose of the role: 

Board of Trustees

The Board of trustees (‘the Board’) is the body with the legal duty to protect the mission and vision of ARFID Awareness UK and to ensure that it is run in accordance with legal requirements.

The role of the Board is to provide good governance and leadership by: 

· Shaping ARFID Awareness UK’s organisational strategy 

· Approving organisational statutory policy

· Ensuring the organisation’s financial stability and sustainability 

· Appointing the Executive Director/s (overseen by the Chair of the Board on behalf of the Board) 

· Providing support and constructive challenge to the Executive Director/s and their staff

· Setting and monitoring procedures for assessing and managing risk 

· Taking advice from Board members and external specialist advisors 

· Monitoring strategy performance 

· Representing ARFID Awareness UK externally where necessary

As a charity CIO, Board members are charity trustees only. They do not represent any group or organisation in this role and they must act in good faith and in the best interests of ARFID Awareness UK.

Chair duties:

· Chair and facilitate board meetings

· Provide inclusive leadership to the organisation and the Board by ensuring that everyone remains focused on the delivery of ARFID Awareness UK purpose and delivering strategic and charitable aims

· Ensure that the Board is effective in its task of setting and implementing the organisation’s direction and strategy

· Support each trustee to fulfil their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of ARFID Awareness UK

· Support and constructively challenge the Executive Director/s to ensure that ARFID Awareness UK operates in line with statutory and legal requirements and is effective in its outputs

· Ensure financial probity and that all resources are focussed on achieving the aims and objectives of the organisation for the benefit of the membership and delivery of charitable objects

· Appoint the Executive Directors

· Appoint and support the ARFID Awareness UK Treasurer

· Act as an ambassador of ARFID Awareness UK

· Ensure the smooth running of Board meetings, fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment

· Ensure robust and compliant governance arrangements in adherence with charity and statutory regulation

· Lead Board development activities

Alongside the Executive Director:

· Planning the annual cycle of board meetings and other meetings where required

· Developing the board of trustees including induction, training, appraisal and succession planning

· Addressing conflict within the board and within the organisation,

Where staff are employed:

· Liaising with the Executive Director/s to oversee the organisation’s affairs and to provide support as appropriate

· Leading the process of supporting and appraising the performance of the Executive Director/s

Person Specification

Essential:

· Significant experience of charity governance and trusteeship, demonstrating understanding of best practice and regulatory compliance

· Proven experience of chairing boards, committees or senior leadership teams effectively

· Track record of supporting small to medium organisations through periods of growth, change and development

· Strong strategic thinking and planning skills with ability to provide vision and direction

· Excellent facilitation and interpersonal skills, able to build consensus and manage diverse perspectives

· Confident and effective communication skills including active listening and constructive challenge

· Ability to work effectively as a member of a diverse team whilst maintaining independence and accountability as Chair

· Understanding of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of charity trusteeship and Chair role

Desirable:

· Senior leadership experience in the charity or non-profit sector

· Experience of supporting and appraising Executive Directors or senior leaders

· Knowledge of the healthcare sector and/or ARFID

· Understanding of charity finance, risk management and compliance frameworks

To apply please email your CV and covering letter to XXXXX by 17 November 2025.  Interviews are likely to take place the first week of December.

Exciting opportunity as Chair of trustees of a small and dynamic arts and crafts re-use charity in SW London looking to take the charity forward and grow and diversify its income streams.The Chair will join an established and small board of trustees and must be experienced in leading a board in terms of strategy, risk and planning, financial governance, building positive relationships, one-to-one reviews with trustees to bring out the best in them, building the board and growing the charity's impact. 

The Chair will have a wide-ranging impact, shaping the charity's strategic direction and helping it achieve the charity's mission to promote artful re-use of waste materials diverted from landfiil and incineration for use with a wide range of beneficiaries for artistic, educational, recreational or therapeutic benefit throughout south-west London. Your leadership will ensure that the charity provides and extends its range of support and services to existing and future beneficiaries and maintains its role as an active participant in the circular economy. 

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

Trustee – Toynbee Hall

Help shape a fairer future as a Trustee at Toynbee Hall

Toynbee Hall has been tackling poverty and injustice from our home in London’s East End since 1884. We work alongside local communities to provide vital advice and support, carry out research and advocacy, and create space for people to come together and shape solutions to the challenges we all face.

We are now seeking new Trustees to join our Board and help guide the next chapter of our work. Trustees play a crucial role in setting our strategy, safeguarding our mission and ensuring the organisation remains focused, effective and sustainable.

We are particularly looking for a Trustee with a background in finance, accountancy or financial decision making to join our Finance Committee.

You do not need previous experience as a Trustee as we will provide a full induction and support, but you do need to bring independent judgement, strategic thinking and a commitment to building a fairer future.

We aim for a Board that reflects the communities we serve and especially welcome applications from people connected to Tower Hamlets and the East End, as well as from candidates who are Black or Asian or who bring diverse lived experiences.

Time commitment: Four evening Board meetings a year, an annual away day, and membership of at least one committee, which meets up to three times a year, usually online. Trustees serve a three year term, renewable up to a maximum of nine years.

Applications are open until midday on 10 November 2025.

Join the Board of Ensonglopedia, a newly registered arts charity working at the intersection of education, the performing arts and science.

We make musical comedies on science topics for theatres, festivals and schools, alongside workshops in educational, community and disability settings. Our work also includes music videos, documentaries and books, all created under the artistic direction of award-winning theatre maker and science communicator John Hinton.

Recent projects include The Puddle at the End of the World (about the climate crisis and migration), Light Fantastic! (the science of light), and Forces at Play (a Brooklands Museum commission).

Having become a registered charity in 2024, we are entering an exciting new chapter – expanding our network of creative partners and deepening our inclusion work. We’re now seeking up to four new Trustees to help guide our strategic direction and support the Artistic Director.

We welcome applicants with experience in finance, charity governance, touring theatre, fundraising, or legal expertise, as well as those with lived experience of disability and/or neurodivergence. No prior board experience is required.

Trustees attend four online Board meetings per year and are invited to company events and sharings. The role is voluntary, with travel expenses covered as needed.

Cycle Sisters is looking to appoint up to two new Trustees to support our mission to create inclusive and empowering spaces for Muslim and ethnically diverse women to cycle.

This is an exciting opportunity to bring your skills and experience to an award-winning charity that is tackling inequality and creating lasting change in communities.  

About Cycle Sisters

Cycle Sisters is a women-led charity supporting Muslim and ethnically diverse women to transform their lives through cycling.   Through group rides, cycle lessons and volunteering opportunities, we create accessible and empowering spaces where women can build confidence, improve their health and connect with others. 

We work in partnership with a wide range of stakeholders – from local authorities to national bodies such as British Cycling, Transport for London and the Bikeability Trust to advocate for greater inclusion in cycling.

Since starting with a single local group in 2016, we’ve grown into a thriving network of over 2,000 women across 10 groups London-wide. Our impact is far-reaching: 92% of women who take part in our activities report improved health, with 91% feeling more confident and 86% being more connected in their communities.

Cycle Sisters is seen as a leading voice in our sector and has been recognised with multiple awards, including our Chair winning the BBC Sports Personality Unsung Hero of the Year Award for the London region.

Looking ahead, our vision is to build a national movement of diverse women cycling, with plans to expand beyond London and share our model across the UK. By doing so, we aim not only to transform individual lives, but also to shift the culture of cycling so it truly reflects the diversity of our communities.

What will you be doing? 

As a Trustee of Cycle Sisters, you’ll play a key role in shaping the direction of a growing, values-led charity. Your responsibilities will include ensuring we comply with our governing document and charitable objectives, safeguarding our reputation, and supporting sound financial management, risk management and accountability.

You’ll contribute to strategic planning by helping to set goals, review progress and ensure long-term sustainability. Working closely with fellow Trustees and senior staff, you’ll bring insight, expertise and constructive challenge to strengthen the organisation. Trustees are also ambassadors for Cycle Sisters, raising our profile and creating opportunities through their networks and community connections.

What we’re looking for

Essential 

• Commitment and passion for Cycle Sisters’ vision, mission and values 

• Ability and capacity to give the role the time and focus required, including an average of 4-6 hours per month as well as attending quarterly board meetings 

• Understanding of the charity and/or sport sector

• Track record of leadership and delivering success 

• Ability to think creatively and strategically and scrutinise decision-making.

• Strong team player and ability to work effectively with others 

• Understanding of the experiences and perspectives of Muslim communities in the UK, whether through personal experience or professional/community engagement

• Understanding of the importance of women-only spaces in enabling confidence and participation

• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship 

Desirable 

• Previous Trustee or governance role 

• Skills in networking, advocacy/influencing and partnership-building

• Relevant networks or connections that can support Cycle Sisters’ growth 

Our commitment to diversity

We want our team to represent the diversity of the women we serve.   We aim to be an organisation where different experiences, expertise and perspectives are valued, and where everyone is encouraged to grow and develop.  We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and ages, particularly those currently underrepresented on our team.

Ealing Book Festival is a young organisation with huge ambitions. We're looking for someone with great organisational skills and experience to join the team and help us develop and achieve our objectives.

In addition to the general responsibilities of a trustee, duties of the secretary are as follows.

·Preparing agendas in consultation with the chair and trustees and circulating them and any supporting papers in good time

·Making all the arrangements for meetings 

·       Ensuring the taking of, agreement and sign off of minutes

·Checking that trustees have carried out actions agreed at a previous meeting 

·Circulating agendas and minutes of the annual general meeting and any special or extraordinary general meetings (where required)

·Fulfilling the functions equivalent to a company secretary, assisting the chair and other trustees with charity reporting requirements, monitoring the policy register 

·Assisting the chair with board evaluation, succession planning processes and recruitment

Person specification 

In addition to the person specification for a trustee, the secretary should have the following skills, experience and qualities:

• Experience of governance and compliance procedures

• Organisational ability

• Minute-taking and report writing experience, including preparation of annual reports

• Preparation of the policy register

• Experience of board evaluation and succession planning processes 

These may have been acquired in a corporate or a charity environment. 

Our Board of Trustees offers a diverse blend of professional expertise and personal commitment to adoption. With backgrounds in finance, law, social work, HR, healthcare, and business, our trustees bring decades of experience in children’s services and strategic leadership. Several have personal connections to adoption, ensuring our work is guided by both insight and empathy. We’re now seeking a Chair person to lead this passionate team in shaping the future of CCS and the lives of the children and families we support.

About Us

CCS is a Voluntary Adoption Agency and registered charity. Continuously Rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted (for 14 years/5 inspections), most recently in February 2024.  We find permanent, loving homes for children who are waiting to be adopted. We also offer a wide range of post-adoption support services for adoptive families in the region. We are committed to maintaining this high level of performance and developing further the innovative services we provide for children and adoptive families.

The Role

As Chair of Trustees, you will play a pivotal role in guiding the strategic direction of CCS Adoption. You’ll work closely with the CEO, lead board meetings, monitor performance, and act as a key ambassador for the organisation.

Why Join Us?

This is a unique opportunity to lead a passionate and skilled Board, influence meaningful change, and contribute to the lives of children and families. You’ll be supported by a dedicated team and receive guidance to deepen your understanding of adoption.

We offer:

• A robust induction on governance duties
• Access to external training
• Opportunities for peer learning with other Chairs
• You’ll be supported by the Senior Administrator in planning, organising, compiling, and sharing board papers to ensure smooth and effective meetings

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the Board in setting strategic goals and evaluating performance
• Ensure compliance with charity and company law
• Safeguard the organisation’s values, reputation, and resources
• Support and appraise the CEO
• Facilitate effective governance and decision-making
• Represent CCS Adoption at public functions

Person Specification

We’re looking for someone who brings:

• A commitment to strong governance and a willingness to develop in this area
• Experience leading groups, teams, or partnerships to make collective decisions
• Strategic vision and independent judgement
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• A commitment to fairness, integrity, and teamwork

Desirable (but not essential):

• Knowledge of adoption or related fields (children, families, social care, charity sector)

We warmly encourage potential trustees to get in touch for an informal conversation about the role. This is a great opportunity to ask any questions, learn more about our work, and see whether joining our Board might be the right fit for you. We would be delighted to welcome you to meet our team and current trustees, hear about our vision for the future, and experience our culture first-hand. 

Please visit ourwebsite for details.

It is an exciting and challenging time for the international development sector. Vision Action is seeking to appoint two new Trustees, one of whom will serve as Chair Designate, to bring experience, insight, and energy in support of our ambition to increase equitable access to basic eye care services in Ghana, Zambia, and Ethiopia (with plans to expand further).

Vision Action was born in 2022 out of the merger to two charities, Vision for a Nation, an award-winning charity founded by the philanthropist James Chen and operating in Rwanda which developed a unique model for providing basic eye care in under-resourced settings, and Vision Aid Overseas, founded in the 1980s to establish accessible vision centres across Africa.  To learn more about our work please visit our website at Vision Action. The role of the Board of Trustees is to oversee the direction and activities of the charity, including its policies and procedures, to ensure that they are consistently in accordance with the charitable purposes defined in the objects clause in its Constitution. The Board sets and monitors the strategic direction of the charity, although the implementation of strategy is achieved through the executive team.

Terms of service

For Vision Action the Trustees are Members who have been elected to serve on the Board. Vision Action’s constitution allows for up to 12 Trustees, who can serve a maximum of three consecutive terms of three years.  Vision Action is a company limited by guarantee and the Trustees are its legal directors. The Trustee role is voluntary but out of pocket expenses are paid.  Trustees are appointed by the Vision Action Board of Trustees annually at the Board meeting following the Annual General Meeting. The time commitment in being a trustee involves attendance at four Board meetings per year, one of which will be an all-day strategy session. Otherwise, Board meetings are usually half a day in the afternoon of a weekday with at least half the meetings online.  Papers are circulated for reading in advance. There may be other ad-hoc meetings or online events to discuss specific topics.

Main tasks

Charity Trustees have and must accept ultimate responsibility for directing the affairs of the charity and ensuring it is solvent, well-run and delivering the charitable outcomes for the benefit of the public for which it has been set up. Each Trustee will be expected to join one of the two sub-committees (Finance and Fundraising; and Programmes and Research). The Committees meet remotely at least four times per year, usually timed with or in advance of the board meetings. 

General Responsibilities

• Ensure that Vision Action complies with its governing document (i.e. its Constitution and Bylaws), charity law, and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
• Ensure that Vision Action pursues its objects as defined in its governing document.
• Ensure Vision Action applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects, i.e. it must not spend money on activities which are not included in the objects, however worthwhile they may be.
• Contribute actively to the Board’s role in the formulation and review of strategy, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets.
• Ensure that all policies are implemented, monitored and reports are acted upon, (including the policies on Harassment and Misconduct, Safeguarding, Recruitment, Child Protection and Anti- Bribery).
• Appoint and support the Co-Chief Executive Officers and monitor their performance.

Additional Specific Responsibilities

In addition to the above, we are looking for a Trustee who can be the Chair Designate and assume the role of Chair in December 2025.

Person Specification

Essential Requirements

Each Trustee must demonstrate:

• A commitment to the mission and values of Vision Action.
• A commitment to Vision Action’s key organisational policies, including those on Harassment and Misconduct, Safeguarding, Whistleblowing, Recruitment, Child Protection, and Anti-Bribery.
• Good, independent judgement.
• Willingness to represent, advocate for, and support the work of the charity.

Desirable Experience

While not essential, experience in the following areas would be an advantage:

• Leadership or senior management experience in business, the third sector, or civil service.
• Understanding of the International Development or Global Health sectors.
• Fundraising, philanthropy, or partnership development.

1.  Terms of Service.

The Chair is appointed by the Board annually for a maximum of 3 consecutive terms. He/she will normally assume his/her appointment at the Board meeting following the AGM in November.

2.  Main Tasks:

• To lead the Board in ensuring it fulfils its responsibilities for the governance of Vision Action.
• To ensure the Trustees set and regularly review policy, overall strategy and objectives.
• To undertake a supportive role in achieving Vision Action’s funding target.
• To guide the Co-Chief Executives, to help achieve Vision Action’s objectives.
• To monitor approved strategies and business plans.

3.  Specific Duties relating to:

3.1 Ensuring the Board fulfils its responsibilities for the governance of Vision Action:

• To chair meetings of the Board, seeing that it functions effectively and carries out its duties.
• To ensure the Board works within the framework of law, Charity Commission guidelines and management best practice.
• To ensure that the policies of the Board are compliant with its charity objectives.
• To ensure the Trustees set overall strategy and policy objectives and regularly review them.
• In conjunction with the Treasurer, to ensure Vision Action’s financial dealings are prudently and systematically accounted for in compliance with legal requirements.
• Make recommendations on the composition of the Board, with a view to succession, and future Chair.
• To serve as an additional spokesman for, and promoter of Vision Action (Note: The Co-Chief Executives act as the primary spokespeople)

3.2 To ensure Trustees develop overall strategy and policy objectives and regularly review them:

• To incorporate the skills and experience of the trustees and the Co-Chief Executives’ team in the development of strategic objectives and planning processes.
• Identify with the Co-Chief Executives, clear objectives and key performance indicators

3.3 Helping the Co-Chief Executives achieve Vision Action’s mission:

• The Chair should always adopt an attitude of strategic overview and avoid becoming immersed in the day-to- day details of running Vision Action. Such matters are the responsibility of the Co-Chief Executives.
• To support and monitor the work of the Co-Chief Executives.
• To assist in the promotion of Vision Action to a wider audience of potential donors and beneficiaries.
• To undertake a supportive role in achieving Vision Action’s fundraising target.

3.4 Optimising the relationship between the Board, staff, volunteers and other stakeholders:

• In consultation with the Co-Chief Executives, to agree the annual calendar of Board meetings and major events involving Vision Action.
• To thank and encourage Vision Action volunteers, staff and other stakeholders as opportunities present themselves.
• To conduct the annual appraisal of the Co-Chief Executives and agree their annual objectives and performance measures.