Board trustees volunteer roles in bristol

No Panic is a national self-help charity, which supports people with a range of anxiety problems. We provide the No Panic Helpline and there is additional support services offered to members. .

We are seeking a skilled volunteer trustee to strengthen our board, particularly with experience in finance and raising funds.

Ideal candidates will have volunteered at board level, in charities that only employ a small number of staff and rely mostly on volunteers.

We seek candidates who are confident and committed and prepared to step up. Candidates may be asked to fill Officer roles or join sub-committees. Officers may oversee the work of several teams.

The Board of Trustees meets on the last Wednesday evening of the first and third month of each quarter. In the second month, sub-committees meet.

We ask volunteers to commit to a year.

You will need to provide a reference.

Main Responsibilities

• Helping support UI creation in the long term

• Maintaining product integrite

• Ensuring productivity within Easing Anxeities’ product creation 

• Clear communication with all other trustee members 

Qualities of a UI/UX

• A clear understanding of app design with a clear passion to 

• Having a long term strategy for the future UI/UX of Easing Axieites with a passion to progress

• Clear communication with expectations set for all trustees and volunteers

• A willingness to progress their skill set throughout the future of Easing Anxieites

•  

Responsibilities of all trustees

• Support and provide advice on Easing Anxieties’ purpose, vision, goals and activities. 

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

• Oversee Easing Anxieties’ financial plans and budgets, and monitor and evaluate progress. 

• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.

• Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitore,d and controlled effectively.

• Review and approve Easing Anxieties financial statements.

• Provide support and challenge to Easing Anxieties CEO in the exercise of their delegated authority and affairs.

• Keep abreast of changes in Easing Anxieites’ operating environment.

•  Contribute to regular reviews of Easing Anxieties own governance.

• Attend Board meetings, adequately prepared to contribute to discussions.

• Use independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect Easing Anxieties’ interests, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or any third party interests.

• Contribute to the broader promotion of Easing Anxieites’ objects, aims and reputation by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts.

 Essential qualities and attributes of all trustees

• Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as  trustees and to act in the best interests of the organisation.

• Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member.

• Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion. 

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

• Enthusiasm for our vision and mission.

• Willingness to lead according to our values, Easing Anxieties. 

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

Terms of appointment

Terms of office

• Trustees are appointed for a [2] year term of office, renewal for [2] further terms to a maximum of [10] years.

• This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

Time commitment

• Attending [4] Board meetings annually. Currently meetings are held remotely.

• You will be a member of a sub-committee which will meet [6] times in a year.

Location: Bristol (BS postcode region)
Role Type: Voluntary / Unremunerated
Time Commitment: Approx. 2 days per month

Are you ready to lead with purpose and make a lasting impact in your community?

The Bristol Benevolent Institution (BBI) is a proud, historic charity rooted in Bristol since 1869. With an annual income of around £750,000 from endowment capital, BBI doesn’t fundraise — it focuses entirely on delivering meaningful, tailored support to older individuals (60+) living in the BS postcode area, which includes Bristol, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire.

From quarterly grants to one-off support for essentials like furniture, flooring, and disability aids, BBI is a lifeline for many. Seasonal grants — for heating in winter, and extras in summer and at Christmas — add a thoughtful touch to their year-round care.

Now, BBI is seeking a new Chair of Trustees — a strategic, compassionate leader to guide the charity into its next chapter. You’ll chair quarterly Main Board meetings, attend quarterly Finance Committee meetings, support the Secretary, represent BBI across the region, and help shape its future — all within a commitment of around two days per month.

We’re looking for someone with:

• Senior leadership experience, ideally in the voluntary sector or with vulnerable communities
• Strong governance and financial oversight skills
• Ambassadorial flair and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by older, low-income individuals in the region

This is a unique opportunity to lead a well-established charity with heart, history, and impact. If you're passionate about making a difference and want to help steer BBI’s mission, we’d love to hear from you.

For further details and to apply, please contact to Vanessa Moon or Sandy Hinks quoting reference JO2657 Closing date 7th December 2025

Who we are

We deliver services across London and the surrounding regions, as well as campaign and advocate nationally on the issues that affect the people we work with. For 55 years, Hestia has stood alongside adults and children in crisis to help people who have experienced crisis and trauma find safety, hope, and purpose. Today, we support over 22,600 adults and children each year across London and the South East.

Are you passionate about creating safe environments and improving standards in supported housing?
Hestia is seeking a dedicated Non-Trustee Member to join our Performance Review Committee, bringing expertise in health and safety to help shape and strengthen our operations.

About the Role

As a committee member, you will:

• Provide expert advice on health and safety matters across our housing support services.
• Review and recommend improvements to policies and practices related to safety and risk management.
• Help identify and mitigate risks affecting residents, staff, and visitors.
• Promote a culture of safety and compliance within our charity.

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience or qualifications in health and safety, risk management, or property compliance.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate with trustees, staff, and volunteers.
• Commitment to Hestia’s mission and values, acting with integrity and confidentiality.

Time Commitment

• Attend 4 committee meetings per year plus the AGM.
• Additional time for reviewing documents and occasional project work.
• This is voluntary unpaid role

Why Join Us?

This is a unique opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals by ensuring safe, supportive environments. While this is a non-trustee role, your input will be vital in guiding our practices and protecting those we support.

​We are champions of diversity and believe in the power of a wide range of backgrounds and ways of thinking to enrich our organisation and our outputs. We welcome applications from people with the widest possible range of backgrounds.

Join the Board at Sight Research UK and help our mission to fund vital research into eye disease and shape a future free from sight loss.

Location: National

Time commitment: Equivalent of one day a month.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Monday 17th November.

Who we are

Every 6 minutes, someone in the UK receives the devastating news that they are going blind. That’s 250 people a day.

Sight Research UK is a UK charity focused on funding research into any eye disease. Our vision is a clearer future for those living with sight loss. Our mission: Using our scientific network across the UK, we champion and accelerate innovative eye disease research. Through targeted investment into the most promising science, we will deliver meaningful impact for those living with sight loss.

We are proud to have grown significantly in recent years, doubling our income in 2023–24 and committing over half a million pounds to new research grants. Our innovative funding model is already delivering results, with a record eight Seed Awards and two Translational Research Awards funded last year, helping to bring forward new solutions for people at risk of sight loss.

About the role

Our Board of Trustees is made up of eight individuals who bring a wealth of skills and experience to the organisation. As we look to expand our profile as well as strengthen our governance and clinical expertise, we are now seeking to appoint an additional Trustee with a senior background in medicine, ophthalmology, optometry, or a related field. This is an opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping our funding strategy, advising on clinical and research priorities, and acting as an ambassador to grow our networks and influence.

Who we are looking for

We are seeking a senior clinician, medical professional, or academic, ideally with expertise relevant to eye health, ophthalmology, optometry or translational research. You will bring knowledge and insight to strengthen our Board and help guide our ambitious research strategy. Knowledge of how grant funding is used within eye research from a clinical aspect, as well as knowledge of intellectual property, would also be beneficial. You will also be someone who shares our determination and will support us to raise awareness and increase the volume and quality of applications for grant funding.

If you are passionate about enabling medical research advancement, thrive on teamwork and relish an exciting challenge, we would love to hear from you.

Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close at  9 a.m. Monday 17th November.

About

blink blink mental health is a registered charity in England and Wales, and we are on a mission to help hundreds of thousands more people get timely, appropriate, and personalised mental health support.

We do this by:

• increasing access to support, making sure financial barriers aren’t a limitation

• providing personalised support when it’s needed, not limited by waiting lists

• normalising talking about mental health, reducing the stigma and taboo

• creating supportive and inclusive spaces at events and festivals across the UK, where people can be heard, connect with others, and reconnect with themselves.

blink is a small volunteer-powered organisation with three trustees, around 150 volunteers, and no paid staff. We’re growing, both in reach and in ambition, and we’re looking to expand our Trustee board to help guide us through this next chapter.

Our services at UK festivals:

Free, instant-access talking therapy with a fully-qualified therapist Up to 50-minutes with an experienced therapist who can support and guide people in the ways that feel most useful to them - like signposting, giving advice or simply offering an open, non-judgemental space to talk.

A calm, inclusive space to chill out and chat openly Whether festival-goers want a quiet space to switch off and nap, a place to connect with others, to explore the benefits of therapy or share the emotional weight they’re carrying, or just a safe-haven for a while – our bell tents are ready. Lined with comfortable bean bags and cosy blankets, we create the perfect environment to relax in.

Mindfulness activities facilitated by volunteers Puzzles and colouring books are available to unwind from the busy-ness outside. Our Wellbeing Support Volunteers are always available to have conversations, book therapy sessions, and signpost those who may be struggling or need some extra support.

Long term blink aims

Our work at festivals is hugely successful, and we are changing hundreds of lives a year. In the future, we hope to build on this experience and success by developing a programme of pop-up mental health workshops, events and free personalised therapy in other settings across the country.

Time Commitment

• Approx 5-10 hours per month. A greater time commitment may be required in the initial months to enable a smooth induction period

• Approx. 6–8 Board meetings per year

• Quarterly meetings with the Clinical Lead

• Additional time for reading and preparation

• Occasional involvement in urgent safeguarding matters or training.

• Optional opportunity to volunteer at festivals with blink, if that’s of interest Optional additional involvement blink is a small but growing mental health charity with huge ambition.

As we continue to develop, there is an opportunity for trustees to take a more ‘hands-on role’, if this is of interest. This could include things like, supporting volunteer recruitment, delivering training, helping with specific projects, or joining us at festivals. That said, this level of involvement is entirely optional. We know everyone’s capacity is different, and we want trustees to contribute in ways that feel sustainable and enjoyable for them.

Lead Safeguarding Trustee Purpose of the Role

The Lead Safeguarding Trustee plays a pivotal role in ensuring that blink upholds the highest standards of safeguarding for everyone it works with, including volunteers and members of the public. This trustee leads the Board's oversight of safeguarding policies, practices, and culture, ensuring that safeguarding remains a priority for the charity.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Oversight: Champion safeguarding in all blink’s activities, ensuring the charity maintains a proactive and preventative approach to safeguarding risks. Advise the Board on safeguarding trends, risks, and implications for strategic decision making.

 • Governance & Compliance: Ensure that blink complies with all relevant legislation, statutory guidance, and best practice in safeguarding. Work closely with other trustees and key volunteers to ensure safeguarding governance arrangements are robust and effective.

• Culture & Accountability: Champion a positive culture of safety, wellbeing and inclusion, where transparency, learning, and continuous improvement in safeguarding practice is encouraged. Support the blink team to ensure safeguarding is embedded in service delivery, policy, recruitment, and training.

• Risk & Incident Management: Work closely with key volunteers to provide appropriate support, challenge and scrutiny regarding how safeguarding concerns or incidents are reported, escalated, and managed. Monitor safeguarding reports and trends, ensuring that systemic risks are identified and mitigated.

• Support & Collaboration: Act as a point of contact for other trustees on safeguarding matters. Engage with external stakeholders, regulators, or legal advisors when appropriate to ensure the charity is responding appropriately to safeguarding challenges. Person Specification This is blink’s ‘wish list’, but we don’t expect you to tick every single box in order to apply. We welcome applicants with diverse lived and learned experiences and are particularly keen to hear from individuals from marginalised and minoritised communities.

Experience:

• Direct professional senior-level experience of safeguarding for example in a charity, social care, health, education, youth work, or a related field.

• Prior experience as a trustee or non-executive board member desirable. Knowledge and understanding:
• Understanding of the legal duties, responsibilities and reputational impact for safeguarding within a charity. • Commitment to blink’s vision, mission and values.

• Demonstrable commitment to social justice, anti-racism, equity, diversity and inclusion.

 Skills:

• Able to distil complex information and bring a pragmatic approach to its application.

• Ability to engage with complex or sensitive safeguarding issues in a supportive and trauma-informed way.

• A collaborative, calm, and reflective approach to team working, with the ability to inspire trust and confidence quickly. • Empowering and coaching interpersonal style to support & develop the blink team.

• A proactive approach to CPD.

What difference will you make?

• Play a key role in ensuring blink is protecting everyone who comes into contact with the charity

• Support and influence the charity to thrive, building our reputation and impact.

• Have a direct positive impact on thousands of people’s lives

What's in it for you?

You will have the opportunity to:

• Be part of a friendly, passionate and values-driven team

• Shape and improve safeguarding practice in a grassroots mental health charity
• Guide and lead blink’s development at a time of exciting growth

• Deepen your skills and experience by applying this to a different sector and/or organisation

• Develop leadership skills in supporting and empowering both volunteers and wider trustees in a key role on the board

• Represent blink at charity sector events

• Benefit from a structured induction and ongoing support, training and networking opportunities

To Apply

If you’re interested in joining blink as a trustee, please apply through here with a short expression of interest, outlining your experience and why this role feels like a good fit for you.

We are happy to receive applications in word or PDF (no more than 2 A4 sides), or video presentation.

You are welcome to contact us for an informal chat before applying, and to let us know if you have any support or accessibility needs. 

We are looking for a trustee with demonstrable skills in publicity and communications. We need advice and guidance on how we can publicise our work. Our current Board does not have expertise in social media, communications plans, or publicity.  If you have experience  in  education  would be ideal but we primarily need someone with a strong track record in publicity and communications.

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

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

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

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

Location: Remote with very occasional (1-2 times a year) travel to London (expenses reimbursed)
Commitment: Approximately 8-10 board meetings per year, plus additional input as required

What you will be doing

As our Trustee Treasurer, you’ll play a key part in guiding The Ben Kinsella Trust’s financial wellbeing and helping us achieve our mission to prevent knife crime and keep young people safe.

You’ll bring your financial expertise and strategic insight to support the Board in making confident, informed decisions about our resources, sustainability, and long-term plans. This is a voluntary, non-executive role, you won’t be managing day-to-day finances, but your perspective and advice will help ensure strong governance and sound financial management. 

Working closely with the Chair, CEO, and Deputy CEO, the Treasurer will provide expert guidance on the charity’s financial strategy, investments, and sustainability. You will oversee financial reporting and controls, ensure compliance with statutory requirements, and support the leadership team in managing resources effectively across multiple departments.

This is a highly rewarding role for a qualified accountant who wants to use their professional expertise to make a real difference. We’re looking for someone who will bring energy, insight, and ambition — not just to oversee the numbers, but to play an active part in shaping the charity’s future. As a key member of a passionate and committed Board, you’ll help to ensure that Ben’s legacy continues to change lives and prevent knife crime across the UK.

  Strategy and Governance

• Act as a full member of the Board of Trustees, contributing to the overall governance, strategy, and direction of the charity.
• Provide oversight and assurance of the charity’s finances and risk management.
• Liaise with auditors and independent examiners as required.
• Ensure compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements, including the Charity Commission and funders.

  Financial Oversight and Management

• Oversee the charity’s financial strategy, budgets, cash flow, investments, and reserves.
• Work with the Executive Team (CEO and Deputy CEO) to monitor and review financial performance across multiple departments.
• Lead on the review of management accounts, annual reports, and audited financial statements before Board approval.
• Advise the Board on financial implications of strategic decisions, investment opportunities, and risk management.
• Ensure the charity’s accounting systems, particularly Xero, are effectively utilised for accurate reporting and transparency.

  Support and Guidance

• Provide professional guidance and mentorship to Executive Team and the Finance and Operations team.
• Support the development of robust financial controls, policies, and procedures.
• Provide appropriate challenge and scrutiny to the Senior Leadership Team, ensuring sound financial decision-making that aligns with the charity’s objectives.

Who we are looking for

We are seeking a Trustee Treasurer who can bring financial expertise, strategic insight, and a commitment to the mission of The Ben Kinsella Trust.

We actively encourage people from a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to join our Board and help shape the future of The Ben Kinsella Trust.

We recognise the value that diverse voices bring to our decision-making and to the way we work. We are particularly keen to hear from people who are currently underrepresented on our Board or within the wider charity sector, and who can bring different insights to our governance and strategy.

While we’re looking for candidates with the skills and experience listed, we know no one is perfect in every area. If you meet some of the criteria, we’d still really love to hear from you. Please feel free to reach out for a friendly chat about the role and your application.

  Skills and experience

  You’ll have:

• Financial expertise - A recognised, qualified accountant (e.g. ACA, ACCA, CAI, CIMA, CIPFA, ICAS, ICAEW, or equivalent) with current or prior membership of a UK professional accountancy body.
• Strategic experience - Proven experience in overseeing significant budgets, supporting organisations through growth or change, and providing input on financial planning, investment, and risk management. 
• Analytical and communication skills - Strong knowledge and practical expertise in Xero accounting software, or similar.

  Values

  We are looking for someone who:

• Is passionate about making a difference, committed to preventing knife crime, and improving outcomes for young people.
• Can think strategically and collaboratively, contributing constructively while supporting and challenging the leadership team as needed.
• Values equity and inclusion, and actively promotes diversity in decision-making and governance.
   

What you’ll be expected to do

• The role requires attendance at approximately 8-10 Full Board meetings per year, usually held virtually.
• Additional commitment includes preparing for meetings, reviewing financial reports, and engaging with finance and risk management processes, audit processes or staff meetings as required.
• Occasional attendance at charity events, strategy days, or stakeholder meetings may also be requested.
• Overall, the role is expected to require 6–8 hours per month on average, with some months busier than

How to apply

If you would like to apply, please submit CV and include a supporting statement detailing why you are interested in the role and your relevant experience and suitability.

Applications close: Monday 24th November at 3pm

Interview schedule:

• 1st stage, w/c 1st December (virtual)
• 2nd stage w/c 8th December (in person)

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 The Unseen Barriers Foundation - a new, disabled-led Scottish charity (Incorporated as CLG with charity status pending) tackling the invisible causes of exclusion. Shame, sensory overload, emotional exhaustion, disbelief. These are the things that stop people from showing up - to appointments, to events, to life.

The Foundation is built around two original lived experience contributions by our founder:

• The Unseen Barriers Framework - a landmark conceptual model naming the distress-based barriers that keep disabled people locked out of support.
• Cùran - a green plush dragon created as a visual anchor for distress, shutdown, and solidarity.

Both are licensed to the Foundation by the creator to ensure they serve a purpose-first, rights-based mission.

We are now looking for trustees to help shape this work from the ground up. This is a working board - not a figurehead role. Trustees will actively contribute to strategic direction, governance, and growth.

We are currently remote-first to ensure full accessibility, but will provide office space (Edinburgh/Glasgow area) once funded. You do not need to be based in either city.

Estimated time commitment:

Around 10 hours per month including preparation, meetings, and task-based input.

Board meetings held quarterly via MS Teams.

All access needs will be fully accommodated.

We are especially keen to hear from:

• Individuals with skills in marketing and funding
• Disabled people and unpaid carers
• People with lived experience of distress, neurodivergence, or poverty

If you believe in radical inclusion, and want to join something disruptive but grounded, get in touch.

We believe in finding the right people, not just filling seats. Informal conversations will take place on a rolling basis, and trustees will be appointed as and when suitable candidates are identified. Early expressions of interest are encouraged.

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.

Volunteer Trustee (Secretary Role)

Location: Kent- however 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 supporting young people and families through grief, loss, and emotional wellbeing. As our Secretary, you’ll be the organised heartbeat of the board, keeping everything running smoothly, making sure meetings are well-structured, and helping us stay on top of our legal and admin responsibilities.

You don’t need to have charity admin experience — just good organisational skills, a bit of tech confidence, and a passion for helping young people heal and thrive.

Key Responsibilities:

 Meetings & Records

• Arrange trustee meetings (usually every 1–2 months) and make sure everyone has the agenda and papers in advance.

• Take clear minutes and track action points so nothing slips through the cracks.

• Keep an organised record of all meetings, decisions, and official documents.

Governance & Compliance

• Help ensure the charity meets its legal requirements with the Charity Commission.

• Maintain up-to-date trustee contact details and declarations of interest.

• Support the Chair and Treasurer with key governance documents like policies, annual returns, and reports.

 Communication & Coordination

• Be the main point of contact for trustee communication — keeping everyone in the loop.

• Help coordinate between trustees, volunteers, and partners.

• Make sure important dates, tasks, and documents are shared in good time.

What We’re Looking For:

• Super organised and reliable — someone who loves keeping things in order.

• Good written communication skills and attention to detail.

• Comfortable using email, Google Drive, Word, or similar tools.

• Friendly and collaborative, with a genuine passion for supporting young people and families through loss.

Commitment & Expenses:

• This is a voluntary trustee role. Reasonable out-of-pocket expenses (like travel or supplies) can be reimbursed.

• Trustees usually meet once every 1–2 months, with a few extra hours between meetings for admin or follow-ups.

• You will have the opportunity to be involved with community work, however this is not an expectation.

What You’ll Get Out of It:

• A hands-on role helping a growing charity stay organised and effective.

• Experience in charity governance, leadership, and administration.

• A friendly, purpose-driven team who truly cares about what we do.

• A good opportunity to get hands-on experience in the world of admin.

• The satisfaction of helping young people and families find hope and healing after loss.

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.

We are looking for a trustee who has personal experience of the care system as a looked- after child or care-experienced young person.  We need someone who has made it to and through university so that they can help us fully understand the challenges and issues that can occur.

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

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

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

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

About the Degrees Initiative

The Degrees Initiative is a UK-based NGO that builds the capacity of developing countries to evaluate solar radiation modification (SRM), a controversial proposal for reducing some impacts of climate change by reflecting sunlight away from the Earth. Degrees is neutral on whether SRM should ever be used, but we believe that developing countries should be empowered to conduct their own research and to play a central role in SRM discussions. The initiative has been working in different forms for over a decade, and our work receives worldwide coverage and widespread acclaim. 

The charity was founded in 2021, now has around 20 staff members and is growing. We seek a volunteer trustee with significant financial experience including an accounting qualification to join an existing five-person board to help guide a growing initiative that is changing the field of SRM.

This position offers a fantastic opportunity for the right candidate to apply their financial expertise in a high-profile governance role, shaping strategy and supporting a mission that empowers Global South researchers to lead in one of the world’s most important climate debates. 

Role 

The volunteer trustee will complement and further strengthen an existing five-person volunteer trustee board including the Chair & Treasurer. The role will entail strategic leadership, governance, and fiduciary responsibilities. Alongside the Treasurer they will predominantly be advising the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and the rest of the senior management team (the Chief Executive Officer and Chief of Staff) to ensure the robust financial health of the charity. This will include: 

• Maintaining an overview of the charity’s financial affairs by overseeing the annual financial planning and budgets proposed by the senior management team 

• Monitoring and evaluating financial progress against budgets and forecasts from staff reporting at quarterly board meetings, acting a voice of financial expertise during board discussions 

• Approving the audited annual accounts and financial statements presented by the senior management team alongside the rest of the board 

• Strategic input by reviewing risk assessments alongside financial implications and advising on the organisation of financial resources and reserves to support the long-term goals of the charity 

• Confirming transparency and accountability in financial operations, and that appropriate accounting procedures and controls are in place in addition to compliance with legal and regulatory requirements 

• Advising on how the charity can most effectively conduct its international work, especially providing grants to organisations in the Global South 

• Confirming that the charity has an appropriate investment policy, and that there is no conflict between any investment held and the aims and objects of the charity

• Sitting on any board sub-committees as required