Board trustees volunteer roles in sheffield, south yorkshire
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!
This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in the start up of a new charity that seeks to create a wide reaching operational activity that develops employment and volunteering opportunities that truly take in to account all neruodiversity and ensuring that people feel they are valued in their role as well as reducing working hours while not reducing salaries.
We are very much a new concept within the charity and business world, what we aim to do is not focus on just one business activity and force people to work within it but to grow along side our teams and develop new business opportunities based on the skill sets and abitions of our teams.
Below are the details of the general responsibilities of a trustee within Living Reasons and the 12 areas we wish to recruit trustees in so that we can start to develop the charity more and start the process of registering and ultimately launching the charity within the next 12 months.
Nonspecific trustee criteria (all trustees must meet this criteria)
1) Ability to understand how the charity works in the public interest and ensure that all activities the charity carries out always fulfil this requirement. Bringing in to question any activities that may not fall within the charity’s public interest obligation, to the other trustees.
2) Agree with and agree to always work within the charity’s governing document and within the law. Making sure that the charity always operates within the governing document and within the law.
3) Act within the charity’s best interests by agreement within the other trustees on the board and following all trustee processes including decision making and voting. Avoid conflicts of interest with the operation of the charity and bring any potential conflicts of interest, to the attention of the trustee board as soon as possible.
4) Manage the charity’s resources responsibly, including ensuring the charity’s assets are used for the charity’s purpose, not take any inappropriate risks, do not over commit to the charity, taking special care when investing or barrowing and ensure the charity complies with any funding restrictions.
5) Always act with reasonable care and skill.
6) Ensure that the charity is always accountable, ensure that the charity is able to demonstrate it is compliant in law, well run and effective. Where responsibility has been delegated, trustees must ensure that the charity still remains accountable.
7) Must not be an undischarged bankrupt or be in an IVA.
8) Must not have any unspent convictions or be on the sex offenders register.
9) Must not be banned from being a company director or trustee.
All trustees will be required to attend 1 full board meeting every quarter which may be in person or over online video calling.
1 additional meeting annually that will also be at the same time as the annual general meeting must be attended.
There may be further meetings if you are on other committees or are voted on to the executive board of trustees (this is not mandatory and is a further voluntary commitment that you can nominate yourself for election).
We are looking for 12 trustees in total, once we have key trustee roles filled, we will then register the charity and move forward as we continue the recruitment process. The three main trustees we would like to have in place before registering the charity are: Operational, Financial and Income Generation. This does not mean we are not recruiting the other 9, we just won't register until after people with these skills have been recruited. Below are the twelve areas of knowldge we would like to gain trustees in. These cover all aspects of the activities the charity will carry out:.
1. Operational – overall knowledge of the day to operation of the organisation
2. Financial – an understanding financial planning and reporting
3. Creative & events
4. Research
5. Income generation
6. Education
7. Human Resources
8. Services
9. Outreach (Social Media & Marketing)
10. Legal
11. Health
12. Volunteering
This is a brand new idea and concept for a charity and business activity and requires a team that are forward thinking and are not restrained by previous ways of working, putting people at the heart of what we do, this is a charity that is supply a service for people who have struggled in the work environment as it is but will be directly generating the income for the charity as well, our service users will be our employees, trainees and volunteers and that needs to be seen as a positive move forward by anyone involved in the charity from day one.
If you would like to be part of a new and innovative way of working, please submit a CV and Cover Letter explaining which trustee role you would be interested in and why this role would be suitable for you.
Jason, the person starting this charity has autism, ADHD, as well as mental health issues and physical conditions that are dibilitating and has spect 20 years in the charity retail industry and has loved his time working in them but has found it increasing more difficult to work in the environment due to, what he considers undue and unnecessary pressures that hinder rather than help the charity sector to reach its full potential and he feels that, key to changing this for the better is understanding the neurodiversity of humanity and catering for it in the workplace. This is how Living Reasons was developed as an idea and now he needs to find people to bring the idea to life.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Chair of Board of Trustees Recruitment
Founded in 1975, Rights of Women is the only charity dedicated to providing frontline legal advice to women experiencing all forms of violence against women and girls in England and Wales. We campaign for access to justice and safety for all women.
We are seeking a new Chair in our 50th anniversary year to lead our Board to replace Dr Annie Hedge, our long standing, inspirational, retiring Chair. Our new Chair will help us to build on our success and ensure that we continue to change women’s lives for the better.
We welcome applications from women* from diverse backgrounds whose skills and experience will complement our existing high performing Board, enabling us to stay at the forefront of women’s rights and legal policy debates.
We recognise the critical role that intersectional and structural discrimination play in society and welcome applicants with a strong commitment to addressing these issues throughout our work. We are keen to receive applications from Black and minoritised communities including refugee and migrant women, disabled women and women who have personal experience of the issues that are core to our work including domestic violence and abuse, insecure immigration status and workplace sexual harassment.
Rights of Women is a national charity however given the specific demands of the Chair role and our office location in London it is important for the Chair to be able to travel to London regularly.
We are keen to recruit a Chair committed to our vision and values who has:
· Experience in governance, leadership, and strategic decision-making, ideally within a charity or public sector setting.
· Strong financial and risk management acumen.
· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively
· Experience in supporting organisational growth and development.
Commitment: Average 2 days a month
Full details can be found in our application pack.
To apply, please submit a CV, a covering letter of no more than 2 pages and a short Essential Information Form (including details of referees).
We invite you to also complete an anonymous Equalities Monitoring Form.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a first stage online interview from the week commencing Tuesday 22nd April 2025 onwards.
Candidates selected for second round will be invited to our offices to meet board and staff members in London for a second stage interview from mid-May.
Key dates:
Closing date: Friday 4th April 2025 5pm
Interview dates: From week commencing Tuesday 22nd April
First Board meeting: Wednesday 18th June 2025
*Occupational Requirement (Equality Act 2010, Schedule 16, Part I) applies
Our vision is to achieve equality, justice and safety in the law for all women.

Saferworld is an independent international organisation working to prevent violent conflict and build safer lives. We work with people affected by conflict to improve their safety and sense of security, and conduct wider research and analysis. We use this evidence and learning to improve local, national and international policies and practices that can help build lasting peace. Our priority is people – we believe in a world where everyone can lead peaceful, fulfilling lives, free from fear and insecurity. We are a not-for-profit organisation operational in 12 countries across Africa, Asia and the Middle East.
Saferworld is currently looking for a new Chair of the Board of Trustees. This role will be responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of Saferworld, ensuring the organisation’s aims, objectives, and goals align with its governing document, as well as legal and regulatory guidelines. The ideal candidate should have a broad understanding of the charity sector as well as an understanding of how charities operate in a local context – often operating effectively in extremely challenging environments. An understanding of the UK charity context would be helpful but is not crucial.
The Board is currently reviewing different governance models, including the possibility of a Chair/Vice Chair structure. While this model is still under consideration, it would involve clearly defined roles and responsibilities, helping to balance the workload and bring diverse perspectives to the Board’s leadership. The incoming Chair should be adaptable and open to these ongoing discussions, and play a key role in shaping and refining the governance structure to ensure it aligns effectively with Saferworld’s needs.
We are interested in hearing from individuals who share our values, possess the capacity for independent and creative thinking, and bring strong leadership, relevant competence and experience to our governing body. Whether you are an experienced Chair or wanting to take your first step at senior Board level, we still want to hear from you.
Please download the recruitment pack for more information on how to apply to be the Chair of the Board of Trustees.
Closing date: 1 June 2025
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We believe everyone has a voice – on stage and in the boardroom.
The Choir with No Name is looking for new trustees to join our friendly and passionate board. We welcome applications from people from all walks of life, especially those with lived experience of homelessness or marginalisation. This is your chance to help lead a vibrant, music-making charity that’s transforming lives and building community.
The Choir with No Name runs choirs and builds joyful singing communities with people impacted by homelessness and marginalisation, around the UK. Our vision is that all people going through tough times find a place to sing their hearts out, among friends. We have bold ambitions and need the skills and guidance of an excellent and diverse board to help us get there.
In particular we are looking for people who:
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Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member.
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Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion.
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A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
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Enthusiasm for our vision and mission.
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Willingness to lead according to our values - family, fun, integrity and inclusion.
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Commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.
Are you who we are looking for?
Specific skills we are hoping for include (but are not limited to):
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Finance skills (we are specifically looking for a treasurer)
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Artistic/musical skills (particularly, but not limited to choral or group singing environments)
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Social change/health and singing
Closing date is: 1st June 2025
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We’re looking for trustees
We’re looking to recruit dynamic, committed and motivated people with professional skills and experience who are as passionate as we are about empowering individuals to work through and beyond their experience of sexual abuse.
Specific qualifications are not necessarily required and we welcome applicants with lived experience. A genuine interest in learning about our charity and our services within the local community is essential.
These trustees will help to form a new board dedicated to supporting the charity and contributing to the effective and quality governance of Trust House. You will play an active role in developing the strategic direction of the charity and provide guidance to ensure the charity continues to support anyone affected by rape or sexual abuse in the Thames Valley area.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Who we are
As the charity partner of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS), we are dedicated to advancing the quality of veterinary care for the benefit of animals, the public and society. We achieve this through evidence-based veterinary medicine, research and education. By working together with veterinary teams, animal owners and all those involved in animal health, we strive towards our vision of healthier animals, people and planet.
The role
We are looking for individuals who share our commitment to improving animal health to join our Board as lay trustees. Lay trustees (ie, trustees who are not vets or vet nurses) play a crucial role in ensuring that the Board benefits from a diverse range of perspectives and skills.
We are particularly seeking people who have experience of:
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Fundraising and/or leadership in the charity sector, or
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Business development and entrepreneurship, or
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Commercial leadership experience, with a strong understanding of business operations and strategic management, or
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Quality Improvement in human healthcare
This is a voluntary position, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to the strategic direction and governance of a dynamic charity.
Key responsibilities
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Attend and actively participate in three Board meetings each year and additional committee meetings as required.
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Provide independent oversight and constructive challenge to the Board’s decision-making processes.
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Ensure the charity adheres to its mission, values and legal obligations.
What we offer
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The opportunity to make a significant impact on animal health and welfare, the veterinary profession and experience of animal owners.
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A supportive and collaborative board environment.
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Reimbursement of travel expenses.
Trustees are appointed for a term of three years, with the option of re-appointment for a further term.
If you are passionate about making a difference to the veterinary care that animals receive, we invite you to join us in shaping the future of our charity.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Trustees
Global Non-Profit Organisation
Unremunerated – Travel, representation, and other out-of-pocket expenses directly incurred as part of official business are reimbursed in line with the organisation’s trustee expenses policy.
Prospectus are delighted to be working in partnership with a global non-profit organisation uniquely focused on building and sustaining a worldwide movement to end child, early and forced marriage and unions (CEFMU). This is a significantly under-addressed issue affecting over 12 million girls each year. The organisation is a network of more than 1,400 civil society groups operating across more than 100 countries, united in their efforts to end child marriage.
The organisation’s vision is a world without child marriage — a world in which girls and women enjoy equal status with boys and men and are able to reach their full potential across all areas of life.
This opportunity offers prospective trustees the chance to join the Board of a respected, global movement that is making tangible progress toward ending child marriage. It is a chance to play a vital role in addressing a critical global challenge.
The organisation is seeking to appoint a new cohort of exceptional trustees whose expertise and lived experience will contribute meaningfully to its continued growth and impact. Ideal candidates will be strongly aligned with the organisation’s mission and ready to commit their time, insight, and influence to furthering its goals.
Expressions of interest are particularly encouraged from individuals with expertise in the following areas:
Impact Investment
This trustee will bring substantial knowledge in areas such as impact investment, social finance, or public-private partnerships, with a focus on enabling systemic social change. Experience in mobilising sustainable and innovative funding approaches — such as blended finance, catalytic philanthropy, or outcome-based funding — will be particularly valuable. Candidates will likely have worked across sectors to evidence impact and unlock capital, and will be committed to advancing equity, opportunity, and justice through financial innovation.
Digital, Media, and Innovation
This trustee will have a strong background in digital innovation, media, or AI, with a focus on influencing social norms and behaviours. They will understand how to utilise social platforms, emerging technologies, and digital tools to amplify youth voices, build momentum at grassroots level, and shape public narratives. Experience with digital campaigning, online mobilisation, or movement-building—especially in the fields of gender justice, youth-led activism, or social change—will be an asset. A solid grasp of how technology can support community empowerment and systemic change is key.
The organisation is actively working to increase the diversity of its Board, both in terms of professional backgrounds and lived experience. In particular, they are keen to hear from candidates who have lived or worked in contexts where child marriage is highly prevalent.
For further information, please click 'Apply via Website' to be redirected to the Prospectus website where you will be able to review the appointment brief.
Recruitment Timetable
Closing date for expressions of interest: 1st June 2025
Interviews with our team: Week commencing 9th and 16th June 2025
Final panel interviews: July 2025
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 looking for a passionate individual with skills and expertise in Finance/Treasury.
We will welcome applications from anyone who is keen to transform lives and join us on this exciting journey with us. You don’t need prior experience of sitting on a Board, a dance background or specific qualifications to become a Trustee. What matters most is your passion for supporting people with learning disabilities, your commitment to building a more equitable society and your willingness to contribute to our work, our vision and our future success.
Trustees play a crucial role in shaping what we do, helping us stay clear on our purpose and offering ideas that guide our organisation as we grow. We’re looking for Trustees who can bring fresh perspectives and valuable insights from their lived and professional experiences. We want our Board to reflect the diversity of our work, our participants, and our supporters.
We are based in Lancashire, with national and international reach, and we welcome applications for remote Trustees. We currently have Trustees based in Portugal and the Netherlands.
The role of Trustee is a volunteer role and is not accompanied by any financial remuneration, although reasonable expenses for travel may be claimed.
The role requires attendance & contribution at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) and four Board meetings per year (plus any required preparation and pre-reading). Quarterly Board Meetings take place mostly online and periodically in person at a North West location.
There will also be potential additional engagement in strategy work and sub working groups throughout the year and occasional representation of the charity at various events with key stakeholders.
To be a sustainable community role model that provides high quality inclusive dance leadership, participation, performance and training opportunities.





The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Are you looking for a volunteering role that supports the impact of the whole third sector? Infrastructure charity DataKind UK is looking for new members to join our Board of Trustees, including a Chair and Treasurer.
DataKind UK is a small charity with a vision for a strong, thriving third sector that embraces data use to become more impactful. We connect third sector organisations with data professionals to improve their decision making, problem solving, and working practices, by applying data science approaches to sector-wide challenges.
We’re looking for enthusiastic and supportive individuals to fuel our mission and direction by providing oversight of our operations, supporting with major decision-making, and advocating for our work and cause.
Being a trustee is a great way to give your time to a cause you care about, broaden your network, and develop your strategy and governance skills and knowledge. We particularly welcome applications from black, Asian, and minority ethnic candidates, LGBTQ+ candidates, and candidates with disabilities, as we would like to increase the representation of these groups in our community.
How to apply
To apply, please read our candidate pack for more detail and send a 1-2 page cover letter outlining what you would bring to the role based on the skills outlined in the candidate pack, especially highlighting if you are interested in the Chair or Treasurer role, along with your CV, by Monday 2 June.
Initial screening calls will take place during the week commencing Monday 9 June.
Interviews will take place on the 17, 18, and 19 June 2025, with the aim of new members being recruited and onboarded for the following board meeting in August.
Supporting third sector organisations to achieve their missions through increased use of data science.




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!
Help us grow our young charity to get more children learning about germinating, nurturing, cooking and tasting food grown in nature, together with outdoor woodland activities. This important part of learning is not yet in the national curriculum and school budgets are tight, so we need to fundraise. Your help with this and the general develpment of the charity will be greatly valued..
We have three other trustees and three executive staff including the two founders. We hold at least quarterly virtual meetings which we'd wish you to attend.
Most of our work is in West London schools but we also plant large numbers of trees, recenty in a London Park, involving local community volunteers and children from the local schools..
Please get in touch if this of interest. We'd love to hear from you. .
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are seeking to recruit two trustees who will bring different viewpoints, expertise and experience to further strengthen our board. As a Trustee, you will play a vital role in helping us achieve our mission. We are seeking passionate and skilled individuals from a range of professional backgrounds to help shape our future. Whether you bring experience in HR & people, marketing & comms, governance, finance, legal, fundraising, operations, service delivery or another area, your insight and strategic guidance will strengthen our organisation and support our continued growth and impact.
Candidates must show a commitment to our values and our approach to working in partnership with experts by experience. You must have a willingness to commit the necessary time and effort and to apply your experience and expertise. In addition to the general duties of a Trustee, we are looking for candidates with expertise and experience in:
- HR and People
- Marketing, Communications and Public Relations.
This is an incredibly exciting time to join us as we launch a bold new strategy and embark on a re-brand that will strengthen our voice and impact.
At Z2K, we are driven by a clear and urgent mission: to end poverty for the more than 1 in 5 people in the UK who experience it. Through frontline advice and representation, we work to secure adequate incomes and freedom from high costs, while campaigning for systemic change. And we do this in partnership with those who have lived experience of poverty, ensuring their voices are at the centre of everything we do.
As a Trustee, you will play a vital role in achieving this vision. With people and culture, as well as brand and communications, central to achieving our strategic objectives, we are seeking passionate and skilled individuals to help shape our future. Whether you bring expertise in HR and people leadership or marketing, communications, and PR, your insight and strategic guidance will help us build a thriving, inclusive organisation and amplify our message for change.
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!
Purpose of the Role:
As a Trustee of SAPHNA, you will play a vital role in ensuring the organisation achieves its mission to promote excellence in school and public health nursing. Trustees are responsible for the overall governance, strategic direction, and financial sustainability of SAPHNA.
Key Responsibilities:
- Contribute actively to the Board’s strategic decision-making and direction.
- Ensure SAPHNA complies with its governing document, charity law, and relevant regulations.
- Uphold SAPHNA’s values and promote its objectives.
- Provide guidance and expertise to support SAPHNA's development and growth.
- Oversee SAPHNA’s financial stability, approving budgets and ensuring resources are used effectively.
- Attend and actively participate in Board meetings (approximately four per year) and contribute to subcommittees or working groups as required.
- Support fundraising, partnerships, and advocacy activities where appropriate.
- Act as an ambassador for SAPHNA, representing the organisation to stakeholders.
Person Specification:
- A commitment to SAPHNA’s mission, vision, and values.
- Strong strategic thinking and decision-making skills.
- Effective communication skills and a collaborative approach.
- Experience in governance, leadership, or relevant professional expertise.
- Knowledge of school and public health nursing or the broader healthcare landscape (desirable but not essential).
Time Commitment:
Trustees are required to attend quarterly Board meetings, participation in working groups or committees, and occasional representation of SAPHNA at events.
Please send a covering letter outlining your interest and suitability for the role.
To achieve equality and excellence in school nursing practice leading to improve health outcomes & reduce health inequalities for school aged children




The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
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 HMSA is a small and dynamic charity that helps those living with hypermobility syndromes (and carers and families) to be independent and live well. We also provide education for professionals in social care, health, teaching and local authority employees. We have big plans to expand our offer to our members and professionals, as well as raise the profile of the charity and hypermobility syndromes. We are seeking to appoint up to 2 new trustees. Recognising that most people with these conditions present and are supported in primary care, we are particularly keen to recruit someone with a background in Primary Care to help us develop our plans. We are also interested to hear from anyone with experience of strengthening social media channels and comms, especially within a small charity setting.
The Trustee role involves:
- Preparing for and attending quarterly board meetings – 2 hours in the evening or a half day on a Saturday (half online/half in person if possible). The in person meetings are likely to be in central London.
- Providing support/guidance to the other Trustees, the CEO as well as staff/volunteer team. This may include small group working in between Board meetings.
- You may also be asked to participate in sub-committees as required.
- Developing and supporting our Clinical Advisory Group and/or Comms work
- Promoting the HMSA to primary care and other health and social care professionals or other relevant external audiences.
In addition, there may-be other events such as volunteer/staff/member meetings or conferences that would be useful to have Trustee support
Please submit your CV and a cover letter (max 2 pages). Please include the following in your cover letter:
-Why you are interested in the trustee role at the Hypermobility Syndromes Association
-Outline the relevant experience and skills that you bring to the role as Trustee
Support those living with hypermobility syndromes (and carers/families) to be independent and live well.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
At PAS we believe that everyone has the right to be treated fairly, properly and with respect. Prisoners can be ‘ out of sight, out of mind’, or considered to not be as deserving of good treatment as other people – but not for PAS; our reason for existing is ensuring that prisoners can fully exercise their rights.
It is my privilege to be Chair of Trustees for PAS, I believe that the work we do is fundamental to my belief that we judge our society by the way in which we treat the most vulnerable people. Contrary to popular culture, prisoners are some of the most vulnerable, neglected people in our society, and I am proud to be a part of an organisation that helps to protect them.
My fellow trustees are an impressive group of people, actively engaged with PAS, who energise me whenever I meet with them. However, our numbers have dwindled over the past year, as it can been difficult for people to fit in the demands of being a trustee around their busy lives. We also very sadly lost one of our most long-standing trustees to cancer – he is still sorely missed by us.
If you feel that you could offer your skills and experience, but most importantly your commitment and enthusiasm to our cause, we would be very interested in considering you joining us as a new Trustee.
As a Trustee, you will contribute to the strategic governance of the organisation and the setting and monitoring of overall policy; refine strategic priorities; agree targets and budgets; evaluate organisational performance and help the organisation fundraise.
Meetings take place quarterly in central London in the evening (with some virtual attendance), with additional attendance requested at Awaydays and PAS’s Annual Lecture and debates.
The Board encourages applications from candidates with disabilities or experience of mental health services, as well as black and minority ethnic applicants and ex-prisoners.
PAS does not accept Home Office or Prison Service money as this may affect its independence.
Trustees are volunteers, but travel costs and reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.
The Prisoners’ Advice Service (PAS) is the only independent registered charity dedicated to offering free legal advice and representation to adult prisoners on their rights and prison rules in England and Wales.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are looking for two dedicated Lay Trustees who will join our Board to support the strategic direction of the charity. We are member-led, funded by our universities and together with students we strive to create a world class student experience for all.
Introduction
Thank you for your interest in our Lay Trustee roles here at Falmouth and Exeter Students’ Union (The SU); based in beautiful Cornwall. We're very pleased to announce the opening of applications for our esteemed Board of Trustees. We are very proud of what we do, and we are looking for two dedicated Lay Trustees who will join our Board to support the strategic direction of the charity. You will need to share the values of the SU and commitment to achieve our priorities, working collaboratively to help take us to the next level. We are a member-led charity, funded by our universities and together with students we strive to create a world class student experience for all.
Our membership comprises of students studying with both Falmouth University and the University of Exeter (Cornwall) which creates a unique and special experience of which we love to be a key part of.
The role of Lay Trustee provides an opportunity to support our President Trustees and Student Trustees, foster a culture of student leadership and deliver a student focused service.
You will be taking up the role at a critical and exciting time, as we are undertaking two crucial pieces of work: finalising our new 2025-2028 strategic plan, and beginning the quintennial review of our Constitution. If you are excited at the prospect of contributing to the growth and development of the SU, then we eagerly anticipate the possibility of working alongside you to shape the future of our organisation.
We are especially keen to hear from applicants with experience in Finance, Higher Education, Human Resources, Charity or Employment Law.
About Us
We’re an autonomous organisation and we’re funded by the University of Exeter and Falmouth University. Acting independently ensures that we remain entirely focused on our students with one purpose in mind: to improve their student experience.
As a registered charity (1193045), our charitable purpose is the advancement of education, and our funds can for used for this charitable purpose only. This means that as a not-for-profit organisation: any income we gain goes straight back into providing services for students.
We are a member-led democratic organisation; our students are at the heart of everything we do. Our members views, opinions and experiences regarding students’ lives influence decision makers operating at every level, helping to shape the wider student experience and we enjoy positive collaborative relationships with both universities. Students have the power to shape what the Union does through our Annual Student Members’ Meetings and referenda, and they lead our Student Forum, which determine our Union priorities.
We are proud of the range of opportunities and services that we provide to students, which includes student led societies and sports clubs, volunteering opportunities, professional independent specialist advice, academic representation, and democratic activities. We also help students to organise a wide range of events and activities specifically for their fellow students.
Our Board
Our board is unique in the charity sector. We have a young and dynamic board; two thirds of the trustees are either recent or current students at the universities resulting in a purposefully high turnover of trustees. The charity is based in a complex, ever-changing Higher Education sector, working closely with two very different universities.
We have three sets of Trustees:
• Four President Trustees: a President and Vice President from each university, elected by cross-campus ballot. These are student leaders who have either just finished their degree or take a sabbatical to take up this role, in which they are also a full-time employee. Term: one year, maximum of two terms.
• Four Student Trustees: two from each university, appointed via the Appointments Committee. These are current students who offer direct insight into university life. Term: two years, maximum of two terms.
• Four Lay Trustees: appointed via the Appointments Committee. These trustees offer expertise, continuity, and insight. They are experienced, skilled members who enjoy being part of a dynamic board and supporting the younger trustees. Term: three years, maximum of three terms.
The Chair of the Board will always be a President Trustee, and the Deputy Chair will always be a Lay Trustee. Any Trustee can chair one of our three sub-committees: Finance, Appointments, Remuneration and Human Resources.
Why Should You Become a Trustee?
Being a Trustee is a valuable and rewarding experience. You’ll get to make a lasting difference to the lives of our students, and influence how the Union is run. You will use your skills, knowledge, and experience to support the Board in reaching sound decisions. You will be involved in leading discussions, making collective decisions, and identifying key issues. You’ll have the opportunity to mentor and support our President and Student Trustees. As a Lay Trustee, you are eligible to become Deputy Chair of the Board, or Chair of one of the sub-committees.
You will receive comprehensive induction training, and further training relevant to your role as a Chair or member of a sub-committee.
Job Description
We’re looking for someone to work collectively with our board of trustees to provide support and strategic direction to our Students’ Union.
Remuneration: Lay Trustees are voluntary, unpaid roles. However, all reasonable out of pocket expenses will be reimbursed, such as travel costs to board meetings.
Hours: Hours can vary however typically each year:
• Four Board of Trustees meetings – each meeting is around three hours long conducted online.
• Additional two (eight for Finance) sub-committees meetings conducted online – each meeting is around 45 minutes.
• There are usually one or two in-person events per year including a Board of Trustees meeting – each event is usually a day and/or an evening event. These are delivered in Cornwall (expenses paid).
Term of office: three years, up to three terms.
Location: Homebased with one or two in-person events in Cornwall per year.
Role Purpose
The Trustees are ultimately responsible, individually and collectively, for all activity within the SU. The Board is legally responsible for our staff, finances, risk management and reputation. The Board is responsible for setting the vision and values of the organisation and for ensuring the delivery of organisational purpose. The Trustees ensure development of and agree a long-term strategy. They approve and monitor plans to deliver the strategy.
Key Responsibilities:
• To ensure The SU acts in accordance with its charitable purpose, constitution and other governing documents and relevant legislation while remaining true to its Mission, Vision and Values.
• To contribute actively to the Board of Trustees role by determining the Students’ Union strategy, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets.
• Ensure The SU uses its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects/purpose.
• Act as guardians of The SU’s assets and ensure the financial stability of the organisation.
• Prepare for Board meetings by reading through materials and Board papers beforehand, scrutinising information and be able to discuss issues.
• Take advice on matters on which you are not competent to decide.
• Provide support to President Trustees and Student Trustees.
• Take part in Board Reviews and Skills Audits each year.
• Use personal skills and experience to ensure the Union is well-run and efficient
• Seek external professional advice where there may be material risk to the Union or where the Trustees may be in breach of their duties or at any other appropriate moment.
• Add value to the Trustee Board and the Union through generating ideas, challenging the status quo, broadening thinking and supporting and promoting innovation and creativity.
• Abide by the Union Trustee Code of Conduct.
CRITERIA
All Trustees must display the following characteristics
Commitment to and passion for The SU.
Willingness and reliability to devote the necessary time and effort.
Strategic vision.
Good, independent judgment.
Ability to think creatively.
An understanding of and commitment to the values and principles of student representation and democracy.
Willingness to speak their mind.
Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship.
Ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
Responsible, especially when handling sensitive and confidential information.
A commitment to act in accordance with the Nolan principles for ethical conduct in public service.
We are looking for individuals who have skills, knowledge or experience in one or more of these sectors
Finance
Higher Education
Human Resources
Charity or Employment Law
How To Apply
Please visit the role posting on our website for further details on how to apply. We require the completion of a Person Details form, and Skills Audit spreadsheets, along with your CV and covering letter. The deadline for applications is 09:00 on Friday 16 May. Interviews will take place online via MS Teams on Wednesday 21 May, an additional slot is also available on Thursday 22 May if this is not convenient.
You must be available to attend Trustee Training on Friday 20 June, and Board of Trustees on Wednesday 25 June (as an observer), both online via MS Teams. Your term of office will start on Tuesday 1 July.
Eligibility
There are strict conditions placed on charity Trustees by law and all applicants must declare that they are eligible to become a charity Trustee. You will not be eligible if:
• You are on the Sex Offenders’ Register
• You have any unspent conviction for an offence involving:
o deception or dishonesty
o terrorist offences
o money laundering
o bribery
o misconduct in public office, perjury, perverting the course of justice
o contravention of certain preventative Orders of the Charity Commission (Section 77 of the Charities Act 2011)
o attempting, aiding or abetting the above offences
• You have any designation under specific anti-terrorist legislation
• You have been convicted of contempt of court
• You have been removed from:
o trusteeship, or as an officer, agent or employee of a charity by the Court or the Commission for misconduct or mismanagement
o a position of management or control of a charity in Scotland for mismanagement or misconduct
• You have been found guilty by the High court of disobeying a Commission order or direction
• You have an undischarged bankruptcy
• You have a composition or arrangement with creditors which includes an individual voluntary arrangement (IVA) and is currently on the Insolvency Service Register
As part of the recruitment process, we will ask you to sign a declaration that you are legally entitled to become a Trustee and commit the required time.
Data Protection
We’re committed to data protection and it’s important to know what’s happening with your data when you apply for a role. That means we’ll only use the information you supply for the purposes of progressing your application (or to fulfil legal or regulatory requirements if necessary) and we’ll never share your information with any third parties for marketing purposes or store it outside of the European Economic Area.
Equal Opportunities
We’re committed to ensuring our workforce accurately reflects the diversity of the world we live in. We positively encourage applications from all individuals irrespective of their gender, age, home country, ethnic background, sexuality, religious beliefs or disability. All candidates will be treated equally and all appointments made on merit.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.