Board trustees volunteer roles in wandsworth, greater london

NEW CHAIR WANTED FOR AGE UK MERTON’S BOARD OF TRUSTEES

We are looking for a new Chair of Trustees who shares our values and passion for supporting older adults in Merton. The new Chair will formally take up the role at the AGM in November 2025.

About Age UK Merton

We are an independent charity operating within the national Age UK network providing services for older adults in the London Borough of Merton. Our role is to ensure older adults can access the support, services and care they need to help them to live active and fulfilling lives.

Our vision: Supporting our communities with opportunities to love later life.

Our mission: To provide quality advice and services that meet the needs of older adults in Merton.

Our values: quality, integrity, kindness, inclusivity and collaboration.

Our priorities

We are passionate about making a difference to the lives of older adults in Merton. Our Strategic Plan 2023-2026 outlines our three key priorities in support of our mission:

1. Providing high quality advice and practical support.

2. Building social connection.

3. Creating opportunities for lifelong active ageing.

Our services

Living Well: we deliver holistic person-centered home assessments creating a motivational action plan and supporting older adults to access services and improve their health and wellbeing.

At Home: we provide practical help to enable people to feel comfortable, safe and secure at home with domestic support, shopping and respite for carers.

Activity programme: our weekly-programme of activities includes chair-based exercise, Zumba, Tai Chi, social club with board games, craft club, quiz sessions, walking group, monthly special lunches and aqua fitness. We also run a wide range of out and about trips annually.

Information and advice: our trained advisers offer free accredited information and advice to older adults on benefits, health and end of life, housing, social care, local services and more.

Befriending and volunteering: we provide a high-quality, free, face-to-face and telephone befriending service, helping to reduce social isolation and promote independence.

Foot health service: we offer a low-cost paid-for foot health service for our clients.

Role description

As Chair, you will provide leadership and strategic direction to the Board of Trustees. Your regular responsibilities will include liaising with the CEO to set the agenda and agree the papers for Board meetings, chairing Board meetings, holding regular catch-ups with Trustees, and leading on Trustee recruitment and retention and Board development. In addition, you will also be the line manager to the CEO, holding regular meetings and undertaking the annual appraisal and objective setting. You will also sit on the Finance Committee (chaired by the Treasurer) and be responsible for determining complaints and grievances where a decision is appealed.

As a Trustee, you will have a number of core duties, including ensuring the organisation complies with its governing document, charity law, company law, and relevant legislation; ensuring it pursues its objectives as defined in its governing document; ensuring the financial stability of the organisation; and ensuring the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.

Person specification

Essential

· Previous Board-level experience, either as a Trustee or in another non-executive capacity

· Experience of chairing (either a Trustee Board or other professional experience)

· Strong leadership and interpersonal skills

· Willingness and capacity to devote the necessary time

· Good independent judgment

· A commitment to Age UK Merton and its vision, mission and values

· An understanding of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of Trusteeship

Desirable

· Some experience or understanding of the adult social care or health sectors

· An understanding of Merton as a place

To find out more and to apply

We welcome applications from all sections of the community. While we would especially welcome applications from people who live in our local area, this is not essential to success in the role.

If you are interested in applying, please send a CV (maximum 2-sides of A4) and cover letter (maximum 1-side of A4) to our current chair. Please also contact our chair if you would like to have an informal discussion about the role. The deadline for applications is 5pm on Friday 25th July 2025. Interviews will be held in August/September 2025 and the successful candidate will formally take up the role at the AGM in November 2025.

The Charities HR Network – Trustee 

Following a period of significant growth, The Charities HR Network (CHRN) is looking for three new Trustees to join its board in 2025.

As the UK’s only network dedicated to supporting HR professionals in the charity sector, CHRN plays a vital role in connecting professionals, championing best practice, and providing tools and resources that really make a difference.

This is a voluntary role with real influence. Trustees help guide CHRN’s strategic direction, support the CEO and team, and ensure that its growing membership continues to be served in meaningful and forward-thinking ways.

Active for over 20 years, the CHRN now supports over 150 charities and is aiming to double this reach within the next three years. As part of this next chapter, CHRN is particularly keen to appoint trustees with experience in talent acquisition, learning and development, or organisational development. Two of these appointments will also help lead specialist groups in these areas.

CHRN welcomes applications from individuals with senior experience in HR or the charity sector. Previous board experience isn’t required, but the ability to think strategically, a collaborative approach, and a commitment to inclusion and equity is important.

Key details:

• Remote/virtual meetings (likely one per year face to face) – trustees can be based anywhere in the UK
• Time commitment: around 4–6 board and committee meetings per year
• Voluntary position with expenses covered
• A supportive and inclusive team culture, with opportunities to influence sector-wide change
• Personal and professional development through board-level experience, networking, and leadership of special interest groups
• Initial tenure of 3 years, with an option to extend for an additional 2 years

Trustees at CHRN are hands-on, insightful, and central to the success of the organisation. They work closely with the CEO and team to support service delivery, develop partnerships (including with the CIPD), and ensure that CHRN continues to meet the evolving needs of its members.

To apply, candidates should send a CV and short supporting statement to Peter Reeve, CEO. Informal conversations are welcome in advance and Peter can be contacted via email or LinkedIn.

Deadline for applications: 5pm, 15 September 2025

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.

ROLDA UK is seeking experienced and dedicated professionals to join the existing Board of Trustees.  This is an opportunity to use your expertise to make a meaningful impact on animal welfare whilst shaping the future of ROLDA UK.

ROLDA (Romanian League in Defence of Animals) is an animal welfare charity working to improve the lives of dogs, cats and other animals in Romania and internationally. Since its establishment in 2006, ROLDA has become a beacon of hope for the millions of vulnerable stray animals in Romania – one of Europe's economically poorest nations.  We also assist over 40 support groups helping abandoned animals in Ukraine.  Our mission is to manage the homeless animal population through six key focuses:  rescue, rehabilitation, sheltering, sterilisation, rehoming and education.

About the Role

The skills we are looking for include:

• Fundraising knowledge to help ROLDA grow its impact in the UK, especially digital marketing and campaign development.

• Governance of a Charity

• Experience of working in animal welfare.​

• Risk Management & GDPR

ROLDA UK is an equal opportunity employer.  We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences.

We are seeking new people to join our Board of Trustees to support the good governance of our charity. It is an exciting time to join us as we work to launch our new strategy from 2026; an important timeframe as we await a Government White Paper on SEND and consider how best to adapt our services to ensure we reach those who need us most.

Who we are

Founded in 1983, IPSEA is a leading national charity focussed on supporting families to ensure that children and young people with SEND receive the education they are legally entitled to. Since our formation, we have actively helped to improve the education experience of thousands of children and young people with SEND. We do this by providing free and independent legal advice and casework support, undertaking policy work and delivering training on the SEND legal framework.

Who are we looking for?

We wish to recruit a number of new trustees who are committed to our vision and values and who bring complementary skills to those of our current Board members.

Trustees are expected to gain an understanding of the organisation’s purpose, and to contribute their own expertise, ensuring IPSEA fulfils its objectives, and in accordance with our charitable objects and Articles of Association

Whether you’re an experienced trustee or wanting to take your first step at Board level, we are particularly interested in hearing from people with expertise and skills in one or more of the following areas:

• IT / Digital transformation / cyber security
• Volunteer management
• Local Authority / Education
• Disabilities

Please note: a lack of expertise in these areas does not mean that an application will not be considered.

Our Board should also reflect the communities we support. We would particularly like to hear from candidates from ethnic minority backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ people, under-served communities and disabled people, as well as those with lived experience of the SEND system, either as a child or as a parent/carer.

What we can offer you

• an in-depth induction programme, training and reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses
• the opportunity to be involved in making strategic decisions and developing new skills
• the opportunity to apply your knowledge and experience to an important cause
• a buddying system for new trustees as you settle into the role

The expected time commitment is six trustee meetings per year (meetings are held on weekdays in central London or at IPSEA’s office in Takeley, Essex with the option to join some meetings virtually), usually one strategic planning/training day and some other ad hoc time for occasional meetings and events.

To apply 

​Please visit our website to download a recruitment pack and application form. 

Closing date for applications: 5pm on Friday 12 September 2025 
First-round interviews: Monday 29 September and Monday 6 October 2025

Village Preschool E17 is a small charity in Walthamstow offering high-quality early years education. We’re currently undergoing a strategic transformation to improve operations, strengthen sustainability, and deepen our community impact.

What will you be doing?

Village Preschool E17 is a small, community-based educational charity in Walthamstow, providing high-quality early years education to local families. We are currently entering an exciting phase of transformation, and we’re seeking a new Chair of Trustees to guide us through this journey.

As Chair, you will play a vital leadership role in ensuring strong governance, strategic direction, and a sustainable future for the preschool. You’ll work closely with the Headteacher of Preschool and a committed board of trustees to improve operations, shape long-term plans, and uphold our values and charitable mission. You’ll also provide support and supervision to the Headteacher, lead termly board meetings, and act as a key representative of the organisation.

This role is both strategic and supportive, requiring sound judgement, strong interpersonal skills, and a collaborative leadership style. We’re looking for someone with experience in governance, leadership, or strategic planning—ideally within the charity, education, or early years sector. You should be confident in leading group discussions, supporting senior staff, and helping to identify funding and sponsorship opportunities.

If you’re passionate about early childhood education and community development, and want to use your skills to make a lasting local impact, we’d love to hear from you.

What are we looking for?

Leadership and Governance:

• Lead the Board of Trustees to ensure strong governance, strategic oversight, and compliance with legal and regulatory obligations.
• Chair termly trustee meetings and ensure all trustees are actively engaged and informed.
• Support the recruitment, induction, and development of trustees to build a strong and effective board.
• Ensure board decisions are actioned and followed up appropriately.

Support and Supervision:

• Provide regular line management and support to the Head of Preschool, including:
  • Leading the annual performance appraisal.
  • Acting as a sounding board for strategic and operational issues.

Communication and Representation:

• Main point of contact between the Board and the Head of Preschool.
• Create a positive, open relationship with staff, trustees, and stakeholders.

Strategic Oversight:

• Lead on the long-term development of the board and organisational planning.
• Facilitate effective collaboration and decision-making across the board.
• Take urgent action between meetings when necessary (not including decision-making unless explicitly authorised by the board).

Crisis Response:

• Act quickly and effectively in the event of emergencies or significant issues, working closely with the Head and trustees to coordinate an appropriate response.

Person Specification

Essential:

• Experience in governance, leadership, or strategic oversight—preferably within a charity, education, or early years setting.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to lead and facilitate group discussions and decision-making.
• Confidence in supervising and supporting senior staff.
• A genuine interest in early childhood education and community development.

Desirable:

• Knowledge of charity regulation, Ofsted requirements, or early years sector.
• Previous experience on a board or in a chairing role.
• Local to Waltham Forest or strong understanding of the local community.

What difference will you make?

As Chair of the Board of Trustees, you will play a vital role in shaping the future of Village Preschool E17. Your leadership will help guide our charity through an exciting period of transformation—strengthening governance, improving operations, and ensuring we continue to deliver high-quality early years education to local families.

You will be a key source of support for our Head of Preschool and a driving force behind a collaborative, effective trustee board. By bringing your skills and insight to strategic planning, compliance, and funding development, you will directly impact the lives of the children and families we serve.

This is a meaningful opportunity to use your experience for good—helping a valued local charity remain sustainable, inclusive, and deeply rooted in its community. Your voice, leadership, and vision could help secure a brighter future for Village Preschool E17.

Before you apply

Please provide a CV and cover letter detailing why you are interested in this role and your relevant experience.

**We are reviewing applications on a rolling basis and will close the opportunity once we've found the right person to join our board - early applications are encouraged.**

About the Role

This is an exciting opportunity to join a distinctive and values-driven organisation. We are currently seeking a new Trustee who, after three months of service on our Board, would step into the role of Chair, with the current Chair completing their term after this successful appointment.

The Chair of Headway East London plays a crucial role in providing inclusive leadership and clear direction to the Board of Trustees. They will support the Board in fulfilling its responsibilities for the charity’s ambitious strategy and governance and ensure the effective working of the Board as a collective. A key part of the role will be to both support and hold to account the Chief Executive and Senior Management Team.

The Chair will act as a trusted advisor and critical friend to the Chief Executive and represent Headway East London externally alongside them. They will be a visible and approachable presence within our community, upholding the importance of relationships with our members – people living with brain injury – and ensuring that this insight informs strategic thinking.

We are looking for someone who brings: 

• A strong track record of board-level leadership and a sound understanding of good governance in the charity sector.
• Experience of transformation and organisational development.
• Excellent communication and chairing skills – able to ask thoughtful, challenging questions and facilitate productive Board discussions.
• Extensive understanding of charity finances and risk oversight.
• The ability to work collaboratively with the Chief Executive to shape and monitor organisational goals, policies and performance.
• A natural, down-to-earth style – personable, non-hierarchical and approachable.
• A commitment to community – with lived or professional experience of brain injury, or a clear understanding of its impact.
• A values-led approach and belief in the power of human relationships to drive strategic outcomes.

The Chair will also help foster relationships with partners, funders and supporters, helping to strengthen Headway East London’s reputation and long-term sustainability.

Headway East London is an Equal Opportunities Employer and we are committed to ensuring that all staff are motivated, skilled and rewarded by their work. We welcome applicants regardless of race, religion or belief, colour, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age and other protected status as required by law. We promote and protect human rights; they are the foundation of what we do. We want to be an inclusive place where a diverse mix of talented people want to come and contribute their unique strengths and perspectives. We are focused on equality and believe that all the fascinating characteristics that make us different, make us more able to deliver our life-changing work with passion and creativity.

Location: UK-wide (remote, with occasional in-person meetings)
Time commitment: Approx. 2-3 days per month
Remuneration: Voluntary role (reasonable expenses reimbursed)

The League Against Cruel Sports is seeking a new Chair of Trustees to provide strategic leadership to our board and support our CEO and senior team in driving forward our mission: to end cruelty to animals in the name of ‘sport’.

This is an exciting moment to join us. Following a reset earlier this year, our new CEO is reinvigorating our strategy, creating huge opportunity to build momentum and make lasting change for animals and nature. As our current Interim Chair prepares to step down, we are looking for a confident, compassionate leader to take up the baton and help shape our future direction.

We are proud to be Britain’s leading animal welfare charity tackling the use of animals in cruel sports. From securing the landmark Hunting Act 2004 to protecting animals at our wildlife reserves, through education, lobbying and campaigning, we are determined to redefine what is acceptable and inspire positive change.

As Chair, you will:

• Lead and support a committed Board of Trustees
• Partner with the CEO to ensure good governance and strategic progress
• Champion our vision, values and objectives with key stakeholders
• Help strengthen our impact and resilience for the future

We’re looking for:

• Experience of the charity sector, charity governance and an understanding of charity regulation 
• Channels and routes of influence to bolster the work of the organisation 
• A demonstrable commitment to the aims of the League, and ideally some background in the animal protection sector or adjacent sectors i.e. conservation, environment
• Excellent interpersonal skills, integrity and a collaborative mindset

Its important that candidates are able to commit the required amount of time to support the organisation, particularly through the coming period.

If you believe in a kinder future for animals and are ready to make a meaningful difference, we’d love to hear from you.

To find out more:
A candidate information pack is available on request and you are also able to have an informal conversation about the role with our CEO.

Deadline for applications: 19 September 2025

The Stuart Hall Foundation is inspired by the life’s work of Professor Stuart Hall in the interlocking worlds of activism, academia and the arts. Hall’s work was characterised by its breadth and its interdisciplinary nature, spanning across cultural studies, media theory, political analysis, and the study of race and identity.

The Foundation was formally launched in 2015 by Hall’s family, friends and colleagues in order to commemorate his legacy by attending to the urgent political, social and cultural questions of our time.

Our mission

The Foundation focuses on achieving a more progressive and just society through public education, artistic and intellectual initiatives. Our mission is to popularise critical thought by reshaping public discourse and by supporting the development of a new generation of artists, academics and activists who are dedicated to challenging issues of inequality.

We work on our mission through three strands of activity:

• With institutional partners we offer scholarships, fellowships, artist residencies and commissions.
• We create free-to-access digital learning resources including recorded lectures and conversations, podcasts, written essays and artistic commissions.
• We provide digital and physical spaces for the public and for our network of scholars, fellows and artists to exchange and generate new ideas together.

Our organisation is now at a moment of transition, and we are looking to recruit a new Chair of Trustees. We have been successful in recent grant funding applications, and as a result the Foundation has been able to expand its activities and is financially secure for the next two years. The new Chair of Trustees will continue to build and lead the Foundation with a distinct identity as a public education charity working in service of social justice.

Chair of Trustees

We are looking to appoint a new Chair who has a demonstrable commitment to the Foundation with the ability to lead and manage a unique and growing national charity. 

The Chair has responsibility for providing oversight, shaping strategy and working collaboratively with the Executive Director and the Board of Trustees to further develop the organisation’s vision for the next three to five years. The Chair will also support the Vice Chair in overseeing financial management and external relations. The role is not accompanied by any financial remuneration.

We are proud of the work we have achieved so far, having partnered with higher education and cultural institutions, organised many public events and provided scholarships, fellowships, awards and residencies.

The successful applicant will be a strong public voice for the Foundation and bring creativity and commitment to the role. We want to hear from candidates who share Hall's interests and values, and who want to help us build on his legacy by generating new ideas that change public understanding of the political landscape.

Please send a one-page expression of interest with a CV by 23:59 Monday 22 September 2025.

Please outline your interest in chairing the Stuart Hall Foundation Board of Trustees and the skills you would bring to the role.

Interviews will be held in late October and early November 2025.

For further information, please contact:

Trustee of North Surrey Domestic Abuse Service

Our Charity

North Surrey Domestic Abuse Service (NSDAS) supports anyone affected by domestic abuse and their children living in the boroughs of Elmbridge, Spelthorne and Epsom and Ewell. We provide free, confidential and independent advice, skilled practical help and ongoing emotional support and information, regardless of sex, race, ability, gender, religion or income level.

Historically the service was provided as part of Citizens Advice Elmbridge (West). We have operated as an independent charity since April 2024 (charity number 1203855) and this is an exciting time to help shape the strategy and direction of the organisation.

The board currently comprises of nine trustees and we are looking to appoint another trustee with experience of strategic HR and/or cultural change.

The Role

The duties of a trustee are as follows.

·Ensuring that the organisation pursues its stated objects (purposes), as defined in its governing document, by developing and agreeing a long-term strategy

·Ensuring that the organisation complies with its governing document, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations

·Ensuring that the organisation applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its charitable objects for the benefit of the public

·Ensuring that the organisation defines its goals and evaluates performance against agreed targets

·Safeguarding the good name and values of the organisation

·Ensuring the effective and efficient administration of the organisation, including having appropriate policies and procedures in place

·Ensuring the financial stability of the organisation

·Protecting and managing the property of the charity and ensuring the proper investment of the charity’s funds

·Following proper and formal arrangements for the appointment, supervision, support, appraisal and remuneration of the chief executive and other staff members

In addition to the above statutory duties, each trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the board of trustees reach sound decisions. This may involve scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise. 

Person specification 

·A commitment to the organisation 

·A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort 

·Strategic vision 

·Good, independent judgement 

·An ability to think creatively 

·A willingness to speak their mind 

·An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship 

·An ability to work effectively as a member of a team 

·A commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership. 

Welcome from Chair

Welcome to Action Duchenne. I became Chair of the Charity in January 2025. By background, I am a retired GP and NHS Leader, and my grandson Sebastian has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

The Charity has been going through a period of significant change, as our previous CEO has moved on and several of our Trustees have retired. It has given us the opportunity to review and refresh our focus and our ways of working together.

We have also recently been awarded significant funding from the National Lottery over the next three years to develop and expand our All Through Support programme. The programme offers tailored support to families over years as they navigate the different challenges Duchenne brings and aims to travel alongside them throughout their journeys. No other statutory or charitable organisation is able to offer this level of support.

We want to expand and develop the Trustee Board to harness a wider set of skills, expertise and experience that will enrich the charity as we go forward. It is an exciting time to join us, and to be part of something that makes a real and tangible difference.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Dr Vicky Pleydell

Background and Direction

Action Duchenne is a charity providing holistic support to those living with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (Duchenne) and their families. Our core activities involve bringing people together to share their experiences and learn from one another, increasing awareness of Duchenne, and bringing together families, Clinicians and pharmaceutical companies to increase understanding of the needs of those living with Duchenne. We provide support for families from the moment of diagnosis through their whole Duchenne journey.

We have been through a period of change and development, and are now looking to expand our Trustee Board with people with the following skills:

• Finance (a Treasurer role is available)

• Charity Governance

• Fundraising

• Legal 

We have recently been awarded significant funding from the National Lottery, which is enabling us to develop and increase the reach of our programmes. 

Trustee Role and Person Specification

The Trustees of Action Duchenne are pivotal roles, providing oversight and ensuring legal compliance. Board members are each expected to actively participate in quarterly meetings, and in turn are expected to dedicate sufficient time to the role.

The Trustees appointed will become Directors of the Company limited by guarantee (no. 04899036) and a Trustee of the registered charity (no. 1101971), and therefore need to be eligible to take on these roles.

All Trustees must 

• ensure that the charity is carrying out its purpose for the public benefit

• Comply with governing documents and the law

• Act in the charity’s best interests

• Manage the charity’s resources responsibly

• Act with reasonable care and skill, and

• Ensure the charity is accountable.

The Trustee role is voluntary and unpaid, but reasonable expenses will be met.

The majority of formal meetings are conducted remotely through emails and conference calls, with bi-annual away days.

Essential Criteria

Applicants must clearly demonstrate:

• A strong commitment to the holistic approach of support

• Relevant skills and experience drawn from a professional background

• A willingness to devote time to the governance of Action Duchenne, including preparing for and attending Board meetings and Away Days

• Emotional intelligence to understand the physical, mental, social and emotional challenges facing those living with Duchenne

• An understanding and acceptance of legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities associated with trusteeship, or the willingness and ability to acquire this

• Strong independent judgement and the ability to constructively challenge ideas on the Board and with the CEO

• Proven ability to work creatively and strategically in a Trustee or Board setting.

• Strong communication and analytical skills

Skills

Action Duchenne is looking for new Board members with a wide range of skills; please note these are a few areas of focus, but we are also looking for general Trustees, so please apply as we are looking to grow the Board in a number of ways.

• Finance experience and skills

• Governance experience and skills developed through time on a Charity Board

• Fundraising experience and expertise, with evidence of success across different income streams

• Legal experience

Lived experience/diversity

The Board currently has a majority of Trustees with lived experience of Duchenne, and therefore in this instance, we are looking for those without personal experience. If there is a reason relating to accessibility or diversity in which you feel you can’t apply for this role, please contact us for a chat before making your application.

Time Commitment

The Trustees currently meet monthly, and aim to move to quarterly meetings. For each meeting, there is an expectation of pre-reading and preparation, and where there is capacity and appropriate expertise, Trustees can advise on their anticipated standards relating to areas of work (safeguarding, fundraising, HR, for example).

The anticipated time commitment is likely to be 4-8 hours a month, with the away days in addition to this.

A trial period of six months is offered, to ensure the fit works for both the new Trustee and the Board, and a maximum term of three years, with the opportunity to be re-elected once, to serve for a total of two terms - six years.

How to apply

If you would like to have a chat about the role first, please contact Vicky Pleydell, Chair, via our website. Please share your CV and a short covering letter (no more than two A4 pages) noting why you would like to be a Trustee of Action Duchenne, how you align with the Charity, and what you feel you can give to the organisation through the Apply button before the closing date.

Closing date for applications

Applications will close on 9am on Tuesday 26th August, with interviews aiming to be held in the week commencing Monday 18th August.

At a time when we are experiencing the largest reforms to the welfare rights system in a generation, we believe this is an exciting opportunity for individuals interested in welfare rights work, to join a respected organisation working at the forefront of the advice sector.

The Welfare Benefits Unit offers specialist welfare benefits advice to those who work with members of the public. Our experienced advisers provide independent support through our advice line, publications, training, consultancy, campaigns and projects.

The Welfare Benefits Unit aims to maximise benefit take-up, helping to reduce the incidence and impact of poverty and in doing so improve health, well-being, financial and social inclusion. We are a registered charity based in York. We primarily operate in North Yorkshire and York although some of our services are accessed by organisations working further afield. 

We continue to aim towards a board that reflects the populations we work to support, and as such, welcome individuals from diverse ethnic communities, LGBTQIA+ groups, as well as younger people, those with disabilities, and those who have lived experience of the welfare benefits system.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

We welcome and support applications from those new to being a Trustee. We also know that studies have shown some people are less likely to apply for positions unless they believe meet every requirement in the description. The most important thing for us is to find Trustees that connect with our values and who can readily buy into our mission. Though we have suggested skills and experience areas below, which would be keen to hear from, we’re eager to meet people that believe in our mission and can contribute to our board in a variety of ways – not just candidates who tick all the boxes.

We’re keen to add these areas of skills and experience to our board:

• Financial, legal or HR matters (especially as they may apply to a small charity)
• Expertise in marketing, digital or similar technological areas
• Welfare benefits system and welfare rights advice or lived experience.

About the Role

All Trustee positions are voluntary with reasonable expenses remunerated. To be an effective Trustee, you will need to commit up to 1-2 days per quarter to attend and prepare for board meetings which are held virtually.

Effective Trustees support our work by:

• ensuring we are working towards our vision, mission and values in everything we do
• ensuring the effective and efficient use of resources, maintaining proper financial and regulatory oversight and best practice as a charity
• approving the annual budget, and supporting strategic decision-making by actively contributing advice and guidance
• appointing key personnel such as the Chief Executive, and determining pay and conditions for the wider team
• constructively guide the Senior Leadership Team in the delivery of the organisation’s strategy
• actively representing and championing the work of the Welfare Benefits Unit.

At Merstham Community Facility Trust our vision is thriving community where every resident has the opportunity to belong. We aim to support, empower and connect the people of Merstham.

The purpose of the charity is to support the Merstham community by delivering services that reflect the needs and ideas of local residents. We are committed to championing community led projects, events and volunteering opportunities, and we strive to foster a sense of belonging, enhance personal development and promote wellbeing.

If you are a committed and enthusiastic person who wants to make a difference to the lives of the people of Merstham then this could be the volunteering position for you!

Our key initiatives are:

Addressing financial hardship by running a food club, hosting a food bank and providing a Community Fridge, using surplus food collected from local supermarkets and making it accesible to local residents, also saving tonnes of food ending up as waste. During the winter we provide a 'warm hub'

Improving Wellbeing including activities to address social isolation for example a community allotment, bee keeping, chatty tables, Craft tables, games evenings and a Cinema Club -aimed at reducing social isolation in the elderly. We have a number of mental health initiatives and have trained 20 Community Champions - who can give basic advice on mental and physical health issues. We organise various community events for example an Easter Egg Hunt, Christmas Fayre and Coach outing to the coast.

Community Enablement Signposting to support, including access to Citizens advice, food bank and support groups. Employment support - provided by partners at the Hub to assist path to employment and increase employability. Up-skilling and training of volunteers and Lead volunteers to put skills back into our community, IT support

The Board is currently composed of six trustees and two associate trustees. We employ a manager, four part time office staff and three caretakers who conduct the work of the charity. There are about 60 volunteers and 20 Wellbeing Champions involved in the Hub, carrying out activities such as IT support, reception duties, Repair cafe etc. During the winter months we run a 'Warm Hub' where people of reduced means can receive a cup of tea, biscuits and a friendly welcome.

 As Chairman of the Board of Trustees you will play a vital role in shaping the future direction of the charity, and securing it's success in challenging the social inequalities faced by the community of Merstham.

Core Skills

1. Leadership & Facilitation

   • Ability to lead and inspire trustees and volunteers.

   • Encourages participation and manages diverse opinions.

2. Communication

   • Clear, respectful, and persuasive speaking and writing.

   • Able to represent the charity in public and with stakeholders.

3. Governance & Strategic Thinking

   • Understanding of charity governance and trustee responsibilities.

   • Can help develop and oversee long-term plans.

4. Meeting Management

   • Skilled in chairing meetings effectively, ensuring they are focused, inclusive, and productive.

5. Financial Awareness

   • Basic understanding of budgets, funding, and financial accountability (doesn’t need to be a finance expert).

6. Conflict Resolution

   • Ability to manage disagreements constructively and maintain harmony on the board.

Key Attributes

1. Integrity

   • High ethical standards and commitment to the charity’s mission.

2. Commitment

   • Willing to dedicate sufficient time and energy.

3. Impartiality

   • Treats all opinions fairly and avoids favouritism or personal agendas.

4. Empathy & Community Focus

   • Understands and connects with the community the charity serves.

5. Confidence Without Ego

   • Willing to make decisions and stand by them, but open to being challenged.

6. Reliability

   • Can be counted on to follow through with responsibilities and support the board and staff.

Optional but Valuable

• Fundraising experience

• Policy or nonprofit background

• Local community ties

• Experience managing volunteers

Join Our Board: Shape the Future of the Climate Movement

Are you passionate about addressing the climate crisis through evidence, advocacy, and global collaboration? We are The Climate Crisis Advisory Group (“CCAG”) - a mission-driven, science-based climate change organization seeking new Board members to strengthen our impact. CCAG is the operating name of Climate Response Limited (“CRL”) a UK company registered with the Charities Commission. You would be a Board member for CRL as the company under which the CCAG brand operates.

CCAG is at the forefront of the climate conversation, guiding public, governmental, and institutional understanding of the crisis. CCAG’s global experts distil complex science into actionable insights, fostering informed decisions that help educate and influence audiences around the world.

CCAG’s strategies come to life through a broad spectrum of activities. For example, CCAG advisors unravel climate complexities through public online discussions, free publicly available in-depth reports, strategic campaigns, and in-person briefings on request.

See our work here: Climate Crisis Advisory Group

What we’re looking for

Our current Board brings deep expertise in leadership, finance, and strategic direction. Now, we’re looking to complement this with specific skills and lived experience—particularly from those who can help amplify our voice, reach new audiences, and deepen our global relevance.

This is a great opportunity for first-time Board members.

We’re especially interested in candidates with experience or skills in:

• Global advocacy in climate or social justice

• Strategic communications or public affairs 

• Fundraising for NGOs, especially from philanthropic donors

• Digital communications, media, and content creation

• Campaigning and public influencing

• Marketing, branding, and public relations

• Experience of working within the Global South or working across cultures and disciplines.

You don’t need prior Board experience—just a commitment to science-based climate action and a willingness to contribute your time, skills, and perspective to help us tackle one of the greatest challenges of our time. 

This is an unremunerated voluntary Trustee role and, like all UK charity trustees, you’ll take on some important responsibilities for overseeing the charity’s work. But you won’t be doing it alone—you’ll be joining a supportive Board with experienced members who will guide you as you learn. 

What’s in it for You?

• The opportunity to be a driving force in the fight against climate change and leave a lasting legacy for future generations.

• Learn leadership and governance skills while contributing to a cause with global significance.

• Connect with other professionals in the environmental and climate sectors.

Your Commitment:

We work remotely and Board meetings are held 3 times a year online. Board members are expected to commit approximately 1 day per month.

How to Apply:

If you are ready to make a meaningful impact on the climate crisis, please send your CV and a brief cover letter outlining why you’re interested in joining the Board of Climate Response Limited by 22nd August 2025. We are also available to answer any questions you might have.

We look forward to hearing from you!

The International Council of Museums in the United Kingdom (ICOM UK) is seeking a new trustee with strong financial acumen and a passion for the museums and heritage sector and working internationally to be the Finance Lead on our Board. This is a strategic finance role to support the Strategic Director and advise the Board of Trustees in respect of the conduct of the charity’s financial affairs.  

The role requires experience and skills in financial planning and management, preferably in a charity and/or company, along with the ability to understand and communicate the impact of decisions on the organisation’s finances. 

We welcome applications from professionals with the skills, knowledge and lived experience that will strengthen and diversify our Board. 

 For further details on the roles and ICOM UK, you can view our Finance Lead Trustee Recruitment  Pack.