Board trustees volunteer roles

SUMMARY

Roles Description: Finance Trustee, Community Organising and Campaigning Trustee, and Legal Trustee

Remuneration: Like most Trustee roles, these roles are unremunerated

Reports to: Chair of the Board of Trustees

Start date: As soon as possible

Benefits: In addition to making a real difference in the lives of and deepening your understanding of youth organising, you will receive:

• Safeguarding Training and support in developing expertise here
• Reimbursement of expenses incurred in your role

At The Advocacy Academy, we envision a world where young people with lived experience of injustice (LEofI) harness their collective power to shape a more fair, just, and equal society. Our mission is to organise and support these young people to drive systemic change on the most pressing issues of our time.

We do this by offering deep coaching, delivering transformative leadership programmes, and creating clear pathways for sustained action. Through shared learning and community-building, we help young leaders build the knowledge, skills, and confidence to launch and lead proactive campaigns. We also recognise that real change starts from within - so we’re committed to a governance structure that is values-driven, participatory, and beyond reproach, ensuring TAA is as accountable to young people as it is to the communities we serve and its wider responsibilities.

We’re now looking to recruit three new Trustees to join our Board and help steer this work. We're especially keen to hear from people with leadership experience in one or more of the following areas: Finance & Fundraising, Community Organising and Campaigns & Legal

Trustees of The Advocacy Academy play a unique role in delivery of our mission. They are collectively responsible for the governance of the organisation, represent it to the community, and accept ultimate compliance authority for the charity and its activities. As a Trustee with experience in the UK’s youth sector, you will support the Board and the Executives in ensuring that TAA continues to deliver an exceptional quality of youth work, and the role that safeguarding plays in achieving this. As a trustee:

• Work with the Chair, Trustees and Senior Leadership team to ensure there is a clear, long-term and strategic vision The Advocacy Academy.
• Work with the Board to ensure we function within the legal and financial requirements of a UK registered charity and company, our constitution and that we strive for best practice
• Take responsibility with the other trustees so that the organisation has effective practice to safeguard the people it works with
• Act as an ambassador, spokesperson and champion our work supporting our income activities, and fostering networks that can help generate income.

About Our Board of Trustees

• Our Board currently consists of four members, recruited, selected, and approved by the Board of Trustees.
• Each trustee serves a three-year term, and we are made up of individuals from diverse backgrounds and ethnicities.
• The Board meets quarterly (four times per year) to provide strategic oversight and governance. Operations/day to day are managed by the Executives.
• Given the size of the board, we expect all trustees to join at least one subcommittees meeting per year, unless there are extenuating circumstances. .The subcommittee meets are typically held prior to full Board meetings.
• Board meetings are held at our Liberation Centre in Brixton and subcommittee meets are held virtually
• The role of trustee is voluntary, though reasonable expenses are reimbursed.2• Trustees are expected to prepare in advance by reading reports and meeting papers, and are also warmly invited to attend our events throughout the year.

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

1. Finance Trustee - Trustee will provide charity financial governance oversight of The Advocacy Academy, including but not limited to: Working closely with our Finance Director and the Finance & Risk Committee will:

• Provide support on financial oversight and ensure compliance with relevant charity and regulatory requirements.
• Review and co-present financial reports and key insights to the Board of Trustees.
• Actively participate in the Finance and Risk Committee, ensuring effective financial scrutiny.
• Strategic contribution to long-term financial and fundraising planning and support the organisation’s risk management framework.
• Attend Finance and Risk subcommittee meetings quarterly.

2. Community Organising and Campaigning Trustee - The Community organising and campaigning Trustee will provide organising and Campaigns governance oversight of The Advocacy Academy, including but not limited to: Working closely with our Director of Organising and Campaigns and fellow trustees, they will:

• Provide strategic oversight of The Advocacy Academy’s organising and campaigning activities and priorities.
• Ensure campaigns are ethical, legally compliant, and aligned with the organisation’s values.
• Support the development of effective, youth-led organising and campaigning strategies.
• Offer insight into advocacy trends, movement-building, and political landscapes.
• Serve as a sounding board for the team, offering critical friend feedback without operational interference.
• Help the board assess risks and opportunities related to public positioning, reputation, and partnerships.
• Good governance, diversity and teamwork are at the core of the Board’s values. We want to ensure trustees represent the young people we work with and we are particularly interested in applications from people with lived experience.

3. Legal Trustee - The Legal Trustees will provide Legal perspective on governance oversight of The Advocacy Academy, including but not limited to: Working closely with our Trustees, they will:

• Provide strategic legal perspective on compliance with charity law, employment law, using legal knowledge or by signposting to our external legal support.
• Provide legal perspective on any strategic decisions the board makes, which the board can then pursue formal legal advice on.
• Provide legal perspective on risk related to public campaigning, partnerships and public communications.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

1. Finance Trustee -

• Proven expertise in charity fundraising and financial management.
• Experience of charity finance and fundraising is essential.
• Previous board or trustee experience.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a diverse team environment.

2. Community Organising and Campaigning Trustee -

• Understanding of power-building, community organising, or movement strategy (essential).
• Experience in grassroots organising and campaigns, advocacy, or social justice movements.3• Familiarity with political or social justice contexts in the UK.
• Willingness to support youth leadership and work in solidarity with young campaigners.
• Previous board or governance experience is helpful but not essential.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a diverse team environment.

3. Legal Trustee -

• Qualified legal professional (e.g. solicitor, barrister, legal academic) with UK-based experience.
• Knowledge of charity, or employment law desirable.
• Experience in risk, governance, or compliance, particularly in the charity sector.
• A commitment to social justice and supporting youth organising work.
• Ability to translate legal concepts clearly for non-specialist trustees.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a diverse team environment.

EXPECTATIONS & ENTITLEMENT

• Attend at least one training programme that we run, so that you understand the work we deliver
• Attend trustee meetings, which are held four times a year in London or virtually, and last between 3 expected to attend at least three each year.
• Participate in one of our sub-committees as may be required by the trustee role.
• Demonstrate commitment to The Advocacy Academy by supporting fundraising efforts.
• Serve for a term of three years and be able to stand for re-election for a further term and possibly two.
• Work with the Chair to review your performance
• Claim reasonable travel and accommodation expenses to attend meetings -4 hours - trustees are expected to attend at least three each year.
• This is an outline of the responsibilities and duties of the Trustee roles, it is not intended as an exhaustive list and may change from time to time to meet the changing needs of The Advocacy Academy’s board. Any changes will be made in consultation with the post holders.

HOW TO APPLY

Please apply to be our Trustee by sending your CV together with a supporting statement to us. Your supporting statement should explain why you would like to be our Trustee and the contribution you believe you would make to The Advocacy Academy, with particular reference to the specific Trustee role and Requirements above.

DATES

• •Closing Date: The deadline for applications is 7th October 2025 by 9am.

Please note that there will be two rounds of interviews, and we will be conducting interviews on a rolling basis as applications are received. The application deadline may be brought forward if suitable candidates are identified early.

NOTHING ABOUT US WITHOUT US

We aim to be representative of the community we are working with. We encourage applications from people of colour, those who identify as LGBTQIA, working class as well as disabled people, those living with mental health conditions, refugees and migrants. We welcome people from all identities who are made to feel marginalised.

We’re not just committed to being an equal opportunity employer, we actively celebrate diversity in all its forms. Let us know if we can do anything to make the application or interview process more accessible. If you are invited to interview, we will at that point ask you for any accessibility requirements or preferences.

As an employer we make all reasonable adjustments to support employees in their work if they are disabled or have a health condition. We support the Access to Work scheme which could provide you with financial support to get the help you need to do all tasks successfully. We are happy to facilitate Access to Work assessments and reclaims, and would actively welcome applicants who would need this in order to do the job.

All staff who work on our programme must have, prior to starting work, a returned satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) dated no earlier than 1st January 2021. The Advocacy Academy will assist the application for, and pay for the processing of, a new DBS for staff members where required.

We welcome applications from people with convictions. Please disclose in your application if you have any convictions, cautions, reprimands or final warnings that are not “protected” (as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 

Sarcoidosis is a rare inflammatory disease which mostly affects the lungs, although other parts of the body such as the heart, eyes and nervous system can also be involved. It is not properly understood and there is currently no known cure.

SarcoidosisUK is a small charity with big ambitions! We want to make a difference to the lives of those affected by sarcoidosis in the UK by providing information and support, raising awareness and undertaking research into treatments and a cure.  We currently support over 9,000 people online and have strong relationships with both clinicians and patients.

We want to enlarge and strengthen our Trustee Board with the recruitment of new trustees who will bring their skills and passion to the work we do. The Trustee Board sets strategic direction for the charity, acts as guardian of our vision and values, and has responsibility for oversight and governance. 

We want our Trustee Board to represent our community, and welcome applications from anyone with an interest in sarcoidosis. To support the growth of the charity we are particularly looking for experience in the following areas:

· Fundraising in the charity sector

· Branding, marketing and communications

· Strategic development

· Community support and engagement

The Board is friendly and informal and meets online early evening each month for no more than 2 hours. We have a small staff team, currently 3 in number, and therefore Trustees may be asked to provide direct input and expertise on occasion. The role is not remunerated,  however expenses are reimbursed.

If you would like to be a considered as a Trustee for SarcoidosisUK, or would like to find out more about the role, please contact us.

Applications should outline the skills and experience you would bring to the role and tell us why you are personally interested in improving outcomes for those affected by sarcoidosis.

Would you like to improve the urban walking environment and our quality of life? Living Streets, the UK charity for everyday walking, is looking for an enthusiastic and experienced person to chair our board of voluntary trustees. 

We are a charity that can influence anyone’s daily life. Our mission is to achieve a better walking environment and inspire people to walk more. 

This is a pivotal time in our history: with a dynamic and experienced new Chief Executive, Catherine Woodhead; and a period of development, with a new strategy incoming that will take us towards our centenary in 2029. 

With our thousands of members and supporters we run campaigns for positive change and influence policies that improve our streets such as encouraging families to walk to school, 20mph speed limits and controlling pavement parking. 

We manage innovative national projects, engaging schools, communities and workplaces to encourage more people to walk short journeys. Our year-round walk to school challenge captures the imagination of children in over 2000 schools. 

We work with local authorities and businesses to improve streets and public spaces. Our reports, such as The Pedestrian Pound, make a substantial contribution to the active travel agenda. 

We are seeking someone with strong leadership and networking skills, with experience of good governance and helping organisations through growth. You will possess a substantial reputation which will add to the credibility of Living Streets. The role is a voluntary unpaid position, though reasonable expenses will be reimbursed. The term of office is for six years.

Closing date: 03/11/2025 (12pm)

Interviews: 20/11/2025 

Interview Location: London Head Office 

As one of Britain’s most distinctive public art galleries, Pallant House Gallery offers critically-acclaimed exhibitions and a world-class collection of Modern British art, set within a beautiful 18th century Grade I listed townhouse and contemporary wing. 

We are currently inviting applications from prospective new Trustees with skills and experience in the following areas:

• Fundraising and philanthropy in museums, galleries and the cultural sector, particularly in relation to major donor networks and/or trusts and foundations
• Capital redevelopment projects, particularly architectural design, project management and construction
• Digital communications and marketing
• Current professional experience of the museums, galleries and heritage sector, including knowledge of the public sector priorities and funding

We welcome applications from people from all backgrounds and previous Board experience is not required. The successful candidates will be given an induction into the working of the Gallery. This is a voluntary role but the Gallery will reimburse Trustees for reasonable travel or out-of-pocket expenses, in line with our expenses policy.

A recruitment pack and details of how to apply are available on our website - please see link below. 

The deadline for applications is 9am, Monday 29 September 2025.  

Pallant House Gallery is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive workplace for our staff and volunteers. We want to ensure that opportunities to work with us are open to everybody. If you have any questions about the application process or need any support to make an application, please contact us and we will be happy to help.

Enjoy a good book?

Passionate about the role which literature plays in our lives? 

Interested in using your skills to support Scottish literature in Edinburgh and internationally?

Excited by the prospect of working with the Board and Executive to shape our strategic direction?

Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature Trust is looking for two or three individuals to join the Board of Trustees of the world’s first City of Literature as we look to our future after our 20th anniversary.  

You will be joining an organisation at the heart of Edinburgh’s literary community and an international network of UNESCO Cities of Literature. Literary cities are granted the designation if they can boast a proud creative tradition and demonstrate a commitment to placing stories, literature and reading at the heart of civic life.

If you have experience, knowledge, or interest in the following, please get in touch:

· Financial management (including willingness to take on a leadership role as Chair of our Finance, Audit and Risk Committee)

· Accountancy skills

· Publishing

· Bookselling

· Tourism

Any additional experience in the following areas would also be welcomed:

• HR
• Marketing
• Technology
• Governance

We welcome applications from across all ages, communities and backgrounds. We encourage applications from under-represented groups.

The new appointments will be for an initial period of up to three years. The posts are not remunerated but some expenses are covered as per our Board Members’ Expenses Policy.

Time Commitment:

The Board of Trustees meets five times each year.

Meetings are generally 6 -8pm on Mondays in Edinburgh and in a hybrid format

The Finance, Audit and Risk Committee meets quarterly ahead of Board meetings.

There is an annual half-day board planning session.

Outwith Board meetings, there are individual meetings as required and the opportunity to attend events of interest in the sector.

The overall time commitment for the role is estimated at 8 -10 hours per month.

Application Information

Our Trustee Information Pack contains information about the role, requirements and the application process.

To apply please submit your CV and a covering letter (no more than two sides of A4) outlining why this position is of interest and what you believe you can offer.

If you have any questions or you would like an informal chat, please do get in touch with our Director, Dr Harriet MacMillan.

Go Beyond – Chair, Treasurer and Trustees
Inspire brighter futures for children across England

· Location: Meetings in London, Cornwall, Derbyshire + virtual

· Commitment: Chair: ~3–4 days/month | Trustees: ~1 day/month

· Voluntary (expenses reimbursed)

Go Beyond is a national children’s charity with a powerful, simple mission: to give children a break from difficult lives.

Each year, we provide life-changing residential breaks in the countryside for over 1,000 children aged 8–13 who wouldn’t otherwise get a chance to enjoy time away, make friends, and just be children. With ambitious plans for growth, including pop-up programmes and site expansion [SS1] we're seeking a new Chair (to take over in 2026), a Treasurer, and two additional Trustees to strengthen our already passionate and committed Board.

We welcome applications from people who share our values and want to be part of something special.

We are particularly keen to hear from those with senior leadership experience in:

• Finance / accountancy (especially in the charity or not-for-profit sector)
• Environment, sustainability, or ESG
• Education or youth services – a champion for vulnerable children
• Marketing, PR or communications
• People, culture and EDI (especially within charities or public service)

Why join us?

• Be part of a unique charity that puts children first in everything we do
• Help shape our next 5-year strategy, which aims to provide over 5,000 breaks
• Join a dynamic, engaged Board and leadership team
• Use your voice and experience to ensure children get the joyful, nurturing respite they deserve
• Be inspired – and have fun – while helping others do the same

We are actively working to diversify our Board and welcome people with lived experience that reflects the lives of the children we support. No previous board experience is necessary o become a Trustee – just your time, your ideas, and your commitment to making a difference.

· Deadline: Midday Tuesday 14th October 2025

· Site visit: 22nd – 31st October 2025

· Interviews: 4–6 November 2025 (in London)

Please download the attached brief for more information and details of how to apply. To arrange a confidential conversation, contact our recruitment partner Anna Jay at Public Leaders Appointments.

Summary

We're seeking Trustees with expertise in grant making, the charity sector, finance or marketing to guide funding decisions and grow local philanthropy and benefit communities and charities across Essex.

Application Deadline

10/3/2025

Job Description

Become a Trustee and Make a Difference in Essex Next year marks 30 years of Essex Community Foundation (ECF) backing the charities at the heart of Essex, Southend & Thurrock. Each year we award grants to 500+ local organisations, supported by 200+ donors and fundholders. Why join our Board? Use your skills to shape funding that changes lives. Gain insight into the charity sector and work with people passionate about stronger communities. We’re recruiting voluntary Trustees with expertise in: • Grant making • Charity/voluntary sector • Finance • Marketing & Communications First-time or experienced Trustees welcome. We provide a full induction, ongoing training and mentoring. Commitment: Board meets 4× a year (in person/virtual). Roles are unpaid; expenses covered. We are passionate about our board reflecting the diverse communities we serve. Ready to help us grow our impact? Get in touch to learn more and apply.

Location

Essex

Working from

Hybrid

Remuneration

Voluntary role but expenses paid.

How to apply

Please submit your application via our website by 5pm on Friday 3 October 2025. Interested candidates can download our trustee Recruitment Information Pack via our website. Your Application must include your CV, and a short personal statement responding to three questions found in the pack. If you would like to have a chat with one of our current trustees, then please just email our recruitment team and we will arrange for a telephone call. 

***Please note that this is an opportunity based in Nottingham (shire) in the United Kingdom and we don’t offer sponsorship or accept overseas applicants***

Location: Nottinghamshire - we hope our Trustees have a deep understanding of local people. Our Board meetings and AGM take place in person (with the exception of the January meeting which is online).

Responsibilities within the role:

• To ensure Age UK Notts is accountable 

• To ensure our purpose and work is carried out for the public benefit 

• To ensure compliance with our governance code and any relevant obligations

• To act in the best interests of the charity, and maintain the professional integrity of the charity, when dealing with stakeholders, other bodies and individuals

• To manage the charity's resources responsibly 

• To act with reasonable care and skill

• To safeguard the good name and values of the charity

• To act as an ambassador for Age UK Notts and for the wider Age UK network

• To safeguard the good name and values of the charity

• To have a positive commitment to, and actively promote, Age UK Notts’ Equality Diversity and Inclusion policy

• To act as an Ambassador for the charity and the wider Age UK network

What is the time commitment? 

The charity holds four full board meetings per year in Nottingham, with each meeting lasting around 2 hours. Meetings take place quarterly on the third Thursday of October, January, April and July.

In addition, Trustees need to set aside a minimum of 2 hours reading time before each board meeting.

. The AGM follows the board meeting on the third Thursday of October, with the meeting lasting around 1.5 hours. In addition, a minimum of 1 hour reading time is required prior to the AGM.

• There may be specific occasions when a Trustee is required to attend an event to open/close it, such as our annual staff conference

• Get to know the charity’s services and infrastructure within the first 3 years/initial tenure of the post and continue to have contact with relevant departments during subsequent 3-year tenures. Feedback on service/infrastructure visits is a standard Board agenda item.

. The charity board also has a Finance & Audit Committee which has its own Terms of Reference and has meetings separate from the Full Board Meetings. The membership of this committee is determined by the Board

• Trustees serve a three-year term of office and can be re-elected to serve additional three-year terms

What training will you be given?

We offer a full induction programme and ongoing support from the charity, other Trustees and the Senior Leadership Team plus occasional external development.

Who we're looking for:

The Trustee role is open to all those who are either a trained lawyer or who has a strong legal background and in addition, the Board of Trustees particularly welcomes experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Issues relating to work with, and for, older people or lived experience and potentially any of the following skills.
• Legal Skills
• Fundraising
• Public Relations and Marketing
• Campaigning
• Education and Learning
• Digital Strategy
• HR
• Strategy and planning skills and performance monitoring in commercial and/or not-for-profit organisations
• Developing and monitoring budgets

We particularly welcome applications from diverse communities and are looking for people from a wide range of backgrounds to join our board and contribute towards leading the charity and delivery of services to the older people of Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.

*Please note the following key information*

 • You must be at least 18 years old 

• You must be properly appointed following the procedures and any restrictions in the charity’s governing document 

• The role of a Trustee is voluntary and is not accompanied by any financial remuneration, although expenses for travel may be claimed

 • You must not act as a trustee if you are disqualified under the Charities Act, including if you have an unspent conviction for an offence involving dishonesty or deception (such as fraud), are bankrupt or have entered into a formal arrangement (e.g. an individual voluntary arrangement) with a creditor or have been removed as a company director or charity trustee because of wrongdoing.

 • The Charity Trustee role is open to all those who are either a trained lawyer or who has a strong legal background*

***Please note that this is an opportunity based in Nottingham (shire) in the United Kingdom and we don’t offer sponsorship or accept overseas applicants***

We are currently recruiting for new Trustees to join Stepping Stones, a fantastic member led organisation who provide a range of mental health support services to people in West Dunbartonshire, Scotland, who have mild to moderate mental health conditions.  The role of a Trustee is one where the Board have responsibility and overall governance of the organisation. Being a Trustee requires commitment and engagement. It is a wonderful opportunity to use your skills and experience to help shape the organisation, support people, and contribute to our strategies.

We are particularly interested in welcoming Stepping Stones service members, or those from a relevant charity or mental health background, and young people, onto our Board to help us with fresh perspectives and energy into our planning. If you have no previous Board experience, that's okay as training is provided, we have a mix of skills, experiences and perspectives. Becoming a Trustee can offer a rewarding personal and professional development experience.

Trustees meet every 6 weeks for Board meetings, they also attend the AGM and charity events and training. Whilst the preference of the Board is to meet in person, there is flexibility to attend virtual meetings when required.

Please have a look at our website to read our Trustee Recruitment pack, you can gather an overview of who we are, the impact our work has, and the role available. 

If you are inspired to apply for a Trustee role with Stepping Stones,  your first step is  to make an Informal enquiry, please do reach out by calling on the telephone (number avialable on our website)

If formally applying please send a letter of interest, along with your CV  (Optional) via Email (adress on website)

Or

Post: Stepping Stones, Ground Floor, Social Economy Centre, 63 Kilbowie Road, Clydebank, G81 1BL

Closing date October 10th

Trustee vacancies will be advertised in line with our equality, diversity and inclusion recruitment policies. Any successful applications will be contacted for an interview by the Board. All applications from Service Members will receive feedback. Thank you for your interest in wishing to join us, we look forward to hearing from you. 

Trustees are Volunteers, this is an unpaid role, but reasonable travel costs or expenses are paid.

We are looking for a trustee who understands charity finance.   Ideally you would  be a qualified accountant, perhaps retired, but with a particular expertise in charity finance.  We have a bookkeeper who does the work for us, so we are not looking for someone to do our accounts but we need a trustee who can give them direction and ensure the Board has the necessary financial information.  

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 1st Place
1st Place was established in 2005 as part of the Aylesbury Sure Start Programme, shaped by the vision of local children and parents. It was created to be a welcoming and supportive space where families come first—where parents could access the support they need, professionals could collaborate, and services could evolve to better serve the local community.

Families remain at the core of everything 1st Place does today.

The Opportunity
1st Place Children and Parents’ Centre is a respected Family Hub and provider of early years education. Through outreach, nursery provision, and a range of family-focused projects—particularly for children under five—the organisation delivers high-quality, consistent services to the local community.

The Board of Trustees is seeking a new Honorary Treasurer to succeed the outgoing postholder. The Treasurer chairs the Finance & General Purposes Sub-Committee and holds responsibility, on behalf of the Board, for overseeing budgets, internal management accounts, and annual financial statements. The role also ensures that appropriate financial controls and procedures are in place.

The ideal candidate will bring a strong understanding of the voluntary sector, charity governance, finance, and risk management. Strategic thinking, effective communication with trustees and senior managers, and leadership experience are essential. A commitment to dedicating time and energy to the organisation’s mission is vital.

Are you fascinated by the marine world?  Would you like to use your skills, creativity and energy to help us improve knowledge of the marine environment and promote its importance and value?  Are you interested in widening your horizons?  If any of these apply to you, you might just be the person we are looking for to join our Board.

The Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) is an independent marine research organisation, founded in 1884, and one of the world’s oldest oceanographic institutions.  Based on the west coast of Scotland, near Oban, SAMS is a registered charity and Company Limited by Guarantee.

The Scottish Association for Marine Science has a positive attitude towards diversity.  We are committed to equality of opportunity and inclusivity amongst our staff and students: we aim to achieve balanced gender representation in our Board membership.

We are committed to:

• The creation of new knowledge about the marine environment through undertaking world leading and innovative research;
• The dissemination of that knowledge, not only through inspirational formal educational programmes, with our principal partner, the University of the Highlands and Islands, but also the enhancement of societal awareness through our public engagement activities;
• Using our knowledge to provide solutions for the ethical and sustainable use of marine resources, both in our local environment and internationally.

SAMS research spans the breadth of marine science, tackling the Grand Challenges facing the World today.  We work on diverse interdisciplinary research questions, focusing on three major challenges:

• To discover the physical and biological processes that drive the marine environment.
• To describe and quantify how coastal environments respond to ever-increasing pressures.
• To develop a sustainable blue economy.

We are seeking new TRUSTEES to join the SAMS Board, commencing in late Autumn 2025.

In general, individuals are sought who can demonstrate one or more of the following:

• An ability to operate strategically and collaboratively towards common goals.
• Background in marine / environmental science research
• Experience of higher education
• Background in finance, risk/compliance and/or law.
• Background in media and communication, and/or public engagement
• Senior operational role in a university, research or third sector organisation.
• Experience of building effective philanthropic / fundraising relationships and networks.
• Demonstration of a strong commitment to equality and diversity.

On this occasion we are seeking individuals who can help strengthen the scientific complement, finance and audit.  We are also seeking to appoint a new ambitious role: a trustee to act as a representative of the Ocean.  SAMS has taken the bold step to ensure that SAMS governance is not exclusively anthropocentric.  This trustee role will be the first time we have recruited for the position and the person appointed will help develop the role.

These positions are unremunerated.  Appointments will be for an initial three-year term that may be extended for up to a further three-years.  The minimum time commitment, including preparation for and participation in formal committee meetings, is approximately 10 days per annum.  There are a number of sub-committees of the Board, and most Trustees are also members of these committees, for which extra time commitment of two or three days is required.  Most meetings are held in Oban, the other half online.  Should travel expenses be incurred these will be reimbursed. 

Application for the role is by:

• covering letter indicating which role (or roles) interest you; and
• a short CV

The deadline for applications of 28 September 2025.  Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview virtually in October with the possibility of face-to-face interviews later.

SAMS Group is committed to being an equal and open organisation. Diversity and inclusion are important to us, and we strive to remove any barriers that may prevent people from applying to join us. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, and from all who share our values and can help us to broaden our knowledge and range of ideas. 

Help steward one of the UK’s most distinctive institutions. As a Trustee of The Edward James Foundation Ltd, you will support West Dean’s mission to nurture creativity, conserve heritage, and sustain the environment.

Location: Sussex and London

Time commitment: 1 day per month. Commitment can vary, so your attendance will be agreed upon with you once appointed.

Applications close at 9 a.m. Monday 6th October

Who we are

The Edward James Foundation is a registered charity comprising West Dean College (including the School of Arts, School of Conservation and KLC School of Design), West Dean Gardens, West Dean Estate and West Dean Tapestry Studio.

Our mission is to advance creativity, conserve heritage, and care for our extraordinary estate  –  providing world-class education in arts, design, craft and conservation, while enriching culture and the environment.

Our vision is to be recognised internationally as a centre of excellence, where creativity, heritage and landscape are brought together to inspire and equip future generations.

Across West Dean – from our college to our gardens, collections and estate – we bring people together to learn, make and experience. Students and visitors are guided by leading practitioners and the distinctive environment we care for. In turn, they develop the insight, skill and imagination to conserve heritage, enrich culture and contribute to a better world.

About the roles

Our current context

West Dean is at a pivotal moment. Under the leadership of a new Chief Executive and refreshed senior team, we are addressing longstanding financial challenges and reshaping the organisation for the future.

A deficit reduction plan is being developed, with renewed focus on:

• Commercial and operational resilience
• Sharper strategic clarity
• Sustainable stewardship of our assets and estate

We are preserving what is unique and irreplaceable, while being rigorous about modern expectations of scale, impact, and performance.

As a Trustee, you will contribute to the governance, oversight, and strategic direction of the Edward James Foundation. You will work closely with the Board and Executive Team to ensure West Dean is governed responsibly, managed effectively, and delivering on its charitable purpose.

Who we are looking for

We are particularly keen to appoint Trustees with senior commercial or retail leadership experience, ideally from a large, complex organisation. This may include:

• National retail groups or membership organisations
• Visitor attractions or heritage organisations
• Consumer-facing brands with a values-led ethos
• Further Education and Higher Education

You may have held executive roles such as Managing Director, Chief Operating Officer, or Commercial Director – or you may now be operating in a non-executive or portfolio capacity.

Crucially, you will bring:

Strong financial and operational judgement

• Experience of transformation or turnaround
• A focus on commercial performance and organisational impact
• Experience as a charity trustee or non-executive is strongly preferred. A connection to the arts, design, heritage, or education will be welcomed –  but is not essential.

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 6th October.

Join the Board of an organisation that is changing places and changing lives.

Groundwork is the community charity with a green heart. Our mission is to create a fair and green future in which people, places and nature thrive. We believe that big global issues – the economy, the environment – have a big local impact. Groundwork East operates throughout the East of England helping communities find practical solutions to the challenges they face. We have a profound moral commitment to respond and grow to meet the anticipated demand for our services.

Role: Chairperson

Groundwork East has almost 40 years of experience in delivering bespoke projects that use the environment as a catalyst for building a more sustainable future.

Groundwork involves residents, businesses and other local organisations in practical projects that improve the quality of life, bring about regeneration, and lay the foundations to make sustainable development a reality in local communities.

Our mission has never been more important and we are seeking a passionate and committed Chairperson who wants to support us to drive growth and be part of our ambitious plans.

We are looking for a Chairperson to join our strong and engaged Board of Trustees to bring fresh ideas and new insights with skills developed through lived experience. As the main figurehead of the Trust you will attend formal events and maintain contact with Groundwork UK, sitting on the Groundwork UK Board. You will Chair our Board meetings ensuring that the Board gives appropriate attention to standards of Governance, safeguarding and legal compliance as is required of a charitable organisation. You will have proven leadership skills and excellent financial acumen with an ability to work effectively with the Chief Executive and the Board of Trustees to ensure full engagement and to develop and deliver on the strategic vision of the organisation.

We are an equal opportunities employer and we are committed to securing diversity amongst our Board of Trustees. We are deeply committed to being representative of the areas we serve and invite applications from all areas of society.