Chair And Members Of The Board Of Trustees Volunteer Roles
Demelza Charity is seeking high calibre individuals to join our team of Trustees.
Demelza is an inclusive organisation, and we are committed to building a representative workplace, ensuring that we reflect the diversity of the children, families, and communities we support.
We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply for positions at Demelza and we celebrate the value of difference.
You do not need previous Trustee experience. We offer comprehensive training and we pay all out of pocket expenses. Time commitment is up to 2 days every 3 months, broken down into meetings of around 2 hours and reading papers beforehand. All dates are given one year in advance.
This year we have added targeting to our general trustee recruitment by looking for talented individuals with expertise in the following specific areas, to support our vital work in providing expert palliative and end of life care to babies, children and young people and support to their families.
• Do you have senior nursing expertise at board level or equivalent, with oversight for
clinical governance/quality. You will support delivery of the clinical strategy with the
highest quality and user experience. You will have excellent safeguarding expertise.
• Medical expertise to strengthen the clinical strategy delivery and support a multi
disciplinary approach. Your expertise might come from any relevant medical discipline –
eg paediatrician, critical care, any area of acute medicine.
• Are you a senior experienced retailer, familiar with all aspects of maximising profitability
and positive customer experience. You will help us to maximise the financial,
reputational and PR opportunities of our suite of retail outlets and optimise the model to
support growth.
• We seek professional fundraising expertise for an income stream in excess of several
£million. You will support the broad portfolio to strengthen and sustain the Charity for
the future.
• Communications expertise to help us deliver a concise message to all our stakeholders.
You will have previous senior level experience of delivering key messages and developing
a tone of voice that is inclusive and compelling to all involved with Demelza.
You may have other valuable skills.
Closing date 26th May 2024, interviews to follow.
We deliver extraordinary care to extraordinary children facing serious or life-limiting conditions, providing support for all the family.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Join the Calibre Audio board and help achieve their vision of an inclusive society where everyone with a print disability can enjoy accessible audiobooks and content.
Who we are
Imagine, for a moment, going to your local library and finding that just seven out of a hundred books are in the format you can read.
Imagine you are a child excited about an author’s new book about a schoolboy wizard, and it’s all the kids at school can talk about, but following an overnight queue, you find it isn’t published for people like you.
Imagine being one of Britain’s more than 10 million children and adults who cannot read printed books. This is a “print disability”, and we – Calibre Audio, exist to support and help by providing a much-loved audiobook service for the visually impaired, those with dyslexia and other print-disabled people.
Our services started with cassettes of just ten books for 12 members, and 50 years on, we now have in excess of 16,500 titles for our 12,000 members.
For five decades, we have been on a mission to unlock the world of stories and learning for those who find reading printed books challenging.
During the last few years, we have invested heavily in improving services and making our organisation more efficient. These investments include new streaming services via the web, through partner apps, developing an Alexa Skill, additional content such as podcasts and book reviews, and developing our staff and board to improve our diversity.
We are in an exciting period of growth and development as a charity, and our new Trustee will join us at a fantastic time.
Throughout 2024, we’re running an exciting programme of activities to reflect on our past achievements as we celebrate our 50th anniversary — and we will launch our new strategy for the future to ensure we reach even more people who can benefit from our service.
We want to engage with younger members of our community and make as many books as possible available on as many platforms as possible, including other partner apps and smart speakers.
This is your opportunity to support us with long-term strategic thinking and planning and bring expertise in finance to the board.
Who we are looking for
We seek a strategic and visionary financially qualified leader who can support and challenge us. In the summer of 2025, our new Trustee will take over chairing our Finance Committee when our current Treasurer ends his term.
We are excited to invite first-time Trustees to the board; you do not need trustee or non-executive experience. We are keen to ensure our board reflects the people we work with and our society.
We need skilled, motivated, and brilliant people who can help us achieve our vision of an inclusive society where everyone with a reading disability can enjoy accessible books.
Time commitment
You will attend four board meetings a year in Buckinghamshire with an option to attend virtually.
Initially, you will be a member of our Finance Committee, and when our current Treasurer ends their term in 2025, you will take over chairing our Finance Committee, which meets online for up to an hour every month.
We have an annual strategy away day once a year, and Trustees are invited to attend events throughout the year.
The overall time commitment, including reading board papers, preparation for board meetings and ad hoc advice and support to the executive team, is half a day a month (c.6 days per year), spread across the above commitments.
Please click 'Apply via website’ 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 Monday 17th June.
Treasurer & Trustee, L'Arche in the UK
ABOUT L'ARCHE
L’Arche is a worldwide federation of people with and without learning disabilities, working together for a world where all belong. We believe in the transforming impact of genuinely mutual relationships between people with and without disabilities. We are looking for a new Treasurer and Trustee with professional financial experience to support L’Arche in an ongoing financial transformation project.
ABOUT THE ROLE
Treasurer’s responsibilities:
- Providing financial accountability and supporting the Finance Director.
- Helping other trustees to carry out their financial responsibilities by presenting reports in an accessible way.
- Signing the accounts and receiving the audit report.
- Presenting the accounts to the AGM.
- Chairing the Finance Sub-Committee, which leads the Board on financial accountability and strategy.
Jointly with other trustees:
- Ensure that L’Arche in the UK has a clear vision, mission, and strategy and is focused on achieving them.
- Be responsible for the performance of the Charity and its corporate behaviour.
- Ensure the L’Arche UK Charity complies with all legal and regulatory requirements.
- Be a guardian of the Charity’s assets, both tangible and intangible, taking all due care over their security and proper use.
- Ensure the charity fulfils its purpose and aims.
- Use your specific skills, knowledge, and professional and lived experience in support of L’Arche.
- Inform yourself of the key responsibilities, expectations, and best practice for Charity Trustees as set out by the Charity Commission and others, and stay up to date with best practice in the sector.
Time Commitment
The Board typically meets five times a year, including the AGM. Some of the meetings are on video call, and others in person. Routine meetings are on a weekday afternoon, interspersed with full day sessions for strategy, and for meeting the L’Arche National Speaking Council (made up of members with learning disabilities). The Treasurer also chairs the Finance Sub-Committee which meets online for two hours four or five times a year. Board members are asked to cultivate some contact with L’Arche community life, and to find ways to build relationships in one or more of our local L’Arche Communities.
A full role description and person specification can be found in the Recruitment Pack.
The closing date for applications is midnight on Sunday 2 June.
To apply, please answer the questions on our online application form.
Please also read our privacy notice for job applicants.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
WK Foundation cares deeply about providing opportunities for young adults from low income contexts through practical skills & socio-emotional training and job opportunities. WKF is a recently registered charity in South London, seeking to add trustees to their board to add skills & bring diverse voices that will best represernt our young adults. Our work is dedicated to reconnecting low income urban communities with sustainable food pathways, with the aim of breaking the cycles of poverty that are perpetuated by dysfunctional food systems. The board are particularly interested in candidates who identify as Black Caribbean or have mixed racial backgrounds, such as mixed race Black Caribbean/White or Pakistani/White British.
Our board is female led (Chair & CEO are female), and consists of a clinical phschologist, social entrepreneur, trained counsellor & HR practicioner, and regenerative food specialist. We are a friendly but professional bunch who start meetings with a moment of reflection and prayer, record excellent minutes and stick (for the most part) to a pre-agreed agenda and schedule. We are big on creating a culture that combines support and listening with action, accountability and forward movement and our vibe is positive, and inclusive.
We are currently re-developing our holistic hospitality training programme called Nourish, for an October 2025 launch. Nourish provides hands on skills training, work experience and employment opportunities, as well as employment progression and support for young adults from low income context facing disadvantages. We work with young adults for up to 12 months.
Our work is underpinned by our regenerative food practises and is run in accordance with our Christian faith values & principles.
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If you have experience working, volunteering or living in community settings similar to those experienced by our trainees, and/ or experience in organising, training, mentoring, finance or legal experitse then please let us know!
Previous board experience is not a requirement, nor is any level of seniority in any given industry – WK
Foundation hopes to benefit from the insights of Trustees from all walks of life.
We are committed to building a diverse team, and seek to be representative of those we are supporting, so we
would especially like to hear from applicants who are from minority groups in the UK. We also recognise the
importance of lived experience in all roles within our organisation, and therefore welcome applications from those with lived experience of disadvantage.
Given the requirements of this role and WK Foundation Limited’s objectives and purpose as set out in its Articles of Association, it is a genuine occupational requirement under the Equality Act 2010 that the applicant for this role actively supports the Christian faith.
Please make sure you are familiar with the WKF mission on our website. Once you have submitted your application here, you will be sent some further questions to answer before being invited to a phone interview, and from there to meet the trustees in an in-person interview.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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We are looking to recruit a Treasurer to join our board of trustees. The Treasurer, in addition to their role as trustee will oversee income, expenditure and support SCIP to manage cash flow and safeguard the charity.
Application pack can be located on our website
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Child . org is a data-driven charity working to champion perinatal health in Kenya, where neonatal mortality rates have barely changed in the last 5 years. We're seeking a new trustee to join us in driving our strategy forward.
What will you be doing?
Child . org is a data-driven charity working to champion perinatal health in Kenya, where neonatal mortality rates have barely changed in the last 5 years. We work with parents, communities and government in Kenya to provide life-saving antenatal and postnatal health information, connect at-risk mums and babies with the healthcare services they need and work with local health authorities to advocate for and improve the quality of perinatal care.
We’re a small but ambitious organisation. We have a small team who make a big impact. We pride ourselves on our core values and the culture we have built. Our team is split between Bristol in the UK and Nairobi and Meru in Kenya. Our board of Trustees are mostly based in the South West but also in London and the US.
We are currently launching our new strategy and as part of that, we want to broaden the skills and experience of our board. We are looking for people who are passionate about the work we do, who are able to provide support, share ideas and inspire our team and our work. It doesn’t matter where in the world you are; what matters is your drive, commitment to change and what you can bring to the table.
We are especially keen to broaden the demographic of our board and to gain more contextual insight of where we work. People with a connection to Kenya, particularly those working in or with experience of maternal and neonatal health, are strongly encouraged to apply.
What are we looking for?
- Willing to devote the necessary time and effort to being an effective Trustee (and Chairperson)
- Committed to our Vision, Approach, Values and Goals
- Leaders, with demonstrable skills and experience
- High emotional intelligence with a high level of self-awareness
- Strategic in their vision, with an understanding of strategic delivery
- Balanced with an informed approach to risk
- Passionate about maternal and neonatal health
- Understanding and accepting of the legal, financial, audit and other regulatory requirements of a charity
What difference will you make?
As a Child . org Trustee, you'll play a pivotal role in driving positive change and improving perinatal health outcomes in Kenya. You will contribute to shaping and executing the newly developed strategic vision of Child . org. You will contribute to risk management and decision-making processes, ensuring effective governance and sustainability. Through collaboration, mentorship, and engagement with staff, you'll contribute to building a stronger, more resilient organisation that continues to champion perinatal health for years to come.
Before you apply
As a first step, please send your CV and expression of interest which outlines why you think you could be a good fit for Child . org. If we agree that you could be, we will send you a short questionnaire and to arrange an informal interview with the chair of our board. Please send applications via Reach in the first instance.
The next stage will be a formal interview with multiple board members and the CEO. We expect to appoint later in the year, around October, if not before.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you passionate about making a meaningful difference in your community? Do you have expertise in finance and a desire to contribute to a cause that positively impacts lives? If the answer is yes, then this could be the perfect role for you!
STAMP Revisited is a small but ambitious charity, which provides advocacy and emotional support to those experiencing mental health difficulties. We support them to access vital services they need that they would not be able to access independently. We have already supported thousands of the most disadvantaged people to have their voice heard and respected.
We are currently recruiting a new Treasurer to join our Board of Trustees. As a Trustee of STAMP Revisited, you will play a crucial role in setting the strategic direction of the charity and ensuring good governance. You will contribute to ensuring that the charity fulfils its mission, operates effectively, and remains accountable to those experiencing mental health issues.
In addition to the general duties as Trustee, as Treasurer you will play a pivotal role in securing the financial integrity and sustainability of our charity. You will ensure that effective and appropriate financial measures are put in place and report to the Board at regular intervals about the financial health of the organisation.
If you are interested in finding out more about being a Treasurer and sitting on our Board, we would love to hear from you. Our Board welcomes people from diverse backgrounds, aged 18 or over with a wide range of skills. We are keen to welcome people who have personal experience of mental health challenges, including service users and carers.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
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We’re looking to appoint new members to the Fish Legal Committee who will lead our organisation and help us build on our successes as well as increase our membership and influence. Join us in our mission to fight for fish, fishing, and the environment.
The broad policy, managerial, and financial concerns of Fish Legal are managed by the committee—you don’t have to be a solicitor, but you must have a keen interest in issues affecting the water environment, ready to bring your knowledge and skills to your role as a committee member.
You must be prepared to give approximately 10 days per annum as a committee member working on behalf of Fish Legal without remuneration, other than reasonable legitimate expenses incurred—and all members of the Fish Legal Committee must also be willing and eligible to act as a non-executive director of the A.C.A Trustee Company Limited (meetings of the A.C.A Trustee Company Limited are held on the same day as Fish Legal committee meetings).
Becoming a committee member
· Build on our legacy of protecting the water environment and members’ interests
· Make a positive difference to the environment
· Help us make polluters pay
What you bring to the role
· Impressive communication and social intelligence
· Enthusiasm for protecting the marine and freshwater environment in line with our strategy
· Capability to perform the duties of a director in a private limited company
· Excellent independent judgement
· Willingness to join in discussion and the courage to check and challenge
What will make you stand out
There are areas of expertise we’d like to see more of in our committee mix, so we’re very interested in hearing from applicants with one or more of these skillsets.
· digital marketing
· environmental science
· fundraising
· charity and restructuring
Who we are
Rivers, lakes, and coastal waters across the UK are among the richest and most cherished habitats supporting diverse species of fish, mammals, insects, and plants—they are also some of the most vulnerable. Our rivers and other water bodies have historically suffered from pollution, over-abstraction, and host of other impacts which can prove devastating to fragile water ecosystems.
Fish Legal fights to protect all inland and coastal waters in the UK from pollution and other damage. We use the full range of the law—common, statutory, public, and criminal—and we have a long track record of winning cases and securing compensation to enable our members to restore their waters.
Our solicitors (both English and Scots-qualified) represent Fish Legal’s member clubs, fisheries, and riparian owners in seeking compensation from offenders who cause pollution or other damage to rivers and still waters—the compensation we win goes back to those members to carry out habitat work or re-stock the waters.
We obtain injunctions to prevent activities which threaten to damage the aquatic environment and, if broken, offenders can find themselves in contempt of court and can even be jailed.
Funds raised by Fish Legal as well as funds donated by individuals, angling clubs, and federations are effectively pooled so that no one person must foot the costs of bringing defendants to court.
Our sister organisation, the Angling Trust, is the national governing body for the sport of angling in England as well as a leading voice in the protection and enhancement of the aquatic environment—working alongside partner NGOs to advocate greater environmental protection, lobby for positive change, and influence policy development.
Want to join us?
There are currently up to three vacancies and we would love to welcome those who can add to the mix of our committee members by bringing new thinking styles, backgrounds, personalities, and perspectives to our table—and we believe we could make even better decisions if we had a more inclusive mix of people from under-represented communities on our board in order to more closely represent our wonderfully diverse members today.
Email our Governance Manager, Karen Watkinson, to apply directly or arrange an informal chat about the role—and do let us know if you require any additional support to enable your application.
To apply, please submit your CV along with a covering letter to tell us a bit more about how you will add to the mix of our committee and strengthen our effectiveness with your skillset, perspective, background, or thinking style.
The closing date for applications will be 31 May 2024.
Applications will be reviewed by our Nominations Committee on 11 June 2024 and any suitable candidates will be given further details of our interview process.
We take your privacy seriously and will only use your personal information to administer your application for this role—we will never pass your details onto a third party. We may contact you by email or telephone about the progress of your application. This processing is conducted lawfully based on legitimate interests.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Are you passionate about making a difference in your community? We are looking for a new trustee to join our board of trustees, offering a unique opportunity to shape the future of volunteering and community projects in Kensington and Chelsea, one of London’s most diverse boroughs.
Established in 1969, we are the oldest Volunteer Centre in the country and are deeply rooted in the local community, empowering individuals to contribute positively through volunteering. Our programs support diverse groups, including those living with disabilities and mental health challenges, ex-offenders, as well as marginalised residents seeking employment opportunities.
As a trustee, you will play a pivotal role in guiding the Volunteer Centre towards its mission of fostering positive change in Kensington & Chelsea. Responsibilities include:
- Attend and actively participate in board meetings, promoting constructive dialogue and decision-making.
- Uphold the best interests of VCKC, maintaining positive public representation and adhering to confidentiality standards.
- Possess enthusiasm for volunteering, willingness to commit time and effort, and desirable knowledge of Kensington & Chelsea and the voluntary sector.
- Demonstrate strong communication, analytical, and collaborative skills.
Join us in shaping the future of volunteering in Kensington & Chelsea. Become a trustee and make a meaningful impact today. If you are ready to make a difference, apply now and be part of something meaningful.
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This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
GSTTKPA is going through an exciting period of change. Therefore, we are seeking to recruit a new Company Secretary to support our ambitious and innovative change programme, so we can continue to achieve the aims and objectives of the charity.
The role of Company Secretary is a key and important Trustee position on the Board. The Company Secretary will support the Chair and Vice Chair by ensuring the board functions smoothly. The Company Secretary will also have the opportunity to assist with activities and initiatives that are funded by GSTTKPA.
Trustees play a vital role in making sure that GSTTKPA achieves its core purpose. They also ensure that the charity has a clear strategy andthat our work and goals are in line with our vision. Just as importantly, all the Trustees have a collective responsibility. This means that trustees always actas a group and not as individuals.
As a Trustee, we also require the successful applicant to have a commitment to equality; celebrate diversity and be responsive to the needs of different groups and individuals within GSTTKPA and the wider community. In return, the successful applicant will join a warm and friendly team that works collaboratively to support each other as well as our kidney patients.
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. Our system keeps your personal information hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
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We are looking for a commited Trustee to serve as Treasurer and help us shape and evaluate our wonderful small charity - serving Newham's vulnerable and disadvantaged women and by extension, their families.
Responsible to – Chair of Trustees
Who we are looking for:
· Someone who shares our heart for supporting Newham’s vulnerable women and families and is aligned with the foundational values of social justice, inclusion and equality.
· Someone who can contribute professional skills and experience from an area relevant to our work - such as Finance, Education, HR, Immigration, Fundraising, Child Development, Health and Wellbeing, Business or Law
· A level of fluency in written and spoken English to engage with meetings and documents.
· Prior experience of charity governance is not necessary for this role and training will be provided.
Role Summary:
·Work alongside Chair and other board members to oversee the overall governance and strategic direction of Alternatives Trust East London.
·Work alongside other board members to ensure that Alternatives acts in accordance with its governing document, charity law, and other relevant legislation/applicable regulations.
·Act to support the staff and volunteers, to ensure Alternatives adheres to its core values of co-production, compassion, and trauma-informed work.
·Commit to practice collaborative, informed, carefully considered, strategic decision-making.
·Embody our commitment to active anti-racist, trauma-informed, relationship-based working with women and children experiencing multiple disadvantages.
Main responsibilities of the trustee:
·Assist the senior staff team (CEOs, Fundraiser and Finance Manager) in strategic plans and regular review of the long-term strategic aims of the organisation.
·Interrogate organisational policies, goals, targets and help to evaluate performance against these.
·Agree to mentoring, training, and coaching as appropriate to improve your ability to govern and enhance your overall contribution to the board.
In addition:
·Take steps to keep up with the workings and achievements of Alternatives beyond information shared at board meetings through attending events where able, visiting the project, and following project news on social media, on the website, or through newsletters.
Time commitment:
·Average 4 hours per month, although this will vary depending on the schedule of meetings and other events.
Frequency of meetings:
· 1-2 full board meetings per year (held in person where possible, in St Edmund’s Church, Forest Gate E7 8NP).
· 4-5 subcommittee meetings per year (These meetings are held online via zoom)
· Optional celebratory events – often held at the start of Summer Holidays and Mid December.
· Project visits and other meetings relating to your specific contribution within the board, by arrangement.
Length of term – Initial term 3 years, with potential to extend on review.
Renumeration – The role is voluntary however the cost of attending meetings and other duties associated with the role will be reimbursed.
Please include:
1. The experience that will make you a good fit for our board,
2. Your understanding of what the role entails and what you think you will bring to the role.
3. Contact details to reach you on, including phone number and email address.
Please submit your application by midday on 13th March 2024. Informal interviews around suitability will take place with the Chair of Trustees, Becky Watherston, via Zoom in the days following and appointments will be made shortly after. The first Trustees meeting is due to take place Thursday 21st March 5:30pm-7pm via Zoom.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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Every 6 minutes someone learns that they are losing their sight. Every five hours, a baby is born with sight problems. In these moments, two profound questions emerge:
• Can this be stopped?
• How do I (or my child) live this life?
The merger of Fight for Sight and Vision Foundation, which took place on 1st April 2023, will enable us to address both questions. By combining our strengths and expertise we are now the only significant national funder with the efficiency,
capability, and capacity to increase investment in medical research and social improvement. Together we can mitigate both the prevalence and impact of sight loss. We have a clear ambition – to save sight and to change lives.
We are now seeking up to four new trustees as we establish ourselves in our new form and under our new name (soon to be announced). This is an exciting inflection point for us, and our new trustees will be central in enabling us to achieve our ambition.
We have worked through our merger and have a clear focus and vision, as well as a strong Board and senior leadership team, all of whom are ambitious for the potential impact we can make. Our re-brand will also enable us to amplify our position as a leader within the sight loss sector. Our merger was a critical step in accelerating research which will create a positive impact on the lives of millions of people. We do not want this opportunity to pass us by and that’s what makes these such an important and exciting roles for the right people.
As a trustee, you will have the opportunity to steer the course of our charity and our sector, shaping our strategies, and advocating for meaningful change. You will be help us be a driving force behind world leading research into sight loss prevention, and transformative initiatives that enhance the quality of life for countless individuals.
We are particularly seeking individuals who have a medical or scientific research background, ideally in ophthalmology, and those who have experience in retail and fundraising. If you want to be part of something that will really make a difference, we’d love to hear from you.
“I extend a heartfelt invitation to those who share our commitment to making a profound difference in the lives of individuals affected by sight loss. Our journey towards a future where eye diseases are prevented and the challenges faced by the visually impaired are overcome requires the collective effort of dedicated individuals. We are seeking trustees who are not only passionate advocates for our cause but also possess the vision, expertise, and dedication to guide and govern our organisation. Your unique perspectives and skills will play a pivotal role in shaping and defining our impact for years to come.”
Dr Heather Giles, Chair
“Our two organisations came together to form a new dynamic, ambitious, entrepreneurial, impact-driven organisation to save sight and change lives. We are searching for trustees that can join us, and be at the forefront of creating the culture, the outlook and the methods of working and the operations to truly make a difference in society.”
Keith Valentine, CEO
ABOUT US
We are a new organisation forged from two ambitious charities: Fight for Sight and Vision Foundation. Our single, unifying mission is to save sight and change lives.
It is a mission that reflects two urgent questions everyone faces when they receive a diagnosis of sight loss: ‘How do I stop this?’ and ‘How do I live my life?’
Answering these questions guides our strategy as we progress a five-year plan with solid and lofty aspirations.
THE MERGER
Fight for Sight funds breakthrough research and life-changing services to build a more equitable future for blind and partially sighted people by accelerating breakthroughs in multiple sight loss conditions.
Vision Foundation works to inform, include and empower the visually impaired community. Empowerment is at the heart of what we do; our work focuses on what people can do, rather than what they can’t.
The merger will help us to realise a joint ambition to tackle sight loss from both a clinical and social perspective. Our combined organisation is now grounded in data and insight into the science, as well as the lived experience of, sight loss. With this wealth of evidence we’re determined to:
- generate further investment into the sector,
- accelerate clinical progress,
- improve quality of life for people facing or living with sight loss
Crucially, coming together is about growing our influence and impact, not reducing or diluting what we do. So, as we evolve as a merged organisation, we are combining our teams, announcing our new name and fine-tuning our unified
mission and strategy – as well as continuing with the important work we’re already committed to – you can expect big things from us and it is an exciting time to join us as a trustee.
OUR FUTURE
Our principal role is as a grant-maker. We award grants to the scientific community that could lead to scientific breakthroughs and treatments to stop eye diseases from progressing. In the future, we believe research can prevent people from losing sight and reverse sight loss. We invest to advance treatments that will cure eye disease and protect and grow the community of world-class scientists, technologists, and data scientists who can deliver tomorrow’s breakthroughs. Historically, Vision Foundation has funded innovations that directly impact people who are blind or partially sighted, from music classes for children to projects that take eye tests into at-risk communities. We invest in programmes, organisations and activities that deliver equity for and with blind and visually impaired people.
As a grant-maker, we are change-makers, accelerators and drivers of impact. We are bold, energetic, challenging, disruptive, tenacious, and determined.
We aren’t afraid to tackle the challenges facing the sight loss community, either. Recent campaigns include The Unseen, which unearthed the shocking scale and nature of domestic abuse among blind and partially sighted people, and See My Skills, which addressed high unemployment rates. The charity excels at working in partnership with others towards creating a more equitable society for the sight loss community.
As we progress, we’ll scale the impact of projects like these, look beyond the nation’s capital, and drive systemic change. We’ll need to secure the funds to invest in our trusted partners to achieve our ambitions. We’ll continue to fundraise by engaging with supporters and companies through legacies, events such as the London Marathon, and our network of charity shops.
The evidence we commission influences policy and decision-making to demand equality for all.
We’ll shortly have a new name that reflects our united ambitions, so it’s an exciting time for us and the people we serve.
OUR FINANCES
The charity is in a strong position financially, with a high level of reserves that we intend to draw down over the coming years as we focus on investing in sustainable growth and increasing our impact. Compared to many charities, we
have well diversified income streams, predictable costs, and are in the fortunate position to hold a sizable portfolio of investments. Our plans for the short and medium term are to invest in our income generation infrastructure, and to significantly increase the amounts of funding we can put to our charitable purpose.
OUR BOARD AND LEADERSHIP TEAM
Fight for Sight / Vision Foundation is the only organisation in the sight loss sector with an Executive Leadership Team that has over half of its members with lived experience of sight loss.
The Board currently numbers ten trustees, including our newly appointed Chair.
The Board meets four times a year, or more often as required.
Follow this link to find out more about our Board.
ROLE DESCRIPTION
As the most senior leaders in our charity, trustees play a pivotal role in guiding our strategic direction, amplifying our impact, and ensuring the fulfilment of our mission to save sight and change lives. You will serve on the main board and will be invited also to get involved in one of our sub-committees. These are currently:
- Social Impact & Scientific Research Committee (SISR)
- Finance, Audit, Risk & Resources Committee (FARR)
- People Committee
- Retail Committee
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Leadership & Planning
- Provide leadership and strategic guidance to the charity, aligning efforts with the mission and values of the organisation.
- Collaborate with the board, executive team, and stakeholders to develop and implement long-term strategies that advance the charity’s impact and sustainability.
Governance
- Ensure effective governance, decision-making, and compliance with legal and ethical standards.
- Work closely with board members, fostering a culture of transparency, accountability, collaboration and open communication, harnessing different views and opinions.
Engagement
- Represent the charity at public events and networking opportunities to promote our mission and raise awareness about our cause.
- Develop and nurture relationships with key stakeholders, including donors, partners, corporations, government agencies, and the visually impaired community.
Evaluation and Accountability
- Collaborate with the board to evaluate performance, ensuring alignment with the charity’s goals and objectives.
- Ensure the charity is accountable to donors and beneficiaries, that is financially robust and sustainable, and that is effective risk management in place.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
We are seeking dynamic and dedicated individuals to serve as trustees of our ambitious merged organisation. The ideal candidates will have a strong commitment to our cause, along with the following:
Specialist experience
At this time, we are particularly interested in candidates who have leadership experience in:
- Scientific and/or medical research
- Ophthalmic research and/or clinical practice
- Strategic oversight of substantial fundraising and/or retail operations
Despite these areas of interest, we welcome a diversity of skills and experience at our charity and on our Board, and want to find the right candidates regardless of their specific areas of expertise or experience. So if you are interested in this role and think you can contribute to our mission, we’d love to hear from you.
General attributes
Knowledge & experience
- An understanding of governance, and experience on a committee or board.
- Demonstrated ability to build and maintain partnerships with stakeholders, including donors, corporations and government agencies.
Skills & abilities
- Strategic thinking and the ability to contribute to long-term planning and vision to deliver impact.
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences.
- Entrepreneurial instincts and a healthy understanding of risk balanced with ambition using sound judgement.
Styles & behaviours
- High ethical standards and commitment to upholding the charity’s values, as well as a passion for advocating on behalf of individuals with, or at risk of, sight loss.
- Collaborative, highly inclusive, fostering trust and valuing difference perspectives.
- Solution-focused, with an ability to see the big picture and be pragmatic.
TERMS OF APPOINTMENT
Remuneration
This role is not accompanied by any financial remuneration, although reasonable expenses may be claimed.
Time commitment
While the exact time commitment may vary based on the charity’s needs and priorities, we anticipate the following general expectations:
- A minimum of four Board meetings per year
- Up to four subcommittee meetings per year (the specific committee depending on skills and experience)
- Preparation for meetings, review of materials, and other trustee engagement as appropriate.
- Annual Strategy Day with full Board and executive team.
- Meetings with members of the executive leadership team as appropriate.
- Representing the charity at high profile events, functions and public engagements to enhance its reputation and partnerships.
Location
At present Board meetings are held in central London. Subcommittee meetings are held remotely.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Duration: 3 years rolling up to max 9 years
Location: Regents Park, central London
Salary: Unremunerated
Closing date: 28th April 2023
Trustee
International Students House
Background
International Students House (the ‘House’ or ’ISH’) is one of the leading charities providing support and accommodation for international and UK undergraduate and postgraduate students, singles, couples and families, from over 85 nations studying at over 32 higher education degree awarding institutions. It is one of the most diverse student residential communities in the UK. The charity currently has over 350 students in residence in Regent’s Park and Balham and has plans to expand. You can find out more on our website.
The ethos of the House is to create ‘a home away from home’ for students from all around the globe. Its main activities are the provision of scholarships, affordable housing, social activities and welfare support. To fund its charitable activities, the House manages a bar, a meetings & events operation, and a public entertainment business with a modern, medium-sized central London venue, 229.
The House is completely independent and receives no government or local authority funding. Overall income last year (2021-22) was circa £6 million, and the charity has physical assets of around £100 million and a substantial investment fund. It is financially self-supporting with multiple income generating streams and a professional and entrepreneurial management style to fulfil its mission. The House employs around 90 employees from 35 different home nations. Recent awards include best Student Accommodation in London 2018, Championing Diversity award 2019, Best Student Community Centre - Greater London 2020, and London Healthy Workplace Award 2021.
ISH is looking for one or two trustees to join the Board of Governors (the “ Board”). We are looking for individuals who have experience in the private, public or charitable sector and who can bring their entrepreneurial, management and governance skills to assist the charity in delivering its mission. This is an exciting time to join the Board of a dynamic and friendly organisation.
Governance
The Board has a maximum of 12 Governors (“Trustees”). It is supported by a Finance and Audit Committee, a Governance and Nominations Committee, an Investment Committee, a Property Strategy Committee, a Scholarship Committee, and a Student Management Committee. The Patron is HRH Princess Royal. Trustees are expected to serve on at least one of the named Committees in addition to the main Board.
The Board is responsible for:
- Setting the strategy, budget and policy framework of International Students House.
- Supporting the Chief Executive and Senior Management Team (SMT) in implementing the strategy and business plan.
- Overall good governance and ensuring full regulatory compliance.
- Promoting the organisation externally.
- Assisting with fundraising activities when required.
Role of a Trustee
The statutory duties of a trustee are to:
- Work with fellow Board members and SMT in setting the Charity’s strategic aims, ensuring that the necessary financial and other resources are in place for ISH to meet its objectives and review performance management.
- Provide leadership to the Charity within a framework of prudent and effective controls, which enable risks to be assessed and managed.
- Comply with its governing document, charity law, company law and all other relevant law, legislation and/or regulations;
- Pursue its objectives as defined in its governing document;
- Use its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objectives, and in doing so fulfils its purpose for the benefit of the public;
- Maintain proper systems, procedures and controls and that they are kept under regular review.
- Safeguard the good name and values of the ISH; and
- Appoint the CEO and monitor their performance
Person Specification
International Students House intends to recruit trustees who will also be members of appropriate sub–committees and who may be prepared to occupy the posts of Chair and Vice Chair in the future.
The successful candidates may come from a wide range of backgrounds and especially welcomed would be individuals with experience and knowledge of marketing, finance/accounting, or IT/digital. They will be able to provide a range of skills and experience, from the following areas:
- Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as trustees and to act in the best interests of ISH.
- Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgment and work effectively as a board member.
- Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion.
- Financially astute with an understanding of charity financial management.
- A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
- Enthusiasm for our mission and vision.
- Willingness to lead according to our values.
- Understanding of other cultures and issues faced by international students in the UK.
ISH is committed to reflect the diversity of the communities it serves and therefore welcomes applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability. All appointments will be made on merit, following a fair and transparent process.
Time Commitment
The Board meets four times a year and the Committees also meet on average four times a year. In addition, there are evening social events for our residents which Trustees will be invited to attend as these will give you the opportunity to meet our students and stakeholders. You would normally be expected to attend two of these events a year. All meetings are either in person at Regent’s Park, London or via video conferencing, on dates fixed 18 months in advance and are normally held at around 4.00 to 5.30 pm GMT. All Trustees are subject to re-election after three years.
Remuneration
This position is unremunerated.
The Board meets four times a year and the sub-committees normally meet four times a year. In addition, there are many evening social events for our residents which Trustees will be invited to attend and which will give you the opportunity to meet our students and stakeholders. You would normally be expected to attend two of these events a year. All meetings are either in person at Regent’s Park, London or via video conferencing, on dates fixed 18 months in advance and are normally held at around 4.00 to 5.30 pm GMT. All Trustees are subject to re-election after three years.
Remuneration
This position is unremunerated.
Application Process
Please apply with covering letter setting out how your skills and experience match the requirements of the role, no later than 28th April 2023.
We anticipate that interviews will be held week commencing 9th May 2023, with a view to the successful candidates taking up their posts at the Board meeting in June 2023.
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.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
The Quality of Life Foundation is looking for a new Trustee with financial expertise to join our existing board.
This is a great opportunity for an experienced professional to join the board of a growing and impactful organisation that is bridging the gap between health and wellbeing and the built environment.
The Quality of Life Foundation
The Quality of Life Foundation was established in 2019 by Prof. Sadie Morgan OBE. Its vision is for a housing system that improves people’s quality of life in their homes and neighbourhoods over the long term.
Our activities include research, thought leadership, training and strategy development, based on the organisation's Quality of Life Framework. Working with organisations in the public, private and third sectors, we are instigating practical projects to support more long-term thinking in industry and government. We are a small but influential organisation and have ambitious plans for growth over the coming years.
We were formally registered as a charity in 2022 and operate a wholly-owned commercial trading subsidiary.
The Role
The role of the Trustees is to set the organisation’s strategic direction, monitor the delivery of its objectives, and uphold its values and governance. The board will also guide, advise and support the Chair, who leads the delivery team towards achieving the Foundation’s vision and purpose.
For this role, we are specifically looking for someone with a finance background and existing or previous experience in charity finance and governance to work with existing trustees to oversee the financial matters of the charity in line with good practice and the legal obligations of the Charities Act.
The appointed trustee will sit on the Finance, Governance and Risk sub-committee and work with the Foundation’s Director and other trustees to update the board at regular intervals about the financial position of the Quality of Life Foundation and its trading subsidiary, QOLF Trading Ltd. NB all trustees are jointly and severally responsible for the administration of the charity.
Key responsibilities of the trustee include:
General
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Overseeing the creation and implementation of the Quality of Life Foundation’s strategy and business plan.
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Ensuring that the Foundation complies with all legal, regulatory and charitable requirements.
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Ensuring that the Foundation’s governance and performance is of the highest possible standard.
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Representing the Foundation at external events and sharing its aims and achievements with a wide variety of stakeholders to further establish its profile.
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Working in partnership with other Trustees and the Chair.
Financial
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Supporting the Director and board to oversee the financial matters of the charity, and to ensure appropriate presentation of budgets, accounts, management accounts and financial statements.
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Ensuring that financial resources are spent in accordance with the Charity’s objectives, good governance, legal and regulatory requirements.
Main duties:
In addition to the general duties of a trustee, your time will be spent:
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Liaising with the Director and/or Business Manager and supporting on financial matters.
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Supporting the board to monitor the financial viability of the Quality of Life Foundation and its trading subsidiary, QOLF Trading Ltd.
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Creating, in conjunction with relevant senior staff, a set of sound financial processes and procedures for the control of the charity’s assets.
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Advising on the financial implications of the Quality of Life Foundation’s Strategic Plan.
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Reviewing the annual accounts and, where applicable, liaising with the Foundation’s external accountants to ensure the accounts are compliant with the current Charities’ statement of recommended practice (SORP).
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Ensuring that sound financial management is maintained and ensuring expenditure is in line with the Foundation’s charitable objectives.
You
You are a leading professional in your industry with the time and commitment to help accelerate our growth and impact. You will be able to demonstrate:
General:
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A commitment to the Quality of Life Foundation’s mission and vision.
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Knowledge and understanding of current financial practice relevant to charities and relevant duties under the Charities Act.
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Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties and responsibilities of trusteeship.
Strategic Leadership:
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An ability to quickly understand, explore and resolve strategic issues, and to set and prioritise objectives.
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An ability to make your views known and make decisions in a group environment and in line with strategic objectives.
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Integrity and good independent judgement.
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Agility and the ability to think creatively.
Communication:
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Confidence in persuading and in communicating clearly and sensitively.
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Ability to listen intently, carefully and objectively.
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Ability to convey ideas, information and opinions clearly and concisely including a preparedness to make unpopular recommendations to the Board.
Teamwork:
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An ability to work effectively as a member of a team and to make decisions for the good of the Foundation.
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Support of the Chair, fellow board members and the Director.
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An ability to challenge the views of others appropriately.
Trustees should also have a good network and be able to combine various specialisms, with an understanding or appreciation of issues around design quality or health and wellbeing.
We are committed to maintaining a diverse and inclusive board, containing a broad range of skills, experience and backgrounds.
Commitment
The board meets formally four to six times per year. In addition, you will be expected to join the Finance, Governance and Risk sub-committee of the board and to represent the Foundation at external events.
Board meetings are held online and once a year at a location in central London. They are generally held midweek during the working day.
Trustees report to the Chair of the board. The position is unpaid, but reasonable expenses will be covered.
How to Apply
Please send a CV and covering letter outlining your experience, why you would be suited for the role and why you want to join the Quality of Life Foundation board.
If you require further information, or would like an informal conversation about the role, please contact us via our contact form on our website.
Applications will be considered by the Chair and Trustees of the Quality of Life Foundation.
Suitable candidates will be invited to interview.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Portsmouth Cathedral, the Cathedral of the Sea, becomes a registered charity in March 2024 under the Cathedrals Measure 2021. The Measure brings cathedrals under Charity Commission regulation and strengthens governance and operational frameworks. One of the aims is that the membership of Chapter, the Trustee body, should bring together individuals with a broad range of skills, knowledge, expertise, and experience to bring in best practice of strategic leadership for the Cathedral and lead it in being transparent and accountable.
We are looking to recruit members to the new Nominations Committee, which is chaired by Sir David Normington, and will advise on the recruitment of non-executive members of the new Chapter along with other Chapter Committees.
We are particularly looking for people who are:
- interested in, and supportive of, the work of the Cathedral; are collaborative and team oriented;
- have experience of serving on a committee or board in their working lives or as a volunteer; and have
- practical experience of recruitment in the public, private or charitable sectors.
You do not need to be a communicant member of the Church of England to be on the Committee. Interest, commitment and sympathy with the Cathedral’s mission are the most important attributes; and there is scope to grow and learn in the role.
We are committed to growing in diversity and inclusion and seek to reflect this in Chapter. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds.
The committee will meet two or three times a year and that members will serve a three year term of office. Could one of these members be you?
Please submit a recruitment monitoring form through our website
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.