Chair and trustees volunteer roles in bristol

Ready to make a meaningful difference through purposeful leadership?

At Sight Concern Bedfordshire, we’re here to make sure people living with sight loss can lead full, independent, and active lives. Rooted in our local communities across Bedfordshire and Luton, we’ve been quietly making a big impact for over 25 years.

We’re now actively looking for a new Chair of Trustees to help shape our next chapter.

This is a special opportunity to bring thoughtful, grounded leadership to a charity with a clear mission and deep community ties. You’ll be stepping in at a pivotal point as we modernise, grow our partnerships, and explore how assistive technologies and accessible services can unlock new possibilities for those we support.

As Chair, you’ll work closely with our CEO as a trusted partner, someone who can offer encouragement, challenge when needed, and help build a culture of inclusion, community, and accountability. You'll ensure our governance remains robust and fit for the future, and that our Board continues to deliver collaboratively, constructively, and always aligned with our values.

You’ll also represent the charity externally to help us grow our network and strengthen local relationships, as well as amplifying our voice when the opportunity arises. You’ll also help us foster an environment where people feel valued, lived experience is in our central scope, and blind and partially sighted individuals remain at the heart of every decision we make.

We’re not just looking for someone to keep the wheels turning, we’re looking for a leader who understands how crucial it is to lead with integrity, empathy, and purpose. Someone who understands that the best kind of change evolves through collaboration, not control.

You don’t need to have been a Chair before, but you should bring experience as a senior leader in a professional setting or have worked closely with a CEO or senior executive. An understanding of charity governance is key, and we’re also looking for someone with flourishing people skills and a genuine commitment to inclusion and accessibility.

If you’ve got previous Trustee experience too, that’s a bonus.

Does this sound like you?

If the answer is yes, and you're ready to help guide our charity through a meaningful and exciting phase of its journey, we’d love to hear from you.

The official Recruitment Pack can be found on the Sight Concern Bedfordshire website.

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

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

Our mission

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

We work on our mission through three strands of activity:

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

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

Chair of Trustees

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For further information, please contact:

Location: Fully flexible / Remote – open to applicants anywhere in the UK

Time Commitment: Approx. 3–5 hours per month (may be more during start-up and registration phase)

About Us

Unseen Expeditions UK is a newly forming Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) supporting mission-led charities and expedition projects across the UK and internationally. Our flagship initiative, The Unseen Mile, is a 4.5-year journey covering 25,000 miles across 37 countries. Through this and future projects, we aim to inspire, raise awareness for important causes, and share unique storytelling and learning experiences from the field.

We are currently recruiting our initial trustee board to help launch and register the charity.

Role Overview

We are seeking a Chair / Trustee to lead our board, provide strategic direction, and ensure effective governance. The Chair will guide the charity through registration and early operations while supporting the delivery of its mission.

Key Responsibilities

· Lead the trustee board and ensure effective governance

· Chair board meetings and oversee decision-making

· Support trustee recruitment, induction, and development

· Act as a primary contact for stakeholders and regulators

· Oversee compliance with charity law and CIO regulations

· Assist with reporting to the Charity Commission

· Help guide the charity through its registration and initial set-up

Person Specification & Requirements

· Strong leadership, organisational, and strategic skills

· Familiarity with charity governance and trustee responsibilities (training can be provided)

· Commitment to the mission and values of Unseen Expeditions and its partnered charities

· Ability to work collaboratively with a small, remote trustee team

· Comfortable working remotely and communicating online with a UK-wide board

· UK-based (required for legal trustee responsibilities)

· 3–5 hours per month commitment (more during start-up if possible)

· Basic tools for communication (email, phone, video calls)

What You’ll Gain

· Opportunity to shape and govern a new, high-profile charity from launch

· Hands-on experience in charity leadership and governance

· Contribution to awareness-raising and adventure-led impact projects

· Recognition for your role in mission-driven initiatives, including The Unseen Mile and future projects

· Flexible, fully remote role within a passionate, purpose-driven team

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.

We are seeking a new Chair to provide strategic leadership at a time when demand for our advice services is at an all-time high. Help shape our vision, champion our mission, and make a tangible difference in the lives of those facing challenges.

About Citizens Advice East Berkshire
Citizens Advice East Berkshire offers crucial help and advice when people need it most. No one but Citizens Advice sees so many people with so many different kinds of problems, and that gives us a unique insight into the challenges people are facing today. 

What will you be doing?
We are at an important stage in our development and we are seeking a new Chair to replace our current Chair who will be standing down as her term finishes. We have ambitious plans for our future and we are looking for a Chair who can help drive our mission forward.

Building on our successes to date, we want a new Chair to lead us through the next exciting phase of our journey. You will have a strong background and track record of providing leadership at board and/or senior executive level and will have a passion for supporting people facing tough life challenges. You should have the judgement and vision to operate effectively at strategic level and you should demonstrate the skills and expertise to help drive our mission forward. We are looking for someone with 3 years+ professional experience in one of the fields of Fundraising strategy, Governance, Operations management or Advice / Advocacy. 

We are looking for someone who has:

• Experience of operating at a senior strategic leadership level within an organisation
• Successful track record of achievement through their career
• Experience of charity governance and working with or as part of a Board of Trustees
• Passion for supporting people facing tough life challenges
• Ideally has served as a Chair or Vice Chair and is familiar with leading a Board

What are we looking for?

You’ll need to:

• Understand the type of work undertaken by a local Citizens Advice and the Citizens Advice network
• Understand and accept the responsibilities and liabilities of a trustee
• Be non-judgmental and respect views, values and cultures that are different to your own
• Have a good basis of leadership skills (and preferably you have served within a Board, ideally as Chair or Vice Chair or led a Committee)
• Have the ability to facilitate and lead meetings
• Have good interpersonal skills
• Have good listening, verbal and written communication skills
• Be able to exercise good independent judgment
• Have good numeracy skills to understand accounts with the support of the treasurer
• Be willing to learn about and follow the Citizens Advice aims, principles and policies, including confidentiality and data protection
• Be willing to undertake mandatory training in your role
• Line manage and support the Chief Executive Officer

What difference will you make?
Citizens Advice East Berkshire makes transformational differences to people who need support when facing life crises. As Chair you will play a significant part in ensuring we are able to expand and grown our services to make a significant difference to many more individuals and families. 

Women's Aid Luton is seeking a visionary and dedicated Chair of the Board to lead and support the transformation and growth of our small yet impactful charity.

Women’s Aid Luton supports over 800 of society's most vulnerable women and children each year, helping them escape horrific abuse and violence. We provide a safe haven across our five refuges in Luton, operate a helpline, and offer bespoke assistance for families. Our services include access to legal advice, mental health support, employment assistance, and resettlement aid.

One of our refuges is dedicated to women from South Asian communities, with staff who speak Punjabi, Bengali, and Urdu. We also have a refuge for single women with complex support needs, such as mental health issues and drug and alcohol dependencies, often stemming from the trauma of domestic violence and abuse.

In addition to our direct support services, we focus on prevention and intervention by working with schools to raise awareness of domestic abuse. We are committed to disrupting exploitative and abusive relationships to prevent loss of life and reduce the long-term economic and social costs to society. Our services contribute to creating a safer, more compassionate community, supporting women and children from diverse socio-economic, religious, and cultural backgrounds, including those with complex needs.

With the current challenges facing our sector, we are focused on creating financial sustainability and resilience within the organisation, focusing on a robust funding strategy and a dynamic response to risk.

Our current Chair will come to the end of their term next year, and therefore we’re seeking a new Chair to support the charity in delivering our vital work.

The Chair of Trustees is a pivotal role within our organisation. Your leadership and dedication will be instrumental in ensuring we not only maintain but also expand our vital support and services for those in need. By guiding our strategic vision and fostering a culture of compassion and excellence, you will directly impact the lives of countless vulnerable women and children, helping them rebuild their lives and find hope for the future. Your commitment will drive our mission forward, creating lasting change and a safer, more supportive community for all.

What are we looking for?

EXPERIENCE

• An understanding and passion for the violence against women and girls sector
• Significant experience as a non-executive
• An understanding of UK charity governance and working with or as part of a Board of Trustees
• Experience of operating at a senior strategic leadership level
• An ability to network with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Sensitivity and discretion in dealing with staff and service user issues.
• Significant experience and success in leading groups of people in either a professional or voluntary capacity to achieve results.
• Experience of chairing meetings.
• Significant experience of managing, motivating, and developing people.
• Strong experience of developing, deploying, and evaluating strategic plans with a view to maximising impact and benefit.
• Experience of financial management and a broad understanding of charity finance issues

 SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Exceptional leadership skills; able to cultivate effective collaboration but also comfortable in taking responsibility for difficult choices.
•  Effective strategic communicator: able to articulate Women’s Aid Luton’s vision and engage and inspire others both within the organisation and externally.
• Highly effective relationship and alliance building abilities.
• Sound judgement with high capacity for self-reflection.
• Capacity to support both Board and Executive development.
• An ability to work within the realistic expectations and limitations for the Charity

ATTRIBUTES

• Dynamic leadership style that guides and inspires the Board and Executive to fulfil their respective responsibilities.
• A strong personal commitment to improving Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.
• Collaborative approach with excellent interpersonal skills.
• A strong personal commitment to Women’s aid Luton’s vision and mission replace with: Demonstrate a strong and visible passion and commitment to the charity, its strategic objectives and cause
• Demonstrate tact and diplomacy, with the ability to listen and engage effectively
• Strong networking capabilities that can be utilised for the benefit of the charity
• Ability to commit time to conduct the role well, including travel and attending events out of office hours

TERMS OF APPOINTMENT

The initial appointment is for a three-year term but can be extended for one further term for a maximum of six years. 

 “Joining Women’s Aid in Luton as a Board member has enabled me to use my professional expertise in a way that gives back to the community. I know that all the energy and time I give is helping to strengthen the organisation and ultimately the women and children it seeks to support. Joining the Board has been immensely rewarding and I highly recommend it as a valuable way to volunteer your time for a good cause.” – current Board Trustee at Women’s Aid in Luton.

Due to the sensitive nature of this role, we will be considering female volunteers only for this post in accordance with the provisions of the Occupational Requirement (Equality Act 2010, pursuant to schedule 9 part 1). Applicants will be required to have a satisfactory enhanced disclosure through the Disclosure and Barring Service.

We actively encourage applications from women from a variety of backgrounds, and with a range of skills and experiences. We are particularly interested to hear from women from Black, Asian and minoritised communities and women who have personal experience of domestic abuse.

If you have some time, energy and interest in the domestic abuse sector and believe you can make a difference to Women’s Aid Luton, we would love to hear from you.

Location: Fully flexible / Remote – open to applicants anywhere in the UK
Time Commitment: Approx. 2–6 hours per month, including quarterly trustee meetings, occasional sub-committee meetings, and fulfilling trustee responsibilities. Time may vary slightly depending on organisational needs, but remains manageable alongside other personal and professional commitments.

About Us
Unseen Expeditions UK is a newly forming Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) supporting mission-led charities and expedition projects across the UK and internationally. Our flagship initiative, The Unseen Mile, is a 4.5-year journey covering 25,000 miles across 37 countries. Through this and future projects, we aim to inspire communities, raise awareness for important causes—including mental health—and share unique storytelling and learning experiences from the field.

We are currently recruiting our initial board of trustees to help launch and register the charity.

Role Overview
We are seeking a Chair / Trustee to lead our board, provide strategic direction, and ensure effective governance. The Chair will guide the charity through registration and early operations while supporting the delivery of its mission.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the trustee board and ensure effective governance

• Chair board meetings and oversee decision-making

• Support trustee recruitment, induction, and development

• Act as a primary contact for stakeholders and regulators

• Oversee compliance with charity law and CIO regulations

• Assist with reporting to the Charity Commission

• Help guide the charity through its registration and initial set-up

Person Specification & Requirements

• Strong leadership, organisational, and strategic skills

• Familiarity with charity governance and trustee responsibilities (training can be provided)

• Commitment to the mission and values of Unseen Expeditions and its partnered charities

• Ability to work collaboratively with a small, remote trustee team

• Comfortable working remotely and communicating online with a UK-wide board

• UK-based (required for legal trustee responsibilities)

• 2–6 hours per month commitment (more during start-up if possible)

• Basic tools for communication (email, phone, video calls)

What You’ll Gain

• Opportunity to shape and govern a new, high-profile charity from launch

• Hands-on experience in charity leadership and governance

• Contribution to awareness-raising and adventure-led impact projects

• Recognition for your role in mission-driven initiatives, including The Unseen Mile and future projects

• Flexible, fully remote role within a passionate, purpose-driven team

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

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

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

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

As Chair, you will:

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

We’re looking for:

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

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

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

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

Deadline for applications: 19 September 2025

About It’s Time:

It’s Time is a charity created by and for young adults who have experienced the death of a parent. Founded by people who know this grief first-hand, the charity ensures no one aged 18–35 has to navigate such loss alone. Through peer-led support, events, free group therapy, and tailored resources, It’s Time offers connection and understanding during an often isolating time. The charity also partners with universities, workplaces, and families to promote better bereavement support - recognising that grief doesn’t follow a timeline, and the help offered to young adults shouldn’t either.

The charity was founded in 2021 and we now run local peer support groups throughout England, have a year long waiting list for our group therapy and supports around 500 people in the online community.  We recognise that as we grow our needs and those of our community are changing and are looking for someone skilled in charity growth to steer us into the next phase of our development.

About the Role
We are seeking a dedicated, strategic, and inspiring leader to join us as Chair of the Board of Trustees. This is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of a growing charity, providing governance, leadership, and support to a committed Board and passionate staff team.

As Chair, you will play a vital role in steering the organisation toward maximum impact for our beneficiaries, holding the Board and senior leadership to account while acting as an ambassador and public face of the charity.

Time Commitment:

• 4 board meetings annually (Tuesday evenings via Zoom)

• 1 annual in-person strategy day (usually a Saturday in London)

• Participation in any relevant sub-groups

• Ad hoc involvement in events, meetings, or training as needed

Remuneration:
This is a voluntary role. Reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Board in providing clear strategic direction and strong governance

• Ensure the charity meets its objectives, mission, and vision

• Support and hold the senior leadership team to account

• Represent the charity externally, acting as a spokesperson and ambassador

• Chair Board meetings, enabling effective and inclusive decision-making

• Build strong relationships with trustees, staff, and stakeholders

• Oversee financial health, governance standards, and risk management

What We're Looking For:

Personal Qualities

• A visible passion and commitment to the charity’s cause

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

• Gravitas to lead a growing organisation

• Diplomatic, collaborative, and team-oriented

Experience

• Senior strategic leadership experience

• Experience in growing a small charity

• Strong track record in your professional field

• Experience working with or on a Board of Trustees

• Skilled in stakeholder management and public speaking

• Confident chairing meetings and facilitating group discussions

Knowledge & Skills

• Understanding of the charity and civil society sectors

• Strong governance and financial oversight capabilities

• Proven ability to build and lead effective teams

Term:
The Chair will serve a three-year term, with eligibility for reappointment for one additional term.

Chair of Trustees – School Library Association
Location: Remote, with occasional in-person events
Time commitment: One day per week
Term: 3-year term (term renewable once; a maximum of six years)

Remuneration: Voluntary (expenses reimbursed)
Deadline to apply: 25th September

Are you a strategic leader with a passion for reading and equity in education? Do you want to help shape the future of school libraries and support the next generation of readers?

This is a pivotal moment for the School Library Association (SLA). With a new CEO, a refreshed staff team, and bold plans to launch a new organisational strategy, we are looking for a dynamic and ambitious Chair of Trustees to join us.

We punch well above our weight as a small national charity with big ambitions. You will be joining at a time of transformation, as we strengthen our funding pipeline, build corporate and strategic partnerships, and grow our visibility on the national stage. We recently represented the SLA at Downing Street for the Government’s Year of Reading, and the opportunity to drive systemic change in support of school libraries has never been greater.

We are looking for a Chair who:

• Brings strategic leadership and sound financial oversight
• Can support and challenge the CEO in equal measure
• Has strong relationship-building skills and ambassadorial presence
• Is excited to help shape a new strategy and governance structure
• Shares our passion for reading, education, and inclusion

If this sounds like you, we would love to hear from you.  Download the recruitment pack and apply by 25th September 2025.

Become a Trustee at Sunrise Multicultural Project

Are you passionate about making a difference in your community?

We are looking for dedicated, enthusiastic individuals to join our Board of Trustees and help guide the future of Sunrise Multicultural Project.

As a trustee, you will play a vital role in shaping our strategy, ensuring we stay true to our mission, and supporting the development of initiatives that promote inclusivity and integration. We are seeking individuals with a range of skills, backgrounds, and experiences – whether in community work, finance, governance, fundraising, or marketing – who share our commitment to empowering minority groups and fostering a more connected, diverse community. 

If you are eager to contribute your time, expertise, and passion, we would love to hear from you!

Who we are

The Molly Huggins Foundation is a newly launched charity with a bold mission: to drive long-term, place-based investment in communities that are too often overlooked. We’re a subsidiary of Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing (MTVH), with a vision to raise £75 million through fundraising, partnerships, and internal contributions by 2035.

Our work centres on homelessness prevention, youth opportunity, employment support, and community capacity building. In 2025, we’ll merge with the established MTVH Migration Foundation, bringing 15 years of grant-making experience supporting migrants and refugees, into one powerful, national platform for change.

Lady Molly Huggins founded Metropolitan in 1957 to create stable homes and strong communities. Today, her name lives on in a foundation committed to profound, lasting impact, fuelled by the lived experiences of residents and delivered in collaboration with the people who know their communities best.

About the role

As our first Chair, you’ll help shape the strategic direction of this charity at a pivotal moment. You’ll lead our Board, guide the integration of two foundations, and provide high-level oversight on finance, governance, and risk. Just as crucially, you’ll act as a visible ambassador, bringing credibility, networks, and a deep belief in our mission.

This is a voluntary role with a time commitment of approximately two days per month and a three-year term (renewable up to six years). You’ll work closely with the MTVH Executive team and stakeholders across housing, social justice, and philanthropy to help unlock the potential of communities across the UK.

Who we’re looking for

We’re seeking a values-driven, strategic leader with significant board experience—ideally as Chair or senior trustee. You’ll have:

• A strong understanding of governance and charity compliance.
• Credibility and confidence to influence at senior levels across sectors.
• A commitment to tackling inequality and advancing social justice.
• Experience in strategy, financial oversight, and partnership development.
• Knowledge of housing, community development, or migration issues is welcome, as is experience in fundraising or philanthropy at scale.

We especially encourage applications from those with lived experience of social housing, migration, or community marginalisation. More than anything, we’re looking for someone with vision, integrity, and a passion for building better futures—with communities, not just for them.

Role Overview:

The Chair will ensure that the board functions effectively, maintains high standards of governance, and that the charity's mission and goals are achieved.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Board Leadership:

   • Lead the board in setting and implementing the charity’s culture, direction, and strategy.

   • Ensure the board operates inclusively and effectively.

   • Chair board meetings, ensuring decisions are made and actions are followed up.

2. Strategic Direction:

   • Guide the development and implementation of the charity’s strategic plan.

   • Ensure the charity’s activities align with its mission and goals.

3. Oversight and Accountability:

   • Monitor the charity’s activities and ensure high standards of governance.

   • Hold staff members accountable and support their professional development.

   • Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements (this includes Charity Commission and companies House requirements).

4. Close Supervision:

   • Ensure that all members of staff have adequate line management and supervision (not necessarily by the Chair as this may be allocated to another trustee).

   • Act as the primary point of communication between the board and the staff.

5. Direct Involvement:

   • Take a hands-on approach to day-to-day operations, as necessary.

   • Assist in tasks typically handled by additional staff due to the charity’s limited resources.

6. Enhanced Communication:

   • Ensure clear and consistent messaging between the board and the staff member.

7. Financial Oversight:

   • Oversee the charity’s finances, possibly taking on some treasurer responsibilities (currently the board has an appointed treasurer and an honorary accountant).

   • Ensure the charity operates within its financial means.

8. Volunteer Coordination:

   • Recruit and manage volunteers to support the charity’s activities as and when appropriate..

9. Policy Development:

   • Ensure the development, implementation and review of policies to ensure effective and legal operation of the charity.

10. Annual Review:

    • Lead the board in reviewing its structure, effectiveness, delegations, and key policies annually.

Person Specification:

• Leadership Skills: Proven experience in leadership roles, preferably within the charity sector.

• Communication Skills: Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to think strategically and guide the charity’s direction.

• Financial Acumen: Understanding of financial management and oversight.

• Commitment: Dedication to the charity’s mission and values.

• IT competency: Able to use cloud-based systems (currently Google Drive)

This is an amazing opportunity to work with a fantastic Trustee and staff team to help to lead a truly member-led, mission focused small charity, making a real difference to adoptive families

We are looking for an individual with a strong understanding of the challenges facing adoptive parents and who shares our commitment to supporting adopters and prospective adopters throughout their adoption journey. Ideal candidates will have strong governance knowledge, the capacity to think strategically, work collaboratively and lead the Trustees in making significant contributions to our future.

You will join the Board as the organisation heads into its second decade, with established services, partnerships and a growing membership base. Our quality and consistency of service provision is leading to exciting conversations nationally, and we are looking for our new Chair to help steer us through this next stage of growth.

ROLE DESCRIPTION AND HOW TO APPLY

Key Responsibilities

To advise, govern, oversee policy and direction and assist with the leadership and general promotion of We Are Family to support the organisation’s vision, mission, values and needs.

• Contract: two years unless agreed otherwise on appointment. The Chair is eligible for re-election within their overall period of appointment as a Trustee.
• Hours: circa 8-10 hours per month (including evening meetings)
• Salary: n/a this is a voluntary role, with associated expenses covered
• Location: Remote (UK-based), twice yearly in-person meetings in London

Commitment

• Chair 4 Board meetings per year
• Attend 4 Sub-Committee meetings per year
• Help plan and chair 2 Board away days per year (on a Saturday)
• Fortnightly check-ins with the Director
• Join the staff team meeting once per month
• Induction meetings with new Trustees

Board and committee meetings are held in the evening via Zoom and dates of meetings are distributed a year in advance. The away days are held in person in central London.

Skills and knowledge

All applicants should be able to demonstrate the following:

• Strong understanding of the challenges faced by adoptive parents;
• Extensive charity governance knowledge;
• Skills or experience in strategic planning, setting targets and monitoring and evaluating performance;
• Good organisational and communication (written and oral) skills;
• Proven track record in senior governance roles;
• Previous Chair or Deputy Chair of a Board of Trustees Experience (desirable)

Express an interest 

If the opportunity to join an exciting, rapidly growing charity appeals to you as someone able to make a valuable contribution, we would love to hear from you! Please follow the link to our website for further information and details about how to apply.

The closing date for applications is 5pm on Friday 12th September 2025.

Home-Start Suffolk is seeking an exceptional individual to join our Board of Trustees as Vice Chair.
This is a unique opportunity to play a key leadership role in a well-established and growing charity that
supports families across Suffolk. As Vice Chair, you will work closely with the Chair, CEO and wider Board to
help shape our strategic direction, support strong governance and ensure we continue to meet the needs of
families in our communities.

We are specifically looking for someone with charity governance experience. You will bring a solid
understanding of how effective boards operate and feel confident supporting other trustees, offering
constructive challenge and helping to ensure the charity meets its legal and strategic responsibilities.
This Vice Chair role is part of our wider trustee recruitment and we welcome applicants who bring any of the
following:

• Experience or knowledge of the local charity or voluntary sector
• Understanding of family support or volunteer management
• Strong networks and connections within local businesses
• Previous involvement with Home-Start Suffolk as a volunteer or someone who has received support
• A passion for making a difference in your community

Interested?
We would love to hear from you. more information and a candidate pack can be found on our website.

Closing date: This is an open and rolling recruitment
Interviews: Held as applications are received