Chair and trustees volunteer volunteer roles
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
CARIS Families (registered charity name CARIS Camden, charity number 1121919) is a small frontline charity that runs support services for homeless children and their parents living in temporary accommodation hostels in the London Boroughs of Camden and Hackney.
Families can find themselves homeless for many reasons. They may be displaced as part of the refugee resettlement process. They may be fleeing domestic violence or suffering the fallout of relationship breakdown. They may have simply found themselves priced out of the rental market and lost their home as a result. With affordable housing and social tenancies increasingly scarce, many children and their parents live in this state of limbo for years on end. The hostel, in effect, becomes the childhood home, making ‘temporary accommodation’ anything but temporary.
CARIS Families' frontline mission is twofold: to improve families' day-to-day experiences while in temporary accommodation and to assist them to move out of homelessness as soon as possible. We improve day-to-day experiences by providing hostel-based services for families that put back opportunities for children to thrive and that support parental wellbeing. At the same time, we casework with parents to progress their housing case so the family can move on into a settled home as soon as possible. In 2025 we supported 108 families and 146 children with play and learning opportunities, school holiday activities, family support work, poverty relief work and housing casework.
In addition to our frontline work, we contribute data and learned experience from our frontline work to academic research and political campaigning with the aim of bringing about reform of harmful temporary accommodation practises, and we support our families to share their lived experience.
Our turnover in 2024 was £238,555, with the majority of our income coming from trust and foundation grants, of which 4 are multi-year grants. We do not currently receive any statutory funding. Please find out more on the Charity Commission website at: CARIS CAMDEN - 1121919
Current context
We currently have a board of eight trustees and would like to increase the capacity of the board to match our growth, as we expand our hostel reach, family casework and public profile in the campaigns arena.
We have a Director, a staff team of six and a small cohort of volunteers who deliver our services within the family hostels and further afield. We have a broad support base with the significant impact and value of work recognised by our partners.
Roles
We have completed a Trustees skill audit and the following areas were identified as priority skills and expertise needed to support the development of our work:
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Individuals with lived experience of family temporary accommodation
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Children’s social workers
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Teachers or educationalists with an Early Years / KS1 interest, interested in educational inequality
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Academics with interest in sociology, urban geography and social inequality relating to housing rights and children’s life chances
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Housing and homelessness professionals
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Medical professionals with an interest in child and maternal health in light of social inequalities
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Corporate, HNW and legacy fundraising professionals
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IT and technology professionals with expertise in how we can better use technology to drive our work forward and increase impact using our collected data.
If you don’t quite match the above but feel you have significant skill or knowledge to contribute to our work we’d still love to hear from you.
Given the demographics of the families we support, we particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic individuals, from people with experience of migration, and from people with lived experience of temporary accommodation.
Expectations for Trustees
Trustees play a vital role in ensuring the charity is well‑governed, sustainable, and delivering meaningful impact. As a trustee, you will be expected to:
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Attend all Trustees meetings. Currently this consists of four meetings per annum, which generally alternate between online delivery and in-person in central London.
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Attend at least one session of delivery with our staff team each year.
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Proactively contribute your particular area/s of knowledge, expertise and insight to board discussions and strategic decision-making processes.
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Be willing to proactively engage in the development of CARIS Families on a three to five-year term.
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Undertake an Enhanced DBS check and online Safeguarding Training course, both organised and funded by CARIS Families.
While this is a voluntary role, travel expenses within Greater London can be covered to attend meetings and services.
Please get in touch if you have any questions about the role or your decision to apply, we’d welcome a discussion.
Potentially interested individuals will be invited to have an informal conversation with our Director, followed by a meeting with our Chair of Trustees, prior to suitable individuals being voted in.
Please feel free to get in touch if you have any questions about the role or whether to apply, we’d welcome a discussion prior to application.
When you're ready to apply, please send your CV and a cover letter outlining why you are interested in becoming a Trustee with us.
Potentially interested individuals will be invited to have an informal conversation with our Director, followed by a meeting with our Chair of Trustees, prior to suitable individuals being voted in.
Pets As Therapy is a national charity with a simple but powerful mission: to share the joy of pets with people who need it most. Each week, more than 6,000 volunteers and their pets visit schools, hospitals, hospices, care homes and community settings across the UK.
What will you be doing?
Responsibilities of the Chair:
- Provide strategic leadership to the charity and the Board, ensuring that PAT achieves its mission.
- Work in partnership with the CEO and Executive team to achieve its mission.
- Lead the Board in ensuring that it fulfils its responsibilities for the governance of the organisation.
- Optimise the relationship between the Board and PAT’s staff and volunteers.
- Plan and chair the Board meetings and the AGM, with others as appropriate.
- Act as an ambassador and spokesperson for PAT.
The Chair provides oversight and guidance while also carrying out the general responsibilities of a Trustee.
Time Commitment:
- Estimated at one to two days per month.
- The Board meets formally at least four times a year for between a half day and a day, depending on business. Two meetings are in-person and are held in central London. Two are virtual.
- All trustees are asked to serve on one or more Board sub-committees and working groups. This adds 3-4 shorter meetings a year, for which preparation can be significant or relatively light. Trustees may be asked to chair sub committees on a rotating basis.
- Ad hoc and occasional support through working groups and / or support to the Executive team.
- Monthly scheduled conversation with the CEO with flexibility to respond to the occasional ad hoc issue.
What are we looking for?
Personal skills / experience / values
- Willingness and ability to understand and accept responsibilities and liabilities as trustees and to act in the best interests of the organisation.
- Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a Board member.
- Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion.
- A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
- Commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.
Essential skills / experience / values
- A strategic thinker.
- Proven leadership skills with the ability to inspire and engage trustees, staff, funders, partners and volunteers.
- A clear understanding of the charity landscape and the challenges faced by a charity of PAT’s size.
- Trustee experience with a clear understanding of charity governance.
- Willingness to act as an ambassador.
- An animal lover with a firm commitment to PAT’s mission and values.
Desirable skills / experience
- Familiarity with membership and/or volunteer-based organisations.
- Sector expertise - animal welfare, health or education.
- Experience of encouraging more inclusive processes to extend our charity’s impact across a more diverse range of communities.
What difference will you make?
As Chair of Trustees at PAT, you will provide leadership that enables the charity to grow, innovate, and reach more people with the joy of animal companionship. Your guidance will directly influence:
- Wellbeing of vulnerable people: PAT visits lift spirits in care homes, hospitals, hospices, and day centres.
- Children’s literacy and confidence: Read2Dogs helps over 2,000 schools support reluctant or anxious readers.
- Growth and sustainability: Guide a charity with 6,000+ volunteers, ensuring it thrives and meets demand.
- Expansion of PAT’s reach: Bring the joy and comfort of pets to more people, including underserved communities.
How to Apply
The Reach Volunteering TrusteeWorks Team are supporting Pets As Therapy with this recruitment and all applications and enquiries should be sent to TrusteeWorks via the Reach Volunteering Platform. Please see application instructions on the redirect link.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Our mission is to reduce social isolation through positive enablement.
The Mid Devon Messenger serves a close-knit community of people who, due to visual impairment or chronic illness, find it difficult to read. For 43 years we have circulated free weekly audio news, information and entertainment to our listeners, providing a life-line to their community. Always developing our services, listeners can now thrive in a number of activity groups, including bowling, walking and book clubs. Supported by 50+ volunteers, in 2025 the charity was Highly Commended in the BBC's Make a Difference community award.
As Volunteer Chair of Trustees you will bring vision to further develop and expand our services to listeners, while sustaining the charity's infrastructure, and leading our brilliant team of volunteers.
Based in Tiverton, Devon hours are flexible, at a minimum of around 8 hours/month, with reasonable expenses payable.
Key responsibilities include:
Leadership of the Committee of the Association, ensuring effective governance. Line-manage and support the Trustees - Vice Chair, Secretary and Treasurer. Operational oversight. Engaging Ambassador for the charity, nurturing relationshiops with partners, funders, and the local community.
If you're strategic, empathetic and ready to make a real impact, we'd love to hear from you.
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The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The Institute of Conservation (Icon) is seeking an enterprising and passionate supporter of cultural heritage to chair our Board of Trustees through an ambitious period of growth and change.
This fulfilling role will appeal to a people focused individual, who will welcome the opportunity to actively engage with Icon's membership and the wider heritage sector. We are looking for the skills and ambition to support us as we establish a new strategy to champion conservation and deliver sustainable financial growth to support our charitable objectives.
About the Role
The Chair’s responsibilities include those of all Icon Trustees, with the additional operational responsibilities:
- Providing leadership to the Board in its strategic and policy role
- Chairing the Board and other meetings to facilitate positive discussion and development
- Ensuring the Board fulfils its legal and charitable responsibilities for the governance of Icon
- Establishing a constructive working relationship with the Chief Executive
- Appraising the performance of the Chief Executive and the Trustees
- Advocating for Icon and conservation via public speaking appointments at Icon events and within the wider heritage sector
- Supporting Icon’s petition for Royal Charter through stakeholder engagement activity
For the full list of responsibilities and information on Icon including its mission and values, please refer to the Chair of the Board of Trustees Recruitment Pack
About You
You will be:
- Committed to Icon’s values and the conservation of cultural heritage
- Committed to the professional ethos that defines Icon and its members
- Able to direct the business of the Board efficiently and effectively
- Skilled in developing and nurturing productive working relationships
- Willing to challenge us and introduce new ways of thinking
You will have experience in:
- Charity or corporate governance
- High level advocacy across a range of media, including public speaking, interviewing and written commentary
- Successful fundraising and/or entrepreneurial activities
- Delivering organisational growth and future resilience
- Problem solving, building understanding, and fostering collaboration
All trustees must agree to comply with the Trustees’ Code of Conduct. You can find more information about being a Trustee on Icon’s website.
How to Apply
If you would like to be considered for a position on our Board of Trustees, please submit a brief covering letter (no more than one side of A4) explaining why you are interested in the role and highlighting your relevant skills and experience. Please also provide your CV, covering no more than two sides of A4.
Detailed application instructions can be found on Icon's website.
Applications close on Wednesday 11 February 2026 at 5PM.
Based in Newtown, Powys, Rekindle is a vibrant and committed charity, providing mental health support to young people aged between 16 and 25 years, in Mid Wales and the Shropshire Borders. As Chair, you’ll play a key role in shaping Rekindle’s future and building on the momentum of recent successes.
What will you be doing?
As Chair of the Board of Trustees, you will be responsible for ensuring that the charity trustee board functions effectively, meetings are led inclusively, and the board carries out its duties. You will lead the board in governing itself well, setting the strategic direction of the charity, creating a positive culture within the charity and holding staff accountable. You will monitor the agreed actions from board meetings to ensure that decisions are implemented properly and in a timely manner and build a strong, positive and respectful relationship with staff, volunteers, beneficiaries and other stakeholders. You will also act as an ambassador for the charity, representing its interests and values to stakeholders.
Time commitment
- 4 board meetings per year, plus minimum 16 hours per month (to be reviewed annually)
- There may be additional time commitment required however there is no fixed requirement as we appreciate that each Board member has different amounts of time they are able to offer
- Ideally the Chair will be local to the charity.
What are we looking for?
We are looking for an individual with a natural leadership style that is inclusive and collaborative. Rekindle is about to embark on some restructuring of its managerial tier; this will be with the help of Pilot Light and their 360 programme, and we would like the new Chair to be a part of this ideally.
Rekindle is currently developing a Youth Advisory Board that will consult and advise with the Board of Trustees once established, and so experience of this, although not essential, would be welcome.
Skills and experience:
- Demonstrable experience in leadership roles.
- Previous experience serving on a Board of Trustees.
- Ability to think strategically and drive organizational growth and impact.
- Experience in supporting and developing organizational strategy.
- 5-15 years of experience in governance and financial oversight.
- Must be located in commutable distance to Newtown, Powys.
- Experience in chairing meetings and creating an inclusive environment.
- Passionate about mental health, wellbeing and young people.
We aim to reflect the diverse communities, young people, and families we serve, and welcome applicants with lived experience relevant to our work.
What difference will you make?
Joining Rekindle's board as Chair offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a growing and dynamic charity. In recent years, Rekindle has expanded its operations, including employing seven staff members and moving to a larger premises, while maintaining its core services. The board is in a good, stable place. As Chair, you’ll play a key role in shaping Rekindle’s future and building on the momentum of recent successes.
Before you apply
The TrusteeWorks Team at Reach Volunteering are supporting Rekindle with their Chair recruitment. Applications should be made via TrusteeWorks in the first instance.
To apply please submit your CV along with a covering letter stating why you wish to join the organisation and how your skills and experience would add value to the board.
THE OPPORTUNITY
Are you a progressive and inclusive leader? If you’re able to shape and influence an organisation with a strong foundation and a compelling ambition, then you could be our next Chair here at the Eikon charity.
This is a chance to employ your passion, commitment and bold leadership to support the lives of young people. You will have strong interpersonal skills and influencing capabilities, and a deep commitment to the charity’s mission and values
We need someone to engage and influence stakeholders internally as our Chair as well as able to be a strong ambassador externally.
If this sounds like you, then you might be the right person to join as our Chair.
WHO ARE THE EIKON CHARITY?
Now in our 30th year, The Eikon Charity supports children and young people across Surrey to feel safe, heard, and supported.
Growing up in today’s world can be incredibly challenging. That's why we empower children and young people to find the inner and external resources they need as they develop and navigate life.
We create spaces where they can be themselves and talk about their thoughts and feelings. They understand better than anyone what’s happening in their own lives, so we listen, without judging.
WHAT MATTERS TO US
We believe there should be more investment in empowering young people to prevent them from needing help with their mental health. The needs of young people guide everything we do, shaping every decision and action we take.
We are committed to investing in preventative services and use our influence to persuade others to do the same.
We are also committed to diversity that supports young people and our volunteers to fulfil their personal potential.
IF YOU JOIN US…
You will lead us with confidence in an increasingly complex and challenging environment. We know that what we do has an impact on our children who, tragically, need more of everything we offer as their challenges increase. This is an opportunity to really make a difference to the next generation.
Becoming our Chair will be a fascinating and compelling way to engage with a highly successful charity poised to achieve so much more. Ensuring that the Board governs The Eikon Charity wisely will be a rich and rewarding opportunity.
WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR
The Chair will provide strategic leadership and governance oversight to ensure the charity delivers maximum impact for the children and young people it works with. We need someone to demonstrate bold thinking and the ability to inspire and guide our Board.
We are particularly seeking:
- commitment to mission: passion for the charity’s purpose and a deep understanding of its social impact
- inclusivity & collaboration: fosters a collaborative and inclusive Board culture, encouraging diverse perspectives and constructive challenge
- influencing & advocacy - skilled in representing the charity and influencing key stakeholders
Please make sure you read our Candidate Information Pack before applying. It contains important details about the role and our organisation.
Don’t think you quite meet all the specifications? Please don’t count yourself out. We’d still love to learn more about your interest in joining the Eikon Charity.
WHAT’S NEXT?
Eastside People is supporting the Eikon Charity in the recruitment of this role. You can apply by submitting your CV and Cover Letter.
The closing date for applications is Mon 23rd February. Shortlisting interviews will take place shortly after. Shortlisted candidates will then have an interview with the Eikon Charity shortly after this.
We acknowledge every application. You’ll always hear from us after taking the time to apply - we look forward to hearing from you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Our Second Home (OSH) is the UK’s youth movement of people with refugee backgrounds. We have welcomed over 600 young people from 50 countries to our activities in London, Essex and Bristol.
Mission
For young people with refugee experience to build community, become leaders and flourish into adulthood in the place they call home. Through transformative activities, our members take control of their lives and create meaningful change for themselves and their wider community.
About This Role
OSH is at a pivotal point in its development.
Over the past few years, OSH has grown from a small, founder-led organisation into a national movement with increasing reach, complexity, and ambition. Our income has risen from £250,000 to £500,000, our staff and volunteer base is expanding, and our programmes are reaching more young people than ever before.
OSH now needs confident, experienced, and future-focused governance that can support scaling while protecting the culture, values, and relational way of working that make the organisation distinctive.
Your role will involve 4 main areas:
- Board Leadership and Governance
- Strategy and Organisational Leadership
- CEO Support, Appraisal, and Accountability
- External Representation and Engagement
More information is in the recruitment pack attached.
About You
Essential
- Significant experience in organisational and strategic leadership, ideally including guiding a charity or mission-driven organisation from small to medium scale
- A proactive and forward-thinking mindset, demonstrating the ability to anticipate potential issues and risks while identifying opportunities.
- Strong understanding of good governance, with the confidence to lead a board and hold senior executives to account
- Experience of or exposure to fundraising, financial sustainability, and organisational development
- The ability to balance support and challenge, particularly in a Chair - CEO relationship
- Commitment to OSH’s mission and values, including a genuine willingness to engage with and be guided by those with lived experience of the asylum system
- Highly organised and dynamic, with the ability to prioritise the effective use of Board time, facilitate the timely and focused distribution of information, and ensure appropriate follow-up to Board decisions.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, with the emotional intelligence to lead inclusively, collaboratively, and sensitively
Desirable
- Lived experience of asylum or forced migration
- Previous experience as a Chair or Vice-Chair of a charity or similar organisation
- Experience working with youth-led or lived-experience-led organisations
- Familiarity with safeguarding in youth or community settings
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Introduction:
Thank you for your interest in becoming a trustee and Vice Chair of Harry’s HAT. Please read this trustee application information pack carefully before completing your application.
Who we are:
Harry’s HAT is a UK based charity focusing on paediatric hydrocephalus. Our mission is to make life better for children and their families affected by the condition. The Board of Trustees works to achieve this through:
• Raising awareness of paediatric hydrocephalus through workshops and training.
• Supporting research and funding training for front-line medical health and social care professionals.
• Signposting families to trusted organisations and providing access to peer support.
• Campaigning for earlier diagnosis.
The opportunity:
Harry’s HAT is entering an important phase of development and the Board of Trustees is seeking a motivated individual to join as Vice Chair of Trustees. This voluntary trustee role supports the Chair of Trustees and the Chief Executive Officer in ensuring strong governance, clear policy development and effective leadership across the charity.
Key responsibilities:
The Vice Chair trustee supports the Chair of Trustees in providing leadership to the Board and maintaining effective governance. Working closely with the Chair, CEO and fellow trustees, the Vice Chair supports strategic direction and ensures trustee decisions reflect the charity’s mission vision and values.
The Vice Chair trustee contributes to the Fundraising and Risk Group ensuring governance and policy considerations inform discussions and decisions. A key responsibility is leading trustee oversight of policy development including safeguarding, governance, finance and operational policies, ensuring they are compliant regularly reviewed and embedded in day-to-day practice.
The Vice Chair also supports trustee recruitment and development and acts as a trustee ambassador for Harry’s HAT representing the charity externally with professionalism and warmth.
Meetings and time commitment:P
Trustees are expected to attend:
• Six trustee board meetings per year held online.
• Quarterly Fundraising and Risk Group meetings.
• Two one-to-one meetings per year with the Chair of Trustees.
• The AGM and occasional additional trustee meetings.
• Mandatory online training and timely communication.
Skills and experience:
The ideal trustee will have experience of charity governance and trustee leadership. Essential experience includes chairing or supporting a board or committee, understanding trustee legal duties, experience of policy development, strategic awareness and confident communication. Trustees must exercise discretion and confidentiality. DBS clearance is required.
Desirable experience includes previous trustee or Vice Chair roles familiarity with small charity governance and understanding of safeguarding and risk management.
Personal attributes:
Trustees should demonstrate integrity, fairness and impartiality. The Vice Chair trustee must be committed, collaborative and able to build positive working relationships with trustees staff and volunteers.
Term and remuneration:
Trustee appointments are voluntary with reasonable expenses reimbursed. The initial trustee term is one to three years with a three month probation period.
#Chair #Chairoftrustees #trustee
We’re a small, family-led charity dedicated to improving life for children and young people with hydrocephalus.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
This is a great opportunity to develop further governance skills and experience, and help steer an important charity in the right direction.
Chairing experience required + any combination of: financial management, advocacy, HR, charities, fundraising, social prescribing, NHS, local authorities, marketing, business development, governance, strategy or legal.
About Self Help UK
Self Help UK is a leading peer support organisation with over 40 years of experience in developing and delivering peer-led services. Our mission is to empower individuals and communities by embedding peer support principles into health and wellbeing initiatives. We have created a range of innovative programmes that help people living with cancer and other long-term health conditions to navigate challenges and take control of their health and wellbeing.
We work in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support on projects that make a real difference. These include national and local initiatives for the Deaf community, volunteer-led support for anyone affected by cancer, and prehabilitation services for those facing complex treatment. In 2026, we will collaborate with our Integrated Care System to improve health literacy and increase cancer screening uptake among underserved communities in Nottingham. Looking ahead, we are exploring a new direction to position Self Help UK as a holistic, person-centred support provider, embedding peer support and volunteer-led activity at the heart of everything we do. Our vision is to challenge health inequalities and enable people to feel confident, informed, and supported in shaping their own health journey.
A selection of causes covered by Self Help UK
·Peer support
·Long-term health conditions
·Cancer diagnoses and prevention
·Voluntary sector support
·Health inequalities
·Under-served communities
What will you be doing?
You will be chairing the Board of Trustees, ensuring that we have minimum representation required for decisions to be made, keeping the board aligned in decision-making, ensuring all minutes are recorded and that all decisions by trustees are made with the appropriate context provided.
Trustees meetings are usually held every six weeks, plus there is an AGM, away days, and any sub-committee meetings that trustees may be involved in. Most meetings will remain virtual but there will from time to time be a need to attend key meetings and events in Nottingham. The time commitment is approximately 4hours per month, but there may be occasions when more time is required for a short period.
Trustee positions are unremunerated, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.
Who are we looking for?
Previous chairing experience
·Relevant experience in any of the following financial management, HR, charities, fundraising, social prescribing, NHS, local authorities, marketing, business development, governance, strategy or legal.
·A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort
·Good, independent judgement
·The ability to challenge and ask questions
·An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
·A commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership
Application process
To apply for this role please send the following information
1. CV
2. Covering Letter (not more than one page, outlining how you meet the criteria in this role description)
We will keep this advert open until we have filled the role.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Applications close at 9.a.m. Monday 23rd February 2026
Location: Home-based but with regular travel, including to periodic board meetings in London or other locations within the UK
This is an opportunity to chair a charity transforming lives by helping more people experience the positive impact of learning. You can help shape the future of this remarkable charity and lead the Board of Shannon Trust to broaden, deepen and mature what we deliver.
Who we are
Picture this: a person in prison who struggles with literacy and numeracy reads their first sentence, they write their first letter home to their children or completes their first numeracy task. They begin to imagine a future beyond the prison walls.
This is what happens when someone learns with Shannon Trust, and it happens thousands of times each year across prisons in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Currently, 65% of people in prison can’t read, or struggle to. Even more struggle with numeracy.
These are not just statistics; they represent people who have been locked out of opportunity, who struggle with daily tasks, such as helping their children with homework or filling out a job application. At Shannon Trust, we believe everyone deserves the chance to learn, and that literacy and numeracy skills help build the foundations upon which people can rebuild their lives.
Where we are now
Shannon Trust has experienced remarkable growth over recent years. We have gone from a team of twelve people to one hundred staff today, supported by a volunteer base that brings us close to 250 people working to change lives through learning. The core of what we do is one-to-one peer mentoring in prisons. In 2025 alone, more than 11,000 learners used our reading and numeracy programmes, with 2,000 new volunteer peer-mentors trained to support them. We work in around one hundred prisons across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, delivering our Turning Pages reading programme and Count Me In numeracy programme. We are increasing our reach into the community, too. This growth is the result of sustained focus, strong relationships with funders who believe in our work, and the proven impact of our peer-led learning model.
What we are looking for
We are looking for a Chair who is strongly motivated by our cause, with a genuine empathy for the people we serve and a commitment to the person-centred language and inclusive thinking which are woven into everything we do. You will bring an engaged and engaging leadership style, have resilience and a personal gravitas.
You will be someone who is comfortable with complexity as we shape our organisation for the next chapter of our development. You will understand the importance of process, culture, and effective operations as the means of delivering a successful strategy and sustaining an organisation.
You will be someone who can help us be better advocates whether that is supporting our Chief Executive to build relationships with policymakers, helping us think through how we position ourselves in the education and criminal justice landscape, or using your own networks to create opportunities for Shannon Trust to influence and inform. We need a Chair who sees advocacy as part of the role.
Most importantly, our new Chair must be a strong partner for our CEO, a mentor, challenger and support.
Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.
Applications for this role close at 9.a.m. Monday 23rd February 2026
We’re an executive search firm working across third sector, education and membership sectors to transform leadership and inspire change.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Role Overview
Organisation: EmbraceAbility
Role Title: Chair of Trustees
Location: Remote with occasional meetings (UK-based preferred)
Hours: Approximately 4–6 hours per month
Expiry Date: 31 March
About EmbraceAbility
EmbraceAbility supports disabled children and their families through inclusive programmes, safeguarding guidance and community-led care. We work to strengthen wellbeing, promote dignity and ensure that every child has access to safe, nurturing and empowering support. Our approach centres the voices of families, builds long-term resilience and encourages inclusive, sustainable change.
We are a disability-led, community-rooted organisation working in Cambodia and Malawi. Our mission is to empower people with disabilities to build a world where they are included, resourced, and recognised with dignity, agency and justice.
Role Purpose
The Chair of Trustees provides leadership and direction to the Board of Trustees, ensuring that the Board fulfils its responsibilities for the governance and strategic oversight of the organisation. The Chair works closely with the Director to support strong decision-making, accountability and long-term sustainability.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the Board of Trustees to ensure effective governance and alignment with EmbraceAbility's mission.
- Support the Director by providing guidance, oversight and strategic leadership.
- Ensure the Board fulfils its legal, financial and safeguarding responsibilities.
- Facilitate productive Board meetings, including agenda-setting and follow-up actions.
- Champion inclusive, disability-led approaches and ensure lived experience informs governance decisions.
- Represent EmbraceAbility externally where appropriate.
What You Will Help Us Achieve
- Stronger governance structures rooted in justice and inclusion
- Improved strategic decision-making and long-term sustainability.
- Greater visibility and advocacy for disability rights within our programmes.
- Support for our work in Cambodia and Malawi to grow responsibly and ethically.
Benefits to the Volunteer
- Opportunity to drive meaningful, rights-based change in disability inclusion.
- Experience in governance, leadership and international development.
- Working alongside a passionate, disability-led team.
- Flexible, remote role that fits around other commitments.
Support and Training
You will receive support from the Director and the Board, including safeguarding training, organisational induction, and ongoing guidance relevant to governance and disability-inclusive practice.
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.
Settled is recruiting new trustees to join its Board and support EU citizens and Ukrainian refugees to access their rights in the UK. This is a voluntary role, open to first-time trustees and those with board experience. We are particularly interested in skills relating to finance, fundraising, governance, or equity, diversity and inclusion, as well as lived experience. Meetings are mainly online, with one in-person away day per year. Closing date: 5pm, Monday 2 February 2026.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We’re seeking committed new trustees to help guide a small but ambitious charity supporting children and young people with cerebral palsy, ensuring our funds deliver meaningful, life-changing impact.
Our Board is made up of a small, committed group of trustees who bring a mix of professional expertise and personal connection to our cause. Together, we oversee a grant-making charity that has a long heritage and a clear ambition: to increase our income and ensure we can support more children and young people with cerebral palsy in meaningful, practical ways.
Like many small charities, our challenge is balancing strong governance with growth. We are financially stable and well run, but we want to think more strategically about our future: how we prioritise funding, how we grow awareness and income, and how we ensure every grant we make delivers real, lasting benefit for families. The new trustee will play an active role in shaping these conversations and helping the Board move confidently from steady state to sustainable growth.
The role is hands-on and collaborative. Trustees are expected to attend four board meetings a year, contribute thoughtfully to discussion and decision-making, and engage between meetings when specific issues arise. Depending on interest and experience, the new trustee may also be invited to take a lead role in an area of work or join a small working group, for example around fundraising development, investment oversight, or grant assessment.
This is an opportunity to influence how limited charitable funds are used where they matter most. Trustees are directly involved in decisions that enable children to access therapy, specialist equipment, and support that may not otherwise be available. For someone who wants to make a tangible difference, this is a role where your contribution can be clearly seen in the lives of the children and families we support.
The Board values open discussion, shared responsibility, and a supportive culture, making this an especially rewarding role for someone who wants their time and judgement to have genuine impact.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
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Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Looking for a role where you can drive forward cancer prevention and earlier diagnosis within an innovative, impact focused research charity?
The Eve Appeal is recruiting up to 3 new Trustees to the Board with additional opportunities to join other Committees of the Board such as our Finance and Audit Committee or Research Committee.
The Eve Appeal is the leading gynaecological cancer charity. There are five gynae cancers, which are womb, ovarian, cervical, vulval and vaginal cancer. Our aim is to prevent gynae cancers from developing in the first place, but if they do develop, we want to make sure they’re detected early so more people survive their diagnosis.
To make our goals a reality, we fund research in four key areas: uncovering the causes of gynae cancers, predicting a person’s risk of developing them, identifying how people can reduce their risk, and improving their detection and diagnosis.
We educate; we increase awareness and we provide free confidential and expert information through our Ask Eve nurse service.
We are now looking to strengthen our Board and are seeking candidates who share our commitment to driving forward medical research, raising awareness and promoting education around how these diseases can be diagnosed at the earliest stage or prevented.
We are committed to broadening the range of backgrounds and perspectives represented on our Board. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian, Disabled, Working Class and younger candidates, as well as individuals based outside London.
We also strongly encourage applications from people with lived experience—including patients, survivors, carers and family members. Bringing in Trustees who are expert by experience adds valuable insight and perspectives into the emotional, practical and systemic challenges faced by those affected, enriching the Board’s understanding and improving decision‑making.
We have a highly skilled Board of Trustees and are looking to broaden and strengthen skills in the following areas:
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Fundraising and philanthropic giving. We have seen incredible success with our fundraising programme in recent years and are now particularly focused on building our major gifts programme
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Digital, AI tech solutions and strategy. We are ambitious to adopt solutions across all areas of our activity that embrace digital technology
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HR / People. Experience across culture, staff and volunteer wellbeing, effective recruitment skills and organisational culture experience
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Research / medical / NHS strategy and delivery experience. Experience in the UK / and or international health sector (private, public, academic).
Becoming a Trustee
You will help lead the Board’s responsibilities across all areas of governance including strategy development and staff mentoring, evaluation and impact, ensuring donor and beneficiary aspirations, commitments and needs are met and the charity is fulfilling all of its charitable objects and agreed strategic objectives.
You will work within the legal and regulatory framework set out by the Charity Commission and will be supported by the CEO and senior staff team at Eve to enable you to do this effectively. You will have exceptional communication, interpersonal and analytical skills with the confidence and ability to ensure decisions are actioned in a timely manner.
This is a voluntary role, with reasonable expenses reimbursed. In return you’ll gain valuable experience and satisfaction, and the opportunity to develop your skills and utilise your expertise and knowledge.
People from all backgrounds are welcomed, as The Eve Appeal aspires to build a committed and diverse board that reflects our beneficiaries and communities.
To apply please submit a CV and covering letter.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Devon & Cornwall Refugee Support provides a walk-in centre in Plymouth offering needs-led, practical assistance to asylum seekers.
Our vision is to have a fair, humane and safe asylum experience for all. We are seeking a dynamic and committed Chair to lead our Board of Trustees and work in partnership with our Chief Executive to guide Devon and Cornwall Refugee Support through its next phase of development.
What will you be doing?
The Chair will provide inclusive leadership, ensure robust governance, and act as a passionate ambassador for our cause. You will be instrumental in shaping our strategy to meet the growing needs of asylum seekers in a challenging political landscape.
Location: Board meetings are held 8 times per year in Plymouth, with options for remote attendance. Some additional events and meetings may require travel.
Time Commitment: Approximately 3-4 days per month, including board meetings, preparation, and external representation. This is a voluntary, unremunerated role.
What are we looking for?
We are looking for a candidate who can demonstrate the following:
- A commitment to the rights, dignity, and welfare of asylum seekers, refugees and migrants in need.
- Significant experience within the charity sector, ideally in both operations and governance.
- An understanding of the duties and responsibilities of a trustee and Chair under UK charity law.
- Excellent leadership skills with the ability to chair meetings effectively and foster a collaborative board culture.
- Proven ability to think strategically and contribute to organisational development.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to act as an ambassador for the organisation.
- A commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI).
DCRS is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all sections of the community and from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences.
Please request a copy of the candidate pack for further information.
What difference will you make?
As Chair you will have the opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of asylum seekers and refugees.
You'll have the chance to develop and utilize your skills in a meaningful context, work with a dedicated team and access networking opportunities within the charity sector.
Before you apply
The TrusteeWorks Team at Reach Volunteering are supporting Devon & Cornwall Refugee Support with their Trustee recruitment. Applications should be made via TrusteeWorks in the first instance.
If you want to have an informal conversation with DCRS directly to understand the organisation better we are happy to help arrange this for you.
If you wish to apply please provide an updated CV and request a copy of the application form.