Chair and trustees volunteer roles

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.

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

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

About Age UK Merton

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

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

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

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

Our priorities

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

1. Providing high quality advice and practical support.

2. Building social connection.

3. Creating opportunities for lifelong active ageing.

Our services

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

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

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

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

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

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

Role description

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

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

Person specification

Essential

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

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

· Strong leadership and interpersonal skills

· Willingness and capacity to devote the necessary time

· Good independent judgment

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

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

Desirable

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

· An understanding of Merton as a place

To find out more and to apply

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

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

Are you ready to make a meaningful impact in your community?

Lambourne End Centre for Outdoor Learning is seeking an exceptional individual to serve as the Chair of Trustees for our charitable organisation. This is a unique opportunity to guide our mission, shape our strategy, and inspire positive change. 

About us

Lambourne End Centre for Outdoor Learning invests in people and their potential. Established in 2004 and nicknamed the “54-acre classroom”, our work uses a unique combination of adventurous and environmental activities, a working farm and horticulture gardens to reconnect people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities with nature through outdoor learning.

Our mission is “to support people to overcome obstacles in life through nurturing them in nature, encouraging them in play and curiosity, challenging them in risk and adventure, and engaging them in outdoor learning.  Cultivating connections to the world around them, and inspiring positive lasting change.” 

The Centre is located in south west Essex and works with over 18,000 young people each year on a wide range of programmes that improve health and wellbeing and foster personal development, using our unique blend activities.  We do this by using the activities to generate a wide range of tailored programmes designed to encourage team building, problem solving and communication skills, as well as build confidence, enthuse and motivate, and raise aspirations.

Over the past ten years, the Centre has grown significantly its revenue, it’s profitability and its influence, such that it is now in a strong position and faces huge demand for its services.

The Role

As the Chair of Trustees, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring effective governance and strategic oversight. Working closely with the Board of Trustees and the Chief Executive, you will help steer the organisation toward its goals while upholding our values and ensuring accountability.  The role has become vacant due to the retirement of the current Chair.

Key Responsibilities

· Provide leadership to the Board of Trustees, fostering a culture of collaboration and inclusivity.

· Chair board meetings effectively, ensuring productive discussions and sound decision-making.

· Work with the Chief Executive Officer to set and review strategic priorities and objectives.

· Act as an ambassador for the organisation, representing its interests to stakeholders and communities.

· Support the recruitment and development of a diverse and skilled Board of Trustees.

· Oversee compliance with legal and regulatory obligations.

· Ensure the organisation remains financially sustainable and aligned with its mission.

What We Are Looking For

We are seeking a dedicated and inspiring leader who shares our passion for creating a better future. The ideal candidate will bring:

· Experience in governance or leadership roles, ideally within non-profit, public, or corporate sectors.

· Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to build strong relationships with trustees, staff, and external stakeholders.

· Strategic thinking and the ability to navigate complex challenges.

· A good understanding of charity governance and relevant legislation (or a willingness to develop this knowledge).

· A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of leadership.

Time Commitment and Term

The Chair of Trustees role is voluntary, though reasonable expenses will be reimbursed. The time commitment is approximately 10 hours/month, including board meetings, sub-committee involvement, and occasional events.

How to Apply

If this opportunity resonates with you, we would love to hear from you.  If you would be interested in exploring the possibility of becoming the new Chair of Trustees at Lambourne End, we would like to invite you to contact the Chief Executive Officer to arrange a visit to the Centre and an informal chat; please contact Rob at the Centre.   Additionally, you would be very welcome to have an informal discussion about the role with the outgoing Chair; please let us know if you would like us to arrange this.  To formally apply for this role, please send a CV and a covering letter detailing why you are interested in the role and how your experience aligns with our vision.   Applications should be sent by 31st August 2025.

Inclusive Recruitment

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities and are dedicated to equality of opportunity in our recruitment process.

Join us in this exciting journey of leadership and impact. Together, we can shape a brighter future for generations to come.

Chair of the Board of Trustees

The Well Women Centre is a local charity that offers mental health, support and wellbeing services to women and girls in the Wakefield District. We have a long history of enabling women and their families to turn their lives around.

Volunteers play an important role within the centre and we have a diverse, hard-working Board of Trustees who guide and support the Well Women Centre.

Due to retirement, we are looking for a Chair of our Board of Trustees, to help continue the effective working of the current board and maintain the good relationship with the CEO, staff and volunteers at the centre.

We are looking for someone with the following skills and experience:

• Experience of effectively Chairing meetings; in a professional, public or third sector setting
• Knowledge of the Third Sector in Wakefield District
• Strategic Planning
• Understanding of financial statements and budgeting to support overseeing the charity's finances

Time commitment:

• 8 board meetings a year, in-person
• Teams sub group meetings; 8 a year
• Adhoc WWC events

What we can offer you:

• Full induction to centre; board level and operational level
• Training and COD opportunities 
• Travel expenses
• Giving back to the community

Closing date: 31st August

Please note that it is a genuine occupational qualification that a female takes on this role, and the post is exempt under section 7 (2) (e) of the Sex Discrimination Act 1975

Founded in 2011 by Sophie Hayes, a British woman trafficked into sexual exploitation, Sophie Hayes Foundation’s work has always been centred around sustainable freedom. This means freedom from exploitation, slavery, and trafficking, and also the freedom to look to the future with renewed confidence, rebuilt skills, and a sense of purpose for survivors. Our mission of sustainable freedom has continued over the last 13 years, however, the forms of exploitation, as well as the landscape of support to survivors, have changed beyond recognition. To respond to this, we launched a new strategy in 2024, which set out how we will ‘meet survivors where they are and take them to where they want to be’

Sophie Hayes Foundation aims to work in a proactive and collaborative manner. The Chair plays an important part in setting the tone and bringing all stakeholders together.

Governance and Culture: As Chair, you provide appropriate leadership, oversight and support to the Board and management team on strategy, governance and risk, ensuring that we meet our obligations and responsibilities. The Trustee Board is made up of a diverse group of people, each bringing their own ideas, skills and networks to support the executive team. A new CEO joined the charity about 18 months ago. She has worked to build a strong team and achieved a great sense of community amongst staff, volunteers and programme participants. She worked closely with the Board in the development of a new strategy, is building strong relationships with donors and supporters, and continues to oversee the management of the day to day - with an eye on both long-term needs and immediate challenges.

Development: We rely on support from foundations, key donors and the public, and as Chair, you will be an important representative of the organisation, working with the CEO and other Trustees to build and maintain strong relationships.

Advocacy: Sophie Hayes Foundation is working to improve understanding of the Modern Slavery sector, enhance understanding of the issues, build recognition of the impact of our programmes and influence key decision makers. As Chair, along with other Trustees, you may be called on to assist the CEO with advocacy and to build our brand.

Commitment: We have a bold vision to increase our impact through a combination of direct programming with survivors and through advocacy to build awareness and support. You will need to have the time to contribute to our growth strategy by chairing Board meetings, supporting Committee Chairs, Board officers, and our small but mighty management team, and represent Sophie Hayes Foundation to key stakeholders.

Chair
Unremunerated | Approx. 2 days per month | Hybrid meetings (alternating between remote and in-person)

Our client, a long-established charitable trust, exists to support women’s financial resilience and to tackle gendered poverty in the UK. Since 2016, the organisation has awarded over £26 million in grants, directly benefiting more than 150,000 women through individual funding, community-based partnerships, and long-term systemic change initiatives.

The charity is now seeking a new Chair of the Board to guide it through the next phase of its strategic development. This is a significant opportunity to provide leadership to a highly focused and well-governed organisation addressing one of the UK’s most pressing and persistent inequalities.

The incoming Chair will offer inclusive and effective leadership to the Board of Trustees, uphold strong governance practices, support the Chief Executive, and help shape the organisation’s strategic direction. The role will be central in maintaining momentum, reinforcing accountability, and ensuring the organisation continues to respond effectively to the needs of the communities it serves.

The charity is open to exploring alternative leadership models and welcomes interest from those considering a Chair and Deputy Chair arrangement or a Co-Chair model. The priority is securing a collaborative and inclusive approach to board leadership that aligns with the charity’s values.

The ideal candidate will bring:

• A sound understanding of governance, financial oversight, funding models, and compliance within the charitable sector

• Proven experience in chairing boards or senior-level committees, with the ability to facilitate inclusive, productive discussions and decision-making

• Strong strategic thinking skills, with the ability to anticipate change, manage uncertainty, and influence long-term direction

• A values-led leadership style marked by emotional intelligence, empathy, and integrity

• A deep commitment to gender equity and a nuanced understanding of the structural drivers of gendered poverty

• The time and capacity to fully engage with the responsibilities of the role

To learn more about the role and how to apply, please visit the dedicated microsite by clicking 'redirect to recruiter'

This is an exciting time to join the organisation. The new Chair will work alongside a dedicated executive team and engaged trustees to ensure that the charity’s funding remains impactful, relevant, and sustainable — and that its governance continues to reflect its core values.

Do you want to make a difference to Bristol’s mental health? Do you have experience in governing non-profits, or organisations in a similar field? Can you approach challenges with energy and expertise, and help steer the board of an ambitious and specialised organisation with confidence?

If this sounds like you, then we'd love to hear from you.

This is a fantastic opportunity for you to...

• Lead a dedicated and passionate group of people (Board of Trustees)
• Help create transformative change that will enrich lives
• Support the strategic vision of an established, award-winning charity

The closing date for this vacancy is Thursday 31st July 2025 at 11:59pm. 

Interview date TBC.

Thackray Museum of Medicine is the UK’s largest independent medical museum. We inspire people with the passion and purpose of medicine and healthcare of the past, present and future. Through play, creativity and experiences we celebrate our health heroes and inspire the next generation of big thinkers.

Thackray Museum of Medicine is looking for a new Board Chair to lead our dedicated and skilled Board of Trustees. Alongside the typical qualities expected for the role, the following areas of expertise are sought in particular: charity governance and experience leading a Board. 

The new Chair will:

• Ensure the Board operates effectively in the consideration, iteration and  approval of the strategy proposed by the CEO in support of Thackray Museum of Medicine’s mission and values.
• Ensure, with Trustees, Thackray Museum of Medicine operates efficiently and effectively to fulfil  its objectives.
• Ensure high standards of governance and risk management.

Job title: Chair of the Board of Trustees

Term of office: 3 years minimum, up to a maximum of 6.

Remuneration: Unremunerated. Out of pocket expenses incurred in the course of  duties may be claimed.

Time commitment: 3-4 days per month.

Location: Within travelling distance of Leeds 

How to apply:

If you would like to receive an Information Pack on how to apply, please send a CV in confidence to Nick Shanks via the apply now button. 

Closing date for applications: 9am, Wednesday 30th July 2025

Both Thackray Museum of Medicine and Harris Hill operate an equal opportunity policy and commit to treating all of our candidates and jobseekers fairly. We welcome and encourage applications from everyone regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

Inclusive Boards is delighted to be supporting We Belong in their search for their next Chair.

We Belong is the UK’s first migrant youth led organisation, building the power of 16 to 25 year old migrants to challenge the UK’s hostile environment and advocate for immigration reform. Based in London and working nationwide, the charity supports young people through campaigning, leadership development, advice and digital engagement.

We Belong emerged from the Let Us Learn campaign in 2014, which successfully overturned a government policy preventing over 2,000 young migrants from accessing student finance. Inspired by the US Dreamers, the campaign developed a network of more than 300 young changemakers, proving the power of lived experience to drive systemic change.

With lived experience embedded across its staff, volunteers and governance, We Belong continues to push for structural change, tackling both the barriers young migrants face and the root causes behind them.

About the Chair Opportunity

We Belong seeks a professional with experience of working within the migration field to serve as voluntary Chair of the We Belong board of Trustees. The Chair will work closely with the CEO of We Belong as well as other board members to ensure the ongoing success of the charity.

As Chair, you will have the following knowledge and experience:

• Ability to think strategically and critically assess opportunities and threats in line with We Belong’s charitable purpose.
• Experience supporting the development of effective organisational strategies 
• Previous governance experience.
• Experience as a Chair. (highly desirable)
• Demonstrated experience, skills, commitment and time to lead We Belong through its next phase of growth.

Knowledge or experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Immigration law, policy, and advice
• The charitable sector and relevant law or policy
• Research and policy influencing
• Campaigning and community activism
• Leadership and youth development

​​​​

We are BrightPIP, and we’re looking for our next Trustee.

Do you share our view that every baby deserves to grow up feeling safe, healthy, and loved? Do you understand how charities work? Are you good at leading small teams? 

We are now looking for an additional trustee to help drive the charity forward so it can help more babies and families. 

We would be interested to hear from people who have skills in the following areas to support our organisational growth and development: fundraising, marketing and communications.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Offer expertise in your specialist area of fundraising or marketing and communications.
• Support trustees to get involved in the areas where they can best contribute; and help recruit new trustees to fill skills gaps. 
• Help us to adopt best practice governance for a charity of our size and ambition.
• Act as a sounding board and critical friend for the Clinical Director.
• Represent the charity at occasional external meetings and events.
• Ensure timely decision making in between meetings where needed.

Skills and experience

We are looking for someone with experience of being a charity trustee who knows the charity sector.

You could enjoy this role and make a big difference to our charity if you have:

• Experience of supporting a small organisation in your area of expertise
• Good communication and leadership skills
• Analytical and evaluation skills, demonstrating good judgement
• Competent use of IT skills
• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
• An interest in taking a small organisation to the next stage 
• A belief that all children deserve the best possible start in life

By joining our board, you will have the chance to:

· Make a positive difference to the life chances of local children.

· Take a small, effective charity to the next stage of its development.

· Expand your networks, meet new people and be part of a positive, committed team. 

There are plenty of training and development opportunities you may wish to take advantage of through Community Works, the Association of Charity Chairs, ACEVO and local professional firms.

Help Steer a Life-Saving Service: SOS Bus Norwich Seeks a New Chair. A strategic leader to help steer this volunteer-led charity making sure the nighttime community of Norwich is safe, healthy, empowered and protected.

About SOS Bus

SOS Bus Norwich is a multi-agency initiative offering a safe space and frontline support to anyone in need during Norwich’s nightlife. Staffed by trained volunteers and medical professionals, it provides help with illness, injury, emotional distress, vulnerability, or getting home safely. The bus acts as a crucial first point of contact for anyone whose well-being is at risk.

What will you be doing?

You'll be taking over from the current Chair, Dr Jamie Mather. He and his fellow founding trustees have established the charity, its identity, processes, governance and strategy and this is an opportunity to work with a refreshed board and an amazing volunteer team as they move onto the next stage of their journey.

Alongside the responsibilities of a trustee the Chair will:

· Plan and chair board meetings (or appoint a deputy if absent), ensuring they are effective and purposeful.

· Provide leadership to help the board meet its governance responsibilities.

· Act as a key spokesperson, alongside the operational manager.

· Ensure trustees receive accurate, timely, and clear information (with support from admin and advisors).

· Promote unity and constructive discussion among trustees.

· Support and liaise closely with the operational manager.

· Lead the operational manager’s appraisal and, if needed, recruitment of senior staff.

· Serve as the link between trustees, management, and volunteers.

· Take urgent or strategic action between board meetings when required and authorised.

This role is mainly home-based.

Please request the candidate pack for full details.

Time Commitment

Estimated time commitment is 5-15 hours a month – including a board meeting (set) and work around individual brief (in one’s own time).

Board meetings: 

· Board meetings are held monthly. 

· 2/3rds of trustee meetings are online via MS Teams and 1/3rd are face to face. 

· Face to face meetings held in various locations around Norwich. 

· Our future plan is to move to quarterly board meetings with 75% face to face attendance.

What are we looking for?

We’re really proud of what we’ve achieved so far and have exciting plans for the future. We are looking for a chair who shares our vision and will help us make the right decisions as we develop and grow as an organisation. Someone who will lead with confidence, have difficult conversations where necessary and who will ensure that the skills, experience and commitment of the trustees is harnessed effectively.

Essential skills / experience / qualities:

· Proven success in a senior leadership role, ideally in a charity - as a CEO/CFO/COO (or equivalent) or an experienced trustee.

· An inclusive leadership style.

· Understanding of the strengths and challenges inherent in a volunteer led charity.

· A strategic thinker with a growth mindset.

· Sound understanding of charity governance.

We have a commitment to ensuring a diverse board of trustees, who can understand the perspectives of all our charities' stakeholders and identified barriers to accessing our service; we are therefore keen to hear from people who identify as female, BAME prospective trustees, LGBTQ+ prospective trustees and those prospective trustees who identify as having a disability.

What difference will you make?

In the words of two of our founding trustees:

“Your leadership will touch countless lives - empowering volunteers, safeguarding vulnerable individuals, strengthening the nighttime economy, easing the burden on emergency services, and enriching the fabric of the Norwich community. Every hour you give will shape a service that not only changes lives now but will continue to do so for years to come. Being a trustee will impact on you personally – you will find real purpose in the role, have a chance to make a lasting difference, and feel proud to be part of something that genuinely matters.”-  Beth Williams

"It’s the biggest honour of my life to serve my cherished home city as a trustee of one of its fundamental institutions – The SOS Bus… The OLDEST known nighttime economy welfare service in the UK. I’ve been involved with it since 2014 volunteering on the bus in a medical capacity; its work is highly moral, respectable and non-judgemental, all really important traits in this modern world. The importance of the work it does is why I’ve chosen to give a lot of time and effort to the cause.

Being a trustee is a vertical learning curve and tremendous development opportunity for me. However, what keeps me sustained more than anything is the humbling, inspirational and loyal volunteers who give so much of themselves, in the middle of the night, to help people in need in their city at nighttime!"  - Jamie Mather

Lambourne End Centre for Outdoor Learning is seeking an exceptional individual to serve as the Chair of Trustees for our charity. This is a unique opportunity to guide our mission, shape our strategy, and inspire positive change. 

What will you be doing?

About us

Lambourne End Centre for Outdoor Learning invests in people and their potential. Established in 2004 and nicknamed the “54-acre classroom”, our work uses a unique combination of adventurous and environmental activities, a working farm and horticulture gardens to reconnect people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities with nature through outdoor learning.

Our mission is “to support people to overcome obstacles in life through nurturing them in nature, encouraging them in play and curiosity, challenging them in risk and adventure, and engaging them in outdoor learning.  Cultivating connections to the world around them, and inspiring positive lasting change.” 

The Centre is located in south west Essex and works with over 18,000 young people each year on a wide range of programmes that improve health and wellbeing and foster personal development, using our unique blend activities.  We do this by using the activities to generate a wide range of tailored programmes designed to encourage team building, problem solving and communication skills, as well as build confidence, enthuse and motivate, and raise aspirations.

Over the past ten years, the Centre has grown significantly its revenue, it’s profitability and its influence, such that it is now in a strong position and faces huge demand for its services.

The Role

As the Chair of Trustees, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring effective governance and strategic oversight. Working closely with the Board of Trustees and the Chief Executive, you will help steer the organisation toward its goals while upholding our values and ensuring accountability.  The role has become vacant due to the retirement of the current Chair.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide leadership to the Board of Trustees, fostering a culture of collaboration and inclusivity.
• Chair board meetings effectively, ensuring productive discussions and sound decision-making.
• Work with the Chief Executive Officer to set and review strategic priorities and objectives.
• Act as an ambassador for the organisation, representing its interests to stakeholders and communities.
• Support the recruitment and development of a diverse and skilled Board of Trustees.
• Oversee compliance with legal and regulatory obligations.
• Ensure the organisation remains financially sustainable and aligned with its mission.

What are we looking for?

What We Are Looking For

We are seeking a dedicated and inspiring leader who shares our passion for creating a better future. The ideal candidate will bring:

• Experience in governance or leadership roles, ideally within non-profit, public, or corporate sectors.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to build strong relationships with trustees, staff, and external stakeholders.
• Strategic thinking and the ability to navigate complex challenges.
• A good understanding of charity governance and relevant legislation (or a willingness to develop this knowledge).
• A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of leadership.

Time Commitment and Term

The Chair of Trustees role is voluntary, though reasonable expenses will be reimbursed. The time commitment is approximately 10 hours/month, including board meetings, sub-committee involvement, and occasional events.

Inclusive Recruitment

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities and are dedicated to equality of opportunity in our recruitment process.

Join us in this exciting journey of leadership and impact. Together, we can shape a brighter future for generations to come.

What difference will you make?

As the Chair of Trustees, you will be joining the organisation at an exciting time.  The Board is keen to build on the growth of the last ten years and increase the Centre's capacity in order to be able to serve more young people; your strong leadership, vision and strategy will help make this a reality.

Before you apply

If you would be interested in exploring the possibility of becoming the new Chair of Trustees at Lambourne End, we would like to invite you to contact the Chief Executive Officer to arrange a visit to the Centre and an informal chat; please contact us on the Reach platform.

Additionally, you would be very welcome to have an informal discussion about the role with the outgoing Chair; please let us know if you would like us to arrange this. 

To formally apply for this role, please send a CV and a covering letter detailing why you are interested in the role and how your experience aligns with our vision.

Do you feel excited by the idea of guiding the future of a local mental health charity?

Rochdale and District Mind is a mental health charity that supports people in the community who are facing mental health challenges. Our area of operation is Heywood, Middleton, Rochdale, Bury and N.E. Lancashire. As part of the Mind Federation and the Mind in Greater Manchester partnership, our goal is to ensure that individuals do not face mental health issues alone and can live free from stigma and discrimination.

Our team consists of over 70 dedicated staff members and volunteers who provide a wide variety of services and activities, including counselling, therapeutic group workshops, advocacy, crisis support, dementia support, two wellbeing cafés, as well as other wellbeing activities such as sports sessions. To ensure our services are effective and rooted in the needs of the community, we involve people who use our services in shaping our offer. We are also pleased to be recognised for our work with our Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic communities in Rochdale. We work proactively both with our service users and with other key stakeholder organisations to tackle health inequalities.

Chair opportunity

We are flexible in our approach and are open to a single Chair or Co-Chair arrangement. We are looking for people with governance experience, the ability to lead and alignment with our values. Our new Chair or Co-Chairs will have energy and drive, a genuine passion for mental health support and be able to bring both knowledge and connections to the organisation.

This is an exciting moment to join us. Rochdale and District Mind has undergone a period of significant growth in recent years, with both our annual turnover and staff numbers doubling. We’ve successfully embedded our services within the strategic priorities of the local Integrated Care Board, adapting what we offer to meet the changing mental health needs of our community. Now, with our CEO Philip Bramson at the helm, we’re entering a period of reflection and consolidation, ready to build on our strong foundation as we shape the next chapter of our journey.

How to apply?

Eastside People is supporting Rochdale and District Mind in the recruitment for this role. Please apply by submitting your CV and a cover letter both in Word doc. format.

Please use the cover letter (max 2 pages) as an opportunity to add to the information you have shared in your CV and ensure that you cover the following: 

• Why are you interested in a Chair or Co-Chair role with Rochdale and District Mind? 
• How can you contribute to Rochdale and District Mind as our Chair or Co-Chair?
• Please highlight relevant experience and demonstrate how your skills match the specific requirements of the role as set out in the role description.

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability, and potential. Please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustments so that we can help make the application process work for you.

The closing date for applications is Monday 28th July, and our candidate assessment schedule is as follows:

• EP interviews and informal conversations carried out through the recruitment process with final interviews taking place by Thu 31 July.
• Formal interviews with Rochdale and District Mind Board, in the week commencing 4th August.
• The successful candidate or candidates will be asked to attend two Board meetings as an observer (the first one of which is on 13 Aug), after which the appointment will be confirmed via a trustee vote.

Eastside People is fully committed to equality of opportunity and diversity and work with our clients to ensure that we recruit inclusively, seeking to address the underrepresentation of some groups of people in leadership teams. We warmly welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

The Guildford Institute is looking for an enthusiastic and dedicated individual to serve as Chair of its Board of Trustees. This important role offers the opportunity to shape the future of a charity that has been a pivotal part of the community for over 130 years.

Based in our beautiful Grade II listed building since 1892, we provide the local community with accessible cultural education and opportunities to build meaningful connections with others.

We’re seeking a distinguished leader with the following qualities: 

• Leadership & Governance

• Passion for the Arts, Education & Community

• Strategic Thinking

• Financial Acumen

• Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion 

Play a vital role in guiding The Guildford Institute to continue to grow, secure its longevity and thrive.

Additional Documents:

Please read our Candidate Brief to find out more about us and the role of the Chair.