Chair and trustees volunteer roles

The City of Oxford Charity dates back to 1700 and now is embarking on an exciting new phase. Additional funding, grant making, and a major almshouse refurbishment are all part of our commitment to supporting those most in need in the city.

We are proud of our heritage and the Chair will share our passion and enthusiasm for the future. They will deliver strategic leadership, strong governance, and act as an ambassador for the Charity. Working with the CEO and fellow board members, they will uphold our mission and ensure we continue to have a meaningful impact on the City.

Key responsibilities are:

- Lead the Board in setting and delivering strategic direction.
- Ensure effective governance and legal compliance.
- Support and hold the CEO accountable for day-to-day operations.
- Act as an ambassador for the charity, building relationships with stakeholders and the local community.
- Champion the needs and well-being of our almshouse residents.

We Are Looking For
- A deep commitment to our mission and values.
- Experience operating in a senior executive role within the private, public, or charity sectors.
- Strong understanding of governance, finance, and strategy.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Knowledge of Oxford’s social and economic landscape.
- Availability to meet regularly with the CEO and dedicate time to the charity’s work.

Next steps
We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive board and welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Interviews: 20/11/2025 

Interview Location: London Head Office 

We are seeking a Director and Chair of Trustees Designate to help shape the future direction of our organisation. We are looking for an individual with proven senior leadership experience - ideally, though not necessarily, within the third sector - who can bring strong strategic thinking, sound judgement, and a collaborative leadership style.

Village Preschool E17 is a small charity in Walthamstow offering high-quality early years education. We’re currently undergoing a strategic transformation to improve operations, strengthen sustainability, and deepen our community impact.

What will you be doing?

Village Preschool E17 is a small, community-based educational charity in Walthamstow, providing high-quality early years education to local families. We are currently entering an exciting phase of transformation, and we’re seeking a new Chair of Trustees to guide us through this journey.

As Chair, you will play a vital leadership role in ensuring strong governance, strategic direction, and a sustainable future for the preschool. You’ll work closely with the Headteacher of Preschool and a committed board of trustees to improve operations, shape long-term plans, and uphold our values and charitable mission. You’ll also provide support and supervision to the Headteacher, lead termly board meetings, and act as a key representative of the organisation.

This role is both strategic and supportive, requiring sound judgement, strong interpersonal skills, and a collaborative leadership style. We’re looking for someone with experience in governance, leadership, or strategic planning—ideally within the charity, education, or early years sector. You should be confident in leading group discussions, supporting senior staff, and helping to identify funding and sponsorship opportunities.

If you’re passionate about early childhood education and community development, and want to use your skills to make a lasting local impact, we’d love to hear from you.

What are we looking for?

Leadership and Governance:

• Lead the Board of Trustees to ensure strong governance, strategic oversight, and compliance with legal and regulatory obligations.
• Chair termly trustee meetings and ensure all trustees are actively engaged and informed.
• Support the recruitment, induction, and development of trustees to build a strong and effective board.
• Ensure board decisions are actioned and followed up appropriately.

Support and Supervision:

• Provide regular line management and support to the Head of Preschool, including:
  • Leading the annual performance appraisal.
  • Acting as a sounding board for strategic and operational issues.

Communication and Representation:

• Main point of contact between the Board and the Head of Preschool.
• Create a positive, open relationship with staff, trustees, and stakeholders.

Strategic Oversight:

• Lead on the long-term development of the board and organisational planning.
• Facilitate effective collaboration and decision-making across the board.
• Take urgent action between meetings when necessary (not including decision-making unless explicitly authorised by the board).

Crisis Response:

• Act quickly and effectively in the event of emergencies or significant issues, working closely with the Head and trustees to coordinate an appropriate response.

Person Specification

Essential:

• Experience in governance, leadership, or strategic oversight—preferably within a charity, education, or early years setting.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to lead and facilitate group discussions and decision-making.
• Confidence in supervising and supporting senior staff.
• A genuine interest in early childhood education and community development.

Desirable:

• Knowledge of charity regulation, Ofsted requirements, or early years sector.
• Previous experience on a board or in a chairing role.
• Local to Waltham Forest or strong understanding of the local community.

What difference will you make?

As Chair of the Board of Trustees, you will play a vital role in shaping the future of Village Preschool E17. Your leadership will help guide our charity through an exciting period of transformation—strengthening governance, improving operations, and ensuring we continue to deliver high-quality early years education to local families.

You will be a key source of support for our Head of Preschool and a driving force behind a collaborative, effective trustee board. By bringing your skills and insight to strategic planning, compliance, and funding development, you will directly impact the lives of the children and families we serve.

This is a meaningful opportunity to use your experience for good—helping a valued local charity remain sustainable, inclusive, and deeply rooted in its community. Your voice, leadership, and vision could help secure a brighter future for Village Preschool E17.

Before you apply

Please provide a CV and cover letter detailing why you are interested in this role and your relevant experience.

**We are reviewing applications on a rolling basis and will close the opportunity once we've found the right person to join our board - early applications are encouraged.**

About CAAS

CAAS provides an Autism and ADHD Support Service across the 8 boroughs of NW London from our base in Eastcote and offices around London. We offer information, advice, and support to ADHD/Autistic people, their families, and professionals, with the aim of improving quality of life and building neurodivergent-aware communities.

We are incredibly fortunate to be in a sound financial position, with income of around £1.7m per year, and around 40 staff.  We offer 60 different services, including personalised one2one support, social groups, psycho-education courses and specialist workshops.  We also have a thriving training and awareness raising service, providing ADHD and autism training to statutory services, schools and voluntary sector organisations across NW London.

We’ve grown steadily over the last 25 years, and last year we supported more than 9,000 people, across 18,000 attendances.  Looking ahead, our priority is making sure everyone who could benefit from CAAS knows we’re here for them. We’re investing in outreach, inclusivity, and accessibility - breaking down barriers so our support reaches every corner of our community.

In this role, you will be leading the established (and lovely) Board of Trustees, who provide operational governance for the charity, determine its strategic direction, and help shape a positive, sustainable future for CAAS and the communities we serve.

Most importantly, you will be contributing towards our impact intention, which is that ADHD and autistic individuals, and those who support them, have improved mental wellbeing, are better able to engage with home-life, school, or work, and need less support from NHS/statutory services.  Ultimately, we want to help people to thrive.

To Apply

Please submit your CV and a Supporting Statement of no more than 2 sides of A4.  Your supporting statement should cover why you are interested in applying for the role, and how you fit the role and person specification.

About The Role

Charities like CAAS can only exist with the help of Trustees, and we are hugely grateful to everyone that volunteers to take on this role.  The Chair plays a unique role in guiding the Board, leading strategic discussions, supporting and challenging the CEO, and fostering a culture of inclusion, transparency, and good governance. 

We work hard to ensure the Chair is supported effectively to discharge their responsibilities and feel a sense of pride – and of enjoyment – in leading the Board of CAAS.

As Chair, you will work closely with fellow Trustees to ensure the Board fulfils its responsibilities, and with the CEO to provide support, oversight, and thought partnership. This is a rewarding opportunity to help shape the future of a thriving, impactful organisation, and to champion the rights and wellbeing of neurodivergent people across NW London.

We know that every Chair is unique, and bring their own range of skills, experience, and perspectives to support the organisation’s leadership and development.  We are therefore looking for someone who has a passion for what CAAS is trying to achieve and a willingness to commit to attending our meetings and leading our discussions.  You don’t need to have chaired a Board before. We’re looking for someone who can lead with integrity, listen well, and help us make thoughtful, inclusive decisions.

Having a Diverse Board

CAAS recognises the positive value of diversity, promotes equity and challenges discrimination. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, and we are particularly seeking applications from Black, Asian and Ethnic Minority communities, from disadvantage socio-economic backgrounds, and from people who identify as being autistic or having ADHD. 

We have recently completed a skills audit of the current Trustee board, and as well as looking to increase the diversity of our board, we would also particularly welcome applications from those who identify as having particular skills in the areas of HR & legal, digital & IT, statutory services provision, or marketing & communications. 

Please don’t be put off applying if you don’t have one of these skills or attributes or are worried that you don’t meet all of the points noted in this role description.  Every trustee who joins will receive a comprehensive induction and training package, and be supported by current trustees, so there will be lots of opportunity to learn ‘on the job’ for the right candidate.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Governance

· Provide leadership to the Board, ensuring effective governance and strategic oversight.

· Chair Board meetings effectively, ensuring all voices are heard and decisions are made collectively and transparently.

· Ensure the Board operates within its Terms of Reference and complies with legal and regulatory requirements.

· Support the development and implementation of the charity’s strategic plan and monitor progress against agreed objectives.

· Take urgent decisions between Board meetings where necessary, in line with delegated authority and in consultation with trustees

· Ensure the Board regularly reviews its own performance and effectiveness

· Champion equity, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of the charity’s governance and culture.

Support and Mentoring

· Act as a mentor and support to the CEO, providing guidance and challenge as appropriate.

· Facilitate strong working relationships between trustees and the senior leadership team.

· Act as Vice Chair during the transition period, supporting succession planning, continuity, and building relationships with the Board and CEO.

Representation and Advocacy

· Represent CAAS externally, where appropriate, including at events, meetings, and with key stakeholders.

· Act as an ambassador for the charity’s mission, values, and strategic priorities.

Board Development

· Lead on trustee recruitment, induction, and development, ensuring the Board has the necessary skills and diversity.

· Conduct annual Board performance reviews and support continuous improvement in governance practices.

Board Participation

· Attend and actively participate in quarterly Board meetings and relevant sub-committees or working groups.

· Prepare for meetings by reading papers and contributing to discussions.

· Participate in Board development activities, including training and annual reviews.

· Champion equity, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of the charity’s governance and culture.

Person Specification

Essential

· Demonstrable leadership experience, ideally within a governance or strategic context.

· Passion for CAAS work

· Capacity to attend meetings, and willingness to devote the time and commitment required.

· Strong understanding of charity governance and the role of trustees.

· Commitment to CAAS’s mission, values, and strategic pillars.

· Excellent communication and facilitation skills.

· Ability to build consensus and manage differing views constructively.

Desirable

· Lived or professional experience of ADHD or autism.

· Being from a disadvantaged socio-economic background, or from a minority ethnic background

· Previous experience as a trustee or Chair.

· Understanding of equity, diversity and inclusion principles and their application in governance.

Commitment

The Board meets 8 times a year, mostly by video call, and Board meetings are usually around 2hrs in length.  Once a year we meet for a longer session, in person, to consider strategic items in more depth.

All Trustees will be asked to read a few papers in advance of the meeting, which could take 1-2hrs each meeting. 

All Trustees are also encouraged to engage with the organisation between meetings, for example attending events, meeting staff, or supporting specific initiatives.

The Chair will need to take on additional responsibility for preparing for Board meetings, supporting through transition periods and strategic planning cycles, or representing CAAS at external events.  As such, the total time commitment for a Chair is around 1 day per month. 

The successful candidate will initially join as Vice Chair, working alongside our longstanding Chair, whose term ends in November 2026.  Appointment to Chair will be mutually agreed with the Board, on or before that date

Trustee Terms are ordinarily for 4 years, and Trustees can be appointed for a 2nd 4-year term if desired. Chairs will serve within their normal Trustee Terms.

Exclusions

Please note that Section 72(1) of the Charities Act 1993 disqualifies anyone who:

· has been convicted of an offence involving deception or dishonesty, unless the conviction is spent

· is an undischarged bankrupt

· has previously been removed from trusteeship of a charity by the court or the Charity Commissioners

· is under a disqualification order under the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986

It is an offence to act as a charity trustee while disqualified unless the Charity Commission has given a waiver under section 72(4) of the Charities Act 1993.

CAAS is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.  The successful candidate will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS disclosure.

Windsor Horse Rangers is looking for a new Chair to lead our Board of Trustees. Our aim is to enhance Life Skills through Horse Skills.

Windsor Horse Rangers is based in Fifield near Windsor, Berkshire. The trustees, staff and volunteers are focused on providing a sustainable, inclusive and educative environment for 8–18 year olds to develop skills to ride and care for horses. 

We have 180 Horse Rangers attending weekly to learn horsemanship working with our 24 horses. We offer equine education in a safe and supportive environment that engages and empowers and which develops wider life skills, emotional resilience and positive wellbeing. Many  of our rangers have gone on to careers in equestrianism.

Our committed team of trustees are looking for a volunteer chair to lead and support the team, help with decision-making to deliver our mission, challenge us and bring fresh thinking to the role.

We are looking for a supportive leader who can bring experience from either another charitable environment or the commercial world.  Your responsibilities will include, providing leadership and ideas for the organisation and giving strategic direction to ensure a sustainable future.  You will represent and act as a spokesperson for the charity and chair and facilitate meetings of the trustees.  This is an exciting opportunity for an individual looking to apply their own skills and experience to enhance the life skills of young people and support a charitable institution.  A love and knowledge of horses is a bonus but not a pre-requisite. 

The ideal candidate would live locally so could  attend face to face trustees meetings.

Responsibilities

• Safeguard and promote the Charity’s mission

• Act as the senior representative and spokesperson for Windsor Horse Rangers

• Ensure annual and longer-term strategic plans are developed, monitored and executed.

• Ensure Board operates to a high standard of governance and financial probity

• Ensure the Trustees have relevant skills and backgrounds

Skills and Experience

• Desire to empower young people to improve their skills, independence and self esteem

• Leadership skills to facilitate collaboration with trustees, staff and volunteers 

• Strategic and financial management skills.

• Governance at Board level with voluntary/non-profit organisations 

• Working understanding (or a willingness to learn) of UK charity law and legislation 

• Networking within equine community or charity sector desirable 

If you share our commitment, and feel your experience and skills meet the needs of the role, please get in contact. We would love to hear from you.

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of people with refugee status and those seeking asylum in south west London? Consider joining our team at Refugee Action Kingston. We are always looking for dedicated individuals who share our values. We are a small, friendly team, driven by a passion to create positive and lasting change in our community.

Overview

Refugee Action Kingston (RAK) is an active and forward-looking charity based in Kingston Upon Thames. We help refugees and people seeking asylum to access essential services, including immigration and welfare advice, English classes, counselling and support into employment, volunteering and training.

We are a small charity that has significant impact: last year we assisted over 2000 individuals.  RAK won the Best in Supporting Young People award and was Highly Commended at the Kingston Borough Business Awards (KBBA) in 2025. 

The charity is seeking to recruit a volunteer chair of trustees, and would suit someone who has management experience in public or voluntary sector organisations. The chair will work closely with the CEO to help guide our next chapter of growth, providing governance and strategic direction inline with RAKs mission and values. Our board of trustees bring a wide range of expertise to the charity and work together, along with staff and volunteer input, to make decisions that inform its direction and achieve the best outcome for clients.  Your contribution will make a huge impact in shaping the future of those seeking sanctuary in our community, and we're excited to welcome someone passionate to the board. 

Key Responsibilities

The chair should lead or contribute to:  

• Regular trustee board meetings and key activities, including recruitment of trustees.

• Development and implementation of RAK's strategic plan.

• Governance of the charity to ensure it meets legal and regulatory requirements.

• Monitoring operational performance and implementation of a continuous improvement programme.

• Oversight of financial performance and fundraising strategy to ensure long-term sustainability.

• Promotion of relationships with key stakeholders, including funding bodies, suppliers, and contractors.

• Regular meetings with the CEO, with flexibility to respond swiftly when issues arise.

• Act as a spokesperson for RAK as needed.

Desirable

• Good understanding of issues and challenges faced by refugees and people seeking asylum in Kingston.

• Leadership qualities, including critical thinking and decision making.

• Experience of financial management and fundraising.

• Operational management experience gained in the commercial or voluntary sector.

• Experience of the principles and practices of governance in a commercial or voluntary organisation.

• Experience of being a trustee.

• Ability to use time and resources efficiently and responsibly to maximise the impact of our services for clients.

Core beliefs

• Commitment to promoting social justice and equity for all individuals, regardless of religion, culture, or background.

• Valuing and respecting diverse backgrounds, experiences, and beliefs, and fostering teamwork through inclusivity.

Please note that this is a voluntary role with reasonable volunteer expenses covered. The chair role requires a significant commitment of time and effort.

We seek individuals who are dedicated to contributing meaningfully and who are open to learning in areas where they may lack experience.Further information about RAK is on our website.

To apply, please submit your CV along with a personal statement of no more than 300 words that outlines your interest in becoming the chair of trustees.

Please note: RAK may hold interviews as and when volunteer chair of trustees applications are received. With this in mind, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. 

Join us in shaping the future of contemporary arts in Bristol and beyond. Apply to become the Chair of Arnolfini Arts and be part of an inspiring journey of creativity and cultural impact.

Applications close at 9 a.m. Friday 21st November.

Time commitment: 3-4 days per month

Who we are

Arnolfini Arts is a prominent contemporary arts centre located in the heart of Bristol, UK. Founded in 1961 by Jeremy Rees, it has grown from a small gallery space into one of Europe’s leading centres for contemporary art. Named after Jan van Eyck’s famous painting, “The Arnolfini Portrait,” the centre embodies a deep commitment to artistic innovation, community engagement and cultural enrichment.

Arnolfini Arts is a beacon of contemporary culture, offering a dynamic and inclusive space for artistic exploration and public engagement. Its rich history, innovative programming, and deep community ties make it a cornerstone of the arts in Bristol and beyond.

As it continues to evolve, Arnolfini’s dedication to fostering creativity and dialogue ensures it will remain at the forefront of the contemporary arts for years to come.

About the role

At the helm of the Arnolfini Arts, your role will be to steer the Board of Trustees in providing clear strategic direction and robust governance. Your leadership will ensure that the Board functions effectively and adheres to the highest standards of governance practices. A crucial part of your responsibilities will be fostering a close, collaborative relationship with the Chief Executive Officer and the team, guiding the Board through renewal and transformation as Arnolfini embarks on its next chapter.

You will be pivotal in shaping and executing Arnolfini’s strategic vision. By working closely with the Board, the executive team and key stakeholders, you will help develop and implement a comprehensive strategic plan. Your efforts will propel the organisation towards its vision, ensuring that all activities align with its mission and core values.

As a key representative of Arnolfini, you will cultivate and maintain strong relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, including funders, partners, artists, community groups and government bodies. Your role as an ambassador will be critical in fostering these connections and enhancing Arnolfini’s reputation and influence within the arts community and beyond.

Your financial acumen will be essential in safeguarding Arnolfini’s economic health and sustainability. You will collaborate with the Board and the executive team to oversee budgeting, financial planning and risk management processes. Ensuring that the organisation operates on a sound financial footing will be a cornerstone of your responsibilities.

In this role, you will also support and guide Arnolfini’s fundraising efforts. This includes spearheading initiatives to identify new funding opportunities and nurturing relationships with donors, sponsors and funding bodies.

Your work will be vital in securing the resources necessary for Arnolfini’s continued growth and success. You will champion Arnolfini’s dedication to diversity, equity and inclusion. Your leadership will promote and support programmes and initiatives that engage with a broad spectrum of audiences and address the community’s needs and interests. Your commitment to inclusivity will help ensure that Arnolfini remains a welcoming and accessible space for all.

Finally, you will continuously monitor and evaluate Arnolfini’s performance against its strategic objectives. Your focus on performance metrics and responsiveness to the evolving landscape of the arts and cultural sectors will drive ongoing improvements and ensure that Arnolfini remains dynamic and relevant.

Who we are looking for

We are seeking an experienced and visionary Chair of the Board of Trustees to lead Arnolfini Arts, one of the UK’s leading centres for contemporary arts located in Bristol’s vibrant Harbourside. This is a crucial, voluntary, non-executive governance position requiring a consistent and meaningful time commitment over a three-year renewable term.

The role requires a commitment to the arts and culture sector in Bristol specifically. Ideally with a strong connection to the city, either past or present, and personal or professional.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate high-level experience and commitment across the following areas, ensuring the organisation maintains robust financial and operational health while expanding its influence.

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. Friday 21st November.

We are delighted to be working with Restore, an Oxfordshire-based charity that has been offering employment support to people with mental ill-health since 1977. Restore supports people - through recovery groups, coaching and learning - to take control of their own recovery, develop skills, and progress towards their own goals to live more fulfilling lives. It works within the community to increase knowledge, awareness and reduce stigma associated with mental ill health. Restore is also home to the Oxfordshire Recovery College for therapeutic peer learning and is an expert provider of formal mental health training.

Restore are now seeking to appoint a Chair of Trustees to provide leadership and direction to the Board of Trustees as their current Chair will step down later this year after ten years. The Chair will lead the Board of Trustees and work closely with the charity’s CEO and Executive Team to achieve its goals. They will have a strategic role ensuring that the organisation complies with its purpose, charity law and company law and that the organisation pursues its objectives as defined in its governing document.

The Chair will also ensure that the Board functions properly and that effective decisions are made and implemented. The Chair, alongside the CEO, acts as a spokesperson and advocate for the organisation.

The successful candidate is likely to have Board experience as a Chair or Deputy Chair although you may have been a Trustee for some years and now be looking for your next step. You will have excellent communication skills with great leadership qualities, the ability to confidently lead the Board, promote a collaborative team, deliver the vision of the charity and bring people together.

Essential skills:

• Board-level leadership and governance
• Strategic vision and sound independent judgement
• Creative thinking and problem solving
• An understanding of legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
• A commitment to and passion for Restore’s aims and objectives
• Integrity, objectivity, accountability, honesty and leadership.

Restore has been a fairly diverse board over the years and are still looking for ways to improve. The Board recognises the need to be entirely representative of the community it serves in Oxfordshire and surrounding areas and is keen for the board to reflect it. We welcome and encourage adult applicants of all ages, gender, ethnicity, sexuality, sexual orientation, socio-economic background, religion, neurodiversity and lived experience.

Time Commitments:

You’ll need to be able to:

• Lead quarterly board meetings from 4:30pm to 7pm.
• Lead the Annual General Meeting (AGM) alongside the CEO once per year.
• Join the Finance Sub Committee and attend others as needed to contribute to discussion and decision-making.
• Make visits to our recovery groups and head office teams to ensure you stay close to the services we are providing
• Correspond by email to discuss items and make decisions between meetings
• Attend other activities/fundraising events.

Meetings are currently hybrid, where attendance can be in person or online. Restore are aware that people who are working full-time or have family/other responsibilities may not always be able to travel to the meetings in person. It is important that Trustees are able to visit services, attend at least some meetings in person and have a connection with the community to which we deliver services. With this in mind, it’s unlikely that you will be based outside of Oxfordshire and its surrounding counties.

Tenure:

Trustees can join at any time during the year but are formally appointed at the November AGM for a three-year term at a time which can be extended twice (plus an extra year by agreement).

If you feel you have a passion for mental health and the aims of this charity, we would like to hear from you. For more information, please contact Sandra Smith, Associate Director, Charisma Charity Recruitment. Your application should be submitted through the Charisma website and include your CV and supporting statement.

Closing date: 2 November 2025 – Please apply asap as the client will be reviewing candidates and may close earlier if a suitable candidate is appointed 

Exciting opportunity as Chair of trustees of a small and dynamic arts and crafts re-use charity in SW London looking to take the charity forward and grow and diversify its income streams.The Chair will join an established and small board of trustees and must be experienced in leading a board in terms of strategy, risk and planning, financial governance, building positive relationships, one-to-one reviews with trustees to bring out the best in them, building the board and growing the charity's impact. 

The Chair will have a wide-ranging impact, shaping the charity's strategic direction and helping it achieve the charity's mission to promote artful re-use of waste materials diverted from landfiil and incineration for use with a wide range of beneficiaries for artistic, educational, recreational or therapeutic benefit throughout south-west London. Your leadership will ensure that the charity provides and extends its range of support and services to existing and future beneficiaries and maintains its role as an active participant in the circular economy. 

The Board of Trustees exists to inspire and guide both the Executive Leadership and the Senior Leadership Team through the application of Choose Love's vision, mission, and core principles, providing inclusive leadership. The Board Governance ensures that each trustee fulfils their duties and responsibilities for effective charity governance, whilst supporting and, where appropriate, challenging the Chief Executive and Deputy Chief Executive.

The trustees ensure that the Board functions as a cohesive unit and works closely with the entire Executive of the charity to achieve agreed objectives. They act as ambassadors and the public face of the charity in partnership with the Chief Executive, representing Choose Love's values and mission to stakeholders and the wider community.

We are looking to strengthen our existing board. Choose Love is seeking to recruit two additional trustees. 

1. TRUSTEE VACANCY ONE: TRUSTEE DEDICATED TO ADVANCING CHOOSE LOVE’S HUMANITARIAN PROGRAMMES
2. TRUSTEE VACANCY TWO: TRUSTEE DEDICATED TO ADVANCING CHOOSE LOVE’S COMMUNICATIONS STRATEGY

We are seeking trustees who are ready to do more than fulfil statutory requirements or attend scheduled meetings. The work of Choose Love, and the impact we strive to achieve, depends on trustees who are proactive, engaged, and generous with their time, expertise, and energy.

We encourage candidates who are willing to be accessible and responsive outside of formal board settings, whether that's by advising on urgent matters, attending events, mentoring staff or volunteers, or participating in advocacy and outreach activities. This role will involve reading and reflecting on reports and proposals in advance, giving thoughtful feedback, and being available for consultation as required.

Being a trustee at Choose Love is a dynamic commitment that extends beyond the boardroom. We are seeking individuals who will play an active role in shaping our vision, supporting our team, and ensuring the charity remains resilient and responsive to the needs of the communities we serve.

The Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust (the Trust) is looking to appoint a new Chair to join its high-performing Board of Trustees.

The new Chair will be an individual of standing, with a background that complements the activity of the Trust. The Chair must have a deeply held appreciation of the importance of The Historic Dockyard Chatham, its historical significance and the critical role it plays in inspiring audiences young and old, local, national and international.

The Trust is looking for a strategic leader to chair our vibrant Board and to act as a powerful advocate for our work.

As Chair, you will provide an inclusive approach to the governance of the charity and help us to advance our charitable purpose, truly delivering our twin charitable objectives of Preservation and Learning. You will optimise the relationship between the Board and staff and, as a Board, ensure we are focused on fulfilling our strategic role.

It is essential that the Chair has experience of excellent governance, strategic leadership, sound business credentials and ideally either a Naval background or keen interest in at least one area of the cultural, heritage or education sectors. A natural ambassador, you will promote and represent our interests externally, acting as a spokesperson where appropriate.

Our current Chair, Admiral Sir Trevor Soar, following a highly successful tenure as Chairman since 2016, will be stepping down as a Trustee in November 2026 after completing the maximum of three terms at the Trust.

The current trustee group is highly skilled, dedicated and committed to the work of the Trust. Having established a new ten-year strategy, you will be tasked to support the CEO in ensuring its delivery.

About Reprieve

Reprieve is a leading international human rights organisation. Our aim is simple: to consign the death penalty and abuses carried out in the name of “counter-terrorism” or “national security” to history, drawing public and political attention to these past harms with a view to preventing them from occurring again.

In our view, you can best judge a society by how it treats prisoners, criminal defendants, and the far-flung targets of an ever-changing counter-terror policy. To us, the rule of law means little if we selectively apply it to people we agree with. It is for all of us. Liberty is always eroded at the margins.

Reprieve’s staff is made up of courageous and committed human rights defenders. Founded in 1999, we provide free legal and investigative support to people facing the death penalty and those victimised by states’ abusive counter-terror policies – rendition, torture, arbitrary detention and extrajudicial killing.

We fight our clients’ cases in courts around the world; investigate their mistreatment; and advocate on their behalf, encouraging public and political debate of human rights issues.

Reprieve’s main office is in London, UK. Reprieve also supports full-time Fellows, who work as lawyers, investigators and campaigners in the countries in which we work. We work closely with a number of partner organisations in jurisdictions all over the world, who provide access to clients, expertise, knowledge and guidance on specific issues or regions. We work in cooperation with relevant government officials, individual lawyers and human rights defenders, as well as individual, corporate and foundation funders to further the cause of our shared goals.

Reprieve works in close partnership with its independent sibling organisation Reprieve US.  This collaboration is mutually beneficial to both Reprieve and Reprieve US as it enables each organisation to work more effectively and take advantage of the strategic locations to increase the impact of our work.

About the Role

Our work would not be possible without the highest levels of governance provided by our Board of Trustees and its Chair.

The Board meets four times a year (normally January, May, July and October). Two Board meetings are in person, and we ask that the Chair attends other events when they can to meet staff and other key stakeholders, including donors. 

Day-to-day management of Reprieve is provided by the Senior Management Team. 

About You

Our new Chair will be passionate about our vision and mission and will be able to bring inclusive and knowledgeable insight to the Board and the Executive. They will have a keen sense of strategic purpose and an inclusive leadership style that inspires and supports other Trustees, the Executive, staff and key stakeholders to participate. They will be comfortable with challenge and debate and able to encourage that in others whilst fostering a collaborative Board environment. They will be able and willing to act as a figurehead and ambassador, and champion Reprieve’s work through personal networks, social media (if appropriate), and other channels.

They will be willing to lead according to Reprieve’s values and have a passion for seeking justice for the victims of extreme human rights abuses. They will support our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion at Reprieve and share our commitment to fighting against racism and advancing racial justice, both in our work and within Reprieve.

They will have a passion for seeking justice for the victims of extreme human rights abuses. They will support our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion at Reprieve and share our commitment to fighting against racism and advancing racial justice, both in our work and within Reprieve.

Responsibilities

Your main duties will include:

• Leading the Board in ensuring that it fulfils its responsibilities for the governance of Reprieve
• Chairing and facilitating Board meetings including giving direction to board policy-making and ensuring that decisions taken at meetings are implemented
• With the Executive Director:
  • Planning the annual cycle of Board meetings
  • Setting agendas for Board meetings
  • Developing the Board of trustees including induction, training, appraisal and succession planning
  • Addressing conflict within the Board and within Reprieve, and liaising with the Executive to achieve this
  • Liaising with the Executive Director to keep an overview of the organisation’s affairs and to provide support as appropriate
• Being an ambassador and figurehead for Reprieve.

Person Specification/ Criteria

• A willingness to speak your mind and challenge both the Executive and the Board
• A keen sense of strategic purpose
• An inclusive leadership style: able to inspire and support other Trustees, the Executive, staff and key stakeholders to participate 
• Experience constructively challenging and appraising senior leadership
• A willingness to be available to the Executive and staff for advice and enquiries on an ad hoc basis
• A clear commitment to Reprieve’s vision and mission
• A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
• Willingness to commit two days a month to the role
• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship, as they apply to the Chair of the Board
• Experience of fundraising and its importance to a charity 
• Experience of committee work or being on a charity board.

Volunteer Chair of the Board of Trustees

Location: Birmingham

Time commitment: Around 10 hours per month

Remuneration: Voluntary (expenses reimbursed)

About Us

At Carrs Lane Counselling Centre Ltd, we believe that everyone deserves someone to listen. We’re a counselling charity offering warm, affordable emotional support to people in Birmingham.

Our mission is simple but powerful: to provide high quality counselling and mental health support to those who seek it, regardless of income or background. We are committed to a strategic direction of growth.

The Role

We’re looking for a new Chair of Trustees to help guide our charity through its next chapter.

As Chair, you’ll lead a small but passionate Board, ensuring we stay true to our purpose and operate with integrity and care. You’ll work closely with our Centre Manager and other Trustees to provide strategic guidance, support the team, and help us make sound decisions for the future of our counselling services.

This is a wonderful opportunity for someone who wants to make a real difference in people’s lives and help strengthen mental health support in our community.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Leading the Board and ensuring good governance and effective decision-making.
• Working collaboratively with fellow Trustees, staff and volunteer counsellors to shape our strategy and priorities.
• Supporting and appraising the Manager.
• Acting as an ambassador for the charity, championing our mission in the community.
• Helping us grow sustainably so we can reach more people in need.

Who You Are

We’d love to hear from you if you:

• Believe deeply in the importance of mental health and accessible, affordable counselling.
• Have experience leading people — perhaps as a trustee, senior manager, or team leader.
• Are a good communicator, listener, and relationship-builder.
• Can take a balanced, strategic view while staying grounded in our values.
• Enjoy working with others to make a positive impact.

You don’t need to be a governance expert — what matters most is your commitment, integrity, and willingness to learn. We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of mental health challenges or from backgrounds underrepresented in charity leadership.

Why Join Us

• Play a key part in supporting mental health and wellbeing in your community.
• Work alongside caring, passionate people who share your values.
• Gain valuable governance and leadership experience.
• Be part of a supportive, positive environment where your contribution really matters.