Chair of the board of trustees volunteer volunteer roles
Lead the future of a well-established charity making a real difference for young people in Plymouth. The Zone Plymouth is seeking a visionary Chair of Trustees to guide strategy, inspire leadership, and shape services that change lives.
The Zone Plymouth is an established and well-respected local charity dedicated to supporting and empowering young people aged 13–25. Operating in Plymouth for over 35 years, the charity delivers a range of commissioned services in partnership with other agencies, including sexual health, mental health, homelessness prevention, targeted school-based support for emotional health and substance use, and interagency support for young people in or leaving care.
With 24 staff (17.5 FTE) and 36 volunteers, The Zone has a strong foundation and is well positioned to leverage its strengths to achieve its long-term ambitions. While navigating challenges such as cultural change, income diversification, and skills development, there are exciting opportunities to strengthen leadership, expand funding streams, and raise the charity’s profile across Plymouth. The next two to three years offer substantial potential for growth, where thoughtful planning, decisive action, and collaborative leadership can secure a vibrant, resilient, and enduring future.
About the Role
The Chair of Trustees will provide strategic leadership and guidance to the Board, ensuring it functions effectively, meets its legal and regulatory obligations, and supports the charity to deliver meaningful outcomes for young people in Plymouth. This voluntary role is central to shaping the strategic direction of the charity, fostering a positive culture, and holding the senior team accountable.
Key responsibilities:
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Ensure the Board functions effectively, meetings are led inclusively, and duties are carried out in line with legal and regulatory requirements.
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Lead the Board in setting the charity’s strategic direction, creating a positive organisational culture, and holding staff accountable.
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Support recruitment, induction, and development of Trustees, promoting diversity and inclusion.
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Line-manage and support the CEO, providing constructive challenge and oversight.
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Liaise with the Secretary to arrange meetings, set agendas, and chair meetings to ensure they are well-run and focused.
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Approve the annual operations/business plan, budget, and risk management plan, and monitor progress against these.
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Monitor Board decisions and agreed actions to ensure implementation in a timely manner.
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Build strong, positive relationships with staff, volunteers, beneficiaries, and external stakeholders.
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Act as an ambassador for The Zone, representing its values and interests in the community.
Your Ideal Candidate
Essential Qualities:
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Strong commitment to improving the lives of young people in Plymouth.
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Proven leadership skills, with experience chairing meetings, building consensus, and guiding complex discussions to clear decisions.
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Familiarity with challenges facing young people and small charities, and understanding of trustee responsibilities and charity governance.
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Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, able to engage with young people, staff, and stakeholders.
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Strategic thinker capable of guiding the delivery of long-term sustainable services.
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Integrity, impartiality, sound judgment, and awareness of equality, diversity, and inclusion objectives.
Desirable Qualities:
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Prior experience as a trustee or board member.
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Knowledge of youth services, education, health, or community development.
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Local connections in Plymouth and surrounding areas.
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Experience of fundraising, advocacy, or partnership working.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Who they are
Bookmark Reading Charity was established in 2018 with a clear and simple vision: that every child should be able to read. In England, one in four children leave primary school unable to read at the expected standard. Bookmark works to improve children’s literacy by fostering a culture of reading for pleasure in primary schools, with a particular focus on supporting children in the most disadvantaged communities.
The role
Bookmark Reading Charity exists to change children’s life stories through the joy of reading.
In a typical year, one in four children in an average class will leave primary school unable to read well. These children often struggle throughout their education and later in life and are at risk of becoming part of the seven million adults in the UK who face daily challenges with basic reading. Literacy extends far beyond books: it affects the ability to read road signs, safety instructions, job applications, medical prescriptions, and everyday communications. Children from disadvantaged backgrounds are disproportionately affected; four in ten children eligible for free school meals are unable to read well by the age of 11. Poor literacy is closely linked to reduced employment opportunities, poorer health outcomes, low self-esteem, and even reduced life expectancy.
Bookmark’s ambition is for every child to read.
As a leading reading charity for primary school children, Bookmark partners with schools to develop whole-school reading cultures and deliver one-to-one reading support. Through a flexible, volunteer-led programme, children gain the reading skills and confidence they need to have a fair chance in life. Bookmark has delivered the first year of its three-year strategy and is working towards partnering with 1,000 primary schools, enabling 500,000 children to benefit from a Bookmark literacy programme. Through the support of its Trustees, the charity aims to change the stories of the children who need it most.
Trustee opportunities
Bookmark Reading Charity is seeking three new Trustees to join its Board:
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A Treasurer to support the financial health and statutory responsibilities of the charity
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A Trustee with experience in AI, digital, or technology
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A Trustee with experience in the education or literacy sector
The charity welcomes applicants with strong skills, experience, or knowledge that will support the effective and efficient governance of Bookmark. It also actively welcomes candidates who can contribute to greater diversity on the Board, in its widest sense, including diversity of background, lived experience, career path, and perspective.
Role specification
The duties of a Bookmark Trustee include:
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Working collaboratively with fellow Trustees to shape, drive, and monitor the charity’s strategy, ensuring a clear strategic direction
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Preparing for and actively participating in Board meetings and one or more sub-committees, with each Trustee expected to chair a sub-committee or advisory board
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Applying relevant skills, knowledge, or experience to support sound and timely decision-making, including scrutinising papers, leading discussions, and advising on new initiatives
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Championing equality, diversity, and inclusion at Board level, working with the Senior Leadership Team to improve practice and communicate diversity strategies across staff, volunteers, schools, and stakeholders
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Ensuring effective and efficient administration, including appropriate policies and procedures
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Ensuring compliance with charity law and all relevant legal and regulatory requirements
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Defining the charity’s goals and evaluating performance against agreed targets
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Safeguarding the charity’s reputation, values, and public profile
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Ensuring resources are applied solely in pursuit of the charity’s objects for public benefit
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Overseeing financial stability and the proper management of assets and funds
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Managing risk in a considered, proportionate, and balanced manner
Additional responsibilities for the Treasurer
The Treasurer will also be responsible for:
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Overseeing the charity’s financial health, including budgeting, financial controls, cash flow, and reserves
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Ensuring compliance with statutory financial reporting requirements and supporting the preparation of the annual report and accounts
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Providing oversight of audits and liaising with external auditors or independent examiners
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Advising the Board on the financial implications of strategic and operational plans
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Overseeing the charity’s approach to risk management
Person specification
Essential
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Experience in one or more of the key areas outlined above
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A strong commitment to social change and to Bookmark Reading Charity’s mission and strategic objectives
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A clear commitment to equality and diversity
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An understanding of working within a fast-paced, commercially minded charity
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Sound independent judgement and creative thinking
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Confidence to contribute openly and constructively to Board discussions
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An understanding of the legal duties and responsibilities of trusteeship
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High emotional intelligence and the ability to work collaboratively, using a coaching or mentoring approach
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Strong networking skills that can be used to benefit the charity
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Willingness to commit sufficient time and effort, including attendance at events outside normal working hours
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A commitment to Nolan’s Seven Principles of Public Life
Treasurer-specific
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Knowledge of charity finance, the Charities SORP, and Charity Commission requirements
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A recognised professional accountancy qualification and/or relevant senior financial management experience
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The ability to clearly communicate financial information to Trustees and stakeholders
Desirable
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Lived experience of literacy challenges or professional experience in the literacy sector
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Experience of strategy development
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Experience of charity governance, particularly within children’s or education-focused organisations
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Fundraising, business growth, or entrepreneurial experience
Time commitment
Trustees are expected to commit approximately 10 hours per month. The Board meets four times a year, either in person in central London or remotely, with additional sub-committee or advisory board meetings held two to four times per year. Trustees may also be involved in specific projects aligned to their skills and interests and represent the charity at key events and meetings.
Trustees are appointed for a three-year term and may be reappointed. The role is unpaid, though reasonable expenses are reimbursed in line with the charity’s expenses policy.
Equality, diversity, and safeguarding
Bookmark Reading Charity is committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation and creating an environment where everyone can contribute fully and without discrimination. The charity particularly encourages applications from individuals currently under-represented at Board level, including candidates from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, LGBT+ communities, disabled people, and those from socially diverse backgrounds.
Bookmark is also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All Trustees are required to share this commitment, and appointments are subject to appropriate safeguarding checks, including references and Disclosure and Barring Service checks.
Application process
Applications close on Monday 16 February 2026. Shortlisting will take place during the week commencing 16 February 2026, with interviews held across late February and March 2026 in both in-person and online formats.
Applications should be submitted via:
Bookmark Reading Charity | Bookmark Trustee
Do you have a passion to make a difference in the lives of children and families? Spurgeons is seeking new trustees to join our current Board in bringing prayerful wisdom and strategic guidance over the coming years.
Spurgeons is one of the UK’s leading children’s charities, supporting vulnerable and disadvantaged children and their families for 150 years. Inspired by Christian faith and our founder Charles Spurgeon, we’re here for all families. Together, we create family hubs where we’re needed most, with counselling, early years and family support. We partner with local councils, churches and communities to care for every family, putting children and young people first in everything we do. Our services also include parenting support and resources, mental health support for children and young people, and working with families affected by domestic abuse and imprisonment.
These services are needed more than ever, and our current strategy focuses on growth, innovating in partnership with churches, developing online family hubs to expand our reach and ensuring fundraising is a strategic priority. We are ambitious and hopeful about how we can grow to make a significant impact on many more children’s lives in the future.
To support Board succession planning, we are seeking to appoint five new trustees with a range of skills and experience including:
· Fundraising and marketing
· Finance
· Children’s services e.g. senior leadership experience within social services, the care sector, local authorities, health, education, or charitable contexts
· Safeguarding
· Cultural change and transformation
Given an occupational requirement for these roles to be filled by Christians, we are seeking candidates with a personal and active Christian faith who are comfortable and aligned with the statement of faith outlined on our website.
In order to build on our Baptist heritage, we are also keen to ensure that at least one of our trustees is a member of, or has a connection with, the Baptist church.
Spurgeons values diversity, promotes inclusion, and encourages applications from a diverse range of candidates, including those with lived experience of children’s support services. We recognise the need to increase the diversity of the Board, for example in terms of age, ethnicity, disability, gender and LGBTQ+ representation.
In terms of location, at present, Board meetings take place in London and committee meetings take place virtually via Teams.
For further information, including full details of how to apply, please see our Appointment Details Pack which can be downloaded from the application resources/ supporting documents section below. Application is by submission of CV and cover letter via email to Laura Bagley at Macaulay Search (please see Appointment Details Pack for contact details).
The closing date for applications is 9am on Monday 2nd March 2026.
We create family hubs where we’re needed most, so, when a family member needs support, turn to us.



Welcome
Thank you for showing interest in Voyage (Voice of Youth & Genuine Empowerment) and the possibility of becoming a Trustee.
Voyage is a London-based social justice charity tackling racial inequality and structural disadvantage. We empower and enrich the lives of diverse young people and transform disadvantaged communities by raising aspiration and attainment. We work with socially disadvantaged and excluded young people, aiming to combat social exclusion, improve educational achievement and build resilient, confident leaders. Our mission is to empower and enrich the lives of young Black people and young people from the global majority, radically transforming educational and employment pathways. You will find more information on our website outlining our mission, programmes, partnerships and impact.
Voyage is led and governed by our committed, majority-diverse Board of Trustees, Youth Advisory Board, CEO and leadership team. Our organisation would not succeed without the dedication of our programme leaders and staff team. We have bold ambitions for Voyage, including completing our transition to Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) status and deepening our work across three pillars: Education, Access and Youth Voice. To support this next phase, we now need additional skills on our Board. We are specifically looking for people with one or more of the following:
·broad fundraising or income generation experience
·experience in the higher or further education sector
·education product development or commercial/business development experience
·governance and board development
We are open to other skills and experiences too. If you share our passion for social justice and supporting young people from Black and other global majority backgrounds to raise their expectations and fulfil their potential, we would welcome your application. We are especially interested in people currently underrepresented in charity governance.
Sincerely
Siobhan O’Garro (Board Chair)
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About us
Our mission - We ignite and inspire the next generation, building resilience to tackle the UK’s most pressing issues.
Our vision - Every young person can be a voice for change in their community and the world.
Our philosophy - Each One Teach One.
Our values - Empower – Transform – Sustain.
We provide accredited transformational leadership programmes for young people from the global majority. We aim to increase educational attainment, build community resilience and develop empowered young leaders who go on to reach their full potential and often return to Voyage to inspire the next generation.
Our work and plans
Voyage has recently come through a very challenging two year period that has significantly impacted our ability to attract investment and grow and rebuild staff capacity. At the same time, the national rolling back of ESG, DEI and wider CSR agendas has reduced investment in the very communities and young people our work exists to support. Despite this, Voyage remains resilient and is committed to overcoming these challenges. We have developed a business-led approach that places our young people at the centre of reversing this trend demonstrating the essential role that diversity, youth leadership and social justice play in future-focused industries.
We support young people through accredited education offers leading to employment and industry accesswork and opportunities to highlight the voice of our young people. This pathway of empowerment can be seen in our longest-standing strand, rooted in our BTEC level II accredited Safer cities course designed to support young people who are at risk of being marginalized due to challenging behaviour, damaging relationships and poor engagement with school.
A major element of our renewed strategy is our focus on sustainability and climate justice. Our mission helps us connect our diversity agenda to these sectors that are currently under-represented yet abundant with opportunity. Voyage is therefore aligning youth leadership, diversity and green-skills development through:
·our new Young Leaders Course - Sustainable Cities, supporting young people to understand climate resilience, urban change and green career pathways
·our Horizons Youth Programme for the Environment (HyPE), equipping at-risk young people with employability skills, training and entry points into environmental and retrofit careers
Further plans include:
·developing and rolling out a third BTEC accredited course linked to the under-represented but opportunity-rich digital sector - the Smart Cities;
·completing our transition to Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) status to give us more flexible and agile income-generation options;
·growing Youth Voice as both an income-generating and influence-building strand, enabling young people to shape policy, practice and public discourse; and
·position Voyage as a London leader in youth justice, climate equity and youth-led social innovation, with a developing national profile
Our constitution
Trustees provide oversight and scrutiny of Voyage’s management, operations and strategic direction, ensuring compliance with the Charity Commission and alignment with our mission, vision and values.
We are looking for additional skills in:
·governance and board development
·commercial or business development
·strategic fundraising and income generation
The Board
Trustees are appointed by the Nominations Committee with representation from the Youth Advisory Board. We are currently seeking at least two or more new Trustees to strengthen our Board and equip us for the opportunities and challenges ahead, including organisational growth, transformation to CIO status, programme development and national positioning. We are looking for people to act as advocates for Voyage, committed to our vision and mission. Prior trustee experience is not essential but can be very helpful.
We particularly welcome applications from:
·younger trustees
·disabled people
·people with lived experience of social and educational disadvantage
As a Trustee, you will support good governance, ensure the organisation is sustainable, effective and always delivering our charitable purposes.
Job Description
The Board meets 4–6 times a year for up to two hours, with an additional annual Away Day. Meetings are held both virtually and in person. We use an online portal to share papers and reports.
Trustees are expected to:
·prepare for and attend meetings
·contribute actively to discussions
·attend up to two events per year
The time commitment is approximately one day per month on average, occasionally higher at key points in the year.
Each Trustee will hold a specific remit or portfolio area aligned to their expertise and will keep the Board informed about developments and opportunities within that area.
Remuneration
Trustee roles are unremunerated; however, reasonable expenses will be reimbursed. If finances present a barrier to participation, please discuss this with us.
Engagement
Trustees are committed to governing in a way that is compassionate, transparent and grounded in the lived realities of the young people and staff who deliver Voyage Youth’s mission, while maintaining appropriate boundaries between governance and operational delivery. The staff team is dynamic, hardworking and welcoming. Our small size allows Trustees to have meaningful involvement at all levels of the organisation.Trustees may also be invited to:
·take part in working groups
·represent Voyage at events
·advise staff in areas of professional expertise
Responsibilities of Trustees
Trustees share collective responsibility to:
·ensure compliance with the governing document and charity law
·maintain financial control and sustainability
·set and review strategy and performance
·ensure accountability and transparency
·uphold Voyage’s reputation and values
·oversee risk management, safeguarding and key policies
·support and challenge the leadership team appropriately
·act only in the best interests of the charity
Person Specification
We are looking for people who will bring diverse experiences and insight to our Board. All Trustees must be able to demonstrate:
·a passion for social justice and improved outcomes for young Black people and the global majority
·collaborative working and team contribution
·understanding of strategy and leadership
·ability to connect Voyage to networks and opportunities
·commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion
·strategic thinking and constructive challenge
How to apply
Please apply by sending:
·your CV
·a cover letter (maximum 1.5 pages) outlining your interest and suitability
Send applications to: recruitment at Voyage Youth
If you would like an informal conversation before applying, contact us via the same email address. This will not influence the outcome of your application. We are committed to fair and inclusive recruitment. Please tell us if you require reasonable adjustments. Closing date for applications: Friday 27th February 2026 Interviews: Weeks commencing mid to late March 2026 (in person) For more information about us and our work, please visit our website.



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!
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.
SLOW, an award-winning charity supporting bereaved families, is excited to welcome an experienced Chair to lead our Board of Trustees, when our current Chair retires in June 2026. The appointee will be tasked with moving the organisation to the next level in delivering the sustainable growth of its bereavement services.
The opportunity
We are seeking a dynamic Chair of Trustees to lead East London Waterworks Park for three years, with the possibility to remain on the board for two further terms of three years. This is a rare opportunity to join a pioneering environmental charity and to work with the first paid Chief Executive Office to shape this next phase of our development.
The new Chair will have the opportunity to recruit new and additional trustees to create a board that provides appropriate strategic scrutiny of the charity’s work, strengthening our ability to realise our ambition to purchase the Thames Water depot side in East London, and our capacity to deliver community-led rewilding and nature-recovery projects across London in partnership with landowners, local authorities and other stakeholders. This could involve appointing Nature to the board.
About East London Waterworks Park
East London Waterworks Park is a community-led charity working to reconnect people and nature. Starting from nature-first principles, and with inclusivity at the heart of everything we do, we work with communities to co-design spaces to unlock a chain of positive changes that culminate in the long-term transformation of people and place.
Our work includes:
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co-designing East London Waterworks Park with the East London community, working towards purchasing a 14-acre Thames Water depot in Waltham Forest and transforming it into a biodiverse urban park with free, accessible wild swimming and welcoming community spaces
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co-designing other nature-first spaces on disused or brownfield land in London, returning land to nature in collaboration with local communities to encourage long–term community stewardship
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hosting engagement, education, and empowerment activities that build skills, confidence and deeper connections to nature.
East London Waterworks Park is a sociocratic organisation, with a decentralised organisational structure and a transparent and collaborative approach to decision making. We have grown organically since 2019, responding flexibly to the challenges we have encountered but always committed to our core vision: creating a new kind of urban green and blue space: one that is ecologically rich, inclusive, and shaped by the people and wildlife who use it.
East London Waterworks Park is currently entirely run by volunteers, and volunteers involved in day-to-day operations also sit on the board of trustees. However, we recognise the need to transition to a more sustainable structure and introduce a formal separation between the board of trustees and day-to-day operations. We are recruiting for a paid Chief Executive Officer and also want to appoint a new Chair of Trustees to ensure we have the capacity and strategic oversight to deliver the exciting projects planned in 2026 and beyond, while retaining our strong community-led ethos.
More information
If this sounds exciting, please review the attached recruitment package.
East London Waterworks Park is a charity campaigning to create a new biodiverse park with natural swimming ponds, forest schools and community spaces



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!
Bournemouth Foodbank is looking for committed and skilled individuals to serve as trustees.
The Foodbank is at an exciting time as we have just secured funding to develop a whole new branch of initiatives. We are a Pathfinder Foodbank, piloting new programmes for the Trussell Trust Foodbank Network.
Food poverty is a complex issue that requires a range of joined-up approaches to solve. Frontline services are vital; however, people need more than food for the next three days; they need to feel that they are seen and heard, and they need to know that they have a legitimate place in society. That’s why we are developing these new more than food initiatives and working to prevent dependency and the need for foodbanks in the future.
In order to meet the challenges ahead we are particularly keen to recruit Trustees with legal experience, fundraising, strong administrative skills and, availability to attend the Foodbank on an ad hoc basis (at least fortnightly) during weekdays. Lived experience using Foodbanks or similar crisis services, as well as anyone with a background in Health and Well Being services, or Hospitality would all be extremely valuable additions to our board of trustees.
Vital is to be committed to the vision of Bournemouth Foodbank and concerned about our local communities in BCP as well as social justice equal opportunities. You will want to be giving your time and skills to work alongside our board to shape the future services on offer to our local community and support our few paid staff team and over 150 volunteers.
The time commitment would be a few hours a month, the expectation to attend the Foodbank at least fortnightly during weekdays and some flexibility to support occasional events would be wonderful (but entirely optional).
Responsibilities
As Chair of Trustees, you will ensure that you comply with Bournemouth Foodbank’s governing documents, charity law requirements, and other laws that might apply to it. You must act in Bournemouth Foodbank’s best interest, including doing what you and the trustee board decide will best enable Bournemouth Foodbank to carry out its purpose, as well as making balanced informed decisions.
This role involves leading and overseeing the trustee board in ensuring the effective performance of its legal, regulatory and governance responsibilities. It is also an essential part of the role to support and line manage the Foodbank Chief Executive Officer, to achieve the vision/objectives of the Foodbank and to ensure there is a positive relationship between the trustee board, staff, volunteers, and any other stakeholders.
Key Tasks
Chairperson Responsibilities:
- chair trustee meetings so that the trustee board functions effectively and carries out its duties
- ensure the trustee board sets an overall direction for the Foodbank with clear objectives
- ensure that the business of meetings is dealt with, decisions are recorded and implemented, and documentation is well managed and filed diligently
- in consultation with the rest of the trustee board, recruit board members with relevant expertise and experience when required
- to ensure that there is appropriate line management in place to manage the Food Bank Chief Executive Officer (which shall include undertaking appraisals, counter-authorising financial payments including payroll etc)
Ensure an effective relationship between staff, volunteers, and stakeholders:
- to plan with the Chief Executive Officer, an annual schedule of any subcommittee/steering group meetings and other key events which trustee board members should attend
- to work alongside the Foodbank Chief Executive Officer to ensure there is appropriate communication between the trustee board and staff, volunteers, and any other stakeholders.
Other responsibilities, along with the board of trustees, include:
- to approve, support and guide the charity’s purpose, vision, strategy, goals and objectives
- to manage the charity’s resources responsibly, ensuring the charity’s assets are used only to carry out its purpose, ensure the charity does not become over-committed, and ensure that key risks are identified, monitored and controlled appropriately
- to ensure the effective and efficient administration of the charity, responding to changes in the local community as appropriate
- to ensure appropriate financial plans are in place, budgets are monitored, financial statements are reviewed, and progress is evaluated
- to help promote the organisation to key stakeholders and beneficiaries
- to ensure the charity has appropriate procedures to comply with current legislation and good practice, including employment, health and safety, equity, diversity and inclusion, safeguarding, and GDPR compliance/data protection
- to prepare for and regularly attend and participate in board and subcommittee meetings.
Please apply through CharityJobs, providing a CV and cover letter detailing why you are interested in this role and your relevant experience. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an informal interview with members of the Board of Trustees at Bournemouth Foodbank.
You must be 18 or over to apply for this role, and you must not be disqualified from acting as a trustee and declare any conflict of interest whilst carrying out the duties of a trustee.
Applicants must be primarily resident in the UK when applying for this post. This is to enable successful applicants to fulfil the duties of this post and have access to any systems or programs required for the role in line with the charity’s data protection policies.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Trustee and Treasurer
Rainbow Migration, the longest-running UK charity dedicated to supporting LGBTQI+ people through the asylum and immigration system, is seeking a trustee who will also serve as the organisation’s Treasurer.
We are looking for someone who is passionate about our vision that LGBTQI+ people can settle in the UK and lead fulfilling lives, and our mission to support LGBTQI+ people through the asylum and immigration system and influence policy and practice.
At Rainbow Migration, we don’t just accept difference – we celebrate it, we support it, and we thrive on it. We particularly encourage applications from people who have sought asylum on the basis of their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or sex characteristics.
The role of trustees and the Treasurer
Being a trustee is a rewarding role. Trustees are volunteers who bring their expertise to shape our strategy and direction, and help ensure we remain an authoritative organisation on LGBTQI+ asylum and immigration. They have overall legal responsibility for the charity, make sure our finances and resources are well used to implement our mission, and are required to participate fully in the governance of the charity. Trustees also play a role as ambassadors for the organisation and our work.
The Treasurer takes a lead role in ensuring Rainbow Migration’s financial affairs are conducted within legal requirements, accounting conventions and good practice to ensure the financial viability and sustainable development of the organisation. A detailed role description for the role of Treasurer is appended.
Time commitment
We are looking for people who can commit to being a trustee for at least three years.
Trustees meet on a weekday evening five times per year. Meetings are usually held on Zoom except in December when we meet in person in London.
Preparation for the meetings involves a time commitment of two to four hours for detailed reading of papers, which are provided several days in advance.
The Treasurer also chairs the Finance Subcommittee, which meets on a weekday evening at the end of each quarter. The present Treasurer prepares the primary financial statements and notes, from the underlying accounting records at the year-end, for inclusion in the Annual Report and Accounts; the successful candidate will need to decide whether to continue with this approach or if there is a suitable alternative.
Key responsibilities
Financial oversight:
- Support the Trustee Board to maintain a clear and timely picture of the financial health of the organisation
- Ensure the Trustee Board and management team fulfil all required fiduciary and regulatory responsibilities
- Keep up to date on developments in charity finance regulations and best practice
- Chair the Finance Subcommittee to oversee Rainbow Migration’s financial management, ensuring robust processes and controls are in place
- Ensure the committee develops a long-term financial strategy (including a reserves policy) for the organisation, with objectives which can be monitored
- Advise the Board on financial strategy, risk management and resource allocation
- Support the Executive Director and Operations and Office Manager to develop and improve financial policies and procedures
- Work with the Executive Director, Operations and Office Manager and Fundraising Manager to monitor budgets, cash flow and financial performance
- Oversee the production of clear and accessible financial reports to the Board and its sub-committees by Rainbow Migration staff, and lead discussions during meetings
Reporting:
- Ensure regular financial reports (i.e. management accounts, annual budgets, cash flow projections, etc) are accurate, comprehensible, timely, correctly formatted, and properly discussed and understood by the Trustee Board (as required by law)
- Ensure the timely preparation of annual accounts in accordance with charity regulations (UK SORP)
- Oversee the appointment of the Independent Examiner or auditors and provide overall oversight of the annual examination or audit process
Systems and controls:
- Ensure the charity has proper systems in place for budgeting, financial control, insurance, and reporting
- Ensure compliance with all HMRC tax requirements, as appropriate
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.
2makeit is a charity that helps rehabilitate prisoners and ex-prisoners by offering them creative expression through programmes in skills such as music, art and writing.
Engaging with fellow prisoners, guided by experts including musicians, artists and writers, they learn how to collaborate and create, inspiring them to lead more productive and positive lives whilst in jail, and law-abiding lives on release.
2makeit is seeking an inspiring and committed Chair to lead its Board and help transform lives through creativity.
What will you be doing?
The Chair leads the board, ensuring that it governs the charity effectively, in service of the charity’s vision and mission. The Chair leads in an inclusive way, supporting the board to work together well, and providing support and challenge to the Director.
The Chair is also an ambassador for the charity.
Board members have a collective responsibility. This means that Trustees always act as a group and not as individuals.
Time commitment is approximately 15 - 20 hours a month, which includes:
- 4 quarterly board meetings (2–3 hours each) and their preparation (usually evenings, hybrid available).
- A weekly call with the Director (approx 1 hour).
- Ad hoc sub-group meetings and documents as required (mostly online).
- Ambassadorial commitments - 2makeit events, visits to prisons, projects.
What are we looking for?
2makeit is seeking an inspiring and committed Chair to lead its Board and help transform lives through creativity.
We are looking for someone with the following skills and experience:
- Understanding of the criminal justice sector is desirable.
- Strong communication, empathy, and ability to chair meetings in a collaborative, non-authoritarian way.
- Previous Trustee experience is desirable.
- Ability to build a close working relationship with the Director.
- Availability and flexibility (some daytime commitments, some evenings).
- Passionate about prisoner and ex-prisoner wellbeing.
- Ability to foster an environment for open discussion and debate amongst trustees.
- Willingness to hold trustees and members of the organisation to account for actions they agree to undertake.
What difference will you make?
This is an exciting time to join 2makeit to help realise our vision to be part of a criminal justice sector in which creativity plays a vital role in rehabilitation.
Three areas underpin the delivery of that vision:
- Creative projects in prison
- Resettlement work in the community
- Rehabilitative exhibiting and showcasing of work
Before you apply
The TrusteeWorks Team at Reach Volunteering are supporting 2makeit withtheir 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. 2makeit are happy to have an informal conversation with anyone who is interested in the role. Please contact TrusteeWorks to arrange this.
2makeit helps rehabilitate those with lived experience of the criminal justice sector by using creativity to inspire more positive lives.


About The Creighton Centre
For over 100 years, The Creighton Centre has been at the heart of its community, providing connection, care and opportunities for generations of local people. With a rich heritage and an ambitious future, we are now seeking someone to become our next Chair of Trustees.
This is a unique and rewarding opportunity to provide leadership to a well established, values driven charity at a pivotal moment in its history.
About the role
As Chair, you will lead our Board of Trustees and work in close partnership with our new CEO to ensure strong governance, clear strategic direction and long-term sustainability.
Over the coming year, the Board will be setting the charity’s strategic priorities and overseeing an exciting programme to renovate and future proof our historic building, unlocking new opportunities for community use and income generation. The Chair will play a central role in guiding this work at Board level.
Who we’re looking for
We are seeking a Chair who brings strong interpersonal skills, good judgement and a collaborative leadership style. You will be someone who values good governance, inclusive decision-making and clear strategic thinking.
You will bring:
- Significant board experience and a strong understanding of governance
- The ability to lead a Board effectively, encouraging constructive challenge and collective ownership
- A commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion
- An appreciation of the privilege and responsibility of stewarding a long-established community charity with premises
Most importantly, you will be motivated by the opportunity to help shape the next chapter of an organisation with deep community roots and real impact.
What's in it for you?
- A chance to chair a respected charity with over a century of community impact
- An opportunity to help guide a significant period of strategic development and renewal
- The privilege of stewarding an organisation with a strong sense of purpose, place and heritage
- A supportive, engaged Board and an experienced Chief Executive team
If you are looking for a meaningful Chair role where your leadership can make a lasting difference, we would love to hear from you.
Please provide a CV and cover letter outlining your interest in the role and what skills and qualities you might bring. Please do refer to the attached Role Decsription for guidance on preparing your cover letter.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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.
The Reading for fun charity
Chair of Trustees of World Book Day
Location: London (hybrid)
Remuneration: Voluntary role, reasonable expenses reimbursed
Time commitment: One day per week
Term: 3 years (may be appointed for a second term, maximum 6 years)
Closing Date for applications: 6th March 2026
About World Book Day
World Book Day (WBD) is a small national charity with significant reach and profile, consistently punching above our weight. WBD champions reading for fun because it seriously improves lives. In fact, it is the biggest indicator that a child will grow up to enjoy a happier and more successful future. With the spotlight in this National Year of Reading on reversing the decline in children's reading, now is an exciting time to join us.
As our current strategy enters its final phase and our 30th anniversary approaches, a new Chair would work with our board and executive team to develop and lead our new strategy and to leverage our existing strengths to realise the potential for growth in our impact. The new Chair will also support WBD's income generation activities, through attending events and philanthropy meetings and supporting corporate partnership opportunities, promoting WBD through their networks and championing donations.
This is a rare opportunity to help more children, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, develop a lifelong habit of reading for fun and access the improved life chances this brings them.
What we are looking for
World Book Day's new Chair may come from a commercial, educational, public service or other background. In addition to the qualities required for a trustee, they should have the following qualities:
· A commitment to World Book Day's vision and values
Knowledge and experience:
· of senior strategic leadership (e.g. as a Chair or Committee Chair, trustee, non-executive director or senior executive)
· of charity governance and financial oversight
· of supporting, line managing and evaluating the performance of a senior leader
· to support our plans to increase and diversify WBD's income
· to work effectively with WBD's varied stakeholder landscape
· complementary or adjacent to WBD's activities, purpose and strategy
The ability to:
· lead by example
· communicate skilfully and effectively
· be an influential, inspirational and supportive leader who builds confidence and consensus
· develop partnerships and strategic alliances
· act impartially, fairly, with tact and diplomacy and respect confidences.
World Book Day welcomes candidates drawn from a range of backgrounds, experiences and characteristics. We would like our trustees to be reflective of our society and WBD's beneficiaries. We actively encourage applications from those currently under-represented on our board: non-binary, all ethnic groups other than white British and LGBTQ+.
For a full role description and details of how to apply, please see the recruitment pack below. The deadline for applications is 6th March 2026.
Our strategy seeks to increase our impact and strengthen our foundations.



Trustee vacancy - Youth Development / Education Specialist
The National Youth Orchestra (NYO) is appointing a specialist trustee to strengthen our Board’s insight into what helps teenagers flourish through exceptional arts and music opportunities.
We welcome applications from people with experience in secondary education, youth-focused arts organisations, youth services, or programmes within the music education sector (or closely related fields). Knowledge of secondary education policy and networks is particularly desirable.
About NYO
NYO is the UK’s leading organisation championing orchestral music as a powerful agent for teenage development. We exist to empower teenage musicians, developing their confidence, skills and leadership through world-class orchestral experiences, and over the next decade we aim to build a significantly larger, more inclusive national community of young musicians.
The Role
This role is an exciting opportunity to influence how NYO listens to and works with young people. You will:
- Bring insight into the realities teenagers face today, including barriers to participation and progression, and what helps young people thrive in arts and education settings.
- Help develop NYO’s approach to youth voice, including meaningful input into decisions, agency, ambassadorship and leadership opportunities.
- Contribute to Board-level safeguarding oversight, particularly in large-scale youth projects and residential environments.
- Support strategic thinking about inclusion, participation and progression, recognising the importance of next-step opportunities when a teenager finds something they love.
We are committed to broadening the diversity of perspectives on our Board. We particularly encourage applications from women, individuals from ethnically diverse backgrounds, and those based outside London. All appointments will be made on merit.
Deadline for applications: Monday 23 February 2026.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.





