Chair of the board of trustees volunteer roles

Do you have experience with UK employment law as an HR Manager, HR Director or equivalent? 

Connection Support are seeking a Trustee that will support us in our vision of being a thought-leader in the prevention of homelessness, mental ill-health, and leading innovative services that prevent crises from happening. 

About us

At Connection Support, our team of staff and volunteers work alongside people to overcome life’s challenges.  We do this through our values of empowerment, collaboration, compassion and taking a personalised approach in all aspects of our work. 

We believe in a future where people are free from crisis, and effective prevention is the key. But for times when crises do happen, we’ll be there to help every step of the way. 

About the role

The trustee will support the board, the CEO the Head of HR and wider senior team with advice, guidance and sharing their experiences specifically related to: 

• Contributing to existing projects. 

• Maintaining good relationships with relevant agencies and potential partners.

• Advising on Human Resources issues affecting Connection Support staff and volunteers. 

• Assisting the tendering process for existing and new contracts. 

• Guiding the board on addressing employee needs and advising on potential strategies that enable Connection Support to grow in the sector. 

This is an exciting time to join Connection Support as we start our new three year strategy. 

Time commitment

The anticipated time commitment for a Trustee is up to a day a month. Approximately 2-3 hours per month in person, and then 2-3 hours of supporting with projects which can be from home. 

Trustee positions are not paid but travel and subsistence expenses are reimbursed.

About you

Our values are extremely important to us, so it is essential that your personal values align with ours, and you are passionate and motivated by the impact you can have by being part of Connection Support. We would also like you to have the following;

• Experience of UK employment law as an HR Professional at Manager or Director level. 

• Creating and implementing staff and organisational development programs to support career development and staff wellbeing.

• Provide guidance on a myriad of HR topics e.g.; TUPE, remuneration, benefits, disciplinary, recruitment and training. 

If you are not sure if this role is for you, we can arrange a no obligation chat with a member of the board or the CEO. 

Previous experience as a Trustee is not necessary as we provide a full induction. We pair new Trustees with an experienced member and offer training opportunities to Board members. 

How to apply

Please submit the following documents to our recrutiment department, informaiton can be found in the recuritment pack.

• We want to know why you’re interested in becoming a trustee. Please send us a cover letter or email telling is why you want to join the Board of Trustees, and your experience as outlined above. If you would like to share your experiences with us in a different way, please let us know and we are happy to support. 

• We want to know more about you! Please send us an up to date CV of your career history, key responsibilities and achievements. If you do not have a CV, you can send us an email with a summary of your experience.

• We need to know what others say about you. Please send us two professional references(only contacted with prior consent). If you have any difficulty with references, please contact us and we can discuss alternatives with you.

Interviews

Interviews will be held as suitable people apply, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. We reserve the right to close this advertisement early. 

If you are interested in finding out more about the opportunity and would like to discuss the role informally, please contact us and we will arrange a no obligaiton chat with the CEO or a member of the board.

Further information can be found in our Board of Trustees Recruitment Pack. 

Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution seeks - Voluntary Cultural Activities Lead

Key information:

- Location: Bath, UK.

- Time commitment: ~0.5-1 day per week (varying week to week).

- Unremunerated: Voluntary role.

- Closing date: July 17th 2025.

Founded in 1824, the Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution (BRLSI) began as a social and intellectual hub for Bath's citizens. After a quiet period in the 20th century, the BRLSI was revitalised in the early 1990s. Today, it's a thriving organisation with nearly 900 members, hosting over 120 world-class lectures annually across diverse subjects. It also boasts what is likely the city's largest museum collection and a significant historic library.

The Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution promotes and advances science, literature, and art for the public benefit in the City of Bath. This is achieved through:

- Maintaining a museum with exhibits of historical, scientific, literary, or artistic interest.

- Providing a library, lectures, and educational facilities related to literature, science, and art.

- Promoting and publishing useful research in these fields.

The BRLSI operates as a volunteer-led charity, with its Board of Directors overseeing financial affairs and governance. Various committees manage activities, supported by a small team of employed staff. The Board has agreed to create a third committee to oversee cultural and educational activities, which will also report directly to the Board. This is a new volunteer role, established by the Board to lead cultural activities. The successful candidate will become a key member of the senior management team, and will chair a new committee (reporting to the Board) overseeing the organisation's cultural and educational activities.

The Cultural Activities Lead will oversee the development of a rich and varied programme of cultural, curatorial, and educational activities, attracting new audiences and building its reputation. They will facilitate the new committee’s management and advise the Board on strategy and policy. Furthermore, the Lead will establish successful and proactive relationships with local, regional, national and international organisations, helping expand the Institution’s cultural offering and commercial success.

The successful candidate will be a proven leader, experienced in heritage, cultural and/or curatorial sector governance. They will be skilled in project management, relationship-building and budgeting, with a background in volunteer-based organisations. The ideal individual will have Board-level experience and knowledge of capital development projects. They will be passionate about science, literature and the arts and committed to enriching the city of Bath for residents and visitors alike.

This is a rare opportunity to take on an important role at one of Bath’s oldest cultural and educational organisations and help them become a leading cultural destination.

For further details and to apply, please contact Sandy Hinks quoting the applicable reference number: MC2590

This is an exciting time in our growth as we look to grow our governance systems, build on our successes and ensure we are a radical, dynamic organisation rooted in our anti-racist and anti-oppressive values.  We are looking for a new Treasurer for our Trustee board, to join us and help lead and shape the future of the organisation.

We're looking for someone who has a broad knowledge of Talking Therapies, community mental health priorities and emerging trends and who can contribute effectively as a Committee Chair and as a Board member.

What will you be doing?

Wimbledon Guild is recruiting a new Trustee to Chair our Talking Therapies Committee for our experienced and established Board. We are looking for people who have the professional skills and personal passion to help us deliver support services to adults in Merton with the ambition that no-one should face life’s challenges alone.

About Wimbledon Guild

Wimbledon Guild is a community charity offering practical help and support so that people in Merton never have to face life’s challenges alone.

Whether someone is worried about money, they’re feeling low or overwhelmed, or they’re looking for new friends and activities locally, we’re always here.

Wimbledon Guild is more than just a place, we're a real community where everyone belongs.

We’ve supported our community for over 100 years and continue to grow our services in response to local needs and aspirations.

We are passionate about providing holistic services  tackling issues such as social isolation, financial hardship, emotional  and mental health difficulties. We also have an extensive activity programme aimed at keeping older people active and healthy. We have earned a reputation for delivering excellent services and we collaborate closely with other local and national organisations to ensure that our approach is dynamic and relevant.

About the Role

This is an exciting opportunity for someone with a strong professional background in adult social care, counselling or mental health services to join a well-established and effective Board, and to contribute their experience to ensure that Wimbledon Guild achieves its goals. The Committee Chair will be responsible for representing the Talking Therapies Committee at Board meetings, as well as fulfilling all of the general duties of an active trustee. These include helping to develop strategy, providing oversight, and promoting the highest standards of corporate governance.

What are we looking for?

The Talking Therapies Committee Chair should demonstrate the following qualities:

• A clear and confident communicator who has experience working at a senior level.
• An ability to take over existing projects and ensure that these are on track for successful delivery.
• A strong professional background in adult social care, mental health services, counselling or related professions
• A willingness to be a committed Board member, and to contribute actively to a skilled and experienced Board.
• A commitment to Wimbledon Guild’s objectives and to the Merton community.
• An understanding of and commitment to our  Diversity, Equity and Inclusion policies

What difference will you make?

This is a vital role, helping ensure we can continue our support for people in Merton. As Committee Chair, you will have a real opportunity to offer your unique skill set to help the strategic progression of the charity.

Before you apply

To apply, please send your CV and a cover letter answering the questions 

1. What particularly interests you about Wimbledon Guild and its work in the Merton community? (500 words) 

2. Which of your professional skills and experience do you feel are most relevant to this trusteeship and why? (500 words

Public Relation/Marketing Trustee- Join Us in Transforming Children’s Lives!

At School-Home Support, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to be in school and ready to learn – no matter the obstacles they face. Our mission is simple yet ambitious: to ensure that every child is in school, every day, by 2050. We are looking for a passionate individual with PR/Marketing knowledge to help us make this vision a reality and have a lasting impact on children and families across the country. 

We’re seeking an individual who shares our passion for improving children’s lives. If you have experience as a trustee and are ready to take the next step in your governance journey, we would love to hear from you. 

Who We're Looking For:

We are looking to recruit a PR/Marketing Trustee who is passionate about the work of School-Home Support and brings energy, commitment and leadership combined with a willingness to advocate for the work we do and the cause we serve. 

As a PR/Marketing Trustee, You Will: 

• Contribute to setting goals, targets, and overall policy for the organisation

• Share your expertise and networks to support the development and growth of the charity. 

• Help ensure compliance with our legal obligations and the organisation’s core purpose. 

• Provide oversight of the budget to guarantee School-Home Support’s financial sustainability. 

• Support the Safeguarding Lead to ensure measures are in place for safeguarding for the children and families we support and the staff team

• Act as a champion and ambassador for School-Home Support, enhancing our reputation, representing us at key events, and supporting fundraising efforts. 

What We Offer: 

• Impactful Role: By joining our Board of Trustees, you will play a key role in shaping our national impact and supporting our mission to transform the lives of children in need. 

• Training & Development: You will receive tailored training specific to your role and access to additional learning opportunities through our staff-led EDI networks. 

• Networking Opportunities: You’ll have the chance to expand your professional network and make valuable connections within the education and charity sectors.

• Support Throughout Your Journey: We will buddy you with a more experienced trustee or corporate volunteer to ensure you feel supported and confident throughout your time with us.

Expectations:

• Commitment: A commitment of three years to this voluntary role

• Meetings: Attend four half-day board meetings and one AGM each year, which are typically held in Stratford, London, or remotely. 

• Sub-Committees: Participate in one of our sub-committees to help guide specific areas of our work. 

• External Events: Attend 2-3 fundraising events each year (usually evenings) and make at least one school visit annually. 

• Inclusion & Diversity: A strong commitment to inclusion, equal opportunities, and the promotion of diversity in all aspects of your work.  

If you’re ready to make a difference and contribute to creating brighter futures for children and their families, we want to hear from you! 

To learn more about this exciting opportunity, please review the Trustee Pack and submit your application today!

Citizens Advice South Warwickshire (CASW) is inviting expressions of interest for the voluntary role of Treasurer. This is an exciting opportunity for an individual with strong financial expertise to join a dedicated and talented Trustee Board and help shape the future of a trusted and impactful organisation. As Treasurer, the appointed candidate will play a central role in ensuring the financial sustainability and strategic direction of the charity.

Who we are

Citizens Advice South Warwickshire is a community based organisation helping the people in the South of the County across a range of issues including debt, housing and employment.

This is an exciting and challenging time to join us and I would encourage you to read our information pack and submit an application to be our Trustee Treasurer.

The role

The Treasurer is a key member of the Trustee Board, providing financial oversight and strategic guidance to help secure the long-term sustainability of CASW during a challenging time for the voluntary sector.

Key Responsibilities:

• Advise on the financial implications of CASW’s strategic plans, including financial risk management.
• Collaborate with the CEO and Finance Manager on the presentation of budgets, management accounts, and statutory financial reports to the Board.
• Ensure accurate financial record-keeping and implement appropriate accounting procedures and controls.
• Monitor the financial viability of the organisation and support decisions on resource allocation.
• Ensure that investments and assets are being managed effectively.
• Support Trustees in understanding their financial responsibilities and enhance the Board’s collective financial literacy.
• Oversee compliance with all contractual and funding obligations.
• Promote and uphold good governance in line with CASW’s Articles of Association and Charity Commission best practice.

Candidate Profile:

Essential:

• Passion and commitment to CASW’s mission and strategic goals.
• Strategic mindset with experience interpreting complex financial data and supporting long-term planning.
• A recognised financial qualification or substantial experience in a strategic finance leadership role.
• Demonstrable commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Desirable:

• Prior experience as a Trustee or Treasurer, particularly in the charity sector.
• Understanding of charity finance regulations and reporting requirements.

Time Commitment:

• Attendance at approximately six Board meetings per year.
• Chairing of the Finance Sub-Committee (approximately six meetings annually).
• Participation in Away Days and occasional ad hoc support to staff or fellow Trustees using financial expertise.

Data Protection Notice:
All application information will be used strictly for recruitment purposes and in accordance with relevant data protection legislation.

As our Treasurer Trustee, you’ll bring your financial expertise to our dynamic international board working alongside trustees from member organisations, our leadership team and co-opted trustees bringing a range of specialist skills to our Board.

What will you be doing?

We are looking for a Treasurer with experience of working with not for profits in setting strategic financial direction,. It would be desirable to have experience in complying with the Charity Commission for England and Wales or similar bodies’ regulations. 

You would be joining our board at an exciting time, as we implement our new strategy, build on our campaigns, broaden our advocacy to mobilise greater support and achieve change. 

The Treasurer will maintain an overview of the organisation's affairs, ensuring its financial viability and that the organisation has policies and systems in place to ensure robust financial planning, implementation and reporting.

What are we looking for?

The Treasurer will maintain an overview of the organisation's affairs, ensuring its financial viability and that the organisation has policies and systems in place to ensure robust financial planning, implementation and reporting. This will involve :

• Reviewing budgets, accounts and financial statements, and recommending them to the Board for approval 
• Being assured that the financial resources of the organisation meet its present and future needs 
• Ensuring that the charity has an appropriate reserves policy 
• Ensuring that appropriate accounting procedures and controls are in place
• Ensuring that the charity has an appropriate investment policy 
• Ensuring that the accounts are prepared and disclosed in the form required by funders and the relevant statutory bodies 
• Ensuring that the accounts are scrutinised through external audits and internal reviews and that any recommendations are implemented 
• Keeping the Board informed about its financial duties and responsibilities 
• Chairing the Resource Mobilisation and Communications Committee (formerly the Finance and Human Resources Committee), leading online meetings three times a year
• Ensuring that organisation has processes in place to meet any compliance requirements 
• Ensuring the organisation has a risk management process in place 
• Reviewing and signing financial transactions and other documentation requiring board approval 

What difference will you make?

This is a substantive role at the core of our organisation. We are a global alliance of 51 local organisations in 40 countries, working on the front line with children and families in need. Our vision is a world in which children and families everywhere have access to the support they need to survive and thrive. Our mission is to make that happen through research, knowledge exchange, campaigning and humanitarian responses. We are registered as a charity under the Charity Commission for England and Wales and have two subsidiaries registered in New Zealand and in the US

 Family values mutual accountability and has a Responsibility Framework which outlines responsibilities and rights for board trustees, members and staff. The Treasurer has a key role in ensuring that mutual accountability is upheld in areas of finance by identifying and highlighting potential conflicts of interest.

Through campaigning, we influence and inspire others to take action for children and families worldwide. For more information about our work and our members, please visit our website.

Before you apply

Please apply, or contact us if you have any questions,through Reach in the first instance. Please provide a cover letter detailing why you are interested in this role, your relevant experience and indicate your availability. Interviews will take place via Zoom. Deadline for applicaions is 06 Nov 2025.

Desirable, but not essential requirements: 

• experience of working with or on a board 
• a qualified member of a recognised accountancy body
• some experience of charity fundraising is desirable

KCSC are seeking an experienced and committed individual to join the Board and take up the role of Treasurer.  Ideally someone who lives or works in the borough but more importantly has an understanding of charity finances and has possibly had a previous role as Treasurer.

ABOUT US

Kensington and Chelsea Social Council (KCSC) is the Council for Voluntary Services for the borough of Kensington and Chelsea.  Our vision is for powerful, engaged communities driving change and our mission is to strengthen and champion local communities and the voluntary and community sector.

We are a membership organisation, registered as a charity and company limited by guarantee and represent 600 voluntary and community organisations on our database and to whom we aim to provide a range of services, some of which include:

• Advice, guidance and information to help organisations run as effectively as possible
• Bringing voluntary organisations and community groups together to network and support partnership building
• Working closely with residents, resident associations and social action groups to address key local issues and ensure their voices are heard at decision making level
• Advocating on behalf of the local voluntary and community to help influence and shape local decision making

We are especially keen to ensure long-term sustainability of our local community by working with everyone to develop an inclusive, active borough.

You can read more about KCSC on our website.

BEING A TRUSTEE

As with any charity, trustees have overall responsibility for making sure it is running well and is doing what it was set up to do. This includes ensuring the charity:

· Spends its money sensibly on the activities it was raised for

· Does not break the rules in its Articles - the charity’s governing document

· Continues to meet our commitments to the communities we serve in accordance with our charitable objectives

· Follows the law, including preparing reports and accounts to send to the Charity Commission

A NEW TREASURER

Our current Treasurer has been serving on the Board since 2021 and has supported the organisation through a difficult economic climate and has helped shape and improve the way in which trustees monitor income and spend through a system of key performance indicators that are reported on.  His commitment, time and financial knowledge he has brought to the role has been valued and made our financial reporting more robust over the years.  Upon stepping down the incumbent is willing to support the incoming treasurer over a period of time to ensure a smooth transition into the organisation.

We are therefore seeking an experienced and committed individual to join the Board and take up the role of Treasurer.  Ideally someone who lives or works in the borough but more importantly has an understanding of charity finances and has possibly had a previous role as Treasurer.

The Treasurer Role primarily is as follows:

· Overseeing, approving and presenting budgets, accounts and financial statements

· Making sure that the financial resources of KCSC meet its present and future needs

· Ensuring that KCSC has an appropriate Reserves and Investment policy

· Preparing and presenting financial reports to the Finance & Personnel Sub Committee and the Board in collaboration with the CEO and Director of Operations

· Ensuring that appropriate accounting procedures and controls are in place and are compliant

· Advising on the financial implications of KCSC’s strategic plans

· Keeping the Finance and Personnel Sub Committee and the Board informed of its financial duties, responsibilities and obligations

· Advising on the preparation / submission of financial reports to funders and the Charity Commission

· Overseeing and advising on financial risk and financial management of KCSC

ABOUT YOU

You will have experience of charity accounting and able to provide guidance on ensuring the organisation adheres to charity accounting principles and policies.  Previous experience of being on a charity board  would be preferable although not essential.  However, a commitment to the furtherance of the voluntary and community sector and its role within civil society and subscribing to our stated mission and values is important.

THE COMMITMENT

The Treasurer will need to commit to attending a total of 8 Board/Sub Committee meetings a year as well as spending a few hours each month on attending additional internal meetings with CEO/Director of Operations/Chair on financial matters.

JOB ROLE

To read more about the job role please see the attachment. 

APPLICATION PROCESS

For an informal discussion about this opportunity, please contact our CEO Angela Spence.

If you would like to apply for this position, please send a comprehensive CV and a supporting statement of no more than two pages of A4 to Angela Spence by email.  The closing date is Monday 4 August 2025.

Your supporting statement should set out in compelling terms why you would like to be part of the next chapter at KCSC and what special skills and experience you could bring to the role as Treasurer.

KCSC is committed to celebrating diversity and ensuring equality of opportunity.  We welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Other considerations to be aware of that can prevent becoming a trustee

· Conflicts of interest. All potential conflicts should be discussed with the Chair or the CEO prior to applying

· Confirmation that the trustee is not disqualified from holding a trusteeship

· People under the age of 18, unless the charity is a registered company

· Anyone convicted of an offence involving deception or dishonesty unless the conviction is spent

· Anyone who is an undischarged bankrupt

· Anyone who has previously been removed from trusteeship of a charity by the Court or the Commissioners

· Anyone who is under a disqualification order under the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1996

· In certain cases, the Charity Commission has the power to grant a waiver and allow a person disqualified from trusteeship, under section 72 (1) of the Charities Act 1993 to accept a trustee post. We only agree in those cases where the charity can clearly demonstrate that the waiver is in the best interests of the charity

What happens next?

Once we receive your application, it will be assessed based on what we are looking for as specified above and you will be notified of the outcome.  If invited to interview you will meet a panel of 3 which includes two trustees and the CEO.  If successful we will invite you to observe a board meeting in action before confirming with you whether you would like to join the board.  If appointed, we will organise a tour of the office to meet the staff and agree any necessary training required.

We actively encourage people who are under represented on Boards within the charity sector including people from minoritized communities to apply,

KCSC’s Board operates under the guidance of the Charity Governance Code and Trustees are appointed on the basis of signing up to the declaration of eligibility and responsibility.

We are currently seeking a trustee to join the board of GREENHEART LEARNING PARTNERSHIP, a trust of 10 schools in the authority areas of Birmingham, Walsall and Staffordshire. The trust has an annual budget of £24m.

Greenheart Learning Partnership comprises 10 primary schools spread across three local authorities (Birmingham, Walsall, and Staffordshire). All but one school was judged as ‘Good’ at their last Ofsted inspections. The one exception was judged ‘Requires Improvement’ overall but was rated ‘Good’ in two areas. The trust has undergone some changes since its establishment in 2012 with the University of Wolverhampton as its sponsor. The Trust previously had a small number of secondary schools, but these moved to another trust two to three years ago, shifting the focus of the trust to primary education. There is no immediate plan for further growth, but this remains open for discussion.

The trust supports over 400 staff and serves around 3,150 children. One of the schools also has a special resource base, and two additional special units are being added to other schools. These units, each accommodating approximately 10 pupils with additional needs (specialising in autism), provide specialist support while enabling access to the mainstream curriculum. The trust also has robust financial procedures, healthy reserves, and a central strategic statement.

Greenheart Learning Partnership replaced its Local Governing Boards with Parent Forums in Summer 2024. This decision aimed to enhance community and stakeholder engagement at the local governance level. Two of the schools have Interim Advisory Boards (IABs) to provide additional challenge and support, and the reports/minutes from each Parent Forum (along with the IABs) are shared with Trustees at meetings. The trust has received positive feedback regarding the Parent Forums, with the Governance Lead noting that the more informal setting has reduced barriers and encouraged greater engagement. The Governance Lead joined the trust at the start of 2025 and is currently reviewing all aspects of governance to ensure its effectiveness and sustainability.

An external governance review is planned for the next academic year, following the Governance Lead’s initial review and implementation of necessary changes.

The Trust’s requirements

The trust currently has seven Trustees and is recruiting to build capacity and ensure sustainability. The board possesses a range of skills but seeks to expand its expertise further. Ideal candidates may have backgrounds in business, finance, HR, or governance. The trust welcomes applications from individuals of all backgrounds but is particularly keen to encourage candidates from traditionally underrepresented groups.

Greenheart Learning Partnership seeks enthusiastic Trustees who are committed to strengthening governance and driving best practices. The Chair has been in post for nearly two years, and the Vice Chair previously chaired a local governing board that was deemed effective. As governance develops, there are likely to be opportunities for the right candidate to contribute to succession planning, potentially stepping into roles such as committee chair, vice chair, or even future chair of the board.

Trustees are currently expected to attend Trust Board meetings and two committees, though this is likely to reduce to one committee as the board’s capacity increases through this recruitment campaign. Trust Board and committee meetings are currently held remotely on Mondays from 1pm – 3pm, however this is currently under review and there may be some in-person meetings required.

All new Trustees will receive an induction programme led by the Governance Lead, as well as access to CST and GovernorHub Knowledge (formerly The Key). Additionally, all new Trustees will be provided with access to Governors for Schools’ ‘The First 100 Days as a Trustee’ eLearning module.

We are looking for a Finance Trustee to support the Board by providing an oversight of our affairs, ensuring our financial viability and that proper financial records and procedures are maintained. 

We are a small CIO with 3 part time staff.  Our Finance Trustee will participate in all areas of our governance but take a special interest in the financial  strategy and governance. They will use their sound financial skills & experience to support the Board’s understanding & interpretation & to ensure legislative compliance.

Our payroll is outsourced and we have an external investment portfolio manager.

Our current finance trustee has served their term of office & it is now time to look for their successor.

All meetings except our AGM/annual award event are remote. We need you to be available to attend: 

2 (evening) Board meetings

1 summer (evening) business meeting

3 Finance subcommittee (evening) meetings

1 in person day Board/AGM/Award event

Fundraising sub committee meetings - frequency tbc these will be held remotely in the evenings

The Finance Trustee will adhere to the role description of a trustee & in addition has the following key responsibilities:

• To support the Board to oversee & to ensure appropriate presentation of budgets, accounts, management accounts and financial statements.
• To ensure appropriate presentation of accounts and records, ensuring that financial resources are spent in accordance with the charity’s policies, good governance, legal & regulatory requirements.
• Liaising, where applicable, with the Chair/ other appropriate members of staff & supporting on financial matters
• Supporting the Board to monitor the financial viability of the charity.
• Creating in conjunction with relevant trustees & staff sound financial processes & procedures for the control of the charity’s assets.
• Advising on the financial implications of the charity’s strategic plan.
• Reviewing the annual accounts &, where applicable, liaising with the charity’s external bookkeeper to ensure the accounts are compliant with the current charities’ SORP.
• Ensuring that sound financial management is maintained & ensuring expenditure is in line with the charity’s objects.
• Authorisation of charity expenditure & banking transactions set up on online bank accounts
• Liaison with the fund manager responsible for the charity’s investment portfolio
• Oversight of payroll, HMRC reporting & operation of auto-enrolment pension scheme for staff

Trustee for the Mustard Tree

Can you help us grow our support for often-marginalised communities and people facing barriers to opportunities?

You could be a trustee for the Mustard Tree, a Reading-based Christian charity that reduces health and social inequalities, builds stronger communities, and gives a voice to the unheard.

About us

Set up in 2003, the Mustard Tree Foundation (Reading), known as The Mustard Tree, is a charity where we are passionate that every individual has the opportunity to thrive. Our vision is to develop the work we do in Reading, identifying unmet needs and innovating and growing projects which support individuals who are marginalised and facing disadvantage, delivering high-impact services to some of Reading’s most underrepresented people.  As a charity with a Christian ethos, the projects we generate are inspired by our faith and are thus are designed to serve all sections of our diverse community.

We are an incorporated charity, with a financial turnover in 2024 of £335k. Our three focused projects: Engage, Rahab and Starting Point, all support different communities, whilst linked to our common vision.

The role and what we are looking for in a new trustee

Trustees are the people who make the top-level decisions for our charity. Our Board includes people with experience and skills in our work and we’d expect new trustees to have strong empathy with our cause and with the needs of our beneficiaries. 

You don’t necessarily need prior experience of charity trusteeship, although that would be welcome. You need to have a Christian faith and participate with us in prayer.

We are especially looking for people with skills and understanding of financial management in a not-for-private-profit context; a grasp of fundraising strategy; or understanding of HR management and compliance, but we don’t expect you to have all three of those abilities!

If you can think strategically and plan long-term, you have the primary skills needed by our trustees; you’ll also need to be able to work collectively with other Board members. Support from our paid employees is always available, as they will be dealing with the day-to-day running of the organisation.

We are a charity not a business, but we apply business principles to governing our organisation. We are looking for people from a variety of backgrounds to join our charity. We want to expand the diversity of our board, in all meanings of the word, and strongly welcome applications from people from less-represented groups. 

We ask for at least five hours of your time per month, which includes all meetings, discussions, etc.  You will need access to digital communications, as much of our charity’s business is run that way.

What do you get as a volunteer trustee with our organisation? 

• An opportunity to exercise your strategic planning skills, probably in a different environment or context 
• An opportunity to influence and collectively-lead an organisation supporting often-marginalised communities
• A chance to expand and implement your understanding of our work
• A chance to augment your experience of charities 
• A boost to your career and CV, if needed 
• Satisfaction of helping an organisation that supports communities in Reading, thus giving something back to your community 
• Induction training from us; training, support and assistance from local charity-support & advice agencies

What do we get? 

• Your strategic skills, knowledge, understanding or experience
• Your abilities to influence plans for our charity’s future
• Enhancement to our overall governance and the Board of trustees; improvement in our charity governance and operational growth
• Your participation in our collective decision-making, contributing to all areas of our charity work
• Your enthusiasm

What do our beneficiaries get? 

• The ability to continue our support to access opportunities, as we plant hope and cultivate change
• A forward-looking and agile organisation, with a well-informed and well-managed Board of trustees

How to apply  

This appointment is being managed for us by inVOLve Community Services, a charity-support organisation, who offer a no-obligation discussion by phone or video. A detailed Role Description and Person Specification can be made available to you upon request.

Trustee appointments are subject to satisfactory references, to completion of an online Safeguarding course and an Enhanced DBS check. 

Your CV or similar will be read by our existing trustees, and an interview offered as soon as mutually convenient.

I need to know more 

Contact Mike Allen via Quick Apply below for more information and arrange to have a no-obligation initial informal discussion (Teams/Zoom/phone)

Internationally renowned Eyam Museum in the Peak District, Derbyshire, is looking for an experienced finance professional to take on the voluntary role of Treasurer. The successful candidate will join our friendly Board of Trustees and will have oversight of the financial operations and decisions of the organisation - which includes a museum shop - to ensure that funds are managed responsibly and in accordance with priorities.

Museum finances are administered by a qualified part-time Finance Officer who oversees day-to-day payments and receipts, payroll and pension, bank reconciliations and monthly financial reports, and who will support the Treasurer in their role. We are looking for someone who has the experience to advise the other trustees on financial and treasury matters, oversee the setting of an annual budget (c.£150.000) and monitor performance against that budget, playing an active part in the decision making of the trustee body. The Treasurer will also facilitate the annual auditing of accounts.

While emphasising the skills required for these responsibilities, we particularly encourage applications from candidates from diverse backgrounds who are likely to be underrepresented on our Board. We are ideally looking for someone living within easily commutable distance to Eyam.

Eyam Museum’s primary purpose is to tell the story of Eyam Plague (1665 – 66). It is a highly successful organisation - well run, financially secure with substantial reserves and widely respected within the sector. Visitor numbers have quickly returned to pre-COVID levels (at c. 36,000 in 2024) and the organisation is a vibrant and energising place for visitors, staff and Trustees alike. The Museum is a charity and a limited company with a retail arm which is a wholly owned subsidiary company.

The Museum is currently undertaking an ambitious Options Project looking at how best to develop our audiences, collections, retail operation and the building in which they are housed. We are working with professional consultants and received a National Lottery Heritage Fund grant to undertake this work. The project will complete in summer 2025. This is an exciting time to join and to help shape the Museum’s development over the next few years.

This is a voluntary role for a candidate who is willing to participate actively, using their skills and experience to help drive the museum’s vision through exceptional governance.

Further Information

We hold monthly management committee meetings which include both Trustees and key museum employees (the Museum Manager, Curator and Retail Manager). Trustee-only meetings, including the AGM, are usually appended to these Meetings. Trustees are expected to attend a proportion of these meetings in person, joining via Zoom for the remainder. The meetings are held in the evening. Reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed. Appointments are initially for three years, renewable.

If you think you have the skills and expertise we are looking for then we would love to hear from you.

As a member of the Finance, Audit and Risk (FA&R) Committee, you will be expected to provide FFL with scrutiny and oversight, with particular focus on risk within audit & finance. You will support the Co-Chairs of the FA&R and The Foundation ’ s Co-Chairs and wider Board to oversee all the financial and audit-related risks of the charity in line with good practice, and legal obligations of the Charities Act, providing the wider board with advice, recommendations and reassurances that all financial processes and related risk controls are operating effectively. The Finance & Risk Trustee will ensure that effective risks for financial sustainability, measures, controls and procedures are put in place and operate effectively. You will be expected to be an active board member and may also be asked to use your skill set, interests and wider stakeholder contacts for other duties such as networking, fundraising and charity promotion/ambassadorial commitments

trustees meet four times a year and treasurer may need a day a month (spread over the month) for finances.