Chair of the board of trustees volunteer roles

This is an exciting opportunity to influence and impact the educational experience and outcomes of children in east Newcastle, North Tyneside, and Hartlepool. At the heart of our trust is the aim to nurture, educate, achieve and transform the lives of all young people within the communities we serve across the North East.

We are a mixed Multi-Academy Trust, with eight schools (6 primary, 2 secondary) and a mix of community and Church of England schools. We are a fully inclusive, working with a range of stakeholders to ensure the best outcomes and destinations for our pupils. We also have a national research school, which aims to build and strengthen networks of schools throughout the region and help them access effective education research and implement it in everyday practice.

NEAT is looking for people to join our Trust Board of Directors. We're open to hear from any candidates who are motivated to contribute to the enhancement of education in our schools, whether that be with years of education experience, or with new insights and innovative thinking about how schools can and should support our learners.

We're especially keen to support people who may not have much experience on a Board, and those from underrepresented groups. If you have a passion for supporting pupils and some relevant skills or experience, we're keen to hear from you.

Our Directors work closely with our school governors and school leaders and have direct impact in the community through:

• decision making in the best interests of pupils to improve their education, wellbeing and future prospects and raise community aspirations
• shaping policies and strategic direction, allowing schools to focus on delivering high-quality educational experiences
• stakeholder engagement to ensure that the voices of staff, parents, pupils and other stakeholders are heard

The British Institute of Radiology is seeking an Honorary Treasurer to join its Board of Trustees for a three-year term starting in October 2025.

What will you be doing?

We are looking for a finance professional to join our Board of Trustees for a 3 year term starting in October. This exciting opportunity will allow you to contribute to the work of the BIR and support us in improving medicine, health and patient care through the science and practice of imaging and radiation oncology.

It is an important time for the institute, and a period of considerable change, with the appointment of a new CEO, Honorary Treasurer and Accountants all occurring within 2025. We are committed to responsible spending and investment to ensure we can deliver our charitable objects effectively, and in a way that futureproofs the Institute for the long-term, backed by very healthy reserves and an enthusiastic and experienced Council and management team.

This is a voluntary post and is therefore unremunerated but your contribution will help set the vision and strategic direction for the organisation.

What are we looking for?

Essential

• At least five years’ experience leading a finance department, including management and financial reporting as well as strategic decision making.
• Excellent analytical skills
• The ability to think strategically, see the big picture, and evaluate potential risk and reward.
• A collaborative and supportive approach, with excellent listening skills, a constructive attitude, and the ability to problem solve as part of a team.

Desirable

• Accountancy qualifications
• Experience of the healthcare sector
• Experience of charity finance
• HR experience

What difference will you make?

This prestigious voluntary role is ideal for a finance professional with experience in managing finance departments, including financial and management reporting, and contributing to strategic decision-making.

As Chair of the Finance & Investment Committee and a Trustee, you will play a key role in guiding the BIR’s vision and strategic direction. This is a governance and oversight role, where you’ll help shape major decisions and ensure the organisation’s financial health by identifying and managing key risks.

Before you apply

If you're passionate about making a meaningful contribution to the work of the BIR, please send your CV and a covering letter explaining your suitability for the role by Monday 28 July 2025.

We specialise in supporting people with visual impairment and complex needs in a range of services including Care Homes and Supported Living. Can you help support us in making a difference in the lives of the people we support?

What will you be doing?

We have an exciting opportunity for you to join our experienced Board of Trustees. As a member of the Board, you will play a vital role in steering and supporting the Group. The Board is responsible for providing strategic direction, ensuring we meet regulatory requirements, and overseeing the work of the staff team, ensuring the Group's efficient administration and financial stability.

What are we looking for?

Ideally, we are looking for a finance professional with experience in accounting or financial analysis, who possesses expertise in financial principles and practices. Having a good understanding of budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting that will help support our strategic goals and direction. 

What difference will you make?

We are constantly striving to make a difference to people’s lives through the provision of aspirational services for people with sensory and other specialist needs. We want to enable people to live fulfilled lives in excellent quality accommodation, and our whole philosophy is based around person-centred principles. Your contribution as an experienced finance professional will help us maintain a forward looking approach to establishing financial stability and governance. 

Before you apply

Please apply through Reach in the first instance and provide a covering letter detailing why you are interested in this role.

We welcome candidates with experience in the building/maintenance and HR sectors to join our board of trustees who support the charity as well as bringing decades of experience working in many different sectors.

What will you be doing?

Who is Open Road?

We are a UK healthcare charity, now in our 34th year.  We provide a myriad of services in Essex and Medway; drug and alcohol support, homelessness services, domestic abuse support, criminal justice services, employment support, welfare and community initiatives to promote community safety and combat anti-social behaviour.  We help vulnerable people, young and old, throughout Essex and Medway, and work in the heart of local communities.  We are not a large national faceless charity; we are very much a grassroots organisation.  We fully embrace and utilise our local knowledge and expertise, working with likeminded partners to support as many people as possible to have healthier, happier lives in the heart of their families and communities.

What Is Our Mission?

Our mission is to empower a diverse range of individuals, families and communities to lead healthy and more meaningful lives, free from addiction, offending behaviour and disadvantage, to ensure healthier, happier lifestyles.

How Do Open Road’s Trustees Support The Charity?

The role of the Trustee is to assist in advancing the purpose of the organisation; developing its aims and goals, keeping within its charitable objectives and acting in its best interests. The board members ensure that the charity is run in accordance with its governing document, charity law, and any other laws and regulations which affect its activities.

Our Trustee Board are responsible for developing strategy, providing governance, and directing the charity towards achieving its mission.  We are looking to appoint two new trustees – the first being from the building and maintenance sector – with the experience and knowledge to support the health and safety responsibilities of a growing charity, and the second being a HR professional who will chair our Personnel Sub Committee with special responsibility for oversight of the organisation’s HR function and strategy, ideally you will be a Chartered Member or Fellow of the CIPD with substantial experience at a Senior/Director HR professional level with a thorough understanding of operational HR policy and practice.

An understanding of the role of charity boards and their responsibilities and operation, gained through previous experience would be helpful, and above all else you will be intrinsically values-driven and committed to enabling more individuals we support to live their lives to the full.

What are we looking for?

SKILLS AND ABILITIES – Charity Trustee

• Effective communication and interpersonal style; a collaborative team player.
• Willing to speak out on issues and to accept personal accountability.
• Demonstrates strategic acumen and sees the bigger picture.
• Undisputed personal integrity.
• Personally flexible and agile working approach.
• Deep commitment to the mission and values of Open Road.

TERMS OF APPOINTMENT – Charity Trustee

REMUNERATION:

• This role is unremunerated and offered on a voluntary basis.
• Trustees are encouraged to visit services that are local to them.
• Travel and accommodation expenses are reimbursed for meetings & visits.

 TIME COMMITMENT:

• The time commitment is at least one day a month.
• There are six board meetings a year and this includes an annual strategy setting day.
• Board meetings are held in person in Central London.
• All trustees are expected to participate on at least one committee and there are four committee meetings a year.
• Committee meetings are held in person/virtually.

Key responsibilities:

• To take part in formulating and regularly reviewing the strategic aims of the
• organisation.
• Working with other trustees to ensure that the policy and practices of the organisation
• are in keeping with its aims.
• Working with other trustees to ensure that the organisation functions within the legal and financial requirements of a charitable organisation and strives to achieve best practice.

What difference will you make?

A trustee at Open Road will have a profound and lasting impact on the lives of vulnerable individuals and communities across Essex and Medway. By joining the Board, a trustee contributes to the strategic direction and governance of a grassroots charity that delivers vital services — from addiction recovery and homelessness support to domestic abuse intervention and community safety.

Specifically, a trustee will:

• Strengthen Governance and Strategy: By bringing sector-specific expertise (in HR or building/maintenance), trustees will help shape policies and decisions that ensure Open Road remains safe, compliant, and forward-thinking.
• Enhance Operational Excellence: Trustees provide oversight and guidance that directly influence the quality and sustainability of services, ensuring the charity continues to meet the complex needs of its clients.
• Champion the Mission: Trustees act as ambassadors for Open Road’s values, helping to build partnerships, raise awareness, and advocate for those the charity supports.
• Support Leadership and Staff: Through committee work and strategic planning, trustees offer critical support to the executive team, helping to foster a positive, values-driven culture within the organisation.

Ultimately, the impact of a trustee is measured not just in governance, but in the healthier, safer, and more hopeful lives of the people Open Road serves.

Before you apply

If this role sounds ideal, do please contact us for more information, and apply via Reach.

As a Trustee at NSDAS with a focus on the Treasurer role, you will play a vital part in ensuring the financial stability and integrity of the charity. You will work closely with the Board of Trustees CEO and Finance Manager to oversee the financial management of the charity, providing strategic guidance and ensuring compliance with certain regulatory requirements.

The role of the Treasurer 

·Oversee the charity’s financial management and reporting, ensuring transparency and accountability.

·Work closely with the CEO and Board to develop a long-term financial strategy.

·Ensure compliance with charity finance regulations and best practices.

·Contribute to financial reports to the Board, making complex information accessible and actionable.

·Manage and review the work of the Finance Manager.

North Surrey Domestic Abuse Service (NSDAS) supports anyone affected by domestic abuse and their children living in the boroughs of Elmbridge, Spelthorne and Epsom and Ewell. We provide free, confidential and independent advice, skilled practical help and ongoing emotional support and information, regardless of sex, race, ability, gender, religion or income level.

We are looking for someone with a recognised financial qualification or substantial relevant charity financial experience to be our next treasurer, to ensure an effective handover from our current treasurer who comes to the end of their maximum term in October 2025.

Although this is an unpaid voluntary position, reasonable travel expenses will be covered.

Treasurer’s Duties

• Provide strategic financial advice, support and challenge to the board, Chief Executive and Head of Finance
• Maintain an overview of the organisation's financial affairs focusing on maintaining the organisation’s financial viability
• Review quarterly management accounts and advise on their implications and any necessary actions
• Represent and advise on all financial matters including the annual report and accounts
• Work closely with the Chair, CEO and Head of Finance to ensure the smooth financial running and continued financial health of the charity
• Help to deliver the strategy, focusing on increasing impact and sustainability through strengthening income streams and having a secure financial position

Time Commitment
The successful candidate will be required to attend:

• three two-hour teleconference Finance Sub Committee meetings and one face-to-face meeting per year (historically held in London);
• three two-hour teleconference Board meetings per year and one face-to-face meeting (historically held in London);
• Annual Conference in person, annually in November.

What are we looking for?

• Formal financial qualifications and experience are desirable, and it would be useful to have experience of charity finance.
• As an organisation, we work remotely, using IT solutions such as Teams, Zoom and SharePoint therefore location is not relevant, although you should be comfortable with the use of these technologies.
• The Treasurer must be able to analyse proposals and examine their financial consequences and report on these to the board.
• The Treasurer must be willing to be available occasionally for advice and enquiries as appropriate.

What difference will you make?
As a small charity, your contribution will be significant and effective. As part of Helplines Partnership’s Board, you will be helping directly to ensure the effectiveness of the organisation.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

HLP is committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), supporting a fairer society through our work.

The aim of our board to reflect the diversity of our helpline communities and sector and to expose bias, provide richer discussions with well-rounded perspectives that will help trustees in their decision-making, which in turn will increase the charity’s legitimacy and impact.

We would particularly like to hear from people who:

• Are looking to be part of the strategic leadership of an established and highly respected charity
• Have, or are seeking to develop, experience in a non-executive role
• Are willing and able to devote the necessary time
• Care about mental wellbeing and helplines and feel motivated by our vision, mission and values

An informal discussion will be offered to interested candidates.  

All unsuccessful candidates will be told as soon as possible about their application status.

2x Trustee – Land and Forestry 

Help shape a greener, healthier and more sustainable future. 

Our client is one of the UK’s most inspiring environmental initiatives—restoring and connecting woodland, championing sustainability, and improving lives across 200 square miles in the Midlands and beyond. With 9.5 million trees already planted and national recognition as a pioneering regeneration model, the Forest is growing fast—in scope, scale and influence. 

We are now looking for 2 new Trustees with expertise in forestry, land management, farming or nature conservation to help guide the charity’s work at a critical time for both the charity and wider national land-use policy. 

Moira, Derbyshire (Hybrid) 
Applications close: Sunday 17 August 2025 (midnight) 

Unremunerated, with reasonable expenses paid 

The successful candidates will bring senior experience in one or more of the following areas: 

• Forestry and woodland creation 

• Sustainable land management or regenerative farming 

• Landscape-scale nature recovery 

• Land ownership or estates management 

• Environmental policy, regulation or practice 

One of the new Trustees will also Chair our Land and Forestry Working Group, providing strategic oversight of our work on land, woodland creation and resilience. We are looking for candidates who can support and challenge with a real commitment to our vision.

This is a fantastic opportunity to help shape a national exemplar for landscape regeneration and play a key role in the growth of a new family of national forests. 

The commitment 

• Approx. 1 day/month, including 5 Board meetings (4 in person) and 4 Land & Forestry Working Group meetings annually (in person / virtual). Trustees are not expected to live locally, provided they can attend in-person meetings. 

• A 3-year term, renewable for a further 3 years. 

Why now? 

This is a pivotal time for the our client. The government has backed the creation of three new national forests following our success. As we lead this next chapter—expanding woodland cover, inspiring new partnerships, and delivering lasting environmental change—we need strong governance and visionary trustees to support our journey. 

How to Apply:  
Applications should be made via the Prospectus website - please view the role on the site by clicking 'Redirect to recruiter'

Recruitment Timetable 
Deadline for applications: Midnight, Sunday 17 August 2025  
Interviews with Prospectus via Teams: w/c 1 September 2025

Interviews in-person with our client: w/c 15 September 2025

We are currently seeking two trustees and a member – a role akin to that of a shareholder – to join the respective boards of Achieve and Learnt Trust, a trust of two schools, with an annual budget of £14m.

Achieve and Learn is a two-school trust that grew out of Altrincham College (an 11–18 academy in Trafford) and Reddish Vale High School (an 11–16 academy in Stockport). Achieve and Learn Trust is going through a period of change, making this an ideal time to join and make a real difference to the trust’s future, particularly in supporting improvements at Reddish Vale High School. You are likely to join the trustees or members along with others, meaning there would be mutual support as you gain an understanding of this developing trust. The expansion of Altrincham College is a relatively rare opportunity to oversee future developments. The trust is developing its central team and the services it provides, giving new Trustees the chance to contribute to strategic decisions that will shape the trust’s future over the next few years.

Altrincham College is a very popular school that is consistently oversubscribed (last judged by Ofsted as ‘Good’ in May 2022). Trafford Local Authority is keen for the school to grow further, and there are plans for an extension costing approximately £16 million for potentially two to three additional forms of entry. This expansion would take place over several years as pupils move up through the year groups. Current plans suggest the extension will open in 2026, but due to delays with the Department for Education (DfE), this date may be pushed back.

Achieve and Learn Trust also supports Reddish Vale High School, which was placed in special measures in June 2024. The trust has implemented several changes to improve the overall quality of education and leadership, including changes in school leadership and substantial reforms to local governance. The DfE has issued the trust with a Termination Warning Notice (TWN) regarding Reddish Vale. This is a common step when an academy is judged ‘Inadequate’ by Ofsted, warning that the DfE may terminate the school’s funding agreement and rebroker it to another trust. The TWN was issued in September 2024, and trust leaders have met with the DfE to discuss the targeted support being provided. The trust remains committed to improving the school and strongly believes progress is being made. Ofsted inspectors are due to conduct a monitoring visit later this year.

The trust is keen to grow further but is unlikely to expand until Reddish Vale High School has demonstrated suitable improvement. There are other schools in the area that may consider joining Achieve and Learn in the future, though there are no immediate expansion plans. This represents an opportunity for new Trustees to contribute to strategic planning and decision-making. The trust has an annual income of approximately £14 million, and budgets are balanced, with suitable reserves in line with DfE recommendations. The trust has also received additional support for Reddish Vale’s improvement journey through collaboration with a strong trust brokered by the DfE. An independent, external review of governance has been commissioned via the Confederation of School Trusts (CST), with a report expected later in the spring.

The Trust’s requirements

Achieve and Learn Trust is looking to recruit at least two trustees and one member to join the trust. Trustee candidates will ideally have a background in business, governance, finance, or estates/engineering. Member candidates should have general business experience and may have previous director or non-executive director experience.

Trustees joining at this time are likely to be part of a small group joining the board simultaneously, expanding the skills and capacity of the current board. There is likely to be an opportunity for the right candidate to move into a leadership role, such as committee chair or vice chair, as part of the trust’s succession plans. The current chair is a retired headteacher from another school in the region and took on the role in summer 2024. The vice chair has served the trust for a considerable time, ensuring a mix of experience and healthy turnover.

All meetings are planned well in advance. Trust board meetings are held six times a year (once per half term) on Tuesdays from 6pm – 8pm, in person at Altrincham College. Finance, Risk, and Audit Committee meetings are held three times a year (once per term) on Tuesdays from 6pm – 8pm, also in person at the college. It is anticipated that Candidates with the relevant professional experience will be asked to join the Finance, Risk, and Audit Committee as well as the trust board. Candidates from other backgrounds are also welcome to express an interest in joining this committee.

The members meet for the AGM once a year but may also be convened for additional updates, up to three times annually, including the AGM.

All new Trustees and Members will receive an induction from the trust. This includes online training from the trust and external partners, assignment of a ‘buddy,’ and access to online forums such as National College and The Key. Additionally, all new trustees will receive access to Governors for Schools’ ‘The First 100 Days as a Trustee’ eLearning module, an immersive resource accredited by CPD.

Swansea Community Workshops

The Board of Trustees are looking to recruit a knowledgeable and experienced individual for the voluntary role of Secretary (Board of Trustees). The main activity at Swansea Community Workshops (SCW) is to provide facilities for hobbies, recreation, and leisure time occupation in a socially interactive and practical environment, where there are skills sharing, learning of new skills, and helping community-based projects. As we are a charity, these facilities are for public benefit, specifically targeting socially excluded members of the local community in Swansea.

Role Overview

Title: Secretary (Voluntary) Reports to: Board of Trustees.

Hours: 3-6 hours per month as minimum. Attendance to monthly sub-committee meetings and bi-monthly Board of Trustee meetings is expected.

Role Summary

The Secretary is responsible for the recording and documentation of all charity and Trustee meetings.

The below Role Description and Person Specification should be considered in addition the SCW’s standard Trustee Role Description and Person Specification, which is available separately to this document.

Role and Responsibilities

Overall 

• Leading the charity to enable it to fulfil its purpose.
• To ensure an effective relationship between:
• the charity and the staff/volunteers
• the charity and the external stakeholders/community
• Acting as a spokesperson and figurehead as appropriate.
• To supervise and support the Centre Manager.

Specifically 

• Support the Chair or Vice-Chair in the planning and preparation of the charity meetings and the AGM, as appropriate.
• In charity meetings, ensure that:
• Decisions, actions, and deliberations are adequately minuted.
• Meeting minutes are distributed to all members of the Board promptly after the meeting takes place.

Person Specification

Personal Qualities 

• Friendly and approachable 
• Clear communication skills – both written and verbal. 
• Good attention to detail 
• Happy to volunteer on evenings and weekends when required. 
• Enthusiasm or interest in craft activities 

Education, Experience and Knowledge 

• Secondary education required as minimum. 
• Knowledge and experience of charity law, good governance, and operation relevant to voluntary and community organisations. 

Skills 

Essential 

• Good listening, writing, and typing skills. 
• Knowledge of appropriate software including: Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint and Adobe Acrobat 
• Excellent customer service skills. 
• Excellent organisation skills. 

Desirable 

• Knowledge of specific software and systems, such as WordPress, Skedda. 
• Clean and valid UK driving license, personal vehicle, and insurance. 
• Basic Welsh language skills. 

Additional Information

Key Dates 

September 2024 - This is an ongoing recruitment with no fixed deadline for registering your interest. 

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.

The Board at Furness Education Trust, located in Cumbria, is seeking two new Trustees possessing extensive leadership experience in an education setting (primary or secondary). The Trust has seven schools and an annual budget of £16.3m.

Furness Education Trust (FET) is a seven-school Trust based in Barrow-in-Furness. The Trust originally grew out of Furness Academy and now includes two secondary schools and five primary schools. All academies in the Trust are rated ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding,’ except for Walney School, which joined the Trust in January 2025 with a ‘Requires Improvement’ judgement. Walney School was previously part of another Multi-Academy Trust (MAT), and when that MAT closed, the Department for Education (DfE) asked FET to take over the school due to the Trust’s capacity to provide support.

While Furness Academy is relatively large and oversubscribed, Walney School is smaller, with room to expand and accommodate more pupils. The Trust is actively working to encourage increased pupil intake at Walney. As the two secondary schools are less than three miles apart, there is an opportunity to attract more students to Walney, particularly as it moves onto a firm trajectory of improvement.

FET also supports small rural primary schools with fewer than 90 pupils and mixed-age classes. The Trust firmly believes that these schools play a vital role in their communities and is committed to maintaining their quality and sustainability.

Furness Education Trust benefits from the sponsorship and active support of BAE Systems, with several of its Trustees holding senior roles within the organisation. The Trust is also exploring innovative curriculum opportunities at Walney School, particularly in modern engineering and digital skills, to align with the region’s workforce needs. Additionally, FET is fostering collaboration with George Hastwell School, a neighbouring special school, reinforcing its commitment to regional partnerships and inclusive education.

The Trust’s Requirements

Furness Education Trust is seeking two experienced educational professionals with expertise in primary and/or secondary education to join its board. Both appointees will serve on the Quality of Education & Standards Committee, with the expectation that one may take on the role of committee chair following the planned departure of the current chair. The trust is looking for individuals who can provide both support and challenge to ensure the highest standards across all its academies.

Ideal candidates will have senior leadership experience across multiple schools, whether within a multi-academy trust, a local authority, or as part of a school improvement initiative. This may include executive leadership roles, school improvement expertise, or consultancy work with a proven track record of driving educational excellence. While familiarity with the Ofsted inspection framework is beneficial, formal inspector training is not required.

The Trust’s governance structure includes three committees, including the Quality of Education & Standards Committee. New Trustees will be expected to attend all main Trust Board meetings, which take place four times a year (September, December, March and July), as well as meetings of the Quality of Education & Standards Committee.

Meetings are typically held in person at Furness Academy on Wednesdays at 4.30 pm and last approximately two hours. While in-person attendance is preferred, the Trust provides remote access when necessary.

All new Trustees will receive an induction programme supported by the governance professional and the Trust’s governance partner, Judicium. The induction programme includes an introductory visit and meeting, training on GovernorHub, essential reading such as role descriptors and the code of conduct, and an introduction to the National Governance Association training programme. Additionally, all new trustees will be provided with access to Governors for Schools’ ‘The First 100 Days as a Trustee’ eLearning module.

This is an opportunity to contribute strategically to a well-regarded Trust that is recognised by the DfE for its capacity and expertise. FET values collaboration and innovation, working closely with BAE Systems and local education providers to enhance curriculum provision and drive regional educational improvement. Trustees will play a key role in shaping the future of the Trust, supporting school improvement efforts, and ensuring that all children receive the highest quality education.

If you are an experienced educational leader looking for a meaningful way to give back to the education sector, we encourage you to apply for this rewarding role.

Join a charity that’s been empowering local, physically disabled people for over 30 years.

About Disability Peterborough

Disability Peterborough, legally registered as DIAL Peterborough, is a user-led charity dedicated to supporting physically disabled individuals and their families in Peterborough and the surrounding areas.

What will you be doing?

As a Board member of Disability Peterborough, you will serve as both a Director of the Company and a Trustee of the Charity. As Treasurer, you’ll play a key role in helping us manage our finances responsibly and sustainably, ensuring we can keep delivering vital services to physically disabled people in Peterborough. Your expertise will help us make informed decisions, plan confidently for the future, and safeguard the resources that make our work possible.

We have a contract with a local accountancy firm who use Xero software to prepare monthly management reports and the annual return. The accountancy firm also manage the wage runs each month. The Treasurer’s input is therefore primarily at a governance and advisory level rather than day-to-day financial administration.

The estimated time commitment is approximately 4 hours per month. This includes attending Board meetings, reviewing documents, and carrying out occasional follow-up tasks.

We are open to remote candidates for the Treasurer position, recognizing that much of the work can be done behind the scenes.

Please request the candidate pack for a full list of responsibilities

What are we looking for?

We’re seeking someone with the following attributes:

· Commitment to the charity’s mission and values

· Ability to analyse financial reports, budgets, service proposals, and contracts, and assess their financial impact

· Strong teamwork skills with an understanding of collective decision-making and responsibilities

· Excellent organizational skills; able to work remotely using own initiative and as part of a wider team

· Sound, independent judgment and creativity, with willingness to make tough or unpopular recommendations

· Understanding or willingness to learn legal duties and responsibilities of the treasurer and trustee roles

· Previous finance experience or a good understanding of financial management, preferably in the charitable sector

· Willingness to provide occasional advice and support to staff and volunteers via email, Zoom, or phone

No Prior Experience Required: Whether you have prior board experience or not, we welcome all applicants. What matters most is your passion, commitment, and willingness to contribute.

What difference will you make?

As a trustee, you can help us continue delivering essential services that improve independence, well-being, and access to rights for thousands of physically disabled people every year. Your input will help us:

· Develop and sustain life-changing programs like our Handyperson Service, Wellbeing Calls, and Shopmobility.

· Advocate for policy change and champion the rights of disabled individuals locally and nationally.

· Ensure that our services remain relevant, inclusive, and informed by those who use them.

By lending your time, insight, and passion, you directly support our mission to create a society where disabled people are valued equally, listened to, and included. You won’t just be shaping strategy - you'll be changing lives.

Help children as Trustee of an innovative, enterprising Tees Valley Charity that is increasingly supporting children in care through fostering and a planned residential provision. Join an agency that transforms children's lives.

What will you be doing?

You will join us at an exciting time as we pursue growth of fostering and residential services, as well as growth of our early help offer. 

You will work across the Charity and the subsidiary fostering company (which we will amalgamate back into the parent Charity). 

You will have a particular focus on helping the fostering agency drive growth, ensure regulatory compliance, and deliver excellent care for children and support for foster parents. You will provide support and challenge to the management team.

You’ll contribute 2 to 6 hours a month. The Charity board meets every 8 weeks (shifting to quarterly after September) and the fostering board meets every 8 weeks. 

You’ll join a Charity that’s brought £millions of investment into Tees Valley and that helps over 1000 local people a year. We’ve been runners up at the national Charity Governance Awards and ‘community’ winners at the Hartlepool Business Awards. 

We are looking for experienced professionals who share our values and want to help. 

What are we looking for?

At this time we are specifically looking for Trustees with some of these areas of skills or experience:

Business development 

Safeguarding management

Fostering or children's residential care or childrens social work management 

Financial management 

What difference will you make?

We want to help children and family members heal from trauma, primarily through helping them develop a network of nurturing, loving and appropriately challenging relationships with people in their close and wider communities. Any small surplus we make from helping children in care will be diverted into work to help families stay together and thrive. You will join a team that strives to make this difference. You will help ensure the Charity keeps a strong focus on children and young peoples needs whilst being sustainability and ensuring the agency manages the risks associated with growth and investment in new services. 

Before you apply

After expressing an interest through the site, we'd welcome an initial conversation with our CEO and/or Chair. After that, we usually  take applications to the Board for consideration. This is usually quite a quick process. 

Exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of students and contribute to the direction of our organisation. ARU Students' Union are recruiting a Trustee with strategic Finance experience.  

What will you be doing?

ARU Students’ Union has grown in size and scope over recent years, and so too has ourresponsibility to support an increasingly diverse and dynamic student body. Representingstudents on six campuses across the East of England and London has prompted us to reflect onhow we can best meet the needs of students and continue to provide exceptional services andsupport.

We’ve listened to our students, staff teams and stakeholders, learned from their experiences,and developed a plan that will drive us forward as an organisation, providing our students withgreater opportunities for involvement, support, and personal growth and we’re excited about thelaunch of our new strategy later this year.

We are looking to appoint a Trustee to our Board, with expertise in Finance. 

For this role, you will need to evidence extensive experience in a senior professional financialrole, with solid strategic financial management skills. A working knowledge of the rules andregulations governing charity finance and corporate risk management would be advantageous,and a professional accountancy qualification is essential. As it anticipated that the successfulcandidate will lead the Finance and Risk Committee, confidence chairing strategic meetingseffectively is essential.

What are we looking for?

Financial

• For this role, you will need to evidence extensive experience in a senior professional financialrole, with solid strategic financial management skills. A working knowledge of the rules andregulations governing charity finance and corporate risk management would be advantageous,and a professional accountancy qualification is essential. As it anticipated that the successfulcandidate will lead the Finance and Risk Committee, confidence chairing strategic meetingseffectively is essential.

What difference will you make?

As a Trustee, you will play an essential role in guiding our new strategy, ensuring that we stay focused on our mission and achieve the goals we’ve set out. You will have the opportunity to contribute your expertise, and perspectives to help shape the future of ARU Students’ Union.

Before you apply

We’ll ask you to complete our online application to clearly demonstrate how you meet the requirements for the role. We will also ask for the names, positions, organisations and email addresses for two referees, relevant to this role. References will only be taken once your express permission has been granted. Successful applicants will also be asked to complete an enhancedDBS check.

If you have any questions on any aspect of the appointment process, need additional information, or would like to talk to someone informally before you apply, please contact us via Reach. 

The Board of Aston Community Education Trust, comprising 12 schools primarily centred in Sheffield, is recruiting up to four new Trustees possessing a range of skills – including finance, risk and audit; marketing; safeguarding, curriculum and standards; and legal/procurement. The Trust supports 5,000 young people and has an annual budget of c.£40 million.

Aston Community Education Trust (ACET) operates 12 schools, primarily based in Sheffield, with offices in Holderness. Established in 2011, ACET was an early adopter of the Multi-Academy Trust (MAT) model. The Trust includes nine primary academies—most of which received ‘Good’ or better ratings in their latest Ofsted inspections—and three secondary academies. Of the secondaries, one is rated ‘Good’ while the other two are judged as ‘Requiring Improvement,’ though both are progressing well according to Ofsted monitoring.

ACET runs an Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) unit at Thurcroft Juniors, which has been rated ‘Outstanding’. From September 2025, all junior schools within the Trust will transition to full primary schools, expanding their intake to include Reception and Key Stage 1 pupils. ACET is a well-established, medium-sized Trust known for its robust leadership and transparent governance, with regular audits and Ofsted reviews publicly shared online. The Trust is firmly embedded in the urban heart of South Yorkshire.

ACET operates under clearly defined Articles of Association and a revised Scheme of Delegation that guides its governance. It maintains strong working relationships with Sheffield, Rotherham, and Derbyshire local authorities. The Trust actively engages with DfE-funded English and Maths Hubs for curriculum and teacher training support.

Its secondary academies collaborate with Wales High School in Rotherham, and all schools participate in teacher training placements for PGCE and QTS qualifications through partnerships with Sheffield Hallam University and the University of Sheffield. The primary schools benefit from a collaborative hub model, with professional development and leadership training available across all academies.

Currently, ACET is not seeking immediate expansion in terms of adding new schools to the Trust. The strategic focus is rather on converting its junior schools into full primary settings and strengthening outcomes across its secondary phase. The CEO’s senior leadership team includes a range of school improvement professionals working across both phases, supporting leaders with inspections and improving educational outcomes.

The Trust serves approximately 5,000 pupils and employs around 750 staff. Its academies serve a diverse demographic, predominantly from lower socio-economic areas of Sheffield. Two schools—Listerdale and Waverley Primary Academies—have more balanced socio-economic intakes. A defining characteristic of the Trust is its focus on supporting disadvantaged communities, including families with intergenerational unemployment. The Trust leadership is deeply committed to using education as a transformative tool and views ACET as a central community anchor.

Financially, ACET’s 2023/24 outturn aligned with expectations. All academies operated within their original budgets, and the Trust maintained an annual income of approximately £40 million. The 2023/24 external audit report confirmed ACET’s compliance and effective management of DfE funding. The Trust holds reserves in line with DfE recommendations, indicating prudent financial stewardship. Nonetheless, like many Trusts serving disadvantaged populations, ACET faces growing budgetary pressures. High SEND (Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities) needs and poor attendance rates among secondary students are particularly impactful on financial and academic performance.

The Trust’s Requirements

ACET’s Trust Board currently comprises eight Trustees, though several retirements are anticipated within the next year. The Trust aims to recruit at least four new Trustees to maintain governance capacity and expertise. Specifically, the Trust seeks individuals with skills in:

1. finance, risk and audit;
2. marketing;
3. safeguarding, curriculum and standards;
4. legal/procurement.

There may also be a need to appoint a new Chair and Vice Chair within 12 months, so candidates with Board leadership experience and ambition to assume such a role within the Trust are especially welcome.

Succession planning is underway, and the Trust is working to ensure Board resilience during this transition. All Trustees have the option to operate remotely if required.

In terms of governance structure, ACET has four members – an ‘eyes-on, hands-off’ role akin to that of the shareholder – and completed an External Trust Review with the Confederation of School Trusts (CST) in March 2023. A follow-up action plan is currently in progress.

Trustee time commitments are clearly outlined: the full Board meets up to six times per year, while sub-committees meet at least once per term. Trustees usually join one or two committees aligned to their expertise.

Meetings are scheduled for late afternoons and offer both in-person and remote attendance options. Local candidates from Sheffield, Rotherham, Doncaster, or Derbyshire are especially encouraged to apply, provided they bring relevant expertise.

New Trustees will complete a structured induction that includes face-to-face and online sessions, mentoring, and engagement with senior leaders, including the CEO, CFO, and academy heads. Trustees are expected to contribute beyond regular meetings by joining committees, participating in review panels, attending key Trust events, and, where appropriate, helping to appoint senior leaders. Committee meetings are held termly and typically last around two hours.

ACET has a well-developed governance infrastructure. It employs a Lead Governance Professional, a Financial Director, and a team of School Improvement Directors who support the CEO in preparing reports and maintaining oversight. The Trust places high importance on safeguarding and has a dedicated Safeguarding Governance Group led by executive staff and supported by designated safeguarding leads across academies. A safeguarding Trustee is nominated annually, and all Trustees are required to complete safeguarding training and remain familiar with statutory guidance, including the DfE’s Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSiE). Safeguarding is monitored rigorously, with data shared regularly with the Board and included in the Annual Report.

ACET supports its Trustees through partnerships with the National Governance Association (NGA) and CST, enhancing professional development opportunities. The Trustee role is seen as a meaningful opportunity to contribute to educational and social impact in South Yorkshire. The Trust is described as forward-thinking and led by a second-generation CEO committed to sustainable growth over the next five years. Every decision is anchored in ACET’s values of excellence, equity, integrity, empowerment, and esteem, all of which place children at the heart of the Trust’s mission.