Chair of the board of trustees volunteer volunteer roles

Help us support families to get the right education for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)

We are seeking new people to join our Board of Trustees to support the good governance of our charity. It is an exciting time to join us as we work to launch our new strategy; an important timeframe as we review the Government’s White Paper on SEND and consider how best to adapt our services to ensure we reach those who need us most.

Who we are

Founded in 1983, IPSEA is a leading national charity focussed on supporting families to ensure that children and young people with SEND receive the education they are legally entitled to. Since our formation, we have actively helped to improve the education experience of thousands of children and young people with SEND. We do this by providing free and independent legal advice and casework support, undertaking policy work and delivering training on the SEND legal framework.

Who are we looking for?

We wish to recruit a number of new trustees who are committed to our vision and values and who bring complementary skills to those of our current Board members.

Trustees are expected to gain an understanding of the organisation’s purpose, and to contribute their own expertise, ensuring IPSEA fulfils its objectives, and in accordance with our charitable objects and Articles of Association

Whether you’re an experienced trustee or wanting to take your first step at Board level, we are particularly interested in hearing from people with expertise and skills in one or more of the following areas:

• IT / Digital transformation / cyber security
• Governance
• Marketing and social media
• Equality, diversity and inclusion

Please note: a lack of expertise in these areas does not mean that an application will not be considered.

Our Board should also reflect the communities we support. We would particularly like to hear from candidates from ethnic minority backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ people, under-served communities and disabled people, as well as those with lived experience of the SEND system, either as a child or as a parent/carer.

What we can offer you

• an in-depth induction programme, training and reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses
• the opportunity to be involved in making strategic decisions and developing new skills
• the opportunity to apply your knowledge and experience to an important cause
• a buddying system for new trustees as you settle into the role

The expected time commitment is six trustee meetings per year (meetings are held on weekdays in central London or at IPSEA’s office in Takeley, Essex with the option to join some meetings virtually), usually one strategic planning/training day and some other ad hoc time for occasional meetings and events.

To apply 

​Please visit our website to download a recruitment pack and application form. 

Closing date for applications: 5pm on 29 May 2026

First-round interviews: week commencing 29 June 2026

About the job

Join the Board of Bristol Historic Buildings Trust — help restore a landmark for the community

Bristol Historic Buildings Trust (BHBT) is seeking passionate new Trustees to help us bring Ashton Court Mansion back to life.

Ashton Court Mansion is a Grade I listed manor house with origins dating to the 14th century, set within an 850-acre estate on the edge of Bristol. After decades of partial dereliction, we are working to take a 125-year lease from Bristol City Council and regenerate this extraordinary building for generations to come — as a living civic place where heritage, creativity and public life meet.

We are transitioning to a Charitable Community Benefit Society and preparing to launch a Community Share Offer in July 2026. This is an exciting moment to join the Board and play a shaping role in the project's next chapter.

We are particularly looking for trustees with skills and experience in:

• Charity finances and governance

• Public engagement and fundraising

• Law

• Commercial and business development

• Community projects — especially in Culture, Food, Skills, Sustainability and Heritage

We are also committed to a board that reflects the community we serve, and actively welcome applications from younger people seeking their first trustee experience.

What's involved:

• 4 quarterly board meetings per year (March, June, September, December) — approx. 2 hours each

• An annual strategy day

• Additional involvement as your skills allow — fundraising, stakeholder meetings, representing the charity at events

• Terms of up to 3 years (renewable)

• The role is unremunerated; reasonable expenses are reimbursed

Our mission: to restore and operate Ashton Court Mansion through a mixed-use model combining conservation, community programming and commercial activity — ensuring long-term financial and public sustainability.

If this sounds like you, we'd love to hear from you. Informal conversations welcome before applying. 

We're looking for a Trustee – Treasurer
Bring your financial expertise and help us shape brighter futures.

At Options for Life, we believe everyone has the right to live a fulfilled and independent life. We are a Sandwell based charity that supports adults with learning disabilities and/or autism to build confidence, learn new skills, access their communities, and make informed choices about their lives.

With two purpose-built centres and over 65 staff, we provide a wide range of services, from outreach and hub-based activities to supported community access and drop-in sessions. Our work takes place in one of England’s most disadvantaged areas, where our services can make the greatest impact.

Join Our Board as Treasurer

As we plan to expand our reach and develop new services, we are seeking a Treasurer to help guide our financial strategy and governance.

We are looking for someone with a background in finance or accounting, who can:

• Oversee our financial health in collaboration with our Head of Finance and CEO
• Ensure effective financial controls, policies, and reporting are in place
• Play an active role in the Finance Committee and wider Board decision-making
• Present clear and insightful financial information to fellow Trustees

We welcome applicants from all walks of life, including those with lived experience of disability or who are new to governance roles. A strong commitment to inclusion, good judgment, and a collaborative spirit are essential.

Commitment:

• Four Board meetings per year
• AGM and annual strategy/away day
• Quarterly Finance Committee and possible ad hoc sub-committee involvement
• Training and induction provided
• Travel expenses reimbursed

Make a lasting difference.

To express interest or learn more, contact our Chief Executive, Nicola Thomson, for an informal chat to request a Trustee Information Pack.

Help us give people more choice and control over their lives—because your skills can help change theirs.

Visit https://www.optionsforlife.info/work-with-us for more information.

Epilepsy Action is a national charity with a bold vision: to create a world without limits for people with epilepsy. In 2024 we launched an ambitious new strategy to grow our income and extend the support we offer. After a successful start, we are ready for the next stage in the strategy, and we are looking for new trustees to join our Board and help turn our ambition into lasting impact.

You will bring the skills, values and perspective to help our charity thrive, whether that’s a track record of leading growth and transformation, the ability to open doors through your networks, experience in health or the medical sector, or expertise in law, digital technology or fundraising.

We are committed to building a diverse, inclusive and effective Board that reflects the communities we serve, and people affected by epilepsy. We welcome applications from everyone and are particularly keen to hear from people who are underrepresented on charity boards, including people from ethnically diverse backgrounds, disabled people, LGBTQ+ people, and people of different ages and socio-economic backgrounds. We believe greater diversity makes for better decisions.

If you want to help shape a world without limits for people affected by epilepsy, and use your voice and influence to raise understanding of the condition, then we would love to hear from you.

Purpose of the Role 

The role of a trustee is to share the Board’s collective responsibility for the effective governance and leadership of the charity, setting our strategic direction and major policies in accordance with our objectives, vision, mission and values.

Epilepsy Action (registered as the British Epilepsy Association) is both a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee. As such, trustees are both charity trustees and company directors and have the statutory and legal duties which these roles impose.

This is a voluntary (unpaid) role with a three-year term of office, renewable for up to two consecutive terms.

You need to be able to commit approximately 6–12 days per year, including: 

• Four Board meetings per annum, plus meeting preparation 

• Subcommittee meetings (if applicable) 

• Strategy days, training, and occasional events 

Meetings are a combination of hybrid and fully remote, with an annual in-person meeting in September in Leeds. Overnight accommodation will be booked for trustees and travelling expenses reimbursed for in–person meetings. 

To Apply 

For any questions in advance of your application please contact us via our recruitment email.

To make an application please send your CV and a supporting statement to our recruitment email.

Your supporting statement should answer the following questions:

· What has drawn you to apply to be a trustee for Epilepsy Action?

· What are the main skills and experience that you bring that could benefit the charity?

· How do you think your values align with Epilepsy Action’s values of being supportive, empowering, inclusive and ambitious?

We also ask candidates to fill in the Trustee Application Questionnaire as part of the recruitment process.  This form includes sections for diversity monitoring, as well as skills and experience.

If you need any adjustments to support you to apply or take part in the recruitment process, please let us know.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an informal meeting where they will have a chance to find out more about our work.

Formal interviews will be with the Chair, the CEO and relevant members of the Board and / or Advisory Panels will take place at the end of May and beginning of June.

Inclusive Boards is delighted to be working with Sheffield Hospitals Charity in their search for a new Chair!

Sheffield Hospitals Charity provides additional funding to Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Sheffield Health Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust who support people at every stage on life’s journey. From welcoming babies into the world on the Jessop Wing, supporting cancer care at Weston Park, specialist care at the Royal Hallamshire, Charles Clifford and the Northern General, to improving the mental, physical and social wellbeing of people in our communities. The support provided by Sheffield Hospitals Charity helps to improve the lives of people across Sheffield from patients and their families to our NHS staff who take care of them.

The Chair plays an important role in the governance of the charity, providing leadership to the Board of Trustees to work together, reach good collective decisions, and manage any conflicts. The responsibilities of our Chair are as follows:

Oversight and governance 

• Lead the Board of Trustees to support development of and approve the charity’s strategy and corresponding plan. 

• Lead the Board to make key strategic decisions in the organisation’s best interests and in line with its charitable objects. 

• Lead the Board in ensuring there is financial strategy oversight, and the organisation’s resources are managed responsibly. 

• Ensure the organisation is operating in line with charity law, charity regulation and its own governing document. 

• Build an effective, diverse board that can work well together for the good of the organisation. 

Working with trustees 

• Support trustees with development and annual one-to-one reviews. 

• Help the Board work as a team, drawing on specific expertise, lived experience, and diversity of thought across the Board. 

• Chair board meetings and work with the CEO and EA to ensure they are well planned and minuted and that actions are circulated and followed up. 

• Ensure trustees are given the information they need to make decisions effectively. 

• Support the recruitment of trustees, identifying any skills or knowledge gaps. 

• Build a diverse board that functions in an accessible and inclusive way. The

Chair-CEO relationship 

• Manage the relationship with the CEO, providing appropriate challenge and support to help them effectively lead the charity. 

• Conduct the CEO appraisals and reviews and support their leadership development. Lead on CEO recruitment. 

• Relate any concerns of the Board to the CEO and Senior Leadership Team. 

• Work with the CEO to make sure the Board has all the information required, in a timely manner, to make strategic decisions. 

Ambassadorial responsibilities 

• The Chair may be required, from time to time, to act as a champion and ambassador for the Charity. 

Person specification

Candidates will need to demonstrate that they have the necessary experience and will need to demonstrate the following skills, experience, and attributes. 

Essential 

• Passion for the National Health Service and an understanding of the role of health charities. 

• An ongoing and meaningful connection to Sheffield and good standing within the city. 

• Experience as a board member, trustee, non-executive director, or chair. 

• Strong comprehension of charity law, regulation, and the roles and responsibilities of a charity chair and trustee. 

• Skilled in strategic planning, financial management, risk management, and organisational performance. 

• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to engage, influence, and negotiate with a range of senior stakeholders diverse in sector and profession. 

• Capable of building and maintaining relationships in a complex stakeholder environment with competing priorities. 

• Robust communication skills, both written and verbal, and the ability to communicate complex information to a range of diverse stakeholders. 

• The ability to lead effectively and inclusively during times of transformational change within and beyond an organisation. 

Desirable 

• Previous chairing experience at the non-executive level. 

• Experience in working within the health and social care and/or charity sectors – either as an employee or appointee. 

• Experience in charity fundraising, income generation, marketing and communications. 

• Understanding of health-related research and innovation and impact assessment skills. 

• Well versed in people management, wellbeing and learning and development.

How to apply

The recruitment process is being undertaken by Inclusive Boards on behalf of Sheffield Hospitals Charity. If you wish to apply, please supply the following by 11:59pm on 10/05/2026: 

• A detailed CV setting out your career history including responsibilities and achievements. 

• A cover letter (maximum two sides of A4) highlighting your suitability for the role and how you meet the person specification. Please note, your cover letter is an important part of your application and will be assessed. 

• Details of two professional referees together with a brief statement of their relationship to you and over what period of time they have known you. Referees will not be contacted without your prior consent. 

Please consider filling out our diversity monitoring form. The information provided to us is confidential, stored securely and separately from your application, and is only used to ensure we are meeting our obligations for equal opportunities under the Equality Act 2010. 

For more information, visit Inclusive Boards' website. 

Chair of Trustees / Millimetres 2 Mountains Foundation CIO

About Us:

Millimetres 2 Mountains Foundation (M2M) is a charity dedicated to helping individuals rebuild their lives after experiencing physical or emotional trauma. Founded by former professional rugby player Ed Jackson and his wife, Lois, following Ed’s life-changing spinal injury, M2M uses the power of adventure, nature, and community to support people on their journey of recovery. 

At the heart of the charity lies the M2M Development Programme - a bespoke, holistic support system tailored to each beneficiary’s unique recovery journey. Through one-to-one mentorship, a nurturing community, and the transformative power of the outdoors (culminating in life-changing mountain expeditions abroad), M2M empowers individuals to rediscover purpose, rebuild confidence, and move forward with lasting resilience. We take on eight new beneficiaries each year, supporting up to 24 individuals at any one time. Guided by our ‘inch-wide, mile-deep’ philosophy, we focus on depth of impact over scale, ensuring each person receives the tools, encouragement, and care needed to create life-long change. This includes access to grants for physiotherapy, psychotherapy, job retraining, and any other support essential to their growth. Everyone is met exactly where they are, with a personalised plan that reflects their goals, challenges, and potential.

Alongside our core programmes, M2M runs Together Outdoors -  a community-based initiative that harnesses the healing power of nature and connection through mental health walks led by trained volunteers and Life Coaches, offering safe, inclusive spaces for honest conversation, emotional support, and personal growth. In 2026, growing and deepening the Together Outdoors community and network is at the heart of everything we're building - and this year we've taken a significant step forward with the launch of a new one-year support pathway, designed for individuals rebuilding their mental health after significant physical or psychological trauma. 

M2M is an inclusive, people first organisation. A core part of achieving our mission is that our workforce is diverse and reflective of the community that we serve. There will be no discrimination in our recruitment and selection processes, nor when considering pay and benefits.

Remuneration: The role of Chair is not accompanied by any financial remuneration, although expenses for travel may be claimed 

Time commitment: 4-6 Trustee meetings per year (virtual & in-person in London or Bath). The Chair is also expected to have regular meetings with the Co-Founder & Charity Manager, and also represent the Charity at various events and meetings with key stakeholders. 

Reporting to: Board of Trustees (Executive Committee) 

Job Description

The Chair will hold the Trustee Board and Executive Team to account for the Charity’s mission and vision, providing inclusive leadership to the Board of Trustees, ensuring that each trustee fulfils their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of the charity. The Chair will also support, and, where appropriate, challenge the Co-Founder & Charity Manager and ensure that the Board functions as a unit and works closely with leadership within the charity to achieve agreed objectives. He or she will act as an ambassador and the public face of the charity in partnership with the Co-Founder & Charity Manager. Help us to build out a patron-pathway to maintain and grow our wider base of support in a meaningful way for our donors, sponsors and partners.

Principal responsibilities: 

Strategic leadership 

• Provide leadership to the charity and its Board, ensuring that the Charity has maximum impact for its beneficiaries and wider community.

• Ensure that Trustees fulfil their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of the Charity 

• Ensure that the Board operates within its charitable objectives, and provides a clear strategic direction for the Charity 

• Ensure that the Board is able to regularly review major risks and associated opportunities, and satisfy itself that systems are in place to take advantage of opportunities, and manage and mitigate the risks 

• Ensure that the Board fulfils its duties to ensure sound financial health of the charity, with systems in place to ensure financial accountability 

Governance 

• Ensure that the governance arrangements are working in the most effective way for the Charity 

• Develop the knowledge and capability of the Board of Trustees 

• Encourage positive change where appropriate - address and resolve any conflicts within the Board 

• Appraise the performance of the Trustees and the Board on an annual basis 

• Ensure that the Board of Trustees is regularly refreshed and incorporates the right balance of skills, knowledge and experience needed to govern and lead the charity effectively, and which also reflects the wider population 

• Work within any agreed policies adopted by the charity 

External Relations 

• Act as an ambassador for the cause and the charity 

• Maintain close relationships with key stakeholders and with key influences 

• Act as a spokesperson for the organisation when appropriate 

• Represent the charity at external functions, meetings and events 

• Facilitate change and address any potential conflict with external stakeholders 

Efficiency and effectiveness 

• Chair meetings of the Board of Trustees effectively and efficiently, bringing impartiality and objectivity to the decision making process 

• Ensure that Trustees are fully engaged and that decisions are taken in the best, long-term interests of the Charity and that the Board takes collective ownership 

• Foster, maintain and ensure that constructive relationships exist with and between the Trustees 

• Work closely with the Co-Founder & Charity Manager to give direction to Board policy-making and to ensure that meetings are well planned, meaningful and reflect the responsibilities of trustees 

• Monitor that decisions taken at meetings are implemented. 

Relationship with the Co-Founder & Charity Manager 

• Establish and build a strong, effective and a constructive working relationship with the Co-Founder & Charity Manager, ensuring s/he is held to account for achieving agreed strategic objectives 

• Support the Co-Founder & Charity Manager, whilst respecting the boundaries which exist between the roles 

• Ensure regular contact with the Co-Founder & Charity Manager and develop and maintain an open and supportive relationship within which each can speak openly about concerns, worries and challenges 

• Liaise with the Co-Founder & Charity Manager to maintain an overview of the Charity’s affairs, providing support as necessary 

• Conduct an annual appraisal and remuneration review for the Co-Founder & Charity Manager in consultation with other Trustees 

• Ensure that the Co-Founder & Charity Manager has the opportunity for professional development and has appropriate external professional support 

Additional information

The above list is indicative only and not exhaustive. The Chair will be expected to perform all such additional duties as are reasonably commensurate with the role. 

Chair of Trustees - Millimetres 2 Mountains Foundation CIO

Person Specification 

In addition to the qualities required of a Trustee of the charity, the Chair must also meet the following requirements:

Personal Qualities 

• Demonstrate a strong and visible passion and commitment to the charity, its strategic objectives and cause 

• Personal gravitas to lead a significant growing organisation 

• Exhibit strong inter-personal and relationship building abilities and be comfortable in an ambassadorial role 

• Demonstrate tact and diplomacy, with the ability to listen and engage effectively 

• Strong networking capabilities that can be utilised for the benefit of the charity 

• Ability to foster and promote a collaborative team environment 

• Ability to commit time to conduct the role well, including travel and attending events out of office hours 

Experience 

• Experience of operating at a senior strategic leadership level within an organisation 

• Successful track record of achievement through their career 

• Experience of charity governance and working with or as part of a Board of Trustees 

• Experience of external representation, delivering presentations and managing stakeholders 

• Significant experience of chairing meetings and events 

Knowledge and skills 

• Broad knowledge and understanding of the voluntary sector and current issues affecting it 

• Strong leadership skills, ability to motivate staff and volunteers and bring people together 

• Financial management expertise and a broad understanding of charity finance issues 

• Good understanding of charity governance issues 

Terms 

The charity’s Chair (and trustee board members) will serve a three-year term to be eligible for re-appointment for one additional term.

* Please note that we are actively interviewing for this post and can close this application at our discretion. 

We are a local charity rooted since 2007 in the Hackney community, helping and supporting migrants with their immigration status and access to services. Our long-standing and committed local volunteers work together with a small number of paid staff to deliver our work. We are looking for a Chair to come and help us to help others. We have a new Vice-Chair, an experienced Treasurer and a CEO in post for 18 months so you'll be joining a strong leadership team. We are particularly interested in applicants with lived or learned experience of migration to the UK; and/or previous experience chairing a board of trustees; and/or senior management experience. 

This is an unpaid role with an initial term of 3 years, typically renewable for a further two terms.

Our current Chair is retiring after long service, so now we are seeking a Chair who will help us build on this success and support the next phase of our development.

We are looking for a collaborative and generous leader who shares our belief in the power of theatre and who is excited by the opportunity to play a key role in shaping its future.

You will have leadership experience in a professional organisation and a demonstrable understanding of the key role of good governance in a successful organisation. We imagine that you will already have worked with boards, from the perspective of either a Board member or an executive, but you don’t need to have previous experience as a Chair (although if you do, that would be great too).

It’s essential that our Chair shows real commitment to the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent region and can articulate a strong case for the value of culture and the importance of supporting live theatre here.

For further details including how to register your interest, please visit the vacancies page of our website at the link provided.

Deadline for expressions of interest - Tuesday 26 May at 12noon

Do you believe that every person has a right to a full life, with friendship, belonging and chances to contribute their gifts? Do you want to support a global movement that shares the struggle of people with learning disabilities for voice, rights and community? If so, you could make a profound contribution to L’Arche through joining our Board of Trustees.

This is a pivotal time for L’Arche as, after 50 years in the UK, we work to deliver our 2030 Strategy for Beautiful Community, Brilliant Care and Effective Organisation. We are now looking for three to four new Trustees who can bring a depth of professional and personal experience to diversify the voices and expertise on our Board, in support of our vision to show that everyone belongs.

In particular, we would welcome people who can bring expertise in Fundraising, PR and Marketing, in Learning Disability Services and Commissioning, in Housing and Health & Safety, or Legal Expertise. We also want to strengthen the representation on the Board of people, for example in terms of age, ethnicity, lived experience of disability, gender and LGBTQ representation.

L’Arche in the UK is part of a worldwide movement of people with and without learning disabilities building community together. We aim to be a beacon for our society - of what social care can be, what life with learning disabilities can be, and what a more human society can be.

Our 11 Communities in England, Scotland and Wales offer a varied mix of adult supported living, registered care, and day services. We focus on building mutual relationships and going beyond traditional care models to celebrate the value of every individual.

L’Arche was first founded on Christian principles. These principles mean we stand for radical inclusion, and for the right of every person to flourish in their spirituality, whatever their background. To find out more about spirituality in L’Arche, have a look at our website to see what people said in our Big Conversation on Spirituality.

For further information about the role and context, including full details of how to apply, please see our Appointment Details Pack which can be downloaded from the 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 Monday 11th May 2026.

This position is a Trustee role, sitting on and managing Hidayah's Board of Trustees. The Chair of Hidayah provides strategic leadership to Hidayah, ensuring the organization remains aligned with its mission to support and advocate for LGBTQ+ Muslims. The Chair will guide the Board of Trustees in effective governance and act as an ambassador for the charity within both the Muslim and LGBTQ+ communities.

What are the key responsibilities of this role?

This role will have the following duties, but are not limited to:

Leadership and Governance:

· Provide leadership to the Board, ensuring that Trustees fulfil their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of the charity.

· Oversee the Board of Trustees’ operation, ensuring its members work collaboratively and effectively.

· Ensure the charity complies with its constitution, governing documents, charity law, and other relevant legislation/regulations.

Strategy and Planning:

· Lead the development and implementation of the charity’s annual strategic plan, ensuring alignment with the needs of LGBTQ+ Muslims.

· Liaise with the Secretary in writing the annual report outlining Hidayah’s impact and achievements

· Work with the Board of Trustees to ensure that strategic objectives are effectively executed and serve the community

· Liaising with the HR & Recruitment Trustee regarding a portfolio of policies to ensure the smooth running of Hidayah

Risk Management:

· Ensure appropriate risk management policies and procedures are in place and adhered to.

· Regularly review and address potential risks to the charity’s operations and reputation.

Board of Trustees Management:

· Chair monthly Board meetings effectively, ensuring decisions are taken in a timely manner and that actions are followed up.

· Facilitate a positive and inclusive Board culture where diverse viewpoints are encouraged and respected.

· Manage all Trustees at Hidayah

Advocacy and Representation:

· Act as an ambassador for the charity, promoting its work within both the Muslim and LGBTQ+ communities and to a wider audience.

· Represent the charity at key events, meetings, and functions, and develop relationships with key stakeholders and partners.

Financial Oversight:

· Oversee the charity’s financial health, ensuring it operates within its means and maintains proper financial control and accountability.

· Work with the Treasurer and the finance team to ensure the Board of Trustees receives accurate and timely financial information.

· Act as a signatory for Hidayah’s bank account and financial operations.

· To seek out partnerships, sponsors and endorsements from individuals and organisations.

What do we expect from the Chair of Hidayah?

Please note that you must agree with and fit the criteria below to be eligible to volunteer in this role:

Essential:

· Demonstrable experience in a leadership role within a charity, non-profit, or similar organization.

· Strong understanding of governance best practices and charity law.

· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to foster a collaborative and inclusive culture.

· Strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into actionable plans.

· Strong financial acumen and experience overseeing budgets and financial planning.

· Passion for the charity’s mission and commitment to its values, with a deep understanding of the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ Muslims.

Desirable:

· Previous experience as a Chair or in a senior non-executive role.

· Experience in fundraising and development activities.

· Established network within the Muslim and LGBTQ+ communities and among relevant stakeholders.

Terms of Appointment:

· The Chair will be appointed for an initial term of 3 years, which may be renewed for a further term(s).

· This is a voluntary position; however, expenses incurred in fulfilling the role will be reimbursed as approved by the Board of Trustees in line with Hidayah’s policies.

All volunteers are expected to join Hidayah's Membership and Hidayah Discord server, read all Hidayah policies read, understand and agree with the constitution of Hidayah (available on our website).

Please ensure you do not have a conflict of interest with your current role and check this prior to applying for this role.

How much commitment is required?

The hours are flexible around your schedule. All Trustees volunteers are expected to:

· Attend monthly meetings to update on tasks, progress etc.

· Aim to attend all other planning meetings as necessary

· Attend Hidayah events where geographically possible

· Add to and maintain the administration of our file-sharing system ‘Google Drive’ to ensure it’s up to date with clear records, templates and forms

· Check and respond to emails in a timely manner

· Contribute to the communications group (via Discord) and stay up to date with Hidayah developments

· Keep up to date with Hidayah communication and organisational developments

Interested in supporting victims/survivors of domestic abuse?

We are currently recruiting Trustees to help us take the charity forward into the future.

Herts Domestic Abuse Helpline is a registered charity led by a Board of Trustees.

The Trustees (all unpaid volunteers) act individually and collectively, to provide overall stewardship of the charity, in accordance with our governing document and relevant legislation. In essence we look after the staff, volunteers and the organisation, so they can support the community.

You don’t need specific qualifications or experience to be a trustee and we welcome people of all ages, backgrounds and experience.

Prospective candidates will need to:

• Have empathy with the work of the Helpline

• Be able to devote the necessary time and effort

• Have well-developed communication and interpersonal skills

• Have good judgement

• Be able to work as a team

• Have the ability, commitment and drive to take the organisation forward

Trustee Opportunities

For any charity succession planning is important and with that in mind we are currently looking for people to join our Board as Trustees.

1. Chair: Our Chair will be stepping down soon after 15 years and we are looking for someone to learn the ropes beside her before taking on the role. 

2. Treasurer: After 10 years, our Treasurer is looking to retire in the next year. The Treasurer’s role description is on our website.  

3. General Trustees: Please see the role description on our website

If you would like to apply please complete the application form on our website.  You are welcome also to email Chris Roach, Chair, at that address to arrange an informal chat.

Organisation overview
Sevenoaks Welcomes Refugees is a local charity formed in March 2017. We are a small but growing charity, whose volunteers and supporters have come together to welcome and help support the refugees who have fled the fighting and persecution in Syria, Afghanistan and Ukraine, and are now resettling in our community.
Starting with just one refugee family, we have expanded our efforts over the years and are proud to have supported about 70 families as they settle and rebuild their lives in our community. Currently we support 150 refugees and have over 100 volunteers, of whom 75 provide the service to the refugees. We are completely funded by donations and fundraising.

The role:
To lead SWR’s operational team (‘the VLT’) that helps refugees move from crisis to confidence and citizenship—ensuring every family is supported and nothing important is missed. The team also supports those volunteers assisting the refugees along their path to independence. The VLT is a friendly group of able and energetic people who specialise in different areas of refugee and volunteer support.

What we are looking for:
The VLT is a friendly group of able and energetic people who specialise in different areas of refugee and volunteer support. They need someone who is good at leading teams, who can orchestrate their activities and make sure that nothing important is missed. This also involves being good at working with people and working calmly and methodically through the issues which arise.

What you’ll actually be doing:
● Leading the team. Your role is all about supporting and motivating the team around you, helping it to focus on key issues and, as refugee needs change, adjusting the team and building it to address the emerging needs of our refugee community.
● Operational oversight: This is the operational heart of the role. You ensure, with the team, that issues are tracked and resolved.
● Support to the leads: You’ll support our specialist leads (which are principally, family, data, housing, employment and language).They are likely to be far more expert in their subject areas but you’re their support and sounding board.
● The board liaison: You’ll be the voice of the VLT working with the board Chair. As the VLT Chair you are an important voice in setting operational norms and priorities.
● Liaison with other agencies at the operational level such as the Refugee Council.
Is this for you?
● You can deal with people: You have empathy and good judgement to handle difficult situations for volunteers who care deeply, sorting out problems with them while keeping focused on professional outcomes.
● You’re naturally organized: You can separate out the important from the less important, the urgent and the non-urgent in juggling resources. You can spot the issue that others may have forgotten.
● You have the capacity: This role may take 7 hours per week, often less but on occasion more.

The handover:
Our current chair is stepping down in August 2026. We’d love a successor to start "shadowing" the Volunteer Leadership Team and the chair’s role within it in the late spring or early summer to see how the operational system works to benefit the refugees and meet some of the volunteers who make the services happen.

Why this role matters
Without an effective Chair, small problems can become bigger problems for both the families we support and the volunteers assisting them. You will be the person ensuring operationally that SWR remains a reliable and compassionate support to the refugees, and an excellent place to be a volunteer in. When a refugee or a volunteer reaches out, they are supported by a system that works and people that care.

What will you get:
You will get deep satisfaction and enjoyment from working closely with a deeply dedicated and fun VLT team, as well as the hugely dedicated trustees and wider volunteer membership. You, and your team can see life-changing success stories first-hand, and help shape the future of a lean and highly effective local charity.

Our management committee has succession needs. We seek a trustee to chair it and build on our strong heritage and renew for the next generation, a people-person who can attract and develop a team of custodians with diverse skills to give management oversight and strategic direction.

What will you be doing?

We are looking for someone who will enjoy being part of our community and who has the drive to help renew and guide the work at our Dorset retreat centre.

Our Dorset centre has recently undergone very successful updating of some of the facilities. We have a loyal visitor base who respond generously to appeals for donations.  We are looking to recruit a Trustee who can join a team of people with varied expertise to make steady and sustained progress to ensure that this much loved centre, with 100 years of history is a treasured resource for the next generation.

Our vision is to be a place for both environmental awareness and inclusive Christian theology, experienced by the way we live, the programme of events that we hold and how we run and renew the buildings and land; practical hope in action.

The charity is well governed with Trustees taking responsibility for the finances, health & safety and safeguarding. We have good accountancy support and our financial reserves are adequate.

As Chair of the Centre Management Committee you have responsibility for the Burton Bradstock  centre but also as a Trustee of the whole charity with providing strategic direction of the whole charity.

The Centre Management Committee meets 2x in person at the centre each year and overnight accommodation is available.  The whole board of Trustees meet online quarterly (a weekday evening 1.5 hours) and have two residential weekend meetings per year, one at each centre (Bradwell-on-Sea, Essex and Burton Bradstock, Dorset). The charity covers all out-of-pocket expenses.

What are we looking for?

Most importantly the energy, time and enthusiasm to support the flourishing of the Retreat Centre; after that then one or more of the following would be helpful:

• Line management experience
• Working within Charity Commission guidelines
• Operational or facilities management experience
• Previous Trustee experience or similar (nice but not a requirement)

A fuller description of the role is provided in the accompanying PDF.

What difference will you make?

As Chair of the the Centre Management Committee you will support and shape the ongoing development of staff and operations of the retreat centre.

Our guests value the experience of inclusive community, spirituality, and practical creativity joining retreats, workshops, family holidays and a range of other events. We pursue a vision of openness and inclusion, for people of all faiths and none, affirming mutual respect and understanding.

People of all ages come to Othona to be themselves, valued for who they are. They find support through difficult times e.g. bereavement, family breakdown, ill health, find a new direction, feel restored. This experience of community, affirms people and contributes to social re-connection while at Othona and back home. People make friendships at Othona that last for years.

Before you apply

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.

Interested applicants please message us via REACH.  Application is by letter accompanied by a CV.  Shortlisted candidates will be invited to visit the Retreat Centre. Interview will be by 2 Trustees. References will be required, as will a basic level DBS check, a declaration that you have not been barred from becoming a Trustee or Director. A role description is attached.

Could your leadership skills help shape the future of a Hopian?  Hopian is a registered charity that provides advice and support for adults and children who have experienced Domestic Violence and Abuse through the provision of refuge accommodation and community support services.  We also provide support and access to counselling for people affected by Child Sexual Exploitation.

The Role of Trustee and executive Trustee roles are voluntary positions. A Trustee for the Board is expected to meet the requirements of the board in line with the charities governing documents, governing good practice and legal requirements.  We also have a vacancy for a Treasurer should you be interested please visit our Hopian website - recruiter link below for further details.

Trustee Responsibilities :

The Board as a whole is collectively responsible for the success of the charity. A Trustee is a Board Member and has a number of responsibilities in order to ensure robust management of the charity including:

• Make decisions objectively in the interests of the charity.
• Implement Hopian’s Vision, Mission, and Values.
• Lead on the aims and objectives of Hopian by raising awareness of domestic and sexual abuse, and child sexual exploitation and abuse and its impact on individuals and their families.

Trustee Duties :

• Ensuring that the organisation pursues its stated objects (purposes), as defined in its governing document, by developing and agreeing a long-term strategy.
• Ensuring that the organisation complies with its governing document (i.e. constitution or memorandum and articles of association), charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
• Ensuring that the organisation applies its resources in pursuance of its charitable objects (i.e., the charity must not spend money on activities that are not included in its own objects) .
• Ensuring that the organisation defines its goals and evaluates performance against agreed targets.
• Safeguarding the good name and values of the organisation.
• Ensuring the effective and efficient administration of the organisation, including having appropriate policies and procedures in place.
• Ensuring the financial stability of the organisation.
• Protecting and managing the property of the charity and ensuring the proper investment of the charity’s funds.
• To work in the interests of the charity and not for personal gain.
• To ensure that the Board Members takes proper professional advice on matters in which it does not have competence.
• Following proper and formal arrangements for the appointment, supervision, support, appraisal and remuneration of the chief executive.

In addition to the above statutory duties, each trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the board of trustees reach sound decisions. This may involve scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise.

Tasks:

• To work with other Board Members to form an effective governing body for the charity.
• To attend meetings and to read papers in advance of meetings.
• Ensure that the charity’s focus places services users centrally.
• To understand and be committed to the mission of the charity.
• To maintain a long-term overview of the charity and its work.
• To make strategic and major decisions about the charity objectives, policies and procedures.
• To attend sub-group meetings as appropriate.
• To participate in other tasks that may arise from time to time such as interviewing for new staff, helping with appeals and fundraising.
• To keep informed about the activities of the charity and wider issues which affect its work.
• To monitor and evaluate the work of the charity on a regular basis. This includes receiving reports from staff, staff supervision, receiving feedback from service users and other agencies .
• To ensure that the charity is a good employer of its paid and voluntary staff .
• Provide opportunity for staff to meet with the board.

Person Specification

We are looking for a  Trustee who has an understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship. It is expected that a Trustee takes ownership to develop and maintain this understanding and application of duties. In addition to having:

• A commitment to the organisation.
• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort.
• Good, independent judgement.
• An ability to think creatively.
• An ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
• A commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership

Experience & Knowledge

• Understanding and evidence of commitment to equal opportunities and diversity statement 
• Be objective and unbiased 
• Be supportive and approachable 

Time Requirements

To be able to attend scheduled committee meetings each year and read papers for each board meeting. To be available to for consultation, support and guidance on an ad hoc basis. Much of this contact will be via online, telephone or email.