Chair of the trustee board volunteer volunteer roles
The Institute of Conservation (Icon) is seeking an enterprising and passionate supporter of cultural heritage to chair our Board of Trustees through an ambitious period of growth and change.
This fulfilling role will appeal to a people focused individual, who will welcome the opportunity to actively engage with Icon's membership and the wider heritage sector. We are looking for the skills and ambition to support us as we establish a new strategy to champion conservation and deliver sustainable financial growth to support our charitable objectives.
About the Role
The Chair’s responsibilities include those of all Icon Trustees, with the additional operational responsibilities:
- Providing leadership to the Board in its strategic and policy role
- Chairing the Board and other meetings to facilitate positive discussion and development
- Ensuring the Board fulfils its legal and charitable responsibilities for the governance of Icon
- Establishing a constructive working relationship with the Chief Executive
- Appraising the performance of the Chief Executive and the Trustees
- Advocating for Icon and conservation via public speaking appointments at Icon events and within the wider heritage sector
- Supporting Icon’s petition for Royal Charter through stakeholder engagement activity
For the full list of responsibilities and information on Icon including its mission and values, please refer to the Chair of the Board of Trustees Recruitment Pack
About You
You will be:
- Committed to Icon’s values and the conservation of cultural heritage
- Committed to the professional ethos that defines Icon and its members
- Able to direct the business of the Board efficiently and effectively
- Skilled in developing and nurturing productive working relationships
- Willing to challenge us and introduce new ways of thinking
You will have experience in:
- Charity or corporate governance
- High level advocacy across a range of media, including public speaking, interviewing and written commentary
- Successful fundraising and/or entrepreneurial activities
- Delivering organisational growth and future resilience
- Problem solving, building understanding, and fostering collaboration
All trustees must agree to comply with the Trustees’ Code of Conduct. You can find more information about being a Trustee on Icon’s website.
How to Apply
If you would like to be considered for a position on our Board of Trustees, please submit a brief covering letter (no more than one side of A4) explaining why you are interested in the role and highlighting your relevant skills and experience. Please also provide your CV, covering no more than two sides of A4.
Detailed application instructions can be found on Icon's website.
Applications close on Wednesday 11 February 2026 at 5PM.
About The Creighton Centre
For over 100 years, The Creighton Centre has been at the heart of its community, providing connection, care and opportunities for generations of local people. With a rich heritage and an ambitious future, we are now seeking an exceptional individual to become our next Chair of Trustees.
This is a unique and rewarding opportunity to provide leadership to a well established, values driven charity at a pivotal moment in its history.
About the role
As Chair, you will lead our Board of Trustees and work in close partnership with our new CEO to ensure strong governance, clear strategic direction and long-term sustainability.
Over the coming year, the Board will be setting the charity’s strategic priorities and overseeing an exciting programme to renovate and future proof our historic building, unlocking new opportunities for community use and income generation. The Chair will play a central role in guiding this work at Board level.
Who we’re looking for
We are seeking a Chair who brings gravitas, sound judgement and a collaborative leadership style. You will be someone who values good governance, inclusive decision-making and clear strategic thinking.
You don’t need prior experience of The Creighton Centre’s services, but you will bring:
- Senior-level board experience and a strong understanding of governance
- The ability to lead a Board effectively, encouraging constructive challenge and collective ownership
- A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
- An appreciation of the privilege and responsibility of stewarding a long-established community charity with premises
Most importantly, you will be motivated by the opportunity to help shape the next chapter of an organisation with deep community roots and real impact.
Why this role?
- A chance to chair a respected charity with over a century of community impact
- An opportunity to help guide a significant period of strategic development and renewal
- The privilege of stewarding an organisation with a strong sense of purpose, place and heritage
- A supportive, engaged Board and an experienced Chief Executive team
If you are looking for a meaningful Chair role where your leadership can make a lasting difference, we would love to hear from you.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Bath Area Play Project are passionate about every child's right to play and enabling children to thrive. We are looking for a Chair of our small Trustee Board to support our vision and ethos, enabling the continuation of our support services for children and families, leading strategic oversight and ensuring we are resilient for change.
Our volunteer Trustees meet early evening, every 6 - 8 weeks, alternating in person in Bath and online. They are responsible for ensuring we are compliant with operational management delegated to the Director and other staff, allowing them to focus on governance and strategic decision making. Trustees support the staff to be the most effective they can be in their various roles through good knowledge and understanding of regulatory and legal frameworks.
Perhaps you have or are involved at a senior level in a Charity, have skills such as Marketing, Business or Early Years which can be used to help BAPP develop services for children and families.
BAPP provide a range of services including an Ofsted registered Nursery & Pre-school, Ofsted registered Holiday Playschemes for disabled children and those with additional needs, Children & Family Support, Alternative Provision for children with SEND and our long standing Community based Family Playdays. More information is available on our website
As we work with vulnerable children, Trustees are required to have an Enhanced DBS and to register as one of our Trustees as part of our Ofsted registration. There are 8 Trustee Meetings each year, alternating in person in Bath and online which includes our AGM. Other commitments in addition can include attending events, representing BAPP, supporting with recruitment/staffing and policy review.
For further information or if you have any questions, please get in touch.
To promote the importance of and facilitate quality, inclusive play opportunities for children and families living across Bath and North East Somerset

The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Individually and as part of the Trustee team to be the ‘guardians of charitable purpose’, making sure that all Board and Committee decisions put the needs of the beneficiaries first; safeguard the charity’s assets – both physical assets, including property, and intangible ones, such as its reputation ensuring these assets are used well, and in ensuring that the charity is run sustainably.
To act reasonably and prudently in all matters relating to the charity and always bear the interests of The Hospice of St Francis in mind.
In certain circumstances, provide high-level entry to other organisations and institutions to which the charity might not otherwise have access, to further the interests of the beneficiaries of the charity
Individually and as part of the Trustee team to be the ‘guardians of charitable purpose’, making sure that all Board and Committee decisions put the needs of the beneficiaries first; safeguard the charity’s assets – both physical assets, including property, and intangible ones, such as its reputation ensuring these assets are used well, and in ensuring that the charity is run sustainably.
To act reasonably and prudently in all matters relating to the charity and always bear the interests of The Hospice of St Francis in mind.
In certain circumstances, provide high-level entry to other organisations and institutions to which the charity might not otherwise have access, to further the interests of the beneficiaries of the charity
Main duties and Responsibilities:
· Set and maintain vision, mission and values
· Develop strategy, set overall policy, define strategic objectives and evaluating performance against agreed targets
· Assure continuous compliance with the legal and regulatory standards governing the operation of the charity, the charity governing document and any other relevant legislation, updating the articles of association as required.
· Assure proper financial control and ensure the application of resources is exclusively in pursuance of the charitable objects i.e. the charity must not spend money on activities that are not included in its objects, no matter how worthwhile or charitable those activities are
· Assure the effective and efficient administration of the charity including funding, insurance and premises
· Assure that The Hospice of St Francis pursues its objects as defined in its governing document (e.g. the promotion of any charitable purpose for the benefit of the community in the district of providing palliative care at the Hospice, at patients home, in our Spring Centre and in the community, and in particular the advancement of education, the protection of health and the relief of distress and sickness)
· Assure employment procedures and policy and procedures for volunteering are compliant with legislation and regulation, subject to regular review and support the fulfilment of strategic objectives
· Assure risk assessments for all aspects of the business are carried out including accurate and timely reporting using the format of risk registers
· To contribute to, assure and maintain effective performance of the Board and Committees, including systems and processes for external assessment of these arrangements
· Support the CEO and Executive Team to fulfil their delegated responsibilities and hold them to account for delivery of strategic objectives
· To attend Board meetings quarterly, up to two Board awaydays annually and serve as a member of up to two Committees.
· Operate as a member of the Board of Trustees
· Able to be registered as a Directors of the Charity at Companies House, sharing ultimate responsibility for governing the charity and directing how it is managed and run.
· Act as an ambassador supporting the work of the Hospice in generating income and in its relationship with the communities served.
Term of Office
Appointments are made on an initial 4 year term, with annual appraisal, with the option to serve a second term.
Where a Trustee has completed two terms and is selected as Chair of the Board of Trustees, or asked to undertake specific project work their term of office will be reset by People Governance Committee and ratified at the AGM.
The Hospice of St Francis helps local people and their families, in Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire, to live their precious lives well.



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are seeking a chair in waiting to join our board. If you have management or professional experience in the third, public or private sector, want to make a difference to people at risk of hunger or destitution, and share our values, we might have a role for you.
What will you be doing?
We are seeking someone with experience working at a senior level within the voluntary, public or private sectors and experience of being on a board of trustees i to succeed the current chair who is retiring from the role in 2026.
Our intention is that the person recruited spends some time shadowing the work of the chair and familiarising themselves with every aspect of the organisation before taking over the reins before the end of the calendar year.
What are we looking for?
Our ideal candidate would demonstrate:
- An understanding of, and commitment to, the work of foodbanks and tackling poverty.
- Senior management experience in the voluntary, public or private sectors, including the development, implementation and review of strategies/business plans.
-
Experience of being a trustee within a voluntary or community organisation.
What difference will you make?
By supporting the governance of the food bank, you are part of a team that provides a vital service in your local community, ensuring a dignified experience for people in financial crisis and facing hunger.
Please apply through CharityJobs, providing a CV and cover letter detailing why you are interested in this role and your relevant experience. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an informal interview with members of the Board of Trustees at Glasgow SW Foodbank.
You must be 18 or over to apply for this role, and you must not be disqualified from acting as a trustee and declare any conflict of interest whilst carrying out the duties of a trustee.
Applicants must be primarily resident in the UK when applying for this post. This is to enable successful applicants to fulfil the duties of this post and have access to any systems or programs required for the role in line with the charity’s data protection policies.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Settled is recruiting new trustees to join its Board and support EU citizens and Ukrainian refugees to access their rights in the UK. This is a voluntary role, open to first-time trustees and those with board experience. We are particularly interested in skills relating to finance, fundraising, governance, or equity, diversity and inclusion, as well as lived experience. Meetings are mainly online, with one in-person away day per year. Closing date: 5pm, Monday 2 February 2026.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Devon & Cornwall Refugee Support provides a walk-in centre in Plymouth offering needs-led, practical assistance to asylum seekers.
Our vision is to have a fair, humane and safe asylum experience for all. We are seeking a dynamic and committed Chair to lead our Board of Trustees and work in partnership with our Chief Executive to guide Devon and Cornwall Refugee Support through its next phase of development.
What will you be doing?
The Chair will provide inclusive leadership, ensure robust governance, and act as a passionate ambassador for our cause. You will be instrumental in shaping our strategy to meet the growing needs of asylum seekers in a challenging political landscape.
Location: Board meetings are held 8 times per year in Plymouth, with options for remote attendance. Some additional events and meetings may require travel.
Time Commitment: Approximately 3-4 days per month, including board meetings, preparation, and external representation. This is a voluntary, unremunerated role.
What are we looking for?
We are looking for a candidate who can demonstrate the following:
- A commitment to the rights, dignity, and welfare of asylum seekers, refugees and migrants in need.
- Significant experience within the charity sector, ideally in both operations and governance.
- An understanding of the duties and responsibilities of a trustee and Chair under UK charity law.
- Excellent leadership skills with the ability to chair meetings effectively and foster a collaborative board culture.
- Proven ability to think strategically and contribute to organisational development.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to act as an ambassador for the organisation.
- A commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI).
DCRS is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all sections of the community and from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences.
Please request a copy of the candidate pack for further information.
What difference will you make?
As Chair you will have the opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of asylum seekers and refugees.
You'll have the chance to develop and utilize your skills in a meaningful context, work with a dedicated team and access networking opportunities within the charity sector.
Before you apply
The TrusteeWorks Team at Reach Volunteering are supporting Devon & Cornwall Refugee Support with their Trustee recruitment. Applications should be made via TrusteeWorks in the first instance.
If you want to have an informal conversation with DCRS directly to understand the organisation better we are happy to help arrange this for you.
If you wish to apply please provide an updated CV and request a copy of the application form.
Quartet Community Foundation is seeking a new chair of trustees to lead our dynamic and committed Board.
Quartet distributes approximately £5 million across 1,000 grants each year to support local communities and charities in the region. Trustees on our Board actively contribute to setting the strategic direction of Quartet, helping to advise and run the organisation. As Chair of Trustees, you will work with other members of the Board to form an effective, accountable governing body which provides leadership and support for the dedicated staff team in delivering Quartet’s strategic plan.
The role of the Chair of Trustees
The chair, along with their deputy is appointed by the Board with the following key responsibilities:
- To effectively chair board meetings, ensuring that the board considers and observes best practice governance of Quartet.
- To be actively engaged in setting the strategic direction and policy of Quartet.
- To contribute to the performance management and review of the strategic plan and related targets.
- To help set and agree a balanced financial budget and support the Chief Executive Officer and staff in remaining within it.
- To be an ambassador and advocate for the work of Quartet in the wider community, including representation at evening and daytime events (with and sometimes as a substitute for the CEO).
- To support the CEO in their work, conducting an annual appraisal of their work and setting realistic goals in agreement with them.
- To participate in grant-making panels as a representative of Quartet, as required and to visit at least one funded project per year.
- To attend quarterly board meetings, the AGM, meetings of our four sub-committees, and chair of chairs meetings.
- To ensure that Quartet complies with its Memorandum and Articles of Association, charity law, company law, internal policies and procedures, and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
- To participate as appropriate in the national network of community foundations, contribute to its development and set the work of Quartet in the wider context. This usually involves two days a year at a UKCF south west chairs and CEOs workshop.
- Joining trustees are supported to understand and engage with all of these elements, and the successful candidate will also be offered the opportunity to shadow the existing chair for 6-9 months, before she leaves the role in 2026.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Chair of the Board of Trustees recruitment
Age UK Redbridge, Barking & Dagenham and Havering (RBH)
Age UK RBH is seeking an outstanding leader to serve as Chair of the Board of Trustees, guiding our charity through its next phase of growth, resilience, and impact for older people across our three boroughs.
About Us
Age UK RBH is a trusted local charity supporting older people across Redbridge, Barking & Dagenham, and Havering. We deliver vital services that promote independence, wellbeing, and dignity—from advice and information to social activities, home support, and specialist care. With a strong reputation for quality and compassion, we are proud to be a lifeline for older residents and their families.
The Role
As Chair, you will:
· Provide strategic leadership to the Board of Trustees, ensuring effective governance and accountability.
· Champion our mission and values, safeguarding the charity’s commitment to inclusion, equity, and measurable impact.
· Support and challenge the Chief Executive and senior team, acting as a critical friend and strategic partner.
· Represent Age UK RBH externally, building partnerships with funders, local authorities, and community organisations.
· Ensure the charity remains financially sustainable and operationally strong, delivering excellence for older people.
Who We’re Looking For
We are seeking a visionary leader with:
· Experience of chairing boards or holding senior governance roles.
· Strong understanding of charity governance, financial stewardship, and risk management.
· Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to inspire confidence across diverse stakeholders.
· Commitment to equity, inclusion and diversity.
· Passion for improving the lives of older people and strengthening communities.
What We Offer
· The opportunity to shape the future of a respected local charity.
· A collaborative, committed Board and senior team.
· The chance to make a tangible difference to thousands of older people across East London.
Time Commitment
This is a voluntary role, with reasonable expenses reimbursed. The Chair is expected to commit around 2–3 days per month, including Board meetings, sub-committees, and external representation. There are six Board of Trustees Meetings usually on a Friday afternoon and additional training days as required.
How to Apply
If you believe you can bring strategic vision, governance expertise, and a deep commitment to older people, we would love to hear from you.
Please send your CV and a short supporting statement (no longer than 2 pages) outlining your interest and suitability to
Closing date: 31st January 2026
Interviews: week beginning 9th February
For more information please email:
Alima Qureshi, Chair of the Board of Trustees
Andreea Albu, Chief Executive
Age UK Redbridge, Barking and Havering
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Friends Without Borders (Portsmouth) CIO. The relief of immigrants, asylum seekers and refugees who are suffering hardship or distress or in need, particularly, but not exclusively, in the City of Portsmouth, by the provision of financial and other assistance and raising the awareness of the general public.
As the new Chair your role will be pivotal within our team and we are excited to learn from the unique skills you bring. Your contribution will help Friends Without Borders to flourish and grow and we are excited to welcome you into our dedicated team.
What will you be doing?
Now is an exciting time to join the Board of Trustees at Friends Without Borders and help shape the charity’s future.
This role will allow you to put your professional skills and charity expertise to great use for the benefit of individuals who have had to flee their homes and livelihoods.
The Chair provides leadership to the board, ensuring effective governance, strategic direction and a strong public profile for Friends Without Borders. The Chair will engage trustees, support staff and oversee the charity’s mission in line with legal and regulatory requirements.
What are we looking for?
The ideal Chair will demonstrate:
Experience & Knowledge
- Board level experience, ideally in the charity sector either as a Trustee or a CEO (You do not need to have been a Chair before).
- Knowledge of charity law, governance and reporting requirements.
- Understanding of strategic planning, policy development and risk management.
- Commitment to developing a familiarity with the client group and relevant social/political context.
At Friends Without Borders, we believe that diversity strengthens our work. We warmly welcome applications from individuals who bring a wide range of experiences and perspectives to our Board. We particularly welcome applications from individuals with lived experience of the asylum system, as well as candidates from underrepresented communities.
What difference will you make?
This is an exciting time to join the Trustee Board at Friends Without Borders and a fantastic opportunity to Influence the growth and future of a dynamic charity
As Chair, you will play a key role in enabling us to continue supporting refugees and asylum seekers in the UK, empowering them to rebuild their lives in safety here in Portsmouth.
This role offers a valuable opportunity to:
- Use your professional skills and experience to make a meaningful difference to individuals who have been forced to flee their homes and livelihoods.
- Contribute strategically to the management and development of a growing charity.
- Deepen your insight and expertise in charity governance, financial oversight, and organisational leadership.
Before you apply
Reach Volunteering are supporting Friends Without Borders with their Board recruitment.
Please submit your CV along with a covering letter stating why you wish to join the organisation and how your skills would add value to the board. Please do also supply the details of two Referees (no contact will be made with Referees without your express permission and only at the point that a Trustee role has been offered and accepted).
At Friends Without Borders, we are committed to meeting the aims set out in our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) policies. As part of this commitment, we invite you to complete an anonymous and voluntary EDI monitoring form. This form is not part of your application and will remain confidential. Please get in touch to request the form.
If you would like to have an informal initial conversation either with the TrusteeWorks team of with a member of Friends Without Borders, please do contact TrusteeWorks who would be happy to arrange this for you.
The opportunity
We are seeking a dynamic Chair of Trustees to lead East London Waterworks Park for three years, with the possibility to remain on the board for two further terms of three years. This is a rare opportunity to join a pioneering environmental charity and to work with the first paid Chief Executive Office to shape this next phase of our development.
The new Chair will have the opportunity to recruit new and additional trustees to create a board that provides appropriate strategic scrutiny of the charity’s work, strengthening our ability to realise our ambition to purchase the Thames Water depot side in East London, and our capacity to deliver community-led rewilding and nature-recovery projects across London in partnership with landowners, local authorities and other stakeholders. This could involve appointing Nature to the board.
About East London Waterworks Park
East London Waterworks Park is a community-led charity working to reconnect people and nature. Starting from nature-first principles, and with inclusivity at the heart of everything we do, we work with communities to co-design spaces to unlock a chain of positive changes that culminate in the long-term transformation of people and place.
Our work includes:
-
co-designing East London Waterworks Park with the East London community, working towards purchasing a 14-acre Thames Water depot in Waltham Forest and transforming it into a biodiverse urban park with free, accessible wild swimming and welcoming community spaces
-
co-designing other nature-first spaces on disused or brownfield land in London, returning land to nature in collaboration with local communities to encourage long–term community stewardship
-
hosting engagement, education, and empowerment activities that build skills, confidence and deeper connections to nature.
East London Waterworks Park is a sociocratic organisation, with a decentralised organisational structure and a transparent and collaborative approach to decision making. We have grown organically since 2019, responding flexibly to the challenges we have encountered but always committed to our core vision: creating a new kind of urban green and blue space: one that is ecologically rich, inclusive, and shaped by the people and wildlife who use it.
East London Waterworks Park is currently entirely run by volunteers, and volunteers involved in day-to-day operations also sit on the board of trustees. However, we recognise the need to transition to a more sustainable structure and introduce a formal separation between the board of trustees and day-to-day operations. We are recruiting for a paid Chief Executive Officer and also want to appoint a new Chair of Trustees to ensure we have the capacity and strategic oversight to deliver the exciting projects planned in 2026 and beyond, while retaining our strong community-led ethos.
More information
If this sounds exciting, please review the attached recruitment package.
East London Waterworks Park is a charity campaigning to create a new biodiverse park with natural swimming ponds, forest schools and community spaces



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
After six transformative years, our Chair is stepping down. This is your chance to lead a charity that's reached 2.5 million LGBTQ+ young people – and heard them say "I'm still alive because of you."
Full description:
It Gets Better UK is at an exciting moment. Over the past six years, we've grown from a grassroots initiative into a charity reaching millions of LGBTQ+ young people across the UK. Through digital storytelling, educational resources, and community engagement, we're combating isolation and discrimination – ensuring every young person knows their power and worthiness as individuals.
Now we're looking for our next Chair of Trustees to lead us into our next chapter.
What makes this role special?
This isn't just governance for governance's sake. The impact is immediate and profound. Young people tell us our content helped them through their darkest moments – some say we're the reason they're still alive. You'll work with a passionate board and our CEO/Founder Dr Alex Rhys OBE, whose vision, resilience and commitment to the mission has been extraordinary. The team – both volunteer and paid – is genuinely special.
The opportunity:
You'll provide strategic leadership at a pivotal time, helping us build on our momentum while navigating the challenges every growing charity faces. We need someone who can balance big vision with practical governance, understand charity finance and risk, and chair meetings that drive real decisions while creating space for genuine discussion.
What we're looking for:
Essential:
- Demonstrable commitment to LGBTQ+ equality and youth rights
- Proven governance experience, ideally as a trustee or board member
- Strong understanding of charity governance and trustee responsibilities
- Excellent chairing skills with ability to facilitate constructive discussions
- Strategic thinking balanced with practical implementation
- Strong interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence
- Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion
Desirable:
- Experience in charity/voluntary sector, particularly youth or LGBTQ+ organisations
- Understanding of digital engagement and online community building
- Financial management and fundraising knowledge
- Networks within funding, policy, or LGBTQ+ advocacy circles
- Experience with organisational growth and transformation
- Knowledge of safeguarding frameworks
Why now matters:
LGBTQ+ young people face unprecedented challenges – rising hate crime, attacks on trans rights, mental health crises. Our work has never been more vital. The next Chair will help ensure we're here for every young person who needs us, with the governance, strategy, and sustainability to deliver real impact.
If you care about LGBTQ+ equality, have governance expertise to share, and want to make a genuine difference, we'd love to hear from you.
Time commitment: Approximately 6 hours per month | Term: 3 years (renewable) | Location: Remote (quarterly video meetings, occasional in-person) | Deadline: 10pm Sunday 1st February
It Gets Better UK envisions a world where all LGBTQ+ youth are free to live equally and know their worthiness and power as individuals.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We’re looking for someone who believes deeply in the power of creativity and who can help steward the organisation with care, imagination and strategic oversight. It’s a voluntary role, but a hugely meaningful one and a chance to make a lasting difference to the future of the Super Power Agency.
I’ve attached our Chair of Trustees recruitment pack, which gives more detail about the role, the moment we’re in as an organisation and the kind of person we’re hoping to find . You might know someone brilliant who would be a great fit – or you might even feel curious yourself, please get in touchle
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are a dynamic charity, focused on helping survivors of modern slavery rebuild their lives and achieve sustainable freedom by providing invaluable training, coaching, work experience and advocacy across the UK. It is now two years since we launched a new strategy from which we have increased our impact whilst strengthening and broadening our services for survivors of modern slavery. In these challenging times it is even more important that we continue to be bold, resilient and effective. We are looking for a new Chair of Trustees who has the vision, passion and expertise to collaboratively lead the organisation during this exciting period. The Chair together with the trustees will work to ensure effective governance and provide guidance and support to the executive to ensure that we continue to support and advocate for survivors of modern slavery.
Chair Role & Responsibilities
SHF aims to work in a proactive and collaborative manner, and the Chair will play an important part in setting the tone and bringing all the stakeholders together. We are looking for someone who has considerable experience of leadership at an executive or board level in the charity or corporate sector and has an understanding of the modern slavery sector.
The people that we work with come from all over the world and have a wide variety of beliefs, experiences and backgrounds. We are committed to sharing in and reflecting this rich diversity amongst our staff, volunteers and trustees and would strongly encourage applicants from minority and under-represented groups, and from those with lived experience. We are committed to inclusion and diversity and to building a culture where everyone is appreciated for the unique person they are.
Governance and Culture
- Provide leadership and oversight to the board and executive team on strategy, governance and risk, ensuring that we meet our obligations and responsibilities, including but not limited to governance structures, financial responsibilities, ethos and charity law.
- Ensure that the charity is acting in accordance with its constitution and uses its resources responsibly and exclusively to further its charity objects.
- Support the strengthening of accountable and effective practice within the charity’s governance, helping to cultivate clear commitments, regular learningSustainable freedom from modern slavery 6 focused reviews, and a transparent understanding of impact against strategic priorities.
- Ensure effective scrutiny of finance at board level and that the charity is financially sustainable.
Board Effectiveness
- Facilitate and guide conversations in a way that enables constructive discussion, draws out diverse perspectives and supports informed, shared decision-making.
- Encourage full participation from all trustees, recognising and valuing different skills, identities and lived experiences.
- Work with the Chief Executive and committee Chairs to ensure that board meetings are well planned with agendas that reflect the priorities of SHF and the responsibilities of the trustees.
- Meet as appropriate with the treasurer and Chairs of any board committees.
- Build strong, respectful working relationships between trustees, addressing challenges or conflict with openness and fairness.
- Model and promote a positive and collaborative board culture based on mutual respect rooted in SHF’s values and an appropriate balance of support and challenge
Advocacy and Strategic Development
- Work with the CEO and trustees to strengthen understanding of modern slavery issues, build recognition of the impact of our programmes and influence key decision makers.
- Support the CEO when required to strengthen SHF’s advocacy impact.
- Ensure our strategy is ambitious and financially sustainable and that risks are identified and effectively managed by the executive.
- Bring strategic and planning expertise to the process of ongoing evaluation and refreshment of the strategy.
Development/Fundraising:
- Act as an ambassador for SHF by raising its profile through your networks.
- Build, maintain and develop partnerships which reflect our values and directly benefit our mission.
- Play an active role in supporting the executive to reach its revenue goals.
CEO Mentor and Constructive Friend to the Managing Executive
- Provide a supportive, confidential space for the CEO as a sounding board and constructive friend.
- Build a strong working relationship with the CEO to maintain an overview of SHF’s affairs, to support as necessary the management of sensitive, complex or contentious issues and, where appropriate, provide constructive challenge to the CEO.
- Build a strong working relationship with the executive, offering constructive advice and support whilst maintaining the boundary between the operational decisionmaking of the executive and governance oversight of the Board.
- Lead the annual appraisal for the CEO in line with SHF’s appraisal process and in consultation with other trustees. Ensure that any identified professional development needs are put in place.
Safeguarding Ensure that:
- A Safeguarding Policy and Procedure is in place, is reviewed as least annually and is available to and understood/applied by staff.
- A culture of safeguarding is championed, where wellbeing and psychological safety is prioritised and staff, volunteers and people with lived experience can raise concerns without fear of judgement or reprisal.
- There is a staff Code of Conduct and policies such as Speaking Out (formally Whistleblowing) and Safer Recruitment are in place.
- Safeguarding concerns are managed effectively; there are systems in place for its management; safeguarding resources including training; a DSL is appointed whose role is stated in their job description.
- Regular feedback on safeguarding activity is received (such as gaps, threats, risks), oversee a risk register and the remedial actions required and the track progress.
- Chair of Trustees undertakes enquiries in the event of an allegation being made against the CEO
- Compliance with the Charity Commission serious incident notification requirements, and other bodies such as regulators, commissioners, grant makers, and insurance companies
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Hackney Migrant Centre (HMC) is seeking to recruit a Chair to support our work and ensure financial and organisational stability as we implement our newly developed Strategic Plan for 2025-2028. Our current Chair is stepping down at the end of her three-year term. We have recently appointed a new Vice-Chair, an experienced Treasurer in post for over a year, and our CEO has now been in post for over 18 months, providing continuity and stability in leadership. This is an opportunity for someone with previous Board experience to coordinate and lead the Board of Trustees and make an important contribution to the work of this well-respected local charity at a crucial time in its development.
HMC was established in 2007 to provide advice and support to migrants to help them overcome problems with their immigration status and in accessing services. We welcome all migrants, regardless of immigration status or nationality. With the help of a team of professional advisors and volunteers, we delivery immigration, housing and welfare advice and provide a range of holistic advocacy and support services in a community setting. We work to support visitors to address urgent problems they are facing, and address long term challenges relating to insecure immigration status, homelessness and destitution.
As the external environment for migrants has become increasingly challenging and funding pressures have intensified, we have had to review and adapt the scope of our work. Over the past two years, the staff team has reduced to a team of five, with most roles being part-time. We now have an annual budget of just over £300,000 and are in the process of reviewing what we can realistically achieve, as well as how we can become more resilient and financially sustainable.
We welcome applications from people from a range of backgrounds and experience who would be happy to take up this exciting challenge. We are particularly keen to recruit trustees with lived or learned experience of migration to the UK.
If you would like to be considered, please apply by Monday 2 February 2026, attaching a CV and a brief statement outlining why you are interested in the role and what you could bring to it (no more than two sides of A4).
See the job description below for further details and for more information about our website.
Thank you for your interest, and we look forward to receiving your application!
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.



