Chair of trustee board volunteer volunteer roles

Founded in 1879, Together for Mental Wellbeing is the longest-established mental health charity in England. We work to ensure that everyone who experiences mental distress is valued, can live the life they choose and can determine their own future.

What we do

Together for Mental Wellbeing is a national charity that supports people who experience mental distress to lead fulfilling and independent lives.

We work with approximately 4,500 people every month via 70 projects throughout England, but we aspire to reach many more people through our recently refreshed five-year strategy.

Our services include:

• personalised support in the community
• accommodation based support
• advocacy services, including in secure hospitals
• criminal justice services, including in courts and probation services

What makes us stand out is that we put people at the centre of their own support – they set their own goals and are in control of how we work alongside them to achieve these. We value people as experts in what works best for them, and draw on their skills and strengths to build resilience and support networks so they can eventually manage without us

This means we value people as experts in what works best for them, and each individual we work with influences and shapes the support they and others receive from us. It also means we provide opportunities for people experiencing mental distress to work with Together to draw on their experiences to help us improve the quality and experience of the services that we provide.

We are committed to promoting service user leadership wherever possible; this is why we recently launched our Lived Experience Network, a free, members-based community.

Our values

We work together to facilitate choice through involvement, by doing what we say, never giving up on people, and looking to constantly improve how we work.

Our Board

We have an effective and collaborative Board of enthusiastic, friendly and committed trustees, who lead the development of Together and ensure that the charity exemplifies good practice.

The opportunity

We wish to add new trustees to our Board and have identified some recruitment priorities:

• We are seeking at least one individual with lived experience of mental distress who can draw on their unique knowledge and insights as to how mental distress impacts on people’s lives, and share their passion and enthusiasm to drive the aspirations of the organisation.

Our approach is for the individual to determine whether or not they have lived experience of mental distress. One person’s lived experience is no more or less important than another’s. 

• We wish to increase the gender diversity of our leadership at Together; we currently have a high proportion of men.

Having completed a recent Board skills audit we also encourage applicants with experience of the following areas:

• Human resources and workforce planning
• Forensic psychiatry
• Public sector procurement/contracting
• Knowledge of health and wellbeing service providers from the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector
• Digital development and innovation
• Auditing and risk management
• Financial management and accounting

However, all applications are welcomed and will be considered. We also recognise that people are often juggling multiple commitments and can offer flexibility as to when you take up the role.

We offer a full induction, along with ongoing training and development opportunities. Although our trustees are unpaid volunteers all expenses related to the role will be paid in full.

Typically trustees will attend around 10 meetings per year, occasional virtual attendance is possible, and be invited to events and visits. With preparation time for meetings this can equate to a commitment of 1-2 days per month.

As a Trustee you will:

• Join a committed and friendly Board
• Help shape our strategic development as a charity
• Influence our innovative projects and initiatives, especially with service users
• Develop new skills and knowledge
• Be supported to attend relevant conferences and other training events
• Help improve the mental health and wellbeing of people and communities

This is an exciting time to join the Endometriosis UK trustee board, as the organisation expands and develops to achieve the changes that are needed to support those affected by the disease and to drive down diagnosis time. We are looking for a new Treasurer to build on this momentum to strengthen our organisation and bring about change for those with endometriosis. We have a skills-based board, with Trustees having one or more identified skills, with the overall membership of the Board providing the complete set of skills. 

Endometriosis UK is the largest UK charity for those with endometriosis. Endometriosis UK works to:

• Provide support to those with endometriosis and their families and friends

• Provide clear, objective information about the condition and its treatments

• Raise awareness amongst health professionals and the general public about the condition

• Support research into endometriosis.

This is an unpaid role. Reasonable pre-agreed travel expenses will be paid.

Time commitment:

• Five meetings a year, including preparation for meetings, reading papers etc; and attendance at an annual strategy day and AGM (held on the same days as Board meetings).

• Trustees have the opportunity to take part in Board sub-groups and project groups to develop aspects of the organisations’ work. Current sub-groups include the Finance Committee and Diversity & Inclusion Sub-Group. Trustees are also invited to attend Endometriosis UK events.

We are recruiting for one new treasurer to join the board. We are particularly looking for:

• Personal or professional experience of diversity and inclusion issues

• Marketing and digital marketing

• Communications and social media

• Campaigning and achieving change

• Experience of working in Primary Care

• Charity finance experience

• Currently living in Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales

Personal experience of living with, or having a close family member with, endometriosis, is vital on our Board. Whilst we look favourably on applications from those in the endometriosis community, we already have Trustees with first hand lived experience and new trustees do not need to have endometriosis. 

We also particularly welcome applications from trustees from a range of backgrounds and experiences as part of our commitment to diversity.

The role will start at a Board meeting on 28th November 2026, when our current Treasurer reaches the end of their 6-year term of office. Prior to the roles starting, the incoming Treasurer will have the opportunity to observe a Board meeting in September, and induction will be planned in October.

Food Bank Aid is a dynamic and committed organisation, full of people who care deeply about the impact of poverty on the lives of Londoners.
• Poverty rates in London have been higher than in the rest of England for at least the last two decades
• Latest reports have also captured that London has the highest child poverty rate in England with 1 in 3 children (700,000) living in poverty.
Poverty Hurts More Than Just Pockets. It steals health. It erodes confidence. It causes stigma. It isolates.
Now is our time to act.

Food Bank Aid is a young charity with a clear sense of purpose of keeping the food banks fed, and we want to reach even more food banks in the years ahead. 

We are appointing three new Trustees to strengthen our Board, broaden our expertise and support the setting and delivery of our strategy for the next phase of the charity’s development. These appointments reflect our ambition for Food Bank Aid’s future and our commitment to building a Board that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve.

The three profiles of expertise sought are:
1. A Chair (with previous leadership experience ideally in the not-for-profit sector)
2. A Trustee with income generation experience and expertise
3. A Trustee with Charity Governance experience

We value curiosity, integrity, thoughtful judgement and a genuine commitment and passion to our mission. 

If our purpose resonates with you and you want to make a meaningful difference for food banks and their clients in London, we would be delighted to hear from you.

For further information about Food Bank Aid and specifications for each Trustee role and how to apply, please download the attached Recruitment Pack.
The deadline for applications is 2nd March 2026.

Location: Exeter (hybrid options available)
Hours: Flexible
Term: Three-year periods
Type: Voluntary

Help shape the future of specialist education for young people with vision impairment and complex needs.
At InFocus, we believe everyone deserves to live life to the full, with choice, control, and meaningful opportunities. We support young people who face significant barriers due to vision impairment combined with additional disabilities, helping each individual follow their own pathway towards independence and fulfilment.

We’re now looking for a Volunteer Trustee with strong experience in special education to help guide and strengthen our specialist FE College.

What the role involves

In addition to the standard responsibilities of a trustee, you will:

• Focus on the delivery and development of post-16 education for learners with vision impairment and complex needs

• Scrutinise the quality of teaching and learning

• Provide constructive challenge and professional insight as part of our Education Advisory Committee

• Work closely with our College Principal to champion high-quality, person-centred education

This opportunity would suit someone with experience as:

• A senior leader within a SEND provision

• A headteacher or principal

• A SEND improvement partner

• An Ofsted inspector

Our Board meets seven times a year, with optional invitations to events and celebrations. Trustees are encouraged to attend in person, though online attendance is possible where needed. Travel expenses are covered, and overnight accommodation can be arranged for trustees living outside Devon.

Short on time? Advisory Member roles available

If you’d like to share your expertise without taking on full trustee responsibilities, consider joining us as an Advisory Member. Advisory Members sit on committees and offer specialist knowledge without the full governance role. 

Working Chance is a unique, pioneering, award-winning national charity that supports women with criminal convictions into employment. We support women to create independent purposeful lives through helping them to build careers, we break cycles of reoffending and we inspire employers to embrace inclusive hiring.

This is an exciting time for Working Chance as we start developing our new three-year strategy which will come into effect from 1 September. The new strategy will see us taking an ever bolder stance on speaking up for women with convictions, solidifying our position as a thought leader on how to improve the employment rate of these women, and moving into providing consultancy for employers seeking our guidance and input on their recruitment and employment practices.

We are looking for an inspiring and committed Chair of Trustees to lead our Board at this exciting point in our development. This is a unique opportunity to shape the strategic direction of a highly respected and impactful charity, while championing a mission that addresses inequality, social justice and economic inclusion.

As Chair, you will work closely with the Chief Executive and fellow trustees to ensure strong governance, clear strategic focus, effective oversight and financial sustainability, while acting as an ambassador for Working Chance and its values. Download the Appointment Brief to learn all about the role, the charity and the recruitment process, and if you think you might be the person we’re looking for, we’d love to hear from you.

Closing date: 9am on Monday 16 March

2makeit is a charity that helps rehabilitate prisoners and ex-prisoners by offering them creative expression through programmes in skills such as music, art and writing.

Engaging with fellow prisoners, guided by experts including musicians, artists and writers, they learn how to collaborate and create, inspiring them to lead more productive and positive lives whilst in jail, and law-abiding lives on release.

2makeit is seeking an inspiring and committed Chair to lead its Board and help transform lives through creativity.

What will you be doing?

The Chair leads the board, ensuring that it governs the charity effectively, in service of the charity’s vision and mission. The Chair leads in an inclusive way, supporting the board to work together well, and providing support and challenge to the Director. 

The Chair is also an ambassador for the charity. 

Board members have a collective responsibility. This means that Trustees always act as a group and not as individuals.

Time commitment is approximately 15 - 20 hours a month, which includes:

• 4 quarterly board meetings (2–3 hours each) and their preparation (usually evenings, hybrid available).
• A weekly call with the Director (approx 1 hour).
• Ad hoc sub-group meetings and documents as required (mostly online).
• Ambassadorial commitments - 2makeit events, visits to prisons, projects.

What are we looking for?

2makeit is seeking an inspiring and committed Chair to lead its Board and help transform lives through creativity.

We are looking for someone with the following skills and experience: 

• Understanding of the criminal justice sector is desirable.
• Strong communication, empathy, and ability to chair meetings in a collaborative, non-authoritarian way.
• Previous Trustee experience is desirable.
• Ability to build a close working relationship with the Director.
• Availability and flexibility (some daytime commitments, some evenings).
• Passionate about prisoner and ex-prisoner wellbeing.
• Ability to foster an environment for open discussion and debate amongst trustees.
• Willingness to hold trustees and members of the organisation to account for actions they agree to undertake.

What difference will you make?

This is an exciting time to join 2makeit to help realise our vision to be part of a criminal justice sector in which creativity plays a vital role in rehabilitation.

Three areas underpin the delivery of that vision:

• Creative projects in prison
• Resettlement work in the community
• Rehabilitative exhibiting and showcasing of work

Before you apply

The TrusteeWorks Team at Reach Volunteering are supporting 2makeit withtheir Chair recruitment.

Applications should be made via TrusteeWorks in the first instance.

To apply please submit your CV along with a covering letter stating why you wish to join the organisation and how your skills and experience would add
value to the board. 2makeit are happy to have an informal conversation with anyone who is interested in the role. Please contact TrusteeWorks to arrange this.

Message from the Chair of Trustees

The Trustees represent different backgrounds and experiences, but what pulls us together is a

commitment to SEED’s work on the ground in Madagascar. Several of us have been to Madagascar

and have either volunteered or worked with SEED, so we have seen first-hand how important our

work is, and the positive impact SEED has in the communities we serve. Madagascar is an

extraordinary country with exceptional biodiversity but has severely lacking infrastructure and a

high level of anthropogenic threats due to extreme poverty and considerable dependence on

natural resources.

We are looking forward to welcoming a new Chair of our Board of Trustees to join the amazing

team of dedicated staff and volunteers who are delivering sustainable development, conservation

and community work through a range of projects based on local needs. The current Chair has been

in post since 2022 and served as a Trustee for 2 years prior to that. A change of leadership and a

fresh perspective is timely and will ensure we approach the next phase of our growth and

development with new ideas. You will be assured of a warm and supportive welcome with the

benefit of a team containing years of experience, combined with new members who bring global

expertise in their field.

SEED is growing thanks to successful marketing, fundraising project development and delivery. We

are now looking to build on our implementation of our strategic plan, to deliver sustainable

development for the people of southeastern Madagascar. We are privileged to work with its

wonderful people, and we hope that you will want to join us.

Introduction to SEED

SEED has been working in the southeast corner of Madagascar for over 20 years. SEED stands for Sustainable, Environment, Education and Development and we focus on building meaningful, sustainable change in one the poorest regions of one the poorest countries in the world.

Our projects range from school building to maternal health, from Agroforestry to Lemur Conservation and rights.

We are active on social media where you can find us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, X, and YouTube. The majority of our staff are Malagasy, working in Fort Dauphin to design and deliver projects on the ground, alongside our international team, who bring external expertise and international best practices. In Madagascar, we have 95 staff in total (70 Malagasy and 25 international). They are supported by a small UK-based and remote working team of 10.

Governance structures

SEED’s Board of Trustees has 8 members, including the Chair, who meet quarterly. There are three sub-committees of the board focusing on: Audit and Risk; Marketing and Fundraising; and HR. These are chaired by a Trustee and consist of at least one other Trustee and up to two of the Senior Management team. We also have lead Trustees for Safeguarding and Whistleblowing.

The Board is international with Trustees based in a number of different countries, so the Board works remotely.

The operations are run by the Managing Director and the Director of Programmes and Operations who are both long standing senior managers.

The Chair of Trustees role

Chair of Trustee Board

In addition to the general role of Trustee, the Chair of SEED’s Board of Trustees holds overall accountability for the charity delivering its mission. Working closely with the Board and the staff senior team , they will provide leadership and direction to ensure SEED fulfils its charitable aims and objectives and abides by its governing documents and relevant legislation. They will work collaboratively with board members and senior management to ensure SEED delivers maximum benefit to the communities it serves.

Chair Role Description

Terms and conditions: Voluntary role

Responsible to: Board of Trustees

Base: The Board works remotely

Line manager of: Managing Director

Overview of SEED

SEED Madagascar is a successful, growing British Charity working in partnership with communities in the southeast of Madagascar. We integrate high-quality community health, rural livelihoods, schools and conservation programmes to support long term, sustainable change and add to international best practice through research and publication.

SEED has been working in Madagascar for over 20 years and has a wide range of impactful projects ranging from school building to sexual health, from beekeeping to improving lemur habitats. More recently, SEED has been working to address the famine in the southeast with emergency food distribution.

Employing most of its staff in Madagascar, SEED also engages international staff and interns as well as running a volunteer programme. Full details of our operations can be found on our website which includes our annual report and accounts, fundraising advice and information on our staff and Trustees.

The role will carry the usual responsibilities of a Trustee as defined by the England and Wales Charity Commission and we encourage all applicants to read through this prior to making an application.

Accountability:

As a Trustee you are responsible and liable for the governance and functioning of the charity and are accountable in varying degrees to a variety of stakeholders including service users, members, funders, the Charity Commission, and Companies House.

SEED Trustees should uphold the fiduciary duty required of all charity trustees to act in the best interests of both current and future beneficiaries of the charity, being held personally liable for any breach of that duty.

Key Responsibilities

• To ensure that the Board of Trustees understands and fulfils its responsibilities for the governance of the organisation
• To provide strategic oversight and ensure that all decisions are taken in the best interests of SEED and its charitable aims.
• To provide leadership for the Board of Trustees in their role of developing and agreeing the strategy of the organisation.
• To ensure that SEED has the effective policies and procedures needed to function properly, legally and safely including those for safeguarding, whistleblowing and anticorruption.
• To effectively chair the Board meetings, facilitating debate and bringing about consensus and clear decision making.
• To work with the Board to bring about strong and constructive working relationships and sharing of the workload across the areas of expertise.
• To oversee the membership of and effective working of the subcommittees
• To build and maintain a constructive and supportive working relationship with the MD. To be overall line manager for the MD, assessing their performance and discussing development needs with them.
• To work closely with the MD to support them in achieving the vision of the organisation ensuring they have the support needed for the effective running of SEED and bring scrutiny as needed so they are held to account for achieving agreed strategic objectives.
• To plan with the MD the annual cycle of Board meetings, setting agendas and monitoring the decisions taken at meetings are enacted.
• To review the Board’s performance and composition to ensure that SEED has a diverse, high performing Board working together in support of SEEDs strategy and Charitable objectives.
• To support recruitment and onboarding of new members to the board as needed to ensure continuity of the board responsibilities.
• To work with each Trustee to support them fulfilling their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of the charity.
• To ensure the Board regularly reviews major risks and associated opportunities.
• To lead the Board in fulfilling its duties to ensure the sound financial health of the charity, with systems in place to verify financial accountability and that SEED is operating within the legal and financial guidelines set out in the current legislation
• To represent the interests of the board and charity externally as and when needed

Person specification

• Knowledge and understanding of the role and responsibilities of a Chair of a Charity and Board Membership – experience as a board member as a minimum
• An understanding and experience of strategic planning within the corporate or charity setting.
• A proven leader with the ability to think strategically and creatively and to challenge proposals with clear logical thinking
• A strong commitment and passion for international development and an understanding of this sector, ideally able to bring experience of working within it.
• Demonstrable alignment to the charity’s mission, vision, and values
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Experience of people management and able to build strong relationships with people who are working on a voluntary basis at senior level
• An understanding of, or a willingness to understand, the strategic, legislative, political and cultural contexts that affect and influence SEED’s work
• Enthusiasm and commitment to equality and diversity in all aspects of SEED’s work
• An interest in Madagascar and an understanding of the challenges of working within different cultures and environments
• Be able to work to and advocate for all of SEED’s policies and procedures, safeguarding those that SEED works with and investigating and/or reporting any concerns appropriately

SEED Madagascar actively encourages equality, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace and aims to create a working environment free of bullying, harassment, victimisation, and unlawful discrimination, where individual differences and the contributions of all staff are recognised and valued

Time commitments and requirements

There are a minimum of four Board meetings per year with the potential for additional Board meetings and Trustee only discussions. The Chair will discuss and agree the agenda in advance with the Managing Director, Chair the meeting and ensure follow up actions take place. These meetings are on a Sunday, are virtual and typically last 3 hours.

The Chair will participate on one sub-committee which has its own quarterly cycle of meetings. The Chair will manage the MD and have regular discussions about progress and undertake the annual review process. The Chair and all Trustees are required to undertake mandatory training as part of their induction and regular updates and additional training. The Chair will work with the Board to ensure each member is taking an active part in the Board and sub committees.

The Trustee Board are encouraged to have one trustee a year take a trip to Madagascar to familiarise themselves with the environment the SEED works in and to meet and get to know the staff in country (some expenses will be covered).

Lead the future of a well-established charity making a real difference for young people in Plymouth. The Zone Plymouth is seeking a visionary Chair of Trustees to guide strategy, inspire leadership, and shape services that change lives.

The Zone Plymouth is an established and well-respected local charity dedicated to supporting and empowering young people aged 13–25. Operating in Plymouth for over 35 years, the charity delivers a range of commissioned services in partnership with other agencies, including sexual health, mental health, homelessness prevention, targeted school-based support for emotional health and substance use, and interagency support for young people in or leaving care.

With 24 staff (17.5 FTE) and 36 volunteers, The Zone has a strong foundation and is well positioned to leverage its strengths to achieve its long-term ambitions. While navigating challenges such as cultural change, income diversification, and skills development, there are exciting opportunities to strengthen leadership, expand funding streams, and raise the charity’s profile across Plymouth. The next two to three years offer substantial potential for growth, where thoughtful planning, decisive action, and collaborative leadership can secure a vibrant, resilient, and enduring future.

About the Role

The Chair of Trustees will provide strategic leadership and guidance to the Board, ensuring it functions effectively, meets its legal and regulatory obligations, and supports the charity to deliver meaningful outcomes for young people in Plymouth. This voluntary role is central to shaping the strategic direction of the charity, fostering a positive culture, and holding the senior team accountable.

Key responsibilities:

• Ensure the Board functions effectively, meetings are led inclusively, and duties are carried out in line with legal and regulatory requirements.

• Lead the Board in setting the charity’s strategic direction, creating a positive organisational culture, and holding staff accountable.

• Support recruitment, induction, and development of Trustees, promoting diversity and inclusion.

• Line-manage and support the CEO, providing constructive challenge and oversight.

• Liaise with the Secretary to arrange meetings, set agendas, and chair meetings to ensure they are well-run and focused.

• Approve the annual operations/business plan, budget, and risk management plan, and monitor progress against these.

• Monitor Board decisions and agreed actions to ensure implementation in a timely manner.

• Build strong, positive relationships with staff, volunteers, beneficiaries, and external stakeholders.

• Act as an ambassador for The Zone, representing its values and interests in the community.

Your Ideal Candidate

Essential Qualities:

• Strong commitment to improving the lives of young people in Plymouth.

• Proven leadership skills, with experience chairing meetings, building consensus, and guiding complex discussions to clear decisions.

• Familiarity with challenges facing young people and small charities, and understanding of trustee responsibilities and charity governance.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, able to engage with young people, staff, and stakeholders.

• Strategic thinker capable of guiding the delivery of long-term sustainable services.

• Integrity, impartiality, sound judgment, and awareness of equality, diversity, and inclusion objectives.

Desirable Qualities:

• Prior experience as a trustee or board member.

• Knowledge of youth services, education, health, or community development.

• Local connections in Plymouth and surrounding areas.

• Experience of fundraising, advocacy, or partnership working.

Trees for Cities

Salary: Voluntary role, reasonable expenses reimbursed

Location: London with flexibility

Closing Date: 11 March 2026

Trees for Cities is an independent national charity that empowers people to plant and care for trees in towns and cities, targeting places where they have the greatest impact for people and nature. Through trees, we connect people to nature, enrich lives and create leafy, liveable places for today and future generations. In a world facing unprecedented threats from climate change, biodiversity loss and disconnection from nature, our work has never been more urgent.

Since 1993, Trees for Cities has engaged 260,000 people to plant and care for almost 2 million trees across 100 urban areas in the UK and overseas. We are proud to operate at the intersection of social and environmental justice, focusing on communities with the least access to green space and the benefits it brings. To deepen this work, we have developed a new five-year strategy (2025–2030) with the goal of creating a Movement for Urban Trees and Tree Equity. As we enter this ambitious new strategic phase, the new Chair will play a leading role in overseeing its successful embedding and impact.

This is a rare opportunity to lead the Board of a dynamic, growing charity at a pivotal moment. Our Trustees are recruited for their diverse skills and perspectives, and we are proud of our strong governance practices and healthy Board culture. Together, we provide constructive challenge and meaningful support to the executive team, guided by the organisational values that sit at the heart of how we work. We are seeking an exceptional individual to become our next Chair, continuing this work, offering strategic leadership and robust governance to ensure Trees for Cities continues to thrive and grow in impact.

You will bring Board-level experience, including as a Chair, Vice Chair and/or Trustee/Non-Executive Director, and a proven ability to chair Board or committee meetings effectively. With strategic vision and the confidence to navigate complexity, you will demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills, build consensus and manage diverse perspectives. You will bring a supportive and empowering approach, with a coaching style of leadership that empowers and enables others to thrive. Experience in the environmental, sustainability or urban greening sectors is desirable but not essential; what matters most is your ability to lead with integrity, inspire others and drive impact.

We want our Board to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve and particularly welcome applications from individuals from Black, Asian or other minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, and those with lived experience of environmental or social injustice. If you are motivated to help shape our next chapter and bring the leadership and experience to guide our ambition, we encourage you to apply.

To read more about our work, the role and how to apply, please download the full appointment brief below.

People Beyond Profit on-line conversations: 17 March - 15 April 2026

CEO online ‘fireside’ conversations: 17 – 24 March 2026

Trees for Cities Interview Dates: 

• First stage in-person trustee panel: 27 April 2026

• Final stage coffee with CEO and current Chair on one of the following: 28, 29 April, 5, 6 May 2026.

Pets As Therapy is a national charity with a simple but powerful mission: to share the joy of pets with people who need it most. Each week, more than 6,000 volunteers and their pets visit schools, hospitals, hospices, care homes and community settings across the UK.

What will you be doing?

Responsibilities of the Chair:

• Provide strategic leadership to the charity and the Board, ensuring that PAT achieves its mission.
• Work in partnership with the CEO and Executive team to achieve its mission.
• Lead the Board in ensuring that it fulfils its responsibilities for the governance of the organisation.
• Optimise the relationship between the Board and PAT’s staff and volunteers.
• Plan and chair the Board meetings and the AGM, with others as appropriate.
• Act as an ambassador and spokesperson for PAT.

The Chair provides oversight and guidance while also carrying out the general responsibilities of a Trustee.

Time Commitment:

• Estimated at one to two days per month.
• The Board meets formally at least four times a year for between a half day and a day, depending on business. Two meetings are in-person and are held in central London. Two are virtual.
• All trustees are asked to serve on one or more Board sub-committees and working groups. This adds 3-4 shorter meetings a year, for which preparation can be significant or relatively light. Trustees may be asked to chair sub committees on a rotating basis.
• Ad hoc and occasional support through working groups and / or support to the Executive team.
• Monthly scheduled conversation with the CEO with flexibility to respond to the occasional ad hoc issue.

What are we looking for?

Personal skills / experience / values

• Willingness and ability to understand and accept responsibilities and liabilities as trustees and to act in the best interests of the organisation.
• Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a Board member.
• Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion.
• A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

Essential skills / experience / values

• A strategic thinker.
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to inspire and engage trustees, staff, funders, partners and volunteers.
• A clear understanding of the charity landscape and the challenges faced by a charity of PAT’s size.
• Trustee experience with a clear understanding of charity governance.
• Willingness to act as an ambassador.
• An animal lover with a firm commitment to PAT’s mission and values.

Desirable skills / experience

• Familiarity with membership and/or volunteer-based organisations.
• Sector expertise - animal welfare, health or education.
• Experience of encouraging more inclusive processes to extend our charity’s impact across a more diverse range of communities.

What difference will you make?

As Chair of Trustees at PAT, you will provide leadership that enables the charity to grow, innovate, and reach more people with the joy of animal companionship. Your guidance will directly influence:

• Wellbeing of vulnerable people: PAT visits lift spirits in care homes, hospitals, hospices, and day centres.
• Children’s literacy and confidence: Read2Dogs helps over 2,000 schools support reluctant or anxious readers.
• Growth and sustainability: Guide a charity with 6,000+ volunteers, ensuring it thrives and meets demand.
• Expansion of PAT’s reach: Bring the joy and comfort of pets to more people, including underserved communities.

How to Apply

The Reach Volunteering TrusteeWorks Team are supporting Pets As Therapy with this recruitment and all applications and enquiries should be sent to TrusteeWorks via the Reach Volunteering Platform. Please see application instructions on the redirect link.

At DAR we care passionately that everyone who seeks sanctuary in the UK deserves to be welcomed, treated with dignity and supported to rebuild their lives in the UK.  Our 65 volunteers provide that support through teaching English, helping them get to know Darlington, chatting, listening, fundraising and assisting with the running of our charity.  Our Board of Trustees are a dedicated group of people of diverse backgrounds who are now seeking a Leader to take DAR to the next step in its development.

This is a strategic leadership role, with responsibility for leading the Trustee Board in its role of supporting our Executive Team, ensuring effective governance and compliance.  We're looking for an engaging, inclusive leader with the energy and enthusiasm to encourage, inspire and enthuse our team.

We are currently looking to recruit an external trustee to join our Board of Trustees and also act as chair to the Finance and Audit Sub-Committee. We will also require the trustee to support our whistleblowing policy, acting as the nominated trustee contact for whistleblowing concerns.  You’ll champion openness and ensure the organisation has safe, fair, and effective processes for raising and handling concerns.

Your SU is overseen by our Board of Trustees, and our trading subsidiary (CUSU Services Ltd) is overseen by our Commercial Services Board . They are both made up of a collection of our elected Officers, students, university staff and external professionals that ensure the Charity and the Trading Subsidiary remain sustainable in terms of finance, legality and reputational status.

You will be expected to attend Board meetings 4 times per year – these will be a mix of in person and Teams meetings. You will also be expected to support at least one sub-committee of the Trustee Board (3-4 times per year) as well as complete training and induction. You will need some time to allow for prereading of reports and other documentation before meetings. 

Trustee meetings are typically held on a Friday afternoon 1pm-4pm. Most of the meetings are online, although you would be offered travel expenses for any face-to-face meetings (and hybrid meetings are usually offered if you do need to join remotely.) There is also a strategy day once a year as well as the occasional social activity!

For this trustee role, we are looking for an experienced professional ideally with third-sector governance experience. In addition to being a member of the Board of Trustees the trustee will be required to chair the Finance and Audit subcommittee and should possess a strong finance background with analytical skills and the ability to communicate complex financial information.

We are especially keen to encourage applications from people currently under-represented within the organisation, including but not limited to those from the LGBTQ+ community, people with disabilities, and those from a Global Majority background. We hope that by enhancing our diversity we can extend our organisational creativity and problem solving through the different perspectives and life experiences which diversity brings.

Please note that this is an unpaid voluntary role.

For further information there is a full recruitment pack and role profile available to download or visit our website for more information.

This is a great opportunity to develop further governance skills and experience, and help steer an important charity in the right direction.

Chairing experience required + any combination of: financial management, advocacy, HR, charities, fundraising, social prescribing, NHS, local authorities, marketing, business development, governance, strategy or legal.

About Self Help UK

Self Help UK is a leading peer support organisation with over 40 years of experience in developing and delivering peer-led services. Our mission is to empower individuals and communities by embedding peer support principles into health and wellbeing initiatives. We have created a range of innovative programmes that help people living with cancer and other long-term health conditions to navigate challenges and take control of their health and wellbeing.

We work in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support on projects that make a real difference. These include national and local initiatives for the Deaf community, volunteer-led support for anyone affected by cancer, and prehabilitation services for those facing complex treatment. In 2026, we will collaborate with our Integrated Care System to improve health literacy and increase cancer screening uptake among underserved communities in Nottingham. Looking ahead, we are exploring a new direction to position Self Help UK as a holistic, person-centred support provider, embedding peer support and volunteer-led activity at the heart of everything we do. Our vision is to challenge health inequalities and enable people to feel confident, informed, and supported in shaping their own health journey.

A selection of causes covered by Self Help UK

·Peer support

·Long-term health conditions

·Cancer diagnoses and prevention

·Voluntary sector support

·Health inequalities

·Under-served communities

What will you be doing?

You will be chairing the Board of Trustees, ensuring that we have minimum representation required for decisions to be made, keeping the board aligned in decision-making, ensuring all minutes are recorded and that all decisions by trustees are made with the appropriate context provided.

Trustees meetings are usually held every six weeks, plus there is an AGM, away days, and any sub-committee meetings that trustees may be involved in. Most meetings will remain virtual but there will from time to time be a need to attend key meetings and events in Nottingham. The time commitment is approximately 4hours per month, but there may be occasions when more time is required for a short period.

Trustee positions are unremunerated, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

Who are we looking for?

Previous chairing experience

·Relevant experience in any of the following financial management, HR, charities, fundraising, social prescribing, NHS, local authorities, marketing, business development, governance, strategy or legal.

·A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort

·Good, independent judgement

·The ability to challenge and ask questions

·An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship

·A commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership

The Reading for fun charity 

Chair of Trustees of World Book Day

Location: London (hybrid)

Remuneration: Voluntary role, reasonable expenses reimbursed

Time commitment: One day per week

Term: 3 years (may be appointed for a second term, maximum 6 years)

Closing Date for applications: 6th March 2026

About World Book Day

World Book Day (WBD) is a small national charity with significant reach and profile, consistently punching above our weight.  WBD champions reading for fun because it seriously improves lives.  In fact, it is the biggest indicator that a child will grow up to enjoy a happier and more successful future.  With the spotlight in this National Year of Reading on reversing the decline in children's reading, now is an exciting time to join us. 

As our current strategy enters its final phase and our 30th anniversary approaches, a new Chair would work with our board and executive team to develop and lead our new strategy and to leverage our existing strengths to realise the potential for growth in our impact. The new Chair will also support WBD's income generation activities, through attending events and philanthropy meetings and supporting corporate partnership opportunities, promoting WBD through their networks and championing donations.

This is a rare opportunity to help more children, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, develop a lifelong habit of reading for fun and access the improved life chances this brings them.

What we are looking for

World Book Day's new Chair may come from a commercial, educational, public service or other background. In addition to the qualities required for a trustee, they should have the following qualities:

· A commitment to World Book Day's vision and values

Knowledge and experience:

· of senior strategic leadership (e.g. as a Chair or Committee Chair, trustee, non-executive director or senior executive)

· of charity governance and financial oversight

· of supporting, line managing and evaluating the performance of a senior leader

· to support our plans to increase and diversify WBD's income

· to work effectively with WBD's varied stakeholder landscape

· complementary or adjacent to WBD's activities, purpose and strategy

The ability to:

· lead by example

· communicate skilfully and effectively

· be an influential, inspirational and supportive leader who builds confidence and consensus

· develop partnerships and strategic alliances

· act impartially, fairly, with tact and diplomacy and respect confidences.

World Book Day welcomes candidates drawn from a range of backgrounds, experiences and characteristics.  We would like our trustees to be reflective of our society and WBD's beneficiaries.  We actively encourage applications from those currently under-represented on our board: non-binary, all ethnic groups other than white British and LGBTQ+.

For a full role description and details of how to apply, please see the recruitment pack below.  The deadline for applications is 6th March 2026.