20 Chair of trustee board volunteer volunteer roles in Edinburgh

Do you believe in a future where no animal suffers for science? 

Do you have spare time you can volunteer to make a difference to the lives of animals and humans?

If so, we would love you to consider being one of our new Trustees.

At Replacing Animal Research, we’ve been working for over half a century to replace the use of animals in research. We have significantly contributed to the development, and uptake, of non-animal methods by:

• Empowering scientists with our educational opportunities.
• Funding exciting research aimed at replacing animals and improving human healthcare.
• Collaborating with policymakers to ensure more rigorous policy on the use of animals in science. 

Our mission is to ensure scientists use non-animal approaches in biomedical research and testing. It’s a better future for animals and humans. For us to achieve this, we need to ensure that Replacing Animal Research is a resilient organisation with sufficient skills, support, and income to continue its work in the long term. Our Trustees are critical to the future of the organisation.

We are currently seeking 2-3 more Trustees to strengthen our Board by providing strategic and governance support. We encourage applications from all people regardless of age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, belief or race.

We are looking for Trustees who can demonstrate:

• A commitment to our purpose and aims and the strategic vision to support the Replacing Animal Research's future development.
• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to support the charity. (Please see below for more details on the time commitment).
• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship.
• Sound, independent judgement and the ability to challenge constructively.
• The ability to work effectively as a member of a team and make decisions for the good of the charity.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• We are particularly interested in hearing from candidates who have experience in charity governance, charity law, finance, investments, direct animal research, fundraising and income generation, business development and philanthropy.

A full induction is provided for new Trustees as well as ongoing CPD opportunities and support. The role of Trustee requires an annual time commitment of around 8 working days which works out around 5 hours per month. This includes:

• Preparation for and attendance at 4 Board meetings, which are held remotely.
• Preparation for and attendance at sub-committee meetings or work group meetings as appropriate.
• Between meetings, Trustees may be asked to contribute to discussions via email or attend ad hoc MS Teams meetings on specific issues as required.
• Attendance at 1 or 2 in-person away days per year. We are planning to hold our next Trustee away day in January 2027.
• From time to time, Trustees may be asked to sit on or contribute to other project groups or activities.

For more detailed information on being a trustee for Replacing Animal Research please take a look at our Trustee Role Description.

To apply for this opportunity please do so via Charity Job and submit your CV and a supporting cover letter, which should explain why you are interested in the role, how you can fulfil the role requirements and be an ambassador for Replacing Animal Research.

Please ensure you read our Trustee Role Description and refer to this in your application.

Thank you for your interest in working with Replacing Animal Research and we look forward to hearing from you.

Benefits

The role of Trustee is voluntary but travel and subsistence expenses are covered as required.

Notes

Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview in the weeks of 12/10/2026 and 19/10/2026 and candidates who are successful at interview will be invited to attend the November Board meeting as an observer. Full details will be given to successful candidates nearer the time.

Trustees, including a treasurer, are needed for a leading charity helping people with dissociative disorders. 

CDS UK (Clinic for Dissociative Studies) is a specialist service offering assessments and treatment for people with dissociative disorders and an independent charitable provider to the NHS.

CDS provides diagnosis, outpatient treatment, clinical supervision, consultancy and training all over the UK. We also participate in research and education, contributing to what we hope is a greater understanding of dissociative disorders.

Dissociative disorders typically arise in response to extreme and repetitive trauma and/or abuse in early childhood. Dissociation can be a survival mechanism and adaptive response to overwhelming and traumatic experiences, enabling an individual to endure life events that no one person could be expected to manage without a severe impact on their wellbeing. Trustees are central to ensuring that CDS provides the best possible help for extremely vulnerable clients.

At CDS, we are committed to a culture of continuous improvement and organisational development, ensuring that our services, people, and governance evolve to meet the needs of those we support. Our work is grounded in our core values of Respect, Choice, Compassion, Openness and Working Together, which shape how we collaborate, make decisions, and deliver impact. 

To build a well-balanced and rounded board CDS is looking for trustees, including a treasurer, with expertise in any of the following:

• Accountancy and/or auditing experience 
• Financial management and strategy 
• Clinical & clinical management experience
• Legal and governance
• Fundraising 
• Marketing
• Organisational development 

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive Board that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, particularly those who are currently underrepresented at trustee level, including people from diverse ethnic backgrounds, younger people, disabled people, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those with lived experience relevant to our work. 

Closing date 9th October. Interviews will take place via MS Teams w/b 12th October. 

🧡 We're looking for new trustees to help end child slavery in Nepal

Today, there are over 40 million slaves globally – a quarter of whom are children. In Nepal alone, we estimate almost 100,000 children are trapped in hazardous, exploitative labour.

Child Rescue Nepal exists to change that. We rescue children, keep them safe and reunite them with their families – and we've already helped over 1,000 children find their way home. But there's so much more to do, and we want you to help us do it.

We're building our board's experience base and are particularly keen to hear from people with skills in:

🔹 HR
🔹 Strategy and governance
🔹 International development
🔹 Knowledge or lived experience of Nepal

You don't need to have been a charity trustee before. The skills and qualities matter more than prior governance experience, and we'll give you full induction and training to get you up to speed.

Here's what one former trustee has to say about the role:

"I have learnt so much from my experience on both a personal and professional level and have felt my contributions were welcomed and valued. I really feel privileged to have been able to be part of CRN and have the opportunities to work in Nepal, and the children will always have a special place in my heart." — Sue Payne, retired social worker and trustee for four years

🌏 This is a voluntary role with real impact – a chance to bring your skills to a small, focused charity making a genuine difference in children's lives.

Why join us

Rebuild with Hope was established in 2021 and began supporting people facing multiple barriers to employment. From our humble beginnings we have seen continued and exciting growth which has allowed us to further develop and expand our support programmes alongside the opening of several retail outlets, high street stores and a community hub and café.

Our additional retail stores are in Runcorn (two stores), Earlstown, Kirkham, Thorn Cross and Wrexham. Our mission is to support those facing multiple barriers to employment by providing mentorship, employment opportunities and holistic support. Rebuild With Hope provides opportunities and delivers comprehensive support making transitioning back to work as smooth as possible.

We offer training, volunteering, work experience and progression to real work opportunities, coupled with wrap around support to foster independence, promote self-esteem and provide hope for people when they need it most. Employment and volunteering opportunities continue to help us support communities with the ongoing and ever challenging cost of living crisis.

Overview

The Rebuild with Hope Foundation is a fast growing and impactful charity supporting those facing barriers to work. Due to our continued growth we are looking to increase and diversify our Board membership. We are looking to appoint Trustees, no former experience is required as training will be provided. We are also looking to appoint a Treasurer a long with an experienced Chair of the Board. There are separate recruitment packs for each of the three roles, with each outlining the different knowledge and experiences required .

As Trustee you will help steer the charity towards achieving its mission. This vital role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to meaningful community initiatives, support sustainable growth, and foster positive relationships with stakeholders. As a Trustee, you will play a key part in shaping the charity’s future, ensuring accountability, transparency, and effective governance. This paid position invites passionate individuals eager to make a lasting difference through dedicated service and innovative thinking.

Role Description

Board Members are jointly and severally responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity, its financial health, probity of its activities, developing the organisation’s aims, objectives, and goals in accordance with the Constitution, legal and regulatory guidelines. All Board Members should be aware of and understand their individual and collective responsibilities and should not be overly reliant on one or more Members in any aspect of the governance of the charity.

Chair Specific Duties

• Rebuild with Hope operates within the law, and according to its constitution and its commitments to stakeholders and is adequately resourced to meet its commitments.
• Rebuild with Hope develops an effective strategy in line with the core values of the organisation
• All Board Members are fully involved in discussions and decisions, and the contribution of individual Members is monitored. The Chair will encourage group decision making, teamwork, and a sense of shared purpose, and will foster a sense of inclusivity and shared mission by informing the Board at each meeting of any ‘Chair’s business’ which has taken place since the last meeting
• The Board’s agenda is appropriate and focuses on the key strategic issues, all planned business is dealt with in an equitable, fair manner and a conclusion is reached in each case, and that decisions are clearly and accurately minuted
• The Board continually monitors Rebuild with Hope’s progress, and that Board Members have regular, timely and relevant information on strategic and financial issues and key risks
• Board Members have a proper knowledge and understanding of their roles and responsibilities
• The Board delegates, as appropriate, to its Committees and to its Chief Executive
• Regular reviews of Board, Committee and Chief Executive performance are undertaken, and a programme of development processes for the Board, its Members, and the Chief Executive is established
• Periodic reviews of the composition and workings of Rebuild with Hope are undertaken to ensure it continues to respond appropriately to changes in the wider environment
• Effective use is made of the Board’s time within, and between, meetings
• The Board receives professional advice when necessary
• The support and commitment of Rebuild with Hope’s partners and key stakeholders are developed and sustained
• They represent Rebuild with Hope as required and foster positive relationships with a range of stakeholders. The Chair will ensure that a high profile is maintained for the organisation, and that stakeholders are kept informed of our work
• Positive working relationships are maintained among Board Members and with the Chief Executive to enable an appropriate balance of challenge and support to be provided 

Duties

• Ensuring the charity complies with legislative and regulatory requirements and acts within the confines of the Constitution and its charitable objects.
• Acting in the best interest of the charity, beneficiaries, and future beneficiaries.
• Promoting and developing the charity to help it grow and maintain its public benefit.
• Maintaining sound financial management and control of the charity’s resources.
• Ensuring a fully effective and appropriate system recruitment, for appointment the and monitoring of the work and activities for the CEO and Senior Management team.
• Ensuring the effective and efficient administration of the charity and its resources, striving for best practice in good governance.
• Maintaining absolute confidentiality about all aspects of Trustees’ business

This role offers an inspiring opportunity to contribute your skills and experiences toward creating positive change while working alongside passionate professionals dedicated to making a difference in our communities.

How to apply

Please download the relevant recruitment pack for either Trustee, Treasurer and Chair. The application process is outlined within the pack.

We request no contact from external agencies

Why join us

Rebuild with Hope Foundation was established in 2021 and began supporting people facing multiple barriers to employment. From our humble beginnings we have seen continued and exciting growth which has allowed us to further develop and expand our support programmes alongside the opening of several retail outlets, high street stores and a community hub and café.

Our additional retail stores are in Runcorn (two stores), Earlstown, Kirkham, Thorn Cross and Wrexham. Our mission is to support those facing multiple barriers to employment by providing mentorship, employment opportunities and holistic support. Rebuild With Hope provides opportunities and delivers comprehensive support making transitioning back to work as smooth as possible.

We offer training, volunteering, work experience and progression to real work opportunities, coupled with wrap around support to foster independence, promote self-esteem and provide hope for people when they need it most. Employment and volunteering opportunities continue to help us support communities with the ongoing and ever challenging cost of living crisis.

Overview

The Rebuild with Hope Foundation is a fast growing and impactful charity supporting those facing barriers to work. Due to our continued growth we are looking to increase and diversify our Board membership. We are looking to appoint Trustees, no former experience is required as training will be provided. We are also looking to appoint a Treasurer a long with an experienced Chair of the Board. There are separate recruitment packs for each of the three roles, with each outlining the different knowledge and experiences required .

As Trustee you will help steer the charity towards achieving its mission. This vital role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to meaningful community initiatives, support sustainable growth, and foster positive relationships with stakeholders. As a Trustee, you will play a key part in shaping the charity’s future, ensuring accountability, transparency, and effective governance. This paid position invites passionate individuals eager to make a lasting difference through dedicated service and innovative thinking.

Role Description

Board Members are jointly and severally responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity, its financial health, probity of its activities, developing the organisation’s aims, objectives, and goals in accordance with the Constitution, legal and regulatory guidelines. All Board Members should be aware of and understand their individual and collective responsibilities and should not be overly reliant on one or more Members in any aspect of the governance of the charity.

Duties

• Ensuring the charity complies with legislative and regulatory requirements and acts within the confines of the Constitution and its charitable objects.
• Acting in the best interest of the charity, beneficiaries, and future beneficiaries.
• Promoting and developing the charity to help it grow and maintain its public benefit.
• Maintaining sound financial management and control of the charity’s resources.
• Ensuring a fully effective and appropriate system recruitment, for appointment the and monitoring of the work and activities for the CEO and Senior Management team.
• Ensuring the effective and efficient administration of the charity and its resources, striving for best practice in good governance.
• Maintaining absolute confidentiality about all aspects of Trustees’ business

This role offers an inspiring opportunity to contribute your skills and experiences toward creating positive change while working alongside passionate professionals dedicated to making a difference in our communities.

How to apply

Please download the relevant recruitment pack for either Trustee, Treasurer and Chair. The application process is outlined within the pack.

We request no contact from external agencies

Chair of the Board of Trustees

The Ripple Pond

Voluntary Position (reasonable expenses reimbursed)

Time commitment: Approximately 1-2 days per month, including four Board meetings per year, regular support to the CEO, occasional committee meetings and attendance at key events.

Closing date: 11 September 2026 (applications will be reviewed as they are received and interviews may take place before the closing date).

Help Shape the Future of Support for Military Families

The Ripple Pond is a national charity supporting more than 1,200 Armed Forces and veteran family members across the UK. Through peer support, advocacy and practical assistance, we help families affected by service-related physical and psychological injury feel seen, heard and supported.

We are seeking an exceptional individual to Chair our Board of Trustees and help guide the charity through its next phase of growth and development.

Working closely with our CEO and Board, you will provide strategic leadership, support strong governance and help ensure the charity continues to deliver meaningful impact for military families and carers.

What You'll Do

As Chair, you will:

• Lead and support the Board of Trustees.
• Act as a trusted partner and critical friend to the CEO.
• Oversee strategy, governance, risk and organisational performance.
• Champion safeguarding, inclusion and good governance.
• Support trustee recruitment and board development.
• Represent The Ripple Pond externally and help build strategic relationships.
• Help shape the future direction and sustainability of the charity.

Who We're Looking For

We're looking for a collaborative and values-driven leader with:

• Senior leadership, executive or board-level experience.
• Strong strategic thinking and decision-making skills.
• Experience of governance, finance and risk oversight.
• The ability to build partnerships and influence stakeholders.
• Excellent communication and ambassadorial skills.
• A genuine commitment to supporting Armed Forces families and carers.

Experience in the military, veterans, healthcare, public, charity or social care sectors would be beneficial but is not essential.

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to make a lasting difference to the lives of military families across the UK.

You will work with a committed Board, an experienced CEO and a passionate community of Members to help strengthen support for families affected by service-related injury, influence wider understanding of their needs and guide a growing charity through its next stage of development.

Carers Support is looking for a new Chair of Trustees to lead our Board and support the next stage of our development. This is an important voluntary role for someone with strong board or senior governance experience who wants to make a real difference to unpaid carers.

About Carers Support

We are an independent charity supporting thousands of unpaid carers of all ages across Bristol and South Gloucestershire. We provide advice, information, practical help, emotional support, training, young carers services and more.

Our vision is that all carers are recognised, valued and supported. We work closely with the NHS, local authorities and voluntary organisations, and hold the Trusted Charity quality mark

Main duties would include:

As Chair of Trustees, you will:

• Lead the Board and help set the charity’s strategic direction

• Support and work closely with the Chief Executive

• Make sure the Board fulfils its legal and governance duties

• Encourage a positive, open and inclusive Board culture

• Ensure meetings are well-run and support good discussion and decision-making

• Help the charity respond to the needs and views of unpaid carers

• Ensure risks, finances and performance are monitored effectively

You do not need previous chairing experience. We are looking for someone with solid board or committee experience who can guide a group and support strong governance.

What we’re looking for

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and lived experiences. We are looking for someone who can bring:

• Board, governance or senior decision-making experience

• Calm, confident leadership and good people skills

• The ability to facilitate effective meetings or a willingness to learn

• Sound judgement and the confidence to ask questions

• A commitment to improving the lives of unpaid carers

• Time to prepare for and attend meetings

Time commitment

• 4 board meetings per year (2 hours each)

• Regular meetings with the Chief Executive

• Occasional committee meetings, events or development sessions

• Additional committee meetings, events or development sessions, as required

What you’ll gain

• A meaningful leadership opportunity with social impact

• Strategic experience in a respected local charity

• Supportive induction, training and ongoing guidance

• A warm and collaborative Board environment

 There’s lots more we could tell you, but why not apply and come and see for yourself.  If you’d like any further information, please email our recruitment team with your details and we’ll arrange for someone to call you back.

Please visit our website for all the information you need and details of how to apply.  All expressions of interest and CV’s should be returned to our recruitment inbox.

Closing date for applications is 30th September 2026 (however this vacancy may close early if we find a suitable candidate).

We are an Equal Opportunities Employer, and our workplace is free of barriers and fully accessible for people with disabilities.  We are committed to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults; from recruitment of staff through to supporting our team working with families and carers in crisis.

Registered Charity No:  1063226

Why join us

Rebuild with Hope was established in 2021 and began supporting people facing multiple barriers to employment. From our humble beginnings we have seen continued and exciting growth which has allowed us to further develop and expand our support programmes alongside the opening of several retail outlets, high street stores and a community hub and café.

Our additional retail stores are in Runcorn (two stores), Earlstown, Kirkham, Thorn Cross and Wrexham. Our mission is to support those facing multiple barriers to employment by providing mentorship, employment opportunities and holistic support. Rebuild With Hope provides opportunities and delivers comprehensive support making transitioning back to work as smooth as possible.

We offer training, volunteering, work experience and progression to real work opportunities, coupled with wrap around support to foster independence, promote self-esteem and provide hope for people when they need it most. Employment and volunteering opportunities continue to help us support communities with the ongoing and ever challenging cost of living crisis.

Overview

The Rebuild with Hope Foundation is a fast growing and impactful charity supporting those facing barriers to work. Due to our continued growth we are looking to increase and diversify our Board membership. We are looking to appoint Trustees, no former experience is required as training will be provided. We are also looking to appoint a Treasurer a long with an experienced Chair of the Board. There are separate recruitment packs for each of the three roles, with each outlining the different knowledge and experiences required .

As Treasureyou will help steer the charity towards achieving its mission. This vital role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to meaningful community initiatives, support sustainable growth, and foster positive relationships with stakeholders. As a Trustee, you will play a key part in shaping the charity’s future, ensuring accountability, transparency, and effective governance. This paid position invites passionate individuals eager to make a lasting difference through dedicated service and innovative thinking.

Role Description

Board Members are jointly and severally responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity, its financial health, probity of its activities, developing the organisation’s aims, objectives, and goals in accordance with the Constitution, legal and regulatory guidelines. All Board Members should be aware of and understand their individual and collective responsibilities and should not be overly reliant on one or more Members in any aspect of the governance of the charity.

Treasurer Specific Duties

• Liaising, where applicable with the CEO (or other appropriate member of staff)
• Supporting the Board to monitor the financial position of the charity
• Creating in conjunction with relevant financial senior instruments for the control of charity assets
• Ensuring that staff create sound financial instruments for the control of charity assets
• Advising on the financial implications the Charity's Strategic Plan
• Ensuring that the annual accounts are compliant with the current charities’ SORP
• Ensuring close working relationships with the internal audit team and any Committees of the Board
• Ensuring that sound financial management is maintained and ensuring expenditure is in line with the charity’s objects
• Acting as a counter signatory on charity cheques and any applications and receipts of funding (if mandated)

Trustee Duties

• Ensuring the charity complies with legislative and regulatory requirements and acts within the confines of the Constitution and its charitable objects.
• Acting in the best interest of the charity, beneficiaries, and future beneficiaries.
• Promoting and developing the charity to help it grow and maintain its public benefit.
• Maintaining sound financial management and control of the charity’s resources.
• Ensuring a fully effective and appropriate system recruitment, for appointment the and monitoring of the work and activities for the CEO and Senior Management team.
• Ensuring the effective and efficient administration of the charity and its resources, striving for best practice in good governance.
• Maintaining absolute confidentiality about all aspects of Trustees’ business

This role offers an inspiring opportunity to contribute your skills and experiences toward creating positive change while working alongside passionate professionals dedicated to making a difference in our communities.

How to apply

Please download the relevant recruitment pack for either Trustee, Treasurer and Chair. The application process is outlined within the pack.

We request no contact from external agencies

Job Description

Kent Sexual Assault & Abuse Service is dedicated to providing safe spaces where survivors of all forms of sexual violence across Kent and Medway, can access the high-quality, trauma-informed, specialist practical and therapeutic support that they need to recover from the impact of sexual violence and rebuild their lives. Having won and mobilised the Police & Crime Commissioner Kent Wide Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA)and Trauma Therapy contracts in April 2026, we are keen to extend our trustee board to ensure high quality, robust governance for our charity and support for the KSAAS team during this time of expansion. 

Key Functions of the Trustee Board Include:

• Ensuring compliance to KSAAS’s governing document (constitution), charity law and any other relevant legislation and regulations.

• Providing robust, evidence based strategic direction to KSAAS in collaboration with KSAAS Management Team, by reviewing the mission, vision, values, goals, targets, performance and the long-term strategy of the charity.

• Ensuring effective and efficient operation of the charity through oversight of the policies, procedures and systems.

• Ensuring that KSAAS pursues its objects as set out in its governing document and applies its resources exclusively to the pursuance of these objects.

• Ensuring the financial stability and accountability of KSAAS and protecting and managing KSAAS’s funds, estate and property.

• Ensuring KSAAS robustly meets all safeguarding requirements.

• Using any specific skills, knowledge or experience to help the Trustee Board to make sound decisions in the best interest of the charity.

Knowledge and Skills

The knowledge and skills that are beneficial to our charity are included in the recruitment pack, but in particular, we are keen to hear from individuals who have experience of business management and development, human resources, finance management, fundraising, marketing and communications, IT, social media, ISVA or counselling work and safeguarding.  

Commitment

The time commitment of a KSAAS trustee is estimated at 2-4 hours per month, comprising:

• Six 2 hour board meetings per year (normally online in the evening, but some in person in Canterbury with prior arrangement)

• Attending the annual general meeting (AGM)

• Time to read and reflect on board papers & AGM Papers

• Attending an annual trustee away day and occasional training sessions

• Attending subcommittees when required

If you are interested in becoming a trustee with KSAAS, please see further details about the role and application process in the attached recruitment pack. 

We look forward to hearing from you.

The KSAAS Trustee Board

About Lights Up

Lights Up was established shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic to support theatre and creative activity. The timing was challenging: theatres subsequently remained closed for a prolonged period and the environment in which the charity had been established changed considerably.

The existing trustees now believe that Lights Up's charitable structure and fundraising capability could be put to wider social use. In particular, we are exploring an evolution of the charity that would enable it to provide umbrella funding and support for organisations and initiatives tackling homelessness.

No change of objects has yet been made. As part of this process, and following discussions with the Charity Commission, we are recruiting a new Board of Trustees before the proposed changes are considered and progressed.

The opportunity

We are looking for new trustees to help oversee the next stage of Lights Up's development.

One of the founding trustees will remain with the charity in an operational role as Executive Founder, reporting to and accountable to the Board. The other founding trustee will retire from the Board.

The new trustees will therefore have a genuine governance role: overseeing the charity's strategy, finances, regulatory compliance and future direction, including consideration and implementation of any approved changes to its charitable objects.

If the proposed new model proceeds, the charity does not intend to make decisions about the distribution of homelessness funding based solely on its own expertise. Funding allocations will be informed by advice from an appropriate independent third-party expert with relevant sector knowledge.

Who are we looking for?

We would particularly welcome applications from people interested in becoming a trustee for the first time. Previous charity or trustee experience is not required.

We are looking for people with sound judgement, integrity and an interest in using their skills to support effective charitable governance.

Experience in finance, law, governance, grant-making, fundraising, homelessness, social impact or the voluntary sector would be useful, but is not essential.

We are also seeking a Chair of Trustees, for whom previous governance or relevant board-level experience is expected.

Commitment

The roles are voluntary and primarily governance-focused. We anticipate approximately four Board meetings each year, predominantly held remotely, together with occasional additional input when required.

Why join now?

This is an opportunity to join a small charity at an exciting point in its development.

Rather than recruiting trustees to oversee an established model, we are inviting new Board members to help scrutinise, shape and govern the charity's proposed next chapter.

We want to be transparent about where Lights Up has come from, why change is being considered, and the responsibility the new Board will have in determining how that change is taken forward.

How to apply

Please send us a short expression of interest outlining your background, what you could bring to the Board and why the role interests you.

Please indicate if you would also like to be considered for the role of Chair of Trustees.

We are seeking an experienced and passionate HR and people professional to join our Board and help shape an inclusive and supportive organisation. We are particularly interested in hearing from people with expertise in HR, people strategy, organisational development or workforce wellbeing, who share our commitment to creating a positive environment where staff and volunteers can thrive.

The Board of Trustees is responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity, developing CLAPA’s aims, objectives and goals in accordance with the governing document, legal and regulatory guidelines. You would be joining our board at an exciting time, as we continue to implement our 5-year strategy for 2025-2030.

The HR Trustee will contribute to all aspects of the charity’s governance while providing essential HR expertise to support and enhance our work. We are seeking an experienced people professional to help make a meaningful impact at CLAPA, in line with its strategic priorities.

About CLAPA

The Cleft Lip and Palate Action (CLAPA) is the national charity for people affected by cleft lip and palate in the United Kingdom.

CLAPA supports people affected by cleft to take control of their journey, connect with others, and use their voices to impact the future of care. Our vision is that no one affected by cleft lip and palate in the United Kingdom will go through their journey alone.

Chair of Trustees - The Family Place Foundation

We are recruiting a new Chair of Trustees to lead our Board and support the next stage of our charity’s development.

Location: Remote, with occasional in‑person trustee meetings (typically once or twice a year) held in the Clyro/Herefordshire area.

Time commitment: Approximately 1–2 days per month. This includes six trustee meetings a year, occasional ad‑hoc discussions and light‑touch support between meetings (for example reviewing policies or responding to emails).

Remuneration: Voluntary role (reasonable expenses reimbursed)

About us

Established in 2020, we are a small, well-established charity with a strong grounding and a clear purpose. We raise funds to provide support to adopted, fostered and kinship care children and their families to improve emotional wellbeing, strengthen relationships, and reduce the impact of early trauma. In collaboration with leading UK practitioners, we support the delivery of a range of services providing essential therapeutic care and family support that isn’t covered by statutory funding. Services offered include Family Activity Days, Specialist Clinical Workshops, Advisory Consultations and Family Respite Camps. We also work to raise awareness of the challenges faced by children who cannot live with their birth families. We are a warm, committed team with a strong reputation for high‑quality support, clear governance, and genuine care for the families we serve.

To learn more about our work, please search online for “The Family Place Foundation”.

We are now seeking a Chair of Trustees to help guide the charity through its next stage of development, including shaping our emerging Family Foundations project, a significant new early‑years initiative for the charity, alongside our ongoing portfolio of funded projects delivered through our specialist partner. This is an exciting opportunity to join a dedicated Board and a small operational support team who care deeply about the families we serve and the long‑term sustainability of the organisation.

The charity is currently led by a Board of four trustees, supported by two part‑time operational staff and a small group of volunteers.

As Chair, you will provide leadership to the Board, ensure effective governance, and help the charity continue enabling the delivery of high‑quality, trauma‑informed support. You will work closely with the trustees and operational colleagues to help shape strategy, strengthen partnerships, and ensure the charity remains compliant, resilient, and focused on its mission. You will also play a key role in strengthening the charity’s governance and fundraising, which in turn enables the therapeutic delivery carried out by our specialist partner. 

A supportive handover will be provided to ensure a smooth and confident transition into the role.

Person Specification

We are looking for someone who brings:

• Warmth, clarity and good judgement, with a balanced, proportionate approach to governance.

• A genuine commitment to improving the lives of adopted, fostered and kinship care children and an understanding of the challenges faced by families affected by early trauma.

• Confidence in chairing discussions, helping the Board reach clear, well‑considered decisions.

• An understanding of good governance, including risk, safeguarding and compliance (or a willingness to learn).

• The ability to work collaboratively with trustees and our small operational support team, offering encouragement and constructive challenge while supporting the charity’s governance and fundraising role, which enables the specialist delivery work carried out by our partner.

• Strategic thinking, with the ability to help shape the charity’s direction and ensure long‑term sustainability.

• Reliability, integrity and a calm, steady approach, keeping the charity’s purpose at the centre of decision‑making.

• Meets the eligibility requirements to serve as a charity trustee, as set out by the Charity Commission.

Helpful but not essential:

• Experience of chairing a board or committee

• Experience in charity governance, education, social care, therapeutic work, or community leadership would be helpful, but we are open to a wide range of backgrounds.

• Lived or professional experience related to adoption, fostering, trauma or family support.

What We Offer

• A warm, committed Board, small operational support team and group of volunteers who work collaboratively and value clear communication.

• A meaningful opportunity to shape the future of a small but growing charity with a strong reputation for high‑quality, trauma‑informed support.

• Flexible time commitments that fit around work and family life.

• A chance to make a tangible difference to adopted, fostered and kinship-care children and young people, and the families who care for them.

How to apply

Please apply through the CharityJob platform with your CV and a short supporting statement outlining your interest in the role and your relevant experience. 

If you would like an informal conversation before applying please contact the charity directly using the details provided on our website. We would be happy to arrange a conversation with the current Chair or another member of the Board if you would like to learn more about the role.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and lived experiences.

We are currently looking for a new Clinician Trustee who can use their expertise and strategic insight to support our growing charity at a critical time for cleft care and NHS reform.

The Clinician Trustee will contribute to all aspects of the charity’s governance while providing essential clinical expertise to support and enhance our work.

We are seeking an experienced professional to help drive CLAPA’s clinical impact in line with its strategic priorities. We are particularly interested in hearing from clinicians with experience of strategic leadership within cleft services, specialised commissioning, workforce development or national clinical networks, who can help CLAPA navigate a period of significant change and reform across the NHS.

In this role, you will offer insight into the patient journey across the evolving cleft care pathway, strengthen relationships between CLAPA and clinical teams and provide clinical guidance to inform our campaigns and initiatives. You will bring a strong understanding of patient centred care and use your expertise to help shape and influence improvements in services and outcomes.

Ideally, you will also draw on safeguarding experience from your clinical role to support the charity’s safeguarding function and promote best practice across our work.

If you think you have the experience, passion and leadership to help us meet the needs of the community we serve, we want to hear from you.

Role overview

Trustee — Programmes

About us: Could you help us get millions of separated children Back to Family?

Orphanages don’t protect children, they harm them. Put simply: the last thing an orphanage can provide is the first thing a child needs - someone to love them. 

Right now, 5.4 million children around the world are locked away in orphanages — even though over 80% of them are not orphans. Orphanages expose children to abuse and trafficking, and physical and psychological trauma that can last a lifetime. A century of evidence shows that the bond between a child and their family is what every child needs to grow, thrive and be safe. 

The role

As our Programmes Trustee, you will bring senior international development or humanitarian programmes expertise to our Board, helping to strengthen the quality, scale and impact of HHC's work across nine countries. Working closely with our Chair, CEO and Director of Global Programmes, you will contribute to our ambitious 2030 goal by:

• Programmes leadership — drawing on your senior experience to provide strategic oversight and constructive challenge on HHC's programme delivery, quality assurance and evidence base, helping ensure our work delivers real and lasting change for children and families.
• Systems change — advising the Board and Executive on how to drive and sustain national-level care reform across the diverse contexts in which HHC operates, including fragile and conflict-affected settings.
• Humanitarian financing — supporting HHC's ambitions to transform how the humanitarian sector finances work addressing children in orphanages and those at risk of family separation, drawing on your understanding of macro-level financing mechanisms and how they can be influenced.
• Safeguarding and risk — contributing to the Board's oversight of the risk, regulatory and safeguarding context for an international organisation working directly with vulnerable children and families.

Who we are looking for

You will bring senior leadership experience in a programmes function within an NGO, multilateral organisation, government body or major funder — particularly in work with marginalised children, families and communities. Beyond that, we are looking for someone who brings:

• A track record of overseeing or leading programmes at scale across multiple countries or regions, including in lower income, middle income or fragile and conflict-affected settings
• Extensive experience of programme strategy, quality assurance, monitoring, evaluation and learning, and of using evidence to drive decision-making
• A sound understanding of the international development and humanitarian sector, including donor landscapes and the operating environment for international NGOs
• Experience of working in partnership with local government and other stakeholders to bring about systems change

Above all, you will share our belief that every child deserves to grow up in the love and safety of a family, and our commitment to driving that change with courage, integrity, excellence and being deeply human. 

What we offer

This is a voluntary, unremunerated role. In return you will:

• Engage with our work across nine countries 
• Contribute to systemic change at global scale, helping to shape the future for separated children worldwide
• Be part of an organisation approaching its 2030 goal — a worldwide consensus that orphanages have no place in any child's life

Time commitment

The role requires approximately 12–18 days per year, comprising:

• Four Board meetings per year (in person, London or virtual)
• Five subcommittee meetings per year (virtual), as a key member of our Programmes, Advocacy, Research and Accountability Committee (PARAC)
• An annual two-day awayday, which may take place in one of our countries of operation
• Additional time for preparation, ad hoc queries and induction in your first year

The initial term of office is three years, with the possibility of two further three-year terms by mutual agreement.

Closing Date: The final cut off for applications is 17.00 UK time on Thursday 8 October 2026 so please get in touch if you have the right skills, experience and passion for our cause.

To apply, please upload your CV and a brief covering letter indicating why you are interested in joining the Hope and Homes for Children Board and how your experience, skills and values map to the requirements of this role.

Diversity

Hope and Homes for Children actively encourages equity, diversity and inclusion, and we look to recruit a diverse range of people to reflect the communities in which we live. We are keen to see a diverse membership of both the trustee body and committees as we believe diversity brings us closer to our mission of eliminating orphanages.

Thank you for considering this role. Every child deserves to grow up in the love and safety of a family

Contract type

Volunteer

Hours

12 - 18 days per annum

Salary

Voluntary (expenses paid)