69 Chair of trustees volunteer volunteer roles

Dorothy House is seeking an exceptional and inspirational leader to join its Board of Trustees with the intention of becoming the charity's next Chair.

This is a unique opportunity for an experienced board leader to help shape the future of hospice and end-of-life care, providing strategic leadership, strong governance and influential external advocacy for one of the region's leading hospices. We are looking for an individual with the vision, credibility and commitment to support Dorothy House through its next phase of development and ensure it continues to deliver outstanding care and support for people and families at some of the most important moments in their lives.

As a Trustee and prospective Chair, you will help lead the Board in setting the organisation's long-term direction, ensuring effective governance, financial sustainability and organisational resilience. You will bring the ability to think strategically, navigate complexity, build strong relationships and act as an authentic ambassador for Dorothy House across a wide range of stakeholders and partners.

About the Role (Unremunerated Volunteer Position)

We are seeking someone who can demonstrate:

• Significant board-level leadership experience as a Chair, Trustee, Non-Executive Director or equivalent.
• Experience chairing boards, committees or senior decision-making forums.
• Support to the organisation in anticipating and responding to changing patterns of need, demographic trends, health inequalities, workforce challenges, technological developments and evolving models of care
• Visionary leadership with the ability to anticipate future opportunities and challenges, inspire innovation and shape long-term organisational sustainability.
• Strong understanding of governance, fiduciary responsibilities, risk management and organisational performance.
• Experience contributing to the development and oversight of organisational strategy.
• Experience leading or supporting organisations through change, growth or transformation.
• Ability to build effective relationships with Chief Executives and senior leaders, providing both support and constructive challenge.
• Outstanding communication, influencing and stakeholder engagement skills.
• A track record as an ambassador, advocate and relationship-builder.
• A genuine commitment to Dorothy House's mission, values and the provision of exceptional end-of-life care

Appointment Process While this recruitment process is being undertaken with the intention of identifying Dorothy House's next Chair, appointment as Chair cannot take place until the individual has first been appointed as a Trustee. Subject to the Board's decision and the provisions of the Articles of Association, appointment as Chair may take place immediately following appointment as a Trustee.

Why Join Dorothy House? This is an opportunity to make a lasting contribution to a highly respected and ambitious organisation. As Chair, you will help shape the future of hospice care, strengthen Dorothy House's influence and impact, and ensure the organisation remains sustainable, innovative and responsive to the needs of the communities it serves.

Appointment Details The trustee term is 3 years, renewable up to a maximum of 9 years (3 x 3-year terms). The Chair serves up to 2 terms only. The time commitment for a Chair of Trustees can be up to 1 day a week. Training in the responsibilities of charity trustees will be provided.

Closing Date: Thursday 8 October

Interviews: Thursday 12 November

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.

Women at The Well is a London-based women's organisation working with women facing disadvantages. We have special expertise in supporting those affected by sexual exploitation. We are a friendly and driven team, and we're looking for new trustees who share our values and want to help guide our work, with an extra call out for a Treasurer if you have some finance skills. Please get in touch if you'd like to know more, we really welcome enquiries. 

We’re looking for passionate, innovative and committed Trustees to join our brilliant Board and help us write our next chapter.

Age UK Islington is an independent charity, operating within the Age UK network. We empower people to improve or maintain their health, wellbeing, connections and independence, through a diverse range of impactful services with a focus on prevention and person-centred care. Although we work primarily with over-55s, our services support an increasing number of younger people, and we are the lead agency supporting unpaid carers of all ages across Islington.

This is an exciting time to join the charity, with a new CEO in post and ambitious plans to expand our impact during a period of significant external changes. Our services are performing strongly, and we are fortunate to be in a position of relative financial stability, so we are well positioned for growth and innovation.

If you are passionate about our cause, enjoy teamwork, and can commit to the responsibilities of being a trustee at Age UK Islington, we'd love to hear from you. We are particularly interested in hearing from candidates with expertise and experience in the following areas:

· Digital Transformation, including cybersecurity and AI

· Finance and Investments

· Fundraising and Income Generation

· NHS / Health and Social Care leadership

How to apply or enquire about the role, see contact details within the 'How to Apply' section

Chair of the Board of Trustees 

Mind in Salford 

Location: Salford / Hybrid 

Contract: Voluntary Trustee position 

Time commitment: Approximately 1- to 1.5-days per month 

Would you like to use your leadership and governance experience to help shape the future of a charity making a lasting difference to the mental health and wellbeing of people across Salford? 

Mind in Salford is seeking a new Chair of Trustees to lead its Board and support the charity as it builds on over 50 years of providing vital local mental health services. 

About Mind in Salford 

Mind in Salford is an independent, user-focused charity committed to ensuring local people experiencing mental health problems receive the support and respect they deserve. 

The charity provides a range of services including advocacy, welfare rights and debt advice, mindfulness, mental health training and specialist support for the LGBTQ+ community through its Rainbow Mind programme. 

With an experienced Senior Leadership Team and a Board that is going through a period of transition, this is an opportunity for a new Chair to strengthen Board effectiveness, support the development of new Trustees and help shape the charity’s next chapter. 

About the Role 

The Chair will provide strategic leadership to the Board, ensuring effective governance, sound decision-making and a clear focus on Mind in Salford’s charitable purpose. 

In this role, you will lead and develop an effective, inclusive and high-performing Board, Chair meetings, build a strong, constructive relationship with the Chief Executive and represent the Charity and help develop relationships with key partners and supporters. 

About You 

They are looking for someone with senior strategic leadership experience and a strong understanding of charity governance, who can lots of emotional intelligence and sound judgement to the role. 

You will bring: 

• Experience of working with a charity Board or in a senior non-executive role. 

• A strong understanding of the duties and responsibilities of charity Trustees. 

• The ability to chair meetings effectively, build consensus and manage challenging conversations. 

• Experience of providing strategic oversight of finance, risk and organisational performance. 

• Strong relationship-building and influencing skills. 

• A genuine commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. 

Knowledge of health and social care, or a related sector, would be valuable. A connection to Salford and its communities is also important. 

Commitment 

The Board meets every two months, alongside a Finance sub-committee which meets four times a year. Trustees are expected to prepare for meetings, review papers in advance and contribute actively to Board discussions. As Chair you will be expected to meet regularly with the CEO and provide support outside of the formal meeting structure. 

This is a voluntary position, although reasonable out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed. The initial term is three years, with a maximum of three terms. 

How to Apply 

To apply, please click Apply Now below. You will need to include: 

• An up-to-date CV. 

• A covering statement of no more than two pages outlining how you meet the requirements of the role and the value you would bring as Chair. 

For an informal conversation about the role, please contact our recruitment partners, Atkinson HR Consulting. Contact information can be found on the Candidate Information Pack and website. 

Key Dates 

Closing date: Tuesday 29 September 2026 at 12 noon 

Interview date: Friday 16 October 2026 (in person) 

Chair of Trustees – Hackney Playbus

Are you passionate about giving every child the best start in life?

Hackney Playbus has supported children and families across Hackney for more than 50 years through free, inclusive play sessions, family support and community outreach. We are now looking for an inspiring and collaborative Chair of Trustees to help lead the organisation into its next chapter.

This is an exciting opportunity to work alongside an experienced Board and Co-Directors to shape the strategic direction of a well-established local charity with a strong reputation and growing ambition.

As Chair, you will provide leadership to the Board, ensuring strong governance, thoughtful decision-making and a clear focus on our charitable mission. You will support and challenge the Co-Directors, help build an engaged and diverse Board, and act as an ambassador for Hackney Playbus with partners, funders and the wider community.

We’re looking for someone with strategic leadership experience, excellent communication skills and a collaborative approach. Previous Chair experience is welcome but not essential; we’d also love to hear from people with senior leadership, governance or committee experience who are ready to take on their first Chair role.

This is a voluntary position requiring approximately 1–2 days per month, including quarterly Board meetings, regular meetings with the Co-Directors and occasional attendance at events and partnership meetings.

Alongside recruiting our new Chair, we are also seeking trustees with expertise in:

• Fundraising and income generation
• Corporate partnerships and employee volunteering
• Communications and marketing
• Advocacy and influencing

By joining Hackney Playbus, you’ll help ensure that children can play, families feel supported, and communities continue to thrive.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and lived experiences and are particularly keen to hear from people who reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.

Come and join the magical Patchworking Garden Project, established in 2015. It is a volunteer run charity supporting volunteers with a wide variety of physical and mental health needs through gardening, crafting and friendship. We have a strong identity within the local community and are known for increasing the wellbeing of those we support by valuing everyone’s contribution unreservedly, enhancing self-confidence and encouraging, where appropriate, progression to other activities. The Charity is run entirely by volunteers and those whom we support are supported volunteers.

Under the charity we also run The Patchworking Academy which offers the opportunity to gain an internationally recognised City & Guilds qualification in Practical Horticulture Skills. The Academy seeks to address inclusion via employment-ready qualifications for adults facing challenging circumstances. With the guidance of experienced and highly qualified therapeutic horticulture tutors, learners work at their own pace with a small group of other interested learners.

We are looking for a chair with some charity and governance experience who is

● able to quickly grasp what our values are and how we operate

● used to managing change

● happy in a leadership role,

● committed to a collaborative way of working 

● comfortable dealing with finances (preferably in the charity sector)

It is a lovely role for the right person so do get in touch for a chat if you think you might be interested.  There is a full role description available.

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.

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.  We are seeking a Chair of Trustees to take over the leadership of the board when our current chair steps down in October.

KSAAS Chair of Trustees Responsibilities:

Leading the trustee board in providing robust, transparent and courageous governance for the charity, including ensuring the charity is fulfilling its mission, aims and values, setting the culture, strategic direction and strategic plan for the charity, approving the annual operations (business) plan, budget and safeguarding & risk management plans & monitoring these to ensure delivery, ensuring compliance to the ethical, legal, financial and safeguarding responsibilities of charities and trustees and ensuring compliance with contractual agreements and ensuring the charity holds itself accountable to its stakeholders and partners

Providing effective oversight of the Trustee Board through appropriate recruitment, screening, induction, training and support of trustees, ensuring trustee awareness and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, ensure that the trustee board annually reviews its structure, effectiveness, delegations and key policies, and implements agreed changes as necessary.

Ensuring effective strategic and operational leadership of the charity by working with the Board to approve a scheme of delegation and appraisal of the CEO, supporting, positively challenging and holding the CEO to account through line management processes, liaising with the CEO to arrange meetings and chairing Board meetings to ensure these are well run and focussed on delivering the charity's work, provision of appropriate training, support and wellbeing opportunities for staff & volunteers.

Act as a representative and spokesperson for the charity in collaboration with the management team and other trustees.

Knowledge and Skills

Essential: Leadership & management experience and experience of working in a charity or having a trustee or a similar role is essential.  Experience of one or more of the following is also essential: charity or business management, charity law or criminal law, ISVA work, counselling or therapy, data protection and management, equity and inclusion, financial management, fundraising or commissioning, governance, human resources, information technology, health and safety, marketing and communications, monitoring and evaluation, research and evaluation, strategic planning, sexual violence or VAWG work.

Commitment

The time commitment of a KSAAS trustee is estimated at 12 hours per month, comprising:

• Supervision and support for the Chief Executive Officer
• Six 2 hour board meetings per year (normally online in the evening, but some in person in Canterbury with prior arrangement)
• Annual general meeting (AGM) preparation & Attendance
• Time to read and reflect on reports and papers for meetings
• 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

Would you like to join our Board of  Trustees of Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust?

This year we are looking for three people to join our Board of Trustees at our AGM in October 26.

Trustees of the Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust (SRWT) are volunteers who together lead the organisation in the planning, resourcing and delivery of its activities, so that it can achieve its charitable objectives.  An enthusiastic, committed and active Board of Trustees, with a good range of knowledge, skills, experience and personal qualities is vital to the healthy and effective running of the organisation.

The Board of Trustees:

• lead the strategic development and planning of the Trust

• develop and adopt appropriate policies

• aim to ensure that the Trust is legally compliant and works to best practice wherever possible

• supports, guides and advises the Trust’s staff and volunteers, especially the CEO and the Executive Team

This year, we are especially keen to hear from people who:

Have expertise, knowledge and experience in one or more of the of the following areas:

• Marketing

• Commercial management, business acumen, profit for purpose experience (with reference to our consultancy)

• Green finance.

• Enterprise development

• Income generation

• Legal experience

• Health, Safety and safeguarding policy and compliance

• Have a good knowledge of communities and/or natural environment in Rotherham

• Can represent more of our diverse community in Sheffield & Rotherham

We are also recruiting for a Trustee to be our Treasurer who will have:

• Professional accounting qualification (e.g. ACA, ACCA, CIMA, AAT)

• Ability to analyse proposals and understand financial consequences

• Understanding of financial risk

Skills & Experience

Trustees should demonstrate some or all of the following:

• Passion for nature

• Interest in and enthusiasm for the work of the Wildlife Trust

• Experience of working as part of a decision-making group, board or committee either in a business or voluntary environment

• Experience or knowledge of the legal requirements of a charity

• Local knowledge of the places in which the Sheffield & Rotherham Wildlife Trust operates

• Experience of financial management and budgeting in a business or voluntary environment 

The following areas of expertise are always welcome on the Board:

• Environmental Law/ Protected species

• Land Management and Conservation 

• Community Outreach and Development

• Education & Training, Working with Children and Young People

• Advocacy & Campaigning

• Research: relevant to the work of the Trust

• Fundraising

Swansea Carers Centre are seeking an experienced and inspirational Chair to lead our Board of Trustees and help shape the next phase of our development.

About Swansea Carers Centre

Swansea Carers Centre is a vibrant, welcoming Tier 2 charity supporting unpaid carers across the City & County of Swansea. Every year, over 1,800 carers access our services, and more than 10,500 carers have registered with us since our founding. We provide welfare benefits advice, counselling, respite opportunities, dementia support, young adult carer projects, volunteer‑led initiatives, training, social groups and more. The services are all designed to ensure carers feel valued, connected and empowered. We also look to identify hidden carers and make certain that people looking after others can find the support they need.

An unpaid carer is anyone who provides support to a family member, friend or neighbour due to a variety of reasons which could include illness, disability, mental health needs, addiction, or age‑related frailty. Many people do not recognise themselves as carers yet they take on vital responsibilities that can have a profound impact on their wellbeing, finances and daily life. Our vision is a society where carers are recognised, respected and supported as equal partners in care. Our mission is to make a positive difference to carers’ lives by working in partnership with carers, statutory bodies and voluntary organisations.

The Role

The Chair will lead a committed Board of Trustees, ensuring Swansea Carers Centre is well-governed, financially sustainable and forward‑looking.

You will work closely with our CEO and Senior Management Team to embed strong governance practices, support strategic decision‑making, and champion a culture of empowerment across the organisation. This is a pivotal leadership role at a time when carers’ needs are growing, and the charity is strengthening its strategic direction.

We are particularly seeking a Chair who can:

• Embed modern, effective governance approaches
• Support the Board to focus on strategic leadership rather than operational detail
• Empower staff and volunteers to deliver high‑quality, carer‑led services
• Build strong partnerships with local authorities, health bodies, funders and community organisations
• Represent Swansea Carers Centre with confidence and credibility

Monthly Board meetings are held in person in Swansea, and we welcome applications from candidates based elsewhere who are willing to travel to attend.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Board to ensure balanced, inclusive and focused discussion
• Promote high standards of governance and regulatory compliance
• Provide strategic leadership and support effective decision‑making
• Build a strong, supportive working relationship with the CEO
• Ensure trustees receive timely, relevant information
• Champion carers’ interests and represent the charity externally
• Support succession planning and Board development
• Attend approximately 12 Board meetings per year, plus occasional sub‑committees and events

Term: Three years, renewable

Who We’re Looking For

Essential Experience

• Experience chairing Boards, committees or senior governance meetings
• Strong understanding of charity governance and trusteeship
• Proven leadership and excellent communication skills
• Strategic thinker with sound judgement
• Ability to build consensus and foster positive relationships
• Commitment to improving the lives of unpaid carers
• Financial awareness and comfort with digital tools
• Integrity, emotional intelligence and a collaborative approach

Desirable

• Previous experience as a Chair or Vice Chair
• Experience in voluntary, community, health or social care sectors
• Knowledge of charity finance, fundraising or organisational development
• Experience working with diverse communities

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to make a meaningful, lasting impact on the lives of carers across Swansea. You’ll be joining a passionate team, a committed Board, and an organisation with a clear mission, strong values and a desire to evolve its governance and strategic leadership.

If you want to help shape a charity that empowers carers, strengthens communities and delivers high‑quality support, we would love to hear from you.

Position Description 
This is an exciting time to join the Heart of the City trustee board. You will join a small but ambitious Charity with strong foundations and networks across the public and private sector. This is an opportunity to shape the next chapter for the Heart of the City, with a strong focus on developing a robust, sustainable three-year Strategy. The Strategy will be supported by work to further diversify funding streams, that provide greater financial resilience without compromising our mission to support SMEs to become responsible businesses and play a full role in responding to the Climate Emergency.

The incoming Chair will support the team to develop a three-year Strategy to support the growth of the Charity.

The plan will explore:

• The Mission of the Charity and how it should grow
• Diversifying and securing new sources of funding
• Broadening our programmatic offer to SMEs
• Defining the strategic relationship between Heart of the City and the City of London Corporation

Unlike most small charities, Heart of the City has an extensive network and governance structures with prestigious organisations. The Chair will help manage key relationships with the Bank of England and Corporation of London, as well as key Council Members. The Chair will be instrumental in managing an effective and focussed set of Trustees to help shape, scrutinise and deliver the Charity’s mission.

By the end of the three-year period as Chair, you will have supported the development and implementation of a Strategy, which meets the vision of the Charity, helped develop a sustainable and resilient funding model, ensured that the Charity is making an impact and reporting on its achievements and maintains effective relationships with key strategic partners.

Typically, the Chair will:

• Hold regular fortnightly meetings with the Managing Director.
• Attend quarterly Trustee Board meetings (usually lasting around two hours and held during the working day).
• Participate in a strategy half-day with Trustees and staff.
• Attend Council meetings (up to two per year).
• Support introductions to potential members, partners and stakeholders.
• Attend and occasionally speak at Heart of the City events on an ad hoc basis.

The Chair will contribute to ad-hoc requests including:

• Sharing their views on responsible business in interviews for our newsletter, social media or webinars
• Championing our work at other external events and meetings, on social media and on their own biographical profiles

About you
We do not expect one person to fulfil all specifications but would welcome applications from individuals who are able to demonstrate most of the following:

Experience & Knowledge

• Senior Executive experience in the Corporate, Charity or Public sector.
• Strong understanding of SMEs, their motivations and challenges.
• Strong commitment to sustainability and responsible business practices.
• Proven track record of setting strategic direction and leading senior teams.
• Well-connected senior network across businesses.

Skills & Attributes

• Excellent chairing, facilitation and sound judgement in complex situations.
• Strong strategic thinking with the ability to align resources to long-term mission and impact.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, able to engage audiences from SME leaders to senior stakeholders.
• Strong ambassadorial and relationship-building skills.
• Excellent listening, questioning and consensus-building abilities.

Commitment

Commitment to Heart of the City’s mission, values and responsible business agenda. Willingness to devote the time and energy required to fulfil the role effectively.

Closing application date
Midnight on 27 September 2026

Interviews
Trustees aim to meet with the candidates in the week commencing 12 October 2026.

Chair of Trustees – Mary Frances Trust

Location: Surrey/Hybrid

Time commitment: Approx. 1–2 days per month

Remuneration: Voluntary role (reasonable expenses reimbursed)

Term: Three-year term, with potential for reappointment for up to two further terms.

We are open to reasonable adjustments and flexible approaches to the role.

About Mary Frances Trust

Mary Frances Trust (MFT) is a mental health and emotional wellbeing charity that works alongside people experiencing any kind of emotional or mental health issues, supporting them for as long as needed to restore and maintain their wellbeing. We provide a range of community-based services, co-produced with people with lived experience of mental health issues. We work closely with partners across the health sector (including NHS), local authority and the voluntary sector.

We believe that anyone experiencing mental or emotional health issues should feel confident to ask for help and receive appropriate support for as long as needed, to live a fulfilling life.

Our values are: Inspiring, Inclusive, Agile and Respectful.

We are a charitable company limited by guarantee with a Board of Trustees responsible for our overall governance, strategy and compliance.

Board culture: Our Board is friendly, established and committed, working collaboratively to provide strong governance and support MFT’s mission.

Please note, Mary Frances Trust reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role.

The Role

We’re seeking a Chair of Trustees to provide leadership to the Board as MFT embarks on its next phase of growth and development. This is an exciting strategic role offering the opportunity to drive meaningful change and shape the future of our organisation. You will work closely with a committed team of Trustees, staff and volunteers to set direction, provide governance and ensure MFT continues to deliver real impact for the Surrey community.

The Chair will:

• Lead the Board and support the organisation to fulfil its charitable purpose.
• Ensure effective working relationships between the Board and staff, volunteers, the Advisory Group, Members and key external stakeholders.
• Act as spokesperson and figurehead for the charity where appropriate.
• Supervise and support the Chief Executive, including an annual performance review.
• Plan and prepare Board meetings and the Annual General Meeting (AGM) with the Chief Executive and other staff members as appropriate.
• Chair Board meetings effectively ensuring balanced discussion, clear decisions and actions are assigned and followed through.
• Lead regular reviews of Board effectiveness and support good succession planning for the Chair role.
• Work closely with the Chief Executive and fellow Trustees to ensure MFT meets its legal, regulatory and constitutional duties while staying true to its vision and values.

Person Specification

In addition to the skills and experience required of all MFT Trustees, the Chair will bring:

• Strong governance and leadership capability.
• The ability to chair meetings well and enable inclusive, balanced discussion and clear decisions.
• Sound judgement, and the ability to support and constructively challenge the Chief Executive.
• Tact, diplomacy and strong interpersonal skills.
• Understanding of the mental health and wellbeing sector and/or the wider voluntary sector context.
• The time and capacity to commit to around 1–2 days per month.
• Commitment to MFT’s values and to improving mental health and wellbeing in the Surrey community.

Previous experience as a Chair or Vice Chair (in a charity, public, or non-profit setting) is desirable, but we also welcome applications from candidates who can demonstrate strong governance and leadership experience and the ability to step into this role.

Additional experience that would strengthen the Board (desirable):

• HR / people governance experience.
• Capacity to support Board‑level oversight of complaints or appeals (staff or client related) where matters are escalated.
• Experience of Co‑production, lived‑experience‑led work, or collaborative approaches to service design and governance.
• Lived experience of mental health issues and/or caring experience (we value lived experience alongside governance and leadership skills).

Time Commitment

The Chair is expected to commit approximately around 1–2 days per month.

These include:

• Preparing for and chairing approximately six Board meetings a year.
• Attending the Annual General Meeting (in the autumn).
• Regular meetings with the Chief Executive.
• Occasional representation at external meetings and events.

Eligibility

You must be eligible to serve as a Charity Trustee and Company Director under UK law and be willing to complete the necessary eligibility and declaration checks.

All successful candidates will be required to undertake Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks as well as reference checks. These will be a condition of any offer of volunteering post being made.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and perspectives. We strongly encourage applications from people with lived experience of mental health issues.

We welcome applications from people under‑represented in charity governance (including disabled people, people from minoritised ethnic communities, and people with lived experience of mental health challenges).
 

Chair of Trustees at Watford and Three Rivers Refugee Partnership (WTRRP)

Job summary: 

We're looking for a Chair of Trustees to help shape the strategic vision of WTRRP as we move forward into our 25th year as a charity. This would be someone to support us with our strategy in line with our mission and our values. In this role, you will lead the Committee and other Trustees co-chairs of the charity, share responsibility for the agenda and actions of Trustee meetings and AGM, improving good governance and acting as a senior ambassador of the organisation. We are looking for someone with enthusiasm, availability and leadership skills to work collaboratively with our small staff and our volunteers.

WTRRP exists to support asylum seekers and refugees in Watford and Three Rivers who do not yet have settled status in the UK or may have specific needs relating to their application process or welfare. The main services of the charity are a drop-in session and social hub every Tuesday (at St Mary’s Church in central Watford), ESOL classes, providing advice and financial support to its clients and assisting them to integrate into the local community.

The Partnership has grown dramatically over the past 5 years, which is why we are looking for a Chair to join us. WTRRP is run by a committee that meets typically every 1-2 months and it also provides supervision to our 3 staff members and support to our 70 volunteers.

We would welcome applicants with any of the following experience:

• Governance and previous Committee experience
• Business development and charitable fundraising
• Human resources and people management
• Lived experience of being a Refugee or Migrant
• Financial background

Principal responsibilities:

1. Be part of the Committee, supporting the organisation as it grows and develops.
2. Have availability to regularly attend the Tuesday hub/drop-in at St. Marys church from 11- 2pm to support the team.
3. Oversee the administration and coordination of sub-committees.
4. Serve as line manager to our Operations Manager, helping to conduct planned supervision and appraisals.
5. Represent the Partnership as required to the public or external parties such as funders and Community groups.

This is an important role that will support the charity as we adapt and change. If you feel that you may have some of the skills we are looking for and want to have an initial chat with our chair, then please contact us.