Chair of trustees volunteer roles

Are you enthusiastic about philanthropy? Are you a trained accountant with experience of the charitable sector and/or experienced in a finance role? Could you actively contribute to setting the strategic direction of Quartet? Would you enjoy taking an ambassadorial role to advocate for the work of Quartet in the wider community? Are you willing to take on a lead role on the board advising on our finances, budget, investments and management and chairing our Finance and Investments committee?   If so, you could be our new accountant Trustee, and we would love to hear from you.

Location: Hybrid
Department: Trustees
Salary: Voluntary Position
Job Type: Part time
 
We’re looking for a trustee who can offer strategic insight and leadership in growing Galop’s income, influence, and public profile.
 
This is a critical moment for the organisation: we are scaling our services, amplifying our voice, and diversifying our funding. You’ll help shape this journey, supporting the CEO and senior team to build a bold and sustainable future.
 
Key Responsibilities
 
Fulfil the core duties of a charity trustee. For more information on these responsibilities please download the attached job description.
 
Person Specification
 

• An in-depth knowledge and understanding of LGBT issues and communities
• A demonstrable commitment to Galop’s vision, mission, and values, including anti-racism and diversity and inclusion
• Good independent judgement
• Commitment to work effectively as a member of a team
• Consensus building skills
• Tact and diplomacy
• Good communication and interpersonal skills

 
What We’re Looking For
 
You might be:

• A senior fundraiser, communications or brand leader in the charity or private sector.
• An experienced trustee looking for a cause you care deeply about.
• Someone newer to governance who brings lived experience, strategic insight, and passion.

 
We are particularly keen to hear from people who:

• Have professional experience in fundraising, marketing, branding, digital campaigns, or strategic communications.
• Have a passion about our sector and ideally understand the needs of LGBT , survivors or marginalised communities.
• Bring fresh perspectives and a collaborative spirit to board leadership. 
• You don’t need to have been a trustee before. What matters is your commitment to our values and your ability to think strategically, challenge constructively, and act in the best interests of the charity.

Terms of Appointment
 
Appointments are for an initial term of three years, renewable for up to two further terms of three years.
 
Remuneration
 
This is a voluntary role and there is no remuneration. Reasonable expenses incurred in the role will be reimbursed in line with the organisation’s expenses policy.
 
Location: Generally, meetings are held remotely online, with an annual Board Strategy Day being held in London.
 
Time Commitment

There are currently 4 formal Board meetings per year and more regular sub-committee meetings. The board meetings currently take place on Zoom on a Wednesday evening for approximately 2.5 hours. Sub-committee dates and times are flexible.
 
Other time commitments will include ongoing liaison with the Chair of the Board, Chief Executive and other senior staff, as well as attendance at other meetings, such as interview panels and events as required. We anticipate the overall time commitment being approximately 3-4 days per month for the first 12-18 months, settling to 2 days per month after that.
 
How to apply
 
This post is only available to applicants from the LGBTQ community as permitted under the Equality Act 2010 as a Genuine Occupational Requirement.
 
To apply, please complete the application form by 23:59 on Tuesday 30th September 2025.
 
REF-223717

Home-Start Suffolk is seeking an experienced and committed individual to join our Board of Trustees as Treasurer. This is a rewarding opportunity to play a vital leadership role in a well-established and growing charity that supports families across Suffolk. As Treasurer, you will work closely with the Chair, CEO, Finance Sub Committee and wider Board to ensure strong financial oversight and governance.

You’ll help guide our financial strategy, support budget-setting and risk management, and ensure that financial information is clear and accessible to the Board. We are specifically looking for someone with experience in charity finance, ideally with a background in accountancy or financial management. You will bring a solid understanding of financial governance and charity reporting requirements and be confident in offering strategic insight as well as practical advice.

This Treasurer role is part of our wider trustee recruitment, and we welcome applicants who also bring any of the following:

• Experience or knowledge of the local charity or voluntary sector
• Understanding of family support or volunteer management
• Strong networks and connections within local businesses
• Previous involvement with Home-Start Suffolk as a volunteer or someone who has received support
• A passion for making a difference in your community

English PEN is the founding centre of PEN International, a worldwide writers’ association with over 135 centres in more than 90 countries. English PEN is one of the world’s oldest human rights charities and works to promote literature and the right to freedom of expression through a wide range of campaigns, events, projects and publications.

We are looking for a new Treasurer to join our established Board of Trustees and help guide and advise us on financial affairs. The role of Treasurer is to oversee the accounts of the charity, chairing the Finance and Audit Committee, and acting as a point of liaison between the Board and the Director and Head of Operations. It does not involve day-to-day responsibility for the finances.

Duties and responsibilities

The Treasurer will provide financial expertise and oversight to help the Board carry out its financial responsibilities.

Specifically, they will:

• Chair the Finance and Audit Committee
• Work closely with the Director and the Head of Operations to monitor the financial stability of the charity
• Liaise with auditors and sign off the annual accounts
• Present the annual accounts to members at the annual general meeting
• Engage with PEN International on relevant matters

Raising Futures Kenya is looking for an enthusiastic, committed Trustee, with a passion for supporting our small but mighty international NGO through a journey of shifting power to our partner NGO.  We are particularly looking for individuals with experience in fundraising in the international development sector, and a strong understanding of the international fundraising landscape. 

Responsible to: Chair, Raising Futures Kenya

Purpose: To guide and advise on the international fundraising landscape, and shifting the power (including fundraising) to our Kenyan partners.

Hours: Approximately 6-8 hours a month. 

Salary: This is a voluntary role. 

We currently have seven Trustees across the UK, USA and Kenya and three paid, part-time staff. Board meetings are every 6-8 weeks in the evening via Google Meet.

About Raising Futures Kenya

For 22 years, Raising Futures Kenya (England & Wales charity no.1181670) has worked alongside local people, and our partner NGO, in Kenya to develop projects which are owned by the community and create long-term, sustainable change to reduce poverty and improve livelihoods. 

Through our Seed of Hope training and support programme we enable 14-25 year olds (75% girls) to secure employment or start a small business, generating enough income to live above the poverty line. We provide free technical vocational and business skills training, alongside mental health and wellbeing support which has led to over 90% of graduates being in employment, self-employment or further education. Seed of Hope offers young people opportunity, dignity and hope. 

All training is combined with 3 key elements of support which makes our project unique and more successful than vocational training alone. 

1. Daily life skills and mental health wellbeing curriculum which includes topics on common mental health issues to challenge stigma and signpost students to the free counselling sessions we offer, gender equality, knowing and asserting your rights, family planning, health, hygiene and nutrition. 

2. Practical help is provided to ensure we remove any barriers young people may face in gaining an education and attending lessons, such as; free cooked lunches, support with travel costs, childcare vouchers for young mothers and free menstrual hygiene packs. 

3. Graduate support helps young people set up their own business and generate a sustainable income. This includes tailored business and financial literacy training, access to the Seed of Hope Business Hub providing computers, tools, and materials for graduates to use to launch their business, plus an ongoing peer mentoring scheme from former successful Seed of Hope graduates. 

If students are traumatised, hungry or can’t afford sanitary products, they won’t be in a position to learn. We treat every student as an individual and personalise our support to their specific needs and circumstances to set every student up for success. We know this holistic approach is more successful than vocational training alone, and has the most meaningful impact for young people.

Achievements

Some of our achievements include:

• Over 3,100 young people in Kenya have received free skills training.

• Since 2021 we now support more young people in a year than our first 15 years combined.

• 91% of our graduates are in full time employment, self-employment or further education.

• Received multi-year funding from the Department for International Development (now FCDO) and other reputable grant givers, including a US funder who has granted us $100,000USD a year to go directly to our Kenyan partner as part of our journey to shift power to our partner.

• Awarded the ‘Small Charity, Big Impact’ award by the Foundation of Social Improvement 2019 for achieving disproportionate impact to our size.

• Awarded ‘Charity Governance Award for Improving Impact’ in May 2022.

• Shortlisted for ‘Diversity and Inclusion Award for Best NGO on Promotion of Human Rights’ in Kenya in March 2022.

The future of Raising Futures Kenya

We are in Year 3 of our 2022-2026 year Strategic Plan. The focus is on shifting the decision making power to our partner NGO in Kenya.  It’s an exciting time to join as we think about our plan for the next strategic era.

Role Summary

Responsibilities of all Trustees

• Ensuring the organisation pursues its charitable objects (purposes), as defined in its governing document. 

• Ensuring strategic objectives are developed and met in order to provide greater public benefit, namely to the young people and communities we work alongside in Kenya.

• Ensuring that the organisation complies with its governing document (i.e. constitution or memorandum and articles of association), charity law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.

• Ensuring that the organisation applies its resources exclusively in pursuit of its charitable objects (i.e. the charity must not spend money on activities that are not included in its own objects, however worthwhile or charitable those activities are) for the benefit of the public.

• Ensuring that the organisation defines its goals and evaluates performance against agreed targets.

• Safeguarding the good name and values of the organisation.

• Ensuring the effective and efficient administration of the organisation, including having appropriate policies and procedures in place.

• Ensuring the financial stability of the organisation.

• Protecting and managing the property of the charity and ensuring the proper investment of the charity’s funds.

• Following proper and formal arrangements for the appointment, supervision, support, appraisal and remuneration of the CEO.

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

Networking and partnership development

• All Trustees are expected to assist Raising Futures Kenya to secure a sustainable and diverse funding base for the organisation, from seeking funding opportunities to galvanising personal and professional networks to generate income.

• Act as a proud ambassador for Raising Futures Kenya, representing the charity at meetings and facilitating networking and funding opportunities as these arise. 

• Join relevant networks and associations to further your understanding of the sector we are in, and to promote the work and best practices of the charity. 

Advise on fundraising 

• Support the strategic direction of how funds are raised by the UK and Kenya, in terms of shifting the power.

• Provide direct feedback to fundraising staff on approaches, bids or key organisations.

• Link Raising Futures Kenya with key contacts or organisations in the fundraising sector.

Person Specification

The ideal candidate will have the following skills and experience;

Essential:

• Experience as a fundraiser in an international development organisation.

• Understanding of the localisation or shift the power agenda.

• A commitment to the organisation, and willingness to devote approximately 6 hours a month and attend Board meetings.

• Understanding of the regulatory responsibilities of a Charity Incorporated Organisation (or willingness to learn) 

• A willingness to speak your mind with respect, tact and diplomacy. 

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. 

• Honesty and integrity. We’re a values led organisation and want to ensure that everyone who joins us shares our values of honesty and integrity.

• Teamwork and commitment. We’re a small organisation and rely on each other to lean in and play a part in achieving our objectives. We believe in getting the work done, but having fun along the way so our meetings are often light-hearted.

• Passionate about furthering the impact of our work, in whatever way you can. For example utilising your networks to share the work we do or to seek donations.

Desirable: 

• Competent in understanding finances.

• Knowledge and experience of programmes in;

• Education, Technical Vocational Training or Entrepreneurship

• Mental Health and Wellbeing

• Young people

• Girls and women

• Income generation

• Farming/agriculture

• Programmes in Kenya

• We are always looking for candidates who have lived experience of any of the following;

  • Kenya

  • East Africa

  • Technical Vocational Training

We are committed to a culture of inclusivity.  We are able to grow and learn better if we have a diverse organisation formed of the collective sum of individual differences, lived experiences, knowledge and self-expression.  We don’t want to exist in an echo chamber.  In recruiting for our team we welcome the unique perspectives you can bring in terms of culture, education, opinions, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity, values, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, beliefs, nation of origin and languages spoken.

Normally Trustees are asked to commit to a 3-year term on the Board and serve for a maximum of 2 terms.  All appointments are subject to completion of a successful 3 month probationary period. For more details about the legal obligations of Trustees visit the Charity Commission website and read its publication CC3, The Essential Trustee. 

Please note: the law places certain restrictions on becoming a charity Trustee (for example, you cannot be under the age of 18, or been convicted of an offence involving deception or dishonestly).  If you are in any doubt about your eligibility, visit the Charity Commission website.

St John’s is a leading independent, co-educational school for pupils aged 11 to 18, offering day, weekly and flexible boarding options. The Saint John’s School Foundation is a charity with Royal Charter, and its trustee board is the Governing Council.

Founded in 1851 St John’s has always been progressive and has developed significantly over time to meet the changing needs of the pupils it educates. Core values of courtesy, kindness, respect and tolerance hold true and remain integral to what it means to be part of St John’s.

The School’s mission is “to create an environment that is kind, supportive and full of opportunity, that inspires and equips pupils to thrive now and in the future”. Renowned for its outstanding pastoral care and friendly, relaxed and purposeful atmosphere, the success of St John’s is underpinned by a strong sense of community, a vibrant house system and an exemplary co-curricular programme. Small class sizes with outstanding teaching leads to a positive learning environment in the classroom. St John’s is a creative, ambitious and inclusive co-educational learning community where young people thrive and achieve.

The Governing Council is looking for new governors/trustees who can support the board with the following skills and experience (or similar): Accounting, Legal, Technology, Children’s Services (safeguarding).

This is an exciting time to join the board with a new Chair, Sara Lipscombe, in post and an array of interesting projects and strategic development plans afoot.

British Blind Sport (BBS) is the National Disability Sport Organisation that represents blind and partially sighted people in sport. Our vision is to empower all people living with sight loss to get active and enjoy sport, whether it is taking their first steps or helping to secure talent pathways to encourage individuals to fulfil their potential. Working across both the sight loss and sport sector, we work with strategic partner organisations to fulfil our aim and, by doing so, we positively impact the lives of hundreds of people every year.

About the role:

To support this work and to help us to demonstrate our commitment to VI sport we are looking for an Independent Director to help support the Finance Director with the responsibility for Finance, Audit and Accounting.

Duties and responsibilities:

• To work with our Finance Director, advise and guide Board members and staff on Finance, Audit and Annual Accounts, as appropriate.
• Assist the Finance Director to oversee the financial affairs of the organisation and ensure they are legal, constitutional and within accepted accounting practice.
• Assist the Finance Director to ensure proper records are kept and that effective financial procedures are in place.
• Assist the Finance Director with the monitoring and reporting on the financial health of the organisation.
• Assist the Finance Director to oversee the production of necessary financial reports/returns, accounts and audits.
• To contribute actively to the board of trustees' role in giving strategic direction to the organisation. Setting overall policy, defining goals and setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets.
• To safeguard the good name and values of the organisation.
• Be a member of board sub-committees as requested by the Chair of Trustees and in relation to your expertise.

Specifically

• Liaise with the Finance Director, relevant staff, Board and committee members to ensure the financial viability of the organisation.
• Ensure that Board and committee members are aware of their financial obligations, and take a lead in interpreting financial data to them.
• To ensure that the organisation complies with its governing document, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
• Regularly report the financial position at Board meetings (balance sheet, cash flow, fundraising performance etc).
• Support the production of an annual budget and propose its adoption at the last meeting of the previous financial year.
• Ensure proper records are kept and that effective financial procedures and controls are in place.
• Assess the financial viability of plans, proposals and feasibility studies.
• Support on appointing and liaising with auditors/independent examiner.

Skills, knowledge and abilities

• Significant Financial/Accounting experience, including relevant qualifications.
• Leadership skills within this area.
• Ability to scrutinise and prepare management and annual accounts.
• To work with Auditors in the Annual Statutory Accounts process and Annual review.
• Ability to explain finances in a clear and simple way for non-financial people.
• An understanding of charitable accounts would be an advantage.

British Blind Sport (BBS) is the National Disability Sport Organisation that represents blind and partially sighted people in sport. Our vision is to empower all people living with sight loss to get active and enjoy sport, whether it is taking their first steps or helping to secure talent pathways to encourage individuals to fulfil their potential. Working across both the sight loss and sport sector, we work with strategic partner organisations to fulfil our aim and, by doing so, we positively impact the lives of hundreds of people every year.

About the role:

To support our work and to help us to demonstrate our commitment to VI sport, we are looking for an Independent Director to provide support to our people development and HR services with expertise in HR, Mental Health & Wellbeing and Occupational Health.

Your experience:

• To provide advice and guidance to the BBS board and the CEO on matters related to employment.
• Support and advise on the employment affairs of the organisation and ensure they are legal, constitutional, current and within accepted practice
• Ensure proper records are kept and that effective employment and HR procedures are in place.
• Lead from the board on matters related to employment changes, disputes and related issues.
• Be a member of board sub-committees as requested by the Chair of Trustees and in relation to your expertise. Be an active member of the BBS HR sub-committee.
• To contribute actively to the board of trustees' role in giving strategic direction to the organisation. Setting overall policy, defining goals and setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets.
• To safeguard the good name and values of the organisation.

Specifically

• Liaise regularly with the CEO on general matters related to employment and people development.
• Ensure that fellow committee members are aware of their obligations as an employer.
• Provide advice to both the CEO and sub-committees on issues related to employment at BBS.
• Work with senior leadership team and the board to ensure all employment related policies are legal and fit for purpose.
• Act as an independent advisor during recruitment processes.
• To ensure that the organisation complies with its governing document, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.

Skills, knowledge and abilities

• CIPD Qualified. Preferably to Fellow level.
• Those holding legal qualification with HR/Employment experience.
• Up to date practical knowledge of operating in an HR environment.
• Organisational and administrative skills.
• Experience of advising and working with senior members of staff.
• Understanding of IT programmes and HR systems.
• Personable with strong communication and relationship building capabilities across all levels of the business.
• Proven ability to liaise at all levels internally and external to the organisation.
• Leadership skills within this area.

Introduction 

Emergency Nutrition Network (ENN) is a well-established and highly respected UK-based charity working to reduce malnutrition globally. ENN strives to enhance the effectiveness of nutrition policy and programming by building evidence, convening critical actors and transferring knowledge. We are passionate about being field driven and are globally recognised as thought leaders and conveners in nutrition. Our vision is that every individual confronted by malnutrition is empowered to respond according to their needs. We work with governments, civil society, UN, donor and academic organisations to achieve mutual goals. Through these collaborations we support agencies to implement evidence-based nutrition programming, predominantly in low- and middle-income countries.  

The Trustee Role 

Being an ENN Trustee is an important, influential and valuable role and as well as ensuring that we are an accountable and well governed organisation you will make an important contribution to our current work and future direction. This is an exciting time to join ENN as a Trustee as we implement our strategy for 2024 - 28.

Fundraising Trustee Role  

ENN is looking to strengthen its strategic performance by recruiting a Fundraising Trustee. We are seeking a dynamic professional to work closely with ENN’s Management Team and the Board to enhance our fundraising strategy, expand our funding base and enable ENN to deliver ever greater impact.  If you would like to contribute to the reduction of global malnutrition this is an outstanding opportunity to deploy your strategic vision, experience and success in raising funds from corporate and private entities in this new role. 

A helpful summary of trustee roles and responsibilities can be found in Charity Commission guidance ‘The essential trustee: what you need to know, what you need to do’ 

Your Responsibilities as a Trustee: 

• Assist the Fundraising Associate and CEO to assess where fundraising fits into the overall strategy and to ensure effective income generation  

• Provide technical insight and guidance as the organisation works to expand its funding base, with particular emphasis on private sector giving. 

• Work with the ENN Management Team to review and monitor progress against the fundraising strategy

• Provide support and constructive challenge to the Management Team

• Contribute knowledge of fundraising and marketing tools, techniques and strategies 

• Encourage an entrepreneurial fundraising culture and provide advice in prioritising fundraising streams 

• Advise on collective approaches behind ENN’s fundraising work. 

• Attend quarterly Board and sub-committee meetings and contribute to key strategic debates within the organisation

• Safeguard, respect and demonstrate ENNs values, policies and reputation 

• Contribute actively to the Board of Trustees’ role in shaping and reviewing key organisational policies 

• Commitment to undertake ENN’s safeguarding training and adherence to relevant policies 

Required Knowledge and Skills  

Essential 

• A substantial background in fundraising and income generation, with a focus on private sector with proven track record of success at both an operational and strategic level 

• Proven ability in pro-actively engaging corporate organisations and local businesses for support with fundraising 

• Strong networking and communication skills.  

• An understanding of the complexities of corporate fundraising for small organisations with a global focus.

• An ability to work effectively as a member of a team, contributing ideas, listening to others, and reaching collective agreement 

• Willingness to input the necessary time and effort to achieve objectives and provide availability to staff for advice and enquiries on an agreed basis 

• Alignment to ENN's culture and goals with an interest/commitment to the organisation’s aims and ambitions 

Desired 

• Experience of attending and contributing to Board or Commercial meetings 

• An understanding of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship 

• Experience in the international humanitarian sector 

Membership and Operation of the Board 

The Trustees of the Board are appointed by the Trust Members to provide a range of skills, expertise and ability to realise the vision and values of ENN and enhance its effective strategic leadership and management.

The term of office for any Trustee shall be four years. Any Trustee may be re-appointed or re-elected at a General Meeting (reference articles). The chair will be elected by the trustees and may hold a maximum of two terms of three years. 

Time Commitment – And our Commitment to You 

Your commitment in an average year is likely to be 4 pre-fixed board meetings, each of half a day.  Each of these are preceded by sub-committee meetings, usually of ninety-minutes, and each trustee is expected to participate in one sub-committee. Other committee and ad hoc meetings and additional support will be arranged as agreed. We encourage active participation and engagement, and Trustees often give more time outside of this, on their own terms.

Board meetings are held virtually, with an intention to hold one facilitated face to face meeting at the ENN office in Kidlington, Oxfordshire, every two years.  Sub-committee meetings will be convened remotely.

Ideally you will join the Board in October 2025, though we can show some flexibility on this for the right candidate, and in your first few months you should allow for additional time for induction and orientation (including meeting members of the Leadership Team).   
  

Remuneration 

This is an unpaid, voluntary position.  Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed for attendance at Board meetings and other Trustee activities in line with ENN’s policies.  Some employers encourage and enable trusteeship as part of wider career development and corporate social responsibility; please check with your organisation and their relevant policies.  

   

Our Values and Commitment to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion 

ENN is committed to diversity and inclusion, and to building a culture where every staff member and volunteer is recognised and valued as an individual.  We actively encourage applications from a broad range of experiences and backgrounds and are particularly interested in improving representation of younger people and minority ethnic groups on our Board. 

Securing our Future: championing sustainable, innovative care and strengthening community impact.

This is a pivotal moment to join St Helena. Under our Securing our Future programme, we took action to protect our specialist palliative care and bereavement support services for north east Essex. This has been a challenging period for the hospice sector as we navigate rising costs, increasing demand and evolving income streams. We have been innovating how we deliver truly person-centred care whilst diversifying our income streams, with an increasingly commercial focus to how we deliver our charitable purposes. 

This role forms part of the board of St Helena Hospice Trading Ltd, the wholly owned trading susidiary of St Helena Hospice. As we continue to diversify our income to support specialist palliative and bereavement care across north east Essex, our trading company plays a vital role in generating sustainable revenue through retail and enterprise.

To help us thrive, we are recruiting two new Trustees:

1. A philanthropic leader with a proven track record in major gifts, diversified fundraising strategy and nurturing high-net-worth relationships
2. A digital strategist skilled in digital transformation, data-driven decision-making and enhancing online engagement.

Please read the candidate pack for more information.

The Role: Secretary Trustee

We are seeking a new trustee to join our board who can take on the responsibilities of Secretary to the Board. This role is key in ensuring our board functions effectively and meets its legal obligations. The ideal candidate will have some experience or understanding of Human Resources (HR), as we value thoughtful, fair and informed support in matters relating to staff and volunteer welfare.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure accurate and timely documentation of board meetings (e.g. minutes, agendas).
• Support the Chair in preparing and circulating meeting papers.
• Maintain records in line with charity governance requirements.
• Help to ensure compliance with statutory duties (e.g. Companies House, Charity Commission filings).
• Provide oversight and support on HR matters, including policy reviews and recruitment processes, where relevant.
• Contribute actively to board discussions and strategic direction.
• Act as an ambassador for DOCA and support its mission and values.

Person Specification

Essential:

• Organised, reliable and able to manage documentation and communications efficiently.
• Understanding of charity governance or willingness to learn.
• A collaborative approach and commitment to inclusive practice.
• Strong communication skills and discretion.

Desirable:

• Experience in HR or related fields (e.g. people management, policy development, staff wellbeing).
• Previous board or committee experience (not essential).
• Knowledge of or enthusiasm for the arts and cultural sector.

What You’ll Gain

• An opportunity to shape and support the strategic future of a vibrant arts charity.
• A chance to make a real impact in the local community.
• Experience in charity governance and leadership.
• Connections with like-minded individuals passionate about creativity and inclusivity.

How to Apply

If you’re interested in joining our board, please email us a brief statement outlining why you’d like to become a trustee and what you would bring to the role. You can also include a CV if you wish.

We welcome informal conversations before applying — please get in touch to arrange a chat.

Can you support our trust in its innovative approach?  Do you share our values of inclusion, innovation & impact? Are you excited about Educational and Operational Excellence. Could you be an #EMATter? What would it mean for you?

What will you be doing?

EMAT needs a committed and enthusiastic trustee, with experience in holding senior leaders to account whilst sharing their professional experience and expertise.  Our recent skills audit shows our board to have a broad and deep skill base and we are now looking to build upon that with colleagues that have specific interest and or experience in Equality, Diversity & Inclusion and / or Safeguarding. 

Any new governance #EMATters will ideally be local to, or have strong links to Northamptonshire and / or Milton Keynes and will have capacity to attend at least 6 x 2 hour meetings in person at our central office in Grange Park (Hybrid attendance is available when necessary).   We would particularly welcome those that have additional capacity to then attend opportunities throughout the academic year, to really get to know the trust, it's academies and all those that work and learn within them. 

What are we looking for?

We would welcome applications from committed and enthusiastic members of our local community (Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes) who have a passion for education and opportunities for young people.

We are particularly interested in those with lived or professional experience of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion and / or Safeguarding. Previous experience of governance is not a pre-requisite but is welcomed. 

Trustees must be confident to speak within a group and express their opinion and share their expertise.

What difference will you make?

As a member of our board you will support and shape our work and strategic direction, as well as help us achieve our purpose that every child will be the best that they can be. 

In joining a well established and effective board you will contribute to supporting our trust in its innovative approach. We have exciting projects focusing on inclusion and equality, that will benefit from your experience as well as an ongoing cycle of continuing improvement and pursuit of Educational and Operational Excellence. Could you be an #EMATter?  What would it mean for you?

Our trustees have a trust level responsibility but are strongly encouraged to network and interact with our local advisory boards so that they have a strong understanding of each of our academies when discussing and challenging finance, risk, safeguarding, teaching and learning and 'beyond the classroom' services.  

Before you apply

Please express your interest through Reach in the first instance.  We can then have an informal conversation, either in person or on teams about the role, before we ask you to complete an application form and our safer recruitment process. 

We are seeking a volunteer Trustee and Treasurer to help us manage the iconic Winterbourne Medieval Barn. You will join an experienced Board of Trustees who have developed activites to create a successful Community and Heritage Centre.

We run a programme of events for the benefit of the local community, as well as offering commercial hire  opportunities. The activities are  largely volunteer run and are supported by three part time staff. Our aim is to use this magnificent building for the benefit of all visitors and it ensure that it is preserved and managed so that it will continue to  inspire people for many generations.

As a Trustee and Treasurer you will use your skills and experience to ensure that the charity is run in a way that is responsible, effective and meets its legal and statutory requirements.

What Are we Looking For?

We are looking for someone with:

•  Knowledge and experience of finance practice relevant to voluntary and community organisations 
• Knowledge of bookkeeping and financial management 
• Good financial analysis skills 
• Ability to communicate clearly.

The main elements of the role are:

Summary

•  Oversee the financial affairs of WMBT and ensure they are legal, constitutional and within accepted accounting practice 
• ·As part of routine financial control ensure proper records are kept and that effective financial policies and procedures are in place 
• Monitor and report on the financial health of WMBT 
• Oversee the production of necessary financial reports/returns and accounts 
• Chair the Finance committee. 

Specifically 

•  Ensuring that finance systems and processes which support the Financial Procedures Manual policies are set up, documented and implemented
• Ensuring that sufficient records are maintained to show and explain WMBT’s transactions, in order to disclose accurately, the financial position of WMBT at any time 
• Managing the budgeting process for the annual budget 
• Presenting financial reports at each Trustees’ meeting which give the Board of Trustees an understanding of WMBT’s overall finances, and giving advice and information to support decision making 
• Liaising with the independent examiner to produce the statutory accounts.
• Provision of overall management of the Trusts’s bank accounts 

What are we looking for?

We are looking for someone with:

•  Knowledge and experience of finance practice relevant to voluntary and community organisations 
• Knowledge of bookkeeping and financial management 
• Good financial analysis skills 
• Ability to communicate clearly.

What difference will you make?

The continued success of the Trust depends on the maintenance of  strong financial support to ensure that the building is maintained and managed in an appropriate manner. The business plan requires a mix of heritage and commercial activities to achieve this and to ensure that the Trust continues to serve the community.

What is involved

Much of the role can be performed remotely, but there will be a requirement to attend 8 meetings a year at Winterbourne (4 Finance Committee meetings and 4 Board of Trustee meetings)

Trustee for the Mustard Tree

Can you help us grow our support for often-marginalised communities and people facing barriers to opportunities?

You could be a trustee for the Mustard Tree, a Reading-based Christian charity that reduces health and social inequalities, builds stronger communities, and gives a voice to the unheard.

About us

Set up in 2003, the Mustard Tree Foundation (Reading), known as The Mustard Tree, is a charity where we are passionate that every individual has the opportunity to thrive. Our vision is to develop the work we do in Reading, identifying unmet needs and innovating and growing projects which support individuals who are marginalised and facing disadvantage, delivering high-impact services to some of Reading’s most underrepresented people.  As a charity with a Christian ethos, the projects we generate are inspired by our faith and are thus are designed to serve all sections of our diverse community.

We are an incorporated charity, with a financial turnover in 2024 of £335k. Our three focused projects: Engage, Rahab and Starting Point, all support different communities, whilst linked to our common vision.

The role and what we are looking for in a new trustee

Trustees are the people who make the top-level decisions for our charity. Our Board includes people with experience and skills in our work and we’d expect new trustees to have strong empathy with our cause and with the needs of our beneficiaries. 

You don’t necessarily need prior experience of charity trusteeship, although that would be welcome. You need to have a Christian faith and participate with us in prayer.

We are especially looking for people with skills and understanding of financial management in a not-for-private-profit context; a grasp of fundraising strategy; or understanding of HR management and compliance, but we don’t expect you to have all three of those abilities!

If you can think strategically and plan long-term, you have the primary skills needed by our trustees; you’ll also need to be able to work collectively with other Board members. Support from our paid employees is always available, as they will be dealing with the day-to-day running of the organisation.

We are a charity not a business, but we apply business principles to governing our organisation. We are looking for people from a variety of backgrounds to join our charity. We want to expand the diversity of our board, in all meanings of the word, and strongly welcome applications from people from less-represented groups. 

We ask for at least five hours of your time per month, which includes all meetings, discussions, etc.  You will need access to digital communications, as much of our charity’s business is run that way.

 

What do you get as a volunteer trustee with our organisation? 

• An opportunity to exercise your strategic planning skills, probably in a different environment or context 
• An opportunity to influence and collectively-lead an organisation supporting often-marginalised communities
• A chance to expand and implement your understanding of our work
• A chance to augment your experience of charities 
• A boost to your career and CV, if needed 
• Satisfaction of helping an organisation that supports communities in Reading, thus giving something back to your community 
• Induction training from us; training, support and assistance from local charity-support & advice agencies

What do we get? 

• Your strategic skills, knowledge, understanding or experience
• Your abilities to influence plans for our charity’s future
• Enhancement to our overall governance and the Board of trustees; improvement in our charity governance and operational growth
• Your participation in our collective decision-making, contributing to all areas of our charity work
• Your enthusiasm

What do our beneficiaries get? 

• The ability to continue our support to access opportunities, as we plant hope and cultivate change
• A forward-looking and agile organisation, with a well-informed and well-managed Board of trustees

How to apply  

This appointment is being managed for us by inVOLve Community Services, a charity-support organisation, who offer a no-obligation discussion by phone or video. A detailed Role Description and Person Specification can be made available to you upon request.

Trustee appointments are subject to satisfactory references, to completion of an online Safeguarding course and an Enhanced DBS check. 

Your CV or similar will be read by our existing trustees, and an interview offered as soon as mutually convenient.

I need to know more 

Contact Mike Allen via Apply Now below for more information and arrange to have a no-obligation initial informal discussion (Teams/Zoom/phone)