Chair to the board volunteer roles in europe

Our partner is works to reduce poverty in Zambia by helping vulnerable children and young people access education, develop skills, and build better future - through training, health education, and community initiatives.

Amid a period of significant change, the charity is moving to a locally led delivery model, with the UK focusing on fundraising, governance, and reporting. They seek a qualified accountant with strategic financial management experience, charity accounting knowledge, and ideally some international development insight. The Treasurer will provide hands-on financial oversight, ensure robust controls, and maintain compliance.

The role includes chairing a Finance & Operations Sub-Committee, guiding the Board on financial matters, and working with trustees, outsourced providers, and the team in Zambia.

The Board meets quarterly (remotely) for up to three hours, with the Sub-Committee meeting beforehand. The estimated time commitment required is 4 hours per week, flexibly.

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For more Trustee and Treasurer roles please visit the AfID website.

Shooting Star Children’s Hospices is seeking an experienced and dedicated academic with a strong interest in paediatric palliative care, or related field to join our Research Governance Committee as a Volunteer Academic Member. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to the strategic development of research at a research active children’s hospice, to ensure that our research activities meet the highest standards of integrity, ethics and governance. 

You will work with the Committee Chair, the Research Fellow, and other committee members to support research that makes a meaningful difference to children with life-limiting conditions and their families as well as bereaved families, including those where a child died unexpectedly. 

Appointment to the Committee will be subject to confirmation by the Shooting Star Children’s Hospices Trustee Board.

Duties and key responsibilities

· Participate in quarterly meetings: Attend and contribute to online committee meetings held four times per year (papers and slide deck will be prepared by the Chair). 

· Review research proposals: Provide expert review of project proposals, contributing to the assurance of ethical and governance standards. 

· Support research oversight: Help ensure that all research complies with regulatory and ethical requirements and reflects best practices. 

· Contribute academic expertise: Share your knowledge and experience to strengthen the quality and impact of the charity’s research portfolio. 

· Promote collaboration: Encourage partnerships between Shooting Star Children’s Hospices and wider academic, clinical, and research communities. 

· Champion good governance: Actively promote equity, transparency, and excellence in research oversight. 

Essential skills and experience

· Proven experience in academic research, research governance, and research ethics. 

· Strong academic background in higher education, and health or social care research. 

· In-depth understanding of research compliance frameworks (e.g., GDPR, HRA, UKRIO, Caldicott Guidelines, or equivalent). 

· Ability to evaluate research proposals and provide constructive feedback. 

· Excellent communication and collaboration skills. 

· Confidence using virtual meeting platforms and digital collaboration tools. 

Desirable attributes

• Academic research background with a track record of publications in the area of paediatric palliative care or related field.

• Previous experience serving on or chairing a research committee or governance board.

• Commitment to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion in research.

Commitment

• Quarterly committee meetings (Approximately 1 hour per meeting).

• Reviewing project proposals (Approximately 1 hour per month).

• Email communication and ad hoc queries (Approximately 1 hour per month).

• 2–3 years in the role would be appreciated for both parties to gain the most out of this experience.

• This is a voluntary role. Reasonable expenses related to attendance and participation will be reimbursed. 

What will you be doing?

Our Board is chaired by Peter Carter and of made up of seven Directors. We plan to add 2-3 more to strengthen the skills and experience, and widen our diversity

The Board of Directors have overall oversight of Trinity Academy Newcastle Trust. In Trusts the purpose of Governance is to provide:-

• Strategic Leadership
• Accountability and Assurance
• Strategic Engagement.

As a Director, on the Board of Directors, you will work in partnership with the CEO, to set the strategic direction of the Trust, challenge Senior leaders and to take the Trust forward as an excellent example for the type of alternative provision that it offers.

Being a Director is a commitment to attending Board and Committee meetings that consider issues such as setting the Trust’s vision, mitigating financial risk and scrutinising educational outcomes, as well as overseeing the management side of the Trust.

Through oversight and strategic direction, the board will ensure that the Trust:

• Complies with governance documentation and relevant legislation
• Apply the resources solely towards pursing our purpose
• Have financial stability and sustainability
• Have effective  policies and procedures in place
• Evaluation performance against agreed goals

What are we looking for?

No previous experience is required and we welcome application from young and old alike from people with all kinds of backgrounds.

Our Directors must be:

• Willing and able to champion our Vision and Values
• Collaborative and open to new ideas
• Able to listen, express views constructively and be fair and objective.
• Reliable, ethical and honest
• Willing and able to contribute to the work of the Board
• Willing to undertake an enhanced DBS check

We are particularly seeking applicants with one or more of the following:

• Experience of the education sector and/or further education
• An understanding of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
• Advanced financial/ accounting  skills
• An understanding of adolescence mental health

What difference will you make?

Directors play a vital role in making sure that Trinity Academy Newcastle Trust achieves its strategic vision. The Directors have the overall management of the Trust and provide support, ideas and constructive challenge to the CEO and Executive Leadership team. As a Director you will be able to develop your professional skills and experience in areas such as strategic planning, chairing, policy implementation and teamwork. 

Before you apply

Please apply via the Reach website.

Zebra is seeking a qualified accountant to join our board of trustees as our next Treasurer.

Zebra is a not-for-profit social enterprise (exempt charity) providing accommotation to postgraduate international students living in London. We believe in the importance of international studies and have been going for over 60 years. We are a healthy organisation with a strong reputation and ambitious plans for the future.

This is an important time for Zebra. We are currently going through the process of deregistering with the Regulator of Social Housing and are changing our accounting practices and systems as we make the transition away from the housing association sector and to a more appropriate structure to prepare us for growth in the future. We have an experienced Finance Manager on our staff team who you will be working with along with the CEO and the rest of the board members.

We ideally need a Treasurer with some understanding of the charity or social enterprise sector. This is an unpaid volunteer role - there are four boars meetings per year (all online), Audit and Risk Committee meeetings (also online), and occasional meet ups in London - but you can be based anywhere to carry out this role.

Duties

• Acting as a mentor to the Finance Manager, supporting her through this period of transition while Zebra puts in place a new structure and new financial systems

• Chairing the Audit and Risk Committee - number of meetings per year to be decided as this is currently under review

• Meeting with our external auditors on Zoom

• Reviewing our quarterly accounts, annual accounts and reports and providing feedback

• Using your expertise to provide advice and support to other board members, including our Co-Chairs, to support them in understanding our finances and helping them to be able to provide good scrutiny and governance

• Attendance of four board meetings per year on Zoom, where you will provide input and opinions especially around financial matters

• Attending one Board Strategy day per year in London for which expenses can be paid (and ideally also attending our Christmas meal)

• The Treasurer should expect to serve for a minimum of 12 months

To apply please submit your CV in the first instance.

Introduction

Emergency Nutrition Network (ENN) is a UK-registered charity dedicated to reducing global malnutrition through knowledge exchange, research, and advocacy. Since its founding, ENN has worked at the forefront of nutrition thought leadership, enabling evidence-based programming and policy development to improve nutrition outcomes in low- and middle-income countries and crisis settings.

We are now seeking a Treasurer to join our Board of Trustees, oversee financial governance, and support ENN’s strategic direction as we enter our next phase of growth and impact.

The Treasurer 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.

The Treasurer plays a vital role in overseeing the charity’s financial performance and sustainability; leading the finance sub-committee to inform the board in its decision making.

Specific responsibilities include:

• Guide the board in its understanding of ENN’s financial strategy, budget management and risk oversight.
• Chair the Finance sub-committee, ensuring well-structured and inclusive discussions, clear decision making, and effective follow-up on actions.
• Relationship with the Finance Manager: Build a strong, supportive, and transparent relationship with the FM. Providing guidance and challenge as a critical friend and ensuring effective communication between the Board and the Management Team on financial strategy.
• Advise on Auditor identification, engagement and management.
• Oversight of ENN’s Reserves Policy and management
• Oversee compliance with UK Charity and Company Law.
• Review of ENN’s financial systems and reporting, to the extent they serve project delivery, transparency and accountability.
• Approval of ENN’s Banking and Investments
• Backstopping technical resource to Finance Manager, CEO and Chair.
• Reporting any financial improprieties or misconduct
• Attend quarterly Board and finance sub-committee meetings and contribute to strategic development
• Safeguard, respect and demonstrate ENNs values, policies and reputation

Required Knowledge and Skills

• Extensive senior management experience in finance, with relevant qualifications (AAT / ACCA or equivalent)
• Experience in overseeing annual audits, identifying and managing auditors
• Understanding of the role of a Trustee and how Trustees can interact with ENN’s Management Team to best effect.
• Experience of multiple income/project organisations.
• Experience in the not-for-profit sector is desirable.
• Prior experience of working with or on a board is desirable.
• Strong inter-personal and relationship-building skills

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 prepare for all meeting and participate in one sub-committee. The Treasurer chairs the Finance 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 HQ in Kidlington, Oxfordshire, every two years. Additional sub-committee meetings will be convened remotely. 

Ideally you will join the Board in 2025, though we can show some flexibility for the right candidate, and in your first few months you should allow for additional time for induction and orientation (including meeting a number 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. 

Screening Checks

All candidates who we progress will be screened through Accuity World Compliance to comply with counter terrorism and financial sanctions regulations. Appointment will be subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS check (or equivalent criminal records check where available, for non-UK citizens) and 2 satisfactory references.  If you already have a transferrable enhanced DBS, please state this in your application.

Are you passionate about health equity and social justice? Do you want to use your skills to make a real difference in communities across the North of England?

BHA For Equality is seeking new Trustees to join our Board as we continue our vital work challenging health inequalities and supporting communities to improve their health and wellbeing

About Us

For 35 years, BHA For Equality has been at the forefront of addressing health and social care inequalities. As a user-led charity with £2.4M turnover, we deliver essential services in HIV and sexual health, cancer prevention, TB, mental health, and community engagement across Leeds, Manchester, Wakefield, Liverpool, Coventry and Warwickshire.

The Opportunity

As a Trustee, you'll help shape our strategic direction, ensure strong governance, and champion our mission to amplify the voices of Black and minority ethnic, LGBTQ+, and marginalised communities in health and social care.We're Particularly Seeking

• Individuals from the communities we serve who understand lived experiences of health inequalities
• Professionals with legal or HR expertise to strengthen our Board's skill set
• Leaders committed to equity, inclusion and social justice

What We Offer

• Opportunity to influence real change in health equity
• Join a dynamic Board leading an established, impactful charity
• Support communities whose voices are too often unheard
• Professional development and networking opportunities

Time Commitment:

Quarterly Board meetings, occasional sub-committee involvement and one away day per year     

How to Apply

Send your CV/LinkedIn profile and a short covering note explaining your interest and what you'd bring to the Board to CEO Aydin Djemal

Prefer an informal chat first? Just email to arrange.Join us in our mission for health equality. Your expertise and passion can help us build healthier, more equitable communities.

#TrusteeOpportunity #CharityTrustee #HealthEquality #BoardDiversity #NonExecDirector #CharityGovernance #SocialJustice #VCSE

Cycle Sisters is looking to appoint up to two new Trustees to support our mission to create inclusive and empowering spaces for Muslim and ethnically diverse women to cycle.

This is an exciting opportunity to bring your skills and experience to an award-winning charity that is tackling inequality and creating lasting change in communities.  

About Cycle Sisters

Cycle Sisters is a women-led charity supporting Muslim and ethnically diverse women to transform their lives through cycling.   Through group rides, cycle lessons and volunteering opportunities, we create accessible and empowering spaces where women can build confidence, improve their health and connect with others. 

We work in partnership with a wide range of stakeholders – from local authorities to national bodies such as British Cycling, Transport for London and the Bikeability Trust to advocate for greater inclusion in cycling.

Since starting with a single local group in 2016, we’ve grown into a thriving network of over 2,000 women across 10 groups London-wide. Our impact is far-reaching: 92% of women who take part in our activities report improved health, with 91% feeling more confident and 86% being more connected in their communities.

Cycle Sisters is seen as a leading voice in our sector and has been recognised with multiple awards, including our Chair winning the BBC Sports Personality Unsung Hero of the Year Award for the London region.

Looking ahead, our vision is to build a national movement of diverse women cycling, with plans to expand beyond London and share our model across the UK. By doing so, we aim not only to transform individual lives, but also to shift the culture of cycling so it truly reflects the diversity of our communities.

What will you be doing? 

As a Trustee of Cycle Sisters, you’ll play a key role in shaping the direction of a growing, values-led charity. Your responsibilities will include ensuring we comply with our governing document and charitable objectives, safeguarding our reputation, and supporting sound financial management, risk management and accountability.

You’ll contribute to strategic planning by helping to set goals, review progress and ensure long-term sustainability. Working closely with fellow Trustees and senior staff, you’ll bring insight, expertise and constructive challenge to strengthen the organisation. Trustees are also ambassadors for Cycle Sisters, raising our profile and creating opportunities through their networks and community connections.

What we’re looking for

Essential 

• Commitment and passion for Cycle Sisters’ vision, mission and values 

• Ability and capacity to give the role the time and focus required, including an average of 4-6 hours per month as well as attending quarterly board meetings 

• Understanding of the charity and/or sport sector

• Track record of leadership and delivering success 

• Ability to think creatively and strategically and scrutinise decision-making.

• Strong team player and ability to work effectively with others 

• Understanding of the experiences and perspectives of Muslim communities in the UK, whether through personal experience or professional/community engagement

• Understanding of the importance of women-only spaces in enabling confidence and participation

• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship 

Desirable 

• Previous Trustee or governance role 

• Skills in networking, advocacy/influencing and partnership-building

• Relevant networks or connections that can support Cycle Sisters’ growth 

Our commitment to diversity

We want our team to represent the diversity of the women we serve.   We aim to be an organisation where different experiences, expertise and perspectives are valued, and where everyone is encouraged to grow and develop.  We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and ages, particularly those currently underrepresented on our team.

Do you want to be inspired by the impact of education? Do you have the skills to lead an established board of governors? A school in Barking in Essex is looking for a skilled volunteer to drive school improvement by becoming a chair of governors.

What will you be doing?

Governing bodies are responsible for the strategic management of a school and will make decisions about a wide range of issues

The core responsibilities involved are:

· Ensuring accountability

· Providing support and challenge to the schools senior leadership team

· Monitoring and evaluating the school’s progress

· Budgetary allocation and control

· Shaping plans for school improvement and overseeing their implementation

· Setting the school’s aims and values

· Appointing senior members of staff including the Head Teacher

A school governing body is made up of representatives from the school, the parents, and the local community.

What are we looking for?

This vacancy is for a Primary School and nursery (ages 3-11).  The school would ideally like to find someone who has experience in safeguarding and anti-bullying.

You must be over 18, but you don’t need to be a parent or have children of school age. Often, it’s the outside perspective you can bring that a school needs. Professional experience in areas such as safe guarding, change management, and leadership skills are all useful to a school. Soft skills such as communication and problem solving are also great additions.

What difference will you make?

Governors make decisions that affect schools for years to come. Chair of Governors work in partnership with Head Teachers and the Senior Management Team to help deliver the best possible education, and help children realise their expectations and aspirations.

Our recent impact survey found that our volunteers bring £9.9 million worth of value to schools each year, and 9/10 volunteers would recommend being a governor to a friend.

As a chair of governors, you will be encouraged to visit the school to gain an understanding of the culture and ethos and to get the most out of the role. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet children, parents, and teachers, and see the impact of your work first-hand.

What's in it for the volunteer?

Volunteering as a chair of governors is a challenging but rewarding role. As part of the governing board, you’ll:

· Have support from the vice chair(s) and the clerk, to ensure the effective functioning of the board by keeping it focused on its core functions. You will also encourage the board to work together as an effective team, building its skills, knowledge and experience.

· help schools overcome challenges to ensure a bright future for children in your community

· work collaboratively with people from different backgrounds, challenging your own perspective and broadening your network

· gain experience outside of your job description and skills you can bring back to work

Before you apply

You will need to complete an application form and will have an interview with the school. DBS checks will be taken up.

About Governors for Schools

Objectives

Governors for Schools exists to improve educational standards so that children and young people have the chance to realise their full potential.

We believe the key to improving school performance is effective governance. By finding, nurturing and supporting a committed network of governors we help to drive systematic change in how schools operate. We have been connecting schools across England for over 20 years, and expanded our service into Wales in 2020, with skilled and committed volunteers, supported by our business and university partnerships.

City of Wolverhampton College is looking for dynamic and committed individuals to join its Corporation Board as Governors. This is a unique opportunity to help shape the strategic direction of a forward-thinking college whose purpose is to define futures.

Location: Wolverhampton

Time commitment: 12 hours per month

 Closing date: 9 a.m. Wednesday 12th November

Who we are

City of Wolverhampton College currently operates from two main campuses in Wolverhampton – Paget Road and Wellington Road – and delivers over 300 different qualifications through a range of full-time and part-time courses, including apprenticeships and HE. We also have specialist provisions for polymer training, rail, and electric vehicle maintenance, delivered from satellite sites at Telford, Dudley, and Bentley Bridge (Wolverhampton).  Each year, we deliver education and training to around 9,000 students.

As an education provider, the College is subject to periodic inspection by Ofsted.  The most recent inspection took place in January 2023, and the College was rated ‘Good’ overall, demonstrating the high level of quality that we deliver across the College. This is further demonstrated by our consistently high achievement rates, our growth in our student recruitment numbers and the high levels of satisfaction that both our students and our staff report.

Over recent times, we have been progressing with an exciting estate transformation project, which has already seen us extend our Wellington Road campus to include new training workshops and classrooms as part of our Construction Innovation Centre. Furthermore, in November, we will take the next step on this journey by vacating our Paget Road site and moving into a new state-of-the-art campus – the City Learner Quarter.

These estate developments are just one example of how we continue to evolve and develop our provision, ensuring that the education and training we deliver are of the highest quality whilst led by the needs of our local community, employers and stakeholders such as the West Midlands Combined Authority.

From a strategic perspective, our new strategic plan will be published soon and has been created in collaboration between our Governors and our Senior Leadership Team, led by our Principal & Chief Executive, Louise Fall, who was appointed just over a year ago.

Once this plan is published, attention will turn from development to delivery, and to do this, Louise and her colleagues across the college will be able to call upon the board for their support. Our Board is made up of a diverse range of successful strategic leaders. As our college enters a new phase of its journey, we believe now is the right time to add new perspectives and expertise to our board. As such, we now seek to appoint a number of new members who can provide this in the years ahead.

About the role

Becoming a Governor at the City of Wolverhampton College is a rewarding opportunity to use your professional skills and experience to make a tangible difference to education, our local communities, and the lives of diverse group of learners.

As a Governor, you will play a central role in shaping the future of the College, ensuring it continues to thrive and delivers high-quality education and training.

Working collectively as part of our Corporation Board, led by our Chair, Mike Hastings, you will help determine the organisational culture, educational character and strategic direction of the College, while safeguarding its financial health and long-term sustainability. For context, our annual turnover is c.£43m, and we have a formal financial health rating of Good.

Governors at the College hold responsibility for approving such things as our mission and our annual budgets, as well as overseeing the performance and remuneration of senior leaders. The Board also sets frameworks for staff pay and conditions, ensuring that the College remains an excellent place to work and study.

In our most recent external review of governance, our board was recognised as being high-performing and for ensuring that we prioritise the success and well-being of our students. The findings of this review showed our board was highly proficient and consistently had a positive impact on college strategy, effectiveness and outcomes.

Your impact as a Governor will be wide-reaching: from safeguarding the use of public funds and ensuring strong governance, to setting and monitoring targets that drive student retention, achievement, and success. In short, you will help ensure every learner has the opportunity to reach their potential.

Who we are looking for

Having considered the current skills composition on our Board, we believe there are several areas of expertise which would add considerable value to our Board. These are:

• Qualified finance professionals
• Professionals working in senior compliance, risk and audit-focused roles
• Those working in leadership roles within local employers and the wider business community, ideally leading business operations of an organisation which complements the curriculum strategy of the college.
• Those with oversight and responsibility for large-scale capital development projects and facilities management in similarly large and complex organisations
• A professional with expertise in the area of safeguarding

Prior experience as a member of a non-executive board is not essential, but it will, of course, be welcomed, especially where this experience relates to time served on an audit or finance committee within a complex business or not-for-profit environment.

The role requires commitment and active participation. Our Governors meet five times per year in person on Thursdays from 5 pm, with additional committee and strategy sessions across the year. Preparation, attendance, and engagement are essential, as is a willingness to attend College events and undertake training. On average, the role involves around 12 hours per month.

Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Wednesday 12th November. 

Would you like to utilise your financial skills to make a difference to the lives of young carers in the community? If you have passion and would like to give something back, we would love to hear from you!

Winchester & District Young Carers believes that young carers are children first and should be free to develop emotionally and take full advantage of opportunities for educational achievement and life success. 

Our Charity was one of the first in the country to be set up specifically to support the needs of young carers. The Charity has been successfully running for 25 years and has an established Trustee board and strong staff team in place. As the Charity's Treasurer, you will help the organisation to maintain an overview of its' affairs, ensure its financial viability, and ensure that proper financial records and procedures are maintained. You will oversee and present budgets to the Board, make financial statements available, and ensure that the charity has appropriate management accounts and financial reports. As a good communicator, you will also help other Board members to understand the statements, so that trustees can make decisions that ensure the financial resources of the organisation meet its present and future needs. 

Our partner works with disability justice activists in Africa and Asia, supporting them to challenge discrimination and advance disability rights. The organisation is entering an exciting phase and seeking new trustees to help shape its future.

They are seeking a Treasurer to join the Board. Candidates should be finance professionals with a relevant qualification and experience. You should bring strong financial management expertise, an understanding of governance and risk, and the ability to communicate clearly with non-finance colleagues.

As Treasurer and Trustee, you will chair the Board’s Safeguarding, Risk and Finance Committee, monitor financial administration and report on the organisation’s financial health, advise on financial strategy and reserves policy, oversee budgets, management accounts and audited financial statements, and liaise with the external auditors. You will also play a full part in the wider governance of the charity, contributing to strategic discussions and supporting the senior leadership team.

The Board meets quarterly (virtually, with one in-person meeting per year) and Trustees are expected to devote around 1–2 days per month to their duties.

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For more Trustee and Treasurer opportunities please visit the AfID website.

Freeways and Freeways Trust, as part of their business plan for expansion, have an exciting opportunity for new Trustees to join our Board/s based at Abbots Leigh, Bristol.  This is a voluntary role and will require commitment for approximately 8 hours each month.

About us:

Freeways is a local charity that supports adults with learning disabilities. We are a highly regarded provider of supported living services and residential care. The aim of our services is to support people to become as independent as possible by helping them make choices, learn new skills and make links with their local community.  We fundamentally believe that all individuals should be treated with respect and supported to be valued members of our communities irrespective of their ability. 

Freeways Trust own, manage and maintain the majority of properties that Freeways use.

The role of Trustee:

As a Trustee, you will be instrumental in shaping the future of Freeways and/or Freeways Trust. You will play a vital role in ensuring our charities continue to evolve. You will be part of a team that is not just providing care but actively campaigning for the rights and inclusion of people with learning disabilities, helping them to live fulfilling and happy lives. Your skills and passion would directly contribute to a cause that is both essential and deeply rewarding.

As part of the Board of Trustees you will provide sound governance, strategic oversight, guidance and support to further the charitable aims and objectives.  See role description for further details. 

We are looking for a range of skills and experience particularly in the following areas (but not limited to):

- Finance (at a senior management/director level)

- Property development and/or construction

- Care or health sector experience (including psychology/psychiatry)

We would also welcome applicants with skills and experience in:

- IT/systems
- Marketing/PR/communications

- Commissioning experience

- Local government experience (including social work)

- Charity sector experience

- Business development

Other skills and abilities we are looking for in our Trustee:

- A commitment to the charities and their business aims and values.
- A commitment to devote the necessary time and effort.
- Strategic vision.
- Good, independent judgment and decision-making skills.
- An ability to think creatively.
- An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship.
- An ability to work effectively as a team member.

In return for your commitment, as a Trustee you will have the opportunity to:

- Make a positive difference to the lives of people with learning disabilities.

- Extend your network and enhance your influencing and leadership skills.
- Demonstrate your leadership skills to future employers.

- Work alongside highly experienced board professionals.
- Receive training and development in areas such as governance, leadership and safeguarding.
- Benefit from a tailored induction.
- Be reimbursed reasonable travel expenses. 

We recognise that a diverse board brings new perspectives, improves governance and demonstrates a genuine commitment to inclusion, therefore we welcome applicants from all backgrounds. 

To support working applicants the Trustee meetings are generally held every two months via zoom in the early evenings; with two per year being in-person meetings.  There may be a requirement to provide some additional support outside these meetings which can also be done virtually and should not exceed more than 8 hours per month. 

Closing date: 31 October 2025

Initial interview date: TBC

All Trustees must complete a range of statutory and regulatory background checks including enhanced DBS with Adults Barred List check.

For more information about Freeways and the valuable work we do, please visit our website.

If you have the requirements listed to become our Trustee, please apply today. We would love to hear from you!

Role Title: Treasurer
Reporting to: The Board of Trustees
Responsible for: Oversight of the financial management of the charity, ensuring that 
the charity operates in a financially sustainable and transparent manner, in line with its 
mission, legal responsibilities, and good governance practices.
Purpose of the Role: The Treasurer is responsible for the financial leadership of the 
charity, ensuring robust financial controls, clear reporting, and effective budgeting. The 
Treasurer works closely with the Board and the Chair to safeguard the charity’s finances 
and ensure long-term financial stability. The role involves providing advice on financial 
matters to the board and ensuring the charity adheres to statutory financial reporting 
obligations.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Financial Leadership:
o Lead the board’s financial oversight, ensuring that all trustees understand 
the financial position of the charity and are equipped to make informed 
financial decisions.
o Oversee the development of the charity’s financial strategy, ensuring 
alignment with its mission and long-term goals.
o Provide financial input on major decisions involving investment, 
procurement, and expenditure.
2. Financial Reporting:
o Ensure that accurate and timely financial statements are presented at 
trustee meetings.
o Liaise with external auditors (if applicable) and ensure the charity meets 
all its financial reporting obligations, including the preparation and 
submission of annual accounts in line with charity law.
o Ensure proper documentation of all financial records and transactions, 
maintaining a transparent and auditable financial trail.
3. Budgeting and Forecasting:
o Monitor income and expenditure against the budget, providing timely 
updates to the board and recommending corrective actions when 
necessary.
o Ensure that financial forecasts are regularly updated to reflect changes in 
income or costs.
4. Cash Flow and Reserves Management:
o Monitor the charity’s cash flow and reserves to ensure it has the 
resources to meet its current and future obligations.
o Ensure that reserves are maintained in line with the charity’s reserves 
policy and recommend appropriate action if reserves fall below the 
minimum levels.
5. Risk Management:
o Ensure effective financial risk management processes are in place, 
identifying and mitigating key financial risks.
o Work with the board and senior management to review and manage risks 
related to the charity’s finances, investments, and assets.
6. Compliance and Legal Duties:
o Ensure that the charity complies with all relevant financial legislation, 
including charity law and any applicable tax laws.
o Oversee the preparation and submission of statutory returns, including 
financial accounts, tax filings, and funding reports.
o Ensure compliance with the charity’s financial policies and procedures.
7. Supporting Trustees and Staff:
o Work with the Chair and Trustees to ensure they have the support and 
systems needed to maintain effective financial management.
8. Representation:
o Where appropriate, represent the charity at meetings or events related to 
finance, investments, and fundraising.
Term of Office:
• The Treasurer is typically appointed for a term of two years, renewable by Trustee 
support.
• If the role is to be extended, a vote by Trustees is required as part of an open 
application process.
Remuneration:
• This is a voluntary role; however, reasonable expenses will be reimbursed in line 
with the charity’s policy

Use your expertise to shape education, influence communities, and grow as a leader. Roles available at colleges England.

Are you a business leader or corporate professional looking to make a meaningful impact outside the boardroom?

By becoming a volunteer governor at a further education (FE) or sixth form college, you’ll help shape the strategic direction of an organisation that transforms lives through education and skills—while strengthening your own governance experience and leadership credentials.

Why it’s relevant to professionals like you

Further Education colleges train over 1.6 million learners annually, preparing the skilled workforce that keeps our economy moving—from engineers and IT specialists to healthcare professionals and construction experts.

As a college governor, you’ll sit on the board of an FE institution (and registered charity), where your insight into strategy, risk, people, or finance will have a direct impact on how public funds are spent, how performance is measured, and how learners are supported to succeed.

This is an opportunity to:

• Apply your corporate skills in a charitable leadership role
• Gain board-level experience and enhance your CV
• Contribute to local economic growth and social mobility
• Support a vital sector during a time of transformation

What you’ll do

As part of a governing board, you’ll:

• Set strategic direction: Help define the college’s mission and goals
• Hold leadership to account: Monitor finances, performance, and outcomes
• Ensure governance excellence: Make decisions in the best interests of learners and stakeholders
• Act as a charity trustee: Ensure financial sustainability and legal compliance

You’ll also engage with senior leaders and external stakeholders, including local employers, regulators, and community partners.

Who we’re looking for

We welcome professionals from a broad range of sectors, including but not limited to:

• Finance, Audit & Risk
• HR, People & Culture
• Strategy, Transformation & Operations
• Technology, AI & Digital
• Legal, Governance & Compliance
• Marketing, PR & Communications
• Education, Apprenticeships or vocational courses

What matters most is your strategic thinking, commercial awareness, and commitment to helping others succeed.

Prior education experience is not required. Full induction and training are provided, with access to DfE-funded development and peer mentoring where needed.

Time commitment

Expect to give approximately 1–2 days per month, including:

• Attending board and committee meetings (in-person or remote)
• Reading papers and preparing questions
• Participating in training and occasional college visits

The time commitment is manageable alongside a full-time role—and many employers actively support staff to take on governance roles as part of their professional development.

Where you’ll be needed
Some colleges offer remote governance and meetings take place online. This may suit you best, or we may suggest a role where you volunteer on a hybrid basis at a college within a reasonable distance from you. We are recruiting governors for colleges across England, with new opportunities added regularly. 

What’s in it for you?

· Enhance your board-level and governance experience

· Develop strategic oversight and leadership outside your day-to-day role

· Expand your professional network

·Give back in a way that creates long-term, measurable impact

· Gain exposure to the education, charity, and public sectors

Ready to step into a strategic, purpose-driven leadership role?

If you’re ready to bring your corporate insight to the education sector and help shape the future of skills, opportunity, and social mobility—we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now to become a volunteer college governor.