Chair to the board volunteer roles

About The Connection at St Martin’s

Our vision:

We believe that no one should have to sleep rough on London’s streets, and that everyone should get the support they need to find a place to call home.

Our mission:

We support people sleeping rough to find a way off London’s streets. We get to know every person we work with, understanding what they need to recover.

Trusting relationships are at the heart of everything we do, with our clients and our colleagues. It is vital that the way we work provides the conditions to facilitate these relationships. We have agreed 4 core cultural traits which guide our day to day behaviour at The Connection. These are Curious, Safe, Together and Motivated.

About the Role

Our trustees play a vital role in making sure that The Connection achieves its core purpose. They oversee the overall management and administration of the charity. They also ensure that The Connection has a clear strategy and that our work and goals are in line with our vision and mission.

While trustees share collective responsibility, the Treasurer leads the Board’s work on financial matters, provides support and challenge to the finance team, engages our auditors and chairs the Finance, Audit and Risk board subcommittee.

The Board of Trustees at the Connection have adopted the Charity Governance Code for larger charities which sets out the principles and key elements of good governance. Trustees will support the integration of the key principles of the Code which are described under the following areas: organisational purpose; leadership; integrity; decision making, risk and control; board effectiveness; equality, diversity and inclusion; openness and accountability.

The Connection at St Martin in the Fields is a company limited by guarantee, therefore each Trustee is also a company director and must fulfil the legal and financial responsibilities required under the Company Act 2006.

Full role description can be found on our website

Closing Date: Friday 4th July
Interview Date: First round (online) – w/c 14th July. Second round (in person) – w/c 28th July.

HR Trustee - Join Us in Transforming Children’s Lives!

At School-Home Support, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to be in school and ready to learn – no matter the obstacles they face. Our mission is simple yet ambitious: to ensure that every child is in school, every day, by 2050. We are looking for a passionate and experienced HR Trustee to help us make this vision a reality and have a lasting impact on children and families across the country. 

We’re seeking an individual who shares our passion for improving children’s lives. If you have experience as a trustee and are ready to take the next step in your governance journey, we would love to hear from you. 

Who We're Looking For:

We are looking to recruit a HR Trustee who is passionate about the work of School-Home Support and brings energy, commitment and leadership combined with a willingness to advocate for the work we do and the cause we serve.

As a HR Trustee, You Will: 

• Contribute to setting goals, targets, and overall policy for the organisation

• Share your expertise and networks to support the development and growth of the charity. 

• Help ensure compliance with our legal obligations and the organisation’s core purpose. 

• Provide oversight of the budget to guarantee School-Home Support’s financial sustainability. 

• Ensure measures are in place for safeguarding for the children and families we support and the staff team

• Act as a champion and ambassador for School-Home Support, enhancing our reputation, representing us at key events, and supporting fundraising efforts.

What We Offer: 

• Impactful Role: By joining our Board of Trustees, you will play a key role in shaping our national impact and supporting our mission to transform the lives of children in need. 

• Training & Development: You will receive tailored training specific to your role and access to additional learning opportunities through our staff-led EDI networks. 

• Networking Opportunities: You’ll have the chance to expand your professional network and make valuable connections within the education and charity sectors.

• Support Throughout Your Journey: We will buddy you with a more experienced trustee or corporate volunteer to ensure you feel supported and confident throughout your time with us.

Expectations: 

• Commitment: A commitment of three years to this voluntary role

• Meetings: Attend four half-day board meetings and one AGM each year, which are typically held in Stratford, London, or remotely. 

• Sub-Committees: Participate in one of our sub-committees to help guide specific areas of our work. 

• External Events: Attend 2-3 fundraising events each year (usually evenings) and make at least one school visit annually. 

• Inclusion & Diversity: A strong commitment to inclusion, equal opportunities, and the promotion of diversity in all aspects of your work. 

If you’re ready to make a difference and contribute to creating brighter futures for children and their families, we want to hear from you! 

To learn more about this exciting opportunity, please review the Trustee Pack and submit your application today!

Action Homeless wants to make a difference and we are looking for trustees who want to make a difference too. Action Homeless’ Strategy centres on breaking the cycle of homelessness in Leicester by addressing a wide range of issues that lead to someone experiencing  homelessness. Action Homeless currently provides over 250 safe and secure homes for people who have experienced homelessness. To extend this provision is part of the driving force of our strategy, but it’s not just about a roof over a head; it is about the support and aftercare that are essential in preventing a perpetuating cycle of homelessness.

We are looking for individuals who care to be trustees of Action Homeless. We all strive to make a difference, but can you also care enough to commit your time, your expertise and will you take the strategic responsibility bestowed on a Board director, so you do make a difference?

Will you engage with the work of Action Homeless to understand the requirements of the staff and the challenges of the clients to ensure your decision making is fully informed? The time commitment to attend Board meetings is just five two-hour Board meetings a year and one annual strategy day.

There are additionally three committees that require the skills of trustees in Finance, Property and provision of Support Services. Attendance is optional to one or more of these committees three times a year.

Whilst physical meeting attendance is only a few hours a year, we would like you to be there in your commitment, it is important to support the staff and the clients showing that you care. If you are someone who wants to engage in really changing the lives of people who are affected by homelessness, then please get in touch.

To find out more please download our Trustee role description and person specification on our website 

FoNS seeks enthusiastic Trustees to join our Board

We are a growing organisation with an exciting vision for our future.

We are a creative charity with innovative research-based programmes which support the wellbeing of nurses and nursing teams. In turn, we facilitate person-centred leadership and practice, where nurses and their teams establish healthful workplace cultures.

We wish to strengthen our Board with people who have the necessary skills, energy and commitment and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

FoNS is committed to having a diverse and representative board. If you are passionate about improving the wellbeing of our health and social care workforce, and thereby the quality of the care they provide, and can contribute to strategic thinking and oversight – we would love to hear from you.

Board meetings are held every quarter on Mondays 3.00pm – 5.00pm. Virtual attendance at meetings can be arranged if attending in person in London is not possible.  There will be annual strategy days and ad hoc events to attend.  Trustees are not remunerated but reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed.

We welcome applications from those without or with limited Trustee experience.

To apply, please send an expression of interest, along with your CV and a completed diversity monitoring form via our website.

Online opportunity to meet the CEO, Senior Person-centred Practice Programme Facilitator and Chair of the Board of Trustees with any questions: 25 or 27 June. Please contact Lexi for more information on how to attend.

Closing date for applications: 10 July 2025. Shortlisting w/c 14 July

Interviews to take place 1, 4 or 6 August. All interviews will be held virtually via MS Teams.

Trustee with Legal Expertise - Join Us in Transforming Children’s Lives! 

At School-Home Support, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to be in school and ready to learn – no matter the obstacles they face. Our mission is simple yet ambitious: to ensure that every child is in school, every day, by 2050. We are looking for a passionate and experienced Trustee with Legal Expertise to help us make this vision a reality and have a lasting impact on children and families across the country. 

We’re seeking an individual who shares our passion for improving children’s lives. If you have experience as a trustee and are ready to take the next step in your governance journey, we would love to hear from you. 

Who We're Looking For: 

We are looking to recruit a Trustee with Legal expertise who is passionate about the work of School-Home Support and brings energy, commitment and leadership combined with a willingness to advocate for the work we do and the cause we serve. 

As a Legal Expert Trustee, You Will: 

• Contribute to setting goals, targets, and overall policy for the organisation

• Share your expertise and networks to support the development and growth of the charity. 

• Help ensure compliance with our legal obligations and the organisation’s core purpose. 

• Provide oversight of the budget to guarantee School-Home Support’s financial sustainability. 

• Ensure measures are in place for safeguarding for the children and families we support and the staff team

• Act as a champion and ambassador for School-Home Support, enhancing our reputation, representing us at key events, and supporting fundraising efforts. 

What We Offer: 

• Impactful Role: By joining our Board of Trustees, you will play a key role in shaping our national impact and supporting our mission to transform the lives of children in need. 

• Training & Development: You will receive tailored training specific to your role and access to additional learning opportunities through our staff-led EDI networks. 

• Networking Opportunities: You’ll have the chance to expand your professional network and make valuable connections within the education and charity sectors.

• Support Throughout Your Journey: We will buddy you with a more experienced trustee or corporate volunteer to ensure you feel supported and confident throughout your time with us.

Expectations: 

• Commitment: A commitment of three years to this voluntary role

• Meetings: Attend four half-day board meetings and one AGM each year, which are typically held in Stratford, London, or remotely. 

• Sub-Committees: Participate in one of our sub-committees to help guide specific areas of our work. 

• External Events: Attend 2-3 fundraising events each year (usually evenings) and make at least one school visit annually. 

• Inclusion & Diversity: A strong commitment to inclusion, equal opportunities, and the promotion of diversity in all aspects of your work. 

If you’re ready to make a difference and contribute to creating brighter futures for children and their families, we want to hear from you! 

To learn more about this exciting opportunity, please review the Trustee Pack and submit your application today!

We have an exciting and challenging opportunity for two experienced or aspiring External Trustees to join our Trustee Board.

Working alongside our Sabbatical Officers and Student Trustees we are looking to bring specific skills and experience to the Board to strengthen the Unions governance and overseeing the strategic direction with the ambition to contribute and make a difference for the benefit of our students.

We are an ambitious and transformative educational charity and we are looking for credible leaders with demonstrable experience of supporting organisations at board level.

Our External trustees help provide continuity and expertise to our beneficiary-led board, and ensure our students are empowered to challenge and shape their organisation. External Trustees are part mentor, part advisor and part ambassador for our organisation.

In addition to being a part of the Trustee Board there will be an opportunity for one Trustee to become Vice-Chair of the Board working alongside our Union Affairs Officer.

Requirements of the role:

• Attendance at Trustee Board meetings (4/5 times a year)
• Attendance at a sub-committee of Trustee Board (3-4 times per year for 2 hours per meeting
• Pre-reading of reports and other documentation before meetings
• Commitment to the role of at least 1 year and up to 3 years.

• To attend at least one strategic planning day per year and to contribute to the development of the current strategic plan of the Students’ Union.

Location

Trustee Board and Committee meetings are hybrid with the majority online. Any in person meetings will be held at the Students’ Union, Oxford, Manchester, M13 9PL. We are flexible to consider changing meeting arrangements to suit Board and Committee members’ availability, in order to be as inclusive as possible.

Two Rhythms is an accessible arts charity that changes lives through music and movement. Utilising our unique, therapeutic programmes, we deliver long-lasting health and wellbeing benefits to people with profound disabilities, enabling expression, connection and joy.

We are looking for new Trustees to join our board and help lead the charity through an exciting new phase.

From our base in the Wales Millennium Centre, we welcome people of all ages with a broad range of physical and mental health needs. We support them with breathing techniques, massage, music, dance, and relaxation. Every session is unique and tailored to the needs of our guests. We love what we do and the difference we make. 

In late 2024, Two Rhythms opened and expanded to a second site in Cardiff, and is focused on growing its impact as well as developing its income generation potential, forging collaborations and taking advantage of new opportunities.

The board is particularly keen to hear from candidates with specialisms in Finance and Safeguarding though we welcome applications from all professional backgrounds. Knowledge of the arts and culture or health and social care sectors is advantageous but not essential. All Trustees are expected to advocate for the charity and our goal of enriching the lives of disabled people through music, movement, touch, light, and colour.

To apply, please send a CV and cover letter using the contact details provided. If you would like an informal discussion with the CEO prior to your application, please get in touch.

Become our Trustee Tresurer and chair our Finance Committee.We need a Trustees with energy, enthusiasm and commitment to help accelerate our influcence on wildlife and nature recovery issues in the country and beyond.

With a refreshed 3-year strategy (23-26), “A Wilder Herefordshire, More Nature Everywhere” we’re working hard to recover nature at scale through deeper collaborations, working with local community organisations and networks to develop a clear plan for nature’s recovery. We are also working with neighbouring Wildlife Trusts, river partnerships and national partners such as the Woodland Trust, National Trust, and Duchy of Cornwall.

So, with lots happening, it’s an exciting if challenging time for the Trust.  Urgent action is needed to address the decline of wildlife in our beautiful county – and we need to muster all the resources and skills we can to succeed.

We are a welcoming board who support and challenge each other to do better for wildlife.

We look to recruit trustees from a range of backgrounds, life stages and skills to join us.

At this time, we wish to recruit someone to take on the role of Treasurer, and chair our Finance Committee. You would need the following skills and qualities:

· A strong commitment to wildlife conservation and the Vision of the Trust;

· Demonstrable experience of financial management;

· The skills to analyse proposals and examine their financial consequences;

· A good understanding of governance, gained either as a Trustee of another charity, a director of a company, or as a manager who has worked with Boards;

· The ability to apply clear logical thinking and creativity to developing our strategy

If you are successful, you will be welcomed and supported by a talented and committed board of trustees, a strong and experienced staff team and an active and expanding band of volunteers and by the wider Wildlife Trust movement. We hope you are inspired to apply, and we look forward to hearing from you.

Alison McLean OBE, Chair, March 2025

Smart Works is a dynamic, high profile and fast-growing UK charity that dresses and coaches unemployed women for success at their job interview. We empower each woman by giving her the clothes and the confidence she needs to succeed.

After visiting Smart Works, 67% of clients secure a job within a month, gaining financial independence and transforming their lives.

The Smart Works service is delivered in London, Manchester, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Newcastle, Reading, Bristol and Leeds. Over the past ten years, Smart Works has helped over 50,000 women, and last year alone we reached 10,600 women. It is our mission that any woman who needs our service should be able to find her way to a Smart Works centre.

About the Role

A fantastic opportunity has arisen to join the Smart Works Scotland (SWS) Board of Trustees as Trustee and Treasurer

Our Trustees support all aspects of our work, with the aim of providing strategic support, governance and assurance that enables us to continue to deliver our core service and increase the number of women we can support into work by dressing and coaching women for interview and job success.

As Treasurer, you will work with the Chair and Head of Smart Works Scotland to ensure the charity is well-run and effective, and with Smart Works Charity on key financial activities throughout the financial year.

The Treasurer has oversight of the financial strategy and management of Smart Works Scotland, monitoring the financial health of the charity and ensuring the wider Board are provided with the financial information they need to make well considered decisions. This includes producing monthly management accounts and monitoring monthly income with the Head of Scotland and the relevant staff members.

How to Apply

If you are interested in learning more about the role before applying, please email us to be connected with a member of the Smart Works Scotland Board of Trustees. You can also view the ful role descriptrion on our website. 

To apply for this position please apply via our online portal by Midnight on Sunday 6th July. If you require any adjustments for your application, please email us and we'd be happy to help. 

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a first interview on either 10th/11th July via Zoom and then final interviews will be week beginning 21st July.

Public Relation/Marketing Trustee- Join Us in Transforming Children’s Lives!

At School-Home Support, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to be in school and ready to learn – no matter the obstacles they face. Our mission is simple yet ambitious: to ensure that every child is in school, every day, by 2050. We are looking for a passionate individual with PR/Marketing knowledge to help us make this vision a reality and have a lasting impact on children and families across the country. 

We’re seeking an individual who shares our passion for improving children’s lives. If you have experience as a trustee and are ready to take the next step in your governance journey, we would love to hear from you. 

Who We're Looking For:

We are looking to recruit a PR/Marketing Trustee who is passionate about the work of School-Home Support and brings energy, commitment and leadership combined with a willingness to advocate for the work we do and the cause we serve. 

As a PR/Marketing Trustee, You Will: 

• Contribute to setting goals, targets, and overall policy for the organisation

• Share your expertise and networks to support the development and growth of the charity. 

• Help ensure compliance with our legal obligations and the organisation’s core purpose. 

• Provide oversight of the budget to guarantee School-Home Support’s financial sustainability. 

• Support the Safeguarding Lead to ensure measures are in place for safeguarding for the children and families we support and the staff team

• Act as a champion and ambassador for School-Home Support, enhancing our reputation, representing us at key events, and supporting fundraising efforts. 

What We Offer: 

• Impactful Role: By joining our Board of Trustees, you will play a key role in shaping our national impact and supporting our mission to transform the lives of children in need. 

• Training & Development: You will receive tailored training specific to your role and access to additional learning opportunities through our staff-led EDI networks. 

• Networking Opportunities: You’ll have the chance to expand your professional network and make valuable connections within the education and charity sectors.

• Support Throughout Your Journey: We will buddy you with a more experienced trustee or corporate volunteer to ensure you feel supported and confident throughout your time with us.

Expectations:

• Commitment: A commitment of three years to this voluntary role

• Meetings: Attend four half-day board meetings and one AGM each year, which are typically held in Stratford, London, or remotely. 

• Sub-Committees: Participate in one of our sub-committees to help guide specific areas of our work. 

• External Events: Attend 2-3 fundraising events each year (usually evenings) and make at least one school visit annually. 

• Inclusion & Diversity: A strong commitment to inclusion, equal opportunities, and the promotion of diversity in all aspects of your work.  

If you’re ready to make a difference and contribute to creating brighter futures for children and their families, we want to hear from you! 

To learn more about this exciting opportunity, please review the Trustee Pack and submit your application today!

Trauma Foundation South West (TFSW) help refugees and people seeking asylum who have suffered trauma, oppression and war, and those working with them. We are seeking a finance professional to join our Board.

What will you be doing?

Our Trustees work collaboratively to meet our legal responsibilities to govern the charity, including:

• Defining TFSW’s long-term direction and furthering its charitable purposes.
• Ensuring it is effectively and properly run with legal and other obligations met and being accountable to those with an interest or ‘stake’ in the charity.

We use board meetings to agree and oversee our strategic priorities, monitor risks, ensure sound financial management and confirm the charity’s assets are being used appropriately. All TFSW Trustees additionally bring individual skills and experience that are much valued. 

As well as different skillsets, there are three defined roles on the board: Chair, Finance Lead and Fundraising Lead, and three Trustees chair the sub-committees (they may be the same people who undertake the defined roles).

As the Finance Lead, you will oversee the charity's finances to ensure regulatory and legal responsibilities are met and comply with charity accounting practice and returns.

This is a voluntary role, but we can pay Trustees’ expenses. The time commitment for all Trustees is approximately 22 hours per year (under 2 hours per month).

What are we looking for?

Essential requirements for all Trustees are:

• Enthusiasm for contributing to TFSW’s purpose and able to commit the required time.
• Able, or willing to learn, to carry out the responsibilities of being a Trustee.
• Commitment to TFSW’s values, clients and to working in a supportive and inclusive environment.
• A specific skillset that enhances the Board’s overall skills. In this case we are seeking Finance experience, ideally with financial or accountancy qualifications. We value and respect qualifications from outside the UK.

We have a committed and supportive board with a diverse skillset and are currently recruiting to meet areas where we need to enhance our overall skillset. In addition, we strive to be a board more representative of the diversity of the communities we serve and as such we warmly and actively welcome those with lived experience of the asylum or refugee resettlement process to apply. To be more representative of gender and ethnic diversity more broadly, we would also welcome applicants from the Global Majority and male applicants.

We are an extremely supportive team and, as you will see reflected in our person specification, your commitment and capability are more important than a long list of experiences and qualifications. You do not have to have experience of being on a board; we can support you with training in your responsibilities. If you have any learning differences or styles that will require adjustments during this learning process, we will be happy to discuss and support your needs.

Before you apply

The TrusteeWorks Team at Reach Volunteering are supporting Trauma Foundation South West with their Trustee recruitment. Applications should be made via TrusteeWorks in the first instance. 

To apply please submit your CV/LinkedIn Profile, along with a covering letter stating why you wish to join TFSW, the skills and experience you will bring to the board and what you would hope to get out of the role. If you’d like to have an informal conversation before applying, we’d be happy to speak with you. We will also be holding an information session for potential candidates as a chance to hear more about TFSW and what it’s like to be on the board. Please let us know if you’d be interested in joining the session.

Could you be a trustee for Avenues?

Avenues Group is a specialist provider of adult social care, supporting people with complex needs to enjoy life. We always want to do things better, and as part of our development we are now looking for new trustees.

Our trustee group has to reflect the diversity of the people we support and the communities in which we work, and we welcome and encourage applicants from all backgrounds.

We would particularly like to hear from people with lived experience of disability, encouraging people who are accessing support services, and neurodivergent people.

Do you have experience in any of the following?

• Care Sector Financial Experience to join our Board and Finance Committee
• Health and Social Care Experience (outside Avenues) to join our Board and one committee (to be decided).
• People management and organisational development to join our Board and the People, Culture and Reward Committee
• Risk Management (specialising in a quality, compliance and regulatory environment) to join our Board and our Audit and Risk Committee.

If so, we'd like to meet you, apply today and to find out more about us and the role please download the attached trustee pack and role profile. 

Still unsure if this role is for you? We are happy to offer an informal chat with our Head of Governance so feel free to contact us and we can organise this.

Why join us?

You’ll be part of an organisation that instils its values at all levels of the business, ensuring the people we support are at the forefront of our decisions.

Our people love working here, and most trustees stay for many years, becoming as passionate as we are.

This opportunity will be useful for anyone wanting to learn more about being a trustee, full training and support will be provided, and wishing to develop a more rounded skill set. It can also be a fantastic opportunity for someone with many years of experience to share their skills.

As part of our recruitment process, the successful candidates will meet and be interviewed by different stakeholders including people we support and Chairs of Committees as well as our CEO, current Group Boards Chair and other trustees of the board.

Interviews are planned week commencing w/c 18th August and w/c 25th August (subject to any changes due to availability of stakeholders).

We will process your data in line with our privacy policy. To find out more read the Privacy Notice on our website. We want you to have control over your data. You can contact us at any time to request or change the data that we hold about you or even if you just have a question relating to the data, we hold about you.

The purpose of your role

Police Now’s governance is extremely important in providing constructive scrutiny, challenge and support, to develop the organisation as well as demonstrate value and quality to the Home Office and the policing sector. The Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Committee, has delegated responsibility from the Board of Trustees to drive, measure and guide Police Now’s Equity, Diversity & Inclusion strategy. This strategy includes Police Now staff, candidates, participants and alumni of our programmes, and our influence and voice within the policing sector, with a particular focus on supporting those identifying as women and ethnic minorities. We are seeking an exceptional leader with specific expertise in equity, diversity & inclusion, to sit on our EDI Committee.

The Board of Trustees are responsible for the strategic vision, direction, and overall performance delivery of the charity. The Board is accountable for the governance of the charity, for safeguarding its assets, and the organisation’s general wellbeing. The three Board committees, govern specific areas required to drive performance. The Board determines the committees and has powers to delegate decision-making rights to the committees for certain matters.

The EDI committee meet quarterly at our offices in London.

What you’ll do – the key responsibilities

To ensure that equity, diversity and inclusion is a key priority across all PN activity so that we are supporting policing by attracting, developing and retaining the most diverse and talented groups, enabling us to achieve our mission of transforming communities. You will promote, champion and encourage equity, diversity and inclusion in the workplace and will monitor the key areas of performance (listed below), using data, experience and innovation:

Police Now Headquarters

•Supporting PNHQ to understand the importance and benefits of equity, diversity and inclusion both in policing and in the workplace.

•Achieving a representative and fairly rewarded staff group at PNHQ, to reflect our communities, particularly with a London-based HQ; supporting traditionally underrepresented groups in the workplace to thrive and reach management and leadership positions.

Police Now Programmes

•Identifying and promoting opportunities for innovation so that there is no trade-off between diversity (prioritising gender and ethnicity but also considering other protected characteristics and intersectionality) and talent on those joining and progressing through our graduate programmes.

•Monitoring progress and impact of women and ethnic minority officers in particular and providing positive action guidance.

 Police Now Alumni

•Focusing on supporting a diverse range of participants through positive performance and retention, so that those completing our programmes and staying in policing are representative of the communities they serve.

•Nurturing those that have the potential to progress to Chief Officer and Superintendent ranks.

•Driving our new programmes of work specifically focused on the promotion of diverse officers.

What you’ll need – the person specification

•A recognised expert in equity, diversity & inclusion with prior experience developing and delivering equity, diversity & inclusion strategies that have had tangible outcomes in any sector; deep knowledge of workforce representation and challenges in the UK.

•An interest in the UK policing sector and an understanding of the equity, diversity & inclusion challenges, especially regarding gender and race in policing. Whilst direct exposure to the policing sector can be beneficial, we are particularly interested in those who can bring fresh perspectives from a variety of industries or organisations.

•At least 5+years in a senior role as part of a leadership team or executive team, with significant senior stakeholder exposure.

•Previous non-executive or trustee governance expertise is desirable but is not essential; as a minimum, an expert in EDI.

•Experience in quality assurance regarding strategy development and delivery, as well as risk management and mitigation.

•Familiarity with data and analysis, and an ability to use storytelling with data.

•A proven ability to manage and build relationships with diverse stakeholder groups including senior leaders; access to networks of diversity and inclusion experts is a significant advantage.

•Willingness to join Police Now events very occasionally, in person or online, outside of governance meetings.

At a time when we are experiencing the largest reforms to the welfare rights system in a generation, we believe this is an exciting opportunity for individuals interested in welfare rights work, to join a respected organisation working at the forefront of the advice sector.

The Welfare Benefits Unit offers specialist welfare benefits advice to those who work with members of the public. Our experienced advisers provide independent support through our advice line, publications, training, consultancy, campaigns and projects.

The Welfare Benefits Unit aims to maximise benefit take-up, helping to reduce the incidence and impact of poverty and in doing so improve health, well-being, financial and social inclusion. We are a registered charity based in York. We primarily operate in North Yorkshire and York although some of our services are accessed by organisations working further afield. 

We continue to aim towards a board that reflects the populations we work to support, and as such, welcome individuals from diverse ethnic communities, LGBTQIA+ groups, as well as younger people, those with disabilities, and those who have lived experience of the welfare benefits system.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

We welcome and support applications from those new to being a Trustee. We also know that studies have shown some people are less likely to apply for positions unless they believe meet every requirement in the description. The most important thing for us is to find Trustees that connect with our values and who can readily buy into our mission. Though we have suggested skills and experience areas below, which would be keen to hear from, we’re eager to meet people that believe in our mission and can contribute to our board in a variety of ways – not just candidates who tick all the boxes.

We’re keen to add these areas of skills and experience to our board:

• Financial, legal or HR matters (especially as they may apply to a small charity)
• Expertise in marketing, digital or similar technological areas
• Welfare benefits system and welfare rights advice or lived experience.

About the Role

All Trustee positions are voluntary with reasonable expenses remunerated. To be an effective Trustee, you will need to commit up to 1-2 days per quarter to attend and prepare for board meetings which are held virtually.

Effective Trustees support our work by:

• ensuring we are working towards our vision, mission and values in everything we do
• ensuring the effective and efficient use of resources, maintaining proper financial and regulatory oversight and best practice as a charity
• approving the annual budget, and supporting strategic decision-making by actively contributing advice and guidance
• appointing key personnel such as the Chief Executive, and determining pay and conditions for the wider team
• constructively guide the Senior Leadership Team in the delivery of the organisation’s strategy
• actively representing and championing the work of the Welfare Benefits Unit.