Chair to the board volunteer roles

We are looking for a finance professional to join our engaged and friendly board as Treasurer, with specific oversight of the charity’s financial management. While day-to-day financial administration is carried out by employees or external providers, the Treasurer works closely with them and the Board to ensure sound financial governance. The Treasurer provides financial leadership, helps trustees understand the organisation’s finances, and ensures that the charity meets its financial and statutory obligations.

You will have a qualification in Financial Management, Accounting, or Audit, and a strong understanding of financial management in the voluntary or business sectors. Previous charity experience is not necessary, but a willingness to undertake training is essential (usually one day).

You will have the ability to communicate financial information clearly to those without financial expertise and be a strategic thinker, with the ability to balance financial scrutiny with broader trustee responsibilities.

Our board meet once a month (either virtually or in person in London) for around 90 minutes. We aim to have strategy days twice a year. You will meet with the CEO and Finance Manager once a month, and be available for ad hoc emails, advice. Trustees are usually appointed for a three-year term, which can usually be extended. 

We will provide access to training (typically one day) if you do not have direct experience in charity finance.

You will also bring a commitment to the values, aims, and objectives of the charity, and a desire to help children and young people who have experienced grief.

We are looking for trustees, with knowledge of housing regulation, legal expertise or with experience in property acquisition and development to support us with a significant strategic project to explore incorporating an SPV and becoming a Registered Provider of Social Housing.

What will you be doing?

Emmaus UK is currently undertaking feasibility work to consider the incorporation of an SPV which can become a Registered Provider of Social Housing on behalf of the Emmaus federation in the UK. This is an exciting prospect and would unlock significant potential to achieve our strategic objective to help more people.

Joining the EUK Board at such a significant moment will enable you to play a key role in the future of Emmaus. You will be an integral part of developing the movement and central to making strategic decisions within EUK as the national body.

Emmaus UK is governed by the Emmaus UK Board, currently comprised of nine trustees, the majority of whom are elected by federation members. Primarily, you would become one of these trustees.

Our committee structure combines EUK facing committees to ensure the board have the correct oversight of internal functions with federation facing committees to provide the board with the views of members and beneficiaries across the movement. A new committee is currently in development to overseeing the Registered Provider project which you would also sit on as part of this appointment.

Our governance structure has gone through a period of significant review and transformation and is now in a strong position to serve Emmaus for the future. This is a particularly exciting time to join as a trustee as we begin to develop our next strategy for 2027 onwards and make key decisions around the model of Emmaus in the UK.

What are we looking for?

To ensure that we are in the best position to pursue our next strategic chapter, we are looking to build the expertise of the Emmaus UK Board in:

• Housing Association/Housing Expertise or relevant
  regulatory expertise - providing strategic input as we develop the subsidiary and proceed with becoming a Registered Provider
• Legal expertise - ideally in a relevant field e.g. charity or corporate governance, housing, property, regulation etc
• Property Acquisition and Development - to support us with providing high quality services and managing sustainable growth

We are looking for individuals who can support our existing trustees through this transition period with their specialist knowledge and provide guidance to our staff team as we undertake such a significant project. Someone knowledgeable and engaging would be ideal for this role. 

Emmaus UK provides equal opportunity for all applicants and is
dedicated to an inclusive culture, where teams of people with diverse backgrounds, characteristic, perspectives, ideas and experiences all work together. We welcome applications from all individuals irrespective of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion or belief, disability, marital status or parental responsibilities.

What difference will you make?

Our trustees provide valuable skills, knowledge and experience to support our staff team and beneficiaries across the UK, ultimately ending homelessness one person at a time.

As a trustee with Housing Association/Housing Expertise or relevant regulatory expertise, you will provide us with strategic input as we develop the subsidiary and proceed with becoming a Registered Provider.

As a trustee with legal expertise, ideally in a relevant field e.g. charity or corporate governance, housing, property, regulation, you will enable us to safeguard our organisation and beneficiaries through this strategic transition.

As a trustee with expertise in Property Acquisition and Development, you will support us with providing high quality services and managing sustainable growth.

Before you apply

We would love to hear from you. Our Governance Manager, Maria-Angela Wells is leading the recruitment and will liaise with you via the Reach platform. 

If desired, you can request an informal discussion about the role or if you would like to apply then please share your CV and a cover letter.

The deadline for applications is Wednesday 31 December 2025.

Those shortlisted will be informed on Tuesday 06 January 2026 and invited to an interview conducted via Microsoft Teams on either Monday 12 January 2026 or Wednesday 14 January 2026.

All applicants will be informed of the interview outcome by Friday 16 January 2026.

Newport Citizens Advice provides free advice services to thousands of people of every year    

We are seeking Trustees, particularly those with experience in income generation, finance, leadership/governance, change management, and communications. 

What will you be doing?

As a trustee you will have an essential role in supporting the organisation at a time of many exciting and challenging developments

We are in the process of securing new accommodation with the intention of moving to newly designed and refurbished premises for the whole organisation within the next year.

We are also currently developing new services in immigration - the first of their kind in any Citizens Advice organisation in Wales and we are also developing new services in housing and homelessness.

Our partnership work is also a key area for further development as we move towards delivering more and more services collaboratively.  

Our governance structure consists of a Trustee Board and sub-committees for finance and personnel and for performance, risk and compliance.  Trustee input is also encouraged in the Research and Campaigns Group, Health and Safety Committee and throughout the annual Business Development and Planning process. 

What are we looking for?

Each individual member of the trustee board brings skills and qualities to the board. They add to the collective knowledge and experience by providing:

• commitment and availability to attend trustee board meetings sub-committees and task groups
• effective communication skills
• knowledge of local needs and resources
• commitment to the aims, principles and policies of the Citizens Advice service
• willingness and ability to act in the best interests of Newport Citizens Advice
• ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as trustees and
• willingness and ability to learn, and to develop and examine their own attitudes
• ability to think creatively and strategically, and exercise good, independent judgement
• ability to work effectively as a member of a team.

What difference will you make?

Our trustees provide essential expertise, guidance and insight that help shape the work and direction of Newport Citizens Advice and at this point in time will also make a valuable contribution to ensuring our success in a period of significant change.   

Before you apply

We will invite any interested candidates to an informal meeting to enable them to find out more about the organisation and role and decide if they wish to continue with an application.  Once this is confirmed an interview will be arranged with a panel led by the Chair of the Trustee Board.  Any recommendation for appointment will then be approved by the Board.

The process has no specific deadlines and we aim to respond promptly to all applicants.

Focus Birmingham is a specialist charity that provides expert support, care, and advice to individuals living with visual impairments and additional complex needs. Through our residential, community, and day services, we empower people to lead fulfilling lives, maintain independence, and engage meaningfully with their communities.

Our person-centered approach ensures that every individual we support is treated with dignity, compassion, and respect. We are committed to building an inclusive society where barriers to independence are removed and where every person’s potential is recognised.

As we look to the future, we are focused on strengthening governance, embracing innovation, and expanding our impact across the city and region. We are now seeking a Legal Trustee to join our Board and help guide us through the legal, regulatory, and ethical challenges of leading a complex, values-driven organisation.

Why Join Our Board as Legal Trustee?

Charities operate in a highly regulated environment where strong legal oversight and governance are critical. The Legal Trustee will play a vital role in ensuring that the charity complies with its statutory obligations and maintains a culture of integrity, transparency, and lawful conduct. This is a unique opportunity to apply your legal skills in a high-impact, purpose-led context helping to protect the charity’s long-term sustainability and the rights of the people we serve.

Role Purpose

As a member of the Board of Trustees, the Legal Trustee shares collective responsibility for the governance, strategy, and sustainability of Focus Birmingham. In addition to these general duties, the Legal Trustee provides expert legal insight and guidance to the Board and executive team, ensuring the charity complies with relevant laws, maintains robust risk management, and adheres to best practice in governance and decision-making.

You will work closely with the Chair, Chief Executive Officer, and fellow Trustees, supporting key decisions across areas such as regulatory compliance, contracts, safeguarding, employment, and charitable governance.

Key Responsibilities

General Trustee Duties

• Ensure the charity complies with its governing documents, charity law, company law, and all relevant legislation or regulations.
• Contribute to the development and monitoring of Focus Birmingham’s strategic direction and operational plans.
• Act in the best interests, avoiding conflicts of interest and maintaining confidentiality.
• Uphold and champion the charity’s values, mission, and policies including those related to safeguarding, equality, and inclusion.
• Attend and participate actively in Board meetings (typically held quarterly), relevant sub-committees, and strategic events.
• Maintain effective oversight of financial performance, risk, and governance quality.
• Serve as a critical friend to the executive team, providing support, challenge, and encouragement.

Legal Trustee-Specific Responsibilities

• Act as the Board’s primary source of legal expertise, offering high-level advice on legal, regulatory, and contractual matters.
• Advise the Board on its responsibilities under charity, company, employment, data protection, and safeguarding law, among others.
• Support the scrutiny of key contracts, leases, service agreements, and policies to ensure legal compliance and mitigate risks.
• Guide the Board in managing disputes, liabilities, or potential legal actions, working with external counsel when needed.
• Assist with drafting and reviewing governance policies, board terms of reference, delegated authorities, and codes of conduct.
• Ensure the charity is prepared for regulatory inspections (e.g., Charity Commission, CQC) and supports compliance reporting.
• Monitor emerging legal developments that may impact the charity and advise accordingly.

Barnet Mencap is a thriving medium-sized charity for people with learning disabilities and people with autism and their family carers.

We are looking for people who are interested in making a contribution to their local community. Do you have skills to offer a local charity that could make an impact and improve and change people’s lives?

As a voluntary trustee you would be part of a dynamic and dedicated team that focuses on the strategic direction and governance of the charity and become an ambassador for Barnet Mencap.

We are looking to strengthen our team by recruiting additional trustees. Expertise in one or more of the following areas would be particularly welcome, though not essential if you are the right candidate:

· Legal

· Finance

· Education

· Fundraising

· Marketing

Applications would be most welcome from younger people, people from an ethnic minority and people with an interest in learning disabilities.

If you would like to have an informal discussion about the role, please contact Ray Booth, Chief Executive.

An Enhanced DBS check will be required for successful applicants.

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

We have a huge breadth of volunteer roles at Cats Protection, including caring for cats, fundraising, in our shops and many more! We also need volunteers to help us be more efficient, effective and to ensure we comply with charity law and governance.  

The purpose of the Audit & Risk Committee is to assist the Board of Trustees in fulfilling its obligations in respect of financial and governance reporting, internal control and risk. Our Audit & Risk Committee volunteers contribute to a well-run organisation, and their time and expertise help our Committee work in the best, most effective way possible.

The Board of Trustees delegates authority to the Committee to oversee the Cats Protection financial reporting process. This ensures the balance, transparency and integrity of published financial information to:

• ensure that there is a framework for accountability
• examine systems and methods of control, with particular emphasis on risk management and the effective use of risk-based outsourced internal audit receive reports from external auditors and consider rotation of audit partners
• ensure that Cats Protection is complying with statutory and regulatory requirements and good practice
• ensure implementation of recommendations from internal and external auditors
• ensure ongoing objectivity and independence

Your role will also include:

• attending Committee meetings
• reading papers
• preparing for meetings
• raising appropriate challenge or concerns undertaking any actions required in the agreed timescales
• supporting the Chair of the Audit & Risk Committee
• keeping informed about the activities of the charity and wider issues affecting the charity and the Audit & Risk Committee in particular

If you have strategic vision and an appreciation that there is much more to helping cats than meets the eye, then this is the role for you.

You can expect us to

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

• a commitment to Cats Protection and empathy with our vision, mission and values
• a willingness to devote the necessary time and effort
• strategic vision
• sound independent judgement
• relevant financial, assurance or risk management experience
• willingness to be part of a team
• the ability to express views clearly
• willingness to respectfully challenge and bring the best out in others
• an understanding of the role, duties and responsibilities of the Audit & Risk Committee

Time expectation

Our Audit & Risk Committee meets three times a year (twice in person in London and once virtually) and our volunteers normally spend a total of three years in this role.

You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!

More information on the role is available through a candidate pack for applicants. 

To apply, please submit a cover letter of no more than 500 words and a CV. Please include your motivation for applying for the role and details of any relevant experience - whether paid or voluntary. 

The deadline for applications is Friday 19 December at 23:59.

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.

Become a Trustee for the Collaborative Learning Trust and make a lasting difference to children in the local area. As a member of our Board you'll help shape the strategic direction and future success of our seven Leeds and Bradford schools (both community schools and Church of England schools).

We’re always on the lookout for people keen to both support and challenge the way we work, to enrich the learning experience of our pupils.

The role will give you the chance to make a positive impact on the lives of children and young people and an opportunity to give something back to your local community. You will also be joining the largest volunteer force in the country – there are over a quarter of a million volunteers in governing roles in state funded schools in England.

As a Trustee, you will develop valuable board-level and leadership experience, enhancing your ability to influence strategically, ask the right questions, and lead through collaboration. Working alongside senior professionals from diverse backgrounds, you’ll broaden your understanding of how effective governance and compassionate leadership creates lasting impact, use your experience to help children of every ability thrive, and grow your leadership in a supportive environment along the way.

Anyone aged over 18 can be a Trustee and you do not need to be a parent. There is no requirement for you to have a formal understanding of the education system, just an enquiring mind, the ability to work as part of a team and the time to contribute and attend the half-termly meetings. There is plenty of training available.

We are particularly keen to hear from applicants with professional experience in pupils with Special Education Needs (SEND) or expertise in audit, finance and estates management, however our schools will benefit from a range of professional knowledge on their Trust Board including education, human resources, legal, marketing, public relations and organisational change.

The role includes attendance in person at six meetings (one each half term) plus five committee meetings across the academic year, with background reading.

Trustees have a right to reasonable time off work for their public duties, although this may be unpaid. Your company’s HR department will be able to tell you about its policy.

The term of office for Trustees is four years. Many people choose to serve multiple terms. However, as a volunteer you can resign before your term is finished if your circumstances change. You will be offered an introductory meeting with the Chair of the Trust Board and CEO. A full induction programme and training will be shared and a mentor provided for all new Trustees.

Trustee roles are voluntary roles and therefore not paid, but travelling expenses are available.

Trustee needed for Faith in Action Homelessness Project. We are seeking a Trustee to join our committed Board working to end homelessness in Merton.

About Us: FiA runs a twice weekly drop in for homeless and vulnerably housed people and a Winter Night Shelter which works in collaboration with faith groups including a Mosque, a Synagogue, a Hindu Temple and Christian churches to provide overnight accommodation and support to find long term housing solutions.

Our Small Team consists of a Manager, a Winter nightshelter co-ordinator and seven part time staff.  The Trustee team is a very hands on group - many are volunteers at the night shelter or drop in and it is a very committed and passionate team.

We are looking for three new trustees to make our board up to 12. 

The Trustee role

This role involves more than just attending meetings.  We are responsible for:

Setting the strategic direction of the charity

Ensuring tranparency and accountablity

Taking specific areas of responsibility - leading on fundraising, or staff recruitment, or governance or communication and PR for the charity.

We are particularly interested in hearing from individuatls who can lead on the following areas:

1. Fundraising - especially developing partnerships with local businesses

2. Communications - including managing our strategy on social media and community engagement

3, Governance - supporting the development of policies and procedures

4. HR - offering advice on recruitment and management of staff

Become a Trustee at Bristol Folk House
Help shape the future of one of Bristol’s most creative and welcoming community spaces.

Who we are
Bristol Folk House is a long-standing and much-loved adult education and community arts centre in the heart of the city. Our mission is to connect people through creativity, learning and wellbeing – whether that’s a first-time painting class, a salsa night, a flea market, or a quiet coffee in our garden.
We’re at a pivotal moment in our journey, with big ambitions for inclusion, access, creativity and impact. To help us get there, we’re looking for new trustees to join our board and guide the next phase of our development.
 

Why join us now?
It’s an exciting time to come on board. We’ve launched a refreshed strategy, completed the first stage of a major accessibility and estates project, and are deepening our relationships with Bristol’s communities.
 

As a trustee, you’ll help us to:
- Create a more accessible, welcoming and inspiring space
- Connect with more people across Bristol
- Strengthen our financial resilience and income generation
- Grow our reputation and visibility
- Build an inclusive, future-focused organisation

Skills and experience we’d love to add to the board
We welcome interest from people of all backgrounds, but are particularly keen to hear from those with skills or experience in:
- Property, Estates or Accessibility Projects – helping us complete and plan the future of our building
- Fundraising & Income Generation – particularly from trusts, grants or partnerships
- Community Engagement / EDI – building stronger inclusion and relationships with underrepresented groups
- Strategic Communications / Branding / Digital – growing awareness of what we do
- Finance & Governance – supporting oversight, audit and sustainability
- Creative Sector Leadership – especially if you’ve worked in arts, wellbeing, education or co-creation
 

You don’t need prior board experience – we’ll support new trustees to grow in confidence and understand governance.
 

What we’re looking for
- A genuine interest in creativity, learning and community
- Willingness to contribute actively to board meetings (every two months, 1.5 hours) and occasional working groups
- Commitment to our values of inclusion, collaboration and equity
- Fresh perspectives and lived experience – warmly welcomed
We’re especially keen to hear from people who reflect Bristol’s diversity – in background, ethnicity, age, gender identity, lived experience or professional journey.
 

How to get involved
If you’d like an informal chat or more information, please contact our Chair of Trustees.
 

To express interest, please send a short email telling us:
- Who you are
- Why you’d like to join the Bristol Folk House board
- What skills, experience or perspectives you bring
 

There’s no formal closing date – we’ll be reviewing expressions of interest on a rolling basis.
 

Thank you
 

We believe in the power of creativity to bring people together and transform lives. If you share that belief, we’d love to hear from you.

Join Us as a Trustee and Make a Real Difference!

Marches Family Network is a unique charity supporting disabled children and young people age 3–25 across Herefordshire. We provide vital respite, play, and social opportunities, as well as family sessions that build support networks and strengthen community connections.

We are now looking for new Trustees to join our passionate Board and help shape the future of our charity.

What does being a Trustee involve?

· Bringing your skills, knowledge, and experience to guide our strategic direction.

· Supporting our dedicated team to ensure we deliver high-quality, inclusive services.

· Acting as an ambassador for Marches Family Network and the families we support.

· Attending Board meetings - these are currently held monthly in Hereford.

Who are we looking for?
You don’t need previous trustee experience – we welcome people from all backgrounds! We’re particularly interested in hearing from those with skills in:

· Finance, HR, or fundraising

· Marketing and communications

· Safeguarding and inclusion

· Experience of disability, care, or education (professional or lived experience)

Most importantly, we want people who are passionate about making a difference to the lives of disabled children and young people.

What will you gain?

· The opportunity to give back to your community.

· A chance to develop new skills and leadership experience.

· The reward of knowing you are helping young people thrive.

�� Interested?
For more information or an informal chat and/or application form, please contact Mrs Rae Chambers 

�� Help us ensure every child and young person has the same opportunities as their peers – become a Trustee today!

Mavar is currently seeking a seasoned networker to join the Mavar Trustee Board as a Trustee with special responsibilities for strengthening our fundraising practice and broadening the charity’s donor base. Working with our Board and CEO, you’ll bring experience, insight and strategic guidance to help develop our fundraising capacity in support of the strategic development of the charity.

Mavar’s Mission

Founded on the belief that everyone has the right to choose their own path in life, Mavar’s central mission is to empower individuals who choose to explore opportunities beyond the strictly orthodox community to fulfil personal goals. Mavar supports our members’ efforts to achieve independence, live authentically and cope with the obstacles they may encounter as they explore options to live, work or study in the secular world – whether or not they choose to leave the Charedi community.

Trustee Role Details

The day-to-day operations of Mavar are conducted by staff and volunteers under the leadership of our CEO and with the overall oversight of the Trustee Board.

Main Duties of the Fundraising Trustee:

• Contribute to the overall governance of the charity as a member of the Board of Trustees.
• Provide advice and support on fundraising strategy, ensuring income generation is planned and executed in alignment with Mavar’s budget framework and objectives.
• Act as a fundraising champion on Mavar’s board, working with the CEO and supporting other trustees to explore fundraising possibilities.
• If you have personal networks with fundraising potential, utilise them to support the work of the charity.
• Support the development of diverse fundraising streams (e.g. individual giving, trusts and foundations, community fundraising, corporate support) and advise and support with appeals and major fundraising events/campaigns.
• Act as an ambassador for the charity, promoting its work and helping to raise its profile.
• Ensure compliance with fundraising regulation and best practice, as well as Mavar’s policies and procedures. You are expected to give at least one day per month to your role. Board meetings take place four times a year in London, with a mixture of online and in-person meetings and are complemented by occasional online or in-person feedback meetings with the CEO and the Treasurer.

Person Specification

Essential

• Commitment to the charity’s mission and values
• Understanding of the legal duties and responsibilities of charity trusteeship
• Knowledge and experience of fundraising (e.g. trusts, corporates, major donors, community fundraising, or digital campaigns)
• Strategic thinker, able to balance long-term planning with practical advice
• Strong communication and networking skills

Desirable

• Experience of charity fundraising
• Existing networks that could support the charity’s fundraising efforts
• Understanding of charity finance and/or marketing
• Familiarity with Jewish cultural context

Next Steps and Timeline

If you are interested in this role, please contact the Chair of the Trustee Board to arrange an informal chat.

If you would like to make a formal application, please send a CV and cover letter outlining your qualifications, relevant expertise and interest in Mavar’s mission to the above. Please put your name and the role you are applying for in the subject line.

Context: Mavar’s Service Users

Some men and women who have grown up in the closed world of the Charedi community hold personal and religious values that are not in line with the rest of the community. Attempts to follow their own path often bring them into direct confrontation with family, friends and neighbours who regard expressions of individualism or self-determination as heresy. These individuals fear that the community will ostracise them, leaving them feeling trapped, isolated and helpless.

Some may simply wish to explore options for obtaining a general education or improving their access to employment opportunities whilst wishing to remain within the ultra-orthodox community; others may look to divest themselves of the strictures of ultra-orthodoxy and to lead a more mainstream lifestyle. They all typically lack the everyday life skills to cope with the challenges of the secular world, which appears to them as a confusing, frightening and alien planet. Any effort to integrate with the outside, secular world is hampered by limited English language skills, cultural disorientation, lack of basic education or qualifications and negligible skills for employment.

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.

Are you interested in becoming the next Treasurer for CARAS? 

We are looking for a treasurer to oversee the financial management of the charity and report to the trustees at quarterly meetings about its financial health.
 

About CARAS

Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) works with people of refugee backgrounds to provide practical, educational, and social help. We create supportive relationships, networks, and spaces that enable people to access what they need in order to improve their wellbeing and safety. Our team of staff and volunteers run a large range of activities and services which offer a place of welcome to refugees and asylum seekers, working with them to recognise skills and develop potential. 

CARAS has become one of the largest providers of refugee support in south London, including working with large numbers of unaccompanied and separated children. We have responded to changes in demographics and are proud of our ability to remain agile. 

Role 

• Oversee and present budgets, management accounts and annual financial statements to the board 
• Ensure that proper accounting records are kept and financial resources are properly controlled, invested in line with good governance, legal and regulatory
• requirements;
• Oversee the charity’s financial reserves,
• Liaise with the finance manager, CEO and any other relevant members of staff 
• responsible for the financial activities of the organisation
• Chair the finance working group and manage the agenda 
• Monitor and advise on the financial viability of the charity
• Oversee the implementation of and monitor financial controls and adherence to systems
• Advise on the financial implications of the charity’s strategy
• Liaise with the risk lead regarding financial risk management 
• Act as a counter-signatory on charity cheques and important applications to funders
• Liaise with the independent examiner/ auditors 
   

What We Are Looking For

• Professional experience in a finance role (charity finance would be a bonus)
• A keen sense of strategic purpose. 
• An inclusive leadership style
• The ability to listen and engage effectively. 
• An advocate to champion CARAS’s work through personal networks and other channels.
• A strong commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. 
• Flexibility (as a growing charity, it helps to have co-chairs who are available and responsive) 

We encourage applications from people who have been through the UK asylum or immigration system, people of colour, disabled people, and LGBTQI+ people.

Time Commitment

Four meetings per year (in the evenings, alternating between online and at CARAS’s office in Tooting), one away day per year (usually at the weekend), leadership of the finance working group, regular meetings with the finance manager, and occasional attendance at activities (this can be arranged either during the day, in the evenings, or weekends).

Closing Date
We will assess and respond to applications as they are received.

About the Degrees Initiative

The Degrees Initiative is a UK-based NGO that builds the capacity of developing countries to evaluate solar radiation modification (SRM), a controversial proposal for reducing some impacts of climate change by reflecting sunlight away from the Earth. Degrees is neutral on whether SRM should ever be used, but we believe that developing countries should be empowered to conduct their own research and to play a central role in SRM discussions. The initiative has been working in different forms for over a decade, and our work receives worldwide coverage and widespread acclaim. 

The charity was founded in 2021, now has around 20 staff members and is growing. We seek a volunteer trustee with significant financial experience including an accounting qualification to join an existing five-person board to help guide a growing initiative that is changing the field of SRM.

This position offers a fantastic opportunity for the right candidate to apply their financial expertise in a high-profile governance role, shaping strategy and supporting a mission that empowers Global South researchers to lead in one of the world’s most important climate debates. 

Role 

The volunteer trustee will complement and further strengthen an existing five-person volunteer trustee board including the Chair & Treasurer. The role will entail strategic leadership, governance, and fiduciary responsibilities. Alongside the Treasurer they will predominantly be advising the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and the rest of the senior management team (the Chief Executive Officer and Chief of Staff) to ensure the robust financial health of the charity. This will include: 

• Maintaining an overview of the charity’s financial affairs by overseeing the annual financial planning and budgets proposed by the senior management team 

• Monitoring and evaluating financial progress against budgets and forecasts from staff reporting at quarterly board meetings, acting a voice of financial expertise during board discussions 

• Approving the audited annual accounts and financial statements presented by the senior management team alongside the rest of the board 

• Strategic input by reviewing risk assessments alongside financial implications and advising on the organisation of financial resources and reserves to support the long-term goals of the charity 

• Confirming transparency and accountability in financial operations, and that appropriate accounting procedures and controls are in place in addition to compliance with legal and regulatory requirements 

• Advising on how the charity can most effectively conduct its international work, especially providing grants to organisations in the Global South 

• Confirming that the charity has an appropriate investment policy, and that there is no conflict between any investment held and the aims and objects of the charity

• Sitting on any board sub-committees as required 

We are looking for a new Governor for our voluntary-aided boys’ school who has an interest in the creative arts and cares deeply about transforming the lives of young people through education in some of the most disadvantaged and ethnically diverse communities in the UK.

What will you be doing?

About You

This is a great opportunity for anyone passionate about the creative arts to join the governing body of a school that views the creative arts as an essential part of a rounded education.

Applicants must have a keen interest in the school and be prepared to play an active part in the governing body’s work to help improve outcomes for students. Successful candidates will:

• be a member of the governing body
• join one additional sub-committee (Teaching & Learning; Pay & Personnel; Finance; or Pastoral, Premises, Health & Safety)
• act as link governors for the Creative Arts faculty (Link governors act as liaison between the governing body and a particular faculty)
• participate in a range of other ad hoc circumstances where governor involvement is necessary (e.g. periodic meetings with students, staff and parents that usually take place during the day).

Time Commitment

Governors usually spend ~20 hours per term on core governing duties. Successful candidates would be expected to attend up to 4 governing body/committee meetings a term, which usually take place on a Thursday (late afternoon/early evening). They would also need to allow time to read papers and prepare for meetings. The link governor role involves spending one morning or afternoon in school during the year, meeting with the faculty lead and visiting classrooms. 

In addition, we are particularly looking for the successful candidate to be able to spend a further 8 – 10 hours per term on ad hoc matters requiring more 'hands on' governor involvement, including meetings with students, staff and parents which usually take place during the school day. 

Skills and Background

With the recent launch of the Performing Arts Centre at the school, we are particularly interested in individuals with significant experience in the creative arts at this time.

We encourage applications from all members of society, regardless of background, gender, ethnicity, disability, or age.

Being a Foundation Governor

Governors come from a wide range of backgrounds and professions and include some appointed by the staff of the school, parents and the Islington Local Authority.  A majority of the governors are appointed by the Central Foundation Schools of London. As an Educational Charity we support two schools in inner London, the Boys' School and also the Central Foundation Girls' School in Tower Hamlets. This appointment will be a joint appointment by the Foundation and the boys' school governing body.

Training on the of role of governor will be provided for the successful candidates.

What are we looking for?

Applicants need to have a keen interest in the school and are prepared to play an active part in the governing body’s work to help improve outcomes for students.  

We are particularly interested in individuals with significant experience in the creative arts. This is a great opportunity for anyone passionate about the creative arts to join the governing body of a school that views the creative arts as an essential part of a rounded education.  We encourage applications from all members of society, regardless of background, gender, ethnicity, disability, or age.

What difference will you make?

Your impact matters

As a Foundation Governor you will play a critical role in fulfilling the Central Foundation vision that through an exceptional Central Foundation education, every student learns, develops, and grows so they can reach their full potential. 

The Boys' School is a popular, over-subscribed, voluntary-aided, comprehensive school for boys aged 11-16, with a successful co-educational Sixth Form. A Central Foundation education involves providing students with a wide range of educational experiences not available to many state schools or students from the communities and backgrounds we serve.

As well as an outstanding academic offer, the support of the Central Foundation and its funding partners enables an extensive sporting, performing arts, careers, activities and wider programme to be offered. As a Foundation Governor, you will ensure that through this provision students develop the knowledge, skills and attributes they need to lead successful lives and develop their own unique talents and confidence to forge their individual paths in life.

Underpinning a Central Foundation education is a rigour and a drive for excellence.  We are proud of our students’ examination results. In the last few years these results have consistently shown Central Foundation Boys' School to be one of the leading educators of boys in the country.   

Central Foundation Boys' School aim is that every single student can achieve outstanding outcomes in their education, both in terms of qualifications and the development of the skills, attributes, knowledge and understanding necessary to thrive in a rapidly changing world. It is these outcomes that will transform their futures and your role as a Foundation Governor will oversee and ensure the character of the school is preserved and developed.

Please apply through Reach in the first instance. 

In your application we would really like to hear why you are interested in joining the Central Foundation Boys School Governing Body and what you think you would bring so please send your CV with a short covering statement.

Interviews will take place in January 2026, initially with the Chair of Governors, Simon Dodds. An appointment confirmation meeting with the Chair of the Foundation Board of Trustees and the opportunity to visit the school. 

New governors will be invited to join the Governing Body at their spring term meeting in February/March 2026.

Please contact us via Reach with any questions.