Chair volunteer volunteer roles in Hillingdon, greater london

About Bliss

With an impact in all corners of the UK, Bliss is the leading national neonatal charity, championing and developing the services for the 90,000 sick and premature babies born each year, supporting both them and their families. At Bliss, we are committed to improving care, giving voice to babies, and supporting parents to be partners in care. 

This is a really exciting time to join our board. We’ve just launched our new four-year strategy, which puts equity at the heart of everything we do. With NHS reforms underway, a new 10-Year Plan on the horizon, and growing attention on maternity and neonatal care, there’s a real opportunity to raise Bliss’s profile and make a lasting difference for premature and sick babies across the UK.

Chair opportunity

Our new Chair will be an experienced Trustee or Board member with proven ability to manage meetings effectively and foster productive, inclusive discussions. They will bring energy and drive, ensuring robust governance and alignment between strategy and operations. They will enjoy leading inclusive and thoughtful discussions, and share our passion for giving every baby the best possible start in life.

You can find more information about Bliss and the Chair role in our recruitment pack.

Don’t think you quite meet all of the specifications? Please don’t count yourself out – we’d still love to hear from you and learn more about you and your interest in joining Bliss!

Ready to apply?

Eastside People is supporting Bliss in the recruitment of these roles. Please by submitting your CV and a cover letter both in Word doc format.

Please use the cover letter (max 2 pages) as an opportunity to add to the information you have shared in your CV and ensure that you cover the following: 

• Why is Bliss’ work important to you and how can you contribute to the charity as our Chair?
• How do you ensure board meetings are focused, inclusive, and lead to clear decisions?
• How would you go about ensuring that our many stakeholders are heard and represented at Board level?

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential. If you have a disability or require reasonable adjustments during the application or interview process, please contact us so we can support you appropriately.

Bliss’ Chair, CEO and Trustees will be hosting a 30-minute drop-in session on Mon 8th December at 12pm via Teams. This is an opportunity to learn more about Bliss and what’s involved in joining our Board. You can register to attend here.

The closing date for applications is Mon 5th Jan. 

Longlisting interviews with Eastside People will take place mid-January, with shortlisted candidates invited to panel interviews with Bliss during the week commencing 2 February.

Shortlisted candidates will then be invited to take part in open sessions with staff and Board members, with final interviews scheduled for the week commencing 23 February.

Bliss is an equal opportunities organisation. We actively welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, beliefs, and lived experiences. We strive to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve and are committed to equity and inclusion at every level of our governance.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Could you be our new Chair?  

Our fantastic Chair’s tenure will be coming to an end in 2026, so we are looking to appoint her successor to help Student Minds improve university communities so that every student gets the mental health support they need to reach their goals.

At Student Minds, we’re working to improve university communities so that no student is held back by their mental health. So it should come as no surprise that we are keen to reflect the communities we serve, maintain a diverse board and ensure student voices are represented. This is key to our mission and our continued impact. 

We are open-minded about the professional background of this individual and are mostly looking for someone with experience of leading effective, inclusive teams, of chairing complex organisations or meetings, and in building influential cross-sector partnerships.

Key responsibilities

Student Minds Chair is expected to commit to the following: 

• Preparation and attendance at four board meetings a year. Board meetings are held online and take place on weekdays from 5 - 7.30 pm. 

• Preparation and attendance at two in-person board away days each year, usually from 12.30 - 5 pm. These usually take place in Leeds and include a lunchtime or evening social.

• Monthly supervision calls with the Chief Executive

• Annual in-person appraisal of the Chief Executive 

• Support with board appraisals and recruitment 

• Ad-hoc meetings and conversations with the senior leadership team as required. This usually constitutes approximately a further five working days a year.

• Attendance at relevant task-group meetings and/or committees.

So, if you want to help shape the future of student mental health, download our recruitment pack to find out more!

How to apply?

1. For more information about the role responsibilities please download our recruitment pack that is linked

2. Download and complete our application form which is available via the link

3. Complete the Equality Monitoring Form. 

Application process

• Application closing deadline: Monday the 5th January at 11.59 pm - make sure you send your completed application form by this date

• Interviews: 27th January, with our Chair, Trustee and CEO

• Appointment: subject to approval by the Student Minds Board

The Role of the Chair: The Chair of Trustees plays a vital role in shaping the strategic direction, governance and impact of Success Club. Working closely with the CEO and the Board, the Chair ensures that the charity operates effectively and remains true to its mission and values. The Chair acts as an ambassador for Success Club, promoting its mission and values to key stakeholders. This is a rewarding opportunity for an inspirational and experienced leader to guide an ambitious charity through its next phase of growth to achieve its ambitions and influence positive change for young people.

About Charity Success Club: Success Club is a dynamic and ambitious charity dedicated to supporting children and young people who are potentially at risk of under-achieving, both academically and socially. We became a charity in November 2018 but have been working in schools since 2014. We believe that, when children and young people succeed in the moment, they create templates that they can use at any time. Our team puts mindfulness at the heart of our intervention, teaching children and young people how to develop a better relationship with themselves. We help students understand the wider implications of negative attitudes, allowing them to find solutions to issues they may face now and in the future. During 2024 we have provided support and activities to 2970 children across 26 schools. Current tracking (for 2025 year to date) show that we are well on the way to surpassing those figures. We are a passionate team of staff and volunteers, supported by a committed Board of Trustees, working together to create lasting change.

Could you lead the national conversation on international students in the UK? 

We’re looking for an exceptional individual to become our next Chair of Trustees. This is an exciting opportunity to lead an influential charity at the centre of international student policy and practice, helping to shape the future of international student experience in the UK at a critical time for the UK’s international education policy. 

UKCISA is the UK’s national body supporting international students and the professionals who work with them. Our expert advice, guidance, training and advocacy helps to ensure that every international student studying in the UK has the best possible experience. As Chair, you will guide a committed Board of Trustees, ensuring strong governance and effective decision-making. You will work closely with the Chief Executive to set UKCISA’s strategic direction, safeguarding its mission and ensuring it continues to innovate and deliver value for members and students. 

You will be a prominent ambassador for UKCISA, representing the organisation externally and building relationships with sector leaders, government, and partner organisations. Your leadership will help ensure that the perspectives of international students are reflected in policy development at a government and institutional level. 

We are looking for an experienced charity trustee with executive leadership experience in the UK education sector. You will bring credibility, vision, and a commitment to international education, inspire confidence and command respect across our stakeholders, and lead with integrity and compassion. You will be supported by an experienced and knowledgeable team of staff and trustees, passionate about the international student experience and the objectives of our organisation.

• Remuneration: Voluntary (reasonable expenses reimbursed) 

• Location: UK-based, with travel to meetings and events. 

• Time Commitment: Four Board meetings per year (plus preparation), regular meetings with the Chief Executive, and representing UKCISA at external events. 

• Term: Three years, renewable for two more terms plus one year. Starting summer 2026. 

Applications close at 10 am on Monday 12 January 2026. Download the recruitment pack for details on how to apply. 

The Opportunity:
Her Centre is seeking a dynamic Chair to help shape the future of our organisation
and lead our excellent board of trustees. This opportunity will involve working closely
with our CEO to drive change and ensure that our vital work continues to support
every woman in Greenwich who needs us. This is an exciting time of change, which
you will be embarking on with our CEO. You will be joining a dedicated board that
includes expertise from across the private and charitable sectors, the local authority,
and lived experience.

Our Work:
Greenwich has one of the highest rates of domestic abuse in London. Last year
alone, over 4,000 domestic offences were recorded in the borough: a shocking 35%
higher than the London average. Demand for our services has risen sharply: in 2017,
we received 321 acute high-risk referrals but by last year, this had more than
doubled to 780. The most common form of abuse reported is physical violence
(62%), followed by controlling and coercive behaviour (46%). However, the sad
reality is that many women face multiple and overlapping forms of abuse, including
sexual abuse and rape, threats to their children, financial control, and forced
imprisonment.
Last year, Her Centre supported nearly 1,000 women to find safety, seek justice, and
rebuild their lives. We also help children who witness abuse recover from trauma and
support teenagers facing exploitation or violence to recognise unhealthy
relationships and build self-worth. Her Centre is a safe and welcoming space where
all women are listened to and believed in an environment of trust and respect.
Please submit your Covering Letter and CV by Friday, 2 January 2026.

Role Description:
Board Chair

• Time commitment: 6-8 hours monthly. The HER Centre board meetings are hybrid

and currently held every two months.

• Location: Hybrid, in-person meetings at Clockhouse Community Centre, Defiance

Walk, London

Purpose of the role:
The Board Chair is responsible for leading the board, ensuring its effectiveness in
enabling the HER Centre to provide best-in-class service to HER Centre users,
providing strategic direction, and keeping the HER Centre as a leading agency
supporting women, particularly those in crisis due to abuse. The Board Chair focuses
the board on strategic matters, prioritising long-term goals and planning, including
approving the annual business, financial, risk, and operational plans. The Board
Chair also adheres to the Charity Commission's essentials of a trustee:
1. Ensure the HER Centre carries out its purpose for public benefit
2. Ensure the HER Centre complies with the governing document and law
3. Acts in the HER Centre’s best interest
4. Manage the HER Centre’s resources responsibly
5. Act with reasonable care and skill
6. Ensure the HER Centre is accountable
7. Reduce risk and liability

Main roles and responsibilities:
• Maintain high standards of governance, fostering transparency and ensuring the
HER Centre holds itself accountable to its service users and stakeholders.
• Ensure trustee awareness and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements,
including those set out in the constitution and the Charity Commission’s guidance
on trustee roles and responsibilities.
• Ensure that the trustee board annually reviews its structure, effectiveness,
delegations and key policies, and implements agreed changes as necessary.
• Manage trustee relationships to foster a positive board culture, including ensuring
the Board has the policies it needs.
• Liaising with the Board Secretary to arrange meetings and set agendas, and
chairing meetings to ensure these are well run and focused on delivering the HER
Centre’s work.
• Line managing the HER Centre CEO, by supporting, positively challenging and
holding them to account, including working with the Board to approve an appraisal
of the CEO.
• Act as a link between trustees, staff and the Service User Advisory Committee
• Act as a HER Centre representative and spokesperson as required
Term: Two years, renewable for a maximum of nine years.

Training and Induction:
You will receive an induction on the work of the HER Centre and meet the Trustees
and staff.
Payment and Expenses:
The Board Chair is a voluntary role. Agreed, out-of-pocket expenses will be
reimbursed.

Bring your senior-level expertise to a committed and forward-thinking Board.

Unlock has achieved a great deal for the people we support, thanks to the talents and dedication of our staff, volunteers, and trustees. By listening to and working alongside people who face difficulties because of their criminal records, we have built a strong track record of identifying problems, developing solutions, and turning those solutions into real change. We also influence national policy and drive systemic reform.

We are now seeking a new Chair of Trustees to join our engaged and committed board.

About the role

Trustees play a crucial part in shaping Unlock’s leadership, strategic direction, and governance. As Chair, you will work in partnership with the Chief Executive to provide clear and inclusive leadership, ensuring that the board operates effectively and that the organisation remains focused on its charitable purpose. You will help the board set strategy, scrutinise performance, uphold good governance, and support the CEO and senior team to deliver Unlock’s mission.

 About you

We would love to hear from you if you can bring the following attitudes and skills:

· Experience as a trustee and of working with or managing senior leaders.

· A willingness to offer advice to staff when needed, and to get involved practically where appropriate.

· A strong commitment to Unlock’s vision, values, and mission.

· Experience in the charity sector is helpful but not essential. If you have the right leadership qualities and a passion for our work, we will provide support to help you step confidently into the role. So if you’re new to the voluntary sector, please don’t let that discourage you from applying.

· We are committed to increasing diversity across Unlock, including within our board. We particularly welcome applications from people who have themselves faced and overcome the disadvantages associated with a criminal record.

If you’re energised by the prospect of helping to lead a small criminal justice charity with an impressive national impact, we would be delighted to hear from you.

The Deputy Chair of Hidayah provides essential support to the Chair, helps ensure the effective governance of the organisation, and stands ready to act in the Chair’s absence. This role helps maintain the smooth functioning of the Board and the organisation overall.

What are the key responsibilities of this role?

This role will have the following duties, but are not limited to:

· Support the Chair in providing strategic leadership and overseeing Trustee meetings, stepping in as Chair when needed

· Contribute to the development, implementation, and review of Hidayah’s Strategic Plan, Annual Report, and key governance policies

· Help manage volunteers and support fellow Trustees to ensure shared responsibility, accountability, and active engagement across the Board

· Assist in planning and delivering core governance activities, such as the Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Trustee votes

· Act as a signatory on financial matters, supporting the smooth running of Hidayah’s operations.

· Lead or support outreach activities, including identifying and engaging new partners, drafting proposals, and maintaining outreach records

· Help plan and promote events and campaigns, and contribute to the development of inclusive outreach strategies

· Represent Hidayah at external events, building relationships with individuals and organisations aligned with our mission

What do we expect from the Deputy Chair?

Please note that you must agree with and fit the criteria below to be eligible to volunteer in this role:

Essential:

· A strong commitment to Hidayah’s mission and values, particularly around LGBTQ+ Muslim inclusion

· Reliable, organised, and able to manage tasks independently

· Good written and verbal communication skills

· Basic digital literacy – including use of email, Google Drive, and Microsoft Office tools

· Ability to maintain confidentiality and act with integrity

· Respectful, inclusive, and collaborative working style

· Willingness to take initiative, contribute ideas, and stay engaged with wider organisational activity

Desirable:

· Experience in community outreach, project support, or partnership building – particularly in a grassroots, voluntary, or equalities-focused setting

· Familiarity with governance, quality assurance, or safeguarding in the charity or community sector

· Experience facilitating or supporting meetings and group discussions

· Ability to resolve conflict or challenges with empathy and professionalism

· Knowledge or lived experience of LGBTQ+ Muslim identities or the intersection of faith, gender, and sexuality

· Awareness of diversity, equity, and inclusion best practices

How much commitment is required?

This is a voluntary role with flexible hours, and can be carried out around your existing commitments. The role will take approximately 2 - 4 hours per week (flexible depending on needs and availability). You are also required to attend monthly board meetings. There is also an expectation of willingness to commit to the role for at least 3 months.

We are a dynamic charity, focused on helping survivors of modern slavery rebuild their lives and achieve sustainable freedom by providing invaluable training, coaching, work experience and advocacy across the UK.   It is now two years since we launched a new strategy from which we have increased our impact whilst strengthening and broadening our services for survivors of modern slavery.  In these challenging times it is even more important that we continue to be bold, resilient and effective.  We are looking for a new Chair of Trustees who has the vision, passion and expertise to collaboratively lead the organisation during this exciting period.   The Chair together with the trustees will work to ensure effective governance and provide guidance and support to the executive to ensure that we continue to support and advocate for survivors of modern slavery.

Chair Role & Responsibilities

SHF aims to work in a proactive and collaborative manner, and the Chair will play an important part in setting the tone and bringing all the stakeholders together.  We are looking for someone who has considerable experience of leadership at an executive or board level in the charity or corporate sector and has an understanding of the modern slavery sector.   

The people that we work with come from all over the world and have a wide variety of beliefs, experiences and backgrounds. We are committed to sharing in and reflecting this rich diversity amongst our staff, volunteers and trustees and would strongly encourage applicants from minority and under-represented groups, and from those with lived experience. We are committed to inclusion and diversity and to building a culture where everyone is appreciated for the unique person they are.   

Governance and Culture

• Provide leadership and oversight to the board and executive team on strategy, governance and risk, ensuring that we meet our obligations and responsibilities, including but not limited to governance structures, financial responsibilities, ethos and charity law.
• Ensure that the charity is acting in accordance with its constitution and uses its resources responsibly and exclusively to further its charity objects.
• Support the strengthening of accountable and effective practice within the charity’s governance, helping to cultivate clear commitments, regular learningSustainable freedom from modern slavery 6 focused reviews, and a transparent understanding of impact against strategic priorities. 
• Ensure effective scrutiny of finance at board level and that the charity is financially sustainable.

Board Effectiveness

• Facilitate and guide conversations in a way that enables constructive discussion, draws out diverse perspectives and supports informed, shared decision-making. 
• Encourage full participation from all trustees, recognising and valuing different skills, identities and lived experiences.
• Work with the Chief Executive and committee Chairs to ensure that board meetings are well planned with agendas that reflect the priorities of SHF and the responsibilities of the trustees.
• Meet as appropriate with the treasurer and Chairs of any board committees. 
• Build strong, respectful working relationships between trustees, addressing challenges or conflict with openness and fairness.
• Model and promote a positive and collaborative board culture based on mutual respect rooted in SHF’s values and an appropriate balance of support and challenge

Advocacy and Strategic Development

• Work with the CEO and trustees to strengthen understanding of modern slavery issues, build recognition of the impact of our programmes and influence key decision makers.
• Support the CEO when required to strengthen SHF’s advocacy impact.
• Ensure our strategy is ambitious and financially sustainable and that risks are identified and effectively managed by the executive.
• Bring strategic and planning expertise to the process of ongoing evaluation and refreshment of the strategy.

Development/Fundraising: 

• Act as an ambassador for SHF by raising its profile through your networks.
• Build, maintain and develop partnerships which reflect our values and directly benefit our mission. 
• Play an active role in supporting the executive to reach its revenue goals.

CEO Mentor and Constructive Friend to the Managing Executive

• Provide a supportive, confidential space for the CEO as a sounding board and constructive friend. 
• Build a strong working relationship with the CEO to maintain an overview of SHF’s affairs, to support as necessary the management of sensitive, complex or contentious issues and, where appropriate, provide constructive challenge to the CEO.
• Build a strong working relationship with the executive, offering constructive advice and support whilst maintaining the boundary between the operational decisionmaking of the executive and governance oversight of the Board.
• Lead the annual appraisal for the CEO in line with SHF’s appraisal process and in consultation with other trustees.  Ensure that any identified professional development needs are put in place.

Safeguarding Ensure that:

• A Safeguarding Policy and Procedure is in place, is reviewed as least annually and is available to and understood/applied by staff.
• A culture of safeguarding is championed, where wellbeing and psychological safety is prioritised and staff, volunteers and people with lived experience can raise concerns without fear of judgement or reprisal.
• There is a staff Code of Conduct and policies such as Speaking Out (formally Whistleblowing) and Safer Recruitment are in place.
• Safeguarding concerns are managed effectively; there are systems in place for its management; safeguarding resources including training; a DSL is appointed whose role is stated in their job description.
• Regular feedback on safeguarding activity is received (such as gaps, threats, risks), oversee a risk register and the remedial actions required and the track progress.
• Chair of Trustees undertakes enquiries in the event of an allegation being made against the CEO  
• Compliance with the Charity Commission serious incident notification requirements, and other bodies such as regulators, commissioners, grant makers, and insurance companies 

Introduction:

Thank you for your interest in becoming a trustee and Vice Chair of Harry’s HAT. Please read this trustee application information pack carefully before completing your application.

Who we are:

Harry’s HAT is a UK based charity focusing on paediatric hydrocephalus. Our mission is to make life better for children and their families affected by the condition. The Board of Trustees works to achieve this through:

• Raising awareness of paediatric hydrocephalus through workshops and training.
• Supporting research and funding training for front-line medical health and social care professionals.
• Signposting families to trusted organisations and providing access to peer support.
• Campaigning for earlier diagnosis.

The opportunity:

Harry’s HAT is entering an important phase of development and the Board of Trustees is seeking a motivated individual to join as Vice Chair of Trustees. This voluntary trustee role supports the Chair of Trustees and the Chief Executive Officer in ensuring strong governance, clear policy development and effective leadership across the charity.

Key responsibilities:

The Vice Chair trustee supports the Chair of Trustees in providing leadership to the Board and maintaining effective governance. Working closely with the Chair, CEO and fellow trustees, the Vice Chair supports strategic direction and ensures trustee decisions reflect the charity’s mission vision and values.

The Vice Chair trustee contributes to the Fundraising and Risk Group ensuring governance and policy considerations inform discussions and decisions. A key responsibility is leading trustee oversight of policy development including safeguarding, governance, finance and operational policies, ensuring they are compliant regularly reviewed and embedded in day-to-day practice.

The Vice Chair also supports trustee recruitment and development and acts as a trustee ambassador for Harry’s HAT representing the charity externally with professionalism and warmth.

Meetings and time commitment:P

Trustees are expected to attend:

• Six trustee board meetings per year held online.
• Quarterly Fundraising and Risk Group meetings.
• Two one-to-one meetings per year with the Chair of Trustees.
• The AGM and occasional additional trustee meetings.
• Mandatory online training and timely communication.

Skills and experience:

The ideal trustee will have experience of charity governance and trustee leadership. Essential experience includes chairing or supporting a board or committee, understanding trustee legal duties, experience of policy development, strategic awareness and confident communication. Trustees must exercise discretion and confidentiality. DBS clearance is required.

Desirable experience includes previous trustee or Vice Chair roles familiarity with small charity governance and understanding of safeguarding and risk management.

Personal attributes:

Trustees should demonstrate integrity, fairness and impartiality. The Vice Chair trustee must be committed, collaborative and able to build positive working relationships with trustees staff and volunteers.

Term and remuneration:

Trustee appointments are voluntary with reasonable expenses reimbursed. The initial trustee term is one to three years with a three month probation period.

#Chair #Chairoftrustees #trustee 

We are seeking a Director and Chair of Trustees Designate to help shape the future direction of our organisation. We are looking for an individual with proven senior leadership experience - ideally, though not necessarily, within the third sector - who can bring strong strategic thinking, sound judgement, and a collaborative leadership style.

Windsor Horse Rangers is looking for a new Chair to lead our Board of Trustees. Our aim is to enhance Life Skills through Horse Skills.

Windsor Horse Rangers is based in Fifield near Windsor, Berkshire. The trustees, staff and volunteers are focused on providing a sustainable, inclusive and educative environment for 8–18 year olds to develop skills to ride and care for horses. 

We have 180 Horse Rangers attending weekly to learn horsemanship working with our 24 horses. We offer equine education in a safe and supportive environment that engages and empowers and which develops wider life skills, emotional resilience and positive wellbeing. Many  of our rangers have gone on to careers in equestrianism.

Our committed team of trustees are looking for a volunteer chair to lead and support the team, help with decision-making to deliver our mission, challenge us and bring fresh thinking to the role.

We are looking for a supportive leader who can bring experience from either another charitable environment or the commercial world.  Your responsibilities will include, providing leadership and ideas for the organisation and giving strategic direction to ensure a sustainable future.  You will represent and act as a spokesperson for the charity and chair and facilitate meetings of the trustees.  This is an exciting opportunity for an individual looking to apply their own skills and experience to enhance the life skills of young people and support a charitable institution.  A love and knowledge of horses is a bonus but not a pre-requisite. 

The ideal candidate would live locally so could  attend face to face trustees meetings.

Responsibilities

• Safeguard and promote the Charity’s mission

• Act as the senior representative and spokesperson for Windsor Horse Rangers

• Ensure annual and longer-term strategic plans are developed, monitored and executed.

• Ensure Board operates to a high standard of governance and financial probity

• Ensure the Trustees have relevant skills and backgrounds

Skills and Experience

• Desire to empower young people to improve their skills, independence and self esteem

• Leadership skills to facilitate collaboration with trustees, staff and volunteers 

• Strategic and financial management skills.

• Governance at Board level with voluntary/non-profit organisations 

• Working understanding (or a willingness to learn) of UK charity law and legislation 

• Networking within equine community or charity sector desirable 

If you share our commitment, and feel your experience and skills meet the needs of the role, please get in contact. We would love to hear from you.

Role description

All Abortion Talk trustees are responsible for ensuring that we:

● have effectively evaluated the success of our three-year strategy.
● develop and implement a new, 2027 - 2030 strategy for Abortion Talk, to help us achieve
our vision of a world free of abortion stigma.
● comply with our governing document (i.e. our charitable objects), charity law, company
law and any other relevant legislation or regulation.
● apply our resources only in pursuing our charitable objects and for the benefit of the
public.
● protect the pro-choice, feminist and inclusive values of our charity.
● effectively govern the charity, which includes making sure we have the proper policies
and procedures in place.
● ensure financial stability.

The role of the chair also includes:

● leading the board to develop our new, 2027 - 2030 strategy.
● providing leadership to the organisation and the board and ensuring that everyone
remains focused on the delivery of the organisation’s charitable purposes to provide
greater public benefit
● chairing board meetings.
● ensuring that decisions taken at meetings are implemented.
● making sure the Board is able to regularly review major risks and associated
opportunities, and satisfy itself that systems are in place to take advantage of
opportunities, and manage and mitigate the risks.
● ensuring trustees fulfil their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of the
charity.
● appraising the performance of the trustees and the board on an annual basis.
● regularly reviewing and acting to ensure the board has a balance of skills, knowledge
and experience needed to govern and lead the charity effectively.
● representing the organisation at functions and meetings as an external representative of
the board. Acting as a spokesperson as appropriate.
● supporting the development of board members, individually and collectively.
● bringing impartiality and objectivity to decision-making.
● working with our lead freelancer, providing them with advice and support as needed.
● role model a commitment to Abortion Talk’s values, and advocate for this across the
organisation.

The above list is indicative, not exhaustive, and the Chair may be required to engage in
additional activities from time to time.

Time commitment: Four two-hour virtual meetings per year, plus one in-person strategy day
(held on a Saturday in London). Additional time to prepare for the meetings and provide ad hoc
advice to Abortion Talk’s lead contractor and volunteers as required, estimated to be around 20
hours per month.

Person specification

Essential
● Professional leadership experience.
● A full commitment to all of our values (set out above).
● A willingness and ability to dedicate the time and effort required to direct how Abortion
Talk is run and managed.
● Good, independent judgement and a willingness to speak your mind in acting as a
critical friend to Abortion Talk’s leadership (including other trustees)
● 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 member of a team.
● A commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity,
objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

Desirable
● Professional leadership experience at small charities/helpline providers.
● Previous experience as a charity trustee.

Interviews
There are like to be two interview stages:

Stage one: A call with our current chair, lead contractor and an Abortion Talk volunteer or board
member. This is likely to take place between 5pm and 8pm on either Wednesday 14th or
Wednesday 21st January 2026.

Stage two: If successful at stage one, you will be invited back to a call with our current chair
and two other trustees. This is likely to take place between 5pm and 8pm on Wednesday 4th
and Thursday 5th February 2026

The Board of Trustees plays a vital role by steering and supporting the charity development. We are seeking to appoint a Chair or a Vice Chair. The Studio Upstairs Board is drawn from a diverse range of backgrounds and has a variety of skills. To complement the current Board, we would envisage that the Chair had a wide experience of running organisations and a particular interest in the charity sector. We are keen to hear from candidates with skills in the areas of Corporate Governance and Business Development ie: Partnership working or Fundraising as well as those within Digital Technologies, Health or Legal expertise.

The Board Meetings are to be held four to six times a year in London or online. In addition to the full board meetings  there may be occasional committee meetings or meetings of specific task groups. It is expected that the Chair will also maintain regular contact with the Managing Director and other Board members.

Why we want you

As branch chair you and your branch members will create a range of activities to help spread the word about SSAFA within your community. To ensure that our Armed Forces community know that SSAFA are here to help and that we need the public’s support to continue offering our services.

What you will be doing

• Overseeing an appropriate programme of awareness raising activities so that potential beneficiaries, volunteers and supporters are aware of SSAFA as first in mind for support.
• Building relationships with the regional and national SSAFA team, local voluntary organisations and, if applicable, SSAFA serving community teams, local military establishments, etc.
• Attending events as a key SSAFA representative.
• Providing timely reports and information to SSAFA’s central office
• Overseeing a programme of meetings including an AGM, branch meetings, committee meetings, training etc.
• Working with other volunteers, regional and national team members to attract and recruit new volunteers as required.
• Work closely with the community engagement co-ordinator to recruit, welcome, induct, support, and manage volunteers in line with SSAFA policies, such as the Volunteering Policy, Volunteer Code of Conduct, Data Protection Policy, and Safeguarding Policy.

The skills you need

• Motivating leadership with an ability lead a team of volunteers.
• Friendly and approachable
• Great written and verbal communication skills
• Basic IT skills

What's in it for you

• Gain experience of holding a key local role with oversight of all SSAFA activity in the local area.
• Support and friendship from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community.
• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.
• Support in your role from the team at SSAFA
• Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.

Disclaimer

SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment.