Chair volunteer volunteer roles in London

We believe in the power of holidays to transform lives. Time away matters. For many families facing tough times -whether through financial hardship, illness or other challenges - a short break can feel out of reach. Yet, these moments of escape and connection are vital for well-being, resilience, and hope.

Our mission is simple but powerful: to provide families who wouldn’t otherwise get a break with the chance to spend quality time together, make memories, and return home stronger. 

As a Trustee, you will play a crucial role in shaping our future. You’ll help guide our strategy, ensure we remain true to our values, and support us in reaching even more families who need our help. Your expertise, insight, and passion can help us grow and innovate, so that no family is left behind when it comes to the simple joy of time away together.

About our Trustee Team

Our Trustees are a team of volunteers who use their diverse skills, experiences, and perspectives to set the strategic direction of the charity and make sure it’s doing what it was set up to do in the best possible way.

Family Holiday Charity has an ambitious strategy over the next few years, which will see us expand our services to families, develop our influencing work within the travel and leisure industry and government, and evolve our ways of working so that we can accept and use gifted breaks, travel and other services at scale, to give families who really need it a holiday.

To help us do all that we’ll need the guidance, challenge, connections, and support of all our Trustees.
Given our goals, we’re particularly looking to add the following professional skills and experiences to our team.

• HR-Focused- a Trustee who will serve as Chair of the Nomination & Remuneration Committee, providing strategic oversight of people, culture and organisational development whilst acting as the Board’s Safeguarding lead and supporting the Charity’s safeguarding assurance framework. Prior safeguarding experience is desirable but not essential.

The Commitment 

We’ll ask you to participate in four two-hour Board Meetings per year, typically in person at our office in London or remotely.We also get together for a Strategy Day in September/October, which is held on a weekday in London, and you’d need to attend that in person.

We can support with any access needs for in-person meetings.,

There are two Board sub-committees- one which focuses on our Finances and Risk, and one which considers our people (Trustees and Staff). Once you’ve settled into the role, most Trustees join one of them. They meet remotely around four  times a year.

Outside of formal meetings, you’ll be warmly encouraged to get to know the staff team, and attend fundraising events 
or other events to meet referrers, families, and supporters wherever possible.

Overall, you’ll need to be able to commit around 6 hours each month for a mix of meetings and events, contributing
your skills and perspective to projects, building your knowledge of the charity and developing as a Trustee.

See the trustee pack for more information and for the application and interview process - click apply to see this. Please note the deadline has been extended to midnight on Sunday 19th April 2026 to ensure the professionals skills and areas of experience (as listed above) are captured.

Would you like to become an Ambassador for knus? We've introduced our new arm-chairing volunteer position.

If you're interested arm-chair volunteering (our most flexible, low commitment role) and applying to volunteer at knus, simply read through the information on this page and apply.

• Are you over 18 and living in the UK? You must be over the 18 years of age and live permanently in the UK.
• Do you have a mobile phone or laptop? You can do this role whether you are, whether it be on a sofa or on a plane.
• How much time can you give? As much as you want to do. We are flexible and like to work around you.
• Do you like to learn? We provide training for all volunteers that join us. You'll have access to our courses to help you advance your knowledge and certificates to add to your CV.

How does it work?

In 2025 we launched our arm chair volunteering initiative to help us spread the word about our service and to give people the opportunity to take part in surveys and projects to help us deliver the best mental health support to the UK public.

We'd like to embrace what you love doing, whether that be sharing on socials, proof reading, surveys, sharing experiences or getting involved in our fabulous projects.

Important information:

In order to volunteer for knus as an ambassador, you will need to complete a brief application form and a ID check. A DBS is not required for this role, however, if you wish to progress to another role you may need a disclosure. We do this to ensure of service remains a safe place to volunteer for all. Please do not worry about this, we will help you as much as we can.

Training is provided by us and our training partners. You will be required to attend this training using online conferencing software such as zoom or teams.

Are you passionate about using your skills and expertise to help support and develop a UK-wide relationships and sex education charity?

Sexpression:UK provides high quality, comprehensive relationships and sex education workshops to young people between the ages of 11-18 in schools and youth groups. We operate across the UK through our unique network of affiliated branches and volunteers based at universities and students’ unions in 15 towns and cities.

You will have strong empathy with our mission to educate and empower young people to make individual, informed decisions about their bodies and their health. You will be committed to using your expertise to contribute to the future development of the charity and ensuring high quality governance of the organisation.

We are looking for a motivated individual with demonstrable experience in leadership or governance to join our board as Chair of Trustees.This is an exciting time to join our charity with the opportunity to contribute to a unique youth-led charity playing a leading role in some of today’s biggest issues.

The D D McPhail Charitable Settlement CIO (DDMCS), charity number 1197598, is an active grant making
Charitable Incorporated Organisation. It has succeeded the D.D. McPhail Charitable Settlement, charity
number 267588, which was founded in 1973 and operational till 2023.

DDMCS aims to support 2 or 3 major multi-year grant projects each year, which are actively sought by the
Trustees to enable small / medium sized charities to make a significant or step change in their activities. The
original trust deed and now the CIO constitution specifies three key areas of preference in the UK around:

• Furtherance of medical research,
• Care of the disabled particularly disabled children, and
• Care of the aged and infirm

The Trustees have wide discretion to support other charitable activities in the UK. There is more detail in
the annual report available via the Charity Commission website and the charity’s own website that outlines
the activities of the charity. Within these broad areas the Trustees recently agreed, following a strategic
review, to focus for the next grant making cycle on charities supporting care for the physical and mental
wellbeing of children living in poverty.

Recent grant support has enabled a number of significant multi-year projects, including:

• British Dyslexia Association - supporting the creation of Local Outreach Hubs to increase access to dyslexia advice, assessment and early intervention within communities.

• Candlelighters - funding a Family Wellbeing Practitioner to improve emotional and practical support for families affected by childhood cancer.

• IPSEA - funding a SEND Policy Manager to strengthen national policy influencing for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.

• The Myton Hospices - supporting the development of the Volunteer Service, enhancing capacity and patient experience across hospice services.

Further information can be found in the recruitment pack (attached). 

We are seeking a Chair Designate to join our board, with a view to taking over as Chair in 2027. The Chair provides inclusive leadership to the Board of Trustees, ensuring effective governance and strategic direction for the charity. They act as an ambassador for the organisation, working closely with the Director and fellow Trustees to maximise impact for beneficiaries. DDMCS does not undertake any fundraising activity, as all grant making is supported through the charity’s long-established investment portfolio. As a result, there is no requirement for the Chair to have fundraising experience.

Key Responsibilities: 

Strategic Leadership
• Lead the Board in setting and reviewing the charity’s vision, mission, and strategic objectives.
• Ensure decisions align with charitable objectives and long-term sustainability.
• Promote diversity and inclusion within the Board and wider organisation.

Governance
• Ensure compliance with the charity’s governing document, Charity Commission guidance, and relevant
legislation.
• Maintain high standards of governance, risk management, and financial oversight.
• Facilitate annual Board and Trustee performance reviews

Board Management
• Chair Board meetings effectively, ensuring impartiality and open debate.
• Provide guidance and constructive challenge to trustees.
• Foster strong relationships among Trustees and between the Board and Executive Director.
• Drive Trustee recruitment and succession planning.

External Representation
• Act as an ambassador and spokesperson for the charity.
• Represent the organisation at external events and with grantees and key stakeholders
• Support advocacy through personal networks where appropriate.

Support to Director
• Maintain a clear distinction between governance and management roles.
• Ensure regular communication and a strong, collaborative working relationship.
• Provide guidance and support to the Director.

Person Specification:

Essential Skills and Experience
• Proven leadership experience at Board or senior executive level.
• Strong understanding of charity governance and the legal duties of Trustees.
• Strategic thinker with ability to balance long-term vision and short-term priorities.
• Financial literacy and ability to oversee budgets and risk management.
• Excellent communication, with ability to build consensus
• Experience in grant-making or philanthropic sector

Desirable
• Knowledge of charity law and regulatory frameworks.
• Established networks within relevant sectors (e.g., philanthropy, corporate, public).

Personal Attributes
• Commitment to the charity’s mission and values.
• Integrity, impartiality, and sound judgment.
• Ability to dedicate sufficient time and energy to the role.
• Collaborative and inclusive leadership style.
• Innovative thinker with ability to bring forward fresh ideas.

If, after reading the applicant pack, you feel you have the skills and experience we are looking for then please apply through CharityJobs, providing a CV and cover letter (2 pages max) detailing why you are interested in this role and your relevant experience. 

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for preliminary interviews in April (dates to be confirmed). Initial interviews will take place via Teams. 

The Trustees of DD McPhail Charitable Settlement CIO are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences, particularly those underrepresented in leadership roles within the charity sector.

Please use the following contact details for any questions or queries you may have about the role or the charity:

info at ddmcphail dot org

Inclusive Boards is delighted to be supporting The Girls’ Network in the search to appoint their next Chair and two Trustees.

About The Girls’ Network

At The Girls’ Network, we believe that no girl should have her future limited by her gender, ethnicity, background or parental income.

Young people from lower-income families are significantly less likely to go on to higher education than their wealthier peers, which can have a lifelong impact on opportunity and earning potential. Recent years have also seen inequalities deepen and young people’s wellbeing adversely affected, particularly following the Covid-19 pandemic. These structural and social barriers disproportionately affect girls and young women from communities of least advantage.

We exist to challenge this inequality. Our mission is to inspire and empower girls and young women from underrepresented backgrounds to realise their ambitions, discover their self-worth, and develop the confidence and capacity to shape their own futures.

We work in communities of least advantage across England to deliver programmes that provide long-term, meaningful support.

About the Opportunities

The Girls’ Network is seeking a new Chair of Trustees to lead and support The Girls’ Network through their exciting next phase of growth, supporting an exceptional, values-driven team and ensuring they remain ambitious, accountable and true to their founding mission.

We are particularly interested to hear from candidates with:

• Experience of strategic leadership and governance within a complex organisation.
• Experience or understanding of the education / schools landscape.
• Good understanding of voluntary sector governance, funding and finance management.
• Thorough understanding of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship.
• Demonstrable financial and commercial acumen, including experience in financial planning, oversight, risk management, and the establishment and monitoring of systems of control and accountability.
• A track record of driving innovation and organisational change, with the ability to apply insight to support the charity’s achievement of its strategic objectives.
• Experience of working across sectoral boundaries, leveraging partnerships and opportunities.

The Girls’ Networks is also seeking two talented and committed Trustees to join their Board. We are particularly interested in hearing from candidates with experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Fundraising
• IT and digital

We are also seeking Trustees from the North East, Merseyside, West Midlands who can bring their lived experience to add value to the Board. We also encourage applications from young Trustees and will support first-time Trustees to bring their valuable perspectives to the Board.

Chair of Trustees role:

You will be chairing the Board of Trustees, ensuring that we have minimum representation required for decisions to be made, keeping the board aligned in decision-making, ensuring all minutes are recorded and that all decisions by trustees are made with the appropriate context provided.

This is a great opportunity to develop further governance skills and experience, and help steer an important charity in the right direction.

Trustees meetings are usually held every six weeks, plus there is an AGM, away days, and any sub-committee meetings that trustees may be involved in. Most meetings will remain virtual but there will from time to time be a need to attend key meetings and events in Nottingham. The time commitment is approximately 4hours per month, but there may be occasions when more time is required for a short period.

Who are we looking for?

• Previous chairing experience
• Relevant experience in any of the following financial management, HR, charities, fundraising, social prescribing, NHS, local authorities, marketing, business development, governance, strategy or legal
• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort
• Good, independent judgement
• The ability to challenge and ask questions
• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
• A commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership

NB: We are looking for both a Chair of Trustees and additional Trustees (particularly those with a finance background, but other functions are also welcome). If you are interested in a Trustee role instead of the Chair role, please mention this in your covering letter when applying. 

Both the Chair and Trustee positions are unremunerated, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

About Self Help UK

Self Help UK is a leading peer support organisation with over 40 years of experience in developing and delivering peer-led services. Our mission is to empower individuals and communities by embedding peer support principles into health and wellbeing initiatives. We have created a range of innovative programmes that help people living with cancer and other long-term health conditions to navigate challenges and take control of their health and wellbeing.

We work in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support on projects that make a real difference. These include national and local initiatives for the Deaf community, volunteer-led support for anyone affected by cancer, and prehabilitation services for those facing complex treatment. In 2026, we will collaborate with our Integrated Care System to improve health literacy and increase cancer screening uptake among underserved communities in Nottingham. Looking ahead, we are exploring a new direction to position Self Help UK as a holistic, person-centred support provider, embedding peer support and volunteer-led activity at the heart of everything we do. Our vision is to challenge health inequalities and enable people to feel confident, informed, and supported in shaping their own health journey.

A selection of causes covered by Self Help UK

• Peer support
• Long-term health conditions
• Cancer diagnoses and prevention
• Voluntary sector support
• Health inequalities (including the deaf community)
• Under-served communities

This position is a Trustee role, sitting on and managing Hidayah's Board of Trustees. The Chair of Hidayah provides strategic leadership to Hidayah, ensuring the organization remains aligned with its mission to support and advocate for LGBTQ+ Muslims. The Chair will guide the Board of Trustees in effective governance and act as an ambassador for the charity within both the Muslim and LGBTQ+ communities.

What are the key responsibilities of this role?

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

Leadership and Governance:

· Provide leadership to the Board, ensuring that Trustees fulfil their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of the charity.

· Oversee the Board of Trustees’ operation, ensuring its members work collaboratively and effectively.

· Ensure the charity complies with its constitution, governing documents, charity law, and other relevant legislation/regulations.

Strategy and Planning:

· Lead the development and implementation of the charity’s annual strategic plan, ensuring alignment with the needs of LGBTQ+ Muslims.

· Liaise with the Secretary in writing the annual report outlining Hidayah’s impact and achievements

· Work with the Board of Trustees to ensure that strategic objectives are effectively executed and serve the community

· Liaising with the HR & Recruitment Trustee regarding a portfolio of policies to ensure the smooth running of Hidayah

Risk Management:

· Ensure appropriate risk management policies and procedures are in place and adhered to.

· Regularly review and address potential risks to the charity’s operations and reputation.

Board of Trustees Management:

· Chair monthly Board meetings effectively, ensuring decisions are taken in a timely manner and that actions are followed up.

· Facilitate a positive and inclusive Board culture where diverse viewpoints are encouraged and respected.

· Manage all Trustees at Hidayah

Advocacy and Representation:

· Act as an ambassador for the charity, promoting its work within both the Muslim and LGBTQ+ communities and to a wider audience.

· Represent the charity at key events, meetings, and functions, and develop relationships with key stakeholders and partners.

Financial Oversight:

· Oversee the charity’s financial health, ensuring it operates within its means and maintains proper financial control and accountability.

· Work with the Treasurer and the finance team to ensure the Board of Trustees receives accurate and timely financial information.

· Act as a signatory for Hidayah’s bank account and financial operations.

· To seek out partnerships, sponsors and endorsements from individuals and organisations.

What do we expect from the Chair of Hidayah?

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

Essential:

· Demonstrable experience in a leadership role within a charity, non-profit, or similar organization.

· Strong understanding of governance best practices and charity law.

· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to foster a collaborative and inclusive culture.

· Strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into actionable plans.

· Strong financial acumen and experience overseeing budgets and financial planning.

· Passion for the charity’s mission and commitment to its values, with a deep understanding of the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ Muslims.

Desirable:

· Previous experience as a Chair or in a senior non-executive role.

· Experience in fundraising and development activities.

· Established network within the Muslim and LGBTQ+ communities and among relevant stakeholders.

Terms of Appointment:

· The Chair will be appointed for an initial term of 3 years, which may be renewed for a further term(s).

· This is a voluntary position; however, expenses incurred in fulfilling the role will be reimbursed as approved by the Board of Trustees in line with Hidayah’s policies.

All volunteers are expected to join Hidayah's Membership and Hidayah Discord server, read all Hidayah policies read, understand and agree with the constitution of Hidayah (available on our website).

Please ensure you do not have a conflict of interest with your current role and check this prior to applying for this role.

How much commitment is required?

The hours are flexible around your schedule. All Trustees volunteers are expected to:

· Attend monthly meetings to update on tasks, progress etc.

· Aim to attend all other planning meetings as necessary

· Attend Hidayah events where geographically possible

· Add to and maintain the administration of our file-sharing system ‘Google Drive’ to ensure it’s up to date with clear records, templates and forms

· Check and respond to emails in a timely manner

· Contribute to the communications group (via Discord) and stay up to date with Hidayah developments

· Keep up to date with Hidayah communication and organisational developments

Our Second Home (OSH) is the UK’s youth movement of people with refugee backgrounds. We have welcomed over 600 young people from 50 countries to our activities in London, Essex and Bristol.

Mission

For young people with refugee experience to build community, become leaders and flourish into adulthood in the place they call home. Through transformative activities, our members take control of their lives and create meaningful change for themselves and their wider community.

About This Role

OSH is at a pivotal point in its development.

Over the past few years, OSH has grown from a small, founder-led organisation into a national movement with increasing reach, complexity, and ambition. Our income has risen from £250,000 to £500,000, our staff and volunteer base is expanding, and our programmes are reaching more young people than ever before.

OSH now needs confident, experienced, and future-focused governance that can support scaling while protecting the culture, values, and relational way of working that make the organisation distinctive.

Your role will involve 4 main areas:

1. Board Leadership and Governance
2. Strategy and Organisational Leadership
3. CEO Support, Appraisal, and Accountability
4. External Representation and Engagement

More information is in the recruitment pack attached.

About You

Essential

• Significant experience in organisational and strategic leadership, ideally including guiding a charity or mission-driven organisation from small to medium scale
• A proactive and forward-thinking mindset, demonstrating the ability to anticipate potential issues and risks while identifying opportunities.
• Strong understanding of good governance, with the confidence to lead a board and hold senior executives to account
• Experience of or exposure to fundraising, financial sustainability, and organisational development
• The ability to balance support and challenge, particularly in a Chair - CEO relationship
• Commitment to OSH’s mission and values, including a genuine willingness to engage with and be guided by those with lived experience of the asylum system
• Highly organised and dynamic, with the ability to prioritise the effective use of Board time, facilitate the timely and focused distribution of information, and ensure appropriate follow-up to Board decisions.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the emotional intelligence to lead inclusively, collaboratively, and sensitively

Desirable

• Lived experience of asylum or forced migration
• Previous experience as a Chair or Vice-Chair of a charity or similar organisation
• Experience working with youth-led or lived-experience-led organisations
• Familiarity with safeguarding in youth or community settings

We are seeking an inspiring and strategic individual to lead our Board of Trustees as Chair. This is an exciting opportunity to join an organisation committed to ensure the voices of long term prisoners are heard, and to enable them to realise their potential.

The Chair is responsible for leading the Board of Trustees, ensuring that it fulfils its responsibilities for the governance of the organisation. The Chair’s role is also to work in partnership with the CEO, helping them achieve the aims of the organisation and to optimise the relationship between the Board and staff. (See also the Charity Commission’s Essential Trustee Guidance)

Key responsibilities

Strategy, Governance, and Financial Management

• Lead the Board in providing strategic direction to the Hardman Trust.
• Ensure, with Trustees, that the organisation operates efficiently and effectively to fulfil its objectives in compliance with relevant charitable and company legislation.
• Maintain careful oversight of any risk to reputation and/or financial standing of the charity and ensure that the Board regularly monitors that systems are in place to take advantage of opportunities and manage and mitigate the risks.
• Ensure that the Board fulfils its duties to ensure sound financial health of the charity, with systems in place to ensure financial accountability.

Board Leadership

• Ensure a high performing and effective Board through review of Board structure, Trustees and Board performance.
• Enhance the overall contribution of the Board, through mentoring of other Board members and encouraging participation in training/coaching/development. 
• Review and ensure Trustees have the right skillsets, training and development to support effective governance of the organisation.
• Chair Board meetings inclusively, bringing impartiality and objectivity in the decision making process.

Support to Hardman Trust CEO

• Line manage The Hardman Trust CEO including annual performance reviews and regular check-ins.
• Maintain appropriate distance between the Board and the leadership team, but where necessary, provide support and guidance on operations. 
• Work with The Hardman Trust CEO to support them to achieve the aims of the charity.

General Chair responsibilities

• Where appropriate, represent the Hardman Trust at meetings and events and act as spokesperson.
• Lead the Board in fostering relationships with external partners and potential funders/donors.

Person Specification

We want our Board to look like the world we serve and to have different voices within it. We know that diverse groups of people make better decisions.  We are keen to hear from people who can bring perspectives or experiences often underrepresented in charity governance and how can help us progress our vision.  

Essential

• Commitment to the Hardman Trust’s aims and values.
• Prior experience as a charity trustee and solid understanding of good governance practices.
• Experience (voluntary or paid) within the criminal or social justice sector at leadership level.
• Experience of chairing meetings, committees or boards.
• Robust planning and organisational skills.
• Willingness to devote time to carry out responsibilities.
• Sound independent judgment and strategic vision; ability to think creatively and challenge constructively.
• A collegiate attitude and willingness to work with others.
• Honesty, integrity and commitment to act in the best interest of the charity at all times.

Desirable

• Previous experience as a Chair in the charity sector.
• Expertise of lived experience of the justice system.
• Experience of charity fundraising and/or grant making.
• Understanding of the needs of people serving long sentences and of the systemic issues within our justice system .
• Experience of building partnerships and networks.
• Experience of public speaking and willing to represent the Hardman Trust externally.

Chair of PatientsVoices@RCoA

Voluntary and unpaid but reasonable expenses will be paid.

Remote with some travel required.

Time commitment: Approx. 4 days per month for 3 years.

Close Date: Friday, 10th of April 2026

Would you like to help improve the quality-of-care patients receive at the time of surgery and anaesthesia?

We are the professional body responsible for the specialty of anaesthesia, perioperative care, intensive care and pain medicine across the UK, and we are seeking an enthusiastic and committed Chair of PatientsVoices@RCoA, the group of volunteers who support, advise and influence the College by providing patients’ views on its activities.

As Chair of PatientsVoices@RCoA, you will lead a diverse group of volunteers and champion meaningful patient involvement across a wide range of workstreams. This role offers a unique opportunity to help shape the quality-of-care patients receive in the NHS and other healthcare settings.

As Chair of PatientsVoices@RCoA you will:

• Champion the work of the group and raise the profile of the patient voice across the College.
• Encourage participation and engagement within the group.
• Work with College staff and Committee Chairs to deliver impactful patient engagement where most needed.
• Be an ambassador with external partners and stakeholder organisations.
• Chair the meetings of PatientsVoices@RCoA three times a year and the away day once a year.
• Be co-opted to College Council and report to Council on behalf of PatientsVoices@RCoA.
• Attend and report to the Clinical Quality and Research Board on behalf of PatientsVoices@RCoA.
• Represent PatientsVoices@RCoA at the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges’ Patient Liaison Group.

We are looking for someone with:

• Experience of leading a group and working with a diverse range of people and views.
• Experience of chairing committees and meetings and leading discussions so that every voice is heard.
• A collaborative mindset and the ability to build positive relationships with a variety of stakeholders.
• Strong leadership, interpersonal and organisational skills.
• Passion about strengthening the patient voice in the work of the College.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written).
• The ability to use basic IT systems (e.g. email, Word, Teams etc.).
• The ability to commit an average of four days per month to the role.
• Flexibility and responsiveness to a varied workload and schedule.

To maintain independence and avoid conflicts of interest:

• You cannot join PatientsVoices@RCoA if you hold an anaesthetic qualification.
• You cannot currently be working, practising or managing services in healthcare (including policy making).

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check may be required for some College activities.

At RCoA equality, diversity and inclusion is a core part of our culture, so it is important to us that this is reflected in everything that we do. We welcome all individuals irrespective of age, race, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion or belief, disability, marital or civil partnership status, or parental and caring responsibilities to ensure we actively embrace an inclusive and representative culture that encourages, supports and celebrates our differences.

Please note we will ask for contact details and a CV initially when you apply. You will then be sent an email with an application form.

Do you want to help to make a real difference to the lives of women and girls?

We are looking to appoint a Trustee, who can support our communications and fundraising ambitions and act as the Chair of the Fundraising, Communications and Development Committee

Role Type: Voluntary

Location: London

Renumeration: While the role of a Trustee is not remunerated, reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed.

Time commitment:

• Five Board meetings per year (in person in Hammersmith west London), plus membership of at least one board sub-committee (four meetings a year online)

• Ad hoc availability as matters arise (by telephone)

• Participate in one strategy away day each year (on a Saturday, usually held in January)

• Commit to the Board of Trustees for at least three years

• Note - the Chair of the Fundraising, Communications and Development Committee will be expected to chair a committee meeting four times a year (online) in addition to the Board meetings

Please note: Any offer of employment will be made subject to references, confirmation of the right to work in the UK, satisfactory DBS check and relevant legal and regulatory compliance checks.

Advance is committed to equality and diversity and aims to have a board of trustees that reflects the communities we work with. We strongly encourage applications from women including those with disabilities, from racially and ethnically diverse backgrounds and those from LGBTQ+ communities.

About us

Our vision is a world where women and girls lead safe, just and equal lives. Advance is a women’s organisation delivering systems change, and trauma and gender-informed community-based support for women and girls affected by domestic abuse, including those in contact with the criminal justice system. We work nationally through our innovative, best-practice approach and systems change initiatives. We deliver wraparound frontline services across the South and East of England, including Greater London.

Our expertise lies in decades of providing specialist support by women and for women and girls, to achieve safety, justice and equality at the intersection of domestic abuse and the criminal justice system.

Our whole-system approach is aligned with our values of collaboration and innovation, partnering with other statutory and non-statutory providers, to deliver a coordinated community and gendered response, improving access to services across the whole system, enabling consistency and continuity of support throughout a woman’s journey.

Through our advocacy and awareness-raising work, we focus on systemic change and sustainable impact to meet women’s needs and improve their outcomes.

This is an exciting opportunity for you to join our experienced, committed and fully inclusive Board.

You will join a dedicated and skilled board comprised of women and men to support the charity through a significant period of growth. Our staff team now includes over 170 skilled and passionate women across our programmes and our 10 women's centres in London and the South and East of England.

About the role

We are looking to appoint a Trustee to act as the Chair of the Fundraising, Communications and Development Committee. This is a vital role for an experienced and strategic thinker who can guide Advance’s efforts to grow income, diversify funding streams, and enhance our visibility and voice. As Trustee, you will work closely with fellow trustees and the senior leadership team to provide leadership, to challenge, and support in developing sustainable income strategies and impactful communications.

Key Responsibilities

• Chair and help shape the agenda for the Fundraising, Communications and Development Committee

• Provide strategic oversight and governance for fundraising (grants and trusts, corporates, individuals), income diversification, and partnership development with brands and events

• Support the delivery and monitoring of income generation plans and KPIs

• Work with the internal team and guide our brand strategy, messaging, and stakeholder communications

• Advise on business development opportunities

• Ensure that fundraising and marketing activities reflect and align our mission and values

Experience required

• Senior experience in fundraising, business development, communications, marketing, or income strategy, ideally in the charity, public, or commercial sectors

• Confident chairing meetings, building consensus, and offering challenge in a constructive way

• Ability to think strategically and spot opportunities for innovation and growth

• An understanding of governance, impact, and how to balance ambition with sustainability

• Successful experience of operating within a board in a charitable, public sector or commercial organisation

Knowledge, skills and understanding required

• Commitment to the organisation and a willingness to devote the necessary time and effort

• Preparedness to make unpopular recommendations to the board, and a willingness to speak their mind

• Willingness to be available to staff for advice and enquiries on an ad hoc basis

• Good, independent judgement and strategic vision

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

• An ability to work effectively as a member of a team

• An understanding of the respective roles of the Chair, Trustees and Chief Executive

Closing Date for Applications: Sunday 22nd March 2026

Interviews: On a rolling basis

First-round interview, via Microsoft Teams.

Second-round interview will be in person at Advance Hammersmith

*Advance reserves the right to close the advert early, or on the appointment of a candidate.

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Reasonable Adjustments

Under the Equality Act 2010, we are required to make any reasonable adjustments. If you have a disability as defined under this act and/or have additional needs, please email the Talent Acquisition Team via the Advance website and will aim to make the necessary arrangements to accommodate your needs.

Diversity, Inclusion and Equal Opportunities

We are committed to providing equality of opportunity and actively seek to recruit people from groups underrepresented in our current team. We have policies and processes in place to ensure that all employees are offered an equal opportunity in recruitment and selection, promotion, training, pay and benefits.

Safeguarding

Advance is committed to safeguarding and creating a culture of zero-tolerance of harm and expects all staff, including volunteers to share this commitment. We believe all individuals have the right to live their life free from violence and abuse and the right to feel and be safe. We have a suite of safeguarding policies, procedures and practice guidance, accessible to all staff, which promotes safeguarding and safer working practices across all our services and activities. When we recruit staff, we follow rigorous safer recruitment practices, this involves carrying out pre-employment checks including references, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, and identity checks. We ensure all staff undertake mandatory safeguarding training relevant to their role and responsibilities, to empower them to be competent and feel confident in recognising and responding appropriately to safeguarding issues and promote wellbeing.

VOLUNTEER BRANCH CHAIR/COORDINATOR

Across the UK, our 60+ local branches help disabled people live the lives they choose. Our network of skilled volunteers respond to thousands of requests each year to design and make customised equipment free of charge.

As your local Chair or Coordinator, you’ll take the lead in making sure your local branch works as effectively as possible. You’ll recruit, induct, and support other branch volunteers to make sure your branch’s activities meet the needs of your local disabled community.

You’ll bring your leadership, communication, organisation, and motivational skills to this role.

What the role involves

This is a varied role where local need shapes what you’ll be working on, but it often includes:

•  Coordinating the activities of our local branch to undertake and meet the needs of  referrals in your area

• Coordinating and chairing the branch meetings

• Leading the branch’s shared responsibility for planning and completing referrals

• Coordinating the recruitment, induction, and ongoing support of new local branch volunteers

• Working with your Treasurer or Finance Officer to approve branch accounts

• Ensuring the branch’s activities comply with policies to keep people safe

• Regularly communicate and act as a key contact between staff and volunteers

What you’ll need for this role

Essential

• Confident in leading and chairing a meeting

• Confident using Microsoft Office, the internet and email

• Willingness to attend local events to promote the charity’s work

• Ability to understand and follow external and internal policies and procedures

• Able to keep people’s personal details safe

• Willing to follow Remap policies and procedures – and a commitment to our values

Desirable

• Confident in communicating with different audiences, including decision-makers and volunteers

• Able to delegate and motivate the activities of others

• Enthusiastic about raising awareness of the charity’s work in the local area

• Willingness to develop skills and experience

You’ll also need to complete the induction checklist and reference check, and you may need a DBS check if you also have another client facing role.

Why volunteer

When you volunteer with us, you join a community of committed people with a passion for helping to improve the lives of others. We’re a volunteer led organisation and we couldn’t do what we do without your hard work, skills and commitment.

N.B. We’ll reimburse any out-of-pocket expenses during your time with us.

This is an opportunity to play a key role in the leadership of Sussex Area Ramblers by supporting the Chair in the oversight and direction of all Area activities, making sure that they are consistent, integrated and in line with Ramblers' mission and strategy.

The Ramblers, Suusex Area of which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026, is the only charity dedicated to removing barriers so everyone can enjoy walking in green spaces, and to improving Britain’s most popular and least-known walking places. We’re committed to campaigning to keep our countryside open to all and to fighting for the things that matter most to walkers. We lead the way, and the walks, for a vibrant community united by the joys of walking, helping everyone get more out of their walks. 

The Vice-Chair supports the Area Chair in the leadership of Ramblers' activities in East and West Sussex including the provision through the Groups in the Area of organised walks, helping to ensure the Groups are run well, follow good practice and join in national/Area initiatives, the protection of rights of way, and and the preservation and conservation of, the countryside, includung representing the Area to external stakeholders.

The Vice-Chair deputises for the Area Chair, as required, at meetings of the Area leadership teams (Area Council and Area Executive Committee), represents the Area at meetings of the Ramblers' South East Regional Cluster and, in agreement with the Area Chair, leads specific projects in which the Area is engaged, making sure in all cases that Ramblers' policies and procedures are followed with a view to ensuring that the Area, its members and volunteers are kept safe and legally compliant.

The Vice-Chair supports the Chair in managing the Area's working relationship with local authorities, organisations and politicians.

The Vice-Chair assists the Chair by making sure that the Area follows all of the required governance, including AGMs and attendance at Ramblers' General Council Meetings.

The role holderwill work closely with the Chair and other members of the Area Executive Committee and Area Council, and where necessary seek advice and guidance from Ramblers' central office.

You will need to be a member of the Ramblers and live in East or West Sussex to hold the role.

Are you the new Chair-designate for Reading Community Learning Centre?

Do you have enthusiasm, skills and time to cooperatively govern and lead our charity that supports women learners?

You could be the Chair-designate of Reading Community Learning Centre, a charity serving the needs of local refugee, asylum-seeking and migrant women. We stand proudly for equality and women’s rights, and are looking for a woman Chair-designate to take on the role of leading our Board, supported by our outgoing Chair for a handover period of up to 6 months.

About us:

Set up in 2007, we are a Charitable Company that helps often-marginalised women to achieve their individual potential, through helping them improve their English, building confidence, making friends, volunteering locally, gaining qualifications or securing a job.

In 2025 we supported over 595 women from 41 different countries of origin, through our charitable spending of £244k.

About the role:

We’re looking for a woman to volunteer to lead our Board of Trustees, to work with other trustees and our CEO to shape our future supporting and empowering women. Women from global-majority/minority-ethnic communities are especially encouraged to apply.

If you can think and lead strategically, help us plan long-term, you have the primary skills needed by our Chair. Support from our employees is always available, as they will be dealing with the day-to-day running of the organisation.

Experience of committee or similar work, an understanding of cooperative leadership and a strong focus to shape the forward-looking Board, are what we are looking for. You don’t necessarily need prior experience of charity trusteeship, as induction will be provided, plus specialist guidance as a new trustee, including access to external training.

This is a high-profile appointment, with strong commitment to the future of Reading Community Learning Centre an essential quality, and having a good understanding of the value for the women we help. Trustees make the top-level decisions for our charity: our Board includes women with understanding, skills and experience of our support, and we require new trustees to have empathy with our cause. 

We are a charity not a business, but we apply business principles to governing our organisation. We encourage women from all backgrounds to apply, particularly Black, Asian and global-majority women, and those who have previous experience of engaging and working collaboratively with our beneficiaries.

The Board meets online every six weeks, and we ask you for up to sixteen hours per month; this includes all meetings, correspondence, communication, etc. Our Chair does need to be able to visit the Centre regularly, so should have access to Reading.

How to apply:

This high-profile appointment is being managed for us by inVOLve Community Services, a charity-support organisation, who offer an informal no-obligation discussion by video. A detailed Role Description and Skills Specification can be made available to you by request before that discussion.

Trustee appointments are subject to satisfactory references to satisfactory completion of an Enhanced DBS check.

Your CV and supporting statement will be read by our current Chair and trustees; an informal discussion followed by a more-formal interview can be offered as soon as mutually convenient.

I need to know more:

Contact Mike Allen via Apply Now, below, for more information and arrange to have a no-obligation initial informal discussion (Teams or Zoom), explanation about this important role and any assistance or advice you may need to apply.