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As Chair of the Board of Trustees, you will provide strategic leadership and governance to ensure The Paradise Cooperative fulfils its charitable objectives. You will lead and oversee the Board, collaborate with the Executive Director, and serve as an ambassador for the charity. This role is vital to ensuring the charity operates in accordance with the law, delivers public benefit, and remains financially and strategically sustainable.

What we are looking for

Essential 

·Demonstrated commitment and passion to the values and purpose of The Paradise Co-Operative.

·Previous trustee/NED or Chair experience.

·Strong understanding of governance, strategy, and the legal duties of a charity trustee.

·Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

·Sound judgment, diplomacy, and the ability to build consensus.

Desirable

·Knowledge of or interest in urban agriculture, education in nature, or co-operative/community operating models.

·Experience of fundraising, charity finance, or stakeholder engagement.

Responsibilities specific to the Chair of the Board of Trustees Role

1. Strategic Leadership

·Lead the Board in setting the charity’s strategic direction and ensuring alignment with its vision, mission, and values.

·Facilitate regular review of strategic objectives and ensure that plans are delivered effectively by the Executive Director and their team.

2. Governance and Board Management

·Ensure effective governance in accordance with the Charity Commission’s guidance and relevant legislation.

·Chair trustee meetings, encouraging collaborative and inclusive decision-making.

·Promote a culture of accountability, integrity, and transparency across the organisation.

·Ensure the Board maintains appropriate skills, diversity, and succession plans.

3. Support to the Executive Director

·Provide guidance and support to the Executive Director, ensuring a clear distinction between strategic governance and operational delivery.

·Conduct regular one-to-one meetings and at least an annual performance review with the Executive Director.

·Act as a sounding board and mentor while maintaining appropriate oversight.

4. Compliance and Risk Management

·Ensure the charity operates within its legal and regulatory framework, including safeguarding, data protection, and financial controls.

·Oversee the risk management process, ensuring appropriate mitigation strategies are in place.

5. Advocacy and Representation

·Serve as a public ambassador for Paradise Cooperative, raising the profile of the charity at key events, stakeholder meetings, and in the media, as required.

·Build and sustain strategic partnerships and relationships that support the charity’s aims.

Wider Responsibilities (Shared with All Trustees)

·Support and provide advice on Paradise Cooperative’s purpose, vision, goals and activities.

·Approve operational strategies and policies and monitor and evaluate their implementation.

·Oversee Paradise Cooperative’s financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress.

·Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organization.

·Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively.

·Review and approve Paradise Cooperative’s financial statements.

·Provide support and challenge to Paradise Cooperative’s Executive Director in the exercise of their delegated authority and affairs.

·Keep abreast of changes in Paradise Cooperative’s operating environment.

·Contribute to regular reviews of Paradise Cooperative’s own governance.

·Attend Board meetings, adequately prepared to contribute to discussions.

·Use independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect Paradise Cooperative’s interests, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or any third-party interests.

·Contribute to the broader promotion of Paradise Cooperative’s objects, aims and reputation by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts.

As a small charity, there will be times when trustees will need to be actively involved beyond Board meetings. This may involve scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, presenting externally, or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise.

Join us as a Governor and you will be part of a highly respected national charity, investing in services that will enhance the lives and independence of young people with complex disabilities and learning disabilities.

We are seeking several people who share our vision of a world in which people with disabilities are able to realise their potential as equal and active citizens in control of their lives to become Governors at National Star.

As a Governor you will work with others to oversee and monitor college activities and ensure safeguarding policies for students and employees are maintained. You will ensure students have every opportunity to achieve the best outcomes they can, with access to a personalised, broad and balanced curriculum which prepares them for life after college. 

The Governing body approves the quality strategy of National Star and agrees targets and monitors progress to achieve continuous improvement.

Our ideal Governors will:

* Adhere to our values
* Have personal integrity and be able to demonstrate a passion and commitment to National Star
* Prepare and participate actively in meetings
* Work collaboratively with fellow Trustees and Governors, demonstrating empathy and awareness of the needs of others
* Have good communication skills, tact and diplomacy
* Have experience, or a willingness to learn, about strategic thinking and risk
* Have knowledge, or a willingness to learn, about issues affecting people with disabilities and the specialist education sector
* Be prepared to commit time to conduct the role well, including travel and attending events out of office hours.

You will bring: 

We are looking to recruit people with a broad range of experience and are particularly interested in attracting candidates with knowledge / experience of 
* Special Educational Needs sector
* Policy and Legislation with regard to special needs
* A strong interest in and experience of promoting the learner voice

National Star is a Disability Confident Employer. We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all sections of the community, including those currently under-represented on our Governing body, which include people with disabilities and members of black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.

Your commitment to us:

Governors typically devote around 12 hours a month to their roles at National Star. Some months are busier than others, due to the cycle of meetings but generally you will have 3 formal meetings (termly) plus 2 informal development sessions each year.  To help you to plan your time all meetings are set by July for the next academic year. Each Governor has a lead responsibility which will involve them having contact/ meetings with key staff between meetings.

Papers are distributed in advance to allow Governors to prepare for each meeting.

We encourage Governors and Trustees to attend annual leavers’ ceremonies in Ullenwood, Wales and Hereford, as well as the colleague recognition awards and colleague long-service awards.

Benefits of joining our Governing body:

By joining our Governing body, you will have the satisfaction of knowing that you are playing a part in the future development of one of the leading disability charities in England and Wales as well as having the opportunity to expand your own skills, knowledge and professional development with the support of the whole team.

Your fresh perspective could help us to see things in a different light and your professional expertise could be utilised to support our staff team in delivering our vision and values.

You will gain a broad understanding of the challenges faced by young people with complex disabilities and be able to build your professional network.

Governors at National Star are volunteers. Out of pocket expenses are reimbursed. New Governors are subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring (DBS) check. 

Discover more about becoming a Governor at National Star by visiting our website.

 Please note this role is voluntary and therefore not eligible for the full range of staff benefits. 

Barefoot and Free is a small UK-based charity that gifts unforgettable staycations to families with neurodivergent children or children affected by trauma.

We are seeking creative and committed Volunteer Fundraisers to help us grow our small charity.

This is a remote volunteer role ideal for someone looking to use their creative fundraising knowledge to make a meaningful impact.

Role Overview
As a Volunteer Fundraiser at Barefoot and Free, you will be reuired to come up with fun ideas to fundraise, be able to engage people to fundraise and encourage new supporters.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, organise and execute virtual and in-person fundraising events (eg raffles, quizzes, sponsored challenges)
• Liase with fundraisng volunteers (eg sponsored runners etc)
• Ensure events run smoothly by preparing, schedules, materials and plans. 
• Act as a main point of contact for invividual fundraisers and teams
• Regukar communication to offer encouragement and guidence.
• Procatively check they have everything they need (eg fundraisng pack, marketing materials) 
• Create.design a central fundraising tracker (eg excel or similar) 
• Log all fundraising activities, targets, deadlines ad progress updates 
• Collaborate with the social media volunteers (if applicable) to amplify campaigns
• Support the recruitment of new fundraising volunteers

What You’ll Bring

• Clear friendly written and verbal communication
• Ability to confidently engage with fundraisers, donors and team members remotely
• Excellent time management and ability to co-ordinate multiple activities at once
• Structured approach to planning events and tracking fundraising progress
• Strong communication skills, self-motovated with the ability to work independently with minimum supervision
• A passion for charitable work and a willingness to contribute time and skills

Time Commitment
This is a flexible remote role. We ask for a commitment of 2 to 5 hours per week. We are happy to work around your availability.

What You’ll Gain

• A chance to use your skills for a good cause

• Hands-on experience in event planning, fundraising, and project coordination, ideal for CVs, job applications, or future charity roles.

• Remote, flexible volunteering that fits around your schedule — ideal for students, parents, or professionals looking to give back.

• Experience working in the charity sector

• Portfolio development and references on request
• Being part of a friendly supportive team making a difference

To apply please send a recent C.V along with a short note about yourself & with examples of any fundraising, event planning you have carried out.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Event: 2025 Royal Parks Half Marathon

Location: London

Time commitment: 12th October - Half a day 

What we're looking for

We need enthusiastic and outgoing volunteers who can cheer as loudly as possible for our runners as they go past our cheer points. Every year thousands of people join Team NSPCC to take on a challenge and raise money to help protect children and prevent abuse. Together with other cheerers, you'll make a huge difference to how our runners feel – helping them to complete a challenge they've spent months preparing for.

What you'll do

You'll be joining other lively and enthusiastic cheerers at  our NSPCC cheer point along the route – be ready for cheering, clapping, whooping or even singing. It's a team effort, so you would also help with setting up the cheer point, giving out t-shirts and cheering materials, making sure the area is kept tidy and helping with packing down.

We have one cheer point along the course, with staggered start times. We'll be in touch to arrange with you what time to arrive, where to meet and what to expect. You don't have to be an official cheerer to come along and support team NSPCC. So if you can't make the full-time or to one of our cheer points, we'd still love to see there, just look up the event time and come along.

What you'll get

Volunteering at our events is a great way to experience the fantastic atmosphere of event days, without the training! The atmosphere at our cheer point is amazing, and we'll provide you with cheering materials and an NSPCC t-shirt so all you have to bring is your enthusiasm.

You'll be accompanied by NSPCC staff to support you and answer any questions you may have. Refreshments will be provided at the cheer points, and travel expenses will be covered up to the value of £5.

Who's right for the role?

You don't need any prior experience, just a sense of fun, team spirit and enthusiasm. It's important that you're able to spend a few hours outside, spending lots of this time cheering and clapping. You'll also need to stand for a few hours so, if you think this would be difficult, we'd advise bringing along a travel chair. If you are a wheelchair user, please let us know and we can help to identify a suitably accessible cheering point for you.

You'll need to feel comfortable if members of the public ask you about your volunteering role and will simply need to direct them to a member of staff if they have any questions about the NSPCC. We need volunteers with a warm and friendly manner, as the NSPCC is 90 per cent funded by public donations so the impression people have of us is incredibly important.

Please be aware that you'll need to make your own way to your cheer point (we will give you directions).

We can discuss which cheering post would be most convenient for you.

Interested in getting involved? Volunteer today and join our fight for every childhood.

Would you like to improve the urban walking environment and our quality of life? Living Streets, the UK charity for everyday walking, is looking for an enthusiastic and experienced person to chair our board of voluntary trustees. 

We are a charity that can influence anyone’s daily life. Our mission is to achieve a better walking environment and inspire people to walk more. 

This is a pivotal time in our history: with a dynamic and experienced new Chief Executive, Catherine Woodhead; and a period of development, with a new strategy incoming that will take us towards our centenary in 2029. 

With our thousands of members and supporters we run campaigns for positive change and influence policies that improve our streets such as encouraging families to walk to school, 20mph speed limits and controlling pavement parking. 

We manage innovative national projects, engaging schools, communities and workplaces to encourage more people to walk short journeys. Our year-round walk to school challenge captures the imagination of children in over 2000 schools. 

We work with local authorities and businesses to improve streets and public spaces. Our reports, such as The Pedestrian Pound, make a substantial contribution to the active travel agenda. 

We are seeking someone with strong leadership and networking skills, with experience of good governance and helping organisations through growth. You will possess a substantial reputation which will add to the credibility of Living Streets. The role is a voluntary unpaid position, though reasonable expenses will be reimbursed. The term of office is for six years.

Closing date: 03/11/2025 (12pm)

Interviews: 20/11/2025 

Interview Location: London Head Office 

We’re looking for our next Chair of the Finance Committee (FinCom) and Trustee.

London-based ¦ Voluntary ¦ ~1–2 days/month plus 10 scheduled meetings each year

At the London Early Years Foundation (LEYF), we’re proud to be the UK’s largest charitable childcare social enterprise. With 43 nurseries, 1,000+ staff and a £37m turnover, we’re on a mission to change the world one child at a time - especially in London’s most disadvantaged communities.

We’re looking for a senior finance leader to join our Board of Trustees as Chair of FinCom, with Treasurer responsibilities. This is a brilliant opportunity for someone who’s already served as a Trustee or Non-Executive Director and is ready to step into a leadership role with real influence.

What we’re looking for:

• A qualified accountant with senior-level finance experience (likely a current or former Finance Director)
• Someone who brings rigour to audit, risk, and financial oversight, and can lead strategic conversations at Board level
• A credible, thoughtful partner to our Finance Director - able to challenge, support, and collaborate on everything from acquisitions to reserves
• A confident chair and facilitator, who creates a positive, inclusive space for discussion and decision-making
• Someone with gravitas who’s interested in wider business and wants to advise (not run) ours. You understand the numbers, and bring commerciality and pragmatism
• A calm, grounded presence with high emotional intelligence, curiosity, and a genuine passion for our mission

Why join us?

• Use your skills to make a real difference to children and families across London
• Join a collaborative, professional, and down-to-earth Board and exec team
• Be part of a warm, values-led organisation that welcomes your ideas and energy

Interested?

If you’re the kind of leader others rally behind - calm, credible, and committed to making a difference - this is your opportunity to step into a role that matters.

Further details about the role can be found in our online info pack. We’re reviewing applications and progressing people in August – so don’t wait too long to express your interest. We’re hoping you will join us for key business meetings in September as part of the transition from our current FinCom Chair. 

Time commitment: Flexible (at least 2-4 hrs a month during active months)

What we're looking for

We're looking for enthusiastic, approachable and fun-loving people to be event volunteers, linked to our Sudbury Team. Around 90 per cent of our income comes from our supporters and we couldn't continue doing what we do without them. That means, our community fundraising volunteers play a really important part in rallying people together to raise vital funds which help to protect children and prevent abuse.

What you'll do

You'll kindly volunteer your time at Sudbury's fundraising events to help raise vital funds for the NSPCC. You could be selling raffle tickets, supporting a collection, making tea and coffee at a lunch or coffee morning or providing support to one of Sudbury's annual 
events. You will engage with the public, organisations and the local community – promoting a positive image of the NSPCC! We'd particularly like to hear from you if your workplace run a matched funding scheme alongside your attendance at a fundraising event.

You'll work closely with your regional Community Fundraising Manager and the Sudbury Team who can provide you with a choice of events to attend. This role offers the opportunity to build your personal skills and raise your profile in your community. It is flexible, you only need to commit to a couple of hours a month but you can do more if you would like to.

What you'll get

At the event, we'll support you with guidance, advice, and tools to help you fundraise and spread the word of the NSPCC. You'll learn more about how you're helping to protect children across the UK, and you'll have the opportunity to grow your skills and inspire others to support us.
It's also a chance to take on new challenges and make new friends. 

Who's right for the role?

While we think this role is suitable for a whole range of people, we are particularly looking for those with the following qualities and experiences.

• Passionate about helping young people and children
• Enthusiastic and personable
• Strong organisational skills
• Able to think on your feet
• You work well within a team
• Great communication and social skills
• Confident in making fundraising asks
   

We are currently unable to accept applications from under 18's to this role, please view our other volunteering opportunities.

Interested in getting involved? Volunteer today and join our fight for every childhood.  

Warminster branch member

Time commitment: Flexible (at least 2-4 hours a month during busy period)

What we are looking for:

We are looking for enthusiastic, approachable and out going people to join the established branch in Warminster. Around 90% of our income comes from our supporters and we couldn't continue doing what we do without them. 

Our branch and district members will play an important part in raising vital funds so together we can keep children safe. 

What you will do:

You'll kindly volunteer your time to help support and organise fundraising events to help raise vital funds for the NSPCC. 

The ladies arrange a Christmas market with stalls, a raffle and refreshments and in 2024 they arranged a concert as well. Aside from that they arrange a supper club that normally happens in September with local restaurants. The group need new members to help with these events!

The group doesn't typically meeting much during the school holidays as a few of them have childcare responsibilities. 

What you'll get:

We will support you with guidance, advice, and tools to help you fundraise and spread the word for the NSPCC. 

You'll learn more about how you are helping to protect children across the UK. It is a chance to take on new challenges and make new friends with the lovely group.

Whos right for the role:

you would be right for this role if you

-are passionate about helping young people and children.

-are enthusiastic and personable

-strong organisational skills

-able to think on your feet

-you work well in a group

The Organisation

The University of Portsmouth Students’ Union (UPSU) is an independent charity that exists to advance the education of all students at the University of Portsmouth. Our vision is to have a ‘Positive Impact with every Portsmouth student’ and we aim to have both immediate and legacy impacts through our range of inspiring services and activities.

The University of Portsmouth Students’ Union (The Union or UPSU for short) is a forward thinking, friendly organisation with a vision of “delivering a positive impact with every Portsmouth student”. As a charity led by its values and guided by its members, we offer a wide range of services and activities to support and enrich the lives of our students. UPSU employs approximately 30 career staff, a further 40 student staff and we work with over 1000 registered student volunteers and over 100 student groups.

UPSU implemented a new 3 year Strategy from August 2023 and as always, our Strategy sets the direction for UPSU and ensures we are all focussed on the right things for the benefit of all University of Portsmouth students.

Our new Strategy focuses on three areas:

1. Academic Success - All students’ academic outcomes are improved as a result of the work that we do - making this the best we can for UoP students through our charitable aims of Representation, Development and Welfare
2. Social Capital - Students are supported to find themselves, be themselves, connect and belong
3. Future Readiness - Students’ futures are made clearer and enhanced by the work that we do

The Person

The right candidate will thrive in a student led, highly responsive environment and have an enthusiasm for supporting and guiding a student organisation. They will command confidence, have sound judgement and strong communication and leadership skills.

Finance Experience: to support our current strategic direction and bring new skills to the Board, the Board of Trustees is looking for a trustee who has the following financial experience.

• Preferably financial experience from a charity outside of the SU sector
• Understanding of financial oversight
• Ability to interpret financial information to support strategic decision-making
• Awareness of charity finance and regulatory requirements

Chairing Experience: The successful candidate would also be the Deputy Chair, and we are looking for the following experience:

• Ability to deputise for the Chair, and chair meetings of the Board
• Ability to build a strong and effective working relationship with the Board of Trustees Chair
• Ability to foster, maintain and ensure that constructive relationships exist with and between the Trustees
• Assist and support the Chair in providing leadership to the Board, through the governance arrangements, and also acting as a ‘sounding board’ and confidante to the Chair in the execution of their role

Due to the current make-up of our Trustee Board, we are not actively searching for candidates with skills, knowledge and experience related to the Student Union and HE sector and we would welcome candidates from other sectors or regions to apply. That said, we would very much like to encourage anyone who feels that they could bring something to our Board to apply, regardless of experience - our purpose and values also lead us to welcome first time Trustees too!

We are strongly dedicated to embedding equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) within our community and we are passionate about creating a welcoming and inclusive environment which supports everyone from recruitment through to appointment, regardless of your background. We welcome applications from all talented people and as part of this commitment, we are working to improve the diversity of our Trustee Board to ensure that it is as relevant and representative of our student community as possible and are actively encouraging applications from underrepresented groups.

Board meetings sit 4-5 times per year and in addition we ask our Trustees to share their expertise in supporting one of our sub-committees. The roles are voluntary and whilst we welcome all applicants, the requirement for regular meeting attendance may suit people within easy travel time to Portsmouth.

Further Information

For more information and details on how to apply, please visit out website

Application is via a comprehensive CV plus a supporting statement (of no more than two sides of A4) detailing why you are applying for the position and what requirements you meet to carry out the role

Completed applications must be received by midday on the Midday, 13th October 2025.

We are looking for passionate people to join our Trustee team and contribute their skills to the development of our highly ambitious, industry-leading organisation.

First and foremost, we’re looking for people who are passionate about equal access to music and live events, and who will fully get behind Attitude is Everything’s Vision and Mission. We have a vision for accessible employment; that disabled people can have a career in the music and live event industries.

We want our Board to be representative of the communities that it serves, so we’re particularly interested in people who identify as disabled, deaf and/or neurodivergent and who are from diverse backgrounds, including from lower socio-economic backgrounds and from regions outside of London.  We are particularly interested in hearing from senior leaders in the music industry, those with strong knowledge and experience of the fundraising landscape and individuals with policy experience.

Every day, The Shakespeare Hospice makes a difference to the lives of local people living with a life-limiting illness, and to those who matter most to them.  We are now seeking a new Trustee to help us shape the future of this vital work.

Based in Stratford upon Avon, we offer services across South Warwickshire and the surrounding areas.  Our aim is to ensure that people living in our community with a life-limiting illness, and their family and friends, are supported with the care and compassion they deserve.

We are now looking for a new Trustee who shares a passion to serve our community and who can help us ensure that we are able to deliver our services today, tomorrow and for always. This is a voluntary role, working alongside fellow Trustees, the Senior Leadership Team and our Chief Executive to ensure the Hospice continues to thrive in today's challenging environment.

We welcome applications from individuals who can bring professional expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• Fundraising strategy and donor engagement
• Corporate partnerships and sponsorship
• Charity retail
• Trusts and foundations

Strong local connections in Stratford upon Avon and the wider area would be especially valuable.

As a Trustee, you will bring your professional insight to provide oversight, challenge and support.  Just as importantly, you will share our Hospice values: compassion, community and commitment.

The time commitment is around one day per month, including four Board meetings, at least one strategic planning day, the AGM and participation in one of our committees.  Trustees also enjoy attending Hospice fundraising events and engaging with our local community.

We are committed to building a diverse Board that reflects the community we serve. We particularly welcome applications from younger people, people with disabilities and candidates from black and minority ethnic backgrounds.

Sense College Loughborough is a specialist Further Education (FE) college, supporting students between 16-25, who have a wide range of disabilities. We aim to prepare young people to be as independent as possible and help them to achieve their long term goals. We offer different pathways and work with Loughborough College, to help students gain the skills, experience, knowledge and confidence to achieve these goals. 

Candidates interested in the role of Lay Governor at college must be able to demonstrate commitment to Safeguarding, Strategic leadership and a passion to Further Education particularly Specialist Education. A understanding of issues facing the post 16 specialist education sector would be desirable. If you feel you have the ability to make a positive contribution to meetings and provide constructive challenge to support senior managers at the college we would love to hear from you. We anticipate that the successful candidates will need to commit a minimum of 4 half days per term to the role in relation to meetings and preparation. The ability to attend other ad-hoc college events and visits would also be very welcomed.

The role of members of the Governing Body is to provide strategic leadership, support and constructive challenge to the college senior management team to ensure that Sense College provides an excellent education experience for all students. The Governors will work with the college senior management to ensure the college offers a broad based curriculum to maximise the teaching and learning experiences of all its students, with demonstrable outcomes. Sense College Loughborough Lay Governors will attend 3 full committee meetings a year, plus 3 extra meetings for their chosen sub-committee. Meetings last from 90 minutes for sub-committees and 2 hours 30 minutes for the full committee, Lay Governors will come prepared and engaged, having done the reading the prior and ready to ask any questions they may have. Governors of Sense College have a varied role encompassing a range of duties. Much of this is undertaken through participation in the full Governing Body meetings and Sense College sub-committees according to a governor`s experience and skillset, and through college visits.

Some examples of governor duties are below, noting that these are not exclusive:

• Reviewing, approving and monitoring the implementation of the Sense College 2022-2025 Strategic Plan
• Approving the final Sense College Annual Self-Assessment Report (SAR)
• Reviewing and monitoring progress and outcomes from the Sense College Quality Improvement Plan (QuIP)
• Reviewing students’ progress and achievements through a range of products i.e. case studies, reports and visits to Sense College
• Reviewing college data against Key Performance Indicators and dashboards.
• Participating in Ofsted inspection meetings on governance to support Sense College and the college senior management team
• Monitoring implementation of safeguarding (SfG) procedures, keeping updated with current SfG legislation and governors Prevent responsibilities
• Monitoring college budget performance with the emphasis on new students  referrals funded through the Education and Skills Funding Agency
• Attending and participating in governor training events, student celebrations and college visits 

About us 

For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life.

Volunteers add real value to Sense, bringing their passion, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the work that we do. We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together, and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world.

Sense values 

We include. We collaborate. We find a way. We challenge. We celebrate.

Helping young people to reach their personal best

“SportsAid believed in me when I was just a young, inexperienced racer. As a self-funded teenager travelling the world with my Mum, financial challenges were a constant hurdle. Funding my passion was daunting until SportsAid alleviated that burden, enabling me to pursue what I loved and take my passion to the next level. Without SportsAid, I would never have gone from the little girl you invested in, to the Paralympic and World medallist I became.”

Millie Knight, Paralympic medallist & World Champion

 COULD YOU HELP SPORTSAID AS THE CHAIR OF TRUSTEES?

SportsAid’s Mission is to encourage, enable and empower the next generation of athletes to achieve their ambitions in sport and life. Since 1976, we have been side-by-side with Britain’s greatest emerging sporting talent – from Mo Farah to Jessica Ennis-Hill, from Ade Adepitan to Ellie Simmonds – and so many others. SportsAid provides vital support to young sports people at a pivotal moment in their development.  HRH The Princess of Wales is the charity’s Patron.

We are looking for a trustee to join our board as Chair of Trustees. With our five-year fundraising strategy underway, this is an exciting time to join as we develop new, impactful partnerships to deliver our mission for young sports people towards and beyond SportsAid’s 50th anniversary in 2026. 

As the Chair of Trustees you will lead and support an effective, diverse and committed Board.  The Chair will provide inclusive leadership to deliver the charity’s vision and mission, ensuring that each trustee enjoys fulfilling their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of the charity. The Chair will also support the Chief Executive to ensure that the Board functions to best effect in supporting the executive team to achieve its objectives. He or she will act as an ambassador and be a public face of the charity in partnership with the Chief Executive.

You will have significant Board experience, ideally at Chair or other senior level, in the public, private or voluntary sector; or substantial Board experience as a member of a National Governing Body of Sport or Charitable Trust.  You will be familiar with partnership working and engaging with a complex stakeholder mix.  You will have strong financial and commercial acumen and a genuine passion and personal connection to the core purpose and mission of SportsAid.

This is a vital role offering the opportunity to join a committed and driven charity at an exciting time.  You do not need to be a sports expert, but you will have a desire to help young people and a willingness to get stuck in.  You can make a difference.

You will join a board of eight trustees in working with an effective executive team to support the charity’s work. 

The minimum commitment as a board member will be to attend four board meetings per year (typically held in London but with the facility to join remotely if necessary) plus two half-day induction sessions and at least one half-day strategy planning session.  There will likely be an additional time commitment to attend events representing SportsAid. Board positions are unremunerated but reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed.

SportsAid recognises that certain sections of the community have been affected by structural inequities and may be denied the opportunity to participate equally and fully in sport at all levels. SportsAid as an organisation believes our role is to remove the barriers that our most under-served, at risk and minoritised groups of young people experience when trying to access sport and physical activities.

SportsAid therefore positively welcomes, and seeks to achieve, diversity in our workforce and that all job applicants, volunteers and employees receive equal and fair treatment.  We positively encourage applications from all candidates regardless of age, race, ethnicity, gender, disability, marriage and civil partnership status, gender identity, background, religion, faith, sexual orientation, maternity status, pregnancy, belief or nationality.

A role description is available on request.

Please apply by emailing your CV with an outline of how your skills and experience meet the specification of this Chair of Trustees role and why you are interested in joining SportsAid by 5pm Friday 26 September 2025.  

On receipt of your application you will be sent a confidential equal opportunities form which all applicants will be asked to complete. 

Location: Fully flexible / Remote – open to applicants anywhere in the UK
Time Commitment: Approx. 2 – 4 hours per month

About Us
Unseen Expeditions UK is a newly forming Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) supporting mission-led charities and expedition projects across the UK and internationally. Our flagship initiative, The Unseen Mile, is a 4.5-year journey covering 25,000 miles across 37 countries. Through this and future projects, we aim to inspire, raise awareness for important causes, and share unique storytelling and learning experiences from the field.

We are currently recruiting our initial trustee board to help launch and register the charity.

Role Overview
We are seeking a General Trustee to join our board, support strategic decision-making, and help ensure effective governance. This is a key role in shaping the charity’s early operations, supporting registration, and contributing to the delivery of our mission.

Key Responsibilities

• Attend quarterly trustee meetings (in person or virtually) and participate in board decision-making

• Support governance, strategy, and operational planning for the CIO

• Contribute ideas, experience, and skills to help the charity grow

• Assist with compliance, reporting, and adherence to charity law and CIO regulations

• Support trustee recruitment, induction, and development as needed

Person Specification & Requirements

• Interest in charity governance, mental health, and expedition-led projects

• Willingness to work collaboratively with a small, remote trustee team

• Commitment to the mission and values of Unseen Expeditions and its partnered charities

• Comfortable working remotely and communicating online with a UK-wide board

• UK-based (required for legal trustee responsibilities)

• Approx. 2 - 4 hours per month commitment (more during start-up if possible)

• Basic tools for communication (email, phone, video calls)

What You’ll Gain

• Opportunity to help shape and govern a new, high-profile charity from launch

• Hands-on experience in charity leadership and governance

• Contribution to awareness-raising and adventure-led impact projects

• Recognition for your role in mission-driven initiatives, including The Unseen Mile and future projects

• Flexible, fully remote role within a passionate, purpose-driven team