Challenge events volunteer volunteer roles

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 to find up to 3 inspirational Trustees with experience in one of more of the following areas: 

• Legal (employment, contract, and charity law)   
• Development/Fundraising (significant networks amongst corporate partners or major and mid-level donors) 
• Policy/Advocacy or Public Affairs (with an understanding of the Modern Slavery or adjacent human rights topics) 

As a trustee of the Sophie Hayes Foundation, you will be part of a small team of volunteers who are collectively responsible for developing and guiding the strategic direction of the organisation and ensure that we continue to support and advocate for survivors of modern slavery.   

Trustee Role & Responsibilities

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.     

Responsibilities

As a trustee of SHF, you will work collectively with fellow board members to provide effective governance, oversight and strategic support. Your core duties will include:   

1.Upholding SHF’s Mission and Values

• Support and advise on SHF’s purpose, vision, goals and charitable objects.
• Act at all times in the best interests of survivors and SHF’s mission.
• Promote SHF’s values, including survivor-centred practice, inclusion and safeguarding.

2. Governance, Compliance and Ethical Oversight

• Ensure SHF complies with its constitution, charity law and relevant regulations. 
• Ensure resources are used responsibly and exclusively to further SHF’s charitable purposes.
• Maintain high standards of integrity, including declaring and managing conflicts of interest.  
• Support effective governance structures, including participation in learningfocused reviews.

3. Financial Stewardship and Risk Management

• Oversee the charity’s financial health, ensuring sustainability and protection of assets.
• Monitor financial performance, risks and internal controls.
• Contribute to board-level scrutiny of finance and risk, supporting informed decision-making.

4. Strategic Support and Constructive Challenge

• Provide strategic guidance and support to the Executive, helping to shape direction, priorities and performance.
• Contribute to discussions on strategy, planning and organisational development.
• Offer constructive challenge in line with SHF’s values and governance expectations.

5. Safeguarding, Culture and Psychological Safety

• Promote a safe, transparent and inclusive organisational culture.
• Support safeguarding responsibilities, ensuring staff, volunteers and people with lived experience feel safe to raise concerns.

6. Board Participation and Collaboration

• Use your skills, experience and networks to strengthen the Board’s effectiveness.
• Prepare for, attend and actively contribute to Board and relevant committee meetings.
• Work collaboratively and respectfully with other trustees, the Chair and the Executive.

7. Advocacy and External Engagement

• Act as an ambassador for SHF, promoting our work and raising our profile.
• Advocate for survivors of modern slavery and support SHF’s influence, partnerships and fundraising efforts.

Specialist Responsibilities

We are seeking up to 3 trustees who can bring specialist expertise in one or more of the following areas, complementing the skills of the Chair and wider Board:

Legal

• Experience in employment, contract, charity or human rights law.
• Ability to advise on legal risk, governance obligations and regulatory duties.

Development / Fundraising

• Strong personal or professional networks with potential corporate, philanthropic or major donors.
• Ability to open doors, strengthen partnerships and support revenue generation.

Policy, Advocacy & Public Affairs

• Understanding of modern slavery or adjacent human rights issues.
• Ability to support SHF’s policy development, influencing work and external relationships. 

Legal Assistant

We are a Kingston-based social marketing enterprise using creative thinking to build community cohesion.

We aim to attract knowledgeable individuals encouraging different cultures to unite which enables us to share and celebrate essential lessons. 

Partnering with local organisations, we put on programmes of training, workshops and other events that promote unity and tolerance.

We conduct research to support our cause to challenge preconceptions around race and stereotyping. As well as delivering workshops on unconscious bias in the workplace. 

To learn more about our impactful work at Quilombo UK, we encourage you to explore our website and YouTube channel. 

Join us in leading positive change!

About the position

Quilombo UK is looking for Legal Assistant, who would love to join a growing organization. Quilombo UK works with the objective to promote different arts, sports and cultures to encourage an intercultural understanding between different communities and societies; To promote cultural awareness in the community and educate, regardless of nationality or origin, about race diversity and mutual respect; To promote good health and wellbeing; and run a community organisation with a strong focus on individuals, the community and society as a whole.

Quilombo UK is looking to recruit a Legal Assistant who helps organization in various legal matters.

This role offers a great opportunity for the right person who is looking to; gain experience in the Third Sector; develop their skills and management experience; or just simply 'give something back to their community'. The role provides you flexibility and autonomy at work. Where necessary specific training will also be provided to help you develop and grow your skill set.

Main Responsibilities

• We are looking for an experienced lawyer to assist the organisation in overlooking projects, ensuring they are compliant with relevant and up to date legislation and regulations.

• The legal assistant will be responsible for making sure all contracts, legislations and documents are treated within correct legal standards. They are to make sure that all activities are being performed in line with contracts and the law. 

• The Legal Assistant will work closely with the HR department in overlooking the volunteer forms, legislations and documents. They should also assist the different departments within the organisation(Marketing, Funding, HR, Finance) in upholding the legal requirements needed to run the tasks that they do. 

• Provide written reports as and when required. To undertake additional duties as required for the role.

General tasks

• Contribute to staff meetings and other internal meetings with views and suggestions etc.

Essential

• Well-organized, proactive and able to deliver tasks efficiently.

• Excellent researching skills

• Reading and report writing skills

• You will need to be an experienced lawyer or have a good legal understanding. 

• You will be respectful of the confidentiality of the organisation.

• You will need to help deliver work that adheres to the key objectives of the organisation. 

• Able to speak confidently with a variety of stakeholders.

• Good time-management & communication skills.

• To show professionalism at all levels and in all environments

• Strong team player

• Ability to work independently and ask for clarification when needed.

Desirable

• Committed to working with the community with a passion for helping others less fortunate.

• Can work without much supervision

The Professional Development Programme with Quilombo UK is a 16-week UNPAID opportunity that requires a minimum commitment of 12 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

QUILOMBO UK is dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace environment that values diversity and promotes equality for all employees. As part of our commitment to upholding these principles, we adhere to the guidelines outlined in the Equality Act 2010. We firmly believe in creating a workplace where all individuals are respected and treated fairly. Discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated.

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. 

Bath Area Play Project are passionate about every child's right to play and enabling children to thrive. We are looking for a Chair of our small Trustee Board to support our vision and ethos, enabling the continuation of our support services for children and families, leading strategic oversight and ensuring we are resilient for change.

BAPP provide a range of services including an Ofsted registered Nursery & Pre-school, Ofsted registered Holiday Playschemes for disabled children and those with additional needs, Children & Family Support, Alternative Provision for children with SEND and our long standing Community based Family Playdays. More information is available on our website  

As we work with vulnerable children, Trustees are required to have an Enhanced DBS and to register as one of our Trustees as part of our Ofsted registration. There are 8 Trustee Meetings each year, alternating in person in Bath and online which includes our AGM. Other commitments in addition can include attending events, representing BAPP, supporting with recruitment/staffing and policy review. 

For further information or if you have any questions, please get in touch.

TRAIN. INSPIRE. TRANSFORM.

BECOME A TRAINER OR INSTRUCTOR WITH RANGER CADETS

Uniformed & Non‑Uniformed Volunteer Roles • London

Ranger Cadets is building a new generation of confident, resilient, community‑minded young people — and none of that is possible without exceptional trainers and instructors guiding them.

We are seeking passionate, committed volunteers to help deliver high‑quality training to both cadets and adult volunteers, ensuring our organisation grows with skill, confidence, and excellence at every level.

If you believe in the power of teaching, mentoring, and shaping others — this is your moment.

THE ROLE: TRAINER / INSTRUCTOR

Trainers and Instructors are the heartbeat of our programme. They turn our mission into action. They turn potential into confidence. They turn volunteers and young people into capable, skilled, and proud members of Ranger Cadets.

As a Trainer or Instructor, you will:

For Young People (Cadets):

• Deliver engaging, practical training sessions.

• Build essential life skills such as leadership, teamwork, resilience, and communication.

• Support cadets through challenges and celebrate their achievements.

• Help create a safe, positive, and disciplined learning environment.

• Bring the Ranger Cadets ceremonial identity and values to life.

For Adult Volunteers:

• Provide training, coaching, and development to new and existing volunteers.

• Help build a confident, skilled, and well‑prepared volunteer team.

• Support volunteers in delivering high‑quality sessions to cadets.

• Contribute to a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

• Strengthen the organisation’s operational and leadership capacity.

Whether you specialise in outdoor skills, leadership, first aid, drill, safeguarding, communication, youth development, or general instruction — your expertise will shape the future of our organisation.

WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS

Ranger Cadets is a new uniformed youth organisation with a bold mission: to equip young people with essential life skills, tools, and opportunities to become active citizens who make a positive contribution to society.

But a mission is only as strong as the people who deliver it.

Trainers and Instructors ensure:

• Cadets receive high‑quality, meaningful training.

• Volunteers feel confident, capable, and supported.

• Units operate safely, effectively, and with pride.

• The organisation grows with professionalism and purpose.

• Every young person has the chance to thrive.

Your teaching becomes part of their story — and part of our legacy.

WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR

You don’t need to be a teacher or have uniformed experience — though both are welcome. What matters is your ability to guide, inspire, and communicate.

We are seeking individuals who are:

• Confident and comfortable leading groups.

• Passionate about youth development and community impact.

• Skilled in a particular area — or eager to learn.

• Patient, supportive, and encouraging.

• Organised and reliable.

• Able to commit to regular training sessions.

• Ready to uphold the values and standards of Ranger Cadets.

If you have experience in coaching, mentoring, teaching, training, youth work, or leadership — this role will feel deeply rewarding.

A CHANCE TO SHAPE A GENERATION

Ranger Cadets is at the beginning of its journey. As a founding Trainer or Instructor, you will help shape:

• The training programme.

• The skills and confidence of our cadets.

• The development of our adult volunteers.

• The culture and standards of the organisation.

• The future of a national youth movement.

This is your opportunity to leave a legacy that lasts.

STEP FORWARD. TEACH WITH PURPOSE. INSPIRE THE FUTURE.

If you believe in the potential of young people… If you want to help volunteers grow in confidence and skill… If you’re ready to guide, teach, and inspire…

Then Ranger Cadets needs you.

Become a Trainer or Instructor today — and help build a movement that will change lives for generations.

RANGER CADETS

#PreparedForLife

Join White Ribbon UK as a Trustee and help us end men’s violence against women. We are looking for someone who can bring experience, insight, and commitment to our board.

White Ribbon UK is the leading charity in England and Wales working to engage men and boys in ending men’s violence against women and girls. We do this by challenging harmful attitudes, behaviours, and systems that allow gender-based violence to continue. We encourage men and boys to take responsibility and become allies in creating a safer, more equal society.

As a trustee, you will help guide the charity’s work and make sure we stay true to our mission. You will work with other trustees and the CEO to oversee strategy, finances, and risk, and ensure the charity is well run and sustainable. This is a voluntary role; reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

What You’ll Do

• Attend six board meetings a year (mostly online) and read papers in advance.

• Help set the charity’s strategy and monitor progress.

• Support and challenge the CEO and senior team.

• Uphold our values and commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Time Commitment

Around one day per month, including meetings and preparation.

Who We’re Looking For

We are in a period of growth, expansion and change.  So we are looking for people with  previous experience serving on a charity trustee board, with an understanding of small charities, who are keen to help us grow and an understanding that we will need to take some risks. We are looking for someone who understands charity governance and can bring skills in areas such as influencing policy makers, campaigning, fundraising, finance, and general governance.  You must share our commitment to ending men’s violence against women, social justice and gender equality and be willing to give your time and energy to help us achieve our goals.

Why Join Us?

By joining White Ribbon UK, you will help shape the future of a charity determined to make real change, by increasing our impact and reach. You will develop your skills, expand your network, and make a meaningful impact on society.

Closing date for Applications - Tuesday 13th 2026 (midnight)

First interviews - Saturday 17th January – to meet the CEO, get an update on where the board is and an opportunity to ask questions.

Second interviews - Saturday 24th January – meet the Chair, Treasurer and other trustees

If you would like to find out more before applying you are welcome to join us for a Discovery Session online on Tuesday 6th January at 6.30 pm.  Open to all, an Informal session to find out more about the work of White Ribbon and what we do, with a presentation from the CEO and a chance to hear from some of the trustees. 

We hope successful candidates will be able to join us in person at our annual Away Day on Tuesday 10th February – please save the date!

We are looking to recruit people for our Youth Programme, for a minimum commitment of 10 weeks. The Youth Programme works with young refugees and asylum seekers in the Epirus region of Northern Greece, providing them with a sense of community and experiences that they wouldn’t otherwise receive!

There are some specific applicant requirements, however the most important is to have a strong desire to work with young refugees and have the commitment to improve the situation for them here in Greece. Second Tree works in a transparent way in a challenging and changeable situation on the field; therefore, an ability to learn quickly and be open to feedback is vital.

Your role would include:

We are looking to recruit people that are open to filling one (or more) of the following roles within our Youth Programme. Whilst these should guide applications, the roles often overlap and are interchangeable. Imagination and flexibility is encouraged when applying: let us know your suggestions on how we can use your skills!

The roles range across:

• Children’s English Teacher: responsible for the planning and delivery of the programme’s English classes. Classes focus on low level English learning and must be fun and engaging. TEFL/equivalent experience is preferable, but not essential.

• Excursion Lead: responsible for the planning and leading of weekend excursions, a highlight of the programme for participants! Excursions require an organised, methodical planner who is engaging and confident leading groups of children.

• Workshop Lead: responsible for facilitating workshops that can be either thematic, reinforcing the vocabulary learned in English class to make it more practical and interactive, or focused on social and emotional learning, helping students develop their self-awareness through creative and mindful activities, or touch upon any scientific/mathematical knowledge the teacher might bring. 

No matter the role(s) filled, team members are expected to help plan, prepare and participate in various community engagement activities such as: picnics, community excursions, sporting events, etc.

You should be able to:

• Be consistent with your application of behaviour management techniques

• Be honest and transparent; be able to give and receive feedback in the most straightforward way

• Manage a wide range of tasks and intense workload effectively and efficiently 

• Communicate in English, both written and orally

• Deliver programme activities and carry out administrative and logistical tasks

• Plan and deliver effective and dynamic educational activities

• Care for people: the interests of the people we work with should always be your first concern

The ideal candidate will have:

• Experience with young children and teenagers in educational and leisure activities

• Experience working as a Scout leader or a leadership role in other such youth activities

• Experience working in the refugee context

What do we offer?

• A nurturing and collaborative working environment. We work hard to help our team members grow, investing in personal and professional development.

• Accommodation in a shared house

• Transportation to/from work

• After completion of a three-month trial, if you commit long-term, a small monthly expenses refund

In certain periods of the year, demand is extremely high, and the shared houses might be full. If you have the means to pay for your own accommodation, please let us know. We would still be happy to host you if space is available. However, in a situation where the shared houses are full, this would allow us to offer an opportunity to someone that cannot afford to pay rent.

Have experience leading a team of this type?

Consider applying to become a Youth Programme Coordinator. Whether your experience lies in the humanitarian sector or elsewhere, we are looking for people with expertise that can drive us forward as an organisation. 

Looking for an internship?

If, because of your degree or for any other reason, you would like to have your period at Second Tree credited as an internship, just apply to the vacancy that you’re interested in and mention this. We have agreements with several universities across Europe, and in many other cases, these agreements can be developed on an ad hoc basis.

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

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

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

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

The Trustee role

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

Setting the strategic direction of the charity

Ensuring tranparency and accountablity

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

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

1. Fundraising - especially developing partnerships with local businesses

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

3, Governance - supporting the development of policies and procedures

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

Harrow Cycle Hub is a registered charity established in 2021 with the aim of encouraging more people to cycle in Harrow.

Our chair is stepping down after five years of developing the Hub and getting it to a position where we have a part time manager for our Wheels for All programme and 55 volunteers doing amazing things in the world of cycling.

With our move to a permanent site at Kenton Rec in March, we shall be able to offer more services and help more people in Harrow to cycle.

If you care about cycling in Harrow and want to make a difference this could be the volunteer role for you.

Essential Qualities of Harrow Cycle Hub’s Chair

• Commitment to the vision and mission of Harrow Cycle Hub, with a passion for cycling and the drive to make things happen

• Experience of managing staff and motivating volunteers

• Experience of being a trustee; you do not need to have been a Chair before

• An inclusive leadership style: able to inspire and support everyone to contribute

• The ability to listen and engage effectively. You can encourage challenge and debate, whilst fostering teamwork

• Ability and willingness to champion the Hub’s work

• A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion 

• Responsiveness – the Chair may need to take decisions and give advice at short notice.

Desirable Qualities

• Skills and experience in other relevant areas e.g. general management and strategic 

planning; organisation development; HR and volunteering; marketing; fundraising; cycling and cycle maintenance; equity, diversity and inclusion; voluntary sector management

• Resident or working in Harrow

Duties of the Chair

• To provide strategic leadership for the achievement of the Charity’s Vision

• To ensure the board upholds high standards of governance, transparency, and  compliance with the charity's constitution and relevant legislation

• To review board composition and ensure timely trustee recruitment and development

• To work in partnership with staff and volunteers, providing support, encouragement and constructive challenge to ensure objectives are met; be available for consultation by key personnel

• To oversee key plans like the budget, business plan and risk management, ensuring that the charity has the right resources to meet its objectives

• To promote the Hub’s work, leveraging personal and professional contacts, building on strong relationships already established, negotiating with key partners

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.

The Learning without Limits Academy Trust is looking for ambitious, committed, and motivated volunteers, who share our values and passion for inspiring education, to become a governor, joining the Local Governing Body at one of its five academies.

The Role

The LGB and Board of Trustees as a whole are collectively responsible for the success of the academy. The LGB’s:

• provide support and challenge with regard to the strategic approach which drives the operation of the academy in terms of learning, standards, safety and wellbeing.
• act as a critical friend to the Principal and to advise the Trust Board about local issues they need to consider that affect the academy
• represent the interests of the academy community in the running of the academy and to represent the academy in its community.
• engage with pupils, staff, parents and the wider academy community to understand their views

in their role, Governors:

• attend four LGB meetings each year.
• get to know the school, including visiting the school occasionally during school hours.
• attend regular relevant training and development events.

Volunteering as a Governor provides the opportunity to make a significant and positive impact on the lives of young people in their community. Governors also have the opportunity to gain valuable new skills, build on existing skills and receive free training and support through a variety of training opportunities. It may open up opportunities for personal professional development.

Kidney Research UK is the leading charity in the UK focused on funding research into the prevention, treatment and management of kidney disease. As a member of the board of trustees you will be responsible for setting the strategic aims, objectives, and direction of the charity. You will use your knowledge, skills, and experience to ensure we achieve our charitable objectives and represents the interests of all stakeholders.

Kidney Research UK has been at the forefront of pioneering research for six decades, investing in talented researchers and funding work that could ultimately lead to a cure. Our work has resulted in vital breakthroughs in the diagnosis, treatment, and care of those affected, changing the future for many kidney patients.

We have made remarkable progress but there is still much to do. The number of people living with kidney failure continues to rise and we must go further to drive innovation and increase investment in renal research. Of course, like so many other charities and organisations we are doing this important work during challenging times.

We have adapted well to the changing world, and we are finding exciting new ways to reach our goals. We know we must rise to the challenge for kidney patients everywhere and we remain determined to grow our income so we can deliver more impact.

Our trustees play a vital role in the governance of Kidney Research UK, which enables and accelerates the impact that we have as an organisation for our patient community. Working closely with your fellow Trustees, the chief executive and wider leadership team, you will be part of a team that guides and oversees the delivery of Kidney Research UK's strategic priorities. We have a number of trustees who are due to retire from their roles during the next 12 months, and we are looking for new trustees to join our board and be part of this exciting transformation.

If this sounds like you and you think you could make a difference, we’d encourage you to review the attached role description below and apply to join our dedicated board of trustees.

Role Description

St Edmundsbury Cathedral became a registered charity on 1 May 2023 and is looking to appoint additional independent non-executive members to join Chapter which is the Board of Trustees. Chapter is accountable for the governance, strategic direction and management of the Cathedral, and has ultimate responsibility for the care, maintenance and development of the Cathedral estate, all aspects of Cathedral activity, and for securing its long-term viability and financial sustainability.

The objects of the Chapter are:

(a) to advance the Christian religion in accordance with the faith and practice of the Church of England, in particular by furthering the mission of the Church of England;

(b) to care for and conserve the fabric and structure of the Cathedral Church building;

(c) to advance any other charitable purposes which are ancillary to the furtherance of the purpose referred to in sub-paragraph (a) or (b).

Membership

The Chapter consists of the Dean, the Residentiary Canons and other lay members holding appointed or elected positions. The constitution allows for between 8 – 12 members of Chapter. Currently, membership comprises the Dean and the Residentiary Canons (4 clergy) who serve as executive members. One member serves as the senior non-executive member who is a lay person appointed by the Bishop. Two of the other non-executive members are directly elected from the congregation. We are now seeking to appoint an non-executive safeguarding member.

We would particularly welcome applications from individuals with substantial experience in safeguarding. This individual will provide strategic oversight and assurance in safeguarding practice, ensuring that the Cathedral continues to uphold the highest standards of safety, care, and compliance for children, young people, and vulnerable adults, in line with national and diocesan requirements.

Term of Office

Non-Executive Chapter members are generally appointed for a term of three years, and subject to the approval of Chapter and with the agreement of the non-executive member may serve a further three year term, which is the maximum permitted term of office. The role is voluntary and unremunerated. Expenses are paid in respect of some travelling costs, in accordance with the Cathedral’s policies. The appointment is subject to satisfactory references.

Time Commitment and Meetings

Chapter usually meets six times each year. Meetings are held in the Chapter Room within Abbey House beside the Cathedral and the business agenda rarely exceeds two hours. A light lunch or Evensong follows each meeting of Chapter, allowing time for members to socialise. Attendance at some sub-committee meetings as appropriate.

Key Responsibilities

Non-executive members of Chapter ensure that the focus of the Cathedral is the promotion of the Christian faith, maintaining an effective balance between that and its important financial and commercial obligations and ventures.

Members offer strategic advice and oversight on all aspects of the work of the Cathedral, including ensuring compliance with all regulations and statutory obligations and adherence to the highest standards of good governance. They also offer constructive challenge to the executive team, offering expertise and experience to help with evidence-based decision-making.

Chapter members advise and support the Dean, Residentiary Canons, and Chief Operating Officer on issues that are within their areas of particular expertise. This Chapter Trustee will also sit on the Safeguarding Committee, which meets four times a year.

Chapter members are invited to bring innovative thinking, together with new ideas and insights, to help secure the long-term future of the Cathedral and the delivery of its strategy through the Masterplan 2030. Particular emphasis will be placed on members promoting the life and work of the Cathedral at the heart of the Bury St Edmunds community, across the county of Suffolk and the wider eastern region.

Chapter members are welcomed as leading members of the Cathedral community and as such are expected to take part in meetings and events. Visible participation in the worship at the heart of the Cathedral's mission is an important expression of the non-executive membership of Chapter. Lay members robe and have individual stalls in the Quire of the Cathedral. We would hope for attendance at the Sunday Eucharist once a month; and at occasional Evensongs, Greater Festivals and civic occasions as personal circumstances permit.

Person Specification

Successful candidates must possess the following competencies and personal attributes:

• be a communicant member of the Church of England, or of a Church which is not in communion with but subscribes to the doctrine of the Holy Trinity.
• have an empathy with and be a compelling advocate for the Vision of the Cathedral through the Masterplan 2030; to be able to inform, lead and direct the strategy of the Cathedral
• be competent and able to exercise the highest standards of good governance in a complex Christian organisation
• have the ability to gain the trust, respect, and support of fellow members of Chapter, and the wider Cathedral community
• have the capacity to work collaboratively with all members of Chapter to translate the Masterplans aims into tangible outcomes
• be able to show empathy in dealing with others and to engage diplomatically and with authority in dialogue and debate on critical issues
• be able to voice concerns appropriately, in a frank but professional manner and to deal with conflict constructively
• have the capacity to communicate clearly with other members of Chapter, the Senior Leadership Team and employees on technical, financial and business matters in accordance with the non-executive member’s particular skills
• possess the ability to communicate with confidence and to provide effective strategic guidance
• have strong intellectual and analytical skills with a broad-based and long-term view of strategic and organisational goals
• be able to grasp the bigger picture and avoid immersion in minute detail
• possess the highest levels of trust and integrity
• demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to safeguarding and the promotion of a safe culture within the Cathedral community.

Specific Competencies

In addition to the matters set out above we are looking to recruit a non-executive member with specific skills, expertise or experience in Safeguarding.

Applicants should bring substantial and demonstrable experience in safeguarding policy, practice, or oversight, ideally within a church, education, health, social care, or charitable context. They will provide independent assurance, constructive challenge, and strategic advice to ensure that safeguarding remains at the heart of the Cathedral’s governance and mission.

We have an exciting opportunity for a new Treasurer to join our board.

As Treasurer, you will work alongside our Finance Manager, the finance sub-committee and our trustee board to oversee the financial strategy and risk management processes of our organisation, to ensure its financial viability and legal compliance. To apply, you must have some financial qualifications (or relevant experience) and have some knowledge or experience of charity finances, fundraising, financial consequences and pension schemes.

Working with the Finance Manager, finance sub-committee (including the CEO) and trustee board, the Treasurer will oversee the financial strategy and risk management processes of the organisation, to ensure its financial viability and legal compliance.

We want our board to have a diverse range of experiences and backgrounds, so if you think you’re not a typical Trustee, then you might be just what we’re looking for!  You'll need commitment and enthusiasm to help us shape the work and strategic direction of our forward-thinking charity.

Becoming a Trustee offers a great opportunity to gain experience in leadership, governance and strategy, and is a wonderful way to give something back to your local community - some employers may even give you time off to volunteer.

Citizens Advice Winchester District provides free advice to over 5,000 local people each year, many of whom are in desperate and extremely challenging situations and have nowhere else to turn.

We look forward to hearing from you!