Charity support volunteer volunteer roles

Volunteer as a princess, superhero or jedi to bring magic to children who need it! 

Make a Smile volunteers can take on a number of different roles:

1. Characters - Visit children in costume, as well-known children's characters (eg princesses and superheroes). Provide support at events of a number of other charities, children's hospitals and council organisations through storytime, interactions and activities. 

2. Magic Makers - Visit children out of costume and provide enrichment such as arts and crafts, games etc. 

3. Committee - Help behind the scenes by organising events, recruiting volunteers, running training sessions, helping sort costumes, running fundraisers etc.

Wherever your skills lie! All training is given and costumes provided so all you need is a bit of enthusiasm! 

This role involves leading on HR within the organisation. This involves ensuring the highest standards of governance in policies and practice related to employee relations, recruitment, retention, reward, and recognition, as well as staff and trustee development.  It is the responsibility of the HR trustee to assess risks and measure the impact of HR interventions, implement organisational policies and practices in the context of furthering charitable objectives and evaluating how they impact beneficiaries and staff.  The HR trustee also needs to ensure the long-term strategic oversight of the organisation’s personnel and staffing requirements in relation to the overarching goals of the charity. 

 Key tasks:

• To review and recommend current and future strategic resourcing, training and development and annual budgets and plans to the Trustee Board 

• To actively contribute to policy setting, strategic direction, goal and target setting, and evaluate performance against targets, budgets, plans and charitable objectives 

• To ensure that HR activities and interventions are linked to the organisation’s charitable objectives and complement the organisational culture 

• To ensure the Trustee Board monitors and reviews the performance of staff and identifies appropriate development opportunities 

• To monitor whether the service complies with its governing document and standards and if the needs of the beneficiaries are being met

Other responsibilities, along with the Board of Trustees, include:  

• To manage the charity’s resources responsibly, including ensuring the charity’s assets are used only to carry out its purpose, avoid undue risk and not over-commit the charity.

• To ensure the board regularly reviews its structures, roles, relationship to staff and implementing changes if and when necessary.

• To develop a long-term strategy for the food bank with clear objectives which can be monitored and adapted.

• To work alongside the Treasurer and the board to ensure the organisation’s financial dealings are systematically accounted for and on time, independently examined and made publicly available when necessary.

• To ensure the charity is accountable, actively complying with statutory accounting and reporting requirements and the law. 

• To help promote the organisation to a wide audience of potential funders and beneficiaries and community stakeholders.

• To ensure the food bank has appropriate procedures to: comply with current legislation and good practice; including employment, health and safety, equal opportunities etc.

• To act with reasonable care and skill, giving your time, thought and energy to your role.

• To prepare for and regularly attend and participate in board and subcommittee meetings and any trustee away days.

• To provide ad hoc support to the staff team and volunteers from time to time.

• To act at all times in accordance with the foodbank’s trustee code of conduct.

The Trustees may also undertake additional work for the charity between meetings subject to their availability and skill set.

About you: 

Warrington Foodbank are seeking to recruit Trustees with an interest in helping others, who are willing to uphold the foodbank’s values, and who can bring life experience to the board of trustees, including lived experience of hardships which led to needing emergency food provision. Our ideal candidates would demonstrate: 

• A knowledge of, and commitment to, the work of Warrington Foodbank. 

• Experience of working in a HR role.

• Willingness to actively participate in discussions concerning needs of the foodbank’s beneficiaries, staff, and the trustee board.

• Willingness to act in the best interest of the charity. 

• Sound, independent judgement and an ability to think creatively. 

• The ability to work effectively as part of a team and demonstrate a willingness to learn and develop.

Benefits of volunteering: 

• Use your existing skills to make a difference. 

• Meet new people who share your passion to eradicate poverty in the local community. 

• Make a real difference to the running of the food bank. 

Support

A full trustee induction is in place to support the prospective candidate within their role, as well as access to local voluntary action trustee training. 

Impact of your role: 

By supporting the governance of the food bank, you are part of a team providing a vital holistic support function in your local community, ensuring a dignified experience to anyone visiting or anyone who comes into contact with Warrington Foodbank. 

Please Note:

• You must be 16 or over and must not be disqualified from acting as a trustee and declare any conflict of interest while carrying out the duties of a trustee.

• Trustees are appointed for a three-year term of office.

• This is a voluntary position.

We are seeking two new members to join our trustee board's Grants Committee. While this is not a trustee role, committee members will be part of a collective decision-making process to ensure that our limited resources are reaching organisations providing advice to those most underserved. Grant applications are initially reviewed by our staff team. The role of the Grants Committee is then to critically review the recommendations made by the team and make decisions about how and where funding is awarded. The Grants Committee and our Board of Trustees have the final say on where our funds are allocated.

Please see the attached recruitment pack for more information.

Do you have a passion for African and Diaspora history and a vision for empowering communities through knowledge? Tell My Truth and Shame the Devil C.I.C. is seeking a dynamic Book Club Coordinator (African & Diaspora History Lead) to join our founding volunteer team. This role is central to curating, facilitating, and promoting a transformative learning space that nurtures understanding, critical thinking, and cultural pride for survivors, young people, and community members.

As Book Club Coordinator, you will design, manage, and facilitate a structured book club programme focused on African and Diaspora history, literature, and thought leadership. You will work closely with the Membership Director and Community Engagement Manager to ensure the club fosters critical reflection, inclusive discussion, and actionable learning. This role combines operational coordination, educational facilitation, and community engagement, offering a unique opportunity to impact knowledge sharing and collective empowerment.

Experience Qualification and Requirements

Essential / Highly Valued Experience

• Strong knowledge of African and Diaspora history, literature, political thought, and cultural movements
• Experience in facilitation, teaching, programme coordination, or group learning environments
• Excellent communication, storytelling, and group leadership skills
• Ability to engage diverse participants in respectful, inclusive, and meaningful dialogue
• Confidence holding complex conversations around history, power, identity, and resistance
• Ability to motivate participation and sustain group energy over time
• Strong organisational skills, including session planning and follow-up
• Ability to document discussions and translate insights into learning outcomes
• Experience working in community, grassroots, or culturally rooted spaces
• Commitment to collective learning, cultural integrity, and community-centred education
• Reliability, consistency, and a collaborative approach to programme delivery

Desirable / Can Be Developed

• Competence with digital tools for scheduling, virtual engagement, and content sharing (e.g. video platforms, shared documents, community spaces)

Qualifications

• Formal qualifications in history, education, cultural studies, or related fields are welcome but not required; equivalent professional or lived experience is equally valued

Main Responsibilities/ Key Duties

• Curate reading lists and learning materials: Develop thoughtful, accessible reading lists focused on African and Diaspora history, literature, political thought, and cultural movements. Select texts that reflect diverse geographies, time periods, and perspectives, balancing academic depth with community accessibility.
• Plan and facilitate book club sessions: Organise, schedule, and lead regular book club sessions in both online and in-person formats. Design session structures that support preparation, discussion flow, and inclusive participation. Create a welcoming environment that encourages shared learning rather than hierarchical instruction.
• Lead critical discussion and reflection: Facilitate informed, respectful, and challenging conversations that encourage participants to analyse texts critically, reflect on historical and contemporary relevance, and apply learning to personal, collective, or organisational contexts.
• Participant engagement and learning tracking: Monitor attendance, participation levels, and learning outcomes to assess engagement and identify opportunities for improvement. Adapt facilitation approaches based on participant feedback and group dynamics.
• Coordinate guest contributors: Identify, invite, and coordinate guest speakers, authors, historians, or subject matter experts whose lived experience or expertise enhances discussion and deepens understanding of selected themes.
• Digital collaboration and engagement: Work with digital teams to support virtual sessions, share reading materials, discussion prompts, and supplementary content. Encourage ongoing dialogue through online platforms between sessions.
• Documentation and programme development: Capture key discussion points, insights, and participant feedback. Contribute to reflective summaries and recommendations that inform future reading selections and programme development.
• Link to wider CIC initiatives: Align book club themes with broader CIC educational goals, membership programming, and community initiatives. Support the integration of learning into collective practice, leadership development, and cultural programming.

What This Role Offers You:

• Leadership experience in designing and facilitating an educational programme with social impact.
• Personal growth through engagement with communities, critical reflection, and cultural education.
• Opportunity to shape a flagship learning initiative within a pioneering, values-led CIC.
• The satisfaction of empowering participants to connect with their history, identity, and collective culture.

What This Role Is Not For:

• Individuals seeking purely administrative tasks or content curation without engagement.
• Those unwilling to guide discussions that challenge assumptions and promote accountability.
• People expecting rigid, pre-defined responsibilities—this role requires creativity, facilitation skills, and adaptive problem-solving.

If you are ready to lead learning, inspire critical engagement, and strengthen community knowledge of African and Diaspora history, we want to hear from you. Apply now and become a key driver of transformative cultural education.

A Final Word

Learning is about people, not just books.

If you know that:

• Trust is built through thoughtful facilitation, care, and intellectual honesty
• Respectful handling of stories, histories, and lived experiences is a safeguarding responsibility
• Listening deeply and honouring diverse voices keeps learning communities strong

 …then you understand the heart of leading a book club rooted in African and Diaspora history.

We are seeking to appoint a voluntary Trustee for our charity who will also take up the role as our secretary.

We are looking for someone who wants to make a difference; helping build & grow the charity with the benefit of good governance. 

Is this role for me?

As you would expect the secretary role will be responsible for supporting the Chair by making sure meetings are communicated, agendas are developed, & that minutes are produced with actions followed up. It would also involve maintaining a well-organised filing system of critical documents, policies & governance records, as well as ensuring compliance with reporting requirements such as Charity Commission filings. But this will not be a case of walking in & taking over the reins; we are going through a period of change & are looking for someone who will help us put in place the processes & controls needed for a well-run charity. 

We are looking for a secretary who will push us & keep us on track. Make no mistake, it will certainly be hard work initially as it will take some time as we work to get everything in place, so you would need to be ready to commit to this. Once things become established then it would be up to you just how much time you want to dedicate beyond keeping everything on track. 

Who is The League of Friends of St Mark’s Hospital Maidenhead?

The League of Friends have been supporting patients in St Mark’s Hospital for over 50 years, helping to provide equipment & an environment that enhances their comfort & care.

We maintain the gardens in the Henry Tudor ward & in Out-Patients, including providing outdoor furniture & planting, as well as providing a range of daily newspapers & making sure a nice cup of Nespresso coffee is available too. We have also helped the hospital over recent years by providing; a cardiac resuscitator, an ECG module, hydraulic treatment couches, specialised podiatry & audiology equipment, and software for a Dexta bone density scanner.

Why are you recruiting now?

While we are proud that we have been supporting St Mark’s for over 50 years, including during the COVID19 pandemic, we have recognised that we now need to need to “regroup”.

The charity has identified 2 immediate objectives; firstly, to develop our fundraising efforts as these have slipped since the pandemic, & secondly, to introduce standards of governance which ensure we fulfil statutory obligations & achieve best practice within a small charity environment. 

We have recently appointed a new Treasurer to strengthen financial controls, & a further trustee with responsibility for developing our marketing effort which will provide a firm footing for fund raising. Further trustees have recently been appointed which support our charitable giving within the hospital. But we recognise that we are lacking the skills, knowledge & disciplines that a good secretary can provide. 

What sort of person do I need to be?

• Hungry for change
• Tenacious
• Pragmatic
• Detailed & meticulous 
• Knowledgeable of charity regulations & best practice - or not frightened to find them out & go on to implement them
• A self-starter who is able to drive us towards the changes needed
• A strong communicator
• Tech savvy – able to use MS office & have the ability to work online as needed 

How much time would I need to dedicate?

You would need to have enough time to arrange, plan & follow up on Trustee meetings. At present these typically take place in alternate months but there may be a need to move these to monthly as the charity grows. One of these meetings will also include the AGM. Meetings are held in Maidenhead.

As secretary there will be other activities which will require action between meetings, for example, keeping the Charity Commission updated, maintaining policies & renewing insurance. While these activities are not onerous their timely upkeep is obviously important.

One of the key features of this appointment will be the need to drive change & establish good governance within the charity. Although we are looking for someone who can help move this forward at speed, we also recognise that “Rome wasn’t built in a day”!

What will I get out of it?

• Helping to make the lives of patients in hospital more bearable is hugely rewarding. 
• The role will be CV enhancing, demonstrating valuable skills & qualities to potential employers; particularly being able to illustrate your ability to influence & to drive change

Is there anything else you think I should know?

Apart from attending our meetings in Maidenhead all other work should be able to be done from home.

This is a volunteer role & necessary expenses incurred will be reimbursed.

Help safeguard our future: Join BBS UK as our Treasurer

Bardet-Biedl Syndrome UK (BBS UK) is seeking a new Treasurer to join our Board of Trustees and play a key role in ensuring the charity remains financially strong, sustainable, and well governed.

Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS) is a rare, complex genetic condition that causes blindness, learning disabilities, obesity, and a range of additional health challenges. BBS UK is the only UK charity dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by BBS.

We provide advocacy services, NHS clinic support, publications, and community events that help people navigate life with BBS. Each year, we support over 700 individuals, working alongside a small team of dedicated part-time staff and committed volunteers.

It’s an exciting time to join our charity. We are looking to strengthen our governance and build on our financial foundations to support future growth and impact.

The role

As Treasurer, you will oversee the financial governance of BBS UK, working closely with the Board of Trustees, Operations Manager, and external accountant.

This is a strategic oversight role, not a hands-on bookkeeping position. Day-to-day financial administration is carried out by staff; the Treasurer provides assurance, guidance, and clarity to support good decision-making.

Key responsibilities include:

• Maintaining a strategic overview of the charity’s financial health

• Presenting clear summaries of financial information at Board meetings

• Advising Trustees on the financial implications of plans and decisions

• Overseeing the annual budget and supporting longer-term financial planning

• Ensuring appropriate financial controls and procedures are in place

• Supporting the preparation of annual accounts and liaison with the Independent Examiner

• Helping ensure appropriate reserves are maintained in line with policy

The Board of Trustees retains collective responsibility for the charity’s finances.

We’re looking for someone with:

Essential:

• Experience in finance, accounting, bookkeeping, or financial oversight

• Confidence interpreting financial information and explaining it clearly to non-financial colleagues

• Understanding of financial controls and good governance

• Ability to think strategically and identify financial risks

Desirable:

• Experience in a charity or not-for-profit setting

• Understanding of restricted and unrestricted funds

• Experience working with budgets or management accounts

We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of BBS or a connection to the BBS community, though this is not essential.

As a BBS UK Trustee, you will have:

• Induction, training, and ongoing support

• Reasonable expenses reimbursed

• Opportunities to develop new skills and contribute at a strategic level

• The chance to make a meaningful difference to a rare disease community

• Opportunities to collaborate with dedicated trustees, staff, and partners

Time commitment

• Attendance at four Board meetings per year (online, approximately 3 hours each)

• Reviewing financial information monthly or quarterly

• Additional input around budget setting and year-end accounts

• Attendance at our annual conference weekend (in person; expenses covered)

If you would like an informal conversation about the role before applying, we would be very happy to arrange a chat with our Chair.

BBS UK is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds who share our values and want to support our community.

Join Us as Treasurer – Help Build Financial Sustainability for Life-Saving LGBTQI+ Support

Naz and Matt Foundation is looking for an experienced Treasurer to join our Board of Trustees and help secure the future of our life-saving work supporting LGBTQI+ individuals from religious and culturally conservative backgrounds.

Since 2014, we've provided vital support to thousands of LGBTQI+ individuals facing family rejection, honour-based abuse, and threats because of their sexuality or gender identity. As we continue to receive unprecedented demand for our services, we need a skilled financial leader to help us build long-term sustainability and navigate our next chapter with confidence.

This is a unique opportunity to use your financial expertise to protect and strengthen a small charity doing essential frontline work – work that literally saves lives.

Role Summary

Job title: Treasurer (Trustee)
Type: Volunteer / Trustee
Location: Remote, with one in-person AGM in London per year
Commitment:

• Four online Board meetings annually (2 hours each)

• One in-person Annual General Meeting in London (one day)

• Ad hoc support and oversight of finances between meetings as needed

• DBS Check Required: Yes

• Reports to: Chair of Trustees (board role)

Who We Support
Our services support LGBTQI+ individuals - often experiencing rejection, abuse, or pressure to conform - from families where religion or culture plays a significant role. We also support parents who are struggling to accept their LGBTQI+ children.

As Treasurer, you’ll be helping to safeguard the future of this vital work by ensuring we remain financially sound, compliant and well-equipped to grow.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Financial Leadership

• Lead the Board in its financial responsibilities, ensuring good financial governance and control

• Act as the main point of contact on financial matters between the Board, the CEO, and our external accountants

• Help set, review and monitor the annual budget

Oversight and Governance

• Work with the CEO and external accountants to oversee the preparation of management accounts, annual financial statements, and reporting to the Charity Commission

• Support the preparation of accounts for our annual independent examination

• Present financial updates at quarterly Board meetings in an accessible, transparent way

Risk and Compliance

• Ensure financial risks are appropriately identified and managed

• Monitor cash flow and reserves policy

• Ensure compliance with SORP (Statement of Recommended Practice) and Charity Commission requirements where applicable

Person Specification

• Demonstrable experience of managing finances or acting as Treasurer for a small charity or nonprofit

• Strong understanding of charity accounting and financial reporting requirements in the UK

• Familiarity with working alongside external accountants or independent examiners

• Ability to communicate complex financial information to non-financial audiences

• We are lived experience charity, and welcome applicants who have experience of:

  • Being LGBTQI+ or a parent of an LGBTQI+ child

  • Mental health or suicide prevention work

  • Growing up in a religious or culturally conservative environment

• Passionate about supporting communities affected by family-based LGBTQI+ rejection

• Based in the UK and legally able to volunteer

• Willing to undergo a DBS check

What You’ll Gain

• Use your financial expertise to support a mission that saves lives

• Join a welcoming, purpose-led Board of Trustees

• Play a critical role in the growth and long-term sustainability of a small, high-impact charity

• Help shape national conversations around LGBTQI+ rights, faith and acceptance

About Naz and Matt Foundation
Naz and Matt Foundation was founded in 2014 after the tragic loss of Naz (Dr Nazim Mahmood), who took his own life two days after his religious family confronted him about his sexuality. Since then, we’ve supported thousands of individuals and families, delivered hundreds of public talks, spoken in Parliament, worked with central government, and with police, schools, and media, and campaigned tirelessly for acceptance, love and understanding.

We exist to empower LGBTQI+ individuals, their friends and families to work through challenges of acceptance – particularly where religion is involved.

Everyone is welcome at our table – regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation or socioeconomic background.

Saving Strays is looking for a dynamic fundraising co-ordinator with experience in grass roots and event fundraising to help take our team of dedicated fundraising volunteers to the next level! The role will include initiating and implementing regional team leaders to run local fundraising events and recruit local people to support offline and online fundraising activities. You will liaise with our Head of Fundraising and help to inspire and grow the current team. Think Tank experience, great communication skills and a love of dogs is a must. Although the role is remote there will be opportunites at the charity's main fundraising concerts and events to work alongside the team members in person. We are a fun loving dedicated group of like minded people and we would love to welcome you to the team. 

Are you an enthusiastic volunteer looking for a new role where you'll be able to use your skills to really make a difference? Are you passionate about helping others? Could you use your literacy knowledge to support volunteers and readers?

Read Easy Sheffield is a successful local charity that provides free, confidential, one to-one reading coaching for adults who struggle with reading, affiliated to national charity Read Easy UK. We are currently looking to expand our work and for this we need some more volunteers to join our friendly management team, and we excited to be seeking a new Literacy Specialist.

The Literacy Specialist is a vital and interesting role within the Read Easy Sheffield Management Team to make sure that all readers get the support they need during their reading journey. You’ll provide literacy support to the volunteer coaches and give advice on specific challenges they may be facing. This voluntary position would be fantastic for someone who has experience with literacy and education, and can be patient and flexible. You will receive training and support from Read Easy UK to develop your skills, and get to work alongside an enthusiastic Management Team. You will play an instrumental part in making sure our group continues to thrive!

What will you be doing?

• Providing literacy support to the Coordinators and Reading Coaches.
• Visiting reading pairs to advise on specific situations and challenges that Readers and Coaches may be facing.
• Contributing to the content, delivery and organisation of coach meetings.
• Finding or creating useful activities and resources that Coaches can use to support and extend their Readers’ learning.
• Attending monthly Management Team meetings.

The role is flexible so you can choose your own hours – you might expect to spend 2 to 3 hours a week on this. To get the most from the role, we expect all Management Team members to support Read Easy Sheffield for at least one year.

What's in it for you?

• A rewarding role that has a positive impact on people's lives

• Opportunity to meet and work collaboratively with new people

• Training and support to develop your skills

• As part of the Management Team, you will help shape the direction of the organisation

The skills you will need:

• A background in teaching reading/literacy (preferably, but not necessarily, with adults).

• An understanding of the difference between the needs of adults and children in the learning process.

• A knowledge of the range of teaching resources that are available for adults, or a willingness to research them.

• Reasonable confidence in using IT.

• The ability to use initiative and work independently.

• A willingness to abide by Read Easy policies and procedures.

• An open attitude that encourages two-way communication and willingness to ask for and offer support to the Team.

• A non-judgemental attitude and respect for others, with a commitment to equality and diversity, so that you can make everyone feel valued and included.

Please be aware that the reading coaching takes place in venues across the city, mainly in libraries and community centres. Bearing in mind that the role will involve occasional visits to pairs to offer support with their sessions when needed, you will need to be Sheffield-based and ideally able to drive or travel around the city.

Yorkshire Wolds Music Foundation is a charity that presents various music and arts projects in East Riding of Yorkshire.

We are looking for a volunteer that can support us in creating these events that support education, community and wellbeing.

This can be a remote role, but if you are nearby and can help out at our festival, concerts or competitions then that is a bonus.

Promote our events through various platforms.

Support our communications.

Help with our fundraising projects.

Coordinate events.

Learn some skills and gain experience.

Encourage a positive experience.

We know people have busy lives.  We are flexible in terms of time.  Come and join our friendly team.

Trustees play a vital role in ensuring Glasgow South West Foodbank meets its core purpose by overseeing the management and administration of the charity and ensuring that the foodbank has a clear strategy in line with our vision and goals.

What will you be doing?

We are seeking new trustees to become members of our board. Trustees ensure that the food bank acts in conformity with its purpose and with charity legislation, and that good governance, best practice policies and rigorous financial supervision are in place. They will be required to work collaboratively, with other trustees and with the staff and volunteers of the foodbank, and other external agencies.

What are we looking for?

Our ideal candidates would demonstrate:

• Clear commitment to supporting the delivery of the best possible compassionate and non-judgmental service to some of the most disadvantaged people in Glasgow.
• Some understanding of issues around poverty, even if not in depth, and willingness to extend that.
• Experience at a management, senior or professional level within the third, public or private sectors.

• (Ideally, but not essentially) experience of involvement in non-executive boards in the third, public or private sector.

By supporting the governance of the food bank, you are part of a team providing a vital holistic support function in your local community, ensuring a dignified experience to anyone visiting or anyone who comes into contact with Glasgow South West Foodbank.

White Ribbon Alliance UK are seeking passionate and dedicated individuals to join as Trustees. In this role, you will be instrumental in governing our charity and ensuring we achieve our mission to promote maternal health and rights. Trustees serve for a term of three years, with the possibility of renewal at the end of the term. We are looking to fill the positions of General Trustees, Board Chair, Treasurer, and Compliance Officer. Your strategic vision, commitment, and ambassadorial efforts will be vital in driving our organisation forward and making a significant impact on the communities we serve. Below is the role description and instructions on how to apply.

Statutory Duties of a Trustee 

Trustees share ultimate responsibility for governing the charity and directing how it is managed and run. This includes: 

• Ensuring that the organisation pursues its stated objects (purposes), as defined in its governing document, by developing and agreeing a long-term strategy. 

• Ensuring compliance with the governing document (constitution or articles of association), charity law, company law and other relevant legislation or regulations. 

• Ensuring that the organisation applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its charitable objects, for the benefit of the public. 

• Ensuring that the organisation defines its goals and evaluates performance against agreed targets. 

• Safeguarding the good name, reputation, and values of the organisation. 

• Ensuring the effective and efficient administration of the organisation, including appropriate policies and procedures. 

• Ensuring the financial stability of the organisation. 

• Protecting and managing the property of the charity and ensuring the proper investment of its funds. 

• Following proper arrangements for the appointment, supervision, support, appraisal and remuneration of senior staff. 

• Scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, and providing independent, creative judgement on key issues.

• Offering advice and guidance on new initiatives, risks, or opportunities. 

Ambassadorial Contributions 

In addition to their statutory duties, Trustees are requested to use their specific skills, knowledge, networks, or experience to strengthen the board’s work according to their skills, capabilities, interests and available time. This includes: 

• Promoting the charity's mission and values: Trustees should consistently advocate for the charity's goals and principles in various settings, ensuring that the organisation's message is clearly communicated. 

• Representing the charity at external events: Trustees should attend and participate in meetings, conferences, and other events on behalf of the charity, acting as its official representatives. 

• Engaging with media: Trustees should be prepared to speak to the media about the charity's work, providing insights and information that highlight the organisation's impact and importance. 

• Leveraging personal and professional networks: Trustees should use their connections to support the charity's objectives, whether by opening doors to potential supporters, funders, collaborators, or influencers. 

• Cultivating strategic partnerships: Trustees should engage with stakeholders across healthcare, academia, government, and civil society to build and maintain relationships that benefit the charity. 

• Supporting fundraising efforts: Trustees should actively participate in fundraising activities, helping to secure the resources needed for the charity to achieve its mission. 

By fulfilling these responsibilities, trustees play a crucial role in enhancing the visibility and impact of the charity, ensuring its continued success and growth. 

 Skills and Capabilities Requirements 

Trustees are expected to bring both governance capability and a willingness to champion the charity externally. Essential qualities include: 

• A commitment to the organisation’s mission and values. 

• Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort. 

• Strategic vision and the ability to see the “big picture.” 

• Good, independent judgement and the confidence to speak one’s mind. 

• Ability to think creatively and contribute fresh ideas. 

• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship. 

• Ability to work effectively as part of a diverse team. 

• Commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership. 

Desirable (but not essential): 

• Strong personal and professional networks, with the willingness to leverage them on behalf of the charity. 

• Experience in advocacy, fundraising, or public speaking. 

• Understanding of the wider charity, health, or social justice sectors in which White Ribbon Alliance UK operates. 

 Time Commitment 

• Statutory duties for general trustees: 6-8 days per year. 

• Statutory duties for Chair, Treasurer, and Compliance Officer: 10-12 days per year (inclusive of general trustee duties). 

Equity, diversity and inclusion

Equity and inclusion are central to White Ribbon Alliance UK’s purpose and how we work. We recognise that maternity harm, discrimination, and exclusion are produced by systems, and that governance must reflect the people most affected by those systems.

We strongly encourage applications from people who:

• Have lived experience of sexual and reproductive health and rights issues

• Are Black or from racially minoritised communities

• Are LGBTQ+, disabled, or neurodivergent or otherwise marginalised by society

• Come from communities underrepresented in charity governance

We value lived experience and community knowledge as expertise. You do not need to fit a traditional Board profile to be a strong Trustee.

We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you require any adjustments to apply or to take part as a Trustee, we will work with you to put these in place.

Remuneration 

This is a volunteer position. Expenses incurred as part of fulfilling the role will be reimbursed. 

The VP's role is to aid the president with all of their responsibilities in overseeing the chapter. VP might help run the chapter and become responsible for some activities. Helping to coordinate their committee to ensure that all of the needs of the charity are met and the law, constitution and handbook are not broken.

This role is important in order to have a smooth running chapter, so that the magic of our visits are at their full potential! We are searching for a enthusiastic and hard working volunteer to support the President in Newcastle!

Trustee

We are seeking three committed Trustees to join a national fostering Board at a pivotal time, supporting strategic growth and championing foster care across the UK.

Position: Trustee (Volunteer)
Organisation: The Fostering Network
Location: UK wide. Particular interest in Wales and Northern Ireland
Hours: Approximately 10 to 15 days per year
Term: 3 years, renewable for up to two further terms
Remuneration: Voluntary role. Reasonable travel expenses reimbursed
Closing Date: Monday 23 February 2026
Interview Dates: W/C 16 and 23 March 2026

About the Role

This is an opportunity to join the Board of Trustees at a national fostering charity, following the launch of a new organisational strategy and the appointment of a new Chair in 2025. Trustees play a vital role in setting strategic direction, ensuring strong governance and supporting the organisation to deliver meaningful change for children and young people in foster care.

Key responsibilities include:

· Providing strategic oversight and constructive challenge at Board level

· Supporting delivery of the five year organisational strategy

· Acting as an ambassador for the charity and its values

· Contributing to effective governance, risk management and financial oversight

· Building strong relationships with fellow Trustees, senior leaders and stakeholders

· Attending Board and committee meetings, both in person and online

About You

You will bring personal experience of the foster care sector and a strong commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people.

We are particularly interested in candidates who:

· Are based in Wales or Northern Ireland

· Are qualified social workers working within fostering services

· Have skills in finance, particularly qualified accountants

· Have experience in commercial or business development

You will demonstrate sound judgement, strategic thinking, discretion and the ability to contribute confidently within a Board setting.

About the Organisation

The UK’s leading fostering charity and membership organisation. Founded 50 years ago by foster carers, it works across all four nations to influence policy, improve practice and strengthen the fostering community. At the heart of its work is a belief in the power of relationships to transform lives.

Other roles you may have experience of could include; Trustee, Non Executive Director, Board Member, Independent Board Member, Social Work Leader, Finance Director, Commercial Director, Strategic Advisor.