Charity trustee volunteer roles in forest hill, greater london

Use your financial expertise to shape the future of a national bereavement charity. Aching Arms is seeking a volunteer Treasurer to join our Board of Trustees and provide strategic financial leadership.

Aching Arms is recruiting a committed and experienced Treasurer to oversee the charity’s financial affairs and support the Board in ensuring long-term sustainability, transparency, and compliance. This is a significant governance role within a respected organisation that provides vital support to bereaved families across the UK.

As Treasurer, you will play a central part in strengthening our financial stewardship. You will provide oversight of budgets, forecasts, cash flow, reserves, and investments, ensuring the charity has a clear and accurate financial position at all times. You will review management accounts, annual reports, and audited statements in preparation for Board approval, and ensure effective use of accounting systems such as Xero.

Working as a full member of the Board of Trustees, you will contribute to the charity’s governance, strategic planning, and risk management. Your expertise will help inform key decisions, ensuring they are financially sound and aligned with our charitable objectives. You will also maintain oversight of statutory and regulatory compliance, offering clear, accessible financial reporting during Board meetings.

The role involves constructive liaison with auditors and independent examiners, along with providing professional guidance to the Executive Team and Finance & Operations function. You will help strengthen financial controls, policies, and procedures, while offering appropriate scrutiny and challenge to support robust decision-making.

This opportunity is well suited to an individual with strong financial acumen, ideally with experience in accountancy, financial management, or charity finance, who would like to contribute their skills at a strategic level. By joining Aching Arms, you will play an essential role in supporting a charity dedicated to helping families through some of their most difficult moments.

If you are motivated to use your professional skills to deliver meaningful impact, we would welcome your application.

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

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

Lead one of the UK's most influential social justice funders as Chair of LEF

Location: UK-wide (Remote with occasional in-person meetings)
Type: Voluntary (Expenses Paid)
Time Commitment: 14 days per year

Champion the power of the law as a tool for social justice
LEF is entering a bold new strategic phase, following a transformative rebrand and renewed focus on the power of communities to use and shape the law to achieve social justice. With financial assets exceeding £280 million, LEF is uniquely positioned to build bridges between the law and communities facing injustice, to tackle the root causes of inequality.

We are seeking a new Chair of the Board of Trustees to guide the foundation's governance, culture, and strategic direction. This is a rare opportunity to lead a values-driven organisation committed to equity, inclusion, and the power of the law to create a more just and equal society.

Why This Role Matters
As Chair, you will:
* Lead the Board in delivering LEF's mission, vision, and values.
* Champion inclusive, collaborative, and participatory governance.
* Strengthen LEF's commitment to community accountability and transparency.
* Ensure strong stewardship of LEF's financial assets and charitable objectives.
* Support the Chief Executive with strategic challenge and partnership.
Help build relationships that strengthen collaboration, collective voice and systemic impact.

Who We're Looking For
We're seeking a strategic and values-led leader with:
* Senior leadership experience in governance or strategy.
* Deep commitment to social justice, equity, and inclusion.
* Financial literacy and confidence to engage with investment and audit reports.
* Understanding of law as a tool for systemic change.

Desirable qualities include:
* Experience in inclusive and participatory decision-making.
* Direct experience of investment or endowment management.
* Lived experience or deep connection to communities affected by injustice.
* Experience supporting anti-racism or inclusion work at a strategic level.

What You'll Gain
* Play a pivotal role in advancing systemic social justice
* The opportunity to align significant financial assets with a bold social justice mission.
* A platform to support organisations, closely connected to their communities, who are using - or would like to use - the law to drive wider change and greater equity. .
* A collaborative, intellectually rigorous and inclusive Board culture.

Recruitment Timeline
To ensure equitable access to information and uphold LEF's commitment to Power, Culture and Inclusion, they will be hosting a Q&A webinar in place of individual informal calls with the interim Chair/CEO. We encourage all interested candidates to submit questions in advance, which will be addressed during the session. Please register your interest in attending this webinar on Wednesday 10th December and we will send you a link.

Application deadline: Thursday 15th January 2026
First round interview: w/c 12th February 2026
Final interviews: w/c 26th February2026

How to Apply
Charity People Ltd is acting as recruitment advisor to LEF on this appointment. Interested candidates are invited to submit a CV to Senior Appointments at Charity People and request a candidate pack.

For an informal conversation about the role, please contact Fabrice Yala at Charity People

We are committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. If you require any assistance or adjustment to make the application process work for you, please let us know.

Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.

We are recruiting for a new Trustee with expertise in fundraising and income generation

The role

You will join a small and active trustee Board supporting the effective delivery of HealthProm’s current programmes and guiding its future strategy and direction, with a specific focus on income generation and fundraising.

 Time commitment

You will prepare for and participate in HealthProm Board meetings in person or online remotely (currently four per annum, each lasting three hours and held in London). You will also chair the Fundraising sub-committee which meets periodically and advises the full Board.

In addition to this formal role we are looking for a trustee who is able to dedicate some time to support HealthProm staff in the detailed delivery of agreed fundraising initiatives and targets.

HealthProm trustee appointments are unpaid but travel expenses will be reimbursed.

Overall Objective

With other trustees, you will be responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of HealthProm, developing the charity’s aims, objectives and goals in accordance with the governing document, legal and regulatory guidelines.

Key Responsibilities

• To take part in formulating and regularly reviewing the strategic aims of HealthProm, and evaluating performance against agreed targets
• To advise on appropriate fundraising strategies and initiatives to ensure HealthProm can deliver on its plans
• To ensure that the policy and practices of HealthProm are in keeping with its objectives and its memorandum and articles of association (and any variations thereto) and that these are carried out by management.
• To ensure compliance of HealthProm with statutory and legal requirements To ensure that HealthProm functions within the legal and financial requirements of the Charities Commission and Companies House and strives to achieve best practice
• To ensure that the income of HealthProm is spent solely for the purposes as laid out in its objectives
• To act in the best interest of HealthProm at all times

Main duties

• To assist the Chair as an active member of the Trustee Board in exercising its responsibilities and functions
• To participate in meetings of Trustees, whether Board or committee meetings and in other exchanges as needed, ensuring HealthProm’s policies and concerns are reflected in their deliberations
• To be familiar with the operations of HealthProm to ensure that a critical and informed view can be maintained, and participating in appropriate training sessions.
• To chair the fundraising subcommitee.
• To contribute specific fundraising skills and contacts to support HealthProm.
• To guide and mentor HealthProm’s staff on fundraising strategies and tactics.
• To promote HealthProm to as wide an audience of donors and beneficiaries as possible

Person specification

You should be able to demonstrate and provide evidence of the following criteria within your written application. We are keen to ensure diversity on the Board. 

The successful candidates will be able to give evidence of:

· An understanding of, empathy with, and commitment to HealthProm’s vision, mission and values. 

· Proven experience and expertise in sales, business development and/or fundraising. This will include generating income from corporates, High Net Worth individuals, trusts and foundations, events or other initiatives.

· Knowledge of the region in which HealthProm operates (desirable)

· Some awareness of the sectoral areas in which HealthProm is involved: maternal and child health, social care, fostering, disability, palliative care, early intervention, migration.

· Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship and an understanding of the respective roles of the Chair, Trustees and Director of Operations

· The ability to work effectively as a collegiate member of a board while contributing an independent perspective

· Some experience of board or committee membership in a charitable, public sector or commercial organisation

· Links to a network of current and relevant contacts

You should also be able to demonstrate:

1. An understanding of and commitment to, the values of accountability, probity and openness.

2. An ability to process detail and get to the heart of an issue.

3. Confident and effective communication skills with a range of audiences and ability to act as an ambassador for the organisation.

4. A willingness to devote the time and effort required to effectively discharge the duties of this role.

The Timetable

The closing date for applications is 15 January 2026.

Preliminary interviews will be arranged in the week beginning 19th January 2026.

How to apply

To apply for this role, please provide the following:

· a supporting statement, explaining how you believe your skills and experience match the requirements of the role, directly addressing the person specification,

· a short introductory statement demonstrating your motivation for this role,

· a comprehensive CV including details of your achievements in each role, and including details of two referees.

All of these documents should be forwarded by email to Simon Ray

Home-Start Berkshire East is an empowering, visionary family support service built on trusted relationships and rooted in the community. Looking forward, we are ambitious for our future, and looking for a Safeguarding Trustee to join us.

What you will be doing:

This role has a specific focus on promoting awareness of safeguarding and bringing experience, expertise and knowledge to the scrutiny of safeguarding arrangements and promotion of best practice within the Charity. The role will take the lead in taking oversight of our activities and performance related to safeguarding; be involved in the development of our services; and be a key enabler for our organisation to fulfil its potential and deliver on our ambition. It is important that you have an understanding of key questions to ask  and answer for the Board before making decisions relating to the future operation of new services.

What we are looking for:

Ideally you will have experience in Local Authority, Social Work Dept or Health and Social Care Trust with responsibility for safeguarding or working as a teacher and playing a key role relating to safeguarding

Treasurer (Trustee) – Share Your Heart of Gold with SUNSHINE

Loneliness is one of the fastest-growing epidemics of our time. Across London, thousands of people feel isolated, disconnected, and unseen. At SUNSHINE, we believe no one should feel alone. Our mission is to bring sunshine into people’s lives through grassroots, community-led programmes that spark joy, foster friendships, and transform lives.

We are now seeking a Treasurer to join our Board of Trustees and lead on the set-up, development, and management of all financial aspects at SUNSHINE. This is a pivotal role ensuring our charity is financially sustainable, well-governed, and equipped to grow its impact across London.

Why This Role Matters

Strong financial management is the backbone of any successful charity. As Treasurer, you will safeguard SUNSHINE’s resources, ensure transparency and accountability, and help us build a resilient organisation that can deliver joy and connection for years to come. Your leadership will give confidence to funders, partners, and volunteers that SUNSHINE is a charity they can trust.

What You’ll Do

• Lead financial management: Establish and oversee systems, controls, and reporting for SUNSHINE’s finances.

• Guide the Board: Provide financial insight and advice to fellow Trustees, supporting strategic decision-making.

• Ensure compliance: Oversee budgets, accounts, and statutory obligations, ensuring SUNSHINE meets charity governance standards.

• Support sustainability: Help identify funding opportunities and ensure resources are used effectively.

• Champion transparency: Build confidence among stakeholders by ensuring clear, accurate financial reporting.

Who We’re Looking For

We welcome applications from people with a Heart of Gold who believe in community, joy, and togetherness. Ideally, you will bring:

• Experience in financial management, accounting, or charity finance.

• Knowledge of charity governance and compliance (desirable but not essential).

• Organisational skills to set up and manage financial systems and processes.

• Leadership qualities to serve as a Trustee and guide SUNSHINE’s strategic direction.

• A commitment to impact and a passion for tackling loneliness.

Join Us

At SUNSHINE, the Treasurer is more than a financial manager — they are the guardian of sustainability, the steward of trust, and the architect of growth. Together, we can turn the tide on loneliness and create a London where everyone feels part of something bigger, brighter, and more joyful.

Step forward. Shine bright. Share your Heart of Gold. Because when you lead our finances, you’re not just balancing books — you’re helping bring sunshine into countless lives.

SUNSHINE

Loneliness Charity in London

About the Degrees Initiative

The Degrees Initiative is a UK-based NGO that builds the capacity of developing countries to evaluate solar radiation modification (SRM), a controversial proposal for reducing some impacts of climate change by reflecting sunlight away from the Earth. Degrees is neutral on whether SRM should ever be used, but we believe that developing countries should be empowered to conduct their own research and to play a central role in SRM discussions. The initiative has been working in different forms for over a decade, and our work receives worldwide coverage and widespread acclaim. 

The charity was founded in 2021, now has around 20 staff members and is growing. We seek a volunteer trustee with significant financial experience including an accounting qualification to join an existing five-person board to help guide a growing initiative that is changing the field of SRM.

This position offers a fantastic opportunity for the right candidate to apply their financial expertise in a high-profile governance role, shaping strategy and supporting a mission that empowers Global South researchers to lead in one of the world’s most important climate debates. 

Role 

The volunteer trustee will complement and further strengthen an existing five-person volunteer trustee board including the Chair & Treasurer. The role will entail strategic leadership, governance, and fiduciary responsibilities. Alongside the Treasurer they will predominantly be advising the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and the rest of the senior management team (the Chief Executive Officer and Chief of Staff) to ensure the robust financial health of the charity. This will include: 

• Maintaining an overview of the charity’s financial affairs by overseeing the annual financial planning and budgets proposed by the senior management team 

• Monitoring and evaluating financial progress against budgets and forecasts from staff reporting at quarterly board meetings, acting a voice of financial expertise during board discussions 

• Approving the audited annual accounts and financial statements presented by the senior management team alongside the rest of the board 

• Strategic input by reviewing risk assessments alongside financial implications and advising on the organisation of financial resources and reserves to support the long-term goals of the charity 

• Confirming transparency and accountability in financial operations, and that appropriate accounting procedures and controls are in place in addition to compliance with legal and regulatory requirements 

• Advising on how the charity can most effectively conduct its international work, especially providing grants to organisations in the Global South 

• Confirming that the charity has an appropriate investment policy, and that there is no conflict between any investment held and the aims and objects of the charity

• Sitting on any board sub-committees as required 

Join Room to Heal as a Trustee with financial expertise to support the Board in safeguarding the charity’s financial health, guiding strategy, and ensure its mission of healing and community continues to transform lives.

About Room to Heal

Room to Heal is a healing community for asylum seekers and refugees who have suffered torture and gross human rights violations. Our mission is to use the restorative power of community to help people heal from torture and organised violence and build meaningful lives.

What will you be doing?

Background

• Room to Heal is strengthening its financial resilience as it adapts to a more competitive funding environment. The charity’s finances are stable but closely managed, requiring careful cashflow oversight and strategic risk assessment
• The current Treasurer brings strong financial expertise, though the Board sees the benefit of an additional finance-skilled trustee to enhance collective confidence in decision-making

Key Responsibilities

• Support the board in interpreting financial reports and identifying trends or risks
• Advise on reserves, cashflow management, and funding diversification
• Contribute to financial planning and sustainability discussions
• Sit on the finance subcommittee and provide informed challenge and reassurance
• Act as a critical friend to staff on financial matters, without undertaking day-to-day delivery

What are we looking for?

We are seeking a Trustee with financial experience. We welcome candidates at different career stages - from senior finance professionals to those seeking their first board role.

• Strong financial literacy and confidence interpreting financial data
• Ability to assess financial risk and support sound decision-making
• Commitment to good governance and the mission of Room to Heal
• Collaborative approach with clear communication and analytical thinking

Room to Heal was founded on principles of equality, respect, and justice, and these values continue to guide every aspect of our work. Our community includes people from many countries, languages, and faiths, and our strength lies in our diversity. We welcome applicants from all walks of life, valuing diverse perspectives that enrich our work. We are committed to offering equal opportunity for all, regardless of ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, or any other dimension of diversity.

What difference will you make?

By joining Room to Heal as a Trustee, you will help secure the long-term sustainability of a life-changing service.

• Make a tangible difference - helping ensure the charity’s finances remain robust and resilient
• Shape strategy - contributing to decisions that directly affect survivors’ access to healing and justice
• Build your own experience - developing governance skills in a complex, purpose-driven environment
• Join a diverse and compassionate board - committed to integrity, inclusion, and impact

Your insights will help Room to Heal continue offering sanctuary and support to people rebuilding their lives after trauma.

Time commitment

The time commitment averages around 3-6 hours per month.

4 Board meetings a year - usually hybrid, allowing trustees to join remotely or in person.

Also attend the finance subcommittee - online approximately every six weeks.

Looking for an exciting opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of Londoners affected by homelessness, while contributing your professional insights to a forward-thinking and compassionate organisation? Why not join us as our Audit Committee Chair or as a Trustee!

About Evolve Housing + Support

At Evolve, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to live a safe, fulfilled and independent life. We provide support in London, offering tailored programmes to meet people’s individual needs; including housing, employment and skills training, mentoring and counselling.

We do this through our work with young parents and children at risk of exclusion to build the skills and resilience that can help prevent homelessness, campaigning to end street homelessness, and building affordable homes to help people move on to an independent life.

Our company culture: the heart of what we do

We’re proud of our inclusive culture – one where everyone’s voice matters, and where diversity of background, thought and experience helps us make better decisions for the communities we serve. Our mission - to help children, young people and adults who are homeless or at risk of homelessness reach their potential, and move on to live happy, fulfilled lives. We ensure our values - Honest, Inclusive, Optimistic, Determined, Passionate & Creative inform everything we do.

The opportunities to join us

At Evolve Housing + Support, we are championing opportunity, dignity and independence for people affected by homelessness – a cause that may resonate with you and encourage you to lend your strategic oversight and financial skills to our Board.

We are looking for a new Audit Committee Chair and two Trustees to join our Board and play a key role in shaping our governance and strategic direction.

As our Audit Committee Chair, you’ll ensure we maintain the highest standards of financial stewardship, carry out all our affairs effectively under all regulatory bodies, while keeping our mission and values at the heart of decision-making through your leadership.

The Trustee roles present the opportunity to play a crucial part in the successful running of our organisation, in partnership with the leadership team, upholding excellent governance using your professional skills. 

Who are we looking for?

We are particularly interested in speaking with people who are able to lead and inspire, who also have the strategic and analytical thinking skills to lead through periods of change, and who can communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders and audiences.

You’ll need to have the ability to proactively support the values of Evolve Housing + Support, have a strong understanding of good governance practice along with a financial or HR background at a professional level, and a strong track record in a relevant sector, with empathy for our core customer group.

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

Sounding good? Here’s how you can apply today!

Please read the Candidate Information Pack for more information before you apply. 

How to Apply:

Eastside People is supporting Evolve Housing + Support in the recruitment of these roles. Please apply by submitting your CV and a cover letter, both in Word doc format.

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

• Why are you interested in the Chair/Trustee role at Evolve Housing + Support? 
• Having read the information pack, what relevant experience and skills do you feel you would bring to this role? 

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

The closing date for applications is Mon 22 Dec 2025. Shortlisting interviews will take place shortly after and shortlisted candidates will have an interview with Evolve during the week beginning 12 January 2026.

We look forward to hearing from you!

We are seeking a proactive, strategic, and mission-aligned Funding Manager to join our growing team. This pivotal role will lead on identifying, applying for, and managing multiple streams of funding to support the delivery and expansion of our work. As a small charity with big impact, funding is vital to everything we do — from running support services to delivering education and campaigning for change. The Funding Manager will be at the heart of ensuring our sustainability and growth by securing the resources we need. You will be line managed by the Chair of Trustees, and work closely with the Treasurer and other trustees as needed to complete applications, manage current funding applications and report on grant outcomes.
 

What are the key responsibilities of this role?

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

• Identify and research suitable funding opportunities from trusts, foundations, statutory bodies, and other grant-makers

• Lead and coordinate the writing and submission of compelling funding bids, applications, and proposals.

• Manage and track existing grants, ensuring compliance with reporting requirements and deadlines.

• Work with trustees (e.g. Treasurer and Chair) to gather financial and impact data for applications and reports.

• Maintain a funding pipeline and reporting calendar, ensuring visibility of all application stages and deadlines.

• Build and maintain relationships with funders, providing updates on Hidayah’s work and impact.

• Monitor trends in the funding landscape and keep the charity informed of relevant changes and opportunities.

• Advise and support the Board in developing a long-term funding strategy.

• To maintain clear records on the organisation’s shared systems (Google Drive).

• Meet regularly e.g. monthly or bi-monthly with your line manager to discuss funding applications and progress

• To check and respond to funding application emails promptly and within deadlines set for funding applications

What do we expect from the Funding Manager?

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

Essential:

• Demonstrable experience of successful fundraising from trusts, foundations, or statutory funders.

• Excellent bid writing and storytelling skills, with the ability to communicate impact clearly.

• Strong organisational skills, able to manage multiple deadlines and priorities.

• Financially literate, comfortable working with budgets and data.

• Self-motivated and able to work independently while collaborating with others.

• A commitment to the values and mission of Hidayah LGBTQI+.

• Knowledge of CRM or funding management tools.

Desirable:

• Experience working with grassroots or LGBTQI+ charities.

• Understanding of issues affecting LGBTQI+ Muslims or minoritised communities.

How much commitment is required?

This is a voluntary role with flexible hours, and can be carried out around your existing commitments. We are results-focused, so while you have autonomy over when you volunteer, we ask that funding bids and key deadlines are met in a timely and reliable manner.

Join Room to Heal as Chair to support the Board and Co-Directors, guiding governance, strategy, and transition while helping the organisation continue its mission of healing and community.

About Room to Heal

Room to Heal is a healing community for asylum seekers and refugees who have suffered torture and gross human rights violations. Our mission is to use the restorative power of community to help people heal from torture and organised violence and build meaningful lives.

What will you be doing?

Background

•  Room to Heal is entering a new chapter with the introduction of a Co-Director leadership model. The Chair will work alongside the Co-Directors and Board of Trustees to guide strategic decisions and ensure that governance continues to support the organisation’s mission of healing through community
• Room to Heal’s current Chair has provided valuable support to the organisation in recent years and will continue to be involved during the period of transition
• We therefore anticipate a collaborative handover process, with the incoming Chair working alongside the current post-holder to ensure continuity, stability and a confident transfer of responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

• Provide leadership to the Board, ensuring trustees uphold governance with integrity and accountability
• Chair Board meetings, guiding strategic conversations and supporting trustee oversight
• Guide long-term vision and strategy, balancing ambition with financial and operational sustainability
• Advise the Co-Directors on organisational planning, service evaluation, and staff development
• Oversee risk management, safeguarding, and financial controls to ensure safety and compliance
• Model the organisation’s values, fostering a culture of compassion, inclusion, and resilience

For full details please request the Candidate Pack from the Reach TrusteeWorks Team, at the email address provided.

What are we looking for?

We are seeking a Chair who can combine strong governance with compassion. We are looking for someone with:

• Experience in leadership, governance, or board-level roles
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Strategic thinking, sound judgment, and an inclusive leadership style
• Empathy and a commitment to promoting wellbeing and resilience in vulnerable communities

Room to Heal was founded on principles of equality, respect, and justice, and these values continue to guide every aspect of our work. Our community includes people from many countries, languages, and faiths, and our strength lies in our diversity. We welcome applicants from all walks of life, valuing diverse perspectives that enrich our work. We are committed to offering equal opportunity for all, regardless of ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, or any other dimension of diversity.

What difference will you make?

Becoming Chair of Room to Heal means stepping into a role where leadership genuinely changes lives. This is an opportunity to guide a small, mission-driven charity through an important moment of transition and to help ensure that some of the most marginalised people in our society continue to receive the care, dignity and connection they deserve.

Your leadership will help Room to Heal remain resilient, focused and true to its values. Guiding two newly appointed Co-Directors and a dedicated board, you will help strengthen the organisation’s foundations and shape its future direction.

This is a rare opportunity to make a tangible difference at a time when strong, compassionate leadership matters most. If you are inspired by the idea of helping survivors of trauma rebuild their lives in community, we would love to hear from you. Join us in shaping the next chapter of Room to Heal.

Time commitment

The time commitment averages around one day per month.

Four Board meetings a year - usually hybrid, allowing trustees to join remotely or in person.

The Chair also sits on the finance subcommittee which meets online approximately every six weeks.

Ealing Book Festival is a young organisation with huge ambitions. We're looking for someone with great organisational skills and experience to join the team and help us develop and achieve our objectives. 

In addition to the general responsibilities of a trustee, duties of the secretary are as follows.

·Preparing agendas in consultation with the chair and trustees and circulating them and any supporting papers in good time

·Making all the arrangements for meetings 

·       Ensuring the taking of, agreement and sign off of minutes

·Checking that trustees have carried out actions agreed at a previous meeting 

·Circulating agendas and minutes of the annual general meeting and any special or extraordinary general meetings (where required)

·Fulfilling the functions equivalent to a company secretary, assisting the chair and other trustees with charity reporting requirements, monitoring the policy register 

·Assisting the chair with board evaluation, succession planning processes and recruitment

Person specification 

In addition to the person specification for a trustee, the secretary should have the following skills, experience and qualities:

• Experience of governance and compliance procedures

• Organisational ability

• Minute-taking and report writing experience, including preparation of annual reports

• Preparation of the policy register

• Experience of board evaluation and succession planning processes 

Please Note. We are ideally looking for a secretary who lives in or near Ealing. We are a small team of local residents delivering a community festival keen to build relationships across the borough. The Trustee Board meets in person. 

Location: Shepherd’s Bush, West London

Time Commitment: Approx. 1–2 days per month (including quarterly board meetings and annual Away Day)

Type: Voluntary

Start Date: Early 2026

Join a unique West London charity creating lasting change in people’s lives

The Upper Room is seeking a Chair of Trustees (Designate) to join our Board in 2025/26 and, after a year of active trusteeship and shadowing, to step into the role of Chair when our current Chair reaches the end of their tenure in 2027.

This is an exceptional opportunity for a passionate, values-led individual to help shape the next phase of our work, from strategic resilience to community innovation.

About Us

From small beginnings more than 35 years ago The Upper Room has grown into a thriving charity with an annual budget of around £650K.

Food provision has always been at the heart of what we do. UR4Meals serves approximately 40,000 meals a year, operating five days a week.

UR4Driving works with ex-offenders and young people identified as at risk of offending. We help them pass their driving theory test, and then provide free driving lessons. Last year 37 students gained a full driving licence with us. This has a significant impact on their employability and self-esteem, and dramatically reduces re-offending.

UR4Jobs helps people become work-ready, and supports their wellbeing.

We are still based in our original home at St Saviour’s Church near Shepherd’s Bush in west London.

About the Role

As Chair, you’ll lead a committed and skilled Board of Trustees, working closely with our CEO and senior team to guide strategy, ensure good governance and champion our impact.

You’ll also play a key role externally, acting as an ambassador to funders, partners and supporters.

We’re looking for someone who can

• Provide strategic leadership through a period of growth and innovation
• Foster a culture of inclusion and respect, both on the Board and across the organisation - Support and challenge the CEO, acting as a critical friend and sounding board
• Ensure excellent governance, compliance and risk management
• Represent the charity publicly, building relationships and influence

About You

We welcome candidates with prior Board experience as a Trustee, Chair or Non-Executive Director, and a strong commitment to social justice.

We especially encourage applications from those with lived experience of disadvantage, as well as those from under-represented backgrounds, including individuals from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.

We’re interested in candidates with

• A clear understanding of charity governance and the role of a Chair
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills
• Strategic thinking and sound judgement
• A collaborative, values-driven approach
• The time, energy and commitment to make a lasting difference

Additional experience in fundraising, partnerships, organisational development or public sector engagement would be welcome, though not essential.

Time Commitment

• As a Trustee in 2025/ 26 (approx. 1–2 days per month)
• Transition to Chair in 2027, subject to mutual agreement and Board approval
• Quarterly evening Board meetings (in person in London)
• Annual summer Away Day with staff and trustees
• Optional involvement in sub-committees or events depending on interest and availability
• Representing the charity at local events

Why Now

By inviting a prospective Chair to join our Board as a Trustee in 2025/26, we can ensure a smooth, informed transition, with the support and handover of our current Chair, and plenty of time for deep onboarding and relationship-building.

The new Chair will help consolidate our growth, and lead our Board through the next chapter, ensuring our mission continues to serve those who need us most in the years ahead.

How to Apply

Please send your CV and a brief covering letter explaining your interest and suitability to the Upper Room.

If you would like to have an informal conversation before applying, feel free to reach out via email to arrange a call.

Because we are planning for the long term we are not placing a deadline on this process. However, we aim to appoint in the first quarter of 2026.

Interviews will be held in two stages, including an in-person meeting with key Board and staff members.

The Opportunity:

Her Centre is seeking a Treasurer to enable the future of our organisation, along with
our excellent board of trustees. This opportunity will involve working closely with the
Board Chair, the Board of Trustees, the CEO, and the Head of Finance. The
Treasurer will drive change and ensure that our vital work continues to support every
woman in Greenwich who needs us. You will be joining a dedicated board that
includes expertise from across the private and charitable sectors, the local authority,
and lived experience.

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

Please submit your Covering Letter and CV by Friday, 2 January 2026.

Role Description:
Board Treasurer

• Time commitment: 3-4 hours monthly. The HER Centre board meetings are hybrid

and currently held every two months.

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

Walk, London

• Responsible to: The Board of Trustees

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

Main roles and responsibilities:
• Oversee the HER Centre’s finances to ensure its regulatory and legal
responsibilities are met and comply with charity accounting practice.
• Oversee the annual budget, including budget planning, monitoring and
reporting
• Ensure the HER Centre’s accounts are prepared and the key issues and risks
are reported to the trustee board in a timely and effective manner.
• Monitor and report on the HER Centre’s financial health at regular board
meetings
• Lead in the development and implementation of finance policies and robust
controls
• Liaise with external auditors or advisors, as required
• Ensure the HER Centre is up to date on financial reporting and governance
requirements
• Contribute to the HER Centre’s risk and operational plans

Term: Two years, renewable for a maximum of nine years.

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