Charity trustee volunteer roles in forest hill, greater london

We are going through a period of change, including some financial growth and are looking for a conscientious individual, committed to women's rights,  to join our Board of Trustees as Treasurer. 

The Treasurer will oversee the financial matters of the charity in line with good practice and in accordance with the governing document and legal requirements, and report to the Board of Trustees at regular intervals about the financial health of the organisation. The Treasurer will ensure that effective financial measures, controls and procedures are put in place, and are appropriate for the charity.

Principal responsibilities:

 · Overseeing, approving and presenting budgets, accounts, financial statements and financial reports to the Board of Trustees after discussion with the Directors

· Being assured that the financial resources of the organisation meet its present and future needs and are within the charitiy’s objects

· Playing a key role in the development and implementation of appropriate financial policy and procedures, reserves policy and investment policy.

Main duties:

· Liaising with the directors about financial matters

. Overseeing the accounts

. Issuing certain payments

· Keeping the board informed about its financial duties and responsibilities

· Ensuring that appropriate accounting procedures and controls are in place

· Advising on the financial implications of the organisation's strategic plans and assisting with appropriate budgeting/forecasting

· Liaising with the charity’s auditors where appropriate

· Liaising with the chair and directors to ensure that the charities annual accounts are compliant with the current Charities SORP

· Ensuring equipment and assets are adequately maintained and insured

Job Title: Volunteer Finance Lead
Reporting to: Operational Director
Hours: 10 to 15 hours per month (we can be flexible and work with your schedule)

Willowbrook Farm Charity

Willowbrook Farm Charity exists to create nurturing educational and cultural spaces in the Oxfordshire countryside that are welcoming, inclusive, and accessible to communities who have been historically underrepresented in rural environments — including people from racialised backgrounds, neurodivergent individuals, and young people with diverse learning needs.

In partnership with Willowbrook Farm (www  willowbrookfarm  co  uk), where we host our activities, we aim to build a nationally recognised centre of excellence that supports personal growth, wellbeing, and connection with nature. Through hands-on learning, community building, and cultural exchange, we empower individuals and groups to explore sustainable living, ethical land stewardship, and the transformative potential of nature-based education.

Our Values

Community
We foster a culture of care, connection, and belonging. We create space for people to come together in joy, learning, and mutual support, building relationships rooted in respect and shared purpose.

Stewardship
We honour the land as a living system and recognise that the wellbeing of people and nature are deeply interconnected. We are committed to nurturing the next generation of ethical and responsible stewards — who care for the earth, each other, and future generations.

Equity & Inclusion
We are dedicated to removing barriers so that people of all identities, backgrounds, and abilities can access and participate fully in experiences of farming, countryside living, and sustainability. We celebrate diversity and work to create welcoming spaces where everyone can thrive.

Connection with Nature
We centre our actions on a deep respect for the natural world. We believe in restoring and nurturing the bond between humans and nature, creating a place where both can flourish in harmony.
 

Job description

We are thrilled to welcome a Finance Lead to support our Operational Director and Fundraising Team at a pivotal time for our charity.

After a challenging period of inactivity due to the impacts of Covid, we are excited to embark on a new chapter, as we are ready to restart our activities in 2025 and to develop our projects and create a positive impact in our community.

This is a unique opportunity for those eager to be part of a project evolving from its early stages to the launching of new initiatives. The volunteer will have ample opportunity to learn about charity structure, develop skills within the third sector and grow with the charity.

We are looking for a passionate and articulate person to fill this role.
 

What this position entails

We are looking for a dedicated volunteer who can provide long-term support to our charity as we prepare to relaunch our activities after a period of inactivity post-Covid.

The Volunteer Finance Lead will assist the Fundraising team and the Operational Director in creating budgets, clarifying budget limitations, preparing cash flow forecasts, and ensuring the charity has a comprehensive understanding of operational and project costs to help us secure necessary funding.

Ideal candidates should be genuinely passionate about our mission and values, work well in a team, and be able to communicate financial information clearly to those who may not have a finance background.

As a Finance Lead, your main responsibilities will include:

• Give general financial advice for projects, events and activities strategy.
• Take leadership in preparing cash flow forecasts.
• Clarifying budget limitations.
• Take leadership on producing projected budgets, outlining expected income and expenses for specific periods of the charity lifecycle, helping our charity plan our finances and allocate resources.
• Taking on leadership for producing all events/activities/projects budgets and keeping accurate reporting of post-projects income/expenses records and producing reports to the board of trustees.
• Monitoring the financial health of all our projects.
• Produce general quarterly financial reporting to management and the board of trustees, highlighting points of concern.
• Contributing to decisions regarding financial strategy for our projects.
• Understanding and reporting costs for specific areas: internal staff, delivery staff, running activities etc.
• Able to recommend improvements and implement changes on financial processes and procedures, supporting the operational team to have clarity on our financial health.

What do you need to become our Finance Lead?

Essential:

• 3+ plus experience with accounts/finance
• Fully qualified Accountant or relevant financial qualification.
• Highly experienced with budgets and cost management of projects.
• Numerate, accurate individual with strong Excel, Word, and presentation skills
• Professional approach.
• Experience of working with small teams and communicating financial information clearly to those who may not have a finance background.
• Able to work on own initiative with a conscientious approach, always looking to continuously improve processes and be dedicated to the improvement of our charity's financial processes and procedures.

As a volunteer-led charity, it’s essential for us to find someone who understands the importance of being part of our team and engaging in the growth of the charity. Therefore, we will prioritise applications from volunteers who are committed to a long-term partnership and want to be an integral member of our team.

By getting involved you will gain:

• A chance to expand your skills in charity strategic operations and fundraising.
• This is an excellent opportunity for professionals eager to utilise their talents to address community needs and contribute to reducing inequality.
• Additionally, this is an excellent starting point for those wanting to work in the third sector but lacking the experience.

Location: Fully Remote. But we welcome those who wish to come and visit the farm at least once to understand more about us.

Commitment:

We estimate that you'll need to commit around 10 to 15 hours each month. However, depending on the specific projects/events running, there may be times when you need to invest more time, while other months might require less support. We're looking for a volunteer who is excited to build a long-term partnership with us and can adapt their schedule as needed.

We can be flexible and work with you to find hours that fit ours and your schedule, working out of office hours or weekends - all help is much appreciated!

As a volunteer-led charity, we prioritise volunteers who want to become part of our team of volunteers rather than those looking for a temporary assignment. Therefore, we won’t accept applications from volunteers who cannot commit to at least 5-6 months with us.

How to apply:

Candidates must have the legal right to work in the UK at the time of application.

Please send your CV and cover letter demonstrating your relevant experience and why you would like to get involved with our charity. 

We will be holding interviews starting on the 15th May.

If we find some great candidates, we may close the vacancy earlier than the application deadline mentioned. So don't delay - apply today!

Job Notes:

The volunteer acknowledges their responsibility to perform their tasks diligently and to promptly inform their line manager of any concerns that may arise during their volunteering period. Given the time commitment required for this position, we regret to inform that we cannot provide references for volunteers who serve less than three months with us.

Our partner is a legal charity committed to alleviating poverty and helping citizens create a fairer and more just society, by providing free, community based legal advice on issues affecting the day-to-day lives of people living in North Wales.

They are seeking a new Treasurer, with suitable accounting and finance experience as well as energy and enthusiasm, to provide board level insight and scrutiny of financial plans, processes and decision making.

The post holder will inspect and authorise fortnightly payments, review and approve the organisations financial statements, and oversee financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress. Previous governance experience is not required, and a full induction and training will be provided.

The board meets 4-6 times a year, usually remotely in the evening, with one annual in-person away day in North Wales. The total estimated time commitment required for the role is approximately 5 hours per month.

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For more Trustee and Treasurer roles please visit the AfID website.

Position: Chair of Trustees

The Board of Trustees is the ultimate governance body for the organisation, serving as stewards of the organisation’s resources, and is ultimately responsible for Self Help UK’s strategy, operations, adherence to law and regulation, and financial management. The Trustees serve on a voluntary basis and currently meet virtually every 6 weeks.

Chair Responsibilities: The Chair leads the Board of Trustees and works closely with the Charity’s Chief Executive and Senior Management Team to achieve its goals. The Chair is responsible for key areas, including:

Strategy and Governance

• Ensuring that the Board operates effectively in the consideration, iteration, and approval of the organisational strategy in support of the charity’s mission and values.

• With Trustees, ensuring that the charity operates efficiently and effectively to fulfil its objectives

• Safeguarding the interests of the charity’s beneficiaries and providing oversight of stakeholder interests • Maintaining high standards of governance and risk management.

• Ensuring that the Board is as diverse as possible and provides the range of knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to deliver the charity’s aims.

• Ensuring the organisation is accountable and transparent in its activities.

• Maintaining compliance with relevant charitable and company legislation.

• Oversight of the Sub Committees of the board.

• Ensuring a high-performing and effective board by committing to regular appraisal and review of Trustees and board performance (including managing retirements and resignations of Trustees).

Guidance and support to the Chief Executive

• Appointment of the Chief Executive and approval of Chief Executive’s salary with the Trustees.

• Line management of and work in partnership with the Chief Executive to support them in achieving the aims of the charity.

• Support and guidance on operations, including personnel management.

Financial

• Ensuring, with the Board, sound financial oversight, including review and approval of the annual budget

• Oversight of high standards of financial management

Advocacy and fundraising

• Using personal and professional networks to help the executive with access to potential donors and supporters, including governments, international bodies, corporations, trusts and foundations, NGOs, and individuals.

• Advise and assist in raising and maintaining the charity’s profile in the UK and internationally.

Lead Board Meetings:

• Lead all aspects of meeting management.

• Encouraging discussion at Board meetings, summarising key points and ensuring decisions are made and implemented.

Remuneration: Unremunerated, but reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed

Time Commitment: Estimated at 2 days per month, but some flexibility and the ability to offer more time on occasion are required.

Standard commitments include:

• Attending Board meetings every 6 weeks. Currently, meetings are held via Zoom

• Attendance at subcommittee meetings as necessary

• Monthly scheduled meeting with the CEO, with flexibility to respond swiftly to the occasional ad hoc issue.

• Attending, as a minimum, an annual half-day strategy session and other face-to-face events as required.

Qualities of a Chair

Essential

• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of Trusteeship and adhering to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership.

• Commitment to the charity’s objects, aims, and values and willingness to devote time to carry out responsibilities. • Strategic and forward-looking vision in relation to the charity’s objects and aims.

• Good, independent judgement, political impartiality and the ability to think creatively in the context of the organisation and external environment.

• Good communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to respect the confidences of colleagues.

• Balancing tact and diplomacy with willingness to challenge and constructively criticise.

Desirable

• Prior experience of committee/trustee work.

• Knowledge of the type of work undertaken by the organisation.

• A wider involvement with the voluntary sector.

• Experience of chairing meetings, committee work, some experience of charity finance, charity fundraising.

• Leadership skills exercised through a period change.

Following a change to our Articles concerning the composition of our Board, the successful candid could be the first Trustee in the 60-year history of the British Wheel of Yoga to be drawn from outside the membership, as part of our commitment to increasing the skills base and diversity of our Board.

We have a high-performing staff finance team so this is not a “nuts and bolts” Treasurer role where you are required to do the book keeping. Instead you will be the key link between the finance team and the Board as you lead your fellow Trustees in the performance of their fiduciary duties and engagement with the charity’s finances.

Key requirements include:

• ​Good knowledge, understanding and experience of charity and company finance, accounting requirements and procedures
• ​Good knowledge and understanding of the regulators’ (Charity Commission, Registrar of Companies) requirements regarding charity and company finance and reporting
• The ability to be an effective member of the Board team and its finance sub-committee (which you will chair), thinking strategically and working cooperatively.
• The ability and willingness to commit sufficient time to fulfil the role effectively.

Meeting schedule:

• Quarterly Board meetings in March, June, September and December
• Financial Planning Workshop in May
• The above meetings are all held via Zoom
• In person Board Retreat (January). A 24-hour residential event which gives an opportunity for Trustees to get to know each other and do some strategic thinking and planning.

With the exception of the Board Retreat, this is a fully remote role that would suit candidates from anywhere in the UK.

We are a successful and professionally run charitable preschool at the heart of Walthamstow with a strong ethos and excellent reputation. We’re here to make sure everyone has access to high quality and affordable early years education and childcare.

The treasurer's role is to oversee the financial health of the organisation and ensure that it's managed in a way that protects its financial integrity. This is one of several trustee positions that we are currently advertising for.

What we are looking for:
• A finance professional. A knowledge of charity finance is an advantage.
• A strategic thinker with the ability to balance risk and opportunity.
• A clear communicator with the ability to bring financial information alive to non-finance specialists.
• An individual willing to play an active role in areas such as forecasting and setting budget

Duties include:

• Working with the Manager and bookkeeper on the presentation of budgets, internal management accounts and annual financial statements to the Board of Trustees.
• Ensuring, at a board level, that proper accounting records are kept, and that appropriate accounting procedures and controls are in place.
• Monitoring and advising on the financial viability of the charity.
• Overseeing financial controls and adherence to systems, regularly liaising with the Manager and bookkeeper
• Being knowledgeable of the financial implications of the charity’s strategic plan, including overseeing the charity’s financial risk-management process
• Ensuring investments and assets are maximised.
• Working with the Manager and chair to oversee the development and implementation of systems for appraising, mitigating and reporting financial risk.
• Supporting the Manager/ Independent Examiner to ensure that the accounts are prepared and disclosed in the form required by relevant statutory bodies e.g. the Charity Commission
• Keeping the board informed about its financial duties and responsibilities and liaising with the Manager and chair to develop the financial understanding of the Board of Trustees.

Trustees - We are also looking for trustees to join as board members

To apply

Please send the completed application form outlining why you’re interested in our organisation and what you would bring to the Board along with a CV to our Manager, Lilijana Markaj

Deadline: Tuesday 29th April 2025

Ofsted Registration: 153685

Registered Charity No: 1123684

Company Number: 6420566

This is an exciting time in our growth as we look to grow our governance systems, build on our successes and ensure we are a radical, dynamic organisation rooted in our anti-racist and anti-oppressive values.  We are looking for a new Chair for our Trustee board, to join us and help lead and shape the future of the organisation. 

About the Chair of Trustee Role

Role Overview

The Chair of Trustees ensures effective governance and strategic direction for Rebuilding Lives UK. They provide leadership to the board, oversee decision-making, and act as a key ambassador for the charity. The Chair supports the Chief Executive while ensuring accountability and compliance with regulatory requirements. A key responsibility of the Chair is to ensure that all trustees are actively engaged in their roles, fulfilling their responsibilities, and participating in training.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the board to ensure strong governance, accountability, and strategic leadership.
• Ensure that all trustees actively fulfill their roles, contribute to decision-making, and engage with the charity’s work.
• Provide mentorship and oversight to the Chief Executive.
• Hold trustees accountable for attending training and participating in board activities.
• Ensure that safeguarding measures are implemented across the charity.
• Oversee board meetings, ensuring productive discussions and informed decision-making.
• Represent the charity externally and strengthen partnerships with key stakeholders.
• Support financial oversight, ensuring sustainability and compliance.
• Be actively involved in the charity’s operations where possible, offering support beyond governance.
• The Chair plays a key role in providing strategic direction and supporting the CEO through regular mentoring and guidance. While the board collectively oversees the charity’s performance, the Chair works closely with the CEO to ensure they are supported in their role, offering insights and fostering a collaborative relationship between the CEO and trustees.

Who We Are Looking For

Essential Skills & Experience:

• Experience in chairing boards or senior governance roles.
• Strong strategic leadership and decision-making abilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI).
• Minimum of 10 hours per month dedicated to board duties.

What You’ll Gain from This Role

Becoming a trustee with Rebuilding Lives UK is more than just a governance role—it’s an opportunity to be part of a team dedicated to creating real, lasting change. As a trustee, you will:

• Play a vital role in supporting survivors and helping them rebuild their lives.
• Be part of a passionate and driven team working towards a shared mission.
• Gain valuable leadership, governance, and strategic experience.
• Develop transferable skills in decision-making, safeguarding, and advocacy.
• Expand your professional network and engage with like-minded individuals.
• Have access to training and development opportunities to strengthen your expertise.

Mandatory Training Requirement

All trustees, including the Chair, are required to complete trustee governance and safeguarding training within the first three months of their appointment. Additional training will follow as needed.

Terms of Appointment

The Chair serves an initial one-year term, with the option for renewal up to a maximum of three years.

Voluntary Role

All voluntary roles are subject to satisfactory references and an enhanced DBS check.

This is an unpaid remote position (UK Based); however, reasonable expenses will be reimbursed. 

Time Commitment:

• 10 hours per month, including:
  • Monthly board meetings (held via Zoom).
  • Providing strategic leadership and guidance to the CEO.
  • Annual half-day strategy session and leadership planning.
  • Regular check-ins with trustees to ensure engagement and accountability.

Adventure Ashram is a small but mighty UK-based charity founded by adventurers in 2007. We support life-saving grassroots projects in India, focused on: 

• Combating human trafficking 

• Providing education for vulnerable children 

• Ensuring access to essential healthcare 

We work closely with our local Indian partners to deliver meaningful, sustainable change. Our UK-based operations raise vital funds through adventurous events, innovative campaigns, and international initiatives—most notably our global yoga campaign, Yoga Stops Traffick. 

Role: Trustee – Fundraising Specialist 

We are looking for a new Trustee with significant fundraising experience to help us grow and diversify our income and contribute to our overall strategic direction. 

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who wants to use their professional skills to make a lasting impact on vulnerable communities, particularly vulnerable women and children in India.

What we’re looking for 

We welcome applications from individuals with fundraising expertise in one or more of the following areas: 

• Individual Giving & Major Donors 

• Trusts and Foundations 

• Corporate Partnerships 

• Community Fundraising and Events 

• Digital Campaigns and Innovation 

• Fundraising Strategy and Income Development 

Trustee Commitment 

• Board Meetings: 4 per year (weekday evenings, usually online) 

• Committee Involvement: All trustees join one of our committees (Fundraising, Finance, Programme Management), which meet every 2 months 

• Events: Attend 1–2 UK-based Adventure Ashram events per year (where possible) 

• Approximate time commitment: 1–2 hours per week 

We also hope that this new trustee would be open to supporting other trustees and staff in developing their fundraising skills to improve internal capabilities. 

Why Join Us? 

As a Trustee, you will: 

• Help shape the future of a unique, adventurous charity 

• Make a meaningful contribution to anti-trafficking and community development work 

• Be part of a passionate, values-driven team 

• Gain or develop experience in strategic charity governance and leadership 

“Adventure Ashram is a brilliant small charity; it supports fantastic projects in India and manages to have a lot of fun in the process. Volunteering as a trustee gives me a chance to do something meaningful with good people—and I can’t wait to welcome more members to the team.” 
— Current Trustee 

The Sheila McKechnie Foundation (SMK) was set up in June 2005 in memory of legendary campaigner, Sheila McKechnie.Campaigning is vital to a healthy society. We help campaigners to thrive. In a free and hopeful society, people need to know they have the power to make a difference: that they are able to envisage change and can push for that change to happen. For nearly two decades, we have helped all sorts of individuals, causes and charities to find their power as changemakers – as campaigners. We support, connect and champion these campaigners, equipping them to go after the social change they seek.

The Chair will hold the Board and staff team to account for SMK’s mission and vision, provide inclusive leadership to the Board and ensure that Board members fulfil their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of SMK. The Chair will line manage and support the Chief Executive and ensure that the Board functions as a unit and works closely with the Chief Executive and staff team to achieve agreed objectives. They may also be asked to act as an ambassador and a public face of SMK in partnership with the Chief Executive and the Board.

For further information, see our website and the recruitment pack. 

Haig Housing Trust provides housing for veterans and their families. We’re looking for a passionate, experienced individual to join our Board of Trustees and help us drive real change.

What will you be doing?

Our purpose is to provide quality homes to improve the lives of veterans and their families. We have a long and proud history of supporting our beneficiaries. We have over 1,500 properties across the UK on small well-managed estates, ranging from six houses to 360 homes on our largest estate in Morden. Homes are available at an affordable rent. We also offer extensive support, advice and signposting to assist those in housing need. We believe housing is fundamental to building thriving communities.

This is an exciting time to join our board. Now under the recent Patronage of HRH The Princess Royal we have ambitious plans to improve our housing stock, grow the support we offer our beneficiaries and ensure they remain at the core of everything we do. We have a strong leadership team, a robust financial base and are confident about our future.

Due to planned retirement we want to strengthen the Board. We want to stress that no board experience is necessary to apply – we will help you to learn and grow. What we do ask is that you are committed, curious and collaborative.  If you have a legal background, that would be of particular interest.

We are on an important journey to improve our impact, growing investment in our properties over the next five years. We froze rents in 2022, allowing us to keep increases to below inflation over the last four years. We want to build our profile, thinking creatively about the needs of the veteran community and on how to innovate our service delivery for their benefit. With our new chair, the Board will shape our strategic goals, ensuring that we continue to deliver housing that is fit for the future.  

We are in a strong financial position. Total income in FY 23/24 was £12M.  We are debt-free with a strong balance sheet. We own our properties, have strong reserves and are diversifying our income, growing fundraising so that we can modernise our homes and increase our impact.

We are governed by a diverse Board of independent, non-executive trustees with a wealth of professional, charity and Armed Forces experience. Trustees meet formally every quarter and delegate specific issues to three committees (Finance and Risk, Estates and People) that report to the Board. Overall, we have c60 staff, based in Victoria, led by the Chief Executive and a Senior Leadership Team of four.

What are we looking for?

Person Specification

Essential

• Clear empathy for Armed Forces veterans and their families and a passion for our mission.
• A collaborative, engaging style that promotes positive relationships at all levels and with partners.
• A willingness to help us develop and deliver better customer service.
• Commitment to help us grow our standing with public, private and civil society organisations.
• Willing to learn about those areas of running a charity with which you are not familiar
• Personal integrity and credibility that grows confidence at all levels with everyone you meet.

Able to make the time commitments of the role.

Desirable

• Experience of operating in the charitable sector.
• Connections within the military and veterans’ sectors.
• Legal experience (in a relevant sector)

What difference will you make?

Trustees bring their own experience to a Board, using their skill and judgement to enable good decision-making and deliver impact.  If you share our passion for helping those who have served in the Armed Forces and their families and want to play your part in delivering a better future for them, we’d love to hear from you.

We do ask that candidates commit to:

• Attending four board meetings, a strategy offsite and four sub-committee meetings a year.
• Developing a good understanding of our operations and the environment in which we operate.
• Meeting the people we help and the teams that support them.
• Helping the board ensure the highest standards of governance and strategic focus.
• Monitoring the performance of Haig’s activities in a constructive and collaborative way.
• Making time, skills, and experience available (in and outside of regular board meetings).

The overall time commitment is around 1 day a month on average. Board usually meets in person in London each quarter; committee meetings are remote. Trustees are appointed for renewable terms of office of three years. The role is unremunerated, although expenses are reimbursed.

Before you apply

To express interest please contact us via Reach. Applications by CV and covering letter (max 2-sides A4).  Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

This is an exciting time to be joining UoGSU as we are implementing our new strategy. As an organisation we have been focused on communities, change and the education of our members.

We are looking for a trustee with experience and expertise in finance – this trustee will sit on our Audit and Risk committee. You will be a qualified accountant with experience of financial management, governance and oversight and an understanding of financial audit best practice. Previous experience of Audit and Risk committee work is of interest but not essential.

The individual appointed as trustee will need to be sympathetic to the aims of the SU and more generally share a commitment to the broader values of the student movement; student representation, student rights and the student experience – and the importance of students having a platform to organize together to help make these values a reality.

The role requires a careful balance; trustees need to respect the democratic will of the membership where possible but also be willing to think creatively, challenge constructively and point out potential risk. The Board is comprised of External Trustees, Officer Trustees and Student Trustees and oversees the work of a team of permanent staff a led by the Chief Executive.

An eye for detail to ensure the SU is being well governed and the ability to see future opportunities are also important.

The role is to serve on the board of trustees. Each term lasts 3 years and trustees can serve a maximum of 2 consecutive terms. Extensions are dependent on re-election to the board.

General candidate requirements:

All candidates will need to be comfortable reading and understanding financial information (or be willing to learn more about this aspect of the role). They should also have the following:

- An understanding of business management.
- A willingness and ability to devote the necessary time and effort to attend board andother meetings, including preparing and reading for those meetings.
- A willingness to speak their mind and contribute.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Analytical ability and good independent judgement.
- An understanding and acceptance of the role of a Charity’s Board of Trustees (including the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of Trusteeship).
- A commitment to act in accordance with the Nolan principles for ethical conduct in public service and the SU own values.

Desirable but not essential:

-Recent experience of the higher education sector or of Students’ Unions.
-Experience or knowledge of board governance.

Commitment required

Board Meetings: There are 5 scheduled hybrid meetings each year, usually held early evening and lasting 2 to 2.5 hours, with extra meetings added if required (although this is rare). Each meeting will have associated reading and preparation work. Meetings are usually conducted face-to-face, but trustees may participate remotely depending on their schedule and other commitments.

Sub-committees: All trustees sit on a remote board sub-committee – the Audit & Risk or People Committee. These committees usually meet up to 4 times each year and are scheduled to fit trustee availability.

Board members will also need to be available to approve decisions electronically between meetings if required.
If feasible, Board members are also encouraged to visit the SU and observe major events such as Welcome.

My Life My Say exists to empower underrepresented youth to engage in politics, influence policy, and drive change through innovative, youth-led and non-partisan solutions, inspiring the next generation of leaders in democracy.​

We are currently hiring for a new Chairperson to replace the outgoing Chair who has served for the last 6 years. It is an ideal opportunity to steer the transition of the charity at a time when their Founding CEO has become Deputy Mayor of London for Environment and Energy, and we have appointed an interim leadership structure with two promising Co-CEOs.​

The new Chair will come in to support the charity on a new journey. There is funding in place but there is an opportunity to create a new 5-year plan that will:

​

1. Leverage the success of National Voter Registration Day targeting young voters to start the process of engagement

2. Continue to deliver the annual Next Generation Conference inspiring so many burgeoning political minds

3. Expand the impact of the Democracy Café model to stimulate the voice of young people

4. Continue the expansion of the Squad programme that ensures a bright and ever-increasing future for the role of young people in democracy

The Role

​The role of the Chair will be to ensure the professional running of the Board of Trustees, meeting quarterly to enable the governance of the charity. The role also includes mentoring of the management team to enable them to meet their potential and to allow the charity to thrive under their leadership.

There is an ambassadorial dimension too, seeking to represent the charity when meeting donors, funders, notable politicians, and influencers to underline the quality, integrity, and potential of the charity.

The final responsibility is to lead the assembled trustees to act as a force multiplier to affect the mission of the charity.

Expectations

Candidates for the Chair role will have:

​

• Prior board or senior leadership experience, ideally with a strong awareness of key issues in the democracy space.

• Bring strong governance expertise, strategic planning skills, and experience in influencing and fundraising.

• A commitment to amplifying the voice of young people is essential, along with a collaborative and inclusive leadership style that aligns with the values of the organisation. 

• Existing networks in political, philanthropic, or corporate sectors would be a welcome asset in helping to champion the mission and expand the reach of My Life My Say.

​

This role is not remunerated but is an ideal position for someone who is looking to support an organisation with huge potential and a very palpable impact on the communities it serves. The role has the potential for significant exposure and network, so will enhance the career potential of the successful candidate. The outgoing Chair will be available for a smooth transition and will continue to support the Chair with anything they need.

Additional Information

Through this recruitment process we are looking to attract and retain a wide breadth of skills and experience relevant to the work of MLMS. We welcome all applications from those individuals who believe they have the skills and experience outlined above.

​​​​

Term of Office

The term of appointment is for three years with the possibility of renewal for a further one terms of three years. Trustees work on a pro bono basis.

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Further Information

MLMS confirms its commitment to equal opportunities in all its activities. It is intended that no applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment on the grounds of political belief, sex, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or social class. Selection and promotion criteria are kept under review to ensure that individuals are treated on the basis of the job requirements and on their relevant personal merits, and are not disadvantaged by conditions or requirements which cannot be shown to be justifiable.

Location: Remotely/UK 

Unpaid role 

Applications Deadline: May 31 2025

Children Change Colombia (CCC) is seeking a finance and investment trustee based in the UK and/or in Colombia to join our dynamic team that operates in the UK and Colombia.

Children Change Colombia is the UK’s largest charity with more than 30 years experience working exclusively in Colombia. We believe that, with the appropriate support, Colombian children can claim their right to live safely and in peace and demand that the adults responsible for protecting their rights do so – in this way, children can change Colombia. Over the last three decades, CCC has helped more than 65,000 children to overcome the trauma of poverty, armed conflict, displacement, and the lack of education, and has invested 15 million pounds in more than 50 multiannual projects all across the country.

We seek to complement the work of others and avoid duplication whenever possible. One of our key aims is to work on issues that are neglected by others and bring innovation where opportunities are short. Many of the projects we support are pioneering services for children in areas where such services do not already exist. For instance, we work in schools in remote villages near the Pacific coast where state institutions are weak and few NGOs operate. In cases where other organisations do operate services for children, we collaborate with our partners to help them identify these organisations and then determine how they can work to complement and improve existing services.

The finance and investment trustee will be part of the Board of Trustees and support the Fundraising efforts, contribute to the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity, with a particular focus on the effective stewardship of new strategies for funding such an endowment. This includes ensuring new sources of charitable income are managed in accordance with legal and ethical standards, aligned with the charity’s long-term mission, and capable of delivering sustainable income for future generations. 

Reports to: Chair of the Board of Trustees

Their main duties and responsibilities include:

• Fulfil all legal duties of a charity trustee as defined by the Charity Commission and the Charities Act 2011.

• Oversee the establishment and ongoing management of the funds in line with the charity’s objectives and governing documents.

• Work with fellow trustees and senior staff to develop and approve the investment policy statement and spending policy for all sources of income.

• Monitor investment performance and ensure all funds are managed by appropriately qualified fund managers.

• Ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and ethical standards relating to investments, including responsible investment principles if adopted.

• Participate in the finance subcommittee and other investments subcommittee that may be created.

• Contribute to risk management relating to the new sources of income, including market volatility and inflationary pressures.

Board members are legally responsible for the organisation and for supporting effective management of its resources. In particular, the responsibilities of a Member of the Board of

Trustees are as follows:

• Direct the affairs of CCC, ensuring that it is solvent, well-run, and delivering the charitable objects for which it has been set up, as a joint responsibility with the other board members.

• Ensure that CCC complies with charity law, and with the requirements of the Charity Commission as regulator, as a joint responsibility with the other board members

• Ensure that CCC does not breach any of the requirements or rules set out in its governing document and that it remains true to its charitable purpose, as a joint responsibility with the other board members

• Provide informed opinion and advice to board and staff on all issues relating to the functioning of the charity including programmes, fundraising, finance, and administration, where appropriate

• Attend quarterly board meetings, at CCC’s office in central London or online and to read and comment on associated documentation

• Participate in ad hoc meetings and sub-groups as requested by the Chair of the Board, according to your particular field of expertise. Reading and commenting on associated documentation as necessary.

• Being an Ambassador for the organisation at external events as required and increase the profile of the organization.

We are looking for a commitment of up to three years. As part of our procedures, all Trustees must adhere to the CCC’s Child Protection and Safeguarding Policies. A DBS check is carried out on all trustees/staff/volunteers appointed.

Person Specification

• Understanding of charity governance and the responsibilities of trustees.

• Experience in endowment structure or endowment strategy, investment and private capital.

• Understanding of or willingness to learn about Colombia’s social, environmental and political reality

• Strategic thinking with the ability to balance long-term planning and short-term oversight.

• Ability to work collaboratively.

• Commitment to the values and mission of CCC.

CHILD PROTECTION

Please note that the successful candidate will be expected to accept and commit to Children Change Colombia’s Child Protection and Safeguarding policies.

DIVERSITY

CCC is committed to diversity, and welcomes applications regardless of sex, gender, race, age, sexuality, belief or ability.