Charity trustee volunteer roles in herongate, brentwood

Emmaus UK is currently undertaking feasibility work to consider the incorporation of an SPV which can become a Registered Provider of Social Housing on behalf of the Emmaus federation in the UK. This is an exciting prospect and would unlock significant potential to achieve our strategic objective to help more people.

To ensure that we are best positioned to pursue this opportunity we are looking to build the expertise of the Emmaus UK Board in:

· Housing Association/Housing Expertise or relevant regulatory expertise - providing strategic input as we develop the subsidiary and proceed with becoming a Registered Provider

· Legal expertise - ideally in a relevant field e.g. charity or corporate governance, housing, property, regulation etc

· Property Acquisition and Development - to support us with providing high quality services and managing sustainable growth

Joining the EUK Board at such a significant moment will enable you to play a key role in the future of Emmaus. You will be an integral part of developing the movement and central to making strategic decisions within EUK as the national body.

Further details:

Location: Home based online meetings.  Two annual face-to-face meetings

Reporting to: EUK Chair and board of trustees

Remuneration: This role is voluntary.  Any travel expenses will be reimbursed.

The attached applicant pack contains further details including the role description and more about Emmaus UK.

To apply, please email your CV and cover letter to the EUK Governance Manager the Email address can be found in the application pack.

The deadline for applications is Wednesday 31 December 2025.

Those shortlisted will be informed on Tuesday 06 January 2026 and invited to an interview conducted via Microsoft Teams on either Monday 12 January 2026 or Wednesday 14 January 2026. All applicants will be informed of the interview outcome by Friday 16 January 2026.

Would you like to be involved in the founding of a new charity that supports young people through grief and loss? At Beyond Tomorrow, we support young people through grief and loss with compassion, guidance, and hope. Join us to help shape brighter futures for those finding their way beyond loss.

Volunteer Trustee (Secretary Role)

Location: Kent- however this role can be done virtually.
Time Commitment: Around 3–5 hours per month
Reporting to: The Board of Trustees

About the Role:

We’re a charity supporting young people and families through grief, loss, and emotional wellbeing. As our Secretary, you’ll be the organised heartbeat of the board, keeping everything running smoothly, making sure meetings are well-structured, and helping us stay on top of our legal and admin responsibilities.

You don’t need to have charity admin experience — just good organisational skills, a bit of tech confidence, and a passion for helping young people heal and thrive.

Key Responsibilities:

 Meetings & Records

• Arrange trustee meetings (usually every 1–2 months) and make sure everyone has the agenda and papers in advance.

• Take clear minutes and track action points so nothing slips through the cracks.

• Keep an organised record of all meetings, decisions, and official documents.

Governance & Compliance

• Help ensure the charity meets its legal requirements with the Charity Commission.

• Maintain up-to-date trustee contact details and declarations of interest.

• Support the Chair and Treasurer with key governance documents like policies, annual returns, and reports.

 Communication & Coordination

• Be the main point of contact for trustee communication — keeping everyone in the loop.

• Help coordinate between trustees, volunteers, and partners.

• Make sure important dates, tasks, and documents are shared in good time.

What We’re Looking For:

• Super organised and reliable — someone who loves keeping things in order.

• Good written communication skills and attention to detail.

• Comfortable using email, Google Drive, Word, or similar tools.

• Friendly and collaborative, with a genuine passion for supporting young people and families through loss.

Commitment & Expenses:

• This is a voluntary trustee role. Reasonable out-of-pocket expenses (like travel or supplies) can be reimbursed.

• Trustees usually meet once every 1–2 months, with a few extra hours between meetings for admin or follow-ups.

• You will have the opportunity to be involved with community work, however this is not an expectation.

What You’ll Get Out of It:

• A hands-on role helping a growing charity stay organised and effective.

• Experience in charity governance, leadership, and administration.

• A friendly, purpose-driven team who truly cares about what we do.

• A good opportunity to get hands-on experience in the world of admin.

• The satisfaction of helping young people and families find hope and healing after loss.

We are seeking a Director and Chair of Trustees Designate to help shape the future direction of our organisation. We are looking for an individual with proven senior leadership experience - ideally, though not necessarily, within the third sector - who can bring strong strategic thinking, sound judgement, and a collaborative leadership style.

Role description

All Abortion Talk trustees are responsible for ensuring that we:

● have effectively evaluated the success of our three-year strategy.
● develop and implement a new, 2027 - 2030 strategy for Abortion Talk, to help us achieve
our vision of a world free of abortion stigma.
● comply with our governing document (i.e. our charitable objects), charity law, company
law and any other relevant legislation or regulation.
● apply our resources only in pursuing our charitable objects and for the benefit of the
public.
● protect the pro-choice, feminist and inclusive values of our charity.
● effectively govern the charity, which includes making sure we have the proper policies
and procedures in place.
● ensure financial stability.

The role of the treasurer also includes:
● maintaining an overview of the Abortion Talk’s financial affairs.
● ensuring Abortion Talk’s financial viability.
● ensuring that proper financial records and procedures are maintained.
Time commitment: Four two-hour virtual meetings per year, plus one in-person strategy day
(held on a Saturday in London).

The above role description is indicative, not exhaustive. While day to day financial management
is handled by our lead contractor, the treasurer will be required to provide oversight and advice
on financial matters. This is estimated to require around 8 to 10 hours per month.

Person specification

Essential

● Professional financial experience/qualifications.
● A full commitment to all of our values (set out above).
● A willingness and ability to dedicate the time and effort required to direct how Abortion
Talk is run and managed.
● Good, independent judgement and a willingness to speak your mind in acting as a
critical friend to Abortion Talk’s leadership (including other trustees)
● An ability to think creatively.
● An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of
trusteeship
● An ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
● A commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity,
objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

Desirable
● Professional financial experience/qualifications gained at a charity.
● Previous experience as a charity trustee.

Would you like to be involved in the founding of a new charity that supports young people through grief and loss? At Beyond Tomorrow, we support young people through grief and loss with compassion, guidance, and hope. Join us to help shape brighter futures for those finding their way beyond loss.

Job Title: Trustee (Treasurer Role)

Location: Kent- but this role can be done virtually.
Time Commitment: Around 3–5 hours per month
Reporting to: The Board of Trustees

About the Role:

We’re a charity dedicated to helping young people and families navigate grief, loss, and emotional wellbeing. As our Treasurer, you’ll play a key part in keeping us financially accountable making sure we can keep supporting young people in the best way possible. You don’t have to be an accountant; we just need someone confident with numbers, organised, willing to learn and passionate about making a difference.

Key Responsibilities:

 Finance Management

• Keep track of the charity’s income and spending.

• Manage the charity’s bank account and ensure everything matches our records.

• Work with the other trustees to plan an annual budget and keep an eye on how we’re doing.

• Prepare simple finance reports for trustee meetings so everyone understands how funds are being used.

 Reporting & Compliance

• Help prepare our yearly accounts and returns for the Charity Commission.

• Make sure we’re following all the right financial policies and keeping our records clear and transparent.

Advising the Board

• Explain financial info in plain English so everyone feels confident making decisions.

• Support us in planning sustainable income streams (like grants, donations, and fundraising).

What We’re Looking For:

• Someone confident with money management, budgets, or spreadsheets (finance or bookkeeping experience is great but not essential!).

• Reliable, detail-oriented, and honest.

• Friendly communicator who can make numbers make sense.

• Passionate about supporting young people, families, and communities through loss and mental health challenges.

Commitment & Expenses:

• This is a voluntary role — trustees are not paid, but reasonable expenses (like travel or supplies) will be reimbursed.

• We usually meet once every 1–2 months, and you’ll also help out a little between meetings when needed.

• You also have the opportunity to be involved in the charity's community work, however there is no expectation of this.

What You’ll Get Out of It:

• A meaningful role where your skills make a real difference.

• The chance to help shape a starting charity and see the impact firsthand.

• Experience in the charity sector, finance, strategy, and leadership.

• A warm, supportive team that actually cares about the cause 

• A great addition to your CV for employers.

Join MINDSET Charity – Be Part of a Brotherhood of Change

Who We Are

MINDSET Charity is a new, volunteer-run organisation dedicated to transforming men’s lives across England. We exist to support men on their personal journeys of mental wellbeing and self-improvement. Through accessible workshops, tailored programmes, and creative activities — from role play and storytelling to arts, crafts, and woodwork — we provide spaces where men can open up, connect, and grow without fear of judgment.

We are building a movement of resilience, dignity, and brotherhood. And we need visionary Trustees to help guide us.

The Role of Trustee

As a Trustee, you will:

• Shape the strategic direction of MINDSET Charity.

• Safeguard our values of brotherhood, empowerment, integrity, and growth.

• Ensure our programmes remain impactful, inclusive, and sustainable.

• Champion our mission to foster resilience and community across England.

This is a volunteer role, but the impact is priceless: you will be part of a founding team creating a legacy of hope and transformation.

Who We’re Looking For

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds who share our passion for men’s mental wellbeing. You don’t need prior Trustee experience — what matters most is your commitment, integrity, and belief in our mission.

Skills in governance, finance, fundraising, communications, or programme delivery are especially valuable, but above all we seek individuals who want to build something meaningful together.

Why Join Us

• Be part of a pioneering charity at its foundation stage.

• Help create safe, creative spaces for men to express themselves and grow.

• Contribute to a national movement of resilience and brotherhood.

• Work alongside passionate volunteers united by purpose and vision.

How to Apply

If you are ready to stand with us and help shape MINDSET Charity’s future, we’d love to hear from you.

This is more than a Trustee role. It’s a chance to help men across England rediscover strength, dignity, and hope. Join us, and let’s build MINDSET together.

Help lead the Real Farming Trust into its next chapter as Chair of the Board of Trustees

Type: Voluntary (Expenses Paid)
Time Commitment: Approx. 1-2 days/month, plus annual retreats and sector events

Be part of a movement for food justice and ecological transformation

The Real Farming Trust (RFT) is a pioneering UK charity whose purpose is to connect and support people who are transforming our food system through agroecology. Since starting the Oxford Real Farming Conference (ORFC) in 2010, the RFT has grown into a dynamic organisation with a turnover of ~£1M.

As the organisation enters a new strategic cycle through to 2030, it is seeking a new Chair to guide the board and support the executive team in delivering bold, systemic change in food and farming. This is a unique opportunity to lead an organisation at the heart of the agroecological movement, convening grassroots voices, shaping policy discourse, and investing in community-led solutions.

Why This Role Matters

As Chair, you will:

• Provide strategic leadership during a pivotal phase of growth and transformation and enable the charity to fulfil its purpose.
• Champion equity, diversity, and inclusion across programmes and governance.
• Support the Executive Directors and staff to foster a resilient, values-led organisational culture.
• Represent RFT externally, including speaking at the ORFC and other sector events.
• Guide the board through governance best practice and renewal.

Who We're Looking For

We're seeking a visionary leader with:

• Board-level chairing experience in the charity or social enterprise sector with a detailed understanding of the principles and practice of good charity governance.
• A values-led, inclusive leadership style - humble, strategic, emotionally intelligent.
• Deep commitment to agroecology, food sovereignty, climate justice, and equity.
• Experience in or knowledge of food systems, farming, and agroecology.
• The strategic skills and experience to lead a significant and growing national charity.

What You'll Gain

• A defining role in shaping the future of food and farming in the UK.
• The opportunity to amplify grassroots voices and drive systemic change.
• A platform to demonstrate inclusive leadership and transformative impact.
• Connection to a vibrant, mission-driven team and a national network of changemakers.

Recruitment Timeline:

To ensure equitable access to information and uphold its commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), the RFT will be hosting a Q&A webinar on Thursday 4th December from 11-12pm in place of individual informal calls with the Chair and Executive Directors. 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, and we will send you a link..

Application deadline: Thursday 15th January 2026

First round interviews - Online: w/c 9th February 2026

Final interviews - In-person (Oxford): w/c 16th February 2026

How to Apply

Charity People Ltd is acting as recruitment advisor to RFT on this appointment. Interested candidates are invited initially to submit a CV to to receive the candidate pack, which has the full application details and a link to the webinar.

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.

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.

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 

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

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.

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.

Branch Trustee – Community Outreach (Chatham) RSPCA Medway West

This is an exciting opportunity to be able to influence how we do things whilst helping the RSPCA to; identify animal welfare needs in the area, prevent animal cruelty, and reach out to more supporters.

Overview of the Branch Trustee – Community Outreach opportunity

We are looking for an enthusiastic and passionate person, with professional expertise, who could devote their time to volunteer as a trustee at our RSPCA Medway. You would be supporting us with establishing connections in the local community and determining what animal welfare needs there are in the area so we can help more animals in need.

Alongside passing on your expertise, this opportunity will give you the chance to influence how we care for and prevent cruelty to animals and drive the implementation of key initiatives. You will serve on the governing body of the charity and be instrumental, alongside fellow trustees, in the running of the Branch and setting out both the short and long term aims.

As a minimum, trustees would normally be expected to attend a monthly committee meeting lasting some 2 to 3 hours. However, the commitment may vary depending on whether the trustee takes on additional duties.

About the RSPCA

Founded in 1824 we have been saving animals for almost 200 years and are proud to be the oldest welfare charity around. It has always been our vision to live in a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion, so our volunteers and employees work tirelessly to ensure that all animals can live free from pain and suffering.

Through our numerous campaigns, we seek to raise standards of care, and awareness of issues, affecting animals today. We rely heavily on our volunteers who play a significant role in enabling us to carry out this important animal welfare work every day!

The RSPCA Medway Branch

The RSPCA Medway Branch is one of the branches of RSPCA, but we are also a separately registered charity looking after animals in our local area. Much of the animal welfare work of RSPCA is carried out through local branches, which is run by volunteers who have the support of the National Society of RSPCA.

The main activity of our branch is on

• Helping people on benefits and low-income to afford veterinary bills.
• Providing support for people to neuter their animals.
• Providing support to the inspectorate to help get animals treated.
• Access to a pet food bank, working alongside local human foodbanks.

Primary responsibilities of the Branch Trustee – Community Outreach

• Take the lead on matters relating to community outreach:
• Establish connections with the local community.
• Help the Branch determine what the local animal welfare need is.
• Where there are opportunities for improvements in animal welfare.
• Assist the Branch in setting strategies to tackle the identified animal welfare needs of the Branch area.
• Work closely with other organisations (other welfare charities, other welfare providers, vets etc) to develop mutually beneficial partnership opportunities.
• Identify opportunities for the Branch to engage with those living within the branches area to develop its supporter base.

Core Branch Trustee responsibilities

• Appreciate and support the aims and policies of the RSPCA.
• Work in conjunction with fellow trustees and branch officers and jointly act in making decisions for the best interest of the branch and the RSPCA.
• Work with national RSPCA staff to ensure that the branch meets all minimum animal welfare standards (MAWS).
• In conjunction with your fellow trustees and Branch Partnership Manager write, adopt, monitor, and review a development plan setting out the short and long term aims of your branch.
• Actively participate in branch committee meetings and to attend the branch annual general meeting and regional conference.
• Be aware of the outcome of regional board meetings and support regional initiatives.
• Actively promote and advertise the society in an ongoing programme to recruit new branch trustees and volunteers and welcome new members.
• In conjunction with your fellow trustees, ensure the proper management and control of all activities and decisions relating to any premises held or staff employed by the branch if applicable.

What we are looking for in a volunteer:

We are committed to creating a Board which is representative of our society, and in particular, our community and surrounding areas so encourage people from any background to apply for any of our opportunities.

Alongside professional experience, we are looking for someone who is committed to the RSPCA’s charitable objectives and shares our passion for animal welfare. You would be creative, innovative, bring a fresh perspective, and can put ideas into action.

You will need to be able to work with people and have good interpersonal skills. You do not need to be an expert, although commitment, common sense, and the ability to be objective are vital.

What we can offer you as a volunteer Branch Trustee – Community Outreach

• We will provide you with a comprehensive trustee training course which will provide you with everything you need to carry out the role.
• Ongoing support is also provided by regional and national RSPCA staff in addition to any additional training provided by the relevant branch.
• The platform to utilise your skills and experience to oversee the charity and make decisions that have a direct impact on local animal welfare.
• The opportunity to gain new skills and develop existing ones, whilst making a real difference to the lives of animals.
• A way to expand your professional and personal network through working with like-minded people.

Practical considerations

• Please also note that to become a Trustee, you will need to be aged 18 or over and a member of our branch for three months before you are eligible to be elected.
• Trustees are elected for a 12-month term each year.
• Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.
• Trustees must sign a Trustee Declaration of Willingness to Act to clarify that they are not disqualified from being a trustee and read the Charity Commission’s guidance for individuals on who cannot be a trustee or senior manager of a charity.
• References will also be required.

How to find out more about being a Trustee

For more information on becoming a Charity Trustee and to ensure it is the right decision for you, we recommend reading the Charity Commission's guidance on the role of the trustee and the RSPCA website about Branch Trustees.

We have an online session about Becoming a Branch Trustee, which should hopefully give you more of an idea of what the RSPCA Branch Trustee role will involve.

If you’ve got the drive and compassion to volunteer with the RSPCA and are passionate about improving animal welfare, we’d love to hear from you!

Please visit our website to learn more about what we do.

We hope you are interested in volunteering for the Medway West branch

Join us in making a real difference to the lives of animals in need.

Our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and trial period. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees, and dependent on the position, you may need to sign an agreement and undergo specific training before starting the role.

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.