Charity trustee volunteer roles in stevenage, hertfordshire

The Sheila McKechnie Foundation (SMK) was set up in June 2005 in memory of legendary campaigner, Sheila McKechnie. 

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.

 As well as the responsibilities of being a trustee, which the Treasurer shares with all the Board members, the Treasurer is expected to be the financial expert on the Board, and to provide advice on all financial matters. Their role is to ensure the Board fulfils its duties to ensure the sound financial health of SMK, with systems in place to ensure financial accountability and sustainability.

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

Good Vibrations is a national arts organisation that changes lives through music. We work with some of the most vulnerable and hard to reach people in the UK, including in prisons, secure hospitals, and in the community. We are best known for using the Indonesian gamelan, a magnificent set of bronze gongs, xylophones and drums. We use communal music-making to support vulnerable people in challenging circumstances to develop transferable life and work skills and to forge fulfilling, constructive lives.

We have an outstanding track record, with the impact of our work evidenced through nine independent pieces of academic research, including by Cambridge University and the University of London.

We are a Registered UK Learning Provider and OCNL Qualification Centre and hold National High Secure Prison Effective Intervention Status.

We are looking for new people to join our Board of Trustees as two members are reaching the end of their tenure. This is a very rewarding voluntary position with an ambitious charity.

We are looking for people with experience of one (or more) of the following areas:

• Lived experience of challenging circumstances / complex needs
• The arts / music in particular
• Fundraising
• Law
• The Criminal Justice System
• Business development
• Financial management
• Strategy

In particular we are looking for a treasurer to help provide strategic financial oversight, ensuring the charity’s financial stability and compliance with regulatory requirements. As a trustee, the Treasurer will work closely with the Board, CEO, Head of Delivery, and any finance-related professional advisors to support decision-making and financial planning. 

This is a voluntary governance role for which your travel expenses would be covered. Trustees are asked to commit to attending 4 meetings (in the evenings) and 1 strategic development day a year. They are also asked for help by sharing their skills on developmental projects. We are particularly interested in people who have experienced the issues participants of our courses have experienced.

To see who is already on our Board, visit Our Board of Trustees on our website's about us section.

We are looking for enthusiastic individuals to expand our existing Trustee Board, to bring their experience and fresh, innovative and realistic ideas to the charity.

To apply click below and please include a CV and cover letter.

Join Us as a Trustee – Help Shape a Safer Future

About the Role
We are seeking passionate and committed individuals to join our Board of Trustees. As a trustee, you’ll play a vital role in helping shape the strategic direction of the charity, ensuring good governance and supporting our leadership team to deliver high-quality, impactful services.

What We’re Looking For
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. We are especially keen to hear from individuals with experience in any of the following areas:

- HR

- Training

- Marketing and communications

- Estate/ property management

- Safeguarding and medical/ health backgrounds

You do not need previous board experience—we provide a full induction and support. What matters most is your commitment to our values and your willingness to contribute your time, insights, and passion.

Why Join Us?

• Make a real difference to the lives of clients
• Gain strategic and governance experience
• Be part of a supportive, forward-thinking team
• Help champion equity and amplify the voices of those often unheard

Trustee Duties

• Support and provide advice on Safer Places’ purpose, vision, goals and activities
• Approve operational strategies and policies and monitor and evaluate their implementation
• Oversee Safer Places’ financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress
• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation
• Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively Review and approve Safer Places’ financial statements
• Keep abreast of changes in the operating environment
• Contribute to regular reviews of Safer Places’ own governance.
• Attend Board meetings, adequately prepared to contribute to discussions
• Use independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect Safer Places’ interests, to the exclusion of personal and/or any third-party interests
• Contribute to the broader promotion of Safer Places’ objects, aims and reputation by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts

This is an opportunity to become Chair of a Charity which has recently celebrated its 10th anniversary. If you are someone who is looking to make a “real difference” for mothers/birthing people and their families facing one of the most challenging and unexpected periods of their lives, then we would like to hear from you.  We are also looking for a Chair who can lead and “harness” the range of skills present within our existing Board members, who come with a range of experience.

Now into our second decade as a charity, it is exciting time to join Mummy’s Star as the Chairperson. We have broadened the conversation about cancer and pregnancy nationwide, and internationally too despite our small stature. We now must sustain what we have built and help take the charity to that next level where we can elevate the voices of those we support, so that their needs are not only understood, but are also prioritised and used to inform policy and planning.

Bgen, the Botanic Gardens Education Network, is seeking a new Treasurer Trustee to join its Board. This unpaid voluntary role offers a unique opportunity to support a small, but passionate charity at a pivotal moment in its growth.

Bgen is a specialist support network for professional plant and natural world educators. We help our members to connect people and plants in innovative and engaging ways, through online events, face to face training and networking events and our Annual Conference.

We are looking for a Treasurer who will bring enthusiasm, commitment, fresh perspectives and who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our Board. The successful candidate will combine professional financial knowledge and experience with a deep commitment to supporting our mission in this vital non-executive role.

As our new Treasurer trustee, you will play an active role within the Bgen Board and provide leadership on its financial health, ensuring robust processes, accurate records and sound-decision making with transparency and accountability.

This is an exciting opportunity to join the dynamic Board and support our work to empower plant and environmental education and engagement professionals across the UK.

Availability and commitment

 As a Board member you will need to be able to attend up to six board meetings per year (held online) and the Annual General Meeting, organised in January – February each year. You will also spend around 2 -3 days per quarter in between meetings, to prepare the quarterly accounts, provide advice and coordinate payments, with support from the Bgen Coordinator and Bgen Bookkeeper. Days may vary throughout the year, depending on activity.

On the 7th or 9th October, we are hosting a Bgen Board Strategy Away Day at Birmingham Botanical Gardens and your attendance would be extremely helpful.

This position would be for a period of three years minimum (term can be renewed after this time).

We are seeking a trustee with a finance and/or accounting background who will work with the Board of Trustees and Management to ensure the charity's financial viability.  There is also a more ‘hands-on’ function managing the charity’s investments and cash deposits. 

The Treasurer will maintain an overview of the organisation’s finances, ensuring financial viability, advising and guiding on financial requirements and best practice and providing advice, assistance and information to Trustees (Committee Members) on their financial stewardship responsibilities. 

We believe everyone has a voice – on stage and in the boardroom.

The Choir with No Name is looking for new trustees to join our friendly and passionate board. We welcome applications from people from all walks of life, especially those with lived experience of homelessness or marginalisation. This is your chance to help lead a vibrant, music-making charity that’s transforming lives and building community.

The Choir with No Name runs choirs and builds joyful singing communities with people impacted by homelessness and marginalisation, around the UK. Our vision is that all people going through tough times find a place to sing their hearts out, among friends. We have bold ambitions and need the skills and guidance of an excellent and diverse board to help us get there.

In particular we are looking for people who:

• Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member.

• Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion.

• A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.

• Enthusiasm for our vision and mission.

• Willingness to lead according to our values - family, fun, integrity and inclusion.

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

Are you who we are looking for?

Specific skills we are hoping for include (but are not limited to):

• Finance skills (we are specifically looking for a treasurer)

• Artistic/musical skills (particularly, but not limited to choral or group singing environments)

• Social change/health and singing 

Closing date is: 1st June 2025

ABOUT US

Somebody goes missing in the UK every 90 seconds. Missing People exists to ease the heartache experienced by those missing someone, and to help people who are away from home find their way back to safety. Our vision is for every missing child, adult and family left behind to find help, hope and a safe way to reconnect. We are a non-judgemental, highly skilled team of staff and volunteers working for everyone who needs us. We provide free, confidential support, help and advice by phone, email, text and live chat.

In our 30th anniversary year, The Trustees and Executive launched a new 2023-2028 Strategy – From Crisis to Hope in consultation with people with lived experience and key stakeholders. The three key goals are:

1. Going missing is understood as a crisis that can be a matter of life or death
2. All missing people and their loved ones get the right help at the right time
3. Fewer missing people come to harm.

THE IMPACT YOU WILL HAVE

Our Chair of Trustees is integral to the mission and purpose of the charity, holding the Board and Executive Team to account for delivering the mission and achieving our ambitious goals. The Board of Trustees is made up of an experienced team of individuals who bring breadth of background, a range of deep skill sets, lived experience of the issue of missing and demonstrable empathy and passion for the work of Missing People. The Chair of Trustees will be responsible for the effectiveness of the Board of Trustees, planning and guiding meetings to ensure broad dialogue, good decision-making and clear actions.

Our Chair will work closely with the CEO and the Board to develop the charity’s strategy and to oversee its implementation and progress against its business plan. As part of this the Chair will provide support and challenge to the CEO and their senior team. 

As the Chair of Trustees at Missing People you will be driven by a powerful mission to be a lifeline when someone disappears. You will work closely alongside the Board, Executive team and Chief Executive in a collaborative way to lead the charity. The role provides a good opportunity to be involved in strategic planning in an organisation grounded in the issue of missing with a diverse group of committed and motivated Trustees.

Trustees meet quarterly at online and in-person meetings (usually in London). The Board has dedicated Committees for Finance, HR, Ethics, and Safeguarding, and Advisory Groups representing people with lived experience of the issue of going missing, policing, fundraising and policy. The Chair will attend and be a member of other committees or working groups and ensure that the governance arrangements are working in the most effective way for the charity.

ABOUT YOU

The new Chair of Trustees must be passionate about Missing People, its purpose and its values. 

We are looking for a new Chair of Trustees who brings valuable experience, skills and expertise. This might relate to the issue of missing (including personal experience of going missing), senior financial experience, charity experience, policing, legal experience and safeguarding. We are keen to further broaden thinking and perspectives and welcome applications from all areas of the United Kingdom, from all communities, which is important as missing touches every community. We believe diversity is important, and we aim for our board to have a mix of people, talents and backgrounds..

You will need to be aged over 18 and have:

• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to your duties as the Chair of Trustees - approximately 2-3 days per month
• Leadership, strategic vision and creative thinking
• Ability to manage a trustee board and take decisions for the good of the charity
• Ability to chair board meetings effectively and manage diverse perspectives
• Strong communication, interpersonal and networking skills
• Independent judgment and be willing to speak your mind
• The ability to read, understand and question reports including financial plans and information
• The ability to follow the rules of governing documents and any professional advice
• The ability to work effectively as a member of a team and encourage team working
• A commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion policies and practices

WHAT YOU WILL RECEIVE IN RETURN FOR YOUR COMMITMENT

In return for your commitment you will use your skills and experience to benefit society and to provide better services for missing people and the families left behind. You will receive training in your role as Chair of Trustees and learn new skills and confidence in a range of governance areas.

This is a voluntary role. Please note that Trustee roles are not paid. Reasonable expenses are reimbursed.

FIND OUT MORE AND APPLY

If you want to be a lifeline when someone goes missing, click apply. You will find attached a detailed role description and person specification, a letter to applicants, an overview of committees and a summary of Missing People's Achievements 2024.

To apply, please ensure you include your CV and a brief covering letter explaining the skills and experience you would bring to this role.. We look forward to receiving your application.

Closing date: 23:59 on 6th June 2025

Interviews: Mid June 2025

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 

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.

About Adventure Ashram 

Adventure Ashram is a small but mighty UK-based charity founded by adventurers in 2007. We support grassroots partners in India to deliver essential projects focused on: 

• Combating human trafficking 

• Supporting education for vulnerable children 

• Providing access to vital healthcare 

Our approach is bold, adventurous, and collaborative. We raise funds through exciting events, creative campaigns, and overseas adventures—like our flagship global initiative, Yoga Stops Traffick.

Role: Trustee – Finance Specialist (Treasurer Role Available) 

We are looking for a new Trustee with strong finance or accounting expertise to join our Board and help steward the charity’s finances. 

This is a key governance role. 

What we’re looking for 

We’re seeking someone who can provide financial oversight and strategic advice to ensure our resources are used effectively and transparently. 

You might have experience in: 

• Charity finance, audit, or financial management 

• Budgeting and forecasting 

• Risk management and financial reporting 

• Strategic financial planning 

• Investment, reserves or funding models for small charities 

• Serving as a Treasurer or Finance Trustee (desirable, not essential) 

A recognised accounting qualification (e.g., ACA, ACCA, CIMA) would be valuable, but we welcome applications from those with relevant experience regardless of qualification status. 

Trustee Commitment 

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

• Committee Involvement: All trustees join a committee (Finance, Fundraising, or Programme Management). The Finance Committee meets every 2 months. 

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

• Approximate time commitment: 1–2 hours per week 

Why Join Us? 

By joining Adventure Ashram’s Board, you’ll: 

• Play a vital role in ensuring good governance and financial health 

• Help steer a unique, adventure-fuelled charity into a sustainable future 

• Contribute to life-changing work supporting survivors of trafficking and vulnerable communities in India 

• Gain experience in nonprofit 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 

Willow is special. We help make precious memories in the toughest times.

Our team works hard to provide fun-packed Special Days or quiet breaks, a chance to meet heroes and legends, or the opportunity to fulfil a lifelong dream. In the toughest times, Willow creates tailored experiences that give people a boost and bring families closer together. We are the only UK charity that supports seriously ill 16 to 40-year-olds, creating magical moments which become shared memories that last a lifetime.

Since Willow was founded in 1999, we have provided more than 22,000 Special Days, Special Breaks and Special Treats, but we see this as only the first part of Willow’s journey and a base for further growth. We currently provide around 1,000 treats, days or breaks each year which means that we only reach a small percentage of those who would benefit from our services. We would love to be able to do more.

This is a pro bono appointment which brings rewards and if you would like to make a difference in our world, this is a great opportunity to bring your skills, knowledge and experience to help us deliver on our mission.

Travel expenses directly incurred in our roles as Trustees on official business can be reimbursed. Board and Committee meetings are held in person or remotely with in person meetings normally held in London.

Trustees are appointed for an initial three-year term with the opportunity to extend for a further two, three-year periods.

The time commitment is to attend 4 Board meetings a year plus relevant committee meetings. There are always opportunities to become more involved with specific projects, and trustees are strongly encouraged to attend at least 1 Willow fundraising event each year.

Specifics about the role

Willow seeks to appoint a new Board member as part of our succession planning. We are keen to hear from candidates who have skills or expertise in fundraising:

• Worked as a senior fundraiser in a charity with a range of public fundraising methods, and are used to setting targets and reviewing the effectiveness of different streams of income.  At Willow, you will help to scrutinise and enhance our fundraising strategy and may have experience of data insight and interrogation

You will be joining a dedicated team of Trustees. We currently have 10 board members with a variety of backgrounds and experience including finance, investments, fundraising, PR and communications, management consultancy, events, and legal.  Our trustees work closely with the Chief Executive, leadership team and senior members of the team.

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. 

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