Charity trustee volunteer roles in sunderland, tyne and wear

Role description:

The Robin Cancer Trust is the UK’s only testicular, ovarian and germ cell cancer charity, and our mission is to save lives. Our vision is to reach every young person in the UK with our life-saving cancer campaigns, and we are looking for new trustees from across the UK to work alongside our staff to make this a reality!

Our impact:

• We educate young people to give them the best chance of surviving these cancers.

• We engage young people with humour to break the stigma of talking about these cancers.

• We empower young people affected by these cancers to thrive.

Our values:

• Respect: Not only for the important work we undertake, but also the people who support our mission. We believe in open, honest, and empathetic communication between ourselves and to our community.

• Creativity: We are a small team with a big vision – in order to drive the change we want to see in the world, we must innovate, disrupt and experiment.

• Trust: We are accountable to each other & our beneficiaries. We are responsible for upholding these values and the quality of work we undertake – and will do so with integrity at all times.

If our mission, vision, and values inspire you and resonate with you, please apply to join our Board of Trustees – we want to hear from you.

What we’re looking for…

We believe in letting our community lead us - and we hope to build a board that reflects this.

Whether you’re an established leader in your field, or an aspiring leader looking to gain experience; whether you’ve been directly affected by testicular, ovarian or germ cell cancer, or are passionate about supporting the cancer community; whether you have years of experience in the charity sector, or have been inspired by our mission to give back – we want you to help lead our charity, and work with the staff team to help us reach a diverse nationwide audience with our life-saving cancer awareness, education and support programmes.

We know we are not as diverse as we want to be, so we are actively searching for people who share our passion for our mission, with different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, to collectively make a difference.

We’re particularly interested in hearing from you if you have experience in any of the following:

• Marketing and Brand.
• Fundraising across different income streams, with a particular interest in Corporate, Events, and developing new income streams.

What’s in it for you?

You will be driving forward change, helping make our vision become a reality, and directly impacting the lives of young people across the country affected by germ cell cancers. In short, you will help save lives.

You will gain invaluable knowledge in strategic planning – helping us identify new opportunities for growth, as well as facing the challenges that occur in an ever-evolving sector. You will develop skills in new areas – working closely with other members of the board and the staff team to deliver our key objectives. You will also have the chance to learn from new experiences – having the opportunity to take part in our networking, fundraising events, and awareness activities in the community.

Don’t just take our word for it, here are some quotes from current and past trustees (we promise we didn’t make them say this…)

● ‘It's a privilege to be a Trustee – an awesome experience that I’d highly recommend’

● ‘I feel lucky to be a Trustee of such a brilliant charity’

● ‘It's amazing to see the impact and how far we've come in such a short amount of time’

● ‘It's not all give - you get a lot back and are always learning and challenging yourself’

● ‘It feels like being part of a community with colleagues building a movement, not a charity’

The commitment from you...

Your passion, experience, knowledge (and time).We ask our trustees to commit to a monthly virtual meeting (approx. 1.5 hours), along with a few hours per month to support the staff team and deliver strategic goals. This is a minimum, but often trustees commit to take on additional responsibilities within projects, or within their specialities.

How do I apply?

We are supporting anonymous recruitment for this role, so please apply below by submitting your CV, and your covering letter – which is your opportunity to tell us all about yourself, your experiences, your knowledge, and most importantly your passion for our cause and why you want to be a trustee of The Robin Cancer Trust.

Deadline for applications: Monday 1st September

We reserve the right to close applications earlier than the closing date, depending on the number of responses. We will endeavour to get back to you as soon as possible and are looking at short listing applications and arranging interviews in October with appointments to be confirmed in November.

 If there is anything we can do to assist you in your application or preparations to be interviewed for this trustee role, please let us know so we can ensure you have a positive and comfortable experience.

Home-Start Suffolk is seeking an exceptional individual to join our Board of Trustees as Vice Chair.
This is a unique opportunity to play a key leadership role in a well-established and growing charity that
supports families across Suffolk. As Vice Chair, you will work closely with the Chair, CEO and wider Board to
help shape our strategic direction, support strong governance and ensure we continue to meet the needs of
families in our communities.

We are specifically looking for someone with charity governance experience. You will bring a solid
understanding of how effective boards operate and feel confident supporting other trustees, offering
constructive challenge and helping to ensure the charity meets its legal and strategic responsibilities.
This Vice Chair role is part of our wider trustee recruitment and we welcome applicants who bring any of the
following:

• Experience or knowledge of the local charity or voluntary sector
• Understanding of family support or volunteer management
• Strong networks and connections within local businesses
• Previous involvement with Home-Start Suffolk as a volunteer or someone who has received support
• A passion for making a difference in your community

Interested?
We would love to hear from you. more information and a candidate pack can be found on our website.

Closing date: This is an open and rolling recruitment
Interviews: Held as applications are received
 

Purpose

Young Carers’ Crew is a registered charity (number 1176778) and runs a group which meets to provide emotional and practical support to Young Carers through recreational activities. We give support to local children and young people, who perform a caring role supporting another member of their household. 

Young Carers’ Crew is a small grassroots community group. We are hoping to bring in more people with diverse skills and experience to build sustainability.  

We are looking for Volunteer Trustees with a range of skills, to help steer and direct the organisation. 

The Board of Trustees takes on the ultimate legal and financial responsibility for all the activities of the organisation. They maintain an overview of policy and strategic direction rather than being involved in day-to-day operations. This position will not have any regular contact with the children or the volunteers running the Group activities. 

Role Description 

Volunteer Trustee for Young Carers’ Crew 

Volunteering is an unpaid position. Appropriate out-of-pocket expenses will be re-imbursed.

Location: Most tasks will be home-based.  Meetings will be held in and around Hitchin, Herts.

Hours: Up to 2.5 hours per month for Board meetings. Additional time for position is estimated to be 3 to 4 hours per month.

Reports to: Chair of Board of Trustees for Young Carers’ Crew

DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) requirement: Appointment to these posts is subject to an up-to-date, satisfactory, enhanced DBS check with a check against the barred lists for children and adults.

Duties and Responsibilities

We are seeking to fill these specific positions which are currently available:

• HR lead
• Safeguarding lead
• Fundraising
• Website Development

It is anticipated that the successful applicants will help to define the details of the position.

For all positions the following will be expected:

• Attend Board meetings as arranged. 
• Work as flexibly as may be required, also to carry out any other reasonable duties that may be required from time to time. 

The broad role of the Board of Trustees is summarised below:

• Be committed to the vision, mission and values of the organisation.
• Provide strategic direction, including agreeing and monitoring strategic plans.
• Keep informed of the activities of the organisation and the wider issues that affect its work.
• Ensuring that the work of the organisation is monitored and evaluated.
• Maintain that the organisation complies with its governing documents, e.g. constitution.
• Ensure the organisation complies with current Safeguarding Guidelines and Core Standards set out in the Children Act 2004 and Working Together 2013
• Ensure the organisation operates within the law.
• Safeguard the organisation in making efficient use of resources, in particular that all monies are applied to its objectives, agreed plans and budgets.
• Mitigate and manage the risks to the organisation, volunteers and service users.
• To be accountable to membership, funders and other stakeholders.

Person Specification

Please note all items are essential:

• Ability to maintain absolute confidentiality.

• Excellent organisational and time management skills.
• Good IT skills including Microsoft Office.

• Ability to work effectively, both individually and as part of a team.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Impartiality and fairness.
• Understanding of and commitment to the organisation’s mission & values.
• Ability to work in a way that promotes the safety and well-being of children and young people.
• Ability to work in a way that promotes equality of opportunity and respect for diversity.
• Commitment to continuing learning and training.

Experience

No experience is necessary for a general position on the Board of Trustees, just enthusiasm and a willingness to help the organisation grow and support the young carers.

For more specific positions; it would be highly desirable that you bring some experience in the charity sector, social care or in business development. 

So, for example, we would welcome someone with experience of working in a safeguarding role with young people specifically or from an HR background or someone who can help us raise money for the charity. .

Selection Process 

To ensure equal opportunities in recruitment, we request that all applicants complete the application form provided. A shortlist will be created and suitable applicants will be invited to interview.

The Charities HR Network – Trustee 

Following a period of significant growth, The Charities HR Network (CHRN) is looking for three new Trustees to join its board in 2025.

As the UK’s only network dedicated to supporting HR professionals in the charity sector, CHRN plays a vital role in connecting professionals, championing best practice, and providing tools and resources that really make a difference.

This is a voluntary role with real influence. Trustees help guide CHRN’s strategic direction, support the CEO and team, and ensure that its growing membership continues to be served in meaningful and forward-thinking ways.

Active for over 20 years, the CHRN now supports over 150 charities and is aiming to double this reach within the next three years. As part of this next chapter, CHRN is particularly keen to appoint trustees with experience in talent acquisition, learning and development, or organisational development. Two of these appointments will also help lead specialist groups in these areas.

CHRN welcomes applications from individuals with senior experience in HR or the charity sector. Previous board experience isn’t required, but the ability to think strategically, a collaborative approach, and a commitment to inclusion and equity is important.

Key details:

• Remote/virtual meetings (likely one per year face to face) – trustees can be based anywhere in the UK
• Time commitment: around 4–6 board and committee meetings per year
• Voluntary position with expenses covered
• A supportive and inclusive team culture, with opportunities to influence sector-wide change
• Personal and professional development through board-level experience, networking, and leadership of special interest groups
• Initial tenure of 3 years, with an option to extend for an additional 2 years

Trustees at CHRN are hands-on, insightful, and central to the success of the organisation. They work closely with the CEO and team to support service delivery, develop partnerships (including with the CIPD), and ensure that CHRN continues to meet the evolving needs of its members.

To apply, candidates should send a CV and short supporting statement to Peter Reeve, CEO. Informal conversations are welcome in advance and Peter can be contacted via email or LinkedIn.

Deadline for applications: 5pm, 15 September 2025

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.

ROLDA UK is seeking experienced and dedicated professionals to join the existing Board of Trustees.  This is an opportunity to use your expertise to make a meaningful impact on animal welfare whilst shaping the future of ROLDA UK.

ROLDA (Romanian League in Defence of Animals) is an animal welfare charity working to improve the lives of dogs, cats and other animals in Romania and internationally. Since its establishment in 2006, ROLDA has become a beacon of hope for the millions of vulnerable stray animals in Romania – one of Europe's economically poorest nations.  We also assist over 40 support groups helping abandoned animals in Ukraine.  Our mission is to manage the homeless animal population through six key focuses:  rescue, rehabilitation, sheltering, sterilisation, rehoming and education.

About the Role

The skills we are looking for include:

• Fundraising knowledge to help ROLDA grow its impact in the UK, especially digital marketing and campaign development.

• Governance of a Charity

• Experience of working in animal welfare.​

• Risk Management & GDPR

ROLDA UK is an equal opportunity employer.  We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences.

�� Trustee recruitment – health & safety & financial expertise

Organisation: Easy Housing Association (EHA) – Registered Social Landlord
Location: Remote
Type: Voluntary (reasonable expenses reimbursed)
Closing Date: 22 June 2025

Join EHA’s board of trustees – provide strategic oversight for a safer, stronger social housing future.

Easy Housing Association (EHA) is a progressive, mission-driven Registered Social Landlord (RSL), committed to delivering safe, secure, and affordable homes for those who need them most. As we continue to grow, we are strengthening our governance and seeking two experienced and strategic individuals to join our Board of Trustees. As a trustee, you will provide high-level oversight, ensuring strong leadership, regulatory compliance, and financial resilience.

We are specifically looking for trustees with senior-level expertise in one or both of the following areas:

• Health & safety within the social housing sector
• Finance and strategic oversight in the charity or housing sectors

As a trustee, you will advise, challenge, and support EHA’s leadership, helping us meet our legal obligations, protect tenant wellbeing, and maintain long-term sustainability.

��️ Trustee oversight role: health & safety (social housing focus)

We are seeking a trustee to provide strategic oversight and governance on health and safety systems across EHA. You will help ensure we meet the highest safety standards for tenants, staff, and volunteers, and remain fully compliant with housing regulations.

Key areas of expertise include:

• Interpreting and overseeing compliance with H&S laws relevant to RSLs
• Ensuring robust systems for fire, gas, asbestos, and communal area safety
• Providing risk management insight across housing stock and services
• Understanding the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) expectations
• Reviewing inspection, audit, and incident-reporting frameworks
• Championing a strong, proactive safety culture across the organisation

Your contribution will help ensure EHA protects people and property through effective governance.

�� Trustee oversight role: finance & charity sector governance

We are also recruiting a trustee with the financial acumen to guide EHA’s strategic financial direction, ensuring transparency, accountability, and sustainability across operations.

This role suits someone with financial leadership experience in charitable housing providers, housing associations, or social enterprises.

Key responsibilities include:

• Monitoring long-term financial strategy, planning, and risk
• Understanding Charity SORP and RSL financial standards
• Overseeing reserves policy, budgeting, and funding management
• Ensuring compliance with the Charity Commission and RSH
• Supporting transparent and effective financial reporting
• Holding executive teams to account while enabling performance

Your insight will strengthen the board’s ability to govern with integrity and impact.

⏱️ Time commitment

Trustees are expected to attend monthly board meetings (approximately 2.5 hours online) and commit an additional 4 hours per month to board-related duties, including reading papers, joining sub-committees, or contributing expertise.

�� What you’ll gain

• A high-impact role in a values-led, tenant-focused RSL
• Opportunities to shape policy, compliance, and social impact
• Professional development in governance, housing, and regulation
• The fulfilment of helping improve lives through safe, secure housing

EHA is proud to be an inclusive and tenant-focused RSL. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds especially those with lived experience of social housing.

Your leadership and strategic oversight can help us build homes and futures that are safe, equitable, and resilient.
By joining our Board, you will help change lives—ensuring that safe, secure, and affordable housing is not a privilege, but a right.

Location: UK-wide (remote, with occasional in-person meetings)
Time commitment: Approx. 2-3 days per month
Remuneration: Voluntary role (reasonable expenses reimbursed)

The League Against Cruel Sports is seeking a new Chair of Trustees to provide strategic leadership to our board and support our CEO and senior team in driving forward our mission: to end cruelty to animals in the name of ‘sport’.

This is an exciting moment to join us. Following a reset earlier this year, our new CEO is reinvigorating our strategy, creating huge opportunity to build momentum and make lasting change for animals and nature. As our current Interim Chair prepares to step down, we are looking for a confident, compassionate leader to take up the baton and help shape our future direction.

We are proud to be Britain’s leading animal welfare charity tackling the use of animals in cruel sports. From securing the landmark Hunting Act 2004 to protecting animals at our wildlife reserves, through education, lobbying and campaigning, we are determined to redefine what is acceptable and inspire positive change.

As Chair, you will:

• Lead and support a committed Board of Trustees
• Partner with the CEO to ensure good governance and strategic progress
• Champion our vision, values and objectives with key stakeholders
• Help strengthen our impact and resilience for the future

We’re looking for:

• Experience of the charity sector, charity governance and an understanding of charity regulation 
• Channels and routes of influence to bolster the work of the organisation 
• A demonstrable commitment to the aims of the League, and ideally some background in the animal protection sector or adjacent sectors i.e. conservation, environment
• Excellent interpersonal skills, integrity and a collaborative mindset

Its important that candidates are able to commit the required amount of time to support the organisation, particularly through the coming period.

If you believe in a kinder future for animals and are ready to make a meaningful difference, we’d love to hear from you.

To find out more:
A candidate information pack is available on request and you are also able to have an informal conversation about the role with our CEO.

Deadline for applications: 19 September 2025

Our partner is works to reduce poverty in Zambia by helping vulnerable children and young people access education, develop skills, and build better future - through training, health education, and community initiatives.

Amid a period of significant change, the charity is moving to a locally led delivery model, with the UK focusing on fundraising, governance, and reporting. They seek a qualified accountant with strategic financial management experience, charity accounting knowledge, and ideally some international development insight. The Treasurer will provide hands-on financial oversight, ensure robust controls, and maintain compliance.

The role includes chairing a Finance & Operations Sub-Committee, guiding the Board on financial matters, and working with trustees, outsourced providers, and the team in Zambia.

The Board meets quarterly (remotely) for up to three hours, with the Sub-Committee meeting beforehand. The estimated time commitment required is 4 hours per week, flexibly.

____________________________________

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

The Corporate Justice Coalition (CJC) is seeking dynamic, motivated and experienced people who want to add their energy and expertise to pursuing our mission to end corporate abuses of human rights and the environment.

Corporate Justice Coalition’s (CJC) mission is to secure greater protection of human rights and the environment with regard to the global operations of UK corporations, including improved access to justice for those harmed by the activities of UK companies. We work with a diverse range of mainly civil society coalition partners from the fields of global poverty, environmental sustainability and human rights to: change government policies and the law; maintain and strengthen civil society advocacy and campaigning on corporate accountability; develop and promote shared policy solutions; promote public support for the rights of people affected by corporate abuses and solutions to this.

We are looking for two new trustees to join our board. We are looking for a treasurer and another trustee with experience of fundraising in the charity sector.

In addition to the time required to fulfil the responsibilities of any trustee, the role of treasurer would require around 1 additional hour a month.

We are seeking to deepen the diversity of our board and will take that ambition into account when appointing trustees. We would especially like to hear from people with lived experience of the impact of corporate wrongdoing - either overseas or in the UK. In addition, trustee members with experience or skills in running a small charity are always welcomed.

Social Change Lab is looking for new trustees. We're looking for people with experience in areas such as charity governance, finance, research, strategy development and communications to strengthen our work in creating high-quality research on social movement effectiveness.

This is a voluntary, unpaid position. While we've outlined our desired skills and experience, don't worry if you feel you don't meet all of the criteria. We're interested in candidates with a range of professional backgrounds and levels of experience. Deadline for applications is Monday, 15 September.

To read more and apply for the role, click the 'Rediect to Recruiter' button.

Join the Brotherhood: Your Compassion Can Build a Legacy!

Imagine a world where every man feels strong enough to be vulnerable. Where asking for help isn't a sign of weakness, but an act of profound courage. At MINDSET Charity, we're not just imagining it – we're building it, and we need you to make it real.

The silence surrounding men's struggles is a crisis that breaks hearts and costs lives. Sadly, suicide remains the biggest killer of men under 50 in the UK. Behind every statistic is a man, a son, a father, a friend, battling alone. MINDSET is here to change that. We're a brand new start-up charity, forging a brotherhood to inform, guide, and support men, empowering their mental well-being and self-improvement through vital services, events, and a powerful community.

This is your chance to be at the very beginning of something extraordinary. We're not just looking for volunteers; we're seeking pioneers with a burning desire to create a lasting impact. We need your heart, your skills, and your unwavering belief to help us get set up and launched, providing much-needed services to men in need across the UK.

Your passion, right now, can lay the foundation for a future where no man walks his journey alone.

Your Leadership. Their Lifeline. (Remote Opportunities Available!)

We're especially keen to welcome dedicated individuals to our founding Board of Trustees. These are remote positions, meaning you can make a nationwide impact from wherever you are in the UK.

• Trustees (Including Treasurer & Secretary): Be a core guardian of our mission, providing strategic oversight, financial integrity, and ethical leadership. Your wisdom will shape our direction and ensure our long-term success.

This is more than volunteering; it's a chance to build a better world for men. It's a chance to ignite hope, foster connection, and empower resilience.

Are you ready to be a part of this incredible journey? We are building a charity, and we need your help and support.

Reach out today and tell us how you want to make a difference. Email your CV and a heartfelt message about why you're drawn to Mindset Charity.

Together, we can build a stronger Mindset. Together, we can save lives.

MINDSET Charity

Empowering Men Through Mental Wellbeing and Personal Growth

We are seeking a passionate and committed Trustee to join our Board and help guide our strategic growth. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to an organisation that places local people at the heart of creating positive change. We are particularly interested in recruiting candidates that have skills in finance and legal compliance.

As a Trustee, you will:

Strategic Leadership
o Help shape our strategic direction and ensure we fulfil our charitable objectives
o Monitor progress against our "Empowering Futures" 2024-2026 strategy
o Contribute to developing future strategic plans

Governance
o Ensure the charity operates within its governing document and legal framework
o Safeguard the charity's reputation, values, and integrity
o Approve policies, annual budgets, and financial statements
o Ensure proper financial controls and risk management systems are in place
• Financial Oversight
o Review financial performance and ensure financial stability
o Ensure charitable funds and assets are used appropriately
o Support the development of diversified income streams
• Advocacy
o Act as an ambassador for The Mason Foundation
o Use your networks to support our mission and expand our reach
o Promote our work and impact to potential partners and supporters

Safeguarding
o Ensure appropriate safeguarding measures are in place to protect vulnerable individuals
o Foster a culture where safeguarding is everyone's responsibility

What You'll Bring
• Strategic vision and good judgment
• Commitment to our mission of reducing inequalities
• Willingness to devote time and effort
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Understanding of charity governance (desirable)

What We Offer
• The opportunity to make a real difference to vulnerable communities
• A supportive and collaborative board environment
• Induction, training, and ongoing development
• The chance to be part of our exciting growth journey

What We Offer
• The opportunity to make a real difference to vulnerable communities
• A supportive and collaborative board environment
• Induction, training, and ongoing development
• The chance to be part of our exciting growth journey

Role title – Treasurer
Hours – 1–2 days per month plus quarterly Board meetings
Location – Remote with some London Board meetings
Salary – Voluntary role
Travel requirement – Occasional
Contract type – Voluntary
Accountable to – Chair of Trustees, working closely with CEO and Board of Trustees
Start date – October 2025

About the Stephen Dodgson Charitable Trust

The Stephen Dodgson Charitable Trust was established in 2015 to celebrate and support the music and legacy of British composer Stephen Dodgson (1924–2013). Stephen Dodgson had a long, distinguished and multifaceted career as a composer, Professor at the Royal College of Music and Radio 3 broadcaster. His musical voice could be both playful and deeply evocative, and he was much loved as a mentor to younger generations of musicians that worked with and taught. Particularly renowned for classical guitar compositions, he wrote widely for multiple idioms including chamber, orchestral, choral, solo voice and operatic works and has been recorded by the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Royal Northern Sinfonia, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Bernard Roberts piano trio, Karolos, Magnard and Perpetuo ensembles, and singers Ailish Tynan, Katie Bray, James Gilchrist, Marcus Farnsworth and Roderick Williams.

The Trust awards grants to musicians, ensembles, festivals, educational institutions and arts organisations that perform, record or promote Dodgson’s music in line with the Trust’s charitable aims. The Trust responds to external grant applications and we also curate our own artistic and commemorative projects. A small, dedicated Board of Trustees works closely with the Trust CEO to guide and support the organisation’s work, ensuring funds are used thoughtfully and make a lasting, meaningful difference to the classical music community.

Recent projects also include a beautiful centenary book, a collection of essays and fond reminiscences about Stephen Dodgson – the man and the musician – which came out in 2024.

About the Role

The Trust is looking for a Treasurer to join our Board and take the lead in overseeing the charity’s finances. This is a key role, offering the chance to make a direct impact on the Trust’s ability to support musicians and projects with confidence and transparency.

The Treasurer is responsible for both strategic oversight and hands-on financial management — from preparing budgets and reports to supporting the Chair, CEO and fellow Trustees in financial planning and risk management. This rewarding role will help many interesting and worthwhile projects come to fruition and includes plenty of opportunities to enjoy attending concerts and other similar events. (Recent events include two epic concerts featuring major Dodgson works at St John’s Smith Square, the opening night of this year’s Barnes Music Festival and a Snape Maltings performance of Dodgson’s four-act opera Margaret Catchpole.)

This role would suit someone with financial management skills or similar, and a fair knowledge of and interest in classical music, arts funding, and charitable work more generally. A good communicator who enjoys working collaboratively with others and is enthusiastic about the opportunity to promote music and musicians – especially young musicians ­ will thrive in this role.

Key Responsibilities

As a Trustee

• Help guide the Trust’s overall strategy and governance
• Ensure the charity’s funds are managed responsibly and in line with our objectives
• Contribute to grant-making decisions and long-term planning
• Act in the best interests of the Trust and support our mission and values
• Represent the Trust at sponsored performances and events

As Treasurer

• Maintain an overview of the Trust’s financial health
• Oversee day-to-day financial operations: bookkeeping, invoice payments, bank statement reconciliations
• Prepare quarterly bank account reconciliations and financial outlooks for the Board
• Ensure compliance with charity law and financial regulations, including annual reports to the Charity Commission
• Advise on budgeting, cashflow, reserves, and investment planning 
• Monitor financial risks and ensure appropriate policies and controls are in place
• Apply at least once a year to HMRC to claim Gift Aid on donations made to the Trust
• Keep Charity Commission and HMRC records up to date
• Work closely with the CEO in aligning financial decisions with impact and priorities, and maintaining contact with ongoing projects

Supporting the Chair

• Assist the Chair in providing leadership and direction for the Board, and enabling the Board to fulfil their responsibilities
• Ensure that the Trust pursues our objects as defined in our governing document, charity law, company law and other relevant legislation/regulations
• Support the Chair in enabling well-rounded and strategic discussions among Trustees
• Work in partnership with the Chair and Trustees to support the CEO and freelance staff, helping them achieve the aims of the organisation

What the Trust Is Looking For

Essential:

• Financial management experience, ideally within or alongside the charity or arts sector
• Strong communication skills and the ability to explain finance clearly to others
• Familiarity with accounting software (e.g. Excel, Googlesheets, Xero or similar)
• A sound understanding of financial governance and reporting requirements

Desirable:

• An interest in classical music or the wider arts
• Experience working with or advising a charity, arts organisation, or funding body
• A collaborative, thoughtful, and supportive approach

Time Commitment

• Attend 3–4 Board meetings per year (virtual or in-person, London)
• Ongoing oversight of financial matters (1–2 days per month)
• Occasional availability for guidance or working groups between meetings
• Optional attendance at concerts, festivals and other Dodgson celebrations.

Deadline: Deadline: 22nd September
 

We are seeking new people to join our Board of Trustees to support the good governance of our charity. It is an exciting time to join us as we work to launch our new strategy from 2026; an important timeframe as we await a Government White Paper on SEND and consider how best to adapt our services to ensure we reach those who need us most.

Who we are

Founded in 1983, IPSEA is a leading national charity focussed on supporting families to ensure that children and young people with SEND receive the education they are legally entitled to. Since our formation, we have actively helped to improve the education experience of thousands of children and young people with SEND. We do this by providing free and independent legal advice and casework support, undertaking policy work and delivering training on the SEND legal framework.

Who are we looking for?

We wish to recruit a number of new trustees who are committed to our vision and values and who bring complementary skills to those of our current Board members.

Trustees are expected to gain an understanding of the organisation’s purpose, and to contribute their own expertise, ensuring IPSEA fulfils its objectives, and in accordance with our charitable objects and Articles of Association

Whether you’re an experienced trustee or wanting to take your first step at Board level, we are particularly interested in hearing from people with expertise and skills in one or more of the following areas:

• IT / Digital transformation / cyber security
• Volunteer management
• Local Authority / Education
• Disabilities

Please note: a lack of expertise in these areas does not mean that an application will not be considered.

Our Board should also reflect the communities we support. We would particularly like to hear from candidates from ethnic minority backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ people, under-served communities and disabled people, as well as those with lived experience of the SEND system, either as a child or as a parent/carer.

What we can offer you

• an in-depth induction programme, training and reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses
• the opportunity to be involved in making strategic decisions and developing new skills
• the opportunity to apply your knowledge and experience to an important cause
• a buddying system for new trustees as you settle into the role

The expected time commitment is six trustee meetings per year (meetings are held on weekdays in central London or at IPSEA’s office in Takeley, Essex with the option to join some meetings virtually), usually one strategic planning/training day and some other ad hoc time for occasional meetings and events.

To apply 

​Please visit our website to download a recruitment pack and application form. 

Closing date for applications: 5pm on Friday 12 September 2025 
First-round interviews: Monday 29 September and Monday 6 October 2025