Charity trustee volunteer roles in uxbridge, england

Gingerbread is the charity for single parents. We challenge discrimination, and campaign against the inequalities single parents face. We are seeking a Treasurer to join our Board. This is an exciting opportunity to join a passionate and inclusive organisation making a real difference to single-parent families across England and Wales.

What will you be doing?

Our Board combines their skills and experience to provide stewardship to Gingerbread and its staff.

The role of Treasurer is to enable the board to maintain an overview of Gingerbread’s affairs, ensure its financial viability and ensure that proper financial records and procedures are maintained.

Trustees generally meet for full Board meetings a minimum of five times a year. Each of these meetings is two hours long. Trustees would need to allow for preparation time ahead of these meetings. We estimate there would be 2 hours of work a month outside of Board meetings.

What are we looking for?

The Treasurer should have the following qualities: 

· A commitment to Gingerbread’s work and mission

· Financial qualifications and experience 

· Some experience of charity finance, fundraising and pension schemes 

· The skills to analyse proposals and examine their financial consequences 

· Being prepared to make unpopular recommendations to the board 

· A willingness to be available to staff and trustees for advice and enquiries on an ad hoc basis

Gingerbread wishes to actively encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds, including underrepresented communities and single parents. Previous Trustee experience is not essential. Full training and induction will be provided.

What difference will you make?

There are over 2 million single parents in England and Wales. Although the majority of them are working, they’re twice as likely to live in poverty as couple parents. And too many single parents experience loneliness, worry and the impact of negative stereotypes in the media and wider society.

As Treasurer, you will join us in leading the fight to create a society where all single parents and their children can thrive.

As you’d expect, we’re a family-friendly charity. We offer a supportive team culture and good work-life balance, while delivering impressive results.

Sutton Mental Health Foundation is looking to recruit a volunteer secretary position to the Trust Board, to support and assist the Chair and CEO.  This is an important and confidential role within the Trust.  The main areas of the role are, in consultation with the Chair and CEO, the preparation of all Board/AGM meetings, the preparation of Board/AGM papers, minute taking and writing up the minutes in a timely manner.  Other duties involve the support to the Trustees, as well as updating of trustee records.  Th board of trustees meets in-person, approximately every six weeks, in the London Borough of Sutton. A full role description will be provided on application.

As background information, Sutton Mental Health Foundation was established as a charity in 1994 and the aim of the Foundation is to support people with mental health needs in the Borough of Sutton, helping to keep them well and active and helping them to have a voice in mental health care in the Borough.  Our vision is to provide a community in Sutton which values mental wellbeing and understands how to respond positively to anxiety and distress.  The Foundation works together to promote mental wellbeing resilience and recovery from mental distress.

We are seeking people with an interest in improving access to justice and opportunity for refugee and migrant individuals and communities to join our committed Trustee Board here at South London Refugee Association.

What will you be doing?

Our organisation

South London Refugee Association was established in 1991 and is a well respected and trusted local resource. We are a front line community organisation providing advice and support to people who find themselves in extreme difficulty because of past trauma or because of restrictions related to their current immigration status.  As a relatively small charity with a wide reach, we support those who hold an aspiration of a normalised safe life here in the UK yet who face numerous obstacles in realising their dreams of settlement and safety.

We ‘re able to evidence excellent outcomes and value for money to the numerous Trusts, Foundations and public agencies which fund or commission our services.

Our Board

We have a committed Board of Trustees who bring a range of experience and expertise to the organisation. 

The role

Strategic Direction and oversight

• To ensure that SLRA fulfils its objects and set out in its governing documents and complies with regulations issued by the Charity Commission, charity law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
• To contribute actively to giving strategic direction to SLRA.

Decision making

• To ensure that funding received is used for purposes agreed with funding bodies.
• To review and approve the annual audited accounts.
• To manage the organisation’s assets responsibly.
• To contribute to management decisions as and when they are required by the Chair and CEO.

Responsibilities

• To ensure that SLRA is managed efficiently by appointing and supporting the CEO and monitoring performance.
• To keep informed about the work of SLRA and the issues that affect our work.
• To raise the profile of SLRA and foster our excellent reputation.

Trustee Person Specification

Trustees need to be:

• People of integrity with good judgement and an ability to think strategically.
• Able to work constructively as part of a small team.
• Open minded with a strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
• Able to access the internet and to receive and send emails.

Ideally applicants will also have a knowledge of the local area gained through work or residence, however this is not essential if the trustee has other valuable and relevant experience.

What are we looking for?

Trustees need to be:

• People of integrity with good judgement and an ability to think strategically.
• Able to work constructively as part of a small team.
• Open minded with a strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
• Able to access the internet and to receive and send emails.

Ideally applicants will also have a knowledge of the local area gained through work or residence, however this is not essential if the trustee has other valuable and relevant experience.

We are particularly interested in applicants who have specific knowledge and experience of Human Resources or of Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable adults, however, we are happy to consider applications from potential trustees with other skills and experience.

What difference will you make?

As an SLRA trustee you will help to shape our strategic direction and to ensure that we continue into the future as a vital and trusted local resource.

Before you apply

Please apply through Reach in the first instance. Our Trustee Information Pack provides detail of our recruitment process.

As our Treasurer Trustee, you’ll bring your financial expertise to our dynamic international board working alongside trustees from member organisations, our leadership team and co-opted trustees bringing a range of specialist skills to our Board.

What will you be doing?

We are looking for a Treasurer with experience of working with not for profits in setting strategic financial direction,. It would be desirable to have experience in complying with the Charity Commission for England and Wales or similar bodies’ regulations. 

You would be joining our board at an exciting time, as we implement our new strategy, build on our campaigns, broaden our advocacy to mobilise greater support and achieve change. 

The Treasurer will maintain an overview of the organisation's affairs, ensuring its financial viability and that the organisation has policies and systems in place to ensure robust financial planning, implementation and reporting.

What are we looking for?

The Treasurer will maintain an overview of the organisation's affairs, ensuring its financial viability and that the organisation has policies and systems in place to ensure robust financial planning, implementation and reporting. This will involve :

• Reviewing budgets, accounts and financial statements, and recommending them to the Board for approval 
• Being assured that the financial resources of the organisation meet its present and future needs 
• Ensuring that the charity has an appropriate reserves policy 
• Ensuring that appropriate accounting procedures and controls are in place
• Ensuring that the charity has an appropriate investment policy 
• Ensuring that the accounts are prepared and disclosed in the form required by funders and the relevant statutory bodies 
• Ensuring that the accounts are scrutinised through external audits and internal reviews and that any recommendations are implemented 
• Keeping the Board informed about its financial duties and responsibilities 
• Chairing the Resource Mobilisation and Communications Committee (formerly the Finance and Human Resources Committee), leading online meetings three times a year
• Ensuring that organisation has processes in place to meet any compliance requirements 
• Ensuring the organisation has a risk management process in place 
• Reviewing and signing financial transactions and other documentation requiring board approval 

What difference will you make?

This is a substantive role at the core of our organisation. We are a global alliance of 51 local organisations in 40 countries, working on the front line with children and families in need. Our vision is a world in which children and families everywhere have access to the support they need to survive and thrive. Our mission is to make that happen through research, knowledge exchange, campaigning and humanitarian responses. We are registered as a charity under the Charity Commission for England and Wales and have two subsidiaries registered in New Zealand and in the US

 Family values mutual accountability and has a Responsibility Framework which outlines responsibilities and rights for board trustees, members and staff. The Treasurer has a key role in ensuring that mutual accountability is upheld in areas of finance by identifying and highlighting potential conflicts of interest.

Through campaigning, we influence and inspire others to take action for children and families worldwide. For more information about our work and our members, please visit our website.

Before you apply

Please apply, or contact us if you have any questions,through Reach in the first instance. Please provide a cover letter detailing why you are interested in this role, your relevant experience and indicate your availability. Interviews will take place via Zoom. Deadline for applicaions is 06 Nov 2025.

Desirable, but not essential requirements: 

• experience of working with or on a board 
• a qualified member of a recognised accountancy body
• some experience of charity fundraising is desirable

Join City Harvest and play an integral part in London's safe, sustainable solution to surplus food redistribution. City Harvest rescues food, people, and the planet.

Location: West London

Time commitment: 6 board meetings & 6 committee meetings / year

Closing date: 9 a.m. Thursday 5th June

We ensure no good food is wasted and that surplus reaches those who need it most, diverted from landfill, we also help companies achieve Sustainable Development Goals. We provide free food to organisations supporting the homeless, food banks, children and family groups providing food parcels, community and faith groups feeding those in need, women’s refuges, the elderly and mental health groups.

Who we are

City Harvest is London’s original surplus food redistribution charity, delivering free nutritious food to 350+ organisations. Due to the rising cost of living,  1 in 4 people face food poverty in London, with the use of foodbanks a ‘new normal’ for far too many.

City Harvest is a sustainable solution to food businesses and society, tackling food waste and food poverty. Rescuing Food, People and Planet. Every day, our fleet of vans rescues surplus food from retailers, manufacturers, markets and events, resulting in the reduction of food waste and greenhouse gas emissions. We currently deliver food for 15 million meals a year, that’s food for 41,000+ meals a day!

Ten years old, our roots are deep and far-reaching across London. First responders to Grenfell, emergency workers in the pandemic, City Harvest continues its mission to rescue to feed people in need across all London Boroughs.

We are the charity for charities supporting the homeless, food banks, children and family groups providing food parcels, community and faith groups feeding those in need, women’s refuges, the elderly and mental health groups. If people need food, we will do everything we can to help.

About the role

We are looking for an experienced and qualified CFO or Finance Director to join City Harvest as our new Finance, Audit & Risk Trustee. This is a critical board role at the heart of our organisation, ensuring that City Harvest has a sustainable financial outlook, solid operational governance and sound controls around risk. As a key member of the Board, you will work closely with the Chair, CEO and Head of Finance. Acting as a mentor to the Head of Finance, you will help ensure that Finance develops as a business partner to the various City Harvest teams and that KPIs are focused on the achievement of their strategic objectives.

You will bring strong financial and management accounting insight, ensuring sound financial planning and performance, operational excellence, and compliance with governance frameworks and regulations. You will also ensure an annual risk review is undertaken and will act as the Trustees’ liaison point with the Charity’s auditors and advise on any areas requiring improvement in the audit process.

This is an opportunity to apply your senior financial leadership experience to an organisation tackling some of today’s most pressing challenges.

Who we are looking for

An experienced and qualified CFO or Finance Director with a strong history in oversight of:

• Financial accounting
• Management accounting
• Systems & controls
• Audit
• Risk management

There are no sector specific requirements – though experience in an operational business (particularly logistics/supply chain) and/or experience in the charity or third sector would be desirable.

Personal skills and qualities

• Enthusiasm for the City Harvest mission “to reduce food poverty and protect the planet by diverting nutritious food from waste to those in need.”
• Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as trustees and to act in the best interests of the organisation.
• Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member.
• An understanding and respect for the boundaries of the Non-Executive and Executive roles.
• Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussions.
• A strong personal commitment to people
• Commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership

Meetings

• The Board holds in-person meetings – normally six per year, held in person in Central London (17:00 – 19:30)
• Chairing the Finance & Risk Committee (normally six per year)
• Liaising with the Head of Finance, Chair and CEO as appropriate to fulfil responsibilities.
• We are committed to covering travel expenses for our trustees

Whilst this is a voluntary role, it offers the opportunity to make a real difference in food waste, food poverty, greenhouse gases and the company’s ESG outcomes.

If you share in our vision and have the financial and mentoring skills to help make it happen, we would love to hear from you.

Please click 'Apply’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Thursday 5th June.

We are looking for enthusiastic people to join our trustee committee and help shape and deliver animal welfare in the East and South East London areas.
 

The RSPCA East London and Havering Branch aims to align its core objectives with those of the National RSPCA — specifically: to rescue, rehabilitate, rehome, and protect animals.

The RSPCA East London and Havering Branch CIO (the "Branch") is seeking to appoint new Trustees to join the Branch Trustee Committee. This is an exciting time for the Branch as we aim to grow and enhance our services across East and South East London.

What does the Branch do?

Our Branch covers postcodes within East and South East London (those beginning with E or RM). We operate boarding facilities where we care for, rehabilitate, and rehome cats rescued by RSPCA Inspectors.

We are an independent charity, working in partnership with the National RSPCA, a separate charity. Together, we deliver the RSPCA's mission — focused on frontline animal welfare and community engagement.

As an independent branch, we fundraise and manage our resources independently to deliver animal welfare services. We receive some financial support and guidance on best practices from the National RSPCA to ensure we comply with Charity Commission regulations.

Future Plans

In the coming years, our plans include:

· Developing and executing plans for sustainable income growth 

· Building out our volunteer and supporter network

These plans are continuously reviewed and developed by the Branch Trustees to ensure we focus our efforts on helping as many animals as possible.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for people from all social and cultural backgrounds with experience or skills in any of the following areas:

· Accounting

· Marketing and Communications (including social media, PR, websites)

· Fundraising (including corporate fundraising, trust fund and grant applications)

· Local community and supporter engagement

· Charity growth and development

· Veterinary or animal welfare

· Volunteer management

Alongside relevant experience, we’re looking for people who are committed to the RSPCA’s charitable objectives and share our passion for animal welfare. You should be a creative, innovative team player, bring a fresh perspective, and be able to turn ideas into action.

We are particularly interested in hearing from individuals who live or work in the areas we cover (E or RM postcodes), or who can travel to London for Branch meetings and fundraising activities.

What can we offer in return?

We offer all Trustees:

· Support from both the RSPCA team

· A platform to utilise your skills and experience to shape the charity and directly impact local animal welfare

· An opportunity to gain new skills and develop existing ones while making a real difference

· A chance to expand your professional and personal network by working with like-minded people

Practical Considerations

Please note:

· You must be based in London or can have regular access to London to join our fundraising activities

· You must be aged 18 or over and a UK tax resident to join the Trustee Committee

· You must be a member of our Branch before you are eligible to be co-opted or elected as a Trustee

· Trustees are elected for a 12-month term each year

· Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed

· Trustees must sign a Declaration of Willingness to Act and confirm they are not disqualified from being a Trustee (more information is available on the Charity Commission website)

What difference will you make?

As a Trustee, you will:

· Help shape the strategy and direction of the Branch

· Contribute your unique skills and experience to decision-making

· Work as part of a collaborative and motivated team

· Develop your own skills or pass them on to others

Together, we can make a significant impact on animal welfare in our community.

Please include also a cover letter explaining why you are interested in this role and detailing your relevant skills, knowledge, experience, and motivation.

Trustee Role (Branch Secretary) RSPCA Chiltern Branch

Do you have professional expertise you could use to help a good cause? Are you passionate about animal welfare? Become our principal communications trustee and help us to maintain our branches affairs and improve animals’ lives.

About our Branch

At RSPCA Chiltern Branch, our primary mission is to rescue and foster animals—predominantly cats—and provide financial support to pet owners in need of veterinary care. We are supported by a dedicated team of six volunteer trustees, an animal coordinator, and a full-time shop manager. Our successful charity shop in Buckingham helps funds our vital work.

We are seeking to recruit the next generation of trustees, including someone to take on the important role of Branch Secretary. We welcome applications from people of all social and cultural backgrounds, aged 18 to 99. Our trustees play a key role in shaping our work and are passionate about improving animal welfare.

While we cover a wide area across Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire, trustees do not need to live locally, as most of our work is conducted remotely through calls and regular Google Meetings. However, if you are nearby, there are opportunities to assist with occasional tasks, such as delivering donations or meeting for a friendly coffee.

If you are passionate about improving animal welfare, we would love to hear from you.

About a Branch Secretary

As a Branch Secretary, you would be in an essential volunteer role as the principal communications trustee managing and maintaining the administrative affairs of our branch. Using your expertise and skills, you will be able to influence how we care for and prevent cruelty to animals and drive the implementation of key initiatives.

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 or not the trustee takes on additional duties.

Primary responsibilities of the Branch Secretary

• To act as the primary contact point for all branch communications with the national Society, the branch committee and the branch membership.
• Arrange branch meetings, ensure accurate minutes are taken and distributed in accordance with branch rules.
• Ensure all branch committee decisions are implemented and actions completed.
• Arrange the branch AGM including the compilation and distribution of the annual report, nominations and agenda in line with the strict timetable laid down in the branch rules.
• Arrange the timely dissemination of the contents of all correspondence and literature received by the branch, ensuring availability to all committee members, and reply to all branch correspondence where necessary.
• Order and distribute RSPCA stationery, leaflets, posters and other fundraising and promotional material.
• Liaise with the Branch support specialist (BSS) and group chief inspector and notify them of all branch meetings.
• Advise the BSS of all changes to branch facilities, services and contact details.
• In the absence of the membership secretary, assume responsibility for the maintenance of the branch membership list.
• Submit recommendations for national Society awards to the BSS, in accordance with the wishes of the committee.

What we are looking for in a volunteer

Above all, we are looking for someone who is committed to the RSPCA’s charitable objectives and shares our passion for animal welfare. 

Specific skills such as finance, fundraising, project management, business experience, awareness of employment and/or charity legislation can be useful, but not essential.

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 Secretary

• We will provide you with a comprehensive trustee training course which will provide you will everything you need to carry out the role.
• Ongoing support is also provided by local 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.

We hope you are interested in volunteering for our branch.

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.

Heartwood House is a dynamic education charity that supports young people who self-exclude from school and are missing education because of bullying or other trauma. They provide both an academic and therapeutic programme to enable their students to get back on track and reconnect with society. Heartwood House has been delivering services in NW London for 20 years.  They have supported many students in their return to mainstream education, further education and employment.  They work with many local authorities such as Harrow, Hillingdon, Hertfordshire, Brent, Ealing, Barnet, Camden and many more.

Heartwood House (based in Harrow) is now looking to strengthen its Board and we are seeking a Company Secretary and named Trustee for Governance and Law – you will bring insight and understanding of charity law, Charity Commission legal regulations, Company Legislation and best practice. 

Trustees have a duty to ensure that the charity is well run, solvent, legally compliant, and working towards the charitable purpose for which it was established, and Trustee roles are an important and a highly rewarding way to support an organisation. Please note that Trustee roles are unremunerated voluntary positions, although reasonable travel expenses will be paid.

Heartwood House is committed to equality of opportunity, supports, and encourages under-represented groups, and values diversity. We seek people from a wide range of backgrounds, who will bring a fresh perspective to the Board, and having reviewed existing Trustee's diversity, skills, and experience, Heartwood House are keen for the Board to reflect the diversity of the communities that they work with and therefore welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Please contact Heidi Earp, Director of Langton Not 4 Profit our retained consultants for further information on the role.

School-Home Support is a dynamic national charity working with vulnerable children and families to maximise educational opportunities and improve life chances. They exist to ensure every child is able to be at school, ready to learn. Whatever it takes. They partner with schools and families to look beyond the classroom to understand and tackle the issues affecting children’s ability to be at school and engaged in their learning. For 40 years, School-Home Support has been working with children, families and schools to break the cycle of poor school attendance, low educational attainment, anti-social behaviour, crime, low paid jobs or unemployment, generation after generation.

SHS is now looking to appoint their next Vice Chair of Trustees – ideally, someone with previous experience of being a Trustee or a Charity Deputy CEO/CEO who can demonstrate experience in helping an organisation with their strategy, governance and management. You will need to be passionate about the work of School-Home Support and bring energy, commitment and leadership combined with a willingness to advocate for the work they do and the cause they serve.

Trustees have a duty to ensure that the charity is well run, solvent, legally compliant, and working towards the charitable purpose for which it was established, and Trustee roles are an important and highly rewarding way to support an award winning organisation. Please note that Trustee roles are unremunerated voluntary positions, although reasonable travel expenses will be paid.

SHS is committed to equality of opportunity, supports, and encourages under-represented groups, and values diversity. We seek people from a wide range of backgrounds, who will bring a fresh perspective to the Board, and having reviewed existing Trustee's diversity, skills, and experience, SHS are keen for the Board to reflect the diversity of the communities that they work with and therefore welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Please contact Heidi Earp, Director of Langton Not 4 Profit our retained consultants for further information on the role.

Join us as Dog A.I.D.'s new Honorary Secretary and you would be joining the Board at an exciting time as we have launched the charity’s Strategic Plan with a new CEO supported by a small but strong team, which we will be building further this year. As Honorary Secretary you would be using your skills and experience to support the leadership and strategic direction of our charity as we look to achieve ambitious strategic growth targets over the coming years, becoming a larger, more robust charity with increased profile and reach.

Dog A.I.D. empowers physically disabled people by coaching them to train their own pet dog to become an accredited Assistance Dog. By focusing on the existing pet/owner bond, outcomes for our clients include:

 · increased independence and self-confidence

· improved mental well-being

· reduction in social isolation

· reduced reliance on family members and/or carers.

· increased opportunities, with many of our clients being able to return to work or education, supported by their accredited Assistance Dog.

We are looking for an active and well-organised Secretary who can provide support for our governance functions. You will be required to attend and minute online quarterly Board meetings and other ad-hoc meetings and strategic discussions.

Spires, a South London homelessness charity, is seeking trustees to support its mission and growth.

About Spires

Spires is an award-winning charity that has been working with homeless and disadvantaged people in Streatham, South London, since 1990.  Working with some of the most isolated and vulnerable in our society, we support over 900 men and women every year.

Our vision and aim is to be the best support that we can in helping people move from lives of distress, isolation and insecurity to a future of greater stability and hope. The majority of our clients are homeless or have insecure accommodation, with many also facing complex issues such as long-term unemployment, problems with poor mental and physical health, addiction and substance abuse, or they may even be imprisoned by sex work.

What will you be doing?

Trustees at Spires are responsible for overseeing the charity’s strategic direction and ensuring its long-term sustainability. Key responsibilities include:

• Strategic oversight: Help shape and support Spires’ evolving strategy
• Legal and regulatory compliance: Ensure adherence to governing documents, charity law, and relevant regulations
• Financial oversight: Together as a board, approve annual budgets, monitor financial performance, and support the Treasurer in maintaining financial health
• Resource management: Ensure that the charity’s resources are used effectively to meet its mission
• Support and challenge: Engage actively in board meetings, offering advice, support, and constructive challenge
• Ambassadorship: Promote Spires within your networks, helping raise its profile and attract support for its mission
• Uphold best practices: Ensure high standards of governance, transparency, and accountability throughout the organisation

This role is mainly home-based

The board meets six times a year, with an estimated time commitment of around 4 hours per month.

Please request the candidate pack for more information.

What are we looking for?

We’re seeking trustees with the following attributes:

• Commitment to Spires and its mission
• Good, independent judgment and strategic vision
• Willingness to speak up and share your opinions
• Understanding of legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
• Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to duties as a trustee
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Creative thinking and problem-solving skills

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds but are particularly interested in those with experience in marketing, social media, fundraising, finance, governance, or legal compliance. Additionally, lived experience of homelessness or related challenges is highly valued, as we strive to ensure our board reflects the community we serve.

No prior trustee experience is required - just a willingness to contribute time, expertise, and fresh perspectives.

What Difference will you make?

By joining Spires as a trustee, you will directly influence the charity’s ability to support homeless and at-risk individuals. Your contributions can help shape policies, enhance fundraising efforts, and strengthen governance, ensuring Spires can continue providing life-changing services. Whether by improving financial oversight, increasing community engagement, or advocating for those in need, your involvement will play a vital role in improving lives and preventing homelessness in South London.

Who We Are

Sense International is the only international non-governmental organisation dedicated to supporting people with deafblindness and their families around the world. Sense International supports programmes in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Romania, Peru, India, Bangladesh, and Nepal.

Our vision
Our vision is of a world in which all people with deafblindness can be equal and active members of society. 

Our mission
Our mission is to work in partnership with others across the globe – people with deafblindness, their families, carers and other professionals – to remove barriers in societies and systems, so that people with deafblindness are fully included and can fulfil their potential.

What We Do

Sense International’s 2022-2027 strategy aims to remove barriers in societies and systems, so that people with deafblindness are fully included and can fulfil their potential, in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.

The ambitions of our strategy are to uphold and realise the rights of people with deafblindness:

Innovate People with deafblindness are included in national systems

Inform People with deafblindness, and the people who support them, have more information, skills and knowledge

Influence People with deafblindness are recognised in laws, policies and budgets

The Role

Working alongside our Chief Executive, Kavita Prasad, and the Senior Leadership Team, our trustees steer the organisation in achieving its charitable aims and setting its strategic direction.

We are looking for three new Trustees to join us. We are looking for candidates with an interest in international development and disability inclusion. 

Based on our recent Trustee skills audit we have identified specific needs for Trustees with the following expertise and/or experience: 

• Business leaders with connections in the corporate world
• People with experience of fundraising
• People with experience of international development and disability  
• People with lived experience of disability and/or caring for a family member with disability
• Representation of the geographies that Sense International works in 

Key Responsibilities 

• Ensure the organisation carries out the statutory responsibilities of a trustee in an efficient and effective manner in keeping with its objectives and mandate
• Represent and promote Sense International’s vision and values internally and externally, and to serve occasionally as a spokesperson and public representative for Sense International when requested
• Contribute to development of strategy and setting the strategic direction and ensure high level oversight of delivery of the organisation’s strategy.
• Ensure good governance and compliance including risk management, identifying and addressing issues that require the attention of the Board
• Support Sense International’s fundraising efforts
• Contribute to sub-committees and ad-hoc bodies as considered appropriate by Board (e.g. Fundraising Advisory Committee, Finance and Audit Committee, Programmes Advisory Committee).
• Bring specific skills and experience to the Board and to lead on issues connected to these if asked by the Chair. 

The Board meets at least quarterly in London, with meetings held late afternoon on a weekday. We prefer to hold our meetings face-to-face, with most of our Trustees attending in person.  However we can offer hybrid options and are flexible to accommodate the right candidates. 

Trustees are encouraged to support other Sense International events and provide ad-hoc support to the Executive and Senior Leadership Team in between meetings. They are also encouraged to join the board sub committees who support the work of the board. These committees meet at least quarterly. 

Trustee roles are not paid but reasonable expenses can be paid. There is no requirement to have served on a Board previously, and we are keen to diversify the range of voices, perspectives and backgrounds represented. 

Person Specification

Essential

• Ability to consistently devote time and effort to the role
• Ability to contribute to strategic thinking
• Ability to communicate your area of specialism to other members of the board with different specialist knowledge
• Evidence of personal integrity and high ethical standards and strong values consistent with those of Sense International
• Ability to understand financial information
• Commitment to diversity and for the respect and dignity of our stakeholders and their experience and expertise
• Open to learning
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including teamwork.
• Ability to mobilise personal networks for fundraising and advocacy purposes. 

Desirable

• Experience of charity governance and understanding of the respective responsibilities of Trustees and staff.
• Knowledge of international development, disability or other human rights issues.

Experience of working in the international development sector or a background in any of the eight countries where SI works.

We are looking for individuals to join our Board in 2025. In recent years we’ve increased and diversified the membership of the Board including the launch of our Associate Board Member programme in 2023. We are looking to continue this work with dynamic and committed people to support further growth and development, building on our achievements.

We want to recruit new Board Members, alongside an opportunity for two Associate Board Members.

Being a Board Member

Board Members play an integral role in providing robust governance and stewardship, in externally supporting future development through advocacy with regional, national and international stakeholders, potential funders and partners from the public and private sectors. Board Members benefit from working with a small, creative and enthusiastic team on the strategic development of the organisation.

What is an AND Associate Board Member?

We have developed a 12 month programme for two Associate Board Members. These roles will work alongside the AND Board of Trustees, and have been designed as a development  programme aimed to support potential candidates who do not yet have (sufficient) board-level experience, or the required availability, but have the passion and potential to be a future AND Board member.

The Associate Board Member roles have been created to support individuals who are currently under-represented in the cultural sector, providing greater access to training opportunities, and to add further diversity and richness of perspective to the organisation.

Associate Board Members will:

• bring unique experience from their field of expertise 
• share our passion for new ideas and artforms
• place inclusion and engagement at the heart of our culture and vision
• be provided with relevant shadowing, mentoring or training opportunities to support their skills development over 12 months
• attend quarterly AND Board meetings (without legal responsibility or voting rights) 
• have the opportunity to apply to become a Board Member after 12 months

It is not necessary to have governance/board-level exposure or experience, but a general understanding of how boards work is required.

If you feel that you don’t quite meet the person specification in the recruitment pack but you’re excited and interested in the opportunity, please get in touch following the application process outlined below.

Joining the AND Board as a Trustee

We are currently looking for individuals to join the AND Board with experience in the following areas: 

• Strategic Regional Public Sector Knowledge
• Environmental Sustainability
• Charity Finance 
• PR / Digital Communications
• Regional commercial business knowledge across the creative sector, immersive and digital technologies

This isn’t an exhaustive list, and we’re interested in hearing from anyone who believes they have skills or experience to positively contribute to the organisation. We’re also looking for candidates interested in exploring a Vice Chair role with a view to future succession planning for AND Chair. We’re committed to opening up opportunities to people who are currently under-represented in the cultural sector, and we particularly welcome applications from candidates from ethnically diverse backgrounds, Disabled candidates and candidates under 30.

What is it like to be on the AND Board?

Read an interview with our Trustees Sam Bompass and Katie Moffat about being on the AND Board.

About AND

AND is an arts organisation known for creating radical, site-responsive projects at the intersection of art, technology and digital culture.

Working across the UK and internationally, AND commissions artists to explore the social, environmental and ethical implications of emerging technologies. Our portfolio includes large-scale outdoor artworks, exhibitions, research programmes, residencies, online projects and our flagship AND Festival — a nomadic biennial bringing cutting-edge digital experiences to diverse locations.

Our work often takes place in unexpected settings, from post-industrial towns to natural landscapes, creating space for bold experimentation and critical reflection. At our core, we champion interdisciplinary collaboration and are committed to inclusive, sustainable practices that challenge what is considered ‘normal’ in culture today

Practical Details

AND’s Board currently meets for a minimum of four times a year, through a mix of online, and in person meetings in Manchester (UK). There are additional, occasional meetings and sub-committee groups which can be attended via video call. We are particularly interested in hearing from North-based candidates, especially those with regional public sector or commercial business expertise, although we are open to applications from candidates from across the UK.

This is an unpaid role. You’ll need to commit around a day a month to the role. AND will reimburse reasonable travel expenses to meetings in full.

How to apply

• Read our AND Board Membership Recruitment Pack or our AND Associate Board Membership Pack
• If you’d like to speak informally about becoming an AND Board Member or Associate Board Member, you are welcome to request a conversation by Friday 30 May 2025
• Following this, we ask for a CV along with a short written statement (max 1 page) / video (max 3 minutes) to be submitted by Midnight Sunday 22 June 2025 with AND BOARD MEMBER ROLE or AND ASSOCIATE BOARD MEMBER ROLE as the subject field.
• Complete an Equal Opportunities Form (submitted anonymously)

Branch Trustee (General Role) RSPCA Chiltern Branch

This is an exciting opportunity to be a hands-on trustee at branch level, helping to promote kindness and prevent animal cruelty, reach out to more supporters, and influence how we do things. With your support and expertise, we will achieve so much!

We are looking for an enthusiastic and passionate person who could devote the time to volunteer with us as one of our Trustees. As a Trustee of the Branch, you will have 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 in the running of the Branch and setting out both the short and long terms 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 our Branch

The RSPCA Chiltern Branch focuses on rescuing and fostering animals, primarily cats, and offering financial support to pet owners needing help with vet bills. Our dedicated team includes 6 volunteer trustees, 1 animal coordinator, and a full-time shop manager, and we run a successful charity shop in Buckingham.

We are seeking to recruit new trustees, including a Treasurer, Secretary, General Trustee, and Animal Fosterer. We welcome proactive individuals aged 18 to 99 from all social and cultural backgrounds who have common sense, a love for animals, and a willingness to contribute.

Most of our work is done remotely via calls and Google Meetings (monthly or bi-monthly), so you do not need to live in Buckinghamshire or Hertfordshire. However, if you are local, you may enjoy assisting with shop donations or meeting for a coffee. Our branch is a unique, friendly, and supportive environment, offering opportunities for self-learning through the RSPCA website and a variety of unusual and rewarding tasks.

Primary responsibilities of the Branch Trustee

•  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 Support Specialist 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 local 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 looking for people from all social and cultural backgrounds, with experience and skills in any of the following areas:
•  Marketing communication including social media, PR, website;
•  Fundraising including corporate fundraising, trust fund and grant applications;
•   Local community and supporter relationships;
•  Hands-on experience in growing charities; and/or
•   Are or have been part of the groups and communities we would like to attract.
• Alongside the relevant 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.

What we can offer you as a volunteer Branch Trustee

•  We will provide you with a comprehensive trustee training course which will provide you will everything  you need to carry out the role.
•  Ongoing support is also provided by local 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.

We would be delighted to receive a short video introduction explaining why you would like to become a Trustee and what you feel you could offer RSPCA Chiltern – though this is entirely optional. Our voluntary roles involve an informal interview and a trial period. We will kindly request contact details for two referees, and depending on the position, you may be asked to sign an agreement and complete specific training before commencing your role.

If you are passionate about improving animal welfare, we would love to hear from you.