Charity trustee volunteer roles in wetherby, west yorkshire

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

Trustee – Little London Arts

Trustee Recruitment Information Pack

Background

Many thanks for requesting this information pack and your potential interest in becoming a trustee of what is currently called Little London Arts (LLA).

We were established in 2001 and have almost 25 years’ experience in organising cultural, social, learning and wellbeing opportunities with people who face a range of barriers, including those relating to older adulthood.

Our main current programme is based on the Cultural & Social Outings project. We provide regular trips and activities throughout the year across different environments, indoors and out.  They are developed in response to ongoing feedback from participants and take into account the specific needs, interests and contributions of those who attend. Some people are active in discussions and planning, while others are happy to just look forward to a day out. Either way, the programme has significant impact on health and wellbeing, with links to social prescribing and accessing nature.

With many of our members living in the inner-city, we feel it is important to enable people to have access to a wide range of experiences, especially beyond urban areas. Trips to the Yorkshire Dales or North York Moors, for example, form an important aspect of our programme, as do visits to places of architectural and/or heritage significance, whether on our doorstep or further afield.  This enables people to explore and engage with culture in the widest sense, learn about wildlife and ecology, or social history, as well as simply enjoying the views and fresh air. Many of our visits enable and encourage people to be active participants rather than mere observers.  They may include a talk, tour, or practical workshop, encouraging the development of new skills and interests, and knowledge sharing.

Trustee Recruitment

LLA is currently a constituted community organisation with a small management committee of three members.  We have one part-time member of staff who is our Project Developer and Co-ordinator.   We have an annual turnover of approximately £30,000 with ongoing plans to both maintain and grow our services.

In order to provide greater security, and open up access to further funding, we are in the process of registering as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO).   This means that we need to recruit a board of trustees, initially 4-6 people, who will be responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity and for its financial health.  We also need to change our name because we now work with people from across the city of Leeds, and no longer base our activities in Little London, where we were founded.  

The board is likely to meet once a quarter for 1-2 hours for a formal trustees meeting where we will review our financial and operational performance and discuss any matters of importance. Meetings will be a mixture of face-to-face, and online.  We also encourage trustees to support our work between meetings perhaps by joining one or more of the activities, being an ambassador for a particular area of our work such as marketing or finance for instance or using your skills and experience in some other way.  

Broadly we are looking for trustees who: 

• Have a commitment to our aims, objectives and ambitions
• Can devote the necessary time to being a trustee  
• Possess good judgement and independence of mind
• Are willing to work collectively as part of a group and want to engage in constructive debate to reach a conclusion 

In return we will offer you the opportunity to have a positive impact on the lives of local people. 

If you are interested in finding out more, please email us for a copy of our information pack. The deadline for receipt of applications is 12 noon on Friday 9th May 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.

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

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

What will you be doing?

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

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

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

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

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

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

What are we looking for?

Person Specification

Essential

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

Able to make the time commitments of the role.

Desirable

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

What difference will you make?

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

We do ask that candidates commit to:

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

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

Before you apply

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

General candidate requirements:

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

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

Desirable but not essential:

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

Commitment required

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

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

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

The Squad Club is an impactful hyper-local charity based in Merton - and we are looking for some very special skills to help us in a crucial period of deepening and sustaining our work. 

FINANCE TRUSTEE

We are particularly keen to hear from people with a background in Finance; 

Strong understanding of charity finance, reporting requirements, and relevant regulations (e.g. Charity Commission guidance, SORP).

Familiarity with financial management principles, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial controls.

Knowledge of accounting practices and financial statements (e.g. balance sheets, income & expenditure).

Ability to present financial information clearly and accessibly to non-finance board members.

Understanding of the charity’s governing document, structure, and objectives.

Please note we are open to having a Trustee who works in finance, accounting, charity finance and who is looking to develop their skills further and again Board-experience.

What are we looking for?

A motivated individual who would like to use their professional or other experience to contribute to and develop an ambitious long term growth strategy for a local charity.

We ask trustees to dedicate around 8 - 10 hours every 6 weeks of remote work to support the running, strategy, management and governance of The Squad. 

We particularly welcome applicants based in or around the Wimbledon/Merton area, who are able to help The Squad to build connections within the local community and are able to attend and support occasional club nights.

Individual contribution varies a lot depending on the person’s skills, expertise and the time they can commit. We ask that trustees get involved with a variety of aspects of The Squad; from financial matters, governance, marketing, fundraising, strategy or line managing staff.

The Squad is overseen by a Board of Trustees with a wide set of skills and experience. We draw our strength from having a team of people with a wide range of backgrounds.

As our current Board is geographically dispersed, applicants should be comfortable working in a remote team and communicating via Zoom, email and telephone.

Further information:

You will be welcomed and supported by the Trustee team (we are genuinely lovely and fun)

You will be invited to occasionally support club nights and work directly with our leaders, volunteers and members, to see us in action. 

Depending on your experience and interest, you will work with other board members and club leaders on specific fundraising, strategic or operational projects.

 The Squad club itself is based in Wimbledon, but we ask trustees to attend board meetings every 6 weeks on Zoom and to attend Thursday evening clubs 2 - 3 times per year. 

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 

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 

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.

ShowerBox is a registered charity that has been providing free and secure showers as well as toiletries and supplies, warm drinks, snacks and haircuts to individuals facing homelessness since 2018. Our mission is to enhance our guests’ sense of physical well-being and dignity, help combat social isolation, and provide access to other essential resources such as health clinics and mobile libraries. By empowering individuals, we hope to help them make long term improvement in their lives.

Learning of individuals having passed away from preventable illnesses on the streets due to an inability to get clean and the social stigma associated with poor personal hygiene, Sarah Lamptey (our CEO) started offering weekly showers in St. Giles churchyard in Soho, London, from 2019. ShowerBox became a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) in 2021 and since then has been expanding nationally. Now, we operate in multiple sites – Central London, Birmingham, and Barking – either independently or in partnership. Central London remains our biggest site, followed by Birmingham and Barking, and we are in initial discussion with others. We receive our funds through philanthropy – currently supported by National Lottery Community Fund, Vitol Foundation, HS2, amongst others. 

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 ShowerBox’s strategy, operations, adherence to law and regulation and financial management. The Trustees serve on a voluntary basis, and meet four or five times a year (online or in person in London).

What are we looking for?

We are looking for a Chairperson to take ShowerBox forward into an important and influential role following and building on the success it has had since becoming a CIO and expanding into 3 locations.

The Chair leads the Board of Trustees and works closely with ShowerBox’s CEO to achieve its goals. The Chair is responsible for key areas, including:

• Providing effective strategic leadership and management to the Board of Trustees enabling them to fulfill their responsibilities for the overall governance and strategic direction of ShowerBox

• Providing support to the CEO and ensuring s/he is held to account for achieving agreed strategic objectives

• Ensuring the Board meets regularly to review activities, major risks and opportunities

• Ensuring Trustees fulfill their duties and responsibilities for effective governance of ShowerBox

• Ensuring the Board is regularly refreshed and incorporates the right balance of skill, knowledge and experience needed to govern and lead the charity effectively

• Conducts an annual appraisal and remuneration review of the CEO in consultation with other Trustees

• Acts as an ambassador for ShowerBox, representing it at external functions, meetings and events as appropriate and as spokesperson for the organisation when appropriate

• Ensuring financial stability and effective and efficient administration of ShowerBox

• Safeguard the good name and values of ShowerBox

Person Specification

• Interest in making a difference in the lives of people experiencing homelessness/housing insecurity

• Experience serving as a Trustee or Board member (in either for-profit or non-profit organisation). Previous experience as Chair of a voluntary organisation is an advantage.

• An understanding of legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship, together with an understanding of the financial aspects of running a charity.

• An ability to work effectively as part of a team contributing an independent perspective.

• Strong leadership, people management skills and the ability to chair meetings effectively.

• Ability to devote time and effort to support a small and growing charity and fulfill the duties outlined above.

• Prepared to attend four board meetings per year (mostly online) plus one or two ad hoc committees and/or events in line with their expertise, specific interest, or as needed

Terms of Appointment

Chair of Trustees is appointed for a 2 year, renewable term. It is anticipated that the time commitment should be no more than 2 days a month but there could be occasions when extra time will be required (for instance, during planning of new projects or when dealing with unexpected situations). The role of Chair is unpaid.

Please send your CV and a short cover letter outlining why you are interested in working with ShowerBox. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. 

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 looking for a Finance Trustee to support the Board by providing an oversight of our affairs, ensuring our financial viability and that proper financial records and procedures are maintained. 

We are a small CIO with 3 part time staff.  Our Finance Trustee will participate in all areas of our governance but take a special interest in the financial  strategy and governance. They will use their sound financial skills & experience to support the Board’s understanding & interpretation & to ensure legislative compliance.

Our payroll is outsourced and we have an external investment portfolio manager.

Our current finance trustee has served their term of office & it is now time to look for their successor.

All meetings except our AGM/annual award event are remote. We need you to be available to attend: 

2 (evening) Board meetings

1 summer (evening) business meeting

3 Finance subcommittee (evening) meetings

1 in person day Board/AGM/Award event

Fundraising sub committee meetings - frequency tbc these will be held remotely in the evenings

The Finance Trustee will adhere to the role description of a trustee & in addition has the following key responsibilities:

• To support the Board to oversee & to ensure appropriate presentation of budgets, accounts, management accounts and financial statements.
• To ensure appropriate presentation of accounts and records, ensuring that financial resources are spent in accordance with the charity’s policies, good governance, legal & regulatory requirements.
• Liaising, where applicable, with the Chair/ other appropriate members of staff & supporting on financial matters
• Supporting the Board to monitor the financial viability of the charity.
• Creating in conjunction with relevant trustees & staff sound financial processes & procedures for the control of the charity’s assets.
• Advising on the financial implications of the charity’s strategic plan.
• Reviewing the annual accounts &, where applicable, liaising with the charity’s external bookkeeper to ensure the accounts are compliant with the current charities’ SORP.
• Ensuring that sound financial management is maintained & ensuring expenditure is in line with the charity’s objects.
• Authorisation of charity expenditure & banking transactions set up on online bank accounts
• Liaison with the fund manager responsible for the charity’s investment portfolio
• Oversight of payroll, HMRC reporting & operation of auto-enrolment pension scheme for staff

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

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

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

We are looking for an Education trustee for Lancaster Independent School for Alternative Learning with senior educational experience.

What will you be doing?

We are looking for an Education Trustees who can contribute to the strategic direction of our small independent school based in Lancaster, Ofsted rated "Good"; attending termly Board meetings required by the independent school standards. 

The Board meetings are usually on a Friday afternoon and can be attended remotely.

Be the trustee presence on the Education Committee (other members of the committee are senior teaching staff), to provide oversight of the School Improvement plan and report back to the board of Trustees on status; attending bi-termly Education Committee Meetings.

The Education Trustee has line manager responsibility of two members of the school senior leadership team, including annual performance reviews.

At least once per term (3 times per year) the Education trustee will be expected to spend at least half day at school to complete lesson observations of direct report.

We are looking to make prompt appointment to better support our school.

What are we looking for?

Commitment to the ethos and values of the school and a willingness to devote time, enthusiasm and effort to the duties and responsibilities of a Trustee.

Specific professional knowledge and strategic experience in at least one of the following:

▪ Leadership experience within a school

▪ Experience of Independent School Standards  

Willingness to attend meetings of the Board and other meetings as required . Willingness to undertake training and participate in evaluation of the Board’s work.

The Charity and schools are committed to safeguarding and promotes the welfare of children and young people, and expects all staff to share this commitment.  An enhanced DBS check is required for all successful candidates.      

Conduct as a Trustee is underpinned by the seven principles of public life, as identified by the Nolan Committee:

Selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

What difference will you make?

The opportunity carries the responsibility and purpose of ensuring the future viability of a very special school offering alternative education in the Lancaster area.

The school is not running at optimum capacity and strategic direction and support to broker key relationships to ensure student recruitment is operating in a way which reaches the young people most in need of our support is vital to the overall success of the charity and to open up opportunities for future investment and growth.