Charity trustee volunteer roles in weybridge, surrey

Who they are

Citizens Advice Richmond is a local charity that has helped the people of Richmond since 1940. They offer generalist advice on any issue and specialist debt advice. Citizens Advice Richmond is a member of the national Citizens Advice service, a network of around 300 local advice centres.

The role What will you do?

● Complete an introduction for your role.

● Maintain an awareness of how the local Citizens Advice is operating.

● Read papers for board meetings and attend six board meetings per year.

● Work on specific projects with other trustees or staff within the local Citizens Advice to further the strategic objectives of the local Citizens Advice.

● Provide support and assistance to the Chair and the Chief Officer in carrying out their responsibilities, acting as a ‘critical friend’ and sounding board.

● Take on specific responsibilities delegated by the Chair, e.g., supporting new trustees with their induction.

● Carry out the Chair’s duties in their absence, with the acknowledgment of the board as being capable and suitable to do so.

● Be prepared to take over as Chair in the near future.

● Be open to approaches, where appropriate, from other trustees about the work or judgment of the Chair. The Vice Chair will then discuss any issues arising with the Chair or National Citizens Advice.

● Take an active role in discussions during board meetings and work with other trustees to:

● Set policy and strategy direction, set targets, and evaluate the performance of the local Citizens Advice.

● Seek the views of all sections of the community and monitor how well the service meets the needs of the local community.

● Ensure that the service plans for the recruitment and turnover of staff and volunteers.

● Review their own work and how effectively they operate, including action for improvement.

5 x Trustee Position including one Treasurer Role

 3ST (Third Sector Together) North West London Voluntary and Community Sector Alliance

About Us

3ST is the alliance of the voluntary and community sector across North West London's Integrated Care Board (ICB) region. We support the voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) sector in influencing and engaging with our health system while supporting the delivery of meaningful services. Our mission is to increase the VCSE sector's contribution to addressing health inequalities, improving service quality, and supporting healthier lives across North West London.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced professional to join our Board of Trustees, bringing expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• Financial Management and Accounting

• Procurement and Contract Management

• Human Resources

• Corporate Governance

Key Responsibilities

1. Governance

· Ensure the charity is carrying out its purposes for the public benefit.

· Safeguard the charity’s reputation, values, and mission.

· Ensure compliance with the Charity Commission’s regulations, the charity’s governing document, and relevant UK laws.

· Support the development and monitoring of organisational policies and procedures

2. Strategic Oversight

· Contribute to the strategic direction of 3ST, ensuring alignment with our mission and values

· Monitor the implementation and effectiveness of agreed strategies and objectives.

· Guide the development of procurement and contract management processes

3. Financial Management

· Approve budgets and ensure proper financial oversight, including adherence to charity accounting standards.

· Ensure the charity has sufficient resources to operate sustainably and responsibly.

· Assess and manage financial risks appropriately.

4. Risk Management

· Identify and evaluate potential risks, ensuring appropriate measures are in place to mitigate them.

· Maintain safeguarding practices to protect beneficiaries, staff, and the reputation of the charity.

5. Legal Compliance

· Ensure the charity meets its legal and regulatory requirements, including filing annual returns and accounts.

· Ensure adherence to data protection and equality legislation.

6. Advocacy and Representation

· Act as an ambassador for the charity, fostering positive relationships with key stakeholders and partners

· Uphold and actively promote the charity’s values and aims.

· Support the Alliance's representation and influencing work across the health system

· Champion the role of the VCSE sector in addressing health inequalities

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Person Specification

Essential Experience and Skills

· Senior-level experience in either finance, procurement, or governance within the public, private, or voluntary sector

· Understanding of charity governance and trustee responsibilities

· Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities

· Experience in strategic planning and risk management

· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

· An understanding of or connection with North West London.

Desirable Experience

· Knowledge of the health and social care landscape in North West London

· Understanding of integrated care systems and NHS structures

· Previous board or trustee experience

Personal Qualities

· Commitment to reducing health inequalities and improving community wellbeing

· Strong ethical principles and commitment to public service

· Ability to work collaboratively as part of a diverse board

· Strategic thinking and ability to analyse complex information

Time Commitment

· Board meetings bi-monthly (6 per year)

· Annual Board Strategy Away Day

· Additional time for document review and strategic planning sessions

Remuneration

This is a voluntary position. Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed according to our trustee expenses policy.

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

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

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

In particular we are looking for people who:

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

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

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

• Enthusiasm for our vision and mission.

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

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

Are you who we are looking for?

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

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

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

• Social change/health and singing 

Closing date is: 1st June 2025

The Elliot Foundation Academies Trust seeks three dedicated individuals to join our Board of Trustees to play a part in making a positive, lasting impact on the lives of thousands of children.

Applications close: 9 a.m. Wednesday 7th May 2025

Location: Hybrid with regular meetings in London

Time commitment: 6 board meetings per year

About The Elliot Foundation Academies Trust

The Elliot Foundation Academies Trust (TEFAT) is a charitable multi-academy trust dedicated to reshaping primary education. With over 14,000 children across 36 schools in the West Midlands, East Anglia, and London, we are committed to fostering a nurturing and ambitious learning environment.

Our approach is simple yet powerful: put children first, equip teachers with the resources they need, and ensure that every child receives an education tailored to their needs. We believe in a broad, creative curriculum that inspires lifelong learning, empowering pupils to become confident, curious and engaged members of society.

The Elliot Foundation Academies Trust (TEFAT) was founded to provide a safe and inclusive learning environment where children and educators can thrive. We believe that every child deserves an excellent education, regardless of background and that schools should be places where children feel valued, challenged and inspired.

About the roles

Becoming a Trustee of TEFAT is a unique opportunity to contribute to a thriving multi-academy trust that is making a real difference in children’s lives. As a Trustee, you will provide strategic leadership, governance and oversight to ensure that our schools deliver the highest standards of education while remaining financially and operationally sustainable.

Who we are looking for

Educational leadership and governance

We seek individuals who are deeply committed to improving educational outcomes for children, particularly in primary education.

Whether you have experience as a headteacher, school governor, policymaker, or education strategist, your insights will help shape our approach to learning and development.

We welcome candidates with:

• A strong understanding of curriculum design, pedagogy and system leadership across multiple schools.
• Experience working within multi-academy trusts, local authorities, or educational charities.
• Senior leadership in other areas of the public sector, for example, the NHS or Emergency Services.
• A passion for inclusivity, ensuring that children from all backgrounds, including those with SEND, receive equal opportunities to succeed.

Your expertise will support our schools in providing innovative, high-quality education that prepares children for lifelong success.

Risk management and financial oversight

Effective governance relies on strong risk management and financial stewardship. We are particularly interested in individuals with experience in finance, law, corporate governance, or compliance.

Key areas of focus include:

• Ensuring financial sustainability and value for money
• Identifying and managing risks related to safeguarding, operations, and regulatory compliance.
• Overseeing strategic planning and investment in school infrastructure and development.

Your skills will help protect the long-term stability of TEFAT while enabling us to continue delivering outstanding education across our academies.

Please click 'Apply via website’ 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. Wednesday 7th May 2025.

Saferworld is an independent international organisation working to prevent violent conflict and build safer lives. We work with people affected by conflict to improve their safety and sense of security, and conduct wider research and analysis. We use this evidence and learning to improve local, national and international policies and practices that can help build lasting peace. Our priority is people – we believe in a world where everyone can lead peaceful, fulfilling lives, free from fear and insecurity. We are a not-for-profit organisation operational in 12 countries across Africa, Asia and the Middle East.

Saferworld is currently looking for a new Chair of the Board of Trustees. This role will be responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of Saferworld, ensuring the organisation’s aims, objectives, and goals align with its governing document, as well as legal and regulatory guidelines. The ideal candidate should have a broad understanding of the charity sector as well as an understanding of how charities operate in a local context – often operating effectively in extremely challenging environments. An understanding of the UK charity context would be helpful but is not crucial. 

The Board is currently reviewing different governance models, including the possibility of a Chair/Vice Chair structure. While this model is still under consideration, it would involve clearly defined roles and responsibilities, helping to balance the workload and bring diverse perspectives to the Board’s leadership. The incoming Chair should be adaptable and open to these ongoing discussions, and play a key role in shaping and refining the governance structure to ensure it aligns effectively with Saferworld’s needs.

We are interested in hearing from individuals who share our values, possess the capacity for independent and creative thinking, and bring strong leadership, relevant competence and experience to our governing body. Whether you are an experienced Chair or wanting to take your first step at senior Board level, we still want to hear from you. 

Please download the recruitment pack for more information on how to apply to be the Chair of the Board of Trustees.

Closing date: 11 May 2025

Join Artsadmin as a Board Trustee (Voluntary Role)

Are you passionate about the arts and eager to make a meaningful impact? Artsadmin is seeking dedicated individuals to join its Board of Trustees. This is a pivotal time for the organisation, and your expertise could help shape its future.

Why Become a Trustee?

As a Trustee, you will play a crucial role in guiding Artsadmin through an exciting period of transformation. You will have the opportunity to:

- Influence Change: Contribute to the strategic direction and governance of an organisation that has been at the forefront of artistic innovation for over 45 years. Your insights and decisions will help steer the future course of Artsadmin, ensuring it continues to be a beacon for creative expression.

- Support Artists: Help create conditions for artists to produce inspiring, thought-provoking work that addresses urgent social and environmental issues. You will be instrumental in fostering an environment that nurtures artistic talent and facilitates impactful projects.

- Expand Your Network: Collaborate with a diverse group of professionals, artists, and community leaders. Joining the Board provides a unique opportunity to build relationships with key figures in the arts and philanthropic sectors.

- Develop Skills: Gain valuable experience in governance, strategic planning, and leadership within the arts and charity sectors. This role will enhance your expertise, providing you with new competencies and professional growth.

About Artsadmin

Artsadmin collaborates with artists, communities, and partners to develop creative projects that challenge and inspire. Based in Toynbee Studios, East London, Artsadmin supports artists at all stages of their careers through a range of training and development programmes. The organisation is committed to social and climate justice, equity, and inclusion. Our projects are designed to empower artists to push boundaries, fostering innovative approaches to societal and environmental issues.

Skills and Experience Required

Artsadmin is looking for Trustees with senior leadership or governance experience, particularly in the following areas:

- Access and inclusion, including anti-racism

- Artistic practice and cultural leadership

- Change management

- Charity and company law and governance

- Communications and PR

- Facilities/venue management and development

- Income generation, funding, and fundraising

- People and policy development

- Social and climate justice

Role Description

As a Trustee, you will:

- Help set and support the delivery of Artsadmin’s vision, strategy, and values, ensuring they align with the organisation's mission and long-term goals.

- Participate in board meetings and contribute to committees, bringing your expertise to bear on key decisions and strategic initiatives.

- Support and hold the executive team accountable, ensuring the organisation meets its objectives and maintains high standards of performance and integrity.

- Build positive relationships internally and externally, acting as a bridge between Artsadmin and its stakeholders.

- Act as an ambassador for Artsadmin, representing the organisation at events and within the broader community to enhance its profile and influence.

Commitment

The Board meets approximately four times a year, with additional subcommittee meetings and an annual away day. Trustees are also expected to be available for guidance and support between meetings, offering their expertise and advice to ensure the continuous progress of the organisation’s goals.

How to Apply

For this round of recruitment, the application deadline is 10am, Wednesday 7 May, 2025 To apply: Please prepare a letter which outlines your interest in Artsadmin and why you would like to be considered as a trustee. Include details of the relevant knowledge, skills and expertise you would bring to the role and to our organisation, with reference to the role description and person specification. Please submit your application letter together with your CV through our Online Recruitment Portal. Through the portal, we also ask that you complete an anonymous equal opportunities monitoring form, kept separate from the application process. If you would like a conversation with one of our current trustees or with the Joint CEOs before applying, please email Elizabeth, Executive & Administrative Assistant to arrange a time. Following receipt of your application you may be invited for an interview with the Chair and other trustees. All applicants will receive a response from us. Interviews will take place on 19 May (online) and 23 May (online or in person), with induction taking place from June for those invited to join the Board. We always invite selected potential trustees to observe a board meeting before confirming their appointment. The June board meeting is scheduled for 3 June with an opportunity to meet some of the team informally beforehand, from 4pm.

Key Dates:

- Application Deadline: 10am, 7 May 2025

- Interviews: 19 May (online) and 23 May (online or in person)

- Induction: June-September 2025

- First Board Meeting: 9 or 12 September 2025

Join us in shaping the future of Artsadmin and making a lasting impact on the arts community. We look forward to receiving your application.

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.

Join REMIX as a Volunteer Trustee and Transform the Future of London's Youth!

Do you envision a London where every young person can unlock their full potential?

REMIX is a dynamic, brand new youth charity dedicated to creating opportunities for individuals aged 16 to 26 years old. Our core mission is rooted in four pillars—employability, healthy living, personal development, and essential life skills. We're building something truly transformational, and we need a passionate, innovative Volunteer Trustee to help lay our foundations, navigate charity registration, and launch our vision to empower young lives across London and beyond.

As a Trustee with REMIX, you will be a cornerstone of our start-up. Your strategic leadership and guidance will:

• Shape Our Foundations: Be at the helm in crafting the governance and legal framework that will support REMIX’s ambitious goals.

• Drive Change: Help us register as an official charity and develop robust systems that ensure we can deliver impactful programmes to every young person in our community.

• Inspire Growth: Use your experience and insight to cultivate a culture of positivity, resilience, and creativity that motivates young people to dream and achieve.

• Lead by Example: Offer mentorship and share your expertise in employability, healthy living, and personal development, inspiring our team and the young people we serve.

If you are a visionary leader with a passion for making a tangible difference, REMIX offers you a unique and transformative opportunity to drive social impact from the ground up. Your commitment and innovative ideas will help us empower young Londoners to build brighter futures, turning aspirations into reality.

Join us and be the change that sparks new beginnings! Explore the opportunity to leave a legacy of empowerment and transformation within our vibrant community. We can’t wait to see the extraordinary impact you’ll make.

Step forward. Lead the change. Transform lives at REMIX.

REMIX

INSPIRE. EMPOWER. TRANSFORM.

We are looking to recruit a trustee with Fundraising expertise to join Social Links, a new charity in the homelessness sector. Social Links delivers safe, structured befriending, where volunteers are carefully matched to deliver one-to-one befriending.

The successful applicant will join a Board currently comprising three trustees. In addition to this role, we will shortly be recruiting a trustee with communications specific responsibilities.

Key Objectives:

· Along with the rest of the Board, take responsibility for governance of the organisation.

· Ensure that all of Social Links’ activities further the interests of our beneficiaries and the future sustainability of the charity.

· Support the founders to achieve the aims and strategy of the organisation.

· Ensure that effective, productive relationships exist between the Board, all partners and all stakeholders.

Responsibilities:

· Attend meetings of the Board and, in conjunction with other members, make decisions on matters relating to strategy, policy, financing, functioning and monitoring of the charity.

· Read thoroughly in advance of meetings all papers sent out for discussion and prepare ideas and contributions accordingly.

· Participate in the work of any specialist panels and working groups of the Board and other identified projects/activities, subject to your own availability and nomination by the Board.

· Take an active interest in and familiarise yourself with Social Links’ day-to-day operations.

· Participate in recruitment for the posts of Trustee and Volunteer, including taking part in interview panels.

· Be prepared to use your range of contacts and acquaintances to promote the work of the charity. On occasion this may, subject to agreement, involve representing the charity at public or media events, or leading on an aspect of fundraising.

· Ongoing support of, and liaison with, the founders.

· Participate in arrangements for assessment and appraisal of the performance of the Board, and that of individual trustees and founders.

· If necessary, conduct hearings in accordance with Social Links’ formal procedures, e.g. disciplinary, grievance and appeal hearings.

· Follow Social Links’ Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity Policy and Code of Conduct at all times. Further diversity, equality and inclusion through your activities on behalf of the charity.

· Undertake any development activity identified as necessary to support performance in the carrying out of the above responsibilities (any training to be arranged by the charity staff and paid for by Social Links’).

Fundraising Specific Responsibilities:

· Strategy Development: Lead with the creation and implementation of a comprehensive fundraising strategy, aligned with the charity’s goals.

· Fundraising Campaigns: Oversee and contribute to the planning, execution, and evaluation of fundraising campaigns, including events, online appeals, and grant applications.

· Donor Engagement: Identify and cultivate relationships with donors, partners, grant-making bodies and other key stakeholders.

· Governance: Provide oversight on fundraising activities, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, including GDPR.

· Financial Oversight: Monitor fundraising performance, including setting and reviewing budgets and targets, and reporting to the board on progress.

· Innovation: Identify and develop new and innovative fundraising initiatives to diversify income streams. Lead with recruiting a fundraising volunteer/s.

· Advocacy: Represent The charity’ at external events and in networks to raise awareness of the charity’s work and attract funding.

We seek a Chairperson to head our Board at Evolve Counselling who will guide our strategic direction in the provision of lowest cost mental health counselling for individuals and businesses. 

Location: Cambridgeshire area of operations. Chair can be fully remote. 

Voluntary: Reasonable expenses paid 

Commitment: Initial term of 1 -3 years. Flexible hours per month 

Closing date: Tuesday 6 May at 9:00 

Overview 

For over 40 years Evolve Counselling has provided lowest-cost professional mental health counselling for adults in Cambridgeshire, Peterborough, Northamptonshire and beyond, through the skill and dedication of our team of 60+ BACP-registered counsellors.

The role 

We are looking for a new Chair who understands the growing demand for our services and the challenges of competing as a medium sized charitable business at this time. We shall look to our new Chair to build trust and engagement with our CEO, the Trustee Board, our volunteers, and supporters, as we capitalise on great recent work to stabilise and find new opportunities for significant growth. 

The new chairperson will ideally bring health and wellbeing experience and commercial skills, as well as a demonstrable empathy for charitable working and commitment to the Nolan Principles of public life. 

The role of the Chair is hugely rewarding and the scope under the leadership of the current CEO for Evolve to grow and innovate is significant. You will have significant senior leadership experience to drawn upon as you take ultimate responsibility for directing and inspiring the Trustees, making sure we are financially sustainable, and well run for our clients. Our ethos is to look upwards and outwards as we strive for a leading position in mental health services for all, and your commercial acumen, professional contacts, and powers of persuasion in business will be a huge support for our ambitions. 

Including quarterly board meetings, committee sessions (at present virtual), a face-to-face AGM event, plus away days, and regular meetings with our CEO and the trustees, we anticipate a flexible time commitment of around 2 - 5 days per month. 

For further information or an informal discussion on the role, please contact Kevin Bottrell.

Application process: Expressions of interest in the first instance by email to our CEO Gordon Ackroyd.

Play a crucial role in shaping the future of Gateway Qualifications and support this award-winning awarding organisation in its mission to make a difference in the world of education.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Wednesday 28th May 2025.

About Gateway Qualifications

Gateway Qualifications is an organisation on a mission to make a difference in the world of education. With a commitment to promoting high-quality education for all, we are a growing and passionate team that believes every individual deserves the opportunity of high-quality education. We have a strong national presence and are rapidly expanding in key areas across the UK.

We aim to bridge the gap between employers and education, especially in the context of skills and qualifications. Our organisation follows noble principles, striving for transformation and development while serving a charitable cause.

About the roles

Gateway Qualifications is a synonym of innovation and, as we approach the launch of our new 5-year strategic plan, we are seeking three new Trustees to bring their experience and knowledge to help us make it a reality.

The role of a Trustee is pivotal in ensuring we respond to any sector challenges such as post 16 funding and curriculum reviews, the new QAA Access to HE license process and policy reforms, whilst safeguarding our award-winning reputation for quality and customer service.

We also need to ensure that we remain compliant with our regulatory bodies, including the Charity Commission, Ofqual, QiW, the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA), and Companies House, while also spearheading innovative initiatives that empower learners and apprentices to attain qualifications, advance their career prospects, and transform their lives.

As a Trustee, you will collaborate closely with our executive team to further the organisation’s mission to support all learners to acquire the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in life.

Gateway does this by providing qualifications and assessment opportunities sought by employers and delivered by education and training providers.

Your wealth of skills and experience will play a crucial role in realising our strategic direction, with a heightened emphasis on product innovation, modernisation through technology and system improvements, and maintaining quality and customer focus through periods of policy and sector reforms.

This will allow us to lead national efforts in skill development and position Gateway Qualifications as a leading voice in education that works closely with providers and employers.

Who we are looking for

We are searching for individuals who are committed, passionate, and forward-thinking. While specific skills and experience are essential, what matters most is the dedication and enthusiasm to make a positive impact on the future of education.

Our goal is to ensure that students from all backgrounds are represented and provided with equitable opportunities. We are focusing on three key areas where our new Trustees can contribute their expertise most effectively. There are:

• Quality and standards
• Innovation and digital transformation
• Audit and risk

Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ 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. Wednesday 28th May 2025.

Our partner is a UK based charity supporting a grassroots project in Moshi, Tanzania, that empowers children and young people with the skills and opportunities to prepare them for a future without poverty.

They are seeking a Treasurer to join their expanding UK Board of Trustees to maintain an overview of the organisation’s financial affairs, ensure that its plans are financially viable, and that proper fiscal records, policies and procedures are maintained.

Key responsibilities include overseeing, approving and presenting budgets, accounts and financial statements; ensuring that the financial resources of the organisation meet its present and future needs; and advising on the financial implications of the organisation's strategic plans.

The Board meets quarterly, currently on a Saturday, and the total estimated time commitment required is 4 hours per month.

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

The Martin James Foundation (MJF) is a global network of charitable organisations working with a shared vision of a world in which children grow up and thrive in safe and loving families.

Through our work, we strive to bring an end to institutional care for children, including orphanages, by engaging in family strengthening work and gatekeeping to prevent family separation, reunification and reintegration of children back into their families and communities when possible and facilitating family-based alternative care when it is necessary. 

The Foundation is comprised of the following:

• MJF Global - utilises technical and financial resources generated by the Foundation to invest in partner organisations that support children and families in various countries, contributing to the global efforts in deinstitutionalising care practices.

• Key Assets - independent, non-profit fostering agencies in Australia, Canada, Japan, and New Zealand delivering charitable services for children, families and communities.

The Role:

The Martin James Foundation is currently seeking a new Chairperson. This is an exciting time for the Foundation as we continue to deliver on our new Strategy. We are looking for an individual who will contribute to guiding the charity on its mission to support children and families around the world.

For the Chairperson role, we are hoping to attract candidates with the following:

1. Required - Experience in a leadership capacity within the i) children’s social care sector, ideally foster care and/or family support services, ii) and/or in the provision of global development,
2. Required – Time commitment – availability to prepare for and attend quarterly board meetings, quarterly sub-committee meetings and monthly CEO catch-ups (estimate 8hrs per month),
3. Location – UK, or amenable to attend meetings within GMT working hours, and amenable to attending one face to face meeting per annum.
4. Desirable – Local or national government engagement experience, such as securing and delivering contracts or lobbying for policy change,
5. Desirable – Prior experience as a Charity Trustee (or non-UK equivalent), ideally as a Chair

Applications from people with experience in the practical, operational delivery of community and development projects, either in the UK or internationally, would be highly welcomed.

Board positions are voluntary, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed, and any training costs will be covered.

The Martin James Foundation strives to enable a diverse range of participation and contributions, and we welcome applications from all ages and backgrounds. People with lived experience of alternative care, and from people outside of the UK are encouraged to apply.

We are seeking to recruit a Vice Chair and four Trustees to join us to help us achieve our ambitious goals for a fairer and more effective criminal justice system.

The Criminal Justice Alliance (CJA) is a network of 200+ organisations and academics working towards a fair and effective criminal justice system. Working with our members, the CJA brings together a broad and diverse range of expertise across the sector, championing and elevating the voices of those directly impacted by the criminal justice system. 

We are in an exciting time of growth and development as we continue our ambitious and much-needed work, focusing on systemic change, constructive criminal justice journalism, race equity and lived experience leadership. 

The CJA is committed to achieving greater diversity in its trustees and staff, particularly as there are issues affecting individuals from non-majority backgrounds across the criminal justice system. We actively encourage applications from minority ethnic communities and people with protected characteristics. We also welcome applications from younger people and from first-time trustees.

This is a voluntary role without remuneration. However, travel expenses as well as other reasonable and necessary costs incurred (including childcare), as part of official Trustee business, will be reimbursed. We will also provide suitable training and mentorship for first-time Trustees.

For more information about the role, please see CJA Trustee Appointment Brief.  

Trustee – Board of Trustees

We are looking for one person, who will join the other fourteen Trustees who make up the Board of Trustees for The Passage.

We would be particularly interested in someone with knowledge and experience of the creative industries to add to the wide range of skills and capabilities that the Board possesses.

Location: Westminster, London

Remuneration: This is an unpaid voluntary role, however reasonable expenses may be reimbursed

Time Commitment: Four board meetings per year (with each meeting lasting around two and a half hours). Plus, attendance of occasional events and meetings with key stakeholders

Report To: Chair of Board of Trustees

Closing Date: Rolling advert

Interview Date: TBC, held in London (SW1P).

About the role

Are you passionate about ending homelessness?

Trustees are responsible for giving direction to The Passage and ensuring it meets its objectives effectively.

They are concerned with the policy, strategy and monitoring of the organisation; day-to-day management is delegated to paid professional staff who report to the Board of Trustees.

Trustees are appointed initially for a period of 3 years and can be re-appointed for 2 further periods of 3 years, up to 9 years.

What you will be doing

Principle responsibilities:

The formal duties of the Board of Trustees collectively are to:

• Ensure that The Passage complies with its Memorandum and Articles of Association, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
• Ensure that The Passage pursues its charitable objects as defined in its memorandum of
  association.
• Ensure The Passage applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects.
• Give clear strategic direction to the organisation, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets.
• Safeguard the good name and the values of The Passage.
• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of The Passage.
• Ensure the financial stability of The Passage.
• Protect and manage the property of The Passage and to ensure the proper investment of its funds.
• Appoint the Chief Executive, monitor their performance and determine their remuneration.
• Act at all times in the best interests of The Passage, and declare any conflicts of interest.

In addition to the above statutory duties, all Trustees should use any specific knowledge or experience they have to help the Board of Trustees reach sound decisions. This will involve focusing on key issues and providing advice and guidance requested by the Board on issues and initiatives relevant to the area of Passage Housing Services work in which the Trustee has special expertise.

Expectations

In order to fulfill the role of Trustees effectively, all Trustees are expected to:

• Attend Board meetings, currently held quarterly.
• Attend and participate in the Board’s annual strategic planning day held on a weekday (usually off-site).
• Visit The Passage from time to time to build an awareness of the work and develop an understanding of the needs of the different teams.
• Occasionally attend functions on behalf of The Passage, liaise with other Trustees and the Senior Executive Team in between Board meetings.
• Read Board papers in advance of meetings and come prepared to discuss key points arising from those papers.
• Complete the trustee induction process.
• As part of the Board’s ongoing Development Process participate in a one-to-one annual review with the chairman.

Essential

• An understanding of and commitment to The Passage’s vision, mission and values, including stakeholder engagement and diversity.
• Empathy with the essential principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.
• The ability to think strategically and creatively, with an ability to anticipate issues and risks, and to identify opportunities.
• The ability to use good independent judgement and to challenge appropriately as a “critical friend”.
• The ability to work effectively as a member of a team in order to reach timely decisions. This includes being able to speak openly in discussion, whilst listening and respecting the views of others.
• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship.
• Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to the role.
• The ability to act as an ambassador for the Passage, to champion its mission and promote its reputation and image, and to establish useful contacts.
• Experience in any range of skills needed to run and govern a housing association, including finance, supported housing, RSH expertise (non-exhaustive list).
• Legal expertise, especially in the areas of commercial property arrangements.
• Excellent networking with other members of relevant sectors, and influencing and communicating skills.
• Demonstrable success in a private, charitable or public sector organisation.

Desired

• Good understanding of charity and/or social housing sector.
• A good knowledge of relevant general legislation and statutory requirements, including charity law, employment law and/or health and safety law.
• Experience of successfully dealing with strategic issues and involvement in longer term planning.
• We believe that achieving long-lasting social impact starts with having our Board and Management Teams reflect the diverse community we serve. Enhancing Board diversity is essential to our core values as an organization. It not only makes us more effective and capable of making better decisions but is also crucial for the successful delivery of our mission.
  • We are therefore, actively encouraging applications from individuals who are Black or from minoritized ethnic backgrounds, disabled, LGBTQ+, and those with varying levels of educational attainment.
  • We particularly welcome applications from younger individuals aged 18 to 30 and are also keen to hear from candidates with a background or advanced knowledge in relevant fields.