Charity trustees volunteer volunteer roles

Help shape the future of nature in Herefordshire. We’re recruiting Trustees to help guide and strengthen our charity. Apply Online button to submit your application.

Herefordshire Wildlife Trust has been standing up for wildlife and wild places for more than 60 years. We need Trustees with energy, enthusiasm, and commitment to help us accelerate our influence on wildlife and nature recovery issues in the county and beyond. We work to recover nature at scale through deeper collaborations, working with local community organisations and networks, and Herefordshire Council, to develop a clear plan for nature’s recovery. We are also working with neighbouring Wildlife Trusts, river partnerships and national partners such as the Woodland Trust, National Trust, and Duchy of Cornwall. We are just beginning the process of developing our strategic plan for the next three years. So, with lots happening, it’s an exciting if challenging time for the Trust. Urgent action is needed to address the decline of wildlife in our beautiful county – and we need to muster all the resources and skills we can to succeed. We are a welcoming board who support and challenge each other to do better for wildlife. We look to recruit trustees from a range of backgrounds, life stages and skills to join us. At this time, we are looking for up to three Trustees. W

e would be particularly interested in candidates with good experience in:

• ecology and the environment;

• the law relevant to our work; and

• the management of estates and land.

You would also need the following skills and qualities:

• A strong commitment to wildlife conservation and the Vision of the Trust;

• A good understanding of governance, gained either as a Trustee of another charity, a director of a company, or as a manager who has worked with Boards;

• The ability to apply clear logical thinking and creativity to developing our strategy

If you are successful, you will be welcomed and supported by a talented and committed board of trustees, a strong and experienced staff team and an active and expanding band of volunteers and by the wider Wildlife Trust movement. We hope you are inspired to apply, and we look forward to hearing from you.

South East London (SEL) Mind is a highly regarded, innovative local charity working alongside people with mental health problems and dementia in their local communities to improve their quality of life. With an annual turnover of £8m, 250 staff and over 200 volunteers, we are one of the largest charities in the Mind network. SEL Mind was formed through the merger of Bromley, Lewisham & Greenwich Mind and Lambeth & Southwark Mind in January 2024.

We are seeking to add to the expertise of our experienced, professional Board of Trustees. All our Trustees need excellent communication skills, the ability to work effectively as part of a team, strategic vision and good, independent judgement. 

In this recruitment, whilst we will consider all strong candidates, we are particularly seeking people with experience in one or more of the following areas:

• HR
• Finance
• Digital: IT and Data
• Lived experience as a dementia carer

Inclusion is one of our core values and we see great benefits in having a diverse Board. 

Successful applicants will be expected to undergo an Enhanced Level Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Closing date: Sunday 21st June (11:59pm)

Likely interview date: Monday 6th July

We encourage early applications as we reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high number of applications.

About Us

SEL Mind supports people with mental health problems and dementia in the boroughs of Bromley, Greenwich, Lambeth, Lewisham and Southwark. We are proud of our diverse workforce and know that our organisation is made stronger by the variety of backgrounds, experience, and ideas within it. We promote a culture of inclusion and representation, and are working hard to build a workforce that even better reflects the communities we support.

SEL Mind is somewhere that you can be your authentic self without fear of discrimination on the grounds of ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, neurodivergence, gender, age, lived experience of mental health problems or anything else that’s part of who you are.

Young Enterprise is the UK’s leading youth charity for enterprise and financial education, helping young people develop the skills, confidence, and mindset they need to thrive in work and life.

Since our founding, we have supported 7.2 million young people through financial and enterprise education opportunities. Through our ambitious 2024–2030 Transforming Futures strategy, we are working to ensure every young person has access to the financial education, enterprise capability, and work readiness they need to succeed.

We are seeking to appoint three new Trustees to join our Board at an exciting and pivotal time for the charity.

We are particularly interested in candidates with senior expertise in one of the following areas:

• Finance – ideally a qualified accountant interested in chairing our Risk and Audit Committee

• Governance – with experience in employment law and/or charity law

• Human Resources – senior-level HR leadership experience

We are looking for strategic and community-minded individuals who can help strengthen our governance, guide our future direction, and support our mission to improve life chances for young people across the UK.

Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting strategic leadership and governance

• Safeguarding the charity’s financial stability and reputation

• Ensuring legal and regulatory compliance

• Providing specialist expertise to Board discussions and decision-making

• Acting as ambassadors for Young Enterprise and our mission

We are particularly interested in applicants who offer:

• Strong strategic thinking and sound judgment

• Commitment to young people and social mobility

• Collaborative leadership and communication skills

• Understanding of good governance

• A commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and safeguarding

We strongly encourage applications from individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those with lived experience of disadvantaged communities or supporting young people facing barriers to opportunity.

This is an unpaid role with reasonable out-of-pocket expenses reimbursed. Trustees are expected to attend Board meetings (primarily London-based), undertake training, be willing to participate in committee work if applicable, and contribute approximately 7–10 days annually. Appointments are for an initial three-year term, with potential reappointment for up to six years.

Keeping Young People Safe

We are committed to keeping young people safe. All successful candidates will undergo an enhanced DBS (England & Wales) check and receive safeguarding training.

At Young Enterprise, safeguarding is at the core of everything we do. We are committed to promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. All successful candidates will receive ongoing safeguarding training throughout and be expected to uphold excellent safeguarding practice at all times.

How to Apply:

Please refer to our information pack for full details.

To apply, please send:

• An up-to-date CV (PDF format)

• A supporting statement (maximum two sides of A4) outlining your suitability for the role, based on the essential criteria in the person specification

Applications should be received by 23:30 on 31 July 2026. We will be assessing applications on a rolling basis and may shortlist and invite candidates to interview before the closing date.

At YE we are passionate and committed to keeping your data safe and secure.  Full details can be found in the YE People’s Privacy Notice.

Join us in shaping brighter futures for young people across the UK.

Young Enterprise is the UK’s leading youth charity specialising in enterprise and financial education. Our vision is that every young person, regardless of their background, is given the opportunity to develop the skills, confidence, and mindset they need to thrive in work and life.

Since our founding, we have supported 7.2 million young people through enterprise and financial education programmes, including 1.1 million who have started Young Enterprise businesses. As a founding member of Junior Achievement Worldwide, we are part of a global network spanning more than 100 countries, preparing young people for success in a global economy.

We are seeking an exceptional individual to become Chair of our Board of Trustees at a pivotal point in our journey. This is a highly influential role, offering the opportunity to lead our Board, support our CEO and senior leadership team, and champion our ambitious 2024–2030 Transforming Futures strategy.

This strategy aims to ensure that every young person has access to the financial education, enterprise capability, and work readiness they need to succeed, while deepening our impact on those facing the greatest barriers.

We are looking for a strategic and well-connected leader who can:

• Lead and inspire a high-performing, diverse Board of Trustees

• Strengthen relationships with government, policy makers, funders, and corporate partners

• Support fundraising and advocacy through strategic introductions and influence

• Ensure excellence in governance, safeguarding, compliance, and financial sustainability

• Act as a visible ambassador for Young Enterprise nationally and internationally

We are particularly interested in hearing from candidates who bring:

• Significant leadership experience at Board or executive level in charity, corporate, or public sectors

• A strong personal commitment to improving life chances for young people

• Credibility and networks among senior decision makers, funders, or policy influencers

• Strategic leadership and governance expertise

• Experience in fundraising, public affairs, or policy advocacy (desirable)

• An interest in education, youth development, enterprise, or social mobility

Above all, we are seeking someone who shares our vision and values and is passionate about helping young people, particularly those facing the greatest barriers, build successful futures.

The successful candidate will chair six Board meetings per year (primarily London-based), participate in events, visits, and stakeholder engagement, and commit approximately 1–2 days per month. This is an unpaid role, but reasonable out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed. The initial appointment is for three years, with the possibility of reappointment for an additional term of three years.

Young Enterprise is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and we strongly encourage applications from individuals whose backgrounds reflect the diverse communities and young people we serve across the UK.

Keeping Young People Safe

We are committed to keeping young people safe. All successful candidates will undergo an enhanced DBS (England & Wales) check and receive safeguarding training.

At Young Enterprise, safeguarding is at the core of everything we do. We are committed to promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. All successful candidates will receive ongoing safeguarding training throughout and be expected to uphold excellent safeguarding practice at all times.

How to Apply:

Please refer to our information pack for full details.

If you would like to play a transformational role in shaping the futures of young people across the UK, please send:

• An up-to-date CV (PDF format)

• A supporting statement (maximum two sides of A4) outlining your suitability for the role, based on the essential criteria in the person specification

Applications should be received by 23:30 on 21 June 2026. Interviews will be held between 29 June and 3 July 2026.

For further information, applicants are encouraged to review Young Enterprise’s Annual Report & Accounts and Transforming Futures Strategy.

At YE we are passionate and committed to keeping your data safe and secure.  Full details can be found in the YE People’s Privacy Notice.

Join us at this exciting moment and help empower the next generation to succeed.

Role Summary

If you have a senior financial background and a passion for global justice and disability inclusion, we’d love to hear from you. The role will serve on both our Board and our Finance and Audit Committee. Experience working with UK charities, either in finance, governance or audit, is desirable, but not essential. The role would suit an experienced Trustee, or someone considering their first Trustee role. This role will oversee the charity’s financial performance and position, financial governance, and investment management. 

Please note that we will review applications as they are received, so early applications
are encouraged.

About Us

For over 115 years, CBM has been transforming lives around the world. We work with local partners, making sure people with disabilities in some of the world’s poorest communities have access to healthcare, education and a future where they can thrive. As an organisation based on Christian values, we welcome staff of all faiths and none in our work to build an inclusive world in which all people with disabilities enjoy their human rights and achieve their full potential.

Please download the Recruitment Pack for full details and how to apply.

Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis (APF)
Hybrid (UK-wide) | ~4 Board meetings per year + flexible participation options

Do you have personal experience of pulmonary fibrosis and want to use your voice to shape change?

Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis (APF) is the UK’s leading charity for people affected by pulmonary fibrosis. We are looking for a Trustee with lived experience to join our Board and help ensure the voices of patients, families and carers are at the heart of everything we do.

We recognise that living with pulmonary fibrosis can be challenging. We are committed to supporting Trustees in a way that works for them, including options to join meetings remotely where needed.

Why join APF?

Pulmonary fibrosis brings complex and often challenging experiences for individuals and those around them. At APF, we work to improve support, drive research, and influence policy and care so that people affected by pulmonary fibrosis are better supported at every stage of their journey.

As a Trustee, you will help ensure that lived experience shapes our decisions, priorities and culture, influencing how we design services, set direction and deliver meaningful change.

Who we’re looking for

We are particularly keen to hear from people who bring lived experience of pulmonary fibrosis, for example as a:

• Person living with pulmonary fibrosis
• Carer, family member or close supporter
• Someone closely affected by the condition

You do not need previous Board experience. We are looking for people who can:

• Share insight and perspective to inform strategic discussions
• Reflect the needs, challenges and priorities of the PF community
• Ask questions, contribute ideas and challenge constructively
• Work collaboratively and respectfully with others

We would also welcome, but do not require, experience in areas such as:

• HR, people management or organisational culture
• Fundraising, supporter engagement or community development

The role

As a Trustee, you will:

• Help shape APF’s strategy and long-term direction
• Ensure strong governance, accountability and financial oversight
• Bring lived experience insight into Board discussions and decisions
• Help ensure services, research, information and campaigns reflect real needs
• Highlight barriers, inequalities and opportunities for improvement
• Contribute to subcommittees or projects where your perspective adds value

Time commitment

• ~4 Board meetings per year, with flexibility to attend remotely where needed
• Preparation time for meetings
• Occasional participation in subcommittees or advisory work, depending on your interests

We will work with you to ensure participation is manageable and accessible.

This is a voluntary, unpaid role. Reasonable expenses are reimbursed, including travel and caring costs where needed.

Our commitment to inclusion

We want our Board to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences, including those who may not have held a trustee role before.

Organisation: Evangelical Mission Association (operating as Global Connections)

Location: UK-wide (hybrid)

Term: Three years (renewable up to a maximum of nine years)

Time commitment: Four Board meetings per year (typically four to five hours, with preparation), four meetings per year with Executive Leaders and one other trustee, plus ad-hoc meetings with the CEO as required. Travel expenses can be claimed.

The Evangelical Mission Association (EMA), operating as Global Connections, is a UK network of mission hearted organisations, churches, colleges, businesses and individuals. As part of the global Church, we have a shared vision to see: ‘The Whole Church taking the Whole Gospel to the Whole World.’

Being faithful to God’s calling for His Church to work together as one body, we believe we are better together - working collaboratively as part of God’s global mission rather than in isolation. Membership of Global Connections reflects a commitment to collaboration, co-mission, and mutual learning. It is an investment in relationships and collective action for the sake of God’s Kingdom and the flourishing of mission.

As part of our governance and succession planning, we are seeking to appoint a new Chair of Trustees, following the completion of the current Chair’s maximum term. We are looking for a Chair with the leadership, governance, and relational capacity to guide the Board effectively in this next season.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead the Board effectively - chair Board meetings with clarity, fairness, and impartiality; work with the executive leadership team to shape agendas; foster a culture of trust, accountability, and constructive challenge; and ensure the Board focuses on its fiduciary, strategic, and generative responsibilities (including finance, risk, safeguarding, and trustee development).
• Support and line-manage the CEO - act as the primary point of accountability for the CEO on behalf of the Board; provide encouragement, guidance, and appropriate challenge between meetings; and lead the CEO’s annual appraisal and oversee performance review arrangements.
• Chair Council meetings - chair the twice-yearly Council meetings, including the Annual General Meeting (AGM).
• Represent the charity - act as an ambassador and spokesperson for Global Connections within the network and externally where appropriate.
• Contribute to governance and reporting - provide content for the Annual Trustees’ Report, with support from the Executive Leadership.

Please take a few minutes to read through the recruitment pack (attached).

As a distinctly Christian charity, it’s important that you are willing and able to lead the trustees in discerning God’s heart and will for the charity and the wider network. In addition to its dependence on God for His leading and direction, we value the richness of a board diverse in age, background, skills and experience. We particularly welcome applications from under-represented sections of the community.

Closing date: 12:00pm on 28th May 2026

Informal conversations with an existing trustee or with our CEO, Ben Stansfield, can be arranged on request.

In accordance with the equality act 2010 it is a genuine occupational requirement that the post holder is a practising Christian.

Charity Trustee Opportunity – Protecting Animals, Changing Lives

Are you passionate about animal welfare and looking for a meaningful way to make an impact?

The Jean Sainsbury Animal Welfare Trust (JSAWT) is seeking new Trustees to join its dedicated and collaborative Board.

What we do:

JSAWT supports UK-registered charities that rescue, rehabilitate, release, and rehome animals by providing vital grant funding.

We focus on smaller organisations—where our support can make a real difference—helping transform the lives of animals and the people who care for them. From volunteer-led hedgehog rescues to international wildlife conservation initiatives, our work spans a diverse and inspiring range of causes.

Applications are reviewed three times a year by the Board of Trustees. Awards are given on a case-by-case basis to charities that meet our criteria and clearly demonstrate how the funding will benefit animals in their care.

Why join us?

By joining us, you will be able to:

• Gain valuable governance and leadership experience.
• Play a vital role in shaping the future of a leading animal welfare grant provider.
• Join a collaborative and supportive Board of Trustees with diverse expertise.
• Learn about a wide range of animal welfare initiatives in the UK and internationally.

What you will do:

• Contribute to the Board’s strategic oversight of the Jean Sainsbury Animal Welfare Trust, informing the charity’s governance and financial sustainability.
• Share your expertise to help JSAWT strengthen its resilience and ensure sustainability.
• Act as an ambassador for JSAWT. You may be invited to represent JSAWT at events hosted by charities we support. Trustees are also encouraged to visit applicants and previous grant recipients, helping to strengthen relationships and ensure our awards are used as intended.
• You will work collaboratively with fellow Trustees and Administrators to ensure JSAWT achieves its mission and long-term objectives.

What we are looking for:

You will be able to demonstrate a commitment to JSAWT’s values and a passion for improving the lives of animals and the people who care for them.

We welcome applications from individuals with knowledge and experience in any of the following areas:

• IT and cybersecurity, especially for a small non-profit organisation.
• Legal aspects of charity management and compliance.
• Communications and marketing, ideally for a small non-profit organisation.

Previous Trustee experience is not essential – we welcome applications from people new to charity governance. Full induction and support will be provided.

Potential Trustees must be able to commit to reviewing documents and applications in advance of meetings and be able to communicate their decisions.

The Board is friendly and inclusive and welcomes discussion and expression of opinions in a respectful and supportive environment.

Terms:

• Three Board meetings are held in March, July/August, and November. The meetings are held at the London office. They are usually in the afternoon and can last 4-5 hours.
• Attendance in person is encouraged; however, Trustees may attend virtually if this is preferable.
• The office has step free access and is all on one level.
• There may be occasional sub-committee meetings or events (virtual or in person).
• Reasonable expenses incurred by attending meetings (or other agreed work) may be reimbursed: for example, travel, subsistence, and childcare.
• The initial term is three years, with the option of renewal for a further three years.

JSAWT is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where every individual is treated with dignity and respect.

Appropriate checks will be carried out on shortlisted candidates.

Further details are available on our website or can be obtained by contacting the Administrators.

The Baobab Centre supports young asylum seekers and refugees who have experienced severe human rights abuses and arrived in the UK as unaccompanied minors. Our work focuses on rehabilitation and justice, providing long-term, holistic support to help young people heal from trauma and rebuild their lives.

We are at an exciting time of change within the organisation and now seeking new Trustees to join our Board and help guide Baobab through its next phase of development. 

The Baobab Centre is looking for new Trustees with experience of one of more of the following - management at a senior level in the third sector; fundraising; IT & Digital, IT Security; or clinical practice in psychotherapy.

Lived experience of the asylum and social care systems in the UK and/or work experience with young asylum seekers and refugees is particularly welcome. We also actively welcome young professionals and first-time trustees who are motivated to learn, bring fresh perspectives, and contribute their skills to an impactful charity.

Trustee (Voluntary Role) – St John’s Winchester

We’re looking for new Trustees to join the Board of St John’s Winchester, a 900-year-old charity supporting older people to live independently and well in Winchester.

Today, our work includes around 100 almshouse homes and a growing dementia support service, alongside a strong community of residents, volunteers, and staff.

We’re particularly interested in people with experience in:

· Adult health and social care

· Community engagement or development

…but above all, we’re looking for people who care deeply about dignity, wellbeing, and belonging in later life.

You’ll help shape our strategy, support good governance, and contribute to the long-term sustainability of the charity.

Approx. 8–10 days per year
Winchester (with some flexibility)
Apply by 28 May 2026

If you’re interested in making a meaningful difference locally, we’d love to hear from you.

Help us support families to get the right education for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)

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

Who we are

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

Who are we looking for?

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

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

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

• IT / Digital transformation / cyber security
• Governance
• Marketing and social media
• Equality, diversity and inclusion

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

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

What we can offer you

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

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

To apply 

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

Closing date for applications: 5pm on 29 May 2026

First-round interviews: week commencing 29 June 2026

ShareAction is an independent charity and an expert on responsible investment. We work to build a world where the financial system serves our planet and its people. We set ambitious standards for how financial institutions, through their investment decisions, can protect our planet and its people and campaign for this approach to become the norm. We convene stakeholders to collectively push companies to tackle the climate crisis, protect nature, improve workers’ rights and shape healthier societies. In the UK and EU, we advocate for financial regulation that has society’s best interests at its core.

Position

As part of ShareAction’s Board, the Trustee plays a vital role in the governance and strategic direction of the organisation. This role is key to ensuring ShareAction delivers its charitable objectives, remains financially sound and operates in line with its legal and regulatory responsibilities.

Our Trustees help make our ambitious 2026–2031 strategy happen as effectively as possible. They provide oversight, challenge and support, ensuring our work continues to drive lasting change in responsible investment.

A typical month in this role would include:

• Attending Board meetings and contributing to strategic decision-making
• Sitting on at least one Board sub-committee (such as Finance, Audit, Risk and Controls, or HR and Remuneration)
• Reviewing papers in advance and engaging constructively in discussions
• Supporting and constructively challenging the executive team
• Acting as an ambassador for ShareAction and, where appropriate, supporting fundraising and income generation

As part of this role, you will engage closely with fellow Trustees, the Chair of the Board and the Executive Team, forming strong working relationships and using your experience to help safeguard ShareAction’s assets, reputation and long-term impact.

Through your contribution, you will help ShareAction work towards its vision of a world where the financial system serves people and planet.

If this role sounds like something that would build on your experience and engage you, we’d love to hear from you.

Requirements

We’re keen to hear from you if you are passionate about ShareAction’s mission and bring skills or experience that will strengthen our Board. We particularly welcome applications from individuals who can contribute to a greater diversity of perspectives and lived experience.

We are especially interested in candidates with one or more of the following priority skills:

• Legal expertise, ideally as a qualified lawyer, with experience in charity law, pensions law, governance and/or financial regulation
• Senior management experience within the UK charity sector, particularly where combined with community engagement or organising experience

We would also welcome candidates with:

• Expertise in charity accounting
• Fundraising networks or experience

All Trustees are expected to:

• Be collaborative, thoughtful and willing to exercise independent judgement
• Commit to ShareAction’s values and objectives
• Be willing to learn about, and uphold, the legal duties and responsibilities of trusteeship
• Make the time commitment required for the role (around 1–2 days per month)

While we hope to appoint Trustees with many of these skills, we recognise that experience is transferable and encourage applications even if you don’t meet every criterion. This is an unpaid volunteer role.

For further information and to apply, please visit our website via the Apply button.

Closing date: 25 May 2026.

ShareAction values and respects all differences in people (seen and unseen) and welcomes applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries. We are committed to having a team that is made up of diverse skills, experiences and abilities, and we are working hard to provide an environment where all can bring their authentic selves to work. We know that some people won’t apply for a role unless they meet all the requirements listed in the job description. If this is the case for you, but you think you would excel in this role, we want to hear from you!

Trustee Recruitment — Join Our Board

North Yorkshire Moors Railway

Are you passionate about heritage, conservation, and making a difference? Could you help shape the future of one of the UK's most-loved heritage railways?

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) is a registered charity and one of the finest heritage railways in the world, running through 18 miles of stunning National Park landscape. We are on an exciting journey — preserving the past while building a sustainable, inclusive future — and we are looking for dedicated and talented individuals to join our Trust Board as Trustees.

About the Role

As a Trustee, you will provide strategic leadership, governance oversight, and support to help NYMR fulfil its charitable mission. This is a voluntary role, but one that carries real responsibility and tremendous reward. You will work alongside a committed team of fellow trustees, staff, and volunteers who share a deep love for our railway and the communities it serves.

As an Arts Council National Portfolio Organisation, we are recognised for our cultural and creative significance at a national level.

We are committed to building a board that reflects the diversity of the communities and visitors we serve. We warmly welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, ethnicities, genders, ages, sexual orientations, disabilities, and lived experiences — particularly from groups currently underrepresented in heritage and charity governance.

These four Trustee positions are filled by election by Trust members, not by direct appointment. If you stand, you'll be asked to submit an election statement outlining your experience, skills, and vision for the railway, which will be shared with the membership to inform their vote. We encourage candidates to approach this as their opportunity to make their case directly to the people who care most about the railway’s future.

Skills We Are Looking For

We are seeking to fill four new Trustees with skills and experience in any of the following areas:

· Income & Fundraising — building and diversifying income streams

· Diversity, Equity & Inclusion — particularly within education, helping the railway reach and reflect its communities

· Conservation & Environment — meeting the challenges of a changing world

· Heritage & Collections — protecting historic estates and collections

All Trustees Must Bring

· High-Level Leadership — senior leadership experience, whether in the public, private, or third sector

· Business Strategy — experience shaping organisational direction, commercial development, or enterprise growth

· Strong Communication & Listening Skills — the ability to engage diverse stakeholders, advocate effectively, and build consensus

· eFinance — financial acumen at a senior level, including budgeting, reporting, and investment oversight

What We Offer

· The chance to play a meaningful role in preserving a nationally significant piece of railway heritage

· A welcoming, passionate, and collaborative board culture

· Induction, ongoing support, and trustee development opportunities

· The opportunity to help NYMR become a more diverse, inclusive, and forward-thinking organisation

Commitment

Trustees are asked to attend a minimum of six board meetings per year, plus sub-committee meetings and occasional events. Meetings are held along the railway, with some provision for remote attendance. You will need to be 18 years old and a member of North Yorkshire Moors Railway Trust.

This is a voluntary, unpaid role, though reasonable expenses maybe reimbursed.

We are looking for our next Chair of Trustees – someone who will work closely with our Executive Team and Board to guide the organisation through what is both a challenging and genuinely exciting time. The funding environment is tough. The political context is difficult. And yet the need for what we do has never been greater.

This is an unpaid voluntary role. Reasonable out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with our Volunteer Expenses Policy.

The successful candidate will lead a vibrant, well-established, national charity as it navigates the next chapter of its story.

Main tasks

• Developing and setting our future strategy, alongside the Executive Team and other Trustees
• Helping shape and deliver our future, identifying opportunities in an evolving landscape
• Leading the Board of Trustees, including regular 1:1s and providing space for reflection
• Acting as a 'critical friend' to our Executive Team, as well as formal line management to the CEO (and COO in their absence)
• Acting as an ambassador for the charity – raising awareness of what we do and engaging potential supporters and other key stakeholders
• Responsibility, along with the other trustees, for the governance of the charity
• Contributing to the ongoing strategy of the charity, in line with our charitable objectives
• Participating in board meetings and sub-committees in an inclusive and thoughtful way

Please download our Chair Application Pack for more information.