Chief of staff volunteer roles in oxford, hertfordshire

We’re seeking a strategic Chairperson to guide our Board and champion our mission. Candidates should have senior leadership experience, strong communication skills, charity governance knowledge, a passion for wildlife conservation.

Objective​

The Chair will provide supportive and inclusive leadership to the Board of Trustees, the Chief Operating Director, staff, and volunteers—helping everyone stay aligned with the charity’s mission and vision. They’ll work to ensure that each trustee feels confident in fulfilling their responsibilities and that the Board operates as a cohesive and effective team.

The Chair will also collaborate closely with the Chief Operating Director, supporting them in their role and fostering strong relationships across the organisation. Together, they’ll help the charity achieve its goals, with the Chair also serving as an ambassador and public representative of the charity.

Key Skills

• ​Proven senior leadership and governance experience
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Understanding of charity governance and trustee duties
• Passion for wildlife conservation

Principle Responsibilities: Chair Role

The Chair provides strategic leadership to ensure the charity delivers maximum impact in conserving birds of prey. They guide the Board in fulfilling governance duties, setting clear direction, managing risks and opportunities, and ensuring financial accountability.

The Chair also oversees effective governance practices, supports Board development, encourages positive change, manages conflict, leads annual performance appraisals, and ensures the Board has the right balance of skills and experience to lead the charity effectively, all while operating within agreed policies

​Location

• Sculthorpe, Fakenham, Norfolk (UK Administrative Centre
• Flexible and remote-friendly – most meetings held virtually
• Some in-person attendance required in London, Sculthorpe, or Shapwick (Somerset)

Remuneration

• ​Voluntary position
• All reasonable travel and out-of-pocket expenses reimbursed

Term

​The charity’s Chair (and board members) will serve a three-year term to be eligible for reappointment for one additional term. ​

Closing date: 09:00 Tuesday 12th August 2025

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. 

Age UK Hammersmith and Fulham is seeking a dynamic person as our next Chair. Building on recent success you will ensure our Board delivers its strategy for local people working closely with our Chief Executive. 

What will you be doing?

In addition to the general responsibilities of a Trustee, the duties of the Chair include the following.

• Providing leadership to the organisation and the board by ensuring that everyone remains focused on the delivery of the organisation’s charitable purposes in order to provide greater public benefit
• Chairing and facilitating board meetings
• Giving direction to board policy-making
• Checking that decisions taken at meetings are implemented
• Representing the organisation at functions and meetings, and acting as a spokesperson as appropriate
• Bringing impartiality and objectivity to decision-making

With the Chief Executive:

• Planning the annual cycle of board meetings and other general meetings where required, for example annual general meeting
• Setting agendas for board and other general meetings
• Developing the board of trustees including induction, training, appraisal and succession planning
• Addressing conflict within the board and within the organisation, and liaising with the chief executive (if staff are employed) to achieve this
• Where staff are employed:
• Liaising with the chief executive to keep an overview of the organisation’s affairs and to provide support as appropriate
• Leading the process of supporting and appraising the performance of the chief executive
• Sitting on appointment and disciplinary panels

What are we looking for?

• Able to think strategically and creatively to enhance the development and prosperity of Age UK Hammersmith and Fulham
• Have independent judgement combined with the ability to challenge appropriately.
• They will have to read and analyze documents and should be able to provide constructive feedback.
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team to ensure constructive decision making, including speaking openly on controversial subjects to enhance discussion and to enable the views of others to be explored.
• Good interpersonal skills including oral and written communication.
• Know the third sector, have been a Trustee for another charity, and have a real interest in older people.
• Strong leadership, people management skills and the ability to chair meetings effectively.
• An understanding of legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship, together with an understanding of the financial aspects of running a charity.
• An understanding of the way in which the Third Sector works.
• Possess integrity, objectivity, accountability, honesty

What difference will you make?

They will have a leading role in helping to shape the organisation for the future and ensure that older people in Hammersmith and Fulham are getting the support to live longer and better. 

Balance Support CIO is a specialist provider of learning disabilities services across SW London. We are seeking new trustees to support the charity's widening strategic partnerships and business growth.

What will you be doing?

Reshaping our Board

Balance has trustees with substantial experience across a range of disciplines from housing law to management consultancy and information technology. This experience and knowledge have been critical in supporting the charity's executive leadership restructure operations and qaulity assurance standandards.

As a result they have steered the charitys growth and development increasing turnover from £2.3 Million in 2022 to £4.2 Million in 2024. With additional new work likely in 2025, the board see's strengthening it's knowledge and specialisms as critical in leading this new phase of our development.

Who we are looking for

We are looking for new trustees who have a commitment to driving high quality and empowering social care services. You will recognise the importance of your role in being both a critical friend to the executive leadership as well as an expert in your given field.

Following some recent resignations the board is looking for trustees who can bring backgrounds: 

• finance -  insight, support and guidance to help develop a sustainable and financially resilient charity
• marketing - knowledge of and ability to support the charity's approach to marketing its services to new customers, commissioners and other business partners
• human resources - a background in HR that provides guidance and support to board in ensuring our personnel governance aligns with our legal obligations

Previous experience as a trustee is not necessary as we will offer training and support where there may be gaps in knowledge. However we are particularly keen to hear from candidates who may be from a black and minority ethnic background, women and people living with a disability. 

Where you live

We are a charity based in Kingston with operations across a number of boroughs in SW and Central London. Whilst insight and knowledge of SW london may be an advantage, our flexible approach to attending board meetings in person or online offers wider opportunities for participation from beyond the charity's base. 

What are we looking for?

We are looking for trustees with the following experience and skills:

Financial

• Strong commercial background in a senior finance role.
• Knowledge of (or willingness to get to grips with) charity SORP and any impending changes.
• Strong ability to communicate financial information to members of the Board and other stakeholders.
• Knowledge and experience of fundraising governance and good finance practice.

Marketing and Communications

• Knowledge and experience in a marketing and/or communications role
• Can provide industry knowledge and adivce on marketing and communications to grow brand and public awareness.
• Understand the role of strategic planning in relation commuications and market development.

Human Resources

• Experience and knowledge of HR management at a senior level
• Able to provide insight and strategic direction on our governance obligations in relation managing our workforce and supporting their development.

General

• Skilled in analysis, evaluation, and sound judgement
• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties and responsibilities of being a trustee, or a willingness to undertake training at their appointment.
• A collaborative and team-oriented approach to problem solving and to management.
• The Board meets at least 6 times a year and each trustee is expected to attend all board meetings (even if remotely) to contribute to discussions and decisions and occasional attendance at other community events, service visits and away days.

The difference you will make

As a new member of our board you will be joining at an exciting time for the charity. We are increasingly recognised as a quality provider of services to people with a range of specialist and complex needs. 

The roles we are looking to fill on the board will provide expertise and insight key to our growing portfolio. You will support our growing level of privately sources income, the charity's social enterprise arm and the charity's push to grow its brand for generally.

Your commitment to transforming the lives of people with learning disabilities and/or enduring mental health support needs will also inform your application. As a trustee you will instrinsically align with our 6 values:

• Idependence
• Empowerment
• Staff Recognition
• Professionalism
• Sustainability
• Partnership

And be able to mobilise you knowledge in maximising the boards ability to lead our development in relation to them.

Before you apply

Trustee applicants will be invited for an informal discussion with the CEO prior to a more formal discussion with a selection of trustees. This will enable any candidate to find out a little more about the charity, to discuss dates when they can meet with trustee's and ensure they have space to ask any questions necessary to inform their decision making.

Spectra is a Community Interest Company (CIC), working to improve the choices, health, and well-being of structurally excluded communities across London, particularly in relation to their sexual health, emotional resilience, and well-being, and to combat isolation and minimise risk.

Under the steer of its Chief Executive and Board of Directors, Spectra’s outstanding staff team provides supportive, knowledgeable, and non-judgemental services, all of which are peer-led, meaning they are delivered by people with lived and learned experience. Spectra strives to proactively identify the needs of all its service users, supporting them appropriately and effectively.

We are now seeking suitably experienced and committed individuals to join our Board as Directors of the CIC.

Director with Fundraising Experience: You will provide strategic direction for the organisation around fundraising, including helping to shape and support our fundraising strategy around diversifying our funds and growing our individual giving. You will support Spectra’s delivery of statutory and grant-funded services, help us in advancing our vision, and provide constructive scrutiny and oversight of the Chief Executive and the work of Spectra’s staff.

Director with Communications, Marketing, and PR Experience: You will provide strategic direction for the organisation around communications, marketing, and PR. You will support our plans to increase our reach and brand, further our communications work and strategy, including social media marketing and campaigning, and enhance our PR opportunities. You will support Spectra’s delivery of statutory and grant-funded services, help us in advancing our vision, and provide constructive scrutiny and oversight of the Chief Executive and the work of Spectra’s staff.

Spectra is based in Vauxhall, South London. It is expected that you will attend five meetings (in the evening, currently online on a Monday evening) and two SMT/Board Away Days each year (currently in person). In addition, it is envisaged that you will contribute your expertise outside of Board meetings on occasion, e.g., to review service or planning reports, to input into a focus group, etc.

We Stand are recruiting a number of voluntary positions for our Board of Trustees, including a Board secretary. 

We Stand is the only national charity that specialises in helping non-abusing parents and carers to protect and support their sexually abused children.

Our Mission is to provide support in a non - judgmental environment for non abusing parents and carers of sexually abused children. 

Our Services help families at a time of extreme trauma caused by child sexual abuse – providing emotional and practical support to young victims, siblings and non-abusing parents/carers so that they can move on positively with their lives together. 
 

Role

We Stand is run by a Board made up of volunteer Trustees. We are seeking a committed and passionate individual to fill the role of volunteer Board Secretary. Previous board experience is not required, but experience on the following criteria is. 

Expectations of Board Secretary 

• Planning Board and sub-committee meetings. This includes organising and coordinating meetings, preparing agenda and distributing any meeting materials. 

• Maintaining records of board proceedings, decisions and actions

• Ensuring Board compliance

• Following up on actions

• Maintaining good relations with the the Board, CEO and staff members

Hackney Migrant Centre (HMC) is seeking to recruit a Vice-Chair to support our work and ensure financial and organisational stability as we implement our newly developed Strategic Plan for 2025-2028. 

HMC was established in 2007 to provide advice and support to migrants to help them overcome problems with their immigration status and in accessing services. We welcome all migrants, of any immigration status or nationality. As the environment facing migrants has become ever more challenging, we have expanded the scope of our work. Our staff team has increased from one part-time worker in 2007 to a team of eight people, some part-time, and we now have a budget just under £450,000 a year.

We provide legal advice and casework support on immigration, housing and welfare, working with visitors to resolve the problems forcing them into destitution and homelessness, such as insecure immigration status and lack of access the public funds. We also, in partnership with local organisations and a team of volunteers, provide wellbeing support and regular community building sessions, including advice and support on accessing a GP and dealing with charges for hospital care. 

This is an opportunity for someone with previous Board experience to support the Chair to coordinate and lead the Board of Trustees and make an important contribution to the work of this well-respected local charity at a crucial time in its development. We welcome applications from people from a range of backgrounds and experience who would be happy to take up this exciting challenge. We are particularly keen to recruit trustees from the Global Majority, those with lived experience of migration and/or the UK’s hostile immigration environment.

The role of Vice-Chair

The Vice-Chair of the trustee board supports the Chair in fulfilling their responsibilities and provides leadership to the board in the Chair’s absence. This is a developmental role for someone who is interested in transitioning into the Chair role in future, and who can provide additional capacity, insight, and leadership to the organisation as it navigates an increasingly challenging environment for migrants and the voluntary sector.

The Vice-Chair has the general responsibilities of a trustee to ensure the financial sustainability of HMC and that it is carrying out its work for the public benefit in line with its charitable objects. Decisions affecting the running of HMC and its finances will be taken by the board as a whole, either at the board meeting or if urgent via email. The Vice-Chair does not have individual decision-making responsibility or power (but does have a deciding vote at board meetings).

The specific duties of the Vice-Chair include the following:
Trustee meetings
• Support the Chair to agree the agenda (with the secretary and in consultation with the CEO) of trustee board meetings, sub-committees and other meetings where relevant.
• Attend and contribute to all trustee meetings and chair meetings in the absence of the Chair.
• Support the Chair in ensuring that key decisions are discussed and agreed, and that all trustees can participate fully. • Assist with the follow-up of actions and implementation of decisions as agreed with the Chair.
• Support the development and induction of new trustees, and help identify training and support needs.

Communication with staff
• Work closely with the Chair and be available as an additional point of contact for the CEO and staff, particularly when the Chair is unavailable.
• Support the Chair in providing supervision and pastoral support to the CEO, contributing to wellbeing check-ins and performance appraisal processes where appropriate.
• Contribute to the development and oversight of key organisational priorities, including equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI), fundraising, and sustainability.
• Attend staff recruitment or disciplinary panels as needed.

Public role and organisational development
• Support the Chair in representing HMC externally at public events and meetings, and deputise where necessary.
• Assist in the preparation of public communications, statements, and events.
• Act as a signatory for bank accounts and contracts when appropriate, particularly when the Chair is unavailable.

Succession and transition
• The Vice-Chair will be supported to become familiar with the full breadth of the Chair’s responsibilities over time. • They may take on specific duties or projects in agreement with the Chair and board, as part of their development.
• In the event the Chair steps down, the Vice-Chair may act as interim Chair and will be encouraged to apply for the role if appropriate.

The specific duties attached to the Vice-Chair’s role may change and/or be taken on by another trustee by agreement of the board as a whole.

Being a Trustee of Hackney Migrant Centre
The trustees of Hackney Migrant Centre play a vital role in the organisation. They are responsible for ensuring that that its services are maintained and developed for the benefit of its visitors, in line with HMC’s ethos and objectives. HMC staff are responsible for the day-to day running of HMC’s services but trustees work closely with staff in discussing and deciding on policy issues, staffing developments and campaigning, overseeing finance and fundraising to ensure that the organisation is sustainable and in monitoring the impact of HMC’s services. Our trustees are recruited according to our Trustee Recruitment Policy. We welcome trustees from a variety of backgrounds to ensure that a broad range of skills and experience are represented. Trustees are encouraged to gain first-hand experience of the work of HMC but regular volunteering is not a requirement.

For more information, please refer to the Recruitment Pack 

Community engagement charity Sobus is looking for talented, passionate individuals to join our Board of Trustees.  We are looking for a new Trustee Treasurer to help guide the charity through a time of exciting opportunity and development.

It's an exciting time for Sobus, as we look to refresh our service offer, and maximise the investment opportunity following the disposal of a property in 2024.

Our overarching aim is to “strengthen local communities”, through the provision of infrastructure support to the local voluntary sector in the borough of Hammersmith & Fulham and supporting business communities around our North Kensington hub. 

Our work is focussed on five main areas:

• Voice & Representation
• Information & Intelligence
• Brokerage & Partnerships
• Capacity Building & Business Support
• Affordable Premises (through the provision of our business hubs in Fulham and North Kensington)

Trustee Treasurer: We are seeking a committed individual with a proven, professional track record of financial management and leadership at the highest level, and a sound understanding and experience of the voluntary sector.  We need someone with significant experience of leading long-term strategic development and driving financial sustainability.

You will share our vision and want to take a leading role in our journey to be recognised as an outstanding organisation. It would be a significant advantage if you have an understanding or experience of working in the voluntary and community sector, and even more so if you are a current or former resident of Hammersmith & Fulham or have a tangible, established and current connection with the area.

Sobus was formed in 2014 following a merger between the Community & Voluntary Sector Association and Fulham Community Partnership Trust. However, we were first established as the local CVS in Hammersmith & Fulham in 1998. 

Sobus is fully committed to equality of opportunity and diversity to ensure that we reflect the full breadth of the people that we support. We therefore warmly welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

Selection process:

Candidates are requested to complete an application and a equalities monitoring form., and if shortlisted, an interview with our outgoing Treasurer, Chair of the Board of Trustees and the CEO.  t

For an informal discussion about the position, of for the Job Description and application form, contact the Sobus CEO, Sue Spiller

Helping young people to reach their personal best

“SportsAid believed in me when I was just a young, inexperienced racer. As a self-funded teenager travelling the world with my Mum, financial challenges were a constant hurdle. Funding my passion was daunting until SportsAid alleviated that burden, enabling me to pursue what I loved and take my passion to the next level. Without SportsAid, I would never have gone from the little girl you invested in, to the Paralympic and World medallist I became.”

Millie Knight, Paralympic medallist & World Champion

 COULD YOU HELP SPORTSAID AS THE CHAIR OF TRUSTEES?

SportsAid’s Mission is to encourage, enable and empower the next generation of athletes to achieve their ambitions in sport and life. Since 1976, we have been side-by-side with Britain’s greatest emerging sporting talent – from Mo Farah to Jessica Ennis-Hill, from Ade Adepitan to Ellie Simmonds – and so many others. SportsAid provides vital support to young sports people at a pivotal moment in their development.  HRH The Princess of Wales is the charity’s Patron.

We are looking for a trustee to join our board as Chair of Trustees. With our five-year fundraising strategy underway, this is an exciting time to join as we develop new, impactful partnerships to deliver our mission for young sports people towards and beyond SportsAid’s 50th anniversary in 2026. 

As the Chair of Trustees you will lead and support an effective, diverse and committed Board.  The Chair will provide inclusive leadership to deliver the charity’s vision and mission, ensuring that each trustee enjoys fulfilling their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of the charity. The Chair will also support the Chief Executive to ensure that the Board functions to best effect in supporting the executive team to achieve its objectives. He or she will act as an ambassador and be a public face of the charity in partnership with the Chief Executive.

You will have significant Board experience, ideally at Chair or other senior level, in the public, private or voluntary sector; or substantial Board experience as a member of a National Governing Body of Sport or Charitable Trust.  You will be familiar with partnership working and engaging with a complex stakeholder mix.  You will have strong financial and commercial acumen and a genuine passion and personal connection to the core purpose and mission of SportsAid.

This is a vital role offering the opportunity to join a committed and driven charity at an exciting time.  You do not need to be a sports expert, but you will have a desire to help young people and a willingness to get stuck in.  You can make a difference.

You will join a board of eight trustees in working with an effective executive team to support the charity’s work. 

The minimum commitment as a board member will be to attend four board meetings per year (typically held in London but with the facility to join remotely if necessary) plus two half-day induction sessions and at least one half-day strategy planning session.  There will likely be an additional time commitment to attend events representing SportsAid. Board positions are unremunerated but reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed.

SportsAid recognises that certain sections of the community have been affected by structural inequities and may be denied the opportunity to participate equally and fully in sport at all levels. SportsAid as an organisation believes our role is to remove the barriers that our most under-served, at risk and minoritised groups of young people experience when trying to access sport and physical activities.

SportsAid therefore positively welcomes, and seeks to achieve, diversity in our workforce and that all job applicants, volunteers and employees receive equal and fair treatment.  We positively encourage applications from all candidates regardless of age, race, ethnicity, gender, disability, marriage and civil partnership status, gender identity, background, religion, faith, sexual orientation, maternity status, pregnancy, belief or nationality.

A role description is available on request.

Please apply by emailing your CV with an outline of how your skills and experience meet the specification of this Chair of Trustees role and why you are interested in joining SportsAid by 5pm Friday 5 September 2025.  

On receipt of your application you will be sent a confidential equal opportunities form which all applicants will be asked to complete. 

Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a rare, genetic neuromuscular condition causing progressive muscle wasting (atrophy) and weakness leading to loss of movement.

Our current chair has been in the position for 6 years and after serving their maximum term, we are seeking a new Chair to lead the charity and help us deliver our four year strategic plan ‘Building a future together’.

The chair provides a pivotal role in ensuring the charity has a well governed organisation, strong staff team and board with clearly defined roles and responsibilities, with one shared goal of working towards the organisational mission underpinned by our values and principles.

The chair will support the CEO and ensure that the board functions as a unit and works closely with the senior leadership team to achieve agreed objectives. From time to time the chair will act as an ambassador and the public face of the charity in partnership with the CEO. An effective chairperson is a key player in ensuring effective governance for the charity. 

KCSC are seeking an experienced and committed individual to join the Board and take up the role of Treasurer.  Ideally someone who lives or works in the borough but more importantly has an understanding of charity finances and has possibly had a previous role as Treasurer.

ABOUT US

Kensington and Chelsea Social Council (KCSC) is the Council for Voluntary Services for the borough of Kensington and Chelsea.  Our vision is for powerful, engaged communities driving change and our mission is to strengthen and champion local communities and the voluntary and community sector.

We are a membership organisation, registered as a charity and company limited by guarantee and represent 600 voluntary and community organisations on our database and to whom we aim to provide a range of services, some of which include:

• Advice, guidance and information to help organisations run as effectively as possible
• Bringing voluntary organisations and community groups together to network and support partnership building
• Working closely with residents, resident associations and social action groups to address key local issues and ensure their voices are heard at decision making level
• Advocating on behalf of the local voluntary and community to help influence and shape local decision making

We are especially keen to ensure long-term sustainability of our local community by working with everyone to develop an inclusive, active borough.

You can read more about KCSC on our website.

BEING A TRUSTEE

As with any charity, trustees have overall responsibility for making sure it is running well and is doing what it was set up to do. This includes ensuring the charity:

· Spends its money sensibly on the activities it was raised for

· Does not break the rules in its Articles - the charity’s governing document

· Continues to meet our commitments to the communities we serve in accordance with our charitable objectives

· Follows the law, including preparing reports and accounts to send to the Charity Commission

A NEW TREASURER

Our current Treasurer has been serving on the Board since 2021 and has supported the organisation through a difficult economic climate and has helped shape and improve the way in which trustees monitor income and spend through a system of key performance indicators that are reported on.  His commitment, time and financial knowledge he has brought to the role has been valued and made our financial reporting more robust over the years.  Upon stepping down the incumbent is willing to support the incoming treasurer over a period of time to ensure a smooth transition into the organisation.

We are therefore seeking an experienced and committed individual to join the Board and take up the role of Treasurer.  Ideally someone who lives or works in the borough but more importantly has an understanding of charity finances and has possibly had a previous role as Treasurer.

The Treasurer Role primarily is as follows:

· Overseeing, approving and presenting budgets, accounts and financial statements

· Making sure that the financial resources of KCSC meet its present and future needs

· Ensuring that KCSC has an appropriate Reserves and Investment policy

· Preparing and presenting financial reports to the Finance & Personnel Sub Committee and the Board in collaboration with the CEO and Director of Operations

· Ensuring that appropriate accounting procedures and controls are in place and are compliant

· Advising on the financial implications of KCSC’s strategic plans

· Keeping the Finance and Personnel Sub Committee and the Board informed of its financial duties, responsibilities and obligations

· Advising on the preparation / submission of financial reports to funders and the Charity Commission

· Overseeing and advising on financial risk and financial management of KCSC

ABOUT YOU

You will have experience of charity accounting and able to provide guidance on ensuring the organisation adheres to charity accounting principles and policies.  Previous experience of being on a charity board  would be preferable although not essential.  However, a commitment to the furtherance of the voluntary and community sector and its role within civil society and subscribing to our stated mission and values is important.

THE COMMITMENT

The Treasurer will need to commit to attending a total of 8 Board/Sub Committee meetings a year as well as spending a few hours each month on attending additional internal meetings with CEO/Director of Operations/Chair on financial matters.

JOB ROLE

To read more about the job role please see the attachment. 

APPLICATION PROCESS

For an informal discussion about this opportunity, please contact our CEO Angela Spence.

If you would like to apply for this position, please send a comprehensive CV and a supporting statement of no more than two pages of A4 to Angela Spence by email.  The closing date is Monday 4 August 2025.

Your supporting statement should set out in compelling terms why you would like to be part of the next chapter at KCSC and what special skills and experience you could bring to the role as Treasurer.

KCSC is committed to celebrating diversity and ensuring equality of opportunity.  We welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Other considerations to be aware of that can prevent becoming a trustee

· Conflicts of interest. All potential conflicts should be discussed with the Chair or the CEO prior to applying

· Confirmation that the trustee is not disqualified from holding a trusteeship

· People under the age of 18, unless the charity is a registered company

· Anyone convicted of an offence involving deception or dishonesty unless the conviction is spent

· Anyone who is an undischarged bankrupt

· Anyone who has previously been removed from trusteeship of a charity by the Court or the Commissioners

· Anyone who is under a disqualification order under the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1996

· In certain cases, the Charity Commission has the power to grant a waiver and allow a person disqualified from trusteeship, under section 72 (1) of the Charities Act 1993 to accept a trustee post. We only agree in those cases where the charity can clearly demonstrate that the waiver is in the best interests of the charity

What happens next?

Once we receive your application, it will be assessed based on what we are looking for as specified above and you will be notified of the outcome.  If invited to interview you will meet a panel of 3 which includes two trustees and the CEO.  If successful we will invite you to observe a board meeting in action before confirming with you whether you would like to join the board.  If appointed, we will organise a tour of the office to meet the staff and agree any necessary training required.

We actively encourage people who are under represented on Boards within the charity sector including people from minoritized communities to apply,

KCSC’s Board operates under the guidance of the Charity Governance Code and Trustees are appointed on the basis of signing up to the declaration of eligibility and responsibility.

Chair of North Surrey Domestic Abuse Service

Our Charity

North Surrey Domestic Abuse Service (NSDAS) supports anyone affected by domestic abuse and their children living in the boroughs of Elmbridge, Spelthorne and Epsom and Ewell. We provide free, confidential and independent advice, skilled practical help and ongoing emotional support and information, regardless of sex, race, ability, gender, religion or income level.

Historically the service was provided as part of Citizens Advice Elmbridge (West). We have operated as an independent charity since April 2024 (charity number 1203855) and this is an exciting time to help shape the strategy and direction of the organisation.

The board currently comprises of nine Trustees.The current Chair is looking to step down by Christmas 2025 but will remain as a Trustee to provide continuity and support.

The Role

In addition to the general responsibilities of a trustee, duties of the chair include the following. 

·Providing leadership to the organisation and the board, ensuring that everyone remains focused on the delivery of the organisation’s charitable purposes to provide greater public benefit. 

·Chairing and facilitating board meetings. 

·Checking that decisions taken at meetings are implemented. 

·Representing the organisation at functions and meetings. Acting as a spokesperson as appropriate. 

·Bringing impartiality and objectivity to decision-making. 

With the chief executive

·Planning the annual cycle of board meetings and other general meetings where required.

·Setting agendas for board meetings and other general meetings. 

·Developing the board of trustees. This includes induction, training, appraisal and succession planning. 

·Addressing conflict within the board and the organisation.

·Liaising with the chief executive to keep an overview of the organisation’s affairs and providing support where required. 

·Developing relationships with our partner organisations. 

·Sitting on appointment and disciplinary panels and conducting exit interviews when required. 

Become a Trustee at Sunrise Multicultural Project

Are you passionate about making a difference in your community?

We are looking for dedicated, enthusiastic individuals to join our Board of Trustees and help guide the future of Sunrise Multicultural Project.

As a trustee, you will play a vital role in shaping our strategy, ensuring we stay true to our mission, and supporting the development of initiatives that promote inclusivity and integration. We are seeking individuals with a range of skills, backgrounds, and experiences – whether in community work, finance, governance, fundraising, or marketing – who share our commitment to empowering minority groups and fostering a more connected, diverse community. 

If you are eager to contribute your time, expertise, and passion, we would love to hear from you!

Are you passionate about making a meaningful impact in the rare disease community?

Are you interested in supporting the growth of a thriving charity that is expanding its reach and ambition?

If so, Beacon for Rare Diseases is looking for at least two new Trustees to help shape our future and strengthen our support for individuals and families affected by rare conditions.
 

About Beacon for Rare Diseases

Beacon for Rare Diseases is a small but growing charity dedicated to transforming outcomes for those living with rare diseases by building a united rare disease community with patient groups at its heart.

Patient groups are a lifeline for rare disease patients and their families. When a rare diagnosis is made, many people are simply handed a one-page Google printout of the condition and told to go home and live their lives as best as they can. No one knows anything about the condition. There is no treatment. There is nothing anyone can do. The alarming lack of knowledge, support and understanding from the healthcare sector propels these individuals and families into isolation with more questions than answers.

Patient groups break this isolation by connecting people with shared conditions, helping them share experiences, answering questions, and driving change in neglected rare diseases. At Beacon, we help these patient groups form, grow, and professionalise – helping them be the best they can be to support the whole rare disease community.  

Since founding in 2012, we have expanded our programmes and outreach, aiming to improve diagnosis, treatment, and support services across the UK and beyond. In this time, we have supported over 400 rare disease patient groups. As such, our patient group Empowerment Programme continues to drive our organisation’s core mission: we have over 600 users on our e-learning platform, The Resources Hub, and had 296 live training event attendees in the last year.  

This core patient group training is now supplemented by a leading role in the European REMEDi4ALL consortium for drug repurposing, and a role in the Hub for LifeArc’s new Translational Centres for Rare Disease. Our growing project diversity and impact is driven by our enthusiastic and committed team, which has grown from three people in 2018 to a peak of 12 staff in 2024-25. This charity also benefits from a stable leadership group, with our CEO and COO spending 10 and 9 years respectively at Beacon.

“Beacon helps make what seems impossible, possible.”

The trustee role

As we enter an exciting new phase of development under a new Chair of Trustees, we are looking for Trustees who can bring fresh expertise to our board.

We are particularly interested in recruiting:

• A Trustee with lived experience of a rare disease or of patient group leadership, to help ensure our work remains grounded in the real needs of our community and to guide patient-centred decision-making.
• A Trustee with financial expertise, to review and advise on our financial reporting, oversight, and strategic financial planning.
• A Trustee with fundraising and investment experience, especially someone able to help Beacon broaden its network and build long-term relationships with funders keen to support the charity on a sustainable basis.

About the Role

As a Trustee, you will help set the strategic direction of Beacon for Rare Diseases, oversee the organisation’s activities, and support its ongoing growth. Your responsibilities will include ensuring compliance with charity regulations, financial stewardship, and working with the team on fundraising and partnership development. There will also be opportunities for advocacy and raising awareness about rare diseases at a national level, both through Beacon’s own events and projects, and representing Beacon in the wider rare disease community.

This is an exciting opportunity to influence the future of a charity that is expanding its reach and capabilities nationally and internationally, helping us to better serve our community and increase our impact.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Attend quarterly board meetings.
• Provide strategic advice and guidance to the CEO and staff.
• To provide oversight on the charity’s finances and governance – including the review of management accounts and contribution to the annual accounting process.
• To attend an annual day-long strategy meeting with the board and employees, and at least one Beacon event each year (reasonable travel expenses where in-person attendance is required will be covered).
• To provide support, advice or training for Beacon’s patient engagement events on an ad hoc basis and based on your experience.
• To advocate for Beacon and rare disease patient groups through your work and network, offering connections that support the organisation’s goals, and represent Beacon, our mission and interests at external events with the support or guidance of the CEO, board and Beacon team.
• To help ensure the sustainability of Beacon as an organisation and the fulfilment of our mission, to ensure no one walks their rare disease journey alone.

About You

We are looking for individuals who are committed to improving outcomes for people with rare diseases and who can bring fresh perspectives and expertise to our Board. Specifically:

• For the lived experience role: personal experience of a rare disease or patient group leadership and a passion for advocacy and patient support.
• For the financial role: experience in financial management, reporting, auditing, or strategic financial planning.
• For the fundraising and networking role: experience in large fundraising campaigns – whether charitable or corporate investment – a diverse network, and success engaging with high-net-worth individuals.

You should be an enthusiastic team player, comfortable with governance and strategic discussion, and eager to help Beacon navigate its next chapter of growth.

Benefits of Joining

This is a voluntary role, but with potential to guide the continued growth and development of an ambitious charity, well positioned in the field of rare diseases – an issue likely to grow in importance and relevance with the rapid advances in genetic science, and the increased focus on health equality and equity in the UK and beyond.

You will get the opportunity to:

• Contribute to a pioneering, expanding charity with a vital mission.
• Gain governance experience and develop leadership skills.
• Be part of a passionate community making a real difference to lives affected by rare diseases.
• Play a key part in shaping the future direction of Beacon for Rare Diseases.

How to Apply

Please send your CV and a short cover letter outlining your interest and relevant experience to the email in the full job description. We welcome applications from diverse backgrounds and are committed to equality and inclusion.

The deadline for applications is 4th August 2025. Shortlisted candidates will first be invited for a phone conversation, followed by a formal interview process including the opportunity to meet the team and observe a Trustee meeting.
 

FAQs

What is the time commitment?
Trustees typically meet quarterly, with additional time required for committee involvement and specific projects. We estimate around 4–6 hours per month, adaptable to your availability.

How long is the term for a Trustee?
Beacon does not currently have a fixed term of trusteeship, though trustees are required to resign and seek re-election by the board every two to three years. We may explore more fixed term appointments in the future and would look for at least a two-year commitment from any new trustees.

Where are meetings held?
The majority of meetings are held online using zoom. In person strategy days are generally held in Cambridge, close to the train station, though locations in central London may also be explored for face-to-face meetings in the future.

Do I need to be a UK citizen, or based in the UK?
No. Beacon is open to appointing trustees from outside the UK, but, as a UK registered charity we need to retain a majority of our board and our focus within the UK. If you are seeking to apply for this position from beyond the UK, we recommend you contact Beacon to discuss your application in advance.

I have no prior experience as a trustee – can I still apply?
Absolutely. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and will provide support and resources to help you succeed in the role.