Christian volunteer roles

Provide holistic end-of-life care to people who are suffering of a terminal illness, under the direction of the Palliative Care Nurse Team Leader. By caring for those often isolated, hopeless, and fearful, this position is a living example of God’s love and compassion for the weak, lonely, and marginalised members of society. This position works primarily off-ship; hot and dusty or wet (depending on season) conditions can be expected. Visiting people in their house requires cultural sensitivity.

What You Will Contribute

• Support terminally ill patients and their family members through the grieving process, preparing them for death

• Train and assist family members with wound care for the afflicted person

• Share basic health principles with terminally ill patients and family members in order to improve their health

• Encourage the use of local, affordable materials for wound care and locally available analgesia

• Encourage the family to find ways to be self-supporting and teach them about planning for the future

• Assist in reaching out to local healthcare professionals who care for palliative patients, build meaningful relationships, assess their practical and intellectual needs and assist them in sustainable and culturally appropriate ways, through mentoring and teaching

Provide holistic end-of-life care to people who are suffering of a terminal illness, under the direction of the Palliative Care Nurse Team Leader. By caring for those often isolated, hopeless, and fearful, this position is a living example of God’s love and compassion for the weak, lonely, and marginalised members of society. This position works primarily off-ship; hot and dusty or wet (depending on season) conditions can be expected. Visiting people in their house requires cultural sensitivity.

What You Will Contribute

• Support terminally ill patients and their family members through the grieving process, preparing them for death

• Train and assist family members with wound care for the afflicted person

• Share basic health principles with terminally ill patients and family members in order to improve their health

• Encourage the use of local, affordable materials for wound care and locally available analgesia

• Encourage the family to find ways to be self-supporting and teach them about planning for the future

• Assist in reaching out to local healthcare professionals who care for palliative patients, build meaningful relationships, assess their practical and intellectual needs and assist them in sustainable and culturally appropriate ways, through mentoring and teaching

YMCA Trinity Group – Trustees

‘Inspiring communities, transforming young lives’

Job Advert Ref: Trustees2025

Registered Address: YMCA Trinity Group, Queen Anne House, Gonville Place, Cambridge CB1 1ND

YMCA Trinity Group is seeking passionate individuals to join our Board of Trustees. Our programs span Suffolk and Cambridgeshire, putting people at the core of our mission. We take time to find the right fit, believing that open dialogue builds the strongest Board. We're a dynamic, team-oriented group seeking members who can contribute their unique skills and experience.

We are specifically looking for expertise and skills in the following areas;

· Business Development

· Strategic Planning

· Change Management

· People and Culture

· Finance

· Marketing

· IT

YMCA Trinity Group has served local communities since 1852, and we're committed to a Board that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We also welcome young people seeking Board experience.
 

Trustee roles are both rewarding and demanding. Join us in creating new possibilities for young people and communities. If you're ready to make a difference, we want to hear from you!

Thank you for your interest and we look forward to hearing from you soon!

YMCA Trinity Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and expects all staff to share this commitment.

Airplay is part of the RAF Benevolent fund and run by One YMCA. We provide youth clubs for children aged eight to eighteen which includes Ben Clubs for children aged 5 to 7 too. We provide a range of social activities in state-of-the-art facilities with sessions run by our friendly youth workers.

Multiple locations available across:

• Oxfordshire (RAF Benson/RAF Brize Norton)
• Bedfordshire (RAF Henlow)
• Buckinghamshire (RAF Halton/High Wycombe)
• Wales (RAF Valley)
• Wiltshire (Boscombe Down)
• Hampshire (RAF Odiham)

MAIN TASKS/RESPONSIBILITIES:

· To support the provision of the Airplay and Ben Club activities and workshops

· Developing relationships with young people in a safe environment

· Supervising children and young people in activities, workshops and discussion sessions

· Engaging in learning and play with younger children

· Working with children and young people to track their progress

· Data entry/light admin work may be required

YOU WILL NEED:

· Good communication skills

· Knowledge/Experience of working with children/young people/families

· Ability to engage with young people

· Team player with a flexible approach

· Non-judgmental and understanding in the differing needs of families

· Any practical skills to assist with activities

· Basic understanding of confidentiality and safeguarding

· Respect the Christian Ethos of One YMCA and uphold its values 

YOU WILL RECEIVE: 

· A full induction to Airplay will be provided

· Requirement to complete online e-learning including Safeguarding and Health & Safety

· A menu of optional training will be provided

· Ongoing support and regular 1 to 1s

· Opportunities to attend volunteer meetings and events

· You will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check

· Additional checks may be required for individual RAF Stations

· Two references will be required

Airplay is part of the RAF Benevolent fund and run by One YMCA. We provide youth clubs for children aged eight to eighteen which includes Ben Clubs for children aged 5 to 7 too. We provide a range of social activities in state-of-the-art facilities with sessions run by our friendly youth workers.

Multiple locations available across:

• Oxfordshire (RAF Benson/RAF Brize Norton)
• Bedfordshire (RAF Henlow)
• Buckinghamshire (RAF Halton/High Wycombe)
• Wales (RAF Valley)
• Wiltshire (Boscombe Down)
• Hampshire (RAF Odiham)

MAIN TASKS/RESPONSIBILITIES:

· To support the provision of the Airplay and Ben Club activities and workshops

· Developing relationships with young people in a safe environment

· Supervising children and young people in activities, workshops and discussion sessions

· Engaging in learning and play with younger children

· Working with children and young people to track their progress

· Data entry/light admin work may be required

YOU WILL NEED:

· Good communication skills

· Knowledge/Experience of working with children/young people/families

· Ability to engage with young people

· Team player with a flexible approach

· Non-judgmental and understanding in the differing needs of families

· Any practical skills to assist with activities

· Basic understanding of confidentiality and safeguarding

· Respect the Christian Ethos of One YMCA and uphold its values 

YOU WILL RECEIVE: 

· A full induction to Airplay will be provided

· Requirement to complete online e-learning including Safeguarding and Health & Safety

· A menu of optional training will be provided

· Ongoing support and regular 1 to 1s

· Opportunities to attend volunteer meetings and events

· You will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check

· Additional checks may be required for individual RAF Stations

· Two references will be required

St Edmundsbury Cathedral became a registered charity on 2 May 2023 and has a Board of Trustees referred to as Chapter. Chapter is accountable for the governance, strategic direction and management of the Cathedral, and has ultimate responsibility for the care, maintenance and development of the Cathedral estate, all aspects of Cathedral activity, and for securing its long-term viability and financial sustainability.

The Risk, Audit and Review Committee will enable Chapter members to meet their responsibilities by providing independent oversight of the Cathedral’s systems of internal control, risk management and financial reporting, and through supervision of the quality, independence and effectiveness of both the internal and external auditors.

In this instance the Cathedral is looking at recruiting someone with relevant understandings and experience who would thrive as a Committee Chair.

The Committee must keep the activities and management of the Cathedral under review in relation to such matters as the Chapter has specified in these Terms of Reference.

The Chair is responsible for:

• Agreeing the agenda with the Chief Operating Officer for committee meetings
• Producing reports and ensuring they are submitted to Chapter in a timely manner.

The committee is responsible for:

• reviewing the annual report and financial statements, paying particular attention to accounting policies, areas involving significant judgement or estimation and compliance with financial reporting requirements and accounting standards, and recommending them to Chapter for approval;
• reviewing the scope and results of internal and external audit work, including the adequacy of management responses;
• reviewing the performance of internal and external auditors, including recommending the appointment and remuneration of internal and external auditors to Chapter when required;
• monitoring the processes for assessing, reporting, mitigating and owning business risks and their financial implications, including financial, governance and safeguarding risks;
• reviewing the risk register at least annually, and ensuring Chapter’s internal processes facilitate the prompt reporting of serious incidents, control failures and emerging risks;
• reviewing and recommending to Chapter the organisation’s policies for counter-fraud, anti-money laundering, whistle-blowing and cyber and information security; and
• reviewing arrangements by which staff may, in confidence, raise concerns about possible improprieties relating to finance or other aspects of the Cathedral’s operations to ensure that arrangements are in place for the investigation of such matters and for appropriate follow-up action.

Membership

• The Committee must have a minimum of six members and a maximum of ten members, provided that at least one member of the Committee must be a non-executive Chapter member.
• The Chapter shall appoint all members of the Committee, having consulted the Nominations Committee.
• Not all appointed members need to be Chapter members and should not be executive Chapter members.
• There must not be a majority of members in common with the Finance Committee.
• The members appointed should, collectively, possess appropriate knowledge and skills in accounting, risk management, audit, financial governance and any other technical issues relevant to the work of the Committee.
• The Dean must not be a member of the Committee but is entitled to attend any meeting of the Committee. If the Dean does attend, he or she may speak but may not vote.
• The chair of the Committee must be appointed by the Chapter. The person appointed to chair the Committee must: not be a member of the Chapter; and have recent and relevant financial experience.
• Each member is appointed for a term of office of up to three years.
• A member may be reappointed, provided that any member who has served more than two consecutive terms is not eligible for appointment as a member until at least two years has passed since the member last held the office.
• A Committee member may resign by notice in writing to the Chief Operating Officer and Dean. Any Committee member who ceases to be a Chapter member shall automatically cease to be a member of the Committee.
• The Chapter may remove a member of the Committee in accordance with the provisions of the Statutes.
• Members must declare conflicts of interest or loyalty in accordance with the Chapter’s conflicts of interest policy.

Successful candidates must possess the following competencies and personal attributes:

• Professional Experience
• Have a broad understanding of the leadership and management needs of complex organisations
• Have experience of strategic planning and implementation
• Have a good general knowledge of the basis of faith within the Anglican community
• Be well informed of the responsibilities and obligations of Charity Trustees
• Have a good general knowledge of good operational practices in managing organisations
• Have proven professional expertise in audit and risk management, especially for Charities.

Proven expertise in one or more of the following areas is essential:

• Finance Legislation (especially auditing), Management accounting practices, Internal and external auditing, Financial risk management, Business risk management, Project risk management, Safeguarding, Health and Safety, Property management, Strategic planning for finance and monitoring and evaluating culture / environment impact.

Desirable Personal Attributes and Behaviours:

• Ethically anchored – act with honesty and integrity; committed to act and behave ethically
• Intellectual ability – have the ability to obtain and analyse relevant data; use object reasoning
• Emotionally aware/resilient – are emotionally intelligent; remain calm under stress
• Team oriented/collaborative – actively seek the views and knowledge of others and adopt a collaborative approach
• Diligent/responsible – approach work in a conscientious way and take responsibility for their actions
• Faithful/discreet – honour the trust placed in them by others and be discreet in their conversations
• Humble/servant leader – place others’ needs before their own; not be self-seeking or status oriented
• Effective communicator – are able to express themselves clearly and concisely using relevant information

Edinburgh South East Foodbank are looking for someone with financial experience to join the Board as a Trustee to advise on financial matters, ensure we meet our financial obligations, and help us build a sound financial strategy.

What will you be doing?

This role involves leading on the financial affairs of the Foodbank and ensuring that they are conducted within the required legal, accounting, and good practice frameworks.

Key tasks:

• ensure the Board of Trustees fulfils its financial responsibilities
• ensure that the Foodbank has proper systems for budgeting, financial control, insurance and reporting
• inform the trustee board members of the finances of the Foodbank by written report, at least on a quarterly basis ensuring that the board have a clear picture of the financial health of the Foodbank
• ensure that financial reports:

1. are comprehensible and properly discussed at trustee board meetings
2. are provided in the proper format and at the proper time, as required by the relevant charity regulator body (Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator)
3. have properly appointed auditors or independent examiners (on income over £25k)
4. are reported on an annual basis at annual general meetings (AGMs)

Other responsibilities, along with the board of trustees, include:

• to approve, support and guide the charity’s purpose, vision, strategy, goals and objectives
• to manage the charity’s resources responsibly, ensuring the charity’s assets are used only to carry out its purpose, ensure the charity does not become over-committed, and ensure that key risks are identified, monitored and controlled appropriately
• to ensure the effective and efficient administration of the charity, responding to changes in the local community as appropriate
• to ensure appropriate financial plans are in place, budgets are monitored, financial statements are reviewed, and progress is evaluated
• to help promote the organisation to key stakeholders and beneficiaries
• to ensure the charity has appropriate procedures to comply with current legislation and good practice, including employment, health and safety, equity, diversity and inclusion, safeguarding, and GDPR compliance/data protection
• to prepare for and regularly attend and participate in board and subcommittee meetings and any trustee away days.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for people who want to help their local community and work towards the eradication of food poverty. Our ideal candidates would demonstrate:

• a knowledge of and commitment to the work of the South East Edinburgh Foodbank
• previous experience or an ability in:

1. financial accounting and reporting procedures
2. communicating financial information to those who may have little or no financial background
3. keeping all financial records up to date

• a sympathy towards the faith position of the South East Edinburgh Foodbank as a Christian charity

What difference will you make?

By leading on the financial matters of the Foodbank operation, you are part of providing a vital holistic support function in your local community, ensuring a dignified experience to anyone visiting, or anyone who comes into contact with, the South East Edinburgh Foodbank.

As Chair of Trustees you will provide strategic direction for the charity, ensuring that we are meeting the demand for our services, and making certain that we help and support people in crisis in the local community.

What will you be doing?

This role involves leading and overseeing the trustee board in ensuring the effective performance of its legal, regulatory and governance responsibilities. It is also an essential part of the role to support the Foodbank leader to achieve the vision/objectives of the Foodbank and to ensure there is a positive relationship between the trustee board, Foodbank staff, volunteers, and any other stakeholders.

Chairperson Responsibilities:

• chair trustee meetings so that the board functions effectively and carries out its duties
• ensure the board sets an overall direction for the Foodbank with clear objectives
• ensure that the business of meetings is dealt with, and decisions are recorded and implemented
• in consultation with the rest of the board, recruit board members with relevant expertise and experience when required
• to ensure that there is appropriate line management in place to manage the FoodBank Manage

Ensure an effective relationship between staff, volunteers, and stakeholders:

• to plan with the Foodbank Manager, an annual schedule of any subcommittee/steering group meetings and other key events which board members should attend
• to work alongside the Foodbank Manager to ensure there is appropriate communication between the trustee board and staff, volunteers, and any other stakeholders.

Other responsibilities, along with the board of trustees, include:

• to approve, support and guide the charity’s purpose, vision, strategy, goals and objectives
• to manage the charity’s resources responsibly, ensuring the charity’s assets are used only to carry out its purpose, ensure the charity does not become over-committed, and ensure that key risks are identified, monitored and controlled appropriately
• to ensure the effective and efficient administration of the charity, responding to changes in the local community as appropriate
• to ensure appropriate financial plans are in place, budgets are monitored, financial statements are reviewed, and progress is evaluated
• to help promote the organisation to key stakeholders and beneficiaries
• to ensure the charity has appropriate procedures to comply with current legislation and good practice, including employment, health and safety, equity, diversity and inclusion, safeguarding, and GDPR compliance/data protection
• to prepare for and regularly attend and participate in board and subcommittee meetings and any trustee away days.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for people who want to help their local community and work towards the eradication of food poverty. Our ideal candidates would demonstrate:

• a knowledge of and commitment to the work of the South East Edinburgh Foodbank
• an ability to lead a trustee team in a supportive and confident manner
• experience of leadership and charity governance as part of a Board of Trustees, including familiarity with chairing meetings
• a broad knowledge and understanding of the third sector
• strong inter-personal and relationship building skills
• experience leading through periods of development and change
• excellent meeting and presentation skills
• sympathetic to the faith position of the South East Edinburgh Foodbank as a Christian charity

What difference will you make?

By leading the Board of Trustees, you are part of providing a vital holistic support function in your local community, ensuring a dignified experience to anyone visiting, or anyone who comes into contact with, the South East Edinburgh Foodbank.

We are looking for a dedicated and enthusiastic Voluntary Shop Supervisor to oversee the daily operations at Portsmouth Cathedral’s shop.  Working for the Visitor Experience Manager this role is vital in ensuring the smooth running of the shop, managing volunteers, and providing excellent customer service. The ideal candidate will have retail experience, strong organizational skills, a keen eye for detail, and the ability to work collaboratively with various team members. The Supervisor will form a key part of the team as we combine our shop and welcome area with a new heritage exhibition space, after receiving National Lottery Heritage Funding in 2024.   
 

Key Responsibilities 

• Receive and Check Deliveries: Ensure all deliveries are received accurately and checked for quality and quantity.  
• Prepare products for sale: Printing and applying price labels.   
• Set Up Displays: Create attractive and effective displays according to seasonal and promotional requirements.  
• Provide Customer Service: Greeting customers and operate till as required.  
• Liaise with the Visitor Experience Manager: Regularly discuss seasonal product lines, new product lines, and daily operational tasks.  
• Day-to-day EPOS oversight: Ensure that the EPOS system (Square) is operational for day-to-day tasks.   
• Oversee Online Orders: Handle online orders, ensuring timely, accurate processing and posting.   
• Assist in Annual Stock Take: Participate in the annual stock take to ensure accurate inventory records.  
• Manage Volunteers: Assist and ensure the opening and closing of the store. Manage the shop rota via the Cathedral’s CRM, ChurchSuite. Ensure the shop is clean and tidy, liaising with the vergers/cleaners as required. Assist in retail related training and refresher training.   
• Liaise with Volunteer Coordinator: Communicate requirements for new volunteers and provide updates on current volunteers.   
• Liaise with Vergers: Coordinate with Vergers regarding events or volunteer sickness/unavailability that may affect the shop’s opening and closing hours.  
  ​

Stock and Equipment Management 

• Manage event-related stock, including bar supplies, hospitality items, and other consumables. 
• Maintain an inventory of equipment, ensuring all items are in good working order and ready for use. 
• Assist in the general upkeep of event spaces, ensuring they are presentable and fit for purpose at all times. 

Continuous Improvement 

• Gather feedback from clients, attendees, and team members to inform improvements to event production processes. 
• Contribute to post-event debriefs and evaluations. 

Training. Online training provided includes: safeguarding, GDPR, Challenge 25, manual handling

Time Commitment.Expected to be approximately 22 hours per week on a flexible pattern during shop opening hours.
 

Person Specification

Essential Skills and Experience

• Strong organizational and multitasking skills. 
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. 
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team. 
• Experience in retail or a similar environment. 
• Proficiency in using IT and EPOS systems and managing online orders. 
• Flexibility to occasionally volunteer on weekends. 
• Physical ability to move stock, including heavy boxes. 
• Empathy with the beliefs and values of the Christian Faith and objectives of the Church of England
• Ability to act with tact and diplomacy working with and serving a diverse range of people 
• Commitment to the highest standards of safeguarding, equal opportunities, and inclusivity. 

Desirable Skills and Experience

• Knowledge of licensing laws 
• Familiarity with heritage or multi-use venues.

Interest in working in a faith-based or cultural environment.

Portsmouth Cathedral is an Equal Opportunities Employer and a member of Inclusive Church. 
 

Join Our Board – Shape Futures, Change Lives

Could your skills or lived experience help reduce homelessness and support young people across Leicestershire?

If so, now is the time to step up.

YMCA Leicestershire is seeking new Trustees to join our dynamic Board as we drive forward our ambitious 2022–2027 Strategy. We’re tackling youth homelessness, expanding trauma-informed housing, and creating spaces where young people can belong, contribute and thrive.

We’re looking for passionate individuals who share our values of Community, Compassion and Empowerment, and who want to make a real difference.

We’re especially interested in hearing from people with (current) experience in:

• Legal
• Social Care
• Housing Development
• Or those with lived experience of homelessness

We’re also actively seeking applications from Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) individuals to better reflect the communities we serve.

Why join us?

• Help address one of the biggest social issues of our time: youth homelessness.
• Shape services that support over 100 young people in supported accommodation.
• Be part of a charity with deep local roots and national influence.
• Gain leadership experience in a high-impact, values-driven organisation.

You don’t need previous board experience — just the right mindset, commitment, and relevant knowledge. Personal or professional experience of leadership and community development is desirable.

Sound like you?

If you would like the opportunity to have an informal conservation with the CEO, please email Gemma Winters, Executive Assistant to CEO.

Together, we can create lasting change - for more information please visit our website.

RASASC Guildford is a charity that supports survivors of all genders over the age of 13 from across Surrey, who have been raped, sexually abused or have had unwanted sexual experience. 

We are currently recruiting for Support Line Volunteers (usually aged 23 or over) to work on our newly launched Support Line.  Our support line service operates from 6:30pm – 8:30pm Monday to Thursday, and provides a check in, listening and support service for survivors of rape and sexual abuse who have been assessed by RASASC for a 1:1 counselling place and who are currently on the waiting list for one to become available. This service is intended to reassure clients they are not forgotten and provide a safe space to talk about anything they wish. The wait times can be a few months to a few years. We ask that volunteers can commit to one shift every fortnight.

Volunteers are provided with an extensive training programme and are supported by regular supervision and ongoing training. The training programme will be a combination of in person sessions (Guildford) and online sessions.

While most volunteer work is done remotely, we do require quarterly in-person attendance at our Guildford offices for supervision (one evening) as well as occasional in-person training. Volunteers also commit to 1:1 telephone supervision and an online supervision session in addition to the face to face, these occur monthly on a rolling 3-month basis so each month there is a different type of supervision session also always in the evening and normally the second Tuesday of each month.

To find out more, please go to our website where you will find the job description and application form.

If you have any questions about the role please do get in touch as we would love to hear from you.

The closing date is Friday 30th May.

Home-Start Croydon offers parents the support they need to help give their children the best start in life. As a Parent Champion Volunteer you will be engaging with families from your own community, providing peer to peer support and promoting services for children under 5 and their families. By connecting with other parents and carers, Parent Champions help communities thrive, breaking barriers and reducing isolation.

Key activities

• Engage with parents with children under 5 years old
• Build good knowledge of own community and links with local families
• Signpost parents to children’s centres and local organisations providing services for families
• Talk with parents in groups
• Facilitate parents to build peer to peer support groups
• Provide information on childcare options including the free early learning for two year olds
• Record accurate information manually
• Attend training and personal development activities
• Meet the Parent Champion Coordinator and other Parent Champions to share good practice

Person Specification

• Have experience of being a parent or carer
• Ability to talk and listen to other parents and understand their world
• Have a non-judgemental attitude
• Have an understanding of the difficulties parents face when looking for childcare
• Have a positive experience of using formal childcare and family services
• Have an understanding about confidentiality
• Have an awareness on the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults
• Have knowledge of and commitment to equal opportunities, fairness and diversity
• Be able to keep basic records as requested by Home-Start

Excalibur Academies Trust, a dynamic and growing Academy Trust with schools spanning from Bristol to Reading, is looking to appoint a new Chair of Trustees, possessing extensive leadership, governance and chairing experience, to lead its Board. The Trust is based in Marlborough, Wiltshire, comprises 20 schools and has an annual budget of £140m.

Excalibur Academies Trust (EAT) is a dynamic and growing Multi-Academy Trust based in Marlborough, Wiltshire. The Trust comprises 20 schools across a broad geographical area, stretching from Bristol in the West to Reading in the East. It includes six secondary schools (four of which have post-16 provision) and 14 primary schools, some of which include nursery provision, enabling the Trust to deliver education across the full 2–19 age range.

EAT was established in 2012 and has grown steadily, expanding significantly in 2023 by welcoming a five-school Multi-Academy Trust into its fold. The Trust now operates a diverse portfolio of schools serving a wide range of communities, from small rural primaries with mixed-age classes to large urban secondaries with over 1,700 pupils. The Trust includes five Church of England schools linked to the Oxford and Salisbury Dioceses, making EAT a ‘mixed MAT’ with bespoke Articles of Association that accommodate both faith-designated and community schools. The diversity of the Trust is a key strength, underpinning its inclusive ethos and commitment to high standards across all settings.

Ofsted has judged the majority of EAT’s schools as ‘Good’, with one school rated ‘Outstanding’. The Trust has a dedicated School Improvement Team which works closely with schools to support them on their development journeys.

The Trust’s finances are managed prudently, with schools maintaining balanced budgets despite ongoing pressures in the education sector. EAT has an annual income of approximately £140 million and holds comfortable reserves. Some schools include specialist resource bases for pupils with additional needs such as hearing or visual impairments or autism spectrum conditions, and EAT’s provision for SEND and safeguarding has been consistently strong. EAT receives annual capital allocations to maintain and improve its estate. A central estates team supports individual schools, ensuring all buildings are safe and well-maintained.

Governance at EAT is well-established and effective. The Trust has four Members, including a representative of the Church of England, and 13 Trustees from diverse professional backgrounds. Several Trustees joined following the 2023 merger, bringing valuable insight and expertise. The Board is supported by a Head of Governance and has benefitted from an External Review of Governance (ERG), conducted by the Confederation of School Trusts (CST). The recommendations from the ERG have largely been implemented, and the Trust operates a stable and robust governance structure. EAT is a member of both the CST and the National Governance Association (NGA), giving Trustees access to extensive training and support.

The Trust’s Requirements

Excalibur Academies Trust is seeking a new Chair of Trustees to lead the Trust Board and support the Trust’s continued development. The current Chair, who has served since 2018, will step down in summer 2025 due to increasing work commitments. This role offers a rare opportunity to influence the strategic direction of one of the largest and most diverse MATs in the South of England.

The ideal candidate will have previous experience of chairing a Board or acting as vice-chair or committee chair in a complex organisation. They will be comfortable leading a board of significant scale and overseeing matters such as finance, education, risk, and governance. A background in executive leadership—particularly within education, public service, or corporate governance—would be advantageous.

The Chair will play an important strategic and leadership role, working closely with the CEO, Trustees, Members, and executive leaders. While current arrangements do not include a regular scheduled meeting between the Chair and CEO, the CEO is open to establishing a routine catch-up—initially more frequent, then settling to monthly or half-termly as appropriate.

Board meetings are held six times per year, typically on Friday mornings from 9am – 11am, and usually followed by a school tour to see the Board’s impact in action. Meetings take place across sites in the Trust but most commonly include:

• St John’s Marlborough, SN8 4AX
• Ashton Park School, Bristol, BS3 2JL
• John O’Gaunt School, Hungerford, RG17 0AN
• Fairfield High School, Bristol, BS7 9NL
• The Wren School, Reading, RG30 2BB

Occasionally, meetings are held at the National Self Build & Renovation Centre, Swindon, SN5 8UB.

Committee meetings are held online via MS Teams, usually on Friday mornings and lasting up to two hours. Trustees are expected to join one or two committees. The current committees include:

• Finance, Premises & IT (six meetings per year)
• Audit & Risk (three meetings per year)
• Education Scrutiny & Student Welfare (four meetings per year)
• Staffing (between four and five meetings per year)
• Academy Committee Chairs (six meetings per year)
• Christian Distinctiveness (one meeting per year)
• Admissions Panel (ad hoc as required)

While the Chair is not expected to lead all committees, the current view is that the incoming Chair will sit on the Finance, Premises & IT Committee (which will be chaired by another trustee, per DfE requirements) and attend Audit & Risk Committee meetings.

The successful candidate will be well-supported in their induction and transition into the role. Existing Trustees bring substantial experience and are committed to ensuring a smooth handover. EAT’s Head of Governance will provide detailed onboarding and compliance support, while the CEO and fellow Trustees will welcome the new Chair into a culture of collaboration, integrity, and shared purpose.

This is a high-impact opportunity for an experienced leader to contribute to the strategic growth and educational excellence of a forward-thinking, values-driven trust. With a proven track record of school improvement and sound financial stewardship, EAT is poised for continued success – and the new Chair will be central to that journey.

This is an exciting opportunity to influence and impact the educational experience and outcomes of children in east Newcastle, North Tyneside, and Hartlepool. At the heart of our trust is the aim to nurture, educate, achieve and transform the lives of all young people within the communities we serve across the North East.

We are a mixed Multi-Academy Trust, with eight schools (6 primary, 2 secondary) and a mix of community and Church of England schools. We are a fully inclusive, working with a range of stakeholders to ensure the best outcomes and destinations for our pupils. 

NEAT is looking for people to join our Local Governing Committees (LGCs) as school governors. We're open to hear from any candidates who are motivated to contribute to the enhancement of education in our schools, whether that be with years of education experience, or with new insights and innovative thinking about how schools and Academy Trusts can and should support learners and other stakeholders.

Our LGC members (school governors) come from a wide range of backgrounds. What they have in common is that they want to help our schools be the best they can be and our pupils to succeed. People who know our local communities bring real insight to the LGC.

We're especially keen to support people who may not have much opportunity to be involved in governing bodies, and those from underrepresented groups. If you have a passion for supporting pupils and some relevant skills or experience, we're keen to hear from you.

As a governance volunteer, our LGC members have the opportunity to use and develop their skills in:

• building relationships and networks
• teamwork
• communication and influencing
• strategic thinking
• problem solving
• using data
• leadership and Board practice
• specialist areas such as Careers, Health & Safety, Special Educational Needs (SEND), or Safeguarding

Being a school governor is not only a great way to use your existing experience and expertise in your community, but is a great way to learn new skills, receive training in leadership and board skills, upskill and make a difference. There's a wealth of opportunities for personal and professional development, networking, and working with a range of people from different backgrounds, professions, and life experience.

Our governance volunteers (school governors) have direct impact in the community through:

• decision making in the best interests of pupils to improve their education, wellbeing and future prospects and raise community aspirations
• shaping school policies and aims, allowing teachers to focus on delivering high-quality educational experiences
• stakeholder engagement to ensure that the voices of staff, parents, pupils and other stakeholders are heard

Most LGC members have a four-year term of office, except for co-opted members who are appointed for one year. They attend around four meetings each year, which are usually held late afternoon/early evening during term-time. LGC members are also involved in scrutiny activities in school, which usually happen once or twice a term during the school day. LGC members also participate in decision-making panels (for admissions and exclusions) for schools in the Trust. The average time commitment for our LGC members is 8-12 hours per month.

NEAT takes safeguarding seriously, and all governance volunteers are required to undertake a vetting process (including DBS check) during appointment to best safeguard our pupils and schools.