Church communications volunteer volunteer roles

The Connexional Council is seeking to welcome a lay person who is passionate about justice, diversity and inclusion, to become a member of the Justice, Dignity and Solidarity Committee. Appointments will be for a term of up to 3 years renewable annually for up to a further 3 years. The Committee values the contributions of both ministers and lay people in shaping its work and seeks to strengthen this balance by welcoming an additional lay member. This is an opportunity to help guide the Church’s continuing journey toward becoming a fully inclusive community.

As a member of the JDS Committee you will have the opportunity to influence policy and practices that impact Diversity and Inclusion within the life of the church.  The Committee meets five times a year for a combination of business meetings and a team-building session, creating space for both shared reflection and collective shaping of its work.  If you feel enthusiastic about championing the work of Justice and Inclusion in the Methodist Church, partner with us on our journey to create a truly inclusive Church where the values of justice, dignity, and solidarity are at the heart of everything we do and say.

There will be an opportunity to speak to current Committee members who will be happy to answer any questions you may have about the process and to share more information about the role.

Open Sessions will be held via Zoom on Thursday 6th November 2025 at the following times:

• 11am – 12pm
• 7pm  – 8pm
   

If you would like to join one of these sessions, do let us know and the link and joining information will be sent to you nearer the date.

Closing date: Monday, 10th November 2025. 

Online Interview date: Monday, 1st December 2025.

What will you be doing?

We are looking for a skilled and active trustee who is passionate about making a difference, who can take the lead in championing our vision, values, and local strategy within our wider community. 

Communications Lead Trustee responsibilities: 

• To work alongside the Treasurer, Chief Executive Officer and the rest of the Board to plan what level of funds are required to be generated to ensure the effective running of the charity
• To work alongside the Trustee Board to ensure that all grants are sought and written with the purpose of meeting the charities vision and objectives
• To lead, in partnership with the Chief Executive Officer and Fundraiser, on the organisation of local fundraising opportunities to support the running of the charity, including incorporating national Trussell fundraising campaigns/events throughout the year
• To oversee, with operational management support, the writing of high-quality grant applications that are in line with the charity's vision and objectives
• To regularly communicate to the rest of the Trustee Board via meetings or any other communication of any relevant information and/or developments regarding fund raising or grant applications.

Other responsibilities, along with the Board of Trustees, include:

• To ensure the Trustee Board develops a long-term strategy for the food bank with clear objectives which can be monitored and adapted
• To work alongside the Treasurer and the Trustee Board to ensure the organisation’s financial dealings are systematically accounted for and on time, independently examined (on income over £25k) and made publicly available when necessary
• Ensure your charity is accountable, actively complying with statutory accounting and reporting requirements and the law
• To ensure appropriate financial plans are in place for future budget allocations as well as looking after contractual agreements with external partners that award money for core costs and additional projects
• To help promote the organisation to a wider audience of potential funders and beneficiaries
• To ensure the food bank has appropriate procedures to: comply with current legislation and good practice; including employment, health and safety, equal opportunities, safeguarding & GDPR compliance/data protection etc.
• Act with reasonable care and skill, giving your time, thought and energy to your role
• To serve as an additional promoter of the food bank in the community

What are we looking for?

We are looking for people who want to help their local community. Our ideal candidates would demonstrate: 

• a knowledge of and commitment to the work of the Leeds North & West Foodbank
• a knowledge of, and passion for, communications planning and strategy
• experience of work in a communications role, with a knowledge of best practice in communications strategy and best practice
• a willingness to engage with the local community, including our beneficiaries and volunteers
• confidence to actively participate in discussions concerning the needs of the charity, always acting in its best interests
• experience of working effectively with others
• sound, independent judgement and the ability to think creatively

Whatever your background, we want to make sure you are supported and empowered and enjoy your time volunteering with us. We know that having volunteers from a diverse range of backgrounds, with varying experiences, can help to make what we do as effective as possible. As such, we welcome all applicants regardless of age, religion or beliefs, disability, ethnic background, gender reassignment, sex, or sexual orientation. 

Candidates would ideally live or work within the city of Leeds or its surrounding area. Candidates living and working more broadly within Yorkshire will also be considered.

What difference will you make?

Alongside wider trustee responsibilities for the overall governance of the food bank, you will actively support the board and the food bank team to focus on the strategic activity that will help reduce the need for our services locally. 

By leading on a communications strategy for the food bank, you are part of providing a vital holistic support function in the community, ensuring a dignified experience to anyone visiting or anyone who comes into contact with Leeds North & West foodbank

The London Prisons Mission is an independent charity that supports and assists multi-faith Prison Chaplaincy teams; enables volunteers to work with those in prison and leaving prison; and to inform congregations about prisoners, their families, prison staff, victims of crime and issues concerning the criminal justice system.

The Mission has gone through a period of transition and we are looking to refresh the charity’s structures and activities to make it a more effective organisation for those we seek to serve.

The Chair of the Mission will direct this work and work with the LPM support group and the trustees to ensure that the Mission can fulfil its objectives. 
 

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
Volunteer Support and Recruitment:

• Refreshing the leadership structure of the Mission through the recruitment of new trustees to oversee our work
• Identify potential volunteering opportunities for interested members of church congregations (provided proper training and support is in place)

External Networking:

• Meet representatives of national organisations and prison reform groups to discuss volunteer opportunities and information sharing

Staying Informed:

• Keep up to date with developments in the criminal justice system (CJS), including reports from HM Inspectorates

Communication:

• Meet every two months with LPM support group. Share relevant information with management teams, chaplaincy teams (of all faiths), and partner churches

Relationship Building:

• Maintain contact with managing chaplains of partner prisons.
• Initiate contact with prisons which LPM might work with in the future and co-ordinate prison visits for the LPM support group

Church Engagement:

• Communicate regularly with partner churches to promote prison-related awareness and engagement within congregations

Events and Public Engagement:

• Lead on organisation of events like prisoner art shows and activities around Prisons Week
• Encourage faith communities to be more active in CJS issues

 You will work with the London Prisons Mission support group on all of the above, but will be expected to take a lead on all these responsibilities delegating where necessary

Please send a CV and covering letter explaining why you would like to take up this post and outlining your relevant experience.

Volunteer with Us at the Big Sleep Out 2025 

On Friday, 14th November, Off The Fence will host its Big Sleep Out at St Peter’s Church, Brighton – our largest fundraising event of the year to support those experiencing homelessness in our city through our Antifreeze programme.

We’re looking for a team of volunteers to help with hospitality at the event and event delivery to ensure it runs smoothly and we create a welcoming, supportive experience for all participants. Volunteers will play an important role in greeting, serving, supporting, and encouraging participants throughout the evening and overnight. 

You’ll be part of a fun, committed team helping make this event possible – ensuring participants are cared for and that every detail runs smoothly. 

Once you’ve completed the volunteer application and have let us know which role you’re interested in, we’ll get back to successful applicants about an interview and provide a full role description. 

This is a brilliant opportunity to take action, grow in awareness, and work alongside Off The Fence, an established local charity equipped to support those most at risk of experiencing homelessness or trapped in the cycle of poverty here in Brighton & Hove. By volunteering, you’ll play a part in creating real change in our city. 

Hospitality Roles include: 

• Greeters – welcoming and checking in participants as they arrive. 

• Servers – helping with dinner (Friday evening) or breakfast (Saturday morning). 

• Overnight Support – topping up drinks and snacks, signposting toilets, and providing a friendly presence alongside our security team. 

• Essentials Kit Packing – guiding participants in packing practical kits and writing encouragement cards for our clients. 

Event Delivery Roles Include: 

• Set-Up Team - Help unload, set up barriers, tables, signage, and prepare spaces for participants. 

• Take-Down Team - Assist with packing away equipment, signage, and tables, leaving the site clear and tidy. 

• Promotion Team - Share leaflets and digital materials with your networks to create buzz, encourage participation, and promote sponsorship opportunities. 

• Media Team - Capture photos, videos, and participant stories (with consent) to thank supporters and promote future Big Sleep Outs. 

We are a small, friendly, place-based funder seeking up to 3 new volunteer Trustees to take us into the next decade.

Opportunity – Volunteer Trustee (we have 10 currently)

Location – London Bridge/Borough High Street SE1 (hybrid meetings, in-person encouraged)

Salary - Voluntary (Reasonable expenses reimbursed)

Hours – equivalent to 1 day per month

Trustees attend 4 required board meetings each year in March, June, September, December. We also encourage attendance at our quarterly Finance Committee and/or occasional grant assessment meetings. All are hybrid meetings run from our office near to London Bridge SE1.

About Us

Wakefield Tetley Trust is a long-established grant-maker working in Tower Hamlets, Southwark and the City of London since 2008 as a joint entity, originally created in the 1930’s as two separate charities. We support people in need by funding local charities and community groups who work with individuals and communities who are marginalised or disadvantaged, for example because they have difficulty in accessing resources, face discrimination or may experience poorer social, economic and health outcomes. In 2024 the Trust made grants of £213,152 towards work in support of our aims.

The opportunity

We are looking for up to 3 community-minded individuals who might live or work in our area of benefit. You will be keen to engage in high quality grant-making through informed understanding of the needs and challenges facing the charities and communities that we support.  We always need to add to our professional skill base so if you have experience relating to governance, finance, property, strategic and operational management, that is equally welcome. You’ll play a key part in developing our future plans and, as we are looking to incorporate in the next 12 months, you will play a part in achieving that and other changes.  

Time Commitment

Being available, engaged and a sounding board for staff and other Trustees is just as important as attending 4 mandatory meetings each year. We hope you’d take up the opportunity to visit and meet with grant holder charities, and to develop your knowledge and intelligence of issues that affect people in our area of benefit.

Who You Are

We’re looking for up to three individuals who bring enthusiasm, knowledge or interest in the local area we cover (or willing to learn), commitment to sound governance and the intention to make high quality grant-making. You might have a specific social interest or issue that you want to champion, and you’ll be a collaborative team member of the Board.

We particularly welcome applications from people currently living or working in the London Boroughs of Southwark, Tower Hamlets or City of London. 

HR Lead for Watford and Three Rivers Refugee Partnership

Are you looking to make a meaningful impact?

We are seeking a Human Resources lead to support our charity in developing and managing our HR strategy, policies and processes.

Watford and Three Rivers Refugee Partnership (WTRRP) provides practical and emotional support, advice and befriending to refugees, migrants and people seeking asylum living in the Watford and Three Rivers area. We are a growing charity serving an increasing number of clients. We have been able to secure some funding which has enabled us to be able to employ three members of staff, one Full time Caseworker, a part time Office Manager and a part time Volunteer Coordinator.  We are based in St. Mary’s Church, Watford in the heart of the City Centre.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for someone with the passion and drive for Human Resources, who will play a key role in shaping our HR policies and practice, supporting our team, and ensuring a positive and effective work environment.  As well as paid staff, we have a pool of dedicated volunteers that support the charity and there will be some policies that will need reviewing that apply to both staff and volunteers.

Key Responsibilities

· Develop HR policies and procedures aligned with best practice

· Guide the Trustees on performance management and development

· Provide guidance on employment law, contracts and HR compliance

· Foster a positive and productive culture within our Charity

· Be part of a team to resolve issues with staff and volunteers using clear processes

· Become a Trustee of the Charity and attend meetings which are held in the evenings in Watford

Who We’re Looking For

· HR experience (manager level desirable)

· Knowledge of HR policies, employment law, and best practice

· Ability to adapt to the context of the Charity, and working with volunteers

· Strong interpersonal and communication skills

· Ability to work independently and as part of a team

· Someone who is interested in supporting the Charity grow and develop

Time Commitment

The hours would vary and initially may be more whilst our policies are developed and reviewed.

3-5 hours a week.

Committee meetings are on varying weekday evenings, currently 6 per year.

What you will gain:

· Satisfaction from being part of bringing positive change to migrants and asylum seekers in the local community

· Valuable experience in a charitable organisation – both strategic and practical

· Access to training with NCVO

· Being part of a team of trustees

Interested in the role?

If you would like to have an informal chat initially, please contact us, or you can apply via Charity Jobs.

As Vice-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.

Key tasks

Vice-Chairperson Responsibilities:

• work alongside the Chairperson to ensure the board functions effectively and carries out its duties
• ensure the board sets an overall direction for the food bank 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
• as a deputy for the Chairperson, taking on the Chair’s role in their absence.
• to learn from the Chair of Trustees, with a view to ascending to the role of Chairperson at the conclusion of their term in office.

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

• to plan, with the Chairperson and food bank manager, an annual schedule of any subcommittee/steering group meetings and other key events which board members should attend
• to work alongside the Food Bank 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. Our ideal candidates would demonstrate:

• a knowledge of and commitment to the work of Selby & District Foodbank
• an ability to, when required, 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 interpersonal and relationship building skills
• excellent meeting and presentation skills

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, Selby & District Foodbank.

CAFOD Advisor

Strategy Performance Committee (SPC)

Role

Committee member, providing expert fundraising input to this Committee of the Board, alongside Trustees and other advisors. The SPC exercises governance activities on behalf of the Board and provides recommendations to the Board on such governance matters. The remit of the SPC encompasses CAFOD’s programmatic work, covering both CAFOD’s international activities and the work within the Catholic Community in England and Wales.

Person

• Total alignment with goals, ethos and culture of CAFOD, including its Catholic values
• Experience working within the charity sector with knowledge of multiple income streams
• Knowledge of fundraising for international causes would be advantageous
• Experience in multiple income portfolio management, particularly fundraising from the public
•  Familiarity with Fundraising Regulator best practice/Chartered Institute of Fundraising
• An understanding of fundraising in a faith context
• Good committee skills - team player, independent thinker, listening and contributing constructively
• Good communicator
• Commitment to the role (serious reading of committee papers and engagement with issues)

Time commitment

• Four half-day meetings a year, currently two at Romero House, London and two online
• As required, exceptionally, ad hoc meetings and meetings with other committee members, Trustees or staff as required
• No specific term, but expectation of 4 years minimum  

CAFOD Advisor 

Finance, Legal, Audit and Risk Committee

Role

Committee member, providing expert financial input to this Committee of the Board, alongside Trustees and other advisors.  The Committee is collectively responsible for reviewing in detail a wide range of matters relating to finance, legal compliance, audit and risk management before making recommendations to the Board of Trustees

Person

• Total alignment with goals, ethos and culture of CAFOD, including its Catholic values
• Qualified member of recognised accountancy body
• Demonstrable skills and experience in financial and corporate/ charity governance, commercial decision-making, budgeting and financial planning, internal and external statutory reporting, revenue and cost management, procurement, internal control, compliance, financial management and commercial or charity management generally
• Strong strategic and analytical skills
• Familiar with policy development (including financial and accounting policies) and maintenance
• Grasp of detail, ability to focus on key issues
• Corporate and/ or charity experience as director (possibly finance director) and/ or trustee
• Good committee skills - team player, independent thinker, listening and contributing constructively
• Good communicator
• Commitment to the role (serious reading of committee papers and engagement with issues)
• Strong commitment to personal and professional ethics

Time commitment

• Four half-day meetings a year, currently two at Romero House, London and two online
• As required, exceptionally, ad hoc meetings and meetings with other committee members, Trustees or staff as required
• No specific term, but expectation of 4 years minimum  

What will you be doing?

This role involves leading on fundraising and grant applications at board level, ensuring that the Trustee Board is aware of and kept up to date with any fundraising/grant developments.

Fundraising & Grants Lead Responsibilities:

• To work alongside the Treasurer, Chief Executive Officer and the rest of the Board to plan what level of funds are required to be generated to ensure the effective running of the charity
• To work alongside the Trustee Board to ensure that all grants are sought and written with the purpose of meeting the charities vision and objectives
• To lead, in partnership with the Chief Executive Officer and Fundraiser, on the organisation of local fundraising opportunities to support the running of the charity, including incorporating national Trussell fundraising campaigns/events throughout the year
• To oversee, with operational management support, the writing of high-quality grant applications that are in line with the charity's vision and objectives
• To regularly communicate to the rest of the Trustee Board via meetings or any other communication of any relevant information and/or developments regarding fund raising or grant applications

Other responsibilities, along with the Board of Trustees, include:

• To ensure the Trustee Board develops a long-term strategy for the food bank with clear objectives which can be monitored and adapted
• To work alongside the Treasurer and the Trustee Board to ensure the organisation’s financial dealings are systematically accounted for and on time, independently examined (on income over £25k) and made publicly available when necessary
• Ensure your charity is accountable, actively complying with statutory accounting and reporting requirements and the law
• To ensure appropriate financial plans are in place for future budget allocations as well as looking after contractual agreements with external partners that award money for core costs and additional projects
• To help promote the organisation to a wider audience of potential funders and beneficiaries
• To ensure the food bank has appropriate procedures to: comply with current legislation and good practice; including employment, health and safety, equal opportunities, safeguarding & GDPR compliance/data protection etc.
• Act with reasonable care and skill, giving your time, thought and energy to your role
• To serve as an additional promoter of the food bank in the community

What are we looking for?

We are looking for people who want to help their local community. Our ideal candidates would demonstrate: 

• a knowledge of and commitment to the work of the Leeds North & West foodbank
• a knowledge, ability and passion for fundraising and grant application writing
• experience of working in a fundraising role, including knowledge of fundraising strategy and best practice
• an ability to lead on any fundraising and grants matters in a supportive and confident manner
• confidence to actively participate in discussions concerning the needs of the charity, always acting in its best interests
• experience of working effectively with others
• sound, independent judgement and the ability to think creatively

Whatever your background, we want to make sure you are supported and empowered and enjoy your time volunteering with us. We know that having volunteers from a diverse range of backgrounds, with varying experiences, can help to make what we do as effective as possible. As such, we welcome all applicants regardless of age, religion or beliefs, disability, ethnic background, gender reassignment, sex, or sexual orientation. 

Candidates would ideally live or work within the city of Leeds or its surrounding area. Candidates living and working more broadly within Yorkshire will also be considered.

What difference will you make?

Alongside wider trustee responsibilities for the overall governance of the food bank, you will actively support the board and the food bank team to focus on the strategic activity that will help reduce the need for our services locally. 

By leading on fundraising (including grants) for the food bank, you are part of providing a vital holistic support function in the community, ensuring a dignified experience to anyone visiting or anyone who encounters Leeds North & West Foodbank.

At The Park Academies Trust, we are committed to innovation, collaboration, and making a lasting difference. Our schools are places where both children and adults thrive.

As a Trustee, you’ll play a key role in supporting our leadership, holding us to account, and helping us deliver real impact for our communities. This is a meaningful opportunity to be part of a Trust that believes in the power of education to change lives.

Education is a fast paced environment, with balances strategic planning and reactive capability in order to maximise the impact of our resources as we serve our communities every day. We have two key guiding principles that shape our work as an organisation,

1) will it improve outcomes for pupils?

2) will it make us a happy healthy place to work?. These ground our decision making and policy shaping to ensure we are financially stable in order to deliver exceptional education for all.

We welcome interest from anyone who is keen to use and develop their skills in a values driven organisation with social impact and improving the life changes of children at the heart of everything we do.

Trustees are responsible for: 

• Defining the Trust’s mission, values, and long-term vision
• Approving strategy, key policies, and the scheme of delegation
• Appointing and appraising the CEO, and ensuring strong leadership
• Overseeing educational quality, curriculum breadth, and pupil outcomes
• Ensuring financial sustainability and effective use of resources
• Supporting robust risk management and safe estate oversight
• Engaging stakeholders and promoting effective communication
• Ensuring governance structures remain fit for purpose

Trustees are expected to: 

• Attend meetings, prepare in advance, remain engaged between meetings and contribute constructively
• Build effective working relationships with fellow Trustees and leaders
• Visit schools and stay connected with the Trust’s work
• Commit to training and continuous development

We welcome people from all backgrounds, especially those who bring: 

We are looking for individuals with a strong commitment to education, inclusion, and community values, who can contribute to the strategic development of our Trust as we live out our purpose: ‘Inspiring Futures, Empowering People’. Strategic thinking, along with the ability to interpret and apply data and evidence within an educational context, will be valuable skills for all Trustees.

We are particularly seeking individuals with experience in: 1) School improvement (particularly secondary school or SEND), 2) Safeguarding 3) Finance 4) HR

We are committed to strengthening representation from our Church of England schools and enhancing the diversity of our board. We warmly welcome expressions of interest from all prospective trustees who share our values and meet the necessary criteria.

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.

We don’t think anyone in our community should have to face going hungry. That’s why we provide three days’ nutritionally balanced emergency food and support to local people who are referred to us in crisis. We are part of a nationwide network of foodbanks, supported by The Trussell Trust, working to combat poverty and hunger across the UK. 

What will you be doing?

Our mission is to prevent and relieve poverty locally by providing emergency food and financial support. Distributing over 40 tonnes of food and £50,000 in vouchers each year, we are looking for a Chair to work with the Trustees and Director to drive our strategy and increase our impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide leadership to the board, ensuring trustees fulfill their governance responsibilities.
• Chair regular board meetings and guide strategic planning.
• Support trustee recruitment, training, and development.
• Act as an ambassador with partners, funders, and the wider community.
• Oversee financial controls, safeguarding, and risk management.

Time Commitment

The expected commitment is around 1-2 days per month. This includes preparation for and attendance at meetings, occasional events, and engagement with staff and volunteers. See further details in the candidate pack.

What are we looking for?

At Letchworth Foodbank, we’re proud of what we’ve achieved so far and excited about the future. We’re looking for a Chair who shares our vision and will help us make the right decisions as we continue to grow and serve our community.

Essential

• Experience in leadership, governance, or board-level roles.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to inspire and unite people.
• Strategic thinker with sound judgment and an inclusive leadership style.
• Empathy towards tackling and relieving poverty.

Desirable

• Understanding of small charities and grassroots organisations.
• Awareness of safeguarding, equality, and community engagement.
• Experience in financial management and charity finance.

Support and training will be provided by the Trussell Trust to help trustees and Chairs build confidence in these areas.

We champion diversity and welcome applicants from all walks of life, valuing diverse perspectives that enrich our work. We are committed to offering equal opportunity for all, regardless of ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, or any other dimension of diversity. Join us in creating an inclusive environment where everyone's voice is heard and valued.

What difference will you make?

As our new Chair, you will be joining the Foodbank at an exciting stage in our journey. With the recent arrival of our first paid Director, Charlie Hayter, we are entering a new phase of growth and professionalisation, reducing sole reliance on trustees and creating space for more strategic leadership. Financially stable and well-supported by our community, we distribute vital food and financial aid every year, meeting urgent need at a time when the cost-of-living crisis makes our work more relevant than ever. Your impact will be to guide the board and Director in shaping and delivering a new threeyear strategy, ensuring we build on strong foundations to expand our reach and deepen our impact. This is a unique opportunity to lead a well-established, volunteer-powered charity that is rooted in its community, and to help set its direction for the future.

Help shape a fair, bold solution to the climate crisis. Work with us to turn carbon reduction into real community action.

Our vision is for a world in control of CO2 emissions - a fair social and economic approach that motivates and supports people and organisations to reduce their carbon footprints. 

Our ultimate mission is to persuade people, business and government that together, we can take meaningful action using our Carbon Accounts framework. We are already demonstrating how this would work on the ground in local community action groups. We believe this will inspire governments to introduce the same mechanism to reach science-based emission reduction targets on a national basis. 

What will you be doing?

We are a small, new charity with massive scope to make a difference in shifting the narrative on climate change where other organisations have failed. We are currently almost completely volunteer-led, with the exception of a freelance fundraiser. We would like to build up our trustee board and include trustees who are keen to drive us forward through their active involvement.

Our goal for the next 12 months is:

·    to continue building our local group of activists who watch their carbon and ecological footprints 

·    to create a carbon labelling campaign, a carbon trading group, a carbon footprint and Carbon Accounts app

·    to foster recognition from local businesses and government

·    to create a blueprint which can be adopted in other locations

We want to spread the movement far and wide, to promote public, business, academic and political acceptance of carbon budgets, carbon trading and our Carbon Accounts approach by demonstrating how and why it works, and running communications and fundraising campaigns.

There are many practical activities you could also help with beyond trustee responsibilities, not in any order, for example workshop facilitation, managing volunteers, fundraising, carbon emissions data and spreadsheets, writing or journalism on sustainability, social media, photography or videography.... Skills and experience in any will be helpful.
What are we looking for?

We’re looking for someone to jump right in with our small and dynamic team to provide guidance, energy and insight to help us develop. We’re looking for someone who has some experience with: 

·    charity governance

·    policy creation and management

·    strategy development combining marketing, fundraising, volunteer management and finance & business planning

·    you’ll need an awareness of the serious nature of the crisis and the need for radical action by governments, i.e. a strong desire to see society make an urgent response to climate change

·    ability to work online, in person, in different environments with different types of people

·    consistency and good communication

·    co-operation, exchange of ideas, flexibility

·    ability to put ideas across clearly while seeking first to understand others

·    free on Monday evenings for our in-person meetings (not mandatory)

Duration

Our trustee positions run for 3 years after which the person may seek re-election

Location

We are keen on everyone being local, coming to in-person meetings and leveraging their local knowledge and connections, to keep group dynamics strong and foster motivation and commitment. We cover the London boroughs of Hackney, Islington, Camden, Haringey and Westminster.

Luminary provides training, employment and community to some of the most disadvantaged women in London. We work alongside women who have experienced gender-based violence and live with ‘multiple disadvantage’ - a term that recognises that many women experience multiple forms of social and economic disadvantage which interlink, intersect and
drive a cycle of deprivation. Our primary focus is helping these women achieve employment and reach independence - breaking the cycle of poverty, violence and disadvantage, once and for all. 

OVERVIEW
The Charities Act 1993 defines charity trustees as those responsible under the charity's governing document for controlling the administration and management of the charity. For Luminary Limited, the trustees oversee and support the operations of the charity, our Employability Support Programme, 1-to-1 holistic support, Mentor Scheme & next steps Progression Support Programme. 

We work in collaboration with, but independently of, the Board of Directors of the business, Luminary Bakery Limited, who oversee the governance of the bakery, café business and commercial operations.

**Please note: Due to the role responsibilities, it is a Genuine Occupational Requirement that the post holder is female, permitted under Schedule 9, part 1 of the Equality Act 2010**

How we achieve our Mission
We use baking as a tool to guide women towards employability and independence. Over our two-year programme, women learn to bake, gain a catering qualification and develop transferable skills such as budgeting, interview techniques, working as a team, and resilience. Women gain valuable work experience through our sister organisation, Luminary
Bakery, as well as being paired with a volunteer mentor who helps her develop her career next steps.  However, our programme goes far beyond job skills. We offer access to highly-trained counsellors and each woman is supported by a dedicated Progression Support Worker to help her navigate the broader challenges she will face including housing and debt.

THE ROLE OF LUMINARY LIMITED’S BOARD OF TRUSTEES
At its simplest, the role of the Trustee Board is to receive assets from donors, safeguard them and apply them to the charitable purposes of Luminary Limited. The Trustee Board must always act in the best interests of Luminary Limited, exercising the same standard of duty of care that a prudent person would apply if looking after the affairs of someone for
whom they have responsibility. The Trustee Board must act as a group and not as individuals.

DUTIES OF A TRUSTEE BOARD MEMBER
The duties of a Trustee Board member are to:
 Ensure that Luminary Limited complies with its Articles of Association, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
 Ensure that Luminary Limited pursues its objects as defined in its governing document.
 Ensure Luminary Limited pursues its objects as defined in its governing document.
 Ensure Luminary Limited applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects. 
 Contribute actively to the Trustee Board by giving firm strategic direction to Luminary Limited, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets, and evaluating performance against agreed targets.
 Safeguard the good name and values of Luminary Limited.
 Ensure the financial stability of Luminary Limited by opening up its network.
 Stay up to date with matters of charity law and issues affecting Luminary.

In addition to the above statutory duties, each Trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the Trustee Board reach sound decisions, and to support Luminary Limited staff when necessary. This may involve leading discussions, identifying key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, and evaluating or offering advice on other areas in which the Trustee has insight, experience or expertise.

DIVERSITY IN LUMINARY LIMITED’S BOARD OF TRUSTEES
We are committed to building a diverse team and seek to be representative of those we are supporting, so we would especially like to hear from applicants from a wide range of backgrounds, including the global majority. We also recognise the importance of lived experience in all roles within our organisation, and therefore welcome applications from
those with lived experience of disadvantage or gender-based violence.

Diversity brings together the rich mix of qualities that make a healthy and effective board, and therefore allows us to work to the best of our ability for Luminary Limited. Luminary Ltd and Luminary Bakery were originally established and founded as part of the Christian church community and were inspired by their faith to create opportunities for women who experienced disadvantage. Luminary supports applicants of all or no faiths and continues to be respectful of all faiths and beliefs, offering an inclusive space for everyone.

MINIMUM TIME COMMITMENT OF BEING A LUMINARY TRUSTEE
Trustees are expected to attend all board meetings which are held four times a year on weekday evenings, with some shorter meetings in between as necessary. The meetings last approximately two hours and are usually in Camden, London (physical attendance is preferred, but flexibility can be given in certain circumstances). Trustees are also expected to
attend the yearly Graduation Ceremony and 1-2 other social events, including Luminary staff gatherings.

In addition, each Trustee must:
 Be committed to the mission of Luminary Limited.
 Be able to commit for a minimum of three years on the Board.
 Be willing to meet the minimum time requirement.
 Have integrity and independent judgement.
 Be able to think creatively and speak their mind.
 Have an understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship.
 Be able to work effectively as a member of a team and take decisions for the good of Luminary Limited.

Trustees:
 May be asked to join a board sub-committee, which would meet in between board
meetings.
 Are expected to attend some training sessions.
 Review policies and other documentation relating to charity governance.
 Are invited to attend trainee graduations and other social events.
 Can claim out-of-pocket expenses incurred in travelling to meetings.

PERSON SPECIFICATION
Following an audit of the current skills & expertise on the board, Luminary are seeking five new Trustees with experience in the following areas:
 Legal experience and current practice, primarily in employment and charity law, to be able to guide the Board and CEO on legal matters informally and liaise with Luminary’s lawyers on an ad-hoc basis to provide support as needed.
 Experience in policy work and advocacy on violence against women and girls and/or related social justice issues.
 Experience of charity governance, including growing and scaling up a charity.

 Building and drawing on a fundraising network or fundraising experience to secure further investment support.

 Safeguarding expertise and experience to be able to support the Board and staff in ensuring appropriate safeguarding measures are in place.

Personal Attributes
 Able to work collaboratively with colleagues, stakeholders and beneficiaries
 Be passionate about Luminary’s purpose and vision for growth, and commitment to the organisation
 Be an effective communicator
 Be a strategic thinker
 Able to act decisively and be responsive
 Be willing to use connections to promote and advance the work of Luminary Limited