Community group volunteer volunteer roles in bonnyrigg, midlothian

Join Design in Mental Health Network as a Trustee and help shape the future of mental health environments. Provide strategic guidance, support innovation, champion co-production, and ensure our work delivers real-world impact through inclusive, evidence-based design.

About DiMHN:

The Design in Mental Health Network (DiMHN) is a UK-based charity dedicated to transforming mental health environments through inclusive, evidence-based design. Our network brings together professionals from healthcare, design, policy, and lived experience to improve mental health outcomes and create spaces that promote dignity, safety, and healing.

Role Overview:

As a Trustee, you will help guide the strategic direction of DiMHN, ensure effective governance, and champion our values. Trustees are expected to provide strategic oversight and contribute expertise to subgroups or advisory functions.

Why Join Us

Joining the Board of DiMHN presents an opportunity to shape the future of mental health environments across the UK and beyond.

You’ll be part of a passionate, forward-thinking community working at the intersection of design, care, and lived experience. 

As a Trustee, you’ll:

• Shape strategic direction to drive meaningful change in mental health environments across the UK and beyond.

• Collaborate with a diverse network of leaders, experts, and lived experience advocates, influencing the future of mental health design.

• Provide governance and oversight that ensures the charity’s growth, sustainability, and impact.

• Champion inclusivity by elevating voices often excluded from design and decision-making processes

• Influence policy, standards, and innovation at national and international levels to embed evidence-based design in mental health care.

Who We’re Looking For

We’re looking for people who believe in the power of design to change lives. Whether you come from healthcare, design, research, lived experience, or another walk of life, if you’re motivated by the idea of creating more inclusive, compassionate mental health environments, we want to hear from you.

We have two Trustee vacancies and warmly welcome applications from both first-time trustees and those with previous board experience. 

We value fresh perspectives and offer support to help you thrive in the role. We are especially interested in individuals who can bring insight in one or more of the following areas:

• Mental Health Services & Policy: Clinical, community, lived experience, commissioning, or estates, facilities and planning.

• Digital Health & Technology: Expertise in AI, immersive tech, digital platforms, or digital strategy in care settings.

• Finance & Commercial Strategy: Income generation, business development, or financial planning in health, social impact, or design sectors.

• Research & Evaluation: Academic or applied research, impact measurement, or policy analysis.

We’re also looking for Trustees who embody our values:

At DiMHN, our work is grounded in our core values. We’re looking for Trustees who reflect these values through both mindset and action:

Be Courageous – You’re willing to ask challenging questions, confront assumptions, and help push boundaries to make mental health spaces more inclusive and compassionate.

Empathy in Design – You understand that good design starts with empathy. Whether through lived experience or professional perspective, you value collaboration and co-production with those who access mental health care and support.

Evidence-Led, Impact-Driven – You’re curious, reflective, and motivated by real-world change. You use evidence to guide decisions and are focused on outcomes that make a difference.

Improve Together – You believe in learning together. You’re generous with your skills and committed to helping the DiMHN and the wider sector grow stronger through collective action.

Purpose

Young Carers’ Crew is a registered charity (number 1176778) and runs a group which meets to provide emotional and practical support to Young Carers through recreational activities. We give support to local children and young people, who perform a caring role supporting another member of their household. 

Young Carers’ Crew is a small grassroots community group. We are hoping to bring in more people with diverse skills and experience to build sustainability.  

We are looking for Volunteer Trustees with a range of skills, to help steer and direct the organisation. 

The Board of Trustees takes on the ultimate legal and financial responsibility for all the activities of the organisation. They maintain an overview of policy and strategic direction rather than being involved in day-to-day operations. This position will not have any regular contact with the children or the volunteers running the Group activities. 

Role Description 

Volunteer Trustee for Young Carers’ Crew 

Volunteering is an unpaid position. Appropriate out-of-pocket expenses will be re-imbursed.

Location: Most tasks will be home-based.  Meetings will be held in and around Hitchin, Herts.

Hours: Up to 2.5 hours per month for Board meetings. Additional time for position is estimated to be 3 to 4 hours per month.

Reports to: Chair of Board of Trustees for Young Carers’ Crew

DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) requirement: Appointment to these posts is subject to an up-to-date, satisfactory, enhanced DBS check with a check against the barred lists for children and adults.

Duties and Responsibilities

We are seeking to fill these specific positions which are currently available:

• HR lead
• Safeguarding lead
• Fundraising
• Website Development

It is anticipated that the successful applicants will help to define the details of the position.

For all positions the following will be expected:

• Attend Board meetings as arranged. 
• Work as flexibly as may be required, also to carry out any other reasonable duties that may be required from time to time. 

The broad role of the Board of Trustees is summarised below:

• Be committed to the vision, mission and values of the organisation.
• Provide strategic direction, including agreeing and monitoring strategic plans.
• Keep informed of the activities of the organisation and the wider issues that affect its work.
• Ensuring that the work of the organisation is monitored and evaluated.
• Maintain that the organisation complies with its governing documents, e.g. constitution.
• Ensure the organisation complies with current Safeguarding Guidelines and Core Standards set out in the Children Act 2004 and Working Together 2013
• Ensure the organisation operates within the law.
• Safeguard the organisation in making efficient use of resources, in particular that all monies are applied to its objectives, agreed plans and budgets.
• Mitigate and manage the risks to the organisation, volunteers and service users.
• To be accountable to membership, funders and other stakeholders.

Person Specification

Please note all items are essential:

• Ability to maintain absolute confidentiality.

• Excellent organisational and time management skills.
• Good IT skills including Microsoft Office.

• Ability to work effectively, both individually and as part of a team.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Impartiality and fairness.
• Understanding of and commitment to the organisation’s mission & values.
• Ability to work in a way that promotes the safety and well-being of children and young people.
• Ability to work in a way that promotes equality of opportunity and respect for diversity.
• Commitment to continuing learning and training.

Experience

No experience is necessary for a general position on the Board of Trustees, just enthusiasm and a willingness to help the organisation grow and support the young carers.

For more specific positions; it would be highly desirable that you bring some experience in the charity sector, social care or in business development. 

So, for example, we would welcome someone with experience of working in a safeguarding role with young people specifically or from an HR background or someone who can help us raise money for the charity. .

Selection Process 

To ensure equal opportunities in recruitment, we request that all applicants complete the application form provided. A shortlist will be created and suitable applicants will be invited to interview.

Women's Aid Luton is seeking a visionary and dedicated Chair of the Board to lead and support the transformation and growth of our small yet impactful charity.

Women’s Aid Luton supports over 800 of society's most vulnerable women and children each year, helping them escape horrific abuse and violence. We provide a safe haven across our five refuges in Luton, operate a helpline, and offer bespoke assistance for families. Our services include access to legal advice, mental health support, employment assistance, and resettlement aid.

One of our refuges is dedicated to women from South Asian communities, with staff who speak Punjabi, Bengali, and Urdu. We also have a refuge for single women with complex support needs, such as mental health issues and drug and alcohol dependencies, often stemming from the trauma of domestic violence and abuse.

In addition to our direct support services, we focus on prevention and intervention by working with schools to raise awareness of domestic abuse. We are committed to disrupting exploitative and abusive relationships to prevent loss of life and reduce the long-term economic and social costs to society. Our services contribute to creating a safer, more compassionate community, supporting women and children from diverse socio-economic, religious, and cultural backgrounds, including those with complex needs.

With the current challenges facing our sector, we are focused on creating financial sustainability and resilience within the organisation, focusing on a robust funding strategy and a dynamic response to risk.

Our current Chair will come to the end of their term next year, and therefore we’re seeking a new Chair to support the charity in delivering our vital work.

The Chair of Trustees is a pivotal role within our organisation. Your leadership and dedication will be instrumental in ensuring we not only maintain but also expand our vital support and services for those in need. By guiding our strategic vision and fostering a culture of compassion and excellence, you will directly impact the lives of countless vulnerable women and children, helping them rebuild their lives and find hope for the future. Your commitment will drive our mission forward, creating lasting change and a safer, more supportive community for all.

What are we looking for?

EXPERIENCE

• An understanding and passion for the violence against women and girls sector
• Significant experience as a non-executive
• An understanding of UK charity governance and working with or as part of a Board of Trustees
• Experience of operating at a senior strategic leadership level
• An ability to network with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Sensitivity and discretion in dealing with staff and service user issues.
• Significant experience and success in leading groups of people in either a professional or voluntary capacity to achieve results.
• Experience of chairing meetings.
• Significant experience of managing, motivating, and developing people.
• Strong experience of developing, deploying, and evaluating strategic plans with a view to maximising impact and benefit.
• Experience of financial management and a broad understanding of charity finance issues

 SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Exceptional leadership skills; able to cultivate effective collaboration but also comfortable in taking responsibility for difficult choices.
•  Effective strategic communicator: able to articulate Women’s Aid Luton’s vision and engage and inspire others both within the organisation and externally.
• Highly effective relationship and alliance building abilities.
• Sound judgement with high capacity for self-reflection.
• Capacity to support both Board and Executive development.
• An ability to work within the realistic expectations and limitations for the Charity

ATTRIBUTES

• Dynamic leadership style that guides and inspires the Board and Executive to fulfil their respective responsibilities.
• A strong personal commitment to improving Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.
• Collaborative approach with excellent interpersonal skills.
• A strong personal commitment to Women’s aid Luton’s vision and mission replace with: Demonstrate a strong and visible passion and commitment to the charity, its strategic objectives and cause
• Demonstrate tact and diplomacy, with the ability to listen and engage effectively
• Strong networking capabilities that can be utilised for the benefit of the charity
• Ability to commit time to conduct the role well, including travel and attending events out of office hours

TERMS OF APPOINTMENT

The initial appointment is for a three-year term but can be extended for one further term for a maximum of six years. 

 “Joining Women’s Aid in Luton as a Board member has enabled me to use my professional expertise in a way that gives back to the community. I know that all the energy and time I give is helping to strengthen the organisation and ultimately the women and children it seeks to support. Joining the Board has been immensely rewarding and I highly recommend it as a valuable way to volunteer your time for a good cause.” – current Board Trustee at Women’s Aid in Luton.

Due to the sensitive nature of this role, we will be considering female volunteers only for this post in accordance with the provisions of the Occupational Requirement (Equality Act 2010, pursuant to schedule 9 part 1). Applicants will be required to have a satisfactory enhanced disclosure through the Disclosure and Barring Service.

We actively encourage applications from women from a variety of backgrounds, and with a range of skills and experiences. We are particularly interested to hear from women from Black, Asian and minoritised communities and women who have personal experience of domestic abuse.

If you have some time, energy and interest in the domestic abuse sector and believe you can make a difference to Women’s Aid Luton, we would love to hear from you.

We are seeking a new Chair to provide strategic leadership at a time when demand for our advice services is at an all-time high. Help shape our vision, champion our mission, and make a tangible difference in the lives of those facing challenges.

About Citizens Advice East Berkshire
Citizens Advice East Berkshire offers crucial help and advice when people need it most. No one but Citizens Advice sees so many people with so many different kinds of problems, and that gives us a unique insight into the challenges people are facing today. 

What will you be doing?
We are at an important stage in our development and we are seeking a new Chair to replace our current Chair who will be standing down as her term finishes. We have ambitious plans for our future and we are looking for a Chair who can help drive our mission forward.

Building on our successes to date, we want a new Chair to lead us through the next exciting phase of our journey. You will have a strong background and track record of providing leadership at board and/or senior executive level and will have a passion for supporting people facing tough life challenges. You should have the judgement and vision to operate effectively at strategic level and you should demonstrate the skills and expertise to help drive our mission forward. We are looking for someone with 3 years+ professional experience in one of the fields of Fundraising strategy, Governance, Operations management or Advice / Advocacy. 

We are looking for someone who has:

• Experience of operating at a senior strategic leadership level within an organisation
• Successful track record of achievement through their career
• Experience of charity governance and working with or as part of a Board of Trustees
• Passion for supporting people facing tough life challenges
• Ideally has served as a Chair or Vice Chair and is familiar with leading a Board

What are we looking for?

You’ll need to:

• Understand the type of work undertaken by a local Citizens Advice and the Citizens Advice network
• Understand and accept the responsibilities and liabilities of a trustee
• Be non-judgmental and respect views, values and cultures that are different to your own
• Have a good basis of leadership skills (and preferably you have served within a Board, ideally as Chair or Vice Chair or led a Committee)
• Have the ability to facilitate and lead meetings
• Have good interpersonal skills
• Have good listening, verbal and written communication skills
• Be able to exercise good independent judgment
• Have good numeracy skills to understand accounts with the support of the treasurer
• Be willing to learn about and follow the Citizens Advice aims, principles and policies, including confidentiality and data protection
• Be willing to undertake mandatory training in your role
• Line manage and support the Chief Executive Officer

What difference will you make?
Citizens Advice East Berkshire makes transformational differences to people who need support when facing life crises. As Chair you will play a significant part in ensuring we are able to expand and grown our services to make a significant difference to many more individuals and families. 

the3million is currently seeking up to three new non-executive directors to strengthen its dynamic board and support the work of this passionate organisation at the forefront of migrants’ rights in the UK. 

Nine years after the Brexit referendum, we are navigating ongoing challenges affecting EU citizens’ communities. We are continuing to build power from the ground up, empowering people to get their voices heard. Your contribution will be crucial to making change happen.

These positions are voluntary and therefore unpaid.

About the3million

We are the leading organisation representing EU citizens in the UK. Our vision is a world where EU citizens can thrive, reach their potential and have an equal voice in UK society. Our work ranges from informing people of their rights and community organising of EU citizens’ communities, to holding the Government to account on the implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement and promoting access to justice. 

We are a grassroots and non-partisan organisation, working with a variety of stakeholders, from MPs to NGOs, legal advisors and the media on specific issues affecting migrants’ rights. We regularly engage with the Home Office and its monitoring bodies to advocate for change. 

We were formed through the efforts of volunteers from many different backgrounds who came together in the immediate aftermath of the Brexit referendum in 2016. We hold on to that can-do, nimble spirit and friendly and non-hierarchical collegiality.

In 2024, the3million’s contribution towards creating lasting and significant change for EU citizens living in the UK was recognised at the EmpowerEU Awards, in the "Outstanding Achievement” category.

the3million was incorporated as a limited by guarantee not-for-profit company with Companies House in November 2017. As such, the role of members of the Board of Directors is similar, though not identical, to that of Charity Trustees.

What does the role involve? 

You will join a small board of professionals committed to helping EU citizens in the UK. We are specifically seeking directors with expertise, skills and knowledge in any or several of the following backgrounds: fundraising, legal compliance, HR, risk management, community organising, racial justice and safeguarding.

As a the3million non-executive director, you’ll play a vital role in keeping the organisation on track with its objectives. You will apply your professional experience towards shaping our strategy on fundraising, governance, campaigning and other areas of work.

The main purpose of your role:

As directors at the3million, you will have responsibility to:

• Ensure the3million is meeting its aims and objectives and acting in line with any relevant legislation or regulations
• Act in the best interests of the organisation
• Ensure the3million applies its resources exclusively in line with its strategic aims 
• Ensure the financial viability of the3million 
• Contribute effectively to the Board of Directors in giving clear strategic direction, and evaluating performance against set targets
• Support the Chief Executive Officer and monitor their performance
• Act with reasonable care and skill

What you will gain:

• An insight into how the organisation runs;
• Confidence in building relationships with a wide range of people, and the opportunity to learn from the varied experiences that other Board members bring to the table;
• An opportunity to use your skills, knowledge and experience to the benefit of the organisation and the communities we serve;
• A sense of pride when hearing about the difference our campaigning and organising efforts make, knowing you have had a role in protecting the rights of EU citizens in the UK.

Being a director is a voluntary role and is not paid, but expenses including for travel are reimbursed.

Director Person Specification

Key skills:

• Knowledge of and ability to carry out the core responsibilities of being a director (please note that onboarding and support is available to new Board members, particularly those who have not served on a Board before)
• Timeliness and clarity in your communication on and around meetings or projects
• Strategic vision: an ability to think about the ‘bigger picture’ and longer term (5 years ahead) as well as the ‘here and now’ 
• A willingness to act as an ambassador for the3million, promoting our work to friends and colleagues
• An ability to work as a member of a team, to comment, challenge or question in a way that is helpful, supportive and constructive
• A good sense of judgement

Qualification and experience

You will ideally have one or more of the following:

• Experience of working in senior teams, preferably at board level;
• Experience of volunteering/working in the third  sector;
• Fundraising;
• HR;
• Community organising;
• Safeguarding;
• Racial justice;
• Experience working in the migration field would be an advantage.

Personal attributes

• Integrity and honesty
• Proactiveness
• A demonstrable commitment to the3million's aims and values
• Team player, flexible and adaptable

Time commitment 

• A two hour evening board meeting every two months (online)
• Regular discussion and meeting with fellow directors (online)
• Follow up to meetings – reading and commenting on minutes, carrying out any agreed actions.
• One to two away-days per year (in-person);

Restrictions

• Over 18
• Must be currently based in the UK
• Not bankrupt
• Subject to satisfactory DBS check and references
• Not excluded by Companies House or Charity Commission
• Conflicts of interest that would be so significant as to undermine the role in general, such as being a member of a group that discriminated against people based on gender, ethnicity or nationality.

Who should apply?

Applications are welcome from everyone with the relevant passion and experience in one or more of the areas listed above. Having worked in the migration sector or in campaigning is not necessarily required. We recognise that many other settings offer transferable skills.

One of the3million’s core values is equity - we are people-led, we value diversity and are enriched by differences. We strive to listen to, engage with and represent the broadest range of people. 

We are particularly eager to hear from candidates with lived experience of migration. If you are from a background that is underrepresented in the migration sector we also strongly encourage you to apply. This could include coming from a community that experiences racism, living with a disability or not having been to University.

We recognise our team is not currently representative of communities that experience racism and that our own ways of working may replicate wider societal oppression and injustices. We are actively working towards becoming an anti-oppressive organisation, including taking steps to create a more inclusive recruitment process.

We believe our work will be stronger with greater diversity. the3million welcomes the whole person to work, and we understand that each of us brings our experiences, our backgrounds and our own unique lens to what we do.

Please send your CV along with an accompanying letter explaining your reasons for applying. We highly recommend going through the role specifications below before you start your application.

Next steps
 
Applications are welcome from everyone with the relevant passion and experience. If you would like to speak to someone on our current Board or a staff member to find out more about us before applying, you are welcome to do so.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited for a one-hour interview. Interviews may be carried out over the weekend. 

Successful applicants will be onboarded by other Board members, ensuring they are welcomed into the organisation.

Application Instructions

Please send your CV along with an accompanying letter explaining your reasons for applying. Applications submitted without a covering will not be reviewed. 

If you are on LinkedIn, please share with us the URL of your profile.

Please also download and fill in the equality and diversity monitoring form. We only use this information to understand the demographics of people we are reaching and to guide us in making the3million fairer. This process is separate and confidential; this information is not reviewed or taken into account in the recruitment process.

Please email all the above to us at recruitment[at]the3million[dot]org[dot]uk.

At a time when we are experiencing the largest reforms to the welfare rights system in a generation, we believe this is an exciting opportunity for individuals interested in welfare rights work, to join a respected organisation working at the forefront of the advice sector.

The Welfare Benefits Unit offers specialist welfare benefits advice to those who work with members of the public. Our experienced advisers provide independent support through our advice line, publications, training, consultancy, campaigns and projects.

The Welfare Benefits Unit aims to maximise benefit take-up, helping to reduce the incidence and impact of poverty and in doing so improve health, well-being, financial and social inclusion. We are a registered charity based in York. We primarily operate in North Yorkshire and York although some of our services are accessed by organisations working further afield. 

We continue to aim towards a board that reflects the populations we work to support, and as such, welcome individuals from diverse ethnic communities, LGBTQIA+ groups, as well as younger people, those with disabilities, and those who have lived experience of the welfare benefits system.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

We welcome and support applications from those new to being a Trustee. We also know that studies have shown some people are less likely to apply for positions unless they believe meet every requirement in the description. The most important thing for us is to find Trustees that connect with our values and who can readily buy into our mission. Though we have suggested skills and experience areas below, which would be keen to hear from, we’re eager to meet people that believe in our mission and can contribute to our board in a variety of ways – not just candidates who tick all the boxes.

We’re keen to add these areas of skills and experience to our board:

• Financial, legal or HR matters (especially as they may apply to a small charity)
• Expertise in marketing, digital or similar technological areas
• Welfare benefits system and welfare rights advice or lived experience.

About the Role

All Trustee positions are voluntary with reasonable expenses remunerated. To be an effective Trustee, you will need to commit up to 1-2 days per quarter to attend and prepare for board meetings which are held virtually.

Effective Trustees support our work by:

• ensuring we are working towards our vision, mission and values in everything we do
• ensuring the effective and efficient use of resources, maintaining proper financial and regulatory oversight and best practice as a charity
• approving the annual budget, and supporting strategic decision-making by actively contributing advice and guidance
• appointing key personnel such as the Chief Executive, and determining pay and conditions for the wider team
• constructively guide the Senior Leadership Team in the delivery of the organisation’s strategy
• actively representing and championing the work of the Welfare Benefits Unit.

• Location: UK-wide (Board meetings online, with occasional in-person events)
• Time Commitment: 8–12 hours per month
• Term: Initial 3-year term, renewable up to a maximum of 9 years
• Remuneration: Voluntary Role (expenses reimbursed)
• Start Date: October 2025
• Applications Open: July 2025
• Applications Close Date: 5 pm, Friday 5th September 2025
• Interview Dates: 15th September (PM) and 17th September (AM)

About DiMHN:

The Design in Mental Health Network (DiMHN) is a UK-based charity dedicated to transforming mental health environments through inclusive, evidence-based design. Our network brings together professionals from healthcare, design, policy, and lived experience to improve mental health outcomes and create spaces that promote dignity, safety, and healing.

Role Overview:

As a Trustee, you will help guide the strategic direction of DiMHN, ensure effective governance, and champion our values. Trustees are expected to provide strategic oversight and contribute expertise to subgroups or advisory functions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Shape and review DiMHN’s strategy, vision, and values.
• Ensure compliance with legal, financial, and governance requirements.
• Monitor performance and support the CEO and executive team.
• Act as an ambassador for DiMHN, promoting our vision, purpose, and values, as well as the work we do.
• Contribute to fundraising, research, and partnerships. 

Why Join Us

Joining the Board of DiMHN presents an opportunity to shape the future of mental health environments across the UK and beyond.

You’ll be part of a passionate, forward-thinking community working at the intersection of design, care, and lived experience. 

As a Trustee, you’ll:

• Shape strategic direction to drive meaningful change in mental health environments across the UK and beyond.
• Collaborate with a diverse network of leaders, experts, and lived experience advocates, influencing the future of mental health design.
• Provide governance and oversight that ensures the charity’s growth, sustainability, and impact.
• Champion inclusivity by elevating voices often excluded from design and decision-making processes
• Influence policy, standards, and innovation at national and international levels to embed evidence-based design in mental health care.

Who We’re Looking For

We’re looking for people who believe in the power of design to change lives. Whether you come from healthcare, design, research, lived experience, or another walk of life, if you’re motivated by the idea of creating more inclusive, compassionate mental health environments, we want to hear from you.

We have two Trustee vacancies and warmly welcome applications from both first-time trustees and those with previous board experience. 

We value fresh perspectives and offer support to help you thrive in the role. We are especially interested in individuals who can bring insight in one or more of the following areas:

• Mental Health Services & Policy: Clinical, community, lived experience, commissioning, or estates, facilities and planning.
• Digital Health & Technology: Expertise in AI, immersive tech, digital platforms, or digital strategy in care settings.
• Finance & Commercial Strategy: Income generation, business development, or financial planning in health, social impact, or design sectors.
• Research & Evaluation: Academic or applied research, impact measurement, or policy analysis.

We’re also looking for Trustees who embody our values:

At DiMHN, our work is grounded in our core values. We’re looking for Trustees who reflect these values through both mindset and action:

Be Courageous – You’re willing to ask challenging questions, confront assumptions, and help push boundaries to make mental health spaces more inclusive and compassionate.

Empathy in Design – You understand that good design starts with empathy. Whether through lived experience or professional perspective, you value collaboration and co-production with those who access mental health care and support.

Evidence-Led, Impact-Driven – You’re curious, reflective, and motivated by real-world change. You use evidence to guide decisions and are focused on outcomes that make a difference.

Improve Together – You believe in learning together. You’re generous with your skills and committed to helping the DiMHN and the wider sector grow stronger through collective action.
 

Eligibility:

Applicants must be over 18 and eligible to serve as a charity trustee 

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

We are actively working to improve the diversity of our Board, recognising that inclusive leadership strengthens both our governance and our ability to achieve our purpose. Diverse perspectives lead to better decisions, richer insight, and more equitable outcomes for the communities we serve.

We know that some groups remain underrepresented in charity governance, including people from racialised communities, disabled people, LGBTQAI+ individuals, younger adults, and people with lived experience of mental health. We also value regional diversity and welcome applications from across the UK. We encourage applications from 

How to Apply:

Send your CV and a short written or video/audio statement (max two pages or five minutes), titled “[Your Name] Trustee Role.”

In your statement, tell us why you’re interested, what you’d bring, and any support you might need to thrive in the role.

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.

The overall role of a Treasurer is to maintain an overview of the organisation’s financial affairs, ensuring its financial viability and that proper financial records and procedures are maintained. 

In addition to the general responsibilities of a trustee, duties of the Treasurer  include: 

• Overseeing, approving and presenting budgets, accounts and financial statements (including arranging for the accounts to be submitted to the accountant). 
• Being assured that the financial resources of the organisation meet its present and future needs.
• Ensuring that Mind in Kingston has appropriate reserves in line with its reserves policy.
• Ensuring that appropriate financial reports are presented to the board.
• Ensuring that appropriate accounting procedures and controls are in place.
• Liaising with any paid staff and volunteers about financial matters.
• Advising on the financial implications of Mind in Kingston’s strategic plans.
• Ensuring that the charity has an appropriate investment policy.
• Ensuring that there is no conflict between any investment held and the aims and objects of Mind in Kingston.
• Monitoring the organisation’s investment activity and ensuring it is consistent with the organisation’s policies and legal responsibilities.
• Ensuring that the accounts are prepared and disclosed in the form required by funders and the relevant statutory bodies, for example the Charity Commission and/or the Registrar of Companies.
• If external scrutiny of accounts is required, ensuring that the accounts are scrutinised in the manner required (independent examination or audit) and any recommendations are implemented.
• Keeping the board informed about its financial duties and responsibilities.
• Supporting other trustees in understanding the organisation’s financial position and decision making.
• Contributing to the fundraising strategy of the organisation and the ethical fundraising policy.
• Making a formal presentation of the accounts at the Annual General Meeting and drawing attention to important points in a coherent and easily understandable way.

Person specification

In addition to the person specification for the Treasurer should have the following qualities:

• Relevant financial management/accounting qualifications and/or experience.
• Some experience of charity finance, fundraising and pension schemes or willingness to learn.
• The skills to analyse proposals and examine their financial consequences.
• Being prepared to make unpopular recommendations to the board.
• A willingness to be available to staff for advice and enquiries on an ad hoc basis.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for a Trustee who is passionate about arts and social

justice, who wants to make a difference and is able to compliment our

Board of Trustees, Artistic Director, and Executive Director as we work

together to develop the impact and profile of Cardboard Citizens. We

believe that the need for Cardboard Citizens is as urgent as it ever has

been with the current external environment and the challenges for our

communities with experience of homelessness and poverty.

Whilst we’d like to hear from applicants from a range of backgrounds and

experiences, we are particularly keen to hear from those with skills in any

of the following areas:

·Digital, New Media

·Communications / public relations

·Environment & Sustainability

·Development

·Strategic partnerships

The general attributes we’re looking for in potential Trustees include:

·Good judgement

·An ability to think creatively and strategically

·An ability to collaborate and work as part of a team

·Effective interpersonal skills

·An active commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion

·An ability to command trust and respect

·An understanding and acceptance of a Trustee’s legal duties and

responsibilities

·A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort required

What we ask of you:

·To serve an initial term of 4 years, with the possibility of re-appointment

until 8 consecutive years’ service has been reached.

·To attend 4 x 2-hour Board Meetings a year, committee meetings as

required, as well as an annual Away Day.

·To attend events, performances, workshops and other engagements, to

gain a full experience of the breadth of Cardboard Citizens work.

·To sit on one of the Board’s Committees.

·To provide specialist advice and expertise as required and appropriate.

·To advocate and champion Cardboard Citizens’ work, values, ambition,

and strategic direction.

In total, Trustees usually commit the equivalent of 10 days per annum to

their role.

What you can expect from us:

·The opportunity to help shape the future direction of a dynamic theatre

company driving social change, and be part of an active, loyal, and

engaged group of Trustees.

·Flexibility when it comes to attending meetings either in person or

remotely via video call.

·A full Trustee induction with current Trustees and permanent staff.

·Regular training and development opportunities.

·An offer of an annual 1-2-1 with the Chair.

Please note that Trustee roles are voluntary and therefore unpaid, but reasonable expenses will be covered.

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us if you’re not sure because of,

for example, your working hours, employment status, caring

responsibilities, level of experience, socio-economic or cultural

background or access needs. We would still love to hear from you so we

can talk about any concerns.

We actively encourage people from a variety of backgrounds with

different experiences, skills, and stories to join us and influence and

develop our working practice. By taking positive action around diversity

(as permitted in the Equality Act 2010), we will offer initial conversations

to candidates who self-identify with any of the following groups that we

have identified as underrepresented in our workforce and the wider

cultural sector:

People of African, Caribbean, South Asian, East Asian, Southeast Asian,

or mixed heritage, and others who identify as part of the Global

Majority

Candidates with lived experience of homelessness or poverty

Deaf, disabled, and/or neurodivergent candidates

LGBTQIA+ candidates

Candidates with care experience (e.g., those who have been in foster

care, residential care, or other forms of local authority care)

What to send

Either:

Letter (no more than 2 sides of A4)

OR

Video (no more than 5 minutes)

OR

Audio (no more than 5 minutes)

telling us why you are interested in the role and what skills and

experience you would bring to Cardboard Citizens

An up-to-date CV

Contact details for one referee who knows you professionally

A completed Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form linked to the

vacancy page on our website. The information on the monitoring

forms is anonymous.

Please send your application by 26 September. Interviews will be

planned at a mutually convenient time in the week of 6 October. Please

let us know some availability when you apply.

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.

Chair of Trustees - Terms of Reference

Introduction

Emergency Nutrition Network (ENN) is a well-established and highly respected UK-based charity working to reduce malnutrition globally. ENN strives to enhance the effectiveness of nutrition policy and programming by building evidence, convening critical actors and transferring knowledge. We are passionate about being field driven and are globally recognised as thought leaders and conveners in nutrition. Our vision is a world where ‘Every individual confronted by malnutrition has access to the knowledge, tools, services and resources they require to meet their needs.  We work with governments, civil society, UN, donor and academic organisations to achieve mutual goals. Through these collaborations we support agencies to implement evidence-based nutrition programming, predominantly in low- and middle-income countries.

The Trustee Role

ENN is seeking to appoint a new Chair of Trustees to lead its Board with strategic insight, collaboration, and a deep commitment to the organisation’s mission. This is a significant and rewarding opportunity to guide the governance of a globally respected charity at a pivotal time in its journey.

As Chair, you will play a key leadership role in ensuring that the Board of Trustees operates effectively, provides strong oversight, and supports ENN to fulfil its charitable objectives. You will work in close partnership with the CEO and fellow Trustees to shape and monitor the delivery of ENN’s strategy, ensuring that the organisation complies with its purpose, charity law and company law and that the organisation pursues its objectives as defined in its governing document.

The Chair will also ensure that the Board functions properly and that effective decisions are made and implemented.

This role calls for someone with strong leadership presence, relevant experience, and a collaborative approach. Someone who can lead inclusive, focused meetings and create a supportive, respectful for both trustees and the senior management team.

A helpful summary of trustee roles and responsibilities can be found in Charity Commission guidance ‘The essential trustee: what you need to know, what you need to do’

We are looking for a Chair who brings substantial leadership and governance experience, including at board level within the charity, public, academic, or international development sectors. While a background in nutrition or humanitarian work is not essential, a strong interest in global health, development, or social impact is important.

Your Responsibilities as a Trustee:

As Chair of the Board, you will play a key leadership role in ensuring the overall effectiveness of ENN’s governance and strategic direction. You will guide the Board in fulfilling its collective responsibility to uphold ENN’s mission and values, while supporting the organisation to thrive in a complex and evolving funding landscape.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Chairing the Board of Trustees: Leading quarterly Board meetings and the Annual General Meeting, ensuring well-structured and inclusive discussions, clear decision making, and effective follow-up on actions.
• Strategic Leadership: Working with the CEO and fellow trustees to shape and review ENN’s strategic direction and priorities, especially in light of changes in the global funding environment.
• Supporting Fundraising and External Relations: Acting as an ambassador for ENN, supporting engagement with key stakeholders including donors, partners, and networks. Where appropriate, the Chair and trustees may play a role in donor cultivation or advocacy.
• Governance and Compliance Oversight: Ensuring that ENN complies with its Articles of Association, charity and company law, and sector best practice. Overseeing the effectiveness of risk management and ensuring proper financial controls are in place.
• Board Development and Succession: Ensuring the Board remains diverse, skilled, and effective by leading on trustee recruitment, development, and performance review processes. Championing a culture of inclusion and learning.
• Relationship with the Executive Director: Building a strong, supportive, and transparent relationship with the CEO. Providing guidance and challenge as a critical friend and ensuring effective communication between the Board and ENN’s Management Team.
• Safeguarding and Ethical Oversight: Promoting and safeguarding ENN’s reputation, values and policies including its commitment to safeguarding, equity, and ethical conduct.
• Adaptability in Financial Stewardship: Supporting the Board and Executive Team to respond proactively to funding challenges and opportunities, including exploring alternative funding models and revenue diversification.

The Chair will be expected to attend quarterly Board meetings (held virtually and occasionally in-person), subcommittee meetings where relevant, and represent ENN externally when needed. This is a voluntary position, with reasonable travel and related expenses reimbursed.

Required Knowledge and Skills

• Demonstrable experience of senior leadership, preferably at board level, within the non-profit, public, or international development sectors.
• Strategic vision and the ability to identify and understand response to changing contexts.
• Proven ability to chair complex meetings effectively, enabling inclusive, strategic, and outcomes-focused discussions.
• A strong understanding of governance responsibilities, including the legal duties of charity trustees, and a commitment to high standards of ethical and financial stewardship.
• Experience in guiding organisational strategy, change management, and performance monitoring at a senior level.
• Insight into the UK charity sector, the Charity Commission’s regulatory framework, and good governance principles.
• A good understanding of global development funding trends, with an appreciation of how geopolitical shifts have impacted international donors and the wider NGO landscape.
• Experience in supporting income diversification and navigating financial uncertainty, including stewarding fundraising strategy, major donor engagement, or building new funding partnerships.
• A collaborative and inclusive leadership style, with the ability to support and challenge constructively, build consensus, and maintain a strong, positive relationship with the CEO and senior management team.
• An ability to serve as an ambassador for ENN’s mission, engaging confidently with external stakeholders, donors, and sector leaders.
• A clear alignment with ENN’s values, commitment to equity and inclusion, and passion for reducing global malnutrition.

Previous experience of charity trusteeship is desirable but not essential if the candidate demonstrates equivalent governance or board leadership experience in another sector.

Membership and Operation of the Board

The ENN Board of Trustees comprises individuals appointed by the Trust Members, selected for their diverse skills, experience, and commitment to ENN’s mission and values. Collectively, the Board provides strategic leadership, ensures good governance, and supports ENN in delivering its charitable objectives.

Trustees are appointed for an initial term of four years and are eligible for reappointment at the discretion of the Trust Members at a General Meeting, in accordance with ENN’s Articles of Association.

The Chair of Trustees is elected by the Board from among its members. The Chair serves for a term of up to three years and may be re-elected for one additional term. This ensures a balance of continuity and renewal in Board leadership.

The Board meets quarterly and may convene additional meetings as required. Trustees are expected to attend meetings regularly and actively participate in subcommittees, working groups, and strategic initiatives as needed.

Time Commitment – And our Commitment to You

Your commitment in an average year is likely to be 4 pre-fixed board meetings, each of half a day.  Each of these are preceded by sub-committee meetings, usually of ninety-minutes, and each trustee is expected to participate in one sub-committee. Other committee and ad hoc meetings and additional support will be arranged as agreed. We encourage active participation and engagement, and Trustees often give more time outside of this, on their own terms.

Board meetings are held virtually, with an intention to hold one facilitated face to face meeting at the ENN HQ in Kidlington, Oxfordshire, every two years. Additional sub-committee meetings will be convened remotely. 

Ideally you will join the Board in 2025, though we can show some flexibility on this for the right candidate, and in your first few months you should allow for additional time for induction and orientation (including meeting a number of the Leadership Team). 
Remuneration

This is an unpaid, voluntary position.  Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed for attendance at Board meetings and other Trustee activities in line with ENN’s policies.  Some employers encourage and enable trusteeship as part of wider career development and corporate social responsibility; please check with your organisation and their relevant policies. 

Our Values and Commitment to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

ENN is committed to diversity and inclusion, and to building a culture where every staff member and volunteer is recognised and valued as an individual.  We actively encourage applications from a broad range of experiences and backgrounds and are particularly interested in improving representation of younger people and minority ethnic groups on our Board.

To Apply

If you believe you’re the candidate we’re looking for please submit a CV and a covering letter of no more than 2 pages describing your motivation behind applying for the role, as well as explaining how you believe your skills and experience match what we are looking for.

Closing date for applications: Sunday 28th September 2025  

It is expected that shortlisted candidates will be invited to an informal interview during the week commencing Monday 29th September 2025

Screening Checks

All candidates who we progress will be screened through Accuity World Compliance to comply with counter terrorism and financial sanctions regulations. Appointment will be subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS check (or equivalent criminal records check where available, for non-UK citizens) and 2 satisfactory references.  If you already have a transferrable enhanced DBS, please state this in your application.

Additional Information About ENN 

A Letter from the Board of Trustees

At ENN we are truly passionate about what we do. Over the past 27 years ENN has become a powerful and recognised name in the nutrition sector, working with others to influence outcomes around the world. We produce highly regarded research and publications that inform and inspire practitioners worldwide and we convene technical interest groups and communities of practice who are the ‘go to’ networks for their specialisms. Our partners know and trust ENN for quality, rigour and impartiality.  Our work makes a real difference in the lives of children in some of the most difficult parts of the world. The ENN-led Operational Guidance on Infant Feeding in Emergencies has become the key global policy guidance and has been endorsed by the World Health Assembly, and our technical leadership and convening has facilitated real change in awareness and a new narrative, challenging siloed approaches to Wasting and Stunting management.

Our work has never been more important. Nutritional challenges are growing across the world; undernutrition rates may be slowly decreasing but other forms of malnutrition are on the rise.  The positive progress that is being made is unequal and many countries are now facing the double burden of both under and over nutrition. Crises around the world are increasingly protracted and the historical and artificial silos of ‘humanitarian’ and ‘development’ don’t reflect real needs which are much more fluid. Emerging threats, such as the broader impact on nutrition of the COVID-19 pandemic bring new challenges to address.

At present our annual turnover is around £1.8m (c. USD2.27m), we employ 28 staff and engage 20 - 30 specialist consultants. With our new strategy, we are keen to drive even greater impact by exploring new and innovative approaches and increasing our reach further still. We do so with funding in place from a range of institutional partners and private foundations.

As an organisation working across numerous technical areas relevant for countries experiencing high burden of malnutrition, we look to the board, and those trustees with a more technical focus in particular, to discuss new technical gap areas with us to ensure we maintain a responsive and balanced portfolio, to help us further develop our network, funding and connections, and to help us navigate the important work we do to influence structural and impactful change in the sector, including advising in situations where there is potential for strategic risk. We are looking for a Technical Trustee to join the board who can bring their technical knowledge and extensive experience to this role.

We hope the enclosed information helps you to explore ENN and the role.

With best wishes,

The ENN Board of Trustees 

Vision

Our vision is  ‘Every individual confronted by malnutrition has access to the knowledge, tools, services and resources they require to meet their needs’

Our History

Founded in 1996 in Ireland, ENN has a long and rich history in global nutrition.  Following an evaluation of the Great Lakes Emergency in 1995, implementing agencies identified an urgent need to establish a vehicle for capturing programming experiences and preserving institutional memory in the emergency food and nutrition sector. This gave rise to ENN’s publication, Field Exchange, which was first produced in 1996, designed to stimulate critical thinking and learning, influence research agendas and cross-fertilise information and exchange.  ENN was generously hosted by Trinity College Dublin for its first eight years, before relocating to Oxfordshire in 2004 and is now a UK registered Charity. 

"To me, ENN is one of the most long-standing focal points for emergency nutrition technical information and coordination." (ENN partner) 

Who We Are Now

Our Strategy aims to enhance the effectiveness of nutrition policy and programming by improving knowledge, stimulating learning, building evidence and providing support and encouragement to practitioners and decision-makers involved in nutrition and related interventions.  We take a particular lens on fragile and conflict affected, and high burden, states.  We have three core principles guiding our work:

· Independent, neutral and impartial

ENN is not bound by the views or positions of any one institution and is not a nutrition implementing agency. Any opinions expressed are based on the available evidence and the experience of our rich and diverse network.

· Driven by our network

ENN’s network is made up of practitioners, decision-makers and academics working on nutrition and associated fields all over the world. By supporting their learning and sharing their knowledge, ENN is able to make a unique contribution to turning knowledge into practice.

· Based on experiential learning and evidence

ENN believes that policy and practice can, and should be, informed by evidence and experience. Where this exists, ENN seeks to share the learning from this evidence and experience; where it is missing, ENN advocates for it to be developed or directly supports, and often brokers, its development.

Our People

ENN’s team is made up of a range of technical experts in nutrition, with decades of collective experience, and a small operational team.  ENN’s Management Team comprises of the CEO, 2 Technical Directors, a Finance Manager, HR Manager & Projects Coordinator Lead. As well as our 28 staff, we engage a significant number of experienced specialist consultants on our projects.  ENN is highly committed to diversity and inclusion, to enabling and promoting flexible working for our staff, and to supporting continued professional development.

Our Finances

ENN is financially supported by a range of institutional donors (including the Irish and US governments), charitable foundations (including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Eleanor Crook Foundation), as well as UN agencies and INGOs.  Our income has grown over the last few years, with income in the current FY 2023 projected at around £2m (c. $2.5m).

Our Governance

ENN is a UK-registered charity (Charity Registration Number: 1115156) governed by the Board of Trustees and a set of ‘Articles of Association’. The Board is currently comprised of 8 Trustees and meets regularly throughout the year, with full board meetings on a quarterly basis. The Board currently has three sub-committees, one covering Governance & People, another Technical and the other Finance, which are responsible for ensuring the highest standards in terms of finance, personnel, and technical expertise and application.

As a UK-registered Charity, ENN also files accounts as a UK-registered Company with Companies House (Company Registration Number 04889844).

Join us and help lead change for anyone affected by ME.

Can you help us deliver our mission to improve the lives of all people affected by ME by becoming a new Trustee on our Board?

With the recent launch of the UK Government Delivery Plan for ME/CFS, and some critical research partnerships on the horizon, now is an exciting time to join us and play a pivotal role in our work to secure a better future for people with ME.

As a Trustee, you will have a vital role within Action for ME, establishing a clear and shared vision, setting policies and acting in the best interests of Action for ME and people with ME. We are particularly looking for people who bring: Scientific and/or research expertise; healthcare and/or information, support and advocacy experience; Policy experience at local or national level; Communications and/or marketing expertise.

If you have experience in any of these areas and share our ambition for a better future for people with ME, we want to hear from you.

Trustee - Role Description

Duties of a Trustee are as follows:

• To ensure that Action for ME complies with its Memorandum and Articles of Association,charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations
• To ensure that Action for ME pursues its charitable objects as defined in its Memorandum of Association
• To ensure Action for ME applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objectives
• To contribute actively to the Board of Trustees role in establishing a clear and sharedvision for Action for ME, giving firm strategic direction, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance against the agreed targets
• To act in the interests of Action for ME and for people with ME in general
• To safeguard the good name and values of Action for METo ensure the effective and efficient administration of Action for ME
• To ensure the financial stability of Action for ME
• To protect and manage the property of Action for ME and to ensure the proper investment of charity funds
• To appoint the Chief Executive and to monitor his or her performance and determine his or her remuneration.
• In addition to the above statutory duties of all Trustees, each Trustee should use any specific knowledge or experience they have to help the Board of Trustees reach sound decisions
• To represent Action for ME as appropriate.

Time Commitment:
The time commitment expected of a Trustee is approximately six days per annum, including an AGM, preparing for and attending Board meetings, and involvement in at least one of the sub-committees: Audit, Finance & Fundraising; Public Affairs & Communications; Research; Healthcare Services; or Remunerations & Nominations.

We hold an away day once every two years. Additional time may be required dependent on circumstances/needs. You will receive a full induction and support upon appointment.

We do ask that Trustees make a commitment to at least one, three-year term of office.

Trustee - Person Specification

All Trustees must demonstrate:

• A commitment to the organisation, its cause and demonstrate an understanding of MEand its impact
• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort Strategic vision Good, independent judgment
• An ability to think creatively
• A willingness to speak their mind
• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of Trusteeship
• An ability to work effectively as a member of a team
• A willingness to participate in at least one sub-committee, as appropriate
• A commitment to working within Action for ME’s values and principles of working,including Nolan’s ‘Seven Principles of Public Life’:

             a. Selflessness
             b. Integrity
             c. Objectivity
             d. Accountability
             e. Openness
             f. Honesty
             g. Leadership.

• Be willing to sign relevant statutory and other forms (eg for opening bank accounts).

Specific requirements:

While we are open to applications from people who meet the person specification, we regularly review the skills and backgrounds of our Board members and are specifically looking for people who bring:

• Scientific and/or research expertise
• Policy experience at local or national level
• Communications and/or marketing expertise.

How to Apply

If you are interested in becoming a Trustee, please submit:

• Your CV, including all employment/voluntary roles since you left full-time education ensuring any gaps or time out is accounted for and
• A completed ‘Equal opportunities monitoring and information form’ (provided separately)
• A covering letter outlining why you would like to become a Trustee and how you meet the person specification outlined above, including how you meet the specific requirements we are currently looking for.

Please also indicate any reasonable adjustments that you may require to enableus to provide a good recruitment process with you.

You will be informed of the outcome of your application and any potential interviewdates with the Chair, the Chief Executive and another Trustee. We will be invitingpeople for interviews as applications come in and will close recruitment when we fillthe current vacancies.

Equity of access

We strive to ensure equity which includes being as accessible as possible to attract Board members with a diverse range of experience and insight. If you don’t meet the person specification fully, please do consider contacting us for a discussion as youmay be our ideal candidate!

We will consider all requests for reasonable adjustments within the parameters ofensuring Trustees are able to enact their legal responsibilities and accountabilities.