Community volunteer roles in hillington, glasgow city
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
About Access Academia
Access Academia is the charitable umbrella which was created out of the creation of the student-led publication, the Journal of Intersectional Social Justice. When Journal of Intersectional Social Justice (JISJ) was created, there were not any expectations for the project to be any more than that: a student-led academic publication. However, as it rolled on, attention for the project widened and it began to cover other topics and get involved in other realms of knowledge sharing, activism, and content creation. The creation of the seminal Access Series on the Intersections blog springboarded the idea for the JISJ to turn into something much more than a simple academic publication. Now as we have restructured the JISJ into Access Academia, we are finalising our official registration as a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO) in the UK.
Our core purpose is to Make Academia More Accessible. We plan to accomplish this by many different avenues, as obviously it is a very wide-ranging goal! The main ways we plan to do this are through encouraging Open Access academia and knowledge sharing through the Access Series, expanding the themes covered on Intersections with additions such as Mental Health Mondays and Colonialism in Subject, creating accessible content across our social media platforms which encourages truthful and accurate knowledge sharing and activism, running research events to encourage students to publish and interact with academia, covering inside stories of academia, running student engagement programmes to try and make academia less of an Ivory Tower, and much more!
What is a Volunteership?
A volunteership is a unique hybrid opportunity that combines elements of volunteering and interning. Participants commit to working with a charity or nonprofit organization for a specified period of time, fulfilling a set of responsibilities and expectations. In return, they gain valuable experience, receive a letter of recommendation, and are offered LinkedIn endorsements. Additionally, they may have the chance to continue working with the charity through future hiring cycles as long as they remain a student. This experience provides both personal fulfillment through giving back to the community and professional development for future career opportunities.
Volunteership: Content Writer
Duration: May to August 2025
Eligibility: Must be currently enrolled as a student
Requirements:
-
Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or postgraduate program.
-
Strong interest in writing, critical analysis, and reserach.
-
Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills with attention to detail.
-
Ability to write clear, engaging, and well-researched articles for various audiences.
-
Ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple writing assignments.
-
Passion for contributing to social impact and supporting charitable initiatives.
Duties & Responsibilities:
-
Content Creation:
-
Write a minimum of 2 written articles per month for the charity’s blog, Intersections, newsletter, or other communication channels.
-
Research and produce content on topics that align with the charity’s mission and goals.
-
Produce a minimum of 1 Access Series article per month.
-
Ensure that all written materials are on-brand, consistent in tone, and relevant to the target audience.
-
-
SEO & Optimization:
-
Apply SEO best practices to all written content to maximize reach and engagement.
-
Optimize articles for readability, clarity, and search engine visibility.
-
-
Editing & Proofreading:
-
Review and revise your own content, as well as provide feedback on content produced by others.
-
Ensure all content is grammatically correct, coherent, and polished before publication.
-
-
Collaboration & Teamwork:
-
Collaborate with internal teams and volunteers to ensure a consistent upload schedule.
-
Contribute and attend all meetings for the Content Creation Team and directions from the Director of Content Creation.
-
Meet all given deadlines on time and consistently.
-
What You’ll Gain:
-
Hands-on experience in content writing, storytelling, and digital marketing.
-
Opportunities to build your research portfolio with real-world projects that align with a meaningful cause.
-
Certification of participation at the end of the volunteership.
-
A letter of recommendation upon successful completion of the volunteership.
-
LinkedIn endorsements and the chance to be considered for future hiring cycles with the charity.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are looking for a Treasurer with experience of working with not for profits in setting strategic financial direction and it would be desirable to have experience in complying with the Charity Commission for England and Wales or similar bodies’ regulations.
You would be joining our board at an exciting time, as we implement our new strategy, build on our campaigns, broaden our advocacy to mobilise greater support and achieve change. In line with this, we have built our model on realistic income forecasts, we plan to maintain the net unrestricted funds available, we are building restricted funding streams to fund our thematic priorities, we continue to align income and expenditure and we carefully manage the commitment of our remaining surplus reserves.
Responsibilities of the Treasurer
In addition to the general duties of a trustee (see below), the responsibilities of the Treasurer are to maintain an overview of the organisation's affairs, ensuring its financial viability and that the organisation has policies and systems in place to ensure robust financial planning, implementation and reporting. For example, by taking a lead role on behalf of the board in:
-
Reviewing budgets, accounts and financial statements, and recommending them to the Board for approval
-
Being assured that the financial resources of the organisation meet its present and future needs
-
Ensuring that the charity has an appropriate reserves policy
-
Ensuring that appropriate accounting procedures and controls are in place
-
Ensuring that the charity has an appropriate investment policy
-
Ensuring that the accounts are prepared and disclosed in the form required by funders and the relevant statutory bodies
-
Ensuring that the accounts are scrutinised through external audits and internal reviews and that any recommendations are implemented
-
Keeping the Board informed about its financial duties and responsibilities
-
Chairing the Resource Mobilisation and Communications Committee (formerly the Finance and Human Resources Committee), leading online meetings three times a year
-
Ensuring that organisation has processes in place to meet any compliance requirements
-
Ensuring the organisation has a risk management process in place
-
Reviewing and signing financial transactions and other documentation requiring board approval
Family values mutual accountability and has a Responsibility Framework which outlines responsibilities and rights for board trustees, members and staff. The Treasurer has a key role in ensuring that mutual accountability is upheld in areas of finance by identifying and highlighting potential conflicts of interest.
General duties of a trustee of a Trustee of Family For Every Child
-
To ensure that Family for Every Child complies with its governing documents, UK charity law, UK company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations of a UK registered charity
-
To ensure that the organisation pursues its objects as defined in its Articles of Association, and that it uses its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects
-
To ensure that the organisation operates within the parameters laid down by the members in the Governance Manual
-
To contribute actively to the Board of Trustees in giving firm strategic direction to the organisation, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets. In doing so, to ensure that the Board has taken account of input from the membership
-
To safeguard the good name and values of the organisation
-
To ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation
-
To ensure the financial stability of the organisation
-
To monitor the performance of the Chief Executive Officer
-
To represent the organisation externally
-
To represent the board on relevant subsidiary entities
More information is available upon request / application.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Our Board is unique in comprising Trustees from national member CSOs alongside co-opted Trustees. Our Board receives guidance on strategy from our General Assembly made up of all our members. This means that our Board and governance processes are truly representative of our democratic principles.
We are looking for a Trustee bringing experience of two or more of these key capabilities :
-
High level networking for fundraising or policy change
-
Digital strategy/innovation
-
Income Generation
-
Global advocacy
-
Global employment
-
Legal
Experience in complying with the Charity Commission for England and Wales or similar bodies’ regulations is desirable.
We welcome responses from individuals who perform best in agile environments, bringing curiosity and connections to enrich the Board in shaping our direction and overseeing our delivery of impact. Your experience and connections will be crucial in helping us sustainably grow our network of supporters and funders to future proof Family For Every Child’s voice for children.
General duties of a Trustee of Family For Every Child
-
To ensure that Family for Every Child complies with its governing documents, UK charity law, UK company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations of a UK registered charity
-
To ensure that the organisation pursues its objects as defined in its Articles of Association, and that it uses its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects
-
To ensure that the organisation operates within the parameters laid down by the members in the Governance Manual
-
To contribute actively to the Board of Trustees in giving firm strategic direction to the organisation, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets. In doing so, to ensure that the Board has taken account of input from the membership
-
To safeguard the good name and values of the organisation
-
To ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation
-
To ensure the financial stability of the organisation
-
To monitor the performance of the Chief Executive Officer
-
To represent the organisation externally
-
To represent the Board on relevant subsidiary entities
More information is available upon request / application.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Joining this role means you'll be at the heart of providing essential support to families facing the unimaginable; caring for their child who's life will be short.
Many families in Wales are unfortunately facing this challenge alone, without support from others.
As a Practical Family Support Volunteer for Tŷ Hafan, you will assist families in need with various light tasks such as cleaning, tidying up and laundry.
Your contribution will go beyond housekeeping; it's about taking some of the pressure off and giving families the breathing space they need to spend more precious time together.
This role offers the satisfaction of knowing you are making a positive impact on families with a child with a life-shortening condition, by helping them create a tidy, clean and safe home environment that reduces their daily stress and worries.
Most importantly, you will be helping us to ensure that no family faces this challenge, alone.
Considerations:
Age requirement: 21+
Location: Across South & West Wales (in your local area)
Time commitment: Flexible and can be adjusted to accommodate your personal schedule. The support plans designed for referred families are typically structured to span a period of six weeks.
Background checks: Enhanced DBS check, 2 references and induction/training course required before starting.
Due to the nature of the role, we are looking for volunteers with some skills, experience and knowledge of gardening, either as a profession or as a hobby.
Activities include:
Activities include helping families with light housekeeping tasks such as; cleaning, dusting, vacuuming and laundry, giving them the space they need to be there for their child who needs them.
We are looking for volunteers who:
•Can empathise with the families you are helping and show them kindness and respect;
•Are reliable and flexible and committed to volunteering on a longer term basis;
•Will follow our health and safety guidelines, policies and procedures and report any issues or concerns to the Family Support Volunteer Manager;
•Are respectful of the privacy, preferences and needs of the families you are supporting;
•Are polite and friendly;
•Can adapt to different situations and challenges;
•Enjoy making a difference in the lives of others
At Tŷ Hafan our people values are working together, demonstrating compassion, providing excellent service and taking ownership.
We expect all colleagues and volunteers to behave with high levels of integrity and to represent our values as a core part of their role.
Training you will receive:
You will receive a comprehensive introduction to Tŷ Hafan and your role, to include an in-person Induction and Training Programme as well as additional e-learning.
You will be a part of a friendly and supportive team who will assist you with any queries or concerns through regular and ongoing meetings.
Other role and organisation specific training is available including both supplementary and mandatory training.
All volunteers must maintain their mandatory training to continue in their role.
The benefits of becoming a Practical Family Support Volunteer in Family Homes:
•Make a positive difference in the lives of children with life-shortening conditions and their families, by helping them to maintain clean spaces for them to enjoy;
•Attend Volunteer Celebration Events throughout the year;
•Meet new people and join a friendly community of volunteers, passionate about helping others;
•Expenses will be provided following discussion about the role.
This role is purely voluntary and this arrangement is not meant to be a legally binding one or an employment contract.
You will be asked to complete an application form and provide two references via our Volunteer Management System, BetterImpact
A Wales where every child with a life-shortening condition lives a fulfilling life, supported with the compassion and specialist care they need.



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Lived Experience Sight Loss Trustee - Focus Birmingham – Empowering Lives and Shaping the Future
Focus Birmingham’s (Focus) Trustees are all volunteers, playing an essential role in overseeing the charity’s activities in partnership with the Board of Trustees. The CEO and Senior Leadership Team (SLT) manage the day-to-day running of the charity, but it is the Board of Trustees that holds ultimate responsibility for ensuring the charity continues to grow and delivers on its vision.
The purpose of this trustee role is to bring a ‘lived experience’ perspective to help shape the future of our organisation. You will ensure our services reflect the diverse needs of the people we support and help us advance our mission of improving lives by creating opportunities for people with care and support needs. This role will help them feel empowered to live life to the full and unlock their potential.
Key Responsibilities
-
Co-production Strategy: Ensure the development and implementation of a co-production strategy in collaboration with the Board and Senior Leadership Team that promotes meaningful involvement of the people we support in decision-making processes.
-
Engagement and Participation: Ensure that the Board and Senior Leadership Team champion the active engagement of the people we support in all aspects of the organisation, including programme design, service development, and policy formulation.
-
Advisory Groups: Support the Senior Leadership Team in establishing and maintaining advisory groups or panels made up of the people we support, their families, and carers, ensuring their voices are heard, and their perspectives are considered.
-
Training and Capacity Building: Provide advice on the development of a learning and development strategy that equips staff and volunteers with the skills to provide person-centred care.
-
Feedback Mechanisms: Work with the Board and Senior Leadership Team to implement effective feedback mechanisms, surveys, and evaluation tools to gather input from individuals with care and support needs on the charity’s activities.
-
Advocacy: Advocate for the rights and autonomy of the people we support both within Focus Birmingham and in the wider community. Raise awareness of the importance of co-production.
-
Policy and Governance: Review, provide advice, and contribute to the development of policies and governance structures that ensure the people we support have a genuine and influential role in the organisation.
-
Collaboration and Teamwork: Collaborate with fellow Trustees, staff, and volunteers to embed co-production principles across the organisation. Provide guidance and mentorship to staff involved in co-production activities.
What Difference You Will Make and What You Will Achieve
This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact by ensuring that individuals with care and support needs are at the forefront of decision-making:
-
Networking: Build connections with disability advocates, self-advocacy groups, and stakeholders.
-
Professional Development: Gain valuable experience in not-for-profit governance and co-production practices.
-
Personal Satisfaction: Contribute to a cause that empowers individuals with care and support needs, helping them exercise their agency and unlock their potential.
How to Apply
If you are committed to empowering individuals with care and support needs and promoting their active participation in shaping Focus Birmingham’s future, we invite you to apply for this trustee role. Your lived experience and expertise in co-production will be instrumental in helping us achieve our mission of improving lives by creating opportunities for people with care and support needs, so they can live life to the full and reach their full potential.
To apply, please submit a completed application form via CharityJob.
Additional details about the role can be found in the attached recruitment pack. If you require any reasonable adjustment to support your application for this role, please contact Focus Birmingham via the details in the recruitment pack.
Closing Date for Applications: 11/05/25
Please share your complete application form or personal statement with us via Charity jobs.
Please also attach your CV to your application.
We exist to make lives better
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Here at Youth4Youth, we have grown a strong, tight-knit community of individuals who are passionate about making a difference and improving the lives of young people across the UK. Our growing team of volunteers all contribute, significantly, to the impact that we have as a charity on our direct beneficiaries, regardless of the department that they work in of the level of time that they are able to commit. Our services primarily offer a peer-support network to young people right across the UK, allowing them to access a peer mentor who is of a similar age to them and somebody that they feel more comfortable speaking with.
If successful, you will be joining a growing team of diverse, but likeminded individuals, collaborating to increase the reach of the Charity and improve support provisions available to young people. All of our volunteers and employees are remote workers, but that doesn't stop us keeping in touch and maintaining a strong positive culture amongst our whole team.
About the role
Our Peer Mentors are at the forefront of our Youth Services delivery, tackling head on the issues that young people are facing everyday. As a Peer Mentor, you will engage with young people who reach out to Youth4Youth for support, taking time to coach and guide them through the difficulties that they are facing. This exciting opportunity, targeted at individuals who are between the ages of 16 and 25, provides young people with the space to directly impact and transform the lives of young people, significantly improving their overall wellbeing.
Ideal candidates are those who are able to commit to regular volunteering activity of at least 2 hours per week (on average) and who are able to comfortably communicate via written e-mail and other remote chat functionalities.
Responsibilities:
Your core responsibilities as a Peer Mentor at Youth4Youth include:
- Building strong, professional relationships with young people seeking mentoring support.
- Demonstrating commitment to the charity by regular volunteer engagement to maintain ongoing communication with young people (which includes responding to young people within an agreed and reasonable time frame).
- Providing light support, advice and guidance to young people in relation to the troubles that they are facing, in line with the resources provided to you by the charity.
- Maintaining professional boundaries with young people and not seeking to offer support beyond your capability that may put a young person at risk.
- Maintaining regular contact with your Youth4Youth supervisor, with the expectation that you will meet at least once per month for a supervision session that involves reflective practice and a focus on your development as a mentor.
- Providing support as part of our Peer Mentor network to colleagues across the Charity who are also directly supporting young people.
- Maintaining compliance with all policies. Most importantly this means maintaining the right level of confidentiality around your conversations with young people and recognising your safeguarding responsibilities in raising concerns as they arise to keep young people safe.
Peer Mentors are also actively encouraged to get involved in fundraising, outreach and social media activities where they feel comfortable and able to.
Skills
- Strong written communication skills, such as being able to effectively compose a written e-mail in response to a young person.
- Ability to build strong, professional relationships and maintain trust between yourself and a young person, such as through active listening and adapting to the individual needs of different young people.
- Ability to demonstrate empathy to others.
- Ability to work in a challenging environment and recognise when you may need support yourself.
- Proficient in the use of IT tools, such as Microsoft Outlook.
Our mission is to continue to grow towards becoming one of the best charities in the UK. Our aim is to do this by building a diverse team, rich with different backgrounds and perspectives. Therefore, even if you feel you only are a 75% match, we would still love to hear from you. Skills can be learned, but diversity cannot.
Skills development for you:
As a Peer Mentor at Youth4Youth, you will be required to take part and graduate our Youth Services Academy. This program requires an upfront commitment of 10 - 13 hours of training prior to taking on the role of communicating with young people. This investment in you not only equips you with the understanding of what it takes to be a successful peer mentor, and the skills that you will need, but also is an investment in you. This training will provide you with core soft skills that are transferrable to many opportunities, whether that's in everyday life for you, your education setting or your place of work. All Mentors graduating from the Youth Services Academy will be provided with an electronic certificate to demonstrate your successful completion of the program, which can be shared with potential employers.
Benefits of volunteering with Youth4Youth
We recognise that you will be joining us and giving your time as an 'in-kind' donation, but there must be benefits for you too. When joining our team, you will be open to the following benefits:
- Professional and personal development opportunities in a variety of skill areas through volunteering in real roles. This may be general development or tailored to your specific needs or ambitions
- Becoming a member of a strong network of likeminded individuals, spread across the UK, who you can connect with and collaborate with both within and outside of the Charity
- Access to bespoke discounts, specifically designed for non-profit workers and Youth4Youth volunteers
- Opportunities to truly shape the future of the Charity, having a direct influence over the impact that Youth4Youth has on its direct beneficiaries
The hiring process:
Unlike other roles at Youth4Youth, the hiring process has been simplified for peer mentors, recognising the demographic of individuals that we are seeking to fill these positions. To put you at ease, the hiring process includes:
- An initial application, stating your reasons for wishing to become a Peer Mentor
- A remote interview conducted via Microsoft Teams
Successful candidates at this stage will be invited into the final stage of the recruitment process which includes:
- Satisfactory references being received (these do not need to be employment references)
- A satisfactory DBS check being received
- Successful completion of the Youth Services Academy
To ensure that all young people have a safe space to reach out for support, enabling them to realise their full potential, thrive in everyday life
We believe that every child should have access to a quality education at a safe, inclusive school, with the opportunity to become a truly global citizen… do you too?
It’s an incredibly exciting time at African Adventures Foundation as we develop the vital programmes we deliver at the 34 partner schools we work with in Ghana, Kenya, and Zanzibar.
We have ambitious plans to help drive greater impact at our partner schools, and are looking to strengthen our existing Trustee Board that’s full of energy and experience!
Do you have experience in charity governance, delivering projects in an African culture and context, or delivering WASH or female empowerment/education/menstrual health programmes?
If so, read on… we’d be keen to hear from you about becoming one of our amazing volunteer trustees!
Introduction to African Adventures Foundation
African Adventures Foundation is a registered charity set up in 2013 to provide support to 34 schools in developing areas of Ghana, Kenya and Zanzibar.
These schools provide education, health and food security, and social support to young people whose access to these basic services would otherwise be very limited. African Adventures Foundation helps by funding food security programmes, the construction of important school facilities, and hygiene projects that will benefit children’s health and education.
Our mission is to provide more children with a quality education and better opportunities in life.
All trustees are responsible for governing a charitable company and directing its management and operation. They must also ensure that the trust complies with all legal and statutory requirements.
Trustee Responsibilities:
The role of a Governance & Delivery Trustee is to ensure the Foundation complies with its charity obligations, maximise impact through effective in country project delivery, and bring valuable insight into the specific cultural and operational context of working in Africa.
We are looking for two Trustees to bring specific expertise to the overall Trustee Board alongside the Chair, Fundraising, and Treasurer Trustee positions.
Governance (role specific)
● Understand and represent the needs of the charity’s governing framework on behalf of the Chair and board.
● Recommend relevant changes or documentation, and identify any areas od noncompliance to be addressed within improvement plans.
● Act as spokesperson and figurehead for African Adventures Foundation internally and externally concerning our charity governance.
Delivery (role specific)
● Contribute to governance, approval, and impact assessment processes at board level for the successful delivery of Foundation projects.
● Provide best practice advice, support, and oversight to the projects being delivered on behalf of the board as required.
Context & Culture (role specific)
● Bring experience, knowledge and good judgement relating to the culture and context of the communities and territories we operate in.
● Bring an understanding of delivering charitable projects in an African educational context to board level.
● Bring an understanding to Trustee Board level, of delivering WASH programmes and Female empowerment, education, and menstrual health projects.
General (all Trustees)
● Support and provide advice on AAF’s purpose, vision, goals, and activities while working alongside the trustee Board, founder, and African Adventures personnel.
● Approve operational strategies and policies and monitor and evaluate their implementation, adding to overall good charity governance.
● Support broad decision-making, risk management, and charity planning through a range of platforms and processes.
● Keep abreast of changes in AAF’s operating environment through your external experience.
● Be fully prepared to attend, participate and contribute in Board meetings and Trustee events.
● Act as AAF ambassador applying your skills, experience and knowledge in a range of scenarios including government, fundraising and networking events.
● Use independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect African Adventures Foundation’s interests, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or any third-party interests.
● Support the Chair with administrative tasks as required.
What we are looking for:
● Attention to detail.
● A good knowledge of charity governance and willingness to challenge.
● A good understanding of delivering charity/NGO projects.
● A good understanding of operating and/or overseeing delivery in an African culture and context.
● Background in WASH and/or female empowerment, education, and menstrual health projects.
Essential qualities and attributes of all our trustees
● Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as trustees, and to act in the organisation's best interests.
● Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member.
● Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussions.
● A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
● Enthusiasm for our vision and mission.
● Willingness to lead according to African Adventures Foundation’s values.
● Commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership.
Terms of appointment
● Trustees are appointed for a 2-year term of office, renewal for 2 further terms to a maximum of 6 years.
● This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.
Time commitment (estimated at one day every month)
● Attending quarterly Trustee Board meetings. Currently, these are alternating between online and in-person at HQ near Southampton, UK.
● Flexibility to respond swiftly to the occasional ad hoc issue and Trustee comms
● Attending occasion workshops and fundraising & networking events as per availability.
We are looking for people to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role and broaden the diversity of thought within our board.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are looking for two dedicated Lay Trustees who will join our Board to support the strategic direction of the charity. We are member-led, funded by our universities and together with students we strive to create a world class student experience for all.
Introduction
Thank you for your interest in our Lay Trustee roles here at Falmouth and Exeter Students’ Union (The SU); based in beautiful Cornwall. We're very pleased to announce the opening of applications for our esteemed Board of Trustees. We are very proud of what we do, and we are looking for two dedicated Lay Trustees who will join our Board to support the strategic direction of the charity. You will need to share the values of the SU and commitment to achieve our priorities, working collaboratively to help take us to the next level. We are a member-led charity, funded by our universities and together with students we strive to create a world class student experience for all.
Our membership comprises of students studying with both Falmouth University and the University of Exeter (Cornwall) which creates a unique and special experience of which we love to be a key part of.
The role of Lay Trustee provides an opportunity to support our President Trustees and Student Trustees, foster a culture of student leadership and deliver a student focused service.
You will be taking up the role at a critical and exciting time, as we are undertaking two crucial pieces of work: finalising our new 2025-2028 strategic plan, and beginning the quintennial review of our Constitution. If you are excited at the prospect of contributing to the growth and development of the SU, then we eagerly anticipate the possibility of working alongside you to shape the future of our organisation.
We are especially keen to hear from applicants with experience in Finance, Higher Education, Human Resources, Charity or Employment Law.
About Us
We’re an autonomous organisation and we’re funded by the University of Exeter and Falmouth University. Acting independently ensures that we remain entirely focused on our students with one purpose in mind: to improve their student experience.
As a registered charity (1193045), our charitable purpose is the advancement of education, and our funds can for used for this charitable purpose only. This means that as a not-for-profit organisation: any income we gain goes straight back into providing services for students.
We are a member-led democratic organisation; our students are at the heart of everything we do. Our members views, opinions and experiences regarding students’ lives influence decision makers operating at every level, helping to shape the wider student experience and we enjoy positive collaborative relationships with both universities. Students have the power to shape what the Union does through our Annual Student Members’ Meetings and referenda, and they lead our Student Forum, which determine our Union priorities.
We are proud of the range of opportunities and services that we provide to students, which includes student led societies and sports clubs, volunteering opportunities, professional independent specialist advice, academic representation, and democratic activities. We also help students to organise a wide range of events and activities specifically for their fellow students.
Our Board
Our board is unique in the charity sector. We have a young and dynamic board; two thirds of the trustees are either recent or current students at the universities resulting in a purposefully high turnover of trustees. The charity is based in a complex, ever-changing Higher Education sector, working closely with two very different universities.
We have three sets of Trustees:
• Four President Trustees: a President and Vice President from each university, elected by cross-campus ballot. These are student leaders who have either just finished their degree or take a sabbatical to take up this role, in which they are also a full-time employee. Term: one year, maximum of two terms.
• Four Student Trustees: two from each university, appointed via the Appointments Committee. These are current students who offer direct insight into university life. Term: two years, maximum of two terms.
• Four Lay Trustees: appointed via the Appointments Committee. These trustees offer expertise, continuity, and insight. They are experienced, skilled members who enjoy being part of a dynamic board and supporting the younger trustees. Term: three years, maximum of three terms.
The Chair of the Board will always be a President Trustee, and the Deputy Chair will always be a Lay Trustee. Any Trustee can chair one of our three sub-committees: Finance, Appointments, Remuneration and Human Resources.
Why Should You Become a Trustee?
Being a Trustee is a valuable and rewarding experience. You’ll get to make a lasting difference to the lives of our students, and influence how the Union is run. You will use your skills, knowledge, and experience to support the Board in reaching sound decisions. You will be involved in leading discussions, making collective decisions, and identifying key issues. You’ll have the opportunity to mentor and support our President and Student Trustees. As a Lay Trustee, you are eligible to become Deputy Chair of the Board, or Chair of one of the sub-committees.
You will receive comprehensive induction training, and further training relevant to your role as a Chair or member of a sub-committee.
Job Description
We’re looking for someone to work collectively with our board of trustees to provide support and strategic direction to our Students’ Union.
Remuneration: Lay Trustees are voluntary, unpaid roles. However, all reasonable out of pocket expenses will be reimbursed, such as travel costs to board meetings.
Hours: Hours can vary however typically each year:
• Four Board of Trustees meetings – each meeting is around three hours long conducted online.
• Additional two (eight for Finance) sub-committees meetings conducted online – each meeting is around 45 minutes.
• There are usually one or two in-person events per year including a Board of Trustees meeting – each event is usually a day and/or an evening event. These are delivered in Cornwall (expenses paid).
Term of office: three years, up to three terms.
Location: Homebased with one or two in-person events in Cornwall per year.
Role Purpose
The Trustees are ultimately responsible, individually and collectively, for all activity within the SU. The Board is legally responsible for our staff, finances, risk management and reputation. The Board is responsible for setting the vision and values of the organisation and for ensuring the delivery of organisational purpose. The Trustees ensure development of and agree a long-term strategy. They approve and monitor plans to deliver the strategy.
Key Responsibilities:
• To ensure The SU acts in accordance with its charitable purpose, constitution and other governing documents and relevant legislation while remaining true to its Mission, Vision and Values.
• To contribute actively to the Board of Trustees role by determining the Students’ Union strategy, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets.
• Ensure The SU uses its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects/purpose.
• Act as guardians of The SU’s assets and ensure the financial stability of the organisation.
• Prepare for Board meetings by reading through materials and Board papers beforehand, scrutinising information and be able to discuss issues.
• Take advice on matters on which you are not competent to decide.
• Provide support to President Trustees and Student Trustees.
• Take part in Board Reviews and Skills Audits each year.
• Use personal skills and experience to ensure the Union is well-run and efficient
• Seek external professional advice where there may be material risk to the Union or where the Trustees may be in breach of their duties or at any other appropriate moment.
• Add value to the Trustee Board and the Union through generating ideas, challenging the status quo, broadening thinking and supporting and promoting innovation and creativity.
• Abide by the Union Trustee Code of Conduct.
CRITERIA
All Trustees must display the following characteristics
Commitment to and passion for The SU.
Willingness and reliability to devote the necessary time and effort.
Strategic vision.
Good, independent judgment.
Ability to think creatively.
An understanding of and commitment to the values and principles of student representation and democracy.
Willingness to speak their mind.
Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship.
Ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
Responsible, especially when handling sensitive and confidential information.
A commitment to act in accordance with the Nolan principles for ethical conduct in public service.
We are looking for individuals who have skills, knowledge or experience in one or more of these sectors
Finance
Higher Education
Human Resources
Charity or Employment Law
How To Apply
Please visit the role posting on our website for further details on how to apply. We require the completion of a Person Details form, and Skills Audit spreadsheets, along with your CV and covering letter. The deadline for applications is 09:00 on Friday 16 May. Interviews will take place online via MS Teams on Wednesday 21 May, an additional slot is also available on Thursday 22 May if this is not convenient.
You must be available to attend Trustee Training on Friday 20 June, and Board of Trustees on Wednesday 25 June (as an observer), both online via MS Teams. Your term of office will start on Tuesday 1 July.
Eligibility
There are strict conditions placed on charity Trustees by law and all applicants must declare that they are eligible to become a charity Trustee. You will not be eligible if:
• You are on the Sex Offenders’ Register
• You have any unspent conviction for an offence involving:
o deception or dishonesty
o terrorist offences
o money laundering
o bribery
o misconduct in public office, perjury, perverting the course of justice
o contravention of certain preventative Orders of the Charity Commission (Section 77 of the Charities Act 2011)
o attempting, aiding or abetting the above offences
• You have any designation under specific anti-terrorist legislation
• You have been convicted of contempt of court
• You have been removed from:
o trusteeship, or as an officer, agent or employee of a charity by the Court or the Commission for misconduct or mismanagement
o a position of management or control of a charity in Scotland for mismanagement or misconduct
• You have been found guilty by the High court of disobeying a Commission order or direction
• You have an undischarged bankruptcy
• You have a composition or arrangement with creditors which includes an individual voluntary arrangement (IVA) and is currently on the Insolvency Service Register
As part of the recruitment process, we will ask you to sign a declaration that you are legally entitled to become a Trustee and commit the required time.
Data Protection
We’re committed to data protection and it’s important to know what’s happening with your data when you apply for a role. That means we’ll only use the information you supply for the purposes of progressing your application (or to fulfil legal or regulatory requirements if necessary) and we’ll never share your information with any third parties for marketing purposes or store it outside of the European Economic Area.
Equal Opportunities
We’re committed to ensuring our workforce accurately reflects the diversity of the world we live in. We positively encourage applications from all individuals irrespective of their gender, age, home country, ethnic background, sexuality, religious beliefs or disability. All candidates will be treated equally and all appointments made on merit.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
This is an exciting time in our growth as we look to grow our governance systems, build on our successes and ensure we are a radical, dynamic organisation rooted in our anti-racist and anti-oppressive values. We are looking for a new Chair for our Trustee board, to join us and help lead and shape the future of the organisation.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Activity Alliance looking for a Chair and three new Trustees who will add value to the charity and exciting journey ahead. You will bring your expertise and/or lived experience to drive meaningful change for disabled people. Two Trustees will be Board-appointed, and one will be Member-appointed. Their start times will vary. We are pleased that you are interested in joining us to work towards our vision and thank you for your interest.
The key responsibilities of the Chair will be:
- Provide visionary leadership to the Board of Trustees, ensuring that Activity Alliance fulfils its mission and objectives.
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within the organisation.
- Oversee the governance framework, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
- Lead the Board in monitoring organisational performance and ensuring effective risk management.
- Act as an ambassador for Activity Alliance, promoting our vision and mission. This includes being a spokesperson for the charity with the media and at events.
- Champion the voices of disabled people, advocating for change and influencing policy and decision-making at the highest levels.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including partners, funders, and government bodies.
The key responsibilities of the Trustees will be:
- Have outstanding commitment to Activity Alliance with a strong understanding of the organisation’s values as well as of the Nolan Seven Principles of Public Life.
- Contribute actively to the Board of Trustees role in giving strategic direction to the organisation, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets, and evaluating performance against agreed targets.
- Ensure that the organisation complies with its governing documents, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
- Safeguard the reputation and values of the organisation.
- Represent the organisation at functions and meetings when appropriate, and act as an ambassador for Activity Alliance.
Currently, we are particularly interested in recruiting Trustees with understanding, skills, and/or experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Legal
- Commercial and corporate affairs
- Income generation
- Application of AI and technology
The posts are for an initial term of up to three years, which may be extended for two further terms of three years.