External trustee volunteer roles

Voluntary Trustee

St Margaret’s Hospice Care ​

Board meetings 3.5 to 4 hours, in-person preferred (held in Taunton, Somerset)

& Quarterly committee meetings 2 hours, online or onsite

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of people facing life-limiting illnesses?  Our client,​ St Margaret’s Hospice Care, a community-funded charity in Somerset, is seeking two dedicated Trustees to join our Board and help shape the future of hospice care. ​

We are particularly seeking individuals with knowledge or experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Income generation across various fundraising disciplines. ​
• Charity retail or commercial retail with experience in business development. ​
• Marketing, communications, PR, or digital marketing. ​
• Senior strategic leadership experience, ideally at Board level. ​

Key Attributes

• Strategic thinking and leadership skills. ​
• Strong interpersonal and communication abilities. ​
• Commitment to ethical responsibility and integrity. ​
• Understanding of governance and compliance. ​

Time Commitment

• Quarterly committee meetings (2 hours, online). ​
• Quarterly Board meetings (3–3.5 hours, in-person preferred). ​
• Twice-yearly half-day strategy sessions. ​
• Occasional visits to hospices and shops. ​

Further information and an applicant pack this can be requested via email, FAO Sandy Hinks or Leighann Beck, quoting Ref JO2607 to manage this campaign and is therefore unable to accept CVs from third-party agencies. All CVs and expressions of interest received will be forwarded directly to Moon Exec Search for consideration

About Women’s Aid in Luton
Women’s Aid in Luton supports over 800 of society’s most vulnerable women and children each year, all of whom are fleeing abuse and violence. The charity offers refuge across five safe houses in Luton, a helpline, tailored support for families, and access to legal advice, mental health services, employment, and resettlement guidance. It also prioritises prevention and early intervention through education, working closely with schools to raise awareness of domestic abuse.

The Opportunity: Chair of Trustees
Women’s Aid in Luton is seeking a new Chair of Trustees to lead its Board and help shape the future of the organisation. This is a pivotal leadership role with significant influence over the strategic direction and governance of the charity. The incoming Chair will guide the Board in supporting the Executive Team to sustain and grow its essential services, ensuring women and children can rebuild their lives in safety and dignity.

The current Chair will conclude her term next year, and the charity is therefore inviting expressions of interest from those who are deeply committed to making a meaningful impact in the violence against women and girls (VAWG) sector.

Candidate Profile

Experience:

• A strong understanding and commitment to the VAWG sector.

• Substantial non-executive experience.

• Knowledge of UK charity governance and experience of working with or serving on a Board of Trustees.

• A background in senior strategic leadership.

• Proven ability to engage with internal and external stakeholders.

• Sensitivity and discretion when dealing with confidential matters involving staff and service users.

• A track record of successfully leading teams or groups in either a voluntary or professional context.

• Chairing experience, ideally at Board or committee level.

• Significant experience in motivating, managing, and developing people.

• Experience in shaping and evaluating strategic plans to maximise impact.

• Sound financial acumen, including an understanding of charity finance.

Skills and Abilities:

• Inspirational leadership with the ability to foster collaboration and, when needed, make difficult decisions.

• Strong communication skills with the ability to articulate the charity’s vision and inspire others.

• Relationship-builder with the ability to form effective alliances and partnerships.

• Sound judgement and the capacity for reflective leadership.

• A supportive presence for both the Board and Executive, fostering their continued development.

• Ability to operate within the realistic capacities and constraints of a charity environment.

Personal Attributes:

• A dynamic and inclusive leadership style that inspires trust and accountability.

• A visible and unwavering commitment to the charity’s mission and strategic aims.

• Tact, diplomacy, and strong listening and engagement skills.

• Excellent interpersonal skills and a collaborative approach.

• Well-developed networking skills that can be leveraged to support the charity’s objectives.

• A personal commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI).

• Willingness and ability to dedicate sufficient time to the role, including travel and occasional out-of-hours engagement.

Terms of Appointment
The initial term of office is three years, with the possibility of reappointment for one additional term, up to a maximum of six years.

Eligibility
In accordance with the Equality Act 2010 (Schedule 9, Part 1), this role is open to female applicants only due to the nature of the services provided. All appointments are subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS check.

Encouragement of Diverse Applications
Women’s Aid in Luton warmly welcomes applications from women of all backgrounds. The charity is especially keen to hear from women from Black, Asian and minoritised communities, as well as from those with lived experience of domestic abuse.

A Trustee's Perspective
“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 Trustee, Women’s Aid in Luton

To Express Interest
Women who feel they can contribute to the ongoing success of Women’s Aid in Luton and are passionate about supporting survivors of domestic abuse are encouraged to get in touch. This is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful and lasting difference.

We are seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Treasurer to join our Board of Trustees. This is a vital volunteer role where you will oversee the financial affairs of the charity, ensuring long-term sustainability and supporting our mission to enrich the Dover community.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee the charity’s financial strategy and ensure sound financial governance

• Present clear and accurate financial reports to the Board

• Monitor cash flow, budgets, and investment decisions

• Ensure compliance with relevant financial legislation and Charity Commission requirements

• Liaise with external accountants and auditors as needed

• Support the development of fundraising and income generation strategies

What We’re Looking For:

• A qualified accountant or someone with strong financial experience (charity finance experience desirable but not essential)

• Strategic thinker with a good understanding of financial management and reporting

What You’ll Gain:

• The opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a respected local charity

• Work alongside a friendly, passionate team of trustees and staff

• Use your professional skills to strengthen financial decision-making and support creative community projects

• Personal and professional development within the non-profit sector

• Passion for community work and the values of Dover Smart Project

• Commitment to regular trustee meetings and ad-hoc financial advice

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Trust’s Requirements

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Us

Bradford District and Craven Mind is a successful and independent local charity with a rich history spanning over 30 years of delivering person-focused mental health support.

The organisation helps build individual and community resilience, provides early intervention and advice, supports people in crisis and helps people to work towards recovery and sustained wellbeing through services for people of all ages. 

We are recognised as a key provider in our local Health and Care system and an active member of the Integrated Care System. Our close relationships with all our stakeholders and our emphasis on developing and maintaining effective cross-sector partnerships and collaborations, allows us to deliver a wide range of innovative services and be recognised as a trusted partner.

We are affiliated to national Mind but rely on our own resources to provide support to local communities. Our services prioritise listening to and understanding the needs of local people and are delivered in partnership across Bradford District and Craven.

Background to the role

The new Chair of the Board of Trustees will be joining us at an exciting time as we move into year two of our strategy, respond to the changes in NHS priorities and funding and adapt to the new governments priorities and approach.

You can read about what we have been achieving through our Impact Reports and Annual Reports on our website.

It is clear however there is still much more to do. We launched our new strategy in August 2024 and during 2024-2028 we will focus on delivering our four key objectives to help drive our reach and impact.

Main Responsibilities

• Provide purposeful leadership - creating a strong and sustained connection to purpose, steering strategy development and leading the Board. 
• Be a constructive partner to the CEO - building a trusting, cohesive relationship as the ‘top leadership team’, providing advice, challenge and support to architect and orchestrate the progression of the organisation and supporting infrastructure. 
• Develop a highly effective Board – creating the environment for a high performing team, evaluating and facilitating improvement of individual and collective capability and performance, supporting trustees of all experience levels to contribute to the best of their abilities.
• Facilitate and sustain good governance - ensuring delivery of the organisation's purpose in line with its governing document, ensuring appropriate allocation of resources, decision-making, accountability and proactive risk management. 
• Influence and collaborate with stakeholders - understanding the environment and systems that the organisation operates within and collaborating with others to collectively achieve the biggest positive impact. 
• Engagement and Visibility – being visible and engage well across the workforce, attending key events and maintaining communication

Person Specification

• Personally motivated to make a positive difference to others
• A strategic thinker who can see the big picture and navigate complex and contentious issues
• Able to engage and collaborate effectively with people at all levels from different backgrounds and organisations
• Has the experience and/or personal qualities necessary to bring the best out of people through a ‘coaching style’ approach to leadership
• Progressive and innovative, capable of stimulating, challenging and influencing others to contemplate and consider different solutions
• Able to facilitate others and develop effective team working, with experience of planning, preparing and chairing meetings at senior levels

Diversity and inclusion 

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability, and potential. Please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustments so that we can help with making the application process work for you.

How to apply

Eastside People is supporting BDC Mind in the recruitment of these roles. 

Please apply by submitting your CV and a cover letter both in a Word doc. format, which should indicate why you are interested in applying for the particular role and how you meet the selection criteria. 

The closing date for applications is Monday 14th July. Shortlisting interviews will take place shortly after and shortlisted candidates are expected to have an interview with the panel at Bradford District and Craven Mind during the week beginning 28th July.

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so that we can help with making the application process work for you. 

Location: Remote with occasional in-person meetings 

Commitment: Approximately 8-10 hours/month

About Children With Voices (CWV):

Children With Voices is a community-driven charity committed to supporting young people, families, and communities through initiatives focused on mental health, well-being, food sustainability, and youth empowerment. We aim to create safe, inclusive spaces that promote resilience, opportunity, and growth.

Role Overview:

The Board Secretary plays a crucial role in ensuring strong governance, effective communication, and operational efficiency across CWV’s board activities. This volunteer position supports compliance, board administration, stakeholder engagement, and strategic planning—contributing directly to CWV’s mission and long-term impact.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Board Governance & Compliance

•Maintain accurate and confidential records of board meetings, decisions, and policies.

•Ensure compliance with charity governance frameworks and legal regulations.

•Support the board in implementing best practices in governance and administration.

2. Meeting Coordination & Strategic Support

•Organise and facilitate board meetings: prepare agendas, document minutes, and track action points.

•Maintain up-to-date records of board members, policies, and governance materials.

•Assist in aligning board discussions with CWV’s strategic objectives.

3. Communication & Stakeholder Engagement

•Act as a liaison between board members, stakeholders, and external partners.

•Represent CWV at public engagements, networking events, and charity forums.

•Maintain a professional tone in all correspondence and ensure timely communication.

4. Mental Health & Well-Being Advocacy

•Support the integration of mental health awareness into board planning and discussions.

5. Financial Administration & Fundraising Support

•Assist in tracking financial documentation, grant applications, and reporting requirements.

•Support funding strategies by ensuring appropriate record-keeping and compliance.

•Work closely with fundraising leads to maintain transparency and donor trust.

Key Skills & Experience:

•Experience in board administration, governance, or executive-level support.

•Strong knowledge of UK charity regulations and non-profit governance best practices.

•Excellent written and verbal communication skills; experience in minute-taking and report writing.

•Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Teams, PowerPoint).

•Experience in stakeholder engagement, public speaking, or advocacy work.

•Understanding or experience in mental health, psychotherapy, or community wellness is highly desirable.

•Familiarity with financial processes in a non-profit or charitable context is a plus.

What You’ll Gain:

•Opportunity to play a key role in shaping a growing community organisation.

•Experience in charity governance and strategic planning.

•A chance to contribute to mental health and youth development initiatives.

•Connections with a passionate, diverse, and purpose-driven board team.

Next Steps:

Interested candidates should submit a CV and a short expression of interest outlining relevant experience and motivation for the role.

Passionate about the power of the game and giving back? Suffolk FA is recruiting new Trustees to help shape the future of their charity and join them in changing lives through football. If you have skills within ESG, Funding & Partnerships or EDI, along with a passion for the beautiful game, we’d love to hear from you.

About Us

Suffolk County Football Association (Suffolk FA) is the not-for-profit governing body for grassroots football in Suffolk. 

Our purpose is to inspire positive change through football, by driving the local game to unite communities, tackle inequalities and improve the health and wellbeing of people across Suffolk.

We provide the leadership, structure, and support that enable players, coaches, referees, and volunteers to thrive and enjoy the game. With over 330 clubs representing players of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities, we are proud to ensure football truly is for all in Suffolk.

Background to the role

Suffolk FA is supported by a dedicated team of staff and volunteers striving to enhance football across the county. The organisation is undergoing a transformative phase with the appointment of a new CEO who starts in August, the forthcoming appointment of a Commercial Funding & Partnerships Manager and the recruitment of three new Trustees to fill important skill gaps in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) and Corporate Funding and Partnerships.  Please see the candidate information pack for full information on the roles and requirements.

In addition to expertise in either ESG, funding and partnerships and/or EDI, we are especially looking for applications from women and people from minoritised communities as we are seeking to broaden both the diversity and gender balance of our Board.  Previous Board experience is not essential, and we offer a full induction and onboarding process. What is essential is a passion for our work and a desire for positive change through football.

Being a Trustee – what's involved

Every charity has a Board – a group of volunteers who ensure that the organisation is effective in carrying out the purpose for which it was set up. The trustees at Suffolk FA have responsibility for overseeing the work of the charity, ensuring that it is effectively and efficiently run, with the appropriate oversight and governance, in line with the requirements of the County FA Code of Governance.

A helpful summary of trustee roles and responsibilities can be found in the Charity Commission guidance for new Trustees: The Essential Trustee: what you need to know, what you need to do (CC3)

We are looking for 

• People with the skills, knowledge and experience to lead on the development and implementation of Suffolk FA’s strategy within your specialist area (ESG; Funding & Partnerships; EDI), in line with business and football development plans.
• The ability to challenge constructively and work collaboratively with a diverse Board and Executive team.
• Ability to assess proposed courses of action against the concerns of your specialist area.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with confidence in representing the organisation externally.
• An understanding of and commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
• A genuine passion for inspiring positive change through football.

How to apply

Eastside People is supporting Suffolk FA in the recruitment of these roles. Please apply by submitting your CV and a cover letter both in Word doc format.

Please use the cover letter (max 2 pages) as an opportunity to add to the information you have shared in your CV and ensure that you cover the following: 

• Why are you interested in a Trustee role at Suffolk FA? 
• Which role are you applying for (ESG/Funding/EDI) and how do your skills and knowledge meet the specification?

Please note that we will focus on your demonstrable experience and potential in the areas listed under the Person Specification and do not expect candidates to have experience in all responsibilities outlined in the Job Description. We would discourage you from deselecting yourself if you are in doubt about meeting all the criteria. Instead, if you have specific questions about the role, please email John Sanger. Having a call of this kind will not influence the success or otherwise of your application.

The closing date for applications is Friday 25th July with online shortlisting interviews with Eastside People taking place throughout the recruitment process and the week after. Face-to-face interviews with the recruitment panel at Suffolk FA will take place between the 1st and 6th of August.

Suffolk FA is an equal opportunities organisation. We actively welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, beliefs, and lived experiences. We strive to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve and are committed to equity and inclusion at every level of our governance.

We are proud to be a Disability Confident organisation. If you have a disability or require reasonable adjustments during the application or interview process, please contact us so we can support you appropriately.

We specialise in supporting people with visual impairment and complex needs in a range of services including Care Homes and Supported Living. Can you help support us in making a difference in the lives of the people we support?

What will you be doing?

We have an exciting opportunity for you to join our experienced Board of Trustees. As a member of the Board, you will play a vital role in steering and supporting the Group. The Board is responsible for providing strategic direction, ensuring we meet regulatory requirements, and overseeing the work of the staff team, ensuring the Group's efficient administration and financial stability.

What are we looking for?

Ideally, we are looking for a finance professional with experience in accounting or financial analysis, who possesses expertise in financial principles and practices. Having a good understanding of budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting that will help support our strategic goals and direction. 

What difference will you make?

We are constantly striving to make a difference to people’s lives through the provision of aspirational services for people with sensory and other specialist needs. We want to enable people to live fulfilled lives in excellent quality accommodation, and our whole philosophy is based around person-centred principles. Your contribution as an experienced finance professional will help us maintain a forward looking approach to establishing financial stability and governance. 

Before you apply

Please apply through Reach in the first instance and provide a covering letter detailing why you are interested in this role.

We are working with the Board of the 31-school River Learning Trust to recruit an individual possessing legal qualifications to bring insight and expertise into its strategic policy and governance framework. This role involves analysing audit outcomes, reviewing data, and contributing to the development and implementation of risk mitigation strategies. The Trust supports around 16,000 young people in the Oxfordshire and Swindon areas and has an annual budget of £100m.

River Learning Trust is a well-established Multi-Academy Trust (MAT) operating for over 12 years, currently comprising 30 schools – 20 primary and 10 secondary academies, primarily located in Oxfordshire and Swindon. The majority of these schools are rated ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted.

In addition to mainstream provision, RLT operates a multi-site Alternative Provision unit, is a Department for Education (DfE) Teaching School Hub, and manages an Ofsted-approved SCITT (School Centred Initial Teacher Training) – Oxfordshire Teacher Training – training up to 150 teachers annually.

RLT is considered a ‘mixed MAT’, including both maintained and Church of England schools. A quarter of Trustees and Members are appointed by the Oxford Anglican Diocese. The Trust serves a broad demographic, spanning both urban and rural communities, and educates approximately 16,000 pupils, with around 3,000 staff.

Socioeconomic diversity is significant, with areas of high deprivation particularly in East Oxford and Swindon.
The Trust serves a diverse student population with 22.9% eligible for Free School Meals and 20.8% identified with Special Educational Needs or Disabilities (SEND), reflecting a strong focus on inclusive and supportive education.

Students from minority ethnic backgrounds make up 60% of the cohort, contributing to a culturally rich learning environment. Additionally, 18.7% speak English as an Additional Language (EAL), highlighting the importance of language support across schools.

These demographics shape the Trust’s commitment to equity, tailored support, and high expectations for all learners.

The Trust Board consists of 10 Trustees and five members – the latter akin to the shareholder role – with an ongoing process to strengthen Board expertise. RLT is currently seeking a new Trustee with legal expertise to enhance governance, policy scrutiny, and risk management.

The Trust maintains several Schemes of Delegation to govern its operations effectively, including tailored schemes for Church schools and its teaching/training arms. Governance is supported by a Lead Governance Professional, a Director of Finance, and a team of Directors of School Improvement. Safeguarding is a key priority, with regular audits and a dedicated Trustee lead.

RLT manages an annual income of approximately £100 million. The 2023/24 financial outturn was in line with expectations. Schools remained within their budgets, and the external audit confirmed sound financial management and compliance. Reserves meet DfE guidelines. Like many Trusts, RLT faces ongoing challenges, particularly regarding SEND funding and staff recruitment and retention.

The Trust’s Requirements

The Trust is seeking a legally trained individual to bring legal insight and expertise into its strategic policy and governance framework. This role involves analysing audit outcomes, reviewing data, and contributing to the development and implementation of risk mitigation strategies. The goal is to enhance the Trust’s decision-making processes and ensure that legal considerations are embedded at all levels of governance.

While the geographic location of the candidate is flexible, a connection to the Swindon area would be particularly welcomed. The appointment will play a critical role in supporting the Trust’s ongoing governance review and will contribute to strengthening Board capacity as the organisation maintains its current size and strategic direction.

Trustees are expected to commit to five Board meetings per year, along with termly sub-committee meetings. These meetings are held in the evenings and are a mix of in-person and remote formats. In addition, each Trustee is linked to two or three academies within the Trust, fostering meaningful relationships with school leadership teams. A structured induction programme is in place for new Trustees, which includes formal training, school visits, and engagement with senior Trust leaders.

The work of the Board is supported by several key committees, including:

• Impact Committee
• Resources Committee (covering Finance and Audit)
• Safeguarding Committee

Additionally, there is an Annual Trustee Strategy Day focusing on long-term planning and reflection.

River Learning Trust operates according to core principles that shape its strategy and culture: a commitment to Excellence, a belief in Everyone Learning, and a foundation of Respectful Relationships. These values guide the Trust’s ambition to deliver academic success and personal development for every pupil, ensure no school stands still in its improvement journey, foster high-quality collaboration that raises standards and reduces workload, and build a culture of joint accountability across all its schools.

As our Treasurer Trustee, you’ll bring your financial expertise to our dynamic international board working alongside trustees from member organisations, our leadership team and co-opted trustees bringing a range of specialist skills to our Board.

What will you be doing?

We are looking for a Treasurer with experience of working with not for profits in setting strategic financial direction,. 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. 

The Treasurer will 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.

What are we looking for?

The Treasurer will 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. This will involve :

• 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 

What difference will you make?

This is a substantive role at the core of our organisation. We are a global alliance of 51 local organisations in 40 countries, working on the front line with children and families in need. Our vision is a world in which children and families everywhere have access to the support they need to survive and thrive. Our mission is to make that happen through research, knowledge exchange, campaigning and humanitarian responses. We are registered as a charity under the Charity Commission for England and Wales and have two subsidiaries registered in New Zealand and in the US

 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.

Through campaigning, we influence and inspire others to take action for children and families worldwide. For more information about our work and our members, please visit our website.

Before you apply

Please apply, or contact us if you have any questions,through Reach in the first instance. Please provide a cover letter detailing why you are interested in this role, your relevant experience and indicate your availability. Interviews will take place via Zoom. Deadline for applicaions is 06 Nov 2025.

Desirable, but not essential requirements: 

• experience of working with or on a board 
• a qualified member of a recognised accountancy body
• some experience of charity fundraising is desirable

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

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

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

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

The Chair is responsible for:

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

The committee is responsible for:

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

Membership

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

Successful candidates must possess the following competencies and personal attributes:

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

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

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

Desirable Personal Attributes and Behaviours:

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

We are currently seeking a trustee to join the board of GREENHEART LEARNING PARTNERSHIP, a trust of 10 schools in the authority areas of Birmingham, Walsall and Staffordshire. The trust has an annual budget of £24m.

Greenheart Learning Partnership comprises 10 primary schools spread across three local authorities (Birmingham, Walsall, and Staffordshire). All but one school was judged as ‘Good’ at their last Ofsted inspections. The one exception was judged ‘Requires Improvement’ overall but was rated ‘Good’ in two areas. The trust has undergone some changes since its establishment in 2012 with the University of Wolverhampton as its sponsor. The Trust previously had a small number of secondary schools, but these moved to another trust two to three years ago, shifting the focus of the trust to primary education. There is no immediate plan for further growth, but this remains open for discussion.

The trust supports over 400 staff and serves around 3,150 children. One of the schools also has a special resource base, and two additional special units are being added to other schools. These units, each accommodating approximately 10 pupils with additional needs (specialising in autism), provide specialist support while enabling access to the mainstream curriculum. The trust also has robust financial procedures, healthy reserves, and a central strategic statement.

Greenheart Learning Partnership replaced its Local Governing Boards with Parent Forums in Summer 2024. This decision aimed to enhance community and stakeholder engagement at the local governance level. Two of the schools have Interim Advisory Boards (IABs) to provide additional challenge and support, and the reports/minutes from each Parent Forum (along with the IABs) are shared with Trustees at meetings. The trust has received positive feedback regarding the Parent Forums, with the Governance Lead noting that the more informal setting has reduced barriers and encouraged greater engagement. The Governance Lead joined the trust at the start of 2025 and is currently reviewing all aspects of governance to ensure its effectiveness and sustainability.

An external governance review is planned for the next academic year, following the Governance Lead’s initial review and implementation of necessary changes.

The Trust’s requirements

The trust currently has seven Trustees and is recruiting to build capacity and ensure sustainability. The board possesses a range of skills but seeks to expand its expertise further. Ideal candidates may have backgrounds in business, finance, HR, or governance. The trust welcomes applications from individuals of all backgrounds but is particularly keen to encourage candidates from traditionally underrepresented groups.

Greenheart Learning Partnership seeks enthusiastic Trustees who are committed to strengthening governance and driving best practices. The Chair has been in post for nearly two years, and the Vice Chair previously chaired a local governing board that was deemed effective. As governance develops, there are likely to be opportunities for the right candidate to contribute to succession planning, potentially stepping into roles such as committee chair, vice chair, or even future chair of the board.

Trustees are currently expected to attend Trust Board meetings and two committees, though this is likely to reduce to one committee as the board’s capacity increases through this recruitment campaign. Trust Board and committee meetings are currently held remotely on Mondays from 1pm – 3pm, however this is currently under review and there may be some in-person meetings required.

All new Trustees will receive an induction programme led by the Governance Lead, as well as access to CST and GovernorHub Knowledge (formerly The Key). Additionally, all new Trustees will be provided with access to Governors for Schools’ ‘The First 100 Days as a Trustee’ eLearning module.

Inclusive Boards is delighted to be supporting St Hilda’s College Oxford in their search for an inaugural independent Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee. 

St Hilda’s College was founded by Dorothea Beale in 1893 as a Hall for Women Students. The College received its first Royal Charter in 1926 when it was incorporated under the title “Principal and Council of St Hilda’s College, Oxford”. In 1960, it became a College of the University, and since 2008 has welcomed the admission of male students.

The College is seeking to recruit an independent Chair for the newly-established Audit and Risk Committee to assist the Governing Body in fulfilling its governance and oversight responsibilities by monitoring and reviewing the following aspects of its work:

• Integrity of financial statements.
• Mechanisms through which the College ensures its financial sustainability and value for money.
• Effectiveness of risk management policies, processes and oversight.
• Effectiveness of internal controls.
• Mechanisms through which the College ensures ongoing compliance of the College with the conditions and principles of the Charity Commission, Office for Students and other legislation under which the College operates.
• Consideration and approval of plans for external and, where appropriate, internal audits.
• Effectiveness of arrangements for corporate governance and making recommendations about these to the Governing Body.

This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of the audit and risk function at St Hilda’s College. The person specification for this opportunity is as follows.

Essential:

• A good knowledge and experience of working in a senior finance role.
• Experience and an excellent understanding of audit and risk.
• Experience as a Trustee and a good understanding of the role and operation of an Audit and Risk Committee.
• Board level leadership experience with the ability to provide constructive advice and challenge in a manner which inspires confidence and enables a culture of continuous improvement.
• The ability to think strategically, analyse information and debate complex issues.
• The ability to work effectively as part of a team, to motivate and empower others to achieve desired outcomes.
• A commitment to the tenets of diversity, equality and inclusion.
• A commitment to the Nolan Principles.

Desirable:

• A good understanding of charity finance and accounting.
• Holds a CCAB qualification.
• Knowledge of the tertiary education sector.