External trustees and expert committee member volunteer volunteer roles
Do you have a passion to make a difference in the lives of children and families? Spurgeons is seeking new trustees to join our current Board in bringing prayerful wisdom and strategic guidance over the coming years.
Spurgeons is one of the UK’s leading children’s charities, supporting vulnerable and disadvantaged children and their families for 150 years. Inspired by Christian faith and our founder Charles Spurgeon, we’re here for all families. Together, we create family hubs where we’re needed most, with counselling, early years and family support. We partner with local councils, churches and communities to care for every family, putting children and young people first in everything we do. Our services also include parenting support and resources, mental health support for children and young people, and working with families affected by domestic abuse and imprisonment.
These services are needed more than ever, and our current strategy focuses on growth, innovating in partnership with churches, developing online family hubs to expand our reach and ensuring fundraising is a strategic priority. We are ambitious and hopeful about how we can grow to make a significant impact on many more children’s lives in the future.
To support Board succession planning, we are seeking to appoint five new trustees with a range of skills and experience including:
· Fundraising and marketing
· Finance
· Children’s services e.g. senior leadership experience within social services, the care sector, local authorities, health, education, or charitable contexts
· Safeguarding
· Cultural change and transformation
Given an occupational requirement for these roles to be filled by Christians, we are seeking candidates with a personal and active Christian faith who are comfortable and aligned with the statement of faith outlined on our website.
In order to build on our Baptist heritage, we are also keen to ensure that at least one of our trustees is a member of, or has a connection with, the Baptist church.
Spurgeons values diversity, promotes inclusion, and encourages applications from a diverse range of candidates, including those with lived experience of children’s support services. We recognise the need to increase the diversity of the Board, for example in terms of age, ethnicity, disability, gender and LGBTQ+ representation.
In terms of location, at present, Board meetings take place in London and committee meetings take place virtually via Teams.
For further information, including full details of how to apply, please see our Appointment Details Pack which can be downloaded from the application resources/ supporting documents section below. Application is by submission of CV and cover letter via email to Laura Bagley at Macaulay Search (please see Appointment Details Pack for contact details).
The closing date for applications is 9am on Monday 2nd March 2026.
Registered Charity
101 - 500
We create family hubs where we’re needed most, so, when a family member needs support, turn to us.
Thank you!
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!
The Chair of Trustees will:
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Provide leadership and direction to the Board of Trustees and enable the Board to fulfil its responsibilities for the overall governance and strategic direction of the organisation.
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Ensure that the organisation pursues its objects as defined in its governing document, charity law, company law and other relevant legislation/regulations.
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Work in partnership with the Director to support employees and volunteers, helping them achieve the aims of the organisation; and to optimise the relationship between the Board of Trustees and the staff.
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Facilitate the Board of Trustees in stimulating excellent, well-rounded and carefully considered strategic decision-making.
Main Responsibilities of the Chair
The Chair of Trustees will be expected to:
In relation to the Board of Trustees
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Formulate strategic plans and regular review of long-term strategic aims of the charity.
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Develop organisational policies, define goals, targets and evaluate performance against agreed targets.
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Approve the annual cycle of the board meetings, meeting agendas, chair and facilitate meetings, monitor decisions taken at meetings and ensure they are implemented.
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Liaise regularly with the Treasurer to maintain a clear grasp of the charity’s financial position and to ensure full and timely financial transparency and information disclosure to the Board.
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Lead and mentor other Board members to fulfil their responsibilities and enable access to training/coaching/information to enhance the overall contribution of the board.
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Annually review the Board structure, role, staff relationships and ensure implementation of agreed changes/developments are carried out.
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Encourage team working among Board members and encourage them to identify and recruit new trustees as required.
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Create a strong, profitable and fulfilling working relationship with trustees and the Director through review and self-reflective evaluation of contributions and effectiveness of the board.
In relation to the Director
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Assume guardianship of the legal and financial integrity of the organisation.
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Consult with the Director on matters of strategy, governance, finance and HR.
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Oversee the Director’s activities in the context of the implementation of the Board’s strategy and policies.
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Maintain careful oversight of any risk to reputation and/or financial standing of the organisation.
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Receive regular informal progress reports of the organisation’s work and financial performance through the Director.
In relation to the community and code of conduct
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Represent the organisation as a spokesperson at appropriate events, meetings or functions.
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Lead the Board in fostering relations with potential clients and potential funders/donors.
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Act as final stage adjudicator for disciplinary and grievance procedures if required.
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Facilitate change and address conflict within the Board of Trustees, within the organisation and liaise with the Director to achieve this.
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Undertake review of external complaints as defined by the organisation’s complaints procedure.
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Ensure adherence and compliance around key policies to e.g. Hiring Policy,Health & Safety and in all decisions and discussions of the Board and its sub-committees.
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Attend and be a member of other committees or working groups when appropriate in role as Chair.
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In order to perform the above role, the Chair should have reasonable access to all staff and information, in line with the board’s fiduciary duties.
In relation to Child Protection
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Uphold the charity’s Child Protection Policy, and ensure its rigid application to all of the Board’s duties and endeavours.
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Place child safety at the forefront of all deliberations, and adopt a diligent awareness of any area in which child safety might be at risk.
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Report any and all potential violations of the charity’s Child Protection Policy to the Board of Trustees immediately.
Qualities of a Chair
The Chair of Trustees is expected to demonstrate the following qualities:
Essential
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Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of Trusteeship and adhering to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.
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Commitment to the charity’s objects, aims and values and willingness to devote time to carry out responsibilities.
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Strategic and forward looking vision in relation to the charity’s objects and aims.
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Good, independent judgement, political impartiality and the ability to think creatively in the context of the organisation and external environment.
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Good communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to respect the confidences of colleagues.
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Balancing tact and diplomacy with willingness to challenge and constructively criticise.
Desirable
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Prior experience of committee/trustee work.
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Knowledge of the type of work undertaken by the organisation - disability care and poverty alleviation.
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A wider involvement with the voluntary sector.
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Experience of chairing meetings, committee work, some experience of charity finance, charity fundraising.
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Leadership skills exercised through a period change.
Time Commitment
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The Board meets at least 4 times a year and the Chair is expected to be available 4 times in a year.
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In addition to Board Meetings, other contact – usually electronic or by telephone – will be necessary.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
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!
Become a Fundraising Volunteer!
Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity, and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs.
Cats are at the centre of everything we do, and our objectives are homing, neutering and educating people about cats and their care.
We help thousands of cats across the UK each year thanks to our network of dedicated volunteers, employees and supporters.
A bit about this role...
Please note - Due to the nature of fundraising roles, our volunteers must be over the age of 18.
As a charity we can help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations from our supporters. Raising funds is a key role in our charity, helping to raise the vital funds needed to help more cats and kittens in need.
As a fundraising volunteer, we will support you every step of the way to ensure your time at Cats Protection is a positive and rewarding one. Whatever time you can give really does make a big difference We have lots of exciting activities to choose from for example attending a fundraising event, fundraising online, promoting fundraising activities on social media, handling administrative tasks, or contributing to the development of new fundraising ideas. Whatever your skill set, this role could be perfect for you!
What can I expect to be doing?
As a flexible role, you have the choice to be involved in the following:
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Face-to-face fundraising – organising or helping with our fundraising events, attending supermarket collections or local markets.
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Distributing collection tins – popping collection tins into local shops and pubs and collecting them when they’re full.
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Bringing new ideas! - We always love to come up with new ideas to raise funds for cats and we’d love to help bring yours to life.
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Engaging with your local branches and Fundraising Hub and feeling like an integral part of the team!
What are the benefits to you and the cats?
You will have the opportunity to develop your knowledge though Cats Protection’s learn online system, providing you with the skills to thrive as a fundraiser. You’ll also have the chance to meet new people and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.
Money raised by our volunteers enables us to put cats first. Cats are at the centre of all we do. We care for them, ensure their welfare, and help others to understand and better support them.
We're looking for someone with:
-
Sympathy to cats and our values
-
Happy to be part of a team of dedicated volunteers and employees.
-
Flexible and adaptable to different events/activities
-
Open to new ideas and ways of fundraising
How much time is expected of me?
Our Fundraising Volunteer roles are very flexible, often certain times of the year are busier than others. You can choose your level of involvement to suit your schedule!
Support, guidance and keeping you safe
At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.
The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we encounter as part of our activities.
Thank you for your support and sharing in this commitment and for everything you will do during your time with Cats Protection!
Registered Charity
501 - 1000
Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
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!
Become a Fundraising Volunteer!
Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity, and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs.
Cats are at the centre of everything we do, and our objectives are homing, neutering and educating people about cats and their care.
We help thousands of cats across the UK each year thanks to our network of dedicated volunteers, employees and supporters.
A bit about this role...
Please note - Due to the nature of fundraising roles, our volunteers must be over the age of 18.
As a charity we can help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations from our supporters. Raising funds is a key role in our charity, helping to raise the vital funds needed to help more cats and kittens in need.
As a fundraising volunteer, we will support you every step of the way to ensure your time at Cats Protection is a positive and rewarding one. Whatever time you can give really does make a big difference We have lots of exciting activities to choose from for example attending a fundraising event, fundraising online, promoting fundraising activities on social media, handling administrative tasks, or contributing to the development of new fundraising ideas. Whatever your skill set, this role could be perfect for you!
What can I expect to be doing?
As a flexible role, you have the choice to be involved in the following:
-
Face-to-face fundraising – organising or helping with our fundraising events, attending supermarket collections or local markets.
-
Distributing collection tins – popping collection tins into local shops and pubs and collecting them when they’re full.
-
Bringing new ideas! - We always love to come up with new ideas to raise funds for cats and we’d love to help bring yours to life.
-
Engaging with your local branches and Fundraising Hub and feeling like an integral part of the team!
What are the benefits to you and the cats?
You will have the opportunity to develop your knowledge though Cats Protection’s learn online system, providing you with the skills to thrive as a fundraiser. You’ll also have the chance to meet new people and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.
Money raised by our volunteers enables us to put cats first. Cats are at the centre of all we do. We care for them, ensure their welfare, and help others to understand and better support them.
We're looking for someone with:
-
Sympathy to cats and our values
-
Happy to be part of a team of dedicated volunteers and employees.
-
Flexible and adaptable to different events/activities
-
Open to new ideas and ways of fundraising
How much time is expected of me?
Our Fundraising Volunteer roles are very flexible, often certain times of the year are busier than others. You can choose your level of involvement to suit your schedule!
Support, guidance and keeping you safe
At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.
The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we encounter as part of our activities.
Thank you for your support and sharing in this commitment and for everything you will do during your time with Cats Protection!
Registered Charity
501 - 1000
Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.