External trustees volunteer roles

Would you like to improve the urban walking environment and our quality of life? Living Streets, the UK charity for everyday walking, is looking for an enthusiastic and experienced person to chair our board of voluntary trustees. 

We are a charity that can influence anyone’s daily life. Our mission is to achieve a better walking environment and inspire people to walk more. 

This is a pivotal time in our history: with a dynamic and experienced new Chief Executive, Catherine Woodhead; and a period of development, with a new strategy incoming that will take us towards our centenary in 2029. 

With our thousands of members and supporters we run campaigns for positive change and influence policies that improve our streets such as encouraging families to walk to school, 20mph speed limits and controlling pavement parking. 

We manage innovative national projects, engaging schools, communities and workplaces to encourage more people to walk short journeys. Our year-round walk to school challenge captures the imagination of children in over 2000 schools. 

We work with local authorities and businesses to improve streets and public spaces. Our reports, such as The Pedestrian Pound, make a substantial contribution to the active travel agenda. 

We are seeking someone with strong leadership and networking skills, with experience of good governance and helping organisations through growth. You will possess a substantial reputation which will add to the credibility of Living Streets. The role is a voluntary unpaid position, though reasonable expenses will be reimbursed. The term of office is for six years.

Closing date: 03/11/2025 (12pm)

Interviews: 20/11/2025 

Interview Location: London Head Office 

Are you a finance whizz looking for a rewarding trustee role? We have an amazing opportunity to be a Treasurer for our board, where you’ll have oversight of all financial aspects of the charity and advise the board accordingly. You’ll also be a proactive board member who shares our vision and values, and works with us to shape the charity’s direction. We look forward to hearing from you!

This role can be undertaken remotely for the most part, with quarterly in-person board meetings in London. 

Please apply via the brief application form on our website.

The main tasks you'll be required to undertake:

• Oversight budgeting, forecasting and reporting both internally to the Board of Trustees as well as reporting of the annual accounts
   
• Ensuring that proper accounting records are kept, financial resources are properly invested and economically spent
   
• Review of internal financial control environment ensuring continuous improvement and timely follow up of any actions
   
• Contributing to the strategic plan and advising on financial implications, and monitoring and advising on the financial viability of the charity
   
• Being a dedicated and proactive trustee of the charity, making meaningful contributions to meetings and discussions, and leading ad hoc pieces of work as required

SUMMARY

Roles Description: Finance Trustee, Community Organising and Campaigning Trustee, and Legal Trustee

Remuneration: Like most Trustee roles, these roles are unremunerated

Reports to: Chair of the Board of Trustees

Start date: As soon as possible

Benefits: In addition to making a real difference in the lives of and deepening your understanding of youth organising, you will receive:

• Safeguarding Training and support in developing expertise here
• Reimbursement of expenses incurred in your role

At The Advocacy Academy, we envision a world where young people with lived experience of injustice (LEofI) harness their collective power to shape a more fair, just, and equal society. Our mission is to organise and support these young people to drive systemic change on the most pressing issues of our time.

We do this by offering deep coaching, delivering transformative leadership programmes, and creating clear pathways for sustained action. Through shared learning and community-building, we help young leaders build the knowledge, skills, and confidence to launch and lead proactive campaigns. We also recognise that real change starts from within - so we’re committed to a governance structure that is values-driven, participatory, and beyond reproach, ensuring TAA is as accountable to young people as it is to the communities we serve and its wider responsibilities.

We’re now looking to recruit three new Trustees to join our Board and help steer this work. We're especially keen to hear from people with leadership experience in one or more of the following areas: Finance & Fundraising, Community Organising and Campaigns & Legal

Trustees of The Advocacy Academy play a unique role in delivery of our mission. They are collectively responsible for the governance of the organisation, represent it to the community, and accept ultimate compliance authority for the charity and its activities. As a Trustee with experience in the UK’s youth sector, you will support the Board and the Executives in ensuring that TAA continues to deliver an exceptional quality of youth work, and the role that safeguarding plays in achieving this. As a trustee:

• Work with the Chair, Trustees and Senior Leadership team to ensure there is a clear, long-term and strategic vision The Advocacy Academy.
• Work with the Board to ensure we function within the legal and financial requirements of a UK registered charity and company, our constitution and that we strive for best practice
• Take responsibility with the other trustees so that the organisation has effective practice to safeguard the people it works with
• Act as an ambassador, spokesperson and champion our work supporting our income activities, and fostering networks that can help generate income.

About Our Board of Trustees

• Our Board currently consists of four members, recruited, selected, and approved by the Board of Trustees.
• Each trustee serves a three-year term, and we are made up of individuals from diverse backgrounds and ethnicities.
• The Board meets quarterly (four times per year) to provide strategic oversight and governance. Operations/day to day are managed by the Executives.
• Given the size of the board, we expect all trustees to join at least one subcommittees meeting per year, unless there are extenuating circumstances. .The subcommittee meets are typically held prior to full Board meetings.
• Board meetings are held at our Liberation Centre in Brixton and subcommittee meets are held virtually
• The role of trustee is voluntary, though reasonable expenses are reimbursed.2• Trustees are expected to prepare in advance by reading reports and meeting papers, and are also warmly invited to attend our events throughout the year.

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

1. Finance Trustee - Trustee will provide charity financial governance oversight of The Advocacy Academy, including but not limited to: Working closely with our Finance Director and the Finance & Risk Committee will:

• Provide support on financial oversight and ensure compliance with relevant charity and regulatory requirements.
• Review and co-present financial reports and key insights to the Board of Trustees.
• Actively participate in the Finance and Risk Committee, ensuring effective financial scrutiny.
• Strategic contribution to long-term financial and fundraising planning and support the organisation’s risk management framework.
• Attend Finance and Risk subcommittee meetings quarterly.

2. Community Organising and Campaigning Trustee - The Community organising and campaigning Trustee will provide organising and Campaigns governance oversight of The Advocacy Academy, including but not limited to: Working closely with our Director of Organising and Campaigns and fellow trustees, they will:

• Provide strategic oversight of The Advocacy Academy’s organising and campaigning activities and priorities.
• Ensure campaigns are ethical, legally compliant, and aligned with the organisation’s values.
• Support the development of effective, youth-led organising and campaigning strategies.
• Offer insight into advocacy trends, movement-building, and political landscapes.
• Serve as a sounding board for the team, offering critical friend feedback without operational interference.
• Help the board assess risks and opportunities related to public positioning, reputation, and partnerships.
• Good governance, diversity and teamwork are at the core of the Board’s values. We want to ensure trustees represent the young people we work with and we are particularly interested in applications from people with lived experience.

3. Legal Trustee - The Legal Trustees will provide Legal perspective on governance oversight of The Advocacy Academy, including but not limited to: Working closely with our Trustees, they will:

• Provide strategic legal perspective on compliance with charity law, employment law, using legal knowledge or by signposting to our external legal support.
• Provide legal perspective on any strategic decisions the board makes, which the board can then pursue formal legal advice on.
• Provide legal perspective on risk related to public campaigning, partnerships and public communications.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

1. Finance Trustee -

• Proven expertise in charity fundraising and financial management.
• Experience of charity finance and fundraising is essential.
• Previous board or trustee experience.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a diverse team environment.

2. Community Organising and Campaigning Trustee -

• Understanding of power-building, community organising, or movement strategy (essential).
• Experience in grassroots organising and campaigns, advocacy, or social justice movements.3• Familiarity with political or social justice contexts in the UK.
• Willingness to support youth leadership and work in solidarity with young campaigners.
• Previous board or governance experience is helpful but not essential.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a diverse team environment.

3. Legal Trustee -

• Qualified legal professional (e.g. solicitor, barrister, legal academic) with UK-based experience.
• Knowledge of charity, or employment law desirable.
• Experience in risk, governance, or compliance, particularly in the charity sector.
• A commitment to social justice and supporting youth organising work.
• Ability to translate legal concepts clearly for non-specialist trustees.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a diverse team environment.

EXPECTATIONS & ENTITLEMENT

• Attend at least one training programme that we run, so that you understand the work we deliver
• Attend trustee meetings, which are held four times a year in London or virtually, and last between 3 expected to attend at least three each year.
• Participate in one of our sub-committees as may be required by the trustee role.
• Demonstrate commitment to The Advocacy Academy by supporting fundraising efforts.
• Serve for a term of three years and be able to stand for re-election for a further term and possibly two.
• Work with the Chair to review your performance
• Claim reasonable travel and accommodation expenses to attend meetings -4 hours - trustees are expected to attend at least three each year.
• This is an outline of the responsibilities and duties of the Trustee roles, it is not intended as an exhaustive list and may change from time to time to meet the changing needs of The Advocacy Academy’s board. Any changes will be made in consultation with the post holders.

HOW TO APPLY

Please apply to be our Trustee by sending your CV together with a supporting statement to us. Your supporting statement should explain why you would like to be our Trustee and the contribution you believe you would make to The Advocacy Academy, with particular reference to the specific Trustee role and Requirements above.

DATES

• •Closing Date: The deadline for applications is 7th October 2025 by 9am.

Please note that there will be two rounds of interviews, and we will be conducting interviews on a rolling basis as applications are received. The application deadline may be brought forward if suitable candidates are identified early.

NOTHING ABOUT US WITHOUT US

We aim to be representative of the community we are working with. We encourage applications from people of colour, those who identify as LGBTQIA, working class as well as disabled people, those living with mental health conditions, refugees and migrants. We welcome people from all identities who are made to feel marginalised.

We’re not just committed to being an equal opportunity employer, we actively celebrate diversity in all its forms. Let us know if we can do anything to make the application or interview process more accessible. If you are invited to interview, we will at that point ask you for any accessibility requirements or preferences.

As an employer we make all reasonable adjustments to support employees in their work if they are disabled or have a health condition. We support the Access to Work scheme which could provide you with financial support to get the help you need to do all tasks successfully. We are happy to facilitate Access to Work assessments and reclaims, and would actively welcome applicants who would need this in order to do the job.

All staff who work on our programme must have, prior to starting work, a returned satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) dated no earlier than 1st January 2021. The Advocacy Academy will assist the application for, and pay for the processing of, a new DBS for staff members where required.

We welcome applications from people with convictions. Please disclose in your application if you have any convictions, cautions, reprimands or final warnings that are not “protected” (as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 

The Charity Evaluation Working Group is a community of 300+ charity sector evaluators. Our mission to empower charities, (and other purpose-driven organisations), to create positive change through effective evaluation.

We are looking for passionate individuals to join our board as trustees and chair / co-chairs. This is a unique opportunity to lead our next chapter and strengthen our community.

We’re specifically looking to recruit people who are not only passionate about the use of data and evidence, but bring a wider range of skills to the board, including;

• research and evaluation
• income generation
• comms and marketing
• advocacy and influence

Our trustees are based across the UK, so all of our meetings are online. We’re a small charity, which means that we’re looking for people who are happy to be hands-on.

We would like to maintain the diversity of our board and therefore would particularly like to hear from people from the global majority, lower socioeconomic backgrounds, disabled people and those from other marginalised groups. We’re open to new perspectives and ways of thinking, so you don’t necessarily need to have worked in the third sector, understand evaluation, or have experience of being a trustee before.

For more information and to apply for these roles, please visit our website.

We are accepting applications until 5pm, Monday 22nd September 2025.

Summary

We're seeking Trustees with expertise in grant making, the charity sector, finance or marketing to guide funding decisions and grow local philanthropy and benefit communities and charities across Essex.

Application Deadline

10/3/2025

Job Description

Become a Trustee and Make a Difference in Essex Next year marks 30 years of Essex Community Foundation (ECF) backing the charities at the heart of Essex, Southend & Thurrock. Each year we award grants to 500+ local organisations, supported by 200+ donors and fundholders. Why join our Board? Use your skills to shape funding that changes lives. Gain insight into the charity sector and work with people passionate about stronger communities. We’re recruiting voluntary Trustees with expertise in: • Grant making • Charity/voluntary sector • Finance • Marketing & Communications First-time or experienced Trustees welcome. We provide a full induction, ongoing training and mentoring. Commitment: Board meets 4× a year (in person/virtual). Roles are unpaid; expenses covered. We are passionate about our board reflecting the diverse communities we serve. Ready to help us grow our impact? Get in touch to learn more and apply.

Location

Essex

Working from

Hybrid

Remuneration

Voluntary role but expenses paid.

How to apply

Please submit your application via our website by 5pm on Friday 3 October 2025. Interested candidates can download our trustee Recruitment Information Pack via our website. Your Application must include your CV, and a short personal statement responding to three questions found in the pack. If you would like to have a chat with one of our current trustees, then please just email our recruitment team and we will arrange for a telephone call. 

Attitude is Everything are looking for someone with charity finance experience at a senior level, and someone who shares Attitude is Everything’s Vision and Mission to join our Board of Trustees as Treasurer.

To make sure that Attitude is Everything operates within the legal and financial guidelines set out in current legislation and its own financial procedures

To ensure that strong financial controls are in place and that the organisation operates within a sound financial framework

Go Beyond – Chair, Treasurer and Trustees
Inspire brighter futures for children across England

· Location: Meetings in London, Cornwall, Derbyshire + virtual

· Commitment: Chair: ~3–4 days/month | Trustees: ~1 day/month

· Voluntary (expenses reimbursed)

Go Beyond is a national children’s charity with a powerful, simple mission: to give children a break from difficult lives.

Each year, we provide life-changing residential breaks in the countryside for over 1,000 children aged 8–13 who wouldn’t otherwise get a chance to enjoy time away, make friends, and just be children. With ambitious plans for growth, including pop-up programmes and site expansion [SS1] we're seeking a new Chair (to take over in 2026), a Treasurer, and two additional Trustees to strengthen our already passionate and committed Board.

We welcome applications from people who share our values and want to be part of something special.

We are particularly keen to hear from those with senior leadership experience in:

• Finance / accountancy (especially in the charity or not-for-profit sector)
• Environment, sustainability, or ESG
• Education or youth services – a champion for vulnerable children
• Marketing, PR or communications
• People, culture and EDI (especially within charities or public service)

Why join us?

• Be part of a unique charity that puts children first in everything we do
• Help shape our next 5-year strategy, which aims to provide over 5,000 breaks
• Join a dynamic, engaged Board and leadership team
• Use your voice and experience to ensure children get the joyful, nurturing respite they deserve
• Be inspired – and have fun – while helping others do the same

We are actively working to diversify our Board and welcome people with lived experience that reflects the lives of the children we support. No previous board experience is necessary o become a Trustee – just your time, your ideas, and your commitment to making a difference.

· Deadline: Midday Tuesday 14th October 2025

· Site visit: 22nd – 31st October 2025

· Interviews: 4–6 November 2025 (in London)

Please download the attached brief for more information and details of how to apply. To arrange a confidential conversation, contact our recruitment partner Anna Jay at Public Leaders Appointments.

We are looking for a Trustee who is passionate about arts and social justice, who wants to make a difference and is able to compliment our Board of Trustees, Artistic Director, and Executive Director as we work together to develop the impact and profile of Cardboard Citizens.

We are looking for strategic thinkers and committed collaborators who are passionate about the arts and social justice.

We especially welcome those who can bring lived or professional experience in areas such as communications, campaigning, public engagement, fundraising, or media- skills that will help us grow our public profile and deepen the impact of the stories we tell.

We believe that the need for Cardboard Citizens is as urgent as it ever has been with the current external environment and the challenges for our communities with experience of homelessness and poverty.

Whilst we'd like to hear from applicants from a range of backgrounds and experiences, we are particularly keen to hear from those with skills in any of the following areas:

• Digital, New Media
• Communications / public relations
• Environment & Sustainability
• Development
• Strategic partnerships

The general attributes we're looking for in a potential Trustee include:

• Good judgement
• An ability to think creatively and strategically
• An ability to collaborate and work as part of a team
• Effective interpersonal skills
• An active commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion
• An ability to command trust and respect
• An understanding and acceptance of a Trustee's legal duties and responsibilities
• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort required.

Trustees will be required to:

• To serve an initial term of 4 years, with the possibility of re-appointment until 8 consecutive years' service has been reached.
• To attend 4 x 2-hour Board Meetings a year, committee meetings as required, as well as an annual Away Day.
• To attend events, performances, workshops and other engagements, to gain a full experience of the breadth of Cardboard Citizens work.
• To sit on one of the Board's Committees.
• To provide specialist advice and expertise as required and appropriate.
• To advocate and champion Cardboard Citizens' work, values, ambition, and strategic direction.

About 1st Place
1st Place was established in 2005 as part of the Aylesbury Sure Start Programme, shaped by the vision of local children and parents. It was created to be a welcoming and supportive space where families come first—where parents could access the support they need, professionals could collaborate, and services could evolve to better serve the local community.

Families remain at the core of everything 1st Place does today.

The Opportunity
1st Place Children and Parents’ Centre is a respected Family Hub and provider of early years education. Through outreach, nursery provision, and a range of family-focused projects—particularly for children under five—the organisation delivers high-quality, consistent services to the local community.

The Board of Trustees is seeking a new Honorary Treasurer to succeed the outgoing postholder. The Treasurer chairs the Finance & General Purposes Sub-Committee and holds responsibility, on behalf of the Board, for overseeing budgets, internal management accounts, and annual financial statements. The role also ensures that appropriate financial controls and procedures are in place.

The ideal candidate will bring a strong understanding of the voluntary sector, charity governance, finance, and risk management. Strategic thinking, effective communication with trustees and senior managers, and leadership experience are essential. A commitment to dedicating time and energy to the organisation’s mission is vital.

Mind in Havering, Barking & Dagenham is looking to recruit a number of people to join its Board of Trustees and provide positive leadership and direction. As a Trustee, you will be part of a team responsible for the strategic and financial management of the charity, ensuring that our core purpose is carried out and help promote our positive vision:

 “We will not give up until everyone experiencing a mental health problem gets both support and respect.”

About Mind in Havering, Barking & Dagenham

Established over 50 years ago, we are a local mental health charity based in Havering. We provide services to people living in Havering and Barking & Dagenham who are experiencing mental health problems. We also campaign for better services, deliver training and raise awareness of mental health. We are affiliated to national Mind, but we are an independent charity and raise our own funds.

What we are looking for

We welcome applications from people of all ages and backgrounds. We want to broaden the diversity of our Board to create a group that truly represents the communities that we serve across both Boroughs. We are particularly interested in applications from individuals who have skills and expertise in one of the following areas:

• Hands on support for our events
• Digital marketing
• Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
• Health Inequalities and NHS
• Barking & Dagenham Borough
• GDPR
• Safeguarding
• Clinical/public sector commissioning
• Legal

The competencies we are seeking include

• Interest in or lived experience of mental health problems.
• Leadership skills, strategic thinking and strong networking abilities.
• The ability to analyse complex information, to think creatively and to generate solutions.
• An ability to work effectively and constructively as a member of a team.
• Time management skills to handle multiple priorities.
• Previous Board and/or Trustee experience is desirable but is not essential.
• You must be willing to participate in Board meetings every two months and join one of our four, active sub-committees.

How to apply for the role

Please take a moment to explore our website, where you can submit your application and hear directly from one of our current Trustees as they share their experience in the role.

Trustees play a vital role in ensuring Edinburgh North East Foodbank meets its core purpose by overseeing the management and administration of the charity and ensuring that the foodbank has a clear strategy in line with our vision and goals.

What will you be doing?

Trustees have collective responsibilities for the oversight and development of the Charity in conformity with OSCR regulations and applicable law. The Trustees agree strategy and governance arrangements and work with the staff to deliver Edinburgh North East Foodbank services efficiently and effectively.

What being a Trustee Involves

We hold five Board meetings a year, normally the last Tuesday in the month from 6pm until 8pm, with our AGM being held in April/May.

Trustees are expected to attend the Board meetings either in person or remotely as often as possible, with everyone attending the AGM.

Trustees are not expected to attend the Foodbank frequently but are encouraged to visit from time-to-time to become familiar with the work of the Foodbank and to speak with staff and volunteers.

Trustees should make time to build up relationships with, get to know their fellow Trustees, staff and volunteers to foster a team spirit and understand the challenges that colleagues face and the responsibilities they carry.

Trustees should try to keep up with external developments and trends that might impact the work of the Charity. This will help with Board discussions and understand what could present as threat or opportunity for the Charity.

As a Board we need to be aware that the governance landscape is always changing. Trustees need to learn and develop and stay abreast of the new developments, best practice and legislation.

Governance

The Trustees must make sure that the Charity complies with its governing documents. (Charity Constitution) and complies with charity law requirements and regulations that apply.

Ultimate responsibility for the governing of Edinburgh North East Foodbank lies with the Trustees who must direct how it is managed and run. Trustees must act in the Charity’s best interest, manage its resources responsibly, act with reasonable skill and care, maintain oversight and make sure that it is working towards its charitable objectives.

It should be noted that some people may not act as a Trustee e.g. someone who is bankrupt or has an unspent conviction for offences involving dishonesty or deceit.

Trustees must declare if on any occasion they have a personal interest which may conflict with the interest of the charity.

What are we looking for?

We rely on the dedication and expertise of the people who volunteer to become board members. We welcome applications from people who have an interest in a society where everyone has the means to buy the essentials and so reduce the need for using food banks.

Skills and experience that are particularly useful are:

• Strategic Management
• Organisational Management
• External Communications and/or Public Relations
• Fundraising & Financial Management 
• Law 
• Human Resources
• Working with the Government both local and central.

Previous experience of being on a Board is useful but not essential.

What difference will you make?

By supporting the governance of the food bank, you are part of a team providing a vital holistic support function in your local community, ensuring a dignified experience to anyone visiting or anyone who comes into contact with Edinburgh North East Foodbank.

About Us

Now in our 30th year, The Eikon Charity supports children and young people across Surrey to feel and be safe, heard, and supported.

Growing up in today’s world can be incredibly challenging. That’s why we empower children and young people to find the inner and outer resources they need – skills, knowledge and resilience – as they develop and navigate life. 

So, we create spaces for them where they can be themselves and talk about their thoughts and feelings. They understand better than anyone what’s happening in their own lives, so we listen, without judging. 

Background to the role

At Eikon we are poised to deliver an increase in our vital, evidence-based services across Surrey and the South-East, as well as to share our model of success and influence children and young people’s services across the UK. We know, and others know, that what we do has an impact on our children and young people who, tragically, need more of everything we offer as their challenges increase.

We are now looking for passion, commitment and bold leadership from our new Chair. You will have had a senior career in the public, private or voluntary sector, you’ll have grown an organisation sustainably, leading with vision and courage, and engaging and influencing stakeholders internally and externally. You will be entrepreneurial and forward-focused with ambition to effect the change that you will believe in as wholeheartedly as we do. You will lead the Board in a way that ensures we remain relevant and fit for purpose for our next season of growth and impact, while also retaining our resilience and sustainability. You will ensure our CEO and senior leadership team are empowered to lead as effectively as possible in an increasingly complex and challenging environment. 

Qualities we’re looking for:

• Visionary leadership: demonstrates bold, strategic thinking and the ability to inspire and guide the Board and executive team toward long-term sustainable growth
• Commitment to mission: passion for the charity’s purpose and a deep understanding of its social impact
• Influencing & advocacy: skilled in representing the charity externally, influencing key stakeholders, and acting as an ambassador for its work
• Integrity & diplomacy: exercises sound judgment, tact, and discretion in complex and sensitive situations
• Inclusivity & collaboration: fosters a collaborative and inclusive Board culture, encouraging diverse perspectives and constructive challenge

What your day to day in this role will look like:

You’ll show bold and strategic leadership and build a good relationship with our CEO, along with the rest of our leadership team. Efficiency and effectiveness will be key in this governance role, as well as maintaining external relations.

How to Apply:

Eastside People is supporting The Eikon Charity in the recruitment of this role. Please click here to 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 the Chair role at Eikon? 

○       Having read the information pack and understanding who we’re looking for, what relevant experience, skills and personal qualities would you bring to this role? 

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential. If you have a disability or require reasonable adjustments during the application or interview process, please contact us so we can support you appropriately.

The closing date for applications is 27 October. Shortlisting interviews will take place shortly after and shortlisted candidates will have an interview with the panel at Eikon during the week beginning 3 or 10 November.

Looking to become a trustee with a local charity with an excellent track record? Live in or bordering Bedfordshire?

Carers in Bedfordshire is seeking new Trustees with digital, marketing or academic research expertise to shape and grow the Charity.

Digital and AI 

Are you passionate about the power of digital to drive positive change? Can you bring your expertise in digital strategy, innovation, and systems to our forward-thinking board?

Marketing and Comms

Help Amplify a Mission That Matters

Do you believe in the power of voice to spark change? We’re looking for a Marketing Trustee to help us strengthen our brand, sharpen our message, and reach the people who need to hear it most.

Academic and researchTrustee

Bring Evidence and Insight to the Heart of What We Do

We’re seeking a trustee with academic, policy, or research expertise to help us steer a thoughtful, evidence-informed path forward.

Even if you don’t have the specific skills and experience identified above, we are still interested in hearing from motivated individuals who have experience in an area of expertise relevant to the Charity. 

Of particular interest would be:-

• Service provision in health and social care setting
• Clinical expertise especially in a community setting
• Community Fundraising
• HR

About us: 

The Refugee and Migrant Forum of Essex and London (RAMFEL) is one of the largest immigration and asylum advice charities in the UK, supporting refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants to access justice. An OISC level 3 accredited organisation, we represent clients at all stages of the immigration and asylum process, up to and including the Upper Tribunal of the Immigration and Asylum Chamber.

We also actively campaign for a fairer and more humane immigration system. RAMFEL caseworkers therefore have the opportunity to work on systemic and strategic challenges and support broader advocacy work.

We particularly welcome and encourage applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic individuals, and those who are migrants or refugees, and who have lived experience of the impact of UK immigration policy and/or of rough sleeping. This includes individuals with direct experience or experience gained through supporting family members with the challenges posed by immigration and asylum practices- those who have been or could have been clients of RAMFEL.

Purpose of the role:

Our trustees play a vital role in making sure that the Refugee and Migrant Forum of Essex and London (RAMFEL) achieves its core purpose. They oversee the overall management and administration of the charity. They also ensure that RAMFEL has a clear strategy and that our work and goals are in line with our vision. Just as importantly, they support and challenge the CEO and senior management to enable us to grow and thrive, and through this, achieve our mission.

Board members have a collective responsibility. This means that trustees always act as a group and not as individuals.

Duties:

• Support and provide advice on RAMFEL’s purpose, vision, goals and activities.
• Review and approve organisation strategies and policies, and monitor and evaluate their effective and efficient implementation.
• Oversee RAMFEL’s financial plans, budgets, and statements, and monitor and evaluate progress
• Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively.
• Provide support and challenge to RAMFEL’s management team in the exercise of their delegated authority and affairs.
• Keep abreast of changes in RAMFEL’s operating environment.
• Contribute to regular reviews of RAMFEL’s own governance.
• Contribute to the broader promotion of RAMFEL’s objects, aims and reputation by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts.

As a small charity, there will be times when trustees will need to be actively involved beyond Board meetings and sub-committees. This may involve providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, reviewing or advising on operational documents (e.g. operational and business plans, new team structures, outreach and engagement events) or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise.

What we are looking for

We are looking for people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our board. We are furthermore particularly looking for those who can contribute one or more of the following:

• Migrants or refugees, who have lived experience of the impact of immigration policy and practice
• Expertise in RAMFEL’s core service delivery, especially regarding advice, immigration or legal services
• Networking and fundraising ability
• Experience of campaigning and/or external communications
• Organisational and administrative skills

Previous governance experience is desirable but not essential and we will provide a full induction to the organisation and the workings of the Board.

This is a fully voluntary and unpaid position.  Reasonable expenses will be reimbursement.

Please refer to the job description for more details and application instructions.