External Trustees Volunteer Roles
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Bardet Biedl Syndrome UK: Chair of Trustees
Location: Remote, UK-based
Salary: Voluntary
Empower change: Join us as Chairperson and make a lasting impact
BBS UK are looking for a new Chairperson, to lead our Board of Trustees and contribute to the development and success of our charity.
Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS) is a rare, complex condition that causes blindness, learning disabilities, and obesity, along with other symptoms. BBS UK is the only UK charity dedicated to helping individuals with BBS and their loved ones. Our aim is to offer wraparound support to those impacted by BBS, to empower them to live the lives they choose, as valued members of society.
BBS UK provides advocacy services, NHS clinic support, up-to-date publications, and events that connect our community members and help them to navigate living with Bardet-Biedl syndrome. Through these projects, we aim to ensure that those who seek our help are supported, connected, and empowered to achieve the best possible outcome.
We have a team of eight dedicated part-time staff members who facilitate the delivery of these services, and volunteers who assist with our events. We support approximately 550 individuals with BBS each year.
It’s an exciting time to join our work! We aim to expand our team, improve our communication channels, and increase our overarching community benefit, all within the next few years.
The role:
We are looking for an experienced, professional and compassionate Chairperson to lead our Board of Trustees, many of whom have lived experience of BBS.
You will support and lead on our strategic planning, deliver on all governance requirements, and be a highly visible member of our BBS UK community.
We’re looking for someone with:
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Strong leadership skills
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Excellent communication skills who can liaise with board members, staff, service users, medical professionals and other stakeholders
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Experience in charity governance, as a Chair or Vice-Chair
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Passion for making a difference, with a particular interest in empowering persons with disabilities
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A proven track record in developing strategic initiatives and steering an organisation forward, ensuring continued growth and success
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Integrity, dedicated to abiding by our charity’s ethos and ethical principles
For more details, please read our full Chairperson Role description.
As a BBS UK Trustee, you will have:
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Induction, training, and reimbursable expenses
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Opportunities to make strategic decisions and develop new skills
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Occasions to network with likeminded organisations and professionals
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Influence to shape innovative projects
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Capability to make a real difference for the wellbeing of our BBS community
Time commitment:
The expected time commitment for our Chairperson is a minimum of four Trustee meetings per year via Zoom (lasting approximately three hours for each meeting); in-person attendance at our annual conference and strategy day; occasional overnight stay at a central location may be required. Regular meetings with our Operations Manager and routine monitoring and response of emails is also required.
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ORA Singers is seeking to appoint additional Trustees to complement its existing Board, add skills, and expand the charity's network. In particular, the Board is looking for trustees who can support financial governance and development work. Professionals with experience in accountancy, financial, legal, or artistic disciplines are encouraged to apply. ORA is committed to diversity in the workplace and the arts, and warmly welcomes applications from all backgrounds.
You will work closely with ORA's Chair, Board of Trustees and Artistic Director to see that the organisation flourishes and continues to produce the high quality of work for which it is renowned. We are looking for someone with a passion for choral music and composition to help build on ORA's already impressive legacy, taking the group to its 10th anniversary and beyond, and the completion of its extraordinary 100 commissions in 10 years programme.
The Board meets four times a year, usually via Zoom, and also for an annual Away Day. Additional meetings with members of the ORA Team, external stakeholders or in a consulting capacity are occasionally required between meetings.
Trustees serve three year terms, renewable for a further three at the Board's discretion.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Oxfordshire Breastfeeding Support (OBS) is a small charity (a charitable incorporated organisation or CIO) providing free direct breastfeeding support to the families of Oxfordshire - via a mixture of virtual one to one appointments, in-person sessions, Zoom groups, a private Facebook group, antenatal workshops and work targeted at groups that are under-represented. Although founded as an independent charity in 2018, OBS’s work is a continuation of 12 years of breastfeeding support under the Baby Café umbrella. OBS is well known and respected in the community, with strong and valuable relationships with other service providers in the NHS, Local Authority and voluntary sectors. OBS is committed to being an actively anti-racist organisation, with a focus on social justice, equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome people of all backgrounds, gender identities and life experiences to become trustees.
OBS is seeking to recruit a trustee to act as treasurer of trustees for a period of 2-3 years. In addition to the responsibilities of a general trustee, treasurer of the trustees will:
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Provide financial leadership to the board of trustees, offering valuable insights and recommendations on financial planning, budgeting, and investment decisions.
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Oversee the development and implementation of the charity's financial policies, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and best practices.
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Prepare and present financial reports at board meetings, providing clear and concise updates on the charity's financial performance and projections. This would include preparing an annual budget and monthly management accounts.
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Monitor and assess the charity's financial health, identifying risks and opportunities and recommending appropriate actions. This would also include ensuring restricted funds are recorded and monitored appropriately to ensure than any grant terms are complied with
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Ensure transparency and accountability in financial matters, promoting ethical practices and adherence to financial policies.
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Prepare annual financial statements in accordance with Charity Commission regulations, and ensure timely completion of annual review
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Support the fundraising team in financial planning for campaigns and initiatives, aligning financial resources with strategic objectives. This would also include assisting in the preparation of the financial information for grant applications and assisting with preparing reports at the end of the grant period to show compliance with financial restrictions of any grants
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Keep abreast of financial trends, legal requirements, and best practices in the charity sector, sharing relevant insights with the board and staff
This work is likely to involve around 10 hours per month,
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
NNRF is seeking a new Chair to work in partnership with our members and trustee board to lead the organisation into its next phase of development. We are seeking someone with excellent leadership skills and governance experience, who is passionate about the needs of refugees and asylum seekers.
Established in 2000, we are an independent registered charity set up to work with and for refugees and asylum seekers in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. Our Vision is a society where asylum seekers and refugees are welcomed, receive fair and compassionate treatment and the support to rebuild their lives.
NNRF currently employs 50 staff members and has a Trustee Board of 12 who ensure the charity runs according to its constitution and statutory obligations. Board meetings are held in person, bi-monthly. Most trustees also sit on one or more sub-committees reporting to the Board.
Key Duties and Responsibilities of the Chair of NNRF
The Chair along with the other board members has the primary function of holding the management team to account, ensuring they work effectively to promote the charity’s objectives.
To this end you will provide inclusive leadership, ensuring that each trustee fulfils their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of the charity. The Chair will also support the Director and ensure that the Board functions as a unit and works closely with the entire workforce, including volunteers, to achieve agreed objectives. You will act as an ambassador and the public face of the charity in partnership with the Director.
Six Board meetings are held per year. The Chair is supported by an active Board and is expected to have regular meetings with the vice chair, the treasurer, and the director. The chair may be called upon to represent the Charity at occasional events with key stakeholders. The Chair sits on the finance and human resource committees which meet monthly, and is supported by the treasurer, vice-chair and secretary to the Board.
Process of selection
All trustees are elected by our membership at the annual general meeting in November. The current board will nominate candidates for election following an interview with the Chair and Vice-chair. The nomination would require the prospective Chair to attend board meetings as a co-opted member prior to the AGM.
If elected as a board member, the new Chair will be mentored by the current Chair in the first few six months of the role. The Board will review the Chair’s appointment after six months.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Join and lead a vital hyper-local charity as Chair of Trustees in an exciting time of renewal and growth
This is an exciting time for The Squad Club as we shift up a gear from our post-Pandemic recovery and look ahead to an ambitious future. We are seeking a new Chair of Trustees who will provide strategic leadership and a positive collaborative culture as we move forward into a period of renewal and growth. And, ultimately, provide excellent experiences for our members.
About the Squad Club
The Squad is a Wimbledon based charity that has supported local people with Special Educational Needs & Learning Disability since its inception in 1993. Our vision is to create a member-first community that provides empowering social opportunities to enable adults and young people with learning disabilities to live their lives, be included, to have their voice heard and make their own choices. We seek to achieve this by offering inclusive, informal educational and fun social activities for adults and young people with learning disabilities in Merton. We aim to create an environment where our Members,Volunteers and Club Leaders, together, experience opportunities, learn new skills, build confidence and improve mental, physical and emotional wellbeing.
The Squad runs a weekly ‘Juniors club’ for members aged 13-25 and a weekly ‘Vets’ club for members aged 25+ years old. The clubs are run separately and both have their own programme of age-appropriate activities. Both projects offer a wide range of opportunities and experiences for their members and strive to improve confidence, build support networks and give people with SEND a place in which they feel secure and supported.
Chair of Trustees’ governing responsibilities
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To contribute actively to the board of trustees' role in giving firm strategic direction to the organisation, setting overall policy, defining goals and setting objectives
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To ensure that the organisation complies with its governing document, charity law, company law, safeguarding and data protection and any other relevant legislation or regulations
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To ensure that the organisation pursues its objects as defined in its governing document
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To ensure the organisation applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objectives, targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets
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To maintain the good name and values of the organisation
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To ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation
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To ensure the financial stability of the organisation
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To protect and manage the property of the charity and to ensure the proper investment of the charity's funds
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To develop a balanced team of trustees and to establish a positive culture where trustees can use their skills and experience to benefit the organisation
In addition to the above statutory duties, The Chair of Trustees should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the Board of Trustees reach sound decisions. This may involve:
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Giving direction to Board policy-making
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Leading discussions
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Focusing on key issues
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Ensuring financial oversight, including driving income generation and fundraising
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Providing guidance on new initiatives
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Other issues in which the Trustee has special expertise.
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Overseeing Board work streams and liaise with Club Leaders on progress.
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Chairing and facilitating board meetings
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Monitoring that decisions taken at meetings are implemented
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Representing the organisation at functions, meetings
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Acting as a spokesperson as appropriate
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Bringing impartiality and objectivity to decision-making
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Planning the annual cycle of Board meetings
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Setting agendas for Board meetings with the Deputy-Chair and Secretary
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Where staff are employed:
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Liaising with the Trustees in line management roles to keep an overview of the organisation's affairs and to provide support as appropriate
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Where needed taking on or supporting with line management responsibilities of the charity’s paid employees
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Leading the process of appraising the performance of staff
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Sitting on appointment and disciplinary panels
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Liaising with other Trustees to develop the Board of Trustees
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Facilitating change and addressing conflict within the Board and within the organisation, liaising with other Trustees as to achieve this.
The Deputy-Chair acts for the Chair when the Chair is not available and undertakes assignments at the request of the Chair.
Chair of Trustees personal specification
Essential
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Strategic vision
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Leadership skills
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Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort
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Good, independent judgment
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Sound understanding of financial information
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Ability to think creatively & willingness to speak their mind
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Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of Trusteeship
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Ability to work effectively as a member of a team
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Experience of committee work
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Tact and diplomacy
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Good communication and interpersonal skills
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Impartiality, fairness and the ability to respect confidences
Desirable
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Previous experience as a Trustee
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Understanding/working knowledge of learning disability
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Experience of working in the third sector/understanding of the needs and issues faced by a small charity
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Willingness to attend both clubs on as required basis to forge better understanding of the organisation.
Average time commitment:
- 15 hours per month
- May be required to attend some external events
Chair of Trustees recruitment process
The Squad’s recruitment process for the Chair of Trustees will consist of a two-stage interview process with a variety of current trustees. Each interview will assess the candidate’s suitability using competency based questions focused on the candidate’s relevant skills and experience in relation to the role. After completing both stages of the interview process, the successful candidate will be given the opportunity to attend a club night at the centre is South Wimbledon to meet the Team Leaders, Volunteers and members.
The Candidate will also be invited to a Trustee Board meeting as a visitor to observe the Squad’s Board if they wish to do this. The successful candidate will also be put forward to the Trustee Board by the interview panel for Board approval, where all current trustees will vote to approve the appointment of the candidate before the role is formally offered to them.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
CEDA is a long established and well-respected local charity providing high quality, person centred support to disabled people in Devon. Our vision is to work with disabled people to become visible and valued members of society and to live the life they have chosen for themselves. The organisation’s work is governed by a Board of Trustees comprised of individuals with different areas of interest and expertise, including knowledge and experience of disability and/or voluntary sector practice and with a broad range of management skills.
We are currently looking to recruit a new Trustee who can share their financial acumen with our Board, ensuring our financial governance is robust and supports both our work and our vision. The role in unpaid and Trustees are expected to be able to attend the Board meetings and have the time to make an effective contribution to our work. Typically, there are 4 meetings per year with additional meetings as required for specific purposes – eg budget setting, salary reviews, etc.
If you have a keen interest in social care and disability the necessary experience to support our financial oversight and scrutiny, please download our application pack for more information and details on how to apply.
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This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are seeking a Trustee Treasurer to help to manage our finances and investments, as well as being involved in strategic decision-making and grant giving.
The Lipman Miliband Trust is a charity whose purpose is to support socialist research and education as well as “educational activities that raise public awareness and understanding of struggles and movements for peace, human rights and a more equal, diverse co-operative and democratic society.”
The Trust was established by socialist businessman Michael Lipman in 1974 and academic Ralph Miliband until his death in 1994. We are celebrating fifty years of the Trust’s existence this year – and looking forward to the next 50!
Having benefited from a significant increase in resources in recent years we have started on an exciting new phase of our development that has meant increasing staff support and expanding our outreach, fund-raising and grant-giving activities.
We are currently a Board of ten trustees and we are now seeking a Trustee Treasurer who shares our values and our belief in the vital importance of socialist education. You will work with our Trust Coordinator as well as external advisors and accountants in helping to manage our finances and investments, and be a member of our Governance and Finance Working Group. As is the case with all charities, our finances are critical to the success of our work so experience or understanding of financial management and accounting would be very welcome. This is a voluntary, unpaid post, but we are happy to pay for appropriate additional training and there will be a lot of support from the Trust Coordinator and other trustees.
Being a Trustee is a significant commitment and responsibility, but it is also hugely rewarding. The role will require you to attend each of our four Trustee meetings a year, and to participate in regular online meetings of the Finance & Governance Working Group. You will be part of strategic decision-making about the Trust, contribute towards the Trust’s governance and take part in decisions about grant awards.
We are based in different locations around the country and most of our work is conducted online, however we aim to meet in-person as a Board at least twice a year.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Tuesday 2nd April 2024.
Who we are
Advantage Schools is an ambitious school trust (also known as a multi-academy trust) determined to play a key role in the emerging school trust landscape. Ahead of significant consolidation of school trusts in the coming years, the CEO, executive team and Trustees are determined that the strong performance and purposeful direction of Advantage Schools will be a part of the future landscape.
About the role
The Trust now looks to appoint an experienced strategic leader as Chair of the Trust Board to succeed Dr Campbell. The successful candidate will lead an expert Board and provide support, challenge and coaching to the Trust’s CEO. They will act as both a non-executive leader and an external ambassador, working to raise the profile of the Trust amongst stakeholders.
The Trust requires a Chair who is innovative, enthusiastic and professional and able to command the respect of peers and the confidence of future partners. Fostering the ambition of the organisation, the Chair will support the CEO and Board in a period of expansion, as the Trust is positioned for further growth.
Who we are looking for
We are looking for a Chair with experience in leading a large and complex business or charitable organisation, which is comparable in size and scale and employs a large and diverse staff team. You will be willing to share your business acumen and apply it to our trust context. As a publicly funded organisation that ensures a valuable return on public funds entrusted to us, it is very important to us that the next Chair brings experience in financial planning and can demonstrate financial literacy at an appropriate level.
Our next Chair will be a lead ambassador for Advantage Schools, working closely with our CEO to manage stakeholder relationships with other local and national education providers, with the Department for Education, and with funders and local authorities. Our Chair will have the necessary time and capacity to be an effective outward-facing representative of Advantage Schools in the face of an evolving sector and amidst current political uncertainty. With that in mind, experience in the school system is not essential but a willingness and ability to learn and become educated is crucial.
Relevant insight from leading merger and acquisition processes and demonstrating an understanding of financial probity and risk, ideally from a multi-site corporation is also vital.
We welcome candidates from all professional backgrounds to apply to be our next Chair, though the person must appoint shares our perspective of being the best possible provider of education for our pupils and their families. Advantage Schools has an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of underprivileged learners across Bedford, Central Bedfordshire and Luton, and we are proud to provide opportunities through education to everyone who comes through one of our schools.
The Chair will lead our board meetings which take place seven times per academic year, ensuring discussions that are had and decisions which are made uphold the Seven Principles of Public Life. The Chair is expected to read and analyse all board papers in advance of the meetings and ensure, outside of scheduled or formal meetings, to foster a positive working relationship with our CEO. It is expected that the person appointed should be willing to devote up to 2-3 days per month to the role, though this will be flexible throughout the year.
Peridot Partners and Advantage Schools are, together, committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and our client expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references before any final offer can be made.
Please click 'Apply via website’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.
Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Tuesday 2nd April 2024.
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About CPRE London
CPRE is England’s leading countryside charity, comprising a National Office and 42 local CPREs, each operating as a distinct charity. At a national level, CPRE campaigns for a beautiful and thriving countryside that is valued, enjoyed and accessible to everyone. At a local level, the London branch looks to make London a greener and healthier city for all. In 2024, we aim to focus efforts into three main thrust areas:
1. Creating an M25 of trees around the capital
2. Ten New Parks
3. London Friends of Green Space Network and GoParks London
These are in addition to our core case work supporting local campaigners in their efforts to stand up to threats to local green spaces and the environmental and health and well-being benefits these bring. More details about CPRE’s work is in the supporting document.
What will you be doing?
The Chair of CPRE London’s Trustee Board plays a key role in leading, developing and delivering the work.
Responsibilities
· Leading the Trustee board and the organisation to enable it to fulfil its purpose
· Ensuring an effective relationship between the Trustee board and staff/ volunteers, and external stakeholders Acting as a spokesperson and figurehead as appropriate
· Supervising and supporting the Director
What are we looking for?
· Experience in leading meetings and/or previous Board experience is desirable
· Ability to network and build effective relationships combined with strong judgement, resilience and decision-making
· Proven strategic thinking ability combined with the ability to process detail and get to the heart of an issue
· Proven track record in achieving project goals
· Excellent communication skills and ability to demonstrate tact and diplomacy
· A clear and informed understanding of how an effective fundraising strategy is built
· A willingness to demonstrate commitment to CPRE London, including its vision and mission, and an awareness of (or willingness to learn about) the issues concerned with safeguarding green spaces in London
· Managerial experience in overseeing staff members, including direct line management of the Director
· Experience and understanding of the responsibilities of charity trustees
· Previous NGO experience is a plus, but not essential.
We are looking for someone with the right mix of managerial/ leadership skills and a willingness to lead the organisation forward to achieve success in its strategy. This role is for a candidate interested in a range of issues around the natural environment and wants to be part of an organisation that campaigns for the sustainable use of land and other natural resources to protect and enhance the environment and quality of life in London. Some knowledge of or familiarity with London’s planning process would be helpful.
What difference will you make?
The successful candidate will work with the Director, staff and other trustees to ensure that the charity’s strategy is achieved and modified as necessary to embrace new ideas or changes in circumstances.
Commitment:
Typically, 2-4 days a month with other trustees and staff in support of CPRE London and its key objectives, either at the office or remotely. There are 4 Board meetings a year at our London office, from 18.30, generally finishing by 20.30, plus an Away Day meeting in the Greater London area.
How to apply: Applications should be made by submitting a CV and cover letter explaining in how you believe you could benefit CPRE London as a Trustee in the Chair position
Deadline: Sunday 31st March 2024. However, we will consider applications on a rolling basis and reserve the right to appoint before the deadline, so we would encourage those interested to apply early.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are looking for five (5) Trustees to join the QSA team of trustees, including a Treasurer. Trustees are responsible for setting the strategic direction and for the financial oversight of QSA, ensuring we comply with relevant regulation and supporting the 40 paid staff of the charity to deliver our mission.
New trustees will be crucial to QSA's future as we expand our influencing and advocacy work, and continue providing services and support to the most vulnerable so that they can seek solutions to the issues affecting their lives.
We are looking for Trustees who are:
1. Passionate about the aims of QSA and keen to contribute to our work
2. Empathic and understanding of the issues affecting people living in poverty, and keen to learn more
3. Keen to make a positive contribution to our commitment to increasing inclusion and diversifying our body of trustees, including giving voice to those with relevant lived experience
4. Willing to take on this responsibility and committed to learning more about charity governance
5. Able to commit the time needed to be a trustee and to take this responsibility seriously, for an initial term of three (3) years
In addition, for our Treasurer we are looking for someone who:
6. Has a strong working knowledge of financial management of smaller organisations, and if this is not specifically charity finance, be willing to learn more
7. Can explain financial information for others who have less financial expertise
8. Is willing to convene our finance and fundraising committee
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
- Role: provide financial oversight, analysis and strategic guidance to the CEO and board
- Liaises with: Chair, CEO, trustees, committees, external supporters
- Location: Cambridgeshire area/remote
- Voluntary role: reasonable expenses paid
- Term: negotiable, e.g. interim/three years/extendable by re-election
- Application closing date: 31 May 2024
Evolve Counselling is a long-established charitable social enterprise, providing low cost, affordable or funded mental health counselling to adults in Cambridgeshire and surrounding counties. Our professional counselling community is made up of 50 – 60 qualified self-employed practitioners, working part-time to deliver talking therapies both online and in person.
We deliver around 500 counselling sessions per month to a broad range of individuals, many of whom would not otherwise be able to access therapeutic support. Evolve also provides supervision, reflective practice, critical incident support, and mental health awareness and related training to organisations and businesses large and small.
We are searching for an experienced treasurer/finance specialist who can support our board, committees, and the CEO as we move through our next strategic stage of consolidation, then growth. Although long-established and successful, Evolve is reshaping itself and your financial expertise will be instrumental in positioning our charity to successfully meet the ever-growing demands and opportunities for supporting good mental health in our communities. Please note, a background in counselling is NOT a prerequisite for this role.
Including quarterly board meetings, committee sessions (at present virtual), a face-to-face AGM event, away days, and regular meetings with our CEO and the trustees, we anticipate a flexible time commitment of around 2 - 5 days per month.
For further information or an informal discussion of interest, please contact Kevin Bottrell, Chair of Trustees.
Application process: Expressions of interest in the first instance by email to Kevin Bottrell, Chair of Trustees.
Our Chair will review and assess expressions of interest and will then call for applications in the form of a CV and letter setting out the applicant’s motivations, which will be assessed by a panel of trustees under conditions that maximise our commitment to EDI principles. Applicants may be asked to interview, and appointment will be made at a meeting of the board of trustees and ratified by the membership at AGM.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The Kennedy Memorial Trust is seeking TWO new Trustees to join its Board from October 2024, one with university academic experience and one with operational management experience, to succeed Trustees who have reached the end of their terms of office.
The Kenned Memorial Trust funds exceptional UK students to pursue graduate studies at Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Set up as a ‘living memorial’ to President Kennedy following his assassination, the Trust has funded some 600 Kennedy Scholars since the first cohort departed in 1966. The strong trustee board is chaired by Sir Mark Walport.
The specific experience and skills we are seeking to recruit in these two roles are:
·Trustee 1: Current or recent experience as a an academic in a UK university, with insight into the landscape of postgraduate opportunities, outreach and selection, and good practice in supporting student welfare.
·Trustee 2: Experience and skills in operational management, covering issues such as IT, finance and HR systems, project oversight and risk management.
We are keen to strengthen the diversity of the Board and – reflecting the UK basis of the charity - hope to recruit at least one Trustee who lives or works in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. We encourage those with all backgrounds and characteristics to apply. Please do let us know if you need support to make your application.
The Trust
The Kennedy Memorial Trust funds exceptional UK students to pursue graduate studies at Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Set up as a ‘living memorial’ to President Kennedy following his assassination, the Trust has funded some 600 Kennedy Scholars since the first cohort departed in 1966.
The Trust prides itself on the talent and service of the candidates it selects. Following their time at Harvard or MIT, scholars have gone on to play leading roles in the UK and across the world, in public service, the law, science/technology, health, education, business, charities, the arts and media. Alumni of the programme include Lady Mary Arden (Supreme Court Justice from 2018 to 2022), Lord Mervyn King (Bank of England Governor from 2003 to 2013). David Miliband (ex Foreign Secretary, now CEO of the International Rescue Committee), Dame Kate Bingham (Chair of the UK Government's Vaccine Taskforce), Zanny Minton Beddoes (Editor-in-Chief, The Economist), Sir Richard Moore (Chief of MI6) and Matt Clifford (CEO of Entrepreneur First and Chair of the UK's Advanced Research and Invention Agency).
Originally funded by public donation, the Trust has an endowment of around £16 million. It has developed a medium-scale fundraising programme over the last decade, and now intends to grow both its alumni activity and its fundraising, taking advantage of the forthcoming 60th anniversary of the first scholarships being awarded. An externally conducted feasibility study for the fundraising programme is underway at present.
The Trust is supported by a small administrative team. A new Director has just been appointed. The team is being strengthened to reflect plans for increased fundraising and alumni relations activity: a part-time executive assistant is in post, and a fundraising/alumni relations specialist will be recruited later in the spring.
The Trust is a registered charity overseen by a ten-person Trustee board chaired by Professor Sir Mark Walport. Many but not all of the Trustees are former Kennedy Scholars. The current recruitment is to replace Stephanie Flanders and Professor Fiona Macpherson, who will have served two five-year terms by Autumn 2024.
What Trustees do in the Kennedy Trust
As with any charity, Trustees are responsible for the general control and management of the administration of the charity. It is the role of Trustees to develop and update the charity’s strategy and oversee its work to deliver it. Trustees support and challenge the executive team to deliver on the charity's goals, oversee the charity’s finances, approve its policies, manage risks, and help to build its external networks.
In the Kennedy Trust, selection of scholars is a key annual activity: a number of Trustees are asked to be involved in the short-listing process, and Trustees also participate in two days of face-to-face interviews (currently in early January).
A recent Board Development Review has established a revised structure of sub-committees to handle detailed issues in a time-efficient way, and make more time for strategy within the Board itself. The new sub-committees are set out below.
Finance, operations and audit (Chair: Tilly Franklin)
- Financial strategy
- Budget planning and monitoring
- Business plan creation and monitoring
- Investments
- Report and accounts
- Operational systems (offices, IT, CRM, data protection, and related projects)
- Care of the Runnymede Memorial
Academic, scholarships, and welfare (Chair: Sir Mark Walport)
- Oversee competition, ad, stipend etc
- Conduct long- and shortlisting of applicants
- Review scholar feedback and recommend any changes in light of it
- Diversity
- Support handling of welfare cases
- Oversee means-testing
Alumni and fundraising (Chair: Moira Wallace)
- Alumni engagement
- Event planning (for alumni/donors/ stakeholders)
- Fundraising strategy, delivery, policies, donor recognition
- Impact report
- Website redevelopment
- External communications
Nominations, people, and board development (Chair: Mary Ann Sieghart)
- Board development and evaluation
- Articulation and review of governance framework
- Staff recruitment, remuneration, HR matters
- Trustee recruitment
- Chair recruitment (2025)
- Preparation of strategy session working with Chair and other sub-committees
Time commitment and specific contributions sought
The time commitment for Trustees is:
- Attendance at and preparation for three 2-3 hour board meetings a year, in spring, summer and autumn. In-person attendance is encouraged at all meetings, especially the summer meeting.
- Participation in two days of interviews in person in London in January.
- Participation in at least one of the board’s sub-committees (2-3 meetings, usually online).
- Ad hoc and occasional support to the Board and to the executive team on issues within the Trustee’s skillset.
- Where possible, attendance at trust events such as the annual summer reception, the annual lecture, and other ad hoc alumni gatherings.
Qualities and experience sought
For all Trustees we seek:
- Enthusiasm and energy to support the purpose and future of the Kennedy Trust and the Kennedy scholarships
- Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good judgement and work well within a team
- Experience of governance in a profit or not-for-profit setting
- Commitment to stay up to date with good practice in charity governance and in candidate interviewing
- A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, and to widening access for underrepresented groups in higher education
- Professionalism in handling sensitive and confidential information about individuals
In addition:
For the academic trustee we are looking for
·Current or recent experience as a an academic in a UK university
·Someone who would make a good contribution to the Academic, Scholarships, and Welfare sub-committee, whose major task will be to conduct and oversee the shortlisting process each Autumn
·A good understanding of how study options at Harvard and MIT fit with the wider landscape of postgraduate opportunities elsewhere
·Extensive experience of candidate selection and good practice in shortlisting, interview, and selection
·The ability to add value to the Trust’s ambitions to further widen diversity of the scholar pool
·Insight into, and experience of, handling welfare issues for postgraduates and supporting candidates to make a success of their award.
·No academic discipline is ruled in or out. However, when the current Chair reaches the end of his term we shall lose our only Trustee with a medical background. This is therefore a gap we hope to fill at some point in the next few rounds of recruitment.
For the operational trustee we are looking for:
·significant experience of operational issues gained, for example, as a COO, CEO, project or programme director, operations director, or in a start-up
·someone who would make a good contribution to the Finance, Operations and Audit Committee
·proven experience in business planning, risk management, and project planning and management
·someone who can assist the Trust in some of the operational projects that lie ahead, such as modernising its administration, data-systems, website and records, and overseeing a move to more flexible office accommodation
Terms of appointment
·Trustees are appointed for a five-year term of office, renewable for a further five years maximum.
·These are unpaid positions, but reasonable expenses are reimbursed.
Application process
Applications should be in the form of a CV and a covering letter which outlines why you are looking to become a Trustee with us and what skills you bring.
Applications should be sent before 9am on 2nd April 2024. Face to face interviews will take place on 19th April 2024 in London , or - in exceptional circumstances - virtually or on another day.
References will be taken during the process and candidates will be asked to confirm that they have not been/would not be disqualified as a Trustee.
As part of the Kennedy Memorial Trust Trustee recruitment process, names will be submitted to No 10 for formal appointment by the Prime Minister.
Applications should be in the form of a CV and a covering letter which outlines why you are looking to become a Trustee with us and what skills you bring.
Applications should be sent before 9am on 2nd April 2024. Face to face interviews will take place on 19th April 2024 in London , or - in exceptional circumstances - virtually or on another day.
References will be taken during the process and candidates will be asked to confirm that they have not been/would not be disqualified as a Trustee.
As part of the Kennedy Memorial Trust Trustee recruitment process, names will be submitted to No 10 for formal appointment by the Prime Minister.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
TRUSTEE VACANCY
Are you passionate about making a lasting difference to the lives of autistic children and their families?
If yes, we have an exciting opportunity to become a member of our Trustee Board and we would be delighted to hear from you.
Our trustees effectively lead our charity by working closely with our staff team to oversee our strategic direction and how we are run.
We are keen to recruit new board members who can help us to:
· Deliver on our vision, mission and strategic aims
· Reach and support more autistic children and their families every year
· Raise our profile and help introduce our cause to the local community
· Be self-sustaining and resilient for the long term.
All applicants are welcome, but we are particularly seeking candidates with experience or skills in the following areas:
· Marketing & PR
· Business management & development
· Autism, neuro-diversity and/or Special Education Needs
· Commissioning & bid writing
Full training will be given, so we welcome applications from 1st time trustees.
We meet 6 times year and there is not an expectation to fulfil operational volunteering. Meetings take place early evening, either face to face (in Buckingham) or online.
Any out of pocket expenses will be paid.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Our system keeps your personal information hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Good Vibrations is an award-winning, national arts organisation that changes lives through music. We work with some of the most vulnerable and hard-to-reach people in the UK, including in prisons, secure hospitals, and in the community. We are best known for using the Indonesian gamelan, a magnificent set of bronze gongs, xylophones and drums. We use communal music-making to support vulnerable people in challenging circumstances to develop transferable life and work skills and to forge fulfilling, constructive lives.
Our work currently involves a range of projects across the UK, including long-standing weekly music sessions at Bethlem and Lambeth hospitals, projects in around 12 prisons a year in England, and our Resonate programmes in Glasgow, Sheffield and Nottingham, which focus on those with disabilities and mental health issues in the community.
The Board of Trustees upholds the best interests of Good Vibrations, ensuring that we achieve our charitable aims whilst abiding by charity law and other relevant regulations.
Good Vibrations wishes to appoint a new Chair to our Board of Trustees who is experienced in organisational leadership, with excellent communication and interpersonal skills. The Chair supports and empowers the Board and CEO to lead the charity so that we achieve our vision, mission and aims, whilst remaining sustainable and ethical.
The Board of Trustees
Good Vibrations is a registered charity in both England & Wales (1126493) and Scotland (SC048860). The charity is governed by the Board of Trustees, which currently numbers five following the standing down of some long-term members.
The Board is vital in Good Vibrations’ governance and is responsible for setting directions in strategy and maintaining oversight over all activity. Trustees also play an ambassadorial role in raising awareness of our work.
The current board includes expertise in arts and culture, legal and charitable affairs, finance and academia, helping to ensure that we extend our knowledge of the issues and challenges we face.
Good Vibrations is regularly in receipt of funding from Arts Council England and Creative Scotland, as well as from the National Lottery and several other Trusts and Foundations. The Board is currently involved in creating the organisation’s next 5-year Business Plan. You can see our most recent Annual Report and Accounts here.
What are we looking for?
The position has become available following the standing down of the current Chair Nick Jolliffe, who has been with the organisation since 2018. The organisation has recently appointed a new CEO, and this is an exciting time of development for the organisation.
As our new Chair, you will help shape the next exciting phase of our future development as we commence our new strategic plan, and embed our newest Trustees within our established Board. Your leadership and commitment will ensure we continue to provide and extend our range of much-needed support and services to our beneficiaries.
The role of the Chair is a voluntary, non-executive appointment. The role requires a commitment of approximately two hours a week, with the capacity to flex upwards should the need arise.
We are looking for someone who has:
- Strong leadership skills that engage, inspire and motivate the Board, staff, freelance team and other external stakeholders.
- Genuine interest and commitment to social justice issues and improving outcomes and opportunities for marginalised people in our society.
- A proven track record in developing strategic initiatives and steering an organisation toward success
- Previous experience on the Board of a UK charity, or operating at a senior strategic leadership level in previous roles
- Knowledge about UK charity governance and commitment to maintaining high standards of governance and risk management in all areas including finance.
- Excellent communication skills and networking capabilities, and able to act as an ambassador for the charity and cause.
- Ability to commit time, interest and effort to conduct the role well.
How our Board works
Trustees meet quarterly at Board Meetings, either in person in London or online from 5.00pm – 7.30pm. There is also an annual Strategy day in London.
In addition, a Finance sub-committee meets quarterly, looking in-depth at finance and other matters, before putting recommendations forward to the Board.
Trustees do not receive remuneration or other benefits, but all expenses can be claimed including those required to cover access needs such as sign language, interpretation, captioning or travel expenses. The full legal framework for Trustees is laid out in the Articles of Association, which were recently revised in 2022.
Trustees serve for an initial term of three years and will have the opportunity to be re-appointed for a second and final term (maximum of nine years).
What Responsibilities will you have?
Trustees ensure the good governance and smooth running of the charity, supporting the Chief Executive Director, the wider staff team, and our team of freelance facilitators.
ow there are lots of ways that someone can gain experience and insight, not just through professional experience. Having trustees with lived experience of the settings in which we work is essential to our work.
All Board members can have access to training and charity networks to benefit not only the charity, but individual’s personal development.
All Good Vibrations’ Trustees have responsibility for the:
- governance of the organisation in line with legal and financial requirements of the Charity Commission, OSCR, other regulatory bodies, and funders;
- appointment, including the approval of job descriptions and pay levels of members of staff; agreeing terms & conditions and employment procedures;
- recruitment of new Trustees;
- approval of Good Vibrations’ strategy, its business, and artistic plans, and use of resources;
- approval of budgets, annual accounts and financial strategies;
- approval of all policies ensuring that they are updated in line with law and best practice.
The Chair, as the leader of the Board of Trustees, has some additional responsibilities including:
- working with and line managing the CEO to develop the direction and strategy of the charity;
- conducting annual performance reviews for each trustee and the CEO;
- ensuring high standards of governance, risk management and strategic direction
- ensuring that all Trustees have the information available to carry out this task and monitor progress;
- leading and developing the Board of Trustees and CEO including induction, training and succession planning;
- support of the CEO in their role, including developing external relations with key agencies;
- working with other members of the Board to organise and populate sub-committees and short-term working groups;
- planning the cycle of Board Meetings and working with the CEO to set agendas and plan meetings;
- chairing and facilitating Board meetings effectively, encouraging discussion, summarising key points and ensuring decisions are made fairly;
- acting as a principal ambassador for the organisation at Board level and developing external relationships for the benefit of Good Vibrations
Before you apply
Good Vibrations is committed to becoming an organisation that reflects society and promotes diversity of thought and experience and inclusion of those who are historically underrepresented in leadership roles. We would particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of the contexts in which we work, including from people with a previous conviction.
For an informal conversation about the role prior to application, please contact us through details on our website.
Please note this post will require a Disclosure & Barring Service check (DBS) and references.
How to Apply
We welcome all applications but particularly those from individuals with lived experience of the criminal justice system, disability, including physical disabilities, sensory impairments, long-term health conditions, mental ill health, and autistic and neurodivergent people. We also encourage applications from those protected under the 2010 Equalities Act due to age, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.
We are interested to hear from those who may not consider a position like this due to social or financial disadvantage. Those with caring responsibilities and on low incomes are encouraged to apply, and we will work to make provision where possible.
To apply for this role, please submit a CV and cover letter detailing your interest through Charity Job. We will also accept applications in any preferred format (including audio or video).
The closing date for this position is 3rd April 2024 with interviews to be held on Zoom the week beginning 15th April. Any access requirements will be met.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are seeking a new trustee to join our Board. This opportunity has arisen at an exciting time in our journey at St Helena. We have recently agreed a new 10-year vision and strategic direction. However, to achieve our vision we need to find a way through a perfect storm of spiraling costs and increased demand, at the same time as income from traditional fundraising methods is diminishing and inflationary pressures are increasing. To help with income we have set up a subsidiary trading arm to manage our growing range of commercial activities. Already the lead organisation for palliative and end of life care in our area, we want to extend our reach and services to also become a key provider of complex frailty and dementia care. We are exploring moving to a new site and taking the opportunity that presents to develop business cases for new ventures that could be co-located with existing services. We operate two very successful B2B lottery partnerships delivering lotteries for other hospices and charities across the country. We have recently launched a new home care service in partnership with a national franchisor. We have a growing retail arm, with an increasing online presence. We also have a well-established and successful fundraising operation. We want to build on this success and diversify even further. You will be joining a welcoming, motivated, and supportive Board of Trustees, and you will find us a friendly and caring organisation to work with. We are keen to hear from you if you would like to be a Trustee. Previous experience in a management or leadership role and of working at Board level would be an advantage. Ideally, we are looking for someone who is motivated by our social purpose, and who will help us develop and implement new ways of delivering care and support that improve
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.