Finance trustee for an education charity volunteer roles

Trustees – Education & Music Charity

Are you a senior education or finance professional looking to give back to the sector?

Services For Education is a well‑established education charity working with hundreds of schools to deliver music education, school improvement services and professional development. We are seeking new Trustees to join our Board.

What the role involves

Trustees play a vital role in:

• Setting and overseeing strategic direction
• Providing constructive challenge and support to senior leaders
• Ensuring strong governance, safeguarding impact and sustainability

The role focuses on strategy and assurance, not operational management.

Who we’re looking for

We would particularly welcome applications from individuals with:

• Primary or secondary headship, or senior leadership in a Multi‑Academy Trust
• Financial leadership or accountancy expertise

If your experience is in a different area, but think we would benefit from your perspective, then you are warmly welcomed to apply.

You do not need previous trustee experience – strong professional judgement, curiosity and a commitment to education are what matter most. We are particularly keen to hear from candidates who will bring diverse perspectives and lived experience to our Board.

Time commitment

• Approx. 6 virtual Board meetings per year
• Optional committee membership
• One annual in‑person twilight session

Please visit our Careers page for full details and downloadable Trustee briefing pack.

The Organisation

London Early Years Foundation (LEYF) is the UK’s largest charitable childcare social enterprise, with an ambition of changing the world, one child at a time. With 43 nurseries across 13 London boroughs, we deliver high quality early years education and care to children and families across the capital. Founded in 1903, LEYF has evolved into a purpose driven organisation that combines financial sustainability with a clear social mission, reinvesting all surplus into our nurseries, our people and the communities we serve.

Together with families and communities, we give London’s children, especially those most in need, the best start in life through access to affordable, high quality early years education and care. We focus our work in areas of disadvantage, where it can have the greatest impact, supporting children’s development and strengthening communities. Our approach centres on learning through play, creativity and exploration, delivered by skilled and passionate teams. Through our apprenticeships and the London Institute of Early Years, we provide industry leading learning and development opportunities, equipping our people with the skills and knowledge to deliver excellent outcomes for all children. Through strong partnerships and a commitment to continuous improvement, we extend our impact beyond our nurseries and play an active role in shaping the early years sector, while creating inclusive environments where every child and colleague can thrive.

The Role

LEYF is seeking a Chair of Trustees to lead its Board and support the organisation in achieving its charitable objectives and strategic priorities. The Chair plays a central role in ensuring strong governance, enabling LEYF to deliver high quality, cost effective services to children, families and partners, and to maximise its social impact as it grows. Through strong leadership of the Board, you will help guide the organisation as it continues to expand its reach, strengthen its model and deliver meaningful, lasting impact for children and families across London.

This is an opportunity to make a significant difference to the life chances of disadvantaged children by contributing your skills, judgement and strategic insight within a mission driven organisation. You will work alongside a passionate and committed team, leading a Board of Trustees that is collaborative, professional and deeply engaged in LEYF’s purpose. As Chair, you will play a key role in shaping strategy, supporting sustainable growth and ensuring effective governance at an important and exciting stage in the organisation’s development.

The Person

We are seeking an experienced, values led individual who can provide strong leadership to the Board and support LEYF in delivering its social mission at scale.

Experience and Knowledge

• Senior leadership and Board level experience, with a strong understanding of governance
• Commercial awareness and an understanding of how a social enterprise operates
• Ability to navigate the balance between social purpose and financial sustainability
• Experience of complex or growing organisations, ideally across the UK
• Understanding of, or interest in, the early years sector and wider social impact landscape
• Ability to engage effectively with stakeholders across a politically neutral environment

Skills and Capabilities

• Strategic, pragmatic and calm, with sound judgement and the ability to absorb complexity
• Strong influencing and networking skills, with the ability to build partnerships
• Confident communicator, able to represent LEYF with credibility at a senior level
• Financial awareness, with the ability to balance sustainability and risk in decision making

Leadership Style and Personal Qualities

• Values driven, with a strong commitment to LEYF’s mission
• Supportive and appropriately challenging, acting as a constructive critical friend
• Agile and not risk averse, comfortable supporting innovation and growth
• Inclusive and emotionally intelligent, able to foster effective Board dynamics

Commitment

• Willingness to be visible and engaged, including attending meetings, events and visiting nurseries in London
• Ability to commit sufficient time to the role and support LEYF externally where appropriate

Diversity and Inclusion
We warmly welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds,  particularly those underrepresented at Board level. We are committed to building a Board that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve and believe this strengthens our impact.

Further Information

For further information about LEYF, the role responsibilities and the person they are looking for, please download the Candidate Briefing Pack.

How to Apply

If you are interested in this fantastic opportunity to have a positive impact on the lives of others, please submit an application which includes the following:

• An up to date CV with details of two referees (we will not contact them without your prior permission).
• A supporting statement, which addresses your suitability against the criteria in the Person Specification, and details your motivations for applying.

Help us support families to get the right education for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)

We are seeking new people to join our Board of Trustees to support the good governance of our charity. It is an exciting time to join us as we work to launch our new strategy; an important timeframe as we review the Government’s White Paper on SEND and consider how best to adapt our services to ensure we reach those who need us most.

Who we are

Founded in 1983, IPSEA is a leading national charity focussed on supporting families to ensure that children and young people with SEND receive the education they are legally entitled to. Since our formation, we have actively helped to improve the education experience of thousands of children and young people with SEND. We do this by providing free and independent legal advice and casework support, undertaking policy work and delivering training on the SEND legal framework.

Who are we looking for?

We wish to recruit a number of new trustees who are committed to our vision and values and who bring complementary skills to those of our current Board members.

Trustees are expected to gain an understanding of the organisation’s purpose, and to contribute their own expertise, ensuring IPSEA fulfils its objectives, and in accordance with our charitable objects and Articles of Association

Whether you’re an experienced trustee or wanting to take your first step at Board level, we are particularly interested in hearing from people with expertise and skills in one or more of the following areas:

• IT / Digital transformation / cyber security
• Governance
• Marketing and social media
• Equality, diversity and inclusion

Please note: a lack of expertise in these areas does not mean that an application will not be considered.

Our Board should also reflect the communities we support. We would particularly like to hear from candidates from ethnic minority backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ people, under-served communities and disabled people, as well as those with lived experience of the SEND system, either as a child or as a parent/carer.

What we can offer you

• an in-depth induction programme, training and reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses
• the opportunity to be involved in making strategic decisions and developing new skills
• the opportunity to apply your knowledge and experience to an important cause
• a buddying system for new trustees as you settle into the role

The expected time commitment is six trustee meetings per year (meetings are held on weekdays in central London or at IPSEA’s office in Takeley, Essex with the option to join some meetings virtually), usually one strategic planning/training day and some other ad hoc time for occasional meetings and events.

To apply 

​Please visit our website to download a recruitment pack and application form. 

Closing date for applications: 5pm on 29 May 2026

First-round interviews: week commencing 29 June 2026

About CSE

The Centre for Sustainable Energy (CSE) supports people and organisations across the UK to tackle the climate emergency and end the suffering caused by cold homes. We undertake practical work to support households and communities to act on energy, alongside original research and analysis to inform local and national policy.

We are one of the UK’s leading sustainable energy charities, with a 45-year track record of award-winning impact, innovation and influence, as most recently detailed in our 2024–25 Impact Report available on our website.

About the role

Our Board of Trustees is critical to our continuing success. Trustees work collaboratively, providing support, insight and constructive challenge to help shape CSE’s strategy and ambition, and enhance our effectiveness and charitable impact.

Due to the planned stepping down of some of our board members, we are recruiting up to four new trustees to join the board and provide effective governance and support in the next phase of CSE’s development.

Who we’re looking for

All applicants should be able to demonstrate a strong interest in and commitment to CSE’s work and charitable objectives.

We are particularly seeking new trustees who bring expertise in at least one of the following areas:

• Knowledge and understanding of the community energy sector, including the challenges and opportunities of delivering local or community energy projects, and how these connect to national policy
• Expertise in organisational development, with a good appreciation of issues associated with employment law
• Experience of finance, accounting and audit, for example through holding a role with financial responsibility in an organisation or from having set up, grown or led a business
• Strong knowledge of voluntary and community sector (VCS) networks, including practical experience of community organising and an understanding of the role grassroots organisations play in affecting social change

We would also welcome applicants who bring:

• Broader expertise directly associated with at least one of CSE’s work programmes (fuel poverty advice and support, housing energy retrofit, community action on energy, local net zero delivery, future generations, or fairness in the energy system)
• Understanding of the causes and impacts of fuel poverty, and the solutions required to tackle it
• Knowledge of the UK energy system, including the policy and regulatory environment, and the transition to a fairer, more flexible, decarbonised energy system
• An understanding of the national policy environment underpinning CSE’s work, including experience of influencing national energy policy

We are keen to widen the range of perspectives represented on the board and welcome applications from young people, people from under-represented groups, disabled people, and people with lived experience of CSE’s work.

If you are interested but unsure whether you meet all of the criteria, we would encourage you to apply or get in touch for an informal conversation.

Find out more and apply

For more information on the role, including the full person specification and how to apply, please see the trustee candidate pack on our website. 

Closing date: Midday on Wednesday 10 June 2026.

We’re looking for an exceptional leader to become our next Chair of Trustees — and help shape the future of Little Village. 
 
What began as a grassroots response has grown into a London‑wide baby bank network, supporting thousands of families every year. But with more than one in three children in London living in poverty, our work — and our ambition — has never mattered more. 
 
Over the next chapter, we plan to expand our reach across London and scale our advocacy, including our national leadership as a co-founder of the Baby Bank Alliance, to drive lasting systems change for families experiencing poverty. 
 
As our current Chair’s term comes to an end in early 2027, we’re seeking someone with strong governance experience, strategic vision, and a deep commitment to social impact — someone ready to help lead an organisation with growing influence, reach and responsibility. 

We’d love to hear from you if you:  

• Have experience chairing boards, committees or senior leadership meetings.  

• Have strong understanding of governance (best practice)  

• Have experience of charity fundraising and income generation  

• Can commit the time and expertise to play a key role on our Board.  

• Share our passion for tackling child poverty and supporting families.  

This is an opportunity to play a defining role in a movement for change. 

We are especially keen to diversify our Board and particularly welcome applications from men and people under-represented in charity governance, including those from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, and people with lived experience of poverty.  

Next steps  

If joining the Little Village family sounds appealing, we’d love to hear from you. You can find more details in our recruitment pack, including how to arrange an informal chat before applying 

Find out more and apply here: Recruitment - Little Village 

Closing date: 12pm, Wednesday 3rd June 

Brightview Farm – Trustee Opportunity

Help shape a charity that actually changes lives, not just policies.

Brightview Farm isn’t a typical education charity. It’s a place where young people with Special Educational Needs find safety, purpose and a way back into themselves through animals, land, meaningful work, and steady adult relationships.

We’re growing — in impact, ambition and responsibility — and we’re looking for new Trustees who want to use their expertise where it genuinely matters.

Why Join Us?

As a Trustee, you’ll play a key role in guiding a charity that blends education, care and nature-based practice to help young people build confidence, skills and independence. You’ll be joining a Board that believes in doing things properly: thoughtful governance, trauma-informed practice, and a deeply human approach to learning.

You’ll help us:

• Set a clear, values-driven strategic direction
• Support a passionate CEO and a team working at the sharp end of SEN provision
• Strengthen and expand our high-quality Alternative Provision offer
• Ensure the environment remains safe, nurturing, and genuinely transformative
• Bring your insight, curiosity, judgement and lived experience into conversations that shape the future of the farm and the young people we serve

Who We’d Love to Have Around the Table

You don’t need to be an expert in everything — nobody is. But experience in any of the following would be a real asset:

• SEN, education, youth work or social care
• Mental health, behaviour support, occupational therapy
• Horticulture, farming, land management or animal care
• Safeguarding, charity governance, fundraising, finance or communications

What Matters Most

• A grounded commitment to inclusion and person-centred practice
• An understanding — or willingness to learn — about the realities faced by young people with SEN and their families
• Integrity, humility, and good judgement
• The ability to both challenge and support in equal measure
• A belief that diverse voices make better decisions

If you want your time and expertise to directly support young people who deserve better than the system often gives them, we’d love to talk. We are ideally looking for someone in Essex/Herts who would be able to visit our site and meet other trustees/staff face to face on occasion

Get in touch for an informal conversation. We are currently based near Great Dunmow Essex.

Trustees - Voluntary Role
Bring your fundraising skills and transport knowledge to equip us for the future

Campaign for Better Transport is the national organisation advocating for better, greener, fairer transport options for everyone. This includes access to walking, cycling, public transport and shared mobility. Sustainable transport provides access to jobs, education, vital public services, shops, leisure and friends and family, while limiting negative impacts on air quality and the environment.

As a trustee, you’ll have an essential role in contributing towards the future direction of Campaign for Better Transport and making a real difference to our long-term resilience and our subsequent ability to create better public transport.

The last few years have seen increasing difficulty for charities and not-for-profits in the transport sector in raising funds, particularly from Charitable Foundations and Trusts and although good accessible transport is vital to the everyday lives of most people, it is also not an area which resonates for individual fundraising.

For this reason, we’re looking for trustees with voluntary sector fundraising experience to bring new ideas on generating longer term and more diverse funding streams and/or experience of working in small businesses who know how to deliver maximum impact from limited resources.  Ideally you will be passionate about transport and have a strong network of industry related contacts. 

Our board has a good working relationship with our small but dedicated team of staff, and prides itself on being very friendly and relaxed.

Commitment:

• Four Board meetings per year
• Optionally serve on Finance Sub-committee which meets virtually four times per year before the board meeting
• Optionally serve on appointments as required
• Occasional stakeholder and/or fundraising events and training.

Deaf Unity is a deaf-led charity that works to empower deaf individuals. We equip deaf students, jobseekers and professionals with the knowledge, confidence and community to succeed in education and employment.

Working closely with our deaf community, we identify the barriers and inequities that deaf people meet as they move from school into education and employment; seek work; and strive to build successful careers. We work with them and with universities, employers and voluntary sector partners to overcome these barriers through carefully tailored, impactful interventions.

Our vision is of a world where every deaf person has an equal chance to study and work, achieve their professional ambitions and contribute their full potential to society.

Purpose of the role

To oversee Deaf Unity’s financial operations, ensuring that the charity remains financially viable and complies with Charity Commission regulations and strong accounting practices at all times, The Treasurer will ensure that proper financial records are kept and that the Board of Trustees understands the financial position at all times. 

Key responsibilities

• Oversee the charity’s financial position
• Present budgets, management accounts and financial statements to the Board
• Help trustees understand financial information and advise on financial implications of the charity’s strategic plans
• Support budgeting and financial planning, including developing and implementing financial policies (e.g. reserves and investment policies),
• Ensure proper financial controls are in place and that proper accounting records are kept
• Oversee the preparation of annual accounts
• Ensure compliance with Charity Commission and HMRC regulations (e.g. Gift Aid)

You will work closely with the CEO, Chair, trustees and staff who are managing day-to-day finance and banking and will be required to attend quarterly meetings of the Finance and Risk sub-group of the Board, in addition to the full Board meeting

What is a trustee?

All trustees share responsibility for running the charity.

This includes:

• Attending board meetings, usually 4 times per year.
• Helping make strategic decisions
• Acting in the best interests of the charity and its beneficiaries

Trustee responsibilities are set out by the Charity Commission for England and Wales.

Skills we are looking for

Essential skills:

• Knowledge of bookkeeping and financial management (e.g. use of XERO, SAGE accounting packages)
• Experience of financial reporting, budgeting and risk management
• An understanding of (or willingness to learn about) charity accounting
• Ability to explain financial information clearly
• Good judgement and decision-making skills
• Interest in supporting deaf communities

Desirable:

• Professional accounting qualification
• Previous experience as a trustee or treasurer
• knowledge of, or interest in, the deaf community.
• BSL skills

What you will gain

• Experience of charity governance
• Board-level leadership experience
• Opportunity to support Deaf communities
• Networking and professional development 

Please send a CV and/or a short expression of interest 

Be Part of Meaningful Change

Rape Crisis South London (RCSL) is entering an exciting new chapter. With a new CEO, refreshed Senior Leadership Team, and an ambitious vision for the future, we are laying the foundations for a bold new organisational strategy.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. 

About the Role:
In addition to the statutory duties of a Trustee, the Treasurer Trustee provides strategic financial oversight to support the organisation’s sustainability and effective governance.

The role is responsible for advising the Board on its financial duties, the implications of strategic decisions, and ensuring that appropriate financial policies and procedures are in place. It includes oversight of financial reporting, such as management accounts, budgets, and forecasts, and working in close collaboration with the CEO and Director of Finance and Resources.

The Treasurer Trustee also acts as a key liaison with external auditors, presents the annual report and accounts at the AGM on behalf of the Board, and chairs the Risk and Finance Sub-Committee.

Our vision:
A world free from sexual violence, where survivors are believed, respected and supported.

Our mission:
To provide high‑quality, specialist support and to challenge the structures that enable sexual violence.

What You Will Do

The specific responsibilities of the Treasurer Trustee are:

• Keeping the Board informed of its financial duties and responsibilities.
• Providing the Board with advice on the financial implications of their decisions and strategic plans.
• Ensuring RCSL has the appropriate financial policies and procedures.
• Having oversight of the preparation of regular financial reporting including the management accounts, forecasts and budgets.
• Liaising with and supporting the CEO and the Director of Finance and Resources.
• Liaising with the auditors and presenting the annual report and accounts to the AGM on behalf of the Board.
• Chairing a Risk and Finance sub-committee 

About You

Person Specification - Essential
Experience of being a Trustee

• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship.
• Significant experience of charity human resources including at a strategic level.
• An ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
• An ability to challenge current thinking, the method of governance and management of the organisation in a constructive manner.
• Ability to evaluate and interpret management information and other data/evidence.

Note:
This role is open to female applicants only as being female is deemed to be a genuine occupational requirement under Schedule 9, Paragraph 1 of the Equality Act 201. All Trustees are required to complete an enhanced DBS.

You will demonstrate:

• Proven experience in a relevant role or environment, with the ability to apply your skills confidently and effectively
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage professionally with a range of stakeholders
• Excellent organisational and time‑management skills, with the ability to prioritise workloads and meet deadlines
• A high level of accuracy and attention to detail
• The ability to work independently while also contributing positively as part of a team
• A proactive, problem‑solving approach and a willingness to take ownership of tasks
• Competence in using relevant systems, tools, or software required for the role
• A professional, confidential, and ethical approach to your work

Desirable
What You Bring

• Commitment to feminist, survivor‑led practice
• Anti‑racist and anti‑discriminatory values
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Commitment to learning, reflection and self‑care

Safeguarding and Safer Recruitment

Rape Crisis South London is committed to safeguarding survivors, children, young people and adults at risk. All staff have a shared responsibility for promoting safety and wellbeing.

This includes:

• Promoting the safety and wellbeing of service users
• Identifying and reporting safeguarding concerns
• Following organisational safeguarding policies and procedures
• Supporting a culture where everyone feels safe, respected and supported

Our safer recruitment processes include:

• Values‑based interviews
• Verification of identity, qualifications and employment history
• Reference checks
• DBS checks (enhanced or basic, depending on the role)

Safeguarding training and ongoing supervision

Interview Process:
Candidates will be required to attend a 3 stage interview:
Stage one: phone call
Stage 2 MS Teams Call with CEO and Board of Trustees
Stage 3: Interview with CEO and Trustee / or Director 

The interview will explore experience and approach to:

• Safeguarding
• Equality, diversity and inclusion
• Feminist and trauma‑informed practice
• Role‑specific responsibilities
• Role‑specific assessment details 

Post holder will be required to undertake either Enhanced DBS

Equality, Feminism and Inclusion

RCSL is an equal opportunities employer. Our work is rooted in feminist principles that recognise sexual violence as both a cause and consequence of gender inequality. We centre survivor voices and prioritise empowerment, inclusivity and intersectionality.

We particularly welcome applications from women who are under‑represented in roles within the Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), charity, social impact sector.

Intersectionality and Reasonable Adjustments

We recognise that experiences of sexual violence are shaped by intersecting factors including:

• Race and ethnicity
• Disability
• Sexuality and gender identity
• Socio‑economic background
• Immigration status
• Faith and culture

We are committed to removing barriers and creating an inclusive workplace.

Applicants are encouraged to tell us if they require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process,
such as:

• Alternative interview timings
• Additional time for written tasks
• Support relating to disability, neurodivergence or health needs

Learning and Development

As a charity undergoing growth and transformation, we welcome colleagues who are committed to ongoing learning and professional development. We provide induction, supervision, and development opportunities appropriate to the role.

This post is open to women only and is a Genuine Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9, Paragraph 1 of the Equality Act 2010 (where applicable). 

How to Apply 

Please submit:  

• Your CV 
• A cover letter outlining why this role appeals to you 
• A supporting statement demonstrating how your experience meets the skills and requirements outlined in the person specification
• Applications should be sent in PDF format 
• Closing date:  Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. 
• Interview date(s):  Two-stage process consisting of an informal conversation followed by an interview with the CEO and Chair. 

Thank you for your interest in RCSL. If you have not heard from us within one month of the closing date, please assume your application has been unsuccessful.
 

AI in Job Applications

We understand that some candidates use AI tools when applying. While we welcome technology to support clear communication, your application should reflect your own skills, knowledge and experience. 

Cardinal Hume Centre is looking for two new trustees to help break the cycle of homelessness for children, young people and families.

Based in Westminster, we support more than 1,400 children, young people and families each year who are facing homelessness and poverty. Through personalised, wraparound services, we work alongside people to build stability, confidence and the foundations for longterm independence — tackling homelessness now to prevent it in the future. 

We are recruiting for two complementary trustee roles: 

• A trustee with lived experience. 
  We are looking for another trustee whose personal experience of challenges such as homelessness or insecure housing, migration, poverty or longterm unemployment can help ground our decisions in what truly works. Your insight will strengthen the voice of past, present and future clients at Board level and help us become a more inclusive, responsive organisation. 

• A trustee with senior estates, building or facilities expertise. 
  The Centre owns a large site in central London and is developing a longterm vision for how it can best support our mission over the next 10–15 years. We are seeking someone who can guide, support and challenge our thinking as we plan for the future of our buildings and facilities. 

We are deeply committed to building a Board that reflects the diversity, experience and strength of the community we serve.Around 85% of our clients are from Black and minority ethnic backgrounds, and many live with disabilities — perspectives that are not yet fully represented on our Board.We strongly encourage applications from people whose experiences or backgrounds are underrepresented in charity leadership. 

Trustees receive a full induction, training and ongoing support. We cover all reasonable expenses — including travel and caring costs — and can learn and make adjustments so every trustee can participate fully, confidently and on an equal basis. 

If you share our belief in dignity, welcome and potential- and want to help shape a compassionate, inclusive Centre - we would love to hear from you. 

The role closes on Monday 11 May 2026. For further information, please read the job pack.You can contact the CEO for an informal conversation

External Trustee – Leeds Trinity Students’ Union

Leeds Trinity Students’ Union is entering a period of transformation and we are looking for three External Trustees who want to play a central role in shaping our new strategy. This is a chance to bring fresh thinking, clear judgement and constructive challenge to an organisation that is actively working to strengthen its future.

We are seeking a purpose-driven individual committed to improving outcomes for students and supporting organisational transformation.  

What we’re looking for

We’re seeking an External Trustee who brings:

A genuine passion for the student experience
You believe in the value of representation, community and support and you want students to feel the impact of a strong, effective students’ union.

Strong experience and knowledge of Students’ Unions
You understand the sector’s landscape, governance expectations and operational realities and can apply this knowledge in a practical, proportionate way.

Confidence in holding senior leaders to account
You’ll work collaboratively with the Board to provide constructive challenge and support to the CEO, ensuring clarity, accountability and progress.

Experience leading through change
You’re steady, strategic and comfortable supporting an organisation through periods of uncertainty, transition and transformation.

Desirable experience

While not essential, we would particularly welcome applications from candidates with experience in one or more of the following areas:

Income generation and sustainability
Experience supporting income diversification, commercial activity, fundraising or long‑term financial sustainability in the charity, education or students’ union sector.

Human resources and people management
Knowledge of HR practices, organisational development, culture change or employment relations, with an understanding of how strong people practices support organisational performance.

Finance and risk oversight
Experience interpreting financial information, contributing to budget setting, financial planning or oversight of risk and assurance at Board level.

What this role offers

This is a hands‑on, high‑impact opportunity to:

· Influence the strategic direction of a Students’ Union at a defining moment.

· Strengthen governance, culture and long‑term resilience.

· Support a leadership team committed to improvement.

· Help shape a renewed vision for student representation and support.

· Be part of a Board determined to build something better.

Time commitment

We aim to make the role meaningful but manageable. The expected commitment is:

· Four Board meetings per year, typically held in the early evening.

· Additional ad‑hoc meetings or events is response to organisational needs. This is expected to be more front-loaded during the initial change period.

· Pre‑reading and preparation ahead of each meeting.

· Participation in the CEO’s annual appraisal and periodic performance reviews.

Recruitment timeline

· Advert opens: Tuesday 21 April 2026

· Advert closes: Sunday 10 May 2026

· Interviews (virtual): Tuesday 12 May 2026

Interested in an informal conversation?

Requests for informal conversations can be directed to Ammarah Pandor, Interim Chair of Trustees.

How to apply

Applications should include a CV and a cover letter (maximum two sides) and be submitted in line with the process outlined on our webiste. 

About The Big House

The Big House Multibank exists to improve lives and build a more sustainable Scotland by reducing waste, maximising resources, and supporting families facing hardship. We do this by redistributing surplus goods from corporate partners to frontline organisations, schools, social workers, health visitors and community groups who support families in crisis.

Based in Fife, with satellite hubs in Dundee, Perth and Edinburgh, and expanding across Scotland, we combine environmental action, social justice and community partnership to tackle poverty, reduce pollution and strengthen local support systems.

Our work supports families to stay together, children to thrive, and communities to flourish while diverting significant volumes of surplus goods from landfill.

Our Ambition
Our 2026 Business Plan sets out an ambitious growth agenda, including: 

• Doubling the volume of goods distributed 
• Expanding into the Glasgow City Region 
• Introducing digital inventory and tracking systems 
• Embedding wrap-around care pathways for families 

Strengthening our circular economy and environmental impact 

Increasing fundraising, communications and corporate partnerships 

To deliver this, we are strengthening our Board to ensure excellent governance, strategic leadership, and a clear focus on impact, purpose and people. 

Purpose of the Role

To provide strategic leadership and governance, ensuring The Big House fulfils its charitable objectives, operates effectively, and remains sustainable, accountable and impactful.

Key Responsibilities

• Set and uphold the strategic direction of the charity
• Ensure legal, regulatory and financial compliance
• Provide oversight of risk, safeguarding and organisational performance
• Support and challenge the executive team constructively
• Act as an ambassador and advocate for The Big House

Legal Duties

Trustees share collective responsibility for:

• Acting in the best interests of the charity
• Managing resources responsibly
• Ensuring accountability and transparency
• Complying with charity law and governance best practice

Skills & Experience We Are Seeking 

We are seeking individuals with senior-level expertise in one or more of the following areas: 

• Safeguarding & Social Care - senior experience in social work, education, health, early years or family support services, with strong safeguarding expertise. 
• Supply Chain, Logistics & Warehousing - experience in logistics, operations, warehousing, fulfilment, or supply chain transformation. 
• Digital Transformation & Data Governance - experience delivering digital systems, data governance, cyber security or operational technology. 
• Circular Economy & Environmental Leadership - background in sustainability, reuse, recycling, environmental strategy or circular economy innovation. 
• Corporate Retail, FMCG & Surplus Partnerships - senior experience within retail, manufacturing or FMCG, particularly in surplus, ESG or supply chain partnerships. 
• Social Enterprise & Scale-Up Leadership - experience growing mission-led organisations, trading models or hybrid charities. 

We also welcome candidates with strengths in: 

• Finance, audit and risk 
• Fundraising and philanthropy 
• Communications, brand and public affairs 

We are seeking Trustees who demonstrate: 

• Strategic thinking and sound judgement 
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills 
• Integrity, empathy and emotional intelligence 
• Commitment to social justice and environmental sustainability 
• Willingness to contribute time, expertise and energy 
• Ability to challenge constructively and support collaboratively 

We particularly welcome applications from individuals who: 

• Bring lived experience of poverty or inequality 
• Are underrepresented in charity governance 
• Are at an earlier stage of their Board career 

Timeline: 

• We are recruiting Trustees on a rolling basis to allow flexibility and to ensure we appoint the right people at the right time as the organisation continues to grow. 
• Applications will be reviewed as they are received, with interviews scheduled throughout the year. 
• Appointments will be made on a rolling basis, with new Trustees formally ratified at the next appropriate Board meeting or Annual General Meeting (AGM), in line with our constitution. 
• While we anticipate a number of appointments during 2026, we encourage early applications and expressions of interest at any point. 

For more information, please download the job description attached in this advert. 

Trustee - Treasurer

Voluntary (unpaid) role, reasonable expenses paid.

About us

Learning and Work Institute is an independent policy and research organisation focused on lifelong learning and better work. Our vision is for a fair and prosperous society where learning and work enable everyone to realise their potential. We research what works, influence policy, and develop new ideas to improve practice.

The Role

Learning and Work Institute are seeking a Trustee acting as Treasurer to join our expert Board. Applications from underrepresented groups are encouraged.

The Board of Trustees are responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity and its financial health. They help to develop the organisation’s aims, objectives, and goals in accordance with the governing document, and legal and regulatory guidelines.

As a Trustee you will:

· Contribute to the development, approval and monitoring of organisational strategy.

· Oversee financial performance and ensure effective financial stewardship.

· Provide constructive challenge and support to the executive team.

· Safeguard the organisation’s reputation, values and assets.

· Act in the best interests of the organisation at all times.

· Serve as an ambassador for Learning and Work Institute where appropriate.

Our latest financial statements and strategic plan can be found on our website.

You will be driven by our mission to widen access to learning and work opportunities so everyone in society can realise their potential.

The successful candidate will:

· Share our passion for everyone to have the opportunity in life to reach their ambitions and potential.

· Understand governance and preferably have experience of adult education or employment support, or experience in related sectors like housing, local government or the private sector that can help inform our work.

· Have the capacity to lend support and expertise.

· Demonstrate a sense of proportion of control relative to L&W’s operational needs and size.

· Be objective and independent without bias to any particular interest or stakeholder.

· Possess analytical ability, informed judgment, and the ability to focus on strategic issues.

· Have perspective, broad knowledge and experience that can be applied to discussions and decisions at Board level.

· An ability to balance challenge and support to the executive team.

In addition, while all Trustees take responsibility for the finances of the organisation, the Treasurer plays a key role and link between the Board and executive team and so requires:

· A recognised financial qualification or equivalent senior financial experience.

· Knowledge of treasury and investment matters.

· Finance expertise for the board.

· Partnership with the experienced L&W Finance function.

We value equality, diversity and inclusion, and welcome applications from different backgrounds and groups underrepresented in our Board, organisation and sector.  We are also committed to making reasonable adjustments for candidates who have accessibility requirements.

Trustees are appointed for a 3-year term. The Board meets four times a year for approximately 2.5 hours and has a Strategic Away Day each January. Two sub-committees each meet up to three times a year at which nominated trustees may be appointed. Meetings are a mix of in person in Leicester and London and online.

Trustees will be required to undertake appropriate pre- appointment checks. This may include a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, depending on the nature of the role and committee responsibilities.

If you possess the experience and attributes above and have a passion to support the delivery of our vision, then you could be the person we are seeking. Applications that include CV and covering letter are welcomed through the link below.

The closing date for applications is 12th May 2026. Interviews will be held as soon as possible thereafter.

Should you have any questions please contact the HR Team.

Asylum Welcome is an extraordinary local charity, offering a range of support to asylum seekers, refugees and vulnerable migrants seeking refuge in and around Oxford. We provide everything from advice, visits, legal support, education, assistance finding employment and even helping secure free bus passes.

We currently have a strong and capable Board with a wide-ranging skill set and we are seeking a Chairperson who can provide strong leadership and a collaborative approach.

As an organisation we are committed to reflecting our diverse and vibrant Oxfordshire community to help strengthen our governance and our approach. We are seeking a new Chair with a range of skills and experience. In particular, we are looking for people who can demonstrate :

· Experience of leadership

· Commitment to the aims and values of Asylum Welcome

· Tact and diplomacy

· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

· Good facilitation skills

· Impartiality, fairness and discretion

· Empathy with the challenges of running a highly diverse. largely volunteer-based organisation in a subject area which is both topical and challenging.

As Chair you will play a key role in enabling us to continue supporting refugees and asylum seekers, primarily in the Oxfordshire area, empowering them to rebuild their lives here in safety.  This role offers a valuable opportunity to use your professional skills and experience to make a meaningful difference to individuals who have been forced to flee their homes and livelihoods.

We welcome expressions of interest from people of all ages and backgrounds, and a job share arrangement would be considered. The role is currently shared by two Trustees as Co-Chairs who are retiring as Trustees after many years of service.

The Chair position is not paid but travel expenses may be claimed for attending meetings.

The Board meets (via Teams and in-person) 6 - 8 times a year, currently early evening on a Thursday. Dates are agreed a year in advance.

This is an exciting time to join the Trustee Board at Asylum Welcome and a fantastic opportunity to influence the growth and future of a dynamic charity.

For more information see the full role description.