Finance trustee volunteer roles
Do you have fundraising, communications, HR, IT or other skills and wish to become a trustee of a pioneering and ambitious charity which funds and develops girls’ education in South Sudan? Friends of Ibba Girls School (FIGS) works to support a girls’ boarding school which provides free high-quality education for over 300 primary and secondary school girls, providing both education and a source of inspiration for the country. Boarding provides safety and security for girls in a country emerging from war. FIGS works closely with Windle Trust International, a highly experienced UK charity which provides the practical support on the ground in South Sudan. FIGS must raise £400-500k each year to keep the school thriving, while longer-term plans are put in place for greater self-sufficiency within the country. The trustees are both strategic and operational, as the charity only has 2 employees (1.5 FTE). Fundraising skills and experience are particularly sought and the trustee will need to be prepared to give about eight hours a week to the work. Communications is also important and needs about four hours a week. HR and IT are both valuable skills but do not have particular time requirements. Applicants with other skills and experience relevant to FIGS are welcome to apply.
Please download the recruitment pack below and visit out website for further information.
Friends of Ibba Girls School, South Sudan aims to improve the opportunity and quality of primary and secondary schooling for marginalised girls.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
We are seeking a passionate and committed Trustee to join our Board and help guide our strategic growth. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to an organisation that places local people at the heart of creating positive change. We are particularly interested in recruiting candidates that have skills in finance and legal compliance.
As a Trustee, you will:
Strategic Leadership
o Help shape our strategic direction and ensure we fulfil our charitable objectives
o Monitor progress against our "Empowering Futures" 2024-2026 strategy
o Contribute to developing future strategic plans
Governance
o Ensure the charity operates within its governing document and legal framework
o Safeguard the charity's reputation, values, and integrity
o Approve policies, annual budgets, and financial statements
o Ensure proper financial controls and risk management systems are in place
• Financial Oversight
o Review financial performance and ensure financial stability
o Ensure charitable funds and assets are used appropriately
o Support the development of diversified income streams
• Advocacy
o Act as an ambassador for The Mason Foundation
o Use your networks to support our mission and expand our reach
o Promote our work and impact to potential partners and supporters
Safeguarding
o Ensure appropriate safeguarding measures are in place to protect vulnerable individuals
o Foster a culture where safeguarding is everyone's responsibility
What You'll Bring
• Strategic vision and good judgment
• Commitment to our mission of reducing inequalities
• Willingness to devote time and effort
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Understanding of charity governance (desirable)
What We Offer
• The opportunity to make a real difference to vulnerable communities
• A supportive and collaborative board environment
• Induction, training, and ongoing development
• The chance to be part of our exciting growth journey
What We Offer
• The opportunity to make a real difference to vulnerable communities
• A supportive and collaborative board environment
• Induction, training, and ongoing development
• The chance to be part of our exciting growth journey
Our mission is to remove barriers, provide opportunities to build lasting friendships, celebrate inclusivity, and reduce inequalities.





The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Do you have professional expertise you could use to help a good cause? Are you passionate about animal welfare? Trustees manage the affairs of our local RSPCA Branch to promote and provide animal welfare within the branch area.
We are the Surrey East Branch of the RSPCA, and it's our vision to live in a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion.
Main activities:
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To be familiar with and support the aims and policies of the RSPCA.
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To be familiar with our branch rules and follow them at all times.
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To work with your fellow trustees and branch officers to jointly act in making decisions for the best interest of our branch and the RSPCA.
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To ensure the branch meets all the minimum animal welfare standards (MAWS). Where they are not met, work with national RSPCA staff to meet the standard as soon as practicable.
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In conjunction with your fellow trustees and Branch support specialist (BSS), to write, adopt, monitor and review a branch development plan setting out the short and long-term aims of our branch.
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To actively participate in branch committee meetings and attend the branch annual general meeting, and regional conference.
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To be aware of the outcome of regional board meetings and support regional initiatives.
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To attend the trustee training course.
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To actively promote and advertise the society in an ongoing programme to recruit new branch trustees and volunteers.
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To welcome new trustees and volunteers to the branch.
About the RSPCA
We’re proud to be the oldest welfare charity in existence
- We were the first to introduce a law to protect animals and we work hard to ensure that all animals can live a life free from pain and suffering.
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Through our campaigns we raise standards of care and awareness of issues for the animals who have no voice. We push for laws to be changed, improving the welfare of animals on farms, in research labs, in the wild, in paddocks or in our homes.
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Through investigations and prosecutions, we stand up to those who deliberately harm animals to send out a clear message - we will not tolerate animal abuse.
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Our highly trained officers tackle neglect and cruelty at every level and are working hard to stamp out large-scale serious, organised and commercial animal cruelty.
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We believe every animal has the right to be counted as an individual. Animals can rely on us to rescue them when they need us most. To rehabilitate them wherever possible, provide them with the very best veterinary care and to find them new homes, either through rehoming or release.
What are we looking for?
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Most people aged 18 or over are eligible to become a trustee. You will need to become a member of the RSPCA. Good interpersonal skills are important. You do not need to be an expert, although commitment, common sense and the ability to be objective is vital.
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Specific skills such as finance, fundraising, project management, business experience, and awareness of employment and/or charity legislation can be useful, but not essential.
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Trustees must sign a Trustee Declaration of Willingness to Act to clarify that they are not disqualified from being a trustee and that they accept the post.
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In addition to our standard declaration of willingness, trustees also need to complete a declaration from the Charity Commission and read their guidance for individuals on who can’t be a trustee or senior manager of a charity.
What can we offer you?
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It’s a great way to meet like-minded people who share your enthusiasm for animal welfare.
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You will have the opportunity to gain new skills and develop existing ones, whilst making a real difference to the lives of animals.
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New RSPCA trustees are provided with a document “Trustees handbook” and asked to attend a training course which provides information and guidance about a trustee’s role and responsibilities.
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Ongoing support is also provided by regional and national RSPCA staff in addition to any additional training provided by the relevant branch.
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Volunteer at the heart of the local community.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Join Manor Gardens Welfare Trust (MGWT) as a Trustee and play a pivotal role in empowering communities to thrive. Help us deliver innovative, culturally competent services tackling inequalities and improving lives across Islington and beyond.
MGWT has been at the heart of community support since 1913, continuously evolving to meet contemporary challenges. Our dynamic hub in Upper Holloway supports over 2,600 people annually, promoting health, wellbeing, and social inclusion among diverse, underserved communities. Our services include multilingual advocacy, mental health support and therapy services, youth service provision as well as chairing Islington's award-winning Food Partnership working for a sustainable food system in the borough.
Although MGWT is a local charity, we have a notable track record of innovation and wider impact. We pioneered the first LGBTQ+ youth group in Europe and launched the UK's first specialist psychotherapy service for survivors of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). Our groundbreaking work continues to inform practices and policies at both local and national levels.
We are particularly seeking trustees with skills in fundraising (including expertise in securing grants from trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships, statutory funding, legacies, and major gifts), Human Resources, and communications. Knowledge, experience, and a thorough understanding of the charity sector are essential, alongside a demonstrable commitment to our values. Previous board experience is desirable but not essential. We particularly welcome candidates with lived experience of the issues we are seeking to address, including socioeconomic inequality, mental health, and the asylum process.
Trustees commit roughly 6 hours monthly, guiding strategic direction, ensuring effective governance, promoting equality and inclusion, and serving as ambassadors for MGWT’s vital work.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are looking to appoint two new Trustees to join the Board to help take forward the Opera House as it enters an exciting new phase of development. We have an ambitious capital plan to upgrade the Opera House to help deliver our vision of internationally renowned “theatre in the hills”, a landmark setting for artistic and community events. Our Trustees play a critical role in enabling this vision to become a reality.
You will share our strategic vision, our aspiration to establish the Opera House as a beacon of artistic excellence, and promote our values of inclusivity and extending opportunity. We welcome applications to join the Board from a wide range of people of all backgrounds. In particular we are seeking passionate and committed individuals from the arts or heritage sector or with a senior finance background. We also encourage applications from those with other areas of expertise.
The iconic Buxton Opera House is a 1903 heritage theatre with a twenty-first century vision. It sits at the heart of the region’s cultural offer with an artistic programme appealing to all ages and tastes. It has an extensive award-winning learning and engagement programme, which is an incubator of young talent, nurturing and inspiring young people to discover their potential.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Over the last twelve months, Divided Culture Co. has overhauled it's business model to place it in a competitive and strategic position, with a very strong future ahead. With the launch of a Creative Engagement programme, the onboarding of three associate artists and the transition over to a registered charity - 2025 is a highly exciting year to join.
We are looking for a broad range of experiences to form our Board of Trustees. From artistic to financial, we're particularly interested in hearing from a range of individuals, that represent the diversity of the communities that we serve.
We would like to receive enquiries from leaders with the following expertise:
- Chief Executive/Executive Director experience.
- Charity/VCSE management experience.
- Commercial producing experience.
- Finance and accountancy.
- Legal & HR.
The role is expected to consist of no more than four meetings a year, plus a range of benefits including reasonable expenses for costs incurred.
Closing date: Friday 30th May 2025 at 11:59pm.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Job Description
A contracted Ministry of Justice Approved Premises and Housing Charity working with released offenders on prison licenses and ex-offenders, to break the revolving door of re-offending, homelessness, and prison. Trustees will use their knowledge, experience, and skills in an environment they may not have previously encountered.
What will you be doing?
Trustees meet every two months with the Senior Management Team (SMT) at the Charity offices to monitor activities, finances, and development of the organisation, giving advice to the SMT and making such decisions as required to ensure the organisation is acting appropriately to meet the requirements of our stakeholders; Ministry of Justice, National Probation Service, Leeds Local Authority and within Charity Commission regulations.
The Organisation has grown rapidly, and it is essential that the Board of Trustees develops to meet the broad needs of this Charity.
New Trustees will contribute to the stability and support, advice, and opportunity that the Charity provides to enable vulnerable ex-offenders to do things differently and by offering their experience and specialist knowledge in the areas identified will add depth and breadth to the existing Board of Trustees.
Additional time and specialist advice given as and when required, will enable the SMT to respond effectively to new challenges and external changes as they occur whilst the SMT concentrate on the day-to-day work of the Charity and its staff.
New Trustees must want to make a difference to individual lives and wider society by supporting the SMT and staff to help those vulnerable ex-offenders with very specific and high-risk offending histories, who are being released from long or repeated prison sentences, to believe that they can live positive fulfilling lifestyles. It is essential that Trustees can view our service users with an open mind.
What are we looking for?
New Trustees are being sought with experience of Accounting and Auditing, Housing and Private Letting Legislation, accessing Funding opportunities, Police or Probation work, Mental Health, or Substance misuse fields.
It is vital that new Trustees have an affinity with the aims of the Charity and appreciate the value of giving individuals a chance to change their future and leave their offending lifestyle behind and the important role that stable accommodation plays in enabling individuals to turn their goals into reality.
Not all skills need to be specialist and an understanding of the barriers to prison release re-settlement, housing, employment, and stable relationships that many disadvantaged or vulnerable people in society face on a day-to-day basis is helpful.
Being able to work within a small team of Trustees and provide good interpersonal, supportive, and positive contributions is important.
If you feel you have valuable experience and skills to contribute and would like a new challenge, we'd love to hear from you.
What difference will you make?
The development and success of the organisation needs to be supported by maintaining the number of trustees and the range of expertise available to provide effective and sustainable governance going forward. In an environment where government policies and funding strategies are susceptible to change, a robust Board of Trustees will help to maintain the Charity's ability to provide and sustain an effective service.
This will thereby continue to increase the availability of stable accommodation with support; service user's ability to secure and maintain stable employment; build new relationships and increase access to healthcare and wellbeing support. As a result, this can lead to reduced reoffending, reduced prison population and cost to the taxpayer and therefore has potential to actively achieve public protection, reduce the impact of offending on victims, families and children of both victims and perpetrators and local communities.
Before you apply
Previous experience of Charity Governance would be useful but not necessary. Please contact us via Reach with any questions you may have, and we will be pleased to discuss the opportunity on offer.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are seeking two dynamic, strategic thinkers to join our Board of Trustees. We are looking for individuals who will bring insight and challenge to our innovation journey, help us to strengthen our global digital presence, and help us to deepen our engagement in UK and international markets, particularly across Asia. You will be able to demonstrate relevant experience in one or more of educational technology development, digital marketing, publishing, law or risk management, within an international context.
No
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Join us as a Trustee / Director and make a difference!
Are you passionate about making a positive impact in the community? Do you have a strong desire to contribute your skills to a cause that matters? We invite you to become a Trustee / Director and be a driving force for change!
Who we are: A purpose-driven charity, dedicated to making a difference to the lives of young, homeless people. We believe in the power of community, collaboration, and transparency to create lasting change.
Our organisation comprises a registered Charity & Community Interest Company each with its own Board. The Charity provides supported accommodation, advice, support & guidance to vulnerable, homeless young people. The Community Interest Company provides 24 / 7 concierge services to CAYSH young people & externally to vulnerable adults with complex needs.
As we continue to grow, we are seeking dedicated individuals to join our board of Trustees / Directors.
What we're looking for: Passionate individuals from a variety of backgrounds, with a range of expertise to contribute to our board. Whether you have experience in social care, safeguarding, finance, law, marketing, technology, or other fields, your unique skills and perspectives are valuable to us. As a Trustee / Director, you will play a pivotal role in guiding our organisation towards success and helping us develop our business growth strategy. We particularly seek a trustee who can take a safeguarding lead.
Why you should join us as a trustee / director: Impact: Be part of an organisation making a real difference in the lives of homeless young people. Leadership: Contribute to strategic decision-making and shape the future direction of the organisation. Fulfilment: Experience the satisfaction of knowing that your efforts contribute to positive change.
Commitment to safeguarding young people and vulnerable adults is essential as well as commitment to equal opportunities and eliminating discriminatory practice.
Time commitment:
Our Trustees and Directors provide a valuable and positive contribution, building on our strengths and ensuring our results are sustained. There are currently 9 Trustees / Directors within the Group who bring a wide range of skills, knowledge and experience to the organisation.
To support the decision making at CAYSH, you will attend an average of 4 Board meetings and up to 4 Committee meetings a year, plus Trustee / Director away-days & other events, such as AGM. Meetings are held outside regular business hours and are mostly online. Events (including strategy days, AGM and service user get-togethers) usually take place at our offices in Croydon.
How to Apply: If you are ready to embark on a rewarding journey and become a Trustee with CAYSH, we would love to hear from you! Apply now and become a catalyst for positive change! Together, let's build a better future.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are seeking additional Trustees to help Gambling Lived Experience Network (GLEN) to continue to act as an independent voice raising awareness of, and offering support to people affected by, gambling related harms.
Gambling Harms actively impact over 7 million GB residents each year, with an estimated 1.3 million actively engaging in harmful gambling. Millions more experience legacy harms long after gambling has stopped being a 'live issue' in the lives of individuals and their family members.
GLEN is a network charity (CIO) seeking to amplify the voices of those who have experienced and intimately understand what gambling harms are, and how they manifest in individual, family and community environments.
We are a strong advocate and supporter of the power of Lived and Living Experience and accordingly seek individuals who share our vision of needing the voices and experiential knowledge embodied in LLE to have a central role in shaping our societies understanding and response to what is a growing public health concern.
Time-wise, we simply ask a few hours per month, mainly through attendance at GLEN board meetings which are usually hosted online 4-5 times per year.
Support-wise, we welcome any and all support you can offer us.
We particularly welcome individuals who have themselves experienced harms caused through gambling - whether through their own gambling or the gambling of a loved one - but this is not a requirement. The only requirement we really seek is a commitment and alignment with our charitable goals of empowering LLE to have its voice heard and acted upon.
Please download our Role Specification for more details.
Please submit a CV. This does not need to be extensive, but simply covering the information and personal/employment history which you feel may be useful to carrying out the role of trustee for a gambling harms support charity.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
HELP US CREATE COMMUNITIES
The Art Ministry are looking for people to join our Board of Trustees
What we do
We are a well established and respected creative charity who believes that anyone can enjoy good mental health and wellbeing by engaging in creative activities.
We provide regular art and craft sessions for children and adults with a wide variety of needs.
We extend our reach by providing sessions for partners, including local schools, Southend in Sight, Sanctuary Housing and South Essex Homes.
We engage with the wider community by providing art and craft activities at local events, by offering volunteering and employment opportunities, and holding exhibitions.
Who we need
We need people with experience of finance, HR, fundraising, event management, digital engagement, PR, partnerships, and/or delivering creative services.
We need creative thinkers who can work collaboratively to provide the leadership that The Art Ministry needs to achieve its strategic objective of helping even more members of the local community improve their mental health and wellbeing by engaging in creative activities.
You will need to commit to at least 4 hours a month, including at least 4 trustee meetings a year.
If you have the skills, experience and time that we need then please get in touch.
You do not need previous board or senior management experience. We don’t expect any one person to meet all our needs!
What we will give you
We will validate your suitability for the role through an interview, reference and security checks.
We will provide you with an induction to The Art Ministry and appropriate training, software and memberships, to help you fulfil your role. We will reimburse your pre-agreed expenses.
You will have the opportunity to help shape the strategic direction of The Art Ministry as well as ensure that it meets its day to day operational objectives and to network with others in the third sector.
The Art Ministry, Reg. Charity No.: 1108227, 1 Church Road, Hadleigh, Essex, SS7 2DQ
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We provide life choices for people with learning disabilities.
You can choose to help us improve them.
Options for Life is a dynamic not-for-profit charity based in Sandwell. We are dedicated to empowering adults with learning disabilities and/or autism to boost their confidence, develop valuable skills, and live independently, enjoying the same rights and opportunities as everyone else.
We are committed to supporting our participants in making choices about their own lives.
We provide our services in an area of significant deprivation; the Indices of Multiple Deprivation (2019) ranked Sandwell as the 12th most deprived local authority in England. We own two purpose-built centres and employ 65 staff.
We want to support more people with profound or multiple learning disabilities and to develop new services to provide supported employment opportunities. But to do this we need professionals who can guide and develop the charity’s strategy as Trustees. Many of our current Trustees will complete their terms this year. We particularly value financial and public administration skills and people with lived experience of disability. We believe in the strength of a varied board and welcome applicants from all walks of life, regardless of their previous Trustee experience.
Our Trustees are central to our success, and we need Trustees who share our desire to overcome years of prejudice. The financial situation is challenging, but the rewards are enormous.
Please make a choice to learn more about us.
Become a Trustee at Options for Life
Make a difference in the lives of adults with learning disabilities and/or autism.
Location: Sandwell, West Midlands
Commitment: Four Board meetings annually, plus the AGM, strategy day, and quarterly sub-committee meetings
Expenses: Reasonable travel expenses reimbursed
Are you passionate about creating a more inclusive society where everyone can thrive? Options for Life is looking for committed, values-driven individuals to join our Board of Trustees.
We are a vibrant, Sandwell-based charity that supports adults with learning disabilities and/or autism to live fulfilling, independent lives. Our services include community hubs, outreach, drop-ins, and access to a wide range of community-based activities. At the heart of everything we do is a commitment to choice, dignity, and empowerment.
The Role
As a Trustee, you will play a vital role in the strategic leadership and governance of the charity. Working closely with the Chair, CEO, and fellow trustees, you will help shape the future of our services, ensure we stay true to our mission, and uphold our responsibilities as a charitable organisation.
We are particularly interested in individuals who can bring:
- Strong strategic thinking and decision-making skills
- Experience in leadership, change management, HR, fundraising, safeguarding, health and social care, or community engagement
- A collaborative approach and willingness to contribute to discussions and decisions
Previous trustee experience is not essential—we welcome first-time trustees and provide full induction and support.
What You’ll Gain
- The opportunity to use your skills and experience for social impact
- Involvement in meaningful work that changes lives
- Personal and professional development through trustee training and networking
- A chance to work alongside passionate people and make a lasting contribution to your local community
We are committed to diversity and inclusion and particularly encourage applications from people with lived experience of disability, people from underrepresented backgrounds, and younger people seeking their first board experience.
Our mission is to provide high quality andcoordinated services to all participants which is responsive, flexible and sensitive to their changing needs

In the 10 years since we first opened our doors, Smart Works Greater Manchester has become the leading women's employment charity across the northwest. We've helped over 5,500 unemployed on their employment journey, and proudly over 1,000 women, in the past year alone!
As we evolve, so does our Trustee board – continuing to drive our mission forward:
- Supporting women who face increasing challenges in securing employment in the current economic climate.
- Strengthening collaboration with referral partners to embed our services into their employment and skills programmes.
- Building meaningful relationships with corporate partners, aligning with their social mobility initiatives, Social Value Framework, meeting ESG obligations, and creating purposeful volunteering opportunities.
- Upholding excellent charity governance coupled with a strong commercial mindset.
We’re looking for a Treasurer to join our board with immediate effect, and we’re keen to meet anyone with additional skills who might be interested in joining our wonderful organisation later on this year
Learn More and Application Process
If you are interested in learning more about the role before applying, please head to our website to review the full role profile.
To apply for this position, please send a CV and covering note through our recruitment system by Friday 20th June.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an interview from w/c 30th June. From this, Smart Works Greater Manchester will select the preferred candidate who will be invited to meet with the Smart Works Charity CEO prior to formal appointment.
We exist to give unemployed women the clothing, coaching and confidence they need to succeed at interview and get the job.




Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are seeking to appoint a treasurer (voluntary role) to sit on the board of trustees at Know Your Worth. Know Your Worth is a charity dedicated to helping teenage girls grow self-esteem. Trustees are at the heart of this mission. As a trustee, you help shape the future of our charity. You bring your experience, insight, and care to help guide our strategy, hold us accountable to our values, and ensure our resources are used wisely.
We are specifically looking for someone with:
- A passion for the cause of helping teenage girls to grow self-esteem
- Senior finance experience (10+ years).
- Previous treasurer experience on another board (ideally within the charity or non-profit sector).
- An ability to work as a team, courage to challenge constructively where appropriate, whilst being self-aware.
- An awareness of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship. Being available (within reason) to support the CEO with any financial queries or issues
We'd love to hear from you, if you'd like to find out more.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are currently seeking an independent committee member possessing an accounting qualification and high-level expertise in audit, risk, and financial governance to join the Audit and Risk Committee of STAR Academies, a nationally-renowned Trust of 36 schools. While the Trust is centred in Lancashire, the successful applicant may be based elsewhere in the country and able to undertake the role in a largely remote fashion.
Star Academies is one of the country’s leading multi-academy Trusts (MATs), operating 36 schools across Lancashire, Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire, the Midlands and London. The Trust includes primary, secondary, and all-through schools, with a strong track record of delivering exceptional educational outcomes. Almost half of Star’s schools have been rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted, while the majority of the remaining schools are rated ‘Good’. A small number are undergoing improvement, including a school that joined the Trust in November 2024 after being rated as requiring special measures.
Star Academies has a well-earned reputation for excellence. It originally established and ran outstanding Muslim faith schools before expanding into non-faith schools and sponsoring underperforming schools, leading them to significant improvement. The Trust operates its own teaching school, providing training and development for teachers and school leaders at all levels.
Founded in Blackburn, Star Academies has strategically expanded to support communities across London, the West Midlands, West Yorkshire, Lancashire and Liverpool. The Trust was invited by the Department for Education (DfE) to expand into new regions, reflecting its national reputation for high standards.
Sir Hamid Patel CBE, Star Academies’ Chief Executive, has been a key figure in national education leadership. Knighted in 2021, he serves on several influential boards and committees, most recently as the interim Chair of Ofsted. His leadership has positioned Star Academies at the forefront of educational improvement and governance excellence.
Star Academies employs rigorous governance structures to maintain its financial and operational integrity. The Trust engages Beever and Struthers (external auditors) and RSM (internal auditors) to ensure financial compliance. Prospective candidates should ensure there are no conflicts of interest that may affect their ability to provide independent scrutiny.
The Trust’s Requirements
Star Academies is seeking to appoint an Independent Committee Member to join its Audit & Risk (A&R) Committee. This individual will not serve as a Trustee but will work closely with existing Trustees, executives and auditors to provide scrutiny, challenge and oversight of the Trust’s audit and risk management processes.
The A&R Committee plays a critical role in governance, overseeing the Trust’s financial systems, risk management, and regulatory compliance. While financial oversight is the responsibility of a separate Finance Committee, the A&R Committee ensures that risk and internal control processes meet the highest standards. It also serves as the first governance checkpoint for any new schools joining the Trust. Minutes, reports and recommendations from the A&R Committee are shared with the Finance Committee and Trust Board, ensuring a cohesive approach to governance and compliance.
The Independent Committee Member will bring high-level expertise in audit, risk, and financial governance. Star Academies is particularly seeking a qualified accountant with demonstrable experience in managing risk within an organisation or group of companies with a significant turnover. Candidates should be comfortable operating in a highly professional and strategic environment, where they will be expected to challenge, question and support executives and auditors in a robust yet constructive manner.
Meetings are well-structured and efficient, with all papers provided in advance via an online portal. Committee Members are expected to read these materials ahead of time to ensure discussions are focused, strategic and impactful. The preparation for each meeting is estimated to take around 90 minutes.
The Audit & Risk Committee meets three times per year, typically around Christmas, Easter and the summer break. Meetings are scheduled on Thursdays from 5.00–7.00 PM but often conclude within one hour. While there is an annual opportunity to visit the Trust and meet the team, all committee meetings are conducted remotely via video conferencing, with in-person meetings arranged if necessary for induction purposes.
This is a rare opportunity to work with one of the UK’s most respected Multi-Academy Trusts, contributing to strong governance and strategic oversight. The role offers a high level of engagement with minimal time commitment, making it ideal for a senior finance professional looking to contribute to the education sector or an experienced MAT Trustee wishing to support a leading national Trust.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.