Finance trustee volunteer roles

Make a real difference for young people in Greater Manchester!
Join the board of Change The Youth NW, a youth-focused charity empowering 5–18-year-olds through mentoring, life skills programs, and exciting activities. Shape the future of our charity, help young people thrive, and gain valuable governance experience.

About Us

Change The Youth NW is a non-profit providing meaningful opportunities, activities, and support for young people aged 5–18. We remove barriers like cost, travel, and accessibility, helping young people develop skills, confidence, and leadership to succeed in education, employment, and life.

Our projects include:​

• Youth development projects

• Sports & physical activities

• Residentials and day trips (e.g., Blackpool, Lake District, planned international trips)

• 1–2–1 mentoring and support

• Seasonal events and workshops

Our culture: Relaxed, supportive, flexible, with opportunities to shape new programs, attend social events, and gain hands-on experience in charity work.

Role Overview

We are seeking enthusiastic trustees to guide our charity’s strategy and governance. This is a chance to make a real impact, gain trustee experience, and contribute to a growing, energetic organisation.

Core Responsibilities

• Ensure the charity delivers its mission and operates legally and effectively

• Set long-term strategy and monitor progress

• Oversee finances, policies, and safeguarding

• Promote the charity’s values and reputation

• Offer advice, specialist knowledge, and support for new initiatives

Person Specification

Essential:

• Commitment to our mission and values

• Willingness to devote time and effort

• Confidence to share ideas and work collaboratively

• Understanding (or willingness to learn) trusteeship responsibilities

• Respect for safeguarding, confidentiality, and professionalism

• Commitment to the Nolan Principles of public life (selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, leadership)

Desirable:

• Experience with young people

• Skills in finance, safeguarding, youth work, administration, project planning, marketing, fundraising, or community engagement

Time Commitment

• Quarterly meetings (online or in person)

• Occasional involvement in policies, decisions, or events

• Optional involvement in programs or fundraising

Benefits

• Make a lasting impact on young people’s lives

• Gain trustee and governance experience

• Flexible hours and online participation

• Learn about charity management, safeguarding, and youth work

• Shape innovative programs and initiatives

How to Apply

Submit a short CV and covering statement explaining your interest and relevant skills or experience.

Who They Are
UWTSD Students’ Union represents and supports every student at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David. Known as “the people in purple,” the Union is dedicated to helping students make the most of their university experience.

From the moment a student applies to UWTSD through to graduation, the Union is by their side. Through a wide range of services and opportunities, it helps students connect with others, understand their strengths, and find their place within the university and the wider world.

As a proudly student-led charity, the Students’ Union has more than 15,630 members — every enrolled student becomes a member automatically. The Union aims to be the trusted friend who understands the student journey and helps guide them through it.

The Role
The Students’ Union is seeking a Trustee with strong experience in marketing and commercialisation. This individual will help bridge the organisation’s charitable mission with its commercial activities, ensuring that those activities remain financially robust, strategically aligned, ethically managed, and effectively marketed.

The successful candidate will demonstrate enthusiasm for UWTSD’s democratic, student-led values and be confident in offering independent, well-informed judgment in support of the organisation’s best interests.

Key elements of the role include:

• Working with the Board and senior management to shape a commercial strategy aligned with the Union’s mission, offering specialist support to the Design and Communications team

• Supporting brand development and stakeholder engagement, ensuring the Union’s values and impact are clearly communicated

• Overseeing compliance with legal, ethical, and regulatory requirements across marketing, communications, and commercial activity

• Contributing to financial sustainability through governance, budget oversight, and risk management

• Championing performance measurement for commercial activity and working with SMT and the Design and Communications team to support risk management

• Bringing strong marketing, communications, and digital expertise, alongside excellent interpersonal skills and an understanding of the charity sector

• Offering strategic thinking, financial literacy, analytical skills, and supportive leadership to management

What They’re Looking For
The organisation has faced several challenges affecting the development of its venue, including sector-wide pressures in higher education and hospitality, alongside building maintenance issues.

However, a new opportunity has emerged: the venue can now become a central social space for students living on campus, hosting vibrant events and strengthening community life. With campus accommodation at full capacity, this is an ideal moment to build strong relationships with students and turn the venue into a thriving hub — while also establishing a reliable secondary income stream for the Students’ Union, enabling greater reinvestment in student activities and experiences.

A Marketing & Commercialisation Trustee therefore plays a pivotal role. They will guide and oversee the charity’s design and communications sub-strategy, ensuring alignment with organisational goals. They will broaden the Union’s reach, enhance visibility and engagement, and support financial sustainability through commercial insight. This includes analysing commercial plans, supporting operational efficiency, ensuring sound financial governance, and contributing to performance measurement and risk management.

In essence, the Trustee acts as the critical link between the Union’s charitable purpose and its commercial ambitions, ensuring all commercial activity is strategic, ethical, financially viable, and effectively promoted.

What Difference They Will Make
Students’ Unions are dynamic, people-centred organisations. As the Marketing and Commercialisation Trustee, the individual appointed will help shape the future direction and growth of UWTSD Students’ Union. Their expertise will support income generation, strengthen financial resilience, and ensure communications remain impactful and engaging.

The Union supports every UWTSD student from application to graduation, helping them connect, grow, and find where they belong. As a student-led charity with more than 15,600 members, it delivers free support through its Voice, Opportunities, and Advice teams — all dedicated to enhancing the student experience.

Use your financial expertise to shape the future of a national bereavement charity. Aching Arms is seeking a volunteer Treasurer to join our Board of Trustees and provide strategic financial leadership.

Aching Arms is recruiting a committed and experienced Treasurer to oversee the charity’s financial affairs and support the Board in ensuring long-term sustainability, transparency, and compliance. This is a significant governance role within a respected organisation that provides vital support to bereaved families across the UK.

As Treasurer, you will play a central part in strengthening our financial stewardship. You will provide oversight of budgets, forecasts, cash flow, reserves, and investments, ensuring the charity has a clear and accurate financial position at all times. You will review management accounts, annual reports, and audited statements in preparation for Board approval, and ensure effective use of accounting systems such as Xero.

Working as a full member of the Board of Trustees, you will contribute to the charity’s governance, strategic planning, and risk management. Your expertise will help inform key decisions, ensuring they are financially sound and aligned with our charitable objectives. You will also maintain oversight of statutory and regulatory compliance, offering clear, accessible financial reporting during Board meetings.

The role involves constructive liaison with auditors and independent examiners, along with providing professional guidance to the Executive Team and Finance & Operations function. You will help strengthen financial controls, policies, and procedures, while offering appropriate scrutiny and challenge to support robust decision-making.

This opportunity is well suited to an individual with strong financial acumen, ideally with experience in accountancy, financial management, or charity finance, who would like to contribute their skills at a strategic level. By joining Aching Arms, you will play an essential role in supporting a charity dedicated to helping families through some of their most difficult moments.

If you are motivated to use your professional skills to deliver meaningful impact, we would welcome your application.

For over 70 years, Age UK Lambeth has been at the heart of the community, supporting older people to live well, stay connected, and feel valued. Last year, our services supported over 6,700 older people in Lambeth and we are proud of our work and our history. We are excited about the future, and we need passionate individuals to help us shape it.

We are seeking new Trustees to join our Board and play a vital, strategic role in guiding our charity’s work. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all ages, backgrounds, genders, and professional experiences, as diverse perspectives are crucial to serving our community. If our vision, mission, and values resonate with you, we welcome your application.

We are looking to recruit a Volunteer for the position of Treasurer who can oversee & support the Board, CEO & the Business & Central Services Manager on the financial management aspects of Leeway Domestic Violence and Abuse Services, from supporting with the financial forecasting, budgets & management account analysis, as well as all other financial related tasks and duties that the charity needs.

You must have previous experience in a financial role such as in Accounting and a good understanding of charities. You must be committed and dedicated to the role and the charity, ensuring any deadlines are met.

Experience:

• Charity Accounting: 2 years (Preferred)
• Accounting: 2 years (Desirable)

Women only to apply: S.7(2)(e) SDA applies. ‘Exempt under the Equality Act 2010 Schedule 9, Part 1’.

Volunteer Treasurer Role Description

The responsibilities of the Treasurer at board level are to:

• Liaise with finance staff and with the organisation’s independent examiner or auditor, in order to ensure that the organisation keeps proper accounts, in compliance with Companies House and Charity Commission regulations.

• Chair the finance sub-committee meetings, who are responsible for: -

• Reviewing the organisation’s financial performance.

• Reviewing policies for finance and investment.

• Ensuring that the organisation has robust and effective financial controls in place.

• Report on financial matters to the management committee.

The treasurer will share these responsibilities with the finance sub-committee, and staff will carry out day to day finance functions.

Other information:

· Expenses: paid in accordance with the Leeway volunteer expenses policy and following provision of receipts

· Insurance Cover: Trustee Indemnity Insurance in place

· Training: Trustee induction and ongoing training

· Recruitment method: Application form and skill-based Interview process

Applicants must support and have awareness of the aims and purposes of Leeway Domestic Violence and Abuse Services. 

BRASS is more than a charity - it is a lifeline for refugees and asylum seekers in Bedfordshire. We're seeking a new Treasurer Trustee to join our friendly and committed board.

About Bedfordshire Refugee & Asylum Seeker Support

Our objective is to support Refugees and asylum seekers in Bedfordshire. We provide Drop in advice, English lessons and social activities.

What will you be doing?

Following the retirement of our long-serving Treasurer, BRASS is now seeking a new Treasurer Trustee to join our friendly and committed board. The Treasurer is responsible for overseeing the financial health of BRASS and supporting the board in fulfilling its governance duties.

The accounts are managed by our small but capable internal finance team, including a Finance Officer (one day per week), a Finance Manager (two days per week), who also prepares the annual accounts. An independent volunteer accountant also reviews and signs off the accounts.

The Treasurer role is not time-intensive and the focus is on oversight and guidance, rather than hands-on financial management.

Please see candidate pack attached for further details.

What are we looking for?

Skills and Experience

We welcome applications from candidates with experience in finance, business, charity work, or other relevant areas.

• Financial or accounting qualifications are desirable but not essential
• Prior trustee experience is welcome but not essential
• Local knowledge of Bedfordshire is an advantage but not essential, as all trustee meetings are currently held online.

Personal Qualities

What matters most to BRASS is personal fit. We are looking for someone who is:

• Personable and approachable, with a collaborative mindset
• Sympathetic to BRASS’s mission of supporting refugees and asylum seekers
• Supportive, bringing steady guidance and understanding
• Good at communicating, especially with non-financial audiences
• Practical, patient, and constructive

The ideal Treasurer will enjoy being part of a warm, informal, and community-minded organisation where decisions are made collectively and with compassion.

BRASS values diversity and inclusion at all levels of our organisation. We welcome trustees, staff, and volunteers from all backgrounds and experiences, and are committed to creating an environment where every voice is respected, supported, and able to contribute fully to our mission.

What difference will you make?

BRASS is more than a charity - it is a lifeline for refugees and asylum seekers in Bedfordshire, a welcoming community, and a source of hope for those starting a new life in the UK. For many who come to us, BRASS represents the first step towards safety, stability, and the opportunity to rebuild with dignity.

Our work goes beyond advice and paperwork. We support people as they navigate complex immigration systems, access education, find employment, and integrate into the community.

By joining BRASS as a Treasurer Trustee, you will help shape this vital work - bringing your skills, experience, and guidance to strengthen governance, support our staff and volunteers, and ensure that refugees and asylum seekers continue to find a compassionate, inclusive, and empowering place at the heart of Bedfordshire.

Time commitment

All meetings are held online, making it possible to fulfil the role remotely and providing flexibility for trustees wherever they are based.

Typical commitments include: Four quarterly trustee meetings (1-1.5 hours each, online), one annual finance sub-committee meeting with the finance team, occasional ad hoc input if needed between meetings.

 About HIAS+JCORE

HIAS+JCORE is the UK Jewish response to refuge and asylum. Our vision is a UK where refugees can live in dignity, in a society free from racism. This work is driven by the belief that the Jewish community should play an active part in empowering refugees to thrive.

Our organisation came into this form through the joining of operations between two organisations: the UK-based JCORE (Jewish Council for Racial Equality) and HIAS, a global humanitarian aid and advocacy organisation. HIAS+JCORE is inspired by Jewish values and history to support those who are displaced, no matter their background.

Role purpose

The Fundraising Trustee will bring expertise, insight, and strategic guidance to help the charity strengthen and diversify its income. Working with the Board and staff/volunteers, they will ensure fundraising is ethical, sustainable, and aligned with the charity’s mission and values.

Key responsibilities

• Contribute to the overall governance of the charity as a member of the Board of Trustees.
• Provide advice and support on fundraising strategy, ensuring income generation is realistic and compliant with regulation.
• Act as a fundraising champion on HIAS+JCORE’s board, working with and supporting other trustees to explore fundraising possibilities.
• If networks for fundraising exist, use them to support the work of the charity.
• Support the development of diverse fundraising streams (e.g. individual giving, trusts and foundations, community fundraising, corporate support) and advise and support with appeals and major fundraising events/campaigns.
• Ensure compliance with fundraising regulation and best practice, including the Code of Fundraising Practice, and through HIAS+JCORE’s policies and procedures.
• Act as an ambassador for the charity, promoting its work and helping to raise its profile.

Person specification

Essential:

• Commitment to the charity’s mission and values.
• Understanding of the legal duties and responsibilities of charity trusteeship.
• Knowledge and experience of fundraising (e.g. trusts, corporates, major donors, community fundraising, or digital campaigns).
• Strategic thinker, able to balance long-term planning with practical advice.
• Strong communication and networking skills.

Desirable:

• Experience of fundraising in a small charity context.
• Existing networks that could support the charity’s fundraising efforts.
• Understanding of charity finance and/or marketing.

RSPCA Oxfordshire Branch

Are you passionate about animal welfare? We are looking for an enthusiastic person who understands charity finance to support us in our mission to prevent cruelty, promote kindness and alleviate the suffering of animals.

Overview of the Branch Treasurer opportunity

We are looking for someone to volunteer as a Branch Treasurer for our OXFORDSHIRE Branch. This role would play a vital role in supporting the Branches affairs so that it is governed and managed effectively, whilst continually having animal welfare at the forefront of their mind.

As a minimum, trustees would generally attend a monthly committee meeting lasting some 1-2 hours. However, the commitment may vary depending on whether the trustee takes on additional duties.

About the RSPCA

Founded in 1824, we have been saving animals for over 200 years and are proud to be the oldest welfare charity around. It has always been our vision to live in a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion, so our volunteers and employees work tirelessly to ensure that all animals can live free from pain and suffering.

Through our numerous campaigns, we seek to raise standards of care and awareness of issues affecting animals today. We rely heavily on our volunteers, who play a significant role in enabling us to carry out this important animal welfare work every day!

The RSPCA OXFORDSHIRE Branch

The OXFORDSHIRE Branch was founded in 1875, we are also a separately registered charity looking after animals in our local area. Much of the animal welfare work of RSPCA is carried out through local branches, which is run by our Operations Manager and a team of volunteers who have the support of the National Society of RSPCA.

The main activity of our branch is on rescue, rehabilitate and rehome animals, we take in the animals the Inspectors rescue from cruelty and neglect, we provide them with the veterinary attention, love and care, then we find them loving new homes. We also to help members of the public with financial assistance for their animals for neutering, microchipping and unexpected veterinary fees

Primary responsibilities of the Branch Treasurer

• Implement and maintain sound financial systems.
• Take a lead role in ensuring the committee set annual financial budgets and plan the branch income and expenditure.
• Provide a written financial report for every branch meeting.
• Liaise with auditors/independent examiners regarding the production of the annual branch accounts and treasurer’s report.
• Maintain control of all bank accounts as authorised by the committee.
• Execute and operate branch committee financial decisions and act as branch co-signatory.
• Maintain control over all branch paying-in books and receipt books and to ensure their correct use.
• In the absence of a branch box secretary, to assume responsibility for the branch network of collection boxes.
• Arrange payment of the annual branch contribution to the appropriate RSPCA fund.
• Coordinate financial control of all branch fundraising activities.
• Make quarterly VAT returns to headquarters promptly.
• Ensure the production, monitoring and annual review of the branch’s financial risk management strategy following the charity commission’s requirements.
• Liaise with branch officers, Branch Partnership Managers and Branch finance coordinator on Financial affairs as necessary and alert them immediately to any possible difficulties or irregularities.
• Ensure the retention and safekeeping of the branch’s financial documentation for the appropriate time as set by the charity commission.

Core Branch Trustee responsibilities

• Appreciate and support the aims and policies of the RSPCA.
• Work in conjunction with fellow trustees and branch officers and jointly act in making decisions for the best interest of the branch and the RSPCA.
• Work with national RSPCA staff to ensure that the branch meets all minimum animal welfare standards (MAWS).
• In conjunction with your fellow trustees and Branch Partnership Manager, write, adopt, monitor, and review a development plan setting out your branch's short and long-term aims.
• Actively participate in branch committee meetings and attend the branch annual general meeting and regional conference.
• Be aware of the outcome of regional board meetings and support local initiatives.
• Actively promote and advertise the society in an ongoing programme to recruit new branch trustees and volunteers and welcome new members.
• In conjunction with your fellow trustees, ensure the proper management and control of all activities and decisions relating to any premises held or staff employed by the branch if applicable.

What we are looking for in a volunteer:

• We are particularly looking for someone who has knowledge and experience in finance, who may already understand charity finance.
• As a trustee, you would be able to dedicate the time to attend monthly committee meetings, which last approximately 3 hours.
• There will be additional volunteer duties between meetings, such as; providing financial reports at committee meetings, monitoring the budget that the trustees have set for the year, processing payments, querying invoices, VAT returns, and processing Gift Aid claims.

What we can offer you as a volunteer Branch Treasurer

• We will provide you with a comprehensive trustee training course which will provide you will everything you need to carry out the role.
• Ongoing support is also provided by local and national RSPCA staff and any additional training provided by the relevant branch.
• The platform to utilise your skills and experience to oversee the charity and make decisions that directly impact local animal welfare.
• The opportunity to gain new skills and develop existing ones, whilst making a real difference to the lives of animals.
• A way to expand your professional and personal network through working with like-minded people.

Practical considerations

• To become a Trustee, you will need to be aged 18 or over and a member of our branch for three months before you are eligible to be elected.
• Trustees are elected for a 12-month term each year.
• Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.
• Trustees must sign a Trustee Declaration of Willingness to Act to clarify that they are not disqualified from being a trustee and read the Charity Commission’s guidance for individuals on who cannot be a trustee or senior manager of a charity.
• References will also be required.

How to find out more about being a Trustee

For more information on becoming a Charity Trustee and to ensure it is the right decision for you, we recommend reading the Charity Commission's guidance on the role of the trustee and the RSPCA website about Branch Trustees.

We have an online session about Becoming a Branch Trustee, which should hopefully give you more of an idea of what the RSPCA Branch Trustee role will involve.

How to Apply:

If you’ve got the drive and compassion to volunteer with the RSPCA and are passionate about improving animal welfare, we’d love to hear from you!

Please visit our website to learn more about what we do.

We hope you are interested in volunteering for the Oxfordfordshire Branch

Join us in making a real difference to the lives of animals in need.

Our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and trial period. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees, and dependent on the position, you may need to sign an agreement and undergo specific training before starting the role.

Would you like to be involved in the founding of a new charity that supports young people through grief and loss? At Beyond Tomorrow, we support young people through grief and loss with compassion, guidance, and hope. Join us to help shape brighter futures for those finding their way beyond loss.

Job Title: Trustee (Treasurer Role)

Location: Kent- but this role can be done virtually.
Time Commitment: Around 3–5 hours per month
Reporting to: The Board of Trustees

About the Role:

We’re a charity dedicated to helping young people and families navigate grief, loss, and emotional wellbeing. As our Treasurer, you’ll play a key part in keeping us financially accountable making sure we can keep supporting young people in the best way possible. You don’t have to be an accountant; we just need someone confident with numbers, organised, willing to learn and passionate about making a difference.

Key Responsibilities:

 Finance Management

• Keep track of the charity’s income and spending.

• Manage the charity’s bank account and ensure everything matches our records.

• Work with the other trustees to plan an annual budget and keep an eye on how we’re doing.

• Prepare simple finance reports for trustee meetings so everyone understands how funds are being used.

 Reporting & Compliance

• Help prepare our yearly accounts and returns for the Charity Commission.

• Make sure we’re following all the right financial policies and keeping our records clear and transparent.

Advising the Board

• Explain financial info in plain English so everyone feels confident making decisions.

• Support us in planning sustainable income streams (like grants, donations, and fundraising).

What We’re Looking For:

• Someone confident with money management, budgets, or spreadsheets (finance or bookkeeping experience is great but not essential!).

• Reliable, detail-oriented, and honest.

• Friendly communicator who can make numbers make sense.

• Passionate about supporting young people, families, and communities through loss and mental health challenges.

Commitment & Expenses:

• This is a voluntary role — trustees are not paid, but reasonable expenses (like travel or supplies) will be reimbursed.

• We usually meet once every 1–2 months, and you’ll also help out a little between meetings when needed.

• You also have the opportunity to be involved in the charity's community work, however there is no expectation of this.

What You’ll Get Out of It:

• A meaningful role where your skills make a real difference.

• The chance to help shape a starting charity and see the impact firsthand.

• Experience in the charity sector, finance, strategy, and leadership.

• A warm, supportive team that actually cares about the cause 

• A great addition to your CV for employers.

UWTSD Students’ Union is dedicated to supporting every student at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, helping them make the most of their university experience. Known as “the people in purple,” the Union accompanies students throughout their entire journey, from application to graduation, providing services that help them connect with others, explore their potential, and find their place both at UWTSD and beyond.

As a proudly student-led organisation, the Union has more than 15,630 members, with every enrolled student automatically included. It aims to be a trusted friend and guide throughout the student experience.

The Role
The Students’ Union is seeking a Trustee for People and Culture with experience in HR management (CIPD qualification desirable) and strong commercial awareness. The role requires confidence in mentoring students, alignment with democratic and student-led values, and the ability to exercise independent judgement. Strategic thinking, an understanding of trustee responsibilities, and awareness of societal inequality are essential.

The Trustee will contribute collaboratively to the Board, bringing forward ideas to enhance student engagement and support the development of student-led activities. The Board encourages a culture that is fun, innovative, and forward-thinking, and seeks trustees who challenge convention, take considered risks, and help drive continuous improvement to create an energised and empowering environment.

Key responsibilities include:

• Attending at least five Board meetings per year (mostly online, with one in-person in June)

• Working with fellow trustees to set strategy, policy, finances, and organisational direction

• Agreeing strategic objectives and reviewing the performance of the Chief Executive

• Participating in trustee and staff recruitment, completing induction and training, and preparing thoroughly for meetings

• Monitoring organisational performance through KPIs, project reports, and management accounts

• Contributing to relevant sub-committees, including approximately three People & Culture Committee meetings annually

• Being available for appeals when required, promoting the Students’ Union, and acting in its best interests

• Ensuring the Union operates effectively, responsibly, and in compliance with all legal and charitable requirements

The Trustee for People and Culture will play a central role in shaping a supportive, inclusive, and thriving environment for students and staff alike.

Are you passionate about building a more inclusive, sustainable and resilient economy? Are you looking for a meaningful way to use your finance expertise?

ECU is a small, dynamic non-profit working to transform the economy so that everyone has the freedom and security to live a good life. 

We are now recruiting for ECU’s first Treasurer, who will lead at board level on monitoring ECU’s financial performance and sustainability, ensuring that we have robust financial policies and processes in place, and supporting other board members to fulfil their collective responsibilities around finance. 

This is an exciting time to join ECU. We have an ambitious vision for change, a strong analysis of the opportunities and barriers to progress, and a clear view of our role in building a better economy. Our board is committed, collaborative and inclusive, with a strong understanding of its role and remit, and a culture of open dialogue. Our work is challenging, fascinating, and fulfilling – and, with rising levels of inequality, an unfolding climate emergency, overstretched public services and a growing concentration of corporate power, it couldn’t be more important.

Wildscreen is a UK-based charity. We connect people with nature through storytelling and democratise the creation of and access to nature’s stories.

We are seeking a purpose-driven, experienced and visionary Chair of the Board of Trustees to lead Wildscreen into its next exciting chapter. The Chair will provide strategic leadership, governance, and support our small but mighty team to ensure the organisation continues to thrive and expand its influence within the international natural history media and environmental not for profit sectors. This role is crucial in guiding Wildscreen’s mission and vision, fostering strong relationships with stakeholders, and ensuring robust financial and operational health.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Leadership and Governance: Lead the Board of Trustees in ensuring Wildscreen has a clear strategic direction and uses its resources to effectively deliver its charitable objectives. Ensuring the organisation complies with legal and regulatory requirements the Board operates effectively and with high governance standards. Providing leadership and support and appraising the performance of the Chief Executive Officer and where appropriate, other members of the Executive Team. Participating in and ensuring Board induction, training and effectiveness is undertaken and reviewed annually.
• Strategic Planning: Collaborate with the Board, Executive Team, and key stakeholders to develop and implement Wildscreen’ s strategic plan. Drive the organisation’s vision and objectives forward, ensuring alignment with its mission and values.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Act as an ambassador for Wildscreen, fostering strong relationships with key stakeholders, including funders, partners, education and community groups, and sector bodies.
• Financial Oversight: Work with the Board and Executive Team to ensure the financial stability and sustainability of the organisation. Oversee budgeting, financial planning, and risk management processes.
• Fundraising and Development: Support and guide fundraising initiatives, including identifying new opportunities and cultivating relationships with donors, sponsors, and funding bodies.
• Community and Inclusivity: Promote Wildscreen’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Encourage programmes and initiatives that engage with diverse audiences and reflect the community’s needs.
• Performance and Evaluation: Monitor and evaluate the performance of the organisation against strategic goals and objectives. Ensure continuous improvement and responsiveness to changing needs in the international media landscape.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Strategic Leadership: Demonstrable experience in a senior leadership or governance role within a complex organisation, preferably within the creative industries, environmental, purposedriven or not-for-profit sectors.
• Governance Expertise: Strong understanding of governance, with a track record of effectively chairing boards or committees and ensuring accountability and transparency.
• Stakeholder Management: Proven ability to engage, influence, and build relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, including funders, partners, and community groups.
• Financial Acumen: Solid understanding of financial management, with experience in overseeing budgets, financial planning, and risk management.
• Fundraising Capability: Experience in supporting fundraising activities, identifying funding opportunities, and engaging with donors and sponsors.
• Commitment to Diversity: A strong commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, with the ability to champion these values across the organisation and its programmes.
• Passion for Nature and Storytelling: A genuine passion for the power of storytelling with an understanding of the essential role Wildscreen plays in convening important conversations, celebrating the world’s best natural world storytellers and enabling equitable access for all in the UK and internationally.
• Communication Skills: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire, influence, and engage with a wide range of audiences.
• Time and Commitment: The ability to commit sufficient time to fulfil the responsibilities of the role. We estimate a time commitment of 10 days per annum to account for quarterly board meetings, annual away day, monthly CEO support, events, subcommittee meetings (such as governance and finance committee) reading of Board papers and other organisational activities. Occasionally, trustees will be asked to join specific subcommittees or working groups with the wider team and externals where their area of expertise is particularly relevant.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

Wildscreen is an equal opportunities and disability confident employer. We welcome from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity. If you would like any additional support or alternative arrangements during our application process which would make you more comfortable, please do get in touch.

HOW TO APPLY

Please complete the online application form. This includes a couple of questions to outline your suitability and reasons for applying for this role with Wildscreen. You will also be required to upload a CV.

Interviews to be held: Mid-late January 2026

* No agencies, please.

We are seeking a Director and Chair of Trustees Designate to help shape the future direction of our organisation. We are looking for an individual with proven senior leadership experience - ideally, though not necessarily, within the third sector - who can bring strong strategic thinking, sound judgement, and a collaborative leadership style.

We are seeking a new Chair of Trustees to lead the charity as we enter a bold new chapter for Sunderland Culture. This is a unique opportunity to help shape the cultural landscape of Sunderland, working closely with our CEO, Board of Trustees, and valued partners to support Sunderland Culture’s vibrant and ambitious vision.

The Role of the Board

The board governs the charity and ensures Sunderland Culture is well-run, legally compliant, and financially sound as a registered charity and company limited by guarantee. Trustees act as guardians of the organisation’s purpose, ensuring decisions are made in the best interests of those we serve. Core duties include;

• Work with the CEO and Partners to set strategic direction and shape the organisation’s long-term cultural vision, mission, and priorities.
• Safeguarding the mission and values of the charity, upholding our core purpose: “to improve life for everyone in Sunderland through culture.”
• Champion culture in Sunderland – acting as ambassadors for the city’s cultural sector, bringing networks and influence.
• Provide accountability – Reporting to regulators (Charity Commission, Companies House), funders (Arts Council England, trusts/ foundations), and the community.
• Financial Oversight - work with the senior management team and Finance Committee to review and approve budgets, key-funding decisions and long-term sustainability.
• Policy Oversight - Approve and oversee key policies, including safeguarding, equality and diversity, privacy policy, health and safety, and employment procedures.

The board is supported in its work by a Finance Committee, with trustee representatives also working alongside staff leads on Arts Council England’s Investment Principles:

• Ambition & Quality
• Dynamism (organisational resilience and business systems)
• Inclusivity and Relevance
• Environmental Sustainability

The Role of Chair

The Chair will provide strategic leadership to the Board, ensuring that Trustees fulfil their duties effectively.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead the Board: Shape agendas, chair effective meetings, enable constructive challenge and decisive governance.

Manage and support the Chief Executive: Provide counsel and stretch; agree priorities and success measures; ensure strong performance and learning.

Steward partnerships: Work closely with existing partners to renew relationships while openings doors to a wider range of strategic partnerships.

Steward change: Oversee complex transitions in assets, programmes and organisational design; ensure robust risk management and stakeholder engagement.

Promote inclusion: Develop and grow the board to reflect the city’s diversity and lived experience.

Ensure sustainability: Oversee financial strategy and reserves; support income generation across public, commercial and philanthropic streams.

Advocate and represent: Be a visible ambassador for Sunderland Culture locally, regionally and nationally.

Board effectiveness: Lead trustee recruitment, induction, appraisal and succession; uphold best practice in charity and company governance.

Person Specification:

Essential Criteria

Commitment to Sunderland Culture’s mission

Relevant values and networks Essential Proven leadership experience, ideally at Board or senior executive level.

Strong understanding of governance and charity/ company law.

Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

Ability to inspire confidence and command respect.

Desirable Criteria

Demonstrable commitment to or interest in the cultural sector

Sunderland or North-East England based

Background in relevant sector (Culture or Creative Industries, Community Development, Education, Finance etc.)

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.