Finance trustees volunteer roles

NEW CHAIR WANTED FOR AGE UK MERTON’S BOARD OF TRUSTEES

We are looking for a new Chair of Trustees who shares our values and passion for supporting older adults in Merton. The new Chair will formally take up the role at the AGM in November 2025.

About Age UK Merton

We are an independent charity operating within the national Age UK network providing services for older adults in the London Borough of Merton. Our role is to ensure older adults can access the support, services and care they need to help them to live active and fulfilling lives.

Our vision: Supporting our communities with opportunities to love later life.

Our mission: To provide quality advice and services that meet the needs of older adults in Merton.

Our values: quality, integrity, kindness, inclusivity and collaboration.

Our priorities

We are passionate about making a difference to the lives of older adults in Merton. Our Strategic Plan 2023-2026 outlines our three key priorities in support of our mission:

1. Providing high quality advice and practical support.

2. Building social connection.

3. Creating opportunities for lifelong active ageing.

Our services

Living Well: we deliver holistic person-centered home assessments creating a motivational action plan and supporting older adults to access services and improve their health and wellbeing.

At Home: we provide practical help to enable people to feel comfortable, safe and secure at home with domestic support, shopping and respite for carers.

Activity programme: our weekly-programme of activities includes chair-based exercise, Zumba, Tai Chi, social club with board games, craft club, quiz sessions, walking group, monthly special lunches and aqua fitness. We also run a wide range of out and about trips annually.

Information and advice: our trained advisers offer free accredited information and advice to older adults on benefits, health and end of life, housing, social care, local services and more.

Befriending and volunteering: we provide a high-quality, free, face-to-face and telephone befriending service, helping to reduce social isolation and promote independence.

Foot health service: we offer a low-cost paid-for foot health service for our clients.

Role description

As Chair, you will provide leadership and strategic direction to the Board of Trustees. Your regular responsibilities will include liaising with the CEO to set the agenda and agree the papers for Board meetings, chairing Board meetings, holding regular catch-ups with Trustees, and leading on Trustee recruitment and retention and Board development. In addition, you will also be the line manager to the CEO, holding regular meetings and undertaking the annual appraisal and objective setting. You will also sit on the Finance Committee (chaired by the Treasurer) and be responsible for determining complaints and grievances where a decision is appealed.

As a Trustee, you will have a number of core duties, including ensuring the organisation complies with its governing document, charity law, company law, and relevant legislation; ensuring it pursues its objectives as defined in its governing document; ensuring the financial stability of the organisation; and ensuring the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.

Person specification

Essential

· Previous Board-level experience, either as a Trustee or in another non-executive capacity

· Experience of chairing (either a Trustee Board or other professional experience)

· Strong leadership and interpersonal skills

· Willingness and capacity to devote the necessary time

· Good independent judgment

· A commitment to Age UK Merton and its vision, mission and values

· An understanding of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of Trusteeship

Desirable

· Some experience or understanding of the adult social care or health sectors

· An understanding of Merton as a place

To find out more and to apply

We welcome applications from all sections of the community. While we would especially welcome applications from people who live in our local area, this is not essential to success in the role.

If you are interested in applying, please send a CV (maximum 2-sides of A4) and cover letter (maximum 1-side of A4) to our current chair. Please also contact our chair if you would like to have an informal discussion about the role. The deadline for applications is 5pm on Friday 25th July 2025. Interviews will be held in August/September 2025 and the successful candidate will formally take up the role at the AGM in November 2025.

At a time when we are experiencing the largest reforms to the welfare rights system in a generation, we believe this is an exciting opportunity for individuals interested in welfare rights work, to join a respected organisation working at the forefront of the advice sector.

The Welfare Benefits Unit offers specialist welfare benefits advice to those who work with members of the public. Our experienced advisers provide independent support through our advice line, publications, training, consultancy, campaigns and projects.

The Welfare Benefits Unit aims to maximise benefit take-up, helping to reduce the incidence and impact of poverty and in doing so improve health, well-being, financial and social inclusion. We are a registered charity based in York. We primarily operate in North Yorkshire and York although some of our services are accessed by organisations working further afield. 

We continue to aim towards a board that reflects the populations we work to support, and as such, welcome individuals from diverse ethnic communities, LGBTQIA+ groups, as well as younger people, those with disabilities, and those who have lived experience of the welfare benefits system.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

We welcome and support applications from those new to being a Trustee. We also know that studies have shown some people are less likely to apply for positions unless they believe meet every requirement in the description. The most important thing for us is to find Trustees that connect with our values and who can readily buy into our mission. Though we have suggested skills and experience areas below, which would be keen to hear from, we’re eager to meet people that believe in our mission and can contribute to our board in a variety of ways – not just candidates who tick all the boxes.

We’re keen to add these areas of skills and experience to our board:

• Financial, legal or HR matters (especially as they may apply to a small charity)
• Expertise in marketing, digital or similar technological areas
• Welfare benefits system and welfare rights advice or lived experience.

About the Role

All Trustee positions are voluntary with reasonable expenses remunerated. To be an effective Trustee, you will need to commit up to 1-2 days per quarter to attend and prepare for board meetings which are held virtually.

Effective Trustees support our work by:

• ensuring we are working towards our vision, mission and values in everything we do
• ensuring the effective and efficient use of resources, maintaining proper financial and regulatory oversight and best practice as a charity
• approving the annual budget, and supporting strategic decision-making by actively contributing advice and guidance
• appointing key personnel such as the Chief Executive, and determining pay and conditions for the wider team
• constructively guide the Senior Leadership Team in the delivery of the organisation’s strategy
• actively representing and championing the work of the Welfare Benefits Unit.

PASSIONATE ABOUT THE NEEDS AND RIGHTS OF WOMEN AND GIRLS?

We are seeking new Trustees to join the Board of GROW – a small, but growing charity in South Yorkshire, providing bespoke support to women and girls. We have a skilled and dedicated team, with plans to expand and aims to continue to develop effective needs-led services. We need Trustees who can help guide and support us as we continue to develop and expand our range of specialist services.

COMMITMENTS

GROW’s board currently meets approximately 6 times per year, quarterly, with occasional half/full days for service and strategy development.

Your role as a Trustee would include:

• Ensuring GROW maintains its strong values and continues to deliver public and social benefit
• Supporting high standards of governance
• Overseeing the development of policies
• Working within the law, GROW’s governing document
• Participating in decision making, seeking specialist advice where necessary
• Willingness to give the necessary time and effort to undertake the duties of a trustee

REWARDS

• Make a significant difference in the lives of women, girls, and children
• Personal and professional development opportunities
• Reimbursement of reasonable expenses
• Work with a supportive team of trustees, staff, and volunteers
• Training on legal duties, safeguarding, and other relevant subjects

Support inclusive spirituality, education, and compassionate leadership

OneSpirit Interfaith Foundation is a registered educational charity, founded in 1996, that promotes inclusive spirituality and serves people of all faiths, and none. We train open-hearted adults to serve their communities as interfaith ministers, celebrants, and spiritual companions, supporting life’s important moments through ceremony, ritual, and compassionate care.

Organisational purpose

To benefit the public by the education of mature adults in:

• the core principles of the world’s religions, faiths, and spiritual traditions;

• principles and methods of forgiveness, reconciliation and peace-making;

• and the practice of non-denominational spiritual and pastoral service in the community.

Our Vision

is a world in which humanity awakens into an inclusive global spirituality that encompasses us all in the field of love and life.

Our Mission

is to work towards evolving consciousness in the world, by facilitating open-hearted people to awaken to inner leadership and their capacity for forgiveness, reconciliation, and peace-making.

We are currently seeking new Trustees to join our Board and help shape the future of our organisation. We're especially interested in individuals with experience in marketing, legal affairs, HR, adult education, fundraising, finance, or IT.

This is a meaningful opportunity to:

• Help guide an organisation where spiritual exploration meets learning, where inclusive communities flourish, and where people are supported to offer spiritual care with courage, compassion, and understanding.

• Contribute your professional skills in a nonprofit trustee role aligned with your values

• Help grow an organisation at the intersection of education, spirituality, and social transformation

What We’re Looking For:

We welcome applications from individuals with experience in any of the following areas:

• Marketing, communications, or branding

• Charity law or legal compliance

• Fundraising, development, or grant-writing

• Finance, accounting, or business planning

• Human Resources or organisational development

• Education or curriculum development

• Interfaith ministry, chaplaincy, or spiritual direction

That said, please don’t be discouraged if you don’t tick every box. If you feel inspired by our values and can uphold our Code of Ethics, we warmly encourage you to apply or get in touch for a conversation! 

You do not need to be a OneSpirit minister or graduate, we welcome interest from both alumni and the wider community.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a values-led, inclusive team committed to compassion and transformation

• Support a charity making a meaningful impact in spiritual education and interfaith work

• Develop new skills in nonprofit governance and strategic leadership

• Connect with a thoughtful, heart-centred network of trustees, staff, and ministers

Commitment to Inclusion:

We believe our strength lies in the richness of our differences. We are wholeheartedly committed to building a Board that reflects the diverse communities we serve, across race, gender, age, sexuality, ability, culture, faith, identity, background, and lived experience.

Whether your path has been traditional or unconventional, whether you’re seasoned in governance or bringing your voice to a boardroom for the first time, you are welcome here.

If you feel called to contribute, we would be honoured to hear from you, please respond to this advert or contact us via our website.

Interested in Joining Us? 

At OneSpirit, there are many ways to contribute to a more compassionate and connected world. Whether through leadership, service, or spiritual growth, your presence makes a difference.

If you feel drawn to our mission and want to offer your time, wisdom, and heart to OneSpirit’s future, we’d love to hear from you. To apply or have an informal conversation about the Trustee role, please contact us.

Curious about the training we offer? Come and train with an organisation committed to spiritual exploration, nurturing inclusive communities of care, and creating spaces where understanding and belonging can flourish. Explore the Cherry Tree Pathway, our two-year ministry and spiritual development training, and begin your journey today.

You can learn more about our team, our work, and our organisation, as well as our training by visiting our website.

The Guildford Institute is looking for an enthusiastic and dedicated individual to serve as Chair of its Board of Trustees. This important role offers the opportunity to shape the future of a charity that has been a pivotal part of the community for over 130 years.

Based in our beautiful Grade II listed building since 1892, we provide the local community with accessible cultural education and opportunities to build meaningful connections with others.

We’re seeking a distinguished leader with the following qualities: 

• Leadership & Governance

• Passion for the Arts, Education & Community

• Strategic Thinking

• Financial Acumen

• Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion 

Play a vital role in guiding The Guildford Institute to continue to grow, secure its longevity and thrive.

Additional Documents:

Please read our Candidate Brief to find out more about us and the role of the Chair.

Trustee – (Chair, Finance, Audit & Risk Committee) 

Help shape a greener, healthier and more sustainable future. 

Our client is one of the UK’s most inspiring environmental initiatives—restoring and connecting woodland, championing sustainability, and improving lives across 200 square miles in the Midlands and beyond. With 9.5 million trees already planted and national recognition as a pioneering regeneration model, the Forest is growing fast—in scope, scale and influence. 

We are now looking for a Trustee to chair our Finance, Audit & Risk Committee, to help strengthen our financial strategy and risk oversight at the heart of our impact. You’ll play a key leadership role as we shape the next phase of the charity’s ambitions, through organisational growth, expanding commercial opportunities and greater influence. 

  
Moira, Derbyshire (Hybrid) 
Applications close: Sunday 17 August 2025 (midnight) 

Unremunerated, with reasonable expenses paid 

The successful candidate will be a qualified accountant and strategic thinker with: 

• Significant experience in financial governance across public, private or charitable sectors. 

• Understanding of risk and audit processes, ideally with non-executive leadership experience. 

• The confidence to chair a committee and support a collaborative, high-performing Board. 

• The ability to engage with Defra, the National Audit Office, auditors and other key stakeholders.
• A passion for sustainability and the long-term vision of the NFC. 

This is a fantastic opportunity to help shape a national exemplar for landscape regeneration and play a key role in the growth of a new family of national forests. 

The commitment 

• Approx. 1 day/month, including 5 Board meetings (4 in person) and 4 Finance, Audit & Risk Committee meetings annually (in person / virtual). Trustees are not expected to live locally, provided they can attend in-person meetings.

• A 3-year term, renewable for a further 3 years. 

Why now? 

This is a pivotal time for our client. The government has backed the creation of three new national forests following our success. As we lead this next chapter—expanding woodland cover, inspiring new partnerships, and delivering lasting environmental change—we need strong governance and visionary trustees to support our journey. 

How to Apply:  
Applications should be made via the Prospectus website - please view the role on the site by clicking 'Redirect to recruiter'.

Recruitment Timetable 
Deadline for applications: Midnight, Sunday 17 August 2025  
Interviews with Prospectus via Teams: w/c 1 September 2025

Interviews in-person with our client: w/c 22 September 2025

Internationally renowned Eyam Museum in the Peak District, Derbyshire, is looking for an experienced finance professional to take on the voluntary role of Treasurer. The successful candidate will join our friendly Board of Trustees and will have oversight of the financial operations and decisions of the organisation - which includes a museum shop - to ensure that funds are managed responsibly and in accordance with priorities.

Museum finances are administered by a qualified part-time Finance Officer who oversees day-to-day payments and receipts, payroll and pension, bank reconciliations and monthly financial reports, and who will support the Treasurer in their role. We are looking for someone who has the experience to advise the other trustees on financial and treasury matters, oversee the setting of an annual budget (c.£150.000) and monitor performance against that budget, playing an active part in the decision making of the trustee body. The Treasurer will also facilitate the annual auditing of accounts.

While emphasising the skills required for these responsibilities, we particularly encourage applications from candidates from diverse backgrounds who are likely to be underrepresented on our Board. We are ideally looking for someone living within easily commutable distance to Eyam.

Eyam Museum’s primary purpose is to tell the story of Eyam Plague (1665 – 66). It is a highly successful organisation - well run, financially secure with substantial reserves and widely respected within the sector. Visitor numbers have quickly returned to pre-COVID levels (at c. 36,000 in 2024) and the organisation is a vibrant and energising place for visitors, staff and Trustees alike. The Museum is a charity and a limited company with a retail arm which is a wholly owned subsidiary company.

The Museum is currently undertaking an ambitious Options Project looking at how best to develop our audiences, collections, retail operation and the building in which they are housed. We are working with professional consultants and received a National Lottery Heritage Fund grant to undertake this work. The project will complete in summer 2025. This is an exciting time to join and to help shape the Museum’s development over the next few years.

This is a voluntary role for a candidate who is willing to participate actively, using their skills and experience to help drive the museum’s vision through exceptional governance.

Further Information

We hold monthly management committee meetings which include both Trustees and key museum employees (the Museum Manager, Curator and Retail Manager). Trustee-only meetings, including the AGM, are usually appended to these Meetings. Trustees are expected to attend a proportion of these meetings in person, joining via Zoom for the remainder. The meetings are held in the evening. Reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed. Appointments are initially for three years, renewable.

If you think you have the skills and expertise we are looking for then we would love to hear from you.

trustees meet four times a year and treasurer may need a day a month (spread over the month) for finances.

Are you passionate about social mobility and empowering London's young people? Do you have the strategic vision and expertise to help build a charity from the ground up?

REMIX is a new charity on a mission to "remix young lives" from disadvantaged backgrounds across London. We aim to guide, mentor, and inspire young people through positive role modelling, comprehensive personal development, and vital employability skills. We're currently in our crucial set-up phase, laying the foundations for a charity that will make a deep, positive impact for generations to come.

We are actively seeking dedicated and skilled individuals to join our inaugural Board of Trustees. This is a unique opportunity to shape the strategic direction, ensure robust governance, and help us get registered and ready to launch. You'll play a pivotal role in establishing our framework for success, ensuring we're impactful, ethical, and sustainable.

Who We're Looking For

We are building a diverse and collaborative Board and are particularly keen to hear from individuals with expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• Charity Law & Governance: Expertise in legal compliance, Charity Commission regulations, and best practices in charity governance.

• Finance & Fundraising: Financial management, budgeting, identifying funding streams, and grant application experience.

• Human Resources & Volunteer Management: Developing policies, recruitment, safeguarding, and supporting a thriving volunteer base.

• Youth Work & Social Mobility: Direct experience or deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities for young people in deprived communities.

• Marketing & Communications: Building brand awareness, engaging stakeholders, and telling our story effectively.

• Strategic Planning & Development: Long-term visioning, setting objectives, and ensuring organisational growth.

We strongly encourage applications from individuals who reflect the diverse communities of London, including those with lived experience relevant to our mission.

Your Role as a Trustee

As a REMIX Trustee, you will be instrumental in:

• Providing strategic oversight and helping to set the charity's direction.

• Ensuring REMIX meets all its legal and regulatory obligations, including successful Charity Commission registration.

• Overseeing financial health and developing sustainable funding strategies.

• Shaping our core policies, including critical safeguarding frameworks.

• Championing the REMIX vision and mission to external stakeholders.

What We Offer

• The incredible opportunity to be a founding member of a charity poised to make a significant difference in young people's lives.

• A chance to utilise your professional skills for profound social good.

• Collaboration with a passionate and committed team.

• The satisfaction of knowing you are directly contributing to social mobility in London.

This is a voluntary role, requiring a commitment of approximately 4-8 hours per month for Board meetings and contributing to specific projects.

Ready to Remix Young Lives with Us?

If you are a strategic thinker, a passionate advocate for young people, and ready to lend your expertise to help REMIX flourish, we want to hear from you.

Join us in building a future where every young person in London has the chance to thrive.

7th Perthshire (Methven) Scout Group are looking to recruit a Chair of Trustees. 

About us:We are a small yet active charity running scouting groups (Beavers Cubs and Scouts) for young people aged 6-14 living in and around Methven, Perthshire. The ethos of the group aligns with the core principles of Scouting which aims to teach young people “Skills for Life”. All scouting activities in Methven are provided by a dedicated group of volunteers, overseen by a Board of Trustees to which we now seek to recruit a new Chairperson. The Chair plays a pivotal role in leading and guiding the charity towards achieving its aims and objectives. This position requires a dynamic individual who can ensure effective governance and strategic direction. The role is for 3 years initially, as per our constitution.

Duties

• Lead and preside over Trustee meetings (approximately 4-5 per year), ensuring that discussions are productive and focused on achieving outcomes.
• Develop agendas in collaboration with other board members, ensuring all relevant topics are covered.
• Foster an inclusive environment where all members feel valued and encouraged to contribute.
• Represent the organisation at public events, as necessary, effectively communicating its vision and objectives.
• Oversee the implementation of policies and strategies set by the board, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations.
• Help to set budgets and manage the charities finances to enable it to perform its duties and fulfil its vision.

Skills

• Strong leadership and team working skills with the ability to inspire and motivate others.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Well-developed organisational skills and strong attention to detail.
• Ability to think strategically and make informed decisions that benefit the charity.
• A collaborative mindset with a focus on building consensus.
• An understanding of and alignment with the ethos, vision and values of Scouts, it is a requirement to  uphold these at all times.
• The ability to research and formulate grant applications on behalf of the charity would be beneficial but is not essential.

Additional Information

• This is a volunteer role and attracts no remuneration, however reasonable expenses will be covered.
• Although this role does not require the successful candidate to directly work with young people it will require an enhanced PVG.
• The Board of Trustees meet approximately 4-5 times a year, usually for up to 2 hours at a time.  Additional time outside of trustee meetings will likely be required to follow up on actions agreed by the Board. This role could be performed as a hybrid role as some meetings could be run online, however an in-person presence at the AGM each year is essential.  The AGM is held where the charity operates, in Methven, Perthshire.
• Training both for this role, and about Scouts as an organisation and charity will be delivered online in an on-demand format. The successful candidate will be expected to complete this before taking up the role in September 2025.  Further ongoing support and training is offered both online and in person to enable the successful candidate to enhance their skills, learn new skills as required and network with other volunteers across the wider organisation.
• This role offers the successful candidate the opportunity to develop their skills, make new friends and be involved in a charity that makes a positive, tangible difference to the lives of young people in our area.

We are recruiting a new Trustee!

Training Link, a small friendly charity based in Somers Town, near the British Library, is looking for a new trustee to join our Board.

Becoming a trustee for Training Link is an exciting and fulfilling role. The role of a trustee is to ensure that our charity fulfils its duty to its beneficiaries through contributing to the strategic development, effective governance and financial management of the organisation.

About Training Link

Training Link is a small and welcoming charity based in the St Pancras and Somers Town ward of the London Borough of Camden where 18% of residents have no qualifications. We provide a range of IT training, accredited vocational training, employability support, ESOL, one to one literacy support and advice and advocacy, mainly around benefits and immigration. The aim is to help people gain employment or to move on to further education, training or volunteering.

Training Link is a registered charity No 1051662 and a company limited by guarantee.  It is a well-established organisation, set up forty years ago and with a good local reputation. 

Our Team 

There is a staff team of six, mainly working part time for one or two days per week.  There are six regular volunteers and a further twelve or so volunteers providing ESOL (English as a second language) support.  Training Link is run by a Management Committee consisting of the Trustees, Director and three Management Committee members.

The role of a Trustee 

Training Link is governed by a Management Committee which currently consists of five Trustees and three others who support the Trustees. The management committee members make sure that the charity does what it was set up to do and that it is run effectively. The management committee meets approximately every two months.  In between meetings there are smaller sub-groups which meet to address specific tasks such as finance and fundraising.

 The trustees are legally responsible for overall management and decision-making and must act with integrity, openness and honesty.  They need to be willing to give their time to take an active part in running Training Link and they must be committed to Training Link’s diversity and inclusion policy and practice. All trustees are expected to attend at least 75% of Management Committee meetings per year.

Reimbursement of expenses

Trustees and Management Committee members can be reimbursed for expenses such as travel linked to Training Link activities but will not be paid simply for being a Trustee or for carrying out tasks for Training Link.

Becoming a Trustee

To apply, please e-mail us your CV and a short covering letter to Tanya Buynovskaya saying why you want to be a Training Link Trustee and what skills you can bring to our organisation.

The first step is an informal conversation with Training Link’s Director.  You will be given an overview of our current work and will be given further information about our governance, policies and financial situation.

The second step is a formal interview with trustees which will take place in September. If selected, you will be invited to join our Management Committee and will receive a proper induction from both the Director and the Chair of the Board.

You will also be required to give your permission for us to apply for a DBS check for you and you must let us know if you joining us would involve any conflict of interest.

Rewards of Trusteeship

While being a trustee does involve time and commitment, the satisfaction and sense of achievement that you gain from the role more than makes up for this.  We do make a real difference to people’s lives through improving their confidence and skills and providing the opportunity to get accredited qualifications.  And of course, being a charity trustee can open the door to other opportunities.

How to Apply

To apply, please e-mail us your CV and a short covering letter saying why you want to be a Training Link Trustee and what skills you can bring to our organisation. The deadline for applications is Monday 11th August 2025.

A fantastic opportunity has arisen to join the Smart Works Board of Trustees.  

Our Trustees support all aspects of our work, with the aim of providing strategic support, governance and assurance that enables us to continue to deliver our core service and increase the number of women we can support into work by dressing and coaching women for interview and job success.

The time commitment for this voluntary, unpaid role is an average of a day a month, with more time given at busy periods of the year. There will be a requirement to attend board meetings, with some trustees also sitting on subcommittees that meet around 4 times a year. In addition, there are events to attend and occasional additional duties to support our wider work. 

If you feel you have valuable experience and skills to contribute to the Smart Works mission and would like to use your professional experience for good, we would love to hear from you. 

Please see the job pack attached for full details and apply via the portal by 31st July 2025.

Citizens Advice South Warwickshire (CASW) is inviting expressions of interest for the voluntary role of Treasurer. This is an exciting opportunity for an individual with strong financial expertise to join a dedicated and talented Trustee Board and help shape the future of a trusted and impactful organisation. As Treasurer, the appointed candidate will play a central role in ensuring the financial sustainability and strategic direction of the charity.

Who we are

Citizens Advice South Warwickshire is a community based organisation helping the people in the South of the County across a range of issues including debt, housing and employment.

This is an exciting and challenging time to join us and I would encourage you to read our information pack and submit an application to be our Trustee Treasurer.

The role

The Treasurer is a key member of the Trustee Board, providing financial oversight and strategic guidance to help secure the long-term sustainability of CASW during a challenging time for the voluntary sector.

Key Responsibilities:

• Advise on the financial implications of CASW’s strategic plans, including financial risk management.
• Collaborate with the CEO and Finance Manager on the presentation of budgets, management accounts, and statutory financial reports to the Board.
• Ensure accurate financial record-keeping and implement appropriate accounting procedures and controls.
• Monitor the financial viability of the organisation and support decisions on resource allocation.
• Ensure that investments and assets are being managed effectively.
• Support Trustees in understanding their financial responsibilities and enhance the Board’s collective financial literacy.
• Oversee compliance with all contractual and funding obligations.
• Promote and uphold good governance in line with CASW’s Articles of Association and Charity Commission best practice.

Candidate Profile:

Essential:

• Passion and commitment to CASW’s mission and strategic goals.
• Strategic mindset with experience interpreting complex financial data and supporting long-term planning.
• A recognised financial qualification or substantial experience in a strategic finance leadership role.
• Demonstrable commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Desirable:

• Prior experience as a Trustee or Treasurer, particularly in the charity sector.
• Understanding of charity finance regulations and reporting requirements.

Time Commitment:

• Attendance at approximately six Board meetings per year.
• Chairing of the Finance Sub-Committee (approximately six meetings annually).
• Participation in Away Days and occasional ad hoc support to staff or fellow Trustees using financial expertise.

Data Protection Notice:
All application information will be used strictly for recruitment purposes and in accordance with relevant data protection legislation.

About Us

For three decades, Forward Arts Foundation (‘Forward’) has been at the forefront of new poetry and now reaches an estimated 131 million people each year.  We are a national charity working across the UK and online to widen poetry’s audience, honour achievement and support diverse talent. Through our two flagship programmes, Forward Prizes for Poetry and National Poetry Day, we work towards a better society where individuals and communities can develop their innate creativity, their agency and their understanding through the making and sharing of poetry. 

Leadership and Management

Forward is led by its board of eight Trustees, chaired by Jamie Andrews. Jamie is Director of Public Engagement at the British Library and brings extensive experience as a trustee of several charities, including Oxford House. Other trustees are Forward’s founder William Sieghart CBE, responsible for the 2013 Sieghart Report on libraries and e-books; Kim Evans, former senior executive at BBC and Arts Council; Aoife O’Connor, poet and producer; Amelia Richards, culture and communications leader; treasurer and CFO Latinka Pilipovic; marketing manager Maya Ophelia and data scientist Mary Amanuel.

The organisation is led by Mónica Parle and Lucy Macnab, Co-Executive Directors.   Both have experience as directors of writing organisations (First Story and Ministry of Stories). Mónica is an award winning writer and Lucy brings national policy and strategy design experience from Arts Council England. With joint accountability, they each work 0.5FTE. The team also includes Jay Bhadricha, Head of Programmes, and Annalise Peters, Finance and Operations Coordinator. 

The team is supported by freelance specialists in education, communications, finance and fundraising. 

We believe poetry is for everyone. Our approach to recruiting trustees is shaped by a commitment to diversity, equality, and inclusion. We particularly welcome applications for vacancies from D/deaf and disabled and black and minority ethnic candidates, as well as candidates from lower socio-economic backgrounds, as they are under-represented in the arts, and we commit to review our processes to ensure that our organisation more closely reflects the society it serves.

Chair Role

The Chair leads the board, ensuring that it governs the charity effectively, in service of the charity’s vision and mission. The Chair leads in an inclusive way, supporting the board to work together well, and providing support and challenge to the Chief Executive. The Chair is also an ambassador for the charity.  

1. Provide strategic leadership to the charity and the Board.
2. Work in partnership with the Co-Executive Directors and Vice Chair.
3. Lead the board in ensuring that it fulfils its responsibilities for the governance of the organisation.
4. Plan and chair the board meetings with the Vice Chair and Co-Executive Directors.
5. Act as a spokesperson and figurehead for Forward.

What we are looking for 

1. Experience of being a trustee. You do not need to have been a Chair before.
2. A keen sense of strategic purpose. 
3. An inclusive leadership style: able to inspire and support everyone to participate on an equal footing. 
4. The ability to listen and engage effectively. You are comfortable with challenge and debate and are able to encourage that in others whilst fostering a collaborative board environment. 
5. Advocate - be able and willing to champion Forward’s work through personal networks, social media, and other channels.
6. A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. 
7. Be responsive. At a small charity, things sometimes ‘come up’ that require the Chair to advise, support or give consent to. It is very helpful to have a Chair who is available and responsive.

Trustee roles 

We are also looking for trustees with expertise in any of the below and a belief that your skills will contribute to the strong and effective governance and growth of a small charity. We are especially looking for experience and networks in: 

• Fundraising or philanthropy
• Governance/institutional/policy leadership
• Digital/data/design
• Education
• We’re also interested in applications from those under 30 or those seeking their first trusteeship, and offer support and guidance from an experienced ‘buddy’ trustee.
• Ideally, applicants should show interest in or understanding of the literature/arts sector and/or literacy and education.

Responsibilities of all trustees 

• Support and provide advice on Forward’s purpose, vision, goals and activities. 
• Approve operational strategies and policies, and monitor and evaluate their implementation.
• Oversee Forward’s financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress. 
• Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively.
• Provide support and challenge to Forward’s Co-Executive Directors 
• Keep abreast of changes in Forward’s operating environment.
• Applying your skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts to promote Forward’s work.

Essential qualities and attributes of all trustees 

• Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as  trustees and to act in the best interests of the organisation.
• Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member.
• Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion. 
• A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Enthusiasm for our vision and mission.
• Willingness to lead according to our values of wonder, play and openness.
• Commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership

Terms and Commitment 

Location: All board meetings may be attended online. We will try to meet face-to-face when we can. But trustees are welcome wherever they live.  

We estimate you’ll need to commit around 30 hours over the course of a year. The board meets quarterly and we have a strategy day one afternoon a year. Trustees are appointed for a 3-year term, with a maximum of 2 terms.

Salary: Unpaid, travel expenses will be reimbursed if needed and where necessary.

Deadline for applications: 21 July

Interviews beginning w/c 28 July

To apply or find out more, contact Co-Executive Director Lucy Macnab explaining why you would like to be a trustee. If you are interested in being Chair, please make this clear. You may want to tell us what your previous experience is, and what knowledge and skills you have and what you would like to gain from the experience. Also someone we can talk to as a referee. We will accept applications in any medium.

For those applying for the chair role, you are welcome to have a call with Jamie Andrews, current chair, to find out more.

Forward Arts Foundation is a registered charity (charity number: 1037939) and a company limited by guarantee (company no: 02902864), registered in England and Wales.

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.