Finance trustees volunteer roles

About Us

Now in our 30th year, The Eikon Charity supports children and young people across Surrey to feel and be safe, heard, and supported.

Growing up in today’s world can be incredibly challenging. That’s why we empower children and young people to find the inner and outer resources they need – skills, knowledge and resilience – as they develop and navigate life. 

So, we create spaces for them where they can be themselves and talk about their thoughts and feelings. They understand better than anyone what’s happening in their own lives, so we listen, without judging. 

Background to the role

At Eikon we are poised to deliver an increase in our vital, evidence-based services across Surrey and the South-East, as well as to share our model of success and influence children and young people’s services across the UK. We know, and others know, that what we do has an impact on our children and young people who, tragically, need more of everything we offer as their challenges increase.

We are now looking for passion, commitment and bold leadership from our new Chair. You will have had a senior career in the public, private or voluntary sector, you’ll have grown an organisation sustainably, leading with vision and courage, and engaging and influencing stakeholders internally and externally. You will be entrepreneurial and forward-focused with ambition to effect the change that you will believe in as wholeheartedly as we do. You will lead the Board in a way that ensures we remain relevant and fit for purpose for our next season of growth and impact, while also retaining our resilience and sustainability. You will ensure our CEO and senior leadership team are empowered to lead as effectively as possible in an increasingly complex and challenging environment. 

Qualities we’re looking for:

• Visionary leadership: demonstrates bold, strategic thinking and the ability to inspire and guide the Board and executive team toward long-term sustainable growth
• Commitment to mission: passion for the charity’s purpose and a deep understanding of its social impact
• Influencing & advocacy: skilled in representing the charity externally, influencing key stakeholders, and acting as an ambassador for its work
• Integrity & diplomacy: exercises sound judgment, tact, and discretion in complex and sensitive situations
• Inclusivity & collaboration: fosters a collaborative and inclusive Board culture, encouraging diverse perspectives and constructive challenge

What your day to day in this role will look like:

You’ll show bold and strategic leadership and build a good relationship with our CEO, along with the rest of our leadership team. Efficiency and effectiveness will be key in this governance role, as well as maintaining external relations.

How to Apply:

Eastside People is supporting The Eikon Charity in the recruitment of this role. Please click here to apply by submitting your CV and a cover letter both in Word doc format.

Please use the cover letter (max 2 pages) as an opportunity to add to the information you have shared in your CV and ensure that you cover the following: 

○       Why are you interested in the Chair role at Eikon? 

○       Having read the information pack and understanding who we’re looking for, what relevant experience, skills and personal qualities would you bring to this role? 

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential. If you have a disability or require reasonable adjustments during the application or interview process, please contact us so we can support you appropriately.

The closing date for applications is 27 October. Shortlisting interviews will take place shortly after and shortlisted candidates will have an interview with the panel at Eikon during the week beginning 3 or 10 November.

Are you a qualified accountant, looking to make a real difference to a human rights charity?

The Restraint Reduction Network (RRN) is looking for a dedicated and passionate honorary Treasurer to join our Board of Trustees.  

About the RRN Treasurer role

This is an exciting opportunity to volunteer with the RRN in a vital governance role: the Treasurer maintains an overview of the RRN’s financial affairs, ensuring effective and appropriate financial measures, controls and procedures are in place. As a member of the Board of Trustees, the Treasurer also supports good governance helping set the strategic direction of the charity for the years to come.

The role would suit a qualified accountant with some knowledge of charity accounting and the ability to communicate financial information to the wider board in a clear and accessible way. 

With a passionate Board of Trustees and a committed staff team, you’ll join an organisation focused on positive change.

This is a voluntary role. Any expenses incurred while carrying out the duties of the role will be reimbursed.

About the RRN

RRN is a national charity with an ambitious vision to eliminate the unnecessary use of restrictive practices across health, social care and education. We want to develop a culture of respect for human rights across services.

If you share our vision, we would love to hear from you.

National Ugly Mugs (NUM) is seeking people with a passion for sex workers’ rights and
safety to join our Board of Trustees.

About NUM and the role of trustees
NUM is a UK-wide charity working with sex workers to end all forms of violence against them. We design and deliver safety tools, carry out research, and provide specialist support services for people in adult industries. We serve sex workers of all genders, ages, abilities, cultures, and modes of work. Our secure digital reporting and alerting system warns communities about dangerous individuals, while our experiential support staff and trained Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs) offer one-to-one, trauma-informed advocacy. We ensure sex workers have the information and resources they need to make informed choices about their lives.

Our wellbeing drop-in service (first launched in Glasgow) has now expanded to Manchester and London, alongside the addition of our dedicated vocational support programme for people looking to transition, diversify, or leave sex work. Our racial justice programme reclaims narratives on sex work and race through in-depth conversations, research, and collaborations between racialised sex workers and anti-racist activists, focusing on experiences across five key areas of public life. We conduct research, deliver education packages for professionals, and advocate for policy change to improve safety, rights, and recognition for sex workers across the UK.

We place lived experience at the heart of all services and decision-making, ensuring our
work reflects the needs, priorities, and expertise of the communities we serve.

Trustees at NUM play a vital role in helping us fulfil our core mission of ending all forms of violence against sex workers. They support NUM as an organisation and the members of the NUM team by providing support, advice and guidance through our day-to-day operations and the overall strategic vision of the charity. Some of that takes place at quarterly trustee meetings, where the CEO reports on NUM’s work and brings decisions and choices to the board for discussion and advice, and some takes place between meetings when individual trustees have skills or experience that can support team members and have the time to take on a supportive or mentoring role. Our current trustees bring with them a wide range of
experience from sex worker organising and advocacy, media and public engagement,
campaigning and social justice, academia, finance, and other aspects of the third sector.
They also oversee legally required duties such as approving the annual report, reviewing
risks and finances, and ensuring the charity complies with the law and meets its charitable
objectives.
Trustee roles are voluntary positions. However, NUM will pay for any reasonable expenses incurred as part of the role.

Who we’re looking for
The most important thing is that you believe in NUM’s work and want to join us to help us
continue this. We need people willing to volunteer their time to shape our practice and our services, and guide the charity as we continue to meet the needs of sex workers across the UK.

We particularly welcome applications from those with:

• Lived experience within sex worker communities
• Legal expertise (particularly relating to organisations, governance, and charity law)
• HR expertise (including recruitment, compliance, and employment law)
• Fundraising and income generation expertise

This experience may come from trustee roles, management positions in third-sector organisations, or other relevant voluntary or lived experience. You don’t need prior trustee experience — what matters most is commitment, skills, and a willingness to learn.

We value skills, competencies, and lived experience over job titles, and encourage applicants to draw on the full range of their background — including voluntary roles or sex work-based examples from their working history. We are looking for people who understand the realities of working within a charity and who can bring fresh ideas, insight, and expertise to support NUM’s mission.
If you don't have the specific skills listed above but believe you could contribute in other ways, we’d be happy to hear from you — please get in touch to discuss.

We are looking for Trustees who are proactive and solutions-focused. Individuals who, when they see a challenge, are willing to take the lead in mobilising others and driving practical action. Someone who doesn’t wait to be asked, but steps in with energy, clarity and a positive mindset to help move things forward collectively for NUM and in the pursuit of our
charitable goals.

Other skills and attributes that we would like from any prospective trustees are:

• A strong commitment to the mission and core values of NUM
• A high degree of integrity
• The ability to think strategically and plan for the future with good judgement
• Critical thinking skills
• Creativity
• The ability to work well as part of a team to collectively make decisions surrounding
• NUM’s future work, vision and strategy
• A willingness to undertake any necessary training
• An understanding of safeguarding
• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of being a charity trustee

We know that great boards bring together a mix of perspectives, skills, and experiences - both lived and learned. We’re especially keen to hear from people whose voices are often underrepresented in leadership, including (but not limited to) people with experience in the sex industry, people of colour, LGBTQIA+ people, disabled people, people under 30 years old, and those from working-class backgrounds. If you care about our mission and meet the core criteria, please consider applying - even if you don’t tick every single box.

The responsibilities of trustees at NUM include:

• Attend four regular board meetings a year (online and/or in person)
• Advise on, and help develop, organisational strategy and delivery, including policies that fall within your expertise
• Ensure compliance with governing documents and the law
• Ensure accountability to funders, NUM members and wider movement
• Maintain proper fiscal oversight, signing off and scrutinising reporting against budgets
• Oversee the management of risks to NUM’s funding, reputation and delivery
• Exemplify NUM’s values and culture through ways of working and interacting
• Maintain effective board performance (including appointing new board members)
• Effectively work with, and respect the expertise of the NUM staff and volunteer team

We estimate that the role will require approximately 1–2 days per month, including quarterly meetings and some responsiveness between these. The standard term for a Trustee is 3 years.

Are you passionate about communities and the voluntary sector? Do you want to use your skills, experience or lived insight to help strengthen and support Hampshire’s VCSE (Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise) sector? If so, we’d love to hear from you.

Action Hampshire is currently recruiting new trustees to join our engaged and committed Board. This is an exciting opportunity to help guide the strategic direction of a well-respected organisation that works at the heart of community support across Hampshire.

We’re proud to be two years into delivering an ambitious 3-year strategy focused on:

• Building a sustainable future
• Strengthening our identity and voice
• Fostering a supportive, inclusive workplace
• Becoming more digitally smart and connected

As a Trustee, you’ll play a vital role in helping us achieve these goals and ensuring we stay true to our mission and values.

Whether you’re an experienced Trustee or completely new to the role, what matters most to us is your enthusiasm, curiosity, and commitment to supporting communities. We’re particularly keen to hear from people with a range of experiences and backgrounds—including younger people, people from minoritised groups, and those with lived experience of the challenges our communities face.

You don’t need to know everything from day one—we’ll support you with an induction, ongoing learning, and a friendly, collaborative Board environment.

Our number one requirement is simply a commitment to Action Hampshire’s mission and values. But we would also like you to have the following:

• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort planning how the charity will deliver its charitable purpose
• Good, independent judgement
• An ability to think creatively
• A willingness to speak your mind, but listen to the views of others
• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of being a Trustee (we can help you to understand that better – just ask us)
• An ability to work effectively as a member of a team
• A commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership

The City of Oxford Charity dates back to 1700 and now is embarking on an exciting new phase. Additional funding, grant making, and a major almshouse refurbishment are all part of our commitment to supporting those most in need in the city.

We are proud of our heritage and the Chair will share our passion and enthusiasm for the future. They will deliver strategic leadership, strong governance, and act as an ambassador for the Charity. Working with the CEO and fellow board members, they will uphold our mission and ensure we continue to have a meaningful impact on the City.

Key responsibilities are:

- Lead the Board in setting and delivering strategic direction.
- Ensure effective governance and legal compliance.
- Support and hold the CEO accountable for day-to-day operations.
- Act as an ambassador for the charity, building relationships with stakeholders and the local community.
- Champion the needs and well-being of our almshouse residents.

We Are Looking For
- A deep commitment to our mission and values.
- Experience operating in a senior executive role within the private, public, or charity sectors.
- Strong understanding of governance, finance, and strategy.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Knowledge of Oxford’s social and economic landscape.
- Availability to meet regularly with the CEO and dedicate time to the charity’s work.

Next steps
We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive board and welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds.

Parents Journey UK

After seeing a gap in support for parents of children of “all ages, all stages” of childhood, we are developing a group to become a Registered Charity, Parents Journey UK.

Parenting is rewarding but doesn’t get easier: the challenges just change.
So why should parental support from groups and charities stop once your child has entered school, or enters their teenage years?

While many organisations focus on the earliest stages of parenthood, Parents Journey UK aims to also support parents well beyond those toddler years, whether that be coffee mornings for new parents or social evenings for parents of teenagers. We aim to provide ongoing support through a variety of face-to-face meets and online, with the support of local professionals.

To develop our idea further and start the formal process of Registering a Charity, we are looking for volunteers to become our first trustees.

If you have interest, experience or skills in any of the following, we want to talk with you; and if you don’t have much experience but enthusiasm about this idea, we really want to talk with you:

• Leading our group’s meetings and ensuring they are effective; coordinating the trustees’ group – you could be the Chair of our new charity.
• Coordinating our group’s money, keeping records of finances; ensuring the group complies with our financial rules – you could be the Treasurer of our new charity.
• Keeping accurate administrative records; communicating with other trustees; acting as the backbone of our group – you could be the Secretary of our new charity.

You don’t necessarily need to have done any of these voluntary roles before, as the tasks are easy-enough to learn, and in the early days of forming our charity, will be focused on Registration (and we have assistance with that process). At the same time, as trustees you will be primary in deciding and forming what this new charity does and how it does that. Because of the legal type of charity we are forming, you will not be held liable for the charity’s finances, but expected to take good care of those and of the charity’s activities; training and explanations of trustees’ duties will be provided.

Your skills & abilities that will help us:

• A strong commitment to Parents Journey UK idea, mission and values
• Good communication and teamwork
• Contribution to our strategic thinking and decision-making
• Some knowledge and abilities in social media and marketing would be helpful
• Your background in Finance, Administration, Legal, Safeguarding, or Health and Social Care, would be very useful; of course, experience in other areas is just as valued
• Previous experience as a charity trustee would be highly-valued but isn’t required
• Your willingness to give time to the charity’s activities, probably about a flexible 10 hours per month

What’s in it for you?

• The chance to use your skills in a potentially-different context
• The opportunity to make a real and lasting difference in the lives of parents
• The ability to gain experience into the creation of a charity, and insight into its governance
• An opportunity to volunteer alongside other committed trustees
• A boost to your personal and professional development, including your career and CV, if appropriate

For an informal chat and to find out more about these opportunities and our idea, contact Hayleigh Woolven via Quick Apply below

To apply, we ask for your CV and a brief Cover Letter explaining WHY you’re interested and WHAT you can bring to our newly-developing group.

Respond is seeking a qualified accountant to join the Board of Trustees as honorary Treasurer.

About the Respond Treasurer role

This is an exciting opportunity to volunteer in a vital governance role at Respond: the Treasurer maintains an overview of the charity’s financial affairs, ensuring effective and appropriate financial measures, controls and procedures are in place.

As a member of the Board of Trustees, the Treasurer also supports good governance, helping set the strategic direction of the charity for the years to come.

The role would suit a qualified accountant with some knowledge of charity accounting and the ability to communicate financial information to the wider board in a clear and accessible way. 

With a passionate Board of Trustees and a committed staff team, you’ll join an organisation focused on making a real difference to the lives of people with learning disabilities and autistic people who have experienced abuse, violence or trauma.

Please note this is a voluntary role. Any expenses incurred while carrying out the duties of the role will be reimbursed.

About Respond

Respond is a national charity supporting people with learning disabilities and autistic people who have experienced abuse, violence or trauma. Respond offers psychotherapy and advocacy support and provides specialist trauma informed training for services.

Through specialist advocacy and therapeutic support, we support people to navigate complex systems such as criminal justice, social services and housing, and to cope with the impact of trauma, build healthy relationships and move forward with their lives.

If you are a qualified accountant that shared our passion for supporting survivors, we would love to hear from you.

Crossness Pumping Station (overseen by the Crossness Engines Trust) is a unique and valuable museum of UK and world reknown telling the history of how the ambitious management of sewage transformed London as a city of growth and innovation in the 1860s and helped eradicate cholera. Preserved and restored by a group of enthusiasts since 1987, we are now entering a second phase of major restoration and we need visionary trustees who can help us achieve it.

This role is one of three we have created for experts in their field to help us implement a major programme over the next 5-10 years. It really is your chance to be part of our history!

As well as the usual trustee roles (outlined in the role description attached) the specific skills needed for this role include:

Role Objectives

• Acting as lead expert on the Board in relation to fundraising (eg grant funding, legacy funding, onsite donations, but not commercial trading/visitor charges).
• Advising on good practice and regulatory and policy issues in charity fundraising.
• Identifying future fundraising prospects and working with volunteers to achieve these.

Responsibilities

• Work with a volunteer lead/team on identifying future funding sources from grant-making bodies.
• Develop a fundraising strategy with volunteers.
• Develop corporate fundraising targets with other trustees.
• Investigate legacy fundraising and other visitor/member/donor opportunities.

Candidate requirements

 Essential

• Proven success in heritage or similar charity fundraising.
• Good knowledge of the standards required by the Institute of Fundraising.
• Ability to develop fundraising skills in volunteers.
• Good knowledge of relevant stakeholders in the fundraising community.
• Excellent communication skills including with staff and volunteers as well as fellow trustees.
• An understanding of the importance of collaboration and problem-solving.
• Confident and proficient in the use of MS Office 365.
• Commitment to attend board meetings regularly and volunteer for other sub-committees as appropriate.
• Able to devote around 2-3 hours per week on preparing for meetings.
• Treating colleagues with respect and politeness.

Desirable

• Experience in the charity sector.
• Experience as a volunteer in a similar organisation.
• Experience in Digital, Marketing and Finance would also be useful.

Volunteer Trustee English Language Teaching Experience – International House London

Job Description 

Trustee - International House London (English Language Teaching (ELT) background preferred) 

International House Trust Ltd (trading as International House London, IH London), a registered UK charity is seeking passionate and dedicated new Trustee to join their Board and help drive the mission of delivering high-quality language and communication training that unlocks human potential. As a global leader in language teaching, teacher training, and trainer development, IH London is committed to creating meaningful change in the world by fostering effective communication. 

 We are particularly committed to creating an inclusive environment and are actively seeking applications from individuals from diverse backgrounds, including women and individuals from underrepresented communities, to ensure that our Board truly reflects the communities we serve. Your unique perspective and expertise will help us expand our impact and create lasting change. 

Vision: Do you want to be part of an ambitious, forward-thinking organization that brings people together and acts as a force for positive change? If so, we want to hear from you! 

Specific Expertise: We are actively seeking for candidates with specific expertise and experience in English Language Teaching (ELT) to offer strategic oversight on language training programs. 

Location: Remote 

Report to: Chair of Board of Trustees 

Time commitment: Quarterly Board and Committee Meetings (normally remote), ad hoc issues etc. 

Remuneration: This is an unpaid voluntary role, with reasonable expenses reimbursed 

Responsibilities: As a Trustee, you will play a vital role in shaping the future direction of IH London. 

 Key responsibilities include: 

• Contributing to the strategic and long-term direction of IH London 

• Ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and aligning resources with objectives 

• Protecting and promoting the reputation of IH London and acting in the best interests of the charity 

• Ensuring financial stability, sustainability, and effective risk management 

Person Specification: 

We are looking for candidates who can bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to provide oversight at a senior level to join our strong and committed Trustee Board including: 

Essential 

• A strong track record in education, with clear evidence of career progression including teaching experience and holding a senior position of responsibility. 

• Proven leadership skills. You will display a record of leadership and a proven track record of working at strategic and senior levels, with an ability to provide sound governance and oversight alongside objective, independent judgment. 

• Communication skills. Demonstrable effective written and oral communication skills, the ability to influence others and to advocate on behalf of IH London. 

• Strategic thinking ability. You will demonstrate a proven ability to think strategically, analyse complex concepts and actively contribute to the strategic direction setting of IH London, both over the long and short term. 

Desirable 

• Extensive experience in English Language Teaching (ELT), both in the UK and internationally. 

• Demonstrated engagement with wider industry bodies and professional networks. 

• A history of sharing expertise and knowledge with colleagues and peers. 

• Experience of working within a commercial education environment. 

• Awareness of recent developments and innovations in learning technologies. 

Application process 

If you are interested in joining the Board of one of the world’s most respected English Language educational brands, please submit a CV and a brief covering letter explaining your interest in the role and how your skills can contribute to our success. 

Applications should be sent by 5pm 16 October 2025 

The selection process for shortlisted candidates will include an online conversation with the Chief Executive and a meeting with a group of Trustees. 

Chair of Trustees – School Library Association
Location: Remote, with occasional in-person events
Time commitment: One day per week
Term: 3-year term (term renewable once; a maximum of six years)

Remuneration: Voluntary (expenses reimbursed)
Deadline to apply: 25th September

Are you a strategic leader with a passion for reading and equity in education? Do you want to help shape the future of school libraries and support the next generation of readers?

This is a pivotal moment for the School Library Association (SLA). With a new CEO, a refreshed staff team, and bold plans to launch a new organisational strategy, we are looking for a dynamic and ambitious Chair of Trustees to join us.

We punch well above our weight as a small national charity with big ambitions. You will be joining at a time of transformation, as we strengthen our funding pipeline, build corporate and strategic partnerships, and grow our visibility on the national stage. We recently represented the SLA at Downing Street for the Government’s Year of Reading, and the opportunity to drive systemic change in support of school libraries has never been greater.

We are looking for a Chair who:

• Brings strategic leadership and sound financial oversight
• Can support and challenge the CEO in equal measure
• Has strong relationship-building skills and ambassadorial presence
• Is excited to help shape a new strategy and governance structure
• Shares our passion for reading, education, and inclusion

If this sounds like you, we would love to hear from you.  Download the recruitment pack and apply by 25th September 2025.

St Giles Trust is seeking passionate, committed individuals to join us as a Trustee on our Board of Trustees. As we continue to grow and evolve, we are looking for trustees who bring fresh perspectives, lived experience, and specialist expertise to help guide our strategic direction and strengthen our governance.

About Us

St Giles Trust is an award winning, national charity working to empower people facing adversity. We believe in second chances, equity, and the power of lived experience. Our work spans criminal justice, poverty, exploitation, and violence—supporting people to build better futures.

Who We’re Looking For

We are particularly keen to hear from individuals with experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Human Resources / Organisational Development

• Senior Organisational Leadership

• Criminal Justice System

• Poverty, Exploitation & Violence

• Lived Experience

We welcome applications from people of the global majority (Black, Brown, Multi-heritage), those who identify as disabled, neurodiverse, or who face social barriers. We value the empowering impact of diverse thought and lived experience.

What You’ll Do

As a trustee, you will:

• Attend quarterly board meetings and contribute to strategic decision-making.

• Champion our mission and values.

• Provide insight and challenge to help us grow sustainably and inclusively.

• Support our visibility and credibility with funders and stakeholders.

Key Dates

• Application Deadline: 9.00am, Monday 29 September 2025

• Interviews: Week commencing 13 October 2025

• Meet the Executive Team: Week commencing 20 October 2025

How to Apply

Please send a covering letter (max 1 page) and CV (max 3 pages) outlining how you meet the requirements via the apply button. For full information see our Trustee Information Pack attached. 

This is an exciting time for the Helen Bamber Foundation Group as we continue to grow our impact and strengthen our services for survivors of torture, trafficking, and human cruelty and those seeking protection. Our work is more crucial than ever, as we advocate for vulnerable individuals within a challenging and evolving global landscape.

This year, we are looking to find five inspirational Trustees to join the Group supporting Helen Bamber Foundation and Asylum Aid, comprising three new Trustees for Helen Bamber Foundation and two new Trustees for Asylum Aid. We are also looking for one of those new Trustees to sit on both Boards.

At Helen Bamber Foundation we are looking for three trustees with experience in one or more of the following areas:   policy, advocacy, public affairs or strategic communications; clinical or therapeutic experience; or human rights expertise.

At Asylum Aid, we are looking for two trustees with experience in one or more of the following areas: finance and accounting or someone with lived experience of being an asylum seeker, refugee or having sought another form of humanitarian protection in the UK, or of statelessness.

As a trustee of Helen Bamber Foundation or Asylum Aid, you will be part of a small team of volunteers who are collectively responsible for developing and guiding the strategic direction of the organisation and steering the long-term stability of your charity. 

At Helen Bamber Foundation we are looking for three trustees with experience in one or more of the following areas:   policy, advocacy, public affairs or strategic communications; clinical or therapeutic experience; or human rights expertise.

At Asylum Aid, we are looking for two trustees with experience in one or more of the following areas: finance and accounting or someone with lived experience of being an asylum seeker, refugee or having sought another form of humanitarian protection in the UK, or of statelessness.

For details of how to apply and who to speak to get find out more about this opportunity, please refer to the Trustee Recruitment Pack. 

Leadership and governance of a grant-making trust which supports communities in Luton and also causes that benefit children and young people in the rest of the UK

What will you be doing?

Are you passionate about improving the outcomes of disadvantaged children and young people across the UK?  Are you interested in supporting the communities and local organisations of Luton?

The Steel Charitable Trust really wants to hear from people who are enthusiastic, have a philanthropic mindset and a willingness to involve themselves in aspects of charitable work that they may or may not currently know much about.

The Steel Charitable Trust is looking for a new Trustee to help provide the governance and leadership needed as we roll out our new five-year strategy. Suitable candidates are likely to have skills in all or some of the following, gained through professional or voluntary experience:

• governance
• strategic development and planning
• general/operations management

The role does not offer remuneration, but all necessary expenses are reimbursed.

The Trust has two grant-making strands (each of them accounting for about 50% of its annual grant giving):

• Luton Matters: designed to bring benefits to Luton and its residents, in recognition of the Trust's roots in Luton; expressions of interest are invited for this strand, and Trustees select which organisations will be invited to make a full application.
• UK Under-26: supporting charities that work with young people up to the age of 25 in any part of the UK except Luton. The UK Under-26 strand is moving to a by invitation only model in 2026. 

Trustees with lived experience of the causes the Trust currently supports or the challenges faced by the town of Luton and its varied communities are also most welcome.

The Steel Charitable Trust is an endowed UK-registered charity (272384) that makes grants of around £1.4m a year, to UK-registered charities and for charitable purposes.  The Trust is committed to good governance and seeks to reflect the UK's diverse and multicultural society.  Since its foundation in 1976 the Trust has given £37 million in grants to charities across the UK. Its website contains a full history of the Trust including its strong connection to Luton.

What are we looking for?

Applicants should be able to demonstrate experience of leadership and decision-making. More details are available in the role description.

The following qualities are key to being a good Trustee:

• a willingness to devote the necessary time and effort
• a commitment to the organisation
• an understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship 
• strategic vision
• good, independent judgement and integrity
• an ability to think creatively
• the ability to read and understand management reports
• the ability to research and ask probing questions
• a willingness to speak their mind
• being comfortable in a decision-making environment where often a consensus needs to be reached from differing views
• the ability to work effectively as a member of a team
• organised and self-motivated
• general competence using IT 

What difference will you make?

Not only do Trustees make the key decisions in the strategic direction of the Trust, they also actively take part in grant-making decisions, connecting them directly with organisations that deliver work on the ground.

Before you apply

Please apply through Reach in the first instance, highlighting your relevant experience and what interests you about the role. If longlisted, you may be asked to complete a short application form so that we can bring together candidates from various platforms.

First interview date for long-listed candidates (on Teams): Friday 3 October 2025; Interview date for short-listed candidates (in London): Monday 13 October 2025

St Leonards Youth & Community Centre are looking for someone with accounting experience to join the Board as a Trustee to advise on financial matters, ensure we meet our financial obligations, and help us build a sound financial strategy.

What will you be doing?

As a trustee you will share collective responsibility for the governance of the charity and all decisions made by the board, ensuring the organisation is well run, fulfils its mission, is compliant with charity law and that the charity is open and accountable. The Treasurer leads the financial affairs of the charity and ensures that they are conducted within required legal and accounting best practice. It is also the responsibility of the Treasurer to work in partnership with the Chairperson and other trustees to ensure the financial viability and development of the organisation.

Key tasks:

• ensure the board fulfils its financial responsibilities
• ensure that the Charity has proper systems for budgeting, financial control, insurance and reporting
• inform the trustee board members of the finances of the Charity by written report, at least on a quarterly basis ensuring that the board have a clear picture of the financial health of the food bank
• ensure that financial reports: are comprehensible and properly discussed at trustee board meetings; are provided in the proper format and at the proper time, as required by the relevant charity regulator body (Charity Commission of England & Wales); have properly appointed auditors or independent examiners, as our income is over £25K

Other responsibilities, along with the board of trustees, include:

• to approve, support and guide the charity’s purpose, vision, strategy, goals and objectives
• to manage the charity’s resources responsibly, including ensuring the charity’s assets are used only to carry out its purpose, avoid undue risk and not over-commit the charity
• to ensure the effective and efficient administration of the charity, responding to changes in the local community as appropriate
• to ensure that key risks are identified, monitored and controlled appropriately
• To ensure appropriate financial plans are in place, budgets are monitored and progress is evaluated
• to provide financial statements
• to help promote the organisation to key stakeholders and beneficiaries
• to ensure the charity has appropriate procedures to comply with current legislation and good practice, including employment, health and safety, equality, diversity and inclusion, safeguarding and GDPR compliance/data protection
• to prepare for and regularly attend and participate in board and subcommittee meetings and any trustee away days.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for people who want to help their local community. Our ideal candidates would demonstrate:

• a knowledge of, and commitment to, the work of St Leonards Youth & Community Centre
• a willingness to engage with the local community, including our beneficiaries and volunteers
• previous experience or an ability in: financial accounting and reporting procedures; communicating financial information to those who may have little or no financial background; keeping all financial records up to date
• confidence to actively participate in discussions concerning the needs of the charity, always acting in its best interests
• experience of working effectively with others
• sound, independent judgement and the ability to think creatively

What difference will you make?

By leading on the financial matters of the charity’s operation, you are part of providing a vital holistic support function in your local community, ensuring a dignified experience to anyone visiting or coming into contact with St Leonards Youth & Community Centre.