Finance volunteer roles

Are you passionate about supporting young people and giving back to your community?

Whether you have experience in fundraising, governance, building corporate partnerships, or simply a willingness to get involved and make a difference – we’d love to hear from you! 

About us 

We’re part of the Royal Air Force Air Cadets, a national youth organisation empowering 12- to 20-year-olds through flying, adventure training, sports, and leadership development. 

West Mercian Wing supports over 900 cadets across 27 Squadrons in Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Shropshire, the Black Country, and overseas in Cyprus. 

Each squadron has a committee, a team of trustees who support the squadron by overseeing governance, fundraising, and building community partnerships. Trustees are vital in ensuring squadrons can continue providing incredible opportunities for cadets. 

Squadrons in this sector 

• 156 (Kidderminster) Squadron, Army Reserve Centre, The Shrubbery, Birmingham Road, Kidderminster, Worcestershire, DY10 2BY 
• 187 (City of Worcester) Squadron, Cadet HQ, Perdiswell, Worcester, Worcestershire, WR3 7JU
• 216 (Redditch) Squadron, Kohima House Army Reserve Centre, Winyates Way, North Moon's Moat, Redditch, Worcestershire, B98 9PJ 
• 233 (Pershore) Squadron, Pershore High School, Station Road, Pershore, Worcestershire, WR10 2BU 
• 1017 (Malvern) Squadron, Dukes Meadow, Barnards Green, Malvern, Worcestershire, WR14 2BY 
• 2516 (Droitwich) Squadron, Cadet Centre, Heritage Way, Droitwich, Worcestershire, WR9 8RF 

Why become a trustee? 

Volunteering as a trustee isn’t just about helping others - it’s about growing yourself too! 

• Gain valuable experience in leadership, governance, and fundraising. 

• Expand your network and become part of a supportive team. 

• Make a lasting difference to young people in your community. 

• Shape the future of an organisation with a rich legacy. 

What’s involved? 

Meetings are structured but friendly, typically every three months for around two hours. A typical agenda includes: 

• Updates from the Chairperson, Treasurer, and Squadron Commander 

• Funding requests and financial decisions 

• Future planning, upcoming events, and key priorities 

• Opportunities to contribute based on your skills and interests 

Beyond meetings, involvement is flexible depending on your availability and expertise. 

What we’re looking for 

We welcome all backgrounds and skill levels, but we’d particularly love to hear from those with experience in: 

• Fundraising 

• Governance & charity compliance 

• Corporate partnerships 

No military background or youth work experience is required—just enthusiasm, reliability, and a passion for making a difference! 

Opportunities for progression 

Trustees can take on leadership roles within their squadron, support squadrons at sector or wing level, or even contribute to regional and national RAF Air Cadets governance. Some trustees also transition into squadron volunteer roles, working directly with cadets. 

To join us, you’ll need to 

• Be 20 years or older 

• Have lived in the UK for at least 3 years 

• Attend an evening meeting every three months (varies by squadron) 

• Bring enthusiasm, reliability, and a willingness to support young people. 

Typical joining process: 

1. Submit an expression of interest. 

2. We’ll invite you to visit your chosen squadron to learn more. 

3. Complete a simple online application if invited. 

4. Undergo a DBS and background check. 

This process usually takes a few weeks, depending on availability and checks. 

Ready to make an impact? 

If you’re excited about supporting young people and helping your local squadron thrive, we’d love to hear from you!

Are you interested in becoming the next Treasurer for CARAS? 

We are looking for a treasurer to oversee the financial management of the charity and report to the trustees at quarterly meetings about its financial health.
 

About CARAS

Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) works with people of refugee backgrounds to provide practical, educational, and social help. We create supportive relationships, networks, and spaces that enable people to access what they need in order to improve their wellbeing and safety. Our team of staff and volunteers run a large range of activities and services which offer a place of welcome to refugees and asylum seekers, working with them to recognise skills and develop potential. 

CARAS has become one of the largest providers of refugee support in south London, including working with large numbers of unaccompanied and separated children. We have responded to changes in demographics and are proud of our ability to remain agile. 

Co-chair Role 

• Oversee and present budgets, management accounts and annual financial statements to the board 
• Ensure that proper accounting records are kept and financial resources are properly controlled, invested in line with good governance, legal and regulatory
• requirements;
• Oversee the charity’s financial reserves,
• Liaise with the finance manager, CEO and any other relevant members of staff 
• responsible for the financial activities of the organisation
• Chair the finance working group and manage the agenda 
• Monitor and advise on the financial viability of the charity
• Oversee the implementation of and monitor financial controls and adherence to systems
• Advise on the financial implications of the charity’s strategy
• Liaise with the risk lead regarding financial risk management 
• Act as a counter-signatory on charity cheques and important applications to funders
• Liaise with the independent examiner/ auditors 
   

What We Are Looking For

• Professional experience in a finance role (charity finance would be a bonus)
• A keen sense of strategic purpose. 
• An inclusive leadership style
• The ability to listen and engage effectively. 
• An advocate to champion CARAS’s work through personal networks and other channels.
• A strong commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. 
• Flexibility (as a growing charity, it helps to have co-chairs who are available and responsive) 

We encourage applications from people who have been through the UK asylum or immigration system, people of colour, disabled people, and LGBTQI+ people.

Time Commitment

Four meetings per year (in the evenings, alternating between online and at CARAS’s office in Tooting), one away day per year (usually at the weekend), leadership of the finance working group, regular meetings with the finance manager, and occasional attendance at activities (this can be arranged either during the day, in the evenings, or weekends).

Closing Date
We will assess and respond to applications as they are received.

As a Trustee at NSDAS with a focus on the Treasurer role, you will play a vital part in ensuring the financial stability and integrity of the charity. You will work closely with the Board of Trustees CEO and Finance Manager to oversee the financial management of the charity, providing strategic guidance and ensuring compliance with certain regulatory requirements.

The role of the Treasurer 

·Oversee the charity’s financial management and reporting, ensuring transparency and accountability.

·Work closely with the CEO and Board to develop a long-term financial strategy.

·Ensure compliance with charity finance regulations and best practices.

·Contribute to financial reports to the Board, making complex information accessible and actionable.

·Manage and review the work of the Finance Manager.

North Surrey Domestic Abuse Service (NSDAS) supports anyone affected by domestic abuse and their children living in the boroughs of Elmbridge, Spelthorne and Epsom and Ewell. We provide free, confidential and independent advice, skilled practical help and ongoing emotional support and information, regardless of sex, race, ability, gender, religion or income level.

Norwich University of the Arts is seeking visionary, values-driven leaders to join its governing body, the Council, helping to shape strategy and champion innovation, inclusion and excellence at one of the UK’s most distinctive creative institutions.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Wednesday 19th November.

Norwich University of the Arts (NUA) is a renowned institution with a proud heritage dating back to 1845. Today, we are a vibrant, forward-thinking university specialising in arts, design and media, where creativity is celebrated and community is everything. We pride ourselves on delivering an exceptional student experience—one that inspires ambition, nurtures talent and creates a sense of belonging.

Our commitment to excellence in teaching is consistently recognised through independent awards and assessments. Most recently, we were proud to be named the first-ever Arts University of the Year for 2025, a testament to the passion, innovation and excellence that define NUA.

Looking ahead, our 2022–2027 Strategy sets out a bold vision: to become a leading voice in shaping the future of creativity and creative arts education. Our strategy champions well-being, global perspectives, and deep industry collaboration—empowering individuals while strengthening the creative sector both locally and worldwide through transformative education and practice.

As a university, we are now seeking three new Independent Governors to join our Council and support us on our strategic journey. We welcome individuals who bring expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• Innovation and entrepreneurship in the creative industries
• Human Resources or organisational development
• Finance

This is a unique opportunity for senior leaders to bring their expertise to a dynamic and forward-thinking university. As experienced leaders with a passion for strategic vision and a commitment to fostering a thriving academic environment, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of higher education and making a lasting contribution to the creative industries. If you are driven to make a meaningful impact through governance and long-term leadership, we warmly invite you to contribute your insights and apply.

Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Wednesday 19th November.

For nearly 50 years, nia has provided high quality, women-led services across North and East London. nia has three main aims: to provide services for women, children and young people who have experienced male violence, working to end men’s violence against women and girls, and to inform and influence policy and public awareness.

nia’s values, and our commitment to upholding them, set us apart. We put women first – always and without hesitation: we believe women, we are run by women, for women. We leave no woman behind: we challenge inequality and discrimination and believe that uniting women of all backgrounds is essential to ending the sex-based oppression of women.

 We have a voluntary Board of Trustees who have the ultimate responsibility for directing nia and ensuring that the organisation is well-run. Our trustees are passionate feminists and include women with a wide range of skills and include women who have experienced sexual and domestic violence and ex-service users of specialist women’s services.

The role of the Treasurer is to provide financial expertise and direction to the board of Trustees. The Treasurer’s aim is to oversee and scrutinise financial information to enable the board to fulfil their responsibilities for the overall governance and strategic direction of the nia.

The Treasurer will ensure that the organisation complies with its governing document, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations and to make sure that the organisation pursues its objects as defined in its governing document.

The Treasurer’s role is also to work in partnership with the Chief Executive and Director of Finance helping them achieve the aims of the organisation and maintain fiscal health, accountability and stability.

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 management of Crossness as a heritage asset.
• Advising on regulatory and policy issues in heritage buildings and assets.
• Ensuring high standards of achievement in all aspects relating to Museum Accreditation including Building restoration, Collections and Archives.

Responsibilities

• Liaising with the Restoration, Archives and other relevant teams including developing work plans.
• Overseeing funding requirements in major grant applications.
• Being part of the Building Condition Survey sub-group.
• Liaising with volunteers and suppliers on developing work plans and ensuring their completion.
• Contribute to financial and business plans to achieve the heritage asset goals of the Trust.

Candidate requirements

Essential

• Experience working in a senior heritage management role.
• Excellent understanding of the needs of heritage assets and the roles of volunteers and staff in their management.
• Understanding of key stakeholder networks and sources of information useful to the Trust.
• 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 working in the charity sector.
• Experience as a volunteer at a similar organisation.
• Experience in Digital, Marketing and Finance would also be useful.

Seeking a Trustee Director for The Retreat Clinics.  We have delivered mental health treatment and care for over 200 years, and we are still governed by Quaker Values. We offer psychological therapies and assessments for Autism and ADHD, both online and from our home base in York and our offices in Manchester.

Following major changes in our structure, we are now refreshing our strategy and business plan to better meet the needs of young people and adults through in-person and online assessment and talking therapy, supported by prescribing and shared care.  We hold an NHS contract and also offer privately funded care.

Do you have the experience and skills to shape the future of mental health care? 

Our Trustee team would like to expand, and seek one or more colleagues to support and enhance Board skills with your experience and knowledge base.  Board meetings are held every other month in person in York (approx half a day), with an informal meeting online between.  Trustees with specialist skills may be asked to serve on Committees (Quality & Safety / Finance  etc) and these meetings are all held online. Quakers and people who are happy to work with Quaker Values are warmly invited to apply via CV and accompanying letter

Trustees play a vital role in making a positive impact on the lives of the people we support. We do this through personalised, affordable care, sharing a home and family life, and supporting involvement in the local community.

What will you be doing?

About Shared Lives South WestShared Lives South West recruits, trains and supports individuals and families (Shared Lives Carers) who can offer accommodation and care for adults with care and support needs in their home, enabling the person to share in family life and maintain their independence. This is known as Shared Lives.If I join Shared Lives South West as a trustee what can I expect? You will be joining an enthusiastic and committed team of trustees. Induction and training for the role will be provided. The appointment will run for three years and be subject to an annual review with the Chair of the Board. 

Two further terms of three years may be agreed. You will be required to sign a confidentiality agreement, declare any relevant business interests and complete an insolvency check as well as a charity related parties register prior to your first Board meeting. You will be required to declare, on an ongoing basis, any further relevant business interests and/or conflicts of interest that may arise. 

You will help enrich the lives of people we support by becoming a part of this friendly charity known for providing high quality support to people as recognised by our current 'Outstanding' CQC award. You stand to also enrich your own life through the empowering and satisfying sector of volunteering as well as having access to training and development opportunities through SLSW.This is a voluntary post and would be offered subject to satisfactory references and DBS check.Trustees will be asked to commit to:• Endeavouring to be available for up to 7 meetings per year with a requirement to attend at least 50%• Endeavouring to be available for the annual Board Away Day• Be able to respond via email to discussion and potential issues between board meetings• Supporting SLSW staff by being able to be involved on an ad hoc basis in an identified area of interest• Being involved in one task and finish group/sub-group per annum if/as required• Complete an induction programme as required during the first six months of their appointment, including a visit to a SLSW household• Complete a programme of mandatory training, proportionate to the role, renewed every three years• Attend an annual review with the Chair

What are we looking for?

Trustees use skills and personal experience to:• Ensure SLSW complies with its governing document and all charity and other appropriate laws• Ensure compliance with the values, ethos and ethics of SLSW• Approve policies and plans to achieve strategic objectives, especially those with significant financial risk or risk management implications• Contribute to the development of SLSW strategy and business planning processes.• Scrutinise and sign off each year’s financial accounts prior to publication and acceptance and agree each year’s annual budget• Play your part in ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks• Help ensure the Board sets challenging goals and targets for the organisation and monitors these effectively• Participate in the recruitment of Leadership Team and other staff members as requiredWe are looking for new trustees who will complement our existing board. Previous board-level experience is welcome but not essential.We value fresh perspectives and provide the training and support needed to succeed. If you can commit time, bring curiosity and are willing to contribute your skills, we would love to hear from you.We welcome applications from adults of all backgrounds and identities and are striving to ensure our board reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. 

What difference will you make?

Trustees have independent control and legal responsibility for the charity’s management and administration. They support the strategic development and success of SLSW through ensuring good strategic planning, effective governance and the monitoring of the performance of the organisation.As a trustee, you will work alongside the chair, vice chair and other trustees to bring good governance and strategic oversight. You will share responsibility with other trustees and the Leadership Team for the success of the organisation.Our service supports adults over 18 years of age and occasionally young people in transition into adult services from the age of 16 upwards. We currently support around 300 people on a long-term basis in around 270 shared lives homes and have up to a further 140 people using our short break services.We provide support to people with learning disabilities, people who have a diagnosis of dementia, a physical or sensory disability, mental ill health and parents who have a learning disability with their child.We currently have five contracts from local authorities across Cornwall, Devon and Somerset to support our work and a range of project funding totalling around £1.8 million per annum.

Before you apply

Please apply through Reach in the first instance. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to complete our additional short application form.

York Archaeological Trust for Research and Excavation, an educational and research charity, is currently looking for new trustees to join its board during an exciting period of development. 

Having celebrated our 50th anniversary in 2022, we are committed to building on the vision that began with the Coppergate excavation in York and the opening of the internationally renowned  Jorvik Viking Centre, and to harnessing archaeology for educational and public benefit. Engaging with more than 1.2 million people annually, and with centres of archaeology and conservation in York and Nottingham we work throughout the UK and internationally providing leading-edge field investigation, analysis and connecting communities with their past. 

We are seeking to recruit candidates from a range of different backgrounds and with different perspectives, both to ensure the best possible decision-making, and to reflect the range of communities in which we work. We are keen to hear from those who can offer expertise and experience in any of the following areas:

• Strategic financial management. With succession planning in mind for the role of Chair of our Finance and Audit Committee, we are seeking a candidate with considerable professional financial expertise, underpinned with a formal first-tier accounting qualification and proven commercial acumen. Business experience of the charity sector from either an employed or voluntary capacity would be an advantage
• Business process improvement, IT and cyber security. This trustee position is open to non-finance specialists as well as those who have a financial background
• Strategic leadership of a visitor attraction in the heritage sector
• Educational strategy, including the role of virtual and online learning
• Archaeology in a commercial context
• Charitable fundraising. 

However, no-one is excluded from applying. Above all, we are looking for people who share our aim of making the past accessible for everyone, and who want to help lead the Trust accordingly. We are open to applications from those who don’t have previous board experience. Experience of the charity sector is desirable but not essential. 

Trustees are appointed for a three-year term, renewable to a maximum of nine years. The role includes a commitment to attend four board meetings per year and the Annual General Meeting.  Trustees are also expected to contribute some additional time to sub committees and/or Steering Groups in line with their interests and expertise. Trustees are not remunerated, but we can cover reasonable travel and accommodation expenses. 

We are seeking passionate and skilled individuals to join our Board of Trustees. As a trustee, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of WHY, setting our direction and strategy, and ensuring we build strong foundations for continued impact.

The Board has identified specific skills that would greatly benefit WHY at this time:

• A trustee with clinical experience in counselling or therapy

• A trustee with accountancy or financial expertise

​Trustees are appointed for an initial four-year term, with members typically serving up to three terms for continuity. The Board meets six times per year. In addition, trustees are encouraged to take on responsibilities, actively support staff, and participate in events.

We Hear You (WHY) is a local cancer charity providing free and low-cost professional counselling and therapy to children, young people and adults affected by cancer and other life- threatening conditions in Bath and North East Somerset, Somerset and Wiltshire.

Would you like to improve the urban walking environment and our quality of life? Living Streets, the UK charity for everyday walking, is looking for an enthusiastic and experienced person to chair our board of voluntary trustees. 

We are a charity that can influence anyone’s daily life. Our mission is to achieve a better walking environment and inspire people to walk more. 

This is a pivotal time in our history: with a dynamic and experienced new Chief Executive, Catherine Woodhead; and a period of development, with a new strategy incoming that will take us towards our centenary in 2029. 

With our thousands of members and supporters we run campaigns for positive change and influence policies that improve our streets such as encouraging families to walk to school, 20mph speed limits and controlling pavement parking. 

We manage innovative national projects, engaging schools, communities and workplaces to encourage more people to walk short journeys. Our year-round walk to school challenge captures the imagination of children in over 2000 schools. 

We work with local authorities and businesses to improve streets and public spaces. Our reports, such as The Pedestrian Pound, make a substantial contribution to the active travel agenda. 

We are seeking someone with strong leadership and networking skills, with experience of good governance and helping organisations through growth. You will possess a substantial reputation which will add to the credibility of Living Streets. The role is a voluntary unpaid position, though reasonable expenses will be reimbursed. The term of office is for six years.

Closing date: 03/11/2025 (12pm)

Interviews: 20/11/2025 

Interview Location: London Head Office 

The Conference Officer takes the lead of running the Annual National Conference. This includes the organisation of a sub-committee, financing, logistics, content of the training eg. speakers and social aspects. In addition to organising the conference, they should organise attendance at other conferences for recruitment and fundraising purposes. This should
include comic conventions and medical conferences.

Hillingdon Women’s Centre is seeking to recruit enthusiastic new Trustees to join our existing Board and actively contribute to the existing strength and growth of the charity!

About

Trustees typically attend monthly board meetings, with occasional activities between meetings. The estimated time commitment is around 2 hours per typical month. New trustees will be supported with induction and access to ongoing training, including safeguarding and governance. We particularly welcome applications from women with lived experience of the issues we work on, and from those connected to the communities we serve in Hillingdon and surrounding boroughs. As a trustee, you’ll help shape the strategic direction of the Centre and ensure we continue to provide vital, trauma-informed support to women in Hillingdon and beyond.

About Hillingdon Women’s Centre

Hillingdon Women’s Centre is a women’s charity based in the London Borough of Hillingdon. For almost 40 years, we have been supporting the needs of women in our community. We provide access to services and work with women to help them overcome barriers in their lives and thrive. We are a proudly feminist, safe, and women-only space, inclusive of all women.

We are passionate about gender equality and ending Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG). Our services are client-led; we listen, provide information, and enable women to make their own choices and take control of their lives.

Purpose of the Trustee role: 

Trustees have independent control over, and legal responsibility for, a charity’s management and administration. As such, they are required to:
 

• Ensure the charity is carrying out its purposes for public benefit

• Comply with the charity’s governing document and the law

• Act in the charity’s best interests

• Manage the charity’s resources responsibly

• Act with reasonable care and skill

• Ensure the charity complies with statutory accounting and reporting requirements

Key Trustee responsibilities: 

• Definition and review of a strategy/business plan for the charity in line with its objectives

• Set and maintain the vision, mission and values.

• Definition and review of charity policies and procedures

• Review and management of risks

• Attendance at board meetings, including the AGM

• Recruitment and management of the Centre Manager

• Review of financial processes and accounting

• General oversight and management of the charity premises

• Generation of funding for the charity, i.e. completion of grant applications, execution of fundraising activities, securing donors and ambassadors for the charity

• Promotion of the charity externally

We’re particularly seeking individuals with expertise in:

• Fundraising and income generation (e.g. donor engagement, campaign development, marketing strategy)

• Financial audit and compliance

• HR and people management

• External/public affairs and advocacy

• Governance and charity finance

• Strategic thinking and change management

• Lived experience of domestic abuse or connection to the communities we serve

Person Specification

We are looking for individuals who demonstrate:

• Integrity

• Strategic thinking and the ability to see the bigger picture

• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties and responsibilities of a Trustee

• Willingness to devote the time and effort to the role

• Good independent judgement and creative thinking

• Ability to constructively contribute to conversations

• Ability to work effectively as part of a team

We are committed to creating a board that reflects the diversity of our community. If you have access needs or require support with the application process, please let us know.
 

How to apply

• Please send a short expression of interest and your CV 

• If you’d like to have an informal conversation before applying, we’d be happy to arrange a chat.

• Whether you're a seasoned professional or someone with transferable experience and a passion for our mission, we would welcome your application. If you’re passionate about gender equality and want to help shape the future of HWC, we’d love to hear from you.

Please note: This is a voluntary role, open to local female UK residents only. This is to ensure compliance with governance, legal, and operational requirements relevant to our charity’s work. 

​Who are Governors for Schools?

Governors for Schools operates across England and Wales to improve educational standards and ensure all children and young people have the chance to realise their full potential.

We believe the key to improving school performance is effective governance. By finding, nurturing and supporting a committed network of governors, we drive positive systematic change that benefits each and every student, regardless of their background.

Governors for Schools recruits and matches volunteers with school governing boards and provides ongoing support.

What’s involved?

There are governor vacancies across England and Wales. Some schools are also looking for remote governors who don't need to live near the school they support.

Governors volunteer at board level to set the strategic vision for their school. This involves constructively challenging current processes, using your unique skills to support senior leaders, and overseeing school finances. You’ll be involved in areas such as monitoring, budget management, and data analysis. As well as putting your expertise to good use, you’ll have the opportunity to develop your professional skills. Ultimately, you’ll work towards facilitating the delivery of a broad and exciting curriculum and oversee wellbeing and inclusion initiatives. Governance represents a fantastic opportunity to develop yourself while making a real impact on the education of children and young people.

Governors work collaboratively with the headteacher and other members of the board, including parents and school staff. In most schools, full board meetings are held termly, as are committee meetings. Many governors will sit on a committee linked to their expertise or interests, such as teaching and learning or finance and resources. In addition to attending meetings, governors will need to read the papers in advance, complete training courses, and occasionally visit their school.

Governors usually support schools for a period of four years and with an estimated time commitment of 7 hours per month. During these hours, you will attend meetings, read papers, attend training sessions, and make occasional visits to school.

Who can be a governor?

The most important part of being a governor is the ability to ask questions, provide support and have the best interests of the school at heart. You don't have to be a parent or have experience in education to become a governor. Schools seek a  wide range of skills to support the board, including finance, HR, and data analysis.

Boards also need governors with a diversity of backgrounds and lived experiences to ensure a range of perspectives are considered during board meetings.

Schools welcome professional experience, as well as community insight and experience of working collaboratively.

You need to be aged 18 or above and there are certain criminal convictions that would exclude you from the role. A Disclosure and Barring Service check will be carried out by the school.

What’s the process?

You can find out more about the school governor role by attending one of our recruitment webinars.

You can complete your online profile on the website, including your motivation to take on the role, your skills and your school preferences. Your regional Partnership Manager will then look at vacancies that match your requirements. Once a school is identified, you will have the opportunity to discuss the role with them in more detail, visit the school, and observe a meeting. If appointed, a DBS check will take place and, in some cases, the school will seek references.

Ongoing support

Governors for Schools isn’t just a matching service. We want to help you thrive in your role through bespoke and ongoing support. We provide eLearning and monthly webinars covering a variety of topics to increase your knowledge of the education sector and governance. You’ll also have access to The Key for School Governors, an information hub designed to show new governors the ropes and offer a useful point of reference for existing governors.