Fundraising event volunteer volunteer volunteer roles in Ilford, greater london

Become a Fundraisng Team Leader Volunter!

The difference you will make to cats and people

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising team leaders have the exciting and varied role of inspiring our fundraising volunteers to plan and deliver local fundraising events. Using their passion and imagination, they oversee a small team of fundraising volunteers who come together to raise the vital funds needed to cover costs such as veterinary bills and food. Our fundraising team leaders support their team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure our volunteers are happy, confident and supported.

You can expect us to

• make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

You'll be:

• supporting and encouraging a team of fundraising volunteers
• planning fundraising events and activities with your team
• allocating tasks before and during fundraising events
• keeping financial records from fundraising events
• encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection
• following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events

Time expectation

Our fundraising team leaders usually spend three to four hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

You may be just the volunteer we've been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.

This Role Brings People Together to Fund Change

At Tell My Truth and Shame the Devil C.I.C., our events are more than fundraising, they are experiences that build community, raise awareness and mobilise support. The Fundraising Events Coordinator ensures that every event, from small community gatherings to large-scale campaigns, is organised, compelling, and aligned with C.I.C values. You will manage planning, logistics, partnerships, and execution, creating spaces where donors, volunteers, and community members can connect, engage, and contribute.

This is not a casual party-planning role, it is strategic, operational, and central to our movement-building work.

About the role:

To plan, organise, and deliver fundraising events and community initiatives that engage supporters, generate income, and strengthen relationships while ensuring alignment with C.I.C values, safeguarding, and operational standards.

Experience Qualification and Requirements

Essential / Highly Valued Experience

• Strong Experience planning, coordinating, and delivering events, campaigns, or community initiatives.
• Familiarity with fundraising or donor-focused events.
• Budgeting and financial tracking for events.
• Experience coordinating volunteers or small teams.
• Strong organisational and project management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines, logistics, and stakeholders.
• Competence in using spreadsheets, event management tools, or CRM systems.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for engaging donors, volunteers, and partners.
• Knowledge of safeguarding, GDPR, and health & safety considerations for events.
• Ability to evaluate event success and provide actionable recommendations.
• Experience producing promotional or campaign content in collaboration with communications teams.

Desirable / Can Be Developed

• Experience with digital or hybrid event platforms.
• Understanding of donor engagement strategies and campaign alignment.
• Experience working in volunteer-led or grassroots organisations.
• Familiarity with sponsorship acquisition and management.
• Skills in post-event reporting and data analysis for donor retention.

Qualifications

• Formal qualifications not required, but desirable 
• Equivalent, essential professional experience in events, fundraising, or project coordination is highly mandatory.

Main Responsibilities/ Key Duties

• Plan, coordinate, and execute fundraising events, campaigns, and community initiatives, both in-person and virtual.
• Develop event concepts and strategies aligned with the C.I.C’s mission, fundraising goals, and target audiences.
• Manage all event logistics, including venues, suppliers, volunteers, schedules, and budgets.
• Collaborate with the Fundraising Director to ensure events support broader fundraising strategies and income targets.
• Work with Content and Donor Communication Specialists to create promotional materials, event invitations, and campaign messaging.
• Coordinate with the Finance Liaison Officer and Data and Donor Relations Officer to track sponsorships, ticket sales, donations, and in-kind contributions.
• Ensure all events comply with safeguarding, health and safety, GDPR, and C.I.C policies.
• Recruit, brief, and manage volunteers supporting events, providing guidance and supervision as needed.
• Oversee post-event follow-up, including donor acknowledgement, surveys, and reporting to leadership.
• Monitor and evaluate event performance, providing recommendations for improvement and lessons learned for future activities.
• Maintain clear records of event budgets, attendance, outcomes, and feedback.
• Support community engagement and participation, ensuring events are inclusive, accessible, and reflective of C.I.C values.
• Act as the point of contact for external partners, sponsors, and stakeholders involved in events.
• Contribute to long-term planning for recurring or annual fundraising initiatives.

This role is not suitable if you:

• Prefer low-responsibility volunteer work
• Avoid hands-on or logistical challenges
• Are seeking immediate paid employment
• Are uncomfortable managing sensitive, trauma-informed, or high-profile events

Important to Be Clear:

• This is a volunteer role during the C.I.C’s build phase
• It carries real responsibility for planning and delivering impactful events
• Paid roles will emerge as funding and sustainability allow

Formal qualifications are not required, but desirable.
Essential equivalent experience mandatory.

Next Steps:

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to:

• A values-led conversation
• A practical discussion about event planning, coordination, and execution

If you believe that well-organised, purposeful events can change communities, and that experiences inspire action, this role is for you.

A Final Word
Events bring people together.
Safety keeps them coming back.

If you know that:
Inclusive spaces protect dignity. Planning is part of safeguarding. Care creates community. 

About us

The CFDN is a registered charity and voluntary organisation dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities and their families of all faiths and none across Essex & East London. Our mission is simple but important: to serve people with disabilities and their families by creating a supportive community and promoting opportunity through our network and events.​

Our charity is run by volunteers and led by our trustees and CEO, who are dedicated to keeping our community strong and vibrant. From swimming events at Leyton Lagoon to family disco's, bi-weekly pub group for adults, Saturday club for adults, theatre trips, family BBQs, seaside coach trips, adventure days at Lambourne End Centre for Outdoor Learning and much more, we offer a diverse range of events to suit everyone's interests.
 

Introduction

We are seeking dedicated individuals to join our team of Volunteer Community Fundraisers and Event Coordinators. As a volunteer, you will have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of people with disabilities and their families and contribute to the betterment of your community. This is a rewarding and fulfilling role that allows you to share your skills, experiences, creativity, have fun and give back.

Please note this is not a paid role but the volunteer will be able to claim reasonable expenses in line with policy. We ask that volunteers commit to a minimum of 4 hours a month.

Location: Across East London and Essex, including Redbridge, Waltham Forest and Havering

Our Charity

The CFDN charity has been in existence since 1962 servicing people with disabilities and their families of all faiths and none across Essex and East London. We rely on our dedicated volunteers to help us support our community and enable people with disabilities with the social, emotional, spiritual and material support they may need.

Many of our volunteers have been with us for 20+ years, and we are looking to extend our dynamic and diverse workforce of volunteers and staff.

Responsibilities

- Help plan, organise and run fundraising initiatives and events

- Market and promote our events and activities across your area

- Assist with project management, including planning, organising, and executing community fundraising projects and events at a local level

- Participate in fundraising efforts face-to-face, online or remotely to support community programs

- Keep up to date with compliance, statutory and mandatory training provided by the charity. Opportunities to learn and develop.

- Promote a fun, welcoming and inclusive environment for our members.

- Work with other fundraisers and give feedback to the CEO and Trustees on fundraising activities and achievements

- Perform administrative tasks such as record keeping, event details, incident reporting and data entry

- Help execute the charity strategic plan and achieve our financial targets to continue our services for many years to come.

Experience

- You must have a genuine desire to help others.

- An understanding of the needs of people with disabilities or SEN or experience in supporting a family member/friend with SEND is desirable.

- Knowledge of event organising or the ability to learn

- Experience in fundraising events and activities or the desire to learn

- Good communication skills

- Ability to use a computer and access our central volunteer hub online

- Organisational skills for administrative abilities

This role is working with vulnerable adults and children; therefore, a satisfactory recruitment process and Disclosure and Barring Service check, including the adult and child barring lists, are required for the role.

As a Community Fundraising Volunteer, you will have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others while gaining valuable experience in project management, leadership, and community engagement with the ability to progress skillsets and job opportunities.

Join our team today and be part of a positive community.

Cancer support charity The Mulberry Centre is looking for confident speakers based in West London who can act as ambassadors for the charity and speak to corporates, companies, local businesses and organisations to raise awareness of the charity and inspire financial support, sponsorship and donations.

In this role you will play a vital role in supporting our fundraising campaigns, events and initiatives aimed at providing essential services to individuals affected by cancer. You will work closely with our Marketing & Communications Lead to assist with marketing tasks on agreed campaigns as part of our fundraising and communications strategies.

Time Commitment – A regular commitment of up to 2 days a week (a mix of office and remote based).

Main Duties

To work within an agreed brief with the support of the Marketing & Communications Lead on the following:

· Utilising skills in marketing and advertising to support projects to promoting our fundraising campaigns and events, both online and offline, to maximize reach and participation.

· Utilising skills, enthusiasm and experience in social media marketing – Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram & TikTok – to create relevant content to an agreed brief.

· Utilising the design platform Canva to create marketing materials to an agreed brief.

· Tasks include campaign creation, creating e shots, social media assistance, contacting suppliers and paid advertising.

· Designing and producing fundraising signage to create an impact and inspire donations and fundraising from individuals, businesses and organisations.

· Related administration.

· Any other duties appropriate for the role and adhering to The Mulberry Centre’s policies.

Volunteer Opportunity: Fundraising Working Group 

Meeting Time: Tuesday, 6–8pm, Every Other Month (bi-monthly) 
Location: Mary’s Youth Club N1 2TU / In-person or online

Help Build the Future of Mary’s Youth Club! 

At Mary’s Youth Club, we believe in joyful, creative spaces where young people aged 10–19  can grow, thrive, and feel like they truly belong. We're proud of our vibrant, inclusive community – and we’re looking for passionate volunteers to help keep it strong and sustainable. 

We’re inviting community-minded individuals to join our Fundraising Working Group. This is a hands-on, action-focused volunteer team (not a trustee role!) that supports the financial stability of Mary’s by helping to shape and deliver fundraising initiatives throughout the year. 

You’ll be working alongside our Business Operations Manager, with support from the CEO, trustees, and the wider fundraising volunteer group, to bring energy and fresh ideas to everything from annual events and community campaigns to grant applications and local partnerships. 

What You’ll Be Doing 

• Supporting the planning and delivery of fundraising events and campaigns 

• Contributing to grant research and application processes 

• Generating creative fundraising ideas with the team 

• Helping build community partnerships and local business links 

• Attending bi-monthly evening meetings and following up on agreed action 

We’re Looking For People Who Are: 

• Friendly, reliable, and community-focused 

• Team players with a can-do attitude 

• Creative thinkers and proactive doers 

• Good at organising or helping behind the scenes 

• Interested in fundraising, events, partnerships, or grant writing 

• Happy to offer a few hours every other month (plus some flexible time in between) 

You Might Have: 

• Experience in fundraising or community engagement (great – but not essential!) 

• Transferable skills like events coordination, budget management, marketing, or communications 

• A background in the voluntary, charity, or business sectors 

• A passion for supporting young people and local communities 

What You’ll Get: 

• A chance to make a tangible difference in the lives of young people 

• Opportunities to grow your experience in fundraising and charity operations 

• A warm, welcoming team environment 

• Joy, connection, and the satisfaction of giving back 

• Volunteer references available on request 

Ready to Join Us? 

We’d love to hear from you! 
 

How to Apply 

Interested? We'd love to hear from you! 
Simply send through your CV and we'll be in touch to discuss next steps

PLEASE NOTE THAT WE ARE NOT ABLE TO OFFER SPONSORSHIP- THEREFORE YOU DO NEED TO HAVE THE RIGHT TO WORK IN THE UK

✨ Together, we can keep Mary’s thriving – and make a lasting impact for young people in our communi 

Come and join Breckland Cats Protection at Banham Zoo Do on 23rd and 24th May

Are you looking for a fun activity that also gives back to the community? Join us and volunteer to support our stall for the evening. You’ll learn lots about Cats Protection, get to try out volunteering as a fundraiser and see if it’s something you enjoy, all while experiencing the amazing event organised by Banham Zoo.

Help create a welcoming, engaging, and positive experience for visitors at our Banham Zoo Do and raise awareness and vital funds for Cats Protection.

Cats Protection

As a charity we can continue to help cats and kittens in need thanks to the donations we receive at fundraising events from generous members of the public. Our fundraising event helpers have the exciting and varied role of helping at local fundraising events - such as cakes sales, barn dances, quiz nights – and everything in between!

You can expect us to

• make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

Key Tasks

• Man the stall, engage with members of the public
• Provide information about our charity/cause and the purpose of the stall
• Assist with selling merchandise, raffle tickets, or running simple activities (e.g., games, lucky dip)
• Help maintain an attractive and tidy stall
• Accept donations safely and follow cash-handling guidelines (if applicable)
• Support event staff with setting up and/or packing away
• Represent the charity in a positive, friendly, and professional manner

Skills & Qualities Needed

• Friendly and approachable
• Good communication skills
• Reliable and able to work as part of a team
• Comfortable engaging with members of the public

What You’ll Gain

• A fun and rewarding volunteering experience
• The chance to meet new people and try out volunteering for Cats Protection
• The opportunity to support Breckland Cats Protection and raise much needed funds to help cats and kittens in need

Training & Support

• A volunteer briefing before or at the start of your shift
• Ongoing support from the Event Lead and fundraising team
• Any materials, equipment, and information you need will be provided

Work Location: In person

Do you have experence of fundraising reserach and/or writing grants applications? Want to put those skills to use and make  a difference for those whose lives are affected by cancer?

This role would suit those with experience or interest in research, bid writing, charity fundraising, marketing, creative writing, commissioning, public sector tenders or grant assessment who is looking for a meaningful, regular volunteering commitment. Anyone with expertise or transferable skills in the area of research and/or writing compelling proposals/marketing who is interested in volunteering is encouraged to have a chat with us as we can be flexible.

The Mulberry Centre is looking for opportunities to identify and apply for relevant grants, trust and foundations funding in a competitive market. Grant requests will be on average £500-£10,000 for specific services as well as core Centre costs. This Fundraising Volunteer (the role can be undertaken by one volunteer or split into two parts and shared) will work closely with the Fundraising and Engagement Team to help streamline the research and application process. The first part of the role is to research and check grants and trust funding lists and databases for current opportunities and deadlines for applications to determine which are relevant, where we meet the necessary criteria, and how quickly we need to apply. The second part of the role is to draft and adapt application information to inspire and appeal positively to specific funders. 

Equal Aqua is seeking a Trustee with significant fundraising expertise to provide strategic leadership and hands-on support to drive substantial income growth as the organisation scales towards a seven-figure annual income. The role involves actively leveraging networks to open doors to major donors, corporate partners and grant-makers, initiating high-value funding conversations and developing new income streams. The Trustee will help shape and oversee the organisation’s long-term fundraising strategy, support the cultivation and conversion of major funding opportunities, mentor the fundraising team and strengthen proposals and donor engagement. Acting as an ambassador for the organisation, they will also help raise Equal Aqua’s profile within influential networks while ensuring strong governance, accountability and performance through the Board and Fundraising Committee. The ideal candidate will bring senior-level fundraising experience, strong sector knowledge in areas such as WASH, climate or international development, and a network capable of unlocking significant new funding opportunities.

Equal Aqua is a registered Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) in the UK; Equal Aqua Uganda is a registered Community Based Organisation (CBO) in Uganda (‘EAU’ refers to both). Both operate equally and in unison. The purpose of EAU is to enable communities in Uganda to have access to safe and sustainable water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities. EAU supports schools and communities facing the greatest WASH inequalities by providing water tanks and filters, running classes and workshops, and empowering young people to be WASH change makers in their community. The current Board of Trustees, consisting of 5 members based in UK and Uganda, provides guidance to the volunteer EAU management team as well as supporting the implementing volunteers based in UK, Uganda and other countries.

The objectives of EAU are, in Uganda, to:

1. To improve access to safe and sustainable WASH for those facing the greatest inequalities in Uganda

2. To strengthen the participation of local communities in WASH, in particular women and girls, and displaced peoples

3. To take action to protect the natural environment, reduce pollution and tackle climate change

The role of trustees is:

1. Sculpt and maintain EAU’s vision, mission, objectives and values.

2. Act as ‘critical friends’ in the development of EAU’s policy, programming and planning.

3. Actively champion EAU externally, opening doors to people and organisations that can support our cause, fostering awareness and engagement in the UK, Uganda and internationally.

4. Support in particular with income generation activities, advising and supporting delivery of major campaigns and helping to build EAU’s donor and partner base.

5. Establish and maintain systems for reporting and monitoring.

6. Ensure that the financial affairs of the organisation are conducted properly and are accurately reported.

7. Manage risk and ensure compliance and accountability with the governing document (EAU Constitution), external regulators and the law (UK and Uganda).

8. Safeguard EAU’s assets – both physical assets, including property, and intangible ones, such as its reputation.

Ensure EAU has the appropriate structure and resources to deliver the above.

Trustee Responsibilities:

1. To attend and contribute to EAU Board of Trustee meetings, held at least on a quarterly basis. To work with EAU management to set an agenda in advance of this meeting.

2. Currently, Trustees will hold the position for a maximum of 3 years. This length of trusteeship will be reviewed with the aim of staggering Trustee terms to ensure a smooth transition between board members.

3. To support the recruitment of additional trustees, from diverse backgrounds and providing a range of expertise.

4. To offer personal expertise and skills in select areas for the benefit of EAU. This may include legal, management, practical, fundraising, marketing or other relevant areas.

5. To offer advice and feedback on EAU’s main fundraising programmes, e.g. events and grant applications.

Additional Responsibilities of Trustee with fundraising expertise

To provide strategic leadership and hands-on support to drive significant and sustainable income growth for Equal Aqua, with the ambition of building towards a seven-figure annual income.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Fundraising Leadership
   Provide Board-level oversight and strategic direction for the development and execution of an ambitious, multi-year fundraising strategy aligned with EAU’s growth plans, ensuring clear pathways to seven-figure annual income.
2. Active Income Generation & Network Mobilisation
   Proactively generate income by leveraging personal and professional networks to:
   • Open doors to high-value donors, grant-makers, corporates and philanthropic partners
   • Introduce EAU to influential individuals and decision-makers
   • Initiate and nurture strategic funding conversations
   • Identify and pursue new income streams and partnership opportunities

This role requires active relationship-building and direct contribution to income growth, not solely advisory input.

1. Pipeline Development & High-Value Fundraising
   Support the identification, cultivation and conversion of major funding opportunities, including trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships and major donors. Where appropriate, personally lead or co-lead high-value approaches.
2. Committee Leadership & Support
   Provide experienced guidance to the Fundraising Committee and fundraising volunteers, strengthening capability, confidence and performance across the team.
3. Hands-On Mentorship & Quality Assurance
   Offer practical, hands-on support to fundraising volunteers, including:
   • Reviewing and strengthening proposals and pitch materials
   • Advising on donor strategy and positioning
   • Supporting preparation for high-stakes meetings and presentations
4. Visibility & Advocacy
   Act as an ambassador for EAU, raising the organisation’s profile in relevant networks, events and forums, and positioning EAU as a credible, high-impact partner.
5. Governance & Accountability
   Attend quarterly Fundraising Committee meetings (one of EAU’s management committees) and relevant Board meetings, ensuring clear income targets, performance monitoring and accountability for results.

Desired Background and expertise of Trustee with Fundraising expertise.

 Senior Fundraising Experience

• A substantial track record (ideally 5+ years) in charity fundraising, with experience operating at a strategic level. This should include demonstrable success in securing significant income from one or more of the following: trusts and foundations, major donors, corporate partnerships, institutional funders or high-net-worth individuals. Experience supporting organisations through periods of income growth or scale-up is highly desirable. International development experience is strongly preferred.

• Sector-Relevant Knowledge
  Strong understanding of fundraising dynamics and donor priorities within one or more of Equal Aqua’s core thematic areas, including:
  • WASH (Water, Sanitation & Hygiene)
  • Climate and environmental sustainability
  • Menstrual health and gender equality
  • Rural enterprise and livelihoods
  • International development

Familiarity with the funding landscape in these sectors – including trends, key funders and partnership models – would be a significant advantage.

• Network & Influence
  An established professional network that can be activated in support of Equal Aqua’s growth ambitions, with the credibility and confidence to engage senior decision-makers and prospective funders.

• Strategic & Commercial Acumen
  The ability to think entrepreneurially about income generation, identify new revenue opportunities, and contribute to building a diversified and resilient funding portfolio.

Have you confidently used the Beacon CRM system before? Do you thonk you could share your experience of Beacon use and functionality with otthers?

We are looking for someone experienced in the use of Beacon CRM system who can assist our Funrasing & Engagement Team to make the best of this software and can asist with data analysis to help us build our fundraising contacts and achievements.

We are looking for volunteers to become members of our local fundraising groups across the UK.  Our groups are dedicated to raising funds so that Marie Curie can continue to care for people with terminal illnesses in their own homes and in our hospices. Along with other group members, you will organise collections, fundraising events and encourage support for Marie Curie in your local community.

In addition to group members, there are other roles available within the groups including Chair, Secretary and Treasurer – talk to us about what you are interested in. 

Your role will include some of, but is not restricted to, the following tasks:

• Help to organise collections, events and other fundraising activities
• Help to promote the work of the charity and encourage support from the local community
• Regularly attend and participate in group meetings
• Complete agreed action points following meetings

Certain roles would have additional tasks – you can discuss these when you apply for a role. 

We are Looking for 1 – 2 Exceptional Volunteers! Use your expertise to help shape the future of care for children and families who need us most. Shooting Star Children’s Hospices is recruiting Non-Executive Members for our Income Generation Committee – inspiring leaders who can bring sharp insight, sector know-how and big-picture thinking to drive our fundraising, marketing and communications strategies forward. If you are experienced in the charity sector, passionate about fundraising and ready to make a strategic impact that genuinely changes lives, we would love to hear from you.

Duties and Key responsibilities

• Provide strategic insight, constructive challenge and guidance across income and marketing priorities.
• Share sector knowledge to enhance the quality and effectiveness of the income portfolio.
• Support the development of ambitious, innovative and sustainable fundraising approaches.
• Champion best practice in fundraising and marketing.
• Work collaboratively with Trustees, senior leaders and fellow committee members.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Experienced in the non-profit sector, with substantial insight into the realities, challenges and opportunities of income generation today.
• Specialised in at least one (ideally more) of the following areas: Digital fundraising: digital acquisition, online giving, digital optimisation. Supporter journeys and engagement: insight-led supporter experience design. High-value fundraising and major campaigns: strategic planning, mobilisation, creative development, impact storytelling
• Forward-thinking: able to consider the bigger picture and ask the right questions to support informed decision-making.
• Collaborative and values-led, contributing constructively while upholding the organisation’s mission and values.
• Committed to volunteering, motivated to use their expertise to make a meaningful difference.

Date: Sunday 10 May 2026 

Time: Various roles available between 8am & 6pm 

Location: TBC; stationed along the 15 mile route of The Banham Marsden March 

Role overview (dependent on location and role): 

• Welcoming and supporting walkers at the start lines 

• Marshalling along the route to help keep walkers safe and cheer them on 

• Welcoming and encouraging walkers at our three checkpoints 

• Helping provide information and handing out refreshments 

• Handing out medals at the finish 

Support provided:  

• Full event briefing, including detailed information about the day and your role

• Charity liaison in the run up to the event and on the day

What’s in it for you: 

• A t-shirt to wear on the day. 

• Refreshments.

• An opportunity to meet other amazing volunteers. 

• Experience of working at a mass participation event. 

• The chance to be part of an incredible day raising vital funds to transform the lives of cancer patients at The Royal Marsden and across the UK. 

We are looking for a dedicated Lay Trustee who will join our Board to support the strategic direction of the charity. We are member-led, funded by our universities and together with students we strive to create a world class student experience for all.

Introduction

Thank you for your interest in our Lay Trustee role here at Falmouth and Exeter Students’ Union (The SU); based in beautiful Cornwall. We're very pleased to announce the opening of applications for our esteemed Board of Trustees. We are very proud of what we do, and we are looking for a dedicated Lay Trustee who will join our Board to support the strategic direction of the charity. You will need to share the values of the SU and commitment to achieve our priorities, working collaboratively to help take us to the next level. We are a member-led charity, funded by our universities and together with students we strive to create a world class student experience for all.

Our membership comprises of students studying with both Falmouth University and the University of Exeter (Cornwall) which creates a unique and special experience of which we love to be a key part of.

The role of Lay Trustee provides an opportunity to support our Sabbatical and Student Trustees foster a culture of student leadership and deliver a student-focused service.

You will be taking up the role at a critical and exciting time, as we are within the first year of our 2025-2030 Strategy.  If you are excited at the prospect of contributing to the growth and development of the SU, then we eagerly anticipate the possibility of working alongside you to shape the future of our organisation.

We are especially keen to hear from applicants based in the South West, with experience in any of the below areas:

· Finance:

o Financial planning and management

o Development of income streams and financial sustainability

· Law and Compliance:

o Charity Law

o Employment Law

· People:

o HR management 

o Learning and development

· Fundraising:

o Grant fundraising 

o Social investment and enterprise

o Developing commercial income streams 

For full details of the role, please see the Lay Trustee Recruitment Pack below. 

Why Should You Become a Trustee?

Being a Trustee is a valuable and rewarding experience. You’ll get to make a lasting difference to the lives of our students, and influence how the Union is run. You will use your skills, knowledge, and experience to support the Board in reaching sound decisions. You will be involved in leading discussions, making collective decisions, and identifying key issues. You’ll have the opportunity to mentor and support our President and Student Trustees. As a Lay Trustee, you are eligible to become Deputy Chair of the Board, or Chair of one of the sub-committees. This is dependent on vacancies for these roles.

You will receive comprehensive induction training, and further training relevant to your role as a Chair or member of a sub-committee.

Job Description

We’re looking for someone to work collectively with our Board of Trustees to provide support and strategic direction to our Students’ Union.

Remuneration: Lay Trustees are voluntary, unpaid roles. However, all reasonable out of pocket expenses will be reimbursed, such as travel costs to board meetings.

Hours: Hours can vary however typically each year:

· Four Board of Trustees meetings – each meeting is around three hours long conducted online.

· Additional four (eight for Finance) sub-committees meetings conducted online – each meeting is around 1 hour.

· There are usually one or two in-person events per year including a Board of Trustees meeting – each event is usually a day and/or an evening event. These are delivered in Cornwall (expenses paid).

Term of office: three years, up to three terms.

Location: Homebased with one or two in-person events in Cornwall per year.

Role Purpose:

The Trustees are ultimately responsible, individually and collectively, for all activity within the SU. The Board is legally responsible for our staff, finances, risk management and reputation. The Board is responsible for setting the vision and values of the organisation and for ensuring the delivery of organisational purpose. The Trustees ensure development of and agree a long-term strategy, approving and monitoring delivery plans.

How To Apply

Please visit the role posting on our website for further details on how to apply. We require the completion of a Person Details form, and Skills Audit spreadsheets, along with your CV and covering letter. The deadline for applications is 09:00 on Monday 13 April. Applications will be considered and shortlisted upon receipt, with interviews to take place (online) on a rolling basis.  

Ideally, you will be available to attend a Trustee Induction on the morning of Tuesday 23 June, ahead of the first Board of Trustees meeting on Wednesday 24 June (as an observer), both online via MS Teams. Your term of office will start on Wednesday 01 July.

For full details of the role, please see the Lay Trustee Recruitment Pack below.