Fundraising events officer volunteer roles in birmingham

Title:  Communications volunteer

Summary

Help us grow and engage our audiences by creating communications materials for us to use externally and across our website, social media, print materials and newsletter, so that we can help support the mental health of more women across Sussex.

Description

Our charity delivers counselling and therapeutic groups for women across Sussex. We are looking for an experienced communications professional to work with to support with all or some of the following:

Communications:

· Help to create a communications plan with the CEO, mapping out key activities and campaigns over the year

Blog:

·         Create helpful mental health blog content for women, using SEO keywords

Outreach:

· Build contacts and reach out to potential press to raise awareness of our organisation

Events:

· Assist with fundraising events and promotion of these from the Brighton 10K run, our Christmas raffle and party.

You will be working with the CEO who will provide our existing brand/style/logo guidelines and brand research/user personas.

What impact will they have?

Your creative output will shape how we present ourselves to our clients and funders. With your help we will be able to continue to reach and support more women across Sussex.

About the volunteer

Description

We are looking for a volunteer who:

· Has experience in creating and writing SEO blog content

· Has the ability to quickly understand the needs of our team / organisation / participants

· Has good communications and organisation skills

· Understands the resource constraints of a small charity and is able to work with these.

Skills

· Marketing and communications

Where and when

Location

Can be fully remote or partly remote if based near Brighton.

Time

Time commitment

· 0-6 hours / week – the role could be an ongoing role

Volunteer availability

Either inside or outside office hours.

Application details

Application instructions: please send published content examples (social, blog or e-newsletter posts) a CV and details of your availability and interest in the role 

About ShowerBox

ShowerBox is a registered charity dedicated to providing free, safe showers and essential supplies to people experiencing homelessness. Our mission is to create a welcoming environment that restores dignity, improves wellbeing, and helps to reduce isolation. We also connect our guests with health clinics and other vital services, supporting them to make long-term, positive changes in their lives.

Founded by our CEO, Sarah Lamptey, in response to the urgent need for accessible hygiene facilities, ShowerBox began in 2018 as a grassroots initiative and became a registered charity in 2021. Since then, it has grown into a multi-site service, operating both independently and in partnership with other organisations.

What are we looking for?

We are seeking a dynamic and committed Chair to lead ShowerBox into its next phase of growth. Building on the success achieved since becoming a CIO and expanding to three locations, the Chair will work closely with the CEO to shape the organisation’s future and strengthen its impact.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing effective strategic leadership to the Board, ensuring sound governance and clear direction.
• Supporting and constructively challenging the CEO, while holding them accountable for delivering agreed objectives.
• Ensuring the Board remains effective and diverse, with the right balance of skills, knowledge, and experience.
• Acting as an ambassador for ShowerBox, representing the charity externally and serving as a spokesperson when appropriate.
• Safeguarding the charity’s values, reputation, and financial sustainability.

We are looking for someone who can bring:

• A strong commitment to supporting people experiencing homelessness and hygiene poverty.
• Previous experience as a Trustee or Board member (experience as a Chair of a voluntary organisation is highly desirable).
• A solid understanding of the legal, financial, and governance responsibilities of trusteeship.
• Strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to chair meetings effectively.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with a collaborative approach.
• The time, energy, and commitment to support a small but growing charity.

Time commitment and terms:

• The Chair of Trustees is appointed for a renewable term of two years.
• Expected time commitment: up to two days per month, with flexibility for additional time during new projects or unexpected challenges.
• Board meetings are held four times a year (mostly online), with occasional subcommittees and events depending on interest and expertise.
• This is an unpaid voluntary role; reasonable expenses are reimbursed.

Please send your CV and a short cover letter outlining why you are interested in working with ShowerBox. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Role Purpose

The Volunteer PR Officer will help raise awareness of the organisation’s mission, activities, and achievements by creating and sharing engaging stories. They will manage relationships with the media, support communication campaigns, and strengthen the organisation’s public image.

Key Responsibilities

• Media Relations
  • Draft and distribute press releases, articles, and media briefings.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists, bloggers, and local media outlets.
  • Respond to media enquiries promptly and professionally.
• Content Creation
  • Write engaging content for newsletters, blogs, and social media platforms.
  • Support the design of promotional materials (posters, flyers, campaigns).
  • Capture and share stories that showcase the impact of the organisation’s work.
•  
• Campaigns & Events
  • Assist with the planning and promotion of fundraising and awareness campaigns.
  • Promote events through traditional and digital channels.
  • Represent the organisation at community events and networking opportunities.
• Brand & Reputation
  • Ensure all communications are consistent with the organisation’s tone, values, and branding.
  • Monitor media coverage and share highlights with the team.
  • Support crisis communication when needed.

Skills & Qualities

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Confident in networking and building relationships.
• Creative and able to generate new ideas for campaigns.
• Familiar with social media and digital communication tools.
• Organised, reliable, and able to work independently.

Commitment

• Flexible hours (approx. 3–6 hours per week, depending on campaigns and events).
• Willingness to attend occasional meetings and events.

Benefits of Volunteering

• Gain valuable PR and communications experience.
• Develop professional skills and expand your network.
• Contribute to a cause that makes a real difference.
• Be part of a passionate, supportive volunteer team.

We are seeking an enthusiastic individual to encourage people to join our charity. You’ll organize and run engaging Introduction training sessions to welcome new members. The role involves seeking and managing recruitment opportunities, such as hosting stalls at recruitment fairs and Open Days. You’ll also motivate trainees to complete essential training and attend their first event. We’re looking for a charismatic, organized go-getter with excellent communication skills and a passion for building community.

Welcome and thank you for your interest in becoming a Trustee of The Hardman Trust

• Are you keen to help people leaving prison and support them to work towards their goals?
• Do you believe that with the right support people can rebuild their lives, contribute to their communities, and break free from the cycle of reoffending?
• Do you share our conviction that no one should be defined solely by their past, and that everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive?

If so, you could be one of the people we are looking for to help The Hardman Trust move into the next
exciting chapter of our work.

Who are we?
The Hardman Trust was established in 1994, with the aim of helping people leaving prison after long
sentences. Our founder, Guy Armstrong, was a prison Chaplain. He saw the challenges facing this
group: homelessness, a lack of workplace skills, stigma, isolation, low confidence, and poverty. A fund
was set up to provide financial assistance to purchase tools and equipment, offering a helping hand
into employment. We now know from experience that this practical approach works. The people the
Hardman Trust has supported over three decades have used this financial support to gain
qualifications, start their own businesses, find employment and a new direction in life. We are now
extending our reach so more people can benefit from our support and sharing our evidence and
insights to help shape a more effective, humane criminal justice system. Achieving this means securing
the right funding, building strong partnerships, and ensuring our resources are used with maximum
efficiency and impact.
We are looking for several new Trustees to join the Hardman Trust Board. If you want to support our
mission, and you feel that you have the commitment and the life or professional experience for the
role, we would love to hear from you. In return, you will have the chance to make a meaningful
difference to those serving long sentences; and you will be part of a passionate and committed team
of staff, trustees and volunteers. We offer support to all new Trustees and if you haven’t been one
before, don’t worry - we will make sure you have access to any training and development you feel you
need.
It is a privilege to be part of the Hardman Trust’s work. It is an incredible organisation making real
change in the criminal justice sector. It is an exciting time to join the charity – we have recently
appointed a new CEO, Annette So and we are looking forward to developing our direction for the
future and fulfilling our vision where everyone can achieve their potential within and beyond prison.

The Trustee role
The Trustees work collectively as a Board. They have ultimate responsibility for governing the
Hardman Trust charity, directing its management, and ensuring it is well-run and operates according to
its purposes. They are legally responsible for the charity's finances, reputation, and compliance with
the law. Each Trustee brings their own lived experience and/or professional skills to support the charity
achieve its aims. Most Trustees also learn new skills during their time on the Board.
We want our Board to look like the world we serve and to have different voices within it. We know
that diverse groups of people make better decisions. We are keen to hear from people who can bring
perspectives or experiences often underrepresented in charity governance and how can help us
progress our vision.
Trustees are not usually involved in the day-to-day running of the charity. However, they work closely
with the Hardman Trust’s dedicated staff team, who are supported by a wider group of volunteers. The
Trustee role as in the majority of charities, is unpaid although legitimate expenses – travel costs for
example – can be claimed.

The Trustees’ key responsibilities

• Setting The Hardman Trust’s strategy and priorities.
• Representing the community, we serve and ensuring our decisions reflect the needs and experiences of those leaving prison.
• Supporting and constructively challenging our staff team to ensure the charity’s work, resources, and partnerships are well-managed and deliver maximum impact.
• Approving operational strategies and policies and monitoring their implementation.
• Approving The Hardman Trust’s financial plans and budgets and monitoring progress.
• Ensuring that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively.
• Promoting and safeguarding our values by acting with integrity, fairness, and commitment at all times.
• Applying their skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts to promote the charity’s work.

What we are looking for
No single Trustee will have everything the Hardman Trust needs. We want our Board to have the
collective experience needed to support and guide the charity. What matters most is your
commitment to our mission, your willingness to share your perspective and knowledge, and your
readiness to contribute to our Board’s decision-making. You do not have to have been a Trustee
before.
To complement the experience of our current Trustees, we are keen to hear from people with one or
more of the following:

• Lived experience of the criminal justice system, whether your own or that of a partner, family member, or close friend.
• Knowledge of Black, Asian, or minority ethnic communities, especially in relation to challenges faced after leaving prison.
• Professional experience in, or connected to, the criminal justice system.
• Expertise in HR, banking, and employment law to help us strengthen our policies and practices.
• Fundraising expertise to help grow the charity’s income and help us establish a Fundraising
• Advisory Board.
• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and to improving outcomes for people serving long prison sentences.

Please review the document The Hardman Trust Trustee Pack for more information about this position.

The Stuart Hall Foundation is inspired by the life’s work of Professor Stuart Hall in the interlocking worlds of activism, academia and the arts. Hall’s work was characterised by its breadth and its interdisciplinary nature, spanning across cultural studies, media theory, political analysis, and the study of race and identity.

The Foundation was formally launched in 2015 by Hall’s family, friends and colleagues in order to commemorate his legacy by attending to the urgent political, social and cultural questions of our time.

Our mission

The Foundation focuses on achieving a more progressive and just society through public education, artistic and intellectual initiatives. Our mission is to popularise critical thought by reshaping public discourse and by supporting the development of a new generation of artists, academics and activists who are dedicated to challenging issues of inequality.

We work on our mission through three strands of activity:

• With institutional partners we offer scholarships, fellowships, artist residencies and commissions.
• We create free-to-access digital learning resources including recorded lectures and conversations, podcasts, written essays and artistic commissions.
• We provide digital and physical spaces for the public and for our network of scholars, fellows and artists to exchange and generate new ideas together.

Our organisation is now at a moment of transition, and we are looking to recruit a new Chair of Trustees. We have been successful in recent grant funding applications, and as a result the Foundation has been able to expand its activities and is financially secure for the next two years. The new Chair of Trustees will continue to build and lead the Foundation with a distinct identity as a public education charity working in service of social justice.

Chair of Trustees

We are looking to appoint a new Chair who has a demonstrable commitment to the Foundation with the ability to lead and manage a unique and growing national charity. 

The Chair has responsibility for providing oversight, shaping strategy and working collaboratively with the Executive Director and the Board of Trustees to further develop the organisation’s vision for the next three to five years. The Chair will also support the Vice Chair in overseeing financial management and external relations. The role is not accompanied by any financial remuneration.

We are proud of the work we have achieved so far, having partnered with higher education and cultural institutions, organised many public events and provided scholarships, fellowships, awards and residencies.

The successful applicant will be a strong public voice for the Foundation and bring creativity and commitment to the role. We want to hear from candidates who share Hall's interests and values, and who want to help us build on his legacy by generating new ideas that change public understanding of the political landscape.

Please send a one-page expression of interest with a CV by 23:59 Monday 22 September 2025.

Please outline your interest in chairing the Stuart Hall Foundation Board of Trustees and the skills you would bring to the role.

Interviews will be held in late October and early November 2025.

For further information, please contact:

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.

CPRE Berkshire is the local branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England, a national charity that champions the countryside and promotes sustainable land use. An opportunity has arisen to help us shape the future of Berkshire’s countryside as our new Treasurer. As part of CPRE’s influential network, we advocate for responsible planning, protect green spaces, and engage with local and national decision-makers to shape policies that affect rural communities and landscapes.

Our Requirement

CPRE Berkshire is seeking a new Treasurer to work with its board of trustees and oversee the charity’s financial affairs. This is a voluntary role, ideal for someone with financial management experience who wants to contribute meaningfully to local environmental advocacy.

As Treasurer, you will:

- Maintain oversight of income, expenditure, and budgeting

- Prepare financial reports and ensure compliance with legal requirements

- Manage transactions and process payments

- Advise the board on financial sustainability and planning

We’re looking for someone who:

- Has experience in finance, accounting, or budget management

- Can present financial information clearly to non-specialists

- Is comfortable working independently and attending trustee meetings

- Shares our commitment to protecting Berkshire’s countryside

This role is unpaid, but reasonable expenses are reimbursed. You’ll be joining a small but committed team working to rebuild CPRE Berkshire’s capability ahead of CPRE’s centenary year in 2026.

Attitude is Everything are looking for someone with charity finance experience at a senior level, and someone who shares Attitude is Everything’s Vision and Mission to join our Board of Trustees as Treasurer.

To make sure that Attitude is Everything operates within the legal and financial guidelines set out in current legislation and its own financial procedures

To ensure that strong financial controls are in place and that the organisation operates within a sound financial framework

We are a new Community Interest Company offering arts, gardening and wellbeing workshops to all.  We are currently running on a 100% voluntary basis and are looking for some revenue to offer more to our local communities. Do you have a few hours spare each week to help us out? Do you have previous experience with applying for funding? Do you think gardening and The Arts should be accessible to all? If so we would love to hear from you.

Aim of the post: To generate an income from local, regional and national grant pots to increase the range and effectiveness of Flourish Arts Network outreach.

Person Specification: The successful candidate will be required to demonstrate the following knowledge, skills and experience;

• Relevant qualifications, previous experience in grant / bid writing, fundraising, and excellent communication skills.
• Successful track record of achieving agreed financial income targets with a charity, CIC, social enterprise or not-for-profit organisation.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing, work collaboratively and supportively as part of a team.
• Manage time effectively and work to deadlines; be organised in monitoring grants and responding to grant providers.
• Volunteer as little as two hours per week.
• Be passionate about the wellbeing of others.

Duties can include;

• Apply to a list of grant/funders which will be provided. Research potential grant providers to seek funding opportunities especially those relating to Flourish Arts Network's areas of operation.
• Determine and create plans to streamline the grants administration procedure.
• Initiate contact and write bids to raise funds to support for Flourish Arts Network.
• Liaise with grant providers to ensure receipt of applications, and get feedback for any unsuccessful bids in order to learn and develop moving forward.
• Closely track grant expenditure and monitoring for successful bids, in line with the terms of each grant received.
• Join us for refreshments and conversations at some of our free events.

We are seeking a remote, creative & proactive Content Creator to join our Communications team on an unpaid, volunteer basis, providing 8 or more hours per week support on average to our International WASH programmes. . 

EQUAL AQUA is an award-winning NGO providing equal access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) in Uganda. Equal Aqua is managed by an international team of 30+ volunteers, based mainly in the UK and Uganda, but spanning over 10 countries.We are looking to expand and diversify our team of volunteers – seeking candidates with knowledge and skills in various fields, and a deep passion for our cause. 

JOB SUMMARY: 

Join us as part of our Communications team to help deliver powerful content for our internal & external communications strategy. You will be working alongside the Communications Manager & Communications Officer to develop our digital content & increase our presence on social media platforms.  Provide creative support for enhancing donor prospects, generating demand & increasing engagement through compelling narratives to support EAU projects & fundraising initiatives. 

ROLE & RESPONSBILITIES 

• Write engaging, accessible copy for social media posts, blogs, and newsletter updates. 

• Develop storytelling materials, such as case studies and fundraising spotlights, aligned with EAU’s brand voice. 

• Ensure alignment with the EA communications calendar and major WASH/sector events. 

• Design on-brand visuals for social media posts, including carousels, infographics, and WASH project graphics. 

• Assist with basic video editing and formatting of short clips for social media and the website. 

• Work within established brand and content guidelines to ensure consistency. 

• Work to project briefs and meet agreed timelines; maintain clear communication with other volunteers. 

• Understand how data and analytics informs content performance. 

KEY REQUIREMENTS  

ESSENTIAL: 

Experience: 

• Proven ability in creation of high-quality social media content and graphics. 

• Skilled at video editing (e.g. Canva, or Adobe Premiere Pro). 

• Strong copywriting, research and storytelling skills (long-from and short-form). 

• General understanding of social media best practices. 

• An eye for visual consistency and experience working with brand guidelines/briefs. 

• A proactive, collaborative, flexible, and self-directed approach to volunteering 

Skills: 

• Familiarity with tools such as Monday, Google Analytics, Notion, or Mailchimp. 

• Knowledge of tools like Monday/Buffer to track tasks and maintain project visibility. 

DESIRABLE: 

• Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, and to travel as needed. 

• Previous experience within the voluntary or charity sector is advantageous. 

• Experience working with virtual teams. 

COMPETENCIES  

• Strong written and verbal communication abilities. 

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects. 

• Excellent time management and organizational skills. 

• Creative thinker who can develop innovative solutions.

• Detail-oriented with commitment to accuracy and quality. 

• Strong technical and data awareness. 

BENEFITS 

• At EAU all volunteers work remotely & flexibly, enabling you to balance work, holiday & personal commitments anywhere in the world.

• Join a diverse international community & gain a sense of fulfilment by contributing directly to impactful programmes that EAU delivers.

• Increase your opportunities for personal growth through exposure to new skills, experiences & perspectives that working for an NGO can bring.

• We also offer opportunities for networking, internships, mentoring & training to support you in your role.

Our Vision: To become a leading organisation in Uganda in addressing inequalities in WASH, and interrelated issues of gender and sustainability 

Our Mission: We will achieve this by working with partners and local communities to develop the required WASH skills, knowledge and practical interventions

Objectives: 

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

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

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

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS: 

• 32,866 people with improved access to safe water 

• 11,044 people with improved sanitation 

• 11,755 people with improved WASH knowledge and skills 

• 3,877 people with improved menstrual hygiene knowledge 

• British High Commission award winner 

VALUES:

At Equal Aqua we champion bottom-up grassroots development. To make this possible, we have created a proactive and friendly environment, which strives to create practical and lasting solutions to WASH-related issues. Each member of Equal Aqua is passionate about WASH inequalities, and our values are a central basis for inspiration and the culture of the organisation. 

Why volunteer for EAU? 

By volunteering for EAU you will directly contribute to making tangible and positive changes to people’s lives in Uganda. Your efforts will help us to grow and empower our team of international volunteers, enabling us to reach more communities and transform more lives. You will also get to meet & collaborate with a great team of volunteers from all over the world.  If you like the sound of this role, we encourage you to apply even if you aren’t confident that you meet all of the requirements – you may be just who we’re looking for.

Please note that all members of Equal Aqua work remotely and on a voluntary basis. We ask that volunteers contribute on average 1 day per week and commit to the role for 12 months as a minimum. 

Interviews will take place via MS Teams where you will meet an informal panel of volunteers.  

Data Protection and Privacy: 

As a non-profit organization, we are committed to safeguarding the privacy and security of all applicants' personal information. We process your personal data in line with applicable data protection laws, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) where relevant. 

Any information you share with us during the recruitment process will be used solely for assessing your suitability for the position and will be handled confidentially. Your data will be stored securely, accessed only by authorized staff, and retained only for as long as necessary for recruitment purposes. 

You have the right to access, correct, or request the deletion of your personal data at any time. By applying, you consent to the processing of your information in accordance with these principles. 

DEI statement: 

EAU is committed to offering equal opportunities and treatment to all its volunteers. We see diversity as a strength and anyone seeking volunteering at Equal Aqua is considered based on merit, qualifications, competence, and talent. We don’t regard colour, religion, ethnicity, race, national origin, sexual orientation, ancestry, citizenship, sex, marital or family status, disability, gender, or any other legally protected status.

We are extremely proud to be an equal opportunity employer and actively encourage applications from all backgrounds. To make your recruitment experience with us accessible to you, we encourage you to let us know if you have any individual requirements.

Equal Aqua is a registered Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) in the UK; it operates equally and in unison with Equal Aqua Uganda, a registered Community Based Organisation (CBO) in Uganda (EAU refers to both). 

We are seeking a new Chair to provide strategic leadership at a time when demand for our advice services is at an all-time high. Help shape our vision, champion our mission, and make a tangible difference in the lives of those facing challenges.

About Citizens Advice East Berkshire
Citizens Advice East Berkshire offers crucial help and advice when people need it most. No one but Citizens Advice sees so many people with so many different kinds of problems, and that gives us a unique insight into the challenges people are facing today. 

What will you be doing?
We are at an important stage in our development and we are seeking a new Chair to replace our current Chair who will be standing down as her term finishes. We have ambitious plans for our future and we are looking for a Chair who can help drive our mission forward.

Building on our successes to date, we want a new Chair to lead us through the next exciting phase of our journey. You will have a strong background and track record of providing leadership at board and/or senior executive level and will have a passion for supporting people facing tough life challenges. You should have the judgement and vision to operate effectively at strategic level and you should demonstrate the skills and expertise to help drive our mission forward. We are looking for someone with 3 years+ professional experience in one of the fields of Fundraising strategy, Governance, Operations management or Advice / Advocacy. 

We are looking for someone who has:

• Experience of operating at a senior strategic leadership level within an organisation
• Successful track record of achievement through their career
• Experience of charity governance and working with or as part of a Board of Trustees
• Passion for supporting people facing tough life challenges
• Ideally has served as a Chair or Vice Chair and is familiar with leading a Board

What are we looking for?

You’ll need to:

• Understand the type of work undertaken by a local Citizens Advice and the Citizens Advice network
• Understand and accept the responsibilities and liabilities of a trustee
• Be non-judgmental and respect views, values and cultures that are different to your own
• Have a good basis of leadership skills (and preferably you have served within a Board, ideally as Chair or Vice Chair or led a Committee)
• Have the ability to facilitate and lead meetings
• Have good interpersonal skills
• Have good listening, verbal and written communication skills
• Be able to exercise good independent judgment
• Have good numeracy skills to understand accounts with the support of the treasurer
• Be willing to learn about and follow the Citizens Advice aims, principles and policies, including confidentiality and data protection
• Be willing to undertake mandatory training in your role
• Line manage and support the Chief Executive Officer

What difference will you make?
Citizens Advice East Berkshire makes transformational differences to people who need support when facing life crises. As Chair you will play a significant part in ensuring we are able to expand and grown our services to make a significant difference to many more individuals and families. 

Home-Start Suffolk is seeking an exceptional individual to join our Board of Trustees as Vice Chair.
This is a unique opportunity to play a key leadership role in a well-established and growing charity that
supports families across Suffolk. As Vice Chair, you will work closely with the Chair, CEO and wider Board to
help shape our strategic direction, support strong governance and ensure we continue to meet the needs of
families in our communities.

We are specifically looking for someone with charity governance experience. You will bring a solid
understanding of how effective boards operate and feel confident supporting other trustees, offering
constructive challenge and helping to ensure the charity meets its legal and strategic responsibilities.
This Vice Chair role is part of our wider trustee recruitment and we welcome applicants who bring any of the
following:

• Experience or knowledge of the local charity or voluntary sector
• Understanding of family support or volunteer management
• Strong networks and connections within local businesses
• Previous involvement with Home-Start Suffolk as a volunteer or someone who has received support
• A passion for making a difference in your community

Interested?
We would love to hear from you. more information and a candidate pack can be found on our website.

Closing date: This is an open and rolling recruitment
Interviews: Held as applications are received
 

Welcome and thank you for your interest in becoming the Chair of the board at The Hardman Trust

• Are you keen to help people leaving prison and support them to work towards their goals?
• Do you believe that with the right support people can rebuild their lives, contribute to their communities, and break free from the cycle of reoffending?
• Do you share our conviction that no one should be defined solely by their past, and that everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive?

If so, you could be one of the people we are looking for to help The Hardman Trust move into the next
exciting chapter of our work.

Who are we?
The Hardman Trust was established in 1994, with the aim of helping people leaving prison after long
sentences. Our founder, Guy Armstrong, was a prison Chaplain. He saw the challenges facing this
group: homelessness, a lack of workplace skills, stigma, isolation, low confidence, and poverty. A fund
was set up to provide financial assistance to purchase tools and equipment, offering a helping hand
into employment. We now know from experience that this practical approach works. The people the
Hardman Trust has supported over three decades have used this financial support to gain
qualifications, start their own businesses, find employment and a new direction in life. We are now
extending our reach so more people can benefit from our support and sharing our evidence and
insights to help shape a more effective, humane criminal justice system. Achieving this means securing
the right funding, building strong partnerships, and ensuring our resources are used with maximum
efficiency and impact.
We are looking for several new Trustees to join the Hardman Trust Board. If you want to support our
mission, and you feel that you have the commitment and the life or professional experience for the
role, we would love to hear from you. In return, you will have the chance to make a meaningful
difference to those serving long sentences; and you will be part of a passionate and committed team
of staff, trustees and volunteers. We offer support to all new Trustees and if you haven’t been one
before, don’t worry - we will make sure you have access to any training and development you feel you
need.
It is a privilege to be part of the Hardman Trust’s work. It is an incredible organisation making real
change in the criminal justice sector. It is an exciting time to join the charity – we have recently
appointed a new CEO, Annette So and we are looking forward to developing our direction for the
future and fulfilling our vision where everyone can achieve their potential within and beyond prison.

The Trustee role
The Trustees work collectively as a Board. They have ultimate responsibility for governing the
Hardman Trust charity, directing its management, and ensuring it is well-run and operates according to
its purposes. They are legally responsible for the charity's finances, reputation, and compliance with
the law. Each Trustee brings their own lived experience and/or professional skills to support the charity
achieve its aims. Most Trustees also learn new skills during their time on the Board.
We want our Board to look like the world we serve and to have different voices within it. We know
that diverse groups of people make better decisions. We are keen to hear from people who can bring
perspectives or experiences often underrepresented in charity governance and how can help us
progress our vision.
Trustees are not usually involved in the day-to-day running of the charity. However, they work closely
with the Hardman Trust’s dedicated staff team, who are supported by a wider group of volunteers. The
Trustee role as in the majority of charities, is unpaid although legitimate expenses – travel costs for
example – can be claimed.

The Trustees’ key responsibilities

• Provide leadership to the Board in setting the charity’s strategy and priorities
• Oversee a collaborative and effective Board that brings diverse perspectives
• Support the Chief Executive, offering guidance and challenge
• Champion the charity’s mission and values, acting as an Ambassador and building relationships with key stakeholders, including policymakers, donors and the wider criminal justice sector
• Ensure effective governance and decision making, including chairing quarterly board meetings
• Ensure compliance with the Charity Commission and relevant legislation.
• A full job specification is included below for further information.

What we are looking for

Experience of leadership, ideally at Board or senior executive level. You don’t have to have been a Chair before, but you do have to have experience of being a Trustee.

• Strong governance knowledge and an understanding of the responsibility of charity trustees
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and able to build relationships effectively
• Strategic thinking with the ability to support and challenge constructively, and an inclusive leadership style
• Someone who will act as an advocate for the charity and be willing to champion the Hardman
• Trust through personal networks, social media and other channels.
• The ability to be responsive and flexible – we are a small charity which sometimes requires the
• Chair to be available at short notice or out of hours to offer support or advice
• Commitment to equality, diversion and inclusion and to improving outcomes for people serving long prison sentences
• Experience of the criminal justice sector, prisons or related fields is desirable

Please review the document The Hardman Trust Chair Pack for more information about this position and details on how to apply.