Fundraising research volunteer volunteer volunteer roles in Manchester

Volunteer Head of Community – The Lysene Cultural Foundation

Approx. 4–8 hours per month • Flexible • Founding Leadership Role • REMOTE

Ladies and Gentlemen, lovers of classical beauty,

As we prepare to launch The Lysene Cultural Foundation, we are seeking a warm, imaginative, and community‑minded volunteer Head of Community to join our founding team and lead the development of our public relationships, outreach, and cultural participation.

The Foundation exists to advance public understanding of Renaissance, Beaux‑Arts, and classical artistic traditions. We believe that beauty is a public good, something that enriches lives, strengthens communities, and connects us to our shared cultural heritage. Inspired by the artistic world of the Principality of Lys, the Foundation brings this vision to the public through exhibitions, educational programmes, research, and artistic support.

To ensure this mission reaches and resonates with people from all walks of life, we are seeking a community leader who can help build meaningful connections, nurture engagement, and create opportunities for the public to experience classical beauty in accessible and inspiring ways.

About the Role

We are seeking a volunteer Head of Community who will:

• Lead the development of the Foundation’s community engagement strategy.

• Build relationships with local groups, cultural organisations, artists, educators, and supporters.

• Help shape programmes and initiatives that welcome diverse audiences into the world of classical beauty.

• Support outreach efforts, community partnerships, and public‑facing events.

• Guide the creation of inclusive, accessible opportunities for participation and learning.

• Work collaboratively with trustees and advisors to ensure community voices inform our work.

• Dedicate approximately 4–8 hours per month, with full flexibility around schedule and involvement.

• Bring empathy, creativity, and a passion for connecting people with art, culture, and heritage.

This is a rare opportunity to shape how a new cultural institution engages with its audiences and communities from the very beginning.

Our Vision

The Foundation seeks to preserve the elegance of the past, celebrate the creativity of the present, and inspire the artists of the future. Through exhibitions, learning initiatives, and public engagement, we aim to make classical beauty a shared public resource.

Your work as Head of Community will help ensure that this vision is not only seen, but felt—creating a sense of belonging, participation, and cultural enrichment.

An Invitation

If you believe in the enduring power of beauty and wish to contribute your community‑building expertise to a meaningful cultural mission, we would be delighted to speak with you.

Together, we can build a living legacy of art, architecture, and craftsmanship—one that will flourish for generations.

The D D McPhail Charitable Settlement CIO (DDMCS), charity number 1197598, is an active grant making
Charitable Incorporated Organisation. It has succeeded the D.D. McPhail Charitable Settlement, charity
number 267588, which was founded in 1973 and operational till 2023.

DDMCS aims to support 2 or 3 major multi-year grant projects each year, which are actively sought by the
Trustees to enable small / medium sized charities to make a significant or step change in their activities. The
original trust deed and now the CIO constitution specifies three key areas of preference in the UK around:

• Furtherance of medical research,
• Care of the disabled particularly disabled children, and
• Care of the aged and infirm

The Trustees have wide discretion to support other charitable activities in the UK. There is more detail in
the annual report available via the Charity Commission website and the charity’s own website that outlines
the activities of the charity. Within these broad areas the Trustees recently agreed, following a strategic
review, to focus for the next grant making cycle on charities supporting care for the physical and mental
wellbeing of children living in poverty.

Recent grant support has enabled a number of significant multi-year projects, including:

• British Dyslexia Association - supporting the creation of Local Outreach Hubs to increase access to dyslexia advice, assessment and early intervention within communities.

• Candlelighters - funding a Family Wellbeing Practitioner to improve emotional and practical support for families affected by childhood cancer.

• IPSEA - funding a SEND Policy Manager to strengthen national policy influencing for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.

• The Myton Hospices - supporting the development of the Volunteer Service, enhancing capacity and patient experience across hospice services.

Further information can be found in the recruitment pack (attached). 

We are seeking a Chair Designate to join our board, with a view to taking over as Chair in 2027. The Chair provides inclusive leadership to the Board of Trustees, ensuring effective governance and strategic direction for the charity. They act as an ambassador for the organisation, working closely with the Director and fellow Trustees to maximise impact for beneficiaries. DDMCS does not undertake any fundraising activity, as all grant making is supported through the charity’s long-established investment portfolio. As a result, there is no requirement for the Chair to have fundraising experience.

Key Responsibilities: 

Strategic Leadership
• Lead the Board in setting and reviewing the charity’s vision, mission, and strategic objectives.
• Ensure decisions align with charitable objectives and long-term sustainability.
• Promote diversity and inclusion within the Board and wider organisation.

Governance
• Ensure compliance with the charity’s governing document, Charity Commission guidance, and relevant
legislation.
• Maintain high standards of governance, risk management, and financial oversight.
• Facilitate annual Board and Trustee performance reviews

Board Management
• Chair Board meetings effectively, ensuring impartiality and open debate.
• Provide guidance and constructive challenge to trustees.
• Foster strong relationships among Trustees and between the Board and Executive Director.
• Drive Trustee recruitment and succession planning.

External Representation
• Act as an ambassador and spokesperson for the charity.
• Represent the organisation at external events and with grantees and key stakeholders
• Support advocacy through personal networks where appropriate.

Support to Director
• Maintain a clear distinction between governance and management roles.
• Ensure regular communication and a strong, collaborative working relationship.
• Provide guidance and support to the Director.

Person Specification:

Essential Skills and Experience
• Proven leadership experience at Board or senior executive level.
• Strong understanding of charity governance and the legal duties of Trustees.
• Strategic thinker with ability to balance long-term vision and short-term priorities.
• Financial literacy and ability to oversee budgets and risk management.
• Excellent communication, with ability to build consensus
• Experience in grant-making or philanthropic sector

Desirable
• Knowledge of charity law and regulatory frameworks.
• Established networks within relevant sectors (e.g., philanthropy, corporate, public).

Personal Attributes
• Commitment to the charity’s mission and values.
• Integrity, impartiality, and sound judgment.
• Ability to dedicate sufficient time and energy to the role.
• Collaborative and inclusive leadership style.
• Innovative thinker with ability to bring forward fresh ideas.

If, after reading the applicant pack, you feel you have the skills and experience we are looking for then please apply through CharityJobs, providing a CV and cover letter (2 pages max) detailing why you are interested in this role and your relevant experience. 

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for preliminary interviews in April (dates to be confirmed). Initial interviews will take place via Teams. 

The Trustees of DD McPhail Charitable Settlement CIO are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences, particularly those underrepresented in leadership roles within the charity sector.

There will be an online Q&A session on Wednesday 1 April at 5pm where you will be able to find out more about DD McPhail and hear from our current Chair of Trustees. If you would like to attend that session, please drop us a line using the following details and we will forward an invitation 

info at ddmcphail dot org

Volunteer Company Secretary – The Lysene Cultural Foundation

Approx. 4–8 hours per month • Flexible • Founding Governance Role• REMOTE

Ladies and Gentlemen, lovers of classical beauty,

As we prepare to launch The Lysene Cultural Foundation, we are seeking a dedicated volunteer Company Secretary to join our founding Board and help establish the governance structures that will support this new cultural charity for years to come.

The Foundation exists to advance public understanding of Renaissance, Beaux‑Arts, and classical artistic traditions. We believe that beauty is a public good, something that enriches lives, strengthens communities, and connects us to our shared cultural heritage. Inspired by the artistic world of the Principality of Lys, the Foundation brings this vision to the public through exhibitions, educational programmes, research, and artistic support.

To ensure that our governance is as orderly and harmonious as the artistic ideals we champion, we are seeking a Company Secretary who can guide us through the essential processes of incorporation, compliance, and board administration.

About the Role

We are seeking a volunteer Company Secretary who will:

• Lead on the establishment of governance frameworks, policies, and statutory records.

• Ensure the Foundation meets its legal and regulatory obligations as a charitable organisation.

• Support the Board by preparing agendas, maintaining minutes, and ensuring effective communication.

• Provide guidance on best practice in charity governance and organisational structure.

• Work collaboratively with the Chair, Treasurer, and fellow trustees.

• Dedicate approximately 4–8 hours per month, with full flexibility around schedule and involvement.

• Bring clarity, organisation, and a commitment to good governance.

This is a rare opportunity to help shape the administrative and legal foundations of a new cultural institution from its earliest days.

Our Vision

The Foundation seeks to preserve the elegance of the past, celebrate the creativity of the present, and inspire the artists of the future. Through accessible cultural programmes, we aim to make classical beauty a shared public resource.

Your work as Company Secretary will ensure that this vision is supported by strong governance, clear processes, and a well‑structured organisation.

An Invitation

If you believe in the enduring power of beauty and wish to contribute your organisational and governance expertise to a meaningful cultural mission, we would be delighted to speak with you.

Together, we can build a living legacy of art, architecture, and craftsmanship—one that will flourish for generations.

Volunteer Communications & Public Engagement Trustee – The Lysene Cultural Foundation

Approx. 4–8 hours per month • Flexible • Founding Governance Role • REMOTE

Ladies and Gentlemen, lovers of classical beauty,

As we prepare to launch The Lysene Cultural Foundation, we are seeking a creative and articulate volunteer Communications & Public Engagement Trustee to join our founding Board and help shape the Foundation’s public voice and presence.

The Foundation exists to advance public understanding of Renaissance, Beaux‑Arts, and classical artistic traditions. We believe that beauty is a public good, something that enriches lives, strengthens communities, and connects us to our shared cultural heritage. Inspired by the artistic world of the Principality of Lys, the Foundation brings this vision to the public through exhibitions, educational programmes, research, and artistic support.

To share this mission with the world, we are seeking a trustee who can guide our communications strategy, build our public identity, and help us engage audiences with elegance, clarity, and imagination.

About the Role

We are seeking a volunteer Communications & Public Engagement Trustee who will:

• Lead on the development of the Foundation’s communications and public engagement strategy.

• Shape our public voice across digital platforms, press, publications, and outreach.

• Support the creation of compelling narratives that bring classical beauty to contemporary audiences.

• Help build relationships with media, cultural partners, and community organisations.

• Guide the development of accessible, inspiring content for exhibitions, events, and educational programmes.

• Work collaboratively with fellow trustees to ensure our communications reflect our mission and values.

• Dedicate approximately 4–8 hours per month, with full flexibility around schedule and involvement.

• Bring creativity, clarity, and a passion for sharing art and culture with the public.

This is a rare opportunity to define how a new cultural institution presents itself to the world.

Our Vision

The Foundation seeks to preserve the elegance of the past, celebrate the creativity of the present, and inspire the artists of the future. Through exhibitions, learning initiatives, and public engagement, we aim to make classical beauty a shared public resource.

Your work as Communications & Public Engagement Trustee will help ensure that our message reaches, inspires, and resonates with audiences far and wide.

An Invitation

If you believe in the enduring power of beauty and wish to contribute your communications expertise to a meaningful cultural mission, we would be delighted to speak with you.

Together, we can build a living legacy of art, architecture, and craftsmanship—one that will flourish for generations.