General trustee volunteer roles in southend on sea, essex
We believe that every child should have access to a quality education at a safe, inclusive school, with the opportunity to become a truly global citizen… do you too?
It’s an incredibly exciting time at African Adventures Foundation as we develop the vital programmes we deliver at the 34 partner schools we work with in Ghana, Kenya, and Zanzibar.
We have ambitious plans to help drive greater impact at our partner schools, and are looking to strengthen our existing Trustee Board that’s full of energy and experience!
Do you have experience in charity governance, delivering projects in an African culture and context, or delivering WASH or female empowerment/education/menstrual health programmes?
If so, read on… we’d be keen to hear from you about becoming one of our amazing volunteer trustees!
Introduction to African Adventures Foundation
African Adventures Foundation is a registered charity set up in 2013 to provide support to 34 schools in developing areas of Ghana, Kenya and Zanzibar.
These schools provide education, health and food security, and social support to young people whose access to these basic services would otherwise be very limited. African Adventures Foundation helps by funding food security programmes, the construction of important school facilities, and hygiene projects that will benefit children’s health and education.
Our mission is to provide more children with a quality education and better opportunities in life.
All trustees are responsible for governing a charitable company and directing its management and operation. They must also ensure that the trust complies with all legal and statutory requirements.
Trustee Responsibilities:
The role of a Governance & Delivery Trustee is to ensure the Foundation complies with its charity obligations, maximise impact through effective in country project delivery, and bring valuable insight into the specific cultural and operational context of working in Africa.
We are looking for two Trustees to bring specific expertise to the overall Trustee Board alongside the Chair, Fundraising, and Treasurer Trustee positions.
Governance (role specific)
● Understand and represent the needs of the charity’s governing framework on behalf of the Chair and board.
● Recommend relevant changes or documentation, and identify any areas od noncompliance to be addressed within improvement plans.
● Act as spokesperson and figurehead for African Adventures Foundation internally and externally concerning our charity governance.
Delivery (role specific)
● Contribute to governance, approval, and impact assessment processes at board level for the successful delivery of Foundation projects.
● Provide best practice advice, support, and oversight to the projects being delivered on behalf of the board as required.
Context & Culture (role specific)
● Bring experience, knowledge and good judgement relating to the culture and context of the communities and territories we operate in.
● Bring an understanding of delivering charitable projects in an African educational context to board level.
● Bring an understanding to Trustee Board level, of delivering WASH programmes and Female empowerment, education, and menstrual health projects.
General (all Trustees)
● Support and provide advice on AAF’s purpose, vision, goals, and activities while working alongside the trustee Board, founder, and African Adventures personnel.
● Approve operational strategies and policies and monitor and evaluate their implementation, adding to overall good charity governance.
● Support broad decision-making, risk management, and charity planning through a range of platforms and processes.
● Keep abreast of changes in AAF’s operating environment through your external experience.
● Be fully prepared to attend, participate and contribute in Board meetings and Trustee events.
● Act as AAF ambassador applying your skills, experience and knowledge in a range of scenarios including government, fundraising and networking events.
● Use independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect African Adventures Foundation’s interests, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or any third-party interests.
● Support the Chair with administrative tasks as required.
What we are looking for:
● Attention to detail.
● A good knowledge of charity governance and willingness to challenge.
● A good understanding of delivering charity/NGO projects.
● A good understanding of operating and/or overseeing delivery in an African culture and context.
● Background in WASH and/or female empowerment, education, and menstrual health projects.
Essential qualities and attributes of all our trustees
● Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as trustees, and to act in the organisation's best interests.
● Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member.
● Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussions.
● A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
● Enthusiasm for our vision and mission.
● Willingness to lead according to African Adventures Foundation’s values.
● Commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership.
Terms of appointment
● Trustees are appointed for a 2-year term of office, renewal for 2 further terms to a maximum of 6 years.
● This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.
Time commitment (estimated at one day every month)
● Attending quarterly Trustee Board meetings. Currently, these are alternating between online and in-person at HQ near Southampton, UK.
● Flexibility to respond swiftly to the occasional ad hoc issue and Trustee comms
● Attending occasion workshops and fundraising & networking events as per availability.
We are looking for people to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role and broaden the diversity of thought within our board.
Non Charity Employer 
11 - 20
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Aspens are looking for trustees to join us on the next exciting part of our journey. We'd love to hear from you if you have accountancy, social care, business development or fundraising experience.
What will you be doing?
Are you passionate about making a real difference in the lives of people with learning disabilities and autism? Do you have the skills, experience, and dedication to help guide a forward-thinking charity? If so, we’d love to hear from you!
About Aspens CharitiesAt Aspens we provide high quality care and support to people on the autism spectrum and with learning disabilities; and their families; meeting their needs and aspirations and empowering them to learn and grow through an integrated network of services across the South-East.
Why Become a Trustee?As a Trustee, you will play a vital role in overseeing the governance and strategic direction of Aspens Charities. You will work alongside a committed Board to ensure our services remain impactful, sustainable, and aligned with our core values.
Your Responsibilities:
- Provide strategic leadership, ensuring Aspens meets its charitable objectives.
- Oversee financial management, risk assessment, and compliance with legal and regulatory standards.
- Support and challenge the Executive Team to drive excellence in service delivery.
- Act as an ambassador for Aspens, promoting our work and values.
- Attend Board meetings and contribute to key strategic decisions.
What We’re Looking For:We welcome applications from individuals with diverse professional backgrounds. Key attributes include:
- A strong commitment to the aims and values of Aspens Charities.
- Strategic thinking and decision-making abilities.
- Willingness to dedicate time to Board meetings and governance activities.
- Integrity, good judgment, and the ability to work collaboratively.
We are particularly interested in candidates with expertise in:
- Accountancy
- Health & Social Care sector knowledge
- Fundraising and business development
Time Commitment & LocationThis is a voluntary, unpaid role with reasonable expenses covered. The Board meets approximately three times a year, with 3 committee meetings and occasional additional meetings or events. Meetings are held in person and virtually.
What are we looking for?
- Commitment to the goals and aims of the charity.
- Dedication to the role and a willingness to devote the required time.
- The ability to make good independent judgements.
- Being able to think creatively.
- Understanding the importance of carrying out required legal duties.
- Proven strategic abilities that can be used to create effective plans.
- Strength of character coupled with the ability to voice concerns and opinions.
- Proven experience working as a member of successful teams.
- Integrity and objectivity which can be applied to all aspects of the role.
Experience of either accountancy or fundraising / income generation.
What difference will you make?
As a Trustee, your leadership will directly shape the future of Aspens Charities and the lives of the people we support. You will help:
- Improve Quality of Care – Ensuring individuals with learning disabilities and autism receive the best possible support.
- Drive Strategic Growth – Expanding and developing services to reach more people in need.
- Ensure Financial Sustainability – Overseeing resources to secure long-term impact.
- Strengthen Governance – Upholding transparency, compliance, and ethical leadership.
Your expertise will make a lasting difference, creating a more inclusive society where everyone can thrive.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Job Title: Volunteer Finance Lead
Reporting to: Operational Director
Hours: 10 to 15 hours per month (we can be flexible and work with your schedule)
Willowbrook Farm Charity
Willowbrook Farm Charity exists to create nurturing educational and cultural spaces in the Oxfordshire countryside that are welcoming, inclusive, and accessible to communities who have been historically underrepresented in rural environments — including people from racialised backgrounds, neurodivergent individuals, and young people with diverse learning needs.
In partnership with Willowbrook Farm (www willowbrookfarm co uk), where we host our activities, we aim to build a nationally recognised centre of excellence that supports personal growth, wellbeing, and connection with nature. Through hands-on learning, community building, and cultural exchange, we empower individuals and groups to explore sustainable living, ethical land stewardship, and the transformative potential of nature-based education.
Our Values
Community
We foster a culture of care, connection, and belonging. We create space for people to come together in joy, learning, and mutual support, building relationships rooted in respect and shared purpose.
Stewardship
We honour the land as a living system and recognise that the wellbeing of people and nature are deeply interconnected. We are committed to nurturing the next generation of ethical and responsible stewards — who care for the earth, each other, and future generations.
Equity & Inclusion
We are dedicated to removing barriers so that people of all identities, backgrounds, and abilities can access and participate fully in experiences of farming, countryside living, and sustainability. We celebrate diversity and work to create welcoming spaces where everyone can thrive.
Connection with Nature
We centre our actions on a deep respect for the natural world. We believe in restoring and nurturing the bond between humans and nature, creating a place where both can flourish in harmony.
Job description
We are thrilled to welcome a Finance Lead to support our Operational Director and Fundraising Team at a pivotal time for our charity.
After a challenging period of inactivity due to the impacts of Covid, we are excited to embark on a new chapter, as we are ready to restart our activities in 2025 and to develop our projects and create a positive impact in our community.
This is a unique opportunity for those eager to be part of a project evolving from its early stages to the launching of new initiatives. The volunteer will have ample opportunity to learn about charity structure, develop skills within the third sector and grow with the charity.
We are looking for a passionate and articulate person to fill this role.
What this position entails
We are looking for a dedicated volunteer who can provide long-term support to our charity as we prepare to relaunch our activities after a period of inactivity post-Covid.
The Volunteer Finance Lead will assist the Fundraising team and the Operational Director in creating budgets, clarifying budget limitations, preparing cash flow forecasts, and ensuring the charity has a comprehensive understanding of operational and project costs to help us secure necessary funding.
Ideal candidates should be genuinely passionate about our mission and values, work well in a team, and be able to communicate financial information clearly to those who may not have a finance background.
As a Finance Lead, your main responsibilities will include:
- Give general financial advice for projects, events and activities strategy.
- Take leadership in preparing cash flow forecasts.
- Clarifying budget limitations.
- Take leadership on producing projected budgets, outlining expected income and expenses for specific periods of the charity lifecycle, helping our charity plan our finances and allocate resources.
- Taking on leadership for producing all events/activities/projects budgets and keeping accurate reporting of post-projects income/expenses records and producing reports to the board of trustees.
- Monitoring the financial health of all our projects.
- Produce general quarterly financial reporting to management and the board of trustees, highlighting points of concern.
- Contributing to decisions regarding financial strategy for our projects.
- Understanding and reporting costs for specific areas: internal staff, delivery staff, running activities etc.
- Able to recommend improvements and implement changes on financial processes and procedures, supporting the operational team to have clarity on our financial health.
What do you need to become our Finance Lead?
Essential:
- 3+ plus experience with accounts/finance
- Fully qualified Accountant or relevant financial qualification.
- Highly experienced with budgets and cost management of projects.
- Numerate, accurate individual with strong Excel, Word, and presentation skills
- Professional approach.
- Experience of working with small teams and communicating financial information clearly to those who may not have a finance background.
- Able to work on own initiative with a conscientious approach, always looking to continuously improve processes and be dedicated to the improvement of our charity's financial processes and procedures.
As a volunteer-led charity, it’s essential for us to find someone who understands the importance of being part of our team and engaging in the growth of the charity. Therefore, we will prioritise applications from volunteers who are committed to a long-term partnership and want to be an integral member of our team.
By getting involved you will gain:
- A chance to expand your skills in charity strategic operations and fundraising.
- This is an excellent opportunity for professionals eager to utilise their talents to address community needs and contribute to reducing inequality.
- Additionally, this is an excellent starting point for those wanting to work in the third sector but lacking the experience.
Location: Fully Remote. But we welcome those who wish to come and visit the farm at least once to understand more about us.
Commitment:
We estimate that you'll need to commit around 10 to 15 hours each month. However, depending on the specific projects/events running, there may be times when you need to invest more time, while other months might require less support. We're looking for a volunteer who is excited to build a long-term partnership with us and can adapt their schedule as needed.
We can be flexible and work with you to find hours that fit ours and your schedule, working out of office hours or weekends - all help is much appreciated!
As a volunteer-led charity, we prioritise volunteers who want to become part of our team of volunteers rather than those looking for a temporary assignment. Therefore, we won’t accept applications from volunteers who cannot commit to at least 5-6 months with us.
How to apply:
Candidates must have the legal right to work in the UK at the time of application.
Please send your CV and cover letter demonstrating your relevant experience and why you would like to get involved with our charity.
We will be holding interviews starting on the 15th May.
If we find some great candidates, we may close the vacancy earlier than the application deadline mentioned. So don't delay - apply today!
Job Notes:
The volunteer acknowledges their responsibility to perform their tasks diligently and to promptly inform their line manager of any concerns that may arise during their volunteering period. Given the time commitment required for this position, we regret to inform that we cannot provide references for volunteers who serve less than three months with us.
Candidates must have the legal right to work in the UK at the time of application.
Please send your CV and cover letter demonstrating your relevant experience and why you would like to get involved with our charity. We will be holding interviews starting on the 15th May.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Join us as Dog A.I.D.'s new Honorary Secretary and you would be joining the Board at an exciting time as we have launched the charity’s Strategic Plan with a new CEO supported by a small but strong team, which we will be building further this year. As Honorary Secretary you would be using your skills and experience to support the leadership and strategic direction of our charity as we look to achieve ambitious strategic growth targets over the coming years, becoming a larger, more robust charity with increased profile and reach.
Dog A.I.D. empowers physically disabled people by coaching them to train their own pet dog to become an accredited Assistance Dog. By focusing on the existing pet/owner bond, outcomes for our clients include:
· increased independence and self-confidence
· improved mental well-being
· reduction in social isolation
· reduced reliance on family members and/or carers.
· increased opportunities, with many of our clients being able to return to work or education, supported by their accredited Assistance Dog.
We are looking for an active and well-organised Secretary who can provide support for our governance functions. You will be required to attend and minute online quarterly Board meetings and other ad-hoc meetings and strategic discussions.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.