Governance officer volunteer roles in blyth, northumberland
Sunderland Culture is entering a bold new chapter, and we are seeking to appoint two Independent Trustees who can bring expertise, constructive challenge, and important oversight to Board discussions and decisions. This is a rewarding opportunity to help shape the cultural landscape of Sunderland, working closely with our CEO, wider Board team and valued partners to support Sunderland Culture’s vibrant and ambitious vision.
Role of The Board
The board governs the charity and ensures Sunderland Culture is well-run, legally compliant, and financially sound as a registered charity and company limited by guarantee. Trustees act as guardians of the organisation’s purpose, ensuring decisions are made in the best interests of those we serve. Core duties include;
• Work with the CEO and Partners to set strategic direction and shape the organisation’s long-term cultural vision, mission, and priorities.
• Safeguarding the mission and values of the charity, upholding our core purpose: “to improve life for everyone in Sunderland through culture.”
• Champion culture in Sunderland – acting as ambassadors for the city’s cultural sector, bringing networks and influence. • Provide accountability – Reporting to regulators (Charity Commission, Companies House), funders (Arts Council England, trusts/ foundations), and the community.
• Financial Oversight - work with the senior management team and Finance Committee to review and approve budgets, key-funding decisions and long-term sustainability.
• Policy Oversight - Approve and oversee key policies, including safeguarding, equality and diversity, privacy policy, health and safety, and employment procedures.
The board is supported in its work by a Finance Committee, with trustee representatives also working alongside staff leads on Arts Council England’s Investment Principles:
• Ambition & Quality
• Dynamism (organisational resilience and business systems)
• Inclusivity and Relevance
• Environmental Sustainability
Independent Trustees – Role Description
We are seeking to appoint two independent trustees who will bring expertise, insight, and constructive challenge to Board discussions.
We are particularly seeking expertise in one or more of the following areas:
• Finance and audit
• Fundraising and income generation
• Community cohesion
Time Commitment
• Approximately 1 day per month (variable to time of year).
• Board meetings: (4–6 times per year).
• Membership of sub-committees: (4 meetings per year).
• Preparation and engagement outside meetings.
• Term: 3 years, renewable twice.
Are you passionate about building a more inclusive, sustainable and resilient economy? Are you looking for a meaningful way to use your finance expertise?
ECU is a small, dynamic non-profit working to transform the economy so that everyone has the freedom and security to live a good life.
We are now recruiting for ECU’s first Treasurer, who will lead at board level on monitoring ECU’s financial performance and sustainability, ensuring that we have robust financial policies and processes in place, and supporting other board members to fulfil their collective responsibilities around finance.
This is an exciting time to join ECU. We have an ambitious vision for change, a strong analysis of the opportunities and barriers to progress, and a clear view of our role in building a better economy. Our board is committed, collaborative and inclusive, with a strong understanding of its role and remit, and a culture of open dialogue. Our work is challenging, fascinating, and fulfilling – and, with rising levels of inequality, an unfolding climate emergency, overstretched public services and a growing concentration of corporate power, it couldn’t be more important.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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!
Make a difference in Kent by joining our team of trustees!
Kent Community Foundation (KCF) is looking for individuals to join our Board of Trustees who have a real passion for our county and want to make a demonstrable difference to the lives of people in our communities.
KCF is a professional grant-maker and local philanthropy advisor for Kent and Medway. We have been established for 24 years; distributing more than £60 million in grants to voluntary sector organisations across the county; supporting small charities to be sustainable and successful, and helping major donors maximise the impact of their donations.
Trustees are the volunteers who lead charities and decide how they are run; setting strategic plans, monitoring the performance, impact and sustainability of the charity and overseeing its governance. People of any age and background can be a trustee, and we're looking for people with specific experience to help us support communities in Kent. We are particularly interested in applications from people who are typically under-represented on trustee boards.
We have a comprehensive trustee induction programme, so if you have never been a trustee or on a board before, we will ensure you have all the knowledge and support you need.
Trustee: Desirable skills
We are looking for applicants to have one or more of the following:
· Lived experience of the communities we work with and the issues which arise in our county
· Experience of grant making; either as a philanthropist, grant maker or grant applicant
· Experience in working with or within social enterprises
· Experience in communications and PR
· A background in socio/economics, or connections with education in that field
· Knowledge of, and experience in promoting diversity, equality and inclusion
· Professional experience or active interest in technology, digital communications and AI
· Long term connections and networks with any of our stakeholder groups in Kent; such as philanthropists, businesses owners, key voluntary sector influencers
We hope to recruit up to three new trustees with different experience to offer, who can give some of their time and expertise to help KCF continue to grow and develop. We have four in-person Board meetings a year, and trustees also sit on at least one of our sub-committees, which meet two to four times a year (often remotely). There are also occasional events trustees are invited to attend to promote and engage with our work.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Transform is looking for a new Treasurer to join our board of Trustees!
We are looking for a qualified accountant, preferably with experience in the charity sector; knowledge and experience of the drug sector an advantage.
As we are a small organisation this is quite a hands-on role. You will need:
To work collaboratively with the CEO, our book-keepers and the auditors to produce annual accounts
and regular financial statements
Proven accountancy qualifications, budgeting and understanding the finance of small
charities including a working knowledge of xero
Ability to translate finances in an easy-to-understand manner for different
stakeholders with less financial knowledge
Good knowledge of charity governance rules and procedures
To be passionate about the values and mission of the charity
You will also work closely with the Chair and the Board to ensure we are meeting our
financial objectives
You will be willing to bring experience, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, and be
willing to broaden the diversity of thinking on our board.
About Transform
Transform Drug Policy Foundation is a global leader in developing, and advocating for, more
humane drug policies. Our vision is a world where drug policy contributes to safer and
healthier societies. We want to recruit a treasurer, to oversee income and expenditure of the
organisation, to help drive forward our work.
This is an exciting time in drug policy. Rapid changes in approach are occurring in the UK and
internationally. Transform has a long history of shaping these changes and seeking to ensure
that reform reduces harm, improves social justice and protects public health. Our Anyone’s
Child campaign is a highly effective family-led movement that has had a significant impact
here and abroad. But like so many charities, we are feeling the strain from the cost of giving
crisis and gaining longer-term sustainable funding is essential for the continuation of our
important work.
We welcome applications from all candidates with the skills and commitment to support the
work of Transform. We especially welcome applications from Black and minority ethnic
candidates as part of our commitment to ensuring a full diversity of experience is reflected in
our work. We are also interested to hear from candidates with personal lived experience
which informs their understanding of the need for drug policy reform.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Could you be one of our new trustees?
We currently have space on our Board for up to eight new Trustees who want to work with us to help improve university communities so that every student gets the mental health support they need to reach their goals.
At Student Minds, we’re working to improve university communities so that no student is held back by their mental health. So it should come as no surprise that we are keen to reflect the communities we serve, maintain a diverse board and ensure student voices are represented. This is key to our mission and our continued impact.
You may be thinking that you don't have the experience because you haven't been a trustee before, or because charity governance isn't your field. Think again!
Here's what you DO NEED need:
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Commitment to our vision - a world where no student is held back by their mental health
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Experience in 1 or 2 of the following areas:
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Current higher education students
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Professional higher education sector expertise
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Legal expertise
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Fundraising and income generation expertise
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Equity, diversity, inclusion, belonging, intersectionality and anti racism expertise
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AI and technology expertise
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Campaigning, advocacy, community organising and/or public affairs expertise
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Marketing and brand awareness expertise
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People and culture, HR, organisational development or leadership development expertise
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And what you DON'T need:
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Previous experience of trusteeship
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Experience in charity law or working with a charity
Both experienced and aspiring trustees have much to bring to our table: we are looking for fresh perspectives and seasoned knowledge alike.
Key responsibilities
Student Minds Trustees are expected to commit to the following:
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Preparation and attendance at four board meetings a year. Board meetings are held online and take place on weekdays from 5 - 7.30 pm.
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Preparation and attendance at two board away days each year, usually from 12.30 - 5 pm. Board away days are in person and usually take place in Leeds. Travel expenses can be claimed.
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Ad-hoc meetings and conversations with the senior management team as required. This usually constitutes approximately a further five working days a year.
If appointed, you will receive the training and onboarding you need to be a confident, contributing member of the board. We are also able to provide you with a board buddy to support you in your first few months.
So, if you want to help shape the future of student mental health, download our recruitment pack to find out more!
How to apply?
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For more information about the role responsibilities please follow the link
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Download and complete our application form, which is available on the link
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Complete the Equality Monitoring Form.
Application process
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Application closing deadline: Monday the 5th January at 11.59 pm - make sure you send your completed application form by this date
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Interviews: 29th or 30th January (general Trustees) or 5th February (Student Trustees) with a Trustee and CEO
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Appointment: subject to approval by the Student Minds Board.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Sunderland Culture is entering a bold new chapter, and we are seeking to appoint two Independent Trustees who can bring expertise, constructive challenge, and important oversight to Board discussions and decisions. This is a rewarding opportunity to help shape the cultural landscape of Sunderland, working closely with our CEO, wider Board team and valued partners to support Sunderland Culture’s vibrant and ambitious vision.
The Role of the Board
The board governs the charity and ensures Sunderland Culture is well-run, legally compliant, and financially sound as a registered charity and company limited by guarantee. Trustees act as guardians of the organisation’s purpose, ensuring decisions are made in the best interests of those we serve. Core duties include;
- Work with the CEO and Partners to set strategic direction and shape the organisation’s long-term cultural vision, mission, and priorities.
- Safeguarding the mission and values of the charity, upholding our core purpose: “to improve life for everyone in Sunderland through culture.”
- Champion culture in Sunderland – acting as ambassadors for the city’s cultural sector, bringing networks and influence.
- Provide accountability – Reporting to regulators (Charity Commission, Companies House), funders (Arts Council England, trusts/ foundations), and the community.
- Financial Oversight - work with the senior management team and Finance Committee to review and approve budgets, key-funding decisions and long-term sustainability.
- Policy Oversight - Approve and oversee key policies, including safeguarding, equality and diversity, privacy policy, health and safety, and employment procedures. The board is supported in its work by a Finance Committee, with trustee representatives also working alongside staff leads on Arts Council England’s Investment Principles:
- Ambition & Quality
- Dynamism (organisational resilience and business systems)
- Inclusivity and Relevance
- Environmental Sustainability
Independent Trustees- Role Description
We are seeking to appoint two independent trustees who will bring expertise, insight, and constructive challenge to Board discussions.
Key Responsibilities:
Ensure compliance with legal and statutory responsibilities.
Contribute to strategic discussions and decisions. Provide oversight of financial, operational, and reputational risk.
Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of governance.
Act as an ambassador for the organisation, including attendance at key events and stakeholder activities.
Serve on sub-committees or working groups as required.
Person Specification
Essential Criteria
An ability to think strategically and independently.
Commitment to good governance and accountability.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
A collaborative and supportive approach.
Passion for the mission of Sunderland Culture.
Relevant lived experience and networks that reflect the make-up of the city.
Desirable Criteria
Relevant experience of organisational governance.
We are particularly seeking expertise in one or more of the following areas:
- Finance and audit
- Fundraising and income generation
- Community cohesion
This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.
What will you be doing?
Our Board is chaired by Peter Carter and of made up of seven Directors. We plan to add 2-3 more to strengthen the skills and experience, and widen our diversity
The Board of Directors have overall oversight of Trinity Academy Newcastle Trust. In Trusts the purpose of Governance is to provide:-
- Strategic Leadership
- Accountability and Assurance
- Strategic Engagement.
As a Director, on the Board of Directors, you will work in partnership with the CEO, to set the strategic direction of the Trust, challenge Senior leaders and to take the Trust forward as an excellent example for the type of alternative provision that it offers.
Being a Director is a commitment to attending Board and Committee meetings that consider issues such as setting the Trust’s vision, mitigating financial risk and scrutinising educational outcomes, as well as overseeing the management side of the Trust.
Through oversight and strategic direction, the board will ensure that the Trust:
- Complies with governance documentation and relevant legislation
- Apply the resources solely towards pursing our purpose
- Have financial stability and sustainability
- Have effective policies and procedures in place
- Evaluation performance against agreed goals
What are we looking for?
No previous experience is required and we welcome application from young and old alike from people with all kinds of backgrounds.
Our Directors must be:
- Willing and able to champion our Vision and Values
- Collaborative and open to new ideas
- Able to listen, express views constructively and be fair and objective.
- Reliable, ethical and honest
- Willing and able to contribute to the work of the Board
- Willing to undertake an enhanced DBS check
We are particularly seeking applicants with one or more of the following:
- Experience of the education sector and/or further education
- An understanding of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
- Advanced financial/ accounting skills
- An understanding of adolescence mental health
What difference will you make?
Directors play a vital role in making sure that Trinity Academy Newcastle Trust achieves its strategic vision. The Directors have the overall management of the Trust and provide support, ideas and constructive challenge to the CEO and Executive Leadership team. As a Director you will be able to develop your professional skills and experience in areas such as strategic planning, chairing, policy implementation and teamwork.
Before you apply
Please apply via the Reach website.
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!
Charity Trustee
You and Me Counselling are currently recruiting volunteer trustees to complement the committee members already in their role.
This is a home working role and will be for immediate start.
Our charity
You and Me Counselling is a charitable organisation established in 2011. We are a counselling and psychotherapy service based in Hornchurch, Essex that works with children, young people, adults, and their families in the boroughs of Havering, Barking & Dagenham, Redbridge, and Waltham Forest. Our counsellors and therapists work both within schools and from our counselling rooms located in Hornchurch and Ilford.
You and Me Counselling are an organisational member of the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP). This means we are fully governed by the BACP’s Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions.
Job Description
As a trustee you will need to:
- Acknowledge emails at least once a day.
- Give a minimum of one hour per week to the role.
- Attend quarterly trustee meetings online.
- Ensure that You and Me Counselling pursues its stated objectives
- Ensure there is regular review of changes that might affect the organisation (political, financial, demographic, etc.)
- Ensure that the charity complies with charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
- Monitor finance to ensure that the charity applies its resources exclusively for its charitable objectives.
- Uphold the good name and values of You and Me Counselling.
- Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation, including having appropriate policies and procedures in place.
- Ensure the financial stability of the organisation.
- Supervise, support and appraise the chief executive officer.
- Hold the chief executive officer to account for the management and administration of the charity.
- Ensure that the organisation acts in accordance with employment law and exercises a duty of care to its employees.
- Identify major risks to the organisation and put systems in place to mitigate or minimise the risks.
- Ensure that the organisation has a governance structure that is appropriate to a charity of its size/complexity, stage of development, and its charitable objectives
- Regularly review your own training needs and create an expectation of continuous professional development throughout the organisation.
- Ensure that trustees have an agreed code of conduct and comply with it, and that there are mechanisms for the removal of trustees who do not abide by the principles stated therein.
Person Specifications
All trustees should demonstrate the following skills and values:
- A commitment to the organisation.
- A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort.
- Good, independent judgement.
- An ability to think creatively.
- A willingness to speak their mind.
- An understanding and acceptance of their legal duties and responsibilities as a trustee
- An ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
- Ability to evaluate and interpret management information and other data.
Specific Skills
The ideal candidate would have one of more of the following:
- Experience in law and governance
- Experience in charity fundraising
- Knowledge of counselling or psychotherapy (as a therapist or client)
- Experience in accounting or financial management
- A parent of a young person who has experience of mental health issues
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
About the Degrees Initiative
The Degrees Initiative is a UK-based NGO that builds the capacity of developing countries to evaluate solar radiation modification (SRM), a controversial proposal for reducing some impacts of climate change by reflecting sunlight away from the Earth. Degrees is neutral on whether SRM should ever be used, but we believe that developing countries should be empowered to conduct their own research and to play a central role in SRM discussions. The initiative has been working in different forms for over a decade, and our work receives worldwide coverage and widespread acclaim.
The charity was founded in 2021, now has around 20 staff members and is growing. We seek a volunteer trustee with significant financial experience including an accounting qualification to join an existing five-person board to help guide a growing initiative that is changing the field of SRM.
This position offers a fantastic opportunity for the right candidate to apply their financial expertise in a high-profile governance role, shaping strategy and supporting a mission that empowers Global South researchers to lead in one of the world’s most important climate debates.
Role
The volunteer trustee will complement and further strengthen an existing five-person volunteer trustee board including the Chair & Treasurer. The role will entail strategic leadership, governance, and fiduciary responsibilities. Alongside the Treasurer they will predominantly be advising the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and the rest of the senior management team (the Chief Executive Officer and Chief of Staff) to ensure the robust financial health of the charity. This will include:
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Maintaining an overview of the charity’s financial affairs by overseeing the annual financial planning and budgets proposed by the senior management team
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Monitoring and evaluating financial progress against budgets and forecasts from staff reporting at quarterly board meetings, acting a voice of financial expertise during board discussions
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Approving the audited annual accounts and financial statements presented by the senior management team alongside the rest of the board
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Strategic input by reviewing risk assessments alongside financial implications and advising on the organisation of financial resources and reserves to support the long-term goals of the charity
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Confirming transparency and accountability in financial operations, and that appropriate accounting procedures and controls are in place in addition to compliance with legal and regulatory requirements
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Advising on how the charity can most effectively conduct its international work, especially providing grants to organisations in the Global South
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Confirming that the charity has an appropriate investment policy, and that there is no conflict between any investment held and the aims and objects of the charity
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Sitting on any board sub-committees as required
A dynamic charity working on climate change and global development



Carers UK is the national membership charity for the millions of people in the UK who are unpaid carers. As an organisation we provide expert advice and information for carers, campaign for greater recognition and support for carers, and use our experience and expertise to help other organisations do more for carers. Our Board of Trustees plays a vital leadership role in the work we do while ensuring the charity is equipped and governed effectively, establishing and monitoring strategy and ensuring we are true to our values and keep carers at the heart of everything we do.
We are now seeking to appoint up to four people to join our Board of Trustees, to steer us towards our vision of a world where carers are recognised, valued and supported.
It’s an exciting time to be part of Carers UK, as we launch our new strategic review in 2026. Our Board is instrumental in ensuring we make the future really impactful for carers through our vision and strategy while fulfilling all our obligations as a charity.
We are also seeking to appoint a Nations Trustee for Scotland. In addition to the general responsibilities of a trustee, the Nations Trustee will be expected to ensure that the Carers UK Board is informed on key issues affecting carers in their Nation.
To find out more about this opportunity and apply, please download the Trustee recruitment pack from our website
Carers UK is committed to representing the diverse society in which we work and actively encourages applications from people with current or recent experience of caring from all backgrounds and experiences.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The Opportunity:
Her Centre is seeking a Treasurer to enable the future of our organisation, along with
our excellent board of trustees. This opportunity will involve working closely with the
Board Chair, the Board of Trustees, the CEO, and the Head of Finance. The
Treasurer will drive change and ensure that our vital work continues to support every
woman in Greenwich who needs us. You will be joining a dedicated board that
includes expertise from across the private and charitable sectors, the local authority,
and lived experience.
Our Work:
Greenwich has one of the highest rates of domestic abuse in London. Last year
alone, over 4,000 domestic offences were recorded in the borough: a shocking 35%
higher than the London average. Demand for our services has risen sharply: in 2017,
we received 321 acute high-risk referrals but by last year, this had more than
doubled to 780. The most common form of abuse reported is physical violence
(62%), followed by controlling and coercive behaviour (46%). However, the sad
reality is that many women face multiple and overlapping forms of abuse, including
sexual abuse and rape, threats to their children, financial control, and forced
imprisonment.
Last year, Her Centre supported nearly 1,000 women to find safety, seek justice, and
rebuild their lives. We also help children who witness abuse recover from trauma and
support teenagers facing exploitation or violence to recognise unhealthy
relationships and build self-worth. Her Centre is a safe and welcoming space where
all women are listened to and believed in an environment of trust and respect.
Please submit your Covering Letter and CV by Friday, 2 January 2026.
Role Description:
Board Treasurer
- Time commitment: 3-4 hours monthly. The HER Centre board meetings are hybrid
and currently held every two months.
- Location: Hybrid, in-person meetings at Clockhouse Community Centre, Defiance
Walk, London
- Responsible to: The Board of Trustees
Purpose of the role:
The Board Treasurer is responsible for advising the board on its financial
responsibilities, ensuring its effectiveness in enabling the HER Centre to provide
best-in-class service to users and in keeping the HER Centre a leading agency
supporting women, particularly those in crisis due to abuse. The Board Treasurer
oversees annual budget planning and contributes to risk and operational plans. The
Board Treasurer also adheres to the Charity Commission's essentials of a trustee:
1. Ensure the HER Centre carries out its purpose for public benefit
2. Ensure the HER Centre complies with the governing document and law
3. Acts in the HER Centre’s best interest
4. Manage the HER Centre’s resources responsibly
5. Act with reasonable care and skill
6. Ensure the HER Centre is accountable
7. Reduce risk and liability
Main roles and responsibilities:
• Oversee the HER Centre’s finances to ensure its regulatory and legal
responsibilities are met and comply with charity accounting practice.
• Oversee the annual budget, including budget planning, monitoring and
reporting
• Ensure the HER Centre’s accounts are prepared and the key issues and risks
are reported to the trustee board in a timely and effective manner.
• Monitor and report on the HER Centre’s financial health at regular board
meetings
• Lead in the development and implementation of finance policies and robust
controls
• Liaise with external auditors or advisors, as required
• Ensure the HER Centre is up to date on financial reporting and governance
requirements
• Contribute to the HER Centre’s risk and operational plans
Term: Two years, renewable for a maximum of nine years.
Training and Induction:
You will receive an induction on the work of the HER Centre and meet the Trustees
and staff.
Payment and Expenses:
The Board Treasurer is a voluntary role. Agreed, out-of-pocket expenses will be
reimbursed.
Please submit your Covering Letter and CV by Friday, 2 January 2026.
We are seeking a new Chair of Trustees to lead the charity as we enter a bold new chapter for Sunderland Culture. This is a unique opportunity to help shape the cultural landscape of Sunderland, working closely with our CEO, Board of Trustees, and valued partners to support Sunderland Culture’s vibrant and ambitious vision.
The Role of the Board
The board governs the charity and ensures Sunderland Culture is well-run, legally compliant, and financially sound as a registered charity and company limited by guarantee. Trustees act as guardians of the organisation’s purpose, ensuring decisions are made in the best interests of those we serve. Core duties include;
- Work with the CEO and Partners to set strategic direction and shape the organisation’s long-term cultural vision, mission, and priorities.
- Safeguarding the mission and values of the charity, upholding our core purpose: “to improve life for everyone in Sunderland through culture.”
- Champion culture in Sunderland – acting as ambassadors for the city’s cultural sector, bringing networks and influence.
- Provide accountability – Reporting to regulators (Charity Commission, Companies House), funders (Arts Council England, trusts/ foundations), and the community.
- Financial Oversight - work with the senior management team and Finance Committee to review and approve budgets, key-funding decisions and long-term sustainability.
- Policy Oversight - Approve and oversee key policies, including safeguarding, equality and diversity, privacy policy, health and safety, and employment procedures.
The board is supported in its work by a Finance Committee, with trustee representatives also working alongside staff leads on Arts Council England’s Investment Principles:
- Ambition & Quality
- Dynamism (organisational resilience and business systems)
- Inclusivity and Relevance
- Environmental Sustainability
The Role of Chair
The Chair will provide strategic leadership to the Board, ensuring that Trustees fulfil their duties effectively.
Key Responsibilities:
Lead the Board: Shape agendas, chair effective meetings, enable constructive challenge and decisive governance.
Manage and support the Chief Executive: Provide counsel and stretch; agree priorities and success measures; ensure strong performance and learning.
Steward partnerships: Work closely with existing partners to renew relationships while openings doors to a wider range of strategic partnerships.
Steward change: Oversee complex transitions in assets, programmes and organisational design; ensure robust risk management and stakeholder engagement.
Promote inclusion: Develop and grow the board to reflect the city’s diversity and lived experience.
Ensure sustainability: Oversee financial strategy and reserves; support income generation across public, commercial and philanthropic streams.
Advocate and represent: Be a visible ambassador for Sunderland Culture locally, regionally and nationally.
Board effectiveness: Lead trustee recruitment, induction, appraisal and succession; uphold best practice in charity and company governance.
Person Specification:
Essential Criteria
Commitment to Sunderland Culture’s mission
Relevant values and networks Essential Proven leadership experience, ideally at Board or senior executive level.
Strong understanding of governance and charity/ company law.
Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
Ability to inspire confidence and command respect.
Desirable Criteria
Demonstrable commitment to or interest in the cultural sector
Sunderland or North-East England based
Background in relevant sector (Culture or Creative Industries, Community Development, Education, Finance etc.)
This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.
Five annual meetings per year (Approximately one hour per month)
Alpha Academies Trust is seeking a finance-skilled Trustee to strengthen our board and help secure long-term sustainability, robust governance and excellent educational outcomes for the 4,000 children we serve across Stoke-on-Trent.
Who we are
We serve around 4,000 pupils and employ 500 staff, working in some of the most disadvantaged areas of the country. Our commitment to excellence, evidence-informed practice and community engagement sits at the heart of everything we do.
About the role
We are seeking a finance-focused Trustee who will play a pivotal role in supporting the Trust’s strategy, sustainability and long-term planning.
As a Finance Trustee, you will:
- Support oversight of the Trust’s financial strategy, reserves, risk and long-term sustainability.
- Provide scrutiny and constructive challenge to ensure robust financial governance.
- Work closely with fellow Trustees to oversee growth, investment and capital planning.
- Help ensure resources are deployed effectively to maximise educational impact.
- Contribute to the Audit & Risk and/or Finance Committee, depending on experience.
Who we’re looking for
We are seeking an experienced strategic leader with strong financial expertise who can add immediate value to board discussions and oversight.
The ideal candidate will bring:
- Senior financial leadership experience (e.g. CFO/FD, Audit Partner, or equivalent).
- Understanding of financial strategy, sustainability, risk and audit.
- Ability to interpret complex financial information and advise non-finance colleagues.
- Experience of working within, or advising, regulated or multi-site organisations.
- Commitment to community impact and improving life chances for young people.
- Experience within education or the public sector is welcomed but not essential.
We are an inclusive Trust and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.
Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.
Applications close at 9 a.m. Wednesday 28th January 2026.
We’re an executive search firm working across third sector, education and membership sectors to transform leadership and inspire change.
For nearly 50 years, nia has provided high quality, women-led services across North and East London. nia has three main aims: to provide services for women, children and young people who have experienced male violence, working to end men’s violence against women and girls, and to inform and influence policy and public awareness.
nia’s values, and our commitment to upholding them, set us apart. We put women first – always and without hesitation: we believe women, we are run by women, for women. We leave no woman behind: we challenge inequality and discrimination and believe that uniting women of all backgrounds is essential to ending the sex-based oppression of women.
We have a voluntary Board of Trustees who have the ultimate responsibility for directing nia and ensuring that the organisation is well-run. Our trustees are passionate feminists and include women with a wide range of skills and include women who have experienced sexual and domestic violence and ex-service users of specialist women’s services.
The role of the Treasurer is to provide financial expertise and direction to the board of Trustees. The Treasurer’s aim is to oversee and scrutinise financial information to enable the board to fulfil their responsibilities for the overall governance and strategic direction of the nia.
The Treasurer will ensure that the organisation complies with its governing document, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations and to make sure that the organisation pursues its objects as defined in its governing document.
The Treasurer’s role is also to work in partnership with the Chief Executive and Director of Finance helping them achieve the aims of the organisation and maintain fiscal health, accountability and stability.
Delivering cutting edge services to end violence against women and children.

The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
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Our trustees play a vital role in making sure that ESS Education and Support Services achieves its core purpose. They oversee the overall management and administration of the charity. They also ensure that ESS Education and Support Services has a clear strategy and that our work and goals are in line with our vision. Just as importantly, they support and challenge the executive team to enable ESS Education and Support Services to grow and thrive, and through this, achieve our mission.
Board members have a collective responsibility. This means that trustees always act as a group and not as individuals.
Duties:
· Support and provide advice on ESS Education and Support Service’s purpose, vision, goals and activities.
· Approve operational strategies and policies, and monitor and evaluate their implementation.
· Oversee ESS Education and Support Service’s financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress.
· Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.
· Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively.
· Review and approve ESS Education and Support Services’ financial statements.
· Provide support and challenge to ESS Education and Support Services’ CEO in the exercise of their delegated authority and affairs.
· Keep abreast of changes in ESS Education and Support Services’ operating environment.
· Contribute to regular reviews of ESS Education and Support services’ own governance. Attend Board meetings, adequately prepared to contribute to discussions.
· Use independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect ESS Education and Support Service’s interests, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or any third-party interests.
· Contribute to the broader promotion of ESS Education and Support Services objects, aims and reputation by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge, and contacts.
As a small charity, there will be times when the trustees will need to be actively involved beyond Board meetings. This may involve scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, presenting externally, or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise.
What we are looking for
We are looking for people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our board.
ESS Education and Support Service are looking for Trustees from the following backgrounds: Legal, Financial.
Personal skills and qualities
· Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as trustees and to act in the best interests of the organisation.
· 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 discussion.
· A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
· Enthusiasm for our vision and mission.
· Willingness to lead according to our values.
· Commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.
Terms of appointment
Terms of office
· Trustees are appointed for a 3 year term of office, renewal for 2 further terms to a maximum of 9 years.
· This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses are reimbursed.
Time commitment
· Attending 6 Board meetings annually. Currently meetings are held virtually.
· Attending charity events and other such commitments.