Governance officer volunteer roles in edinburgh

This is an exciting time in our growth as we look to grow our governance systems, build on our successes and ensure we are a radical, dynamic organisation rooted in our anti-racist and anti-oppressive values.  We are looking for a new Chair for our Trustee board, to join us and help lead and shape the future of the organisation. 

Could you be a trustee for Avenues?

Avenues Group is a specialist provider of adult social care, supporting people with complex needs to enjoy life. We always want to do things better, and as part of our development we are now looking for new trustees.

Our trustee group has to reflect the diversity of the people we support and the communities in which we work, and we welcome and encourage applicants from all backgrounds.

We would particularly like to hear from people with lived experience of disability, encouraging people who are accessing support services, and neurodivergent people.

Do you have experience in any of the following?

• Care Sector Financial Experience to join our Board and Finance Committee
• Health and Social Care Experience (outside Avenues) to join our Board and one committee (to be decided).
• People management and organisational development to join our Board and the People, Culture and Reward Committee
• Risk Management (specialising in a quality, compliance and regulatory environment) to join our Board and our Audit and Risk Committee.

If so, we'd like to meet you, apply today and to find out more about us and the role please download the attached trustee pack and role profile. 

Still unsure if this role is for you? We are happy to offer an informal chat with our Head of Governance so feel free to contact us and we can organise this.

Why join us?

You’ll be part of an organisation that instils its values at all levels of the business, ensuring the people we support are at the forefront of our decisions.

Our people love working here, and most trustees stay for many years, becoming as passionate as we are.

This opportunity will be useful for anyone wanting to learn more about being a trustee, full training and support will be provided, and wishing to develop a more rounded skill set. It can also be a fantastic opportunity for someone with many years of experience to share their skills.

As part of our recruitment process, the successful candidates will meet and be interviewed by different stakeholders including people we support and Chairs of Committees as well as our CEO, current Group Boards Chair and other trustees of the board.

Interviews are planned week commencing w/c 18th August and w/c 25th August (subject to any changes due to availability of stakeholders).

We will process your data in line with our privacy policy. To find out more read the Privacy Notice on our website. We want you to have control over your data. You can contact us at any time to request or change the data that we hold about you or even if you just have a question relating to the data, we hold about you.

Endometriosis UK is the largest UK charity for those with endometriosis. Endometriosis UK works to:

• Provide support to those with endometriosis and their families and friends
• Provide clear, objective information about the condition and its treatments
• Raise awareness amongst health professionals and the general public about the condition
• Support research into endometriosis.

This is an unpaid role. Reasonable pre-agreed travel expenses will be paid.

Time commitment:

• five Trustee Board meetings a year, including preparation for meetings, reading papers etc; and attendance at an annual strategy day and AGM (held on the same days as Board meetings). Three meetings are held in person on London on a Saturday, with two meetings being virtual evening meetings.
• Trustees have the opportunity to take part in Board sub-groups and project groups to develop aspects of the organisations’ work. Current sub-groups include the Finance Committee and Diversity & Inclusion Sub-Group.

Trustees are also invited to attend Endometriosis UK events.

We are currently recruiting for ONE NEW TRUSTEE to join the board. We are particularly looking for significant experience of charity governance, management and best practice. Examples of how this might have been gained include having worked at a senior level in a charity, or previous trustee experience.

If you are keen to join the Endometriosis UK Board and don’t have this experience, there will be further opportunities over the next year as we will be recruiting for more trustees as Board members reach their maximum length of service. Keep an eye on our social media for more information.

Personal experience of living with, or having a close family member with, endometriosis, is vital on our Board. Whilst we look favourably on applications from those in the endometriosis community, we already have Trustees with first hand lived experience and new trustees do not need to have endometriosis.

We also particularly welcome applications from trustees from a range of backgrounds and experiences as part of our commitment to diversity.

This is an exciting time in our growth as we look to grow our governance systems, build on our successes and ensure we are a radical, dynamic organisation rooted in our anti-racist and anti-oppressive values.  We are looking for a new Treasurer for our Trustee board, to join us and help lead and shape the future of the organisation.

Veganuary is looking for Trustees

We are looking for a number of brilliant people to serve as Trustees, joining our international team to be a pillars of support in our mission to create a better world for humans and animals alike.

This is a very exciting time to join our organisation and help shape the path forward as we continue to grow and expand the vegan message globally. We are currently recruiting for more than one vacancy and are looking for the following skills or attributes in particular:

• A trustee with fundraising expertise or connections with potential funders
• A trustee with risk management expertise
• A trustee located in Germany, with knowledge of German charitable governance

Please find all the information about the role in our application pack linked below.

Deadline for applications is 09.00 on Monday 14 July 2025. Details on how to apply are in the application pack. 

Become our Trustee Tresurer and chair our Finance Committee.We need a Trustees with energy, enthusiasm and commitment to help accelerate our influcence on wildlife and nature recovery issues in the country and beyond.

With a refreshed 3-year strategy (23-26), “A Wilder Herefordshire, More Nature Everywhere” we’re working hard to recover nature at scale through deeper collaborations, working with local community organisations and networks to develop a clear plan for nature’s recovery. We are also working with neighbouring Wildlife Trusts, river partnerships and national partners such as the Woodland Trust, National Trust, and Duchy of Cornwall.

So, with lots happening, it’s an exciting if challenging time for the Trust.  Urgent action is needed to address the decline of wildlife in our beautiful county – and we need to muster all the resources and skills we can to succeed.

We are a welcoming board who support and challenge each other to do better for wildlife.

We look to recruit trustees from a range of backgrounds, life stages and skills to join us.

At this time, we wish to recruit someone to take on the role of Treasurer, and chair our Finance Committee. You would need the following skills and qualities:

· A strong commitment to wildlife conservation and the Vision of the Trust;

· Demonstrable experience of financial management;

· The skills to analyse proposals and examine their financial consequences;

· A good understanding of governance, gained either as a Trustee of another charity, a director of a company, or as a manager who has worked with Boards;

· The ability to apply clear logical thinking and creativity to developing our strategy

If you are successful, you will be welcomed and supported by a talented and committed board of trustees, a strong and experienced staff team and an active and expanding band of volunteers and by the wider Wildlife Trust movement. We hope you are inspired to apply, and we look forward to hearing from you.

Alison McLean OBE, Chair, March 2025

We are seeking to appoint a treasurer (voluntary role) to sit on the board of trustees at Know Your Worth. Know Your Worth is a charity dedicated to helping teenage girls grow self-esteem. Trustees are at the heart of this mission. As a trustee, you help shape the future of our charity. You bring your experience, insight, and care to help guide our strategy, hold us accountable to our values, and ensure our resources are used wisely. 

 We are specifically looking for someone with:

• A passion for the cause of helping teenage girls to grow self-esteem
• Senior finance experience (10+ years).
• Previous treasurer experience on another board (ideally within the charity or non-profit sector).
• An ability to work as a team, courage to challenge constructively where appropriate, whilst being self-aware.
• An awareness of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship. Being available (within reason) to support the CEO with any financial queries or issues

We'd love to hear from you, if you'd like to find out more.

We seek a Chairperson to head our Board at Evolve Counselling who will guide our strategic direction in the provision of lowest cost mental health counselling for individuals and businesses. 

Location: Cambridgeshire area of operations. Chair can be fully remote. 

Voluntary: Reasonable expenses paid 

Commitment: Initial term of 1 -3 years. Flexible hours per month 

Closing date: Wednesday 2nd July 2025

Overview 

For over 40 years Evolve Counselling has provided lowest-cost professional mental health counselling for adults in Cambridgeshire, Peterborough, Northamptonshire and beyond, through the skill and dedication of our team of 60+ BACP-registered counsellors.

The role 

We are looking for a new Chair who understands the growing demand for our services and the challenges of competing as a medium sized charitable business at this time. We shall look to our new Chair to build trust and engagement with our CEO, the Trustee Board, our volunteers, and supporters, as we capitalise on great recent work to stabilise and find new opportunities for significant growth. 

The new chairperson will ideally bring health and wellbeing experience and commercial skills, as well as a demonstrable empathy for charitable working and commitment to the Nolan Principles of public life. 

The role of the Chair is hugely rewarding and the scope under the leadership of the current CEO for Evolve to grow and innovate is significant. You will have significant senior leadership experience to drawn upon as you take ultimate responsibility for directing and inspiring the Trustees, making sure we are financially sustainable, and well run for our clients. Our ethos is to look upwards and outwards as we strive for a leading position in mental health services for all, and your commercial acumen, professional contacts, and powers of persuasion in business will be a huge support for our ambitions. 

Including quarterly board meetings, committee sessions (at present virtual), a face-to-face AGM event, plus away days, and regular meetings with our CEO and the trustees, we anticipate a flexible time commitment of around 2 - 5 days per month. 

For further information or an informal discussion on the role, please contact Kevin Bottrell.

Application process: Expressions of interest in the first instance by email to our CEO Gordon Ackroyd.

We are seeking a passionate and committed Trustee to join our Board and help guide our strategic growth. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to an organisation that places local people at the heart of creating positive change. We are particularly interested in recruiting candidates that have skills in finance and legal compliance.

As a Trustee, you will:

Strategic Leadership
o Help shape our strategic direction and ensure we fulfil our charitable objectives
o Monitor progress against our "Empowering Futures" 2024-2026 strategy
o Contribute to developing future strategic plans

Governance
o Ensure the charity operates within its governing document and legal framework
o Safeguard the charity's reputation, values, and integrity
o Approve policies, annual budgets, and financial statements
o Ensure proper financial controls and risk management systems are in place
• Financial Oversight
o Review financial performance and ensure financial stability
o Ensure charitable funds and assets are used appropriately
o Support the development of diversified income streams
• Advocacy
o Act as an ambassador for The Mason Foundation
o Use your networks to support our mission and expand our reach
o Promote our work and impact to potential partners and supporters

Safeguarding
o Ensure appropriate safeguarding measures are in place to protect vulnerable individuals
o Foster a culture where safeguarding is everyone's responsibility

What You'll Bring
• Strategic vision and good judgment
• Commitment to our mission of reducing inequalities
• Willingness to devote time and effort
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Understanding of charity governance (desirable)

What We Offer
• The opportunity to make a real difference to vulnerable communities
• A supportive and collaborative board environment
• Induction, training, and ongoing development
• The chance to be part of our exciting growth journey

What We Offer
• The opportunity to make a real difference to vulnerable communities
• A supportive and collaborative board environment
• Induction, training, and ongoing development
• The chance to be part of our exciting growth journey

At a time when we are experiencing the largest reforms to the welfare rights system in a generation, we believe this is an exciting opportunity for individuals interested in welfare rights work, to join a respected organisation working at the forefront of the advice sector.

The Welfare Benefits Unit offers specialist welfare benefits advice to those who work with members of the public. Our experienced advisers provide independent support through our advice line, publications, training, consultancy, campaigns and projects.

The Welfare Benefits Unit aims to maximise benefit take-up, helping to reduce the incidence and impact of poverty and in doing so improve health, well-being, financial and social inclusion. We are a registered charity based in York. We primarily operate in North Yorkshire and York although some of our services are accessed by organisations working further afield. 

We continue to aim towards a board that reflects the populations we work to support, and as such, welcome individuals from diverse ethnic communities, LGBTQIA+ groups, as well as younger people, those with disabilities, and those who have lived experience of the welfare benefits system.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

We welcome and support applications from those new to being a Trustee. We also know that studies have shown some people are less likely to apply for positions unless they believe meet every requirement in the description. The most important thing for us is to find Trustees that connect with our values and who can readily buy into our mission. Though we have suggested skills and experience areas below, which would be keen to hear from, we’re eager to meet people that believe in our mission and can contribute to our board in a variety of ways – not just candidates who tick all the boxes.

We’re keen to add these areas of skills and experience to our board:

• Financial, legal or HR matters (especially as they may apply to a small charity)
• Expertise in marketing, digital or similar technological areas
• Welfare benefits system and welfare rights advice or lived experience.

About the Role

All Trustee positions are voluntary with reasonable expenses remunerated. To be an effective Trustee, you will need to commit up to 1-2 days per quarter to attend and prepare for board meetings which are held virtually.

Effective Trustees support our work by:

• ensuring we are working towards our vision, mission and values in everything we do
• ensuring the effective and efficient use of resources, maintaining proper financial and regulatory oversight and best practice as a charity
• approving the annual budget, and supporting strategic decision-making by actively contributing advice and guidance
• appointing key personnel such as the Chief Executive, and determining pay and conditions for the wider team
• constructively guide the Senior Leadership Team in the delivery of the organisation’s strategy
• actively representing and championing the work of the Welfare Benefits Unit.

Location: Worldwide

Term: Voluntary – Unpaid (reasonable travel expenses can be claimed)

Closing date: 31st July 2025

Inspired by the Islamic faith and guided by our values, we envisage a caring world where communities are empowered, social obligations are fulfilled, and people respond as one to the suffering of others.

We provide lasting routes out of poverty, empowering people to transform their lives and serving all communities without prejudice.

As an independent faith-based humanitarian and development organisation, Islamic Relief Worldwide (IRW) has been serving humanity for 41 years. With an active presence in over 40 countries across the globe, we strive to make the world a better and fairer place for the three billion people still living in poverty.

Since we were founded in 1984, Islamic Relief has grown into one of the world’s largest relief and development charities, touching the lives of over 120 million people.

Islamic Relief Worldwide (IRW) is seeking to appoint 1 (one) individual to join our International General Assembly (IGA).

Following appointment to the IGA, independent members are eligible for nomination to the BoT after 1 year as an IGA independent member.

Appointments on the BoT are for a 4-year term limit.

The IGA is the highest body of the new Islamic Relief Worldwide governance structure and consists mainly of representatives elected by Islamic Relief family members across five continents, creating a body that is truly globally representative.  It is from the IGA that IRW draws its trustees.

We would like to hear from exceptional applicants with considerable experience and specialist knowledge in a range of professional backgrounds: law, accountancy, audit, humanitarian programming, PR/communications, marketing or fundraising, IT, charity financial policy and strategy, shariah compliance. Those selected will play a vital role in IRW’s strategic work and in helping us respond to key challenges.

As a member of the IGA, it is expected you will be fully committed to the organisational objectives of IRW, sharing our vision, mission and values.  You will be expected to attend meetings and be willing to devote the necessary time and effort to the role and to act in the best interest of IRW’s work and its rightsholders.

The Role

Key responsibilities:

• Participate in the oversight of  the organisation in accordance with its statutory obligations, making sure that IRW satisfies its regulatory and legal requirements as a charity
• Act in a manner which supports the organisation in meeting aims and objectives as set out in IRW governing documents, and in ensuring IRW long-term security
• Focus on strategic planning and governance when setting IRW priorities and objectives
• Participate in the approval of annual plans, strategies and budgets

• Support the financial stability of the charity and contribute to its effective and efficient administration, reviewing and approving financial strategies and monitoring income and expenditure, to ensure the organisation is in good financial health
• Promote IRW’s vision, mission and values and demonstrate IRW’s values in all of the IGA’s work.

About You

We are seeking exceptional candidates with a breadth of leadership experience who can enhance the strategic development of IRW and have the following skills and qualities:

• A deep commitment and passion for IRW’s faith inspired values, vision and mission
• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship  
• Considerable professional experience and specialist knowledge in one or more of the following – law, accountancy, audit, humanitarian programming, PR/communications, marketing or fundraising, IT, charity financial policy and strategy, shariah compliance
• Strategic vision and critical thinking skills
• Skills in problem solving and conflict resolution
• Legislative and operating framework for charities/voluntary and community sector organisations, especially an understanding of Charity Commission requirements
• A good understanding of the context IRW operates within
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; enjoys teamwork
• Willing to be an ambassador for IRW
• Demonstrates past public conduct, statements and behaviour that are in line with IRW’s values and expectations of the role

If you are interested in these roles, please review the information pack before applying.

How to apply:

To make your application for the IGA position, please visit the link for instructions.

The deadline for applications is: 31st July 2025.

PLEASE NOTE: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Applications without a cover letter will not be accepted.

Pre-appointment checks:

Any appointment with Islamic Relief will be subject to the following checks:

• Enhanced screening clearance
• Receipt of satisfactory references including the Inter-Agency Misconduct Scheme Reference
• DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check
• Personal social media review

Our values and commitment to safeguarding

IRW is committed to preventing any type of unwanted behaviour at work including sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, lack of integrity and financial misconduct; and committed to promoting the welfare of children, young people, adults and beneficiaries with whom IRW engages. IRW expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through our code of conduct. We place a high priority on ensuring that only those who share and demonstrate our values are recruited to work for us.

The post holder will undertake the appropriate level of training and is responsible for ensuring that they understand and work within the safeguarding policies of the organisation.

The term will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records checks. IRW also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme.

In line with this Scheme, we will request information from every applicant’s previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment.

By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms his/her understanding of these recruitment procedures.

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 charity law and governance
• Experience in charity fundraising
• Knowledge of counselling or psychotherapy (as a therapist or client)
• Experience in accounting or financial management
• Experience in business development
• Experience in social media or marketing
• A parent of a young person who has experience of mental health issues

Federation of Scottish Theatre (FST) have an exciting new opportunity to join their Board of Trustees. In a bold step toward broadening our vision and impact, FST recently updated our governing documents to welcome Non-Executive Directors from outside our membership. This change opens the door to fresh ideas, diverse expertise, and valuable insights from beyond the arts—strengthening FST’s leadership and enriching our work. We are particularly interested in candidates with backgrounds in finance, public policy and research, and legal and/or finance. 

FST are actively working to build a Board and staff team that reflects the richness and variety of the communities we serve, believing that diversity fuels creativity and strengthens leadership. We’re looking for curious, and collaborative thinkers—people who bring different perspectives and challenge the status quo. We particularly welcome applications from people of colour, gender-diverse individuals, disabled people, and others whose voices have historically been underrepresented in our sector. This is a space where your voice matters—and will be heard.  

What’s Involved 

The Board of Trustees work on a voluntary basis and meet four times a year. We welcome candidates from all over Scotland and can facilitate online attendance at meetings as required.   

Role of a Trustee:  

1. To play a key role in the development of the FST vision, contributing to the strategic leadership, sound management and proactive development of the organisation.  

1. To ensure that the FST principles of good and proper governance continue to be upheld, and to fulfil duties and responsibilities in line with the organisation’s Memorandum and Articles of Association.  

1. To ensure that FST protects its future through robust policies, risk management, accounting procedures, internal controls and systems and to ensure that these are audited and reviewed in line with all regulatory and legal requirements.  

1. To attend and contribute to Board meetings and the Annual General Meeting.  

1. To work closely with the Chair and all other Trustees and to advise on major issues to the Board as required.  

1. To work constructively with the Chief Executive, and as appropriate with senior management and the wider staff, to ensure that FST delivers on its core vision, mission and business plan.  

Additional information about the responsibilities of being a Trustee can be found on the website of Scottish Charity Regulator - more information in the job pack.

What We’re Looking For 

We are looking to recruit two Co-opted Board members over the coming months.   

Following a recent review of Board membership, we have identified the need for new Trustees and are looking for candidates with skills and experience in each of the following areas:  

• Financial – Strong financial background, ideally with expertise in charity and not-for-profit accounting and experience working with small charities 

• HR/Legal - Senior level experience in HR and/or the legal landscape surrounding employment with knowledge of of best practices in people management, organisational culture, and employment law—particularly within the charity or arts sector 

• Public Policy and Research - Senior experience in public policy and research, ideally within Scotland. For example, you may have worked on developing policy positions, conducting sector-specific research, or creating tools to influence change at a national or local level 

As well as the skills and experience aligned to one of the two candidate opportunities described above, we expect all Board members to embrace the following qualities :  

1. An understanding of (or willingness to learn) the culture sector  

1. Advocacy experience  

1. Sound analytical and problem-solving skills  

1. Ability to communicate effectively with a diverse range of colleagues and stakeholders  

1. An understanding of access, inclusion, diversity and equal opportunities issues  

1. Experience of working effectively as part of a team, project group or committee  

1. Good, independent judgment  

1. An ability to think creatively  

1. Awareness of risk and the need to balance ambition with sustainability  

1. Ability to conduct oneself with integrity, objectivity, and honesty  

Recruitment timeline   

The deadline for applications is 10am on Tuesday 22 July 2025.   

You will receive a response from FST by 6pm on Friday 25 July 2025.   

Interviews will be held from w/c 28 July onwards depending on individual candidates' availability.  

ThinkForward exists to support young people to create better and brighter futures. We want them to be able to identify, realise and shape their aspirations, and be ready to make a successful transition into work.

Young people experiencing barriers such as challenging relationships, living in low-income households, or growing up in areas with a lack of access to opportunities can be confronted with hurdles. Without the right support, these barriers can lead to a high risk of unemployment and long-term effects on career and life chances.

There are more than 900,000 16-24-year-olds in the UK who are not at school or college, or don’t have a job or training place. Our ambition is to prevent young people becoming one of these statistics. In 2025, we will be supporting more than 1,500 young people.

We are looking for new trustees with skills and experience to:

• help to grow our income and support our development team
• help us raise our profile by turning our strong evidence base into policy and campaigns.

You will help drive the progression of successful evidence-based organisation that makes a positive impact on the lives of young people and their communities. We are looking for those who value the potential of young people, are passionate about their growth and development and understand the challenges that some face. An interest in ThinkForward’s work and approach are essential as well as an ambitious outlook for our future.

You will be well respected, have active networks in philanthropy, fundraising and statutory development or in policy and campaigning which has generated systemic change. You will have a proven track record of working at a senior and strategic level and will understand the governance and risk management requirements of the role.

You will also be keen to act as a representative, spokesperson and cause leader creating and identifying donors and business opportunities for ThinkForward. 

If this role sounds like a good fit for you, then read the job pack and specification attached to this listing for more details before applying via CharityJob with your CV and cover letter.