Trustees - Voluntary Role
We have an exciting opportunity to join this thriving and dynamic organisation as Trustees.
At SARSAS we provide support for people affected by rape or any kind of sexual assault or abuse at any time in their lives. Listening, believing and supporting them through provided vital support to people of all genders through our Helpline, counselling, group work and specialist support services.
We believe that a world without sexual violence is possible. We campaign for people affected by sexual violence because everyone deserves to live free from abuse and its impact. We are unflinching in our commitment to calling for change, in raising awareness, and in our drive for all voices to be heard. We challenge misconceptions about sexual violence and abuse through training and campaigning. We lobby both locally and nationally to promote the needs of survivors.
We need your support!
We are looking for people who can offer energy, enthusiasm, and commitment to join our volunteer Board of Trustees at SARSAS. You will be joining a proactive, engaged and supportive Board and will play a pivotal role in shaping SARSAS and supporting our work.
Whilst ideally you will have prior experience of how a Trustee role works, this isn’t mandatory: If you are committed, passionate, and determined, we would love to hear from you. We will provide training and support to help you become an amazing trustee. We would be particularly interested to hear from you have a background in communication, data, IT or risk.
It matters to us that our Trustees reflect the incredibly diverse communities we serve, and we are actively seeking younger people, people from Black, Asian and minoritised communities and people with a disability for these voluntary roles. We value lived experience of sexual violence within our staff, volunteers and trustees.
Voluntary (expenses paid)
Time commitment
We appreciate for many of our Trustees, they fit volunteering around busy work and home schedules. Overall, the time commitment is expected to be c 30 hours per year, including preparation for meetings.
All trustees are expected to attend 4 x 2.5 hours Board meetings a year (evenings) and 1 full away day each year.
We have two subcommittees that also meet an additional 4 times a year (1.5 hour in the evening), which trustees may be part of.
Being a Trustee at SARSAS is more than just turning up to a few Board meetings, as it is your skills, passion & experience that brings value to the organisation, therefore, we also ask that Trustees engage with SARSAS staff, and attend events or meetings as required, as well as responding to emails. We estimate that this covers a further 7 hours a year.
Equality, diversity, and inclusion
At SARSAS we strive to create a workplace that reflect the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work. We want to build an inclusive culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates diverse voices. We actively encourage applicants with protected characteristics to apply.
We are committed to taking an inclusive approach to recruitment and selection whilst ensuring there is no discrimination in our processes and that our team and prospective employees are treated fairly, with respect and without bias. Reasonable adjustments to the interview process can be made to accommodate additional requirements. Applicants are encouraged to highlight any specific adjustments needed to enable participation in the recruitment process.
How to apply
Closing date for applications is Midnight on Sunday 7th June 2026.
Interviews will be held remotely on Friday 19th June 2026. Please ensure you are available for an interview on this date.
Registered Charity
51 - 100
Support for people of all genders affected by rape or any kind of sexual assault or abuse at any time in their lives.
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!
Equal Aqua is seeking a Trustee with significant fundraising expertise to provide strategic leadership and hands-on support to drive substantial income growth as the organisation scales towards a seven-figure annual income. The role involves actively leveraging networks to open doors to major donors, corporate partners and grant-makers, initiating high-value funding conversations and developing new income streams. The Trustee will help shape and oversee the organisation’s long-term fundraising strategy, support the cultivation and conversion of major funding opportunities, mentor the fundraising team and strengthen proposals and donor engagement. Acting as an ambassador for the organisation, they will also help raise Equal Aqua’s profile within influential networks while ensuring strong governance, accountability and performance through the Board and Fundraising Committee. The ideal candidate will bring senior-level fundraising experience, strong sector knowledge in areas such as WASH, climate or international development, and a network capable of unlocking significant new funding opportunities.
Equal Aqua is a registered Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) in the UK; Equal Aqua Uganda is a registered Community Based Organisation (CBO) in Uganda (‘EAU’ refers to both). Both operate equally and in unison. The purpose of EAU is to enable communities in Uganda to have access to safe and sustainable water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities. EAU supports schools and communities facing the greatest WASH inequalities by providing water tanks and filters, running classes and workshops, and empowering young people to be WASH change makers in their community. The current Board of Trustees, consisting of 5 members based in UK and Uganda, provides guidance to the volunteer EAU management team as well as supporting the implementing volunteers based in UK, Uganda and other countries.
The objectives of EAU are, in Uganda, to:
1. To improve access to safe and sustainable WASH for those facing the greatest inequalities in Uganda
2. To strengthen the participation of local communities in WASH, in particular women and girls, and displaced peoples
3. To take action to protect the natural environment, reduce pollution and tackle climate change
The role of trustees is:
1. Sculpt and maintain EAU’s vision, mission, objectives and values.
2. Act as ‘critical friends’ in the development of EAU’s policy, programming and planning.
3. Actively champion EAU externally, opening doors to people and organisations that can support our cause, fostering awareness and engagement in the UK, Uganda and internationally.
4. Support in particular with income generation activities, advising and supporting delivery of major campaigns and helping to build EAU’s donor and partner base.
5. Establish and maintain systems for reporting and monitoring.
6. Ensure that the financial affairs of the organisation are conducted properly and are accurately reported.
7. Manage risk and ensure compliance and accountability with the governing document (EAU Constitution), external regulators and the law (UK and Uganda).
8. Safeguard EAU’s assets – both physical assets, including property, and intangible ones, such as its reputation.
Ensure EAU has the appropriate structure and resources to deliver the above.
Trustee Responsibilities:
1. To attend and contribute to EAU Board of Trustee meetings, held at least on a quarterly basis. To work with EAU management to set an agenda in advance of this meeting.
2. Currently, Trustees will hold the position for a maximum of 3 years. This length of trusteeship will be reviewed with the aim of staggering Trustee terms to ensure a smooth transition between board members.
3. To support the recruitment of additional trustees, from diverse backgrounds and providing a range of expertise.
4. To offer personal expertise and skills in select areas for the benefit of EAU. This may include legal, management, practical, fundraising, marketing or other relevant areas.
5. To offer advice and feedback on EAU’s main fundraising programmes, e.g. events and grant applications.
Additional Responsibilities of Trustee with fundraising expertise
To provide strategic leadership and hands-on support to drive significant and sustainable income growth for Equal Aqua, with the ambition of building towards a seven-figure annual income.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Fundraising Leadership
Provide Board-level oversight and strategic direction for the development and execution of an ambitious, multi-year fundraising strategy aligned with EAU’s growth plans, ensuring clear pathways to seven-figure annual income. - Active Income Generation & Network Mobilisation
Proactively generate income by leveraging personal and professional networks to:- Open doors to high-value donors, grant-makers, corporates and philanthropic partners
- Introduce EAU to influential individuals and decision-makers
- Initiate and nurture strategic funding conversations
- Identify and pursue new income streams and partnership opportunities
This role requires active relationship-building and direct contribution to income growth, not solely advisory input.
- Pipeline Development & High-Value Fundraising
Support the identification, cultivation and conversion of major funding opportunities, including trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships and major donors. Where appropriate, personally lead or co-lead high-value approaches. - Committee Leadership & Support
Provide experienced guidance to the Fundraising Committee and fundraising volunteers, strengthening capability, confidence and performance across the team. - Hands-On Mentorship & Quality Assurance
Offer practical, hands-on support to fundraising volunteers, including:- Reviewing and strengthening proposals and pitch materials
- Advising on donor strategy and positioning
- Supporting preparation for high-stakes meetings and presentations
- Visibility & Advocacy
Act as an ambassador for EAU, raising the organisation’s profile in relevant networks, events and forums, and positioning EAU as a credible, high-impact partner. - Governance & Accountability
Attend quarterly Fundraising Committee meetings (one of EAU’s management committees) and relevant Board meetings, ensuring clear income targets, performance monitoring and accountability for results.
Desired Background and expertise of Trustee with Fundraising expertise.
Senior Fundraising Experience
- A substantial track record (ideally 5+ years) in charity fundraising, with experience operating at a strategic level. This should include demonstrable success in securing significant income from one or more of the following: trusts and foundations, major donors, corporate partnerships, institutional funders or high-net-worth individuals. Experience supporting organisations through periods of income growth or scale-up is highly desirable. International development experience is strongly preferred.
- Sector-Relevant Knowledge
Strong understanding of fundraising dynamics and donor priorities within one or more of Equal Aqua’s core thematic areas, including:- WASH (Water, Sanitation & Hygiene)
- Climate and environmental sustainability
- Menstrual health and gender equality
- Rural enterprise and livelihoods
- International development
Familiarity with the funding landscape in these sectors – including trends, key funders and partnership models – would be a significant advantage.
- Network & Influence
An established professional network that can be activated in support of Equal Aqua’s growth ambitions, with the credibility and confidence to engage senior decision-makers and prospective funders.
- Strategic & Commercial Acumen
The ability to think entrepreneurially about income generation, identify new revenue opportunities, and contribute to building a diversified and resilient funding portfolio.
Registered Charity
21 - 50
To become a leading organisation in Uganda in addressing inequalities in WASH, and interrelated issues of gender and sustainability.
