Governance Officer Volunteer Roles in Manchester

Join our board as a trustee: help us navigate a path to a sustainable future

 Are you passionate about making a difference and equipped with the skills to guide a small charity through challenging times?

CMV Action are seeking proactive and committed trustees to join our board and support us in building a sustainable future.

About CMV Action

CMV Action is the only charity in the UK providing support and information to families affected by congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV). Congenital CMV is the most common viral infection that can affect babies before birth, with potential long-term health impacts such as hearing loss, developmental delays and vision loss. It can also cause miscarriage and stillbirth.

As many as 1 in 200 newborn babies are born with congenital CMV.  The majority of these will not have any symptoms.  However, around 1 in 1,000 born in the UK every year will have permanent disabilities as a result of congenital CMV – around 900 children every year.  As congenital CMV is a relatively unknown condition, it is a common misconception that it is rare.  It is in fact more common than Down’s syndrome, Toxoplasmosis, Spina Bifida or Cystic Fibrosis.

What we’re looking for

 We welcome application from everyone, and are particularly interested to hear from individuals who share our values and can bring the following skills and experience to our board:

• Proactive and strategic thinkers: You are purposeful about the directions you choose and willing to explore new paths to drive our charity towards self-chosen outcomes.
• Experience in finances, fundraising, marketing or strategy planning: Your expertise in charity finance, fundraising strategy, business development, or organisational change will help us build a sustainable future.
• Collaborative leaders: You excel in building strong relationships and working effectively with a diverse range of people and organisations.
• Evidence-based decision-makers: You value research and expert advice, using robust evidence to guide strategic decisions that achieve the best outcomes.
• Committed to accountability and transparency: You act with integrity, ensuring our charity operates openly and ethically.
• Advocates for inclusivity: You are dedicated to ensuring that our work is accessible and equitable for all, embracing the diverse needs of the community we serve.

Change Agents UK is a sustainability education charity and not-for-profit, working towards the vision of a secure, resilient, zero-carbon and a fair future for all. We provide programmes and workshops to everyone from students and young people to professionals, helping them embed sustainability into their lives and careers and support the transition to Net Zero. We run a non-profit trading subsidiary, providing sustainability recruitment and employment services, creating fantastic career opportunities in future-focused work and supporting partner organisations to resource their sustainability and Net Zero goals.

We are seeking a range of Trustees and Directors to expand our Charity and Non-profit Boards and to support us as we grow. In particular, we are seeking people with a passion for sustainability and professional experience in areas including safeguarding, finance, fundraising, IT or HR.

Our Trustees and Directors play vital roles in making sure that Change Agents UK achieves its core purpose. This is a fantastic opportunity to put your professional skills to use to help us to achieve our mission:

• raising public awareness of the Sustainable Development Goals and the climate emergency,
• supporting and empowering the next generation to have the skills and knowledge needed for the future,
• and building networks that engage individuals and organisations in working towards an equitable and zero-carbon world.

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 and skills on our Board.

 Personal skills and qualities

• A strong personal commitment to the principles of sustainability and the drive towards Net Zero
• Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities as a trustee or director and to act in the best interests of the organisation.
• A strong personal commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
• 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.
• 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.
• Charity Trustees must be at least 18 years of age and you must not be disqualified from serving as a trustee 

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive Board, valuing a range of perspectives and experiences across race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability and other characteristics. We particularly encourage applications from individuals who bring under-represented voices to our Board, including but not limited to individuals from the Global Majority, people with disabilities, people identifying as LGBTQ+ or people under 35.

You do not need previous Board experience to apply and will be provided with induction and support in the role.

Duties of Trustees & Directors:

• Support and provide advice on Change Agents UK’s vision, goals, strategy and activities.
• Actively promote and champion the work of the Change Agents UK, amplifying messages, campaigns and supporting our growth
• Approve (as part of the Board and with input from the Executive Team) financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress.
• Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively.
• Review and approve Change Agents UK’s financial statements (with the advice of an Independent Examiner/Auditor).
• Provide support to the CEO/Executive Team
• Keep abreast of changes in Change Agents UK’s operating environment.
• Contribute to regular reviews of Change Agents UK’s own governance and policies.
• Attend Board meetings adequately prepared to contribute to discussions and participate in decision-making.
• Use independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect Change Agents UK’s interests, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or any third-party interests.
• Contribute to the broader success of Change Agents UK’s objects, aims and reputation by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts.

There will be times when the Trustees will need to be actively involved beyond Board meetings. This may involve reading and commenting on 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.

Terms of appointment

Terms of office

• Trustees are usually appointed for an initial 2-year term of office, with renewals thereafter agreed at the AGM
• This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses (for example, travel to and from CAUK events or meetings) can be reimbursed.

 Time commitment

• Attending 4 Board meetings annually and our AGM – these are usually held on Zoom, but we also welcome the opportunity to meet up in person when possible
• Attending an Annual Strategy Day
• 3-4 hours per month preparation and support time
• During the first 6 months of appointment, attendance at 2-3 of our workshops (delivered remotely, expected time commitment is 6-8 hours in total)

Committee membership

Ad hoc and occasional support through working groups and / or support to the executive team.

Board members have a collective responsibility. This means that trustees always act as a group and not as individuals.

Join our board as a treasurer: help us navigate a path to a sustainable future

Are you a finance professional with a passion for making a difference?

CMV Action are seeking a proactive and committed treasurer to join our board of trustees, bringing financial expertise and strategic guidance to help our charity navigate a challenging period.

About CMV Action

CMV Action is the only charity in the UK providing support and information to families affected by congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV). Congenital CMV is the most common viral infection that can affect babies before birth, with potential long-term health impacts such as hearing loss, developmental delays and vision loss. It can also cause miscarriage and stillbirth.

As many as 1 in 200 newborn babies are born with congenital CMV.  The majority of these will not have any symptoms.  However, around 1 in 1,000 born in the UK every year will have permanent disabilities as a result of congenital CMV – around 900 children every year.  As congenital CMV is a relatively unknown condition, it is a common misconception that it is rare.  It is in fact more common than Down’s syndrome, Toxoplasmosis, Spina Bifida or Cystic Fibrosis.

Despite the prevalence and potential severity of congenital CMV, awareness and knowledge are alarmingly low among healthcare professionals, parents and the general public. One of our key roles, therefore, is to develop and deliver resources and training for healthcare professionals, run public awareness campaigns, and collaborate with researchers and policy makers to improve outcomes for those affected by congenital CMV.

The Role

As treasurer, you will play a key role in overseeing the financial health of our charity and ensuring we are well-positioned to continue our work. You will work with us to ensure that the charity complies with its governing document, charity law, and any other relevant legislation or regulations.This is an opportunity to make a significant difference by contributing your financial expertise to help us develop and implement a sustainable funding strategy.

What we are looking for

We are seeking a Treasurer who shares our values and can bring the following skills and experience to our board:

• Financial expertise: A background in finance, accounting, or financial management, with a qualification in line with a recognised professional body (e.g., ACCA, CIMA, ICAEW). Experience in charity finance is highly desirable.
• Proactive and purposeful: Ability to think strategically, explore new financial pathways, and drive change to support the charity’s long-term viability.
• Collaborative spirit: Strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to working closely with others to build a sustainable funding strategy.
• Accountability and integrity: A commitment to honest, transparent, and ethical financial management and reporting.
• Evidence-based decision making: An analytical mindset, using data and research to guide financial decisions that support our mission.
• Commitment to inclusivity: A passion for ensuring that our work is accessible and equitable for all, embracing the diverse needs of those affected by congenital CMV.

Who are we and what do we do?

We're the UK's leading ovarian cancer research charity, working on early detection, prevention and treatments so that no woman dies of ovarian cancer.

Ovarian Cancer Action is a community of changemakers with one purpose: to give ovarian cancer the focus it needs to increase 10-year survival rates. And we know research is the solution.

We live and breathe this lifesaving, world-leading research. We fund more ovarian cancer research than any other UK gynaecological cancer charity. It’s how we’ve driven some of the biggest breakthroughs of the last 19 years.

We're also the only charity at the heart of the global ovarian cancer research community and have been for four decades.

By connecting the world's leading scientists together, we’re creating a powerful hub of experience, expertise and insight. So, we confidently fund research that takes us a step closer to our goal: that by 2032 half of women will live more than 10 years after diagnosis.

The role:

The Fundraising and Communications Committee plays a crucial role in enabling and driving this mission forward by providing strategic oversight and tangible support to boost our income and elevate our profile. The Committee also ensures that Ovarian Cancer Action is governed to the highest standards.

As a committee member, you will leverage your expertise in high-value fundraising to help advise, guide and support the charity’s strategy, particularly in engaging High Net Worth Individuals and major income streams. You’ll work closely with the Chair of the Committee, Director of Fundraising, the high-value fundraising team, and other committee members, offering constructive challenge, expertise and insight to help inform and direct the charity’s fundraising and communications strategy, particularly in the area of major income streams.

We are looking for someone who…

·Can act as a ‘critical friend’ to the Fundraising and Communications Committee.

·Is able to provide oversight and specifically in the practice of major income fundraising.

·Has a successful track record in giving strategic oversight and delivery of high value income streams.

·May be working in an advisory or consultancy role currently.

·Support the charity to build its wider network of high-net-worth individuals and grant giving organisations.

Experience required:

· A successful track record as a senior fundraiser with high value income streams including High Net Worth Individuals and Trusts and Foundations, operating at a strategic as well as operational level

· Experience in navigating and finding solutions to the challenges facing UK charities in maximising major income streams and donor cultivation

Knowledge and skills required:

Ideally you should have some, but not necessarily all, of the following: 

· Knowledge of and experience, whether lived or acquired, in driving major income streams

· Excellent networking, influencing and communication skills

· A broad range of contacts related to income, across key opinion formers, and donors.

If you are inspired to support Ovarian Cancer Action’s mission and vision in this way, we’d love for you to apply by telling us why you think this position is for you and what has inspired you to apply. Naturally, we’d love to hear about your experience, your highlights, what you’ve learnt in your fundraising career and where you believe you can bring value to the Fundraising and Communications Committee. Please also incldue uour latest CV, highlighting relevant experience.

Branch Trustee (Preston & District reg Charity No 232256)

This is an exciting opportunity to be a hands-on trustee at branch level, helping to promote kindness and prevent animal cruelty, reach out to more supporters, and influence how we do things. With your support and expertise, we will achieve so much!

Overview of the Branch Trustee opportunity

We are looking for enthusiastic and passionate people who could devote the time to volunteer with us as one of our Trustees. As a Trustee of the Branch, you will have the chance to influence how we care for and prevent cruelty to animals and drive the implementation of key initiatives. You will serve on the governing body of the charity and be instrumental in the running of the Branch and setting out both the short and long term aims.

As a charity trustee, you will be responsible for ensuring effective governance and strategic direction for the branch, you will provide leadership and support for the branch management team.

We are recruiting for a  complementary mix of skills within our trustee board. Whilst a passion for animals is crucial, we are also looking for a diversity of  skills such as general business management , finance, marketing, Legal, IT, HR and H&S etc, if this is you, we would love to hear from you.

Your role as a Trustee will require working in collaboration with your fellow trustees, staff and volunteers to ensure our branch continues to deliver our  important  animal welfare work.

As a minimum, trustees would normally be expected to attend a bi-monthly committee meeting lasting around 2 to 3 hours (virtual meetings are an option). However, the commitment may vary depending on your availability,  and if  you decide to take on additional duties.

Trustee do not need to live within the branch boundaries but occasional travel to Branch sites may be required from time to time.

About the National RSPCA

Founded in 1824 we have been saving animals for 200 years and are proud to be the oldest welfare charity around. It has always been our vision to live in a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion, so our volunteers and employees work tirelessly to ensure that all animals can live free from pain and suffering.

Through our numerous campaigns, we seek to raise standards of care, and awareness of issues affecting animals today. We rely heavily on our volunteers who play a significant role in enabling us to carry out this important animal welfare work every day!

About the RSPCA Preston & District Branch

Over 80% of the animal welfare work of the RSPCA is carried out through local Branches which are run by staff and volunteers, supported by the RSPCA National Society.

Preston & District Branch has been affiliated with the National RSPCA for 150 years!

A separately registered charity looking after animals in the local area and engaging with the local community.

Our mission is to seek out safe homes for abandoned, neglected or abused animals who are  nursed back to health, rehabilitated and found forever loving homes.

Preston & District Branch is part of a network of 140  branches, and 1 of only 8 in the North of England with an animal centre.

The rehoming centre is within the Preston area (close to JCN 31 of the M6).

RSPCA Preston & District Branch is a well established Branch with approximately 20 members of staff and 75 volunteers across 4 locations and raises all its funds locally through supporters and other income streams.

To continue helping animals in need the Branch also operates 3 charity shops in Longridge, Chorley and Penwortham (within our specified branch area) which bring in a regular income to keep our animal centre open.

Primary responsibilities of the Branch Trustee 

•  Appreciate and support the aims and policies of the RSPCA.
•  Work in conjunction with fellow trustees and branch officers and jointly act in making decisions for the best interest of the branch and the RSPCA.
•  In conjunction with your fellow trustees, ensure the proper management and control of all activities and decisions relating to any premises held or staff employed by the branch if applicable.
•  Work with national RSPCA staff to ensure that the branch meets all minimum animal welfare standards (MAWS).
•  In conjunction with your fellow trustees and Branch Partnership Manager write, adopt, monitor, and review a development plan setting out the short and long term aims of your branch.
•  Actively participate in branch committee meetings and to attend the branch annual general meeting.
•  Be aware of the outcome of regional board meetings and support local initiatives.
•  Actively promote and advertise the society in an ongoing programme to recruit new branch trustees and volunteers and welcome new members.

What we are looking for in a volunteer:

• Ideally you would have some level of knowledge in the following areas-
• Financial, Human Resources, Health & Safety backgrounds or legal; Marketing communication including social media, PR, website;
• Fundraising including corporate fundraising, trust fund and grant applications;
• Local community and supporter relationships; Project management, business development
• Awareness of employment and/or charity legislation
• General management or business administration

These all can be useful to help ensure we have a sound and robust business model and long term strategic development plan, however, they are not essential.

We are looking for people who are creative, innovative, who have experience of or are part of groups and communities we want to attract, who can bring new ideas, different experiences and fresh perspectives to the board and to help put those ideas into action.

We are committed to creating a Board which is representative of our society and in particular, our community and surrounding areas so encourage people from any background to apply for any of our opportunities.

Ultimately we are looking for someone who is committed to the RSPCA’s charitable objectives and shares our passion for animal welfare.

You will need to be able to work with people and have good interpersonal skills. You do not need to be an expert although commitment, common sense, and the ability to be objective are vital.

What we can offer you as a volunteer Branch Trustee

•  We will provide you with a comprehensive trustee training course which will provide you with everything you need to carry out the role.
•  Ongoing support is also provided by local and national RSPCA staff in addition to any additional training provided by the relevant branch.
•  The platform to utilise your skills and experience to oversee the charity and make decisions that have a direct impact on local animal welfare.
•  The opportunity to gain new skills and develop existing ones, whilst making a real difference to the lives of animals.
• A way to expand your professional and personal network through working with like-minded people.

Practical considerations

• Please also note that to become a Trustee, you will need to be aged 18 or over and a member of our branch for three months before you are eligible to be elected at our AGM.
• Trustees are elected for a 12-month term each year.
• Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.
• Trustees must sign a Trustee Declaration of Willingness to Act to clarify that they are not disqualified from being a trustee and read the Charity Commission’s guidance for individuals who cannot be a trustee or senior manager of a charity.
•  References will also be required.

We hope you are interested in volunteering for our branch!