Governance volunteer roles

Join Arts University Plymouth as Chair Designate of the Board of Governors. In this role, you will lead the body accountable for the strategic oversight of a bold, creative, and forward-thinking institution, as it shapes the future of arts education and innovation.

Applications close: 9 a.m. Tuesday 26th August 2025

Location: Plymouth, Devon

About Arts University Plymouth

Established in 1856, we are proud to be the Arts University in Plymouth, Britain’s Ocean City.

Founded in 1856 as Plymouth Drawing School, Arts University Plymouth offers a range of Undergraduate, Postgraduate and Pre-Degree study across Art, Design and Digital Media.

Our campus is home to our creative studios, workspaces and laboratories, our public gallery, ‘MIRROR’, Fab Lab South West, and Plymouth Arts Cinema. Making Futures is the university’s flagship international research platform.

Arts University Plymouth is the UK’s newest specialist arts university, and recently achieved the title of 2025 University of the Year (South West) at the Whatuni Awards, as well as being ranked 5th in the UK for Student Satisfaction and 2nd in the UK for staff to student ratio by the Complete University Guide. With a vision for a new kind of arts university for the 21st century, one that prepares graduates uniquely positioned to provide creative solutions to the complex global challenges of our time, our university is confident that we offer the best education to support the next generation of talent to succeed.

Our 2030 strategy, ‘Creative Education for a Changing World’, will ensure that our work is energised and designed to meet the ambitions of our students and staff, while acknowledging the shifting realm of creativity through new technologies and the workplaces of tomorrow.

About the role

To help us take the next transformative steps in delivering our strategy, we are seeking an experienced Chair with a passion for the power of creative education and research to transform lives, societies and cultures.

This is an exciting non-executive leadership opportunity for someone who can steward the university’s governance towards our 2030 ambitions, whilst working with the Vice-Chancellor’s Executive team to navigate the ever-changing and challenging higher education sector. This role will be pivotal in maximising the institution’s potential and positively impacting students and communities.

As Chair, you will champion sustainable growth, social justice, and the empowerment of our graduates to meet tomorrow’s challenges.

Who we are looking for

This is an opportunity for a strategic leader to make a significant impact whilst advocating Arts University Plymouth’s place within the specialist HE sector.

We are seeking to appoint a Chair Designate with significant experience in governance who can lead with confidence, influence, and integrity.

The ideal candidate will work to foster a supportive environment while constructively challenging when necessary, helping us to push boundaries and achieve our goals.

The successful candidate will be an exemplary leader who champions our mission and values and who actively engages with students, staff, and other members of the Board of Governors.

The person appointed as our next Chair will demonstrate a deep commitment to inclusivity and reflect our dedication to equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of their leadership.

Importantly, we hope to appoint a values-led individual to become our next Chair, who shares our passion for the university, our pride in Plymouth and the South West region, and our deep commitment to creativity and innovation.

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 for this role close at 9 a.m. Tuesday 26th August 2025

About Us

Bradford District and Craven Mind is a successful and independent local charity with a rich history spanning over 30 years of delivering person-focused mental health support.

The organisation helps build individual and community resilience, provides early intervention and advice, supports people in crisis and helps people to work towards recovery and sustained wellbeing through services for people of all ages. 

We are recognised as a key provider in our local Health and Care system and an active member of the Integrated Care System. Our close relationships with all our stakeholders and our emphasis on developing and maintaining effective cross-sector partnerships and collaborations, allows us to deliver a wide range of innovative services and be recognised as a trusted partner.

We are affiliated to national Mind but rely on our own resources to provide support to local communities. Our services prioritise listening to and understanding the needs of local people and are delivered in partnership across Bradford District and Craven.

Background to the role

The new Chair of the Board of Trustees will be joining us at an exciting time as we move into year two of our strategy, respond to the changes in NHS priorities and funding and adapt to the new governments priorities and approach.

You can read about what we have been achieving through our Impact Reports and Annual Reports on our website.

It is clear however there is still much more to do. We launched our new strategy in August 2024 and during 2024-2028 we will focus on delivering our four key objectives to help drive our reach and impact.

Main Responsibilities

• Provide purposeful leadership - creating a strong and sustained connection to purpose, steering strategy development and leading the Board. 
• Be a constructive partner to the CEO - building a trusting, cohesive relationship as the ‘top leadership team’, providing advice, challenge and support to architect and orchestrate the progression of the organisation and supporting infrastructure. 
• Develop a highly effective Board – creating the environment for a high performing team, evaluating and facilitating improvement of individual and collective capability and performance, supporting trustees of all experience levels to contribute to the best of their abilities.
• Facilitate and sustain good governance - ensuring delivery of the organisation's purpose in line with its governing document, ensuring appropriate allocation of resources, decision-making, accountability and proactive risk management. 
• Influence and collaborate with stakeholders - understanding the environment and systems that the organisation operates within and collaborating with others to collectively achieve the biggest positive impact. 
• Engagement and Visibility – being visible and engage well across the workforce, attending key events and maintaining communication

Person Specification

• Personally motivated to make a positive difference to others
• A strategic thinker who can see the big picture and navigate complex and contentious issues
• Able to engage and collaborate effectively with people at all levels from different backgrounds and organisations
• Has the experience and/or personal qualities necessary to bring the best out of people through a ‘coaching style’ approach to leadership
• Progressive and innovative, capable of stimulating, challenging and influencing others to contemplate and consider different solutions
• Able to facilitate others and develop effective team working, with experience of planning, preparing and chairing meetings at senior levels

Diversity and inclusion 

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability, and potential. Please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustments so that we can help with making the application process work for you.

How to apply

Eastside People is supporting BDC Mind in the recruitment of these roles. 

Please apply by submitting your CV and a cover letter both in a Word doc. format, which should indicate why you are interested in applying for the particular role and how you meet the selection criteria. 

The closing date for applications is Monday 14th July. Shortlisting interviews will take place shortly after and shortlisted candidates are expected to have an interview with the panel at Bradford District and Craven Mind during the week beginning 28th July.

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so that we can help with making the application process work for you. 

Martin Lewis' charity the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute are looking to appoint two or three trustees who bring the skills, insight and critical challenge to guide us through the next stage of our journey. The successful candidates will follow in the footsteps of two trustees who are leaving the board after multiple successive terms and will join our existing seven trustees on the board, chaired by Martin Lewis OBE and with Jo Hill as Vice Chair.

The role would require attendance at our quarterly hybrid meetings and availability from time to time to support the executive team through correspondence or ad-hoc meetings.

The position is not renumerated, however reasonable travel expenses can be claimed when attending quarterly meetings.

A comprehensive induction will be provided, and new trustees who are less familiar with charity governance will receive additional training as needed.

We are committed to further diversifying our board, and would particularly welcome applications from people from minoritised ethnic groups. We are open to this post being a development opportunity for someone who does not yet have significant board experience. If you do not have all of the skills and experience listed above, but you have a genuine commitment to the issues we work on and an ability to think critically, please do still consider applying.

We will be holding an anonymous ‘ask us anything’ webinar to learn more about the role and the organisation at 1-2pm on 26th June. Please click 'How to apply' for joining instructions.

AMR Action UK (formerly Antibiotic Research UK) is the UK Patient Organisation for Antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Its legitimacy to advocate for patients, with policy-makers and with NHS systems, comes from its insight, and therefore through its patient support services, patient-focussed research and direct patient and public engagement activities.

The organisation is at an exciting stage of its development. Following the appointment of a new Chief Executive in late 2024 it has a new strategy in place and by greatly increasing its impact over the next 3 years intends to significantly reduce the harm from AMR across all four nations of the United Kingdom. The charity is also committed to expanding its services to meet the growing demand from patients and families directly impacted by AMR. This growth will be underpinned by a new name and new brand, a fresh approach to communications that will greatly increase awareness of the charity’s work with the UK public, and a new fundraising strategy that will both grow and diversify income and also increase sustainability.

The charity is now looking for a dynamic new Chair of Trustees who is excited by our plans, and by the difference this will make to peoples’ lives. Given the growth agenda for the period 2025-28, the suitable candidate at this point in time is likely to come from a commercial background, with a strong understanding of strategy, investment, business development, and communications in the context of a rapidly changing environment. They are also likely to have a track-record of successfully managing risk v reward in a growing business. Increasing donations from corporates and philanthropists is important to the charity at this stage in its development and the new Chair will be comfortable operating in these environments.

A key part of the role will be to support the new senior executive team charged with delivering the growth agenda, including establishing and maintaining a strong working relationship with the CEO.

Please note we are in the process of updating post name change, email addresses and website may still reflect previous name of Antibiotic Research UK. 

We’re looking for trustees

We’re looking to recruit dynamic, committed and motivated people with professional skills and experience who are as passionate as we are about empowering individuals to work through and beyond their experience of sexual abuse.

Specific qualifications are not necessarily required and we welcome applicants with lived experience. A genuine interest in learning about our charity and our services within the local community is essential.

These trustees will help to form a new board dedicated to supporting the charity and contributing to the effective and quality governance of Trust House. You will play an active role in developing the strategic direction of the charity and provide guidance to ensure the charity continues to support anyone affected by rape or sexual abuse in the Thames Valley area.

Salford City College is currently seeking professionals with Board-level or appropriate life experience to join our Corporation Board.

What will you be doing?

As one of the most successful and influential colleges in the region, Salford City College is home to over 11,000 students spread across six campuses, offering a broad range of provision from A-levels and vocational courses, to Apprenticeships, Higher Education, community outreach programmes and employer training.

We are actively seeking to diversify the makeup of the Corporation to more accurately reflect our student body.

The post is voluntary, and the typical commitment is around 90 hours per academic year. In addition to the work of the Corporation and its committees, governors are encouraged to participate in the life of the College, which includes graduations, award ceremonies and shows performed by the celebrated Pendleton School of Theatre.

What are we looking for?

Applications are particularly welcomed from those with experience in the following areas:

• Teaching and Academia – we are looking for applicants with academic backgrounds in Further or Higher Education and, in particular, those with experience of teaching inspection/audits, quality assurance or academic governance.
• Business and commercial - we are seeking applicants who have held senior executive roles within the private, business and commercial sectors.

What difference will you make?

As one of our Governors, you will help set the strategic direction of the College, and ensure that we are meeting the needs of all our learners. Working effectively with Board colleagues, you will contribute to College decision-making and monitor executive performance to help us deliver the best possible education.

Before you apply

If you are interested in becoming a governor at Salford City College Group, please contact us via the Reach website,  to learn more about the application and appointment process. 

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

Are you passionate about making a difference? Do you have a strong background in Human Resources and a commitment to supporting charitable causes? If the answer is yes, then we want you to help guide our organisation as a Trustee!

Garden House Hospice Care provides specialist palliative care and free wellbeing services for patients, families and carers facing life-limiting illnesses. We are seeking a HR professional to join our Board and contribute to the charity’s development and success. As a Trustee, you will play a key role in shaping our People and Culture strategy and governance, ensuring that we are best positioned to attract, retain, and develop talented staff and volunteers. You will provide strategic HR guidance and support, helping to build an organisational culture that reflects our values and mission.

We strive to be an inclusive and diverse Board and welcome applications from members of underrepresented groups.

Skills & Experience….

• A background in Human Resources, ideally at a strategic level (Senior HR Manager, Director, or equivalent)
• Strong knowledge of HR best practices, employment law, and compliance
• Experience in strategic HR leadership and the ability to work with non-profit organisations
• A passion for the charity sector and commitment to the mission of Garden House Hospice Care
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with both a diverse team and stakeholders

What you will gain from this role…

• The opportunity to contribute to a cause you believe in
• Make a lasting impact in the local community
• Work with a dynamic and supportive team of Trustees, staff and volunteers
• Ongoing professional development
• The opportunity to expand your professional network

Training and support…

· This role is subject to a DBS check and mandatory training

· You will receive ongoing training/development and support in-role

· You will be entitled to receive free access to our Volunteer Assistance Programme, which offers confidential support and advice

We’re looking for new Trustees

YHA enables everyone, especially young people, to connect with each other, nature and heritage through hostels in amazing places throughout England and Wales. Since 1930, we’ve been increasing access to travel and adventure. It’s our aim to reach and positively impact the lives of more people from more diverse backgrounds. And we target our support to young people and groups from under-served communities.

It’s a really exciting time to join YHA as we’ve just launched a refreshed strategy that will see us focus our activities and deepen our impact with the aim of growing people’s confidence, connection and sense of belonging - outcomes vital to wellbeing in this uncertain world.

What you’ll get from joining our Board

• the opportunity to contribute to the success of a national charity
• the chance to use your knowledge to make a valuable contribution to society
• a full induction and membership of an inclusive, welcoming Board

This could be a great fit for you
You don’t need to have been on a Board before to become a YHA Trustee. We’re looking for people who support our mission and values, and who can act as ambassadors for YHA.

What matters most is that you bring good communication and listening skills, fair and reasoned decision-making, the confidence to challenge and support constructively, and time to commit to the role.

Diversity
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and strongly encourage people from the global majority to apply. These voices are currently under-represented on our Board, and we are committed to changing that.

Valuable additional strategic experience
We’re also looking to strengthen the Board with Trustees who bring strategic insight in one or more of the following areas:

• Finance
• Hospitality
• Information technology, cyber security and data protection
• Leadership in a schools environment

Please note, you don’t need to have all these attributes to apply. 
Candidates must be over 16 years of age. 

Experience comes in many forms. Whether you’ve taken part in a community group, student council, parent committee, trade union, local campaign, or formal Board settings - those insights are all valuable here. 

Application deadline: 9am on 21 July 2025

We are looking for a new Company Board Director to help guide Climate Emergency UK over the course of the next 2 years.

Climate Emergency UK is at a exciting time, since starting just over 5 years ago we have have successfully launched the first ever complete UK assessment of coucil climate action, with the Council Climate Action Scorecards, and are about to launch the second one in June 2025. We are halfway through delivering our first 3 year strategy, with focusses on how we can advocate at a national level for further and faster council climate action, sustain ourselves as an organisation and keep up our crucial local work with councils and residents via the Scorecards, training and other projects. 

We need support from our Board to further the sustainability of the organisation. 

We are particularly looking for Directors with either/or any of the following experience:

• Experience of local government, either as a councillor, officer or other

• Landing national media coverage for projects and campaigns and previous work with national and regional news outlets

• Experience of effective fundraising for small organisations

We particularly welcome applications from disabled, Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates or other marginalised groups.

To apply, please send us your CV and an Expression of Interest Letter (no more than one side of A4) to our email (click on how to apply for our email address).

Applications close 18th May 2025.

Ready to Shape the Future of London's Youth? Become a Founding Trustee at Urban Youth!

Urban Youth, a brand-new, vibrant youth work charity, is on a mission to create a positive, inclusive community for young Londoners. We're seeking Founding Trustees to help us get set up, registered, and ready to empower young people across the city.

Laying the Foundations, Inspiring a Generation

At Urban Youth, we're not just about running activities; we're about sparking self-discovery, fostering friendships, and equipping young people with essential life skills. We're about creating unforgettable memories and guiding them to explore the world around them.

As a Founding Trustee, you won't just be advising; you'll be instrumental in establishing our charity from the ground up. You'll bring your strategic vision, governance expertise, and passion for youth empowerment to help us:

• Secure our charitable registration.
• Develop robust governance frameworks and policies.
• Establish our operational foundations.
• Guide our initial strategy and growth.

This is a unique opportunity to shape the very core of Urban Youth, ensuring we're well-equipped to make a tangible, lasting difference in the lives of young Londoners.

Why Join the Urban Youth Movement?

This is more than just volunteering; it's an opportunity to leave a profound and lasting mark:

• Make a Foundational Impact: Your leadership will directly enable Urban Youth to launch and empower young people, shaping their positive futures from day one.
• Pioneer a New Initiative: Be part of the inaugural team, building a dynamic new charity from its inception.
• Utilize Your Expertise: Apply your experience in governance, strategy, and charity development to a cause that truly matters.
• Join a Passionate Community: Become part of a dedicated team committed to making a tangible difference in London.

If you're buzzing with strategic ideas and ready to use your expertise to inspire, uplift, and empower the next generation, we want to hear from you! Help us create a charity that perfectly captures the spirit and aspirations of London's incredible youth.

Ready to make your mark and help us create a wave of positive change in young people's lives?

Express your interest by applying via this Charity Job website. We can't wait to hear from you!

URBAN YOUTH

Building Futures | Forging Connections | Creating Memories.

Role: Chair of Trustees
Position Details: Voluntary, with estimation of 24 days per year commitment (which includes attendance at meetings and preparation time).
Term(s): The term of office will be limited to three years in the first instance. If the post holder is willing to serve another term, this will be possible once only.
Location: Chelmsford

About Farleigh Hospice & The Role

At Farleigh Hospice, we are passionate about our work, our people, and those we care for. Our staff and volunteer teams strive for excellence in all that they do to support people in our local community. We are extremely proud of the work that we do and the people who support us to do it

Our current Chair of the Board, Keith Spiller, is about to reach the maximum term of nine years as a trustee, and is stepping down later this year. We are looking to recruit his successor now to give sufficient time for a smooth, phased handover of the role to the successful applicant.

We are looking for someone who is passionate about developing this hospice and steering it through the challenges that charities are facing in the near-term, while looking ahead to plan where Farleigh will be in future. The role of Chair is a very rewarding one and is an opportunity to make a difference at Farleigh Hospice and within your local community, supporting us to deliver outstanding care as well as shaping our future both financially and strategically.

About You

For the Chair of Trustee role, we are seeking someone who can deliver on:

• Strategic Leadership: you will bring a track record of achievement which demonstrates leadership, strategic vision, inclusivity and strong effective relationships.
• Governance: you will have experience of being on Boards and understand the importance of effective governance to ensure sound financial health and accountability, compliance and risk alongside the importance of innovation.
• Passion: you will direct the work of the board through expertise, passion and enthusiasm to achieve our vision ‘that everyone facing the end of their life is supported to live well and die well’.
• Inclusivity: to champion diversity that reflects the communities we serve
• Collaboration: an outstanding communicator and the ability to work collaboratively in a multi-stakeholder environment

The ideal candidate will have:

• A strong commitment to the hospice’s mission and values.
• Demonstratable trustee experience and sound knowledge of governance
• Highly developed leadership skills and strong business and financial acumen
• Willingness to dedicate time and effort to fulfil trustee responsibilities.

Closing Date: 11 July 2025

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our HR & Recruitment partner’s website to complete your application for this position.

No agencies please.

We are currently seeking a new Chair/Co-Chairs to help us shape the future of St Nicks, leading the board through a new strategy and ambitious building development project. We are interested in hearing from people who would like to take on the Chair role in its entirety, or to split the role with a Co-Chair.

In addition to undertaking the role of trustee, a Chair will:

• Be a constructive partner to the CEO - building a trusting, cohesive relationship, providing advice, challenge and support to orchestrate the development of the organisation
• Develop a highly effective board of trustees – creating the environment for a high performing team, evaluating and facilitating improvement of collective capability and performance. Undertake periodic Board effectiveness reviews and, alongside the CEO, ensure that new board members are fully inducted
• Influence and collaborate with stakeholders - understanding the environment and systems that the organisation operates within and collaborating with others to collectively achieve the biggest positive impact
• Chair board meetings, ensuring that high standards of corporate governance and ethical, professional behaviour are maintained
• Work with the CEO to ensure that matters are brought to the attention of the board for their information and/or debate in a timely manner and that an atmosphere is created in which all Board members are encouraged to participate and challenge constructively and appropriately
• Conduct an annual appraisal of the CEO and provide regular feedback on both performance and any areas of concern raised by the board

Could you bring your HR skills to our board and help us create a brighter, more inclusive future for young people in Aylesbury Vale?

About Youth Concern

We are an independent charity based in Aylesbury Vale, Buckinghamshire that supports 13-25 year olds. We are inclusive; we aim to support all 13-25 year olds, but specialise in helping those facing additional challenges.

What will you be doing?

As a trustee, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our organisation and the lives of those we serve. Your expertise, passion, and fresh perspective will be invaluable assets as we navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the Vale’s young people.

We are seeking an HR Trustee to help us move to the next level of governance as befits the charity’s increase in staff and volunteers, complexity, size and scope, and to provide guidance on HR issues relating to employees, freelance workers and volunteers. Day to day support, templates and 24/7 advice is provided to Youth Concern by HR service provider Croner.

 Time commitment (estimated at one day per month)

•  Attend 6 Board meetings annually. Currently meetings are held in person, with the option to attend remotely
• Attend sub-committees, once every two months
• Scheduled meetings as required with the CEO with flexibility to respond swiftly to the occasional ad hoc HR related issue
• Attend an annual half day strategy session

For the full role description please see the candidate pack.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for a trustee with a strong commitment to supporting young people in Aylesbury Vale and who has the following qualities / experience:

• Experience working in a senior HR role. CIPD qualification or equivalent
• Good current knowledge of employment law, policy and practice and ability to keep up to date with developments in HR
• The highest standards of personal integrity and professionalism
• The ability to build and develop strong, supporting working relationships with trustees and the CEO
• Flexibility to respond to emails, occasionally at short notice

You do not need to have been on a board before and as a new trustee will be supported by your fellow trustees and the dedicated executive team.

What Difference will you make?

Why should you apply?

Youth Concern believes every young person has the right to be fed, to a safe home, to a good education and later, to employment. In becoming a trustee, you will be helping young people thrive. And because:

• You believe a few hours a month, working for young people, is a good investment of your time; 
• You want to give something back
• Your skill set will benefit a growing local charity
• You want to be part of Youth Concern’s success story