Governance volunteer roles

Connection Support has a range of services providing support to people at risk of homelessness or on the edge of needing social care. We work with people made vulnerable through debt, mental health issues, substance misuse, learning disability, and physical disabilities.

Volunteers play a key role in the provision of vital services to our clients.

Are you a reliable handyperson who can undertake, upkeep, and repair a range of tasks for our housing support clients?

• Do you have 1-2 hours a week to make basic home improvements to client’s accommodation?
• Are you a dab hand at DIY and want to put your handyperson skills to good use?
• Do you have an interest in motivating people to make positive changes in their lives through acquiring new skills?

If you can answer ‘yes’ to these questions, then we would love to hear from you!

Key responsibilities

Your role will include carrying out basic household repairs and alterations such as:

• Gardening work
• Flat pack furniture assembly
• Putting up curtain rails/blinds
• Hanging pictures and shelves

Skills required

No volunteering experience is required however the below skills are essential:

• Practical skills in DIY and/or gardening
• Good listening and communication skills
• Excellent people skills to enable you to work with a range of individuals with complex backgrounds

• Reliable and trustworthy
• Respect confidentiality
• Ability to build effective working relationships with clients in a non-patronising way

Who They Are
YMCA Henley, founded in 1857, is a well-established charity and a Registered Provider of Social Housing. The organisation provides affordable housing for young people through 31 self-contained studio apartments and flats. In addition, the “Y-Centre” offers community activities via a purpose-built pavilion, with sporting activities centred mainly on football—at junior level on grass pitches in partnership with local organisations, and at adult level on a floodlit, all-weather playing surface.

The Role
The Honorary Treasurer applies their financial knowledge and experience to work alongside the Finance Manager in overseeing the organisation’s financial affairs. They ensure that all practices are legal, constitutional, and in line with accepted accounting standards.

The role includes ensuring compliance with the requirements of the Charity Commission and the Regulator of Social Housing. This involves reviewing financial reports, returns, and draft statutory accounts prepared by staff.

The Honorary Treasurer chairs meetings of the Finance and Development Committee, which monitors and reports to the Trustee Board on a quarterly basis. They also liaise, where necessary, with the Independent External Financial Examiner to finalise statutory accounts for presentation and approval by the Trustee Board.

A full role description is available, along with a comprehensive induction programme and potential handover.

Trustee for Bracknell Shopmobility
 

Do you want to support the running of a charity that helps disabled people in Bracknell?

Bracknell Shopmobility are the independent charity helping local people’s disability needs, from hire of mobility scooters to advice on disability aids and assistance, and also much more!

From our shop in central Bracknell we run regular social activities in our community café, hold fundraising activities, plus host regular visits from health and other advisors about a range of issues, not just focused on disabled people.

Our annual income has risen to £70k, and we have a new Treasurer joining us; we now need trustees to build our strategy for the future, so we can continue our 20+ year journey in helping Bracknell communities.

The role and what we are looking for in a new trustee

Trustees are the people who make the top-level decisions for our charity. Our Board includes people with experience in understanding the needs of disabled people’s mobility, and we’d expect new trustees to have empathy with our cause and our beneficiaries. 

You don’t need prior experience of charity trusteeship, as support from others is always available.  Full induction to our organisation will be provided, plus specialist support as a new trustee including access to external training.

If you can think strategically and plan longer-term, you have the primary skills needed by our trustees; you’ll also need to be able to work collectively with other Board members. Our small team of employees and volunteers are those dealing with the day-to-day running of the organisation.

We are a charity not a business, but we apply business principles to governing our organisation. We are looking for people from a wide variety of backgrounds to join our charity.

The focus of a trustee role is strategic, and trustees will not be expected to get involved in the organisation’s day-to-day operations; however, contact and liaison with other trustees and employees is expected.   

We ask for about six hours per month, which includes all meetings, discussions, etc.  You will need access to digital communications, as much of our charity’s business is run that way.

How to apply

This appointment is being managed for us by inVOLve Community Services, a charity-support organisation, who offer a no-obligation discussion by video. A detailed Role Description and Person Specification can be made available to you upon request.

 Trustee appointments are subject to satisfactory references.

Your CV and supporting statement will be read by our trustees; an informal discussion followed by interview can be offered as soon as mutually convenient.

I need to know more

Contact Mike Allen via Quick Apply, below, for more information, the Role Description & Skills Specification and arrange to have a no-obligation initial informal discussion (Teams or Zoom) at your convenience.

Do you have a passion for improving outcomes for all children? Could you use your professional skills to help shape the future of education? Are you wanting to make an impact within your community?

As a school governor, you’ll operate at board-level and develop strategic leadership skills and assist in making decisions on a wide range of topics; all while collaboratively improving education within your local community.
We’re currently recruiting volunteers for schools in Newmarket to strengthen their governing boards and enhance outcomes of pupils within your communities. If you feel, you want to make a difference within your community, read on for more details about the role of a governor and how to apply.

Governors make decisions that affect schools and their pupils for years to come; our recent impact survey found that our volunteers bring £9.9 million worth of value to schools each year, and 9/10 volunteers would recommend being a governor to a friend. Becoming a governor gives you ample opportunity for personal and professional development, including exposure to finance and budgeting, safeguarding, HR, strategic planning, and more.
As a governor, you can visit the school to gain an understanding of the culture and ethos and to get the most out of the role as well as have the opportunity to meet children, parents, and teachers, and see the impact of your work first-hand. Governors act as a ‘critical friend’ to their head teacher ensuring accountability and helping to monitor and evaluate the schools progress, budget and staffing. You’ll also help to shape and implement future plans and guide the schools aims, ethos and values.

You don’t need to be a parent or have any specific skills to become a governor as long as you’re over 18 and happy to have a DBS check, you can apply! Professional skills such as HR, finance, law or project management are useful but governing boards are often needing softer skills such as leadership, communication and problem solving alongside a fresh perspective and lived experience within their communities. As a governor, you’ll be supported by the Chair, head teacher and the rest of the governing team.

This vacancy is for a primary school looking to find a governor to sit on their board with experience of Finance and HR. The school is a friendly and caring school with a commitment to providing a quality education for every child that passes through their doors. 

If you’re interested in becoming a school governor, fill out the short application form on our website.

Join our board as we rise up for a fair food system, ensuring everyone has access to healthy, affordable food without destroying the planet.

Location: Hybrid / National

Time commitment: Equivalent of 1 day a month

Applications close at 9 a.m. Wednesday 1st October

Who we are

Foodrise is a charity transforming the food system for climate, nature and justice. We take bold action to uncover the root causes of injustice in our food system and expose how corporate power exploits people and the planet — while building truly just and resilient alternatives from the ground up.

Our vision: Foodrise is fighting for a world where food is good for people and planet.

About the role

As a Trustee of Foodrise, you will play a vital role in shaping the strategic direction of our charity. Your leadership and expertise will help us expand our impact, strengthen our governance, and drive innovation. Our board is committed, engaged, and passionate about the work we do. We are now looking for Trustees to bring in fresh perspectives and diverse ways of thinking, ensuring our board reflects the communities we serve.

The charity has gone through a rebrand and is in the process of developing a new strategy. With that, we are looking for someone who can bring experience, knowledge and insight as we continue to help further our mission of a food system that regenerates the natural world while sustaining people on a fair basis.

Who we are looking for

We are seeking passionate, strategic, and forward-thinking individuals who can bring diverse perspectives and expertise to our board. Above all, we are looking for people who share our mission and will champion our values. We are particularly keen to hear from those with specialist skills in:

• Financial expertise, particularly an understanding of charity finance
• Human resources and safeguarding

If you are ready to help create a fairer, more sustainable food system, we would love to hear from you.

With quarterly board meetings, committee work, any ad hoc conversations and engagement with our dedicated team, and the thoughtful preparation these responsibilities need, you can expect to invest approximately the equivalent of up to a day a month.

Foodrise is actively seeking to move through an anti-racist and anti-oppressive journey in every aspect of its work. We acknowledge that the environmental sector is less open to people from underrepresented backgrounds, and we are strongly committed to identifying and correcting where we may be perpetuating patriarchal, white supremacist values and other forms of oppression in our organisational culture, partnerships and community work.

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. Wednesday 1st October.

Help guide the future of the UK’s busiest Mountain Rescue Team

Are you passionate about supporting life-saving volunteer work in the mountains? Do you have expertise in governance, law, leadership, or volunteer management?

Llanberis Mountain Rescue is seeking new trustees to help steer our small but incredibly busy charity.

About Us

We are the busiest mountain rescue team in the UK, responding to over 300 calls a year on Yr Wyddfa and in Eryri.

Our charitable objectives cover rescue, education and promoting safety and care in the mountains.

As a registered charity, we need strong governance and strategic leadership to ensure our volunteers are safe, supported, and equipped to save lives.

Who We’re Looking For

We’re seeking trustees with experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Charity Governance & Legal Oversight Understanding of fiduciary duties, legal responsibilities, and governance frameworks within the UK charity sector.
• Regulatory Compliance & Volunteer Law Familiarity with contracts, safeguarding, and legal considerations relevant to managing volunteers in high-risk environments.
• Policy Review & Development Experience in reviewing, updating, and implementing charity policies to ensure they are compliant, practical, and aligned with best practice—especially in areas such as health & safety and volunteer conduct.
• Volunteer Management & Support Insight into recruiting, training, and retaining volunteers—especially in physically demanding and emotionally intense roles.
• Leadership & Change Management Proven ability to lead teams, mentor others, and guide organisations through growth or transition.
• Health & Safety in Outdoor Rescue Experience with risk assessments, incident reporting, and compliance with safety regulations in outdoor or emergency settings.

What You’ll Do

As a trustee, you’ll help shape our strategic direction, ensure legal and financial compliance, and champion the wellbeing of our volunteers. You’ll attend quarterly board meetings (ideally in person), contribute to working groups, and act as an ambassador for our work.

What You’ll Gain

• A meaningful role supporting life-saving work
• Opportunities to apply your expertise in a unique setting
• A collaborative, passionate team of fellow trustees and volunteers
• The satisfaction of helping others in moments that truly matter

How to Apply

If you’re ready to make a difference, we’d love to hear from you.

Not sure if you’re the right fit? Reach out for an informal chat—we welcome diverse perspectives and are committed to inclusive recruitment.

We currently have a vacancy for a Trustee on the Board of the Mosaic Learning Trust, based in Standish, Wigan.

Our Trust comprises three schools across Wigan and Lancashire. We’re looking for someone passionate about making a genuine difference to children’s education and school experience.

Our Board brings together professionals from a wide range of backgrounds – whether your expertise lies in Human Resources, Marketing, Legal Services, Community Engagement, or another sector, your skills could help shape the future of our schools and improve outcomes for all our students. Prior experience in education isn’t necessary, as we provide full training and support.

This is a voluntary role, and we welcome interest from anyone who feels they have the skills and time to contribute. Being a Trustee is both rewarding and impactful – it’s a meaningful way to give back to the local community while developing valuable board-level experience.

Arthritis Action is a registered charity, and company limited by guarantee, whose directors are the members of the Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees is the ultimate decision-making body of Arthritis Action, and most of the Board also serve as members of committees or working groups which report to the Board. The Board of Trustees is committed to continually improving its governance of the Charity, and meets as a whole on a minimum of four occasions in each calendar year. For efficient operational purposes, the Board of Trustees is also sub-divided into two working Committees - the Finance & Risk Committee and the Remuneration & Nominations Committee. We are currently looking for Trustees with access to an established professional network, who can advise our growing organisation and support the delivery of our exciting strategy.

In particular, we would welcome new Trustees with the following areas of expertise:

• Charity Fundraising & Income Generation
• Law
• Accountancy
• IT & cybersecurity in the charity sector or small business
• Professional experience in the NHS We would particularly like to hear from individuals from under-represented or diverse groups

 The role of the Trustee is to:

• Ensure that:
  • you understand Arthritis Action’s purpose and that you are able to explain how all of its activities are intended to further or support its purpose;
  • the Charity pursues its purposes and objectives, as defined in its Articles of Association, and does not apply its resources on activities which are beyond the scope of its purposes and objectives;
  • the Charity complies with charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations;
  • a high standard of governance is maintained at all times;
  • the Charity complies with statutory accounting and reporting requirements and is appropriately accountable to members, the Charity Commission and other stakeholders;
  • the Charity’s values, principles and good name are upheld in the delivery of its purposes and objectives.
• Act in the best interests of the Charity, its members and its stakeholders at all times, and either avoid or declare potential conflicts of interest.
• Work with fellow Trustees to:
  • set the Charity’s overarching vision;
  • shape and drive the Charity’s strategy; and o ensure that the Charity remains focussed on achieving its strategy by setting targets and evaluating performance against these targets.
• Devote sufficient time to prepare for and participate fully in board meetings, committees or ad hoc working groups.
• Contribute actively in leadership and decision making of the Charity, by making balanced and adequately informed decisions with due regard to the long term as well as the short term.
• Ensure efficient and effective management and administration of the Charity, including establishing internal accountability and making sure that appropriate policies and procedures are in place.
• Safeguard the Charity’s assets and resources and ensure the financial stability of the Charity.
• Use any specific skills, knowledge or experience you have to help the Board of Trustees reach quick and sound decisions by leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, or other issues in which you have expertise.
• Maintain confidentiality in respect of all sensitive information.
• Identify and manage risks with a considered, proportionate and balanced approach.
• Appoint and support Arthritis Action’s Chief Executive and monitor their performance.
• Promote the work of Arthritis Action externally.

Margaret Green Animal Rescue, a well-established and respected charity dedicated to rehoming and caring for unwanted, abandoned, and mistreated animals, is seeking a Clerk to the Board of Trustees. With centres in Dorset and Devon, the charity has been a vital part of the community for decades, offering sanctuary and second chances to animals in need.

As Clerk, you will play a key role in supporting the governance of the charity by ensuring the smooth and effective operation of the Board. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a cause that truly makes a difference.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and distribute agendas and supporting documentation for Board meetings.
• Accurately record and produce comprehensive minutes of meetings.
• Maintain statutory records and ensure compliance with governance requirements.
• Provide procedural and constitutional advice to the Board.
• Liaise with the Chair to plan the annual cycle of meetings, topics/attendees and key governance activities.
• Support ad hoc governance tasks as required.

Requirements

• Proven experience as a Clerk to a Board, preferably in the charity or education sector.
• Excellent organisational and written communication skills.
• Strong understanding of governance, compliance, and confidentiality.
• Ability to work independently and manage deadlines.
• Based in Dorset, with the ability to attend six in-person meetings per year in Dorset and one in Devon, as well as virtual meetings via Microsoft Teams.

What We Offer

• A flexible, freelance opportunity to support a meaningful cause.
• A fixed fee of £200 per meeting, with £20/hour for additional governance support.
• The chance to work with a passionate and committed Board and leadership team.

About Margaret Green Animal Rescue

With centres including Church Knowle and Lincoln Farm in Dorset, and Wingletang in Devon, Margaret Green Animal Rescue is a registered charity (No. 1167990) that provides shelter, care, and rehoming services for cats, dogs, and other animals. The charity is committed to animal welfare and community engagement, offering boarding services and volunteer opportunities to support its mission

Chair
Location: Leeds (Hybrid)
Time Commitment: Approx. 3 days per month (one board meeting, and two subcommittee meetings each quarter)
Remuneration: Voluntary (reasonable expenses covered)

A Leeds-based charity working to prevent homelessness and provide safe, supportive housing is seeking a new Chair of the Board of Trustees to guide the organisation through an exciting next chapter as it moves toward becoming a registered Social Housing Provider.

The Chair will provide clear leadership to the Board, ensuring strong governance, accountability, and strategic direction. Working closely with the Chief Executive, the new Chair will support and challenge the organisation to grow its impact, strengthen its housing offer, and build effective external partnerships.

To be successful in your application, you will have:

• Board-level leadership – proven experience chairing a Board or providing senior governance in a complex organisation.
• Strategic vision – a strong track record of shaping and delivering organisational strategy, ideally in housing, charity, or public service.
• Sector understanding – knowledge of housing, homelessness, or commissioned services is highly desirable.
• Governance expertise – good knowledge of charity governance, risk, and financial oversight.
• Personal commitment – alignment with the mission, values, and work supporting people facing homelessness and disadvantage.

How to Apply
To learn more and find out how to apply, please view the role on our website.

The organisation is committed to making the recruitment process inclusive and accessible and will make any reasonable adjustments to ensure all applicants can fully participate in the application and interview process.

Closing date: 21st September
Interviews with Prospectus: 25th – 29th September
Final interviews: w/c 6th October

We are now at the stage where we need to expand our capabilities and we are looking for a fundraising specialist to join our Trustee Board to provide strategic input in order to diversify our sources of funding.

About Asiox

Based in Oxfordshire, ASIOX is uniquely placed to offer bespoke support to survivors of modern slavery and human exploitation across Oxfordshire and the wider Thames Valley. We continue to deliver on our stated mission to raise awareness and equip individuals in identifying exploitation and to foster the restoration process of survivors.

What will you be doing?

As a Charity Trustee with fundraising expertise, you will play a pivotal role in providing strategic direction to our fundraising efforts. This position is a voluntary Trustee role, requiring a passionate and dedicated individual with experience in fundraising, and a genuine commitment to the values and objectives of our organisation. 

We are seeking to strengthen our Board by appointing a new Trustee with dedicated expertise in fundraising to help guide our efforts to diversify our funding base so that we have the resources to fully deliver our strategic objectives. As Fundraising Trustee, your role will NOT be to complete grant applications but rather to support the Executive Director and our external grants writing consultant in achieving our objectives.

Time commitment:

Overall, we estimate your ASIOX responsibilities may require one-two hours per week of your time.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for individuals with the following:

· Proven expertise in fundraising in the charity/NGO sectors, with a successful track record of achieving fundraising targets.

· Expertise and/or knowledge of major donor giving, including successful organisation of fundraising and cultivation events and other interactions with donors.

· Experience in designing and delivering effective fundraising strategies for charities 

· Vision and an ability to think creatively. 

· Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders.

What difference will you make?

As a small charity, ASIOX deeply values the dedication, time, and expertise of our Trustee Board. If you join us, you can expect:

· A warm and supportive welcome

· The satisfaction of knowing you're making a real difference

· Opportunities to develop your leadership capabilities

· The power of collective action – achieving more together than alone

· A meaningful way to apply your skills and experience within the voluntary sector

Trustee - Rees Foundation (Scotland Based)

Are you committed to making a lasting difference in the lives of care-experienced individuals in Scotland?

Would you like to help shape the future of a growing charity dedicated to supporting those who have been in care? As we expand our work into Scotland, we’re looking for a new Trustee who shares our commitment to improving outcomes for young people and adults with care experience. With our recent entry into the Scottish Charity Register, this is an exciting time to join us and help shape our growth and strategy in Scotland, enhancing our ability to offer meaningful support where it is needed most.

About us

The Rees Foundation is a national charity based in Worcestershire, supporting adults who have experienced foster care or residential care at any stage in their lives. We focus on the often-challenging transition from care into adulthood and the long-term impact care experience can have. At Rees, we believe care does not end at 18, 21, or 25, it is a lifelong journey, and everyone deserves ongoing support and someone who cares.
We listen, offer practical and emotional help, and create projects that genuinely change lives for the better.

About the role

As a Trustee, you will play a key role in ensuring the charity stays true to its mission and values. Our Board of Trustees shares responsibility for guiding the organisation’s strategic direction, ensuring good governance, financial health, and compliance with legal and regulatory frameworks.

Board members are required to attend four quarterly meetings a year, which last for up to three hours as well as three of four times a year to review grant applications. They are currently held during the day.

We are looking for someone who:

• Has skills in areas such as governance, finance, advocacy, or community engagement.
• Can commit to attending regular board meetings (online and occasionally in person).
• Enjoys working collaboratively and has a forward-thinking outlook.
• May bring knowledge or experience of the care system in Scotland (lived experience is especially welcomed).

Want to know more?

If you think you could contribute to our Board, we would like to hear from you. For an informal conversation about the charity and the Trustee role, please contact Melody Douglas, CEO.

To apply, please email Kathryn Mylott, HR Generalist to request a recruitment pack with more details about the charity and the role.

Join Our Board as a Volunteer Member!

Healthwatch Barking & Dagenham is seeking passionate individuals to help shape the future of local health and care.

What you’ll do:
✔️ Take part in board meetings
✔️ Guide strategy and governance
✔️ Champion community voices

What we’re looking for:
�� Experience in governance or community health
�� Strong teamwork & problem-solving skills
❤️ Commitment to improving local services

What you’ll gain:
�� Influence change in health & care
�� Training & support
�� Networking opportunities

Location: Fully flexible / Remote – open to applicants anywhere in the UK

Time Commitment: Approx. 4–8 hours per month, including quarterly trustee meetings, occasional sub-committee meetings, and fulfilling trustee responsibilities. Time may vary slightly depending on organisational needs, but remains manageable alongside other personal and professional commitments.

About Us
Unseen Expeditions UK is a newly forming Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) supporting mission-led charities and expedition projects across the UK and internationally. Our flagship initiative, The Unseen Mile, is a 4.5-year journey covering 25,000 miles across 37 countries. Through this and future projects, we aim to inspire communities, raise awareness for important causes—including mental health—and share unique storytelling and learning experiences from the field.

We are currently recruiting our initial board of trustees to help launch and register the charity.

Role Overview
We are seeking a Media Trustee to join our board and lead the charity’s media strategy and content creation. This trustee will help share the charity’s projects, expeditions, and mission with a wide audience, while allowing content to be retained for personal portfolio use.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and oversee the charity’s media strategy

• Create or advise on multimedia content (photo, video, audio, digital)

• Support engagement with media outlets and online audiences

• Advise on storytelling, branding, and public-facing communications

• Assist with reporting and media-related updates to stakeholders

• Contribute to trustee meetings and governance

• Delegate tasks to editing volunteers within the Media Committee

• Help guide the charity through its registration and initial set-up

Person Specification & Requirements

• Experience or interest in media production, content creation, or storytelling

• Strong communication and creative skills

• Commitment to the mission and values of Unseen Expeditions and its partnered charities

• Ability to work collaboratively with a small, remote trustee team

• Comfortable working remotely and communicating online with a UK-wide board

• UK-based (required for legal trustee responsibilities)

• 4–8 hours per month commitment (more during start-up if possible)

• Basic tools for communication (email, phone, video calls)

What You’ll Gain

• Opportunity to shape and govern a new, high-profile charity from launch

• Hands-on experience in charity leadership and governance

• Contribution to awareness-raising and adventure-led impact projects

• Recognition for your role in mission-driven initiatives, including The Unseen Mile and future projects

• Flexible, fully remote role within a passionate, purpose-driven team

• Permission to retain media content created for personal portfolio or professional use