Governance volunteer roles

We’re seeking three experienced individuals to share their knowledge and expertise to support the mission, leadership, and governance of our college.  These are vacancies arising as other governors complete their terms of office.

What will you be doing?

For the Board to be effective as we navigate the challenges and opportunities of an ever-evolving education and policy landscape, we require governors with a range of knowledge and skills and the commitment and enthusiasm to actively engage in governance and be a supportive advocate of Sparsholt College Group.

You’ll attend 2-3 board/committee meetings per academic term and engage with our college community and stakeholders.  In return, we offer the fulfilling opportunity to work with a great team of aspirational people and contribute and develop your knowledge in a meaningful environment.

We also welcome applications from those with chairing acumen gained in a similarly complex organisation and a potential interest in a future leadership role on the Board as part of our succession planning for the Chair of Governors and other roles.

What are we looking for?

We believe in the strength of a diverse governing body and welcome applicants with varied backgrounds who bring fresh perspectives. 

At this time, we particularly welcome professional expertise in:

• Education – especially post-16 (FE/ HE)
• Financial oversight (commercial or public sector)
• Chairing a board or leading a complex organisation
• Legal
• Board-level governance
• Sustainability
• Property and land management

We also value experience in sectors linked to our curriculum offer or knowledge of our local and regional stakeholders.

What difference will you make?

Colleges play a pivotal role in delivering the education and skills needs of the local and national economy and your expertise and insights will help make an important impact on shaping the future of our organisation and enhancing the impact of education for our students and the prosperity of the industries we support.

The areas of experience we have identified as current recruitment priorities compliment the knowledge of other governors and link to the remits of the Board's specialist subcommittees. 

We are seeking to appoint a voluntary Trustee for our charity who will also take up the role as our secretary.

We are looking for someone who wants to make a difference; helping build & grow the charity with the benefit of good governance. 

Is this role for me?

As you would expect the secretary role will be responsible for supporting the Chair by making sure meetings are communicated, agendas are developed, & that minutes are produced with actions followed up. It would also involve maintaining a well-organised filing system of critical documents, policies & governance records, as well as ensuring compliance with reporting requirements such as Charity Commission filings. But this will not be a case of walking in & taking over the reins; we are going through a period of change & are looking for someone who will help us put in place the processes & controls needed for a well-run charity. 

We are looking for a secretary who will push us & keep us on track. Make no mistake, it will certainly be hard work initially as it will take some time as we work to get everything in place, so you would need to be ready to commit to this. Once things become established then it would be up to you just how much time you want to dedicate beyond keeping everything on track. 

Who is The League of Friends of St Mark’s Hospital Maidenhead?

The League of Friends have been supporting patients in St Mark’s Hospital for over 50 years, helping to provide equipment & an environment that enhances their comfort & care.

We maintain the gardens in the Henry Tudor ward & in Out-Patients, including providing outdoor furniture & planting, as well as providing a range of daily newspapers & making sure a nice cup of Nespresso coffee is available too. We have also helped the hospital over recent years by providing; a cardiac resuscitator, an ECG module, hydraulic treatment couches, specialised podiatry & audiology equipment, and software for a Dexta bone density scanner.

Why are you recruiting now?

While we are proud that we have been supporting St Mark’s for over 50 years, including during the COVID19 pandemic, we have recognised that we now need to need to “regroup”.

The charity has identified 2 immediate objectives; firstly, to develop our fundraising efforts as these have slipped since the pandemic, & secondly, to introduce standards of governance which ensure we fulfil statutory obligations & achieve best practice within a small charity environment. 

We have recently appointed a new Treasurer to strengthen financial controls, & a further trustee with responsibility for developing our marketing effort which will provide a firm footing for fund raising. Further trustees have recently been appointed which support our charitable giving within the hospital. But we recognise that we are lacking the skills, knowledge & disciplines that a good secretary can provide. 

What sort of person do I need to be?

• Hungry for change
• Tenacious
• Pragmatic
• Detailed & meticulous 
• Knowledgeable of charity regulations & best practice - or not frightened to find them out & go on to implement them
• A self-starter who is able to drive us towards the changes needed
• A strong communicator
• Tech savvy – able to use MS office & have the ability to work online as needed 

How much time would I need to dedicate?

You would need to have enough time to arrange, plan & follow up on Trustee meetings. At present these typically take place in alternate months but there may be a need to move these to monthly as the charity grows. One of these meetings will also include the AGM. Meetings are held in Maidenhead.

As secretary there will be other activities which will require action between meetings, for example, keeping the Charity Commission updated, maintaining policies & renewing insurance. While these activities are not onerous their timely upkeep is obviously important.

One of the key features of this appointment will be the need to drive change & establish good governance within the charity. Although we are looking for someone who can help move this forward at speed, we also recognise that “Rome wasn’t built in a day”!

What will I get out of it?

• Helping to make the lives of patients in hospital more bearable is hugely rewarding. 
• The role will be CV enhancing, demonstrating valuable skills & qualities to potential employers; particularly being able to illustrate your ability to influence & to drive change

Is there anything else you think I should know?

Apart from attending our meetings in Maidenhead all other work should be able to be done from home.

This is a volunteer role & necessary expenses incurred will be reimbursed.

Are you a qualified human-focused medical professional with an interest in multi-species medicine? Are you innovative, with creative insight & a vision for progressive medical practice? If so, we would welcome your application to join our Board of Trustees.

Our ideal candidate:

• A qualified medical professional with expertise in human medicine and a strong interest in multi-species medicine and innovative healthcare practice.

• Understands trustee commitments and responsibilities.

• Can contribute to strategic discussions through effective communication and judgment.

• Is non-judgmental and respectful of diverse experiences, views, and cultures.

• Is committed to the aims and values of Humanimal Trust and can work collaboratively to enrich the vision and strategy of our growing organisation.

We welcome applications from individuals with a range of perspectives, experience, backgrounds and skills.

What’s in it for you?

• A unique opportunity to drive innovative change and have a positive impact on millions of human and animal lives.

• Development of career enhancing skills and experience, including governance and leadership skills.

• The opportunity to build interdisciplinary relationships with a team of passionate trustees, staff, and volunteers.

Summary of responsibilities

• Drive strategic planning, provide leadership and oversee delivery of results.

• Approve business plans and budgets, agree targets, and monitor performance.

• Ensure board members have required skills through appropriate recruitment, induction and development processes.

• Ensure effective audits and approve annual accounts.

• Support the CEO and ensure good management.

• Ensure productive relationships are maintained.

• Ensure a high standard of corporate governance and behaviour.

• Be clear about the most significant strategic risks ensure mitigation steps are in place.

• Empathy with the aims of the organisation, its values and behaviours.

Appointment term: A minimum term of three years, with the possibility of two consecutive terms, so six years in total.

Time commitment: Quarterly Board meetings, c.2h per meeting, plus preparation.

Preferred background, knowledge and experience: A qualified medical professional with expertise in human medicine and a strong interest in multi-species medicine.

Who are Governors for Schools?

Governors for Schools operates across England and Wales to improve educational standards and ensure all children and young people have the chance to realise their full potential.

We believe the key to improving school performance is effective governance. By finding, nurturing and supporting a committed network of governors, we drive positive systematic change that benefits each and every student, regardless of their background.

Governors for Schools recruits and matches volunteers with school governing boards and provides ongoing support.

What’s involved?

There are governor vacancies across England and Wales. Some schools are also looking for remote governors who don't need to live near the school they support.

Governors volunteer at board level to set the strategic vision for their school. This involves constructively challenging current processes, using your unique skills to support senior leaders, and overseeing school finances. You’ll be involved in areas such as monitoring, budget management, and data analysis. As well as putting your expertise to good use, you’ll have the opportunity to develop your professional skills. Ultimately, you’ll work towards facilitating the delivery of a broad and exciting curriculum and oversee wellbeing and inclusion initiatives. Governance represents a fantastic opportunity to develop yourself while making a real impact on the education of children and young people.

Governors work collaboratively with the headteacher and other members of the board, including parents and school staff. In most schools, full board meetings are held termly, as are committee meetings. Many governors will sit on a committee linked to their expertise or interests, such as teaching and learning or finance and resources. In addition to attending meetings, governors will need to read the papers in advance, complete training courses, and occasionally visit their school.

Governors usually support schools for a period of four years and with an estimated time commitment of 7 hours per month. During these hours, you will attend meetings, read papers, attend training sessions, and make occasional visits to school.

Who can be a governor?

The most important part of being a governor is the ability to ask questions, provide support and have the best interests of the school at heart. You don't have to be a parent or have experience in education to become a governor. Schools seek a  wide range of skills to support the board, including finance, HR, and data analysis.

Boards also need governors with a diversity of backgrounds and lived experiences to ensure a range of perspectives are considered during board meetings.

Schools welcome professional experience, as well as community insight and experience of working collaboratively.

You need to be aged 18 or above and there are certain criminal convictions that would exclude you from the role. A Disclosure and Barring Service check will be carried out by the school.

What’s the process?

You can find out more about the school governor role by attending one of our recruitment webinars.

You can complete your online profile on the website, including your motivation to take on the role, your skills and your school preferences. Your regional Partnership Manager will then look at vacancies that match your requirements. Once a school is identified, you will have the opportunity to discuss the role with them in more detail, visit the school, and observe a meeting. If appointed, a DBS check will take place and, in some cases, the school will seek references.

Ongoing support

Governors for Schools isn’t just a matching service. We want to help you thrive in your role through bespoke and ongoing support. We provide eLearning and monthly webinars covering a variety of topics to increase your knowledge of the education sector and governance. You’ll also have access to The Key for School Governors, an information hub designed to show new governors the ropes and offer a useful point of reference for existing governors.

Trustees play a vital role in ensuring Airdrie Foodbank meets its core purpose by overseeing the management and administration of the charity and ensuring that the foodbank has a clear strategy in line with our vision and goals.

What will you be doing?

Trustees have collective responsibility for the governance of the organisation and for all decisions made by the Board. They set the strategic direction for the organisation, ensuring alignment to our values, and are responsible for setting organisational policy, defining goals, agreeing the financial plan, evaluating performance, and ensuring that strong relationships are maintained between the Trustees and the Management & Volunteer Team.

Key tasks:

• To manage the charity’s resources responsibly, including ensuring the charity’s assets are used only to carry out its purpose, avoid undue risk and not over-commit the charity.
• To ensure the board regularly reviews its structures, roles, relationship to staff and implementing changes if and when necessary.
• To develop a long-term strategy for the food bank with clear objectives which can be monitored and adapted.
• To work alongside the Treasurer and the board to ensure the organisation’s financial dealings are systematically accounted for and on time, independently examined (on income over £25k) and made publicly available when necessary.
• To ensure the charity is accountable, actively complying with statutory accounting and reporting requirements and the law.
• To ensure appropriate financial plans are in place for future budget allocations as well as looking after contractual agreements with external partners that award money for core costs and additional projects.
• To help promote the organisation to a wide audience of potential funders and beneficiaries and community stakeholders.
• To ensure the food bank has appropriate procedures to: comply with current legislation and good practice; including employment, health and safety, equal opportunities, safeguarding & GDPR compliance/data protection etc.
• To act with reasonable care and skill, giving your time, thought and energy to your role.
• To prepare for and regularly attend and participate in board and subcommittee meetings and any trustee away days.
• To provide ad hoc support to the staff team and volunteers from time to time.
• To act at all times in accordance with the foodbank’s trustee code of conduct.

Trustees may also undertake additional work for the charity between meetings subject to their availability and skill set.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for people who want to help their local community and work towards the eradication of food poverty whilst support the food bank to continue to provide emergency food to people who find themselves in crisis. Our ideal candidates would demonstrate:

• an understanding of, and commitment to, the work of the Airdrie Foodbank
• a commitment to understand and support your local community
• excellent communication and collaboration skills
• willingness to actively participate in discussions concerning needs of the foodbank’s beneficiaries, staff, and the trustee board
• willingness to act in the best interest of the charity
• sound, independent judgement and ability to think creatively
• working effectively as a team member and demonstrating a willingness to learn and develop.

What difference will you make?

By supporting the governance of the food bank, you are part of a team providing a vital holistic support function in your local community, ensuring a dignified experience to anyone visiting or anyone who comes into contact with Airdrie Foodbank.

Emmaus Mossley is seeking to recruit new people with a mix of experience and expertise to our Board of Trustees. This is an exciting and important time for our charity’s ambitious strategy, as we work to help more people out of homelessness and poverty.

Emmaus Mossley is a well-established charity, achieving our core aims and delivering impact with embedded values and good governance structures already in place. Joining the Emmaus Mossley Board of Trustees is a rewarding and fulfilling opportunity, especially as we look forward to celebrating our 30th anniversary in 2027.

About Emmaus Mossley

Emmaus Mossley is a dynamic charity that provides a home, tailored support, training and work opportunities to people who have experienced homelessness. We go beyond just offering a bed for the night; Emmaus provides people with longer-term support, stability, opportunities for personal development, and a strong sense of community.

Emmaus Mossley is an independent local charity that is governed by a Board of Trustees who all live, work or are invested in the improvement of Tameside, Oldham and its surrounding communities. Whilst our work is focused locally, we are also part of a much wider Emmaus movement.

About the Charity Trustee – Company Secretary role

As part of Emmaus Mossley’s continued development, we are seeking to recruit a new trustee with Company Secretary responsibilities. We are looking for someone who can bring fresh perspectives, experiences and expertise, with an understanding of governance, trustee development and charity law.

Emmaus Mossley relies on a diverse group of people to become trustees and deliver good governance. Becoming a charity trustee at Emmaus Mossley is an opportunity to apply and develop your skillset for a worthwhile cause. This voluntary role offers variety, responsibility and satisfaction, especially seeing people overcome challenges to achieve their personal goals.

The Emmaus Mossley Board of Trustees meets six times a year. In addition to full trustee meetings, some trustees are members of our three committees that report to the board. Trustees also have the opportunity to get involved in other ways, including at events, external events and projects.

If you share our passion and principles for helping those most in need and have sufficient time and energy, please explore the trustee role and register your interest.

Who we are:

The Humane League UK (THL UK) is dedicated to ending the abuse of animals raised for food by influencing the policies of leading food companies, advocating for stronger animal protection laws, and encouraging individuals to take action. We are part of a global network of organisations working to create a future where all animals are treated with respect and compassion.

Thanks to our effectiveness, The Humane League has been named Top Charity by the independent evaluator Animal Charity Evaluators for every rating period since 2012.

THL UK is an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to furthering equity and inclusion, and we value diversity. We seek people from a wide range of backgrounds who will bring a fresh perspective to the team, not just because it is the right thing to do, but because it makes us stronger. 

​We are proud to be a Disability Confident Committed Employer, demonstrating our commitment to recruiting, retaining, and supporting disabled people and people with health conditions, based on their skills and talent.

You can read more about how The Humane League UK is working on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion via our website.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding accessibility, please contact us via our website and we will be happy to discuss, via email or telephone, reasonable adjustments that you may require throughout the process.

The Position

We are seeking two new Trustees to add to the current Board of five voluntary members.

Board members (trustees) of THL UK are responsible for providing strategic leadership, ensuring strong governance, and safeguarding the organisation’s mission, values, and financial sustainability. This is a voluntary position, and trustees are expected to act in the best interests of the charity and in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements.
 

Whether you are an experienced charity trustee or looking for your first board position; if you believe you can share our commitment for ending the abuse of animals raised for food and have the qualities, knowledge and experience we are looking for, then we’d love to hear from you.

For full details on the role of trustees please view our information pack which is available in the application resources.

We will be holding a webinar on Thursday 6th November at 7pm GMT for you to find out more about the role and ask any questions you may have. The webinar will be hosted by Sean Gifford, Managing Director and our Board Chair Ben Wickham. If you’re interested, please visit our website via the 'Redirect to recruiter' button.

As it’s a webinar you’ll only be able to see the presenter and not others watching. The webinar will be recorded and available on our website, with captions, within 48 hours of the event.

Person specification and requirements for this role

While specific experience in animal protection is not essential, all Board members must:

• Demonstrate a commitment to the aims and values of THL UK.

• Understand and accept the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship.

• Bring a strategic mindset and the ability to make well-reasoned, independent decisions.

• Be able to communicate in ways that build understanding and trust, and contribute positively to collaborative team working.

• Be willing to devote the necessary time and effort to the role.

• Be committed to moving forward with Diversity, Equity and Inclusion best practices.

Specialist Expertise Sought

In addition to the general requirements above, we are particularly seeking candidates who can bring expertise in one or more of the following areas:

1. Charity Governance

• In-depth knowledge of charity governance best practice, preferably gained through prior trustee, board, or senior charity leadership experience.

• Understanding of regulatory compliance and governance frameworks for UK charities.

• Legal skills relating to charity law, contracts, risk management, or related fields (desirable).

2. Charity and Fundraising Finance

• Experience in charity finance, fundraising finance, or non-profit financial management.

• Ability to read and interpret management accounts, budgets, and forecasts.

• Understanding of financial controls, audit processes, and risk management within a charitable context.

We welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds and with a range of perspectives. Having reviewed existing Trustees' diversity we would particularly welcome applications from ethnic minorities, disabled people and marginalised groups.

Where candidates bring similar skills and experience, we may take lived experience or background into account to help us build a more representative and inclusive board.
 

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute actively to the Board’s role in giving strategic direction, setting overall policy, defining goals, and evaluating performance.

• Ensure that THL UK complies with its governing document, charity law, and any other relevant legislation or regulations.

• Oversee the financial health of the charity, approving annual budgets and monitoring financial performance.

• Champion the fundraising work of THL UK in various ways–for example by introducing new donors from your network, actively promoting THL UK’s fundraising initiatives (like our end of year appeal), or by donating directly if you have the means to do so.

• Protect and promote the charity’s values, reputation, and effectiveness.

• Support and challenge the executive team to achieve the organisation’s objectives.

• Act as an ambassador for THL UK, promoting its work to stakeholders and the public.

• Participate in Board meetings (typically four per year) and occasional sub-committee meetings, as well as contributing advice and guidance outside formal meetings when required.

Key competencies

• Strategic thinker: Looks at consequences, implications, interdependencies, and indirect effects, all in both the short and longer term. Looks beyond the immediate goal or issue and with the greater context, not just the content of the moment. Is able to think and act creatively in difficult situations.

• Problem solver: Identifies issues, effectively structures problems, analyses information to produce insights and generates wise, actionable recommendations. A forward-looking thinker who anticipates the needs of the organisation.

• Effective: Strategically able to focus our energy, resources and talent toward impactful actions that will reduce, and ultimately end, the abuse of animals for food.

• Communication and strong interpersonal skills: Ability to communicate in ways that build understanding and trust and can adapt to different tones and styles and be able to engage with people from all walks of life.

The commitment

We are looking for trustees that are able to commit the time needed to support the growth and aims of our charity.  You should be able to spend about four hours per month on regular trustee business. In addition to this, we also ask trustees to commit to: 

• Four quarterly Board meetings per year, plus preparation time. Quarterly board meetings tend to happen in the evenings between 6:30 - 9 pm. 

• Two other ad hoc board meetings throughout the year, which may happen in the evenings or during regular working hours. 

• Participation in sub-committees or working groups where relevant.

• Attendance at our in person all team summer workshop, held at the end of July.

• Occasional attendance at in-person fundraising or public engagement events.

The Interview Process

• The closing date for applications is Sunday 23rd November 2025.

• We will be carrying out telephone screening calls from Monday 24th November to Thursday 11th December 2025.

• We will inform all candidates if they will be invited to interview by Thursday 18th December 2025.

• Interviews will be held remotely from Monday 12th to Thursday 22nd January 2025.

• The successful candidates will be invited to attend a board meeting in February 2026 before being voted in.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding accessibility, please contact us via our website and we will be happy to discuss, via email or telephone, reasonable adjustments that you may require throughout the process.

Would you like to improve the urban walking environment and our quality of life? Living Streets, the UK charity for everyday walking, is looking for an enthusiastic and experienced person to chair our board of voluntary trustees. 

We are a charity that can influence anyone’s daily life. Our mission is to achieve a better walking environment and inspire people to walk more. 

This is a pivotal time in our history: with a dynamic and experienced new Chief Executive, Catherine Woodhead; and a period of development, with a new strategy incoming that will take us towards our centenary in 2029. 

With our thousands of members and supporters we run campaigns for positive change and influence policies that improve our streets such as encouraging families to walk to school, 20mph speed limits and controlling pavement parking. 

We manage innovative national projects, engaging schools, communities and workplaces to encourage more people to walk short journeys. Our year-round walk to school challenge captures the imagination of children in over 2000 schools. 

We work with local authorities and businesses to improve streets and public spaces. Our reports, such as The Pedestrian Pound, make a substantial contribution to the active travel agenda. 

We are seeking someone with strong leadership and networking skills, with experience of good governance and helping organisations through growth. You will possess a substantial reputation which will add to the credibility of Living Streets. The role is a voluntary unpaid position, though reasonable expenses will be reimbursed. The term of office is for six years.

Closing date: 03/11/2025 (12pm)

Interviews: 20/11/2025 

Interview Location: London Head Office 

Join Solihull College and University Centre and use your expertise in capital development, strategy or construction to support the College as a Governor, as they inspire everyone to succeed.

Applications close at 9 a.m. Wednesday 3rd December.

Solihull College & University Centre is a large general further education college with sites in central Solihull, North Solihull and in Stratford-upon-Avon.

We have over 10,000 students and a core population of 16–19-year-olds, the majority of whom come from Birmingham and the West Midlands. We offer a diverse provision across A levels, T levels, apprenticeships and higher education, providing excellent pathways for all our students.

About the role.

The Corporation is comparable to a board of non-executive directors. It is composed of members from the local community, stakeholders, students and staff members. Working closely with the Principal, the Corporation is responsible for approving the College’s mission statement, establishing the College’s strategy and maintaining the overall framework of policies and procedures within which the College operates. Governors help the college to maintain a long-term focus whilst working on its shorter-term goals and plans. The day-to-day management of the college is very much the responsibility of the Principal and the executive management team.

Appointed individuals will need to attend Corporation and Committee meetings throughout the year, as well as strategic planning, training, and development activities.

We estimate that our Governors dedicate around 10 – 15 hours per month (depending on their roles and membership of committees) to their roles which includes Corporation meetings, Special Interest Groups, Financial Oversight Group Committee meetings, two Governors Development mornings per year, online Briefings, Mandatory training, external events/training and supporting the College with Learning Visits and/or Student Focus Groups, mentoring, link governor roles.

Who we are looking for.

The successful candidate will have a passion for education, be committed to the College and its values, and understand the importance of education to all learners and the wider community.

We are particularly looking to engage the following areas of expertise:

• Capital development
• Strategic property development
• Construction

Whilst previous governance experience is welcomed, it is not essential. All new Governors will be supported by our Director of Corporate Governance Risk and Compliance, Sam Bromwich, with a comprehensive induction and training process and ongoing support thereafter.

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 3rd December.

South Cumbria MAT are seeking committed volunteers from a range of backgrounds to join as Trustees on their Board of Trustees.  Trustees are critical to the success of the Trust. Although they are volunteers, they provide challenge and monitoring. They ask questions and probe the information and data they have been provided with. Trustees are often seen as the ‘critical friend’ to ensure leaders are responding to the challenges and key priorities. Being a Trustee is supportive within a group of other volunteers who work together as a collective voice.  You do not need experience of being a trustee. South Cumbria MAT will support all new Trustees to develop in their role as well as additional training where needed.

Trustees come from many backgrounds. We are seeking individuals who may be able to offer expertise in the following areas:

• Education outcomes

• Special education needs

• Governance and compliance including experience of chairing boards

• School improvement

• Health and safety and facilities

• Finance, estates, and/or resources

South Cumbria MAT is a multi-academy trust and therefore registered as a Company Limited by Guarantee with charitable status. Due to this company status Trustees are registered with Companies House.

The Trustees of Omega are volunteers who lead and manage the charity, ensuring it is well-run and achieves its purposes. They are responsible for the charity's governance, strategy, and overall direction, making decisions that impact the charity's beneficiaries and the wider community. Trustees are ultimately responsible for the charity's legal and financial well-being, and they must act in the best interests of the charity and its beneficiaries.

Our trustees are the guardians of the charity, responsible for ensuring it is well-managed, financially sound, and fulfilling its charitable purposes for the benefit of its beneficiaries and the wider community. We look for trustees who have a particular area of experience or skillset so we have a good range of professional expertise represented across the board of trustees at any point in time.

Key Responsibilities:

• Governance and Strategic Direction: Trustees set the charity's strategic aims and direction, plan and review its work, and make decisions about its activities and resources.
• Financial Oversight: Trustees are responsible for the charity's finances, ensuring they are managed responsibly and used to support the charity's purposes.
• Compliance and Legal Duties: Trustees ensure the charity complies with its governing document, relevant laws, and regulations.
• Accountability: Trustees are accountable to donors, regulators, beneficiaries, and the public, ensuring the charity is transparent and operates ethically.
• Safeguarding: Trustees are responsible for ensuring the charity has appropriate safeguarding policies and procedures in place to protect vulnerable individuals.
• Risk Management: Trustees must identify and manage potential risks to the charity, including financial, reputational, and operational risks.

Qualities we are looking for in our Omega Trustees:

• Commitment: Trustees are volunteers and must be committed to the charity's mission and goals.
• Good Judgment: Trustees need to be able to make sound decisions based on available information and their understanding of the charity's needs.
• Integrity and Honesty: Trustees must act with integrity and honesty, putting the charity's interests first.
• Understanding of Governance: Trustees need to understand their responsibilities and the principles of good governance.
• Communication and Collaboration: Trustees need to be able to communicate effectively with other trustees, staff, volunteers, and stakeholders.

Trustee vacancy 

The Royal Aeronautical Society is the world’s leading professional body dedicated to aerospace communities. Established in 1866, the Society has been at the forefront of developments in aerospace, seeking to promote the highest professional standards and provide a central forum for sharing knowledge. 

The Society is seeking a committed volunteer with a passion for aerospace to join the Board of Trustees from May 2026. As a Trustee, you will play a strategic role in the charity’s governance and help the Society to meet its charitable objects - the advancement of aeronautical art, science, and engineering around the world.

Main duties and responsibilities 

The Board of Trustees seeks to ensure that it has the skills, experience, diversity of thought and perspective to draw upon in its governance and decision-making roles. Trustees are expected to allocate time to reviewing papers and should actively participate in meetings by leading discussions, focusing on key issues and providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, to ensure that the Society continues to meet the needs of its members through financial sustainability and adherence to its charitable objects. 

Trustees must exercise their powers in strict accordance with the charity’s governing documents (i.e. Royal Charter, By-Laws and Regulations). The duties of a Trustee are as follows: 

• Ensuring that the organisation pursues its stated objects (purposes), as defined in its governing documents, by developing and agreeing a long-term strategy 

• Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction 

• Ensuring that the organisation complies with its governing documents, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations 

• Ensuring that the organisation applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its charitable objects (i.e. the charity must not spend money on activities that are not included in its own objects, however worthwhile or charitable those activities are) and for the benefit of the public 

• Ensuring that the organisation defines its goals and evaluates performance against agreed targets 

• Safeguarding the good name and values of the organisation 

• Ensuring the effective and efficient administration of the organisation, including having appropriate policies and procedures in place 

• Ensuring the financial stability of the organisation 

• Protecting and managing the property of the charity and ensuring the proper investment of the charity’s funds 

• Following proper and formal arrangements for the appointment, supervision, support, appraisal and remuneration of the Chief Executive. 

Person specification 

The following characteristics, knowledge and experience are essential: 

• Interest in the charity’s work, the communities it serves and those it represents 

• Clear understanding, and acceptance, of the legal duties, liabilities and responsibilities of Trustees, with a sound knowledge of relevant governance 

• Commitment to the values and principles of the charity including commitment to equity, diversity and inclusivity 

• Ability to understand complex strategic issues, analyse and resolve difficult problems 

• Commitment to the highest ethical standards in line with the Nolan principles 

• Sufficient time and commitment to fulfil the role. 

The following characteristics, knowledge and experience would be advantageous: 

• Proven business and financial acumen together with leadership and organisational skills 

• Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills 

• Experience in the aerospace sector and / or understanding of its breadth and depth 

• Experience of management of heritage assets and / or heritage properties. 

Time commitment 

As a member of the Board of Trustees, the appointed individual will be required to attend 4 meetings in a calendar year (usually held on a Monday in March, June, September and November), with each meeting lasting up to 2.5 hours. Trustees should prepare in advance of meetings. Meetings are usually hybrid.

In addition, Trustees will be expected from time to time to engage with Society staff, as well as to devote appropriate preparation time ahead of each engagement. Trustees are expected to meet any additional time commitment that is reasonable (with a further call for commitment from Committee Chairs to fulfil those roles).

This is a voluntary position, and no remuneration is offered. The Society will, however, reimburse all reasonable ‘out of pocket’ expenses for attendance at meetings.

Equity, diversity and inclusion  

As a global membership organisation and Professional Engineering Institution, we believe diversity brings benefits to our members, corporate partners, employees, and other stakeholders. This is why the Society is committed to demonstrating diversity and inclusivity. We encourage applications from all suitably qualified applicants irrespective of background, circumstances, age, disability, gender identity, ethnicity, religion or belief and sexual orientation.

We work to ensure that our processes are as inclusive as possible to everyone. This includes making reasonable adjustments for people who have a disability or long-term condition. If you would like us to make reasonable adjustments during the selection process, please let us know. 

How to apply 

Please submit a CV and a short covering letter, which explains how your knowledge and experience make you a good match for this role. You can find information about how to do this and who to contact on the "Volunteer with us" page of the Royal Aeronautical Society's website. The closing date for this vacancy is Sunday 7 December at 23:59. 

Personal data 

In line with GDPR, we ask that in your CV and covering letter you do NOT send us any information that can identify children or any of your sensitive personal data (racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious or philosophical beliefs, trade union membership, data concerning health or sex life and sexual orientation, genetic and/or biometric data). Following this notice, any inclusion of your sensitive personal data in your CV/application documentation will be understood by us as your express consent to process this information going forward. Please also remember to not mention anyone’s information or details (e.g. referees) who have not previously agreed to their inclusion. 

Join us in making a positive impact on young people, meeting employers’ skills needs, and supporting our communities.  Help set the strategic direction of our college, drive innovation, and support our commitment to inclusivity and sustainability.  We have two immediate vacancies and one or two further opportunities arising in 2026​.

Governors are voluntary, non-executive board members who contribute their expertise, working constructively with the executive to set strategic direction, assess performance and ensure financial sustainability. You’ll work with a dedicated team, receive training and support, and gain insights into strategic business leadership.  You’ll attend 2-3 board/committee meetings per academic term.

We’re seeking people with the enthusiasm and commitment to share their knowledge and experience to support the mission, leadership, governance of our college in an ever-evolving education environment.  We believe in the strength of a diverse governing body and welcome applicants with varied backgrounds who bring fresh perspectives.

We particularly welcome professional expertise in:

• Education – especially post-16 (FE/ HE)
• Financial oversight (commercial or public sector)
• Chairing a board or leading a complex organisation
• Legal
• Board-level governance
• Sustainability
• Property and land management

We also value experience in sectors linked to our curriculum offer or knowledge of our local and regional stakeholders.  

Read our candidate information pack for more information about the role and time commitment.

To apply for this opportunity or for an informal discussion, please visit our Governance site. 

The applications closing day is Wednesday 5 November 2025 (midnight).

We are seeking a Finance & Audit Trustee to join our Board, someone who will play a crucial role in shaping our financial strategy, overseeing governance, and supporting our leadership team to ensure our decisions are both values-driven and financially sustainable.

If you bring professional expertise in finance, audit, or risk management, and if you share our belief in the power of second chances and the potential of every woman to thrive, we would be delighted to hear from you. Together, we can continue to build a future where every woman is safe, respected, and supported to reach her full potential.