Governance volunteer roles

Could you use your leadership skills and experience to support Signals?

We’re looking for a new volunteer Chair to join the board of Trustees who is interested in helping to develop Signals.

The Chair will lead our board of nine trustees, ensuring that Signals is following correct governance and meeting its charitable duties.

By joining us you will work with an engaged, experienced and friendly board and staff team.

Signals is committed to equality and diversity and welcomes applications from all members of the community particularly from those currently under-represented on the board including Tendring residents and people from the global majority.

Who we are

Signals is a registered charity and limited liability company based in Colchester established 36 years ago. We specialise in filmmaking and digital arts for social, learning and creative outputs and work across the region but with a focus on Essex. We became an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) in 2023.

We work with children, young people, artists and community groups supporting creativity and learning at all levels. We are committed to increasing equal access to digital and creative experiences.  Our vision is to positively impact peoples’ lives by encouraging, diversity, creativity, experimentation, developing skills and raising aspirations through creative digital production and education.  This work is increasingly relevant in supporting those left behind in a digital age.

Current projects include working with local migrant communities, disability groups and communities in Harwich.

Chair role

• With other board members, CEO and staff, provide strategic leadership to the charity, ensuring that Signals achieves its objectives.
• Lead the board in ensuring that it fulfils its responsibilities for governance.
• Optimise the relationship between the board and Signals staff and volunteers.
• Plan and chair the board meetings and the AGM, with others as appropriate.
• Act as a spokesperson and figurehead for Signals.
• Appraise the performance of the CEO.

Join Us and Help create jobs and opportunities for autistic people and people with learning disabilities

Yes2Ventures is seeking new Trustees to join our dynamic and values-led Board — including a Treasurer who can help guide our financial sustainability and growth.

We’re particularly keen to hear from people with experience in:
- Charity finance, accounting, or investment (for the Treasurer role)
- Community development, health and wellbeing
- Enterprise and social business
- HR, governance or legal expertise
- Experience of disability, neurodivergence, or mental health (lived or professional)

We welcome applications from people from all walks of life, especially those from groups currently underrepresented in governance roles. You don’t need to have been a trustee before — if you’re committed to our mission and willing to learn, we’ll support you.

Who we are:
Yes2Ventures creates meaningful opportunities for people who are distant from the labour market, through the development of enterprises that have a mission to train and support such people.

Time commitment: Approx. 1 board meeting per month, plus optional subgroups and occasional events. Meetings are held in Sheffield.

Next steps:
We’re running a friendly and informal recruitment process:
- Read the Trustee Role Description below.
- Drop us a short expression of interest (this could be an email, short form or voice note). If you have a CV please attach it. Tell us about what you do and why you want to be involved. We will send you a short application form to complete to help us track applications.
- We’ll invite shortlisted candidates for an informal chat. Then to meet in person with the head of development and/or a trustee.

Background

The Merchant’s House in Marlborough is a beautifully restored 17th-century silk merchant’s residence, offering a rare glimpse into the town’s rich history. Operated by The Merchant’s House Trust, our mission is to preserve and share this unique inheritance, ensuring it remains a vibrant part of the community far into the future. We are dedicated to engaging visitors and locals alike through educational programmes, events, and exhibitions that celebrate Marlborough’s cultural legacy in the context of the broader national story in which it is rooted. In the words of our motto ‘local heritage, national treasure’.

Your role

The Chair of The Merchant's House Trust leads the Board of Trustees, ensuring the effective governance of the charity and supporting the Trust Manager in delivering its strategy and purpose. The role is voluntary and non-remunerated, ideal for someone passionate about local heritage and community engagement. As a small friendly team, we are looking forward to welcoming a Chair who will bring fresh eyes to our plans for the next exciting phase in the life of this very special local charity.

The Sheila McKechnie Foundation (SMK) was set up in June 2005 in memory of legendary campaigner, Sheila McKechnie.Campaigning is vital to a healthy society. We help campaigners to thrive. In a free and hopeful society, people need to know they have the power to make a difference: that they are able to envisage change and can push for that change to happen. For nearly two decades, we have helped all sorts of individuals, causes and charities to find their power as changemakers – as campaigners. We support, connect and champion these campaigners, equipping them to go after the social change they seek.

The Chair will hold the Board and staff team to account for SMK’s mission and vision, provide inclusive leadership to the Board and ensure that Board members fulfil their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of SMK. The Chair will line manage and support the Chief Executive and ensure that the Board functions as a unit and works closely with the Chief Executive and staff team to achieve agreed objectives. They may also be asked to act as an ambassador and a public face of SMK in partnership with the Chief Executive and the Board.

For further information, see our website and the recruitment pack. 

The New Normal are seeking a Chair of our Board of Trustees! The primary responsibilities are providing leadership, strategic direction and governance oversight for the charity. They ensure that the board functions effectively, that the organization remains true to its mission, and that it meets its legal and ethical obligations. 

We are looking for a driven and diligent person to support TNN in it's mission to provide free-to-access peer support for a diverse range of grief experiences, communities and identities. 

Applicants should have the capacity to provide around 4-6 hours per month on a flexible basis, with some months quieter/busier than others.

We are seeking someone who has strong leadership, facilitation and decision-making skills, excellent communication and public-speaking, understanding of financial management, fundraising and stakeholder engagement, and a passion for the Charity's mission and long-term success. You should have experience serving on a Board of Trustees (preferably as Chair), in ​governance, strategic planning, and the non-profit sector.

We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and pathways. This is a voluntary role and responsibilities are listed in below Job Description.

[Due to the nature of the role and the work we do, the successful applicant will be required to undertake a DBS check and meet the statutory conditions for serving as a Trustee (attached). Persons will be shortlisted and appointed based solely on character, skills, qualifications and experience.]

Women's Aid Luton is seeking a visionary and dedicated Chair of the Board to lead and support the transformation and growth of our small yet impactful charity.

Women’s Aid Luton supports over 800 of society's most vulnerable women and children each year, helping them escape horrific abuse and violence. We provide a safe haven across our five refuges in Luton, operate a helpline, and offer bespoke assistance for families. Our services include access to legal advice, mental health support, employment assistance, and resettlement aid.

One of our refuges is dedicated to women from South Asian communities, with staff who speak Punjabi, Bengali, and Urdu. We also have a refuge for single women with complex support needs, such as mental health issues and drug and alcohol dependencies, often stemming from the trauma of domestic violence and abuse.

In addition to our direct support services, we focus on prevention and intervention by working with schools to raise awareness of domestic abuse. We are committed to disrupting exploitative and abusive relationships to prevent loss of life and reduce the long-term economic and social costs to society. Our services contribute to creating a safer, more compassionate community, supporting women and children from diverse socio-economic, religious, and cultural backgrounds, including those with complex needs.

With the current challenges facing our sector, we are focused on creating financial sustainability and resilience within the organisation, focusing on a robust funding strategy and a dynamic response to risk.

Our current Chair will come to the end of their term next year, and therefore we’re seeking a new Chair to support the charity in delivering our vital work.

The Chair of Trustees is a pivotal role within our organisation. Your leadership and dedication will be instrumental in ensuring we not only maintain but also expand our vital support and services for those in need. By guiding our strategic vision and fostering a culture of compassion and excellence, you will directly impact the lives of countless vulnerable women and children, helping them rebuild their lives and find hope for the future. Your commitment will drive our mission forward, creating lasting change and a safer, more supportive community for all.

What are we looking for?

EXPERIENCE

• An understanding and passion for the violence against women and girls sector
• Significant experience as a non-executive
• An understanding of UK charity governance and working with or as part of a Board of Trustees
• Experience of operating at a senior strategic leadership level
• An ability to network with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Sensitivity and discretion in dealing with staff and service user issues.
• Significant experience and success in leading groups of people in either a professional or voluntary capacity to achieve results.
• Experience of chairing meetings.
• Significant experience of managing, motivating, and developing people.
• Strong experience of developing, deploying, and evaluating strategic plans with a view to maximising impact and benefit.
• Experience of financial management and a broad understanding of charity finance issues

 SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Exceptional leadership skills; able to cultivate effective collaboration but also comfortable in taking responsibility for difficult choices.
•  Effective strategic communicator: able to articulate Women’s Aid Luton’s vision and engage and inspire others both within the organisation and externally.
• Highly effective relationship and alliance building abilities.
• Sound judgement with high capacity for self-reflection.
• Capacity to support both Board and Executive development.
• An ability to work within the realistic expectations and limitations for the Charity

ATTRIBUTES

• Dynamic leadership style that guides and inspires the Board and Executive to fulfil their respective responsibilities.
• A strong personal commitment to improving Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.
• Collaborative approach with excellent interpersonal skills.
• A strong personal commitment to Women’s aid Luton’s vision and mission replace with: Demonstrate a strong and visible passion and commitment to the charity, its strategic objectives and cause
• Demonstrate tact and diplomacy, with the ability to listen and engage effectively
• Strong networking capabilities that can be utilised for the benefit of the charity
• Ability to commit time to conduct the role well, including travel and attending events out of office hours

TERMS OF APPOINTMENT

The initial appointment is for a three-year term but can be extended for one further term for a maximum of six years. 

 “Joining Women’s Aid in Luton as a Board member has enabled me to use my professional expertise in a way that gives back to the community. I know that all the energy and time I give is helping to strengthen the organisation and ultimately the women and children it seeks to support. Joining the Board has been immensely rewarding and I highly recommend it as a valuable way to volunteer your time for a good cause.” – current Board Trustee at Women’s Aid in Luton.

Due to the sensitive nature of this role, we will be considering female volunteers only for this post in accordance with the provisions of the Occupational Requirement (Equality Act 2010, pursuant to schedule 9 part 1). Applicants will be required to have a satisfactory enhanced disclosure through the Disclosure and Barring Service.

We actively encourage applications from women from a variety of backgrounds, and with a range of skills and experiences. We are particularly interested to hear from women from Black, Asian and minoritised communities and women who have personal experience of domestic abuse.

If you have some time, energy and interest in the domestic abuse sector and believe you can make a difference to Women’s Aid Luton, we would love to hear from you.

We are looking for pro-active, enthusiastic and motivated young professionals to join our board - you can help lead the strategic development of one of Dundee’s most promising and dynamic charities!

We would particularly welcome applications from candidates who are young people with lived experience of mental health and wellbeing challenges.

THE DETAILS

Feeling Strong is an exciting Dundee-based charity with the ambition to improve the lives of young people living with mental health and wellbeing challenges by fostering the skills, confidence and aspirations they need to flourish. Our services are designed by young people, delivered by young people for the benefit of young people, and we believe that this youth-led/peer-led approach is our biggest asset in tackling issues around mental health and wellbeing. We support stable recovery journeys for young people, lead campaigns to tackle societal issues, develop quality resources based on our own research, and tackle the disparity they face in unemployment, underemployment and accessing opportunities like further and higher education.

YOUR COMMITMENT

Whilst the Trustee Board meets for formal meetings 6 times a year, successful candidates will be expected to contribute to the organisation more widely, taking part in fundraisers, external events, strategic planning and advising the staff team when needed. The average contribution expected of Trustees is around one - two hours per month.

Work-related travel costs will be reimbursed.

APPLYING

Training and induction will be provided so we are open to all candidates, and we expect them to develop skills once in post, but we would welcome candidates with any of the following experience:

• Governance and previous board experience

• Business development and trading income generation

• Human resources

• Lived experience of mental health and wellbeing challenges

• Financial background

We are seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Treasurer to join our Board of Trustees. This is a vital volunteer role where you will oversee the financial affairs of the charity, ensuring long-term sustainability and supporting our mission to enrich the Dover community.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee the charity’s financial strategy and ensure sound financial governance

• Present clear and accurate financial reports to the Board

• Monitor cash flow, budgets, and investment decisions

• Ensure compliance with relevant financial legislation and Charity Commission requirements

• Liaise with external accountants and auditors as needed

• Support the development of fundraising and income generation strategies

What We’re Looking For:

• A qualified accountant or someone with strong financial experience (charity finance experience desirable but not essential)

• Strategic thinker with a good understanding of financial management and reporting

What You’ll Gain:

• The opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a respected local charity

• Work alongside a friendly, passionate team of trustees and staff

• Use your professional skills to strengthen financial decision-making and support creative community projects

• Personal and professional development within the non-profit sector

• Passion for community work and the values of Dover Smart Project

• Commitment to regular trustee meetings and ad-hoc financial advice

Can you support our trust in its innovative approach?  Do you share our values of inclusion, innovation & impact? Are you excited about Educational and Operational Excellence. Could you be an #EMATter? What would it mean for you?

What will you be doing?

EMAT needs a committed and enthusiastic trustee, with experience in holding senior leaders to account whilst sharing their professional experience and expertise.  Our recent skills audit shows our board to have a broad and deep skill base and we are now looking to build upon that with colleagues that have specific interest and or experience in Equality, Diversity & Inclusion and / or Safeguarding. 

Any new governance #EMATters will ideally be local to, or have strong links to Northamptonshire and / or Milton Keynes and will have capacity to attend at least 6 x 2 hour meetings in person at our central office in Grange Park (Hybrid attendance is available when necessary).   We would particularly welcome those that have additional capacity to then attend opportunities throughout the academic year, to really get to know the trust, it's academies and all those that work and learn within them. 

What are we looking for?

We would welcome applications from committed and enthusiastic members of our local community (Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes) who have a passion for education and opportunities for young people.

We are particularly interested in those with lived or professional experience of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion and / or Safeguarding. Previous experience of governance is not a pre-requisite but is welcomed. 

Trustees must be confident to speak within a group and express their opinion and share their expertise.

What difference will you make?

As a member of our board you will support and shape our work and strategic direction, as well as help us achieve our purpose that every child will be the best that they can be. 

In joining a well established and effective board you will contribute to supporting our trust in its innovative approach. We have exciting projects focusing on inclusion and equality, that will benefit from your experience as well as an ongoing cycle of continuing improvement and pursuit of Educational and Operational Excellence. Could you be an #EMATter?  What would it mean for you?

Our trustees have a trust level responsibility but are strongly encouraged to network and interact with our local advisory boards so that they have a strong understanding of each of our academies when discussing and challenging finance, risk, safeguarding, teaching and learning and 'beyond the classroom' services.  

Before you apply

Please express your interest through Reach in the first instance.  We can then have an informal conversation, either in person or on teams about the role, before we ask you to complete an application form and our safer recruitment process. 

Founded in 2011 by Sophie Hayes, a British woman trafficked into sexual exploitation, Sophie Hayes Foundation’s work has always been centred around sustainable freedom. This means freedom from exploitation, slavery, and trafficking, and also the freedom to look to the future with renewed confidence, rebuilt skills, and a sense of purpose for survivors. Our mission of sustainable freedom has continued over the last 13 years, however, the forms of exploitation, as well as the landscape of support to survivors, have changed beyond recognition. To respond to this, we launched a new strategy in 2024, which set out how we will ‘meet survivors where they are and take them to where they want to be’

Sophie Hayes Foundation aims to work in a proactive and collaborative manner. The Chair plays an important part in setting the tone and bringing all stakeholders together.

Governance and Culture: As Chair, you provide appropriate leadership, oversight and support to the Board and management team on strategy, governance and risk, ensuring that we meet our obligations and responsibilities. The Trustee Board is made up of a diverse group of people, each bringing their own ideas, skills and networks to support the executive team. A new CEO joined the charity about 18 months ago. She has worked to build a strong team and achieved a great sense of community amongst staff, volunteers and programme participants. She worked closely with the Board in the development of a new strategy, is building strong relationships with donors and supporters, and continues to oversee the management of the day to day - with an eye on both long-term needs and immediate challenges.

Development: We rely on support from foundations, key donors and the public, and as Chair, you will be an important representative of the organisation, working with the CEO and other Trustees to build and maintain strong relationships.

Advocacy: Sophie Hayes Foundation is working to improve understanding of the Modern Slavery sector, enhance understanding of the issues, build recognition of the impact of our programmes and influence key decision makers. As Chair, along with other Trustees, you may be called on to assist the CEO with advocacy and to build our brand.

Commitment: We have a bold vision to increase our impact through a combination of direct programming with survivors and through advocacy to build awareness and support. You will need to have the time to contribute to our growth strategy by chairing Board meetings, supporting Committee Chairs, Board officers, and our small but mighty management team, and represent Sophie Hayes Foundation to key stakeholders.

PASSIONATE ABOUT THE NEEDS AND RIGHTS OF WOMEN AND GIRLS?

We are seeking new Trustees to join the Board of GROW – a small, but growing charity in South Yorkshire, providing bespoke support to women and girls. We have a skilled and dedicated team, with plans to expand and aims to continue to develop effective needs-led services. We need Trustees who can help guide and support us as we continue to develop and expand our range of specialist services.

COMMITMENTS

GROW’s board currently meets approximately 6 times per year, quarterly, with occasional half/full days for service and strategy development.

Your role as a Trustee would include:

• Ensuring GROW maintains its strong values and continues to deliver public and social benefit
• Supporting high standards of governance
• Overseeing the development of policies
• Working within the law, GROW’s governing document
• Participating in decision making, seeking specialist advice where necessary
• Willingness to give the necessary time and effort to undertake the duties of a trustee

REWARDS

• Make a significant difference in the lives of women, girls, and children
• Personal and professional development opportunities
• Reimbursement of reasonable expenses
• Work with a supportive team of trustees, staff, and volunteers
• Training on legal duties, safeguarding, and other relevant subjects

This is an exciting opportunity to influence and impact the educational experience and outcomes of children in east Newcastle, North Tyneside, and Hartlepool. At the heart of our trust is the aim to nurture, educate, achieve and transform the lives of all young people within the communities we serve across the North East.

We are a mixed Multi-Academy Trust, with eight schools (6 primary, 2 secondary) and a mix of community and Church of England schools. We are a fully inclusive, working with a range of stakeholders to ensure the best outcomes and destinations for our pupils. We also have a national research school, which aims to build and strengthen networks of schools throughout the region and help them access effective education research and implement it in everyday practice.

The Chair of our Trust Board of Directors helps shape and guide our passionate volunteers and staff team through clear leadership to the trust’s Board of Directors, embedding the trust's values and culture throughout the organisation. 

In addition to the general role of all Non-Executive Directors/Trustees, the role of the Chair is:

1. Strategic leadership: To ensure the board and the CEO have an effective shared purpose, vision, values and strategic priorities.

2. Leading the governance team: To ensure the board has the right people with the right skills, attributes, motivations and behaviours to work effectively as a team and hold annual 1:1 conversations with non-executive directors and Local Governing Committee Chairs.

3. Working with leaders: To ensure professional relationships with the CEO and the Chairs of the schools’ Local Governing Committees. To lead the Chairs and Vice Chairs Forum.

4. Influencing improvement and outcomes: To ensure the Board is focused on the trust’s strategic priorities and the ongoing improvement of all of its schools and outcomes for pupils.

5. Leading governance business: To work with the CEO and the Clerk to the Directors to ensure the business of the Board and its Committees is planned, managed and actioned effectively.

6. To review the trust’s management accounts on a monthly basis, taking any appropriate action to maintain financial viability.

Inclusive Boards is delighted to be supporting Lambeth Links in their search for their next Chair of the Board and Treasurer.

Lambeth Links is a small charity with a big ambition: to be a central point of rallying, communication and advocacy for the LGBTQIA+ Community who live, work and socialise in Lambeth – the largest borough in London. The organisation aims to strengthen the links between individuals and groups while also highlighting the many issues that continue to adversely affect the community.

Lambeth has a deep and rich history of LGBTQIA+ activism. From being home to founding members of the Gay Liberation Front (GLF) to hosting Europe’s first EuroPride in Brixton in 1992, the borough has long been the beating heart of the LGBTQIA+ Community. Lambeth Links exists to continue that legacy of championing collective voice and driving forward change.

About the Treasurer Opportunity

As Treasurer, you will:

• Be a qualified accountant with proven charity/non-profit experience.
• Have strong financial governance skills.
• Have the ability to communicate and collaborate effectively within a voluntary governance structure.

Trustee

Trustee Recruitment - Lead with Purpose: Become a Trustee and Help Achieve a Life Unlimited. 

Your experience. Your voice. Your impact.

At Cystic Fibrosis Trust, we believe in a world where everyone with cystic fibrosis (CF), can live a life unlimited — and we’re inviting passionate individuals to join us on this powerful journey.

This is more than a governance role — it’s an opportunity to help guide strategic decisions that impact lives, influence national initiatives, and accelerate progress for a community that deserves nothing less than a brighter future.

Location: Remote / hybrid
Commitment: Flexible, approx. one day per month
Positions available: Multiple
Remuneration: Voluntary (reasonable expenses reimbursed)

About us

Cystic Fibrosis Trust is the UK’s leading charity dedicated to uniting for a life unlimited for everyone with CF – one of the most common life-limiting genetic conditions.

Our team of dedicated staff, volunteers, and Trustees works alongside people affected by CF to fund life-changing research, promote world-class clinical care, and provide essential advice and support.  We champion a community that is united by strength, compassion, and hope.

Our work relies on the generous donations of our supporters.

About the role

As a Trustee, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping our vision, values, and strategic direction, developing our aims, objectives, and goals. Your leadership will help us make decisions that matter, and your voice will help steer us toward a stronger, inclusive future.  Trustees typically serve a three-year term, with the option to continue for a second.

This is a voluntary role (unpaid), but reasonable expenses can be claimed for travel to attend meetings in person.

Time Commitment: up to one day a month on average, comprised of preparation for and attending meetings, away days and Trust related activities

Who are we looking for?

We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences.

Due to our normal rotational retirements and trustee terms of office we have several vacancies.  We are keen to increase the representation of people with lived experience of CF and are particularly interested in applications from all people who can offer professional skills and experience in:

• finance and accountancy
• legal practice/law
• fundraising and income generation
• marketing and communications
• data and digital strategies
• basic science research
• non-clinical CF professions (e.g. psychology or social worker)

As part of our long-term succession planning, we would also welcome interest from candidates who may be open to taking on additional Board leadership responsibilities in the future, e.g. Chair, treasurer, or committee roles.

The cystic fibrosis community is diverse, encompassing people of all ages and backgrounds. We are committed to ensuring that this diversity is reflected on our Board. We are especially interested in hearing from those with lived experience of CF, disabled individuals, and candidates from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic communities, as well as LGBTQI individuals. We value fresh perspectives and encourage applications from first-time trustees.

Why Join Us?

• Make a meaningful impact on the lives of people affected by cystic fibrosis.
• Engage with dynamic peers who are driven, forward-thinking, passionate and purpose-led.
• Help drive an inspirational mission that blends science, support, and community.
• Play a critical role in shaping our strategic direction, ensuring robust governance, and championing equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Gain valuable experience in governance and strategic planning.
• Use your expertise to fuel lasting change.

 
If you are passionate about making a difference for people with cystic fibrosis, this is your moment.  Please get in touch.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Please download the Trustee Recruitment Pack for more information about the role and how to apply or click the button above “Redirect to the recruiter”

Important Dates

Closing date for applications: Wednesday 20 August 2025 
First interview: Week commencing 8 September 2025
Second interview: Week commencing 15 September 2025

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