Governance volunteer roles

Active Black Country is a charity that is passionate and committed to helping local people become physically active so they can enjoy the health and wellbeing benefits that an active lifestyle provides.

We know that choosing to apply for a Chair role is a significant decision, and we want to ensure you have all the information you need to understand who we are, what matters to us, and the impact you can help us achieve.

The Chair of our Board holds a critical space. They are a listener, thinking partner, steward, and advocate, ensuring the Board is thoughtful, purposeful, and rooted in our mission; whilst also being a leader who can hold the Executive team to account with rigour and support.

This is not a corporate governance role in any traditional sense. It’s a relational leadership role, where curiosity, care, and connectivity to our work matter just as much as oversight.

Active Black Country is seeking an inspirational new Chair to lead our Board into the future.

This is a pivotal moment for our charity. As our long-serving Chair, prepares to step down, we are looking for a successor who shares our passion for creating an active and happier Black Country. 

This is an opportunity to:

✅ Lead an experienced and dynamic Board committed to making real change.

✅ Shape the future of an organisation with bold ambitions and strong foundations.

✅ Use your expertise to make a tangible difference to the people of the Black Country. 

We’re looking for someone with integrity who leads with presence and deeply resonates with our mission and the Black Country. 

We’ve created a dedicated microsite. This resource is designed to give you a clear and transparent view of us and our impact in the Black Country, the role, and the difference you can make, it also includes the application process. 

Deadline: 9pm Friday 26 September 2025

Organisation: Glasgow North West Citizens Advice Bureau
Location: Glasgow (hybrid with some in-person commitments)
Remuneration: Voluntary (reasonable expenses reimbursed)
Time commitment: Approx. 1–2 days per month

Charity Recruit is proud to be partnering with Glasgow North West Citizens Advice Bureau (GNWCAB) to appoint a new Chair to lead its experienced and committed Board.

GNWCAB is an independent charity providing free, impartial and confidential advice to people across the North West of Glasgow. The Bureau supports thousands of people each year on matters ranging from debt and welfare rights to housing, employment and immigration. Their impact is local, but their reach connects directly with the wider Citizens Advice Scotland network and its national campaigns.

Following a period of growth and strategic development, GNWCAB is now preparing for a major premises change and the next chapter of its delivery. The incoming Chair will provide thoughtful and engaged leadership during this transition, ensuring robust governance and helping to shape the future of this essential frontline service.

We are looking for someone who is passionate about social justice and empowering communities. You’ll bring a strong track record of organisational leadership, an understanding of charity governance and a collaborative, inclusive approach to working with fellow Trustees and the senior leadership team.

Experience chairing Boards or Committees is welcome, but not essential. What matters most is your ability to listen, lead with clarity, and provide strategic oversight through a period of change.

GNWCAB is proud of the diversity of its community and welcomes applications from individuals from all backgrounds. Local insight or lived experience of the issues GNWCAB tackles would be especially valued.

To support a smooth transition, a full induction period is planned where the incoming Chair will serve as a Trustee and shadow the current Chair until autumn 2025.

To apply
Please click the Apply button to be redirected to Charity Recruit where you’ll find details of how to express your interest. If you’d prefer an informal conversation first, we’d love to hear from you.

About Charity Recruit
We specialise in leadership recruitment for the charity and not-for-profit sector. Whether you’re looking for your next meaningful role or hiring a values-driven leader, we understand the challenges and opportunities unique to this space. Our approach is thoughtful, tailored and rooted in a genuine commitment to the sector’s impact. 

As a member of the Board, you will be responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the organisation, developing its aims, objectives and goals in accordance with company guidelines, legal and regulatory guidelines, you will help to protect the wealth and assets of the organisation.

Responsibilities:

Ensuring that the organisation complies with internal policy and legislation.

Making sure that the organisation pursues defined goals in line with its stated objectives.

Monitoring the financial position and ensuring that the organisation operates within its means and that there are clear lines of accountability for financial management

Ensuring that the resources of the organisation are used only to pursue legitimate objectives. Contributing to the Board's role of providing strategic direction and supporting the development of policies, goals and targets.

Maintaining the good name of the organisation. Ensuring the financial stability of the organisation. Participating in working groups as necessary.

Attending seminars and networking events when required.

Leading discussions and providing guidance on new initiatives, particularly in areas where the member has specific skills, knowledge or expertise.

Maintaining confidentiality about any sensitive or confidential information Regularly attending and taking a full part in meetings.

Skills and qualifications:

Commitment to the goals and aims of the organisation.

Dedication to the role and a willingness to devote the required time. Understanding the importance of carrying out required legal duties. Proven strategic abilities that can be used to create effective plans.

Strength of character coupled with the ability to voice concerns and opinions. Proven experience working as a member of successful teams.

Integrity and objectivity which can be applied to all aspects of the role.

We are particularly interested in applicants who have professional backgrounds in Policy Skills, HR, Finance, Housing and Governance but welcome applications from anyone with the passion and commitment to our cause.

Meetings are held either in a Central London venue or over Microsoft teams, on weekday evenings once a quarter.

The AGM is held in October and we usually have one strategy day a year in the spring.

To express an interest in the role and to be considered, please submit the following:

• A detailed and up-to-date CV.
• A supporting statement that addresses the criteria in the skills and experience section and also outlines your motivation for applying.

Recovery Partners are a small user-led mental health charity working across East Sussex. All of our staff have lived experience of mental health challenges. Our Peer Support Specialists are trained, employed and supported to inspire others in wellbeing and recovery. We offer services to individuals and groups.

We are at an exciting and pivotal stage in our journey. As we grow and strengthen our peer support approach within our communities, we are looking to broaden the skills and perspectives of our trustees.

What will you be doing?

Our trustees play an important role in making sure that the charity is run in the interests of those we support. They strategically oversee the management and administration of the organisation.

Trustees also ensure the charity has a clear strategy and that our work and goals are in line with our vision. Just as importantly, they support and challenge the executive team to enable the charity to grow and thrive, and through this, achieve our mission.

Time commitment estimated 8 hours per month.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our Board. 

We are particularly interested in hearing from people with the following experience:

· HR

· Fundraising

· Digital

· Legal

· Voluntary sector

Whether you have previous trustee experience or this would be your first governance role, your passion for mental health, commitment to equality, inclusion, and willingness to contribute your time and expertise are what matter most. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds — and especially encourage people with lived experience of mental health issues and recovery or other disability to apply. 

What difference will you make?

Recovery Partners is more than a service — it is part of a movement for change in mental health and recovery services, led by people who’ve been there. 

As a Treasurer, you will help us: 

· Champion the voice of lived/living experience 

· Strengthen our governance and strategic planning 

· Ensure the long-term sustainability and impact of our work 

· Uphold our values of compassion, inclusion, and empowerment

Play a vital part in this dual role for a pioneering social enterprise, and the leading charity supporting refugees, asylum seekers, and survivors of modern slavery.

Location: London / UK / Virtual

Applications close at 9 a.m. Tuesday 30th September 2025.

Who we are.

Clear Voice is an award-winning social enterprise offering high-quality interpreting and translation services across the UK. With a network of over 3,000 linguists and services available in more than 260 languages, Clear Voice delivers over 20 million minutes of interpretation annually. Our clients span the public, private, and voluntary sectors. What makes us different is our purpose. Clear Voice is wholly owned by the national charity Migrant Help, which supports refugees, asylum seekers, and survivors of modern slavery. Every penny of Clear Voice’s profit goes back into supporting this mission. Together, we are committed to a world that protects displaced people, treats them with dignity, and helps them thrive.

Migrant Help has been delivering services to vulnerable migrants since 1963. With a national reach and an income of over £58 million, the charity is one of the largest of its kind in the UK. Under the leadership of Caroline O’Connor, recently named Charity Chief Executive of the Year, the organisation continues to grow in both impact and ambition.

About the role.

This is a rare and meaningful opportunity to shape the growth of a purpose-led business while contributing to the leadership of a national charity. We are looking for someone to Chair the Clear Voice Board and serve as a Trustee of Migrant Help.

As Chair of Clear Voice, you will provide strategic leadership during an ambitious phase of growth and service diversification. A key priority will be helping Clear Voice strengthen its competitive position in the interpretation sector, diversifying its client base and reducing reliance on Migrant Help as a customer. You’ll support the CEO and Board to set long-term goals, act as a constructive sounding board, and uphold strong governance. You will need to balance commercial sustainability with the governance responsibilities of a charity-owned enterprise, ensuring that growth enhances both impact and accountability.

Equally, as a Trustee of Migrant Help, you will contribute to the broader leadership of the charity, ensuring both organisations thrive in mutual alignment. This dual role involves working across charity and enterprise contexts, offering guidance on opportunity, risk, innovation, and long-term impact.

What we are looking for.

We’re looking for a thoughtful and commercially astute leader who can bring strategic insight, inclusive leadership, and strong business skills to a growing, values-led enterprise. You’ll be confident in helping shape future growth while ensuring that decisions are rooted in purpose, financial accountability, and impact. You will also act as a supportive but constructively challenging Chair, able to engage confidently with diverse stakeholders and provide a trusted sounding board for the CEO. Experience of social enterprise leadership or growth would be hugely valuable, alongside expertise in business development, marketing, or digital innovation in technology-enabled environments. Experience in a non-executive or trustee role is helpful but not essential.

What matters most is your ability to balance commercial focus with charity governance, and your motivation to contribute to Migrant Help’s mission. We want someone who believes passionately that people seeking asylum are human beings who deserve to be treated decently and have their rights respected. We would especially welcome interest from people with lived or family experience of migration or displacement, and from female leaders who are underrepresented in our governance structures.

Time commitment

Approximately 14–16 days per year, including:

• Quarterly Clear Voice and Migrant Help Board meetings (virtual or in London)
• Chairing Clear Voice’s Finance & Risk Group (every 6 weeks)
• Attending Migrant Help’s People & Remuneration Committee (2–3 times per year)

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 close at 9 a.m. Tuesday 30th September 2025.

TREASURER (TRUSTEE)

Every 6 minutes someone learns that they are losing their sight. Every five hours, a baby is born with sight problems. In these moments, two profound questions emerge:

• Can this be stopped?

• How do I (or my child) live this life?

Our charity exists to address both questions. We are the only significant national funder with the efficiency, capability, and capacity to increase investment in medical research and social improvement. Together we can mitigate both the prevalence and impact of sight loss. We have a clear ambition – to save sight and to change lives.

We are now seeking a new Treasurer. This is an exciting point for us, and our new Treasurer will be central in enabling us to achieve our ambition.

We have a clear focus and vision, as well as a strong Board and senior leadership team, all of whom are ambitious for the potential impact we can make. We do not want this opportunity to pass us by and that’s what makes this such an important and exciting role for the right person.

As a trustee, you will have the opportunity to steer the course of our charity and our sector, shaping our strategies, and advocating for meaningful change. You will be help us be a driving force behind world leading research into sight loss prevention, and transformative initiatives that enhance the quality of life for countless individuals.

If you want to be part of something that will really make a difference, we’d love to hear from you.

“I extend a heartfelt invitation to those who share our commitment to making a profound difference in the lives of individuals affected by sight loss. Our journey towards a future where eye diseases are prevented and the challenges faced by the visually impaired are overcome requires the collective effort of dedicated individuals. We are seeking trustees who are not only passionate advocates for our cause but also possess the vision, expertise, and dedication to guide and govern our organisation. Your unique perspectives and skills will play a pivotal role in shaping and defining our impact for years to come.”

Dr Heather Giles, Chair

ABOUT US

Our single, unifying mission is to save sight and change lives.

It is a mission that reflects two urgent questions everyone faces when they receive a diagnosis of sight loss: ‘How do I stop this?’ and ‘How do I live my life?’

Answering these questions guides our strategy as we progress a five-year plan with solid and lofty aspirations.

Our principal role is as a grant-maker. We award grants to the scientific community that could lead to scientific breakthroughs and treatments to stop eye diseases from progressing. In the future, we believe research can prevent people from losing sight and reverse sight loss. We invest to advance treatments that will cure eye disease and protect and grow the community of world-class scientists, technologists, and data scientists who can deliver tomorrow’s breakthroughs.

We have funded innovations that directly impact people who are blind or partially sighted, from music classes for children to projects that take eye tests into at-risk communities. We invest in programmes, organisations and activities that deliver equity for and with blind and visually impaired people.

OUR FINANCES

The charity is in a strong position financially, with a high level of reserves that we intend to draw down over the coming years as we focus on investing in sustainable growth and increasing our impact. Compared to many charities, we have well diversified income streams, predictable costs, and are in the fortunate position to hold a sizable portfolio of investments. Our plans for the short and medium term are to invest in our income generation infrastructure, and to significantly increase the amounts of funding we can put to our charitable purpose.

ROLE DESCRIPTION

As the most senior leaders in our charity, trustees play a pivotal role in guiding our strategic direction, amplifying our impact, and ensuring the fulfilment of our mission to save sight and change lives. You will serve on the main board and will also chair our Finance, Audit, Risk & Resources (FARR) committee.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership & Planning

- Provide leadership and strategic guidance to the charity, aligning efforts with the mission and values of the organisation.

- Collaborate with the board, executive team, and stakeholders to develop and implement long-term strategies that advance the charity’s impact and sustainability.

Governance

- Ensure effective governance, decision-making, and compliance with legal and ethical standards.

- Work closely with board members, fostering a culture of transparency, accountability, collaboration and open communication, harnessing different views and opinions.

Engagement

- Represent the charity at public events and networking opportunities to promote our mission and raise awareness about our cause.

Evaluation and Accountability

- Collaborate with the board to evaluate performance, ensuring alignment with the charity’s goals and objectives.

- Ensure the charity is accountable to donors and beneficiaries, that is financially robust and sustainable, and that is effective risk management in place.

Key Responsibilities of the Treasurer

- Chair the Finance, Audit, Risk & Resources Committee, ensuring effective scrutiny and oversight.

- Provide strategic financial leadership and ensure that appropriate financial controls and risk management frameworks are in place.

- Ensure compliance with statutory reporting and regulatory requirements in partnership with the executive.

- Act as a trusted advisor to the Chief Financial Officer and offer guidance to fellow trustees on financial matters.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Specialist experience

We are particularly interested in candidates who have:

- A recognised financial qualification (e.g. ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)

- Experience of senior financial leadership – ideally as a CFO, COO, FD, or equivalent

- A sound understanding of finance, audit, and investment management

General attributes

Knowledge & experience

- An understanding of governance, and experience on a committee or board.

Skills & abilities

- Strategic thinking and the ability to contribute to long-term planning and vision to deliver impact.

- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences.

- Entrepreneurial instincts and a healthy understanding of risk balanced with ambition using sound judgement.

Styles & behaviours

- High ethical standards and commitment to upholding the charity’s values, as well as a passion for advocating on behalf of individuals with, or at risk of, sight loss.

- Collaborative, highly inclusive, fostering trust and valuing difference perspectives.

- Solution-focused, with an ability to see the big picture and be pragmatic.

TERMS OF APPOINTMENT

Remuneration 

This role is not accompanied by any financial remuneration, although reasonable expenses may be claimed.

Time commitment

While the exact time commitment may vary based on the charity’s needs and priorities, we anticipate the following general expectations:

- A minimum of four Board meetings per year

- A minimum of four subcommittee meetings per year

- Preparation for meetings, review of materials, and other trustee engagement as appropriate.

- Annual strategy day with full Board and executive team.

- Meetings with members of the executive leadership team as appropriate.

- Representing the charity at high profile events, functions and public engagements to enhance its reputation and partnerships.

Location

At present Board meetings are held in central London. Subcommittee meetings are held remotely.

HOW TO APPLY

If you have questions about the role and would find it helpful to have an informal conversation, please contact us at our trustee recruitment inbox and we will be happy to arrange a call.

To make an application, please send your CV and a supporting statement (max two pages) to our trustee recruitment inbox outlining your motivation for applying and how you meet the attributes outlined in the personal specification.

We hope you will consider making an application. Together, we can achieve extraordinary things.

Join Us as Treasurer at Mind in Enfield and Barnet

Help shape the financial future of a growing mental health charity
Are you a finance professional with a passion for social impact? Do you want to use your skills to support a thriving, values-led organisation making a real difference in people's lives?

Mind in Enfield and Barnet (MiEB) is seeking a Treasurer to join its Board of Trustees and provide strategic financial oversight as they continue to grow and innovate in mental health support.

About MiEB
MiEB is a dynamic local mental health charity, proudly affiliated with the national Mind federation but operating independently. Since its merger in 2021, they have expanded significantly - supporting over 5,000 people annually and growing income to £2.19 million in 2023/24.

MiEB is Led by Lived Experience, with over 75% of staff having personal experience of mental health challenges. Its services span therapy, wellbeing, advocacy, and crisis support, and they remain committed to equity, empowerment, and real change.

The Role: Treasurer
As Treasurer, you will play a vital role in ensuring MiEB's financial health, sustainability, and transparency. You will:
* Guide and advise the Board on financial strategy, budgeting, and risk management
* Chair the Finance & HR Sub-Committee, ensuring robust oversight of financial and operational matters
* Support the Head of Finance and CEO, offering expert insight and challenge on financial planning and reporting
* Ensure compliance with charity and company law, and that financial statements meet statutory and funder requirements
* Champion good governance, transparency, and accountability across the organisation

Who We're Looking For
We're seeking someone with:
* A professional finance qualification or equivalent senior-level financial management experience
* A strong understanding of charity finance and governance
* Experience managing complex budgets and financial reporting
* The ability to communicate financial information clearly to non-financial audiences
* Experience of chairing meetings and working collaboratively with senior teams

Previous experience as a Treasurer is welcome but not essential - you will be supported with induction, training, and mentoring.

We especially encourage applications from underrepresented or minoritised groups, in line with our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Recruitment timeline:
Closing Date: Monday 29th September 2025, 5:00 p.m.

To apply, please send a CV/Profile to Senior Appointments at Charity People in the first instance to request the full candidate pack.

For an informal conversation about the role or if you have further questions prior to applying, please email Fabrice Yala or Senior Appointments at Charity People

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

Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.

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 new Treasurer to oversee the charity's financial affairs, ensuring financial viability, and making sure that proper financial records and procedures are maintained.

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?

We have recognised the need for an experienced Finance professional to join our Board and to provide strategic input and ensure that our financial position supports our objectives. As Treasurer, your attention will be on overseeing our financial health, ensuring robust financial practices are in place and aligning our fiscal strategies with long-term objectives.

Treasurer Key Responsibilities:

1. Financial Oversight and Strategy

2. Budgeting and Financial Planning

3. Reporting and Compliance

4. Financial Transactions and Controls

5. Liaison with External Stakeholders

6. Governance

7. Support and Training

The Treasurer provides strategic financial guidance to the Board of Trustees and supports the charity's mission through sound financial management.

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 a person willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role and who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our Board.

You do not need previous governance experience – we will provide a full induction and training.

Essential:

· A strong commitment to the mission and values of ASIOX, as well as to social justice and the fight against human exploitation. 

· Qualified accountant with hands on experience of managing the finances of an organisation (or equivalent level, Qualified by Experience). 

· Experience in financial planning and budget management. 

· Strong analytical skills and attention to detail. 

· Ability to communicate financial information to non-financial stakeholders. 

· Commitment to developing a knowledge of Charity Finance regulations and practices (guidance will be provided).

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.

This is a unique and exciting opportunity to help shape the future of a vibrant, values-led charity with a long-standing commitment to social justice and co-production.

About The Ark

The Ark is a local charity providing activities and services in Berkshire, centred in Bracknell Forest. Primarily a Disabled People’s Organisation, we also provide support to unpaid carers and extended family as well as engaging in work that promotes access and inclusion in the wider community.

What will you be doing?

As we grow in scale and ambition, strong and imaginative financial leadership is more vital than ever. This role is central to ensuring our financial resilience, shaping strategy, and guiding us through change while staying true to our mission. It’s not a trustee position, but you’ll sit at the heart of our governance - working closely with the Board and the senior management team to provide expert, inclusive, and accessible financial oversight.

To support both the Trustee Board and the Management team at The Ark Trust in developing, evaluating, delivering and funding our work we are seeking an experienced Finance practitioner to act as a Finance Strategic Friend.

While this is not a Trustee role, our new Finance Strategic Friend will play an integral part in our governance structure. They will sit on the Trustee Board and Chair the Finance sub-committee, working closely with the Board and the CEO to provide strategic leadership in ensuring strong financial governance and resilience at The Ark Trust.

The Finance Strategic Friend will oversee the monitoring of the organisation’s finances on behalf of the Board, and act as a trusted advisor to the CEO—supporting sound financial planning and compliance, while helping to ensure the charity’s financial health aligns with our future ambitions.

The expected time commitment for this role is up to two hours per week.

What are we looking for?

We're looking for someone who shares our ambition and values—someone ready to grow with us and help shape our organisation in a way that truly fits who we are. You'll bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our board.

In terms of experience, we're seeking a Finance professional, a qualified Accountant (or equivalent, qualified by experience). You'll be a strategic thinker with an ability to balance risk and opportunity. You will also be a clear communicator with the ability to bring the financial information alive to non finance specialists.

What difference will you make?

This is a unique and exciting opportunity to help shape the future of a vibrant, values-led charity with a long-standing commitment to social justice and co-production. For over 25 years, The Ark has been empowering people with disabilities, long-term health conditions, and unpaid carers across Bracknell Forest and the surrounding areas - not just to participate, but to lead and thrive.

Global Canopy is a data-driven not for profit delivering real transparency and accountability for market impacts on nature and people. Our special focus is on ending deforestation – an essential step in achieving urgent global goals on climate, nature and human rights.

We deliver our work via three main strategies:

1. on open data (including via major global data platforms like Trase, Forest 500, Forest IQ, and ENCORE);
2. on creating stronger voluntary and compliance frameworks to address nature loss (we are a founding partner of the TNFD);and on accelerating accountability and action by the finance sector towards deforestation-free portfolios.

Global Canopy Initiatives (GCI) is a new Social Enterprise subsidiary wholly owned by Global Canopy.

The purpose of the social enterprise is to create sustainable revenues for open data on nature – a critical challenge for nonprofits working in this space. Done right, this will help safeguard the availability of open data for all as more commercial incumbents enter this space, will drive uptake by the market and identify where gaps remain, and will help ensure the sustainability of our vital offering. 

GCI ultimately aims to maximize the impact and uptake of our work to tackle market-driven impacts on nature, forests and people. Any profits from these activities are invested back into the charity.

Forest IQ Pro

Forest IQ is an open data partnership and platform that brings together aligned, best-in-class, and actionable data on how more than 2,400 major companies are addressing their links to deforestation.

Forest IQ Pro is a paid-for tier, specially designed for financial institutions to help enable their transition to deforestation-free financial portfolios. Offered through GCI, it includes access to licensed data, financial identifiers (ISINs), a bespoke API, and priority technical and customer support.

The role: overview

This is an exciting time to be joining the Board of Global Canopy Initiatives. As Chair of the Board you will be a key leader for the organisation, responsible for guiding the Board of Directors in governance, strategy, and oversight.

You will ensure that Global Canopy Initiatives fulfils its mission effectively, flourishes commercially, and fosters strong relationships with key stakeholders – from major financial institutions that are our customers, to data and ESG service providers that are our partners, to the trustees of the parent charity Global Canopy. 

This is an opportunity for a passionate and experienced leader to drive environmental innovation and impact at a high level – while helping to tackle a key challenge for the future: how to ensure the sustainability of high-quality open data provided by the non-profit sector.

We ask for a minimum commitment of 2 days per month for GCI, including board meetings and strategic engagements. There are opportunities to go above and beyond this minimum for those that wish.

The Chair of the Board is a voluntary, and therefore unpaid, position, with all expenses covered. The Chair is typically appointed for an initial term of three years, with the possibility of renewal subject to board approval.

As Chair of GCI, you will contribute to our wider organisational culture of kindness, collaboration, rigour and accountability in equal measure. You will come to this work with a sense of urgent mission, but one balanced by emotional intelligence. You will share our conviction that it is not just what we do that matters in our working life, but how we do it too.

The role: responsibilities

• Provide leadership for the Board, ensuring effective governance and strategic direction.

• Facilitate and preside over board meetings, setting agendas in collaboration with key stakeholders in GCI and GC.

• Support our ongoing and agile strategy development in a fast-changing market

• Serve as a key ambassador for the company (and its parent charity), opening doors and representing it to key audiences including customers, technology partners, policymakers and donors.

• Ensure financial oversight, risk management, and compliance with regulatory requirements.

• Foster a strong, collaborative relationship between the Board and GCI Leadership Team.

• Recruit, mentor, and support board members to enhance board effectiveness.

• Uphold and model our organisational values, while fostering a culture of operational excellence and ambition in fulfilling our mission.

About you

To be successful in this role, these are the things that will matter the most: 

• Your will have DEEP KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE in finance sector environmental due diligence and reporting, and the data needed to deliver on requirements.
• You will be a SEASONED LEADER, with experience at C-level or board level, able to work to effectively govern the work of GCI – a startup in the non-profit sector, but one that builds on the strong foundations, intelligence and networks of its parent charity.
• You will be MISSION DRIVEN with a strong commitment to tackling the climate and nature crisis, including via market action and reform.
• You will be well NETWORKED with links to relevant people in relevant sectors and disciplines, with an emphasis on finance sector sustainability and data.
• You will be AGILE and ENTREPRENEURIAL in your approach.
• You will bring EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE to how you approach leadership and teamwork, valuing the importance not just of what we do at work, but how we do it too.

How to Apply: 

To apply for the position, please follow the links below and submit an up-to date CV and covering letter.

The covering letter should explain your motivation for the role, and how your skills and experience fit the person specification. (Please no more than 1 side of A4). 

All candidates are asked to complete an anonymous diversity monitoring form when they apply.

The closing date for applications is 29 September 2025 at 9am BST. Early application is encouraged; we may close applications early if suitable candidates are identified. Screening calls are provisionally planned for w/c 6 October, and will be conducted remotely via a video call.

At Global Canopy, we value diversity and inclusion. You can read our diversity statement on our website. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and are committed to having a team with a diverse set of skills, experiences and abilities.

Global Canopy works on issues of global deforestation. We are particularly interested in strengthening our team to include those with a background from forest regions such as Latin America and South East Asia. We would welcome applications from people from these regions.

Use your skills to help shape brighter futures for children, young people, and families across Kirklees

About Fresh Futures

Fresh Futures is a Kirklees-based charity aiming to improve lives and inspire change for vulnerable and disadvantaged children, young people, adults, and families.

Our vision is for everyone to have opportunities for a better life, now and in the future.

To achieve this, Fresh Futures focuses on four interwoven strands: Education, Health & Wellbeing, Employability & Skills, and Relationships.

What will you be doing?

One of Fresh Futures key services is Brian Jackson College, an alternative education provision. The college can support up to 100 young people aged 13 to 18 based across three sites, in Heckmondwike and Huddersfield. The College is rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted.

There are ambitious plans to grow the provision across Kirklees and neighbouring areas in the near future.

The Board of Governors is a sub-committee of Fresh Futures Board of Trustees. Governors can also be appointed as Trustees of the Charity, but do not need to be so.

The role of the Governors is to:

· Ensure clarity of vision, ethos, and strategic direction

· Hold the Head Teacher to account for the educational performance of the College students, and the performance management of staff

· Oversee the financial performance of the College and make sure budgets are allocated appropriately

Governors are asked to attend 4 meetings a year, one per term, usually held virtually via Teams, and one in-person awayday.

What are we looking for?

We are looking to fill vacancies on our Trustee board and on our Finance and Governors sub committees.

Members of these committees do not necessarily have to also be Trustees. We are looking for people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our board.

We are particularly interested in recruiting new Trustees/members who have experience in any of the following:

· Health and safety

· Charity finance

· Marketing & PR

· Charity fundraising

· The commercial sector

· Knowledge of Kirklees

· Safeguarding children and vulnerable adults

· Independent education

We strive to be more representative of the diversity of the communities we serve. Applications from first time Trustees/Governors are welcome, you do not have to have previous experience of being on a board. Training and induction are provided.

What difference will you make?

By joining Fresh Futures as a Governor, you’ll help guide our strategy, strengthen governance, and ensure we continue improving lives across Kirklees. Your skills and perspective will support vital services in education, employability, health and wellbeing, and relationships - helping thousands of children, young people, and families thrive.

Join us as a Governor and you will be part of a highly respected national charity, investing in services that will enhance the lives and independence of young people with complex disabilities and learning disabilities.

We are seeking several people who share our vision of a world in which people with disabilities are able to realise their potential as equal and active citizens in control of their lives to become Governors at National Star.

As a Governor you will work with others to oversee and monitor college activities and ensure safeguarding policies for students and employees are maintained. You will ensure students have every opportunity to achieve the best outcomes they can, with access to a personalised, broad and balanced curriculum which prepares them for life after college. 

The Governing body approves the quality strategy of National Star and agrees targets and monitors progress to achieve continuous improvement.

Our ideal Governors will:

* Adhere to our values
* Have personal integrity and be able to demonstrate a passion and commitment to National Star
* Prepare and participate actively in meetings
* Work collaboratively with fellow Trustees and Governors, demonstrating empathy and awareness of the needs of others
* Have good communication skills, tact and diplomacy
* Have experience, or a willingness to learn, about strategic thinking and risk
* Have knowledge, or a willingness to learn, about issues affecting people with disabilities and the specialist education sector
* Be prepared to commit time to conduct the role well, including travel and attending events out of office hours.

You will bring: 

We are looking to recruit people with a broad range of experience and are particularly interested in attracting candidates with knowledge / experience of 
* Special Educational Needs sector
* Policy and Legislation with regard to special needs
* A strong interest in and experience of promoting the learner voice

National Star is a Disability Confident Employer. We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all sections of the community, including those currently under-represented on our Governing body, which include people with disabilities and members of black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.

Your commitment to us:

Governors typically devote around 12 hours a month to their roles at National Star. Some months are busier than others, due to the cycle of meetings but generally you will have 3 formal meetings (termly) plus 2 informal development sessions each year.  To help you to plan your time all meetings are set by July for the next academic year. Each Governor has a lead responsibility which will involve them having contact/ meetings with key staff between meetings.

Papers are distributed in advance to allow Governors to prepare for each meeting.

We encourage Governors and Trustees to attend annual leavers’ ceremonies in Ullenwood, Wales and Hereford, as well as the colleague recognition awards and colleague long-service awards.

Benefits of joining our Governing body:

By joining our Governing body, you will have the satisfaction of knowing that you are playing a part in the future development of one of the leading disability charities in England and Wales as well as having the opportunity to expand your own skills, knowledge and professional development with the support of the whole team.

Your fresh perspective could help us to see things in a different light and your professional expertise could be utilised to support our staff team in delivering our vision and values.

You will gain a broad understanding of the challenges faced by young people with complex disabilities and be able to build your professional network.

Governors at National Star are volunteers. Out of pocket expenses are reimbursed. New Governors are subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring (DBS) check. 

Discover more about becoming a Governor at National Star by visiting our website.

 Please note this role is voluntary and therefore not eligible for the full range of staff benefits. 

Recovery Partners are a small user-led mental health charity working across East Sussex. All of our staff have lived experience of mental health challenges. Our Peer Support Specialists are trained, employed and supported to inspire others in wellbeing and recovery. We offer services to individuals and groups.

We are at an exciting and pivotal stage in our journey. As we grow and strengthen our peer support approach within our communities, we are looking to welcome a Treasurer onto our Board. 

What will you be doing?

As well as fulfilling the duties of a Trustee, the Treasurer maintains an overview of Recovery Partner’s financial affairs. The Treasurer ensures that effective and appropriate financial measures, controls and procedures are put in place and reports to the Board at regular intervals about the financial health of the organisation. 

Time commitment estimated at 8 - 12 hours per month

What are we looking for?

We are looking for a finance professional who’s willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our Board. Ideally, applicants will have lived experience of a mental health issue or disability. Whilst 100% of our staff have this we wish to remain a disabled people led organisation at board level also. 

What difference will you make?

Recovery Partners is more than a service — it is part of a movement for change in mental health and recovery services, led by people who’ve been there. 

As a Treasurer, you will help us: 

· Champion the voice of lived/living experience 

· Strengthen our governance and strategic planning 

· Ensure the long-term sustainability and impact of our work 

· Uphold our values of compassion, inclusion, and empowerment