Group volunteer volunteer roles in birmingham, west midlands
Inclusive Boards is pleased to be supporting The University of Birmingham Guild of Students in their search for an External Trustee. The Guild is looking for a professional to join our Trustee Board as an External Trustee. The Trustee Board is ultimately responsible for overseeing the affairs of the Guild. Our Trustees must ensure that the Guild is well run and delivers the objectives for which it has been set up.
We would encourage candidates with current or previous experience in a membership or charitable organisation; however, this is not necessarily a requirement. We would be particularly interested to hear from individuals with a background in Strategic Financial Management and previous experience as a Students’ Union Officer, but these are not essential.
The post of External Trustee is appointed for a period of three years, which can be extended for a second term up to a maximum of six years. This role is not remunerated; however reasonable expenses (travel/accommodation etc) will be reimbursed.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are seeking a Trustee with wide-ranging digital expertise and a career background to that enables them to bring expertise, vision and leadership in all matters digital to the Board. We see this as covering, in particular, CRM systems, social media, GDPR, digital advertising and marketing and AI.
This is an exciting opportunity for someone to champion digital, assess the opportunities and the risks that may arise and support Age UK Islington in keeping up with the rest of the charity sector.
The trustee will work with the Board of Trustees and management by maintaining an overview of the organisation’s digital systems and social media presence, ensuring effectiveness, advising and guiding on requirements and best practice and providing advice, assistance and information to the staff team and trustees.
Age UK Islington contracts IT support from two external providers – one for Microsoft Office 365 and the other for Microsoft Dynamics
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are Nacro. We see your future, whatever the past, empowering individuals and providing the support and resources needed to achieve their full potential. Join us as a Trustee.
Applications close: 9 a.m. Monday 9th June 2025
Location: National, multiple sites across the UK (Meetings in London or Birmingham)
Time commitment: c.1 day per month
About Nacro
We provide practical help and personalised support through our education, housing, education, justice, and health and well-being services. We work closely with people to help them build independence and to move forward to a better future. We’re compassionate and strong, determined and flexible. And we never give up on people.
At Nacro, we fundamentally believe that everyone deserves a good education, a safe and secure place to live, a chance to be heard and the chance to start again.
In our classrooms, in our homes and in our support groups we see the potential. We see the desire to take a different path, and we support thousands of people to get back on their feet, believe in themselves, stay out of trouble, get a job, get a home, start a family, be the person they want to be.
We are incredibly proud of what we offer, how we offer it, and of the students who choose Nacro and progress with us.
About the role
As a member of the Nacro Trustee Board, your contribution to the strategic direction of our national charity will be welcomed. Through sharing your experience, expertise, and knowledge, you will – collectively with other Trustees – hold the Executive Leadership Team to account for the performance of the charity and the successful delivery of our strategy.
Working collaboratively with other Trustees and our Executive Leadership Team, you will help us set, maintain, and uphold Nacro’s vision, mission, and strategy, ensuring that we are governed efficiently and effectively and in accordance with the law, our objectives and governing documents, relevant regulatory, and funding requirements.
As a Trustee, you will uphold the principles of good governance, aligned with the Trustee Code of Conduct, whilst promoting the values of Nacro.
As a Trustee Board, we support the leadership team in providing people with the help they need. By becoming a Trustee, you will have the opportunity to help us achieve our vision of a society where everyone has the chance to succeed, where a safe, secure home, a decent education, and a second chance are the foundations on which we can all build our lives.
Who we are looking for
We seek someone who can become a Trustee of Nacro and contribute to our Education Committee. The Education Committee acts as the de facto governing body for our Education & Skills Directorate.
The person appointed to this role will act as the Education Safeguarding Lead on our Board of Trustees, working with our other Safeguarding Leads from across the charity.
We seek a candidate with strategic experience in education and/or children’s services. As a large charity with a turnover of almost £100m, operating across the country, and with further growth planned, it feels important for the person appointed to bring experience of strategic leadership at scale.
Having an understanding of the services Nacro provides and the importance of the type of education and training we deliver is vital. Whilst we might not be able to change the world, we can certainly aim to change the world around each one of our students studying in our Education & Skills Centres.
We are actively seeking to increase the diversity of our Board and encourage applicants with a broad range of backgrounds and experience.
Peridot Partners and Nacro are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and our client expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references before any final offer can be made.
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. Monday 9th June 2025.
We’re an executive search firm working across third sector, education and membership sectors to transform leadership and inspire change.

5 x Trustee Position including one Treasurer Role
3ST (Third Sector Together) North West London Voluntary and Community Sector Alliance
About Us
3ST is the alliance of the voluntary and community sector across North West London's Integrated Care Board (ICB) region. We support the voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) sector in influencing and engaging with our health system while supporting the delivery of meaningful services. Our mission is to increase the VCSE sector's contribution to addressing health inequalities, improving service quality, and supporting healthier lives across North West London.
The Opportunity
We are seeking an experienced professional to join our Board of Trustees, bringing expertise in one or more of the following areas:
• Financial Management and Accounting
• Procurement and Contract Management
• Human Resources
• Corporate Governance
Key Responsibilities
1. Governance
· Ensure the charity is carrying out its purposes for the public benefit.
· Safeguard the charity’s reputation, values, and mission.
· Ensure compliance with the Charity Commission’s regulations, the charity’s governing document, and relevant UK laws.
· Support the development and monitoring of organisational policies and procedures
2. Strategic Oversight
· Contribute to the strategic direction of 3ST, ensuring alignment with our mission and values
· Monitor the implementation and effectiveness of agreed strategies and objectives.
· Guide the development of procurement and contract management processes
3. Financial Management
· Approve budgets and ensure proper financial oversight, including adherence to charity accounting standards.
· Ensure the charity has sufficient resources to operate sustainably and responsibly.
· Assess and manage financial risks appropriately.
4. Risk Management
· Identify and evaluate potential risks, ensuring appropriate measures are in place to mitigate them.
· Maintain safeguarding practices to protect beneficiaries, staff, and the reputation of the charity.
5. Legal Compliance
· Ensure the charity meets its legal and regulatory requirements, including filing annual returns and accounts.
· Ensure adherence to data protection and equality legislation.
6. Advocacy and Representation
· Act as an ambassador for the charity, fostering positive relationships with key stakeholders and partners
· Uphold and actively promote the charity’s values and aims.
· Support the Alliance's representation and influencing work across the health system
· Champion the role of the VCSE sector in addressing health inequalities
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Person Specification
Essential Experience and Skills
· Senior-level experience in either finance, procurement, or governance within the public, private, or voluntary sector
· Understanding of charity governance and trustee responsibilities
· Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
· Experience in strategic planning and risk management
· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
· An understanding of or connection with North West London.
Desirable Experience
· Knowledge of the health and social care landscape in North West London
· Understanding of integrated care systems and NHS structures
· Previous board or trustee experience
Personal Qualities
· Commitment to reducing health inequalities and improving community wellbeing
· Strong ethical principles and commitment to public service
· Ability to work collaboratively as part of a diverse board
· Strategic thinking and ability to analyse complex information
Time Commitment
· Board meetings bi-monthly (6 per year)
· Annual Board Strategy Away Day
· Additional time for document review and strategic planning sessions
Remuneration
This is a voluntary position. Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed according to our trustee expenses policy.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
OneSpirit Interfaith Foundation was established as an educational charity in 2003. Our aim is to develop spiritual awareness and to support people of all faiths, and none, by delivering a range of training programmes that allow open-hearted adults to serve their chosen communities through Ministry, Spiritual Counselling and in supporting life’s transitions. Our interfaith ministers bring unconditional love and radical commitment to members of the public through ceremony, ritual, spiritual counselling, and other methods of support.
We are seeking new trustees, with a focus on marketing and/or legal experience, with a commitment to the vision and purpose of the organisation to join our board. Trustees are appointed for a term of 4 years and are essential to the progress and growth of our organisation.
Organisational purpose:
To benefit the public by the education of mature adults in:
• the core principles of the world’s religions, faiths, and spiritual traditions;
• principles and methods of forgiveness, reconciliation and peace-making;
• and the practice of non-denominational spiritual and pastoral service in the community.
Our Vision
is a world in which humanity awakens into an inclusive global spirituality that encompasses us all in the field of love and life.
Our Mission
is to work towards evolving consciousness in the world, by facilitating open-hearted people to awaken to inner leadership and their capacity for forgiveness, reconciliation, and peace-making.
Ideally, you will have experience working in a not-for-profit organisation and will be passionate about spiritual life and faith-freedom. We would particularly love to hear from anyone with experience of Human Resources, Adult Education, Financial Management, Fundraising, Legal, and IT.
Formal trustee meetings take place with senior staff quarterly, and we hold up to nine trustee-only meetings annually. To ensure our work is collaborative, we also have an annual two-day gathering of trustees and the wider leadership team. All trustees are volunteers, with expenses available for travel to and from meetings and other incidental expenses where applicable. Please note that meetings are currently being held via Zoom.
We have a strong commitment to diversity and aim to reflect the diversity of the communities we work with on our Board of Trustees. We welcome all candidates irrespective of sex, gender, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership status, race, nationality, ethnic or national origin, culture, religion, age, responsibilities for dependants, physical/mental disability (“protected characteristics” as per the Equality Act 2010), economic status or offending background.
We welcome both OneSpirit ministers and candidates who are not OneSpirit ministers. However, we expect all candidates to adhere to OneSpirit’s code of ethics.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Do you want to help promote social mobility, and diversity in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM)? Can you play a valuable strategic leadership role in a charity that supports young people from low socioeconomic backgrounds to achieve their potential and progress to careers in STEM?
Remuneration: The Trustee role is not remunerated, travel and other reasonable expenses may be claimed.
Location: Remote, with one in person strategy meeting in London per year.
Time Commitment: Four board meetings per year, plus up to three virtual committee meetings per year (depending on committee membership) and a small amount of support and advice as required between meetings.
Application Submission: The application deadline is 17:00 on the 2nd of June 2025
Overview of In2scienceUK
In2scienceUK is a charity with a mission to empower young people from low-socioeconomic backgrounds to achieve upward social mobility by unlocking their potential to access degrees and careers in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).
Responsibilities
The role of a Trustee is to ensure that In2scienceUK fulfils its duty to the young people with whom it works and delivers on its vision. The trustees of In2scienceUK fulfil an essential and influential role, and have the opportunity to both support the activities and strategic decision making of the charity.
Trustees have collective responsibility for the strategy and oversight of the charity and the trustee board works as a team to fulfill its statutory role, to provide help and advice to the staff team, and to represent the organisation in their respective networks.
The expected duties of an In2scienceUK trustee are:
- To contribute actively to teamwork within the Board of Trustees, providing strong strategic direction to the organisation in line with its mission and purpose.
- To safeguard the reputation and values of In2scienceUK and ensure the effective and efficient administration and financial stability of In2scienceUK.
- Support the effective running of the organisation, by scrutinising the work of the leadership team in a way that is supportive and motivational. Trustees collectively hold executive staff to account for their performance, are involved in executive appointments as appropriate and appoint a Chief Executive Officer whenever necessary.
- Serve in one or more subgroups of the board for a deeper dive into Income/Growth, Operational Assurance, Evaluation & Learning, and People.
- To ensure that in2scienceUK complies with articles of association and fulfils charity commission responsibilities.
Experience and skills
The most important characteristic of our trustees is a commitment to helping young people from low socioeconomic backgrounds access social mobility through careers in STEM, and so helping to ensure that the STEM professions are populated by people reflecting diverse backgrounds, in all respects including socio-economic background.
We need the right mix of skills overall and anticipate making 4-6 appointments in this round who will work collaboratively to ensure good governance and the success of the organisation. Specific areas where we would like to strengthen the team, bearing in mind our natural turnover and our strategy for the future, are listed below. If you are able to contribute in one or more of these areas, please make this especially clear in your application.
Lived experience: Personal experience of transitioning into STEM degrees and careers from an underrepresented background.
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We are interested in applications from young people still going through this transition, for example undertaking undergraduate study, and for whom we can provide additional support in the trustee role as needed; we see this as an excellent development opportunity and a chance to get governance and leadership experience on the CV in line with our overall mission.
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We would welcome applications from current In2scienceUK participants and alumni. Trustees are required to be 18 years or older.
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We are also interested in hearing from people with current experience of working with young people undertaking this transition.
Professional expertise: Finance, Communications, HR, Governance, Entrepreneurship, Fundraising and philanthropy, Career advice/coaching
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The whole of the board is responsible for key decisions such as budget setting, strategy, policies and prioritisation, however it is useful to have subject experts who can take a functional lead on helping ensure colleagues are asking the right questions and getting good answers.
Commercial contacts: An understanding of corporate social responsibility and sponsorship, networks in industries and organisations that employ STEM professionals
Subject areas: Personal experience and industry or academic contacts in the following subject areas
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Maths/Computing/AI,
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Life Sciences,
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Physical Engineering.
Treasurer: We are currently seeking a Treasurer to join the board of Trustees and take the lead on finance. This is an immediate vacancy with our current Treasurer coming to the end of their term. The Treasurer will be a qualified accountant. We are looking for people who have pre-existing experience or desire to support an organisation of our size. As such, the role will be both providing financial oversight and governance as well as providing advice, support and guidance to our executive team. Those applying without prior charity accounting experience should be willing to undertake any relevant training.
Chair succession: While not an immediate appointment, as part of managing Chair succession we are interested in people who would be candidates for a chair designate role and chair in due course, probably via an initial Vice Chair position within the organisation.
For those who have any further questions or would like an initial discussion about these roles with our current Chair, Jonathan Flowers, please contact us. ( Our email address can be found in the documents under 'Application resources').
Recruitment Process
The application deadline is 17:00 on the 2nd of June 2025
Please send a covering letter and CV about how you would contribute to the work of the trustee board . Please ensure you set out specifically how you would want to contribute and the experience, skills or insights you would offer us, based on the list of skills and experiences above. We would like each applicant to include a concise (no more than 2 sides of A4) cover letter that goes beyond repeating their CV.
Equal opportunities
In2scienceUK is committed to promoting diversity and equality of opportunity for all staff and trustees. Applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of ethnicity, age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, and marriage and civil partnerships.
As part of our commitment to creating a more inclusive environment, we ask all applicants to complete an equality and diversity monitoring form ( link can be found in the 'How to apply' section on Charity Job). This information is collected anonymously and used solely for monitoring and reporting purposes. It helps us to better understand who we are reaching, identify gaps in representation, and ensure that opportunities at In2scienceUK are accessible to all. All responses are kept confidential in line with data protection regulations.
Governance
We kindly ask all prospective trustees to complete a Declaration of Interest form as part of the application process. This helps ensure transparency and allows us to assess any potential conflicts of interest, ensuring the best governance for our charity. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated as we work to strengthen our board and further our mission.
Interview and selection
Successful candidates from the application stage will be interviewed by existing trustees. The interviews will all be held via Zoom and take place between the 7th and 21st of July.
Safeguarding
In2scienceUK is committed to our responsibilities for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults as outlined in Working Together to Safeguard Children. We are committed to recruiting trustees who share this commitment to safeguarding, and therefore we apply robust recruitment and selection procedures to ensure that the people selected are right for the job, and that all candidates are appropriately screened prior to appointment.
The following checks will be undertaken as applicable:
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References
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DBS check and/or Overseas criminal records check where applicable
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Self-Disclosure
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Identity check
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Confirmation of registration with applicable registered body where applicable
Further information can be found in the documents below.
In2scienceUK exists to unlock the potential of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and boost diversity and inclusion in the STEM sector.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Location: Remotely/UK
Unpaid role
Applications Deadline: May 31 2025
Children Change Colombia (CCC) is seeking a finance and investment trustee based in the UK and/or in Colombia to join our dynamic team that operates in the UK and Colombia.
Children Change Colombia is the UK’s largest charity with more than 30 years experience working exclusively in Colombia. We believe that, with the appropriate support, Colombian children can claim their right to live safely and in peace and demand that the adults responsible for protecting their rights do so – in this way, children can change Colombia. Over the last three decades, CCC has helped more than 65,000 children to overcome the trauma of poverty, armed conflict, displacement, and the lack of education, and has invested 15 million pounds in more than 50 multiannual projects all across the country.
We seek to complement the work of others and avoid duplication whenever possible. One of our key aims is to work on issues that are neglected by others and bring innovation where opportunities are short. Many of the projects we support are pioneering services for children in areas where such services do not already exist. For instance, we work in schools in remote villages near the Pacific coast where state institutions are weak and few NGOs operate. In cases where other organisations do operate services for children, we collaborate with our partners to help them identify these organisations and then determine how they can work to complement and improve existing services.
The finance and investment trustee will be part of the Board of Trustees and support the Fundraising efforts, contribute to the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity, with a particular focus on the effective stewardship of new strategies for funding such an endowment. This includes ensuring new sources of charitable income are managed in accordance with legal and ethical standards, aligned with the charity’s long-term mission, and capable of delivering sustainable income for future generations.
Reports to: Chair of the Board of Trustees
Their main duties and responsibilities include:
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Fulfil all legal duties of a charity trustee as defined by the Charity Commission and the Charities Act 2011.
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Oversee the establishment and ongoing management of the funds in line with the charity’s objectives and governing documents.
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Work with fellow trustees and senior staff to develop and approve the investment policy statement and spending policy for all sources of income.
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Monitor investment performance and ensure all funds are managed by appropriately qualified fund managers.
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Ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and ethical standards relating to investments, including responsible investment principles if adopted.
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Participate in the finance subcommittee and other investments subcommittee that may be created.
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Contribute to risk management relating to the new sources of income, including market volatility and inflationary pressures.
Board members are legally responsible for the organisation and for supporting effective management of its resources. In particular, the responsibilities of a Member of the Board of
Trustees are as follows:
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Direct the affairs of CCC, ensuring that it is solvent, well-run, and delivering the charitable objects for which it has been set up, as a joint responsibility with the other board members.
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Ensure that CCC complies with charity law, and with the requirements of the Charity Commission as regulator, as a joint responsibility with the other board members
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Ensure that CCC does not breach any of the requirements or rules set out in its governing document and that it remains true to its charitable purpose, as a joint responsibility with the other board members
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Provide informed opinion and advice to board and staff on all issues relating to the functioning of the charity including programmes, fundraising, finance, and administration, where appropriate
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Attend quarterly board meetings, at CCC’s office in central London or online and to read and comment on associated documentation
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Participate in ad hoc meetings and sub-groups as requested by the Chair of the Board, according to your particular field of expertise. Reading and commenting on associated documentation as necessary.
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Being an Ambassador for the organisation at external events as required and increase the profile of the organization.
We are looking for a commitment of up to three years. As part of our procedures, all Trustees must adhere to the CCC’s Child Protection and Safeguarding Policies. A DBS check is carried out on all trustees/staff/volunteers appointed.
Person Specification
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Understanding of charity governance and the responsibilities of trustees.
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Experience in endowment structure or endowment strategy, investment and private capital.
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Understanding of or willingness to learn about Colombia’s social, environmental and political reality
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Strategic thinking with the ability to balance long-term planning and short-term oversight.
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Ability to work collaboratively.
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Commitment to the values and mission of CCC.
CHILD PROTECTION
Please note that the successful candidate will be expected to accept and commit to Children Change Colombia’s Child Protection and Safeguarding policies.
DIVERSITY
CCC is committed to diversity, and welcomes applications regardless of sex, gender, race, age, sexuality, belief or ability.
Our mission is to support, empower and protect children and young people that are victims, survivors or at risk of the neglected issues in Colombia.

The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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.
Thank you for your interest in the role of Chair of the Board of Trustees at Music For Youth (MFY); a national youth music charity that provides life-changing musical experiences for young people aged 25 and under.
Music for Youth brings together over 40,000 young people a year to perform in live music festivals and concerts across the UK. The charity uniquely provides open access to young people, from whatever background or ability, to perform live to audiences: from grass-roots community halls to the Royal Albert Hall. We develop their musicianship, showcasing the richness and diversity of their music through our impactful live performance and development programmes. The wider social and life skills developed by participating in our events benefits all who take part and propels some of the UK's most promising young musicians onto career-changing platforms.
Our vision is to ensure that every young person in the UK can achieve their musical potential by performing the music they love. We believe that music, and the chance to participate in high-quality musical activities, should be open to every young person.
As Chair, you will guide a committed and experienced Board of Trustees, working closely with the CEO and senior leadership team to drive strategic growth, strengthen partnerships, and champion our cause at the highest levels.
This is a crucial time for Music For Youth, as we navigate a changing funding landscape and continue to innovate to reach even more young people.
If you are an experienced leader with a passion for the vision, mission, impact and potential of this unique organisation, we would love to hear from you.
About Us
Who We Are
Music For Youth is a national youth music charity that works with schools, youth groups, music hubs, and community organisations to break down barriers to music-making and showcase the incredible talent of young musicians.
Our Programmes and Impact
Each year, Music For Youth reaches over 40,000 young people across the UK, offering them platforms to develop their musical talents across all music genres, and gain confidence. Many of our alumni have gone on to successful careers in the music industry and beyond.
National Music Festivals and Concerts:
We produce and stage high-quality professional standard live music events (including gigs, concerts, and festivals) for young musicians, both regionally at grass roots level, and at the UK’s most prestigious live music venues.
Young Artist Development:
We nurture and develop young musicians so they can realise their musical potential, by initiating adventurous collaborations, commissioning new music, and providing a robust music mentoring programme.
Creative Skills Development:
We provide skills and training development for young people looking for a career in the creative industries in non-performance and stagecraft roles such as stage management, sound engineering, lighting and digital production skills.
Advocacy for Young Musicians:
We campaign to highlight the brilliance of young musicians.
Our work takes place across the whole of the UK with events in all nine regions of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. This coverage enables us to support and tour the work of other partner organisations so they can reach young people further afield.
For over 50 years, Music for Youth’s annual cycle of regional festivals, local events, a national festival and showcase concerts has made a significant contribution to the music education calendar, bringing together regional providers and young performers, and putting young people’s own achievements into a wider national context:
The Music for Youth Regional Festival is a collection of festivals across the UK aimed to inspire musicians at every level of experience and across every genre of music. This collection of regional festivals forms the UK’s largest festival for young musicians. 30,000 musicians take part every year and many go on to perform again at the Music for Youth National Festival and Music for Youth Proms.
The National Festival is a coming together of musicians, bands and ensembles from across the regions to perform on world-class stages including Symphony Hall, and the CBSO Centre. It is a key date in the Music for Youth calendar, hosted by the city of Birmingham in July. Over 12,000 young musicians aged 4-21 from across the UK take part, featuring all styles, instruments and genres of music.
The Music for Youth Proms takes place at the renowned Royal Albert Hall in London. This two-day showcase celebrates the incredible diversity, talent and creativity of young musicians from all corners of the UK. From orchestral ensembles to choirs, bands, soloists, and more, these talented young performers get the unique opportunity to showcase their skills and share their music with a wider audience.
Staff and Head Office
Given the charity’s national reach, the head office recently relocated from London to Birmingham, now based in CBSO Centre (City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra) close to the city centre. The staff team of seven permanent staff are based across the UK, with hybrid home / office working arrangements.
Board and Governance
There are nine Trustees, each co-opted on to one (or more) subcommittees: the Audit & Risk Committee, Programmes Committee, and Fundraising Committee.
How Music For Youth is Funded
Music For Youth is one of Arts Council England’s National Portfolio Organisations, receiving 42% of its funds from the annual grant of £279,980 in 2023/24. In addition, the charity raises income from fundraising (sponsorship, institutions, individuals) totalling 33% of annual turnover £672,938 in 23/24, with 10.6% from earned income including event ticket sales of £71,785 in 2023/24.
The charity’s turnover in 2023/24 was £672,938, ending the year with reserves of £101,224.
For further information, please see our latest Annual Account and Report here.
The Opportunity
We are excited to be seeking our next Chair of Trustees to lead the organisation, as our current Chair, John Dixon, comes to the end of his term of service.
With an energetic, skilled and focused Executive Team led by Phil Castang MBE - and a highly experienced supportive Board of Trustees bringing their wealth of collective experience spanning leadership in music, education, arts, fundraising and industry - now is an exciting time to join this unique national music charity, as we prepare for the next phase of development.
The Chair of the Board of Trustees will provide strategic leadership and governance to Music For Youth, ensuring the organisation is well-managed, financially sustainable, and delivering on its charitable objectives:
Leadership
- Chairing meetings of the Board and ensuring that it runs effectively, fulfils its duties and carries out resolutions.
- Creating an environment in which all Board members are encouraged to participate and challenge constructively and appropriately.
- Provide clear strategic direction for the charity, working with the CEO and Board to set long-term goals.
- Act as an ambassador for MFY as required, promoting our work and advocating for youth music at national and local levels.
- Support MFY in maintaining strong partnerships with funders, arts organisations, schools, and the wider music sector.
Governance & Compliance
- Lead an engaged and effective Board of Trustees, ensuring good governance and compliance with charity law.
- Manage, support and appraise the performance of the CEO, ensuring they and their senior leadership team have the resources and guidance to deliver MFY’s mission.
- Oversee financial sustainability, risk management, and organisational policies.
Fundraising & Advocacy
- Work with the Board and executive team to develop fundraising strategies, securing income from grants, corporate sponsors, and individual donors.
- Represent MFY at high-profile events, engaging with stakeholders and championing the value of youth music.
What we are looking for
As our new Chair, you will share a commitment to the mission of Music For Youth. While it is not essential to be from a Music or Music Education background, we are looking for someone who has passion for the impact - and potential - of the charity and can demonstrate how their experience can help us navigate the pivotal years ahead.
We are looking for someone who can demonstrate the following:
- Strong leadership and strategic thinking.
- Financial literacy
- High level networking and advocacy skills.
- Knowledge of charity and corporate governance.
- Experience and confidence in managing risk, change and innovation.
- Understanding and awareness of broader social, political and economic issues.
In addition, please let us know if you are able to bring experience, skills or knowledge in one or more of the following beneficial areas.
- Board membership in the not-for-profit sector
- Working in or with organisations and with individuals in the cultural sector
- Working in or with public bodies or national policy makers
The organisation recently undertook a Skills Audit of the Board and identified the following areas where we are looking to continue strengthening the experience. While not essential for the role of Chair, alongside the core skills and experience outlined, we would certainly welcome individuals who may also be able demonstrate experience around:
Digital: to take advantage of the potential for digital transformation
Finance: to provide additional oversight and financial rigor
Fundraising: with income from individuals a future opportunity to explore further
Time Commitment
The Chair can expect to commit the equivalent of 12-15 days per year at - and in prep for - key Trustee meetings, including full Board Meetings held four times a year (at least one in person in Birmingham, where the charity is headquartered). This time also includes regular meetings with the CEO (the majority online), and regular comms with the CEO as required, which may ebb and flow, depending on the time of year. In person meetings are kept to a minimum.
In addition, the Chair would be expected to attend a minimum of two of our: Regional Festivals (March – April), National Festival (Birmingham or elsewhere, early-mid July) and the Youth Proms (London, end of November), to represent the Board and host key stakeholders, including funders. ,
Term
We are looking for someone who can commit to an initial three-year term, which could then be renewed for a second term.
Learn more and apply
If you would like to have an exploratory conversation with the current Chair or Vice Chair about the charity or the role, please contact John Dixon (current Chair).
Application Process
To apply for the role of Chair at Music For Youth, please submit:
- 1. A CV.
- 2. A cover letter (max 2 pages) detailing:
- Why you are interested in this role.
- How your skills and experience align with MFY’s mission.
- What you would bring to the organisation.
Please send your CV and Cover Letter to Phil Castang (CEO) with the subject line: Application for Chair of Music For Youth.
Deadline for Applications: Friday 27th of June at 12pm.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to the Music for Youth National Festival taking place between Thursday 10th to Saturday 12th July in Birmingham. (Please note - this is not a requirement of the application process but a chance for you to see the work of the charity in person).
Interviews: will take place on Wednesday 10th September in Birmingham.
The week before the interview (week commencing 1st September), you will have the opportunity to have an informal conversation with the CEO and other Trustees online. Date to be confirmed.
If you have any access needs or other practical questions - or if you would like to discuss any aspect of the role with the Vice Chairs before applying - please get in contact.
This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.