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We are seeking a new Chair of Trustees to lead the charity as we enter a bold new chapter for Sunderland Culture. This is a unique opportunity to help shape the cultural landscape of Sunderland, working closely with our CEO, Board of Trustees, and valued partners to support Sunderland Culture’s vibrant and ambitious vision.
The Role of the Board
The board governs the charity and ensures Sunderland Culture is well-run, legally compliant, and financially sound as a registered charity and company limited by guarantee. Trustees act as guardians of the organisation’s purpose, ensuring decisions are made in the best interests of those we serve. Core duties include;
- Work with the CEO and Partners to set strategic direction and shape the organisation’s long-term cultural vision, mission, and priorities.
- Safeguarding the mission and values of the charity, upholding our core purpose: “to improve life for everyone in Sunderland through culture.”
- Champion culture in Sunderland – acting as ambassadors for the city’s cultural sector, bringing networks and influence.
- Provide accountability – Reporting to regulators (Charity Commission, Companies House), funders (Arts Council England, trusts/ foundations), and the community.
- Financial Oversight - work with the senior management team and Finance Committee to review and approve budgets, key-funding decisions and long-term sustainability.
- Policy Oversight - Approve and oversee key policies, including safeguarding, equality and diversity, privacy policy, health and safety, and employment procedures.
The board is supported in its work by a Finance Committee, with trustee representatives also working alongside staff leads on Arts Council England’s Investment Principles:
- Ambition & Quality
- Dynamism (organisational resilience and business systems)
- Inclusivity and Relevance
- Environmental Sustainability
The Role of Chair
The Chair will provide strategic leadership to the Board, ensuring that Trustees fulfil their duties effectively.
Key Responsibilities:
Lead the Board: Shape agendas, chair effective meetings, enable constructive challenge and decisive governance.
Manage and support the Chief Executive: Provide counsel and stretch; agree priorities and success measures; ensure strong performance and learning.
Steward partnerships: Work closely with existing partners to renew relationships while openings doors to a wider range of strategic partnerships.
Steward change: Oversee complex transitions in assets, programmes and organisational design; ensure robust risk management and stakeholder engagement.
Promote inclusion: Develop and grow the board to reflect the city’s diversity and lived experience.
Ensure sustainability: Oversee financial strategy and reserves; support income generation across public, commercial and philanthropic streams.
Advocate and represent: Be a visible ambassador for Sunderland Culture locally, regionally and nationally.
Board effectiveness: Lead trustee recruitment, induction, appraisal and succession; uphold best practice in charity and company governance.
Person Specification:
Essential Criteria
Commitment to Sunderland Culture’s mission
Relevant values and networks Essential Proven leadership experience, ideally at Board or senior executive level.
Strong understanding of governance and charity/ company law.
Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
Ability to inspire confidence and command respect.
Desirable Criteria
Demonstrable commitment to or interest in the cultural sector
Sunderland or North-East England based
Background in relevant sector (Culture or Creative Industries, Community Development, Education, Finance etc.)
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.
Carers UK is the national membership charity for the millions of people in the UK who are unpaid carers. As an organisation we provide expert advice and information for carers, campaign for greater recognition and support for carers, and use our experience and expertise to help other organisations do more for carers. Our Board of Trustees plays a vital leadership role in the work we do while ensuring the charity is equipped and governed effectively, establishing and monitoring strategy and ensuring we are true to our values and keep carers at the heart of everything we do.
We are now seeking to appoint up to four people to join our Board of Trustees, to steer us towards our vision of a world where carers are recognised, valued and supported.
It’s an exciting time to be part of Carers UK, as we launch our new strategic review in 2026. Our Board is instrumental in ensuring we make the future really impactful for carers through our vision and strategy while fulfilling all our obligations as a charity.
We are also seeking to appoint a Nations Trustee for Scotland. In addition to the general responsibilities of a trustee, the Nations Trustee will be expected to ensure that the Carers UK Board is informed on key issues affecting carers in their Nation.
To find out more about this opportunity and apply, please download the Trustee recruitment pack from our website
Carers UK is committed to representing the diverse society in which we work and actively encourages applications from people with current or recent experience of caring from all backgrounds and experiences.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Become a Trustee at Dougie Mac Hospice. Help shape the future of palliative and end-of-life care in Staffordshire. We’re seeking committed individuals who share our CARE values to support strong governance and help guide our all-age hospice serving our local community.
What will you be doing?
The Board requires a broad mix of skill, experience and attributes to achieve the efficient and effective governance of the organisation. Trustees need the knowledge, experience, aptitude and commitment to make a significant contribution to the Board. The hospice’s governing document allows for 6 – 15 trustees at any one time. We are committed to building a diverse Board that reflects the community we serve.
The voting members of the Board are responsible for the governance of the organisation. They must ensure that it operates in a manner that:
- Enables it to fulfil the objectives set out in the governing document
- Utilises assets and resources for charitable purposes in line with the governing document
- Gives due attention to charitable and company law
- Adheres to the organisation’s philosophy and values
- Upholds the reputation of the organisation.
Trustees must always act in the best interests of Dougie Mac, working together to put patients, families and the wider community at the heart of every decision. This is a voluntary role and Trustees cannot pursue their own professional and business interests, to personally benefit from their position.
As a Trustee of Dougie Mac, you will play a key role in ensuring the hospice is well-governed, financially resilient and able to meet the needs of our community now and in the future. Trustees collectively:
- Provide strategic leadership and help shape organisational priorities.
- Ensure our resources are used effectively and in line with charitable objectives.
- Oversee organisational performance, risk management and financial sustainability.
- Support and challenge the Executive Team to deliver high-quality care.
- Uphold our values and safeguard the reputation of the hospice.
- Act as ambassadors for Dougie Mac in the community and within their networks.
This is a voluntary role that requires integrity, sound judgement, teamwork and a genuine commitment to supporting excellent hospice care.
Who Are We Looking For?
We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, skills and lived experiences. You do not need previous trustee experience — just the right mindset, values and ability to contribute at Board level.
We are particularly interested in hearing from individuals with experience in:
- Senior leadership or board-level decision-making
- Strategy, governance or risk management
- Healthcare, palliative care or wider public sector services
- Finance, investment or commercial management
- HR, workforce, organisational development or culture
- Digital, data or information governance
- Community engagement, fundraising or voluntary sector work
Above all, you should bring curiosity, integrity, compassion, and the confidence to both support and constructively challenge.
⏰ Time Commitment
Trustees are expected to attend:
- 4 Board Meetings per year
- 2–4 Committee or Trading Board meetings
- The AGM
- The Annual Trustee Away Day
Additional preparation time and occasional hospice events are also expected.
Out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed.
What are we looking for?
We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, skills and lived experiences. You do not need previous trustee experience — just the right mindset, values and ability to contribute at Board level.
We are particularly interested in hearing from individuals with experience in:
- Senior leadership or board-level decision-making
- Strategy, governance or risk management
- Healthcare, palliative care or wider public sector services
- Finance, investment or commercial management
- HR, workforce, organisational development or culture
- Digital, data or information governance
- Community engagement, fundraising or voluntary sector work
Above all, you should bring curiosity, integrity, compassion, and the confidence to both support and constructively challenge.
What difference will you make?
Why Join Dougie Mac?
As a Trustee, you will:
- Make a real, lasting difference to local families at the most difficult times in their lives.
- Help shape services across a unique all-age hospice.
- Join a values-driven Board that works collaboratively and respectfully.
- Become part of a warm, passionate, community-centred organisation.
Before you apply
- If you have any questions or would like an Application Pack, please email
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!
Bath Area Play Project are passionate about every child's right to play and enabling children to thrive. We are looking for a Chair of our small Trustee Board to support our vision and ethos, enabling the continuation of our support services for children and families, leading strategic oversight and ensuring we are resilient for change.
BAPP provide a range of services including an Ofsted registered Nursery & Pre-school, Ofsted registered Holiday Playschemes for disabled children and those with additional needs, Children & Family Support, Alternative Provision for children with SEND and our long standing Community based Family Playdays. More information is available on our website
As we work with vulnerable children, Trustees are required to have an Enhanced DBS and to register as one of our Trustees as part of our Ofsted registration. There are 8 Trustee Meetings each year, alternating in person in Bath and online which includes our AGM. Other commitments in addition can include attending events, representing BAPP, supporting with recruitment/staffing and policy review.
For further information or if you have any questions, please get in touch.
To promote the importance of and facilitate quality, inclusive play opportunities for children and families living across Bath and North East Somerset

The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
PDA Society are excited to share that we are looking for 2 new Trustees to join our board.
Trustees play a key role in providing strategic direction, oversight, and support to ensure that the PDA Society continues to grow sustainably and deliver real impact for the community we serve.
Following the retirement of two Trustees we’re keen to broaden the range of skills and experiences represented. Our work is guided by people with lived experience, and our Board of Trustees plays a central role in shaping our strategy and ensuring that our values are embedded across everything we do.
Appointments are made on merit, and we are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive Board that truly reflects the communities we serve.
We particularly welcome applications from anyone who has experienced marginalisation due to their race or religion, as these voices are currently underrepresented on our Board.
This is a voluntary position, and Trustees are not remunerated, although reasonable expenses are reimbursed. Trustees are appointed for an initial 3-year term.
Our mission is to improve the lives of PDA children, PDA adults and their families. We are working hard to build awareness and understanding.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
With a goal to help transform lives, change attitudes and create a society that works for autistic people, the UK's leading autism charity, the National Autistic Society, is looking for three new Trustees to join the Board and help navigate their future challenges.
Applications close Monday 12th January
Who we are
The National Autistic Society (NAS) is the UK’s leading charity for autistic people and one of the country’s major charities, with a turnover of around £100 million. Since 1962, we’ve been transforming lives, changing attitudes and helping to create a society that works for autistic adults and children.
We are active across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, and have a network of volunteer-run branches across the UK. As well as adult services and schools, we run a range of programmes, have dedicated diagnostic services and run specialist helplines. We also work closely with businesses, local authorities and the government to help them provide more autism-friendly spaces, deliver better services and improve laws. And we improve public understanding of autism and the difficulties many autistic people face.
We’re continuing to advocate on longstanding issues such as social care funding and campaign for what autistic people need to see in the forthcoming autism strategy in England and its equivalent in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. We’re also growing our branch network – including national online branches – and we are working on a new mental health programme combining research, digital guidance and policy influencing.
This is a truly transformational and vital time to be part of our Charity. We are in the latter stages of our Vision to Reality Strategy for 2023-2026, which sets out the role of NAS in creating a society that works for autistic people.
We’re proud of what we’ve achieved – but there’s always more to be done. As the economic, social and political landscape changes, our strategy must evolve to reflect changes. We need to ensure we continue to increase our fundraising and commercial activities to deliver the scale of impact required.
We’re looking for three new Trustees to join our Board to help us navigate future challenges.
Who we are looking for
- Our Schools Governance Group
We are also looking for two Trustees to join our School Governance Group, one who will chair the committee and one who will be a member of the committee. Our family of schools includes our four independent specialist schools, supporting children and young people from the age of 4 to 22. We aim to make sure we are continually challenging our schools, keeping everyone safe, monitoring their progress and getting the best possible outcomes for all of our pupils in all of our schools.
Previously, we carried out a review of the local governance arrangements of our schools. Historically, the independent schools in NAS were governed locally by an LGB, which brought excellent opportunities for partnership working; however, as time went on, we required a model that would ensure consistency of challenge, support and monitoring across all our schools. We have amended our LGBs locally; the groups focus on partnership working, whilst the strategic direction, development, challenge and support for the executive, assurance and governance sits firmly with our Schools Governance Group as a sub-committee of the trustee board.
Our new Chair of the Schools Governance Group will have strong knowledge and experience of schools, school governance, the DfE and Ofsted and be a senior leader with experience in education and special educational needs. The new Chair of the committee will work closely with our Director of Education and Children’s Services, Chief Executive, Chair of the Board, Chair of the Independent Safeguarding Committee and our Trustee with safeguarding expertise.
The additional member of this committee will be someone who brings strong experience and insight in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and safeguarding. Your expertise will play a vital role in ensuring that our culture and decision-making processes fully reflect best practice in supporting children and young people with SEND, and in maintaining the highest standards of safety and well-being across our organisation.
- Chair of Quality & Assurance Committee
Our current Chair of the Quality and Assurance Committee will shortly be completing their term and we seek a successor with a strong background in adult social care and safeguarding, as well as a solid understanding of commissioning.
This is an opportunity for someone who can offer both constructive challenge and thoughtful support — a person who brings insight, curiosity and a balanced perspective to complex discussions. The ideal candidate will combine strategic oversight with a collaborative and compassionate approach, helping to ensure that quality, safety and continuous improvement remain at the heart of our work. They will be confident in asking the right questions, guiding reflective debate and fostering a culture of openness and accountability across the Committee and the wider organisation.
We’re looking for people who can provide strategic direction, appropriate oversight, scrutiny, challenge, leadership and passion to support our development.
We’re keen to ensure our Board is diverse in every way and we’re committed to ensuring our Trustees reflect our society, our Charity and the people we represent and support. We welcome applications from autistic people, their families and carers. To achieve greater diversity, we’re actively encouraging applications from people of all backgrounds and regions. We can work with you to make reasonable adjustments to ensure you contribute fully to being a member of our Board. Our Pioneer project is focused on ensuring our organisation is an exemplary employer of autistic people. This also extends to our Board.
- Time Commitment
The National Autistic Society Board meets four times, with one overnight strategy away day every year. Our meetings are a blend of face-to-face and virtual meetings. Our Trustees with education experience will join our School Governance Group, which meets quarterly, usually online. Our Quality & Assurance Committee also meets quarterly. We expect the overall time commitment to be approximately one day per month, including reading board papers, ad hoc conversations with board members and the executive and the opportunity throughout the year to visit our services and schools, as well as represent NAS at events.
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 Monday 12th January.
We’re an executive search firm working across third sector, education and membership sectors to transform leadership and inspire change.
Looking for an exciting opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of Londoners affected by homelessness, while contributing your professional insights to a forward-thinking and compassionate organisation? Why not join us as our Audit Committee Chair or as a Trustee!
About Evolve Housing + Support
At Evolve, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to live a safe, fulfilled and independent life. We provide support in London, offering tailored programmes to meet people’s individual needs; including housing, employment and skills training, mentoring and counselling.
We do this through our work with young parents and children at risk of exclusion to build the skills and resilience that can help prevent homelessness, campaigning to end street homelessness, and building affordable homes to help people move on to an independent life.
Our company culture: the heart of what we do
We’re proud of our inclusive culture – one where everyone’s voice matters, and where diversity of background, thought and experience helps us make better decisions for the communities we serve. Our mission - to help children, young people and adults who are homeless or at risk of homelessness reach their potential, and move on to live happy, fulfilled lives. We ensure our values - Honest, Inclusive, Optimistic, Determined, Passionate & Creative inform everything we do.
The opportunities to join us
At Evolve Housing + Support, we are championing opportunity, dignity and independence for people affected by homelessness – a cause that may resonate with you and encourage you to lend your strategic oversight and financial skills to our Board.
We are looking for a new Audit Committee Chair and two Trustees to join our Board and play a key role in shaping our governance and strategic direction.
As our Audit Committee Chair, you’ll ensure we maintain the highest standards of financial stewardship, carry out all our affairs effectively under all regulatory bodies, while keeping our mission and values at the heart of decision-making through your leadership.
The Trustee roles present the opportunity to play a crucial part in the successful running of our organisation, in partnership with the leadership team, upholding excellent governance using your professional skills.
Who are we looking for?
We are particularly interested in speaking with people who are able to lead and inspire, who also have the strategic and analytical thinking skills to lead through periods of change, and who can communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders and audiences.
You’ll need to have the ability to proactively support the values of Evolve Housing + Support, have a strong understanding of good governance practice along with a financial or HR background at a professional level, and a strong track record in a relevant sector, with empathy for our core customer group.
Don’t think you quite meet all of the specifications? Please don’t count yourself out – we’d still love to hear from you and learn more about you and your interest in joining Evolve!
Sounding good? Here’s how you can apply today!
Please read the Candidate Information Pack for more information before you apply.
How to Apply:
Eastside People is supporting Evolve Housing + Support in the recruitment of these roles. Please apply by submitting your CV and a cover letter, both in Word doc format.
Please use the cover letter (max 2 pages) as an opportunity to add to the information you have shared in your CV and ensure that you cover the following:
- Why are you interested in the Chair/Trustee role at Evolve Housing + Support?
- Having read the information pack, what relevant experience and skills do you feel you would bring to this role?
We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential. If you have a disability or require reasonable adjustments during the application or interview process, please contact us so we can support you appropriately.
The closing date for applications is Mon 22 Dec 2025. Shortlisting interviews will take place shortly after and shortlisted candidates will have an interview with Evolve during the week beginning 12 January 2026.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Are you passionate about building a more inclusive, sustainable and resilient economy? Are you looking for a meaningful way to use your finance expertise?
ECU is a small, dynamic non-profit working to transform the economy so that everyone has the freedom and security to live a good life.
We are now recruiting for ECU’s first Treasurer, who will lead at board level on monitoring ECU’s financial performance and sustainability, ensuring that we have robust financial policies and processes in place, and supporting other board members to fulfil their collective responsibilities around finance.
This is an exciting time to join ECU. We have an ambitious vision for change, a strong analysis of the opportunities and barriers to progress, and a clear view of our role in building a better economy. Our board is committed, collaborative and inclusive, with a strong understanding of its role and remit, and a culture of open dialogue. Our work is challenging, fascinating, and fulfilling – and, with rising levels of inequality, an unfolding climate emergency, overstretched public services and a growing concentration of corporate power, it couldn’t be more important.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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!
Are you passionate about building a more inclusive, sustainable and resilient economy? Are you looking for a meaningful way to use your finance expertise? ECU is a small, dynamic non-profit working to transform the economy. Join us!
What will you be doing?
In addition to the responsibilities of all board members, the Treasurer will:
- Support the Board to review and monitor ECU’s financial performance and sustainability
- Ensure the Board receives timely, accessible and accurate financial information
- Support the team to develop and maintain robust and proportionate financial policies, processes and risk management systems
What are we looking for?
- Commitment to ECU’s mission and values
- Commitment to the legal duties and responsibilities
- Financial management experience, policies, risk
- Qualifications
- Able to interpret, interrogate and communicate financial information
- Work as part of a diverse team, and devote the time
Desirable - treasurer experience
What difference will you make?
We have an ambitious vision for change, a strong analysis of the opportunities and barriers to progress, and a clear view of our role in building a better economy. Our board is committed, collaborative and inclusive, with a strong understanding of its role and remit, and a culture of open dialogue.
Before you apply
- Your interest in this role and what you could bring to it
- What would you want to learn and gain?
Interview 25 Feb in London (expenses paid)