Independent board trustee volunteer roles

Could you help improve the lives of older people across Wales?

Age Cymru is seeking three new trustees to join our passionate and highly skilled board. Whether you're an experienced trustee or considering your first board role, we’d love to hear from you.

As the national charity for older people in Wales, Age Cymru works to ensure that older people are valued, included, and empowered to shape the decisions that affect their lives. We deliver trusted advice, support, and services, and use our insight to influence policies that matter.

Who We’re Looking For

We’re particularly interested in individuals with skills or experience in:

• Communications
• Marketing
• Fundraising or income generation
• Law
• Government
• Business

We  particularly welcome applications from:

• Welsh speakers
• People living in North and Mid Wales
• Individuals from ethnic minority backgrounds

Your perspective and lived experience can help us broaden representation and deepen our impact.

What You’ll Gain

As a trustee, you’ll have the opportunity to:

• Shape the direction of a national charity and improve the lives of older people in Wales
• Receive induction and training, and develop new skills in charity governance
• Use your expertise, connections, and insights to create new opportunities for Age Cymru
• Be part of a dedicated, collaborative team driving positive change

Commitment

• Four board meetings per year, plus a two-day strategy meeting in November
• Meetings are held online or in person on weekdays
• Preparation includes reading board papers in advance
• Many trustees also contribute through committee work

Apply Now

Deadline: 12 Noon, 30 September 2025
Visit Age Cymru ¦ Work for us for the application pack.

A wnewch chi helpu i wella bywydau pobl hŷn ledled Cymru?

Mae Age Cymru’n chwilio am dri ymddiriedolwr newydd i ymuno â’n bwrdd brwdfrydig a medrus.  Rydyn ni’n awyddus i glywed gan ymddiriedolwyr profiadol a phobl sy’n chwilio am eu rôl gyntaf fel aelod bwrdd.

Age Cymru yw’r elusen genedlaethol ar gyfer pobl hŷn yng Nghymru, ac rydyn ni’n gweithio i sicrhau bod pobl hŷn yn cael eu gwerthfawrogi, eu cynnwys a’u grymuso i ddylanwadu ar benderfyniadau sy’n effeithio ar eu bywydau.  Rydyn ni’n darparu cyngor, cefnogaeth a gwasanaethau dibynadwy, ac yn defnyddio ein profiad i ddylanwadu ar bolisïau.

Pa fath o berson ydyn ni’n chwilio amdano?

Rydyn ni’n chwilio am unigolyn sydd â sgiliau neu brofiad o:

• Cyfathrebu
• Marchnata
• Codi arian a chynhyrchu incwm
• Y gyfraith
• Llywodraeth
• Busnes

Rydyn ni’n croesawu ceisiadau gan:

• Siaradwyr Cymraeg
• Pobl sy’n byw yng Ngogledd a Chanolbarth Cymru
• Pobl o gefndiroedd ethnig lleiafrifol

Bydd eich safbwynt a’ch profiad bywyd yn ein helpu ni i ehangu ein cynrychiolaeth a chryfhau ein heffaith.

Beth fyddwch chi’n elwa?

Fel ymddiriedolwr, byddwch chi’n cael cyfle i:

• Lunio cyfeiriad elusen genedlaethol a gwella bywydau pobl hŷn yng Nghymru
• Derbyn cyfnod sefydlu a hyfforddiant, a datblygu sgiliau newydd mewn llywodraethant elusen
• Defnyddio eich arbenigedd, cysylltiadau, a phrofiadau er mwyn creu cyfleoedd newydd ar gyfer Age Cymru
• Bod yn rhan o dîm ymroddedig, cydweithredol sy’n creu newidiadau cadarnhaol

Ymrwymiad

• Pedwar cyfarfod y flwyddyn, a chyfarfod strategaeth dros gyfnod o ddau ddiwrnod ym mis Tachwedd
• Cynhelir cyfarfodydd ar-lein neu wyneb yn wyneb rhwng dydd Llun a dydd Gwener
• Mae’r gwaith paratoi’n cynnwys darllen papurau bwrdd o flaen llaw
• Mae nifer o ymddiriedolwyr yn cyfrannu gwaith pwyllgor

Ymgeisiwch nawr

Dyddiad cau: 12 Canol dydd, 30 Medi 2025
Ewch i Age Cymru ¦ Gweithio i ni er mwyn darllen y pecyn cais.

We are seeking a Trustee to champion community engagement, partnerships, and communications to strengthen our impact and visibility. The role is unpaid and voluntary with an estimated time commitment of around 2 hours per week. 

What we are looking for

Essential 

·Experience in community engagement, public relations, or communications.

·Understanding of inclusive outreach.

·Strong advocacy skills.

Desirable

·Experience in co-operative or community-led initiatives.

·Knowledge of digital communications tools.

Responsibilities specific to the Community Partnerships & Communications Trustee role

·Oversee strategies for community involvement and representation.

·Build and maintain strategic relationships with community organisations, local authorities, other charities, and aligned organisations.

·Review and sign off partnership agreements.

·Lead on shaping the charity’s communications approach, including social media strategy.

·Collaborate with staff and volunteers to create compelling content.

·Advise on measuring and reporting the impact of community and communications work.

·Ensure compliance with GDPR and charity advertising standards.

·Ensure compliance with employment law and relevant charity regulations.

Wider Responsibilities (Shared with All Trustees)

·Support and provide advice on Paradise Cooperative’s purpose, vision, goals and activities.

·Approve operational strategies and policies and monitor and evaluate their implementation.

·Oversee Paradise Cooperative’s financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress.

·Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organization.

·Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively.

·Review and approve Paradise Cooperative’s financial statements.

·Provide support and challenge to Paradise Cooperative’s Executive Director in the exercise of their delegated authority and affairs.

·Keep abreast of changes in Paradise Cooperative’s operating environment.

·Contribute to regular reviews of Paradise Cooperative’s own governance.

·Attend Board meetings, adequately prepared to contribute to discussions.

·Use independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect Paradise Cooperative’s interests, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or any third-party interests.

·Contribute to the broader promotion of Paradise Cooperative’s objects, aims and reputation by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts.

As a small charity, there will be times when trustees will need to be actively involved beyond Board meetings. This may involve scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, presenting externally, or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise.

Attributes and qualities

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

·Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as trustees and to act in the best interests of the organization.

·Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member.

·Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion.

·A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.

·Enthusiasm for our vision and mission.

·Willingness to lead according to our values.

Join Us as a Trustee – Shape the Next 20 Years of Impact

Next year, Dorset Reading Partners proudly celebrates 20 years of transforming lives and making a real difference to the young people that we support on an on-going basis. Over two decades, we’ve achieved considerable success in helping young people develop their love of reading and schools see tangible improvement in their literacy results. Now, as we mark this milestone, we’re embarking on an exciting new chapter. With ambitious plans for growth, innovation, and deeper impact, we are looking for inspiring new Trustees to join our Board.

As a Trustee, you will:

• Play a vital role in guiding our strategy and vision for the future.
• Bring fresh perspectives and skills to help us evolve and thrive.
• Champion our mission and ensure we continue to deliver lasting change.

We’re seeking people who are passionate about our cause, committed to good governance, and excited to help shape what the next 20 years will look like. Whether you bring expertise in finance, marketing, fundraising, or digital innovation, or, simply a deep belief in our mission, your contribution will matter. If you want to be part of a charity at a pivotal moment—honouring our past while shaping a bold future - we’d love to hear from you.

This is a voluntary role - but the rewards of making a difference are priceless.

Ideally, we would like to receive expressions of interest by 30th September 2025, but we will always welcome future contact. 

Looking to become a trustee with a local charity with an excellent track record? Live in or bordering Bedfordshire?

Carers in Bedfordshire is seeking new Trustees with digital, marketing or academic research expertise to shape and grow the Charity.

Digital and AI 

Are you passionate about the power of digital to drive positive change? Can you bring your expertise in digital strategy, innovation, and systems to our forward-thinking board?

Marketing and Comms

Help Amplify a Mission That Matters

Do you believe in the power of voice to spark change? We’re looking for a Marketing Trustee to help us strengthen our brand, sharpen our message, and reach the people who need to hear it most.

Academic and researchTrustee

Bring Evidence and Insight to the Heart of What We Do

We’re seeking a trustee with academic, policy, or research expertise to help us steer a thoughtful, evidence-informed path forward.

Even if you don’t have the specific skills and experience identified above, we are still interested in hearing from motivated individuals who have experience in an area of expertise relevant to the Charity. 

Of particular interest would be:-

• Service provision in health and social care setting
• Clinical expertise especially in a community setting
• Community Fundraising
• HR

We are seeking a new Chair to provide strategic leadership at a time when demand for our advice services is at an all-time high. Help shape our vision, champion our mission, and make a tangible difference in the lives of those facing challenges.

About Citizens Advice East Berkshire
Citizens Advice East Berkshire offers crucial help and advice when people need it most. No one but Citizens Advice sees so many people with so many different kinds of problems, and that gives us a unique insight into the challenges people are facing today. 

What will you be doing?
We are at an important stage in our development and we are seeking a new Chair to replace our current Chair who will be standing down as her term finishes. We have ambitious plans for our future and we are looking for a Chair who can help drive our mission forward.

Building on our successes to date, we want a new Chair to lead us through the next exciting phase of our journey. You will have a strong background and track record of providing leadership at board and/or senior executive level and will have a passion for supporting people facing tough life challenges. You should have the judgement and vision to operate effectively at strategic level and you should demonstrate the skills and expertise to help drive our mission forward. We are looking for someone with 3 years+ professional experience in one of the fields of Fundraising strategy, Governance, Operations management or Advice / Advocacy. 

We are looking for someone who has:

• Experience of operating at a senior strategic leadership level within an organisation
• Successful track record of achievement through their career
• Experience of charity governance and working with or as part of a Board of Trustees
• Passion for supporting people facing tough life challenges
• Ideally has served as a Chair or Vice Chair and is familiar with leading a Board

What are we looking for?

You’ll need to:

• Understand the type of work undertaken by a local Citizens Advice and the Citizens Advice network
• Understand and accept the responsibilities and liabilities of a trustee
• Be non-judgmental and respect views, values and cultures that are different to your own
• Have a good basis of leadership skills (and preferably you have served within a Board, ideally as Chair or Vice Chair or led a Committee)
• Have the ability to facilitate and lead meetings
• Have good interpersonal skills
• Have good listening, verbal and written communication skills
• Be able to exercise good independent judgment
• Have good numeracy skills to understand accounts with the support of the treasurer
• Be willing to learn about and follow the Citizens Advice aims, principles and policies, including confidentiality and data protection
• Be willing to undertake mandatory training in your role
• Line manage and support the Chief Executive Officer

What difference will you make?
Citizens Advice East Berkshire makes transformational differences to people who need support when facing life crises. As Chair you will play a significant part in ensuring we are able to expand and grown our services to make a significant difference to many more individuals and families. 

We are looking for a Trustee to lead on safeguarding and ensure all non-HR policies are compliant, up-to-date, and effective. 

The role is unpaid and voluntary with an estimated time commitment of around 2 hours per week. 

What we are looking for

Essential 

·Knowledge of safeguarding principles and regulatory requirements.

·Policy development experience.

·Strong governance understanding.

Desirable

·Professional safeguarding training.

·Experience liaising with safeguarding boards or regulators.

Responsibilities specific to the Safeguarding & Policy Trustee role

·Oversee safeguarding policies and procedures.

·Ensure appropriate Designated Safeguarding Leads are trained and supported.

·Lead the review and approval of non-HR policies (e.g. health & safety, data protection, risk management).

·Ensure regular training and awareness for staff, trustees, and volunteers.

·Review safeguarding and policy-related incident reports.

·Maintain relationships with statutory agencies and safeguarding boards.

Wider Responsibilities (Shared with All Trustees)

·Support and provide advice on Paradise Cooperative’s purpose, vision, goals and activities.

·Approve operational strategies and policies and monitor and evaluate their implementation.

·Oversee Paradise Cooperative’s financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress.

·Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organization.

·Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively.

·Review and approve Paradise Cooperative’s financial statements.

·Provide support and challenge to Paradise Cooperative’s Executive Director in the exercise of their delegated authority and affairs.

·Keep abreast of changes in Paradise Cooperative’s operating environment.

·Contribute to regular reviews of Paradise Cooperative’s own governance.

·Attend Board meetings, adequately prepared to contribute to discussions.

·Use independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect Paradise Cooperative’s interests, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or any third-party interests.

·Contribute to the broader promotion of Paradise Cooperative’s objects, aims and reputation by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts.

As a small charity, there will be times when trustees will need to be actively involved beyond Board meetings. This may involve scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, presenting externally, or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise.

Attributes and qualities

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.

·Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as trustees and to act in the best interests of the organisation.

·Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member.

·Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion.

·A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.

·Enthusiasm for our vision and mission.

·Willingness to lead according to our values.

Arthritis Action is seeking to appoint up to three new Trustees to join our Board.

We are now looking for people to join the Board who have complementary skills to those of the present Trustees and who have the time, vision and enthusiasm to help us make the most of this tremendous opportunity to continue with the development of the Charity. In addition to applicants with professional experience in the NHS or in other musculoskeletal charities, we are keen to hear from people with charity fundraising experience, law, accountancy and experience with IT and cybersecurity. We are especially keen to hear from individuals from underrepresented groups or diverse groups.

Each Trustee must have:

• a commitment to the organisation and its vision
• integrity
• strategic vision
• good, independent judgement
• an ability to think creatively
• an ability to work effectively as a member of a team and take sound decisions for the good of Arthritis Action, based on an analysis of available information
• a willingness to speak your mind whilst remaining independent of any influence from another organisation or individual
• an understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
• a reasonable level of understanding of legal, financial, audit and other regulatory requirements of a charity

Remuneration

Unpaid – travel and subsistence reimbursed in line with Arthritis Action’s policy.

Time commitment

The basic time commitment for a Trustee is probably around 30 hours per annum. There will, however, be opportunities to devote more time to the Charity if Trustees want to engage in providing more in-depth assistance to the CEO and the management team.

Do you believe that there is an urgent need for places to be resilient to environmental, economic and social challenges?

Are you interested in a role that will help secure homes, places and communities where everyone can thrive?

The Town and Country Planning Association (TCPA) is looking to appoint up to two new Trustees and if you answered a resounding ‘yes’ to the questions above then these could be the roles for you!

The built and natural environment have profound impacts on people’s health, wellbeing and life chances and we also face climate, nature, housing and health crises. The work of the TCPA is, therefore, more important than ever.

To support our important work we are looking to broaden the skills and range of perspectives on our Board of Trustees. You do not need to be an expert in town planning or have a background working in the built environment sector. We are particularly interested in candidates who believe in the importance of the work we do and have experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Charity fundraising and new business development
• Charity governance
• Operational elements of running a small charity
• Campaigning and communications

 Inclusion is a core value of our organisation and we are passionate about promoting diversity and representation in our Association. We positively encourage applications regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender identification, marital status, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation.

To find out more about the TCPA and how to express your interest in these roles please see the recruitment pack or visit our website.

Expressions of interest should be received by midday on Friday 3 October.

Closing Date:

We are reviewing applications on a rolling basis and applications will be reviewed as they are received.

The Role:

We are currently seeking a Finance Trustee to join our Board as Treasurer. It’s a voluntary role that requires a committed individual with financial expertise to take a collaborative approach, supporting our Trustees, our Head of Finance and Governance, and our management team to oversee the financial affairs of our charity and ensure that they are legal, constitutional, and within accepted accounting practice.

Our Organisation:

Greener and Cleaner delivers locally but thinks, and influences, nationally. Our vision is greener, healthier, better connected communities across the UK. We seek to achieve this through normalising 360-degree sustainable living, bringing the community together to make changes that can deliver a big impact. We have a non-judgemental peer-to-peer approach, so that all elements of the community feel empowered to take action in how they live, work, and play and in how they use their voice to push for change.

Treasurer Role:

The primary role is to ensure alongside other Trustees that they accept ultimate responsibility for the affairs of G&C and ensure that it is solvent, well run, and delivering the charitable outcomes for which it has been set up. As well as fulfilling the duties of a Trustee, 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.

• Overseeing the presentation of budgets, internal management accounts, and annual financial statements, as produced by the finance team or others where appropriate, to the Board of Trustees
• Ensuring that proper accounting records are kept, and that appropriate accounting procedures and controls are in place. 
• Liaising with any paid staff about financial matters, as appropriate.
• Ensuring that robust and comprehensive financial policies are in place and being implemented, and supporting the development of policies covering financial reserves, and cost management. 
• Overseeing financial controls and adherence to systems. 
• Drawing any major financial concerns to the attention of the trustee and the management team.
• Ensuring that the charity has appropriate reserves in line with its reserves policy, and monitoring and advising on the financial viability of the charity. 
• Advising on the financial implications of the charity’s strategic plan, including overseeing the charity’s financial risk-management process.
• Ensuring that the charity has an appropriate investment policy and that investments and assets are maximised.
• Leading on the appointment of and liaison with external auditors. 
• Overseeing the development and implementation of systems for appraising, mitigating, and reporting corporate risk. 
• Ensuring that the accounts are prepared and disclosed in the form required by relevant statutory bodies – for example, the Charity Commission and/or the Registrar of Companies.
• Keeping the board informed about its financial duties and responsibilities.
• Supporting other Trustees in understanding the charity’s financial position and decision making.
• Contributing to the fundraising strategy of the charity and its ethical fundraising policy.
• Making a formal presentation of the accounts at the Annual General Meeting and drawing attention to important points in a coherent and easily understandable way.

The Person We’re Looking For:

• A finance professional with a firm understanding of charity finance and some experience of fundraising and pension schemes.
• Knowledge of charity fundraising, bid writing, and/or other income generation and/or securing funding through creation or leveraging of partnerships and networks (at a national or local level).
• A strategic thinker with an ability to balance risk and opportunity and the skills to analyse proposals and examine their financial consequences.
• Clear communicator with the ability to explain financial information to members of the Board and other stakeholders.
• Willing to play an active role in areas such as forecasting, setting budgets, and liaising with auditors.

In addition, the Treasurer will also have the responsibilities and qualities of all Trustees.

Responsibilities of All Trustees:

• Demonstrating a commitment to G&C’s objectives
• Contributing to setting the strategic goals and monitoring performance by active participation in Board discussions and decision-making
• Actively assisting the charity to build their connections and partnerships for the purposes of most effectively delivering their goals and fundraising
• Ensuring that G&C complies with its governing documents, the law, and all other relevant documentation
• Helping to identify risks and ensuring appropriate controls are in place
• Helping the Board to make sound decisions by making available their own personal knowledge and experience
• Assisting the Chair to appoint and appraise the performance of the Senior Leadership Team members
• Sharing relevant skills and expertise with the Senior Leadership Team members
• Making all reasonable efforts to attend Board meetings, away days, development meetings, publicity events, and other such public functions as requested by the Chair
• Ensuring the charity’s focus on equality, diversity, and inclusion remains at the heart of its strategy and delivery

Trustee Person Specification:

In addition to the Treasurer role specific above, our Trustees will ideally also demonstrate the following:

• A commitment to the objectives and activities of G&C
• A willingness to devote time and effort to G&C beyond attending board meetings
• Have strategic vision, an ability to think creatively, and an appropriate level of financial literacy
• Understanding of and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of their position
• Have good independent judgement
• Be willing to effectively act as part of a team
• Adhere to the Nolan Principles of public office: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership
• A willingness to allow the Employee/s to make reasonable decisions and to act within the limits prescribed by the Board

To Apply:

To see the full job advertisement with details on how to apply, and to learn more about the role and our organisation, please see the attached supporting documents.

Manchester Relief in Need CIO are looking for new Trustees to join their Board of Trustees. Manchester Relief in Need CIO is a registered charity (charity number 1197146) resulting from a merger of four charities in December 2021.

The Charity provides grants to both individuals in need or local charities who provide services within the Manchester area.

We are now looking to appoint new Trustees to join the current Board of Trustees. We would particularly welcome people from a support worker background or who are working with people in need at a grass roots level.

This is an opportunity for you to:

• Join a respected local charity trust
• Make a positive impact for people in your local area
• Gain valuable board experience and develop your analytical and strategy skills

The time commitment would be 12 meetings per year, plus report reading and preparation time for each meeting.. In addition, Trustees work on subgroups for specific pieces of work and undertake visits from time to time to organisations they support.

To apply please provide a copy of your CV along with a supporting statement as to why you wish to be considered as a Trustee referring to the Trustee Role Profile.

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds.

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

Leadership and governance of a grant-making trust which supports communities in Luton and also causes that benefit children and young people in the rest of the UK

What will you be doing?

Are you passionate about improving the outcomes of disadvantaged children and young people across the UK?  Are you interested in supporting the communities and local organisations of Luton?

The Steel Charitable Trust really wants to hear from people who are enthusiastic, have a philanthropic mindset and a willingness to involve themselves in aspects of charitable work that they may or may not currently know much about.

The Steel Charitable Trust is looking for a new Trustee to help provide the governance and leadership needed as we roll out our new five-year strategy. Suitable candidates are likely to have skills in all or some of the following, gained through professional or voluntary experience:

• governance
• strategic development and planning
• general/operations management

The role does not offer remuneration, but all necessary expenses are reimbursed.

The Trust has two grant-making strands (each of them accounting for about 50% of its annual grant giving):

• Luton Matters: designed to bring benefits to Luton and its residents, in recognition of the Trust's roots in Luton; expressions of interest are invited for this strand, and Trustees select which organisations will be invited to make a full application.
• UK Under-26: supporting charities that work with young people up to the age of 25 in any part of the UK except Luton. The UK Under-26 strand is moving to a by invitation only model in 2026. 

Trustees with lived experience of the causes the Trust currently supports or the challenges faced by the town of Luton and its varied communities are also most welcome.

The Steel Charitable Trust is an endowed UK-registered charity (272384) that makes grants of around £1.4m a year, to UK-registered charities and for charitable purposes.  The Trust is committed to good governance and seeks to reflect the UK's diverse and multicultural society.  Since its foundation in 1976 the Trust has given £37 million in grants to charities across the UK. Its website contains a full history of the Trust including its strong connection to Luton.

What are we looking for?

Applicants should be able to demonstrate experience of leadership and decision-making. More details are available in the role description.

The following qualities are key to being a good Trustee:

• a willingness to devote the necessary time and effort
• a commitment to the organisation
• an understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship 
• strategic vision
• good, independent judgement and integrity
• an ability to think creatively
• the ability to read and understand management reports
• the ability to research and ask probing questions
• a willingness to speak their mind
• being comfortable in a decision-making environment where often a consensus needs to be reached from differing views
• the ability to work effectively as a member of a team
• organised and self-motivated
• general competence using IT 

What difference will you make?

Not only do Trustees make the key decisions in the strategic direction of the Trust, they also actively take part in grant-making decisions, connecting them directly with organisations that deliver work on the ground.

Before you apply

Please apply through Reach in the first instance, highlighting your relevant experience and what interests you about the role. If longlisted, you may be asked to complete a short application form so that we can bring together candidates from various platforms.

First interview date for long-listed candidates (on Teams): Friday 3 October 2025; Interview date for short-listed candidates (in London): Monday 13 October 2025

The Ark Gedling is a Christian charity that exists for the prevention and relief of poverty and hardship; it is a UK registered charity and a member of Advice UK. It provides a community café, with a range of activities to support community development and mutual support, which operate in conjunction with advice sessions, so that local people receive expert advice alongside compassionate community support and empowerment. It works in close partnership with other charities and with local churches. We are excited to announce we are recruoting new trustees to support the project into a new phase in our 20-year history.  

Few institutions are or Students Unions are developing as fast as we are. Both UCB and the Guild of Students aspire to being models of excellence serving our unique a diverse student body.

We serve students from 6th form, vocational courses and degree and post grad, local and many international students. We have an exciting plan to take us into the next few years and need someone brilliant, experienced and enthusiastic to help steer us on this ambitious, challenging journey.

We think someone with experience as a senior Students' Union and perhaps some broader experiences and interests too would be great for the role but we would be happy to talk to someone who has a good understanding of governance and students' unions acquired during their varied history.

About the Guild of Students

Since becoming an independent charity six years ago, the Guild of Students has become a hub of student life and advocacy, in line with our mission to help every student at University College Birmingham achieve their potential. We run a Course Representative scheme of over 400 volunteers, lead change campaigns in students’ interests, facilitate around 25 student-led clubs and societies, and organise exciting social opportunities.

We’ve been recognised with several accreditations, including Investors In People, Disability Confident, and most recently the National Union of Students’ ‘Quality Students’ Union’ status.

The Guild is led by three elected full-time Officers: an Education Officer, Equalities and Wellbeing Officer, and Societies & Activities Officer. They, in turn, are supported by a team of 6 part-time volunteer Officers and a small but dedicated staff team, which we are keen to expand to develop the quality and breadth of our services.

About our Members

UCB is home to a wide range of courses with a particular emphasis on skills-based education. We are proud to welcome a diverse student body, including many from the West Midlands who have traditionally faced barriers to accessing further or higher education.

The Guild represents around 10,000 students, including apprentices, college-level students, UCB’s new Sixth Form, and university-level students. We engage with a clear majority of our members each year, and are keen to deepen our reach — especially with FE students.

About the Role

As Chairperson, you will lead a Board comprising external trustees, student trustees, the three full-time Officers, and a member of UCB’s governing body. The Board meets quarterly for around three hours, and the chairperson will be expected to provide additional support and guidance between meetings (which can be done remotely).

The initial term of appointment is four years, with the option of renewal.

We ask candidates to note the following key dates:

• Applications close: Friday 7th November, 16:00
• Interviews: Week commencing 17th November (to be confirmed)
• First Board meeting (if appointed): Thursday 27th November in an observing capacity

Further Information and Adjustments

For an informal conversation about the role or to discuss the appointment process in greater detail (including any adjustments we can make to ensure accessibility) please send us a message for the attention of Alex Harden-Way, Guild Director.