Independent board trustee volunteer roles

Trustees

Type: Voluntary Position

Location: Hybrid/Fife

Make a Lasting Impact in Your Community

Are you passionate about inclusion, accessibility, and empowering others to live full, independent lives? Would you like to use your time, skills, and experience to make a tangible difference to people in Fife?

Fife Shopmobility is seeking new Trustees to join their Board and help guide their charity into the future. This is a rewarding opportunity to support a small but vital organisation that plays a big role in helping people with mobility challenges access their communities with dignity and freedom.

About Fife Shopmobility

Fife Shopmobility is a local, user-focused charity providing free and low-cost mobility equipment loans — such as powered scooters, wheelchairs, and walking aids — from key town centre locations across Fife, including Dunfermline, Kirkcaldy, and Glenrothes.

Every year, they help hundreds of people with disabilities, long-term health conditions, and temporary injuries to get out and about, shop independently, attend appointments, and stay connected with their community.

Their service isn’t just about transport — it’s about freedom, confidence, and equality. They also advocate for accessible public spaces and inclusive design, working in partnership with local authorities, shopping centres, and community groups to improve accessibility across the region.

What You’ll Do as a Trustee

As a Trustee, you will be part of a small, supportive Board responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity. Working closely with the staff team, you’ll help ensure Fife Shopmobility remains sustainable, impactful, and responsive to the needs of our users.

Key responsibilities include:

• Shaping and supporting the strategic direction of the organisation
• Overseeing governance, risk, and regulatory compliance (including OSCR obligations)
• Championing accessibility and inclusion across Fife
• Advocating for the charity in the wider community and supporting fundraising initiatives
• Supporting our dedicated staff and volunteers in achieving their goals

The Board meets around four times per year, with occasional involvement in subgroups or specific projects between meetings.

What can you bring?

Fife Shopmobility welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and life experiences, particularly those who reflect the diversity of the communities they serve. You do not need previous board experience — training and support will be provided.

They are especially keen to hear from those with experience or knowledge in:

• Finance or accounting
• Legal, HR, or charity governance
• Fundraising or bid writing
• Disability advocacy or lived experience of disability or caring
• Marketing, PR, or digital communications
• Health and social care
• Community transport or mobility services
• IT and Technology

What matters most is your passion for the mission, a willingness to contribute, and a commitment to upholding the charity’s values of dignity, equality, and community.

Why Join the Team?

• Be part of a charity that helps people live with greater freedom and confidence
• Gain valuable experience in governance, strategy, and leadership
• Meet like-minded people and contribute your voice to meaningful conversations
• Learn new skills and make a real difference in your local area
• Join a friendly, committed team that values your time and input

This search is being conducted exclusively for Fife Shopmobility by BTA (Bruce Tait Associates). Our leadership team have all worked in the voluntary sector and we use this experience to match organisations and individuals to create great appointments.

We’re looking for a strategic, forward-thinking leader to join our Trustee Board - someone who can challenge and champion our fundraising direction, who brings fresh ideas, a creative edge, and isn’t afraid to ask the tough questions. Your insight could shape where we go next and help ensure we’re investing in the right opportunities.

Carers Trust is a £13 million charity, leading a £150 million network of local carer organisations. We have a fundraising team that consistently punches above its weight.

If you love collaborating with ambitious teams, challenging the status quo and finding smart, inventive ways to make an impact – this could be the perfect role for you.

Ready to shake things up for a great cause?

Our existing 12 trustees bring a variety of skills and experiences, such as fundraising, safeguarding, finance and investments and lived RAF experience to the Fund. Your background, skills and experience will further enhance this for the benefit of the RAF Family.

The successful candidates will:

• be aligned to our vision, purpose, key goals and values and be able to demonstrate their commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion;

• be able contribute positively to the Fund in a non-executive capacity, operate strategically, be held accountable and hold others to account;

• be able to build supportive relationships and work as a team. This will involve working collectively with others, supporting collective decision-making, being comfortable in sharing your views and expertise with fellow trustees and the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) trustees whilst still bringing your own ideas, perspectives and experiences to discussions;

• have the ability to analyse and interpret complex information and evidence, demonstrate impartiality, intellectual flexibility and sound judgment;

• have the ability to listen, communicate and influence effectively;

• have the capacity and skill to understand stakeholder priorities; and

• be a collaborative and pragmatic problem-solver and have the ability to adapt and respond to change.

Lead the change. Use your strategic skills to empower communities in LeicesterShire.

Last year, we helped 31,000 people find a way forward, securing them £14 million in income. Citizens Advice LeicesterShire is a dynamic £1.7m charity with a clear purpose: sharing knowledge to transform lives.

We are now looking for strategic leaders to join our Board of Trustees and steer our future. This is a high-impact role, moving beyond traditional governance to shape our strategy and drive performance. We need your professional expertise to help us pioneer new solutions and ensure our sustainability.

Your experience in one of the following areas will be critical to our success:

• Financial planning, risk management, and data ethics (including AI).
• HR, people management, organisational design, and wellbeing strategies.
• Compelling storytelling, PR, strategic marketing, and professional networking.
• Business strategy, project management, and technology.

While professional experience is key, your personal commitment is what truly matters. We are looking for people who share our values – we care, we help, we excel, we challenge – and have a passion for social justice. We believe lived experience is as valuable as professional skill.

The return on your investment:

• Apply your leadership skills to a significant social challenge.
• Directly influence the strategy of a respected, high-impact local charity.
• Collaborate with a dedicated professional board and senior leadership team.

"Being a trustee for Citizens Advice allows me the opportunity to use my skills to the benefit of others.” - John Walters, Trustee

This is a flexible, voluntary role with bi-monthly evening board meetings. All expenses are reimbursed.

If you're ready to make a difference, visit our website to read the full information pack and apply.

For an informal, confidential discussion about the role, please contact our CEO, Vicky Gutteridge.

Do you have experience with UK employment law as an HR Manager, HR Director or equivalent? 

Connection Support are seeking a Trustee that will support us in our vision of being a thought-leader in the prevention of homelessness, mental ill-health, and leading innovative services that prevent crises from happening. 

About us

At Connection Support, our team of staff and volunteers work alongside people to overcome life’s challenges.  We do this through our values of empowerment, collaboration, compassion and taking a personalised approach in all aspects of our work. 

We believe in a future where people are free from crisis, and effective prevention is the key. But for times when crises do happen, we’ll be there to help every step of the way. 

About the role

The trustee will support the board, the CEO the Head of HR and wider senior team with advice, guidance and sharing their experiences specifically related to: 

• Contributing to existing projects. 

• Maintaining good relationships with relevant agencies and potential partners.

• Advising on Human Resources issues affecting Connection Support staff and volunteers. 

• Assisting the tendering process for existing and new contracts. 

• Guiding the board on addressing employee needs and advising on potential strategies that enable Connection Support to grow in the sector. 

This is an exciting time to join Connection Support as we start our new three year strategy. 

Time commitment

The anticipated time commitment for a Trustee is up to a day a month. Approximately 2-3 hours per month in person, and then 2-3 hours of supporting with projects which can be from home. 

Trustee positions are not paid but travel and subsistence expenses are reimbursed.

About you

Our values are extremely important to us, so it is essential that your personal values align with ours, and you are passionate and motivated by the impact you can have by being part of Connection Support. We would also like you to have the following;

• Experience of UK employment law as an HR Professional at Manager or Director level. 

• Creating and implementing staff and organisational development programs to support career development and staff wellbeing.

• Provide guidance on a myriad of HR topics e.g.; TUPE, remuneration, benefits, disciplinary, recruitment and training. 

If you are not sure if this role is for you, we can arrange a no obligation chat with a member of the board or the CEO. 

Previous experience as a Trustee is not necessary as we provide a full induction. We pair new Trustees with an experienced member and offer training opportunities to Board members. 

How to apply

Please submit the following documents to our recrutiment department, informaiton can be found in the recuritment pack.

• We want to know why you’re interested in becoming a trustee. Please send us a cover letter or email telling is why you want to join the Board of Trustees, and your experience as outlined above. If you would like to share your experiences with us in a different way, please let us know and we are happy to support. 

• We want to know more about you! Please send us an up to date CV of your career history, key responsibilities and achievements. If you do not have a CV, you can send us an email with a summary of your experience.

• We need to know what others say about you. Please send us two professional references(only contacted with prior consent). If you have any difficulty with references, please contact us and we can discuss alternatives with you.

Interviews

Interviews will be held as suitable people apply, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. We reserve the right to close this advertisement early. 

If you are interested in finding out more about the opportunity and would like to discuss the role informally, please contact us and we will arrange a no obligaiton chat with the CEO or a member of the board.

Further information can be found in our Board of Trustees Recruitment Pack. 

Could you bring your HR skills to our board and help us create a brighter, more inclusive future for young people in Aylesbury Vale?

About Youth Concern

We are an independent charity based in Aylesbury Vale, Buckinghamshire that supports 13-25 year olds. We are inclusive; we aim to support all 13-25 year olds, but specialise in helping those facing additional challenges.

What will you be doing?

As a trustee, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our organisation and the lives of those we serve. Your expertise, passion, and fresh perspective will be invaluable assets as we navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the Vale’s young people.

We are seeking an HR Trustee to help us move to the next level of governance as befits the charity’s increase in staff and volunteers, complexity, size and scope, and to provide guidance on HR issues relating to employees, freelance workers and volunteers. Day to day support, templates and 24/7 advice is provided to Youth Concern by HR service provider Croner.

 Time commitment (estimated at one day per month)

•  Attend 6 Board meetings annually. Currently meetings are held in person, with the option to attend remotely
• Attend sub-committees, once every two months
• Scheduled meetings as required with the CEO with flexibility to respond swiftly to the occasional ad hoc HR related issue
• Attend an annual half day strategy session

For the full role description please see the candidate pack.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for a trustee with a strong commitment to supporting young people in Aylesbury Vale and who has the following qualities / experience:

• Experience working in a senior HR role. CIPD qualification or equivalent
• Good current knowledge of employment law, policy and practice and ability to keep up to date with developments in HR
• The highest standards of personal integrity and professionalism
• The ability to build and develop strong, supporting working relationships with trustees and the CEO
• Flexibility to respond to emails, occasionally at short notice

You do not need to have been on a board before and as a new trustee will be supported by your fellow trustees and the dedicated executive team.

What Difference will you make?

Why should you apply?

Youth Concern believes every young person has the right to be fed, to a safe home, to a good education and later, to employment. In becoming a trustee, you will be helping young people thrive. And because:

• You believe a few hours a month, working for young people, is a good investment of your time; 
• You want to give something back
• Your skill set will benefit a growing local charity
• You want to be part of Youth Concern’s success story

We are seeking an experienced finance professional to provide strategic guidance on treasury management and support the Foundation with long-term financial modelling. The ideal candidate will also be comfortable engaging with the detail, offering practical advice on management accounts, and contributing to robust financial oversight.

As Martingale transitions to an independent charity, we anticipate this role evolving into that of Treasurer, with key responsibilities for year-end accounts and reporting to the Charity Commission. While experience with charity accounts is preferred, it is not essential. Martingale Foundation is currently incubated by Purposeful Ventures, which sets the investment strategy and manages the Foundation’s scholarship funds (approximately £5 million). An external finance consultancy has also been appointed to support financial administration.

When Martingale becomes an independent charity, the Finance Trustee will collaborate closely with the Head of Strategy and Operations to develop an investment strategy that aligns with our organisational goals and mission. The investment decisions will need to maximise the impact of held funds while maintaining a low risk profile to safeguard future Scholarships.

Requirements:

• Experience in senior finance roles
• Professional finance qualification (e.g. ACA, ACCA, CIMA)
• Knowledge of treasury management
• Ability to convey complex financial information to non-finance stakeholders
• Experience of working with a rapidly growing organisation, and building appropriate finance systems 
• Familiarity with grant reporting and donor compliance requirements (desirable) 
• Familiarity with charity accounting and SORP (desirable)

Job Description:

• Advise on Martingale’s budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, and finance reporting where needed ahead of quarterly Board meetings
• Provide expert advice to the Board on Martingale as a going concern, ensuring Board members without a finance background have a full and fair understanding of the Foundation’s financial status
• Build organisational resilience by supporting long-term financial planning
• Support Martingale in its transition to an independent charity by helping to design an investment strategy and appropriate systems and processes to ensure effective financial controls
• Ensure effective monitoring and management of risk

We are seeking a Fundraising Trustee to help us enhance and increase our overall fundraising.

About Youth Concern

We are an independent charity based in Aylesbury Vale, Buckinghamshire that supports 13-25 year olds. We are inclusive; we aim to support all 13-25 year olds, but specialise in helping those facing additional challenges.

What will you be doing?

As a trustee, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our organisation and the lives of those we serve. Your expertise, passion, and fresh perspective will be invaluable assets as we navigate challenges,

seize opportunities, and continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the Vale’s young people.

Youth Concern is in a good financial position with healthy reserves and a mature and successful grant fundraising programme. We would like to broaden and diversify our income generation through individual giving, major donors, corporate, community and events.

Role summary

• To support the CEO in their grant and individual fundraising work and oversee the organisation’s fundraising plans and strategy 
• To ensure fundraising remains an organisational priority at all times and all fundraising work is legally compliant and executed to a high standard 
• To provide guidance and advice to the trustee board on fund raising generally 
• To oversee organisational fundraising and ensure it is carried out in legal, best practice, transparent and accountable ways

The expected time commitment

Attend 6 board meetings annually. Currently meetings are held in person, with the option to attend remotely. 

Attend sub-committees, once every two months. 

Scheduled meetings as required with the CEO with flexibility to respond swiftly to the occasional ad hoc fundraising related issue.

Attend an annual half day strategy session.

For the full role description please see the candidate pack.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for a trustee with a strong commitment to supporting young people in Aylesbury Vale and who

has the following qualities / experience:

• Someone with sufficient fundraising/income generation knowledge and/or business development background
• An understanding of the UK charity sector, good governance, Charity Commission, Companies House requirements, relevant legislations and statutory requirements
• A thorough understanding of the Code of Fundraising Practice
• An understanding of the challenges facing medium sized charities in the UK in maximising income streams and donor cultivation
• Experience of diverse fundraising practices, including trusts and foundations, individual giving, major donors, corporate, community and events
• Excellent networking skills, influencing and communication skills
• Experience with staff management at a senior level professional

You do not need to have been on a board before and as a new trustee will be supported by your fellow trustees and the dedicated executive team.

What Difference will you make?

Why should you apply?

Youth Concern believes every young person has the right to be fed, to a safe home, to a good education and later, to employment.

In becoming a trustee, you will be helping young people thrive. And because:

• You believe a few hours a month, working for young people, is a good investment of your time
• You want to give something back
• Your skill set will benefit a growing local charity
• You want to be part of Youth Concern’s success story

Do you feel excited by the idea of guiding the future of a local mental health charity?

Rochdale and District Mind is a mental health charity that supports people in the community who are facing mental health challenges. Our area of operation is Heywood, Middleton, Rochdale, Bury and N.E. Lancashire. As part of the Mind Federation and the Mind in Greater Manchester partnership, our goal is to ensure that individuals do not face mental health issues alone and can live free from stigma and discrimination.

Our team consists of over 70 dedicated staff members and volunteers who provide a wide variety of services and activities, including counselling, therapeutic group workshops, advocacy, crisis support, dementia support, two wellbeing cafés, as well as other wellbeing activities such as sports sessions. To ensure our services are effective and rooted in the needs of the community, we involve people who use our services in shaping our offer. We are also pleased to be recognised for our work with our Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic communities in Rochdale. We work proactively both with our service users and with other key stakeholder organisations to tackle health inequalities.

Chair opportunity

We are flexible in our approach and are open to a single Chair or Co-Chair arrangement. We are looking for people with governance experience, the ability to lead and alignment with our values. Our new Chair or Co-Chairs will have energy and drive, a genuine passion for mental health support and be able to bring both knowledge and connections to the organisation.

This is an exciting moment to join us. Rochdale and District Mind has undergone a period of significant growth in recent years, with both our annual turnover and staff numbers doubling. We’ve successfully embedded our services within the strategic priorities of the local Integrated Care Board, adapting what we offer to meet the changing mental health needs of our community. Now, with our CEO Philip Bramson at the helm, we’re entering a period of reflection and consolidation, ready to build on our strong foundation as we shape the next chapter of our journey.

How to apply?

Eastside People is supporting Rochdale and District Mind in the recruitment for this role. 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 a Chair or Co-Chair role with Rochdale and District Mind? 
• How can you contribute to Rochdale and District Mind as our Chair or Co-Chair?
• Please highlight relevant experience and demonstrate how your skills match the specific requirements of the role as set out in the role description.

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

The closing date for applications is Monday 28th July, and our candidate assessment schedule is as follows:

• EP interviews and informal conversations carried out through the recruitment process with final interviews taking place by Thu 31 July.
• Formal interviews with Rochdale and District Mind Board, in the week commencing 4th August.
• The successful candidate or candidates will be asked to attend two Board meetings as an observer (the first one of which is on 13 Aug), after which the appointment will be confirmed via a trustee vote.

Eastside People is fully committed to equality of opportunity and diversity and work with our clients to ensure that we recruit inclusively, seeking to address the underrepresentation of some groups of people in leadership teams. We warmly welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

We’re a specialist provider of support services for autistic people, people with learning disabilities and acquired brain injuries. We work across London, Kent, Surrey, Sussex, Essex, Suffolk, Hampshire Cambridgeshire and Shropshire.

What will you be doing?

As well as providing an invaluable service for an organisation and it's people, becoming a trustee can be an excellent step for your career development. 

Anyone can apply to be a trustee with us. Avenues is a hugely diverse community of people and we always want our trustee group to reflect this. 

At present we are looking for (core) trustees with experience in these particular skills:

• Financial experience within the Care Sector Experience in Health and Social Care (outside Avenues) 
• People management and organisational development 
• Risk Management (specialising in a quality, compliance and regulatory environment).

What are we looking for?

Do you have experience in any of the following?

• Care Sector Financial Experience to join our Board and Finance Committee
• Health and Social Care Experience (outside Avenues) to join our Board and one committee (to be decided).
• People management and organisational development to join our Board and the People, Culture and Reward Committee
• Risk Management (specialising in a quality, compliance and regulatory environment) to join our Board and our Audit and Risk Committee.

The following characteristics, knowledge and experiences (or willingness to learn) would be helpful in being a trustee:

• a high level of understanding and interest in the charity and its work a commitment to the values and principles of the charity; 
• strong business and financial acumen; 
• experience of committee work; 
• good interpersonal and communication skills; 
• sound, independent judgement, courage, common sense and diplomacy; 
• an interest in politics and current issues in social care clear understanding, and acceptance, of the legal duties, liabilities and responsibilities of trustees; knowledge of charity governance; 
• enough time and commitment to fulfil the role ability to listen to and welcome other opinions and experiences; 
• flexibility in thinking; a desire to implement the highest standards of governance.

What difference will you make?

Trustees are responsible for providing appropriate oversight, governance and leadership to the charity in the pursuit of its strategies to fulfil its charitable purposes. 

A trustee’s main duties under charity law are to: 

• ensure the charity is carrying out its purposes for the public benefit;
• comply with the charity’s governing document and the law; 
• act in the charity’s best interests; manage the charity’s resources responsibly; 
• act with reasonable care and skill; and ensure the charity is accountable.

Before you apply

How to apply Applications should consist of:

• A full CV (or video application) including the names and addresses of two referees. Referees will not be approached until the final stages and not without prior permission from candidates.
• Complete a covering letter (or send a video if you prefer) of no more than 2 sides of A4 which answers the following questions: What motivates you to join our Board and why will you be successful? How do your skills and experience match what we are looking for? What will you bring of yourself, your life experience and your perspective to the Board? As a Board Member, how will you apply the Avenues values (Respect, Integrity, pride and Excellence) when helping us make decisions?

As a Trustee at NSDAS with a focus on the Treasurer role, you will play a vital part in ensuring the financial stability and integrity of the charity. You will work closely with the Board of Trustees CEO and Finance Manager to oversee the financial management of the charity, providing strategic guidance and ensuring compliance with certain regulatory requirements.

The role of the Treasurer 

·Oversee the charity’s financial management and reporting, ensuring transparency and accountability.

·Work closely with the CEO and Board to develop a long-term financial strategy.

·Ensure compliance with charity finance regulations and best practices.

·Contribute to financial reports to the Board, making complex information accessible and actionable.

·Manage and review the work of the Finance Manager.

North Surrey Domestic Abuse Service (NSDAS) supports anyone affected by domestic abuse and their children living in the boroughs of Elmbridge, Spelthorne and Epsom and Ewell. We provide free, confidential and independent advice, skilled practical help and ongoing emotional support and information, regardless of sex, race, ability, gender, religion or income level.

We are currently seeking an independent committee member possessing an accounting qualification and high-level expertise in audit, risk, and financial governance to join the Audit and Risk Committee of STAR Academies, a nationally-renowned Trust of 36 schools. While the Trust is centred in Lancashire, the successful applicant may be based elsewhere in the country and able to undertake the role in a largely remote fashion.
 

Star Academies is one of the country’s leading multi-academy Trusts (MATs), operating 36 schools across Lancashire, Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire, the Midlands and London. The Trust includes primary, secondary, and all-through schools, with a strong track record of delivering exceptional educational outcomes. Almost half of Star’s schools have been rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted, while the majority of the remaining schools are rated ‘Good’. A small number are undergoing improvement, including a school that joined the Trust in November 2024 after being rated as requiring special measures.

Star Academies has a well-earned reputation for excellence. It originally established and ran outstanding Muslim faith schools before expanding into non-faith schools and sponsoring underperforming schools, leading them to significant improvement. The Trust operates its own teaching school, providing training and development for teachers and school leaders at all levels.

Founded in Blackburn, Star Academies has strategically expanded to support communities across London, the West Midlands, West Yorkshire, Lancashire and Liverpool. The Trust was invited by the Department for Education (DfE) to expand into new regions, reflecting its national reputation for high standards.

Sir Hamid Patel CBE, Star Academies’ Chief Executive, has been a key figure in national education leadership. Knighted in 2021, he serves on several influential boards and committees, most recently as the interim Chair of Ofsted. His leadership has positioned Star Academies at the forefront of educational improvement and governance excellence.

Star Academies employs rigorous governance structures to maintain its financial and operational integrity. The Trust engages Beever and Struthers (external auditors) and RSM (internal auditors) to ensure financial compliance. Prospective candidates should ensure there are no conflicts of interest that may affect their ability to provide independent scrutiny.

The Trust’s Requirements

Star Academies is seeking to appoint an Independent Committee Member to join its Audit & Risk (A&R) Committee. This individual will not serve as a Trustee but will work closely with existing Trustees, executives and auditors to provide scrutiny, challenge and oversight of the Trust’s audit and risk management processes.

The A&R Committee plays a critical role in governance, overseeing the Trust’s financial systems, risk management, and regulatory compliance. While financial oversight is the responsibility of a separate Finance Committee, the A&R Committee ensures that risk and internal control processes meet the highest standards. It also serves as the first governance checkpoint for any new schools joining the Trust. Minutes, reports and recommendations from the A&R Committee are shared with the Finance Committee and Trust Board, ensuring a cohesive approach to governance and compliance.

The Independent Committee Member will bring high-level expertise in audit, risk, and financial governance. Star Academies is particularly seeking a qualified accountant with demonstrable experience in managing risk within an organisation or group of companies with a significant turnover. Candidates should be comfortable operating in a highly professional and strategic environment, where they will be expected to challenge, question and support executives and auditors in a robust yet constructive manner.

Meetings are well-structured and efficient, with all papers provided in advance via an online portal. Committee Members are expected to read these materials ahead of time to ensure discussions are focused, strategic and impactful. The preparation for each meeting is estimated to take around 90 minutes.

The Audit & Risk Committee meets three times per year, typically around Christmas, Easter and the summer break. Meetings are scheduled on Thursdays from 5.00–7.00 PM but often conclude within one hour. While there is an annual opportunity to visit the Trust and meet the team, all committee meetings are conducted remotely via video conferencing, with in-person meetings arranged if necessary for induction purposes.

This is a rare opportunity to work with one of the UK’s most respected Multi-Academy Trusts, contributing to strong governance and strategic oversight. The role offers a high level of engagement with minimal time commitment, making it ideal for a senior finance professional looking to contribute to the education sector or an experienced MAT Trustee wishing to support a leading national Trust.

We are seeking an experienced lawyer to provide strategic legal insight into Martingale’s operations. As a research funder, we are particularly interested in professionals with expertise in intellectual property law, specifically as it applies to research and development at the intersection of academia and industry.

Martingale Foundation is proud to receive pro bono legal support from a prestigious law firm, who support us in our legal needs such as university partnership agreements, data protection compliance, and scholarship administration. Currently incubated by Purposeful Ventures, Martingale benefits from expert oversight on matters including Charity Commission registration, reporting, and IPO compliance. As we prepare for our next chapter, becoming an independent charity, we are seeking an individual who will play a pivotal role in shaping Martingale’s future. 

In this role, you will work closely with the Head of Strategy and Operations to ensure we not only meet but exceed compliance standards, helping to lay a strong foundation for our long-term impact. This is a unique opportunity to join a growing, mission-driven organisation at a transformative moment, and to contribute meaningfully to our mission of expanding access to postgraduate education.

Requirements:

• Qualified lawyer 
• Experience of UK research and innovation sector
• Knowledge of intellectual property law, particularly as it relates to university research (desirable)
• Experience of working with a rapidly growing or fast-paced organisation
• Able to take a broad perspective on Martingale’s activities, and highlight areas of risk and remedial actions
• Experience of working with charities for example as a Trustee (desirable)

Job Description:

• Provide expert legal insights on a range of matters, including contracts, employment and HR, data protection, contracts / grant agreements with funders and universities, and charity governance, complementing the pro bono legal support we receive
• Signpost to other sources of support and information outside of their area of expertise
• When Martingale prepares to become an independent charity, provide support and oversight to the Head of Strategy and Operations with spin-out processes as they relate to compliance, including TUPE, charity registration and governance documents, ICO registration etc. Ensure Board members understand the legal duties and responsibilities of trustees
• Once Martingale becomes an independent charity, ensure the Foundation meets all necessary compliance requirements
• Ensure effective monitoring and management of risk

About Us

Bradford District and Craven Mind is a successful and independent local charity with a rich history spanning over 30 years of delivering person-focused mental health support.

The organisation helps build individual and community resilience, provides early intervention and advice, supports people in crisis and helps people to work towards recovery and sustained wellbeing through services for people of all ages. 

We are recognised as a key provider in our local Health and Care system and an active member of the Integrated Care System. Our close relationships with all our stakeholders and our emphasis on developing and maintaining effective cross-sector partnerships and collaborations, allows us to deliver a wide range of innovative services and be recognised as a trusted partner.

We are affiliated to national Mind but rely on our own resources to provide support to local communities. Our services prioritise listening to and understanding the needs of local people and are delivered in partnership across Bradford District and Craven.

Background to the role

The new Chair of the Board of Trustees will be joining us at an exciting time as we move into year two of our strategy, respond to the changes in NHS priorities and funding and adapt to the new governments priorities and approach.

You can read about what we have been achieving through our Impact Reports and Annual Reports on our website.

It is clear however there is still much more to do. We launched our new strategy in August 2024 and during 2024-2028 we will focus on delivering our four key objectives to help drive our reach and impact.

Main Responsibilities

• Provide purposeful leadership - creating a strong and sustained connection to purpose, steering strategy development and leading the Board. 
• Be a constructive partner to the CEO - building a trusting, cohesive relationship as the ‘top leadership team’, providing advice, challenge and support to architect and orchestrate the progression of the organisation and supporting infrastructure. 
• Develop a highly effective Board – creating the environment for a high performing team, evaluating and facilitating improvement of individual and collective capability and performance, supporting trustees of all experience levels to contribute to the best of their abilities.
• Facilitate and sustain good governance - ensuring delivery of the organisation's purpose in line with its governing document, ensuring appropriate allocation of resources, decision-making, accountability and proactive risk management. 
• Influence and collaborate with stakeholders - understanding the environment and systems that the organisation operates within and collaborating with others to collectively achieve the biggest positive impact. 
• Engagement and Visibility – being visible and engage well across the workforce, attending key events and maintaining communication

Person Specification

• Personally motivated to make a positive difference to others
• A strategic thinker who can see the big picture and navigate complex and contentious issues
• Able to engage and collaborate effectively with people at all levels from different backgrounds and organisations
• Has the experience and/or personal qualities necessary to bring the best out of people through a ‘coaching style’ approach to leadership
• Progressive and innovative, capable of stimulating, challenging and influencing others to contemplate and consider different solutions
• Able to facilitate others and develop effective team working, with experience of planning, preparing and chairing meetings at senior levels

Diversity and inclusion 

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability, and potential. Please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustments so that we can help with making the application process work for you.

How to apply

Eastside People is supporting BDC Mind in the recruitment of these roles. 

Please apply by submitting your CV and a cover letter both in a Word doc. format, which should indicate why you are interested in applying for the particular role and how you meet the selection criteria. 

The closing date for applications is Monday 14th July. Shortlisting interviews will take place shortly after and shortlisted candidates are expected to have an interview with the panel at Bradford District and Craven Mind during the week beginning 28th July.

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