45 Independent board trustees volunteer volunteer roles

Are you a care leaver, foster carer or kinship carer? We are looking for new Trustees to join our Board and would particularly love to hear from people with lived experience relevant to our work.

Who we are

The Roots Foundation Wales is an award-winning charity based in Swansea. We support young people in care as they transition to independent living and into adulthood and we also support foster and kinship carers. Our beautiful centre was featured on BBC's DIY SOS and Children in Need in 2017 and we are proud of the community we have built here.

With the help of our young people and carers we have developed a new 3-year Strategic Plan and in 2027 we will be opening a new house with further accommodation for young people.

A message from our Youth Panel

“Roots is our home from home, it’s a place where we can share our personal experiences and always be supported. Building good relationships with the staff and other young people is very important to us. It’s important to have staff who are respectful, caring and trustworthy while being able to have fun and enjoy a bit of banter! We need someone who is honest, responsible and appreciative of the fact that Roots is like our family.”

What we are looking for

We are expanding our Board and are particularly keen to recruit Trustees with lived experience of care, including care leavers and kinship carers. We also encourage applications from young people, disabled people and Welsh speakers and from people based in Swansea and the surrounding area.

As a Trustee you will:

• Help guide the strategic direction of the charity
• Attend online board meetings every two months (usually Tuesday evening, 2 hours)
• Visit Roots 2-3 times a year as a minimum
• Work on sub-committee projects such as finance or safguarding
• Be visible and support the staff and young people
• Expenses are covered and full induction and training will be provided. An enhanced DBS check is required.

You can find out more about Roots, the work we do and the current Trustees here: https://www.therootsfoundation.wales/our-team/

Guild Care is seeking to welcome a new Trustee with experience in financial auditing to our Board.

Established in 1933, Guild Care has been supporting local people and their families for over 90 years. Our vision is for all people in need of care to live fulfilling, safe, and secure lives.

Each year, we support more than 3,000 people and their families through our diverse range of community services and three care homes. From tackling social isolation and supporting people living with dementia, to providing vital services for older people and those with learning disabilities, our work helps people feel connected, valued, and accepted for who they are.

A Trustee of Guild Care has a responsibility to ensure that the organisation applies its resources exclusively in the pursuit of the objectives of the charity.

As part of that responsibility a Trustee needs to actively contribute to the work of the Board by helping set the strategic direction and overall policy, monitoring organisational performance, and supporting organisational development.

The Board of Trustees are also responsible for providing challenges and scrutiny of the senior management team in a positive and supportive environment. 

We are currently looking for a new Clinician Trustee who can use their expertise and strategic insight to support our growing charity at a critical time for cleft care and NHS reform.

The Clinician Trustee will contribute to all aspects of the charity’s governance while providing essential clinical expertise to support and enhance our work.

We are seeking an experienced professional to help drive CLAPA’s clinical impact in line with its strategic priorities. We are particularly interested in hearing from clinicians with experience of strategic leadership within cleft services, specialised commissioning, workforce development or national clinical networks, who can help CLAPA navigate a period of significant change and reform across the NHS.

In this role, you will offer insight into the patient journey across the evolving cleft care pathway, strengthen relationships between CLAPA and clinical teams and provide clinical guidance to inform our campaigns and initiatives. You will bring a strong understanding of patient centred care and use your expertise to help shape and influence improvements in services and outcomes.

Ideally, you will also draw on safeguarding experience from your clinical role to support the charity’s safeguarding function and promote best practice across our work.

If you think you have the experience, passion and leadership to help us meet the needs of the community we serve, we want to hear from you.

TRUSTEE RECRUITMENT ADVERTISEMENT

Help Shape the Future Health and Wellbeing of Luton

Active Luton is looking for new Trustees to help guide our charity as we continue to improve the health and wellbeing of people across Luton.

We are particularly keen to hear from people with experience in Law or Human Resources, although we welcome applications from anyone who shares our values and can bring strategic thinking, sound judgement and a commitment to good governance.

As one of Bedfordshire's leading community wellbeing charities, Active Luton manages leisure centres and libraries, delivers public health programmes, and works with partners across the town to tackle health inequalities and help people live healthier, happier lives.

As a Trustee, you will help shape our future, support our Executive Team and ensure we continue to make a lasting difference to our community.

The role includes:

• Four Board meetings each year
• Membership of a Board Committee
• An initial three-year term
• Comprehensive induction and ongoing development
• Voluntary position

If you are an experienced professional who wants to use your skills to create lasting social impact, we would love to hear from you.

Join us in creating healthier people, stronger communities and a brighter future for Luton.

***Please note: this is not an internship***

Role Purpose:

Trustees provide strategic leadership, ensuring that St. George's Crypt fulfils its charitable objectives, makes a postive impact in the Leeds community, and remains financially sustainable. Trustees act collectively to safeguard the charity's values, reputation, and long-term effectiveness.

Key Responsibilities:

Governance & Strategic Leadership

• set and review the charity's strategic direction in alignment with its mission to support homeless and vulnerable individuals in Leeds
• ensure that all activiites deliver public benefit and comply with charity law, the governing document, and regulatory expectations
• monitor risks and ensure that robust governance structures are in place
• support and review the work of the Head of Finance and finance team
• oversee the external audit process, from appointment of auditors to implementation of any recommendations

Financial Oversight:

• oversee financial performance, ensuring funds are used responsibly and transparently in line with donor expectations and regulatory requirements
• review budgets, annual accounts, and financial policies, ensuring sustainability of services such as emergency shelter, addiction recovery programmes and meal supervision
• ensure effective oversight of the Crypt's financial affairs and its financial viability

Support for Senior Leadership

• provide guidance and constructive challenge to the CEO and Senior Leadership Team
• ensure leadership decisions reflect the charity's values and strategic propositions

Advocacy & Representation

• act as an ambassador for St. George's Crypt within Leeds and beyond, promoting awareness of its services and impact
• represent the charity's values of compassion, dignity and hope 

Compliance & Accountability

• ensure the charity meets all legal and regulatory obligations, including those set by the Charity Commission
• uphold confidentiality, ethics, and good governance practice at all times
• ensure the Crypt fulfils its mission and values, taking advantage of new opportunities and navigating challenges and managing risks appropriately
• ensure the Crypt has sound financial policies, controls and governance in place, and complies with these

Monitoring Impact

• evaluate the effectiveness of programmes such as residential support, training opportunities, and health and wellbeing initiatives
• ensure all services remain responsive to the needs of homeless and vulnerable people in Leeds
• give clear strategic direction, setting overall policy and goals, and monitoring progress and impact
• understand the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) and provide guidance on accounting and financial reporting for the charity

How to apply

To make an application, please:

• download our Finance Trustee application pack 
• complete application form
• send CV 
• contact Martin Barry 

Recruitment timeline

Closing date: Monday 28 September2026

Shortlisting & Interviews: October 2026

Volunteer Opportunity – Treasurer Trustee
Independent Arts Isle of Wight

Do you have financial skills and experience that could help strengthen creativity, wellbeing, and
community connections across the Isle of Wight?

Independent Arts is seeking a Treasurer Trustee to join our Board and help support the charity’s
continued growth and sustainability.

Independent Arts works with people of all ages and backgrounds, using creativity and
participation in the arts to improve wellbeing, reduce isolation, build confidence, and
strengthen communities. We believe that creativity can have a positive impact on people’s lives,
and we are looking for someone who shares our values and wants to make a meaningful
contribution.

As Treasurer Trustee, you will play an important role in helping the Board oversee the charity’s financial affairs, ensuring strong financial governance and supporting informed decision-making. You will work alongside fellow trustees and staff to help ensure the organisation remains financially sustainable and able to continue delivering its valuable work across the Isle of Wight.

We are looking for someone who can offer:
• Experience in finance, accounting, budgeting, business planning, or financial
management
• The ability to understand and explain financial information clearly
• Strategic thinking and sound judgement
• A collaborative approach and willingness to contribute to Board discussions
• Commitment to good governance and the aims of Independent Arts
Previous charity trustee experience or a professional accounting qualification would be
welcome but is not essential. We encourage applications from people with relevant skills and
practical experience from a range of professional and personal backgrounds.

What you’ll gain from the role:
• The opportunity to make a meaningful impact within the local community
• Experience of charity leadership and governance
• The chance to use your professional skills for social good
• The opportunity to work alongside a passionate and committed Board and team
• A chance to support creativity, wellbeing, and inclusive community development across
the Isle of Wight

Time commitment
This is a voluntary role. The Treasurer Trustee will be expected to attend quarterly Board and
finance committee meetings and review papers in advance, with additional time required to
support the CEO in financial planning, Board and annual reporting activities.
Independent Arts is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion and welcomes applications
from people of all backgrounds, experiences, and communities.
 

Volunteer Trustees

Volunteer Trustee opportunities

We are seeking to appoint new Trustees to become actively involved in the strategic direction, governance and decision making of the charity.  As a Trustee you will join a dynamic and supportive team committed to making a difference to people affected by cancer.  With a new, incoming Chair, this is an exciting time to join the Board as it works toward shaping the charity’s future.  The role offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact while providing a rewarding and satisfying experience that enables personal development and growth.

The charity is happy to hear from people across the country and in particular anyone with the following experience or expertise.

Healthcare
Medical Practitioners or Allied Health Professionals with recent experience of working with cancer patients/or cancer treatment, ideally within the NHS.

Commercial
The Penny Brohn UK National Centre offers external organisations a unique environment for their own business use which includes daily and residential bookings as well as tenancy agreements.  Due to a successful period of growth in recent years, the charity would welcome the expertise of a Trustee with significant experience in this area who can support the development of this income stream further.

Values and Behaviours
All Trustees are expected to uphold and model Penny Brohn UKs values of courage, resilience, compassion, warmth and community and to champion an inclusive, evidence-informed approach to holistic cancer care.

Support for new Trustees
New Trustees are fully supported through a planned induction into the organisation, starting with an introduction to each area of the Charity.

Time commitment
The Trustee Board meet four times in-person each year at the National Centre in Bristol on Fridays, generally between 9am – 4pm.  Trustee representation is also required on one or two online sub-committees, which are held up to four times per year for each committee and Trustees will be appointed to the sub-committees once recruited into post in accordance with their relevant skills and experience.  Attendance is also required for the AGM and an annual Trustee Away Day as well as occasional events or strategic discussions

Attendance at Key Events
As ambassadors for the Charity, the Trustee Board is encouraged to ensure that there is Trustee representation at key events throughout the calendar year such as fundraising, networking and other high-profile events.

Tenure
Trustees are appointed for a three-year term with a maximum appointment of four terms (12 years).

 Expenses
All Trustees are eligible to be reimbursed for expenses incurred whilst on Board business, this includes attendance at Board Meetings.  Eligible expenses include:

• Reimbursement of petrol costs, rate currently set at 45p per mile, (15p per mile after 500 miles incurred annually) or the equivalent 2nd class rail fare, whichever is the lower.
• Any car parking fees associated with the travel.

Thank you for your interest in this important voluntary role.  For further information, please download the attached information pack.

How to Apply

Thank you for your interest in becoming a Trustee at Penny Brohn UK. For full details about the role, recruitment process and application requirements, please download the attached information pack and visit the Penny Brohn UK website, where you will find instructions on how to submit your application.

At Penny Brohn UK, we are committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion throughout the organisation.  We are proactively taking action to support EDI and Wellbeing to support our ethos of creating a diverse culture that is reflective of both our employees and the lived experience of all communities touched by cancer. We welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds regardless of age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability.

Wintercomfort is seeking to appoint new Trustees to join our Board. If you are keen to shape the strategic direction of the charity and support strong, effective governance, we would love to hear from you. We are particularly interested to recruit people with homelessness sector knowledge and experience. However, we warmly welcome applications from individuals with a wide range of professional backgrounds and lived experiences who can bring fresh perspectives and a commitment to our mission.

About Us

Wintercomfort is an advice and support hub for homeless and vulnerably housed people in Cambridge.  Open daily throughout the year, we provide services to aid every stage of recovery – from immediate basic welfare needs to long-term support to help people overcome challenges and fulfil their potential.  We offer housing and tenancy support, debt advice, support with training and employment, access to a range of mental and physical health services, a dedicated women’s programme, and work to promote social inclusion.

We are looking for people to join an experienced and passionate Board of Trustees who work collaboratively in providing strategic oversight and governance of Wintercomfort, to ensure its financial stability and that it achieves its mission.  No prior experience of the charity sector is required.  Induction and training is provided for all new Trustees.

Wintercomfort is committed to celebrating diversity, promoting equality, fostering equal opportunities and tackling discrimination in all it does.

This is a voluntary, unpaid, position for an initial term of 3 years. Reasonable travel expenses can be paid.

We are welcoming applications until 14th September 2026.

Interested?

We have attached the Candidate Pack to this advert with more information about the role duties and to help with your application. If you would like to apply for this position, please click the apply button and attach your CV and a short letter outlining why you would like to become a trustee of Wintercomfort and what skills you would bring to the board, it will be sent automatically to us.

We are seeking an experienced and passionate HR and people professional to join our Board and help shape an inclusive and supportive organisation. We are particularly interested in hearing from people with expertise in HR, people strategy, organisational development or workforce wellbeing, who share our commitment to creating a positive environment where staff and volunteers can thrive.

The Board of Trustees is responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity, developing CLAPA’s aims, objectives and goals in accordance with the governing document, legal and regulatory guidelines. You would be joining our board at an exciting time, as we continue to implement our 5-year strategy for 2025-2030.

The HR Trustee will contribute to all aspects of the charity’s governance while providing essential HR expertise to support and enhance our work. We are seeking an experienced people professional to help make a meaningful impact at CLAPA, in line with its strategic priorities.

About CLAPA

The Cleft Lip and Palate Action (CLAPA) is the national charity for people affected by cleft lip and palate in the United Kingdom.

CLAPA supports people affected by cleft to take control of their journey, connect with others, and use their voices to impact the future of care. Our vision is that no one affected by cleft lip and palate in the United Kingdom will go through their journey alone.

Chair of the Board of Trustees 

Mind in Salford 

Location: Salford / Hybrid 

Contract: Voluntary Trustee position 

Time commitment: Approximately 1- to 1.5-days per month 

Would you like to use your leadership and governance experience to help shape the future of a charity making a lasting difference to the mental health and wellbeing of people across Salford? 

Mind in Salford is seeking a new Chair of Trustees to lead its Board and support the charity as it builds on over 50 years of providing vital local mental health services. 

About Mind in Salford 

Mind in Salford is an independent, user-focused charity committed to ensuring local people experiencing mental health problems receive the support and respect they deserve. 

The charity provides a range of services including advocacy, welfare rights and debt advice, mindfulness, mental health training and specialist support for the LGBTQ+ community through its Rainbow Mind programme. 

With an experienced Senior Leadership Team and a Board that is going through a period of transition, this is an opportunity for a new Chair to strengthen Board effectiveness, support the development of new Trustees and help shape the charity’s next chapter. 

About the Role 

The Chair will provide strategic leadership to the Board, ensuring effective governance, sound decision-making and a clear focus on Mind in Salford’s charitable purpose. 

In this role, you will lead and develop an effective, inclusive and high-performing Board, Chair meetings, build a strong, constructive relationship with the Chief Executive and represent the Charity and help develop relationships with key partners and supporters. 

About You 

They are looking for someone with senior strategic leadership experience and a strong understanding of charity governance, who can lots of emotional intelligence and sound judgement to the role. 

You will bring: 

• Experience of working with a charity Board or in a senior non-executive role. 

• A strong understanding of the duties and responsibilities of charity Trustees. 

• The ability to chair meetings effectively, build consensus and manage challenging conversations. 

• Experience of providing strategic oversight of finance, risk and organisational performance. 

• Strong relationship-building and influencing skills. 

• A genuine commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. 

Knowledge of health and social care, or a related sector, would be valuable. A connection to Salford and its communities is also important. 

Commitment 

The Board meets every two months, alongside a Finance sub-committee which meets four times a year. Trustees are expected to prepare for meetings, review papers in advance and contribute actively to Board discussions. As Chair you will be expected to meet regularly with the CEO and provide support outside of the formal meeting structure. 

This is a voluntary position, although reasonable out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed. The initial term is three years, with a maximum of three terms. 

How to Apply 

To apply, please click Apply Now below. You will need to include: 

• An up-to-date CV. 

• A covering statement of no more than two pages outlining how you meet the requirements of the role and the value you would bring as Chair. 

For an informal conversation about the role, please contact our recruitment partners, Atkinson HR Consulting. Contact information can be found on the Candidate Information Pack and website. 

Key Dates 

Closing date: Tuesday 29 September 2026 at 12 noon 

Interview date: Friday 16 October 2026 (in person) 

Inclusive Boards is delighted to support Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice Care in their search for a Trustee.

Phyllis Tuckwell is an independent Hospice Charity based in Farnham, Surrey. They offer specialist palliative care in a compassionate and friendly environment. They aim to provide equitable supportive and end of life care to those with an advanced or terminal illness and to their families.

Their services help around 2,000 people each year and include a newly built hospice which can accommodate 18 in-patients, a living well centre, outpatient appointments, and a community service, including our Hospice Care at Home team.

About the Trustee opportunity

Phyllis Tuckwell  is currently seeking to appoint a Trustee who is an experienced qualified accountant and business professional and has:

• a clear understanding of our mission to put the patients and their families at the centre of any decisions made;
• compassion with a respect to the nature of Palliative care;
• knowledge of the Charities Statement of Recommenced Practice (SORP);
• strategic finance experience, business acumen, and the ability to communicate complex financial information effectively to trustees from a range of professional backgrounds;
• a desire to work collaboratively with fellow Trustees and volunteers;
• strategic thinking for the charity’s long-term aims;
• integrity so that decisions made by the Board are in the best interest of the Charity;
• good governance to ensure we comply with our legal and ethical goals and; 
• the time and commitment needed to join our high-performing Board.

They would especially welcome interest from individuals who have personal experience of caring for a loved one, as this perspective would bring additional value and understanding to the role.

The Board usually meets 4 times each year. In addition to which Trustees are expected to attend the annual Strategy Away Day with the Senior Management Team and sit on at least one of the quarterly sub committees, many of which can be held via Teams. Trustees are also encouraged to play an active role in the life of the Hospice including attending fundraising events, joining in with staff and volunteer events and working alongside the senior team to act as a sounding board.

Phyllis Tuckwell is committed to equality and diversity within their workforce and all volunteering opportunities. They welcome expressions of interest from individuals with a range of backgrounds and particularly encourage ethnic diversity, disabled people and those from under-represented backgrounds, communities and groups to apply.

Would you like to join our Board of  Trustees of Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust?

This year we are looking for three people to join our Board of Trustees at our AGM in October 26.

Trustees of the Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust (SRWT) are volunteers who together lead the organisation in the planning, resourcing and delivery of its activities, so that it can achieve its charitable objectives.  An enthusiastic, committed and active Board of Trustees, with a good range of knowledge, skills, experience and personal qualities is vital to the healthy and effective running of the organisation.

The Board of Trustees:

• lead the strategic development and planning of the Trust

• develop and adopt appropriate policies

• aim to ensure that the Trust is legally compliant and works to best practice wherever possible

• supports, guides and advises the Trust’s staff and volunteers, especially the CEO and the Executive Team

This year, we are especially keen to hear from people who:

Have expertise, knowledge and experience in one or more of the of the following areas:

• Marketing

• Commercial management, business acumen, profit for purpose experience (with reference to our consultancy)

• Green finance.

• Enterprise development

• Income generation

• Legal experience

• Health, Safety and safeguarding policy and compliance

• Have a good knowledge of communities and/or natural environment in Rotherham

• Can represent more of our diverse community in Sheffield & Rotherham

We are also recruiting for a Trustee to be our Treasurer who will have:

• Professional accounting qualification (e.g. ACA, ACCA, CIMA, AAT)

• Ability to analyse proposals and understand financial consequences

• Understanding of financial risk

Skills & Experience

Trustees should demonstrate some or all of the following:

• Passion for nature

• Interest in and enthusiasm for the work of the Wildlife Trust

• Experience of working as part of a decision-making group, board or committee either in a business or voluntary environment

• Experience or knowledge of the legal requirements of a charity

• Local knowledge of the places in which the Sheffield & Rotherham Wildlife Trust operates

• Experience of financial management and budgeting in a business or voluntary environment 

The following areas of expertise are always welcome on the Board:

• Environmental Law/ Protected species

• Land Management and Conservation 

• Community Outreach and Development

• Education & Training, Working with Children and Young People

• Advocacy & Campaigning

• Research: relevant to the work of the Trust

• Fundraising

Chair of Trustees

Citizens Advice Buckinghamshire

Voluntary role | Buckinghamshire

Are you a well-connected leader in Buckinghamshire with the energy and ambition to help a respected local charity grow its impact?

Citizens Advice Buckinghamshire is seeking an exceptional individual to become our next Chair of Trustees.

About Us

We are part of the national Citizens Advice network, providing free, confidential and impartial advice to thousands of people each year across Buckinghamshire. We have offices in Aylesbury, Buckingham, High Wycombe and Chesham.

Our work helps people resolve problems around debt, housing, employment, benefits and consumer rights, often preventing crises, reducing pressure on public services and enabling individuals to regain stability and independence.

The organisation is stable, well-managed and ambitious. Following reductions in statutory funding and changes across the national network, we are now focused on strengthening income streams, raising our local profile and entering a new phase of growth.

The Opportunity

It is an opportunity to build on strong foundations and take the organisation forward.

As Chair, you will:

• Provide strategic leadership to the Board of Trustees.

• Help strengthen funding and sustainability.

• Raise the profile of Citizens Advice across Buckinghamshire.

• Represent the organisation with funders, partners and the wider community.

• Champion the difference we make to people’s lives.

We are particularly interested in candidates who live in, or have strong knowledge and networks within Buckinghamshire (ideally central or south).

Who We’re Looking For

We are seeking someone who brings:

• Strategic leadership experience (board or senior executive level).

• The confidence to support and constructively challenge a CEO.

• Strong networking skills and credibility locally.

• Commercial awareness and financial literacy.

• An interest in fundraising and partnership development.

• A genuine commitment to community impact.

Prior Chair experience is welcome but not essential. Energy, judgement and the ability to build relationships are key.

Time Commitment

• Four face-to-face Board meetings per year (2 hours each).

• Four subcommittee meetings per subcommittee annually Finance & Risk, Operations, People, and Fundraising).

• Annual strategy Away Day.

• Annual Staff & Volunteers Day.

• Attendance at selected fundraising and stakeholder events.

• Approximate commitment: 2 -4 days per month.

Why This Role Matters

Citizens Advice Buckinghamshire helps people solve problems that, left unaddressed, cost families, councils and government far more in the long term.

As Chair, you will help ensure this essential service continues to thrive, supporting residents to become more financially secure, resilient and able to contribute fully to society.

For more information and how to apply download the Appointment Brief.

Closing date: 9am Friday 11 September 2026

Join us in shaping the next chapter of Citizens Advice Buckinghamshire.

As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp™, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.

Who we are

The Humane League UK (THL UK) is dedicated to ending the abuse of animals raised for food by influencing the policies of leading food companies, advocating for stronger animal protection laws, and encouraging individuals to take action. We are part of a global network of organisations working to create a future where all animals are treated with respect and compassion.

Thanks to our effectiveness, The Humane League has been named Top Charity by the independent evaluator Animal Charity Evaluators for every rating period since 2012.

THL UK is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to furthering equity and inclusion, and we value diversity. We seek people from a wide range of backgrounds who will bring a fresh perspective to the team, not just because it is the right thing to do, but because it makes us stronger. We are proud to be a Disability Confident Committed Employer, demonstrating our commitment to recruiting, retaining, and supporting disabled people and people with health conditions, based on their skills and talent.

The Position

We are seeking two new Trustees to add to the current Board of four voluntary members.

Board members (trustees) of THL UK are responsible for providing strategic leadership, ensuring strong governance, and safeguarding the organisation’s mission, values, and financial sustainability.

This is a voluntary position, and trustees are expected to act in the best interests of the charity and in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements.
 

Whether you are an experienced charity trustee or looking for your first board position; if you believe you can share our commitment for ending the abuse of animals raised for food and have the qualities, knowledge and experience we are looking for, then we’d love to hear from you.

For full details about the role of trustees please view our information pack which you can find in the application resources below.

If you would like to watch a recording of our recent webinar where we discussed the role in more detail, you can view this by following the link to our website.

Person specification and requirements for this role

While specific experience in animal protection is not essential, all Board members must:

• Demonstrate a commitment to the aims and values of THL UK.

• Understand and accept the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship.

• Bring a strategic mindset and the ability to make well-reasoned, independent decisions.

• Be able to communicate in ways that build understanding and trust, and contribute positively to collaborative team working.

• Be willing to devote the necessary time and effort to the role.

• Be committed to moving forward with Diversity, Equity and Inclusion best practices.

Specialist Expertise Sought

In addition to the general requirements above, we are particularly seeking candidates who can bring expertise in one or more of the following areas:

1. Charity Governance

• In-depth knowledge of charity governance best practice, preferably gained through prior trustee, board, or senior charity leadership experience.

• Understanding of regulatory compliance and governance frameworks for UK charities.

• Legal skills relating to charity law, contracts, risk management, or related fields (desirable).

2. Charity Fundraising

Experience and understanding of charity fundraising, with particular relevance to EA-aligned funding environments.

• Knowledge of charity fundraising principles, governance considerations, and ethical fundraising practice.

• Understanding of the Effective Altruism funding landscape, including grant-making bodies, donor expectations, and impact-led funding criteria.

• Experience supporting or advising on grant applications, funder relationships, and individual donor stewardship.

3. Farmed Animal Campaigning

Knowledge of campaigning and advocacy within animal protection movements, with a particular focus on farmed animals.

• Understanding of the strategic landscape of farmed animal protection, including corporate campaigns, legislative advocacy, public engagement, and movement priorities.

• Experience of designing, advising on, or evaluating campaigns that seek measurable improvements for farmed animals.

• Awareness of the wider animal protection movement, including key organisations, campaign tactics, risks, and opportunities for collaboration.

• Scientific or veterinarian understanding and experience with farmed animals (desirable).

We welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds and with a range of perspectives. Having reviewed existing Trustees' diversity we would particularly welcome applications from ethnic minorities, disabled people and marginalised groups.

Where candidates bring similar skills and experience, we may take lived experience or background into account to help us build a more representative and inclusive board.
 

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute actively to the Board’s role in giving strategic direction, setting overall policy, defining goals, and evaluating performance.

• Ensure that THL UK complies with its governing document, charity law, and any other relevant legislation or regulations.

• Oversee the financial health of the charity, approving annual budgets and monitoring financial performance.

• Champion the fundraising work of THL UK in various ways–for example by introducing new donors from your network, actively promoting THL UK’s fundraising initiatives (like our end of year appeal), or by donating directly if you have the means to do so.

• Protect and promote the charity’s values, reputation, and effectiveness.

• Support and challenge the executive team to achieve the organisation’s objectives.

• Act as an ambassador for THL UK, promoting its work to stakeholders and the public.

• Participate in Board meetings (typically four per year) and occasional sub-committee meetings, as well as contributing advice and guidance outside formal meetings when required.

Key competencies

• Strategic thinker: Looks at consequences, implications, interdependencies, and indirect effects, all in both the short and longer term. Looks beyond the immediate goal or issue and with the greater context, not just the content of the moment. Is able to think and act creatively in difficult situations.

• Problem solver: Identifies issues, effectively structures problems, analyses information to produce insights and generates wise, actionable recommendations. A forward-looking thinker who anticipates the needs of the organisation.

• Effective: Strategically able to focus our energy, resources and talent toward impactful actions that will reduce, and ultimately end, the abuse of animals for food.

• Communication and strong interpersonal skills: Ability to communicate in ways that build understanding and trust and can adapt to different tones and styles and be able to engage with people from all walks of life.