Independent board trustees volunteer roles
Equality in Tourism is now going through a period of change, including some financial growth and are looking for a conscientious individual, committed to women’s equality, to join our Board of Trustees as Treasurer.
The Treasurer will oversee the financial matters of the charity in line with good practice and in accordance with the governing document and legal requirements, and report to the Board of Trustees at regular intervals about the financial health of the organisation. The Treasurer will ensure that effective financial measures, controls and procedures are put in place, and are appropriate for the charity.
Principal responsibilities:
· Overseeing, approving and presenting budgets, accounts, financial statements and financial reports to the Board of Trustees after discussion with the Directors
· Being assured that the financial resources of the organisation meet its present and future needs and are within the charitiy’s objects
· Playing a key role in the development and implementation of appropriate financial policy and procedures, reserves policy and investment policy.
Main duties:
· Liaising with the directors about financial matters
· Keeping the board informed about its financial duties and responsibilities
· Ensuring that appropriate accounting procedures and controls are in place
· Advising on the financial implications of the organisation's strategic plans and assisting with appropriate budgeting/forecasting
· Liaising with the charity’s auditors where appropriate
· Liaising with the chair and directors to ensure that the charities annual accounts are compliant with the current Charities SORP
· Ensuring equipment and assets are adequately maintained and insured
· 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
Person specification
We’re seeking someone who has a strong commitment to gender equality and empathy with our mission. Experience in accountancy or bookkeeping is required. Previous experience working with a non-profit is preferred but not necessary.
· The capacity to build and sustain relationships with key stakeholders and colleagues to achieve organisational objectives
· Sound judgement and effective decision making
· Impartiality, fairness and the ability to respect confidences
· Commitment to the organisation and a willingness to devote the necessary time and effort
· Preparedness to make unpopular recommendations to the board
· Willingness to be available to staff for advice and enquiries on an ad hoc basis
· Good, independent judgement and strategic vision
· An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
· An ability to work effectively as a member of a team
· An understanding of the respective roles of the Chair, Trustees and Directors
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Could you be one of our new trustees?
We currently have space on our Board for up to eight new Trustees who want to work with us to help improve university communities so that every student gets the mental health support they need to reach their goals.
At Student Minds, we’re working to improve university communities so that no student is held back by their mental health. So it should come as no surprise that we are keen to reflect the communities we serve, maintain a diverse board and ensure student voices are represented. This is key to our mission and our continued impact.
You may be thinking that you don't have the experience because you haven't been a trustee before, or because charity governance isn't your field. Think again!
Here's what you DO NEED need:
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Commitment to our vision - a world where no student is held back by their mental health
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Experience in 1 or 2 of the following areas:
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Current higher education students
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Professional higher education sector expertise
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Legal expertise
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Fundraising and income generation expertise
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Equity, diversity, inclusion, belonging, intersectionality and anti racism expertise
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AI and technology expertise
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Campaigning, advocacy, community organising and/or public affairs expertise
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Marketing and brand awareness expertise
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People and culture, HR, organisational development or leadership development expertise
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And what you DON'T need:
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Previous experience of trusteeship
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Experience in charity law or working with a charity
Both experienced and aspiring trustees have much to bring to our table: we are looking for fresh perspectives and seasoned knowledge alike.
Key responsibilities
Student Minds Trustees are expected to commit to the following:
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Preparation and attendance at four board meetings a year. Board meetings are held online and take place on weekdays from 5 - 7.30 pm.
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Preparation and attendance at two board away days each year, usually from 12.30 - 5 pm. Board away days are in person and usually take place in Leeds. Travel expenses can be claimed.
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Ad-hoc meetings and conversations with the senior management team as required. This usually constitutes approximately a further five working days a year.
If appointed, you will receive the training and onboarding you need to be a confident, contributing member of the board. We are also able to provide you with a board buddy to support you in your first few months.
So, if you want to help shape the future of student mental health, download our recruitment pack to find out more!
How to apply?
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For more information about the role responsibilities please follow the link
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Download and complete our application form, which is available on the link
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Complete the Equality Monitoring Form.
Application process
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Application closing deadline: Monday the 5th January at 11.59 pm - make sure you send your completed application form by this date
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Interviews: 29th or 30th January (general Trustees) or 5th February (Student Trustees) with a Trustee and CEO
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Appointment: subject to approval by the Student Minds Board.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Could you be our new Chair?
Our fantastic Chair’s tenure will be coming to an end in 2026, so we are looking to appoint her successor to help Student Minds improve university communities so that every student gets the mental health support they need to reach their goals.
At Student Minds, we’re working to improve university communities so that no student is held back by their mental health. So it should come as no surprise that we are keen to reflect the communities we serve, maintain a diverse board and ensure student voices are represented. This is key to our mission and our continued impact.
We are open-minded about the professional background of this individual and are mostly looking for someone with experience of leading effective, inclusive teams, of chairing complex organisations or meetings, and in building influential cross-sector partnerships.
Key responsibilities
Student Minds Chair is expected to commit to the following:
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Preparation and attendance at four board meetings a year. Board meetings are held online and take place on weekdays from 5 - 7.30 pm.
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Preparation and attendance at two in-person board away days each year, usually from 12.30 - 5 pm. These usually take place in Leeds and include a lunchtime or evening social.
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Monthly supervision calls with the Chief Executive
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Annual in-person appraisal of the Chief Executive
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Support with board appraisals and recruitment
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Ad-hoc meetings and conversations with the senior leadership team as required. This usually constitutes approximately a further five working days a year.
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Attendance at relevant task-group meetings and/or committees.
So, if you want to help shape the future of student mental health, download our recruitment pack to find out more!
How to apply?
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For more information about the role responsibilities please download our recruitment pack that is linked
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Download and complete our application form which is available via the link
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Complete the Equality Monitoring Form.
Application process
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Application closing deadline: Monday the 5th January at 11.59 pm - make sure you send your completed application form by this date
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Interviews: 27th January, with our Chair, Trustee and CEO
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Appointment: subject to approval by the Student Minds Board
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
BECOME A BLUE SMILE TRUSTEE
As a trustee you will be able to use your passion for children’s mental health; your experience and knowledge to guide our strategy and vision for the future.
Blue Smile's mission is to transform the mental health and life chances of Cambridgeshire children through arts-based therapies, supporting over 200 children a week in the region providing one-to-one therapy and groupwork. We work in particular, in accordance with our charitable aims, with those who face disadvantage or deprivation.
We are seeking new Trustees to join our Board to help us achieve our mission.
Effective governance is key to the continued success and sustainability of our charity. As a trustee you will be able to use your passion for children’s mental health; your experience and knowledge to guide our strategy and vision for the future.
Our Board of Trustees is particularly looking to welcome new trustees with experience in the areas of fundraising, education (primary) and the small charity sector. However, we very much welcome people with a diverse range of backgrounds, skills and lived experience who would like to contribute to the success of our work.
As a trustee, you will receive training to carry out your role, have opportunities to represent Blue Smile in the community, and be part of a supportive and welcoming board. Being a trustee gives you the chance to gain experience in strategic planning, develop skills in new areas, and add significant value to a thriving charity.
Commitment
The Board of Trustees meets six times a year; usually on a weekday evening.
Trustees can also be involved in the work of sub-committees and will meet for a strategy planning session annually.
Location
Board meetings take place online; however, we would welcome visits to our head office in Cambridge.
We would be particularly interested to hear from you if you live or work in the Peterborough and Fenland area of the county.
Remuneration
This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses are reimbursed.
We are committed to a diversity of voices in our organisation. We welcome applications from all backgrounds. We would encourage younger people to consider applying – you do not need to have held a trustee or similar role before. We would also like to hear from you if you are from under-represented groups at Blue Smile such as individuals from Black, Asian or minority ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQI+ people and people with a disability, or if you have experience of child and family statutory services in your own personal life.
Please could you include your reasons for wishing to become a Trustee for Blue Smile in your covering letter. Thanks.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are looking for a passionate and conscientious individual to join our board of trustees as the trustee dedicated to strengthening and diversifying our financial sustainability for the future. As a valued member of the Board, the role will join the team of trustees to ensure that Equality in Tourism International fulfils its duty to its beneficiaries and delivers on our vision, mission and values.
This new trustee role will assist in strengthening our financial sustainability in the forthcoming growth period.This role will combine donor development and business development expertise. The Trustee will work alongside our Operations Manager to:
- Leverage personal and professional contacts to open doors for new opportunities.
- Cultivate and manage existing and potential donor relationships, including trusts, foundations, companies, high-net-worth individuals, and institutional/EU funders.
- Identify and explore new, sustainable income streams such as consultancy opportunities, training, corporate partnerships, etc.
- Develop a strategy to grow and diversify income.This will provide financial insight to support EiT’s strategic and budget planning.This will include identifying budgeting for restricted and unrestricted funding.
- Attend relevant networking events and represent EiT at conferences, webinars, trade shows etc with the aim of cultivating financial opportunities.
- Work closely with the Co-Directors and Trustees to align fundraising and business development with EiT’s strategic goals.
Person Specification
Essential
· Relevant Business experience and Donor Development
· Commitment to Equality in Tourism’s mission and values
- Proven track record in fundraising and donor development, with success across income streams, for instance:Trusts/foundations, Corporates, HNWIs, institutional/EU funding.
- Excellent relationship-building and networking abilities, ideally with existing donor or business contacts.
- Business development skills, with experience linking fundraising to long-term financial sustainability.
- Ability to think strategically and translate ideas into action.
- Strong written communication skills.
Desirable
· Trustee experience in a previous role
· Experience in gender equality, women’s rights, international development, or sustainable tourism.
- Financial literacy, including experience with budgets, restricted/unrestricted funding, and financial planning.
- Experience of innovative or entrepreneurial approaches to income generation.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Join Us as Treasurer – Make a Lasting Impact
The Maypole Project provides vital emotional and practical support to children and young people with complex medical needs, and their families. We are seeking an experienced Treasurer to join our Board of Trustees and help steer the charity’s financial future.
Why This Role Matters
Your expertise will ensure our finances remain strong and sustainable, enabling us to continue delivering life-changing support to families when they need it most.
What You’ll Do
- Oversee financial governance and compliance.
- Present budgets, accounts, and financial reports to the Board.
- Advise on financial strategy and sustainability.
- Support fundraising and investment decisions.
What We’re Looking For
- Strong financial background (accountancy or financial management).
- A recognised accountancy qualification (desirable)
- Understanding of charity finance and governance.
- Ability to explain financial matters clearly to non-financial trustees.
- Strategic thinker with sound judgment.
Commitment
- Attend quarterly board meetings in person at our offices in Orpington and/or online, reviewing monthly management accounts, preparation for and actions arising from board meetings plus ad hoc support working from home.
- Average one day per week.
- Induction and ongoing training provided.
Why Join Us?
You’ll be part of a passionate team making a real difference to families across South East London and beyond. Your contribution will help shape the future of a charity that truly changes lives.
Interested?
Please visit our website and download the role description and application form.
Please download and complete our application form and equality monitoring form.
We support children and young people with complex medical needs and their families.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
ECT is looking for new trustees to join our existing enthusiastic and dedicated board who share our ambition to provide top-quality, safe, affordable and accessible transport services for every community we serve. The range of perspectives and experience diversity brings is an asset to ECT and we want to create an inclusive, welcoming environment. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and particularly those who share our values but may be new to a role as a trustee.
Our Board is forging exciting plans for the future, alongside our top-notch team of committed, professional managers, drivers, assistants and administrators. As new trustees, you will help steer our charity on the next stage of its important journey.
We are based in Greenford, West London, and also operate in Dorset and Cheshire. There are no specific skills required, and we are very keen to hear from people new to the role of being a trustee who are active in their local communities and we are determined to provide better representation for the people we support. ECT has been going for over 30 years and we do a lot of work with young people, the elderly, community groups and charities but we are also very keen to see what other services we might be able to offer.
We are particularly interested in hearing from you if you have experience in finance, charity management or governance, transport or have a personal connection in some way to community transport but above all else, we want you to feel motivated to be involved and make a difference.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Wild Welfare is an international animal welfare charity dedicated to ending the suffering of captive wild animals. We work with zoos, aquariums, and wildlife sanctuaries around the world to improve animal welfare standards through training, capacity-building, and long-term collaboration.
Our Vision is to create a world where every captive wild animal is able to thrive and live a good life.
Becoming a trustee of Wild Welfare is a chance to make a real difference to hundreds of thousands of animals’ lives around the world. You’ll help guide the charity’s future, support progressive animal welfare reform, and work with an expert team.
We are seeking Trustees to join our Board of Trustees and support our mission by helping us grow sustainable income and strengthen our organisational resilience.
This is an exciting opportunity to bring your professional expertise in fundraising, legalisation, HR and Business Management, to a passionate and committed charity that is making a tangible difference to wild animals worldwide.
What you’ll do
- Contribute to the Board’s strategic oversight of Wild Welfare, providing leadership over the charity’s governance and financial sustainability.
- Provide expert guidance on income generation, fundraising strategy, charity management, and development.
- Support the charity in identifying and developing new fundraising opportunities (corporate partnerships, grants, major donors, and innovative income streams).
- Act as an ambassador for Wild Welfare, representing the charity and helping to expand our networks.
- Work collaboratively with fellow trustees and the senior leadership team to ensure the charity achieves its mission and long-term objectives.
What we’re looking for
We welcome applications from individuals with experience in any of the following areas:
- Fundraising (trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships, individual giving, or major donors).
- Charity and/or business development and strategic growth.
- Commercial or financial acumen, ideally with an understanding of not-for-profit income generation.
- Knowledge of the legal aspects of charity management and compliance.
- Strong networks and relationship-building skills.
- Commitment to Wild Welfare’s values and passion for improving the lives of captive wild animals.
Previous trustee experience or animal welfare experience is not essential – we welcome applications from people new to charity governance. Full induction and support will be provided.
Why join us?
- Play a vital role in shaping the future of an international charity.
- Contribute your skills to a cause which transforms lives for wild animals across the globe.
- Join a collaborative and supportive Board of Trustees with diverse expertise.
- Gain valuable governance and leadership experience.
Role Specification: Trustee
Main Responsibilities
- Provide leadership and oversight on matters relating to fundraising and income generation.
- Help shape and monitor the charity’s fundraising strategy, ensuring it is realistic, ethical, and aligned with organisational goals.
- Advise on diversifying income streams, with a focus on long-term sustainability.
- Open doors to new partnerships, networks, and opportunities that may benefit the charity.
- Support the Director and senior management team by offering constructive advice, feedback, and expertise.
- Overseeing the charity’s compliance with fundraising regulations and best practice standards.
- Uphold the Board’s collective responsibility for effective governance, safeguarding, and financial management.
Person Specification
- Essential
- Experience in fundraising, charity/business development, or income generation.
- Strategic thinker with the ability to analyse opportunities and risks.
- Willingness to use personal networks and expertise to further the charity’s fundraising potential and reach.
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
- Commitment to Wild Welfare’s mission, values, and long-term sustainability.
- Desirable
- Knowledge of international development, or the animal welfare sector.
- Understanding of charity governance and the role of a trustee.
- Experience in developing sustainable income models.
Terms of Appointment
- This is a voluntary position; reasonable expenses will be reimbursed if required to travel for meetings.
- Trustees are expected to attend virtual Board meetings twice a year (usually June and December) and participate in occasional sub-committees or events (virtual or in-person). Online meetings are limited to 1.5-hours.
- The initial term is three years, with the option of renewal for a further three years.
- It is a criminal offence for an individual to serve as a Trustee if disqualified from doing so. Appropriate checks will be carried out to ensure that individuals who have been selected to become a Trustee are eligible. These checks will include references and Charity Commission/Companies House verification.
- There will be an initial probationary period of 1-year.
- Trustees are subject to our governing documents.
- Wild Welfare is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where every individual is treated with dignity and respect.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Do you value supporting adults of all abilities with opportunities to grow in confidence, skills, and connection?
Millennium Farm Trust use the care farm environment to nurture both people and land. If you also have experience in strategic thinking – you could make a great addition to our Board as a Trustee!
Who are the Millennium Farm Trust?
Millennium Farm Trust is the charity behind Depden Care Farm. It is a well-established, mission-led charity providing learning, training, and wellbeing opportunities through farming. For over a decade, we’ve supported people of all abilities to grow in confidence, skills, and connection — using the care farm environment to nurture both people and land. Based at Depden Care Farm in rural Suffolk, our programmes combine purposeful agricultural and horticultural work with personalised support.
At the heart of what we do
MFT’s vision: Everyone, whatever their ability, has access to meaningful work that builds self-esteem, self-confidence and self-care and has a place where their contribution to their community is valued and respected.
Our values: that by growing together we will foster a community at Depden Care Farm that promotes transformation, accountability, and integrity. A community which is built on: Respect, Wellbeing, Teamwork, Learning & Compassion.
So what does the Trustee role at Millennium Farm Trust look like?
This really is an exciting time to join us and contribute to our charity’s Board and use your professional skills to make an impact on our collaborative discussions!
As a trustee at MFT, you’ll support us in tasks such as; reviewing and advising on organisational policies, business plans, along with helping to promote our work and impact within the community. As well as attending quarterly board meetings, you’ll also participate in one or more subcommittees, providing oversight and input on specific areas such as finance, HR, safeguarding, or education.
Our commitment to diversity and inclusion
Everyone in our organisation shares responsibility for maintaining the highest standards of care, professionalism, and accountability. We are equally committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We welcome and celebrate difference, recognising that varied perspectives and experiences strengthen our community and enrich the lives of those we support.
Who we’re looking for
You’ll need to be able to challenge constructively, engage collaboratively, and have demonstrable strategic thinking and business acumen, with experience in governance or management. We also need someone who encourages our commitment to diversity, inclusion, and representing the interests of the community served, along with an interest in; the voluntary sector, social care, education, or related fields being desirable.
Please read the candidate information pack for further information before you apply. Don’t think you quite meet all of the specifications? Please don’t count yourself out – we’d still love to hear from you and learn more about you and your interest in joining the Millenium Farm Trust!
We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential. If you have a disability or require reasonable adjustments during the application or interview process, please contact us so we can support you appropriately.
Eastside People is supporting Millennium Farm Trust in the recruitment of these roles. Please apply by submitting your CV and a cover letter, both in Word doc format.
Please use the cover letter (max 2 pages) as an opportunity to add to the information you have shared in your CV and ensure that you cover the following:
- Why are you interested in the Trustee role at Millenium Farm Trust?
- Having read the information pack, what relevant experience and skills do you feel you would bring to this role? This might come from paid work, study, community or voluntary work or other experience.
The closing date for applications is Mon 15th December. Shortlisting interviews with our recruitment partner Eastside People will take place shortly after, and shortlisted candidates will an interview with MFT during the first two weeks of January 2026.
We’re looking for two amazing trustees to join our board at Speech and Language UK. Could it be you?
You could help more children enjoy story time, learn their times tables, and share jokes with their friends and families by volunteering your time as a trustee. With a record two million children now dealing with speech and language challenges – and that number rising year on year – this a crucial time for our organisation and the children and families we support.
As a trustee, you will guide us, support us, and grow with us as we work to make sure every child can face the future with confidence. We’re looking for trustees with experience either in education (early years, primary, or secondary) or speech and language therapy (practice- or research-based or a combination) who are as passionate as we are about changing young lives.
If that sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you. This is your chance to make a difference.
For more information or to chat about the role, please get in touch or visit our website.
The closing date for applications is 9am on Monday, 24 November 2025. Interviews will take place on 10 December (morning) and 12 December (afternoon) via Teams.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Chair of North Surrey Domestic Abuse Service
Our Charity
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.
Historically the service was provided as part of Citizens Advice Elmbridge (West). We have operated as an independent charity since April 2024 (charity number 1203855) and this is an exciting time to help shape the strategy and direction of the organisation.
The board currently comprises of nine Trustees.The current Chair is looking to step down by Christmas 2025 but will remain as a Trustee to provide continuity and support.
The Role
In addition to the general responsibilities of a trustee, duties of the chair include the following.
·Providing leadership to the organisation and the board, ensuring that everyone remains focused on the delivery of the organisation’s charitable purposes to provide greater public benefit.
·Chairing and facilitating board meetings.
·Checking that decisions taken at meetings are implemented.
·Representing the organisation at functions and meetings. Acting as a spokesperson as appropriate.
·Bringing impartiality and objectivity to decision-making.
With the chief executive
·Planning the annual cycle of board meetings and other general meetings where required.
·Setting agendas for board meetings and other general meetings.
·Developing the board of trustees. This includes induction, training, appraisal and succession planning.
·Addressing conflict within the board and the organisation.
·Liaising with the chief executive to keep an overview of the organisation’s affairs and providing support where required.
·Developing relationships with our partner organisations.
·Sitting on appointment and disciplinary panels and conducting exit interviews when required.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
This is an exciting time to be joining the Board of BMS World Mission. As a trustee, you will be joining at a time of transformation. The phenomenal growth of the Church in the Majority World is arguably the most significant development in Christianity in the 21st century. While the Church in the West has struggled, in Africa, Asia, and Latin America it thrives. This reality has presented unprecedented opportunities for the spread of the gospel, as mission becomes from everywhere to everywhere.
We are currently looking for two trustees, including a safeguarding trustee.
To maintain the gender balance on our Board, we welcome female applicants for this role.
Please note that this is a voluntary position.
As a BMS trustee, you will:
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Be committed to BMS’ vision and mission
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Be able to think creatively and strategically and exercise good, independent judgement
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Be able to communicate effectively
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Be willing to participate actively in discussion, including sharing different perspectives
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Be able to work collaboratively
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Be open to learn and develop in your role as trustee
BMS World Mission was founded in 1792 and we are proud of how we have adapted to the challenges facing each generation. BMS has grown as a global community of mission personnel, partners and international workers in more than 30 countries across Africa, Asia, South America and Europe, supported by more than 1,500 churches around the UK. Together, we’re inspired by our heart to bring the gospel where it’s not known, to bring practical hope to a troubled world and to bring help for the journeys of the displaced.
The successful applicant will be a committed Christian. The nature of this voluntary position means that this is a specific occupational requirement.
Key information
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BMS Office Location: Didcot, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom.
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Closing date: 17.00 UK time, Thursday 8 January 2026
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Interviews will be held online on Wednesday 4 February 2025
You can download the BMS Trustee Recruitment Pack (below) to find out more. If you have any questions about this opportunity or the recruitment process, please feel free to contact Heather Drury, Director of People and Culture.
BMS World Mission mobilises people, resources and skills across the Global Church to share the good news of Jesus and practical hope they’re need
With a goal to help transform lives, change attitudes and create a society that works for autistic people, the UK's leading autism charity, the National Autistic Society, is looking for three new Trustees to join the Board and help navigate their future challenges.
Applications close Monday 12th January
Who we are
The National Autistic Society (NAS) is the UK’s leading charity for autistic people and one of the country’s major charities, with a turnover of around £100 million. Since 1962, we’ve been transforming lives, changing attitudes and helping to create a society that works for autistic adults and children.
We are active across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, and have a network of volunteer-run branches across the UK. As well as adult services and schools, we run a range of programmes, have dedicated diagnostic services and run specialist helplines. We also work closely with businesses, local authorities and the government to help them provide more autism-friendly spaces, deliver better services and improve laws. And we improve public understanding of autism and the difficulties many autistic people face.
We’re continuing to advocate on longstanding issues such as social care funding and campaign for what autistic people need to see in the forthcoming autism strategy in England and its equivalent in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. We’re also growing our branch network – including national online branches – and we are working on a new mental health programme combining research, digital guidance and policy influencing.
This is a truly transformational and vital time to be part of our Charity. We are in the latter stages of our Vision to Reality Strategy for 2023-2026, which sets out the role of NAS in creating a society that works for autistic people.
We’re proud of what we’ve achieved – but there’s always more to be done. As the economic, social and political landscape changes, our strategy must evolve to reflect changes. We need to ensure we continue to increase our fundraising and commercial activities to deliver the scale of impact required.
We’re looking for three new Trustees to join our Board to help us navigate future challenges.
Who we are looking for
- Our Schools Governance Group
We are also looking for two Trustees to join our School Governance Group, one who will chair the committee and one who will be a member of the committee. Our family of schools includes our four independent specialist schools, supporting children and young people from the age of 4 to 22. We aim to make sure we are continually challenging our schools, keeping everyone safe, monitoring their progress and getting the best possible outcomes for all of our pupils in all of our schools.
Previously, we carried out a review of the local governance arrangements of our schools. Historically, the independent schools in NAS were governed locally by an LGB, which brought excellent opportunities for partnership working; however, as time went on, we required a model that would ensure consistency of challenge, support and monitoring across all our schools. We have amended our LGBs locally; the groups focus on partnership working, whilst the strategic direction, development, challenge and support for the executive, assurance and governance sits firmly with our Schools Governance Group as a sub-committee of the trustee board.
Our new Chair of the Schools Governance Group will have strong knowledge and experience of schools, school governance, the DfE and Ofsted and be a senior leader with experience in education and special educational needs. The new Chair of the committee will work closely with our Director of Education and Children’s Services, Chief Executive, Chair of the Board, Chair of the Independent Safeguarding Committee and our Trustee with safeguarding expertise.
The additional member of this committee will be someone who brings strong experience and insight in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and safeguarding. Your expertise will play a vital role in ensuring that our culture and decision-making processes fully reflect best practice in supporting children and young people with SEND, and in maintaining the highest standards of safety and well-being across our organisation.
- Chair of Quality & Assurance Committee
Our current Chair of the Quality and Assurance Committee will shortly be completing their term and we seek a successor with a strong background in adult social care and safeguarding, as well as a solid understanding of commissioning.
This is an opportunity for someone who can offer both constructive challenge and thoughtful support — a person who brings insight, curiosity and a balanced perspective to complex discussions. The ideal candidate will combine strategic oversight with a collaborative and compassionate approach, helping to ensure that quality, safety and continuous improvement remain at the heart of our work. They will be confident in asking the right questions, guiding reflective debate and fostering a culture of openness and accountability across the Committee and the wider organisation.
We’re looking for people who can provide strategic direction, appropriate oversight, scrutiny, challenge, leadership and passion to support our development.
We’re keen to ensure our Board is diverse in every way and we’re committed to ensuring our Trustees reflect our society, our Charity and the people we represent and support. We welcome applications from autistic people, their families and carers. To achieve greater diversity, we’re actively encouraging applications from people of all backgrounds and regions. We can work with you to make reasonable adjustments to ensure you contribute fully to being a member of our Board. Our Pioneer project is focused on ensuring our organisation is an exemplary employer of autistic people. This also extends to our Board.
- Time Commitment
The National Autistic Society Board meets four times, with one overnight strategy away day every year. Our meetings are a blend of face-to-face and virtual meetings. Our Trustees with education experience will join our School Governance Group, which meets quarterly, usually online. Our Quality & Assurance Committee also meets quarterly. We expect the overall time commitment to be approximately one day per month, including reading board papers, ad hoc conversations with board members and the executive and the opportunity throughout the year to visit our services and schools, as well as represent NAS at events.
Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.
Applications for this role close Monday 12th January.
We’re an executive search firm working across third sector, education and membership sectors to transform leadership and inspire change.
Be Enriched is seeking an inspirational Chairperson to lead our Board of Trustees and guide our next phase of strategic growth. We use food as a tool to bring people together, cultivate joy and dignity whilst fighting food waste and nourishing the community.
What will you be doing?
The Chair plays a pivotal role in guiding the board, ensuring the charity is governed effectively and remains true to our vision and mission. With an inclusive leadership style, the Chair will foster a collaborative atmosphere within the board, while offering both support and constructive challenge to the CEO. Additionally, the Chair serves as a passionate ambassador for the charity, representing its values and goals.
What are we looking for?
Essential Qualities
- Proven experience as a trustee, with a passion for governance and making a difference - prior Chair experience is welcome but not required.
- A keen sense of strategic purpose.
- An inclusive leadership style.
- The ability to listen and engage. Comfortable with challenge and debate and can encourage that in others whist fostering a collaborative board environment.
- Advocate – be able and willing to champion Be Enriched’s work through personal networks, social media, and other channels.
- A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
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Be proactive and responsive – as a small charity, there are times when issues arise that require the Chair's guidance, support, or approval.
What difference will you make?
Since 2013, we have been dedicated to enriching our communities through food. Our work tackles critical issues head-on: alleviating food poverty, combating social isolation, and empowering individuals through practical skills training. We believe in the power of food to bring people together, share knowledge, and cultivate lasting connections.
As Chair, you will play a pivotal role in steering our strategy, working closely with an active and committed Board and our dedicated staff team. You will help us navigate being a charity in an increasingly tough climate. This is a unique opportunity to leverage your leadership skills to strengthen our impact and ensure the long-term sustainability of our vital community services.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Inclusive Boards is pleased to be supporting Child Action Northwest (CANW) in their search for Trustees.
CANW is a charity dedicated to supporting children, young people, vulnerable adults and families who need help and we’ve been doing this for 130 years.
Our history stretches all the way back to the founding of Blackburn Orphanage in 1886. A lot has changed since then, but many of the challenges facing those in need are similar today.
We have the experience and the passion to focus on the support needed by children, young people, families and communities across the North West and beyond.
CANW is seeking to recruit up to four new Trustees. Applicants should bring all of the following skills, experience and attributes:
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A commitment to the organisation
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A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort
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Strategic vision
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Good, independent judgement
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An ability to think creatively
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A willingness to speak their mind
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An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
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An ability to work effectively as a member of a team
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A commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.
We are particularly interested in hearing from candidates with skills in one or more of the following areas: Finance and treasury, Commercial Law, Business Development and Growth, and Digital.
At CANW, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive and to being a place where all belong. We are keen to ensure our board membership reflects our values and therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who represent faith and cultural communities and from young people especially those who may have lived experience of the care environment.
By joining our board, you will contribute to a cause that truly matters and have the opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of the children, young people, vulnerable adults, and communities we serve.