Independent board trustees volunteer roles

Volunteer Trustee English Language Teaching Experience – International House London

Job Description 

Trustee - International House London (English Language Teaching (ELT) background preferred) 

International House Trust Ltd (trading as International House London, IH London), a registered UK charity is seeking passionate and dedicated new Trustee to join their Board and help drive the mission of delivering high-quality language and communication training that unlocks human potential. As a global leader in language teaching, teacher training, and trainer development, IH London is committed to creating meaningful change in the world by fostering effective communication. 

 We are particularly committed to creating an inclusive environment and are actively seeking applications from individuals from diverse backgrounds, including women and individuals from underrepresented communities, to ensure that our Board truly reflects the communities we serve. Your unique perspective and expertise will help us expand our impact and create lasting change. 

Vision: Do you want to be part of an ambitious, forward-thinking organization that brings people together and acts as a force for positive change? If so, we want to hear from you! 

Specific Expertise: We are actively seeking for candidates with specific expertise and experience in English Language Teaching (ELT) to offer strategic oversight on language training programs. 

Location: Remote 

Report to: Chair of Board of Trustees 

Time commitment: Quarterly Board and Committee Meetings (normally remote), ad hoc issues etc. 

Remuneration: This is an unpaid voluntary role, with reasonable expenses reimbursed 

Responsibilities: As a Trustee, you will play a vital role in shaping the future direction of IH London. 

 Key responsibilities include: 

• Contributing to the strategic and long-term direction of IH London 

• Ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and aligning resources with objectives 

• Protecting and promoting the reputation of IH London and acting in the best interests of the charity 

• Ensuring financial stability, sustainability, and effective risk management 

Person Specification: 

We are looking for candidates who can bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to provide oversight at a senior level to join our strong and committed Trustee Board including: 

Essential 

• A strong track record in education, with clear evidence of career progression including teaching experience and holding a senior position of responsibility. 

• Proven leadership skills. You will display a record of leadership and a proven track record of working at strategic and senior levels, with an ability to provide sound governance and oversight alongside objective, independent judgment. 

• Communication skills. Demonstrable effective written and oral communication skills, the ability to influence others and to advocate on behalf of IH London. 

• Strategic thinking ability. You will demonstrate a proven ability to think strategically, analyse complex concepts and actively contribute to the strategic direction setting of IH London, both over the long and short term. 

Desirable 

• Extensive experience in English Language Teaching (ELT), both in the UK and internationally. 

• Demonstrated engagement with wider industry bodies and professional networks. 

• A history of sharing expertise and knowledge with colleagues and peers. 

• Experience of working within a commercial education environment. 

• Awareness of recent developments and innovations in learning technologies. 

Application process 

If you are interested in joining the Board of one of the world’s most respected English Language educational brands, please submit a CV and a brief covering letter explaining your interest in the role and how your skills can contribute to our success. 

Applications should be sent by 5pm 16 October 2025 

The selection process for shortlisted candidates will include an online conversation with the Chief Executive and a meeting with a group of Trustees. 

Shape the Future of Community Wellbeing – Join Mytime Active’s Board of Trustees

TPP is proud to be working in partnership with Mytime Active to recruit three exceptional individuals to join their Board of Trustees.

This is a unique opportunity to contribute your expertise to a forward-thinking charity that re-invests profits into improving health, wellbeing, and community access to leisure services.

About Mytime Active

Mytime Active is a social enterprise and independent charity dedicated to enhancing lives through accessible and inclusive health, fitness, and lifestyle programmes. Operating 11 golf courses and a range of leisure and wellbeing facilities across the South East (mainly London Borough of Bromley), Hampshire and the Midlands, they are committed to creating healthier, happier communities.

Trustee Opportunities

We are seeking trustees with expertise in one of the following areas:
 

1. Golf Industry Expertise

We’re looking for someone with strategic insight into golf operations, equipment procurement, and course management to help expand and improve our golf offering.
 

2. Commercial Property Litigation / Legal Expertise

If you have experience in commercial property law – including leases involving local authorities or pension funds - your guidance will be key in managing their property portfolio and navigating legal complexities.
 

3. C-Suite Leadership & Organisational Development

We welcome a senior leader with experience in governance, strategic planning, and organisational transformation to help shape their future direction.
 

Why Join Mytime Active’s Board?

• Collaborative & Engaged Board: Work alongside a committed group of trustees who share a passion for community wellbeing.
• Inclusive & Welcoming: Trustee experience is not essential they value diverse perspectives and fresh thinking.

Make a Lasting Impact

If you’re passionate about driving positive change and want to use your skills to support a charity that reinvests in its communities, we’d love to hear from you.

Time Commitment

Estimated 1.5 days per month.

Trustees are expected to attend and prepare for approximately six meetings per year, including quarterly Board meetings (usually held in person in our central Bromley location) remote options are a possibility.

The role is voluntary, with reasonable expenses reimbursed.

Term: 3 years, with the possibility of serving two terms.
 

How to apply
To apply for this role, please either reply to this advert putting ‘Mytime Active’ in the title, with an updated version of your CV or contact Lisa Ross, Matt Adams or Sema Hussein. 

In the first instance you will be sent a link to a microsite with details about the role and recruitment process, but the team are on hand to answers any questions that you may have about the role, so please do get in touch if you would like a confidential discussion.

The closing date for applications 9.00am 7th October 2025.

Apply now through TPP and help shape the future of Mytime Active.
 
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.

Are you a strategic leader with a passion for making a difference in the lives of children and families? CCS Adoption is seeking a dynamic and committed Chair of Trustees to lead our Board and help us drive our ambitions forward.

About Us

CCS is a Voluntary Adoption Agency and registered charity. Continuously Rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted (for 14 years/5 inspections), most recently in February 2024.  We find permanent, loving homes for children who are waiting to be adopted. We also offer a wide range of post-adoption support services for adoptive families in the region. We are committed to maintaining this high level of performance and developing further the innovative services we provide for children and adoptive families.

The Role

As Chair of Trustees, you will play a pivotal role in guiding the strategic direction of CCS Adoption, ensuring we remain financially stable, legally compliant, and true to our mission. You’ll work closely with the CEO and lead board meetings, monitor performance, and act as a key ambassador for the organisation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the Board in setting strategic goals and evaluating performance
• Ensure compliance with charity and company law
• Safeguard the organisation’s values, reputation, and resources
• Support and appraise the CEO
• Facilitate effective governance and decision-making
• Represent CCS Adoption at public functions

Person Specification

We’re looking for someone who brings:

• Proven leadership and governance experience
• Strategic vision and independent judgement
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• A commitment to fairness, integrity, and teamwork
• Familiarity with Nolan’s seven principles of public life
• Experience in committee work and organisational development

Desirable (but not essential):

• Knowledge of adoption or related fields (children, families, social care, charity sector)
• Willingness to learn and grow into the role with support

Why Join Us?

This is a unique opportunity to lead a passionate and skilled Board, influence meaningful change, and contribute to the lives of children and families. You’ll be supported by a dedicated team and receive guidance to deepen your understanding of adoption.

We warmly encourage potential trustees to get in touch for an informal conversation about the role. This is a great opportunity to ask any questions, learn more about our work, and see whether joining our Board might be the right fit for you. We would be delighted to welcome you to meet our team and current trustees, hear about our vision for the future, and experience our culture first-hand. 

Please visit ourwebsite for details.

Interviews will be held on Thursday 23rd October 2025 at our Bristol office.

We are looking for passionate people to join our Trustee team and contribute their skills to the development of our highly ambitious, industry-leading organisation.

First and foremost, we’re looking for people who are passionate about equal access to music and live events, and who will fully get behind Attitude is Everything’s Vision and Mission. We have a vision for accessible employment; that disabled people can have a career in the music and live event industries.

We want our Board to be representative of the communities that it serves, so we’re particularly interested in people who identify as disabled, deaf and/or neurodivergent and who are from diverse backgrounds, including from lower socio-economic backgrounds and from regions outside of London.  We are particularly interested in hearing from senior leaders in the music industry, those with strong knowledge and experience of the fundraising landscape and individuals with policy experience.

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

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

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

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

We are looking for someone who has:

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

What are we looking for?

You’ll need to:

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

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

Use your skills to help shape brighter futures for children, young people, and families across Kirklees

Fresh Futures is a Kirklees-based charity aiming to improve lives and inspire change for vulnerable and  disadvantaged children, young people, adults, and families.

Our vision is for everyone to have opportunities for a better life, now and in the future.

To achieve this, Fresh Futures focuses on four interwoven strands: Education, Health & Wellbeing, Employability & Skills, and Relationships.

What will you be doing?

Our trustees play an important role in making sure that the charity is run in the interests of the children, young people and families we support. They strategically oversee the management and administration of the organisation.

Trustees also ensure the charity has a clear strategy and that our work and goals are in line with our vision. Just as importantly, they support and challenge the executive team to enable the charity to grow and thrive, and through this, achieve our mission.

Trustees are asked to attend 6 meetings per year, of which four run virtually via Teams. In person meetings run twice a year and are face-to-face for a full day – these are always run at one of our sites in the Kirklees area. Trustees also have the opportunity to join one of our committees, for example, our finance committee.

What are we looking for?

We are looking to fill vacancies on our Trustee board and on our Finance and Governors sub committees.

Members of these committees do not necessarily have to also be Trustees. We are looking for people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our board.

We are particularly interested in recruiting new Trustees/members who have experience in any of the following:

· Health and safety

· Charity finance

· Marketing & PR

· Charity fundraising

· The commercial sector

· Knowledge of Kirklees

· Safeguarding children and vulnerable adults

· Independent education

We strive to be more representative of the diversity of the communities we serve. Applications from first time Trustees/Governors are welcome, you do not have to have previous experience of being on a board. Training and induction are provided.

What difference will you make?

By joining Fresh Futures as a Governor, you’ll help guide our strategy, strengthen governance, and ensure we continue improving lives across Kirklees. Your skills and perspective will support vital services in education, employability, health and wellbeing, and relationships - helping thousands of children, young people, and families thrive.

Join Mind in Brighton and Hove as their Chair of the Board 

About Mind in Brighton and Hove 

Atkinson HR is pleased to be supporting Mind in Brighton and Hove (MiBH) in recruiting their new Chair of the Board. MiBH is a registered charity dedicated to promoting positive understanding, awareness and attitudes towards mental health while supporting and empowering people in their local community experiencing mental health issues 

As MiBH continues to develop and expand their vital mental health services, they are seeking a committed individual with strategic vision and governance experience to help guide their mission of improving mental health support and wellbeing across Brighton and Hove, East and West Sussex. 

Key Responsibilities  

• Lead the Board of Trustees in developing strategic plans 

• Chair Board meetings, AGMs and provide leadership in governance matters 

• Support and review the performance of the CEO

• Represent the organisation at functions, meetings and in media engagements 

• Lead trustee recruitment, learning and development, apparisal and succession planning processes 

• Contribute to determining MiBH's strategy and structure through effective governance 

• Support robust financial controls and strategic planning processes 

Candidate Profile 

• Previous leadership experience in the non-profit sector 

• Dedication to MiBH's mission, vision and values 

• Ability to take a strategic view and make sound judgements in the organisation's best interests 

• Willingness to understand and fulfil legal responsibilities of trusteeship 

• Excellent reflective skills and ability to work effectively as part of a diverse team 

• Strong communication skills and willingness to share knowledge and experience 

How to Apply 

Please click 'apply now' or contact us if you have any queries or would like to arrange an informal discussion. 

Key Dates 

• Closing Date: 10am, Monday 6th October 2025 

• Interviews: from Wednesday 15th October 2025, in person. We will endeavour to accommodate any remote interview requests; however, our preference is to do interviews in person.

The Charity Evaluation Working Group is a community of 300+ charity sector evaluators. Our mission to empower charities, (and other purpose-driven organisations), to create positive change through effective evaluation.

We are looking for passionate individuals to join our board as trustees and chair / co-chairs. This is a unique opportunity to lead our next chapter and strengthen our community.

We’re specifically looking to recruit people who are not only passionate about the use of data and evidence, but bring a wider range of skills to the board, including;

• research and evaluation
• income generation
• comms and marketing
• advocacy and influence

Our trustees are based across the UK, so all of our meetings are online. We’re a small charity, which means that we’re looking for people who are happy to be hands-on.

We would like to maintain the diversity of our board and therefore would particularly like to hear from people from the global majority, lower socioeconomic backgrounds, disabled people and those from other marginalised groups. We’re open to new perspectives and ways of thinking, so you don’t necessarily need to have worked in the third sector, understand evaluation, or have experience of being a trustee before.

For more information and to apply for these roles, please visit our website.

We are accepting applications until 5pm, Monday 22nd September 2025.

Ready to make a meaningful difference through purposeful leadership?

At Sight Concern Bedfordshire, we’re here to make sure people living with sight loss can lead full, independent, and active lives. Rooted in our local communities across Bedfordshire and Luton, we’ve been quietly making a big impact for over 25 years.

We’re now actively looking for a new Chair of Trustees to help shape our next chapter.

This is a special opportunity to bring thoughtful, grounded leadership to a charity with a clear mission and deep community ties. You’ll be stepping in at a pivotal point as we modernise, grow our partnerships, and explore how assistive technologies and accessible services can unlock new possibilities for those we support.

As Chair, you’ll work closely with our CEO as a trusted partner, someone who can offer encouragement, challenge when needed, and help build a culture of inclusion, community, and accountability. You'll ensure our governance remains robust and fit for the future, and that our Board continues to deliver collaboratively, constructively, and always aligned with our values.

You’ll also represent the charity externally to help us grow our network and strengthen local relationships, as well as amplifying our voice when the opportunity arises. You’ll also help us foster an environment where people feel valued, lived experience is in our central scope, and blind and partially sighted individuals remain at the heart of every decision we make.

We’re not just looking for someone to keep the wheels turning, we’re looking for a leader who understands how crucial it is to lead with integrity, empathy, and purpose. Someone who understands that the best kind of change evolves through collaboration, not control.

You don’t need to have been a Chair before, but you should bring experience as a senior leader in a professional setting or have worked closely with a CEO or senior executive. An understanding of charity governance is key, and we’re also looking for someone with flourishing people skills and a genuine commitment to inclusion and accessibility.

If you’ve got previous Trustee experience too, that’s a bonus.

Does this sound like you?

If the answer is yes, and you're ready to help guide our charity through a meaningful and exciting phase of its journey, we’d love to hear from you.

The official Recruitment Pack can be found on the Sight Concern Bedfordshire website.

Age UK Hammersmith and Fulham is seeking a dynamic person as our next Chair. Building on recent success you will ensure our Board delivers its strategy for local people working closely with our Chief Executive. 

What will you be doing?

In addition to the general responsibilities of a Trustee, the duties of the Chair include the following.

• Providing leadership to the organisation and the board by ensuring that everyone remains focused on the delivery of the organisation’s charitable purposes in order to provide greater public benefit
• Chairing and facilitating board meetings
• Giving direction to board policy-making
• Checking that decisions taken at meetings are implemented
• Representing the organisation at functions and meetings, and 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, for example annual general meeting
• Setting agendas for board and other general meetings
• Developing the board of trustees including induction, training, appraisal and succession planning
• Addressing conflict within the board and within the organisation, and liaising with the chief executive (if staff are employed) to achieve this
• Where staff are employed:
• Liaising with the chief executive to keep an overview of the organisation’s affairs and to provide support as appropriate
• Leading the process of supporting and appraising the performance of the chief executive
• Sitting on appointment and disciplinary panels

What are we looking for?

• Able to think strategically and creatively to enhance the development and prosperity of Age UK Hammersmith and Fulham
• Have independent judgement combined with the ability to challenge appropriately.
• They will have to read and analyze documents and should be able to provide constructive feedback.
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team to ensure constructive decision making, including speaking openly on controversial subjects to enhance discussion and to enable the views of others to be explored.
• Good interpersonal skills including oral and written communication.
• Know the third sector, have been a Trustee for another charity, and have a real interest in older people.
• Strong leadership, people management skills and the ability to chair meetings effectively.
• An understanding of legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship, together with an understanding of the financial aspects of running a charity.
• An understanding of the way in which the Third Sector works.
• Possess integrity, objectivity, accountability, honesty

What difference will you make?

They will have a leading role in helping to shape the organisation for the future and ensure that older people in Hammersmith and Fulham are getting the support to live longer and better. 

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a visionary and committed individual to lead our Board of Trustees as Chair. This is a unique opportunity to help shape the strategic direction of Huddersfield Town Foundation and to make a lasting impact in the Kirklees community.

This is a pivotal moment to join our team. With the launch of our new strategy in September 2025, we’ve made bold commitments to help our community GROW, BELONG and THRIVE. These pillars guide everything we do, from unlocking learning and opportunity, to building connection and belonging and championing health and wellbeing.​

If you’re someone who stands together with others, keeps learning, goes the extra mile and lives the Terrier Spirit, we’d love to hear from you.​

How to Apply

Please submit your CV, application form and a persuasive covering letter (no more than 2 sides of A4) via email by Monday 6th October.

Should you wish to have an informal discussion about the role, please contact us via email to arrange this.

All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application, whether they are invited to attend interview, or not.

Safeguarding

HTF is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Applicants must disclose all previous convictions including spent convictions in accordance with the associated legislation. Trustees must not have any previous disqualifications or have been barred from undertaking activities involving children and young people.

The amendments to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (2013 and 2020) provide that, when applying for certain jobs and activities, certain convictions and cautions are considered ‘protected’. This means that they do not need to be disclosed to employers and, if they are disclosed, employers cannot take them into account.

Guidance about whether a conviction or caution should be disclosed can be found on the Ministry of Justice website.

The Chair will be required to undergo safeguarding training in accordance with the Foundation’s Trustee training plan, which includes the EFL Trustee Safeguarding training. 

Further information can be provided by the Foundation’s Safeguarding manager. 

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

HTF is a diverse environment and an organisation which respects all characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. We want everyone to feel valued and included within the Foundation and to be able to achieve their full potential. 

We have a zero-tolerance approach to any form of discrimination and we are committed to the redress of any inequalities by taking positive action where appropriate. 

Charity and company details

The Foundation is a registered charity (Charity number 1146501) with a Board of Trustees controlling the management and administration of the charitable activities of the Foundation. HTF is also a company limited by guarantee (company number 07690182) meaning that the Trustees are also Company Directors and manage the affairs of the Company in accordance with its Memorandum and Articles of Association.

Enjoy a good book?

Passionate about the role which literature plays in our lives? 

Interested in using your skills to support Scottish literature in Edinburgh and internationally?

Excited by the prospect of working with the Board and Executive to shape our strategic direction?

Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature Trust is looking for two or three individuals to join the Board of Trustees of the world’s first City of Literature as we look to our future after our 20th anniversary.  

You will be joining an organisation at the heart of Edinburgh’s literary community and an international network of UNESCO Cities of Literature. Literary cities are granted the designation if they can boast a proud creative tradition and demonstrate a commitment to placing stories, literature and reading at the heart of civic life.

If you have experience, knowledge, or interest in the following, please get in touch:

· Financial management (including willingness to take on a leadership role as Chair of our Finance, Audit and Risk Committee)

· Accountancy skills

· Publishing

· Bookselling

· Tourism

Any additional experience in the following areas would also be welcomed:

• HR
• Marketing
• Technology
• Governance

We welcome applications from across all ages, communities and backgrounds. We encourage applications from under-represented groups.

The new appointments will be for an initial period of up to three years. The posts are not remunerated but some expenses are covered as per our Board Members’ Expenses Policy.

Time Commitment:

The Board of Trustees meets five times each year.

Meetings are generally 6 -8pm on Mondays in Edinburgh and in a hybrid format

The Finance, Audit and Risk Committee meets quarterly ahead of Board meetings.

There is an annual half-day board planning session.

Outwith Board meetings, there are individual meetings as required and the opportunity to attend events of interest in the sector.

The overall time commitment for the role is estimated at 8 -10 hours per month.

Application Information

Our Trustee Information Pack contains information about the role, requirements and the application process.

To apply please submit your CV and a covering letter (no more than two sides of A4) outlining why this position is of interest and what you believe you can offer.

If you have any questions or you would like an informal chat, please do get in touch with our Director, Dr Harriet MacMillan.

Trustees at Bromley Experts by Experience play a vital role, collaborating with the Chair, fellow Trustees and the Senior Management Team to set a clear and strong strategic direction for the organisation. You will ensure that Bromley Experts by Experience is delivering against its charitable objectives and working in line with our governing documents. You will also support Bromley Experts by Experience to grow and develop as an organisation by combining your lived experience and professional expertise in a specific field, enabling us to become more impactful and effective.

As a trustee, you are also responsible for ensuring that Bromley Experts by Experience uses its resources effectively and efficiently to deliver its charitable purposes and continue to provide benefit to our members, beneficiaries and local Deaf and Disabled people.

Areas of expertise we are prioritising

We are especially seeking trustees with expertise in one or more of these areas:

• Fundraising Strategy:
  • Supporting X by X Bromley to sustain, maximise and diversify income streams and fundraising activity.
  • Supporting the development of a Fundraising Policy and Plan of Action.
  • Building and maintaining relationships with funders and commissioners.
• Human Resources:
  • Supporting the Deputy CEO and ensuring that X by X Bromley complies with relevant employment laws and regulations.
  • Advising on good practice in staffing and HR matters.
  • Supporting the development, and review of, HR policies and procedures.
• Legal and Policy:
  • Guiding on relevant legal and policy matters, including contracts and governance.
• Organisational Strategy:
  • Supporting Senior Management Team to shape our strategic direction and plan for implementation.
• Secondary and Further Education:
  • Supporting X by X Bromley with advice for a brand-new stream of youth work in education settings.

IMPORTANT: As a Deaf and Disabled People’s Organisation, our governing articles require that our staff, trustees and volunteers bring with them lived experience of disability (self-identified or otherwise). See how we define this below.

Responsibilities of Trustees:

• Ensure that Bromley Experts by Experience operates in accordance with its governing documents and the law
• Set a clear and strong strategic direction for the organisation
• Ensure that Bromley Experts by Experience uses its resources (financial and otherwise) effectively and efficiently to deliver its charitable purposes
• Manage risks responsibly, avoiding exposing Bromley Experts by Experience to unnecessary risk and taking appropriate steps to mitigate risks
• Make decisions about Bromley Experts by Experience’s policies and strategies
• Be an ambassador for Bromley Experts by Experience, promoting our work and values

What we ask of you:

• Trustee Board Members should expect to serve for a minimum of 12 months.
• Trustee Board Members are required to attend scheduled meetings with some ad hoc meetings where necessary.
• It is anticipated that the time commitment will be an approximate average 1.5 hours per week. This will mainly comprise of:
  • Board meeting attendance (plus preparation and minutes) every 8 weeks.
  • AGM attendance (plus preparation and minutes)
  • Supporting our annual Disability Pride event.
  • Occasional scheduled meetings with senior staff and/or Chair.
• As we are a very small charity, there could be occasions when extra time will be required (e.g. during the planning of new projects or dealing with any particular difficulties that arise), or where additional support would be appreciated (e.g. attending events, meeting members at project days)

Key Skills and Qualities:

• Lived Experience of disability (can be self-identified)
• A belief that Disabled people can and should be actively welcomed and included in our communities. An understanding that it is barriers in society that make that harder. This is called the Social Model of Disability.
• Strong organisational skills.
• Experience of how Trustee Boards operate and of effective charity governance
• Accuracy and efficiency with an eye for detail.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills, communicating in a way that is accessible to you.
• Possess and demonstrate integrity, objectivity, accountability, and honesty.
• An effective team worker, contributing an independent perspective.
• Understanding of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship and the financial aspects of running a charity.
• A genuine interest in local communities and people.
• Commitment to Bromley Experts by Experience’s aims, objectives and values.

You must be legally eligible to stand as a registered Company Director and Charity Trustee. Having had previous experience as a trustee of a voluntary organisation is an advantage.

We require a DBS Check to be completed for all Trustees.

We are especially seeking trustees with expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• Fundraising Strategy
• Human Resources
• Legal and Policy
• Organisational Strategy
• Secondary and Further Education

What we mean by lived experience of disability:

As we follow the Social Model of Disability, our definition of Disabled person includes anyone who is being discriminated against or disabled by barriers in society, including:

• People with physical impairment
• People with visual impairment
• Deaf people
• People with hearing impairment
• People who are neurodivergent
• People with learning difficulties/disabilities
• People who experience mental health conditions/mental distress
• People with long-term health conditions

We recognise that a lot of these impairments are invisible and many people have more than one impairment.

Are you fascinated by the marine world?  Would you like to use your skills, creativity and energy to help us improve knowledge of the marine environment and promote its importance and value?  Are you interested in widening your horizons?  If any of these apply to you, you might just be the person we are looking for to join our Board.

The Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) is an independent marine research organisation, founded in 1884, and one of the world’s oldest oceanographic institutions.  Based on the west coast of Scotland, near Oban, SAMS is a registered charity and Company Limited by Guarantee.

The Scottish Association for Marine Science has a positive attitude towards diversity.  We are committed to equality of opportunity and inclusivity amongst our staff and students: we aim to achieve balanced gender representation in our Board membership.

We are committed to:

• The creation of new knowledge about the marine environment through undertaking world leading and innovative research;
• The dissemination of that knowledge, not only through inspirational formal educational programmes, with our principal partner, the University of the Highlands and Islands, but also the enhancement of societal awareness through our public engagement activities;
• Using our knowledge to provide solutions for the ethical and sustainable use of marine resources, both in our local environment and internationally.

SAMS research spans the breadth of marine science, tackling the Grand Challenges facing the World today.  We work on diverse interdisciplinary research questions, focusing on three major challenges:

• To discover the physical and biological processes that drive the marine environment.
• To describe and quantify how coastal environments respond to ever-increasing pressures.
• To develop a sustainable blue economy.

We are seeking new TRUSTEES to join the SAMS Board, commencing in late Autumn 2025.

In general, individuals are sought who can demonstrate one or more of the following:

• An ability to operate strategically and collaboratively towards common goals.
• Background in marine / environmental science research
• Experience of higher education
• Background in finance, risk/compliance and/or law.
• Background in media and communication, and/or public engagement
• Senior operational role in a university, research or third sector organisation.
• Experience of building effective philanthropic / fundraising relationships and networks.
• Demonstration of a strong commitment to equality and diversity.

On this occasion we are seeking individuals who can help strengthen the scientific complement, finance and audit.  We are also seeking to appoint a new ambitious role: a trustee to act as a representative of the Ocean.  SAMS has taken the bold step to ensure that SAMS governance is not exclusively anthropocentric.  This trustee role will be the first time we have recruited for the position and the person appointed will help develop the role.

These positions are unremunerated.  Appointments will be for an initial three-year term that may be extended for up to a further three-years.  The minimum time commitment, including preparation for and participation in formal committee meetings, is approximately 10 days per annum.  There are a number of sub-committees of the Board, and most Trustees are also members of these committees, for which extra time commitment of two or three days is required.  Most meetings are held in Oban, the other half online.  Should travel expenses be incurred these will be reimbursed. 

Application for the role is by:

• covering letter indicating which role (or roles) interest you; and
• a short CV

The deadline for applications of 28 September 2025.  Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview virtually in October with the possibility of face-to-face interviews later.

SAMS Group is committed to being an equal and open organisation. Diversity and inclusion are important to us, and we strive to remove any barriers that may prevent people from applying to join us. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, and from all who share our values and can help us to broaden our knowledge and range of ideas.