Independent board trustees volunteer roles

The People and Culture (P&C) Committee is responsible to the Board of Trustees for oversight of the People and Culture Strategy and its effective implementation, including the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion agenda. The scope of the P&C Committee includes HQ volunteers as well as the staff workforce.  It sets and reviews the salary of executive management; oversees the annual cost of living review, is focused on developing the right working culture for the organisation and scrutinises and approves HR policies.

The role of an Independent Member is to provide the People and Culture Committee with advice, guidance and scrutiny to assist the Committee in making key decisions.

Main Responsibilities

Along with other members of the Committee:

• Review the People & Culture Strategy which supports the organisational strategy and recommend it to the Board
• Act as advisor to ensure Equity, Diversity and Inclusion considerations for staff and HQ volunteers underpin the objectives within the People & Culture strategy
• Conduct high level monitoring and oversight of the achievement of objectives within the People & Culture strategy
• Oversee the HR function to assure that we are legally compliant, effective and responsive to the needs of the organisation and its people
• Ensure that the culture of the organisation is appropriate to achieve its objectives and support its values 
• Monitor HR key performance indicators to assure the Committee and the Board that the Scouts is a good employer
• Ensure that robust and suitable HR policies and procedures are in place, that ensure fairness, equality and best practice in the management of staff, including an effective Reward Policy to underpin the successful recruitment and retention of staff
• Recommend to the Board the annual staff pay award
• Ensure the effective recruitment of ELT members via the Chair of the Committee
• Approve remuneration for ELT (with the exception of the Chief Executive whose remuneration is determined by the Board)
• Ensure an effective performance management policy and appraisal process is in place for ELT
• Assure itself that staff/volunteer relationships are effective
• Oversee the wellbeing of our people, working in collaboration with the HQ Health, Safety and Welfare Committee.

The person

A commitment to the vision and values of Scouting and the ability to challenge the Association’s policies and practices positively are essential.

Candidates should:

• Have a strong track record of achievement, especially in the area of Reward and Recognition
• Have experience of contributing to, supporting and or/leading HR policy formulation and culture setting across a large organisation or movement
• Have experience of designing and managing pay, benefits and non-financial incentives to motivate people
• Have a breadth of vision and a grasp of governance issues alongside an eye for detail
• Have unquestioned integrity, effective communications skills and experience of high-level discussion
• Have an understanding and commitment to The Scout Association’s evolving strategic plan and vision
• Be able to digest and act upon large amounts of written material, and have the ability to consider and constructively challenge the performance, strategy and objectives of The Scout Association
• Have experience of the Scout Movement and, ideally, the role of HQ volunteers
• Have experience of working at, or volunteering with, a charitable organisation
  
  

Time Commitment

For this role, the appointed candidate should expect to spend the equivalent of a day per quarter on The Scout Association’s work after the induction phase. This is based on preparation for and attendance at the scheduled People and Culture Committee meetings (three in each year, generally two meetings online and one face to face in London)

Appointment term

Appointments are typically for an initial three-year term, with the possibility of a further term of three years subject to a satisfactory appraisal.

Remuneration and expenses

In common with other registered charities, there is no remuneration directly associated with the role, although the Association will reimburse fully for all reasonable and properly documented expenses incurred in performing duties in accordance with the Association’s Expenses Policy.

Join Us as Treasurer Trustee – Help Secure the Future of Sherwood Forest for People & Nature

Do you have strong financial acumen and are passionate about conservation and heritage? Since 1995, our charity has been at the heart of protecting and preserving the rich natural and cultural heritage of Sherwood Forest. Through dedicated conservation projects, community engagement, and educational initiatives, we work to restore threatened heathlands, expand woodlands, and inspire people to connect with this historic landscape.

With funding from the National Heritage Fund, we are embarking on an exciting programme to restore lowland heathlands across the Sherwood National Character Area. As Treasurer Trustee, you will play a vital role in ensuring the charity’s financial health, sustainability, and strategic growth—helping us make the most of our resources to continue this important work for future generations.

We have a high-performing staff finance officer so this is not a Treasurer role where you are required to do the book keeping. Instead you will be the key link between the staff team and the Board as you support your fellow Trustees in the performance of their governance duties and understanding of the charity’s finances.

You’ll be joining a passionate, committed and experienced board of trustees who are in close connection with our CEO led staff team. This is a fantastic opportunity to use your financial expertise to shape the future of a well-established charity. If you’re looking for a meaningful way to apply your skills in financial oversight, strategic planning, and governance - while making a real impact on the environment we would love to hear from you.

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive board and welcome applicants from all backgrounds, including those with varied professional expertise and lived experiences. We encourage applications from individuals who can bring different perspectives to our work and help us better serve the communities we support.

If you would like an informal chat around the role, please contact our CEO, Helen (contact details on the next tab). To apply, please send your CV or Linkedin profile accompanied with a letter explaining why you want to become a trustee and what you hope to bring to the Board of Trustees.

Join our board and together make it possible for people with myeloma to live longer and better lives.

Location: London and Edinburgh

Time commitment: Up to a day a month

Closing date: Monday 23rd June

Together, we are making it possible to live longer and better lives with myeloma. Through research and treatments, we find new ways to a cure. As the only UK charity focused exclusively on myeloma and related conditions, we have transformed treatment and care over the past 27 years, helping to quadruple life expectancy for many patients. But we need to go further, faster – because people with myeloma can’t wait. We are uniquely placed as an organisation to improve the lives of people affected by myeloma by investing in innovative, life-changing research, advocating for patients to get access to new treatments on the NHS, and providing free information and support services to patients and their families.

We are at a pivotal moment in our journey. Our new strategy, developed in collaboration with myeloma experts alongside clinical, research, and policy leaders, focuses on three core areas: preventing myeloma, treating myeloma, and living well with myeloma.

In the first two years of the strategy we have already made significant impacts.  We have convened global leaders in early stage myeloma to investigate prevention and help develop our forthcoming precursor condition roadmap; secured the provision of four new myeloma treatments, including overturning initial restrictions on who could access two next generation therapies; and awarded two new research grants looking at improving quality of life… There is more work and achievements to come.

We’re enhancing our ability to address emerging and unmet needs while implementing comprehensive plans to reach more people, improve engagement, and grow our income, as right now, the vast majority of our income is from donations. Through our innovative research programs, advocacy work, and comprehensive support services, we unite researchers, healthcare professionals, and patients in our mission to find a cure while ensuring no one faces myeloma alone.

About the roles

We’re seeking three new Trustees to join our Board in 2025 as others come to the end of their terms. You’ll play a crucial role in leading Myeloma UK into the next stage of our development, providing strategic leadership during an exciting period of growth and change.

Working closely with our Chair, Board, and executive team, you’ll take an active role in our governance structure, and you’ll build an effective relationship with our CEO and other members of our senior leadership team, providing both challenge and support as we pursue our ambitious goals.

Who we are looking for

Ideally we are looking for one Trustee who will bring experience as either a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) or a Healthcare Professional. We are looking for two Trustees who bring personal experience of myeloma either directly or through a loved one. You will bring personal lived experience to our board, alongside your professional skills and experience.

We’re looking for clear and independent thinkers with sound judgment and an appropriate approach to risk. Your excellent influencing and negotiation skills will be complemented by your solution-focused mindset and ability to see the big picture while remaining pragmatic. As an intellectually curious individual, you’ll be comfortable navigating complexity while building strong relationships through your high emotional and cultural intelligence.

Most importantly, you’ll be collaborative and highly inclusive, fostering trust and valuing different perspectives. You’ll know when to challenge constructively, when to hold back, and when to support, while demonstrating an unwavering commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Time commitment

The role offers a balanced mix of virtual and in-person engagement designed to maximise effectiveness while being mindful of trustees’ time. The Board meets quarterly, with two of those meetings online (approximately 3 hours each) and two significant in-person gatherings that form the cornerstones of our governance calendar. Our November board meeting is in London and includes a full-day session where we engage in board development and conduct strategy sessions. The second in-person meeting takes place in Edinburgh each May — a rich, one-and-a-half to two-day residential event combining formal board meetings with strategic planning, board development work, and our annual staff awards celebration.

Trustees usually join at least one of our sub-committees. Sub-Committee meetings usually take place online for circa 2 hours. Overall including reading board papers and ad hoc conversations, we expect the time commitment to be the equivalent ofup to a day a month.

We provide comprehensive onboarding support, which can include listening to our Information Line calls to understand our frontline services, briefing sessions with Executive Leadership Team members, and deep dives into our research and services – all designed to bring our mission to life and ignite your passion for our cause.

This is an unremunerated voluntary position, though reasonable expenses, including overnight accommodation for the London and Edinburgh meetings, will be reimbursed for Trustees who need to travel there. We want to ensure our board is geographically representative and so Trustees can be based anywhere in the UK.

Join us in our mission to transform the lives of people affected by myeloma. Together, we are the cure.

Become a Trustee at Options for Life
Make a difference in the lives of adults with learning disabilities and/or autism.

Location: Sandwell, West Midlands
Commitment: Four Board meetings annually, plus the AGM, strategy day, and quarterly sub-committee meetings
Expenses: Reasonable travel expenses reimbursed

Are you passionate about creating a more inclusive society where everyone can thrive? Options for Life is looking for committed, values-driven individuals to join our Board of Trustees.

We are a vibrant, Sandwell-based charity that supports adults with learning disabilities and/or autism to live fulfilling, independent lives. Our services include community hubs, outreach, drop-ins, and access to a wide range of community-based activities. At the heart of everything we do is a commitment to choice, dignity, and empowerment.

The Role

As a Trustee, you will play a vital role in the strategic leadership and governance of the charity. Working closely with the Chair, CEO, and fellow trustees, you will help shape the future of our services, ensure we stay true to our mission, and uphold our responsibilities as a charitable organisation.

We are particularly interested in individuals who can bring:

• Strong strategic thinking and decision-making skills
• Experience in leadership, change management, HR, fundraising, safeguarding, health and social care, or community engagement
• A collaborative approach and willingness to contribute to discussions and decisions

Previous trustee experience is not essential—we welcome first-time trustees and provide full induction and support.

What You’ll Gain

• The opportunity to use your skills and experience for social impact
• Involvement in meaningful work that changes lives
• Personal and professional development through trustee training and networking
• A chance to work alongside passionate people and make a lasting contribution to your local community

We are committed to diversity and inclusion and particularly encourage applications from people with lived experience of disability, people from underrepresented backgrounds, and younger people seeking their first board experience.

Ready to get involved?
To express interest or learn more, contact our Chief Executive, Nicola Thomson.

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.

We are looking to appoint a new Trustee to the Board to support CHEER’s mission of providing advice, friendship and support to Elmbridge’s older community.

We’re particularly seeking someone with experience of marketing and communications to complement the skills and backgrounds of existing Trustees.  The role will oversee the formulation and implementation of CHEER’s marketing and communication strategy, providing guidance and support to the Board and team to ensure successful execution.

If you have an interest in the issues surrounding the elderly living in the UK, a desire to give those who need it, a helping hand and support along with a background in marketing and communications – with digital marketing a particular advantage - we’d love to hear from you.

(We’d also warmly welcome contact from anyone interested in alternative trustee opportunities with experience in fundraising, business management, human resources and/or older people and social care). 

CHEER: 

Is a registered charity serving the local community of Elmbridge for over 60 years. Our mission is to provide advice, friendship, and support to help older community in Elmbridge lead full, dignified and independent lives.  We do so through delivery of 5 core services (befriending, benefits, events, signposting and CHEER’s Parkinson’s group) designed to reduce loneliness and social isolation and alleviate financial hardship.  

We consistently achieve remarkable things with minimal resources and are often told we have changed people's lives relying on a dedicated team of staff, trustees and volunteers to deliver these essential and beneficial services.  

Trustee role: 

Our trustees are all volunteers, most of whom live or work in the local community, and all of whom use their skills, knowledge and experience to guide and govern our service, shape strategy, and give direction to the charity.  We are a small and friendly team, collectively responsible for CHEER and each enjoying the chance to contribute to our community.  

The main responsibilities of a trustee are: 

• Formulating and reviewing CHEER’s vision, values, and strategic direction 

• Establishing and monitoring policies to provide guidance for staff 

• Ensuring compliance with the Charity’s governing document and the law 

• Ensuring accountability to such bodies as the Charities Commission, donors, staff and volunteers 

• Managing the Charity’s resources responsibly 

• Contributing to the discharge of the Board’s duties and effective Board performance 

• Promoting the charity and protecting its excellent reputation 

• Appointing staff, giving them guidance and support 

• Monitoring the Charity’s performance

• All trustees are expected to adopt Nolan’s seven principles of public life:  selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership

Generally, a minimum of 4-6 hours a month, occasionally more. This includes: 4x Board meetings a year, plus the annual AGM dates of which are flexible.  Helping staff with advice and enquiries on an ad hoc basis and/or additional support such as working with other trustees or members of staff on key projects.

The role is predominantly home-based, and board meetings normally take place in a venue in Elmbridge.

Desirable qualities: 

Empathy and a passion for improving the lives of older people; effective communication, good strategic vision and creative thinking, the ability to exercise good, independent judgement.

RNOH Charity is a vital partner in the way the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital delivers care. Since its inception in 1997, the Charity has raised and administered millions of pounds in donations, which have funded numerous essential projects around the hospital.

We are seeking a qualified and practicing legal professional to join our Board and provide legal insight, ideally with a minimum 10 years post qualification experience. You don’t necessarily need to be a specialist in healthcare, but an understanding of legal risk, charity law, commercial, governance, or regulatory frameworks would be valuable.

You will help ensure that we fulfil our legal duties as a charity, protect our interests, and make well-informed decisions—particularly when reviewing policies, commercial agreements, or collaborations with our NHS partners and other bodies. Crucially you will advise the CEO and Board of Trustees when seeking external professional legal advice.

Trustees must have a strong empathy with the Charity’s vision, mission and values.

What difference will you make?

As a Trustee, you will support the Board to fulfill its responsibilities for the overall governance and strategic direction of the Charity. You will contribute to the Charity by actively participating in strategic decision-making, jointly with the rest of the Board of Trustees, whilst working in partnership with the Chief Executive and other senior members of staff to achieve the aims of the Charity.

What’s in it for the volunteer?

You will be part of a cutting edge and pioneering organisation, which aims to continue making a significant difference in the lives of the 150,000 people who come to the hospital every year. The RNOH has been at the cutting edge of orthopaedic care for over 100 years. This is an exciting time to join our Charity and help steer its strategic direction to continue providing its invaluable work for more years to come.

Time commitment

• Four virtual Board meetings a year, held at the end of the working day.
• Four virtual Committee meetings a year, held at the end of the working day.
• Two in-person Board Away Days per year held in the Stanmore area.
• Trustee appointment is for 3 years, with the possibility of being re-appointed for a maximum of 3 terms. Induction and ongoing training.
• The role of Trustee is not accompanied by any financial remuneration, although out-of-pocket expenses may be claimed.

How to apply

Reach Volunteering's TrusteeWorks team are supporting the RNOH Charity with their Board recruitment. Please submit your CV, LinkedIn profile or similar along with a covering letter stating why you would like to apply to become Trustee of the RNOH Charity and how your skills, abilities and experience would add value to the Board. If you would prefer to have a chat with a current Trustee or the Chief Executive before making a formal application please get in touch to request this.

RNOH Charity values and promotes diversity and are committed to equality of opportunity for all and appointments made on merit. The Charity believes that the best Boards are those that reflect the communities they serve. The Charity particularly welcome applications from young people, women, people from black and minority ethnic communities, and disabled people who we know are under-represented in Chair and Trustee roles. Additional induction will be organised for successful candidate without previous Board experience.

The deadline for applications is Tuesday 10 June.

Aspens are looking for trustees to join us on the next exciting part of our journey. We'd love to hear from you if you have accountancy, social care, business development or fundraising experience.

What will you be doing?

Are you passionate about making a real difference in the lives of people with learning disabilities and autism? Do you have the skills, experience, and dedication to help guide a forward-thinking charity? If so, we’d love to hear from you!

About Aspens CharitiesAt Aspens we provide high quality care and support to people on the autism spectrum and with learning disabilities; and their families; meeting their needs and aspirations and empowering them to learn and grow through an integrated network of services across the South-East.

Why Become a Trustee?As a Trustee, you will play a vital role in overseeing the governance and strategic direction of Aspens Charities. You will work alongside a committed Board to ensure our services remain impactful, sustainable, and aligned with our core values.

Your Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic leadership, ensuring Aspens meets its charitable objectives.
• Oversee financial management, risk assessment, and compliance with legal and regulatory standards.
• Support and challenge the Executive Team to drive excellence in service delivery.
• Act as an ambassador for Aspens, promoting our work and values.
• Attend Board meetings and contribute to key strategic decisions.

What We’re Looking For:We welcome applications from individuals with diverse professional backgrounds. Key attributes include:

• A strong commitment to the aims and values of Aspens Charities.
• Strategic thinking and decision-making abilities.
• Willingness to dedicate time to Board meetings and governance activities.
• Integrity, good judgment, and the ability to work collaboratively.

We are particularly interested in candidates with expertise in:

• Accountancy
• Health & Social Care sector knowledge
• Fundraising and business development

Time Commitment & LocationThis is a voluntary, unpaid role with reasonable expenses covered. The Board meets approximately three times a year, with 3 committee meetings and occasional additional meetings or events. Meetings are held in person and virtually.

What are we looking for?

• Commitment to the goals and aims of the charity. 
• Dedication to the role and a willingness to devote the required time. 
• The ability to make good independent judgements. 
• Being able to think creatively. 
• Understanding the importance of carrying out required legal duties. 
• Proven strategic abilities that can be used to create effective plans. 
• Strength of character coupled with the ability to voice concerns and opinions.
• Proven experience working as a member of successful teams. 
• Integrity and objectivity which can be applied to all aspects of the role.

Experience of either accountancy or fundraising / income generation. 

What difference will you make?

As a Trustee, your leadership will directly shape the future of Aspens Charities and the lives of the people we support. You will help:

• Improve Quality of Care – Ensuring individuals with learning disabilities and autism receive the best possible support.
• Drive Strategic Growth – Expanding and developing services to reach more people in need.
• Ensure Financial Sustainability – Overseeing resources to secure long-term impact.
• Strengthen Governance – Upholding transparency, compliance, and ethical leadership.

Your expertise will make a lasting difference, creating a more inclusive society where everyone can thrive.

Overview of the role

Uttlesford Foodbank are seeking someone with financial experience to join the board as a trustee, who will be able to lead on financial matters, ensuring we meet our financial obligations and help us build a sound financial strategy as we move forward. This role involves leading on the financial affairs of the food bank and ensuring that they are conducted within the required legal, accounting, and good practice frameworks.

Responsibilities

As a trustee you will share collective responsibility for the governance of the food bank and all decisions made by the board, ensuring the organisation is well run, fulfils its mission, is compliant with charity law and that the charity is open and accountable. It is also the responsibility of the treasurer to work in partnership with the chairperson and other trustees to ensure the financial viability and development of the organisation.

Key tasks:

• ensure the Board of Trustees fulfils its financial responsibilities
• ensure that the food bank has proper systems for budgeting, financial control, insurance and reporting
• ensure that financial reports: are comprehensible and properly discussed at trustee board meetings; are provided in the proper format and at the proper time, as required by the relevant charity regulator body (Charity Commission of England & Wales); have properly appointed auditors or independent examiners

Other responsibilities, along with the board of trustees, include:

• to approve, support, and guide the charity’s purpose, vision, strategy, goals and objectives
• to manage the charity’s resources responsibly, including ensuring the charity’s assets are used only to carry out its purpose, avoid undue risk, and not over-commit the charity
• to ensure the effective and efficient administration of the charity, responding to changes in the local community as appropriate to ensure that key risks are identified, monitored, and controlled appropriately
• to ensure appropriate financial plans are in place, budgets are monitored, and progress is evaluated
• to review and approve financial statements
• to help promote the organisation to key stakeholders and beneficiaries
• to ensure the charity has appropriate procedures to comply with current legislation and good practice, including employment, health and safety, equity, diversity and inclusion, safeguarding, and GDPR compliance/data protection
• to prepare for and regularly attend and participate in board and subcommittee meetings and any trustee away days.

About you

• a knowledge of and commitment to the work of the Uttlesford Foodbank
• previous experience or an ability in: financial accounting and reporting procedures; communicating financial information to those who may have little or no financial background; keeping financial records up to date.
• A knowledge and passion for your local community
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills
• Willingness to actively participate in discussions concerning needs of the foodbank’s beneficiaries, staff, and the trustee board
• Willingness to act in the best interest of the charity
• Sound, independent judgement and ability to think creatively
• Working effectively as a team member and demonstrating a willingness to learn and develop

Benefits of volunteering

• feeling you are making a difference whilst volunteering with us
• meeting new people and being part of a motivated team who share a passion to eradicate poverty in our community
• building a movement of change with our volunteers, staff, and the people who use our food bank
• bringing our staff, volunteers, and trustees together to achieve our vision
• gaining a greater insight and understanding of local agencies and partnerships

This role would be ideal for an early- or mid-career financial professional who is looking to broaden their range of skills and experiences within a friendly, welcoming, charity setting.

Impact of your role

By leading on the financial matters of the food bank operation, you are part of providing a vital holistic support function in your local community, ensuring a dignified experience to anyone visiting, or anyone who comes into contact with, Uttlesford Foodbank.

Support

A full trustee induction is in place to support the prospective candidate within their role, as well as access to local voluntary action trustee training.

South West London Law Centres (SWLLC) is an independent registered charity providing specialised legal advice and assistance covering Wandsworth, Merton, Croydon, Kingston-upon-Thames, Richmond-upon-Thames and Sutton in South West London.

Our vision is a future where people who cannot afford a lawyer:

• Have equal access to assert and enforce their rights;
• Are empowered to benefit from everything a healthy society has to offer;
• Are treated equally with dignity and respect.

You will play a critical role in helping SWLLC to grow and prosper. If you have a passion for access to justice and believe that you can improve the impact the SWLLC can make, then we look forward to hearing from you. 

What will you be doing?

Our previous chair stood down after an extended term of 6 years. They helped oversee the law centre during the pandemic and its aftermath during which we have seen the law centre continue to flourish in a very challenging environment. We are looking for a new chair who believes in what we do and is prepared to lead and act as an ambassador for the charitable trust so that we can continue to do this work. We currently have a strong trustee board of varying skills and tenures and the day to day management of the law centre is delegated to a small team. This team is small for what the law centre is trying to achieve. We need you to bring your expertise, energy and networks to the law centre. The role isn't glamorous, it's unpaid, and it's sometimes unacknowledged, but it is rewarding. You will play a critical role in helping SWLLC to support over 6,000 people a year, who would not otherwise have access to legal advice. We are very proud of the impact that we have had over the last 50 years, and continue to have. SWLLC continues to operate in a challenging environment, the work of the law centre is regulated and audited by a number of external bodies, our finances continued to be challenged by static legal aid, grants and donations, despite this we have continued to flourish, but the need for our services is greater than we can provide. The main areas that our trustees board can support alongside the role of governance of the law centre are:

• Finance
• Fundraising
• Human Resources
• Communications and Marketing
• IT and facilities
• Community Engagement and Community Activism

Time commitment:

6 Board meetings per year. Take place through a mixture of in person and online meetings in the evenings (usually midweek between 6pm – 7:30pm). The Chair will also need to have regular meetings with the Chief Executive, and Senior Management Team outside of these regular board meetings. Such meetings will typically be brief, online and arranged at a mutually convenient time. The Chair will also need to represent the Charity at various events and meetings with key stakeholders. Our head office is based in Croydon with other offices in Clapham Junction and Morden. We expect the role to take around 1 -2 days per month.

What are we looking for?

Principal responsibilities:

Strategic leadership

• Act as representative of the whole board and not its defacto head
• Provide leadership to the charity and its Board, ensuring that the Charity has maximum impact for its beneficiaries

Governance

• Ensure that the governance arrangements are working in the most effective way for the Charity

External Relations

• Act as an ambassador for the cause and the charity in partnership with the CEO

Efficiency and effectiveness

• Chair meetings of the Board of Trustees effectively and efficiently, bringing impartiality and objectivity to the decision-making process
• Ensure that Trustees are fully engaged and that decisions are taken in the best, long-term interests of the Charity and that the Board takes collective ownership

Relationship with the Chief Executive and the Senior Management Team

• Establish and build a strong, effective, supporting and a constructive working relationship with the Chief Executive, ensuring s/he is held to account for achieving agreed strategic objectives 

Personal Qualities:

• Personal gravitas to lead a significant organisation demonstrating a strong and visible passion and commitment to the law centre, its strategic objectives and cause  
• Exhibit strong inter-personal and relationship building abilities and be comfortable in an ambassadorial role
• Demonstrate tact and diplomacy, with the ability to listen and engage effectively
• Strong networking capabilities that can be utilised for the benefit of the law centre
• Ability to foster and promote a collaborative team environment
• Ability to commit time to conduct the role well, including travel and attending events out of office hours

Experience:

• Experience of operating at a senior strategic leadership level within an organisation
• Successful track record of achievement through their career
• Experience of external representation, delivering presentations and managing stakeholders
• Significant experience of chairing meetings and events Knowledge and skills
• Broad knowledge and understanding of the legal sector and current issues affecting it
• Strong leadership skills, ability to motivate staff and volunteers and bring people together
• Good understanding of charity governance and finance issues Terms The charity’s Chair (and board members) will serve a four-year term to be eligible for re-appointment for one additional term.

What difference will you make?

The impact the Chair will have is to ensure the continuation of the law centres' successful mission 

Law Centres are community-led, not-for-profit organisations that help local people to understand and enforce their legal rights. Their services are free, and they attempt to target the people who most need them – people who are at risk of discrimination and ill-treatment and those who are least able to protect themselves, for example because they lack the money to hire someone with legal expertise to help them.  We are currently celebrating our 50th year. SWLLC s is one of the larger Law Centre in Great Britain covering six London boroughs – Croydon, Kingston, Merton, Richmond, Sutton and Wandsworth. Our catchment area covers 1.7 million people. We now operate from 3 branch offices. We help over 6,000 people each year with a face to face service covering 3 broad services. 

• Expert casework and representation in the social welfare law covering community care, debt, employment, housing, immigration/asylum, public law, welfare rights and cost of living support 
• Emergency representation as part of the Housing Possession Court Duty Scheme 
• Pro Bono Clinics 

Amongst the results we achieve that make us proud of what we do are:

• the prevention of homelessness 
• the prevention and reduction of poverty 
• the protection of family life by reuniting people living in the UK with those living abroad
• the prevention of torture and death beyond our borders by the provision of advice and representation to people fleeing persecution 
• the prevention of ill-health by successfully challenging unfit living conditions 
• the prevention of mental ill-health by assisting people to deal with their personal debts

Before you apply

If you would like an initial discussion before putting in your application please message through the Reach Volunteering Platform and Senior Management Team will be on contact to further discuss the role and the opportunity. A panel of trustees and senior management team will review your application. If we consider that your skills and experience are a good fit with the Law Centre, you will be invited for an informal discussion with the panel about our work and the trustee role. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, and we encourage early submissions.

We are seeking to add to the expertise of our experienced, professional Board of Trustees all of whom are volunteers.  All our Trustees require excellent communication skills, the ability to work effectively as part of a team, strategic vision and good independent judgement. Although not limited to, we would particularly value the experience and skills in the following areas : 

• Company Secretary/Legal Experience 
• Fundraising in the following areas – Grant, Corporate and Public 
• Marketing 

Lived or shared experience of mental health – desirable. 

Inclusion is one of our values and we are looking for diversity in the makeup of our Board. We particularly welcome applications from underrepresented communities. The Board of Trustees meets every six weeks (in-person), in the evening at 7 p.m. for approximately 2 hours in the Borough of Sutton. 

As background information, Sutton Mental Health Foundation was established as a charity in 1998. Its aim is to support individuals experiencing serious mental health issues in the London Borough of Sutton. We aim to keep such individuals well and active helping them to have a voice in the provision of mental health care in the Borough.  Our vision is to provide a community in Sutton which values mental wellbeing and understands how to respond positively to individuals’ anxiety and distress.  The Foundation works together to promote mental wellbeing resilience and recovery from mental distress.We provide nonclinical support through our Intentional Peer Support programme together with a Day Service and a Crisis Cafe at our centre in Belmont. We receive funding mainly from the NHS and the London Borough of Sutton although we are part of the Voluntary Sector. 

We are looking to expand our Board with up to four new members, initially on a co-opted basis but with a path to trusteeship within the next six months if you feel it is right for you.

What will you be doing?

East Lothian Foodbank provides emergency food and compassionate, practical support to people in crisis. Without our volunteers, selflessly donating their time, we simply would not be able to provide the support our community needs.

Our Board, comprising both Trustees and co-opted advisory board members, are essential members of our volunteer community, offering their time and expertise to ensure that the management team have all the support and advice they need to deliver our mission effectively, efficiently and in compliance with all regulatory expectations.

About the role

We are looking to expand our Board with up to four new members, initially on a co-opted basis but with a path to trusteeship within the next six months if you feel it is right for you.

We are looking for people who want to help their local community and work towards the eradication of food poverty whilst support the foodbank to continue to provide emergency food to people who find themselves in crisis. 

Co-opted Board membership does not have a fixed term but we would ask that candidates be prepared to offer at least six months, so that collectively we can assess whether a path to trusteeship is desirable. No prior experience of Board membership or third sector working is necessary, and full induction training will be provided to help ease you into the role.

What are we looking for?

Our ideal candidates would demonstrate:

• Willingness to actively participate in discussions concerning needs of the foodbank’s beneficiaries, staff, and the trustee board.
• Willingness to act in the best interest of the charity.
• Sound, independent judgement and ability to think creatively.
• Ability to work effectively as a team member and willingness to learn and develop. 

As an inclusive organisation we welcome applications from anyone, but are particularly keen to bolster our collective knowledge and experience in areas we know the Board currently has gaps:

• Data protection, information security and cyber risk
• Talent acquisition, management and retention
• Direct, personal lived experience of financial difficulty/poverty

No prior experience of Board membership or third sector working is necessary, and full induction training will be provided to help ease you into the role.

What difference will you make?

By supporting the governance of East Lothian Foodbank as a member of its Advisorary Board you are part of a team providing a vital holistic support function in your local community, ensuring a dignified experience to anyone visiting or anyone who comes into contact with the food bank.

Remuneration: None, voluntary position. Expenses for travel may be claimed.

Time Commitment: Four formal three-hour board meetings per-year

Sub-committee and other officer roles require additional time. Additional meetings as and when circumstances require.

Term: Three-year terms for a maximum of three consecutive terms after which a Trustee may be reappointed following a year away from the board.

Location:Oxfordshire

Reporting: To the Board of Trustees

Reference Documents:

Charity Commission Essential Trustee Guide

Charity Governance Code

Charity Commission Guidance

Please read our accompanying recruitment pack for more information about working at

Oxfordshire Youth, including our approach to diversity and inclusion through recruitment.

To apply, please send a copy of your CV accompanied by a covering letter to our recruitment team, alternatively, visit our website or more information.  

Oxfordshire Youth

Oxfordshire Youth is a boundary-breaking youth development charity, passionate about creating a future for and with young people that gives them the best possible opportunity to realise their potential. Oxfordshire Youth supports the youth sector across the county, working with grassroots leaders; it delivers innovative youth leadership programmes; and it provides a transformational supported accommodation service for young people. In everything it does, OY aims to meet the needs and aspirations of young people. All the charity’s work is grounded in best practice safeguarding and youth work principles and practice.

1.Charity Trustees

The Charities Act 1993 defined charity trustees as those responsible under the charity’s governing document for controlling the administration and management of the charity. This is the case regardless of the terminology used to describe the role. The trustee board at Oxfordshire Youth usually comprises up to twelve trustees, although there is no formal limit on the number of trustees, including the following roles: 

● the Chair of the Board of Trustees

● the Deputy Chair and CEO Line-Manager 

● the Treasurer and Chair of the Finance, Audit and Risk Sub-Committee 

● the Safeguarding Lead and Chair of the Safeguarding,Quality and Impact Sub-Committee the People and Development Lead and Staff Liaison Trustee

2.The Role of the Board

At its most fundamental the role of the trustee board is to receive assets from donors, safeguard them and apply them to the charitable purposes of Oxfordshire Youth. The trustee board must always act in the best interests of Oxfordshire Youth, exercising the same standard of duty of care that a prudent person would apply if looking after the affairs of someone for whom they have responsibility. Trustees are ultimately and legally responsible for everything Oxfordshire Youth does. Trustees fulfil this responsibility by deciding the strategy, establishing organisational policies and implementing appropriate monitoring, reporting and control mechanisms to ensure and evidence compliance. Trustees appoint the CEO and, on recommendation by the CEO, appoint the Senior Leadership Team to manage all operational matters and the operational team in line with the approved strategy, policies and control mechanisms.

3.Duties of a Trustee

The statutory duties of a trustee are

● Ensure that Oxfordshire Youth complies with its Articles of Association, charity law, and any other relevant legislation or regulations

● Ensure that Oxfordshire Youth pursues its objects as defined in its Articles of Association 

● Ensure Oxfordshire Youth applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects. For example, it must not spend money on activities which are not included in the objects, however worthwhile they may be 

● Contribute actively to the board of trustees by giving firm strategic direction to Oxfordshire Youth, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets

● Safeguard the good name and values of Oxfordshire Youth

● Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organization

● Ensure the financial stability of Oxfordshire Youth 

● Protect and manage the property of the organisation and to ensure the proper investment of the organisation’s funds 

● Appoint the Chief Executive Officer and monitor performance 

In addition to the statutory duties listed above, each trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the board of trustees reach sound decisions. This may involve leading discussions, identifying key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives and evaluating or offering advice on other areas in which the trustee has particular expertise. Trustees must ensure that the charity has a clear vision, mission and strategic direction and is focused on achieving these.

4. Minimum Time Commitment

Trustees are expected to attend an induction session at Oxfordshire Youth prior to their first board meeting. Trustees are expected to attend the four annual board meetings which last approximately three hours (typically 6.30-9.30pm). Papers, proposals and reports are distributed one week in advance of meetings. Trustees may be asked to join a sub-committee or working group each of which have their own terms of reference and minimum time commitments. There is also an annual strategic planning board away-day or residential held each year.

5.Person Specification

Each trustee must have: 

● A commitment to the mission of Oxfordshire Youth 

● A willingness to meet the minimum time requirement 

● An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship 

● Strategic and forward-looking vision in relation to the charity’s objects and aims 

● Independent judgement, political impartiality, an ability to think creatively and a willingness to speak their mind 

● Good communication and interpersonal skills including a willingness to use tact and diplomacy to challenge and constructively criticise 

● Integrity

The board of trustees collectively needs skills and experience in the following areas: 

● Leadership and human resource management 

● Financial management, income generation and enterprise 

● Safeguarding experience and expertise 

● Public policy and public affairs 

● National and local youth sector

For this position, we are looking for an individual to join the Board of Trustees who is currently practicing within the legal profession, or who has significant skills and experience within this field, and who would be happy to use their position to provide legal advice and guidance to Oxfordshire Youth.

Oxfordshire Youth (OY) recruits outstanding talent to ensure we provide outstanding programmes services to the young people of Oxfordshire and the organisations who serve them. We are committed to creating a team of people that make diversity and inclusion the normal. Oxfordshire Youth are actively seeking to recruit candidates from Global Ethnic Majority backgrounds, and from candidates who may consider themselves to have lived experiences in the areas in which they work. 

Oxfordshire Youth offers Trustees robust training to support them to succeed in their role and to broaden their knowledge on the youth sector, and other relevant issues.

6. Trustee Role Boundaries

Trustees in a decision-making capacity:

● As a board of trustees 

● As a sub-committee

● Chair - delegated authority by the board to make decisions between board meetings where necessary 

● CEO Line Manager - delegated authority by the board to make decisions between board meetings where necessary

Trustee roles outside of the above decision-making capacity:

1. Advisory role (i.e. offering advice in an area of expertise). In this capacity the Trustee is acting as Trustee but, as noted above, does not have decision-making capacity in their own right.

2. Volunteer role (i.e. participating in an operational working group). Here the Trustee is subject to the decision-making of the operational team-member who is in a position of authority. As a volunteer the Trustee is at liberty to withdraw.

3. Observer role (i.e. attending an OY workshop for young people or observing OY work). In this capacity they are acting as a Trustee but have no role beyond observing or information gathering for the purposes of strengthening their own understanding and / or board-level decision-making.

Champion role (i.e. spreading the message about the work of OY). In this capacity they are acting as a Trustee, helping to build the profile of the work of OY, with no decision making, but with the view of creating a positive image and sign-p

WellChild, based in Cheltenham, is the national charity for seriously ill children and their families. We fund programmes and services to make it possible for children and young people living with complex medical needs to thrive at home instead of hospital.

What we are looking for:

An experienced senior paediatric doctor with knowledge of the current challenging environment faced by children with complex medical needs and their families.

Purpose of the role:

Our medical trustee is the professional/clinical link championing our families and professional voices to ensure that we always act in the best interest of our service users which is the focus of our charity.

It is the duty of the board of trustees to act in the interests of the charity’s service users. It should ensure that the charity has a clear strategic direction and fulfils its charitable purpose as set out in the charity’s governing document – Articles of Association.

The board of trustees follows the Nolan principles of acting with integrity. It adopts values, applies ethical principles to decisions and creates a welcoming and supportive culture which helps achieve the charity’s purpose. The board ensures the charity’s ethics and values are embedded throughout the organisation.

Trustees undertake their duties with this in mind.

Role: Leeds Hospitals Charity Trustee (voluntary)

Application Deadline: Monday 30th June 2025

Meet the Executive Team and Board of Trustees: May 22nd 2025 3.30pm – 6.00pm

Interviews to take place: Wednesday 23rd July 2025

Location: Hybrid  

About Leeds Hospitals Charity

Leeds Hospitals Charity is the charity partner of Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. We champion, support and gives thanks to our NHS, bringing together thousands of donors so we can make a real difference to the people and patients of Yorkshire. We do this by funding life-saving equipment, treatments, research into rare diseases and home comforts – whatever will make the biggest impact to the people who need it most.

We are passionate about healthcare and about making our hospitals amazing – our vision is to make Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust to be the best hospital, in the healthiest city in the UK.

Each year we award grants of around £4 million to support the innovative work of our hospitals. Our most recent fundraising appeal, for the Rob Burrow Centre for MND, will see a brand new, purpose-built care centre be opened at Seacroft Hospital in late 2025, transforming care for patients with motor neurone disease and their families.

People are central to everything we do here and we pride ourselves on Leeds Hospitals Charity being an organisation that is a friendly, diverse and welcoming place to work. Our core values of ‘together, transparent and transform’ underpin all of our work and ensures that we are impact driven, working hard to benefit patients, families and NHS staff.

Our Trustees

Leeds Hospitals Charity (Registered charity no. 1170369). has a fully independent Board of Trustees, who are also appointed as Directors of Leeds Hospitals Charity (Company Number 10492128), which is incorporated under the Companies Act 2006 as a private company. We also have a separate trading subsidiary, LHC Enterprise Limited (Company Number 13438357), with its own Directors.

The Board of Trustees currently comprises 12 Trustees; the Chair is Dr Yvette Oade OBE, who is in her second three-year term as a Trustee and her second year as Chair of the Charity.

The Role

Leeds Hospitals Charity is looking to appoint up to four new Trustees to enhance the Board’s skills and expertise to help shape and grow the Charity to provide the best support to our NHS.

The successful candidates may have interest and insight into the issues facing health-related charities and they may also have experience as a Trustee, or in a similar role in another context, but neither of these are essential.

Trustees use their knowledge and experience to make a strategic and principled contribution to the work of the Charity, encouraging innovation and bringing to bear their analytical skills. A willingness to be challenging but constructive, and an ability to engage with detail, are essential for this role.

We are seeking candidates with a wide range of relevant skills and experience but are particularly interested in those candidates with experience in the following sectors:

· Accountancy or audit

· Legal

· Academic or health

· Community or charity

Leeds Hospitals Charity strongly believes that greater diversity improves performance and we aim to attract talented people to reflect the communities with which we work. We strongly encourage applications from groups which are under-represented on our existing Board, including, in particular, candidates with protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010.

Although they are volunteers, our Trustees have independent control over, and legal responsibility for the charity’s management and administration. Trusteeship can be rewarding for many reasons, from a sense of making a difference to the charitable cause, to new experiences and relationships.

Commitment

This is a voluntary role, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed. Trustees are expected to be able to commit around 12 days a year, for committee meetings, Board meetings and development days.

We welcome candidates from a range of backgrounds and flexibility is offered to those candidates who may have caring responsibilities.

We are looking for someone who will:

· Support and provide advice on the Charity’s purpose, vision, goals, and activities.

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

· Oversee our financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress.

· Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.

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

· Provide support and challenge to the Charity’s CEO in the exercise of their delegated authority

· Keep abreast of changes in the Charity’s operating environment.

· Contribute to regular reviews of the Charity’s own governance.

· Attend meetings, adequately prepared to contribute to discussions.

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

The successful person will:

· Bring relevant experience from their own professional sector, with some additional knowledge of the third sector.

· Be constructively challenging and attentive to detail.

· Be able to use their independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to protect the Charity’s best interests.

· Have an interest in health-related charity issues or prior Trustee experience (although these are not essential)

How to apply:

Applications should consist of a full Curriculum Vitae detailing experience and relevant qualifications, accompanied by a covering letter describing briefly how candidates meet the recruitment criteria, why the appointment is of interest and what they believe they can bring to the role. If candidates wish, these may be reflected in a video (no more than three minutes long) rather than in writing.

Applications should be emailed to Helen McDougall by the closing date. Email details can be found in the Trustee Information Pack on our website. Interested candidates are also welcome to visit the Charity’s offices, at Leeds General Infirmary, on 22nd May 2025, to find out more about the role and meet the Executive Team in advance of the closing date. To arrange a time to drop in, please email Helen McDougall.

Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed by an interview panel of Trustees and the Chief Executive of the Charity.

For more information about the position and the charity, please visit Leeds Hospitals Charity's website and click on Join the Team.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we commit to offering all applicants who consider themselves to have a disability an interview if they demonstrate they possess the essential skills and experience required for the role. Please advise on your covering letter if you consider yourself to have a disability.

Thank you for taking the time to apply for our position. We appreciate your interest in Leeds Hospitals Charity. If your application is selected to continue in the interview process, a member of the Team will be in contact with you.