Independent board trustees volunteer roles

The Honorary Treasurer is a key voluntary post within Mountain Training England and the wider network of related mountaineering organisations. As a member of the Board of Trustees, the Treasurer shares the responsibility for overseeing the management of the organisation and implementing the strategic objectives of its members.

The Treasurer has an oversight role over all aspects of financial management, working closely with other members of the Board of Trustees to safeguard the organisation financially. They act as an informed reference point for the Chair and other Trustees.

Although it is the Treasurer’s responsibility to ensure proper financial records and procedures are maintained, much of this work is delegated to the Finance and Audit Sub-committee and paid staff.

Our annual statement of accounts can be seen at Companies House.

Role of Mountain Training England Treasurer

• The Treasurer oversees the financial matters of Mountain Training England in line with good practice and in accordance with the governing document and legal requirements of the Charities and Companies Acts and reports both quarterly to the Board and to the Members at three Council meetings per year about the financial health of the organisation.
• The Treasurer ensures that effective financial measures, controls and procedures are in place.
• The Treasurer takes the lead on the formulation of policies for finances, reserves and investments.

Specific Responsibilities

• To oversee/verify and present budgets, accounts, management accounts and financial statements to the Board and Members after discussion with the Finance Committee. 
• To ensure that appropriate accounting procedures and controls are in place.
• To ensure that full and accurate accounts and records are kept.
• In conjunction with the Executive Officer maintain sound financial management of MTE’s resources, ensuring expenditure is in line with the charity’s objects.
• To ensure compliance with relevant legislation e.g. Companies and Charity legislation and contractual agreements with external agencies such as funders and statutory bodies

• Chairing the Finance and Audit Committee in line with its terms of reference and reporting back to the Board.
• Present the annual statement of accounts to the Members at the Annual General Meeting.
• To liaise with designated staff about financial matters.
• Advising on the financial implications of MTE’s strategic and operational plan.
• Ensure that the annual accounts are compliant with the current Charities Statement of Recommended Practice.
• Ensure any recommendations of the independent examiner are implemented.
• Contribute to the fundraising strategy of the organisation.
• Advise on reserves policy and investment policy.
• Ensure that there is no conflict between any investment held and the aims and objects of MTE or partner organisations.
• Ensure that MTE has sufficient liquidity to meet its future commitments.

 PERSON SPECIFICATION

ESSENTIAL SKILLS, QUALIFICATIONS EXPERIENCE

Considerable experience as a treasurer of similar sized organisations

Some experience of walking, rock climbing or mountaineering.

OR experience of controlling a budget in a small-to-medium-sized (SME) organisation/business

Have an interest in the development of the Mountain Training awards

Financial accounting and reporting experience

Experience of working with charity or educational body accounts

Recognised accountancy qualification e.g. ICAEW, ACCA, CIPFA, CIMA, AAT etc

DESIRABLE

Knowledge of Charity SORP

An understanding of Equity/Inclusion applicable to financial resources

Commitment

As Treasurer you will chair the Finance & Audit Committee, which meets quarterly. You will also be expected to attend four Board meetings and a minimum of one of three Members’ Council meetings per year.  Attendance at the AGM is expected to present the annual statement of accounts to members.

Occasional attendance at MTUKI Council meetings and Finance Planning Group meetings is required.

Term

Trustees serve for a maximum of three years and are re-elected annually at the Annual General Meeting. At the end of the first three-year term of office Trustees are eligible for re-election for one further term of three years. From time to time the positions of Treasurer, Vice-Chair and Chair become subject to renewal. The Trustees nominate these positions from the Board and the Council votes to approve them at the AGM.

Expenses

Reasonable travel, parking and subsistence expenses are paid to Trustees, in line with MTE expenses policy.

TRC was set up in 2010 to provide a free, confidential and non-judgemental specialist support service run by women for women and girls who have experienced any form of rape, sexual abuse or sexual violence at any time in their lives. We are a feminist organisation and we actively challenge the values, beliefs and behaviours that contribute to women’s
oppression. Our mission is to raise awareness about sexual violence through providing training, guidance and information and working in partnership with local service providers and communities to promote the values of TRC.

We are looking for women who hold feminist values and principles and who are passionate about the mission and values of TRC. We are particularly looking for Trustees who have relevant qualifications and/or experience in the following areas:

• Safeguarding, offering support to the chair and safeguarding leads with the management of safeguarding cases and keeping up to date with best practice
• Legal and Governance, including strategic planning and understanding of the wider political Greater Manchester landscape
• Human resources and personnel management, including a knowledge of employment legislation
• Financial management, planning and budgeting
• Public Relations, Marketing and fundraising, including awareness raising and campaigning through social media
• Capacity building and training, especially for volunteers
• Women’s health and mental health, outreach and partnership work with local services

Organisation: Glasgow North West Citizens Advice Bureau
Location: Glasgow (hybrid with some in-person commitments)
Remuneration: Voluntary (reasonable expenses reimbursed)
Time commitment: Approx. 1–2 days per month

Charity Recruit is proud to be partnering with Glasgow North West Citizens Advice Bureau (GNWCAB) to appoint a new Chair to lead its experienced and committed Board.

GNWCAB is an independent charity providing free, impartial and confidential advice to people across the North West of Glasgow. The Bureau supports thousands of people each year on matters ranging from debt and welfare rights to housing, employment and immigration. Their impact is local, but their reach connects directly with the wider Citizens Advice Scotland network and its national campaigns.

Following a period of growth and strategic development, GNWCAB is now preparing for a major premises change and the next chapter of its delivery. The incoming Chair will provide thoughtful and engaged leadership during this transition, ensuring robust governance and helping to shape the future of this essential frontline service.

We are looking for someone who is passionate about social justice and empowering communities. You’ll bring a strong track record of organisational leadership, an understanding of charity governance and a collaborative, inclusive approach to working with fellow Trustees and the senior leadership team.

Experience chairing Boards or Committees is welcome, but not essential. What matters most is your ability to listen, lead with clarity, and provide strategic oversight through a period of change.

GNWCAB is proud of the diversity of its community and welcomes applications from individuals from all backgrounds. Local insight or lived experience of the issues GNWCAB tackles would be especially valued.

To support a smooth transition, a full induction period is planned where the incoming Chair will serve as a Trustee and shadow the current Chair until autumn 2025.

To apply
Please click the Apply button to be redirected to Charity Recruit where you’ll find details of how to express your interest. If you’d prefer an informal conversation first, we’d love to hear from you.

About Charity Recruit
We specialise in leadership recruitment for the charity and not-for-profit sector. Whether you’re looking for your next meaningful role or hiring a values-driven leader, we understand the challenges and opportunities unique to this space. Our approach is thoughtful, tailored and rooted in a genuine commitment to the sector’s impact. 

Social Anxiety Alliance UK is a young and developing charity ideally looking for an experienced Trustee.

It may be possible for someone with a dedication and passion for helping those with social anxiety to apply for this role providing they are aware of the governance issues relating to the role (please read the charity commission document "The essential trustee")

Social anxiety involves an excessive fear of social situations. Sufferers will often fear being embarrassed or worry about being negatively evaluated by others. Anticipatory anxiety and situational avoidance are common, and individuals may endure social situations with a high level of discomfort. The scope of the anxiety may be focused on specific types of social situations or generalised to almost any social encounter.

We are the first UK charity dedicated to Social Anxiety.

What will you be doing

· Contribute towards the good management of the charity by carrying out key responsibilities as follows:

· To ensure that the charity complies with its governing document, charity law, company law, and any other relevant legislation or regulations.

· To ensure that the charity pursues its charitable objects as defined in its governing document.

· To ensure that the charity uses its resources exclusively to further its objects.

· To contribute towards setting the charity’s strategic direction and to evaluate performance and progress against agreed targets.

· To uphold the reputation and values of the charity.

· To commit to read papers in preparation for meetings and attend regular board meetings.

What we are looking for

· An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties and responsibilities of trusteeship.

· A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to their duties as a trustee.

· Willingness to act in the best interests of the organisation.

· An ability to work effectively as a member of the team.

· Willingness to prepare for and attend monthly Board meetings.

· Willingness to participate actively in discussions.

· Enthusiasm for the charity’s vision and mission.

· Empathy for the challenges faced by people affected by social anxiety.

· A strong commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

· Integrity and honesty.

· Good, independent judgement.

Experience or interest in some of the following areas:

· • Charity management, governance, compliance, law, or the dedication to learn about governance and what it takes to be a Trustee

What difference will you make

As part of our board, you will help to support and develop the charity and set its strategic direction. You will have the opportunity to offer your unique skill set, experience and enthusiasm to help us to achieve the charity’s mission and goals:
To foster a society in which social anxiety is widely understood, where there is easy access to appropriate information, support and treatment so that no one has to face social anxiety alone.

Board meetings and projects

We are a friendly board and we hold our meetings monthly online in the evening, typically on a Tuesday at 7pm to 8:30pm.

We would hope that Trustees can contribute to some other charity tasks and projects as the need arises. 

We are seeking a volunteer Trustee and Treasurer to help us manage the iconic Winterbourne Medieval Barn. You will join an experienced Board of Trustees who have developed activites to create a successful Community and Heritage Centre.

We run a programme of events for the benefit of the local community, as well as offering commercial hire  opportunities. The activities are  largely volunteer run and are supported by three part time staff. Our aim is to use this magnificent building for the benefit of all visitors and it ensure that it is preserved and managed so that it will continue to  inspire people for many generations.

As a Trustee and Treasurer you will use your skills and experience to ensure that the charity is run in a way that is responsible, effective and meets its legal and statutory requirements.

What Are we Looking For?

We are looking for someone with:

•  Knowledge and experience of finance practice relevant to voluntary and community organisations 
• Knowledge of bookkeeping and financial management 
• Good financial analysis skills 
• Ability to communicate clearly.

The main elements of the role are:

Summary

•  Oversee the financial affairs of WMBT and ensure they are legal, constitutional and within accepted accounting practice 
• ·As part of routine financial control ensure proper records are kept and that effective financial policies and procedures are in place 
• Monitor and report on the financial health of WMBT 
• Oversee the production of necessary financial reports/returns and accounts 
• Chair the Finance committee. 

Specifically 

•  Ensuring that finance systems and processes which support the Financial Procedures Manual policies are set up, documented and implemented
• Ensuring that sufficient records are maintained to show and explain WMBT’s transactions, in order to disclose accurately, the financial position of WMBT at any time 
• Managing the budgeting process for the annual budget 
• Presenting financial reports at each Trustees’ meeting which give the Board of Trustees an understanding of WMBT’s overall finances, and giving advice and information to support decision making 
• Liaising with the independent examiner to produce the statutory accounts.
• Provision of overall management of the Trusts’s bank accounts 

What are we looking for?

We are looking for someone with:

•  Knowledge and experience of finance practice relevant to voluntary and community organisations 
• Knowledge of bookkeeping and financial management 
• Good financial analysis skills 
• Ability to communicate clearly.

What difference will you make?

The continued success of the Trust depends on the maintenance of  strong financial support to ensure that the building is maintained and managed in an appropriate manner. The business plan requires a mix of heritage and commercial activities to achieve this and to ensure that the Trust continues to serve the community.

What is involved

Much of the role can be performed remotely, but there will be a requirement to attend 8 meetings a year at Winterbourne (4 Finance Committee meetings and 4 Board of Trustee meetings)

Can you bring your vision, passion, and experience to support our rapid growth, and strengthen our board to deliver our strategy? North Cotswold Foodbank are looking for a trustee with experience in fundraising to join them.

What will you be doing?

North Cotswold Foodbank are looking for a trustee with experience in fundraising to join them. We are a fast-growing charity that requires a Trustee who can enhance the board and build our fundraising ability to support our growth, ensuring that we are compliant with fundraising legislation and in line with our policies.

Responsibilities (specific to your role):

• Help to develop and approve the charity's fundraising strategy, ensuring it aligns with the charity's overall goals and values. 
• Ensure compliance, taking responsibility for ensuring the charity's fundraising activities comply with all relevant laws and regulations, including those set by the Fundraising Regulator and the Charity Commission. 
• Manage any risks associated with fundraising activities, including conflicts of interest, and ensuring the charity's reputation is protected. 
• Trustees have a responsibility to scrutinize the fundraising budget and ensure that fundraising activities are properly funded and monitored. 
• Trustees play a key role in ensuring the charity's fundraising activities are conducted ethically and in accordance with the Fundraising Code. 
• Trustees may be involved in representing the charity at fundraising events or speaking to donors and the public. 

Responsibilities (common to all trustees):

• Collaborate with the trustee board to ensure that North Cotswold Foodbank’s financial dealings are systematically accounted for and on time, independently examined and made publicly available when necessary.
• Ensure your charity is accountable, actively complying with statutory accounting and reporting requirements and the law. 
• Ensure appropriate financial plans are in place for future budget allocations as well as looking after contractual agreements with external partners that award money for core costs and additional projects.
• Ensure that North Cotswold Foodbank has appropriate procedures to comply with current legislation and good practice, including employment, health and safety, equal opportunities, safeguarding & GDPR compliance/data protection etc.
• Act with reasonable care and skill, giving your time, thought and energy to your role.
• Give good counsel and measured advice on any matter that requires it, acting in a collaborative, positive, and constructive way.

What are we looking for?

North Cotswold Foodbank are looking for a trustee with experience in fundraising to join them. We are a fast-growing charity that requires a Trustee who can enhance the board and build our fundraising ability to support our growth, ensuring that we are compliant with fundraising legislation and in line with our policies.

Our ideal candidates would demonstrate:

• Knowledge, ability and passion for fundraising and grant application writing
• An ability to lead on any fundraising and grants matters in a supportive and confident manner
• An ability to lead on any matters relevant to your role.
• The ability to provide carefully considered advice in a constructive way.
• A knowledge of, and commitment to, the work of North Cotswold Foodbank and Trussell. 
• Sympathy towards the ethos and principles of Trussell.
• An understanding of the reasons why people face hunger, food insecurity, and/or food poverty.
• Someone who enjoys working as part of a team.
• An understanding that some periods throughout the year are busier than others.

We welcome applications from new and experienced Trustees.

What difference will you make?

By leading on Fundraising strategy for the food bank, you are providing a vital holistic support function in your local community, ensuring a dignified experience to anyone visiting or anyone who comes into contact with North Cotswold Foodbank.

We are looking to appoint a trustee with experience in Finance to oversee our finance functions, providing advice, scrutiny and support to the charity and to be the Chair of our Governance, Audit & Risk Committee (GAR)

Knowledge & Experience:

• Qualified accountant with demonstrated commercial awareness and knowledge and thorough understanding of the Charities SORP (statement of recommended practice)
• Knowledge and experience of charity fundraising and finance practices
• Ability to communicate and explain financial information to members of the Board and stakeholders
• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
• Dedicated to the organisation’s cause and objectives

The Governance, Audit & Risk Committee (GAR) Purpose & Duties:

The Governance, Audit and Risk Committee is a Sub-Committee of the Board of Trustees of the 1851 Marine Trust (the “Trust”). The Committee shall meet not less than 4 times a year and at such other times as it considers necessary.

The Committee shall provide support, assurance and recommendations to the Board on:

• Best practice in charity governance and as appropriate governance arrangements for the Trust
• The effectiveness of the Trust’s internal control and risk management framework, including key policies and procedures
• The conduct of the external independent examination or audit and the Trust’s annual report and accounts, including the performance of the independent examiners’
• The day-to-day financial operations and controls including monitoring income and expenditure against the annual budget

Trustee - Role and Responsibilities

As a Trustee your role will be to use your skills and your personal experience to contribute to the work of the Board. Trustee responsibilities will include the following:

Leadership:

Promote the vision, values and objectives of the 1851 Marine Trust and take an active role in supporting the Trust’s strategy. Assist fellow Trustees in agreeing strategic aims, ensuring that the necessary financial and human resources are in place to meet its objectives, and that performance is effectively monitored and reviewed. Engage positively and collaboratively in Board discussion of agenda items.

Management:

In accordance with agreed Board procedures, monitor the performance of the Trust, identify and manage risks posed by its activities and assist in the satisfaction of statutory duties around the preparation of annual reports and accounts, fundraising and safeguarding. Provide independent judgement and advice on issues of strategy, vision, performance, resources and standards of conduct and apply this to the benefit of the organisation, its stakeholders and wider community. Participate in committees as determined and delegated by the Board of Trustees.

Governance:

Commit to working to, and encouraging within the Trust, the highest standards of probity, integrity and governance and contribute to ensuring that the internal governance arrangements, including the management of conflicts of interest, conform with the Trust’s constitution, best practice and statutory requirements. Obtain assurance that financial information is accurate and that financial controls and risk management systems are robust and appropriate.

Requirements for new Trustees:

Able to attend 4-6 meetings a year with sufficient time to review meeting papers. The time commitment is estimated at a minimum 20 hours per year but could increase depending on the outcome of agenda items and related sub-committee work. Documents are sent to Trustees by email and meetings are held both electronically and in person.

Trustees/Board members are not paid, though reasonable expenses are claimable. Initial term of office is for three years. 

Chair of the Board of Home-Start Berkshire East

Are you our new Chair of the Board?

Can you lead a charity that supports parents of young children in east Berkshire?

Home-Start in Berkshire East is an empowering, visionary, family support service built on trusted relationships and rooted in the community. We are a local charity, also part of the national Home-Start network of 180 groups. Our Board of trustees is fully responsible for governing our independent organisation, which focuses support to parents with young children, through a range of volunteer and employee-supported services, primarily in the east of Berkshire.

With a turnover of £300k+ in 2024/25, we’re a medium-sized charity, with 14 paid staff and over 30 regular volunteers, offering over 3,000 volunteer hours to more than 300 families per year.

We are looking for a new Chair for our Board of Trustees, as we continue to grow after our recent merger, and as our current Chair reaches the end of her Term of Office. You’ll have a leadership background and an understanding of (charity or corporate) governance. It is vital that you are able to lead cooperatively and work with other Trustees, the CEO, our employee and volunteer team, to shape our vision and strategy. Whilst we’d appreciate some experience within the charity sector, as either a trustee, volunteer or employee, that is not absolutely vital  – we don’t want to preclude appropriate experience from other sectors that clearly fits our current and future needs.

This is a high-profile appointment, with strong commitment to the future of families and children, and an appreciation of Home-Start’s work both important.

We are a charity not a business, but we apply business principles to governing our organisation. We are looking for fresh expertise and experience, wanting to expand the diversity of our board, in all meanings of the word, and strongly welcome applications from people from less-represented groups.

The focus of a trustee is strategic, and our Chair will not be expected to get involved in the organisation’s operations on a day-to-day basis; however, regular contact and liaison with other trustees and our CEO is expected.  

We ask for at least eight hours per month, rising up to sixteen hours per month at times of year-end and the AGM, plus other occasional promotional & celebratory events. You will need good access to digital communications, as much of our charity’s business is run that way.

How to apply  

This appointment is being managed for us by inVOLve Community Services, a charity-support organisation, who offer a no-obligation discussion. A detailed Chair’s Recruitment Information Pack can be made available to you upon request.

Trustee appointments are subject to satisfactory references, to completion of an online Safeguarding course and an Enhanced DBS check. 

Your CV and Supporting Statement will be read by our existing trustees; an informal discussion, followed by a more-formal interview can be arranged as soon as mutually convenient 

I need to know more 

Contact Mike Allen via Apply Now below for more information and arrange to have a no-obligation initial informal discussion (Teams/Zoom), explanation about this important role and any assistance in your application.

Following a review of our Board, we are looking for people who are committed to developing our services to the population of Derby City, South Derbyshire, East Staffordshire, Tamworth and surrounding areas. We are specifically looking for people with a finance, HR or legal background. Applications from women and individuals from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds are encouraged.

That is not the only criteria as the main element we are looking for is a passion to help us improve the lives of the people that we serve.  

Practical Considerations

Evening Board Trustee meetings are held approximately every 12 weeks. We also hold sub-committees every 12 weeks. The total time commitment for a Trustee is at least 1 day per month; induction and training are provided, as is support from an experienced and knowledgeable Trustee and staff team. Trustees are not paid, but expenses are covered. A DBS (criminal records check) will be required.

Essential

· Will require references

· Own computer or secure access to one

· Long term commitment

If you have any questions or wish to discuss the role, please visit our company website for contact details

Citizens Advice Mid Mercia is a charity created to serve our local community of over 600,000 people across Derby City, South Derbyshire, East Staffordshire, Tamworth and surrounding areas.

We provide information, advice, support and training on a wide range of subjects such as debt, consumer services, energy, family, work, housing, health, digital skills and homelessness. Our Governing Body is a Board consisting of Trustees who provide independent judgement and oversight and are responsible for providing the strategic direction of our organisation.

Trustees play an essential role in ensuring that the charity runs smoothly and to make sure that:

· The services we offer are high quality

· Our clients’ experiences are used to campaign for changes in policies or services locally and nationally

· Resources are secured to meet current and new demands and that all funds are used responsibly

· Recruitment and selection processes for staff and volunteers are fair, and we are representative of the local community

· Training and support are available for staff and volunteers

· Local partner organisations and funders are aware of the charity and its services

About Citizens Advice Mid Mercia

It is an exciting time to join Citizens Advice Mid Mercia. We are a growing organisation that provides a range of services from quick advice, generalist advice, specialist advice, statutory and none statutory health services as well as peer support and training.  We provide services in a variety of outreach locations and are also based in Swadlincote, Derby City, Burton and Tamworth. We provide telephone and face to face advice services for people who want advice on a wide range of issues.

Cripplegate Foundation is looking for new Governors (trustees) to join our board. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of a trusted, independent and innovative grant- making organisation that has been supporting Islington for over 500 years.

Working alongside our partners at Islington Giving, we invest over £2 million a year in local charities and community groups. Together we amplify local voices, improve access to opportunities and support lasting change.

 Who we’re looking for

• Do you want to make a real difference in Islington?
• Are you passionate about tackling local poverty and inequality?
• Can you help amplify the voices of those we work with, through your personal or professional experience?
• Could you bring additional diversity to our board so that we better reflect the communities in which we work?
• Do you have some frontline charity experience, senior leadership or otherwise?
• Are you able to commit the time required to make the most of joining us?

We are genuinely encouraging a wide range of people to come forward and cannot emphasise enough how your background, life experience, approach and values are more important than any knowledge or experience of grant making, or of being a trustee elsewhere.

Full induction, mentoring and ongoing support will be provided. This is a voluntary/unpaid role, with expenses covered.

The closing date for applications is 16th October at 5:00 p.m.

For more details and how to apply, please visit our website and download the full Candidate Pack.

Who They Are

The ExtraCare Charitable Trust is a UK charity that has been supporting older people for over 35 years. Its vision – better lives for older people – remains as relevant today as at its founding. Through integrated retirement communities, ExtraCare offers an alternative approach to later living that challenges societal perceptions of ageing.

Its holistic model, underpinned by research with Aston and Lancaster Universities, has delivered proven benefits for both residents and wider society. As pioneers of supported independent living, the Trust prides itself on delivering best-in-class retirement living and advocating for older people.

Since 1988, ExtraCare has developed retirement villages and smaller housing schemes, with a consistent focus on enabling residents to enjoy happy, healthy, and fulfilled lives within vibrant communities. Today, it is the UK’s leading not-for-profit developer of housing for over-55s, operating 14 retirement villages and four smaller schemes, supporting more than 4,329 residents in 3,778 homes.

The Role

ExtraCare is seeking a new Chair of the Audit & Assurance Committee to lead the Committee in providing rigorous oversight of risk, governance, and financial controls, ensuring the charity operates with integrity and in full compliance with regulatory requirements. The charity welcomes applications from individuals with a wide variety of backgrounds to help enhance the diversity of the Board.

Person Specification

• Senior leadership or Board-level experience, and/or prior service as Chair or member of an Audit Committee.

• Strong business acumen, including strategic financial planning and awareness, with a sound understanding and background in audit and finance. A relevant financial qualification is desirable but not essential, provided at least one other Committee member holds such a qualification or background.

• Working knowledge of the Audit Committee’s role, internal and external audit processes, audit practice, and risk management frameworks.

• Sound governance knowledge and experience operating with a high level of accountability in a regulated sector.

• Ability to chair meetings impartially, effectively, and inclusively.

• Commitment to ongoing personal and professional development.

Securing our Future: championing sustainable, innovative care and strengthening community impact.

This is a pivotal moment to join St Helena. Under our Securing our Future programme, we took action to protect our specialist palliative care and bereavement support services for north east Essex. This has been a challenging period for the hospice sector as we navigate rising costs, increasing demand and evolving income streams. We have been innovating how we deliver truly person-centred care whilst diversifying our income streams, with an increasingly commercial focus to how we deliver our charitable purposes. 

This role forms part of the board of St Helena Hospice Trading Ltd, the wholly owned trading susidiary of St Helena Hospice. As we continue to diversify our income to support specialist palliative and bereavement care across north east Essex, our trading company plays a vital role in generating sustainable revenue through retail and enterprise.

To help us thrive, we are recruiting two new Trustees:

1. A philanthropic leader with a proven track record in major gifts, diversified fundraising strategy and nurturing high-net-worth relationships
2. A digital strategist skilled in digital transformation, data-driven decision-making and enhancing online engagement.

Please read the candidate pack for more information.

Join Leonard Cheshire's transformational journey and utilise your clinical insight and expertise on our Board.

Applications close: Monday 27th October 2025

Location: London SE1 9SG

Time commitment: c.1 day per month

About Leonard Cheshire

Leonard Cheshire has been at the forefront of disability rights and care for more than seven decades. Founded on the principle that disabled people have the right to independence, we continue to be guided by this visionary ethos as we support over 2,000 disabled people through our residential care homes, nursing homes, and supported living services.

Our 4,000 dedicated staff work across England to deliver care that is consistently rated among the highest in the sector, with 87% of our services rated ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ by regulators. We are not simply a care provider but a pioneering force for change, championing technology-enabled independence and advocating for the rights of disabled people at the highest levels of government.

Following a period of significant challenge, Leonard Cheshire has emerged stronger and more focused and we are developing a clear vision for the future. We are focused on utilising our resources on our core mission of providing outstanding care for disabled people in the UK.

About the role

Leonard Cheshire is looking to appoint an exceptional clinical professional to join our Board of Trustees at a pivotal moment in our 75-year history as we embark on an ambitious strategy that will reshape how we deliver person-centred care for disabled people across the UK.

You will work closely with our Chief Executive, Dr Ruth Owen OBE, and Vanessa Davies, our Executive Director Quality and Clinical Care, together with our high-calibre board, to guide Leonard Cheshire through this next phase.

You will help shape policy and strategy, provide oversight of our clinical standards, and ensure that our governance reflects best practice across the healthcare and social care sectors.

Our new Trustee will contribute to decisions about service design, quality frameworks, regulatory compliance, and strategic partnerships that will affect thousands of disabled people.

Who we are looking for

We seek a Trustee who combines deep clinical expertise with commercial acumen and strong governance experience.

We are open regarding which particular clinical background you will bring, as we operate in a wide context supporting all disabled people to lead independent lives. We are particularly interested in someone who can evidence knowledge and skill in applying their clinical experience within therapeutic environments, enabling young people to live as independently as possible, within the community. An added benefit will be someone who has combined clinical and therapeutic interventions with the use of enabling technology.

Your clinical background should be complemented by experience in leadership roles where you have balanced quality, safety, and financial considerations. Perhaps you have worked in senior positions within NHS trusts, private healthcare organisations, or social care providers. You will have experience with regulatory bodies such as the CQC or have been involved in service transformation projects.

Equally important is your understanding of good governance. Experience of board-level decision making, risk management, and strategic oversight is valuable, whether gained in healthcare settings or other sectors. Furthermore, experience of working with complex commissioning arrangements and local authority partnerships is helpful.

You will bring genuine passion for disability rights and person-centred care, understanding that our work is about far more than meeting care needs – it’s about enabling people to live with dignity, choice, and independence.

Most importantly, you will share our commitment to the highest standards of care. You will be someone who can think strategically about quality, safety, and innovation while keeping the experiences and aspirations of disabled people at the heart of every decision.

Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close on Monday 27th October 2025.

Welcome and thank you for your interest in becoming the Chair of the board at The Hardman Trust

• Are you keen to help people leaving prison and support them to work towards their goals?
• Do you believe that with the right support people can rebuild their lives, contribute to their communities, and break free from the cycle of reoffending?
• Do you share our conviction that no one should be defined solely by their past, and that everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive?

If so, you could be one of the people we are looking for to help The Hardman Trust move into the next
exciting chapter of our work.

Who are we?
The Hardman Trust was established in 1994, with the aim of helping people leaving prison after long
sentences. Our founder, Guy Armstrong, was a prison Chaplain. He saw the challenges facing this
group: homelessness, a lack of workplace skills, stigma, isolation, low confidence, and poverty. A fund
was set up to provide financial assistance to purchase tools and equipment, offering a helping hand
into employment. We now know from experience that this practical approach works. The people the
Hardman Trust has supported over three decades have used this financial support to gain
qualifications, start their own businesses, find employment and a new direction in life. We are now
extending our reach so more people can benefit from our support and sharing our evidence and
insights to help shape a more effective, humane criminal justice system. Achieving this means securing
the right funding, building strong partnerships, and ensuring our resources are used with maximum
efficiency and impact.
We are looking for several new Trustees to join the Hardman Trust Board. If you want to support our
mission, and you feel that you have the commitment and the life or professional experience for the
role, we would love to hear from you. In return, you will have the chance to make a meaningful
difference to those serving long sentences; and you will be part of a passionate and committed team
of staff, trustees and volunteers. We offer support to all new Trustees and if you haven’t been one
before, don’t worry - we will make sure you have access to any training and development you feel you
need.
It is a privilege to be part of the Hardman Trust’s work. It is an incredible organisation making real
change in the criminal justice sector. It is an exciting time to join the charity – we have recently
appointed a new CEO, Annette So and we are looking forward to developing our direction for the
future and fulfilling our vision where everyone can achieve their potential within and beyond prison.

The Trustee role
The Trustees work collectively as a Board. They have ultimate responsibility for governing the
Hardman Trust charity, directing its management, and ensuring it is well-run and operates according to
its purposes. They are legally responsible for the charity's finances, reputation, and compliance with
the law. Each Trustee brings their own lived experience and/or professional skills to support the charity
achieve its aims. Most Trustees also learn new skills during their time on the Board.
We want our Board to look like the world we serve and to have different voices within it. We know
that diverse groups of people make better decisions. We are keen to hear from people who can bring
perspectives or experiences often underrepresented in charity governance and how can help us
progress our vision.
Trustees are not usually involved in the day-to-day running of the charity. However, they work closely
with the Hardman Trust’s dedicated staff team, who are supported by a wider group of volunteers. The
Trustee role as in the majority of charities, is unpaid although legitimate expenses – travel costs for
example – can be claimed.

The Trustees’ key responsibilities

• Provide leadership to the Board in setting the charity’s strategy and priorities
• Oversee a collaborative and effective Board that brings diverse perspectives
• Support the Chief Executive, offering guidance and challenge
• Champion the charity’s mission and values, acting as an Ambassador and building relationships with key stakeholders, including policymakers, donors and the wider criminal justice sector
• Ensure effective governance and decision making, including chairing quarterly board meetings
• Ensure compliance with the Charity Commission and relevant legislation.
• A full job specification is included below for further information.

What we are looking for

Experience of leadership, ideally at Board or senior executive level. You don’t have to have been a Chair before, but you do have to have experience of being a Trustee.

• Strong governance knowledge and an understanding of the responsibility of charity trustees
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and able to build relationships effectively
• Strategic thinking with the ability to support and challenge constructively, and an inclusive leadership style
• Someone who will act as an advocate for the charity and be willing to champion the Hardman
• Trust through personal networks, social media and other channels.
• The ability to be responsive and flexible – we are a small charity which sometimes requires the
• Chair to be available at short notice or out of hours to offer support or advice
• Commitment to equality, diversion and inclusion and to improving outcomes for people serving long prison sentences
• Experience of the criminal justice sector, prisons or related fields is desirable

Please review the document The Hardman Trust Chair Pack for more information about this position and details on how to apply.