Independent visitor volunteer roles

This role will be supporting someone who is independent, chatty and active, and would like to be befriended by someone who is positive, patient and honest. She enjoys being sociable and exploring what activities and fun things Biggleswade and surrounding areas can offer – Air shows, Christmas markets, trips to the pub and Sunday Church service. She would love to have a visitor to join her getting out and about or going for a cup of tea. Access to a car would be a great addition but is not essential for this role.

We offer a lifelong befriending service for adults with learning disabilities. Matching the skills and interests of passionate visitors with the specific hobbies and interests of the people we visit. Visitors visit six times a year to create a 1-2-1 connection, offer companionship, encourage people to do the things they enjoy and check-in on their wellbeing. In many cases, the visitor is the only person in someone’s life who isn’t paid to be there for them.

This is an Out and about visit role which means your visits are likely to be longer, very active and the person you visit will often take an active part in planning your outings and activities in the community. Your volunteer manager will be happy to help you with ideas and suggestions for things you can do. Visits will vary in length but tends to be around a couple of hours, sometimes shorter or longer, depending on what you plan to do. These visits would take place on a Wednesday, Thursday or Friday, or on a Sunday afternoon.

In this role you will spend quality time with the person you visit and could do a range of different activities like:

• Sitting and having a chat
• Checking in on their well- being
• Going out to a local café/pub for a meal/drink
• Take part on community activities like visiting a place of interest, go shopping etc.
• Enjoying a walk
• A craft activity at home

As a Mencap volunteer visitor you will be:

• Friendly and approachable
• Accepting of others who might be different to yourself
• Reliable and patient
• Passionate about supporting people with a with a learning disability.

As a Mencap visitor you will:

• Have the opportunity to help make a difference to the life of the person you visit
• Receive a personalised volunteer induction and training
• Have agreed out of pocket expenses reimbursed
• Meet new people
• Get on-going support, and feel appreciated and valued

About Mencap Mencap is the leading learning disability charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We work with people with a learning disability and their families to challenge prejudice and change laws, and we directly support thousands of people to live their lives as they choose. We have an ambitious vision for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.

Volunteering with us is YOUR opportunity to help us achieve this, whilst having the chance to develop your skills, meet new people and join a passionate and dedicated team.

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with VoiceAbility,

About VoiceAbility

VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations. 

We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most.  For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website.

Why Volunteer with VoiceAbility

Volunteering with VoiceAbility gives you the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in your community by helping others ensure their voices are heard and valued. The roles we offer are deeply rewarding and may challenge you in new ways. You’ll develop your communication skills, meet new people, and gain a greater understanding of others, while enjoying a sense of personal fulfilment along the way!

We ask for a minimum commitment of just 3 hours per week, but you’re welcome to volunteer for more if you’d like. Whether you're looking to give back to your community, learn something new, or simply enjoy connecting with others, we’d love to have you on board!

Volunteer positions currently available in Shropshire

Relevant Person’s Representative (RPR) Volunteer

Some individuals have been deprived of their liberty following a decision about certain aspects of their care and living arrangements, such as being moved from independent accommodation into a care home, are in their best interest and necessary to keep them safe. These people are legally entitled to have support from an RPR. An RPR may be a family member, but if this is not an option then an VoiceAbility RPR volunteer can be appointed.

As an RPR Volunteer you might:

· Visiting clients to ensure they are getting the right care, support and being treated fairly

· Keeping detailed notes and records of interactions with clients and care facility staff

· Helping to ensure the client is receiving the best care, in line with their wishes

· Alerting the Team Leader to any concerns regarding the client or their treatment

· Building professional relationships with the Care Home Staff

· Recording activity on our case management system and writing reports

· Helping to make a difference to someone’s life

Hospital Visitor Volunteer

Hospital Visitor volunteers visit hospital settings to ensure that people detained under the Mental Health Act are aware that they have a legal right to an IMHA qualified advocate.  The volunteers are instrumental in ensuring that clients get access to an advocate and can also support the work that advocates undertake. 

· As a hospital volunteer, you might:

· Hold drop-in sessions

· Attend events and ward meetings at local facilities

· Share information

· Assist people to request advocacy support by completing a form online or calling our contact centre

Safeguarding Commitment Statement

VoiceAbility are committed to safeguarding all clients who access our services. All Volunteers will be required to undertake a DBS check at the appropriate level and provide contact details for a minimum of two referees in line with our safer recruitment practice.

ED&I Statement

VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential.

VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. If you need to apply in a different way, please contact the Volunteering team for further options.

To find out more click “Apply Now”.

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with VoiceAbility,

About VoiceAbility

VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations. 

We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most.  For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website.

Why Volunteer with VoiceAbility

Volunteering with VoiceAbility gives you the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in your community by helping others ensure their voices are heard and valued. The roles we offer are deeply rewarding and may challenge you in new ways. You’ll develop your communication skills, meet new people, and gain a greater understanding of others, while enjoying a sense of personal fulfilment along the way!

We ask for a minimum commitment of just 3 hours per week, but you’re welcome to volunteer for more if you’d like. Whether you're looking to give back to your community, learn something new, or simply enjoy connecting with others, we’d love to have you on board!

Relevant Person’s Representative (RPR) Support Volunteer

People in care homes should have a voice to communicate their needs wishes and wants. Some people need support with this, but don’t have friends and family available to assist them.  This means they’re entitled to have support from an RPR and volunteer, who are there to make sure they get the care they deserve.  Your role as an RPR Support Volunteer is to collaborate with the VoiceAbility RPR to make sure a person’s views are listened to when decisions are made about their care. 

As a RPR support volunteer, you might:

• As an RPR Support Volunteer you might: 
• Visit people in their care home, to make sure they’re getting the right care and support 
• Talk with them about their feelings, thoughts and wishes 
• Raise concerns 
• Keep detailed notes and records 
• Make a real difference to someone’s life 

Hospital Visitor Volunteer

Hospital Visitor volunteers visit hospital settings to ensure that people detained under the Mental Health Act are aware that they have a legal right to an IMHA qualified advocate.  The volunteers are instrumental in ensuring that clients get access to an advocate and can also support the work that advocates undertake.

As a hospital volunteer, you might: 

• hold drop-in sessions
• attend events and ward meetings at local facilities
• share information
• assist people to request advocacy support by completing a form online or calling our contact centre

All volunteering will take place Monday to Friday between 09:00 and 17:00.  You will need to be over 18 years old and be living in the UK. Please note that there is no opportunity to volunteer at weekends or in the evening.

Safeguarding Commitment Statement

VoiceAbility are committed to safeguarding all clients who access our services. All Volunteers will be required to undertake a DBS check at the appropriate level and provide contact details for a minimum of two referees in line with our safer recruitment practice.

ED&I Statement

VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential.

VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. If you need to apply in a different way, please contact the Volunteering team for further options.

To find out more click “Apply Now”.

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with VoiceAbility,

About VoiceAbility

VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations. 

We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most.  For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website.

Why Volunteer with VoiceAbility

Volunteering with VoiceAbility gives you the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in your community by helping others ensure their voices are heard and valued. The roles we offer are deeply rewarding and may challenge you in new ways. You’ll develop your communication skills, meet new people, and gain a greater understanding of others, while enjoying a sense of personal fulfilment along the way!

We ask for a minimum commitment of just 3 hours per week, but you’re welcome to volunteer for more if you’d like. Whether you're looking to give back to your community, learn something new, or simply enjoy connecting with others, we’d love to have you on board!

Relevant Person’s Representative (RPR) Support Volunteer - role is in Cheshire West

People in care homes should have a voice to communicate their needs wishes and wants. Some people need support with this, but don’t have friends and family available to assist them.  This means they’re entitled to have support from an RPR and volunteer, who are there to make sure they get the care they deserve.  Your role as an RPR Support Volunteer is to collaborate with the VoiceAbility RPR to make sure a person’s views are listened to when decisions are made about their care.

As an RPR Support Volunteer you might:

· Visit people in their care home, to make sure they’re getting the right care and support

· Talk with them about their feelings, thoughts and wishes

· Raise concerns

· Keep detailed notes and records

· Make a real difference to someone’s life

All volunteering will take place Monday to Friday between 09:00 and 17:00.  You will need to be over 18 years old and be living in the UK. Please note that there is no opportunity to volunteer at weekends or in the evening.

Safeguarding Commitment Statement

VoiceAbility are committed to safeguarding all clients who access our services. All Volunteers will be required to undertake a DBS check at the appropriate level and provide contact details for a minimum of two referees in line with our safer recruitment practice.

ED&I Statement

VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential.

VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. If you need to apply in a different way, please contact the Volunteering team for further options.

To find out more click “Apply Now”.

Join our Board. Shape our future.

Our mission is simple but vital: to inspire and delight people of all ages with the life, work, and legacy of William Shakespeare. We are seeking to appoint new Trustees to join our Executive Board, helping to safeguard Shakespeare’s heritage and inspire future generations around the world.

As a Trustee, you will help shape the future of an independent charity with international reach. This is a chance to:

· Play a central role in caring for and making accessible Shakespeare’s historic homes and collections

· Support innovative learning programmes and research

· Help us thrive as a charity that relies on visitors, donors, and supporters.

We are especially interested in candidates with expertise in commercial development, finance/governance, fundraising and philanthropy, strategic arts/heritage management, property and asset management, digital engagement or brand stewardship.

We value curiosity, collaboration and a strong commitment to making Shakespeare’s legacy accessible to all. We particularly welcome applications from individuals who can help broaden the diversity of our Board.

More information can be found at http://bit.ly/3KbzPX4

Are you looking to put your experience, knowledge and skills to use in a unique challenging and exciting charitable environment?  Then why not consider becoming a Trustee of Portsmouth Historic Quarter.  

What will you be doing?

We look to new Trustees who join our Board to maintain and continue to build upon our capacity and diversity. We are a skills-based Board, with Trustees having one or more identified skills, which are relevant to the nature of PHQ and our key areas of operation. We are particularly looking for the following skills and experience:

• Commercial property experience, either in surveying or lettings and commercial property management.
• Financial management (at Finance Director level or above) incorporating astrong background in audit management and oversight.
• Gosport residents with experience of the local commercial, political or heritagelandscapes.

We particularly welcome applications from individuals from a range of backgrounds and experiences as part of our commitment to broaden the diversity of our Board. Previous Trustee experience is not necessary.

What are we looking for?

We are keen to hear from you if you can demonstrate:

Knowledge & Experience:

• The ability to provide strategic oversight and advice, valuating the risks and opportunities in your area of expertise/experience for other Trustees to enable them to engage in an informed way.
• Experience in driving and evaluating organisation delivery and improvement.
• You can draw on your knowledge, contacts and networks to support the work of PHQ.

Skills & Abilities:

• Strategic and creative thinking.
• Ability to provide effective support and challenge in a Board setting.
• Ability to probe facts, challenge assumptions, and identify advantages and disadvantages of proposals.
• Work effectively as part of a team taking an active role in discussions and decisions.

Essential qualities:

• Commitment to PHQ's mission, strategy and values.
• Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to be an effective Trustee.
• Good, independent judgement and willingness to express your views.
• Commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Integrity.

What difference will you make?

You will shape the strategy of PHQ and monitor progress on the delivery of that strategy, providing support, challenge and advice to a small executive management team.  Each Trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the Board of Trustees reach sound decisions. They should be ambassadors for PHQ, safeguarding our values and good name.

Before you apply

We would like applicants to tell us how they think they would support the work of PHQ.

Role Description

St Edmundsbury Cathedral became a registered charity on 1 May 2023 and is looking to appoint additional independent non-executive members to join Chapter which is the Board of Trustees. Chapter is accountable for the governance, strategic direction and management of the Cathedral, and has ultimate responsibility for the care, maintenance and development of the Cathedral estate, all aspects of Cathedral activity, and for securing its long-term viability and financial sustainability.

The objects of the Chapter are:

(a) to advance the Christian religion in accordance with the faith and practice of the Church of England, in particular by furthering the mission of the Church of England;

(b) to care for and conserve the fabric and structure of the Cathedral Church building;

(c) to advance any other charitable purposes which are ancillary to the furtherance of the purpose referred to in sub-paragraph (a) or (b).

Membership

The Chapter consists of the Dean, the Residentiary Canons and other lay members holding appointed or elected positions. The constitution allows for between 8 – 12 members of Chapter. Currently, membership comprises the Dean and the Residentiary Canons (4 clergy) who serve as executive members. One member serves as the senior non-executive member who is a lay person appointed by the Bishop. Two of the other non-executive members are directly elected from the congregation. We are now seeking to appoint an non-executive safeguarding member.

We would particularly welcome applications from individuals with substantial experience in safeguarding. This individual will provide strategic oversight and assurance in safeguarding practice, ensuring that the Cathedral continues to uphold the highest standards of safety, care, and compliance for children, young people, and vulnerable adults, in line with national and diocesan requirements.

Term of Office

Non-Executive Chapter members are generally appointed for a term of three years, and subject to the approval of Chapter and with the agreement of the non-executive member may serve a further three year term, which is the maximum permitted term of office. The role is voluntary and unremunerated. Expenses are paid in respect of some travelling costs, in accordance with the Cathedral’s policies. The appointment is subject to satisfactory references.

Time Commitment and Meetings

Chapter usually meets six times each year. Meetings are held in the Chapter Room within Abbey House beside the Cathedral and the business agenda rarely exceeds two hours. A light lunch or Evensong follows each meeting of Chapter, allowing time for members to socialise. Attendance at some sub-committee meetings as appropriate.

Key Responsibilities

Non-executive members of Chapter ensure that the focus of the Cathedral is the promotion of the Christian faith, maintaining an effective balance between that and its important financial and commercial obligations and ventures.

Members offer strategic advice and oversight on all aspects of the work of the Cathedral, including ensuring compliance with all regulations and statutory obligations and adherence to the highest standards of good governance. They also offer constructive challenge to the executive team, offering expertise and experience to help with evidence-based decision-making.

Chapter members advise and support the Dean, Residentiary Canons, and Chief Operating Officer on issues that are within their areas of particular expertise. This Chapter Trustee will also sit on the Safeguarding Committee, which meets four times a year.

Chapter members are invited to bring innovative thinking, together with new ideas and insights, to help secure the long-term future of the Cathedral and the delivery of its strategy through the Masterplan 2030. Particular emphasis will be placed on members promoting the life and work of the Cathedral at the heart of the Bury St Edmunds community, across the county of Suffolk and the wider eastern region.

Chapter members are welcomed as leading members of the Cathedral community and as such are expected to take part in meetings and events. Visible participation in the worship at the heart of the Cathedral's mission is an important expression of the non-executive membership of Chapter. Lay members robe and have individual stalls in the Quire of the Cathedral. We would hope for attendance at the Sunday Eucharist once a month; and at occasional Evensongs, Greater Festivals and civic occasions as personal circumstances permit.

Person Specification

Successful candidates must possess the following competencies and personal attributes:

• be a communicant member of the Church of England, or of a Church which is not in communion with but subscribes to the doctrine of the Holy Trinity.
• have an empathy with and be a compelling advocate for the Vision of the Cathedral through the Masterplan 2030; to be able to inform, lead and direct the strategy of the Cathedral
• be competent and able to exercise the highest standards of good governance in a complex Christian organisation
• have the ability to gain the trust, respect, and support of fellow members of Chapter, and the wider Cathedral community
• have the capacity to work collaboratively with all members of Chapter to translate the Masterplans aims into tangible outcomes
• be able to show empathy in dealing with others and to engage diplomatically and with authority in dialogue and debate on critical issues
• be able to voice concerns appropriately, in a frank but professional manner and to deal with conflict constructively
• have the capacity to communicate clearly with other members of Chapter, the Senior Leadership Team and employees on technical, financial and business matters in accordance with the non-executive member’s particular skills
• possess the ability to communicate with confidence and to provide effective strategic guidance
• have strong intellectual and analytical skills with a broad-based and long-term view of strategic and organisational goals
• be able to grasp the bigger picture and avoid immersion in minute detail
• possess the highest levels of trust and integrity
• demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to safeguarding and the promotion of a safe culture within the Cathedral community.

Specific Competencies

In addition to the matters set out above we are looking to recruit a non-executive member with specific skills, expertise or experience in Safeguarding.

Applicants should bring substantial and demonstrable experience in safeguarding policy, practice, or oversight, ideally within a church, education, health, social care, or charitable context. They will provide independent assurance, constructive challenge, and strategic advice to ensure that safeguarding remains at the heart of the Cathedral’s governance and mission.

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)

Wicksteed Park opened in 1921, making it the oldest theme park on UK mainland. Its founder, Charles Wicksteed purchased the land in 1913. His initial goal was to create a model village for the local community, however following World War One and housing reforms, Charles looked to develop a park for people to spend their leisure time. He set up a charitable trust in 1916 and went on to build a number of prefabricated houses – some of which still exist and are within the park grounds.

A century ago, Charles Wicksteed put into practice his deep-held belief that all children, no matter how rich or poor, should have somewhere safe and fun to play outdoors. Public parks in Charles’ own youth had been very formal places where you walked sedately along the paths, keeping off the grass. He was determined to provide something different and here at Wicksteed he did just that, using his engineering skills to provide a new and exciting element to public open spaces.

Swings, slides and roundabouts, parks and playgrounds are the background to many of our freest and most joyful childhood memories. They are something that we all share, generations of us, from all over Britain, but this is where it all started. Wicksteed Park is truly somewhere amazing and very special.

It is good to see this story of Kettering’s contribution to our nation’s health and happiness and to remember that Wicksteed is a place with an incredible heritage and an exciting future.  Wicksteed Park is much more than an amusement park and continues to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors each year to play and explore in its beautiful grounds.

Still delivering its core heritage but focusing on the connections with Kettering and wider communities, Wicksteed Charitable Trust has an opportunity to grow and transform, ensuring we are contributing to our communities’ wellbeing for the next century.  It is thanks to the value, care, generosity, determination of our amazing volunteers that ensures the park has continued to deliver over some challenging years for the park.

We are now looking to expand our Trustee Board and are looking for people from a range of backgrounds who understand our community, the challenges that modern families face and have the drive and determination to deliver strategic objectives to build on our links and our regional presence.  We would also like to hear from people who can bring professional expertise especially in areas including Law, Finance, Leisure and Tourism and Land Management.

As a Trustee at Wicksteed Park you will join a small team of existing Trustees. We are looking for individuals who will bring their own experience to complement our collaborative approach.  You will be asked to speak out, offer opinion and be a critical friend, enabler and constructive challenge to the team..

 About Us

Charles Wicksteed’s dream was to provide free play for all.  Today The Wicksteed Trust’s main objective is to provide a safe environment for people of all ages to relax and play and to provide a focus for community activity. Wicksteed Park is a Grade II listed Historic Park with four County Wildlife Sites and a Scheduled Ancient Monument.

We play an important role in Kettering contributing to our communities’ health and happiness.  Our aim is to grow and develop our offering to Regional and National communities promoting what Wicksteed Park has to offer.

Role 

Trustees are responsible for making sure the charity stays true to its mission and vision.  Being a Trustee of an historic, community-based charity, means making decisions that will impact on the communities we serve across in Kettering and the wider county, enriching lives and providing a focus for community activity.

Trustees, led by a Chair, have independent control over, and legal responsibility for, the charity’s management and administration. They act as the ultimate decision makers of the organisation, protecting the interests of the members and the public. They agree the strategy and hold the executives to account for the management of the organisation.

Responsibilities

Governance

· Understand the charity’s purposes as set out in its governing document and ensure compliance to law and other relevant regulations.

· Ensure the charity has a clear vision, mission and strategic direction and is focused on achieving these in partnership with other Trustees.

· Ensure the sustainability of the charity and sound risk management.

· Oversee what the charity does and what it needs to achieve.

· Be responsible for the performance of the charity and for its 'corporate' behaviour.

· Act as a guardian of the charity's assets, both tangible and intangible, taking all due care over their security, deployment, and proper application.

· Ensure the charity's governance is of the highest possible standard.

Leadership

· Contribute to the development of the charity‘s long term strategy.

· Raise public profile and promote the reputation of the organisation.

Financial Management

· Ensure the charity’s assets are only used to support or carry out its purposes.

· Evaluate risks to the assets or reputation.

· Monitor and assess the organisation’s results in relation to the agreed strategy, budget and implementation plan.

In addition to the above duties, 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 sub committees, 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.

Person Specification

The Board of Trustees collectively needs skills and experience in the following areas:

· Law

·        Finance

· Land Management

· Leisure and Tourism

Essential

· Ability to commit to essential Board and Sub Committee meetings and participate on any further critical meetings or email discussions as appropriate.

· Good communication skills across all levels.

· Excellent planning and organisational ability with long term focus.

· Genuine passion and interest in the charity’s work.

· Integrity and openness.

· An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of Trusteeship.

Desirable

· Understanding of charity governance, legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities.

· Understanding of the voluntary sector.

Length of appointment

Our Trustees are appointed for an initial three-year term, and can be re-appointed for up to two more three-year terms (there is a maximum of nine years’ continuous service).

Time commitment

The estimated Trustee time commitment is a minimum of 6 half day full trust meetings each year (held every other month), plus reading and preparation time.  Board meetings will be held at Wicksteed Park in Kettering.  Additional commitment to any sub-committee or ad-hoc duties may be reasonably required.  Sub-Committee meetings may be held online and it is expected these will be held quarterly.

Remuneration

The Trustee appointment is voluntary but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed in line with the expenses policy.

Location

Wicksteed Park, Kettering, NN15 6NJ.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Wicksteed Charitable Trust follows the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion and seeks a diverse Trust Board to meet the needs of the organisation.

About the Role

Churches Conservation Trust (CCT) is a national conservation charity that has saved over 357 churches at risk. CCT operates the third largest heritage estate in charitable ownership in the UK, and its unique collection of English churches includes architecture, archaeology and art from 1,000 years of history. Attracting c.2m visitors a year, CCT keeps these churches open to be enjoyed by everyone as places of heritage, culture, spirituality and beauty.

The Board of Trustees of CCT is responsible for safeguarding and ensuring the future of this collection of outstanding historic buildings.

Key responsibilities:

• Governance
• Strategy
• Support the Executive team

Safeguarding and promoting the reputation and values of CCT.

All trustees are asked to become 'champions' for one of CCT's areas of work, a role which provides them the opportunity to get more involved in understanding, supporting and promoting CCT's work in these areas. We are seeking two passionate and committed trustees to join the Board with an interest in conserving and using beautiful old churches. We would be particularly interested to hear from people with the following skills although a lack of specific experience in these areas would not rule out candidates who meet our other more general requirements.

Vacancy Information

Location: Wide geographic spread across UK

Closing date: 8am Monday 24th November 2025

Screening interviews: Will be undertaken between 1st – 12th December.

In person interviews will be held in early January.

Trustees work pro bono calendar days c. 1.5 per month (4 board meetings and 4 sub-committee meetings per year, as applicable plus ad hoc engagements, events and a two-day tour each year to different regions)

To learn more about the role of a Trustee at CCT or to apply please download the recruitment pack via our website.

We are at a very exciting stage in the development of the Trust, having increased our impact significantly over the last 3 years, with new 5-year strategy in place,  a small staff team, an expert group of Trustees, and a wonderful cohort of committed volunteers.

We are particularly interested in applications from people withknowledge, skills and experience in ecology and conservation; heritage, culture and the arts; the law; safeguarding; senior leadership experience, ideally at Chief Executive level, in the charity or social enterprise sector; and/or people with a strong connection to, and understanding of, the Forest through volunteering for EFHT or one of the other community organisations who work in/or around the Forest.

Through this recruitment process we are also aiming to further diversify our Board of Trustees, to ensure it reflects the communities surrounding the Forest. We are particularly seeking applications from Black, Asian and ethnic minority candidates and from people who are disabled. 

As way of background, several Trustees who have helped lead our transformation are now stepping down as a result of work changes or moving home, and we are recruiting between 3 and 5 new Trustees with the passion, skills and experiences to steer delivery of the new strategy, committed to making the Forest accessible to all as we help protect and preserve Epping Forest now, and for generations to come.

As a Trustee you will be expected to attend 4 Trustee meetings a year as well as our Annual General meeting, and take part in other activities as your time permits. The role is voluntary and unremunerated. 

We offer a full induction and training as necessary to help you fulfil the role.

Application is by CV and short covering letter (no more than 2 pages).

Applications close at 9am Wednesday 12th November with interviews planned for w/c 24th November.