Charity trustee volunteer volunteer roles
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
About Make A Smile
Make A Smile is a UK charity dedicated to bringing joy, play, and magical experiences to children facing illness, disability, or disadvantage. Volunteers dress as beloved characters and deliver uplifting activities, from hospital visits and care‑centre sessions to arts, crafts, stories, and games - ensuring every child gets the chance to enjoy their childhood. Our Trustees and Central Officers help keep the charity “current, fresh and forward‑thinking” so we can continue to provide the best possible experience for volunteers and the children we visit.
About The Role
The Innovations Officer leads the development of a new project from concept to rollout, ensuring Make A Smile continues to evolve and deliver high‑quality, engaging experiences. You will design, test, refine, and launch an innovations project that strengthens the charity’s impact across all chapters.
Key Responsibilities
You will take ownership of an innovations project and guide it through every stage of development. Responsibilities include:
● Creating a full project outline, including aims, failure criteria, projected costs, timeline, and required skills.
● Recruiting and managing an Innovations Subcommittee with the skills needed to deliver the project.
● Delegating tasks, providing support, and ensuring subcommittee members fulfil their roles.
● Setting up all required admin, including risk assessments, reflection templates, and task‑tracking systems.
● Leading the creation of a prototype or pilot version of the project.
● Running tests with well‑established chapters and gathering feedback from volunteers, committees, and event leads.
● Overseeing multiple rounds of refinement until the project is ready for rollout.
● Supporting the staged rollout of the project across chapters.
● Providing regular updates to Trustees, including progress, budget status, and test outcomes.
Skills and Qualities We’re Looking For
This role suits someone creative, organised, and excited by bringing new ideas to life. You’ll thrive if you bring:
● Strong project‑management skills.
● Creativity and a passion for innovation.
● Confidence in leading and motivating a team.
● A solution‑focused mindset.
● The ability to plan, test, evaluate, and refine ideas.
● Professionalism, dedication, and alignment with Make A Smile’s ethos (“Act in the best interests of Make a Smile… Enjoy it!”).
You do not need prior innovation or project‑design experience - just enthusiasm, commitment, and a willingness to learn.
Time Commitment
Innovations Officers are expected to contribute around 4 hours per week, including subcommittee meetings, project development, and monthly Charity Leadership Meetings.
Training and Support
You will receive:
● Full Trustee Training (online).
● A comprehensive handover and access to all systems (OneDrive, Simvoly, WhatsApp communities).
● Guidance from the Chair and fellow Trustees.
● Access to templates, handbooks, and previous innovations materials.
● Opportunities for personal development through CPD and charity-funded training.
What You’ll Gain
● Experience leading a full project lifecycle from concept to rollout.
● Skills in innovation, design, testing, and evaluation.
● Leadership and team‑management experience.
● The chance to shape the future of Make A Smile’s activities and volunteer experience.
● The satisfaction of seeing your project used across chapters to bring joy to children.
Safeguarding and Eligibility
Innovations Officers must act in line with charity standards, including professionalism, confidentiality, and reliability. You must be able to attend monthly meetings and engage actively in communication channels. A DBS check may be required depending on involvement with events.
How to Apply
To express your interest, please send across your CV and a short message outlining your experience, interests, and why you’d like to lead an innovations project.
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds who share our passion for helping children smile.
* To bring children's dreams to life * To provide a professional service * To bring fun to both children and volunteers



Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
You will welcome clients and visitors, and support the smooth running of our local office at our drop in sessions on Mondays or Thursdays (or both)
Commitment: 6 hours/week (flexible)
Receptionists are the first point of contact for clients, welcoming visitors. You’ll record client details on our computer system, explain waiting times, and help ensure the service runs smoothly. The role builds communication, IT, and teamwork skills while making a real difference in the community. Full training and expense reimbursement are provided.
What you gain: Communication skills, admin experience, confidence using IT, and full training.
You'll gain valuable transferable skills in communication, problem solving, teamwork.
Whether you are starting out, changing career, retired, or returning to work, volunteering strengthens your CV and provides practical experience.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Green Allotments charity is seeking an appropriately qualified Archaeologist to provide occasional advice.
Our innovative work programme focusses on the purchase of land and the creation of allotments. Hence, we are keen to learn more about how to identify potential heritage issues which could affect the creation of allotments on the top layer of soil. Learning more about how allotments can be sensitively placed within historical environments will help our charity bring allotments to more people.
We are keen to work with you if you can interpret information held in open-data online records such as Historic Environment Records. Your valuable insights will help our charity decide if a tract of land is worth buying for allotments, or should be avoided entirely.
We are a small and friendly charity team, with three trustees, one staff member, and a team of volunteers. The charity is funded by a generous single donor. Everyone brings something special to Green Allotments, if you think your archaeological experience and knowledge could help our charity to grow please get in touch for an informal discussion.
Your specialist contribution will help our charity make important decisions on land purchase and locations for new allotment sites in communities. Demand for allotment is very high, people are desperate for a plot of their own, to grow food and teach their children about where food comes from. Your support will help put more locally produced food on tables.
Who we are looking for:
- Appropriately qualified Archaeologist to undertake desk-based analysis (e.g. degree-level and/or 3 years+ in archaeological practice).
- Able to undertake desk-based research using Historic Environment Records and/or LiDAR.
- Able to communicate findings in plain language to non-archaeologists.
Our charity is currently creating allotment sites in England only. We can accept volunteers located in any part of the UK, as long as the volunteer appreciates they will be focussing on England-only sites.
Our CEO, Deborah, has been working with home-based geographically dispersed volunteers for 20+ years and is happy to fit around your time commitments.
Application process:
Please apply via our website. When you make contact with us, we will consider your application. If interested in learning more about you, we will invite you to an informal discussion via zoom at a time/date to suit you. Unsuccessful applicants will be notified by email within one week.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you the new Chair-designate for Reading Community Learning Centre?
Do you have enthusiasm, skills and time to cooperatively govern and lead our charity that supports women learners?
You could be the Chair-designate of Reading Community Learning Centre, a charity serving the needs of local refugee, asylum-seeking and migrant women. We stand proudly for equality and women’s rights, and are looking for a woman Chair-designate to take on the role of leading our Board, supported by our outgoing Chair for a handover period of up to 6 months.
About us:
Set up in 2007, we are a Charitable Company that helps often-marginalised women to achieve their individual potential, through helping them improve their English, building confidence, making friends, volunteering locally, gaining qualifications or securing a job.
In 2025 we supported over 595 women from 41 different countries of origin, through our charitable spending of £244k.
About the role:
We’re looking for a woman to volunteer to lead our Board of Trustees, to work with other trustees and our CEO to shape our future supporting and empowering women. Women from global-majority/minority-ethnic communities are especially encouraged to apply.
If you can think and lead strategically, help us plan long-term, you have the primary skills needed by our Chair. Support from our employees is always available, as they will be dealing with the day-to-day running of the organisation.
Experience of committee or similar work, an understanding of cooperative leadership and a strong focus to shape the forward-looking Board, are what we are looking for. You don’t necessarily need prior experience of charity trusteeship, as induction will be provided, plus specialist guidance as a new trustee, including access to external training.
This is a high-profile appointment, with strong commitment to the future of Reading Community Learning Centre an essential quality, and having a good understanding of the value for the women we help. Trustees make the top-level decisions for our charity: our Board includes women with understanding, skills and experience of our support, and we require new trustees to have empathy with our cause.
We are a charity not a business, but we apply business principles to governing our organisation. We encourage women from all backgrounds to apply, particularly Black, Asian and global-majority women, and those who have previous experience of engaging and working collaboratively with our beneficiaries.
The Board meets online every six weeks, and we ask you for up to sixteen hours per month; this includes all meetings, correspondence, communication, etc. Our Chair does need to be able to visit the Centre regularly, so should have access to Reading.
How to apply:
This high-profile appointment is being managed for us by inVOLve Community Services, a charity-support organisation, who offer an informal no-obligation discussion by video. A detailed Role Description and Skills Specification can be made available to you by request before that discussion.
Trustee appointments are subject to satisfactory references to satisfactory completion of an Enhanced DBS check.
Your CV and supporting statement will be read by our current Chair and trustees; an informal discussion followed by a more-formal interview can be offered 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 or Zoom), explanation about this important role and any assistance or advice you may need to apply.
Help safeguard our future: Join BBS UK as our Treasurer
Bardet-Biedl Syndrome UK (BBS UK) is seeking a new Treasurer to join our Board of Trustees and play a key role in ensuring the charity remains financially strong, sustainable, and well governed.
Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS) is a rare, complex genetic condition that causes blindness, learning disabilities, obesity, and a range of additional health challenges. BBS UK is the only UK charity dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by BBS.
We provide advocacy services, NHS clinic support, publications, and community events that help people navigate life with BBS. Each year, we support over 700 individuals, working alongside a small team of dedicated part-time staff and committed volunteers.
It’s an exciting time to join our charity. We are looking to strengthen our governance and build on our financial foundations to support future growth and impact.
The role
As Treasurer, you will oversee the financial governance of BBS UK, working closely with the Board of Trustees, Operations Manager, and external accountant.
This is a strategic oversight role, not a hands-on bookkeeping position. Day-to-day financial administration is carried out by staff; the Treasurer provides assurance, guidance, and clarity to support good decision-making.
Key responsibilities include:
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Maintaining a strategic overview of the charity’s financial health
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Presenting clear summaries of financial information at Board meetings
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Advising Trustees on the financial implications of plans and decisions
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Overseeing the annual budget and supporting longer-term financial planning
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Ensuring appropriate financial controls and procedures are in place
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Supporting the preparation of annual accounts and liaison with the Independent Examiner
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Helping ensure appropriate reserves are maintained in line with policy
The Board of Trustees retains collective responsibility for the charity’s finances.
We’re looking for someone with:
Essential:
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Experience in finance, accounting, bookkeeping, or financial oversight
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Confidence interpreting financial information and explaining it clearly to non-financial colleagues
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Understanding of financial controls and good governance
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Ability to think strategically and identify financial risks
Desirable:
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Experience in a charity or not-for-profit setting
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Understanding of restricted and unrestricted funds
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Experience working with budgets or management accounts
We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of BBS or a connection to the BBS community, though this is not essential.
As a BBS UK Trustee, you will have:
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Induction, training, and ongoing support
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Reasonable expenses reimbursed
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Opportunities to develop new skills and contribute at a strategic level
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The chance to make a meaningful difference to a rare disease community
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Opportunities to collaborate with dedicated trustees, staff, and partners
Time commitment
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Attendance at four Board meetings per year (online, approximately 3 hours each)
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Reviewing financial information monthly or quarterly
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Additional input around budget setting and year-end accounts
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Attendance at our annual conference weekend (in person; expenses covered)
If you would like an informal conversation about the role before applying, we would be very happy to arrange a chat with our Chair.
BBS UK is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds who share our values and want to support our community.
By applying for this role you confirm that you are willing and eligible to act as a trustee of BBS UK, that you understand the charity’s purposes and governing document, and that you are not disqualified from acting as a trustee under charity law, including due to relevant unspent convictions, insolvency restrictions, regulatory removal or disqualification, director disqualified from acting as a trustee under charity law, including due to relevant unspent convictions, insolvency restrictions, regulatory removal or disqualification, director disqualification, or other legal prohibitions.
We support and empower our community, champion wellbeing, and raise awareness, ensuring understanding, support, and hope for all affected.

The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Shooting Star Children’s Hospices is seeking an experienced and dedicated academic with a strong interest in paediatric palliative care, or related field to join our Research Governance Committee as a Volunteer Academic Member. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to the strategic development of research at a research active children’s hospice, to ensure that our research activities meet the highest standards of integrity, ethics and governance.
You will work with the Committee Chair, the Research Fellow, and other committee members to support research that makes a meaningful difference to children with life-limiting conditions and their families as well as bereaved families, including those where a child died unexpectedly.
Appointment to the Committee will be subject to confirmation by the Shooting Star Children’s Hospices Trustee Board.
Duties and key responsibilities
· Participate in quarterly meetings: Attend and contribute to online committee meetings held four times per year (papers and slide deck will be prepared by the Chair).
· Review research proposals: Provide expert review of project proposals, contributing to the assurance of ethical and governance standards.
· Support research oversight: Help ensure that all research complies with regulatory and ethical requirements and reflects best practices.
· Contribute academic expertise: Share your knowledge and experience to strengthen the quality and impact of the charity’s research portfolio.
· Promote collaboration: Encourage partnerships between Shooting Star Children’s Hospices and wider academic, clinical, and research communities.
· Champion good governance: Actively promote equity, transparency, and excellence in research oversight.
Essential skills and experience
· Proven experience in academic research, research governance, and research ethics.
· Strong academic background in higher education, and health or social care research.
· In-depth understanding of research compliance frameworks (e.g., GDPR, HRA, UKRIO, Caldicott Guidelines, or equivalent).
· Ability to evaluate research proposals and provide constructive feedback.
· Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
· Confidence using virtual meeting platforms and digital collaboration tools.
Desirable attributes
• Academic research background with a track record of publications in the area of paediatric palliative care or related field.
• Previous experience serving on or chairing a research committee or governance board.
• Commitment to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion in research.
Commitment
• Quarterly committee meetings (Approximately 1 hour per meeting).
• Reviewing project proposals (Approximately 1 hour per month).
• Email communication and ad hoc queries (Approximately 1 hour per month).
• 2–3 years in the role would be appreciated for both parties to gain the most out of this experience.
• This is a voluntary role. Reasonable expenses related to attendance and participation will be reimbursed.
We believe every life-limited or dying child and their family should have the opportunity to make every moment count and get the support they need.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Devon & Cornwall Refugee Support provides a walk-in centre in Plymouth offering needs-led, practical assistance to asylum seekers.
Our vision is to have a fair, humane and safe asylum experience for all. We are seeking a dynamic and committed Chair to lead our Board of Trustees and work in partnership with our Chief Executive to guide Devon and Cornwall Refugee Support through its next phase of development.
What will you be doing?
The Chair will provide inclusive leadership, ensure robust governance, and act as a passionate ambassador for our cause. You will be instrumental in shaping our strategy to meet the growing needs of asylum seekers in a challenging political landscape.
Location: Board meetings are held 8 times per year in Plymouth, with options for remote attendance. Some additional events and meetings may require travel.
Time Commitment: Approximately 3-4 days per month, including board meetings, preparation, and external representation. This is a voluntary, unremunerated role.
What are we looking for?
We are looking for a candidate who can demonstrate the following:
- A commitment to the rights, dignity, and welfare of asylum seekers, refugees and migrants in need.
- Significant experience within the charity sector, ideally in both operations and governance.
- An understanding of the duties and responsibilities of a trustee and Chair under UK charity law.
- Excellent leadership skills with the ability to chair meetings effectively and foster a collaborative board culture.
- Proven ability to think strategically and contribute to organisational development.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to act as an ambassador for the organisation.
- A commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI).
DCRS is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all sections of the community and from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences.
Please request a copy of the candidate pack for further information.
What difference will you make?
As Chair you will have the opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of asylum seekers and refugees.
You'll have the chance to develop and utilize your skills in a meaningful context, work with a dedicated team and access networking opportunities within the charity sector.
Before you apply
The TrusteeWorks Team at Reach Volunteering are supporting Devon & Cornwall Refugee Support with their Trustee recruitment. Applications should be made via TrusteeWorks in the first instance.
If you want to have an informal conversation with DCRS directly to understand the organisation better we are happy to help arrange this for you.
If you wish to apply please provide an updated CV and request a copy of the application form.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you passionate about social media and can lead a small team? We're looking to recruit a Lead Volunteer for our Social Media Team. We’re looking for someone who has a passion for promoting a small charity supporting a rare condition and has the ability to support a volunteering team as well as plan and use platforms and tools for social media including Canva, Google Drive and other digital platforms.
The Social Media Team develops and promotes Burning Nights CRPS Support’s communications online, using social media platforms as widely as possible, in order to maximise our impact and to inspire actions in the public, healthcare professionals, communities and businesses. The promotion of our activities will raise awareness of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) and provide support and empowerment to the CRPS community. Communications will also run in line with Burning Nights CRPS Support's campaigns strategy/plan.
This is a flexible volunteering opportunity, which means your commitment can be balanced around your lifestyle - being part of a team to ensure that communications to our community and supporters are up to date and timely.
You will provide leadership for your team and support the development of a communications plan for the charity.
Key Tasks and Objectives
You will lead and support the development and implementation of a communications strategy, direction and plans for Burning Nights CRPS Support's Social Media/online communications, create engaging content, supervise the team and encourage high standards.
Tasks may include:
- Managing the Social Media campaigns across social media, which includes overseeing and creating engaging content, writing and editorial, design and artwork from The Social Media Team.
- Scheduling and posting regular social media content.
- Help develop social media campaigns and day-to-day activities.
- Prepare graphics for sharing across channels.
- Monitor the impact of social media campaigns; Analyse, review and report on effectiveness of campaigns in an effort to maximize the charity’s reach.
- Capture and report on monthly data from across all social media platform.
- Lead on Social Media meetings or the social media section of Comms meetings.
- Work with the whole Comms & Marketing Team including the Lead Communications & Marketing Volunteer to provide relevant content for their teams to use on social media, providing training/coaching where appropriate.
- Develop, manage content and maintain social media objectives and targets.
- Supporting the Social Media Team to ensure our social media platforms are regularly updated.
- Supporting with the development, preparation and implementation of Burning Nights CRPS Support's Social Media strategy in conjunction with the overall Comms strategy.
- Encouraging others to comment on our posts and share them with others, to ensure that our communications reach a wide range of stakeholders and diverse audience.
- Increasing the numbers of followers and engagement across our social media channels - Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, Pinterest, TikTok and X, using appropriate tools and utilising relevant channels to reach diverse audiences.
- Monitor, analyse and report on the performance of social media channels/activities using tools like Metricool, Buffer and Google Analytics, feeding back monthly to the Lead Comms Volunteer and the trustees, using the data to inform future activities.
- Keep up to date with the charity and healthcare sectors, events and news, and suggest content to promote through our social media feeds.
- Support new volunteer Social Media Team members ensuring they understand their role or assign them their role.
- Act responsibly with data held by Burning Nights CRPS Support that you may access as part of your role, adhering to guidelines and policies and reporting any concerns or possible breaches to Burning Nights CRPS Support's Data Protection Officer/Lead.
Key Skills or Qualifications
- Experience of using social media platforms, other online tools and Communications to generate interest in a charity, business or project.
- Experience of managing a team and projects.
- The ability to inspire people to act and get involved internally and externally.
- Ability to transform small snippets of information into interesting and engaging stories suitable for social media platforms.
- Good IT skills, including Google Drive, Canva, Buffer, Word and Excel.
- Experience of managing multiple campaigns, with excellent organisational and time management skills, delivering effective targeted outcomes.
- Be proactive and show initiative, with the ability to volunteer unsupervised.
- Genuine interest in supporting a small charity and a passion for campaigning for a healthcare charity.
- Be motivated and enthusiastic with proven experience and is passionate about social media and marketing, and producing tangible results.
- Good interpersonal skills dealing with people sensitively and respectfully from a wide range of backgrounds
- Strong strategic development, project management and articulate communication skills.
- Good attention to detail and accuracy, with succinct writing and proof-reading skills
- Able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other volunteers and staff.
- Excellent organisational and time management skills with the ability to prioritise and structure work schedules.
- Ability to be innovative and creative.
- Ability to be flexible and have a 'can do' approach.
- Friendly, approachable manner - able to build rapport with a range of partners and staff, and provide a collaborative team environment.
- Confidence in communicating on Zoom or by email.
Key Benefits
- Voluntary Experience: Gain practical real-world experience working in social media management.
- Supportive Team: Collaborate with a passionate team working on projects.
- Personal Development: Develop your skills in social media marketing, content creation, and community engagement.
- Portfolio content for future job applications.
- Opportunity to contribute to a meaningful cause.
Training and Support
- Full induction to our organisation, as well as check-ins, ongoing training, supervision and support from the Communications & Marketing Lead Volunteer, Volunteer Co-ordinators, Trustees and the Volunteer Team.
- Relevant and ongoing training for your volunteer role.
- Regular updates on charity activities.
- Support, advice and guidance from Charity team.
- After 3 months volunteering, all volunteers are eligible for additional training courses (reasonable cost).
- Out-of-pocket expenses, approved in advance will be reimbursed.
To drive change for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) & ensure people whose lives have been touched by this condition are not alone.



Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Domestic abuse is always unacceptable. We support everyone affected by it and we act to prevent it. As Treasurer at Behind Closed Doors, you will work alongside our Trustee Board, CEO and Admin & Finance Manager to oversee the financial strategy of our organisation, ensuring sound financial governance and legal compliance. This is a pivotal role for our charity, helping to shape our future and support our vision: to build lives free from domestic abuse.
We’re looking for an experienced finance professional keen to undertake this rewarding voluntary role that ensures the financial health and accountability of Behind Closed Doors. You will be joining an established trustee board made up of dedicated, knowledgeable and supportive individuals. Please note that we are also currently recruiting to general trustee roles, find out more on our website.
Taking on a Trustee role is an excellent way to broaden your leadership experience and strengthen skills that you can then put to use in your core role, to the benefit of your career progression opportunities and the organisation that you work for.
As a Trustee, you will develop skills in:
- Strategic planning
- Governance
- Budgeting and financial analysis
- Risk management
- Chairing meetings
As you learn about a new organisation and potentially a new sector, you will also gain confidence in:
- Acting as a 'Critical Friend'; asking questions and providing support
- Experiencing the difference between a strategic role, and a hands-on operational role
- Absorbing and processing new information, and learning where you contribute value
- Finding your feet with a brand new team of people
Please download the recruitment pack for full details, including how to apply and who to contact for an informal discussion about the role and organisation.
As a board, we strive to be as diverse and representative as the communities we serve and would welcome those from underrepresented or marginalised groups. We also recognise hugely the value that lived experience brings to our board, so would welcome further representation in this area, but only when it is safe for you to engage with us in this way.
Behind Closed Doors is committed to improving inclusive recruitment practices. If you would prefer to apply for this position or express your interest in an alternative format (such as audio or video upload) or require any adaptions at this initial stage, please get in touch.
Behind Closed Doors is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and requires all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. A standard DBS disclosure will be required before taking up this position
Domestic abuse is always unacceptable. We support everyone affected by it, and we act to prevent it. Build Lives Free from Domestic Abuse.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Equal Aqua is seeking a Trustee with significant fundraising expertise to provide strategic leadership and hands-on support to drive substantial income growth as the organisation scales towards a seven-figure annual income. The role involves actively leveraging networks to open doors to major donors, corporate partners and grant-makers, initiating high-value funding conversations and developing new income streams. The Trustee will help shape and oversee the organisation’s long-term fundraising strategy, support the cultivation and conversion of major funding opportunities, mentor the fundraising team and strengthen proposals and donor engagement. Acting as an ambassador for the organisation, they will also help raise Equal Aqua’s profile within influential networks while ensuring strong governance, accountability and performance through the Board and Fundraising Committee. The ideal candidate will bring senior-level fundraising experience, strong sector knowledge in areas such as WASH, climate or international development, and a network capable of unlocking significant new funding opportunities.
Equal Aqua is a registered Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) in the UK; Equal Aqua Uganda is a registered Community Based Organisation (CBO) in Uganda (‘EAU’ refers to both). Both operate equally and in unison. The purpose of EAU is to enable communities in Uganda to have access to safe and sustainable water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities. EAU supports schools and communities facing the greatest WASH inequalities by providing water tanks and filters, running classes and workshops, and empowering young people to be WASH change makers in their community. The current Board of Trustees, consisting of 5 members based in UK and Uganda, provides guidance to the volunteer EAU management team as well as supporting the implementing volunteers based in UK, Uganda and other countries.
The objectives of EAU are, in Uganda, to:
1. To improve access to safe and sustainable WASH for those facing the greatest inequalities in Uganda
2. To strengthen the participation of local communities in WASH, in particular women and girls, and displaced peoples
3. To take action to protect the natural environment, reduce pollution and tackle climate change
The role of trustees is:
1. Sculpt and maintain EAU’s vision, mission, objectives and values.
2. Act as ‘critical friends’ in the development of EAU’s policy, programming and planning.
3. Actively champion EAU externally, opening doors to people and organisations that can support our cause, fostering awareness and engagement in the UK, Uganda and internationally.
4. Support in particular with income generation activities, advising and supporting delivery of major campaigns and helping to build EAU’s donor and partner base.
5. Establish and maintain systems for reporting and monitoring.
6. Ensure that the financial affairs of the organisation are conducted properly and are accurately reported.
7. Manage risk and ensure compliance and accountability with the governing document (EAU Constitution), external regulators and the law (UK and Uganda).
8. Safeguard EAU’s assets – both physical assets, including property, and intangible ones, such as its reputation.
Ensure EAU has the appropriate structure and resources to deliver the above.
Trustee Responsibilities:
1. To attend and contribute to EAU Board of Trustee meetings, held at least on a quarterly basis. To work with EAU management to set an agenda in advance of this meeting.
2. Currently, Trustees will hold the position for a maximum of 3 years. This length of trusteeship will be reviewed with the aim of staggering Trustee terms to ensure a smooth transition between board members.
3. To support the recruitment of additional trustees, from diverse backgrounds and providing a range of expertise.
4. To offer personal expertise and skills in select areas for the benefit of EAU. This may include legal, management, practical, fundraising, marketing or other relevant areas.
5. To offer advice and feedback on EAU’s main fundraising programmes, e.g. events and grant applications.
Additional Responsibilities of Trustee with fundraising expertise
To provide strategic leadership and hands-on support to drive significant and sustainable income growth for Equal Aqua, with the ambition of building towards a seven-figure annual income.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Fundraising Leadership
Provide Board-level oversight and strategic direction for the development and execution of an ambitious, multi-year fundraising strategy aligned with EAU’s growth plans, ensuring clear pathways to seven-figure annual income. - Active Income Generation & Network Mobilisation
Proactively generate income by leveraging personal and professional networks to:- Open doors to high-value donors, grant-makers, corporates and philanthropic partners
- Introduce EAU to influential individuals and decision-makers
- Initiate and nurture strategic funding conversations
- Identify and pursue new income streams and partnership opportunities
This role requires active relationship-building and direct contribution to income growth, not solely advisory input.
- Pipeline Development & High-Value Fundraising
Support the identification, cultivation and conversion of major funding opportunities, including trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships and major donors. Where appropriate, personally lead or co-lead high-value approaches. - Committee Leadership & Support
Provide experienced guidance to the Fundraising Committee and fundraising volunteers, strengthening capability, confidence and performance across the team. - Hands-On Mentorship & Quality Assurance
Offer practical, hands-on support to fundraising volunteers, including:- Reviewing and strengthening proposals and pitch materials
- Advising on donor strategy and positioning
- Supporting preparation for high-stakes meetings and presentations
- Visibility & Advocacy
Act as an ambassador for EAU, raising the organisation’s profile in relevant networks, events and forums, and positioning EAU as a credible, high-impact partner. - Governance & Accountability
Attend quarterly Fundraising Committee meetings (one of EAU’s management committees) and relevant Board meetings, ensuring clear income targets, performance monitoring and accountability for results.
Desired Background and expertise of Trustee with Fundraising expertise.
Senior Fundraising Experience
- A substantial track record (ideally 5+ years) in charity fundraising, with experience operating at a strategic level. This should include demonstrable success in securing significant income from one or more of the following: trusts and foundations, major donors, corporate partnerships, institutional funders or high-net-worth individuals. Experience supporting organisations through periods of income growth or scale-up is highly desirable. International development experience is strongly preferred.
- Sector-Relevant Knowledge
Strong understanding of fundraising dynamics and donor priorities within one or more of Equal Aqua’s core thematic areas, including:- WASH (Water, Sanitation & Hygiene)
- Climate and environmental sustainability
- Menstrual health and gender equality
- Rural enterprise and livelihoods
- International development
Familiarity with the funding landscape in these sectors – including trends, key funders and partnership models – would be a significant advantage.
- Network & Influence
An established professional network that can be activated in support of Equal Aqua’s growth ambitions, with the credibility and confidence to engage senior decision-makers and prospective funders.
- Strategic & Commercial Acumen
The ability to think entrepreneurially about income generation, identify new revenue opportunities, and contribute to building a diversified and resilient funding portfolio.
To become a leading organisation in Uganda in addressing inequalities in WASH, and interrelated issues of gender and sustainability.



