Leadership development officer volunteer roles in edinburgh, scotland

We are currently looking for a Volunteer Trustee to join our Charity to further the aims of the organisation, in keeping within its charitable objectives.

Please see attahced Role Description with full details of the role.

About Life: 

Life is a national pregnancy support charity that helps over 60,000 people a year. Through our services, we help people – whoever they are – to meet pregnancy or pregnancy loss with courage and dignity so they can flourish.   

Our services include   

• Supported housing and community support   
• Counselling and skilled listening   
• Free pregnancy tests and baby supplies  

Our values 

All our work is underpinned by the following universal human values: 

• Humanity – All people are special and equal 
• Solidarity – We’re with you and for you 
• Community – We’re better together 
• Charity – Doing good for one another 
• Common good – Building a better world 

Rainforest Foundation UK (RFUK) is seeking a dynamic and well-connected professional with experience in fundraising, marketing and relationship building to join its Board of Trustees.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a unique and growing organisation working at the nexus of human rights, rainforests and climate change, and to use your skills and passion to deliver impact for Indigenous Peoples and other local communities on the frontline of the fight against tropical deforestation.

The role of the Board is to provide strategic vision, direction and leadership, to support the financial and operational stability needed to advance RFUK’s mission, and to promote the organisation’s continued effectiveness.

We are looking for a Trustee with experience and skills in one or more of the following areas:

• Philanthropic giving
• Charitable foundation grants
• High net worth giving
• Corporate partnerships and CSR fundraising
• Individual giving and legacies
• Networking and profile raising
• Marketing, PR and communications

Position: Treasurer (Non-Executive Director)
Location: Remote / UK-based
Time Commitment: Approximately 8–10 days per year
Remuneration: Voluntary role – reasonable expenses reimbursed
Application Deadline: 10 August 2025

The Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) is a ground-breaking alliance of companies, trade unions and non-governmental organisations working together to improve the lives of workers in international supply chains. ETI’s vision is of a world of work that protects human rights, ensures dignity for all, provides opportunity and is free of exploitation and abuse.

We are currently seeking a qualified and experienced Treasurer to join our Board as a Non-Executive Director. This is a voluntary governance role that plays a key part in overseeing ETI’s financial health and supporting the strategic direction of the organisation.

About the Role

As Treasurer, you will:

• Provide strategic financial oversight and ensure the organisation’s long-term financial viability
• Chair the Finance and Remuneration Sub-Committee
• Oversee budgets, financial reporting, risk management, and compliance
• Work closely with the Chair, CEO, and Senior Finance Manager
• Present key financial reports to the Board and at the Annual General Meeting
• Be available for occasional ad hoc financial advice or input

This role offers the opportunity to shape and strengthen the financial foundation of an organisation that is driving systemic change in global supply chains.

Person Specification

We are looking for someone with:

• A recognised accountancy qualification (e.g. ACA, ACCA, CIMA)
• Substantial experience in senior financial leadership, ideally including as a Treasurer or CFO
• An understanding of financial governance in the not-for-profit or NGO sector
• The confidence to challenge and contribute constructively at Board level
• The ability to communicate complex financial information clearly to non-financial stakeholders
• Ideally, experience in international development or ethical trade

Commitment

• Attend four Board meetings annually (virtual or hybrid)
• Chair the Finance and Remuneration Committee (usually two meetings per year)
• Participate in relevant working groups or panels as required
• Engage with senior staff for occasional ad hoc advice

Expenses

This is a voluntary role. However, all Directors are entitled to claim reasonable travel and subsistence expenses incurred while carrying out their duties, in line with ETI’s expenses policy.

The Charities HR Network – Trustee 

Following a period of significant growth, The Charities HR Network (CHRN) is looking for three new Trustees to join its board in 2025.

As the UK’s only network dedicated to supporting HR professionals in the charity sector, CHRN plays a vital role in connecting professionals, championing best practice, and providing tools and resources that really make a difference.

This is a voluntary role with real influence. Trustees help guide CHRN’s strategic direction, support the CEO and team, and ensure that its growing membership continues to be served in meaningful and forward-thinking ways.

Active for over 20 years, the CHRN now supports over 150 charities and is aiming to double this reach within the next three years. As part of this next chapter, CHRN is particularly keen to appoint trustees with experience in talent acquisition, learning and development, or organisational development. Two of these appointments will also help lead specialist groups in these areas.

CHRN welcomes applications from individuals with senior experience in HR or the charity sector. Previous board experience isn’t required, but the ability to think strategically, a collaborative approach, and a commitment to inclusion and equity is important.

Key details:

• Remote/virtual meetings (likely one per year face to face) – trustees can be based anywhere in the UK
• Time commitment: around 4–6 board and committee meetings per year
• Voluntary position with expenses covered
• A supportive and inclusive team culture, with opportunities to influence sector-wide change
• Personal and professional development through board-level experience, networking, and leadership of special interest groups
• Initial tenure of 3 years, with an option to extend for an additional 2 years

Trustees at CHRN are hands-on, insightful, and central to the success of the organisation. They work closely with the CEO and team to support service delivery, develop partnerships (including with the CIPD), and ensure that CHRN continues to meet the evolving needs of its members.

To apply, candidates should send a CV and short supporting statement to Peter Reeve, CEO. Informal conversations are welcome in advance and Peter can be contacted via email or LinkedIn.

Deadline for applications: 5pm, 15 September 2025

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

CHIPS is looking for new trustees to support our peacemaking work internationally.

About CHIPS

CHIPS (Christian International Peace Service) aims to bring about peace and reconciliation in areas of conflict or tension. We have over 59 years’ experience helping communities in the UK, Cyprus, India, the Philippines, Northern Ireland and Uganda; with our current projects being in Northern Ghana and Brixton, UK. We help communities build futures free from violent conflict through practical projects that both tackle the root causes of the division and bring the sides together to build trust and healthy relationships.

Our Vision: Our vision is for a world where conflict is met with peacemaking, division gives way to reconciliation, and communities work together to build sustainable peace.

Our Mission: Rooted in Jesus' example of peace and reconciliation, we accompany communities affected by violent conflict, fostering relationships, taking practical action, and building a foundation for lasting peace.

Our Philosophy:

• We go where we are invited
• We live in the heart of the conflict
• We take sides. Both sides.
• We are committed for the long term

About Being a Trustee

CHIPS (Christian International Peace Service) trustees play a crucial role in advancing peace in communities worldwide. Working collaboratively as part of the Board, they provide strategic oversight to the organisation, helping to strengthen its impact and sustainability by bringing their unique expertise and skills to the team. We're particularly looking for a trustee with a strong background in finance, accounting or bookkeeping in order to help support our Director and Board in there oversight of financial matters.

We hope that the experience of being a trustee for CHIPS will be rewarding. As well as making a difference to the communities that we support, we hope you will gain satisfaction from generously giving of your time. We want to have a Board of Trustees who are diverse in their experience and knowledge so that impact can be sustained. Whilst specific roles may vary, the overall duties are:

• Ensuring that CHIPS pursues its stated objects (purposes), as defined in its constitution, by developing and agreeing a long-term strategy in coordination with CHIPS staff and project teams
• Ensuring that CHIPS complies with its constitution, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations
• Ensuring that CHIPS applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its charitable objects for the benefit of the public
• Ensuring that CHIPS defines its goals and evaluates performance against agreed targets
• Safeguarding the good name and values of CHIPS
• Ensuring the effective and efficient governance of CHIPS, including having appropriate policies and procedures in place
• Ensuring the financial stability of CHIPS
• Protecting and managing the property of the charity and ensuring the proper investment of the charity’s funds
• Following proper and formal arrangements for the appointment, supervision, support, appraisal and remuneration of the senior leadership of CHIPS
• Communicating on behalf of the organisation, if necessary
• Facilitating any feedback or complaints so that any issues are addressed swiftly

In addition to the above statutory 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 scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise.

Finance Trustee specific role

• Reviewing quarterly management accounts and highlighting any variances or financial risks to the board.
• Supporting the annual budgeting process by advising on assumptions, cost control, and sustainability.
• Overseeing the preparation of annual accounts with CHIPS staff and working with the auditor or independent examiner as needed.
• Helping develop and monitor financial policies such as reserves, investments, and internal controls.
• Providing strategic financial insight to guide decision-making on fundraising, staffing, or new initiatives.

Person specification
CHIPS is particularly looking for new trustees who have strong backgrounds in finance to support the Director and team members. However, CHIPS is also looking to more generally increase the number of trustees so if you feel you have expertise which could benefit CHIPS, please still get in touch.

• A commitment to and passion for CHIPS and its objects and vision
• A commitment to CHIPS’ statement of faith
• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort
• Strategic vision
• Good, independent judgement and a willingness to speak their mind
• An ability to think creatively
• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
• An ability to work effectively as a member of a team
• A commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.
• A committed Christian willing to contribute to the spiritual life and development of CHIPS
• Experience or knowledge specific to the area in which they will oversee

If you're interested to join as a trustee, but want to find out more first - do get in contact with us.

At a time when we are experiencing the largest reforms to the welfare rights system in a generation, we believe this is an exciting opportunity for individuals interested in welfare rights work, to join a respected organisation working at the forefront of the advice sector.

The Welfare Benefits Unit offers specialist welfare benefits advice to those who work with members of the public. Our experienced advisers provide independent support through our advice line, publications, training, consultancy, campaigns and projects.

The Welfare Benefits Unit aims to maximise benefit take-up, helping to reduce the incidence and impact of poverty and in doing so improve health, well-being, financial and social inclusion. We are a registered charity based in York. We primarily operate in North Yorkshire and York although some of our services are accessed by organisations working further afield. 

We continue to aim towards a board that reflects the populations we work to support, and as such, welcome individuals from diverse ethnic communities, LGBTQIA+ groups, as well as younger people, those with disabilities, and those who have lived experience of the welfare benefits system.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

We welcome and support applications from those new to being a Trustee. We also know that studies have shown some people are less likely to apply for positions unless they believe meet every requirement in the description. The most important thing for us is to find Trustees that connect with our values and who can readily buy into our mission. Though we have suggested skills and experience areas below, which would be keen to hear from, we’re eager to meet people that believe in our mission and can contribute to our board in a variety of ways – not just candidates who tick all the boxes.

We’re keen to add these areas of skills and experience to our board:

• Financial, legal or HR matters (especially as they may apply to a small charity)
• Expertise in marketing, digital or similar technological areas
• Welfare benefits system and welfare rights advice or lived experience.

About the Role

All Trustee positions are voluntary with reasonable expenses remunerated. To be an effective Trustee, you will need to commit up to 1-2 days per quarter to attend and prepare for board meetings which are held virtually.

Effective Trustees support our work by:

• ensuring we are working towards our vision, mission and values in everything we do
• ensuring the effective and efficient use of resources, maintaining proper financial and regulatory oversight and best practice as a charity
• approving the annual budget, and supporting strategic decision-making by actively contributing advice and guidance
• appointing key personnel such as the Chief Executive, and determining pay and conditions for the wider team
• constructively guide the Senior Leadership Team in the delivery of the organisation’s strategy
• actively representing and championing the work of the Welfare Benefits Unit.

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 an overarching 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 engaging content, writing and editorial, design and artwork from The Social Media Team.
• 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.
• Scheduling and posting social media content.
• 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.

Obuyisi bw'Omu Initiative

Through grassroots initiatives, advocacy, and partnerships, the Obuyisibwomu Initiative aims to uplift marginalized groups—particularly women, youth, and children—while fostering long-term, sustainable change.

Obuyisi bw’omu Initiative addresses critical challenges faced by underserved communities in Uganda. These include limited access to mental health support, poor water sanitation and hygiene practices, barriers to quality education, and the escalating effects of climate change.

Mental Health: Stigma, lack of awareness, and limited access to mental health services leave many—especially youth—without the support they need for emotional well-being.

Water, Sanitation & Health (WASH): Inadequate clean water sources and poor sanitation infrastructure contribute to preventable diseases and poor health outcomes in rural communities.

Quality Education: Many children face barriers such as lack of resources, insufficient learning environments, and limited access to inclusive education opportunities, hindering their personal and community development.

Climate Change & Environmental Degradation: Communities experience direct impacts of climate change, including environmental degradation and food insecurity, but often lack the tools or knowledge to mitigate these effects.

Through our programs, we aim to empower communities, raise awareness, and drive sustainable solutions to these interconnected social and environmental issues.

Obuyisi bw’omu Initiative provides community-driven, practical solutions that empower individuals and promote sustainable development in Uganda.

Mental Health Awareness: We create safe spaces for dialogue, organize awareness campaigns, and engage youth in mental health education to reduce stigma and promote emotional well-being.

Water, Sanitation & Health (WASH): We work with communities to improve access to clean water, promote proper sanitation practices, and conduct health education to prevent disease and improve public health outcomes.

Quality Education: We support learners by providing educational resources, mentorship, and advocacy for inclusive, quality education—ensuring that children and youth in rural areas have better opportunities for growth.

Climate Action: We engage communities in environmental conservation activities such as tree planting, climate education, and sustainable practices that build resilience to climate change.

By combining grassroots engagement with volunteer expertise, we foster community ownership, empower young people, and promote lasting positive change.

Public Relations Officer

Volunteer Role Description (remote, unpaid)

Media & Press Relations Build relationships with international media outlets to secure coverage of the organization’s work and campaigns. Draft and distribute press releases, media kits, and statements.

Reputation & Brand Management Ensure consistent, positive representation of the organization across all communication channels.

Storytelling & Impact Communication Develop compelling human-interest stories, success profiles, and campaign highlights for public sharing. Work with program teams to translate impact data into relatable, inspiring messages.

Content & Messaging Strategy Create and manage high-quality content (articles, speeches, newsletters) that aligns with the organization’s mission and tone. Assist in shaping talking points for spokespersons and leadership.

Event & Campaign Promotion Support promotion of events, fundraising campaigns, and community activities through strategic communication efforts. Coordinate media coverage and documentation

Weekly Time Commitment

10+ hours per week

Duration of Volunteer Role (remote)

6+ months

East Eagle Foundation

We help people with disabilities in marginalized and underserved communities in the war-affected areas of Democratic Republic of Congo, in order to fulfil their human rights and meet their basic needs.

East Eagle Foundation is committed to helping people marginalized and underserved communities, especially with disabilities in DR Congo, especially in war-affected areas, to fulfill their human rights and meet their basic needs. We work with government bodies, local communities and Disabled People Organizations to implement our projects. EEF has over 10 years of experience working in communities in conflict and post-conflict areas. Currently, EEF is active in seven provinces across the country (Kinshasa, Tanganyika, Kongo-Central, North Kivu, South Kivu, Tshopo and Katanga) and has created an ecosystem of disability rights advocates-the organization maintains a database of more than 2,500 people living with disabilities (members).

To meet the stated objectives identified above, we work in collaboration with the Democratic Republic of the Congo's Ministry of Social Affairs, Humanitarian Action & National Solidarity to work with government staff at the local and regional level and with health and services provider agency staff to ensure they are aware of the rights and abilities of people living with disabilities. We also increase their skills to provide supports that provide full inclusion. This is accomplished through training, educational materials, technical assistance, and the creation of a Community of Practice. Our second focus is to increase the advocacy skills of individuals living with disabilities. This is accomplished through advocacy training and training to create radio and social media content aimed at raising awareness of the rights and abilities of people living with disabilities.

Grant Writer

Volunteer Role Description (remote, unpaid)

Research potential funding sources at the individual, state, and foundation levels. Develop, write, and package grant applications and proposals according to grant guidelines, ensuring all requirements and deadlines are met. Collaborate closely with the Chief Executive Officer and leadership team throughout the process.

Weekly Time Commitment

2-3 hours per week

Duration of Volunteer Role (remote)

6+ months

The International Council of Museums in the United Kingdom (ICOM UK) is seeking a new trustee with strong financial acumen and a passion for the museums and heritage sector and working internationally to be the Finance Lead on our Board. This is a strategic finance role to support the Strategic Director and advise the Board of Trustees in respect of the conduct of the charity’s financial affairs.  

The role requires experience and skills in financial planning and management, preferably in a charity and/or company, along with the ability to understand and communicate the impact of decisions on the organisation’s finances. 

We welcome applications from professionals with the skills, knowledge and lived experience that will strengthen and diversify our Board. 

 For further details on the roles and ICOM UK, you can view our Finance Lead Trustee Recruitment  Pack. 

Join Us as a Charity Trustee: Help Shape the Future of Befriending 

Are you passionate about building a more connected society, where no one feels forgotten or alone? 

Befriending Networks, the world’s largest network of befriending projects, is recruiting two trustees to help us champion the vital role of befriending in reducing loneliness and social isolation.

Around 1 in 6 people worldwide experience loneliness. Befriending services respond to this need by matching people in their communities for planned social activities that build meaningful connections.

Befriending Networks supports over 300 member organisations to deliver quality befriending services, through sector-specific training, events, resources, awards and 1:1 support. 

As a Befriending Networks trustee, you will be part of a welcoming and active board that enables befriending services across the UK and beyond to thrive. You will join us at an exciting time, as we begin to deliver our next strategic steps as an organisation. 

Following a recent board skills review, we are seeking two individuals who can offer skills in the following areas: 

• Income generation – This trustee will have an enterprising mindset, with experience of strategic fundraising, working with grantmakers, trusts and foundations or devising corporate sponsorships. Their guidance will help our charity to move into new ways of generating income, allowing us to become more resilient and advance our vision for a society where the importance of meaningful connections is valued. 
   
• Sector influence and advocacy – This trustee will be a great communicator, with a skill for forming and sustaining effective relationships. They will have a broad professional network which might include national or international connections. They may have connections which include the private sector, academia, thinktanks or investors interested in making social impact. Their experience might include research, policy making or campaigning. Their guidance will help us advocate for the befriending sector with greater impact and effectiveness. 

By joining the Befriending Networks board, you will play an integral role in moving our charity forward and helping us champion the impact of befriending on loneliness and isolation.  If you have the skills we’re looking for and are energised by working collaboratively to help organisations (and others) succeed, we’d love to hear from you. 

We are keen to hear from applicants with diverse lived experiences, especially those currently underrepresented in trustee boards. No previous board experience is required and you do not need to meet all requirements listed in the role descriptions to apply. 

Location: Remote/UK-wide (with one in-person meeting in Edinburgh per year) 
Time commitment: Approximately 4-6 hours per month. We have 6 board meetings per year (5 online and 1 in-person) 

Applications close: Monday 18th August 2025 

Our Board Executive will review all expressions of interest and will want to set up an online call with applicants to discuss their suitability for the role.

Join us and help lead change for anyone affected by ME.

Can you help us deliver our mission to improve the lives of all people affected by ME by becoming a new Trustee on our Board?

With the recent launch of the UK Government Delivery Plan for ME/CFS, and some critical research partnerships on the horizon, now is an exciting time to join us and play a pivotal role in our work to secure a better future for people with ME.

As a Trustee, you will have a vital role within Action for ME, establishing a clear and shared vision, setting policies and acting in the best interests of Action for ME and people with ME. We are particularly looking for people who bring: Scientific and/or research expertise; healthcare and/or information, support and advocacy experience; Policy experience at local or national level; Communications and/or marketing expertise.

If you have experience in any of these areas and share our ambition for a better future for people with ME, we want to hear from you.

Trustee - Role Description

Duties of a Trustee are as follows:

• To ensure that Action for ME complies with its Memorandum and Articles of Association,charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations
• To ensure that Action for ME pursues its charitable objects as defined in its Memorandum of Association
• To ensure Action for ME applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objectives
• To contribute actively to the Board of Trustees role in establishing a clear and sharedvision for Action for ME, giving firm strategic direction, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance against the agreed targets
• To act in the interests of Action for ME and for people with ME in general
• To safeguard the good name and values of Action for METo ensure the effective and efficient administration of Action for ME
• To ensure the financial stability of Action for ME
• To protect and manage the property of Action for ME and to ensure the proper investment of charity funds
• To appoint the Chief Executive and to monitor his or her performance and determine his or her remuneration.
• In addition to the above statutory duties of all Trustees, each Trustee should use any specific knowledge or experience they have to help the Board of Trustees reach sound decisions
• To represent Action for ME as appropriate.

Time Commitment:
The time commitment expected of a Trustee is approximately six days per annum, including an AGM, preparing for and attending Board meetings, and involvement in at least one of the sub-committees: Audit, Finance & Fundraising; Public Affairs & Communications; Research; Healthcare Services; or Remunerations & Nominations.

We hold an away day once every two years. Additional time may be required dependent on circumstances/needs. You will receive a full induction and support upon appointment.

We do ask that Trustees make a commitment to at least one, three-year term of office.

Trustee - Person Specification

All Trustees must demonstrate:

• A commitment to the organisation, its cause and demonstrate an understanding of MEand its impact
• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort Strategic vision Good, independent judgment
• An ability to think creatively
• A willingness to speak their mind
• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of Trusteeship
• An ability to work effectively as a member of a team
• A willingness to participate in at least one sub-committee, as appropriate
• A commitment to working within Action for ME’s values and principles of working,including Nolan’s ‘Seven Principles of Public Life’:

             a. Selflessness
             b. Integrity
             c. Objectivity
             d. Accountability
             e. Openness
             f. Honesty
             g. Leadership.

• Be willing to sign relevant statutory and other forms (eg for opening bank accounts).

Specific requirements:

While we are open to applications from people who meet the person specification, we regularly review the skills and backgrounds of our Board members and are specifically looking for people who bring:

• Scientific and/or research expertise
• Policy experience at local or national level
• Communications and/or marketing expertise.

How to Apply

If you are interested in becoming a Trustee, please submit:

• Your CV, including all employment/voluntary roles since you left full-time education ensuring any gaps or time out is accounted for and
• A completed ‘Equal opportunities monitoring and information form’ (provided separately)
• A covering letter outlining why you would like to become a Trustee and how you meet the person specification outlined above, including how you meet the specific requirements we are currently looking for.

Please also indicate any reasonable adjustments that you may require to enableus to provide a good recruitment process with you.

You will be informed of the outcome of your application and any potential interviewdates with the Chair, the Chief Executive and another Trustee. We will be invitingpeople for interviews as applications come in and will close recruitment when we fillthe current vacancies.

Equity of access

We strive to ensure equity which includes being as accessible as possible to attract Board members with a diverse range of experience and insight. If you don’t meet the person specification fully, please do consider contacting us for a discussion as youmay be our ideal candidate!

We will consider all requests for reasonable adjustments within the parameters ofensuring Trustees are able to enact their legal responsibilities and accountabilities.

Join Design in Mental Health Network as a Trustee and help shape the future of mental health environments. Provide strategic guidance, support innovation, champion co-production, and ensure our work delivers real-world impact through inclusive, evidence-based design.

About DiMHN:

The Design in Mental Health Network (DiMHN) is a UK-based charity dedicated to transforming mental health environments through inclusive, evidence-based design. Our network brings together professionals from healthcare, design, policy, and lived experience to improve mental health outcomes and create spaces that promote dignity, safety, and healing.

Role Overview:

As a Trustee, you will help guide the strategic direction of DiMHN, ensure effective governance, and champion our values. Trustees are expected to provide strategic oversight and contribute expertise to subgroups or advisory functions.

Why Join Us

Joining the Board of DiMHN presents an opportunity to shape the future of mental health environments across the UK and beyond.

You’ll be part of a passionate, forward-thinking community working at the intersection of design, care, and lived experience. 

As a Trustee, you’ll:

• Shape strategic direction to drive meaningful change in mental health environments across the UK and beyond.

• Collaborate with a diverse network of leaders, experts, and lived experience advocates, influencing the future of mental health design.

• Provide governance and oversight that ensures the charity’s growth, sustainability, and impact.

• Champion inclusivity by elevating voices often excluded from design and decision-making processes

• Influence policy, standards, and innovation at national and international levels to embed evidence-based design in mental health care.

Who We’re Looking For

We’re looking for people who believe in the power of design to change lives. Whether you come from healthcare, design, research, lived experience, or another walk of life, if you’re motivated by the idea of creating more inclusive, compassionate mental health environments, we want to hear from you.

We have two Trustee vacancies and warmly welcome applications from both first-time trustees and those with previous board experience. 

We value fresh perspectives and offer support to help you thrive in the role. We are especially interested in individuals who can bring insight in one or more of the following areas:

• Mental Health Services & Policy: Clinical, community, lived experience, commissioning, or estates, facilities and planning.

• Digital Health & Technology: Expertise in AI, immersive tech, digital platforms, or digital strategy in care settings.

• Finance & Commercial Strategy: Income generation, business development, or financial planning in health, social impact, or design sectors.

• Research & Evaluation: Academic or applied research, impact measurement, or policy analysis.

We’re also looking for Trustees who embody our values:

At DiMHN, our work is grounded in our core values. We’re looking for Trustees who reflect these values through both mindset and action:

Be Courageous – You’re willing to ask challenging questions, confront assumptions, and help push boundaries to make mental health spaces more inclusive and compassionate.

Empathy in Design – You understand that good design starts with empathy. Whether through lived experience or professional perspective, you value collaboration and co-production with those who access mental health care and support.

Evidence-Led, Impact-Driven – You’re curious, reflective, and motivated by real-world change. You use evidence to guide decisions and are focused on outcomes that make a difference.

Improve Together – You believe in learning together. You’re generous with your skills and committed to helping the DiMHN and the wider sector grow stronger through collective action.

Could you help shape Mind in Kingston’s future and support more people with mental health needs?

We’re a passionate, independent local charity working across the Royal Borough of Kingston, affiliated with national Mind. Our vision? A world where everyone experiencing a mental health problem receives the support and respect they deserve — and we won’t stop until that happens.

We’re now looking for new Trustees to help lead us forward. We’re looking for people who can:

•  Think strategically and creatively
•  Lead the organisation towards fully achieving its commitment and ambition
•  Scrutinise the impact we’re having
•  Communicate clearly and sensitively in large group discussions
•  Use independent judgement to make decisions on behalf of the organisation
•  Be committed to our mission, vision and values.

Role Highlights:

•  Time Commitment: 4–8 hours per month (meetings held online)
•  Voluntary role with expenses paid
•  Trustees receive: Induction, training, expenses, and skill-building opportunities.