21 Legal officer volunteer volunteer roles in Belfast

Do you believe in a future where no animal suffers for science? 

Do you have spare time you can volunteer to make a difference to the lives of animals and humans?

If so, we would love you to consider being one of our new Trustees.

At Replacing Animal Research, we’ve been working for over half a century to replace the use of animals in research. We have significantly contributed to the development, and uptake, of non-animal methods by:

• Empowering scientists with our educational opportunities.
• Funding exciting research aimed at replacing animals and improving human healthcare.
• Collaborating with policymakers to ensure more rigorous policy on the use of animals in science. 

Our mission is to ensure scientists use non-animal approaches in biomedical research and testing. It’s a better future for animals and humans. For us to achieve this, we need to ensure that Replacing Animal Research is a resilient organisation with sufficient skills, support, and income to continue its work in the long term. Our Trustees are critical to the future of the organisation.

We are currently seeking 2-3 more Trustees to strengthen our Board by providing strategic and governance support. We encourage applications from all people regardless of age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, belief or race.

We are looking for Trustees who can demonstrate:

• A commitment to our purpose and aims and the strategic vision to support the Replacing Animal Research's future development.
• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to support the charity. (Please see below for more details on the time commitment).
• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship.
• Sound, independent judgement and the ability to challenge constructively.
• The ability to work effectively as a member of a team and make decisions for the good of the charity.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• We are particularly interested in hearing from candidates who have experience in charity governance, charity law, finance, investments, direct animal research, fundraising and income generation, business development and philanthropy.

A full induction is provided for new Trustees as well as ongoing CPD opportunities and support. The role of Trustee requires an annual time commitment of around 8 working days which works out around 5 hours per month. This includes:

• Preparation for and attendance at 4 Board meetings, which are held remotely.
• Preparation for and attendance at sub-committee meetings or work group meetings as appropriate.
• Between meetings, Trustees may be asked to contribute to discussions via email or attend ad hoc MS Teams meetings on specific issues as required.
• Attendance at 1 or 2 in-person away days per year. We are planning to hold our next Trustee away day in January 2027.
• From time to time, Trustees may be asked to sit on or contribute to other project groups or activities.

For more detailed information on being a trustee for Replacing Animal Research please take a look at our Trustee Role Description.

To apply for this opportunity please do so via Charity Job and submit your CV and a supporting cover letter, which should explain why you are interested in the role, how you can fulfil the role requirements and be an ambassador for Replacing Animal Research.

Please ensure you read our Trustee Role Description and refer to this in your application.

Thank you for your interest in working with Replacing Animal Research and we look forward to hearing from you.

Benefits

The role of Trustee is voluntary but travel and subsistence expenses are covered as required.

Notes

Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview in the weeks of 12/10/2026 and 19/10/2026 and candidates who are successful at interview will be invited to attend the November Board meeting as an observer. Full details will be given to successful candidates nearer the time.

Trustees, including a treasurer, are needed for a leading charity helping people with dissociative disorders. 

CDS UK (Clinic for Dissociative Studies) is a specialist service offering assessments and treatment for people with dissociative disorders and an independent charitable provider to the NHS.

CDS provides diagnosis, outpatient treatment, clinical supervision, consultancy and training all over the UK. We also participate in research and education, contributing to what we hope is a greater understanding of dissociative disorders.

Dissociative disorders typically arise in response to extreme and repetitive trauma and/or abuse in early childhood. Dissociation can be a survival mechanism and adaptive response to overwhelming and traumatic experiences, enabling an individual to endure life events that no one person could be expected to manage without a severe impact on their wellbeing. Trustees are central to ensuring that CDS provides the best possible help for extremely vulnerable clients.

At CDS, we are committed to a culture of continuous improvement and organisational development, ensuring that our services, people, and governance evolve to meet the needs of those we support. Our work is grounded in our core values of Respect, Choice, Compassion, Openness and Working Together, which shape how we collaborate, make decisions, and deliver impact. 

To build a well-balanced and rounded board CDS is looking for trustees, including a treasurer, with expertise in any of the following:

• Accountancy and/or auditing experience 
• Financial management and strategy 
• Clinical & clinical management experience
• Legal and governance
• Fundraising 
• Marketing
• Organisational development 

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive Board that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, particularly those who are currently underrepresented at trustee level, including people from diverse ethnic backgrounds, younger people, disabled people, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those with lived experience relevant to our work. 

Closing date 9th October. Interviews will take place via MS Teams w/b 12th October. 

🧡 We're looking for new trustees to help end child slavery in Nepal

Today, there are over 40 million slaves globally – a quarter of whom are children. In Nepal alone, we estimate almost 100,000 children are trapped in hazardous, exploitative labour.

Child Rescue Nepal exists to change that. We rescue children, keep them safe and reunite them with their families – and we've already helped over 1,000 children find their way home. But there's so much more to do, and we want you to help us do it.

We're building our board's experience base and are particularly keen to hear from people with skills in:

🔹 HR
🔹 Strategy and governance
🔹 International development
🔹 Knowledge or lived experience of Nepal

You don't need to have been a charity trustee before. The skills and qualities matter more than prior governance experience, and we'll give you full induction and training to get you up to speed.

Here's what one former trustee has to say about the role:

"I have learnt so much from my experience on both a personal and professional level and have felt my contributions were welcomed and valued. I really feel privileged to have been able to be part of CRN and have the opportunities to work in Nepal, and the children will always have a special place in my heart." — Sue Payne, retired social worker and trustee for four years

🌏 This is a voluntary role with real impact – a chance to bring your skills to a small, focused charity making a genuine difference in children's lives.

SolidariTee is an international charity run and led entirely by volunteers who are students and young people. We're working to make lasting change in the way refugees and other people forced to flee persecution and violence are treated, through a combination of awareness-raising, advocacy, and fundraising to support grassroots NGOs providing vital refugee legal aid and mental health support.

We are currently looking for volunteers to join our Central and Leadership teams!

Positions on our Central Team:

• Events Officers
• Partnerships Officers
• Publicity Officers (social media team)
• Digital Education Officers (social media team)

Our Central Team includes students and other young people from around the UK and works together to coordinate SolidariTee’s core functions and organise opportunities to bring our volunteers and supporters together. This includes organising our annual conference, creating content for our central Instagram page @teesofsolidarity, and developing partnerships with uni societies, student groups, fashion shows, balls and more!

Positions on our Leadership Team:

• Secretary
• Social Media Manager
• Events Lead
• Partnerships Lead

Our Leadership Team provides overall coordination and oversight to the activities of our Central Team and Regional Teams, and it is a great opportunity to be involved with leading the direction of the SolidariTee movement on a national level.

Why join us

Rebuild with Hope was established in 2021 and began supporting people facing multiple barriers to employment. From our humble beginnings we have seen continued and exciting growth which has allowed us to further develop and expand our support programmes alongside the opening of several retail outlets, high street stores and a community hub and café.

Our additional retail stores are in Runcorn (two stores), Earlstown, Kirkham, Thorn Cross and Wrexham. Our mission is to support those facing multiple barriers to employment by providing mentorship, employment opportunities and holistic support. Rebuild With Hope provides opportunities and delivers comprehensive support making transitioning back to work as smooth as possible.

We offer training, volunteering, work experience and progression to real work opportunities, coupled with wrap around support to foster independence, promote self-esteem and provide hope for people when they need it most. Employment and volunteering opportunities continue to help us support communities with the ongoing and ever challenging cost of living crisis.

Overview

The Rebuild with Hope Foundation is a fast growing and impactful charity supporting those facing barriers to work. Due to our continued growth we are looking to increase and diversify our Board membership. We are looking to appoint Trustees, no former experience is required as training will be provided. We are also looking to appoint a Treasurer a long with an experienced Chair of the Board. There are separate recruitment packs for each of the three roles, with each outlining the different knowledge and experiences required .

As Trustee you will help steer the charity towards achieving its mission. This vital role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to meaningful community initiatives, support sustainable growth, and foster positive relationships with stakeholders. As a Trustee, you will play a key part in shaping the charity’s future, ensuring accountability, transparency, and effective governance. This paid position invites passionate individuals eager to make a lasting difference through dedicated service and innovative thinking.

Role Description

Board Members are jointly and severally responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity, its financial health, probity of its activities, developing the organisation’s aims, objectives, and goals in accordance with the Constitution, legal and regulatory guidelines. All Board Members should be aware of and understand their individual and collective responsibilities and should not be overly reliant on one or more Members in any aspect of the governance of the charity.

Chair Specific Duties

• Rebuild with Hope operates within the law, and according to its constitution and its commitments to stakeholders and is adequately resourced to meet its commitments.
• Rebuild with Hope develops an effective strategy in line with the core values of the organisation
• All Board Members are fully involved in discussions and decisions, and the contribution of individual Members is monitored. The Chair will encourage group decision making, teamwork, and a sense of shared purpose, and will foster a sense of inclusivity and shared mission by informing the Board at each meeting of any ‘Chair’s business’ which has taken place since the last meeting
• The Board’s agenda is appropriate and focuses on the key strategic issues, all planned business is dealt with in an equitable, fair manner and a conclusion is reached in each case, and that decisions are clearly and accurately minuted
• The Board continually monitors Rebuild with Hope’s progress, and that Board Members have regular, timely and relevant information on strategic and financial issues and key risks
• Board Members have a proper knowledge and understanding of their roles and responsibilities
• The Board delegates, as appropriate, to its Committees and to its Chief Executive
• Regular reviews of Board, Committee and Chief Executive performance are undertaken, and a programme of development processes for the Board, its Members, and the Chief Executive is established
• Periodic reviews of the composition and workings of Rebuild with Hope are undertaken to ensure it continues to respond appropriately to changes in the wider environment
• Effective use is made of the Board’s time within, and between, meetings
• The Board receives professional advice when necessary
• The support and commitment of Rebuild with Hope’s partners and key stakeholders are developed and sustained
• They represent Rebuild with Hope as required and foster positive relationships with a range of stakeholders. The Chair will ensure that a high profile is maintained for the organisation, and that stakeholders are kept informed of our work
• Positive working relationships are maintained among Board Members and with the Chief Executive to enable an appropriate balance of challenge and support to be provided 

Duties

• Ensuring the charity complies with legislative and regulatory requirements and acts within the confines of the Constitution and its charitable objects.
• Acting in the best interest of the charity, beneficiaries, and future beneficiaries.
• Promoting and developing the charity to help it grow and maintain its public benefit.
• Maintaining sound financial management and control of the charity’s resources.
• Ensuring a fully effective and appropriate system recruitment, for appointment the and monitoring of the work and activities for the CEO and Senior Management team.
• Ensuring the effective and efficient administration of the charity and its resources, striving for best practice in good governance.
• Maintaining absolute confidentiality about all aspects of Trustees’ business

This role offers an inspiring opportunity to contribute your skills and experiences toward creating positive change while working alongside passionate professionals dedicated to making a difference in our communities.

How to apply

Please download the relevant recruitment pack for either Trustee, Treasurer and Chair. The application process is outlined within the pack.

We request no contact from external agencies

Why join us

Rebuild with Hope was established in 2021 and began supporting people facing multiple barriers to employment. From our humble beginnings we have seen continued and exciting growth which has allowed us to further develop and expand our support programmes alongside the opening of several retail outlets, high street stores and a community hub and café.

Our additional retail stores are in Runcorn (two stores), Earlstown, Kirkham, Thorn Cross and Wrexham. Our mission is to support those facing multiple barriers to employment by providing mentorship, employment opportunities and holistic support. Rebuild With Hope provides opportunities and delivers comprehensive support making transitioning back to work as smooth as possible.

We offer training, volunteering, work experience and progression to real work opportunities, coupled with wrap around support to foster independence, promote self-esteem and provide hope for people when they need it most. Employment and volunteering opportunities continue to help us support communities with the ongoing and ever challenging cost of living crisis.

Overview

The Rebuild with Hope Foundation is a fast growing and impactful charity supporting those facing barriers to work. Due to our continued growth we are looking to increase and diversify our Board membership. We are looking to appoint Trustees, no former experience is required as training will be provided. We are also looking to appoint a Treasurer a long with an experienced Chair of the Board. There are separate recruitment packs for each of the three roles, with each outlining the different knowledge and experiences required .

As Treasureyou will help steer the charity towards achieving its mission. This vital role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to meaningful community initiatives, support sustainable growth, and foster positive relationships with stakeholders. As a Trustee, you will play a key part in shaping the charity’s future, ensuring accountability, transparency, and effective governance. This paid position invites passionate individuals eager to make a lasting difference through dedicated service and innovative thinking.

Role Description

Board Members are jointly and severally responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity, its financial health, probity of its activities, developing the organisation’s aims, objectives, and goals in accordance with the Constitution, legal and regulatory guidelines. All Board Members should be aware of and understand their individual and collective responsibilities and should not be overly reliant on one or more Members in any aspect of the governance of the charity.

Treasurer Specific Duties

• Liaising, where applicable with the CEO (or other appropriate member of staff)
• Supporting the Board to monitor the financial position of the charity
• Creating in conjunction with relevant financial senior instruments for the control of charity assets
• Ensuring that staff create sound financial instruments for the control of charity assets
• Advising on the financial implications the Charity's Strategic Plan
• Ensuring that the annual accounts are compliant with the current charities’ SORP
• Ensuring close working relationships with the internal audit team and any Committees of the Board
• Ensuring that sound financial management is maintained and ensuring expenditure is in line with the charity’s objects
• Acting as a counter signatory on charity cheques and any applications and receipts of funding (if mandated)

Trustee Duties

• Ensuring the charity complies with legislative and regulatory requirements and acts within the confines of the Constitution and its charitable objects.
• Acting in the best interest of the charity, beneficiaries, and future beneficiaries.
• Promoting and developing the charity to help it grow and maintain its public benefit.
• Maintaining sound financial management and control of the charity’s resources.
• Ensuring a fully effective and appropriate system recruitment, for appointment the and monitoring of the work and activities for the CEO and Senior Management team.
• Ensuring the effective and efficient administration of the charity and its resources, striving for best practice in good governance.
• Maintaining absolute confidentiality about all aspects of Trustees’ business

This role offers an inspiring opportunity to contribute your skills and experiences toward creating positive change while working alongside passionate professionals dedicated to making a difference in our communities.

How to apply

Please download the relevant recruitment pack for either Trustee, Treasurer and Chair. The application process is outlined within the pack.

We request no contact from external agencies

Volunteer International Fundraising & Grants Officer

Universe of Life Organization (ULO) is seeking a motivated and committed volunteer to support our international fundraising and grants development. This is an opportunity to contribute to the development of an organisation with an international vision and to help mobilise resources for programmes supporting vulnerable communities.

About ULO

Universe of Life Organization (ULO) was founded in Cameroon in 2017 with a vision to serve humanity with love, dignity and solidarity. ULO is preparing an important new chapter in its development, including the establishment of ULO UK in London and the strengthening of its international programmes and partnerships.

The role

The volunteer will support ULO in identifying suitable funding opportunities, researching potential funders and developing strong grant applications and funding proposals.

Key responsibilities include:

• Researching trusts, foundations, charities, institutions, companies and other potential funders.

• Identifying relevant grant opportunities, funding calls and partnership opportunities in the UK and internationally.

• Researching funder eligibility criteria, priorities, deadlines and application requirements.

• Maintaining a structured pipeline of potential funders, opportunities, deadlines and applications.

• Supporting the preparation, writing and adaptation of grant applications, concept notes and funding proposals.

• Supporting fundraising strategies and partnership approaches.

• Contributing to donor and funder research, follow-up and record keeping.

• Working collaboratively with ULO leadership and relevant volunteers to ensure proposals are accurate, consistent and evidence-based.

Immediate priority – ULO Cameroon Flagship Project

A key priority will be supporting resource mobilisation for ULO’s Women’s and Children’s Resilience and Empowerment Programme, a 12-month pilot programme designed to support 50 vulnerable women and 60 vulnerable children aged 5–15 in Bafoussam, West Region, Cameroon.

The programme focuses on women’s economic empowerment and livelihoods, children’s education and protection, psychosocial and emotional well-being, community resilience, partnerships and sustainability.

ULO has already developed the core project documentation and funding proposal. The volunteer will help identify appropriate funding opportunities and support ULO in presenting the programme to potential funders and institutional partners.

What we are looking for

We are ideally seeking someone with at least 3 years’ experience in fundraising, grant writing, trusts and foundations, partnerships, nonprofit development or a closely related field. Strong research, written English, organisation and communication skills are important.

Experience with UK or international funders is an advantage. French language skills are welcome but not essential.

This is a voluntary, unpaid position, initially requiring approximately 5–8 hours per week, with flexibility to be discussed according to availability and programme needs. The role is UK-based and can be undertaken remotely, with opportunities for London-based collaboration where appropriate.

What you can contribute

Your contribution can help ULO strengthen its fundraising capacity, develop sustainable funding relationships and mobilise resources needed to turn existing programme plans into practical action for vulnerable women and children.

Why join us

Rebuild with Hope Foundation was established in 2021 and began supporting people facing multiple barriers to employment. From our humble beginnings we have seen continued and exciting growth which has allowed us to further develop and expand our support programmes alongside the opening of several retail outlets, high street stores and a community hub and café.

Our additional retail stores are in Runcorn (two stores), Earlstown, Kirkham, Thorn Cross and Wrexham. Our mission is to support those facing multiple barriers to employment by providing mentorship, employment opportunities and holistic support. Rebuild With Hope provides opportunities and delivers comprehensive support making transitioning back to work as smooth as possible.

We offer training, volunteering, work experience and progression to real work opportunities, coupled with wrap around support to foster independence, promote self-esteem and provide hope for people when they need it most. Employment and volunteering opportunities continue to help us support communities with the ongoing and ever challenging cost of living crisis.

Overview

The Rebuild with Hope Foundation is a fast growing and impactful charity supporting those facing barriers to work. Due to our continued growth we are looking to increase and diversify our Board membership. We are looking to appoint Trustees, no former experience is required as training will be provided. We are also looking to appoint a Treasurer a long with an experienced Chair of the Board. There are separate recruitment packs for each of the three roles, with each outlining the different knowledge and experiences required .

As Trustee you will help steer the charity towards achieving its mission. This vital role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to meaningful community initiatives, support sustainable growth, and foster positive relationships with stakeholders. As a Trustee, you will play a key part in shaping the charity’s future, ensuring accountability, transparency, and effective governance. This paid position invites passionate individuals eager to make a lasting difference through dedicated service and innovative thinking.

Role Description

Board Members are jointly and severally responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity, its financial health, probity of its activities, developing the organisation’s aims, objectives, and goals in accordance with the Constitution, legal and regulatory guidelines. All Board Members should be aware of and understand their individual and collective responsibilities and should not be overly reliant on one or more Members in any aspect of the governance of the charity.

Duties

• Ensuring the charity complies with legislative and regulatory requirements and acts within the confines of the Constitution and its charitable objects.
• Acting in the best interest of the charity, beneficiaries, and future beneficiaries.
• Promoting and developing the charity to help it grow and maintain its public benefit.
• Maintaining sound financial management and control of the charity’s resources.
• Ensuring a fully effective and appropriate system recruitment, for appointment the and monitoring of the work and activities for the CEO and Senior Management team.
• Ensuring the effective and efficient administration of the charity and its resources, striving for best practice in good governance.
• Maintaining absolute confidentiality about all aspects of Trustees’ business

This role offers an inspiring opportunity to contribute your skills and experiences toward creating positive change while working alongside passionate professionals dedicated to making a difference in our communities.

How to apply

Please download the relevant recruitment pack for either Trustee, Treasurer and Chair. The application process is outlined within the pack.

We request no contact from external agencies

About now-u

now-u is a non-profit that aims to inform, inspire and empower people to help tackle pressing social and environmental issues, in partnership with charities.

People can often feel overwhelmed by large-scale problems and powerless to help, but all of us have the ability to contribute to meaningful change. This is where now-u comes in.

We connect people who are looking for ways to make a difference with impactful organisations and actions, enabling regular learning and action around key local and global issues. By bringing together the actions of individuals across the now-u community, we can help drive positive and lasting change.

About the role

We are looking for a motivated, talented and reliable generalist to join our small non-profit team in the voluntary role of Head of Operations.

You will join the leadership team of our remote charity start-up and work closely with the CEO to help stabilise the organisation’s operations and support its growth.

This is a broad and varied role, suited to someone who is comfortable working across different areas of the organisation, including campaigns, marketing, partnerships, fundraising and core operations.

We are looking for someone who can take a proactive approach, help build and lead small volunteer teams, support the delivery of effective strategies and contribute to high-impact charitable campaigns and future opportunities for now-u.

Strong communication, project management and people skills will be important in helping the organisation deliver its long-term strategy and continue developing sustainably.

Key responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations and make adjustments where required.
• Review the effectiveness and efficiency of internal and external operational processes and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Assess team capacity and support the recruitment of new volunteers where needed.
• Support different teams with their day-to-day operations and provide strategic guidance.
• Develop and implement growth strategies in collaboration with the leadership and strategy teams.
• Support efforts to make now-u financially self-sufficient through fundraising and revenue generation.
• Lead core operational areas including financial management, HR and legal compliance.
• Manage, support and motivate volunteers.
• Work closely with the CEO and wider leadership team to support organisational priorities and long-term strategy.

About you

We are looking for someone who is proactive, organised and comfortable taking responsibility across a range of operational areas.

You should be confident working with different people and teams, able to manage competing priorities and comfortable solving problems as they arise.

You will also need to be motivated by now-u’s mission and committed to making a positive difference through social and environmental causes.

Essential skills

• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Good time-management and organisational skills.
• Strong problem-solving ability.
• Ability to communicate clearly and work collaboratively.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and work independently when required.
• Commitment to now-u’s mission and charitable causes.

Desirable experience

• Management experience.
• Strategic planning experience.
• Start-up experience.
• Operations experience.
• Experience managing or supporting volunteers.
• Experience working within a charity or non-profit environment.

Time commitment

8–10 hours per week

Length of commitment

This is a long-term voluntary role, with a minimum commitment of 6 months.

What you will gain

This role offers the opportunity to take on a senior operational position within a small and developing non-profit organisation.

You will have the chance to work closely with the CEO and leadership team, contribute to organisational strategy, support teams across different areas of the charity and play an important role in helping now-u grow and strengthen its operations.

It is a strong opportunity for someone who wants to develop further experience in operations, leadership, strategy and the charity sector while contributing to meaningful social and environmental causes.

We are seeking an experienced and passionate HR and people professional to join our Board and help shape an inclusive and supportive organisation. We are particularly interested in hearing from people with expertise in HR, people strategy, organisational development or workforce wellbeing, who share our commitment to creating a positive environment where staff and volunteers can thrive.

The Board of Trustees is responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity, developing CLAPA’s aims, objectives and goals in accordance with the governing document, legal and regulatory guidelines. You would be joining our board at an exciting time, as we continue to implement our 5-year strategy for 2025-2030.

The HR Trustee will contribute to all aspects of the charity’s governance while providing essential HR expertise to support and enhance our work. We are seeking an experienced people professional to help make a meaningful impact at CLAPA, in line with its strategic priorities.

About CLAPA

The Cleft Lip and Palate Action (CLAPA) is the national charity for people affected by cleft lip and palate in the United Kingdom.

CLAPA supports people affected by cleft to take control of their journey, connect with others, and use their voices to impact the future of care. Our vision is that no one affected by cleft lip and palate in the United Kingdom will go through their journey alone.

Carers Support is looking for a new Chair of Trustees to lead our Board and support the next stage of our development. This is an important voluntary role for someone with strong board or senior governance experience who wants to make a real difference to unpaid carers.

About Carers Support

We are an independent charity supporting thousands of unpaid carers of all ages across Bristol and South Gloucestershire. We provide advice, information, practical help, emotional support, training, young carers services and more.

Our vision is that all carers are recognised, valued and supported. We work closely with the NHS, local authorities and voluntary organisations, and hold the Trusted Charity quality mark

Main duties would include:

As Chair of Trustees, you will:

• Lead the Board and help set the charity’s strategic direction

• Support and work closely with the Chief Executive

• Make sure the Board fulfils its legal and governance duties

• Encourage a positive, open and inclusive Board culture

• Ensure meetings are well-run and support good discussion and decision-making

• Help the charity respond to the needs and views of unpaid carers

• Ensure risks, finances and performance are monitored effectively

You do not need previous chairing experience. We are looking for someone with solid board or committee experience who can guide a group and support strong governance.

What we’re looking for

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and lived experiences. We are looking for someone who can bring:

• Board, governance or senior decision-making experience

• Calm, confident leadership and good people skills

• The ability to facilitate effective meetings or a willingness to learn

• Sound judgement and the confidence to ask questions

• A commitment to improving the lives of unpaid carers

• Time to prepare for and attend meetings

Time commitment

• 4 board meetings per year (2 hours each)

• Regular meetings with the Chief Executive

• Occasional committee meetings, events or development sessions

• Additional committee meetings, events or development sessions, as required

What you’ll gain

• A meaningful leadership opportunity with social impact

• Strategic experience in a respected local charity

• Supportive induction, training and ongoing guidance

• A warm and collaborative Board environment

 There’s lots more we could tell you, but why not apply and come and see for yourself.  If you’d like any further information, please email our recruitment team with your details and we’ll arrange for someone to call you back.

Please visit our website for all the information you need and details of how to apply.  All expressions of interest and CV’s should be returned to our recruitment inbox.

Closing date for applications is 30th September 2026 (however this vacancy may close early if we find a suitable candidate).

We are an Equal Opportunities Employer, and our workplace is free of barriers and fully accessible for people with disabilities.  We are committed to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults; from recruitment of staff through to supporting our team working with families and carers in crisis.

Registered Charity No:  1063226

What we do

Respair Therapy C.I.C. began in 2023 with a simple belief: dance belongs to everybody, and every body. Like many of the people we work with, Respair does not fit neatly into one box. Our work exists on a spectrum, from the gloriously frivolous to the deeply serious.

At one end, we hire out silent disco equipment so that people can turn their living room, kitchen or garden into a dancefloor. We create joyful events where people can put on a pair of headphones, choose their music and dance together without worrying about what they look like. Income from silent disco hire goes back into Respair, so a party in someone’s garden can help another person access psychological support.

At the other end is Dance Movement Psychotherapy, or DMP. This is not a dance class or an informal wellbeing activity. It is a recognised form of psychotherapy in which movement, the body and the relationship between client and therapist are central to the clinical work.

In the UK, Dance Movement Psychotherapists complete postgraduate training at Master’s degree level, including clinical placements, personal therapy, supervised practice and academic research. Qualified practitioners register with the Association for Dance Movement Psychotherapy UK and work to professional and ethical standards. DMP is used within NHS services, as well as in schools, mental health services, social care, charities and private practice. It is serious clinical work that can support people experiencing trauma, abuse, anxiety, depression, loss, relationship difficulties and other forms of psychological distress.

Between these two ends are projects such as Babe Club, our silent disco for parents, carers and babies; therapeutic movement in schools; and work with neurodivergent people, adults with learning disabilities and people living with dementia.

Our work is inclusive, trauma informed and anti oppressive. Whether we are helping somebody throw a brilliant party or supporting a person through specialist psychotherapy, we are creating more opportunities for people of different ages, backgrounds and abilities to experience movement, connection and psychological support.

How do we what we do

Respair is run by a Founding Director and team of Supporting Directors who volunteer their time. The Founding Director is also the Lead Psychotherapist and Facilitator. We meet quarterly to discuss the finance, legal and compliance aspects of the work. We have an accountant and a book keeper and we use Quickbooks to keep everything in one place. We apply for funding from local and national funding bodies. We have been successful in securing over £24,000 in restricted funds, and we have plans to apply for more. 

What we need

Respair is a creative and responsive organisation, so new ideas and opportunities can appear quickly. We need a Finance Director who can help us pause, understand the numbers and decide what is realistic.

The right person will be financially experienced, practical and approachable. They will look beyond whether the figures add up to help us understand what they mean, ask difficult questions and give clear advice.

Essential skills and qualities

The successful candidate will:

• Have substantial experience using QuickBooks.
• Have experience working with a charity, Community Interest Company, social enterprise or other small mission driven organisation.
• Understand restricted grants, funder budgets and financial reporting.
• Be able to prepare and interpret annual budgets, project budgets, cash flow forecasts and management accounts.
• Compare actual income and expenditure against agreed budgets, identify significant differences and recommend action.
• Assess the financial impact of new projects, contracts, staffing decisions and significant purchases.
• Develop proportionate financial policies and controls, including reserves policies and spending limits.
• Read annual accounts and ask sensible questions before they are approved.
• Explain financial information clearly to people without a finance background.
• Give honest, independent advice and offer thoughtful challenge, including when the Managing Director or Board may have hoped for a different answer.
• Be trustworthy, reliable and able to handle sensitive information confidentially.
• Support Respair’s commitment to inclusion, fairness and accessible mental health support.

The Finance Director will work closely with Debbie, our Founding Director, so a warm, straightforward and respectful working relationship will be important.

Desirable skills and qualities

It would be helpful if the candidate also has:

• A recognised finance qualification, such as ACA, ACCA, CIMA or AAT.
• Previous experience as a finance director, treasurer or board member.
• Knowledge of payroll, PAYE, pensions, Corporation Tax and Companies House reporting.
• Experience working constructively with bookkeepers and external accountants.
• An interest in mental health, therapy, community work or the creative arts.

We do not expect one person to know every answer. We do expect them to recognise the limits of their knowledge, ask questions and seek specialist advice when needed. A sense of humour and an understanding of the slightly unpredictable nature of a small, growing organisation would also be very welcome.

Bring your voice and experience to a Board where it can shape real change. Join a national children’s health and wellbeing charity, challenge our thinking, influence our future and help us make stronger decisions for the children, young people and families at the heart of everything we do.

Compass exists for children, young people and families who need someone in their corner. For 40 years, we have delivered health and wellbeing services that give people access to the right support, at the right time and in ways that reflect their needs and communities.

We are looking for a voluntary Non Executive Director and Trustee to join our Board and help shape what comes next. This is an opportunity to use your knowledge, experience and perspective somewhere they can influence real decisions and help Compass remain ambitious, accountable and focused on the people our services exist for.

As a member of the Board, you will provide independent oversight, constructive challenge and fresh thinking. You will work alongside fellow Trustees and our senior leaders to help shape strategy, review organisational performance and ensure decisions are thoughtful, evidence informed and consistent with our charitable purpose and values.

Your role will reach across the organisation. You will contribute to discussions about service quality, safeguarding, workforce, finance, risk, performance and long term sustainability. You will ask the questions that help us think differently, test assumptions and understand the likely impact of our decisions. You will also share responsibility for ensuring Compass is well governed, uses its resources responsibly and meets its legal and regulatory duties as a charity.

This role is about more than attending Board meetings. You will have opportunities to deepen your understanding of Compass, connect with the people who deliver our services and see how Board decisions translate into practice. You will act as an ambassador for our work and help us build trust with the communities, partners and organisations around us. You will also contribute to at least one Board advisory group, bringing closer attention to an area where your knowledge, experience or curiosity can add value.

We want our Board to benefit from a range of voices and experiences. We welcome applications from people of all cultures, ethnicities, backgrounds and walks of life, including those underrepresented at Board level. This is not about asking anyone to speak for an entire community. It is about building a stronger, more representative Board that makes better decisions, challenges established thinking and understands the people it serves.

Previous experience as a Trustee or Non Executive Director would be valuable, but it is not essential. We are interested in what you can bring, whether that comes from your professional career, your community, your lived experience or a combination of these. You will need the confidence to contribute your views, the openness to listen to others and the integrity to put the interests of Compass and the people we support first.

You will be joining a Board where your contribution will be heard and valued. If you are curious about how your experience could help shape a national children’s health and wellbeing charity, we would encourage you to take a closer look.

This is a voluntary appointment. Expenses directly connected with carrying out the role, such as travel, will be reimbursed.

As the Guild has grown in the past few years, our risk management, financial controls, and body of policies and procedures have also matured. Following the scheduled departure of two trustees earlier this year, the Guild’s Finance Subcommittee is seeking to welcome an independent member with relevant skills to attend meetings and advise on financial matters to help us make good decisions effectively.

This voluntary role supports trustees and staff by providing independent insight, constructive scrutiny, and professional expertise on financial planning, budgeting, risk, and long-term sustainability. As a guest to Finance Subcommittee meetings, you will review financial information, contribute to discussions, and help ensure resources are used effectively to maximise our charitable impact for students.

The Finance Subcommittee currently consists of two elected Officers, two external Trustees, and may include a student trustee in future. Papers and reports are ordinarily provided by the Guild Director, who is a non-voting guest to Subcommittee meetings. The Subcommittee normally meets four times per year for around two hours.

Students’ Union experience is not essential, but we are seeking a volunteer able to operate within our distinctive context. We are particularly interested in applicants with experience in finance, accounting, audit, charity governance, or business management.