Legal Trustee Volunteer Roles
We are looking for people from all walks of life, ages and experience To represent, fundraise, promote and elevate the boroughs of Newham, Hackney, Tower Hamlets and Waltham Forest, East Bank and the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
The Foundation for Future London is recruiting 3 unpaid roles: Finance Trustee and 2 Trustees to join the Board Ambassadors, a new voluntary role made up of East London’s most dedicated, passionate advocates
South West Advocacy Network (SWAN) want to strengthen their Board of Trustees with up to 4 new Trustee appointments, including a Treasurer. These are voluntary positions and provide opportunity to help SWAN to develop its strategic direction and sustain innovative services to some of the most vulnerable people in our communities, primarily, but not solely, in counties across the South of England.
SWAN began life in Wiltshire and over the past 25 years has expanded into Somerset, Bristol, Dorset, Isle of Wight, West Berkshire and Portsmouth. We deliver high quality, independent advocacy services supporting a diverse range of vulnerable people. We have developed a model of advocacy which ensures everyone, including the most marginalised, have the same rights and opportunities as their fellow citizens. Our services are free at the point of delivery, confidential and non-judgemental.
We work with people from all walks of life and have already supported thousands of the most disadvantaged people to have their voice heard and their choices respected by those that are making decisions about their future.
We are looking for dynamic and empathetic people to become trustees within our organisation, people who have the passion and drive to support SWAN and help us to ensure that the voices around our Board table reflect and understand the communities we work in. We would encourage people from all sections of our communities to apply , but particularly Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic, disabled, and LGBTQ+ applicants because these groups are currently under-represented on our Board. We are happy to accept applications from people without prior Board experience but who can evidence their commitment to our purpose, values and ambitions and show a willingness to learn in the role.
The organisation is led and managed by the Chief Executive and the Executive Team who oversee the delivery of our services and the infrastructure that underpins them, and we believe that this, coupled with sound governance, will help us to achieve our vision and maximise our reach and impact.
We are looking for individuals who can demonstrate some of the following:
• Experiences that will bring different perspectives to our organisation i.e. being a member of , or working in, diverse or minority communities.
• Having direct experience of using advocacy or support services
• An understanding of, or interest in, the lives of vulnerable adults including those who have been victims of hate crime
• An understanding of, or interest in, the wider voluntary sector
• A commitment and willingness to improving the lives of vulnerable people
• Integrity, strategic vision and relationship building skills
• Governance, finance, and/or entrepreneurial experience
• Good communication skills and knowing how to work as part of a team
· For the treasurer role some experience of managing and understanding budgets and financial reports would also be required.
Time commitment averages 1 day a month, meeting locations are flexible and either face to face or virtual. Trustee expenses, including travel are paid.
Please note that for safeguarding purposes, all our roles require a current DBS check.
If you believe you would add value to our Board we would love to hear from you. Please contact Sarah Gibson for further information on how to apply.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
South West Advocacy Network (SWAN) want to strengthen their Board of Trustees with up to 4 new Trustee appointments, including a Treasurer. These are voluntary positions and provide opportunity to help SWAN to develop its strategic direction and sustain innovative services to some of the most vulnerable people in our communities, primarily, but not solely, in counties across the South of England.
SWAN began life in Wiltshire and over the past 25 years has expanded into Somerset, Bristol, Dorset, Isle of Wight, West Berkshire and Portsmouth. We deliver high quality, independent advocacy services supporting a diverse range of vulnerable people. We have developed a model of advocacy which ensures everyone, including the most marginalised, have the same rights and opportunities as their fellow citizens. Our services are free at the point of delivery, confidential and non-judgemental.
We work with people from all walks of life and have already supported thousands of the most disadvantaged people to have their voice heard and their choices respected by those that are making decisions about their future.
We are looking for dynamic and empathetic people to become trustees within our organisation, people who have the passion and drive to support SWAN and help us to ensure that the voices around our Board table reflect and understand the communities we work in. We would encourage people from all sections of our communities to apply , but particularly Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic, disabled, and LGBTQ+ applicants because these groups are currently under-represented on our Board. We are happy to accept applications from people without prior Board experience but who can evidence their commitment to our purpose, values and ambitions and show a willingness to learn in the role.
The organisation is led and managed by the Chief Executive and the Executive Team who oversee the delivery of our services and the infrastructure that underpins them, and we believe that this, coupled with sound governance, will help us to achieve our vision and maximise our reach and impact.
We are looking for individuals who can demonstrate some of the following:
• Experiences that will bring different perspectives to our organisation i.e. being a member of , or working in, diverse or minority communities.
• Having direct experience of using advocacy or support services
• An understanding of, or interest in, the lives of vulnerable adults including those who have been victims of hate crime
• An understanding of, or interest in, the wider voluntary sector
• A commitment and willingness to improving the lives of vulnerable people
• Integrity, strategic vision and relationship building skills
• Governance, finance, and/or entrepreneurial experience
• Good communication skills and knowing how to work as part of a team
· For the treasurer role some experience of managing and understanding budgets and financial reports would also be required.
Time commitment averages 1 day a month, meeting locations are flexible and either face to face or virtual. Trustee expenses, including travel are paid.
Please note that for safeguarding purposes, all our roles require a current DBS check.
If you believe you would add value to our Board we would love to hear from you. Please contact Sarah Gibson for further information on how to apply.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Our system keeps your personal information hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
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This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
MedEquip4Kids improves the health of babies and children in the UK by providing equipment not available from limited NHS resources. Since its foundation in 1985 the charity has raised over £25 million for lifesaving medical equipment, play and distraction facilities in hospitals and specialised disability equipment. We also deliver the Hummingbird Project, a six-week course for schools to support young people’s mental health.
We are looking for an inspiring and dedicated individual to join our Board of Trustees, which consists of five members with experience in healthcare and finance. In order to enhance the range of skills on the board, we are seeking someone with legal knowledge and experience. An interest in children’s health would also be an advantage.
The successful candidate will attend six board meetings a year, where they will contribute to the overall governance of the organisation as well as offering specific guidance on legal issues.
MedEquip4Kids is committed to ensuring equal opportunities for all. We particularly welcome applications from disabled, LGBTQ, and BAME candidates.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
The Survivors Trust is keen to find someone with a finance background to join our active and highly motivated Trustee Board.We really welcome the insight and drive that survivors can bring to our work and are keen to promote diversity on the Board.
The Survivors Trust is a national membership organisation for specialist voluntary sector rape and sexual abuse support services in the UK and Ireland. We have 120+ member agencies who are all independent charities providing a range of counselling, support and advocacy services for women, men, children and young people, partners and family members who have been affected by sexual violence of any kind at any time in their lives.
The impact of sexual violence of any form, whether experienced as an adult or as a child, can be devastating and can last a lifetime. Survivors may experience a wide range of physical and mental health problems as a result of being sexually violated, affecting every aspect of their health, lives, relationships, education and work. We aim to raise awareness of the support survivors need and the work of our Member Agencies in providing this crucial help.
TST is in the unique position of having member agencies that are working with all victims and survivors of sexual violence and sexual abuse. We are well aware of the issues facing organisations that are delivering trauma informed services and can support them and policy makers and commissioners to understand how services need to be developed and provided. TST is an independent inspection body for our UKAS accredited service standards for specialist sexual violence organisations.
We provide an accredited Diploma for Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs) and CPD accredited workshops. We have also established a quality mark for educational establishments and corporate organisations, our Trauma Informed Educator and Trauma Informed Employer Quality Marks (TIE).
The right candidate will need to make a pesonal commitment to our work and to support our vision and values with compassion and empathy. They will need to be willing to work with the other Trustees, the Chief Executive and staff team, acting as an ambassador for TST and helping to support our collaboration with partners and secure funds to deliver our objectives.
Our vision is for a society where services for all survivors are trauma-informed and accessible according to need.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Demelza Charity is seeking high calibre individuals to join our team of Trustees.
Demelza is an inclusive organisation, and we are committed to building a representative workplace, ensuring that we reflect the diversity of the children, families, and communities we support.
We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply for positions at Demelza and we celebrate the value of difference.
You do not need previous Trustee experience. We offer comprehensive training and we pay all out of pocket expenses. Time commitment is up to 2 days every 3 months, broken down into meetings of around 2 hours and reading papers beforehand. All dates are given one year in advance.
This year we have added targeting to our general trustee recruitment by looking for talented individuals with expertise in the following specific areas, to support our vital work in providing expert palliative and end of life care to babies, children and young people and support to their families.
• Do you have senior nursing expertise at board level or equivalent, with oversight for
clinical governance/quality. You will support delivery of the clinical strategy with the
highest quality and user experience. You will have excellent safeguarding expertise.
• Medical expertise to strengthen the clinical strategy delivery and support a multi
disciplinary approach. Your expertise might come from any relevant medical discipline –
eg paediatrician, critical care, any area of acute medicine.
• Are you a senior experienced retailer, familiar with all aspects of maximising profitability
and positive customer experience. You will help us to maximise the financial,
reputational and PR opportunities of our suite of retail outlets and optimise the model to
support growth.
• We seek professional fundraising expertise for an income stream in excess of several
£million. You will support the broad portfolio to strengthen and sustain the Charity for
the future.
• Communications expertise to help us deliver a concise message to all our stakeholders.
You will have previous senior level experience of delivering key messages and developing
a tone of voice that is inclusive and compelling to all involved with Demelza.
You may have other valuable skills.
Closing date 26th May 2024, interviews to follow.
We deliver extraordinary care to extraordinary children facing serious or life-limiting conditions, providing support for all the family.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Trustee Job Description
Organisation: Walk to Independence (WTI)
About Walk to Independence (WTI):
Walk to Independence (WTI) is an emerging charity committed to bridging the gap in support services for adults with special educational needs (SEN) transitioning out of formal education settings. Our mission is to establish a nurturing environment where SEN individuals can foster independence, empowerment, and community integration. At WTI, we prioritise upholding the rights of individuals with SEN, ensuring their autonomy, dignity, and inclusion in society.
Position Overview:
WTI is in the process of establishment and is actively seeking dedicated and passionate individuals to serve as founding trustees. Trustees play a pivotal role in steering the strategic direction, governance, and oversight of the organisation, particularly in the crucial phase of charity registration.
Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership: Provide strategic direction and leadership to guide WTI in achieving its mission and objectives.
Governance: Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, as well as governing documents and policies, especially during the charity registration process.
Financial Oversight: Monitor and review financial performance, including budgets, financial statements, and controls, to ensure fiscal responsibility.
Fundraising and Development: Support fundraising efforts and contribute to the development of sustainable funding streams crucial for WTI's activities and growth.
Risk Management: Identify and mitigate risks that may affect operations, reputation, or financial stability, particularly during the organisation's infancy.
Advocacy and Networking: Represent WTI externally, advocating for the rights and needs of individuals with SEN, and establish partnerships with stakeholders, funders, and community organisations.
Support and Evaluation: Guide the executive team, staff, and volunteers, and participate in evaluating WTI's programs and services.
Qualifications:
Passion for the mission and values of WTI, including a commitment to the rights and inclusion of individuals with SEN.
Previous experience in governance, leadership, or management roles, preferably within the charity sector or relevant field.
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and teamwork skills.
Ability to think strategically, analyse complex issues, and make informed decisions.
Willingness to dedicate time and effort to fulfil trustee responsibilities effectively, especially during the charity registration process.
Knowledge of fundraising, financial management, or legal matters is desirable but not essential.
Time Commitment: Trustees are expected to attend regular board meetings (approximately 4-6 times per year), participate in committee work or working groups as needed, and engage in occasional ad hoc tasks or events. The time commitment may vary but is estimated to be approximately 5-10 hours per month on average.
Location: The role of trustee is primarily remote, with occasional in-person meetings or events in London as required.
Off the Record is a well-established and respected support agency for children and young people’s mental health and emotional wellbeing. Founded in 1994, OTR supports young people aged 11-25 in Croydon, Sutton and Merton.
What will you be doing?
We are currently looking for new Trustees with a fund-raising ability, legal expertise, financial expertise and with experience of working within the mental health field.
Treasurer:
Key Skills: financial acumen, analytical skills, communication, attention to detail, integrity and trustworthiness, strategic thinking, team collaborations, problem-solving, adaptability and time management.
Fundraising and Bid Writing:
Key Skills: communication, research, strategic thinking, creativity, relationship building, Results-oriented, financial acumen
Clinical:
Key Skills: clinical, safeguarding knowledge, leadership, communication, collaboration, advocacy, problem-solving, cultural competence, empathy, continuous learning.
Legal:
Key skills: legal expertise, analytical thinking, contract review, compliance management, risk management, communication, ethical decision-making, problem-solving, attention to detail.
Note: this role is not suitable for a short-term work placement or apprenticeship
What are we looking for?
Person specification:
- Finance, clinical, legal and fundraising expertise with a minimum of three years of experience in the relevant field.
- Interest in mental health issues affecting children and young people and the communities where we operate.
- Commitment to the charity’s objectives, aims and values and willingness to devote time to carry out responsibilities.
- Strategic and forward-looking vision in relation to the charity’s objectives and aims.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Passion for mental health advocacy and community well-being.
We invite applications from young individuals, and we strongly encourage representation from minority groups to enhance diversity on our Trustee Board.
We are actively working to broaden the Board's composition to better reflect the Croydon, Merton, and Sutton communities.
Your unique perspectives are crucial to our commitment to inclusivity and community representation.
What difference will you make?
Your role as a Trustee is a key element for our strategic plans to come to fruition. Your skills and expertise will help Off the Record to continue providing its invaluable mental health services to the children and young people in our community and expand our services to reach those who need our support.
What is in it for the volunteer?
You will join a friendly and dynamic organisation, where the mental health of young people from our local area is at the heart of our mission. We are a well-established local organisation with a powerful reputation in this area. Your involvement as a Trustee will allow you to highlight your skills and experience for the benefit of vulnerable young adults and children. We will organise for you to attend a training workshop in Governance at the beginning of your time with us.
Time commitment:
The Board meets five times a year, collaborating with the Directors to oversee the strategic direction of the organisation as well as taking care of the Charity’s financial, legal and employment responsibilities. These in-person meetings are held in Croydon on Saturdays from 10:00 to 12:30. Additionally, trustees are encouraged to participate in two Charity days annually, held on Saturdays, where all staff get together (10:00 to 16:00 in April and October).
Some ad-hoc communications via email/telephone/Teams as required i.e., working on specific projects related to the trustees’ area of expertise. We estimate that this could be 3 – 6 hours a month.
Before you apply
Please provide a cover letter detailing why you are interested in this role and your relevant experience along with your CV.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Volunteer Trustee
Become a Trustee at Katherine Low Settlement!
Are you passionate about making a difference in your community? Do you have skills and experiences you're eager to share? Katherine Low Settlement (KLS), a beloved charity at the heart of Battersea, is seeking dedicated individuals to join our Board of Trustees and contribute to our impactful work.
About Us:
Established in 1924, Katherine Low Settlement has been a cornerstone of the Battersea community for nearly a century. As we celebrate our centenary year, we continue to be a beacon of support for children, young people, families, older adults, women, refugees, and newly-arrived communities. With a blend of dedicated staff and passionate volunteers, we offer vital community services, advocate for social change, and provide a space for over 500 individuals each week. Our mission is to reduce poverty and isolation while fostering unity in Battersea and beyond.
The Role:
As a Volunteer Trustee, you'll play a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction of KLS and ensuring our continued success. From overseeing governance to offering expertise in fundraising, property management, legal affairs, or HR, your contributions will directly impact the lives of those we serve. We're seeking individuals who are aligned with our vision, mission, and values, and who are committed to the vibrant community of Battersea.
Key Responsibilities:
- Formulate and review strategic aims in alignment with legal obligations and organisational objectives.
- Monitor the performance of KLS against agreed-upon targets and strategic priorities.
- Ensure compliance with charity law, regulations, and safeguarding practices.
- Act as stewards of KLS's assets, including finances, property, and organisational reputation.
- Promote the work of KLS and engage with stakeholders to raise awareness and support.
Recruiting for Diversity and Expertise:
Recognising the importance of diverse perspectives, we're actively seeking Trustees with experience in fundraising, property management, legal affairs, HR, or lived experiences as volunteers or community members. We particularly encourage applications from individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, including UKME/Global Majority Heritage, younger people, and people with disabilities.
Person Specification:
- Willingness to dedicate time and effort to KLS's mission.
- Ability to contribute actively to strategic discussions and decision-making.
- Effective communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Commitment to being available for staff support and enquiries.
- Knowledge or connection to the Battersea/Wandsworth community.
No Experience Necessary:
No prior trustee experience is required. We provide comprehensive training and ongoing support to ensure you thrive in your role and make a meaningful impact.
Join Us:
If you're ready to make a difference and be part of a vibrant, dedicated team, we want to hear from you. Together, we can continue Katherine Low Settlement's legacy of empowerment, compassion, and community cohesion.
To express your interest, please read the volunteering role pack for more details.
Become part of something meaningful. Join Katherine Low Settlement today.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
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Been There is looking for an enthusiastic and experienced individual to join a small, supportive and dynamic team as a Trustee.
What will you be doing?
Main Responsibilities
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Strategic Leadership: Contribute to the development and implementation of our strategic objectives, providing insight, oversight, and direction to ensure the organisation's goals are achieved efficiently.
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Governance and Compliance: Ensure that Been There adheres to all legal and statutory requirements. Monitor compliance with governance best practices and ethical standards.
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Financial Oversight: Oversee the financial affairs of the organisation, ensuring its viability and that all financial resources are managed responsibly and in line with organisational objectives.
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Risk Management: Identify, monitor, and mitigate risks to the organisation, ensuring robust risk management strategies are in place.
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Advocacy and Ambassadorship: Act as an ambassador for Been There, advocating for our mission and values, and enhancing our visibility and reputation.
- Fundraising Support: Play an active role in guiding and supporting the charity's fundraising efforts, ensuring financial goals are met and resources are secured for future sustainability.
What are we looking for?
Person Specification
Individuals are sought who have a strong empathy with any body image issues and related mental health concerns. Experience, skills and expertise in charity law, an interest in the well-being of people combined with an in-depth understanding of our work and ambitions are particularly sought.
Knowledge, skills and understanding:
- Experience: Minimum of 5 years of governance experience within a board, ideally in the non-profit sector or a related field.
- Skills: Strong strategic thinking, leadership, and decision-making abilities. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Knowledge: A good understanding of the legal and financial responsibilities of a trustee and experience in risk management, strategic planning, and organisational oversight.
- Commitment: Ability to commit time for board meetings, committee involvement, and preparation work. Expected to attend quarterly board meetings and contribute to special projects as needed.
NB: Ideally you would need to attend quarterly trustee meetings in the Kingston Upon Thames area, but you are able to attend this remotely if required.
What difference will you make?
Been There is a charity in the form of an app that connects people aged 18 and over with a vetted and trained mentor to help with any body image issues they may be experiencing. This gives them the opportunity to speak to someone who has ‘Been There’ themselves. Our Mentors are here to support, empower and, most importantly, listen.
The Trustees are a core part of the team and very hands on. We have a tight knit team, and your governance support will ensure we are always acting in the best interests of our beneficiaries.
PLEASE SEE ATTACHED JOB SPEC FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF A CHARITY TRUSTEE.
We are an app-based charity that connects people over 18 with a vetted and trained Mentor (who has also 'been there') to help with body image issues.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Every 6 minutes someone learns that they are losing their sight. Every five hours, a baby is born with sight problems. In these moments, two profound questions emerge:
• Can this be stopped?
• How do I (or my child) live this life?
The merger of Fight for Sight and Vision Foundation, which took place on 1st April 2023, will enable us to address both questions. By combining our strengths and expertise we are now the only significant national funder with the efficiency,
capability, and capacity to increase investment in medical research and social improvement. Together we can mitigate both the prevalence and impact of sight loss. We have a clear ambition – to save sight and to change lives.
We are now seeking up to four new trustees as we establish ourselves in our new form and under our new name (soon to be announced). This is an exciting inflection point for us, and our new trustees will be central in enabling us to achieve our ambition.
We have worked through our merger and have a clear focus and vision, as well as a strong Board and senior leadership team, all of whom are ambitious for the potential impact we can make. Our re-brand will also enable us to amplify our position as a leader within the sight loss sector. Our merger was a critical step in accelerating research which will create a positive impact on the lives of millions of people. We do not want this opportunity to pass us by and that’s what makes these such an important and exciting roles for the right people.
As a trustee, you will have the opportunity to steer the course of our charity and our sector, shaping our strategies, and advocating for meaningful change. You will be help us be a driving force behind world leading research into sight loss prevention, and transformative initiatives that enhance the quality of life for countless individuals.
We are particularly seeking individuals who have a medical or scientific research background, ideally in ophthalmology, and those who have experience in retail and fundraising. If you want to be part of something that will really make a difference, we’d love to hear from you.
“I extend a heartfelt invitation to those who share our commitment to making a profound difference in the lives of individuals affected by sight loss. Our journey towards a future where eye diseases are prevented and the challenges faced by the visually impaired are overcome requires the collective effort of dedicated individuals. We are seeking trustees who are not only passionate advocates for our cause but also possess the vision, expertise, and dedication to guide and govern our organisation. Your unique perspectives and skills will play a pivotal role in shaping and defining our impact for years to come.”
Dr Heather Giles, Chair
“Our two organisations came together to form a new dynamic, ambitious, entrepreneurial, impact-driven organisation to save sight and change lives. We are searching for trustees that can join us, and be at the forefront of creating the culture, the outlook and the methods of working and the operations to truly make a difference in society.”
Keith Valentine, CEO
ABOUT US
We are a new organisation forged from two ambitious charities: Fight for Sight and Vision Foundation. Our single, unifying mission is to save sight and change lives.
It is a mission that reflects two urgent questions everyone faces when they receive a diagnosis of sight loss: ‘How do I stop this?’ and ‘How do I live my life?’
Answering these questions guides our strategy as we progress a five-year plan with solid and lofty aspirations.
THE MERGER
Fight for Sight funds breakthrough research and life-changing services to build a more equitable future for blind and partially sighted people by accelerating breakthroughs in multiple sight loss conditions.
Vision Foundation works to inform, include and empower the visually impaired community. Empowerment is at the heart of what we do; our work focuses on what people can do, rather than what they can’t.
The merger will help us to realise a joint ambition to tackle sight loss from both a clinical and social perspective. Our combined organisation is now grounded in data and insight into the science, as well as the lived experience of, sight loss. With this wealth of evidence we’re determined to:
- generate further investment into the sector,
- accelerate clinical progress,
- improve quality of life for people facing or living with sight loss
Crucially, coming together is about growing our influence and impact, not reducing or diluting what we do. So, as we evolve as a merged organisation, we are combining our teams, announcing our new name and fine-tuning our unified
mission and strategy – as well as continuing with the important work we’re already committed to – you can expect big things from us and it is an exciting time to join us as a trustee.
OUR FUTURE
Our principal role is as a grant-maker. We award grants to the scientific community that could lead to scientific breakthroughs and treatments to stop eye diseases from progressing. In the future, we believe research can prevent people from losing sight and reverse sight loss. We invest to advance treatments that will cure eye disease and protect and grow the community of world-class scientists, technologists, and data scientists who can deliver tomorrow’s breakthroughs. Historically, Vision Foundation has funded innovations that directly impact people who are blind or partially sighted, from music classes for children to projects that take eye tests into at-risk communities. We invest in programmes, organisations and activities that deliver equity for and with blind and visually impaired people.
As a grant-maker, we are change-makers, accelerators and drivers of impact. We are bold, energetic, challenging, disruptive, tenacious, and determined.
We aren’t afraid to tackle the challenges facing the sight loss community, either. Recent campaigns include The Unseen, which unearthed the shocking scale and nature of domestic abuse among blind and partially sighted people, and See My Skills, which addressed high unemployment rates. The charity excels at working in partnership with others towards creating a more equitable society for the sight loss community.
As we progress, we’ll scale the impact of projects like these, look beyond the nation’s capital, and drive systemic change. We’ll need to secure the funds to invest in our trusted partners to achieve our ambitions. We’ll continue to fundraise by engaging with supporters and companies through legacies, events such as the London Marathon, and our network of charity shops.
The evidence we commission influences policy and decision-making to demand equality for all.
We’ll shortly have a new name that reflects our united ambitions, so it’s an exciting time for us and the people we serve.
OUR FINANCES
The charity is in a strong position financially, with a high level of reserves that we intend to draw down over the coming years as we focus on investing in sustainable growth and increasing our impact. Compared to many charities, we
have well diversified income streams, predictable costs, and are in the fortunate position to hold a sizable portfolio of investments. Our plans for the short and medium term are to invest in our income generation infrastructure, and to significantly increase the amounts of funding we can put to our charitable purpose.
OUR BOARD AND LEADERSHIP TEAM
Fight for Sight / Vision Foundation is the only organisation in the sight loss sector with an Executive Leadership Team that has over half of its members with lived experience of sight loss.
The Board currently numbers ten trustees, including our newly appointed Chair.
The Board meets four times a year, or more often as required.
Follow this link to find out more about our Board.
ROLE DESCRIPTION
As the most senior leaders in our charity, trustees play a pivotal role in guiding our strategic direction, amplifying our impact, and ensuring the fulfilment of our mission to save sight and change lives. You will serve on the main board and will be invited also to get involved in one of our sub-committees. These are currently:
- Social Impact & Scientific Research Committee (SISR)
- Finance, Audit, Risk & Resources Committee (FARR)
- People Committee
- Retail Committee
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Leadership & Planning
- Provide leadership and strategic guidance to the charity, aligning efforts with the mission and values of the organisation.
- Collaborate with the board, executive team, and stakeholders to develop and implement long-term strategies that advance the charity’s impact and sustainability.
Governance
- Ensure effective governance, decision-making, and compliance with legal and ethical standards.
- Work closely with board members, fostering a culture of transparency, accountability, collaboration and open communication, harnessing different views and opinions.
Engagement
- Represent the charity at public events and networking opportunities to promote our mission and raise awareness about our cause.
- Develop and nurture relationships with key stakeholders, including donors, partners, corporations, government agencies, and the visually impaired community.
Evaluation and Accountability
- Collaborate with the board to evaluate performance, ensuring alignment with the charity’s goals and objectives.
- Ensure the charity is accountable to donors and beneficiaries, that is financially robust and sustainable, and that is effective risk management in place.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
We are seeking dynamic and dedicated individuals to serve as trustees of our ambitious merged organisation. The ideal candidates will have a strong commitment to our cause, along with the following:
Specialist experience
At this time, we are particularly interested in candidates who have leadership experience in:
- Scientific and/or medical research
- Ophthalmic research and/or clinical practice
- Strategic oversight of substantial fundraising and/or retail operations
Despite these areas of interest, we welcome a diversity of skills and experience at our charity and on our Board, and want to find the right candidates regardless of their specific areas of expertise or experience. So if you are interested in this role and think you can contribute to our mission, we’d love to hear from you.
General attributes
Knowledge & experience
- An understanding of governance, and experience on a committee or board.
- Demonstrated ability to build and maintain partnerships with stakeholders, including donors, corporations and government agencies.
Skills & abilities
- Strategic thinking and the ability to contribute to long-term planning and vision to deliver impact.
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences.
- Entrepreneurial instincts and a healthy understanding of risk balanced with ambition using sound judgement.
Styles & behaviours
- High ethical standards and commitment to upholding the charity’s values, as well as a passion for advocating on behalf of individuals with, or at risk of, sight loss.
- Collaborative, highly inclusive, fostering trust and valuing difference perspectives.
- Solution-focused, with an ability to see the big picture and be pragmatic.
TERMS OF APPOINTMENT
Remuneration
This role is not accompanied by any financial remuneration, although reasonable expenses may be claimed.
Time commitment
While the exact time commitment may vary based on the charity’s needs and priorities, we anticipate the following general expectations:
- A minimum of four Board meetings per year
- Up to four subcommittee meetings per year (the specific committee depending on skills and experience)
- Preparation for meetings, review of materials, and other trustee engagement as appropriate.
- Annual Strategy Day with full Board and executive team.
- Meetings with members of the executive leadership team as appropriate.
- Representing the charity at high profile events, functions and public engagements to enhance its reputation and partnerships.
Location
At present Board meetings are held in central London. Subcommittee meetings are held remotely.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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At Mid Norfolk Mencap we are passionate about supporting people with learning disabilities and their families. Enabling people to live independently, person-centred care is at the heart of what we do.
Our mission is to support and enable the people who use our services to lead fulfilling lives, to be involved in their local wider community, and to have access to the same opportunities as all members of society.
Mid Norfolk Mencap was established since 1977, and every year we provide residential living, social opportunities, and specialised Community Outreach support for more than 100 people with a learning disability in Norfolk. However, with around 16,500 adults in Norfolk with a learning disability, we know we can do so much more.
This is an exciting time for us as we work to grow and strengthen our services. As a trustee you will play a vital role in helping us deliver a stronger and more sustainable organisation for the benefit of our service users, their families, and for the staff who work to deliver those services.
Position: Trustee
Location: Trustee Board meetings and many of our charity’s activities take place in Dereham. In addition, some work may be required remotely using Zoom/ Teams, or in other parts of Norfolk from time to time.
Salary: This position is unpaid but reasonable expenses may be paid.
Responsibilities
This role is suited to candidates who can demonstrate professional or skills-based knowledge of benefit to the charity. We would particularly welcome applications from people with experience in the third sector, PR, fundraising, governance, risk management, management and law, and accountancy.
This job is for you if:
- You have a proven track record of integrity and respect for confidential and proprietary information.
- You are a keen and respectful listener who can empathise and respectfully challenge.
- You have a commitment to the charity, are approachable for our service users, and are enthused for its vision, mission and aims.
- You understand and accept the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship.
- You are willing to devote the necessary time and effort to their duties as a trustee (c. 2 – 3 hours per week depending on your role and any specific responsibilities within the Board).
- You are willing to participate in frank and open discussion and can work effectively as a member of a team.
- You can analyse proposals and their consequences, have a good level of competence with IT.
- You are willing to be available to provide guidance to the senior management team on an ad hoc basis.
Training
You will be given a basic induction to the charity and opportunities to meet with the senior management team. We also strongly encourage trustees to spend time participating in our services delivery, getting to know our staff and volunteers – and most importantly, our beneficiaries. We will customise a training and familiarisation package for the successful candidate based on prior knowledge and experience.
Our Recruitment Process
Excellence is important to us, and we know that being a trustee is a great commitment, so it has to be right for both the organisation and for you. Our recruitment process typically includes:
- Two interviews, providing the opportunity for you to meet with at least two existing trustees.
- An invitation to attend the Mid Norfolk Mencap head office and residential home, meeting some of our service users and staff
- An informal meeting with a member of our senior management team
- Dedicated email/phone support for any queries or concerns
Our recruitment process is designed to facilitate a two-way dialogue. We recognise that you need to be as comfortable with us and our operating model as we are with you. Our commitment throughout, is to be open, transparent and to give you as much information as we possibly can so that you can be sure you are making an informed choice to volunteer as a trustee with us.
We look forward to meeting you!
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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Harrow Food Bank is part of the Trussell Trust - a network of over 1300 food bank centres in the UK. Between April 2022 and March 2023, food banks provided almost 3 million food supplies to people in crisis.
Harrow Food Bank requires two Trustees to support the Chair and current members who can support the existing Trustees:
Administrator / Secretary: to lead on all the administrative duties of the food bank and Trustee Board, ensure all meetings are conducted within the legal requirements and a record of all meetings maintained. Key roles & responsibilities:
1. Arrange and communicate dates for all Trustee Meetings, circulating papers in advance
2. Follow up on the agreed actions from meetings and keep an accurate ‘action log’
3. Ensure all stakeholders are informed of the AGM and that the AGM report is submitted to all relevant bodies
Treasurer: to lead on the financial affairs of the foodbank and to ensure that they are conducted within the required legal accounting and good practice conventions. Key roles & responsibilities:
1. Ensure that the Food Bank has proper systems for budgeting, financial controls, insurance and reporting
2. Produce and present regular finance reports for the Trustees Board Meetings
3. Maintain accurate financial records as report in a timely manner to all relevant bodies
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We are seeking a new Trustee to join the Board, with experience in either marketing, community work and safeguarding or law.
Anti-oppressive statement: Feedback is actively seeking to move through an anti-racist and anti-oppressive journey in every aspect of its work. We acknowledge that the environmental sector is less open to people from under-represented backgrounds, and we are strongly committed to identifying and correcting where we may be perpetuating patriarchal, white supremacist values and other forms of oppression in our organisational culture, partnerships, and community work. We especially want to hear from you if you feel that you have lived experience of power structures preventing you from accessing opportunities like this.
Feedback is a UK- and Netherlands-based campaign group working for food that is good for people and planet. We want a world where:
- All people have secure access to delicious, culturally appropriate food that is nutritious and does not cause environmental harm
- Global supply chains, farming and fishing contribute to food sovereignty, good livelihoods, mitigate climate change and enable nature to thrive
- Communities have agency to create food economies that are inclusive, equitable, resilient and celebratory
To meet these objectives, we carry out the following activities:
- We delegitimize corporations
- We ideate and advocate for policy change and regulation
- We nurture community agency
- We widen our circle of allies
- We change culture and public discourse
More information is set out in Feedback's Strategic Framework here
The Role of the Board
The Board of Trustees is responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity, developing the organisation’s aims, objectives and goals in accordance with the governing document, legal and regulatory guidelines. Specifically, the Board is responsible for:
- Ensuring that the charity and its representatives function within the legal and regulatory framework of charities and in line with the organisation’s governing document, continually striving for best practice in governance.
- Upholding the fiduciary duty invested in the position, undertaking such duties in a way that adds to public confidence and trust in the charity.
- Determining the overall direction and development of the charity through good governance and clear strategic planning.
Trustee - Role Description
- Ensuring the charity complies with legislative and regulatory requirements, and acts within the confines of its governing document and in furtherance to organisational activities contained therein.
- Acting in the best interest of the charity, beneficiaries and future beneficiaries at all times.
- Promoting and developing the charity in order for it to grow and maintain its relevance to society.
- Maintaining sound financial management of the charity’s resources, ensuring expenditure is in line with the organisations’ objects, and investment activities meet accepted standards and policies.
- Interviewing, appointing, and monitoring the work and activities of the senior paid staff if necessary.
- Ensuring the effective and efficient administration of the charity and its resources, acting as a counter-signatory on charity cheques and any applications for funds if necessary
- Maintaining absolute confidentiality about all sensitive/confidential information received in the course of trustee’s responsibilities to the charity.
Accountable to
- Funders, beneficiaries, the Charity Commission, and Companies House.
Time commitment
- Attendance at quarterly meetings (held in central London on a weekday from 2–5pm)
- Ad hoc advice and support to senior staff and Board members, usually via email.
- Term for all Trustees is 3 years, with the option of re-election by mutual agreement for one further term.
Person Specification
- A commitment to the organisation and fixing our broken food system, including a commitment to Feedback's core values of collaboration, celebration, audacity, solidarity and impact
- Previous governance experience and an understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and effectively as a member of a team
- A commitment to Feedback’s anti-oppression work
- Experience in either marketing, community work and safeguarding, or law
How to apply
Please write a statement of no more than 500 words detailing why you’d like to be considered and how you meet the criteria in the person specification. Please submit this with your CV to Charity Jobs.
Deadline to apply: Wednesday 15th May, 9am
Interviews: Week commencing 3rd June 2024
Board meeting dates (successful candidates will be invited to join):
- Thursday 25th July 2024
- Thursday 24th October 2024
Please view more details about the role in the recruitment pack.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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Wymering Manor Trust
Would you like to join the Wymering Manor Trust? Are you passionate about local heritage and the role it can play in enriching its local communities.We are looking for new trustees to help us restore Portsmouth’s Elizabethan gem.
Our aim is to repair, restore, and build a sustainable future for the manor, for local people to enjoy as their ‘home from home’, as we manage the building to earn its keep by letting rooms for events, meetings, education and training, putting on plays, ghost hunting, socialising and new activities. Once restored, it will be a centre for the local community and a catalyst for regeneration of this area of the city, offering help in wellbeing, tackling loneliness and isolation, developing personal skills and bringing the community together to shape its future.
We’re are currently aiming to raise the funding we need to repair the main structure of the building.We have consultants’ plans for business development, financial feasibility, design options, audience development, catering and weddings and interpretation.We are also looking to develop the option of becoming a Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Building Conservation.
To make our plans a reality, we are seeking new trustees who recognise the contemporary role of heritage places, spaces and culture, and who value the contribution they make in creating and sustaining social, educational, environmental and economic development, as well as supporting the importance of volunteering to our community. Together, the trustees will shape the next key stages of the manor’s future.We are particularly interested in applications from people with specific expertise or experience in any of the following:
*historic building conservation practice
*fundraising, local, regional and UK wide
*public relations, communications and marketing
*the role of heritage, heritage practices, tangible and intangible cultural heritage
*commercial and/or property legal experience.
Trustees meet once a month on a Wednesday evening and also attend quarterly meetings with the volunteers.
Please could you state in your convening letter the skills you would bring to the board and your interest in Wymering.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.