Legal trustee volunteer roles

Heartwood House is a dynamic education charity that supports young people who self-exclude from school and are missing education because of bullying or other trauma. They provide both an academic and therapeutic programme to enable their students to get back on track and reconnect with society. Heartwood House has been delivering services in NW London for 20 years.  They have supported many students in their return to mainstream education, further education and employment.  They work with many local authorities such as Harrow, Hillingdon, Hertfordshire, Brent, Ealing, Barnet, Camden and many more.

Heartwood House (based in Harrow) is now looking to strengthen its Board and we are seeking a Legal Trustee – you will bring insight and understanding of charity law, Charity Commission legal regulations, Company Legislation and best practice. 

Trustees have a duty to ensure that the charity is well run, solvent, legally compliant, and working towards the charitable purpose for which it was established, and Trustee roles are an important and a highly rewarding way to support an organisation. Please note that Trustee roles are unremunerated voluntary positions, although reasonable travel expenses will be paid.

Heartwood House is committed to equality of opportunity, supports, and encourages under-represented groups, and values diversity. We seek people from a wide range of backgrounds, who will bring a fresh perspective to the Board, and having reviewed existing Trustee's diversity, skills, and experience, Heartwood House are keen for the Board to reflect the diversity of the communities that they work with and therefore welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Please contact Heidi Earp, Director of Langton Not 4 Profit our retained consultants for further information on the role.

RLS is seeking to recruit up to four new Trustees to join our Board from early 2026. We are looking for individuals who share our values and bring passion, perspective, and a commitment to supporting our mission. 

We are particularly looking for new trustees with experience in one or more of the following areas: UK legal aid, the Greek immigration and asylum system, fundraising, HR, communications, or financial oversight. We value lived experience of the asylum or immigration system and encourage applications from those who can bring this perspective to our work. 

About RLS  

RLS is an international legal support organisation, with operations in Greece, the UK and Northern France. We are registered in both the UK and Greece, reflecting our international scope and impact.

We’re committed to ensuring access to justice through expert legal information and advice to people seeking safety and family reunification. Our casework is a tool to tackle individual and systemic injustice in immigration systems. We strive to develop inclusive, sustainable and regenerative ways of working which are directly informed by those with lived migration experience. We support the global movement that fights entrenched inequalities, racism and other forms of discrimination that force people to migrate. In doing so we recognise that immigration systems are weighted against those forced to migrate and stand in opposition to hostile policies, along with all forms of violence against people compelled to migrate. 

We continuously think and challenge ourselves in how we develop our anti-racist practice and empower refugee leadership. We recognise that climate justice and migrant struggles are interconnected and view our work through this lens.

To get a fuller picture of our financial health and impact, have a look at our most recent accounts on the charity commission website. (Refugee Legal Support, Charity number: 1191680) 

Equality, Inclusion and Representation 

RLS is committed to ensuring that our governance reflects the communities we serve. We strongly welcome applications from: 

• People with lived experience of migration, displacement or the asylum system 

• Black people and people from minoritised ethnic communities 

• LGBTQ+ people 

• Disabled people 

You do not need to have previous board experience. We are committed to supporting new Trustees with a full induction and training. 

What Trustees Do 

As a Trustee of RLS, you will: 

• Attend four Board meetings each year (hybrid) 

• Provide strategic direction and oversight of the charity’s activities 

• Support and hold the Executive Director accountable 

• Review and approve budgets, policies and risk management 

• Join at least one Board committee (Finance, Risk, Casework or HR), which may involve additional meetings 

If you join as a Finance Trustee, you will also: 

• Review monthly management accounts and annual budgets 

• Provide advice on financial controls and strategic financial planning 

Skills and Experience We Are Looking For 

All Trustees should bring: 

• A strong commitment to our mission and values 

• Good judgment and the ability to work collectively 

• Energy and enthusiasm for our work and an interest in using their skills to contribute to our organisation 

• A willingness to learn and support others 

We are particularly seeking individuals with any of the following: 

• UK legal aid experience under an immigration contract 

• Knowledge of the Greek immigration and asylum system 

• Fundraising, philanthropy or communications expertise 

• HR and people management experience 

• Financial oversight and planning experience (for Finance Trustee role) 

• Knowledge of charity governance and risk 

• Legal background (especially refugee, immigration, or human rights law) 

Time Commitment 

• Approx. 8 hours per month 

• Board meetings held quarterly (a mix of in-person and online) 

• Participation in one subcommittee 

• Ad hoc support via email or calls, as needed 

• Initial term of three years, renewable once 

Location 

Our board is UK-based, with some trustees based in London. We welcome applicants from across the UK, and will support remote attendance at meetings where needed. Trustees may occasionally be invited to attend events or team meetings in London, though this is not essential. 

About Charity Right

Charity Right is an international food charity - Registered Charity No. 1163944 in England & Wales

The Objects of the Charity are

1. To relieve poverty worldwide by
   • Providing food supplies, items, grants and services to individuals in need and other groups or organisations that are working to prevent and relieve hunger and poverty
   • Providing or assisting in the provision of education, training, healthcare projects and all the necessary support designed to enable individuals to generate a sustainable income and be self-sufficient
   • Undertaking and supporting research into factors that contribute to poverty and the most appropriate ways to mitigate these
   • The provision of grants to enable young people to participate in healthy recreational activities that they could not otherwise afford
2. The relief of financial need and suffering among victims of natural or other kinds of disaster in the form of money (or other means deemed suitable) for persons, bodies, organisations and/or countries affected.

Our work centres on breaking the cycle of poverty through sustainable school meals programmes. We currently provide daily school meals in displaced communities affected by extreme food insecurity. Our programme has helped save thousands of young peoples’ lives by freeing them to get an education, develop new skills into adulthood and lift themselves out of poverty.

With millions still going hungry worldwide, our vital work is needed now more than ever. We are at an exciting stage of growth and seek a trustee who can help us deepen our impact, strengthen our strategic direction, and ensure our programmes continue to transform lives for decades to come.

Our Commitment to Diverse Leadership

We strongly encourage applications from women and younger Muslim professionals who can bring fresh perspectives, sectoral expertise, and a long-term strategic vision to our board. We recognise that diverse leadership strengthens our governance, deepens our understanding of the communities we serve, and ensures our programmes remain relevant and impactful.

Age, gender and background diversity is not just important to us in principle, but it is essential to fulfilling our mission effectively. We actively seek to build a board that reflects the breadth of our supporter base and the communities we serve.

About the Role

We are seeking dedicated and passionate individuals to join our board of trustees. Our mission is to provide school meals to children in developing countries, with the goal of reducing hunger and improving educational outcomes.

As a trustee, you will work collaboratively with fellow trustees to provide strategic guidance and oversight to the charity. You will help ensure our activities align with our mission and values. The trustee will work closely with other members of the board and staff to develop and implement plans and policies that support the charity's objectives and maximise the positive impact of its work.

Key responsibilities

• Serve as a member of the board of trustees, providing governance and oversight to the organisation
• Uphold Charity Commission and legal responsibilities as a trustee and company director
• Collaborate with fellow trustees and staff to develop and implement strategies, plans and policies that support the charity's objectives and values
• Champion the charity to external stakeholders and partners
• Attend and actively participate in board meetings and events
• Ensure robust compliance with legal and regulatory requirements
• Act as an ambassador for the organisation, using your network to advance our mission

Person Specification

• Genuine passion for international development and our mission to end child hunger
• Experience in one or more of the following areas: [AK1] finance, programmes, marketing, fundraising, technology, and operations
• Strong analytical, strategic and critical thinking skills
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with ability to contribute constructively to board discussions
• Ability to work effectively as part of a diverse team
• Willingness to dedicate time and energy to the charity’s success
• Strong understanding of governance and regulatory requirements for charitable organisations, demonstrating integrity, accountability, and commitment to collective decision-making
• Demonstrates highest standards of personal integrity, honesty and ethical behaviour, avoiding conflicts of interest and prioritizing the charity's mission
• Engages respectfully and collaboratively with board members, staff and stakeholders, fostering an inclusive environment and modelling the charity's values
• Understanding of the cultural and economic contexts of the countries where the charity operates is a plus.

Organisation Structure

The board of trustees provides strategic oversight and governance to the Executive team, who manage day to day operations. Trustees work collaboratively with the Chief Executive and Senior Leadership Team, offering guidance while respecting operational independence

Commitment

Trustees are expected to attend all board meetings which are scheduled to accommodate trustee’s availability. Most meetings are done via video conferencing, and on occasion we meet in person at a suitable location. Individual commitments are agreed between each trustee and the Chair of the board.

Commitment

• Board meeting – quarterly
• 2-hour meetings with reports to read one week in advance
• Telephone meetings – as required
• 30-minute conference calls occasionally required in between board meetings
• Staff away day – once yearly
• A day of in-person workshops, planning and Q&A with staff
• Events – as required
• Occasional participation in promotional events – usually early evening
• Project groups – as required
• Occasional working alongside staff to complete projects – as fits expertise and diaries

Application Process

If you would like to formally apply for the role, please include a letter of application along with your current CV.

In your letter, please outline:

• Your motivation for applying and connection to our mission
• Your relevant experience, expertise, or perspective that you would bring to the board
• What you hope to contribute to Charity Right and gain from the trusteeship
• Your commitment to championing diversity and inclusive leadership
• Declaration of any potential conflicts of interest

We are happy to discuss the role in more detail and answer any questions you may have about the board service.

Charity Right is an equal opportunities organisation. We are committed to building a diverse board and strongly encourage applications from individuals from all backgrounds, particularly those currently underrepresented in charity governance.

Join us in creating lasting change.

We’re Recruiting Trustees – Join Calan DVS and help shape safer futures

Calan DVS is one of Wales’ leading charities supporting individuals and families impacted by domestic abuse and sexual violence. We deliver life-changing services, raise awareness, and work to create lasting positive change across our communities. We are seeking new Trustees to strengthen our Board and to help us achieve our vision of working towards safe and resilient communities free from domestic abuse and sexual violence.

We are particularly interested in individuals with expertise in:

• Social housing and housing policy Government, Policy/Legislation
• People and culture, with experience of equality, diversity and inclusion
• Finance and audit
• Fundraising and income generation
• Safeguarding
• Legal, Governance or regulatory compliance

As a Trustee, you will:

• Contribute your skills and perspective to support our mission.
• Help shape strategy, strengthen governance and influence change.
• Champion our work and values within your networks.
• Learn about the realities of domestic abuse and wide reaching impact this has.
• Join a committed and passionate team dedicated to creating safer futures for survivors of abuse and their families.

This is a rewarding opportunity to use your expertise to make a real difference.

Location: This is a hybrid role with meetings held via Teams and the occasional in person meeting.

Time commitment: The board of trustees meets 3-4 times per year.

Barod is a pioneering substance misuse treatment provider in Wales, offering evidence based treatment and holistic support to individuals who access its services. Following a period of growth, we currently have some vacancies on our Board of Trustees.  We are looking for people who can contribute to the strategic direction of the organisation.

We are looking to welcome new individuals, with a range of backgrounds and experiences, to our Board of Trustees. We are interested in meeting individuals with knowledge/experience of any of the following areas:

• Business/Commercial  
• Criminal Justice 
• Accountancy
• Medical 
• Mental Health
• Social Services/Social Care
• Legal
• Housing
• Communications/Public Relations
• Lived Experience (Substance Use)

If you have the passion and the skills which can help us make a difference to people’s lives, then we would love to hear from you. These voluntary roles are unpaid, but travel expenses can be reimbursed.

Would you like to a make a Difference to our lakes and rivers in the Lake District National Park and West Cumbria? 

We’re looking for new trustees with a passion for conservation and environmental charities. We’re particularly keen to hear from people with HR, commercial, legal, or community and education experience. Bring your expertise, help shape our future, and make a real impact on rivers and wildlife. 

Meetings are every 6-8 weeks and last about two hours and are a mixture of online and in person at our office in Keswick. We also have sub groups that one or two trustees attend, six times a year. The trustees are also invited on site visits, are welcome to join volunteer work parties and even come to the staff Christmas party!

Help shape the future of education! Join Inspire Learning Partnership as a Trustee and make a real impact on children’s lives.

At Inspire Learning Partnership, we are committed to raising the educational outcomes of every child within our Trust. Guided by an ethos of transparency, equity, and inclusion, we work tirelessly to ensure that all children receive the high-quality education they deserve. Our Trust Board plays a pivotal role in this mission, shaping our strategic vision and ensuring we remain focused on improving the life chances of the children we serve.

Our work is guided by our Big Moves:

1. Securing the Highest Possible Outcomes for All

2. Being the Employer of Choice

3. Fulfilling Potential and Influencing the System

4. Securing a Brighter and Greener Future

5. Serving Our Communities

These Big Moves are at the heart of our strategy and provide a clear framework for how we deliver on our mission.

The role of a Trustee at Inspire Learning Partnership offers a unique chance to influence the education and futures of children. It requires both teamwork and a willingness to engage with our governance structure, which includes Members, the Trust Board, the Executive Leadership Team, and Local Academy Councils.

By joining us, you will become part of a passionate team committed to making a tangible difference. Your skills and expertise can help shape our strategy, support our schools, and ultimately transform the lives of the children and families within our Trust.

We are particularly interested in talking with individuals who have high level (Executive) strategic experience in the following areas; 

• Estates
• Finance
• HR
• Legal

Inspire Learning Partnership is a multi-academy trust and therefore registered as a Company Limited by Guarantee with charitable status. Due to this company status Trustees are registered with Companies House.

Hillingdon Women’s Centre is seeking to recruit enthusiastic new Trustees to join our existing Board and actively contribute to the existing strength and growth of the charity!

About

Trustees typically attend monthly board meetings, with occasional activities between meetings. The estimated time commitment is around 2 hours per typical month. New trustees will be supported with induction and access to ongoing training, including safeguarding and governance. We particularly welcome applications from women with lived experience of the issues we work on, and from those connected to the communities we serve in Hillingdon and surrounding boroughs. As a trustee, you’ll help shape the strategic direction of the Centre and ensure we continue to provide vital, trauma-informed support to women in Hillingdon and beyond.

About Hillingdon Women’s Centre

Hillingdon Women’s Centre is a women’s charity based in the London Borough of Hillingdon. For almost 40 years, we have been supporting the needs of women in our community. We provide access to services and work with women to help them overcome barriers in their lives and thrive. We are a proudly feminist, safe, and women-only space, inclusive of all women.

We are passionate about gender equality and ending Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG). Our services are client-led; we listen, provide information, and enable women to make their own choices and take control of their lives.

Purpose of the Trustee role: 

Trustees have independent control over, and legal responsibility for, a charity’s management and administration. As such, they are required to:
 

• Ensure the charity is carrying out its purposes for public benefit

• Comply with the charity’s governing document and the law

• Act in the charity’s best interests

• Manage the charity’s resources responsibly

• Act with reasonable care and skill

• Ensure the charity complies with statutory accounting and reporting requirements

Key Trustee responsibilities: 

• Definition and review of a strategy/business plan for the charity in line with its objectives

• Set and maintain the vision, mission and values.

• Definition and review of charity policies and procedures

• Review and management of risks

• Attendance at board meetings, including the AGM

• Recruitment and management of the Centre Manager

• Review of financial processes and accounting

• General oversight and management of the charity premises

• Generation of funding for the charity, i.e. completion of grant applications, execution of fundraising activities, securing donors and ambassadors for the charity

• Promotion of the charity externally

We’re particularly seeking individuals with expertise in:

• Fundraising and income generation (e.g. donor engagement, campaign development, marketing strategy)

• Financial audit and compliance

• HR and people management

• External/public affairs and advocacy

• Governance and charity finance

• Strategic thinking and change management

• Lived experience of domestic abuse or connection to the communities we serve

Person Specification

We are looking for individuals who demonstrate:

• Integrity

• Strategic thinking and the ability to see the bigger picture

• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties and responsibilities of a Trustee

• Willingness to devote the time and effort to the role

• Good independent judgement and creative thinking

• Ability to constructively contribute to conversations

• Ability to work effectively as part of a team

We are committed to creating a board that reflects the diversity of our community. If you have access needs or require support with the application process, please let us know.
 

How to apply

• Please send a short expression of interest and your CV 

• If you’d like to have an informal conversation before applying, we’d be happy to arrange a chat.

• Whether you're a seasoned professional or someone with transferable experience and a passion for our mission, we would welcome your application. If you’re passionate about gender equality and want to help shape the future of HWC, we’d love to hear from you.

Please note: This is a voluntary role, open to local female UK residents only. This is to ensure compliance with governance, legal, and operational requirements relevant to our charity’s work. 

We are seeking passionate and skilled individuals to join our Board of Trustees to help guide our future.

Marillac Neurological Care Centre (the MNCC) is not-for-profit independent charity providing specialist care and rehabilitation pathways for adults with complex or progressive neurological conditions (brain injury, trauma, infection, stroke) and spinal cord injuries.

Set within 4 acres of landscaped gardens in Brentwood, Essex the building and grounds accommodate 52 beds, 3 units with bungalows. The building also boasts a large fully equipped physiotherapy gym, Occupational Therapy skills kitchen, sensory room, and access to high/low tech neuro technology aids/equipment.

We offer a high staff to resident ratio and our Registered General Nurses are supported by skilled and highly trained Health Care Assistants. Training is key to delivering excellent care, all staff complete yearly mandatory training and yearly clinical competencies.

Working in partnership with patients, families, NHS Clinical Commissioning Groups, Adult Social Care, and Health and Care Management Services offering flexible resident led pathways incorporating both specialised nursing and level 2b rehabilitation.

Placements can be funded via NHS Continuing Health Care (rehabilitation, nursing), Adult Social Care and can be privately funded.

The Role of Our Trustees

Our trustees are crucial in ensuring MNCC fulfils its purpose. They set the strategy, align goals with our vision, and support and challenge the executive team for growth and success. This voluntary role offers an opportunity to use your skills for a cause you care about, providing strategic leadership and safeguarding our future.

Key Responsibilities

As a Trustee, you will contribute to the governance and strategy of MNCC. Duties include:

• Advising on purpose, vision, and activities.
• Approving strategies and monitoring implementation.
• Overseeing finances and ensuring stability.
• Identifying and managing risks.
• Supporting and challenging the CEO.
• Staying informed about the operating environment.
• Reviewing governance and attending Board meetings.
• Acting legally and in good faith for MNCC's interests.
• Promoting MNCC's aims using your skills and network.

Who We Are Looking For

We value commitment to our mission and a diversity of perspectives; prior trustee experience is not essential, as we provide induction and support. We particularly encourage applications from those with experience in Finance and Legal Services although relevant experience is welcomed

Candidates should demonstrate:

• Strategic vision and independent judgment.
• Willingness to commit time and effort.
• Ability to work in a team.
• Understanding of legal trustee duties.
• Commitment to equality and inclusion.

What We Offer

• The chance to make a significant impact.
• Development through board experience and training.
• Collaboration with a dedicated team.
• Reimbursement of reasonable expenses.

Barnet Mencap is a thriving medium-sized charity for people with learning disabilities and people with autism and their family carers.

We are looking for people who are interested in making a contribution to their local community. Do you have skills to offer a local charity that could make an impact and improve and change people’s lives?

As a voluntary trustee you would be part of a dynamic and dedicated team that focuses on the strategic direction and governance of the charity and become an ambassador for Barnet Mencap.

We are looking to strengthen our team by recruiting additional trustees. Expertise in one or more of the following areas would be particularly welcome, though not essential if you are the right candidate:

· Legal

· Finance

· Education

· Fundraising

· Marketing

Applications would be most welcome from younger people, people from an ethnic minority and people with an interest in learning disabilities.

If you would like to have an informal discussion about the role, please contact Ray Booth, Chief Executive.

An Enhanced DBS check will be required for successful applicants.

Wild Welfare is an international animal welfare charity dedicated to ending the suffering of captive wild animals. We work with zoos, aquariums, and wildlife sanctuaries around the world to improve animal welfare standards through training, capacity-building, and long-term collaboration.

Our Vision is to create a world where every captive wild animal is able to thrive and live a good life.

Becoming a trustee of Wild Welfare is a chance to make a real difference to hundreds of thousands of animals’ lives around the world. You’ll help guide the charity’s future, support progressive animal welfare reform, and work with an expert team.

We are seeking Trustees to join our Board of Trustees and support our mission by helping us grow sustainable income and strengthen our organisational resilience.

This is an exciting opportunity to bring your professional expertise in fundraising, legalisation, HR and Business Management, to a passionate and committed charity that is making a tangible difference to wild animals worldwide.

What you’ll do

• Contribute to the Board’s strategic oversight of Wild Welfare, providing leadership over the charity’s governance and financial sustainability.
• Provide expert guidance on income generation, fundraising strategy, charity management, and development.
• Support the charity in identifying and developing new fundraising opportunities (corporate partnerships, grants, major donors, and innovative income streams).
• Act as an ambassador for Wild Welfare, representing the charity and helping to expand our networks.
• Work collaboratively with fellow trustees and the senior leadership team to ensure the charity achieves its mission and long-term objectives.

What we’re looking for

We welcome applications from individuals with experience in any of the following areas:

• Fundraising (trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships, individual giving, or major donors).
• Charity and/or business development and strategic growth.
• Commercial or financial acumen, ideally with an understanding of not-for-profit income generation.
• Knowledge of the legal aspects of charity management and compliance.
• Strong networks and relationship-building skills.
• Commitment to Wild Welfare’s values and passion for improving the lives of captive wild animals.

Previous trustee experience or animal welfare experience is not essential – we welcome applications from people new to charity governance. Full induction and support will be provided.

Why join us?

• Play a vital role in shaping the future of an international charity.
• Contribute your skills to a cause which transforms lives for wild animals across the globe.
• Join a collaborative and supportive Board of Trustees with diverse expertise.
• Gain valuable governance and leadership experience.

Role Specification: Trustee

Main Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and oversight on matters relating to fundraising and income generation.
• Help shape and monitor the charity’s fundraising strategy, ensuring it is realistic, ethical, and aligned with organisational goals.
• Advise on diversifying income streams, with a focus on long-term sustainability.
• Open doors to new partnerships, networks, and opportunities that may benefit the charity.
• Support the Director and senior management team by offering constructive advice, feedback, and expertise.
• Overseeing the charity’s compliance with fundraising regulations and best practice standards.
• Uphold the Board’s collective responsibility for effective governance, safeguarding, and financial management.

Person Specification

• Essential
  • Experience in fundraising, charity/business development, or income generation.
  • Strategic thinker with the ability to analyse opportunities and risks.
  • Willingness to use personal networks and expertise to further the charity’s fundraising potential and reach.
  • Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
  • Commitment to Wild Welfare’s mission, values, and long-term sustainability.
• Desirable
  • Knowledge of international development, or the animal welfare sector.
  • Understanding of charity governance and the role of a trustee.
  • Experience in developing sustainable income models.

Terms of Appointment

• This is a voluntary position; reasonable expenses will be reimbursed if required to travel for meetings.
• Trustees are expected to attend virtual Board meetings twice a year (usually June and December) and participate in occasional sub-committees or events (virtual or in-person). Online meetings are limited to 1.5-hours.
• The initial term is three years, with the option of renewal for a further three years.
• It is a criminal offence for an individual to serve as a Trustee if disqualified from doing so. Appropriate checks will be carried out to ensure that individuals who have been selected to become a Trustee are eligible. These checks will include references and Charity Commission/Companies House verification.
• There will be an initial probationary period of 1-year.
• Trustees are subject to our governing documents.
• Wild Welfare is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where every individual is treated with dignity and respect.

We are seeking two new Trustees to help shape and strengthen our work. We are looking for individuals who can bring energy, enthusiasm and strategic insight to support our mission of protecting and restoring our waterways. 

Becoming a Trustee of the Cotswolds Rivers Trust is a strategic leadership commitment. The role typically includes attending quarterly board meetings in person and contributing a minimum of six hours per month for an initial three-year period.

As a Trustee, you will play a central part in decisions that influence the long-term health of our rivers. This is a rewarding opportunity to give back to the environment and local communities while broadening your own professional skills, networks and experience. Our preference is for trustees to be proactive in the work of the Trust, utilising skills and experience to the benefit of the Trust’s objectives.

Key responsibilities

· Providing clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction.

· Holding the executive team to account for delivery and performance.

· Overseeing the organisation’s financial health and ensuring funds are used effectively.

· Advocating for the work of the Trust.

Who we’re looking for

We are particularly keen to broaden the expertise on our Board. We would welcome applications from individuals with experience in:

· Finance and Fundraising

· Legal matters

· Practical river restoration or environmental management

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 About Us

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

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

Role 

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

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

Responsibilities

Governance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Leadership

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

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

Financial Management

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

· Evaluate risks to the assets or reputation.

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

In addition to the above duties, each Trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the Board of Trustees reach sound decisions. This may involve leading sub committees, leading discussions, identifying key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, and evaluating or offering advice on other areas in which the Trustee has particular expertise.

Person Specification

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

· Law

·        Finance

· Land Management

· Leisure and Tourism

Essential

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

· Good communication skills across all levels.

· Excellent planning and organisational ability with long term focus.

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

· Integrity and openness.

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

Desirable

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

· Understanding of the voluntary sector.

Length of appointment

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

Time commitment

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

Remuneration

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

Location

Wicksteed Park, Kettering, NN15 6NJ.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

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

Are you passionate about health equity and social justice? Do you want to use your skills to make a real difference in communities across the North of England?

BHA For Equality is seeking new Trustees to join our Board as we continue our vital work challenging health inequalities and supporting communities to improve their health and wellbeing

About Us

For 35 years, BHA For Equality has been at the forefront of addressing health and social care inequalities. As a user-led charity with £2.4M turnover, we deliver essential services in HIV and sexual health, cancer prevention, TB, mental health, and community engagement across Leeds, Manchester, Wakefield, Liverpool, Coventry and Warwickshire.

The Opportunity

As a Trustee, you'll help shape our strategic direction, ensure strong governance, and champion our mission to amplify the voices of Black and minority ethnic, LGBTQ+, and marginalised communities in health and social care.We're Particularly Seeking

• Individuals from the communities we serve who understand lived experiences of health inequalities
• Professionals with legal or HR expertise to strengthen our Board's skill set
• Leaders committed to equity, inclusion and social justice

What We Offer

• Opportunity to influence real change in health equity
• Join a dynamic Board leading an established, impactful charity
• Support communities whose voices are too often unheard
• Professional development and networking opportunities

Time Commitment:

Quarterly Board meetings, occasional sub-committee involvement and one away day per year     

How to Apply

Send your CV/LinkedIn profile and a short covering note explaining your interest and what you'd bring to the Board to CEO Aydin Djemal

Prefer an informal chat first? Just email to arrange.Join us in our mission for health equality. Your expertise and passion can help us build healthier, more equitable communities.

#TrusteeOpportunity #CharityTrustee #HealthEquality #BoardDiversity #NonExecDirector #CharityGovernance #SocialJustice #VCSE