Legal trustee volunteer roles

Midlands Air Ambulance Charity (MAAC) is looking to appoint a new Trustee to its Board of Trustees (voluntary role) - an individual with CQC/ Healthcare sector experience. MAAC is looking for someone who:

1. Has executive experience within a CQC regulated organisation - with extensive CQC knowledge and a strong understanding of governance. Healthcare sector experience is essential.
2. Has the ability to make a strong contribution to the governance and success of Midlands Air Ambulance Charity (with a track record of successful leadership, and experience of operating at board level or the ability to contribute at board level).
3. Has the time to commit to four in person Board meetings per year and four virtual Clinical Standards Committee meetings per year.

Trustee vacancy 

The Royal Aeronautical Society is the world’s leading professional body dedicated to aerospace communities. Established in 1866, the Society has been at the forefront of developments in aerospace, seeking to promote the highest professional standards and provide a central forum for sharing knowledge. 

The Society is seeking a committed volunteer with a passion for aerospace to join the Board of Trustees from May 2026. As a Trustee, you will play a strategic role in the charity’s governance and help the Society to meet its charitable objects - the advancement of aeronautical art, science, and engineering around the world.

Main duties and responsibilities 

The Board of Trustees seeks to ensure that it has the skills, experience, diversity of thought and perspective to draw upon in its governance and decision-making roles. Trustees are expected to allocate time to reviewing papers and should actively participate in meetings by leading discussions, focusing on key issues and providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, to ensure that the Society continues to meet the needs of its members through financial sustainability and adherence to its charitable objects. 

Trustees must exercise their powers in strict accordance with the charity’s governing documents (i.e. Royal Charter, By-Laws and Regulations). The duties of a Trustee are as follows: 

• Ensuring that the organisation pursues its stated objects (purposes), as defined in its governing documents, by developing and agreeing a long-term strategy 

• Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction 

• Ensuring that the organisation complies with its governing documents, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations 

• Ensuring that the organisation applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its charitable objects (i.e. the charity must not spend money on activities that are not included in its own objects, however worthwhile or charitable those activities are) and for the benefit of the public 

• Ensuring that the organisation defines its goals and evaluates performance against agreed targets 

• Safeguarding the good name and values of the organisation 

• Ensuring the effective and efficient administration of the organisation, including having appropriate policies and procedures in place 

• Ensuring the financial stability of the organisation 

• Protecting and managing the property of the charity and ensuring the proper investment of the charity’s funds 

• Following proper and formal arrangements for the appointment, supervision, support, appraisal and remuneration of the Chief Executive. 

Person specification 

The following characteristics, knowledge and experience are essential: 

• Interest in the charity’s work, the communities it serves and those it represents 

• Clear understanding, and acceptance, of the legal duties, liabilities and responsibilities of Trustees, with a sound knowledge of relevant governance 

• Commitment to the values and principles of the charity including commitment to equity, diversity and inclusivity 

• Ability to understand complex strategic issues, analyse and resolve difficult problems 

• Commitment to the highest ethical standards in line with the Nolan principles 

• Sufficient time and commitment to fulfil the role. 

The following characteristics, knowledge and experience would be advantageous: 

• Proven business and financial acumen together with leadership and organisational skills 

• Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills 

• Experience in the aerospace sector and / or understanding of its breadth and depth 

• Experience of management of heritage assets and / or heritage properties. 

Time commitment 

As a member of the Board of Trustees, the appointed individual will be required to attend 4 meetings in a calendar year (usually held on a Monday in March, June, September and November), with each meeting lasting up to 2.5 hours. Trustees should prepare in advance of meetings. Meetings are usually hybrid.

In addition, Trustees will be expected from time to time to engage with Society staff, as well as to devote appropriate preparation time ahead of each engagement. Trustees are expected to meet any additional time commitment that is reasonable (with a further call for commitment from Committee Chairs to fulfil those roles).

This is a voluntary position, and no remuneration is offered. The Society will, however, reimburse all reasonable ‘out of pocket’ expenses for attendance at meetings.

Equity, diversity and inclusion  

As a global membership organisation and Professional Engineering Institution, we believe diversity brings benefits to our members, corporate partners, employees, and other stakeholders. This is why the Society is committed to demonstrating diversity and inclusivity. We encourage applications from all suitably qualified applicants irrespective of background, circumstances, age, disability, gender identity, ethnicity, religion or belief and sexual orientation.

We work to ensure that our processes are as inclusive as possible to everyone. This includes making reasonable adjustments for people who have a disability or long-term condition. If you would like us to make reasonable adjustments during the selection process, please let us know. 

How to apply 

Please submit a CV and a short covering letter, which explains how your knowledge and experience make you a good match for this role. You can find information about how to do this and who to contact on the "Volunteer with us" page of the Royal Aeronautical Society's website. The closing date for this vacancy is Sunday 7 December at 23:59. 

Personal data 

In line with GDPR, we ask that in your CV and covering letter you do NOT send us any information that can identify children or any of your sensitive personal data (racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious or philosophical beliefs, trade union membership, data concerning health or sex life and sexual orientation, genetic and/or biometric data). Following this notice, any inclusion of your sensitive personal data in your CV/application documentation will be understood by us as your express consent to process this information going forward. Please also remember to not mention anyone’s information or details (e.g. referees) who have not previously agreed to their inclusion. 

Borough Market is London’s oldest food Market. It was established on the south bank of the Thames around 1,000 years ago and has occupied its present site for over 250 years. Borough Market was formally registered as a charity (076940) in the Charity Commission’s records on 6th August 1999.

Its main charitable purpose is “the provision of a market as a public amenity for the benefit of the public”. In delivering our charitable objectives and strategy, the trustees of Borough Market are required to manage the Trust’s investments efficiently and to bring about the regeneration and refurbishment of the Market and its estate. Trustees need to act as a ‘critical friend’, providing vital checks and balances, and be committed to supporting the Market in its ambition to be the best in the world.

We are delighted to be advertising for a new trustee to boost a balanced Board that reflects our activities and the community in which the Market operates. We are particularly keen to recruit an individual who has knowledge of and experience in the food industry, food supply chain sustainability and food policy.

We want people who can demonstrate real enthusiasm and love of the Market, and a desire to make a difference and give back to the community.

We particularly welcome applications from people with a strong connection to the local area of Southwark, whether through residence, work, volunteering or community involvement. Preference will be given to candidates who live within the local area or have lived in the local area in the past.

We want a Board that is representative of our local community, so we encourage applications from candidates from traditionally underrepresented groups who have the right level of skills and experience including lived experience but not necessarily at Board level.

Candidates should be aware that trustee roles are subject to meeting Charity Commission eligibility criteria. Individuals should not apply to a trustee position or serve in that position if they do not meet the criteria or have been disqualified. More information on Charity Commission auto-disqualification is available through the Gov website.

Please see attachments for the full job description and application pack.

Are you a confident individual with an understanding of the corporate sector and/or fundraising, and a passion to work with the local church to transform communities?

If you have a heart for seeing the direction of young people’s lives radically changed, this could be the opportunity for you!

Location: Bournemouth

Contract: Part-Time

Hours: 6-10 hours per month

Application pack: Have a look at our application pack for more information about the role and Resurgo

We’re looking for new Trustees for the Board of Spear Bournemouth Trust, which runs the Spear Programme in partnership with Resurgo Trust, equipping and empowering unemployed 16 – 24-year-olds to overcome barriers to employment and turn their lives around by moving into sustainable work or further education.

Responsibilities

Governance and meeting attendance

• Attend Trustee meetings (approx. 6-9 times a year)
• Responsibility for the governance of the Trust, including meeting any legal and Charity Commission requirements
• Ensure the Trust complies with all legal duties including annual reporting, audits, insurance and data management

Local relationship building

• Build relationships with individuals in local churches to build and develop a network of supporters for the Spear Programme
• Act as a spokesperson for Spear Bournemouth, building the charity’s profile locally

Income generation

• Develop and manage relationships with local donors or companies (working with Spear coaches and other trustees)
• Steward relationships with funders, keeping them engaged in the work of Spear Bournemouth
• Input into a fundraising strategy (with significant input and support from the Resurgo team) to fundraise ~£120,000 per year to cover the costs of the Spear Programme

Working together

• Develop strong working relationships with fellow Trustees
• Support the Spear coaches in line with Resurgo’s coaching approach, ensuring the centre continues to thrive and deliver outstanding impact

Active participation in and support for church team and mission

• As the Spear programme is run in partnership with local churches, the Trustees will ideally have a personal presence in a Bournemouth-based church and actively work with and support the mission of Love Church, a key partner. As part of this you may be asked to speak at church/events

Person Specification:

• Professional or voluntary experience in one of the following: Partnership or business development; Fundraising
• An active Christian, passionate about supporting young people with barriers to education and employment into sustainable work
• Effective interpersonal skills and high emotional intelligence
• Good time management and organisational skills, highly self-motivated with good initiative
• Excellent communication skills and confidence building relationships with a diverse range of people

Do you value supporting adults of all abilities with opportunities to grow in confidence, skills, and connection?

Millennium Farm Trust use the care farm environment to nurture both people and land. If you also have experience in strategic thinking – you could make a great addition to our Board as a Trustee!

Who are the Millennium Farm Trust?

Millennium Farm Trust is the charity behind Depden Care Farm. It is a well-established, mission-led charity providing learning, training, and wellbeing opportunities through farming. For over a decade, we’ve supported people of all abilities to grow in confidence, skills, and connection — using the care farm environment to nurture both people and land. Based at Depden Care Farm in rural Suffolk, our programmes combine purposeful agricultural and horticultural work with personalised support.

At the heart of what we do

MFT’s vision: Everyone, whatever their ability, has access to meaningful work that builds self-esteem, self-confidence and self-care and has a place where their contribution to their community is valued and respected.

Our values: that by growing together we will foster a community at Depden Care Farm that promotes transformation, accountability, and integrity. A community which is built on: Respect, Wellbeing, Teamwork, Learning & Compassion.

So what does the Trustee role at Millennium Farm Trust look like?

This really is an exciting time to join us and contribute to our charity’s Board and use your professional skills to make an impact on our collaborative discussions!

As a trustee at MFT, you’ll support us in tasks such as; reviewing and advising on organisational policies, business plans, along with helping to promote our work and impact within the community. As well as attending quarterly board meetings, you’ll also participate in one or more subcommittees, providing oversight and input on specific areas such as finance, HR, safeguarding, or education.

Our commitment to diversity and inclusion

Everyone in our organisation shares responsibility for maintaining the highest standards of care, professionalism, and accountability. We are equally committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We welcome and celebrate difference, recognising that varied perspectives and experiences strengthen our community and enrich the lives of those we support.

Who we’re looking for

You’ll need to be able to challenge constructively, engage collaboratively, and have demonstrable strategic thinking and business acumen, with experience in governance or management. We also need someone who encourages our commitment to diversity, inclusion, and representing the interests of the community served, along with an interest in; the voluntary sector, social care, education, or related fields being desirable.

Please read the candidate information pack for further information before you apply. Don’t think you quite meet all of the specifications? Please don’t count yourself out – we’d still love to hear from you and learn more about you and your interest in joining the Millenium Farm Trust!

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential. If you have a disability or require reasonable adjustments during the application or interview process, please contact us so we can support you appropriately.

Eastside People is supporting Millennium Farm Trust in the recruitment of these roles. Please apply by submitting your CV and a cover letter, both in Word doc format.
Please use the cover letter (max 2 pages) as an opportunity to add to the information you have shared in your CV and ensure that you cover the following:

• Why are you interested in the Trustee role at Millenium Farm Trust?
• Having read the information pack, what relevant experience and skills do you feel you would bring to this role? This might come from paid work, study, community or voluntary work or other experience.

The closing date for applications is Mon 15th December. Shortlisting interviews with our recruitment partner Eastside People will take place shortly after, and shortlisted candidates will an interview with MFT during the first two weeks of January 2026.

About the Degrees Initiative

The Degrees Initiative is a UK-based NGO that builds the capacity of developing countries to evaluate solar radiation modification (SRM), a controversial proposal for reducing some impacts of climate change by reflecting sunlight away from the Earth. Degrees is neutral on whether SRM should ever be used, but we believe that developing countries should be empowered to conduct their own research and to play a central role in SRM discussions. The initiative has been working in different forms for over a decade, and our work receives worldwide coverage and widespread acclaim. 

The charity was founded in 2021, now has around 20 staff members and is growing. We seek a volunteer trustee with significant financial experience including an accounting qualification to join an existing five-person board to help guide a growing initiative that is changing the field of SRM.

This position offers a fantastic opportunity for the right candidate to apply their financial expertise in a high-profile governance role, shaping strategy and supporting a mission that empowers Global South researchers to lead in one of the world’s most important climate debates. 

Role 

The volunteer trustee will complement and further strengthen an existing five-person volunteer trustee board including the Chair & Treasurer. The role will entail strategic leadership, governance, and fiduciary responsibilities. Alongside the Treasurer they will predominantly be advising the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and the rest of the senior management team (the Chief Executive Officer and Chief of Staff) to ensure the robust financial health of the charity. This will include: 

• Maintaining an overview of the charity’s financial affairs by overseeing the annual financial planning and budgets proposed by the senior management team 

• Monitoring and evaluating financial progress against budgets and forecasts from staff reporting at quarterly board meetings, acting a voice of financial expertise during board discussions 

• Approving the audited annual accounts and financial statements presented by the senior management team alongside the rest of the board 

• Strategic input by reviewing risk assessments alongside financial implications and advising on the organisation of financial resources and reserves to support the long-term goals of the charity 

• Confirming transparency and accountability in financial operations, and that appropriate accounting procedures and controls are in place in addition to compliance with legal and regulatory requirements 

• Advising on how the charity can most effectively conduct its international work, especially providing grants to organisations in the Global South 

• Confirming that the charity has an appropriate investment policy, and that there is no conflict between any investment held and the aims and objects of the charity

• Sitting on any board sub-committees as required 

Cambridge Women’s Aid has been supporting women and children affected by domestic abuse for over 40 years. We are currently searching for new trustees to join our board.

Effective governance is key to the success and sustainability of our organisation. As a trustee, you will be able to use your experience, energy and creativity to shape our approach and help us to achieve our mission. There is no such thing as a ‘typical’ trustee, and you don’t necessarily need previous board experience; we welcome women with a diverse range of backgrounds, skills and life experiences, who can commit and contribute to the success of our work.

At the moment, our Board of Trustees is particularly looking to build expertise in Legal, Finance, HR & Safeguarding. However, we welcome applications from all women with a commitment to our work and are interested in hearing about full range of skills applicants can bring.

As a trustee, you will receive training to carry out your role, have opportunities to represent CWA in the community, and be part of a supportive and welcoming board. Being a trustee gives you the chance to gain experience in strategic planning, develop skills in new areas, and add significant value to a thriving charity.

Commitment

Trustees are expected to attend and minimum of four in person board meetings per year, plus one away day and one Annual General Meeting. Most trustees will get involved in the work of sub-committees, such as the Employment or Finance groups, and will attend around six sub-committee meetings per year. The minimum commitment is 3 years.

Location

Cambridge city

Remuneration

This is a voluntary position, but expenses are reimbursed.

How to Apply

For more information about the trustee role, and to apply, please email to request an application pack from our website. 

CWA values diversity promotes equality and challenges discrimination of all forms. We encourage and welcome applications from women of all backgrounds. We particularly welcome applicants from minoritised women and younger women. We also welcome applicants with lived experience of VAWG services (though we ask that applicants have not accessed our service within the last two years).

This service is run by women for women and is therefore restricted to women applicants under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, and Part 1. Section 7(2) e of the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 apply. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.

An enhanced DBS (Disclosure Barring Service) disclosure will be required for this role.

Please note that this is a voluntary role, if you are looking for paid work please do not apply.

Worth Unlimited is a national children’s charity embedded in local communities, whose mission is to create spaces where young people are heard, are valued and can grow.  We mentor and counsel young people one to one and in groups in schools and in the community. We run workshops and drop in sessions and carry out open access work within our local areas. 

We are looking to recruit 4 trustees with any of the following skills: Finance/accounting, safeguarding, youthwork, leadership, people management, communications, marketing, fundraising, event planning. This role will involve approximately 5-6 hours per month. 

We are also looking for someone to take on the role of treasurer. This would involve maintaining an overview of the organisation's affairs, ensuring its financial viability and ensuring that proper financial records and procedures are maintained. 

We are keen to involve individuals with a lived experience of our work: those who have suffered adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), come from an economically disadvantaged family or had a child who suffered from adverse childhood experiences. Throughout our work, we are committed to reflecting the full diversity of the community we serve and to promoting equality of opportunity for everyone. We are working to ensure that our workforce reflects the communities it serves and we are interested in people with skills to make our board more diverse and inclusive.

We also value life skills, a willingness to learn and get involved and a good sense of humour!

Are you a qualified human-focused medical professional with an interest in multi-species medicine? Are you innovative, with creative insight & a vision for progressive medical practice? If so, we would welcome your application to join our Board of Trustees.

Our ideal candidate:

• A qualified medical professional with expertise in human medicine and a strong interest in multi-species medicine and innovative healthcare practice.

• Understands trustee commitments and responsibilities.

• Can contribute to strategic discussions through effective communication and judgment.

• Is non-judgmental and respectful of diverse experiences, views, and cultures.

• Is committed to the aims and values of Humanimal Trust and can work collaboratively to enrich the vision and strategy of our growing organisation.

We welcome applications from individuals with a range of perspectives, experience, backgrounds and skills.

What’s in it for you?

• A unique opportunity to drive innovative change and have a positive impact on millions of human and animal lives.

• Development of career enhancing skills and experience, including governance and leadership skills.

• The opportunity to build interdisciplinary relationships with a team of passionate trustees, staff, and volunteers.

Summary of responsibilities

• Drive strategic planning, provide leadership and oversee delivery of results.

• Approve business plans and budgets, agree targets, and monitor performance.

• Ensure board members have required skills through appropriate recruitment, induction and development processes.

• Ensure effective audits and approve annual accounts.

• Support the CEO and ensure good management.

• Ensure productive relationships are maintained.

• Ensure a high standard of corporate governance and behaviour.

• Be clear about the most significant strategic risks ensure mitigation steps are in place.

• Empathy with the aims of the organisation, its values and behaviours.

Appointment term: A minimum term of three years, with the possibility of two consecutive terms, so six years in total.

Time commitment: Quarterly Board meetings, c.2h per meeting, plus preparation.

Preferred background, knowledge and experience: A qualified medical professional with expertise in human medicine and a strong interest in multi-species medicine.

It is an exciting and challenging time for the international development sector. Vision Action is seeking to appoint two new Trustees, one of whom will serve as Chair Designate, to bring experience, insight, and energy in support of our ambition to increase equitable access to basic eye care services in Ghana, Zambia, and Ethiopia (with plans to expand further).

Vision Action was born in 2022 out of the merger to two charities, Vision for a Nation, an award-winning charity founded by the philanthropist James Chen and operating in Rwanda which developed a unique model for providing basic eye care in under-resourced settings, and Vision Aid Overseas, founded in the 1980s to establish accessible vision centres across Africa.  To learn more about our work please visit our website at Vision Action. The role of the Board of Trustees is to oversee the direction and activities of the charity, including its policies and procedures, to ensure that they are consistently in accordance with the charitable purposes defined in the objects clause in its Constitution. The Board sets and monitors the strategic direction of the charity, although the implementation of strategy is achieved through the executive team.

Terms of service

For Vision Action the Trustees are Members who have been elected to serve on the Board. Vision Action’s constitution allows for up to 12 Trustees, who can serve a maximum of three consecutive terms of three years.  Vision Action is a company limited by guarantee and the Trustees are its legal directors. The Trustee role is voluntary but out of pocket expenses are paid.  Trustees are appointed by the Vision Action Board of Trustees annually at the Board meeting following the Annual General Meeting. The time commitment in being a trustee involves attendance at four Board meetings per year, one of which will be an all-day strategy session. Otherwise, Board meetings are usually half a day in the afternoon of a weekday with at least half the meetings online.  Papers are circulated for reading in advance. There may be other ad-hoc meetings or online events to discuss specific topics.

Main tasks

Charity Trustees have and must accept ultimate responsibility for directing the affairs of the charity and ensuring it is solvent, well-run and delivering the charitable outcomes for the benefit of the public for which it has been set up. Each Trustee will be expected to join one of the two sub-committees (Finance and Fundraising; and Programmes and Research). The Committees meet remotely at least four times per year, usually timed with or in advance of the board meetings. 

General Responsibilities

• Ensure that Vision Action complies with its governing document (i.e. its Constitution and Bylaws), charity law, and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
• Ensure that Vision Action pursues its objects as defined in its governing document.
• Ensure Vision Action applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects, i.e. it must not spend money on activities which are not included in the objects, however worthwhile they may be.
• Contribute actively to the Board’s role in the formulation and review of strategy, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets.
• Ensure that all policies are implemented, monitored and reports are acted upon, (including the policies on Harassment and Misconduct, Safeguarding, Recruitment, Child Protection and Anti- Bribery).
• Appoint and support the Co-Chief Executive Officers and monitor their performance.

Additional Specific Responsibilities

In addition to the above, we are looking for a Trustee who can be the Chair Designate and assume the role of Chair in December 2025.

Person Specification

Essential Requirements

Each Trustee must demonstrate:

• A commitment to the mission and values of Vision Action.
• A commitment to Vision Action’s key organisational policies, including those on Harassment and Misconduct, Safeguarding, Whistleblowing, Recruitment, Child Protection, and Anti-Bribery.
• Good, independent judgement.
• Willingness to represent, advocate for, and support the work of the charity.

Desirable Experience

While not essential, experience in the following areas would be an advantage:

• Leadership or senior management experience in business, the third sector, or civil service.
• Understanding of the International Development or Global Health sectors.
• Fundraising, philanthropy, or partnership development.

1.  Terms of Service.

The Chair is appointed by the Board annually for a maximum of 3 consecutive terms. He/she will normally assume his/her appointment at the Board meeting following the AGM in November.

2.  Main Tasks:

• To lead the Board in ensuring it fulfils its responsibilities for the governance of Vision Action.
• To ensure the Trustees set and regularly review policy, overall strategy and objectives.
• To undertake a supportive role in achieving Vision Action’s funding target.
• To guide the Co-Chief Executives, to help achieve Vision Action’s objectives.
• To monitor approved strategies and business plans.

3.  Specific Duties relating to:

3.1 Ensuring the Board fulfils its responsibilities for the governance of Vision Action:

• To chair meetings of the Board, seeing that it functions effectively and carries out its duties.
• To ensure the Board works within the framework of law, Charity Commission guidelines and management best practice.
• To ensure that the policies of the Board are compliant with its charity objectives.
• To ensure the Trustees set overall strategy and policy objectives and regularly review them.
• In conjunction with the Treasurer, to ensure Vision Action’s financial dealings are prudently and systematically accounted for in compliance with legal requirements.
• Make recommendations on the composition of the Board, with a view to succession, and future Chair.
• To serve as an additional spokesman for, and promoter of Vision Action (Note: The Co-Chief Executives act as the primary spokespeople)

3.2 To ensure Trustees develop overall strategy and policy objectives and regularly review them:

• To incorporate the skills and experience of the trustees and the Co-Chief Executives’ team in the development of strategic objectives and planning processes.
• Identify with the Co-Chief Executives, clear objectives and key performance indicators

3.3 Helping the Co-Chief Executives achieve Vision Action’s mission:

• The Chair should always adopt an attitude of strategic overview and avoid becoming immersed in the day-to- day details of running Vision Action. Such matters are the responsibility of the Co-Chief Executives.
• To support and monitor the work of the Co-Chief Executives.
• To assist in the promotion of Vision Action to a wider audience of potential donors and beneficiaries.
• To undertake a supportive role in achieving Vision Action’s fundraising target.

3.4 Optimising the relationship between the Board, staff, volunteers and other stakeholders:

• In consultation with the Co-Chief Executives, to agree the annual calendar of Board meetings and major events involving Vision Action.
• To thank and encourage Vision Action volunteers, staff and other stakeholders as opportunities present themselves.
• To conduct the annual appraisal of the Co-Chief Executives and agree their annual objectives and performance measures.

Advert for Trustees 

Are you passionate about making a difference to communities that experience food insecurity and related health inequalities?We are looking for a dynamic, inspiring and innovative individuals to join our Board of Trustees to help steer Healthy Living Platform’s work through a range of activities that support food justice across Lambeth. 

At Healthy Living Platform we make it easier for local communities to lead healthier and more sustainable lives. Using a food ladder model, we focus on the following outcomes: 

• increasing access to affordable and nutritious food 

• increasing knowledge and skills to support healthy eating 

• increasing community connectivity and capacity through food 

• influencing and improving food policies and local decision making through advocacy work 

For a small team of 6 paid staff we have a huge impact, supporting over 2,000 households every week through running the Surplus Food Hub and Pantries, with around 40 volunteers supporting our work including activities generated through our Community Kitchen. We also deliver a range of educational courses through our Food Ambassador programme. 

If you are interested in joining our Board, please send an email with your CV and a covering note to trustee @ healthylivingplatform. org outlining what skills and expertise you can offer. We are looking to recruit three new trustees by the end of October, earlier if possible. Preferred candidates would have either HR, Communications, Legal or Public Health expertise, although we are welcoming of anyone, especially those with lived experience from the local area that have accessed HLP’s services in the past

BLUE SMILE - CHAIR OF TRUSTEES

Founded in 2010, Blue Smile is a Cambridgeshire charity supporting children aged 3-13 to manage big feelings, process difficult emotions, overcome anxieties and build resilience.

Blue Smile's mission is to transform the mental health and life chances of Cambridgeshire children through arts-based therapies, supporting over 200 children a week in the region’s schools, providing one-to-one therapy and groupwork. We work in particular, in accordance with our charitable aims, with those who face disadvantage or deprivation.

CHAIR OF TRUSTEES ROLE

As Chair of the Board of Trustees, you will provide strategic leadership and governance to ensure that Blue Smile fulfils its charitable objectives. You will lead the Board in an inclusive way, promoting collaborative working and provide support and challenge to the Charity Director.

This role is vital to ensuring the charity operates in accordance with the law, delivers public benefit, and remains financially and strategically sustainable.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR IN OUR NEW CHAIR OF TRUSTEES

Our new Chair of Trustees will:

• Have board level experience as Chair, Non-executive or Trustee.

• Show a strong understanding of governance, strategy and the legal duties of a charity trustee.

• Be able to demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

• Have sound judgment, diplomacy, and the ability to build a collaborative environment.

• Demonstrate a passion for improving children’s mental health and wellbeing which aligns with the charity’s values and commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

TIME COMMITMENT

• Six meetings a year, including one as the AGM and an annual strategy day. Board meetings are currently held online.
• Monthly scheduled meeting with the Charity Director with flexibility to respond swiftly to the occasional ad hoc issue.
• Ad hoc/occasional support through working groups and to the wider Blue Smile team.

TERMS OF APPOINTMENT

• The Chair is appointed for a 5 year term of office, renewable for 1 further term to a maximum of 10 years in line with Blue Smile’s Articles of Association.
• This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses are reimbursed.

TO APPLY

If you would like to be part of a welcoming and well-respected charity, please send your CV and a covering letter, outlining your interest and suitability for the role. We will be recruiting on a rolling basis so please do get in touch soon!

Blue Smile is committed to a diversity of voices in our organisation. We welcome applications from all backgrounds. 

Safeguarding is central to all Blue Smile activities, and we recognise that the welfare of all children, young people and adults at risk, is paramount and that all have equal rights of protection. We have a duty of care when they are in our charge, and we will do everything we can to provide a safe and caring environment whilst they attend our activities.

We are committed to safer recruitment and trustees will be asked to complete a Disclosure and Barring Service check.

We’re extending our Board of Trustees to fulfil our long-term ambitions. We have a friendly, experienced team and financial strengths. Activities take place in central Ealing. Transport links are good.

The time commitment will vary but could be around 2-3 hours per week, flexed according to what you can offer.

We welcome a wide range of background, to reflect the diversity of Ealing.

Our Trustees are responsible for 

·Ensuring that the EBF pursues its stated objects (purposes), as defined by our governing document, by developing and agreeing a long-term strategy

·Ensuring that the EBF complies with its governing document (ie its trust deed, constitution or memorandum and articles of association), charity law and any other relevant legislation or regulations

·Ensuring that the EBF applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its charitable objects 

·Ensuring that the organisation defines its goals and evaluates performance against agreed targets

·Safeguarding the good name and values of the organisation

·Ensuring the effective and efficient administration of the organisation, including having appropriate policies and procedures in place

·Ensuring the financial stability of the organisation, including the proper investment of the charity’s funds

In addition to the above statutory duties, each trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience to help the board of trustees reach sound decisions. This may involve scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise.

What we're looking for

·A commitment to the organisation

·A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort 

·Strategic vision 

·Good, independent judgement 

·An ability to think creatively 

·A willingness to speak their mind 

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

·An ability to work effectively as a member of a team 

·       Ideally experince of Health and Safety and/or safeguarding

What is in it for you? You will

• Join a great team, meet and work collaboratively with new people.
• Put your fund skills and experienceto great use.
• Be active and engaged, adding value to Ealing’s cultural calendar.

Do you believe that everyone should have access to quality advice and support, regardless of their background? As HR Trustee you would keep us true to our mission and guide our decisions to best support advice organisations across the UK.

With almost 700 members, AdviceUK is the biggest network of advice services in the UK. Since 1979, we have been supporting advice providers with training, information, and advocacy to help them create greater social impact. In 2024 alone, our members helped 2.8 million people with issues including debt, housing, employment, immigration and asylum, welfare benefits, and consumer rights.

Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, we are constantly exploring new and innovative ways to strengthen the advice sector. Our vision? A society wherein every individual, regardless of means, is able to access the advice they need to exercise their rights and deal with any legal and social welfare problems they may face.

So what does the HR Trustee role at AdviceUK look like?

Are you looking for a voluntary role that is rewarding and offers you the chance to provide leadership with your human resources expertise? 

The Board is responsible for our strategic direction and governance, ensuring we achieve our charitable objects and are well run. Day-to-day management of the organisation is delegated to the Chief Executive and staff, while the Board focuses on general direction and oversight. 

We are currently looking for an experienced HR professional to join our Board as a Trustee. The HR Trustee plays a key role in providing strategic oversight of our people strategy and ensure effective people management and support.

The role can fit around existing commitments, both professional and personal. Previous trustee experience isn’t required, and you will be supported into the role through an onboarding and induction process.

Please read the candidate information pack for further information before you apply. Don’t think you quite meet all of the specifications? Please don’t count yourself out – we’d still love to hear from you and learn more about you and your interest in joining AdviceUK!

Ready to apply?

Eastside People is supporting AdviceUK in the recruitment of this role. Please apply by submitting your CV and a cover letter, both in Word doc format.

Please use the cover letter (max 2 pages) as an opportunity to add to the information you have shared in your CV and ensure that you cover the following: 

• Why are you interested in the HR Trustee role at AdviceUK? 
• Having read the information pack, what relevant experience and skills do you feel you would bring to this role? This might come from paid work, study, community or voluntary work or other experience.

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential. If you have a disability or require reasonable adjustments during the application or interview process, please contact us so we can support you appropriately.

The closing date for applications is Monday 1st December. Shortlisting interviews with our recruitment partner Eastside People will take place shortly after, and shortlisted candidates will an interview with AdviceUK during the week beginning Monday 15th December.

We look forward to hearing from you!