Legal volunteer roles in mexborough, south yorkshire

You know what it's like to practice as a solicitor. You've navigated the pressures, the culture, and the unspoken expectations. Now, imagine using that hard-won understanding to create meaningful change for neurodivergent colleagues who are struggling to find their place in our profession.

We're looking for a qualified solicitor who gets it - someone who can help us build programmes and campaigns that will work because they're grounded in the reality of solicitor practice.

Why does this role need to be solicitor-only?

We need someone who understands the culture, systems, and pressures of solicitor life from the inside. The work involves shaping strategy, influencing decision-makers, and ensuring our programmes reflect the real experiences of neurodivergent solicitors. A qualified solicitor brings both lived experience and professional standing, which helps build trust and makes our work more effective. This isn't about hierarchy, but about grounding the role in practical, credible experience that resonates with the people we're trying to help.

What we're looking for

We need a qualified solicitor who can be our eyes and ears within the profession - someone who understands not just the law, but the culture that surrounds it.

Your background might include:

• Current qualification as a solicitor (England and Wales)

• Real experience working in or with solicitor firms and organisations

• Understanding of how solicitor practice works - the good, the challenging, and everything in between

• Genuine commitment to making the profession more inclusive for neurodivergent colleagues

• The ability to communicate with everyone from trainees to senior partners

What would be brilliant (but not essential):

• Experience across different types of solicitor practice - private practice, in-house, government, legal aid

• Personal understanding of neurodiversity challenges in professional settings

• A network of contacts within the solicitor profession

• Background in training, mentoring, or professional development

• Experience in charity/not-for-profit law, employment law, or disability rights

What you'll be doing

This isn't about sitting in meetings talking theory. You'll be:

Being our solicitor reality-check:

• Sharing insights about profession culture, challenges, and opportunities that only an insider would know

• Helping us identify the real barriers neurodivergent solicitors face and practical solutions that might work

• Ensuring our initiatives make sense in the context of how solicitor firms actually operate

Shaping our strategy:

• Contributing the solicitor's perspective to our programme development

• Advising on the best approaches for engaging with firms, training providers, and professional bodies

• Helping develop resources that work in real solicitor practice environments

Being our face in the profession:

• Representing us at solicitor-focused events and networks

• Building relationships that open doors and create opportunities

• Speaking at events and contributing to professional discussions where your voice carries weight

Developing what matters:

• Advising on training and support programmes that solicitors will actually use

• Helping create career guidance that reflects modern solicitor pathways

• Supporting research and policy work that affects how solicitors practice

The need-to-know

Time commitment: Around 4-8 hours per month - one monthly trustee meeting plus the solicitor-specific work, and the occasional extra task that crops up. 

Term: We're looking for a minimum 2-year commitment initially, which then becomes a rolling 1-year term subject to the constitutional requirements. 

When we meet: We will be setting our meeting dates at the start of the organisation's year (October 2025) so everyone can plan ahead. 

Next steps:

• Applications close: 5 September 2025 at 17:00

• Interview dates: TBC - dependent on application numbers

• Next board meeting: TBC

Why this role matters

The legal profession is slowly waking up to neurodiversity, but too often the conversation happens without the people who actually understand day-to-day practice. We've seen well-meaning initiatives fail because they don't reflect the reality of billable hours, client demands, and firm hierarchies.

Your perspective as a practising solicitor isn't just valuable - it's essential. You know which ideas will work and which ones will gather dust in the diversity folder. You understand the language that resonates with partners and the approaches that will actually make a change. 

What we offer in return

• Real influence: Your insights directly shape our strategy and programmes

• Professional development: Gain charity governance experience and expand your network

• Meaningful impact: See your profession become more inclusive for future generations

• Supportive environment: Work with a committed team that respects both your time and expertise

• Flexibility: We’re a team of working professionals and always work around professional commitments

• Recognition: References, recommendations, and opportunities to speak on topics you care about

• Expenses covered: We reimburse reasonable costs related to your trustee work

We're committed to inclusive recruitment and welcome applications from all backgrounds. If you need any adjustments to our application process, just let us know.

Application deadline: 5 September 2025 at 17:00

Introduction

The Hunger Project is a global not-for-profit, founded in 1977. We believe passionately that ending hunger is possible, and that our generation has the power to end it once and for all.  Our vision is a world without hunger. Our mission is to facilitate individual and collective action to transform the systems of inequity that create hunger and cause it to persist.

We do this by pioneering sustainable, grassroots, women-centred strategies and advocating for their widespread adoption in countries throughout the world. We comprise of 13 Programme countries across rural Africa, South Asia and Latin America and 9 Partner countries, which are the fundraising arms - one of which is The Hunger Project UK (THP-UK).

The Opportunity

We are seeking a highly organised and experienced volunteer Company Secretary to play a crucial role in the effective governance and compliance of our charity. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute your expertise to a cause you care about, working closely with our CEO, Chairpersons, and Board of Trustees to ensure we meet all statutory and regulatory requirements. The Company Secretary should also be available to provide a central source of guidance and advice within THP-UK on matters of charity ethics, company law and good governance. 

Key Responsibilities

Board Meetings & Support

• Collaborate with the Chair and CEO to prepare agendas and forward plans for Board meetings.
• Circulate papers and documentation in advance of meetings.
• Attend all Board meetings (typically quarterly), ensuring meetings are properly constituted (e.g. quorum present, aligned with Articles of Association).
• Accurately minute proceedings, record decisions and actions, and circulate minutes promptly.
• Maintain records of attendance and track follow-up on agreed actions. 

Statutory & Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure timely filing of statutory returns with Companies House and the Charity Commission, including:
  • Annual confirmation statements and annual returns.
  • Updates to trustees, registered address, and governing documents.
  • Submission of trustees' report and audited accounts (in collaboration with auditors).
• Keep an organised archive of governance documents, policies, minutes, and resolutions.
• Act as point of contact for formal correspondence from Companies House and the Charity Commission.

Corporate & Charity Governance

• Advise the Board on legal and regulatory requirements, charity ethics, and corporate governance best practices.
• Keep up to date with statutory requirements and best practice for good corporate and charity governance and inform the Board as appropriate.
• Maintain all statutory registers.
• Conduct reviews of policies for clarity, compliance, and role-specific responsibilities.
• Assist in reviewing and submitting governance-related policies for Board approval (e.g., safeguarding, conflict of interest).
• Maintain a policy review schedule and ensure timely updates.

Trustee Support & Onboarding

• Support the Chair in maintaining an up-to-date Board Handbook and policies.
• Assist with onboarding of new trustees by providing induction packs and key governance documents.
• Signpost training opportunities and updates to ensure trustees are well-informed of their responsibilities.

Person Specification

Essential

• Proven experience in company secretarial, governance, legal, or high-level administrative roles.
• In-depth knowledge of UK charity and company law, including Charity Commission and Companies House requirements.
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to draft clear, concise minutes and reports.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Dropbox and virtual meeting tools.
• Ability to work independently, flexibly, and to deadlines.
• Alignment with the mission, vision, and values of The Hunger Project.
• High level of integrity and discretion.

Desirable

• Experience volunteering in the non-profit or charity sector.
• Familiarity with charitable companies limited by guarantee.

Time Commitment & Location

As a volunteer for THP-UK, you would play a vital part in our work. You will be home-based with attendance at in-person Board meetings every quarter in West London or Central London. We expect the work will entail approx. 8–10 hours per month, varying around quarterly Board meetings.

What We Offer

• An opportunity to make a lasting contribution to ending hunger.
• Use your professional skills for high-impact global work.
• Work alongside a passionate team of trustees and volunteers.
• Reimbursement of agreed out-of-pocket expenses.
• Induction and ongoing support from the Chair and Board.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and a short cover letter by 15th August 2025. We will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis and will be in touch with shortlisted candidates.

We actively welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and identities and are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Home-Start Suffolk is seeking an exceptional individual to join our Board of Trustees as Vice Chair.
This is a unique opportunity to play a key leadership role in a well-established and growing charity that
supports families across Suffolk. As Vice Chair, you will work closely with the Chair, CEO and wider Board to
help shape our strategic direction, support strong governance and ensure we continue to meet the needs of
families in our communities.

We are specifically looking for someone with charity governance experience. You will bring a solid
understanding of how effective boards operate and feel confident supporting other trustees, offering
constructive challenge and helping to ensure the charity meets its legal and strategic responsibilities.
This Vice Chair role is part of our wider trustee recruitment and we welcome applicants who bring any of the
following:

• Experience or knowledge of the local charity or voluntary sector
• Understanding of family support or volunteer management
• Strong networks and connections within local businesses
• Previous involvement with Home-Start Suffolk as a volunteer or someone who has received support
• A passion for making a difference in your community

Interested?
We would love to hear from you. more information and a candidate pack can be found on our website.

Closing date: This is an open and rolling recruitment
Interviews: Held as applications are received
 

GACD (the Global Alliance for Chronic Diseases) is the only alliance of international research funders jointly funding, developing and facilitating global research collaborations to tackle the growing burden of chronic ‘non-communicable diseases’ (NCDs) including heart disease, diabetes, cancers and mental health conditions. The worldwide burden of NCDs is increasing, but doing so most rapidly in poorly resourced countries where they are a significant risk to health and wellbeing. GACD aims to provide essential evidence on the most effective ways to prevent or manage these chronic conditions and improve health equity.

As a member of the GACD Board of Trustees, you will provide strategic leadership and oversight for GACD as it seeks to fulfil its charitable objects. You will ensure GACD operates in accordance with its governing document and meets its legal and regulatory requirements.

At this time, we are particularly looking to attract a candidate with a strong understanding of the UK charity sector, including experience with charity governance and best practices in charity management.

This is a voluntary role and the position is expected to start from December 2025/January 2026 for a three-year term, in the first instance.
You can find full details of the role by downloading the role description.

Closing date: 26 September 2025 at 12 noon
Interviews (virtual): w/c 13 October 2025

The role of Volunteer Clerk

The Clerk attends board meetings, provides effective administrative support to the Council, ensures the Council is properly constituted, and manages information and document control effectively in accordance with legal requirements. This is a flexible role which for the most part can fit around the existing commitments of a volunteer.

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

Closing date: Monday 25th August, 09.00am (We are interviewing on a rolling basis and might close the application early if we find the right candidate).

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

A fantastic opportunity to volunteer helping asylum seekers to find the access to legal help they deserve.

This is what current volunteers from the Legal Access Department say about their experience with C4C:

"Volunteering with Care4Calais looks different everyday but the impact is felt constantly. The people we support show undying resilience and it is a privilege to assist in their asylum journey. Care4Calais offer lots of support for volunteers and we are very well looked after and mentored"

Rosie (New Referrals Team)

‘’This experience has deepened my understanding of UK asylum policies and the immigration system while allowing me to develop valuable skills.’’ 

Leila (Asylum Team)

About us

Care4Calais is a volunteer-based charity providing essential aid and support for refugees in France and the UK.

In northern France we operate year-round from Calais, providing warm clothing, bedding, food and assistance to refugees who live in appalling and dangerous conditions. 

Across the UK we collect and distribute clothes, shoes, mobile phones and other essential items, as well as offering social support and interaction, including language lessons, sport and music workshops. We also help with vital access to legal, medical and educational services.

Our Legal Access Department is an access to justice project that exists to arrange critical legal representation for people seeking asylum and, more than this, to support people through the hostility and difficulty of claiming asylum. The department, made up mostly of volunteers, works tirelessly to ensure that people feel informed, empowered, and far less isolated and alone.

About the Role

As a volunteer in our Legal Access Department, you would be the first point of contact for asylum seekers requesting assistance. Your role would involve referring clients to the appropriate internal teams for support or signposting them to external services when we are unable to assist directly.

Our Legal Access Department includes the following teams:

• Age Dispute Team: Supports minors who have been incorrectly assessed as over 18 to challenge those decisions.

• Public Law Team: Assists clients in challenging inadequate accommodation that does not meet their specific needs.

• Asylum Team: Helps clients access legal representation for their asylum claims and supports them in preparing for asylum interviews.

• Notice of Intent Support: Assists clients whose asylum claims have been deemed inadmissible due to their travel route, helping them to find representation and challenge inadmissibility decisions.

You would communicate with clients via our internal messaging system and be responsible for referring cases to the appropriate team or signposting when needed.

We are looking for someone who thrives in a collaborative environment and wants to make a meaningful impact. If that sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you!

A key part of the role involves maintaining accurate and complete referral information and delivering a high-quality service to each of our vulnerable clients.

Time Commitment
We ask volunteers to commit to a minimum of 4 hours per week. We're flexible in how this time is scheduled. Your shifts and tasks will be coordinated with the New Referral Team Lead to match team needs and your availability.

Training and Support
Successful applicants will receive a full induction and training to equip them for the role.

We are looking for individuals who are genuinely passionate about human rights and refugee protection. If this is you, please get in touch.

Responsibilities

• Communicate effectively and sensitively with clients, referring to different Legal Access Teams and signposting where appropriate

• Keep relevant referral records up to date to allow for teams' quick and effective retrieval.

• Attend and contribute meaningfully to team meetings.

• Ensure that any safeguarding concerns are identified and responded to appropriately.

• Commit weekly to the minimum hours required

Person Specification

Essential Criteria:

• Ability to work sensitively and effectively with a diverse range of clients, demonstrating cultural competence, respect and compassion.

• Resilience in the face of challenging and emotionally demanding situations, with a positive and solution-oriented mindset.

• Exceptional written and oral communication skills, including the ability to convey complex information clearly and concisely.

• Proactive and self-motivated, with the ability to take initiative.

• Strong working knowledge of Google Workspace.

Preferable Criteria:

• Proficiency in one or more of the languages spoken within asylum seeking communities, such as but not limited to Arabic, Farsi, Pashto, Dari, Kurdish Sorani, Tigrinya, Amharic is a strong asset. 

• Having experience of the asylum system in the UK is a strong asset.

• Experience working with vulnerable communities

Lived Experience Inclusion:

We are an anti-racist organisation and a proud member of the Experts by Experience Employment Network (EBE), which aims to create a charitable sector led by individuals with lived experience of the asylum system.

As part of our membership, we are dedicated to creating inclusive employment practices that recognise and accommodate the unique circumstances and strengths of people with lived experience. We actively move away from a one-size-fits-all approach, ensuring our recruitment processes are fair, supportive, and accessible.

We warmly encourage applicants with lived experience to make use of the guidance and resources available on the EBE website (ebeemployment)

In addition, applicants with lived experience are welcome to connect with the EBE support team for tailored assistance with completing the application form and, where available, one-to-one interview preparation. 

Importantly, we recognise the significant cultural, linguistic, and experiential insights that individuals with lived experience of the UK asylum system bring to this role. As such, all applicants from this background who meet the essential criteria will be automatically shortlisted and invited to interview.

Come and join London's Hopscotch Women's Centre's Board of Trustees in the roles we have available, including specialities:

HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE

HUMAN RESOURCES

WOMEN'S SERVICES

We meet 4 times a year and help shape the strategy and aims to further the mission of Hopscotch Women's Centre, supporting ethnically minoritised women facing abuse, poverty, mental health issues, unemployment and insecure immigration status. We also have a Homecare service, which is our admired social enterprise and a part of our charity.

Do look at the attached Job Descriptions and let us know if you have any questions - our CEO is on hand to have a chat. Thanks!

About us

Care4Calais is a volunteer-based charity providing essential aid and support for refugees in France and the UK.

In northern France we operate year-round from Calais, providing warm clothing, bedding, food and assistance to refugees who live in appalling and dangerous conditions. 

Across the UK we collect and distribute clothes, shoes, mobile phones and other essential items, as well as offering social support and interaction, including language lessons, sport and music workshops. We also help with vital access to legal, medical and educational services.

Our Legal Access Department is an access to justice project that exists to arrange critical legal representation for people seeking asylum and, more than this, to support people through the hostility and difficulty of claiming asylum. The department, made up mostly of volunteers, works tirelessly to ensure that people feel informed, empowered, and far less isolated and alone.

The Role

In this busy, hands-on role, you’ll gain an understanding of how the UK asylum system works, enabling us to provide the highest standards of service to those who need us most. Your work will focus on maintaining accurate records, following clear processes, and delivering high-quality support to every one of our vulnerable clients.

This will include working with individuals in UK detention centres. As a Detention Team Volunteer Caseworker, you’ll be speaking to clients impacted by the government’s “one in, one out” policy. You will be taking them through our client questionnaire to gather information important for their referral to legal support.

This role requires a commitment of 10 hours per week distributed evenly across the week.

We’re looking for people with a genuine passion for human rights and refugee protection. If that’s you, please get in touch. This is a fantastic opportunity to help asylum seekers access the legal support they deserve.

Responsibilities include:

• Attend induction, ongoing training and keep up to date with resources and procedure to ensure you can carry out the role effectively and efficiently.
• Able to work independently and manage your time effectively, sometimes working to tight deadlines
• Take on new cases each week, whilst also providing ongoing support to previous clients
• Be organised and accurate with information, with an eye for detail
• Maintaining and updating client records
• Sorting and organising client’s paperwork
• Ability to use spreadsheets, Google Workspace, messaging platforms and secure databases.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to communicate with people who do not have English as their first language, working alongside interpreters to ensure clients understand the process
• An understanding of the traumatic experiences that our clients have been through and the emotional resilience to cope with this
• Liaising with other professionals including lawyers and Migrant Help
• Professional and dedicated to ensure that the best interests of the clients and Care4Calais are represented at all times
• Attend regular team meetings and contribute effectively
• Understand the remit of the role, we do not give legal advice, we are a referral mechanism
• Following safeguarding procedures and reporting safeguarding incidents appropriately
• Referring clients to other teams within the organisation, when necessary
• Keeping your line manager updated on any issues which may impact your ability to carry out the role effectively.
• Maintaining communication with the management team throughout your role, available for regular check-ins to ensure the best service is provided to our clients.
• To participate in promoting the work of the legal access team as directed by the management team
• Comitting to your weekly volunteering hours

To apply please provide a covering letter outlining why you want to volunteer for the Legal Access team, and why you think you would be suitable for this role.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria:

• Ability to work sensitively and effectively with a diverse range of clients, demonstrating cultural competence, respect and compassion.

• Resilience in the face of challenging and emotionally demanding situations, with a positive and solution-oriented mindset.

• Exceptional written and oral communication skills, including the ability to convey complex information clearly and concisely.

• Proactive and self-motivated, with the ability to take initiative.

• Strong working knowledge of Google Workspace.

Preferable Criteria:

• Proficiency in one or more of the languages spoken within asylum seeking communities, such as but not limited to Arabic, Farsi, Pashto, Dari, Kurdish Sorani, Tigrinya, Amharic is a strong asset. 

• Having experience of the asylum system in the UK is a strong asset.

• Experience working with vulnerable communities

Lived Experience Inclusion:

We are an anti-racist organisation and a proud member of the Experts by Experience Employment Network (EBE), which aims to create a charitable sector led by individuals with lived experience of the asylum system.

As part of our membership, we are dedicated to creating inclusive employment practices that recognise and accommodate the unique circumstances and strengths of people with lived experience. We actively move away from a one-size-fits-all approach, ensuring our recruitment processes are fair, supportive, and accessible.

We warmly encourage applicants with lived experience to make use of the guidance and resources available on the EBE website (ebeemployment)

In addition, applicants with lived experience are welcome to connect with the EBE support team for tailored assistance with completing the application form and, where available, one-to-one interview preparation. 

Importantly, we recognise the significant cultural, linguistic, and experiential insights that individuals with lived experience of the UK asylum system bring to this role. As such, all applicants from this background who meet the essential criteria will be automatically shortlisted and invited to interview.

Trustee Vacancy

Care Ashore is a charity with a long and proud history. Since the 1920s Care Ashore has offered living accommodation, respite breaks and support to seafarers in need. Uniquely situated on a 260-acre estate in Surrey, Care Ashore provides accommodation for Merchant Seafarers and former members of the Royal Navy, RFA, Fishing Fleets and others with a maritime link, and their dependants.

With around 60 current beneficiary residents, the charity offers accommodation in purpose-built properties. The support provided to beneficiaries is funded by both rent and the commercial activities of the estate which include fishing, camping, a social club and clay pigeon shooting, making it a unique and exciting place to be part of.

Following an ambitious commitment from the trustees to invest in the accommodation and services provided, Care Ashore is at the start of an exciting journey with the creation of a new Strategic Plan, to ensure fit for purposes accommodation and services are delivered to our beneficiaries and facility users.

The current Board has a mix of backgrounds and experience but wishes to strengthen the diversity further to ensure the needs of those they serve, along with the wider community are met. There are currently 3 board vacancies and ideal candidates will bring to the board experience in one or more of the following areas:

· Legal/HR/Finance Expertise

· Property/ Surveying/ Development/ Estate Management.

· Health and safety/ Welfare/ Safeguarding

· Maritime Industry/ Seafaring background

We are looking for candidates who will be committed to the work of the Charity sector; understand good governance; and have a strategic vision combined with independent judgement.

If this challenge appeals to you, and you share our enthusiasm for providing excellent housing to our beneficiaries together with our facility users, then we are very keen to hear from you.

Further Information

The position is unremunerated (reasonable expenses paid) and there are 4 board meetings per year with the option to attend in person or remotely.

In addition to board meetings, the successful candidates will be expected to attend in person Care Ashore’s AGM, strategic away day, and committee meetings.

If you believe you can contribute and would like further information, please get in touch with the Chair of the Board of Trustees, Vince Bick. Please select the "How To Apply" button at the top of the advertisement to access the contact email address.

The deadline for applications is Sunday 24th August 2025.

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

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

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

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

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

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

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

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

About the Role

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

Effective Trustees support our work by:

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

The Finance Trustee will engage in all aspects of our governance, with a particular focus on financial strategy and governance.They will use their sound financial skills & experience to support the Board’s understanding & interpretation & to ensure legislative compliance.  

• To support the Board to oversee & to ensure appropriate presentation of budgets, accounts, management accounts and financial statements.
• To ensure appropriate presentation of accounts and records, ensuring that financial resources are spent in accordance with the charity’s policies, good governance, legal & regulatory requirements.
• Liaising, where applicable, with the Chair/ other appropriate members of staff and supporting on financial matters
• Supporting the Board to monitor the financial viability of the charity.
• Creating, in conjunction with relevant trustees and staff, sound financial processes and procedures for the control of the charity’s assets.
• Advising on the financial implications of the charity’s strategic plan.
• Reviewing the annual accounts and, where applicable, liaising with the charity’s external auditor to ensure the accounts are compliant with the current charities’ SORP.
• Ensuring that sound financial management is maintained and ensuring expenditure is in line with the charity’s objects.

The Honorary Treasurer is a key voluntary post within Mountain Training England and the wider network of related mountaineering organisations. As a member of the Board of Trustees, the Treasurer shares the responsibility for overseeing the management of the organisation and implementing the strategic objectives of its members.

The Treasurer has an oversight role over all aspects of financial management, working closely with other members of the Board of Trustees to safeguard the organisation financially. They act as an informed reference point for the Chair and other Trustees.

Although it is the Treasurer’s responsibility to ensure proper financial records and procedures are maintained, much of this work is delegated to the Finance and Audit Sub-committee and paid staff.

Our annual statement of accounts can be seen at Companies House.

Role of Mountain Training England Treasurer

• The Treasurer oversees the financial matters of Mountain Training England in line with good practice and in accordance with the governing document and legal requirements of the Charities and Companies Acts and reports both quarterly to the Board and to the Members at three Council meetings per year about the financial health of the organisation.
• The Treasurer ensures that effective financial measures, controls and procedures are in place.
• The Treasurer takes the lead on the formulation of policies for finances, reserves and investments.

Specific Responsibilities

• To oversee/verify and present budgets, accounts, management accounts and financial statements to the Board and Members after discussion with the Finance Committee. 
• To ensure that appropriate accounting procedures and controls are in place.
• To ensure that full and accurate accounts and records are kept.
• In conjunction with the Executive Officer maintain sound financial management of MTE’s resources, ensuring expenditure is in line with the charity’s objects.
• To ensure compliance with relevant legislation e.g. Companies and Charity legislation and contractual agreements with external agencies such as funders and statutory bodies

• Chairing the Finance and Audit Committee in line with its terms of reference and reporting back to the Board.
• Present the annual statement of accounts to the Members at the Annual General Meeting.
• To liaise with designated staff about financial matters.
• Advising on the financial implications of MTE’s strategic and operational plan.
• Ensure that the annual accounts are compliant with the current Charities Statement of Recommended Practice.
• Ensure any recommendations of the independent examiner are implemented.
• Contribute to the fundraising strategy of the organisation.
• Advise on reserves policy and investment policy.
• Ensure that there is no conflict between any investment held and the aims and objects of MTE or partner organisations.
• Ensure that MTE has sufficient liquidity to meet its future commitments.

 PERSON SPECIFICATION

ESSENTIAL SKILLS, QUALIFICATIONS EXPERIENCE

Considerable experience as a treasurer of similar sized organisations

Some experience of walking, rock climbing or mountaineering.

OR experience of controlling a budget in a small-to-medium-sized (SME) organisation/business

Have an interest in the development of the Mountain Training awards

Financial accounting and reporting experience

Experience of working with charity or educational body accounts

Recognised accountancy qualification e.g. ICAEW, ACCA, CIPFA, CIMA, AAT etc

DESIRABLE

Knowledge of Charity SORP

An understanding of Equity/Inclusion applicable to financial resources

Commitment

As Treasurer you will chair the Finance & Audit Committee, which meets quarterly. You will also be expected to attend four Board meetings and a minimum of one of three Members’ Council meetings per year.  Attendance at the AGM is expected to present the annual statement of accounts to members.

Occasional attendance at MTUKI Council meetings and Finance Planning Group meetings is required.

Term

Trustees serve for a maximum of three years and are re-elected annually at the Annual General Meeting. At the end of the first three-year term of office Trustees are eligible for re-election for one further term of three years. From time to time the positions of Treasurer, Vice-Chair and Chair become subject to renewal. The Trustees nominate these positions from the Board and the Council votes to approve them at the AGM.

Expenses

Reasonable travel, parking and subsistence expenses are paid to Trustees, in line with MTE expenses policy.

We are looking for trustees who will offer challenges, experience, and expert knowledge to help us think differently. We are looking for individuals who will take an active role in the governance of the Charity and support our expansion objectives - to remain financially stable whilst actively growing our volunteer network, our geographical coverage and our paid services to increase the number of families and young people we can support each year.

Person specification:

• Good, independent judgement and strategic vision.

• Commitment to the organisation and a willingness and ability to devote the necessary time & effort to the role.

• An understanding of, or interest in, special educational needs and disability affecting children and young people and their families.

• Skills to analyse proposals, examine their strategic consequences and make concise recommendations as part of the Board.

• Ability to cooperatively work with the whole team of trustees, and with employees and volunteers.

• Willingness to speak your mind and appropriately challenge other trustees and employees; but also listen to the views of different people before reaching a decision.

• Secure personal access to digital communication technology with an ability to competently and efficiently use those resources.

• Willingness to be available to employees for advice and enquiries on a scheduled or ad-hoc basis.

The ideal applicant would also possess the following:

• Extensive networks, and a willingness to draw on contacts as appropriate.

• Experience of working at a senior management / leadership level.

We are keen to hear from anyone who has a passion for our cause and feels that their experiences and expertise could be beneficial to our Board.

If you would like to be considered, please contact us for an application form link and provide a copy of your CV.

The application process will comprise of a two-stage interview, followed by referencing. We anticipate that successful applicants will be invited to join the Board in Autumn 2025.

We look forward to hearing from you.