Legal volunteer roles

CPRE Berkshire is the local branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England, a national charity that champions the countryside and promotes sustainable land use. An opportunity has arisen to help us shape the future of Berkshire’s countryside as our new Treasurer. As part of CPRE’s influential network, we advocate for responsible planning, protect green spaces, and engage with local and national decision-makers to shape policies that affect rural communities and landscapes.

Our Requirement

CPRE Berkshire is seeking a new Treasurer to work with its board of trustees and oversee the charity’s financial affairs. This is a voluntary role, ideal for someone with financial management experience who wants to contribute meaningfully to local environmental advocacy.

As Treasurer, you will:

- Maintain oversight of income, expenditure, and budgeting

- Prepare financial reports and ensure compliance with legal requirements

- Manage transactions and process payments

- Advise the board on financial sustainability and planning

We’re looking for someone who:

- Has experience in finance, accounting, or budget management

- Can present financial information clearly to non-specialists

- Is comfortable working independently and attending trustee meetings

- Shares our commitment to protecting Berkshire’s countryside

This role is unpaid, but reasonable expenses are reimbursed. You’ll be joining a small but committed team working to rebuild CPRE Berkshire’s capability ahead of CPRE’s centenary year in 2026.

Could you help improve the lives of older people across Wales?

Age Cymru is seeking three new trustees to join our passionate and highly skilled board. Whether you're an experienced trustee or considering your first board role, we’d love to hear from you.

As the national charity for older people in Wales, Age Cymru works to ensure that older people are valued, included, and empowered to shape the decisions that affect their lives. We deliver trusted advice, support, and services, and use our insight to influence policies that matter.

Who We’re Looking For

We’re particularly interested in individuals with skills or experience in:

• Communications
• Marketing
• Fundraising or income generation
• Law
• Government
• Business

We  particularly welcome applications from:

• Welsh speakers
• People living in North and Mid Wales
• Individuals from ethnic minority backgrounds

Your perspective and lived experience can help us broaden representation and deepen our impact.

What You’ll Gain

As a trustee, you’ll have the opportunity to:

• Shape the direction of a national charity and improve the lives of older people in Wales
• Receive induction and training, and develop new skills in charity governance
• Use your expertise, connections, and insights to create new opportunities for Age Cymru
• Be part of a dedicated, collaborative team driving positive change

Commitment

• Four board meetings per year, plus a two-day strategy meeting in November
• Meetings are held online or in person on weekdays
• Preparation includes reading board papers in advance
• Many trustees also contribute through committee work

Apply Now

Deadline: 12 Noon, 30 September 2025
Visit Age Cymru ¦ Work for us for the application pack.

A wnewch chi helpu i wella bywydau pobl hŷn ledled Cymru?

Mae Age Cymru’n chwilio am dri ymddiriedolwr newydd i ymuno â’n bwrdd brwdfrydig a medrus.  Rydyn ni’n awyddus i glywed gan ymddiriedolwyr profiadol a phobl sy’n chwilio am eu rôl gyntaf fel aelod bwrdd.

Age Cymru yw’r elusen genedlaethol ar gyfer pobl hŷn yng Nghymru, ac rydyn ni’n gweithio i sicrhau bod pobl hŷn yn cael eu gwerthfawrogi, eu cynnwys a’u grymuso i ddylanwadu ar benderfyniadau sy’n effeithio ar eu bywydau.  Rydyn ni’n darparu cyngor, cefnogaeth a gwasanaethau dibynadwy, ac yn defnyddio ein profiad i ddylanwadu ar bolisïau.

Pa fath o berson ydyn ni’n chwilio amdano?

Rydyn ni’n chwilio am unigolyn sydd â sgiliau neu brofiad o:

• Cyfathrebu
• Marchnata
• Codi arian a chynhyrchu incwm
• Y gyfraith
• Llywodraeth
• Busnes

Rydyn ni’n croesawu ceisiadau gan:

• Siaradwyr Cymraeg
• Pobl sy’n byw yng Ngogledd a Chanolbarth Cymru
• Pobl o gefndiroedd ethnig lleiafrifol

Bydd eich safbwynt a’ch profiad bywyd yn ein helpu ni i ehangu ein cynrychiolaeth a chryfhau ein heffaith.

Beth fyddwch chi’n elwa?

Fel ymddiriedolwr, byddwch chi’n cael cyfle i:

• Lunio cyfeiriad elusen genedlaethol a gwella bywydau pobl hŷn yng Nghymru
• Derbyn cyfnod sefydlu a hyfforddiant, a datblygu sgiliau newydd mewn llywodraethant elusen
• Defnyddio eich arbenigedd, cysylltiadau, a phrofiadau er mwyn creu cyfleoedd newydd ar gyfer Age Cymru
• Bod yn rhan o dîm ymroddedig, cydweithredol sy’n creu newidiadau cadarnhaol

Ymrwymiad

• Pedwar cyfarfod y flwyddyn, a chyfarfod strategaeth dros gyfnod o ddau ddiwrnod ym mis Tachwedd
• Cynhelir cyfarfodydd ar-lein neu wyneb yn wyneb rhwng dydd Llun a dydd Gwener
• Mae’r gwaith paratoi’n cynnwys darllen papurau bwrdd o flaen llaw
• Mae nifer o ymddiriedolwyr yn cyfrannu gwaith pwyllgor

Ymgeisiwch nawr

Dyddiad cau: 12 Canol dydd, 30 Medi 2025
Ewch i Age Cymru ¦ Gweithio i ni er mwyn darllen y pecyn cais.

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

Trustees at Bromley Experts by Experience play a vital role, collaborating with the Chair, fellow Trustees and the Senior Management Team to set a clear and strong strategic direction for the organisation. You will ensure that Bromley Experts by Experience is delivering against its charitable objectives and working in line with our governing documents. You will also support Bromley Experts by Experience to grow and develop as an organisation by combining your lived experience and professional expertise in a specific field, enabling us to become more impactful and effective.

As a trustee, you are also responsible for ensuring that Bromley Experts by Experience uses its resources effectively and efficiently to deliver its charitable purposes and continue to provide benefit to our members, beneficiaries and local Deaf and Disabled people.

Areas of expertise we are prioritising

We are especially seeking trustees with expertise in one or more of these areas:

• Fundraising Strategy:
  • Supporting X by X Bromley to sustain, maximise and diversify income streams and fundraising activity.
  • Supporting the development of a Fundraising Policy and Plan of Action.
  • Building and maintaining relationships with funders and commissioners.
• Human Resources:
  • Supporting the Deputy CEO and ensuring that X by X Bromley complies with relevant employment laws and regulations.
  • Advising on good practice in staffing and HR matters.
  • Supporting the development, and review of, HR policies and procedures.
• Legal and Policy:
  • Guiding on relevant legal and policy matters, including contracts and governance.
• Organisational Strategy:
  • Supporting Senior Management Team to shape our strategic direction and plan for implementation.
• Secondary and Further Education:
  • Supporting X by X Bromley with advice for a brand-new stream of youth work in education settings.

IMPORTANT: As a Deaf and Disabled People’s Organisation, our governing articles require that our staff, trustees and volunteers bring with them lived experience of disability (self-identified or otherwise). See how we define this below.

Responsibilities of Trustees:

• Ensure that Bromley Experts by Experience operates in accordance with its governing documents and the law
• Set a clear and strong strategic direction for the organisation
• Ensure that Bromley Experts by Experience uses its resources (financial and otherwise) effectively and efficiently to deliver its charitable purposes
• Manage risks responsibly, avoiding exposing Bromley Experts by Experience to unnecessary risk and taking appropriate steps to mitigate risks
• Make decisions about Bromley Experts by Experience’s policies and strategies
• Be an ambassador for Bromley Experts by Experience, promoting our work and values

What we ask of you:

• Trustee Board Members should expect to serve for a minimum of 12 months.
• Trustee Board Members are required to attend scheduled meetings with some ad hoc meetings where necessary.
• It is anticipated that the time commitment will be an approximate average 1.5 hours per week. This will mainly comprise of:
  • Board meeting attendance (plus preparation and minutes) every 8 weeks.
  • AGM attendance (plus preparation and minutes)
  • Supporting our annual Disability Pride event.
  • Occasional scheduled meetings with senior staff and/or Chair.
• As we are a very small charity, there could be occasions when extra time will be required (e.g. during the planning of new projects or dealing with any particular difficulties that arise), or where additional support would be appreciated (e.g. attending events, meeting members at project days)

Key Skills and Qualities:

• Lived Experience of disability (can be self-identified)
• A belief that Disabled people can and should be actively welcomed and included in our communities. An understanding that it is barriers in society that make that harder. This is called the Social Model of Disability.
• Strong organisational skills.
• Experience of how Trustee Boards operate and of effective charity governance
• Accuracy and efficiency with an eye for detail.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills, communicating in a way that is accessible to you.
• Possess and demonstrate integrity, objectivity, accountability, and honesty.
• An effective team worker, contributing an independent perspective.
• Understanding of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship and the financial aspects of running a charity.
• A genuine interest in local communities and people.
• Commitment to Bromley Experts by Experience’s aims, objectives and values.

You must be legally eligible to stand as a registered Company Director and Charity Trustee. Having had previous experience as a trustee of a voluntary organisation is an advantage.

We require a DBS Check to be completed for all Trustees.

We are especially seeking trustees with expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• Fundraising Strategy
• Human Resources
• Legal and Policy
• Organisational Strategy
• Secondary and Further Education

What we mean by lived experience of disability:

As we follow the Social Model of Disability, our definition of Disabled person includes anyone who is being discriminated against or disabled by barriers in society, including:

• People with physical impairment
• People with visual impairment
• Deaf people
• People with hearing impairment
• People who are neurodivergent
• People with learning difficulties/disabilities
• People who experience mental health conditions/mental distress
• People with long-term health conditions

We recognise that a lot of these impairments are invisible and many people have more than one impairment.

We are seeking a volunteer Trustee and Treasurer to help us manage the iconic Winterbourne Medieval Barn. You will join an experienced Board of Trustees who have developed activites to create a successful Community and Heritage Centre.

We run a programme of events for the benefit of the local community, as well as offering commercial hire  opportunities. The activities are  largely volunteer run and are supported by three part time staff. Our aim is to use this magnificent building for the benefit of all visitors and it ensure that it is preserved and managed so that it will continue to  inspire people for many generations.

As a Trustee and Treasurer you will use your skills and experience to ensure that the charity is run in a way that is responsible, effective and meets its legal and statutory requirements.

What Are we Looking For?

We are looking for someone with:

•  Knowledge and experience of finance practice relevant to voluntary and community organisations 
• Knowledge of bookkeeping and financial management 
• Good financial analysis skills 
• Ability to communicate clearly.

The main elements of the role are:

Summary

•  Oversee the financial affairs of WMBT and ensure they are legal, constitutional and within accepted accounting practice 
• ·As part of routine financial control ensure proper records are kept and that effective financial policies and procedures are in place 
• Monitor and report on the financial health of WMBT 
• Oversee the production of necessary financial reports/returns and accounts 
• Chair the Finance committee. 

Specifically 

•  Ensuring that finance systems and processes which support the Financial Procedures Manual policies are set up, documented and implemented
• Ensuring that sufficient records are maintained to show and explain WMBT’s transactions, in order to disclose accurately, the financial position of WMBT at any time 
• Managing the budgeting process for the annual budget 
• Presenting financial reports at each Trustees’ meeting which give the Board of Trustees an understanding of WMBT’s overall finances, and giving advice and information to support decision making 
• Liaising with the independent examiner to produce the statutory accounts.
• Provision of overall management of the Trusts’s bank accounts 

What are we looking for?

We are looking for someone with:

•  Knowledge and experience of finance practice relevant to voluntary and community organisations 
• Knowledge of bookkeeping and financial management 
• Good financial analysis skills 
• Ability to communicate clearly.

What difference will you make?

The continued success of the Trust depends on the maintenance of  strong financial support to ensure that the building is maintained and managed in an appropriate manner. The business plan requires a mix of heritage and commercial activities to achieve this and to ensure that the Trust continues to serve the community.

What is involved

Much of the role can be performed remotely, but there will be a requirement to attend 8 meetings a year at Winterbourne (4 Finance Committee meetings and 4 Board of Trustee meetings)

The City of Oxford Charity dates back to 1700 and now is embarking on an exciting new phase. Additional funding, grant making, and a major almshouse refurbishment are all part of our commitment to supporting those most in need in the city.

We are proud of our heritage and the Chair will share our passion and enthusiasm for the future. They will deliver strategic leadership, strong governance, and act as an ambassador for the Charity. Working with the CEO and fellow board members, they will uphold our mission and ensure we continue to have a meaningful impact on the City.

Key responsibilities are:

- Lead the Board in setting and delivering strategic direction.
- Ensure effective governance and legal compliance.
- Support and hold the CEO accountable for day-to-day operations.
- Act as an ambassador for the charity, building relationships with stakeholders and the local community.
- Champion the needs and well-being of our almshouse residents.

We Are Looking For
- A deep commitment to our mission and values.
- Experience operating in a senior executive role within the private, public, or charity sectors.
- Strong understanding of governance, finance, and strategy.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Knowledge of Oxford’s social and economic landscape.
- Availability to meet regularly with the CEO and dedicate time to the charity’s work.

Next steps
We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive board and welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds.

• Responsible for maintaining our hardware and software
• Responsible for all electric equipment being tested and meeting all legal requirements
• Have a basic understanding of Infrastructure management including Active Directory, file structures, and security, along with experience supporting Windows and Mac devices, Office 365, and end-user devices and systems, and able to work in a busy and dynamic office environment, supporting users in person and remotely.
• Assist HR with induction and ongoing training requirements across the organisation
• You will provide a proactive service to all users in diagnosing faults, answering requests, providing training and guides, and timely solutions.
• You will also maintain the asset registers and helpdesk system ensuring they are kept up to date. You will need strong administrative skills with good attention to detail and the ability to communicate and articulate clearly, written and verbally.
• You will be measured against Key Performance Indicators
• Work with internal departments and external partners such as HMRC. Along with senior stakeholders within the organisation.

· Be honest, reliable and knowledgeable about our services and how we support the local community.

The Bromley Experts by Experience Secretary will play a vital role, working with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chair of Trustees. You will help the Trustee Board carry out their duties in an efficient manner, ensuring all governance documents and procedures are followed. The Secretary will ensure the smooth and efficient running of accessible trustee board meetings and will be the Trustee responsible for leading preparation, administration, and delivery of the AGM.

The Secretary will ensure the trustees recognise and complete relevant actions related to their decisions, and that all decisions made by the trustees comply with the relevant legislative and regulatory requirements the charity is subject to, are in accordance with Bromley Experts by Experience’s governing documents, reflect the aims of the charity, and continue to provide benefit to our members, beneficiaries and local Deaf and Disabled people.

Working closely with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chair of Trustees, the Secretary will ensure the charity meets all its regulatory requirements, has strong governance and foundations to enable Bromley Experts by Experience to achieve as much as we can in future.

IMPORTANT: As a Deaf and Disabled People’s Organisation, our governing articles require that our staff, trustees and volunteers bring with them lived experience of disability (self-identified or otherwise). See how we define this below.

Responsibilities of the Secretary:

• Prepare agendas in consultation with the Chair and CEO.
• Ensure arrangements for meetings are met including hybrid arrangements and access requirements of attendees.
• Receive agenda items from other Trustees and circulate agendas and any supporting papers in good time.
• Check that quorum is present at each meeting (including hybrid attendance)
• Minute meetings, circulate draft minutes and action points to Board members.
• Ensure the Chair signs (electronic or wet) minutes once approved.
• Check Trustees have carried out action(s) agreed.
• Circulate agendas and minutes of the annual general meeting (AGM) and any special or extraordinary general meetings.
• Ensure up-to-date records are kept of Trustee Board membership.
• Ensure the board fulfils their duties and responsibilities for effective charity governance in line with Bromley Experts by Experience’s policies and the requirements of the Charity Commission for England and Wales.

• Ensure X by X Bromley activities benefit its members and beneficiaries.
• Support and advocate for X by X Bromley’s mission, vision and values.

What we ask of you:

• The Secretary should expect to serve for a minimum of 12 months.
• The Secretary is required to attend scheduled meetings with some ad hoc meetings where necessary.
• It is anticipated that the time commitment will be an approximate average 2.5 hours per week. This will mainly comprise of:
  • Board meeting attendance (plus preparation and minutes) every 8 weeks.
  • AGM attendance (plus preparation and minutes)
  • Supporting our annual Disability Pride event.
  • Occasional scheduled meetings with senior staff and/or Chair.
• As we are a very small charity, there could be occasions when extra time will be required (e.g. during the planning of new projects or dealing with any particular difficulties that arise), or where additional support would be appreciated (e.g. attending events, meeting members at project days).

Key Skills and Qualities:

• Lived Experience of disability (can be self-identified)
• A belief that Disabled people can and should be actively welcomed and included in our communities. An understanding that it is barriers in society that make that harder. This is called the Social Model of Disability.
• Strong organisational skills.
• Experience of how Trustee Boards operate and of effective charity governance
• An understanding of how to make meetings accessible.
• Experience of minute-taking and strong record keeping skills.
• Accuracy and efficiency with an eye for detail.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills, communicating in a way that is accessible to you.
• Possess and demonstrate integrity, objectivity, accountability, and honesty.
• An effective team worker, contributing an independent perspective.
• Understanding of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship, the Secretary role, and the financial aspects of running a charity.
• A genuine interest in local communities and people.
• Commitment to Bromley Experts by Experience’s aims, objectives and values.

The Secretary must be legally eligible to stand as a registered Company Director and Charity Trustee. Having had previous experience as a trustee of a voluntary organisation is an advantage.

The Secretary will require a DBS Check to be completed.

We are looking for a Trustee with finance experience to help us improve our way of working as a Board.

About People First Forum

Our vision is a world where people with learning disabilities are treated as equals, living safe and happy lives.  Our Mission is to give people with learning disabilities the support and opportunities to live the lives they choose.

What will you be doing?

Our Board is exciting and special because it has a mixture of people with and without a learning disability. “Nothing about us without us”! Different people bring special gifts and skills.

You do not need to have worked in a Board or governance role, or with people with learning disabilities before – we will teach you everything you need to know and give you training.

Day to Day, our new Treasurer will advise and support the Board and the staff team in the following areas:

1. Budgets and Financial Reports 2. Financial Records and Practices 3. Financial Policies 4. Financial Health of the Charity 5. Working with Finance Staff and Accountants 6. Strategic Planning and Risk 7. External Auditors 8. Legal Financial Duties 9. Supporting the Board of Trustees

What are we looking for?

We are looking for people who are kind, respectful and dedicated to supporting our diverse board of Trustees.

You should be a finance professional. You should be good at explaining money matters clearly, especially to people who are not finance experts, including people with learning disabilities.

What difference will you make?

· You help shape our future - Trustees help set the charity’s direction and make sure it stays focused on its mission.

· You make sure funds are used wisely and that our charity stays financially healthy.

· You keep things safe and legal - Trustees make sure the charity follows the rules and manages risks properly.

· You will bring fresh ideas - Your experience and perspective will help the charity make better decisions.

· You make a real difference - Everything you do helps the charity support more people and create more impact.

Time commitment

In total, you are expected to give on average 1 to 2 hours each week to this role.

St John’s is a leading independent, co-educational school for pupils aged 11 to 18, offering day, weekly and flexible boarding options. The Saint John’s School Foundation is a charity with Royal Charter, and its trustee board is the Governing Council.

Founded in 1851 St John’s has always been progressive and has developed significantly over time to meet the changing needs of the pupils it educates. Core values of courtesy, kindness, respect and tolerance hold true and remain integral to what it means to be part of St John’s.

The School’s mission is “to create an environment that is kind, supportive and full of opportunity, that inspires and equips pupils to thrive now and in the future”. Renowned for its outstanding pastoral care and friendly, relaxed and purposeful atmosphere, the success of St John’s is underpinned by a strong sense of community, a vibrant house system and an exemplary co-curricular programme. Small class sizes with outstanding teaching leads to a positive learning environment in the classroom. St John’s is a creative, ambitious and inclusive co-educational learning community where young people thrive and achieve.

The Governing Council is looking for new governors/trustees who can support the board with the following skills and experience (or similar): Accounting, Legal, Technology, Children’s Services (safeguarding).

This is an exciting time to join the board with a new Chair, Sara Lipscombe, in post and an array of interesting projects and strategic development plans afoot.

This is an opportunity to lead the protection of the vital footpaths and rights of way network across the countryside of East Sussex and ensure walking in the natural environment is accessible to everyone.

You will coordinate a team of Local Footpath Wardens and will be responsible for assessing proposals affecting paths and for developing Ramblers' response to and comments on those proposals, liaising with Ramblers' Central Office and other stakeholders as necessary.

You will represent Ramblers' Sussex Area on rights of way issues with the local authorities and at meetings and public events.

To undertake the role you will need to keep up to date with legal and policy information about paths and planning issues nationally as well as in your local area.

The skills required for the role are to be confident but diplomatic; able to understand complex rights of way and legal issues; be friendly and personable with the ability to influence; and good at presenting arguments in writing and in person.

The role will offer you the opportunity to use your existing networking skills; to develop new skills and knowledge in relation to rights of way issues; and to work with a group of fellow volunteers to influence local policy.

About Remus Horse Sanctuary

We are a charity in Essex that provides lifelong care for rescued horses, ponies, donkeys, and other animals. We promote animal welfare and responsible ownership.

Why Join Us?

Becoming a trustee is a chance to make a real difference. You’ll help guide the charity’s future, support animal welfare, and work with a passionate team.

What Trustees Do

- Ensure the charity serves the public good
- Follow legal and governance rules
- Act in the charity’s best interests
- Help shape strategy and monitor progress
- Represent and promote the charity’s values

Who We’re Looking For

We welcome all backgrounds, especially those with experience in:
- Fundraising (strategy, donor engagement, grants)
- Legal (charity or animal welfare law)
- HR (people management, safeguarding, volunteer coordination)

What You Need

- Strategic leadership experience
- Strong communication skills
- (Bonus) Knowledge of the UK charity sector

Commitment

- 3-year term (renewable up to 6 years)
- 4 board meetings per year (in Essex or online)
- Voluntary role (expenses reimbursed)

Person Spec

Essential

• Experience of guiding and directing an organisation at a strategic level during periods of pressure change and development
• Confident and effective communication skills

Desirable

• An understanding of the UK Charity sector and fundraising processes within this context.

Terms of office

• Trustees are appointed for a three-year term of office, renewal for three further terms to a maximum of six years.
• This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses are reimbursed.

Use your expertise to shape education, influence communities, and grow as a leader. Roles available across England.

Are you a business leader or corporate professional looking to make a meaningful impact outside the boardroom?

By becoming a volunteer governor at a further education (FE) or sixth form college, you’ll help shape the strategic direction of an organisation that transforms lives through education and skills—while strengthening your own governance experience and leadership credentials.

Why it’s relevant to professionals like you

Further Education colleges train over 1.6 million learners annually, preparing the skilled workforce that keeps our economy moving—from engineers and IT specialists to healthcare professionals and construction experts.

As a college governor, you’ll sit on the board of an FE institution (and registered charity), where your insight into strategy, risk, people, or finance will have a direct impact on how public funds are spent, how performance is measured, and how learners are supported to succeed.

This is an opportunity to:

• Apply your corporate skills in a charitable leadership role
• Gain board-level experience and enhance your CV
• Contribute to local economic growth and social mobility
• Support a vital sector during a time of transformation

What you’ll do

As part of a governing board, you’ll:

• Set strategic direction: Help define the college’s mission and goals
• Hold leadership to account: Monitor finances, performance, and outcomes
• Ensure governance excellence: Make decisions in the best interests of learners and stakeholders
• Act as a charity trustee: Ensure financial sustainability and legal compliance

You’ll also engage with senior leaders and external stakeholders, including local employers, regulators, and community partners.

Who we’re looking for

We welcome professionals from a broad range of sectors, including but not limited to:

• Finance, Audit & Risk
• HR, People & Culture
• Strategy, Transformation & Operations
• Technology, AI & Digital
• Legal, Governance & Compliance
• Marketing, PR & Communications
• Education, Apprenticeships or vocational courses

What matters most is your strategic thinking, commercial awareness, and commitment to helping others succeed.

Prior education experience is not required. Full induction and training are provided, with access to DfE-funded development and peer mentoring where needed.

Time commitment

Expect to give approximately 1–2 days per month, including:

• Attending board and committee meetings (in-person or hybrid)
• Reading papers and preparing questions
• Participating in training and occasional college visits

The time commitment is manageable alongside a full-time role—and many employers actively support staff to take on governance roles as part of their professional development.

Where you’ll be needed

We are recruiting governors for colleges across England, with new opportunities added regularly. We’ll work with you to match your skills and location with a college in need of your expertise.

What’s in it for you?

· Enhance your board-level and governance experience

· Develop strategic oversight and leadership outside your day-to-day role

· Expand your professional network

·Give back in a way that creates long-term, measurable impact

· Gain exposure to the education, charity, and public sectors

Ready to step into a strategic, purpose-driven leadership role?

If you’re ready to bring your corporate insight to the education sector and help shape the future of skills, opportunity, and social mobility—we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now to become a volunteer college governor.