Legal volunteer roles

Trustees play a vital role in ensuring Middlewich & District Foodbank meets its core purpose by overseeing the management and administration of the charity and ensuring that the foodbank has a clear strategy in line with our vision and goals.

What will you be doing?

This role involves leading on any safeguarding issues, policies or concerns, ensuring that the Board of Trustees at Middlewich & District Foodbank are aware and kept up to date in regard to the legal, regulatory and governance responsibilities of the charity regarding the care of all who enter the food bank, including staff and volunteers.

Key tasks:

Trustee (Safeguarding Lead) Responsibilities: 

• to ensure that the Trustee board understand their legal and regulatory responsibility on matters of safeguarding for the charity.
• to ensure, along with operational management support, that all safeguarding policies and risk assessments are in place and kept up to date with the changing internal and external environment
• to continuously keep up to date with all safeguarding legislation/regulations, to be able to reflect these changes in the food bank distribution centres/warehouse in the relevant manner.
• to ensure that all safeguarding issues are reported to yourself for the trustee board to be informed.
• along with operational management support, to ensure that all relevant staff, trustees or volunteers are suitably trained and aware of the correct process to follow if any safeguarding concerns arise, including how to raise a concern to the relevant authorities.

Other responsibilities, along with the board of trustees, include:

• to approve, support and guide the charity’s purpose, vision, strategy, goals and objectives.
• to manage the charity’s resources responsibly, including ensuring the charity’s assets are used only to carry out its purpose, avoid undue risk, and not over-commit the charity.
• to ensure appropriate financial plans are in place, budgets are monitored, and progress is evaluated.
• to review and approve financial statements.
• to ensure the charity has appropriate procedures to comply with current legislation and good practice, including employment, health and safety, equity, diversity and inclusion, safeguarding and GDPR compliance/data protection.
• to prepare for and regularly attend and participate in board and subcommittee meetings and any trustee away days.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for people who want to help their local community and work towards the eradication of food poverty. Our ideal candidates would demonstrate:

• a knowledge of Safeguarding legislation and a charity’s responsibility, training will be available
• an ability to lead on any safeguarding matters in a supportive and confident manner
• it is not necessary to have previous board experience as training and support will be provided. This role could support someone taking their first steps to develop wider board level and governance experience

Whatever your background, we want to make sure you are supported and empowered and enjoy your time volunteering with us. We know that having volunteers from a diverse range of backgrounds, with varying experiences, can help to make what we do as effective as possible. As such, we welcome all applicants regardless of age, religion or beliefs, disability, ethnic background, gender reassignment, sex, or sexual orientation. We also encourage those with lived experience of poverty to apply.

What difference will you make?

By supporting the governance of the food bank, you are part of a team providing a vital holistic support function in your local community, ensuring a dignified experience to anyone visiting or anyone who comes into contact with Middlewich & District Foodbank.

Atkinson HR are proud to be partnering with The University of Suffolk Students' Union (UoSSU) to recruit three new trustees to their Board.

UoSSU is entering a pivotal phase in their journey. Having navigated significant changes, they are now focused on establishing strong foundations to ensure long-term health and success. 

They’re seeking committed individuals to join a skilled and dedicated Board in guiding the next chapter of UoSSU’s development. If you have experience in HR, Strategy or Business Development and are eager to engage with the complexities of higher education and students' unions, this role is for you!

About UoSSU 

The University of Suffolk Students’ Union is the independent representative body for students at the University of Suffolk. They exist to empower students, enhance their university experience, and support their personal and professional growth. They work to provide academic representation, welfare services, student activities, and opportunities for leadership and development. 

The Role

As a trustee, you will help oversee the strategic direction, financial health, and overall governance of the Students’ Union. You will ensure that they continue to deliver meaningful impact while remaining financially sustainable and well-managed. 

Key responsibilities of the role include: 

• Ensuring UoSSU operates in line with its mission and values. 

• Overseeing financial management and legal compliance. 

• Supporting the development and implementation of UoSSU’s strategic plan. 

• Bringing your skills and experience to support and challenge the executive team. 

• Acting in the best interests of students, ensuring their voices are at the heart of everything the Students’ Union does. 

Candidate Profile 

UoSSU welcome applications from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. You don't need previous trustee experience— just a commitment to making a difference.

We’re particularly keen to hear from people with expertise in: 

• HR

• Strategy

• Business Development 

If you’re passionate about people, purposeful work, and the potential of medium-sized charities to do amazing things, we’d love to hear from you. 

A diverse Board is key to UoSSU’s strength, and they actively encourage applications from individuals from underrepresented backgrounds. 

Time Commitment & Benefits 

• The time commitment expected of this role is approximately 10 days per year.  

• The Board meets approximately four times per year, with occasional additional commitments. You will also be expected to attend board subcommittee meetings. 

• This is a voluntary role, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed. 

• A unique opportunity to develop leadership skills, expand your professional network, and contribute to student life at the University of Suffolk. 

How to Apply

Please click 'apply now' or contact Atkinson HR via the email address in the job pack if you have any queries or would like to arrange an informal discussion.

Key Dates 

• Closing Date: Tuesday 27th May 2025 

• Interviews: Wednesday 4th June & Wednesday 18th June 2025

• Induction: Week commencing 23rd June 2025 

Ikoku Protection and Justice

Ikoku Protection and Justice empowers and supports juvenile offenders in Uganda through legal aid, psychosocial support, advocacy and stakeholder capacity building trainings to create a child-friendly justice system.

The lack of accessible and comprehensive legal Aid for juvenile offenders has led to countless wrongful detentions and prosecutions thus leading to congestion in the remand homes.

According to a 2021 UNICEF report, around 261,200 children worldwide are estimated to have been in detention on any given day in 2020. Despite the global scope of this issue, East Africa, including Uganda, lacks concrete statistical data to fully understand the extent of the challenges faced by juvenile offenders in accessing legal aid.

Fundraiser

Volunteer Role Description (remote, unpaid)

a. Research and identify funding opportunities b. Draft grant proposals and donor materials c. Support online fundraising campaigns and come up with crowdfunding campaigns. d. Build and maintain donor relationships e. Help develop a fundraising strategy f. Track and report fundraising progress g. Suggest creative, cost-effective fundraising ideas

Weekly Time Commitment

4-6 hours per week

Duration of Volunteer Role (remote)

3-5 months

Science plays a crucial role in shaping the future of our planet, and at Physics Partners, we’re on a mission to inspire and support the next generation of physicists. We’re a small charity focused on enhancing the physics skills of teachers and students, with a particular emphasis on underrepresented groups.

We are seeking two new trustees with expertise in charity law, STEM education, industry, or fundraising, to help us grow and impact even more schools. One of these trustees will also be invited to take on the Honorary Secretary role.

As a trustee, you’ll have the chance to guide the charity’s strategic direction, support fundraising efforts, and ensure effective governance. This is a voluntary, unremunerated role with travel expenses covered. If you’re passionate about education and want to help shape the future of physics education, we would be delighted to hear from you.

oung Lives Consortium charity plays a vital role in supporting voluntary and community groups working with children, young people, and families across West Yorkshire.

As we continue to grow and evolve, we are looking for passionate and dedicated individuals to join our Board of Trustees. 

Becoming a trustee of YLC offers a unique opportunity to:

• Make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people and their communities
• Use your skills and experience to influence strategic decisions
• Gain valuable governance experience and leadership development
• Work alongside like-minded professionals committed to social change

We welcome applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We are particularly interested in candidates with expertise in: 

• Finance and accounting
• Legal and governance
• Fundraising and income generation
• Marketing and communications
• Human resources and organisational development
• Youth work or social care

If you are interested in becoming a trustee, please send us:

• A copy of your CV
• A short personal statement outlining why you want to join YLC and how your skills align with the role

Do you have proven experience in the charity sector, preferably at senior level? Would you like to make a positive, impactful difference to the lives of our vulnerable clients by using your skills? 

What will you be doing?

We're looking for passionate and committed people to join our Board of Trustees! Ashford Place is a thriving forty-year old charity based in NW London, making a real difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals. From one-on-one guidance to engaging group activities, we focus on building resilience and improving well-being in our community. As a trustee, you'll help guide our work and ensure we remain strong and sustainable, especially during these challenging times. It’s a chance to be part of something meaningful, shaping our future while helping us continue to provide vital support in London NW2.

What are we looking for?

• Proven experience in the charity sector, preferably at senior level.
• Commitment to, and an enthusiasm for, our mission and values.
• Skills in governance, finance, legal, fundraising, risk management, and/or advocacy.
• Understanding of trustee responsibilities, including financial oversight and strategic planning.
• Collaborative mindset and excellent communication skills.
• Solutions driven
• Available

What difference will you make?

As a valued member of our board, you will play a pivotal role in shaping our vision, steering our strategic direction, and driving the success of our mission. In an increasingly competitive charitable world, your expertise and leadership will be instrumental in ensuring we continue to meet the needs of our community.

As a local charity, a significant proportion of our funding is derived from partnerships with statutory organizations. We are seeking a trustee who can strengthen our engagement within this sector, increasing our meaningful connections and identifying opportunities to secure vital funding. Your efforts will enable us to sustain and expand our impact, ensuring we can continue delivering essential services to those who rely on our work.

Before you apply

Please contact us via Reach with any questions.

Purpose of the Role:
The Treasurer plays a key leadership role in ensuring SAPHNA’s financial integrity and sustainability. In addition to the responsibilities of a General Trustee, the Treasurer provides strategic guidance and oversight on SAPHNA’s financial matters.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee SAPHNA’s financial management, ensuring robust processes and controls are in place.
• Advise the Board on financial strategy, risk management, and resource allocation.
• Work closely with SAPHNA’s management team to monitor budgets, cash flow, and financial performance.
• Ensure the preparation of annual accounts in accordance with charity regulations.
• Present financial reports to the Board in a clear and accessible format.
• Support the development of financial policies and procedures.
• Ensure SAPHNA’s funds are invested appropriately, achieving both security and growth.
• Oversee financial compliance with legal and regulatory obligations.

Person Specification:

• Proven financial expertise, ideally with experience in financial management, accountancy, or charity finance.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to present complex financial information clearly.
• Commitment to SAPHNA’s mission, vision, and values.
• Experience in governance, leadership, or financial oversight.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with other Trustees and SAPHNA’s management team.

Time Commitment:
Trustees are required to attend quarterly Board meetings, participation in working groups or committees, and occasional representation of SAPHNA at events. The Treasurer role may require additional time to review financial matters and liaise with staff.

The role of the Independent member is to provide the Safety Committee and the Movement with knowledge and experience for making key decisions. The role is pro bono, but reasonable expense will be paid in accordance with The Scout Association (TSA)’s Expenses Policy. The appointed candidate should expect to spend the equivalent of a day per quarter on The Scout Association’s work after the induction phase - this is based on preparation for and attendance at the scheduled Safety Committee meetings (four in each year, with the intention that two are held online and two face to face).

The Safety Committee reports directly to the Board of Trustees which has overall legal responsibility for TSA. The committee is Chaired by an external appointee who is a Trustee of the board. The safety committee comprises independent members with Health & Safety expertise across a range of sectors and members from the movement. The purpose of the committee is to hold to account those with responsibility for delivery of Health & Safety across Scouting.

Main responsibilities

The remit of the Committee is to support the Board of Trustees to fulfil its responsibilities in relation to Safety by: 

1. providing vision and direction for consideration and endorsement by the Board (as required), by identifying and contributing to the development of safety policies, procedures and guidance; 

2. ensuring that youth members, adult volunteers, parents and staff are engaged in contributing to the development of safety policies; 

3. developing and overseeing a performance framework to ensure that safety policies, procedures and practice are monitored to provide assurance to the Board (relating to members, staff and service users) and use this management information to inform and drive improvements; monitoring the local and national implementation of safety policies and procedures to ensure practice is effective and consistently applied; 

4. ensuring that appropriate connections are made with other areas of the Association’s work that may have an impact on safety (for example Adult Training by using incident data to highlight areas of success or concern); 

5. ensuring that members receive appropriate support and communication to aid understanding of their responsibilities to enable Safe Scouting; 

6. leading the process for Fatal Accident and/or Near Miss inquiries from commissioning through to completion; 

7. reviewing and overseeing actions from inquiry reports (this should be in conjunction with the respective staff functions, particularly where there is specific policy, procedure and/or practice changes that need to be recommended for consideration by the Strategy and Delivery Committee and/or Board (as required); 

8. identifying possible areas of development for the Association’s safety activities, taking into account relevant national agendas and learning from reviews whether this be external or internal to the Association. 

The person

Past or present membership of The Scout Association would be an advantage but is not an essential requirement.

What is essential is a commitment to the vision and values of Scouting and the ability to challenge the Association’s policies and practices positively.

We welcome applications from individuals with experience in a wide range of sectors, not just those from traditionally high-hazard industries. We are committed to diversity and actively seeking applicants from a wide range of backgrounds, in particular, Black, Asian and ethnic minority communities.

Skills

Primary Technical Skills (Core)

1. Competence: Experience of application of safety principles, regulations, and best practices within hazardous environments.

2. Legal Compliance: Clear understanding of legal obligations related to health and safety in the workplace and how this translates across to Scouting to assure compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

3. Application of Health and Safety Regulations: Experience of applying health and safety regulations and standards to ensure compliance. This should be combined with an understanding and ability to identify relevant health and safety regulations and standards applicable to the volunteering sector.

4. Risk Assessment and Audit and Assurance: Experience of identifying potential hazards, assessment, developing strategies to mitigate risk and audit and assurance in a work environment, including risk assessment methodologies and strategies.

Analytical Skills (Essential)

5. Analytical Skills: Capacity to analyse data related to safety performance, incident reports, and trends to identify areas for improvement.

6. Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to identify safety issues, evaluate alternative solutions, and implement effective corrective actions.

7. Continuous Learning and Professional Development: Commitment to staying updated on industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies in safety management.

Enabling Skills (Desirable)

8. Management Skills: Experience of leading safety initiatives and managing safety teams to influence organisational safety culture to prioritise safety – demonstrating an understanding of business operations and aligning safety practices with organisational goals.

9. Communication and Influencing Skills: Experience of effectively conveying safety protocols, policies, and procedures to employees to influence behaviour, management, and regulatory authorities, showing the ability to lead by example and inspire others to prioritise safety.

10.  Interpersonal Skills: Understands the need for building positive relationships with stakeholders, including volunteers and employees, management, regulatory agencies, and community members to improve safety culture.

Secondary Technical Skills (Desirable)

11.  Safety Training and Education: Experience of developing and or delivering effective safety training programmes to employees at all levels within an organization.

12.  Accident Investigation: Skill in investigating workplace accidents and incidents to determine root causes and prevent future occurrences.

13.  Emergency Preparedness and Response: Knowledge of emergency procedures and the ability to develop and implement emergency response plans.

Experience

• Experience of hazardous environments
• Experience of working in safety as a safety practitioner/holds a safety qualification
• Experience of leadership to achieve safety culture change within a complex organisation
• Expertise welcomed in mental health/wellbeing, human factors or occupational health
• Expertise welcomed in the application of strategic health protection principles (e.g. public health, food safety, and other health related safety issues)
• Experience from an activity-based sector (e.g. outdoor and adventurous activities) welcomed
• Experience of working or volunteering with charitable or youth organisations welcomed
• An understanding of governance structures and the role of boards and their sub-committees would be an advantage with experience of providing strategic advice and guidance at this level

As a Trustee of Durham Action on Single Housing (DASH), you will work alongside other board members to provide strategic leadership and governance to the charity. Your primary role will be to ensure that DASH meets its charitable objectives and complies with legal and regulatory requirements. Trustees are responsible for overseeing the direction of the charity, ensuring financial sustainability, and ensuring effective delivery of services to individuals in need of housing support.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Leadership:
   • Work with fellow trustees to set the strategic direction of DASH.
   • Ensure that the charity’s mission is being fulfilled and that its activities align with its objectives.
   • Provide guidance and support in decision-making, ensuring that the charity stays relevant to the needs of its service users.
2. Governance & Oversight:
   • Ensure that the charity is properly governed, complies with legal and regulatory requirements, and adheres to its constitution and policies.
   • Oversee the performance of the Director and senior leadership team, offering guidance and support as needed.
   • Monitor the charity’s financial health, ensuring appropriate financial controls, budgeting, and reporting mechanisms are in place.
3. Financial Management:
   • Approve the annual budget and ensure effective use of resources.
   • Monitor and manage financial risks and help ensure the charity remains financially viable.
   • Support fundraising efforts and ensure the charity meets its financial targets and fundraising goals.
4. Advocacy & Representation:
   • Act as an ambassador for DASH, promoting its work and advocating for the needs of single housing tenants.
   • Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including local authorities, other charities, funders, and the community.
   • Provide expertise in areas such as housing, legal, fundraising, or community services to assist in achieving the charity’s objectives.
5. Risk Management:
   • Identify and assess potential risks to the charity and help develop strategies to mitigate them.
   • Ensure the charity operates within a framework that balances risk and opportunity, ensuring the safety and well-being of service users.
6. Board Development:
   • Participate in board meetings and decision-making processes, providing insight, expertise, and constructive feedback.
   • Help recruit new trustees and contribute to the development of the board, ensuring its skills and diversity align with the charity’s needs.
7. Compliance & Reporting:
   • Ensure DASH meets all legal and regulatory obligations, including Charity Commission requirements.
   • Ensure that DASH’s work is transparent and that all reports (financial, impact, and governance) are accurate and timely.

Person Specification:

• Passion for housing issues and the work of DASH.
• Strong commitment to the values and mission of the charity.
• Previous experience in a governance or leadership role, preferably within the charity sector.
• Knowledge of housing, social justice, or related sectors is desirable but not essential.
• Strong communication, organizational, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively and constructively with other trustees, staff, and stakeholders.
• Experience in financial oversight and risk management would be an asset.

Time Commitment:

Trustees typically meet Bi monthly , with additional subcommittee meetings and ad-hoc responsibilities. Meetings may be in-person or virtual, depending on the needs of the organisation.

Benefits:

• The opportunity to make a significant difference to the lives of individuals in housing need.
• Gain valuable experience in governance, financial management, and leadership.
• Work with a dedicated and passionate group of individuals who share a common vision.

Submit a CV and a cover letter to express your interest.

Those who submit their CV will be considered and will be invited to an informal insight event towards Janunary 2025 before interviews occur.

What does a Trustee do! 

A Trustee’s role is to act in the best interests of the organization. They are accountable for the organization’s finances, legal affairs, overall performance, and serious arising issues. Trustees must ensure that executives align with the organization’s purpose and mission, acting in ways that advance these goals and uphold the organization’s values. Statutory duties include ensuring compliance with laws and regulations, safeguarding assets, and maintaining accurate financial records.

Commitment

Each Trustee will attend Trustee meetings on a regular basis, a Trustee may also be appointed as a Co Chair and into other roles such as Treasurer and Secretary, and also may join a committee.

A Little About Us!

Youth Advantage UK is a research-led, un incorporated un registered charitable organisation with the aim to become a CIO soon. We use a research-led approach promote and further the rights and interests of young people through positive action such as projects, policy work and research. We promote and empower change.

What we are looking for!

We are looking to appoint experienced Trustees with a background in one or more of the following areas: finance, law, academia, research, leadership, youth sector, policy, education, social action, human rights, issues facing young people and fundraising.

Why we need you!

Youth Advantage UK are in our early stages but are growing and looking for Trustees to help achieve our aims to become a registered charitable organisation. Your skills and expertise are what we need to continue to grow. 

​What we offer!

Anybody who wishes to help and contribute to a good cause are welcome to join us. By being a Trustee with us you have the chance to learn something new and contribute to a successful organisation who is looking to help young people in the UK.

If you're interested in a career in fundraising with a focus on trust fundraising, this role would provide the perfect foundation, giving you the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and develop key skills.

Citizens Advice Barnet is a local, independently registered charity and member of the Citizens Advice network. We help people find a way forward with their problems by providing expert advice, enabling people to uphold their rights and access the help they need and are entitled to. While our services are available to everyone in our community who needs us, we prioritise those who need us the most, such as people with disabilities, a language barrier or those experiencing poverty.

A significant amount of our funding comes from trusts and foundations. It is only through the grants we receive that we're able to provide free specialist casework that helps the most vulnerable people with the most complex problems.

Duties include:

• Identifying funders we could approach, such as by searching funder databases
• Researching funders to clarify whether or not we are eligible to apply, how much funding we could apply for and which project they’d be most likely to fund
• Recording the above information in a spreadsheet and keeping this record up-to-date
• Updating a master document which collates key information for applications
• Writing applications for small grants with support from the Head of Business Development

About You

No previous experience or knowledge of trust fundraising is required; this role would suit you if you have the following skills and attributes:

• strong research skills
• analytical thinking skills
• high attention to detail
• IT skills, especially MS Word and Excel at a basic level (sort, filter, basic formulas) or willingness and ability to learn
• ability to present complex information in a clear and easily navigable format
• clear and persuasive writing skills

OVERVIEW – ANOTHER WAY

Another Way is a charity founded by Amy Bray in 2019, when she was 16. Another Way is an educational environment charity. We educate and influence those around us, inspiring all to live with kindness towards our planet. We are youth-led with a multi-generational appeal.

We are scaling fast, particularly as our Power of 10 app grows, extending our community of young changemakers. The Another Way charity team now requires support for the Board of Trustees.

ROLE HEADLINES

The clerk will play an administrative and procedural role, supporting the smooth and compliant operation of the charity’s governance and trustee meetings, a key member of the team.

Below are the details of the role and we invite applications that demonstrate experience in the areas outlined including both charity clerk and ideally familiarity with company secretarial duties. We envisage this voluntary role to require approximately two days per month/ 2-3 hours per week.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Administrative and Organisational Support:

• Managing the trustee board's administrative tasks.
• Ensuring efficient meeting organisation and record-keeping.

Governance and Compliance:

• In conjunction with our legal partner
• providing guidance on governance, constitutional, and procedural matters.
• Ensuring the board operates in compliance with legal and regulatory frameworks.
• Advising on the potential consequences of non-compliance.

Meeting Management:

• Convening and supporting meetings of the trustees.
• Taking minutes of trustee meetings.
• Dealing with trustee correspondence between meetings.

Other Responsibilities:

• Working closely with the Chair of Trustees and the Chief Executive Officer.
• Ensuring the trustee body fulfils its responsibilities.

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS

• Strong personal commitment to the values and objectives of Another Way
• Demonstrable success managing charity governance and compliance
• Knowledge, or willingness to learn, of environmental issues and solutions
• Excellent communication abilities and organisational skills
• Knowledge of online systems such as Microsoft applications including OneDrive and Sharepoint. Also, other collaboration tools such as Slack or similar.

Please apply with a CV and a covering email summarising your experience and interest in the role.

As a Trustee of Durham Action on Single Housing (DASH), you will work alongside other board members to provide strategic leadership and governance to the charity. Your primary role will be to ensure that DASH meets its charitable objectives and complies with legal and regulatory requirements. Trustees are responsible for overseeing the direction of the charity, ensuring financial sustainability, and ensuring effective delivery of services to individuals in need of housing support.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Leadership:
   • Work with fellow trustees to set the strategic direction of DASH.
   • Ensure that the charity’s mission is being fulfilled and that its activities align with its objectives.
   • Provide guidance and support in decision-making, ensuring that the charity stays relevant to the needs of its service users.
2. Governance & Oversight:
   • Ensure that the charity is properly governed, complies with legal and regulatory requirements, and adheres to its constitution and policies.
   • Oversee the performance of the Director and senior leadership team, offering guidance and support as needed.
   • Monitor the charity’s financial health, ensuring appropriate financial controls, budgeting, and reporting mechanisms are in place.
3. Financial Management:
   • Approve the annual budget and ensure effective use of resources.
   • Monitor and manage financial risks and help ensure the charity remains financially viable.
   • Support fundraising efforts and ensure the charity meets its financial targets and fundraising goals.
4. Advocacy & Representation:
   • Act as an ambassador for DASH, promoting its work and advocating for the needs of single housing tenants.
   • Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including local authorities, other charities, funders, and the community.
   • Provide expertise in areas such as housing, legal, fundraising, or community services to assist in achieving the charity’s objectives.
5. Risk Management:
   • Identify and assess potential risks to the charity and help develop strategies to mitigate them.
   • Ensure the charity operates within a framework that balances risk and opportunity, ensuring the safety and well-being of service users.
6. Board Development:
   • Participate in board meetings and decision-making processes, providing insight, expertise, and constructive feedback.
   • Help recruit new trustees and contribute to the development of the board, ensuring its skills and diversity align with the charity’s needs.
7. Compliance & Reporting:
   • Ensure DASH meets all legal and regulatory obligations, including Charity Commission requirements.
   • Ensure that DASH’s work is transparent and that all reports (financial, impact, and governance) are accurate and timely.

Person Specification:

• Passion for housing issues and the work of DASH.
• Strong commitment to the values and mission of the charity.
• Previous experience in a governance or leadership role, preferably within the charity sector.
• Knowledge of housing, social justice, or related sectors is desirable but not essential.
• Strong communication, organizational, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively and constructively with other trustees, staff, and stakeholders.
• Experience in financial oversight and risk management would be an asset.

Time Commitment:

Trustees typically meet Bi monthly , with additional subcommittee meetings and ad-hoc responsibilities. Meetings may be in-person or virtual, depending on the needs of the organisation.

Benefits:

• The opportunity to make a significant difference to the lives of individuals in housing need.
• Gain valuable experience in governance, financial management, and leadership.
• Work with a dedicated and passionate group of individuals who share a common vision.

Trustees required – Evolve Counselling CIO (1181861) 

• Location: remote/Cambridgeshire area 

• Voluntary role: reasonable expenses paid 

• Time commitment: 0-5 hours per month (estimated), mostly outside office hours 

• Term: negotiable, e.g. interim/three years/extendable by re-election 

• Application closing date: 12 May 2025 

The Role: 

Dynamic Trustees needed, with charity and commercial skills, to support mental health CIO. With an ambitious development programme up and running, we need to expand our Trustee Board. This is an exciting opportunity to join us at a crucial time of growing demand for our services. 

About Us: 

Evolve Counselling is a long-established charitable social enterprise, providing low cost, affordable or funded mental health counselling to adults in mainly Cambridgeshire and surrounding counties. Our counselling community is made up of 50 – 60 qualified self-employed practitioners, working part-time. We deliver talking therapies to adults – online and in person. Our service delivers around 500 counselling sessions per month to a broad range of individuals, many of whom would not otherwise be able to access counselling support. Evolve also provides supervision, reflective practice, critical incident support, and mental health awareness and related training, to organisations and businesses large and small. 

What We’re Looking For: 

Our Trustee Board is currently drawn from the counselling and therapies community, plus commercial and other charity backgrounds. Now, with crucial development of the CIO ahead, we are looking for new members to expand the Board to its maximum ten places and to gain skills and insight from an equal, diverse and inclusive group that takes in business skills, knowledge of charities, and experience of not-for-profit finances to make growth plans a reality. 

The Board will keep us on track with good governance through oversight of our work and will also help our keen new CEO to secure a sound financial base from which to grow our operations to meet the ever-increasing demand for our services. 

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

• Business strategy and planning 
• Commerce/industry 
• Governance 
• Working within the charity/CIO sector 
• Financial management 
• Legal expertise 
• Health and wellbeing services 
• Mental health counselling 
• Health service commissioning or delivery planning 
• Advocacy or advice services 
• Data protection/GDPR knowledge 
• Adherence to the Nolan Principles of Public Life 

Application process: Please email with your CV and letter of application, stating why you’d like to become a Trustee at Evolve Counselling and how your skills and experience align with our plans for growth.