Legal volunteer roles

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

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

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

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

· Legal

· Finance

· Education

· Fundraising

· Marketing

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

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

An Enhanced DBS check will be required for successful applicants.

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.

We are currently looking for a new Digital Fundraising Trustee who can use their skills to support our growing charity. We need someone with relevant fundraising experience who thrives as part of a dynamic group of Trustees, who is willing to champion the charity and who values seeing the impact that our work can make

The Digital Fundraising Trustee will participate in all areas of the charity’s governance with a special interest in the fundraising implications of the strategy, governance and support with the Board’s understanding and interpretation.

The Board of Trustees is responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity, developing the CLAPA’s aims, objectives and goals in accordance with the governing document, legal and regulatory guidelines. You would be joining our board at an exciting time, as we implement our new 5-year strategy for 2025-2030.

The Link to apply is listed in the attached Recruitment Pack or can be accessed via the Redirect to recruiter button.

Two in three of us will become carers. Bring your expertise to the Board of Carers First and help support and champion the UK’s millions of unpaid carers.

Location: Hybrid with some meetings in London

At Carers First, we have been working alongside unpaid carers for over 30 years, helping them find balance and live life to the fullest. With an estimated 5.7 million unpaid carers in the UK, the need for our work has never been greater. We are looking for three new Trustees to join our Board and play a vital role in shaping our future. We are particularly looking for people with expertise in:

• Fundraising and income generation
• Legal
• Digital strategy (including AI and technology to enhance user experience).

As a Trustee, you will join a committed and diverse Board, ensuring our strategy and resources make the greatest possible difference to the lives of carers. You’ll bring your skills, experience, and values to support our work in providing support for carers, with carers, so they can lead fulfilling lives.

Who we are

Carers First is a dedicated charity supporting unpaid carers across England, helping them navigate the challenges of caring while maintaining balance in their own lives. We provide personalised information and tailored support in the way that suits them: online, on the phone, or face-to-face, in their local community.

Recognising that each caring journey is unique, Carers First works collaboratively with local councils, communities, and volunteers to deliver inclusive, accessible services. Our mission is to empower carers, and our impact is significant. Last year, we reached over 330,000 people to provide information about caring and 51,000 carers are registered with us to receive information and support. In addition:

• 96% of carers felt more resilient in their caring role after our support.
• 95% of carers felt listened to and that their own needs were taken into account through our interventions.
• 93% of carers felt more confident and informed in their caring role after our support.

Guided by values of positivity, collaboration and ambition, Carers First continues to innovate and expand its reach, championing the needs of carers nationwide.

About the role

As a Trustee, you will have the opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of unpaid carers, ensuring that our work aligns with our mission and that our resources are used wisely and effectively. You will join a Board with a strong mix of skills and experience, including finance, communications, business, and health and social care.

In this role, you will play a vital part in shaping the strategic direction and governance of the charity, helping us deliver support to unpaid carers effectively and sustainably. You will be part of a committed Board that meets quarterly and is supported by two committees: Finance & Risk and People & Governance, one of which you will join.

Using your expertise, you will advise on key issues, support new initiatives, and help the organisation innovate and grow. Your impact will be felt directly by the carers we support, ensuring our services remain inclusive and accessible, our resources are managed responsibly, and our work continues to make a meaningful difference in carers’ lives.

Who we are looking for

We are looking for individuals who have a strong commitment to our cause and a genuine passion for supporting the needs of carers, while upholding the values that guide our work. In addition to the skills we are looking for, we seek people with excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to explore diverse perspectives, foster inclusive discussions, and make timely, well-informed decisions.

We are actively committed to increasing the diversity of our teams and welcome applications from all sectors, backgrounds and sections of the community. If you have caring responsibilities, then we welcome and value your experience and will be as flexible and accommodating as possible around your needs.

• Time Commitment

The Board meets quarterly, with an additional annual Development and Strategic Planning Day. Our two committees, Finance & Risk and People & Governance, also meet quarterly. Most meetings are online. One Board meeting and one Development Day are held in London. Trustees should expect to commit the equivalent of circa one day a month for meetings, preparation, Board development, engagement with staff and carers, recruitment activities, professional development, and occasional public events.

Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close Friday 14th November.

A Trustee will bring an individual area of expertise to benefit our organisation. Among the many skills they may have relate to business development, financial management; charity governance, staff development, performance management, local government, disability service development and adult social care. The Trustees work closely with the Executive Management Team (EMT) on the strategic direction of the business. They coordinate and attend quarterly board meetings, through which they review the work of the charity and provide advice, support and focus attention onto the areas that the EMT needs to consider and prepare for, to continuously improve what we do and respond to the changing environment in which Bethphage operates. Bethphage is a values-based charitable business, supporting some of the most vulnerable people in the community. The charity also needs to make a modest financial surplus to remain viable. The role of a Trustee is to be a critical friend to the management team, lending expertise and experience to help guide the organisation in achieving its aims and sometimes competing objectives. Some of our board members have been a part of Bethphage for many years, you will be joining a supportive, friendly, and collegiate team that will help you develop and grow your role as a Trustee. Trustees generally thoroughly enjoy the role and find that it is a very rewarding experience. The Trustees work on a voluntary capacity for the benefit of the charity, this usually equates to one day per month. All Trustees are requested to undergo a DBS check (Disclosure & Barring service). Currently, we are particularly interested in hearing from people with financial and/or legal experience and expertise.

We currently have a vacancy for a Trustee on the Board of the Mosaic Learning Trust, based in Standish, Wigan.

Our Trust comprises three schools across Wigan and Lancashire. We’re looking for someone passionate about making a genuine difference to children’s education and school experience.

Our Board brings together professionals from a wide range of backgrounds – whether your expertise lies in Human Resources, Marketing, Legal Services, Community Engagement, or another sector, your skills could help shape the future of our schools and improve outcomes for all our students. Prior experience in education isn’t necessary, as we provide full training and support.

This is a voluntary role, and we welcome interest from anyone who feels they have the skills and time to contribute. Being a Trustee is both rewarding and impactful – it’s a meaningful way to give back to the local community while developing valuable board-level experience.

Debt Advice Foundation is a registered national debt advice and education charity, based in Darwen, Lancashire.

The charity aims to tackle the causes and impact of problem debt.  We do this through our DebtAware education programme, which provides children with the knowledge and skills they’ll need to manage their money with confidence in years to come and through our free debt advice telephone helpline, for those that are impacted by debt today.

The role

Our trutees play a vital role in making sure that Debt Advice Foundation achieves its objectives.

They do this by ensuring the charity has a clear strategy that aligns with its aims, effective governance procedures to ensure it meets its legal obligations and by supporting the executive team to effectively execute the charity’s strategic plan.

Duties

• Agree the charity’s vision and objectives.
• Approve organisational strategies and monitor and evaluate progress.
• Oversee financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress.
• Review and approve annual financial accounts.
• Identify and monitor organisational risks.
• Provide support and challenge to the executive in the exercise of their delegated authority.
• Adequately prepare for and attend board and sub-committee meetings.
• Use independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect Debt Advice Foundation’s interests.

What we are looking for

We are looking for people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of thinking of our board.

You do not need previous governance experience.

Personal skills and qualities

• Enthusiasm for our vision and mission.
• Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as trustees and to act in the best interests of the organisation.
• Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member.
• Effective communication skills and willingness to work collaboratively with your Board colleagues is essential.
• A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Willingness to network on behalf of Debt Advice Foundation and connect the charity to relevant organisations.

Terms of office

• Trustees are appointed for an unlimited term of office.
• This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses are reimbursed.

 Time commitment

 Attending four board meetings annually. Currently meetings are held at the charity’s office in Darwen, Lancashire.

Committee membership

Ad hoc and occasional support through working groups and / or support to the executive team.

Debt Advice Foundation is a Disability Confident Employer.

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.

Treasurer Role Description

Role Title  

Treasurer - ARFID Awareness UK

Board/Committee

Board of Trustees & Remuneration Committee

Remuneration  

Travel and subsistence will be paid for attendance at meetings in accordance with the ARFID Awareness UK expense policy where required. Board members are not remunerated for their Board/trustee work.

Responsible to 

The Chair of the Board of the Trustees 

Regular liaison with 

· Board of Trustees

· Executive Director/s

· Motion Accountancy

Duration of appointment 

Three-year term (with a possible extension of a further three years)

Overview

Established in 2019 and supporting a community of over 30,000 families ARFID Awareness UK is the only registered UK charity dedicated to raising awareness and further information about Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder.  As a not-for-profit, we work to provide individuals, parents, carers and medical professionals with up-to-date relevant information, research and support.

We are equally committed to supporting medical professionals across varying specialities, by equipping them with the information they need to ensure that their patients receive an early diagnosis and have access to appropriate care.

Our charitable aims are to:

1) Raising awareness about the condition within the medical and associated professions and the general public in such ways as the trustees shall determine;

2) Providing advice and information in such ways as the trustees shall determine to enable and empower parents and carers to advocate for the children in their care;

3) Facilitating research into the condition, the useful results of which will be published for the public benefit;

4) Potentially providing grants of financial assistance to enable economically disadvantaged families to obtain necessary treatment and medication unavailable via the NHS.

5) Advancing the education of the public in the subject of ARFID.

With regards to our structure, we are a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). As a CIO, our Charity Trustees are protected with limited liability, and whilst they are responsible for helping to manage the organisation, they do not hold dual roles of Company Director as they might with other charity structures.

Time Commitment

Trustees meet twice a year virtually. Meetings last approximately 2 hours.

The Remuneration and Finance, Risk and Investment Committee meet once a year virtually. Meetings last approximately 1 hour.

In addition, Trustees are expected to allow time for reading of papers and preparation for meetings, attending events training and induction.  As a small charity there may also be the requirement for additional input up to 10 hours per annum as required specific to your professional background and expertise

Purpose of the role: 

Trustee (general)

The overall aim of the trustee role is to provide strong leadership, direction and expertise to the governance of ARFID Awareness UK. 

The Board of trustees (‘the Board’) is the body with the legal duty to protect the mission and vision of the FSRH and to ensure that it is run in accordance with legal requirements.

The role of the Board is to provide good governance and leadership by: 

· Shaping ARFID Awareness UK’s organisational strategy 

· Approving organisational statutory policy

· Ensuring the organisation’s financial stability and sustainability, and agreeing the annual operational budget 

· Appointing the Executive Director/s (who is overseen by the Chair of the Board on behalf of the Board) 

· Providing support and constructive challenge to the Executive Director/s and their staff team 

· Setting and monitoring procedures for assessing and managing risk 

· Taking advice from Board members and external specialist advisors 

· Ensuring oversight of the financial position of the charity and providing updates to the Board where appropriate.

As a charity and CIO Board members are charity trustees only. They do not represent any group or organisation in this role and they must act in good faith and in the best interests of ARFID Awareness UK.

Treasurer

· Chair the Remuneration and Finance, Risk and Investment Committee (FR&IC):

· To review progress of financial elements of the operational plan and make recommendations to the Board of Trustees.

· To review the strategic plan in context of financial and budgetary impact. 

· To review the annual budget and make recommendations to the trustees.

· To receive and review proposals for new expenditure outside of the annual budget

· Advise the Remuneration Committee on the affordability of any changes to pay and or benefits.

· To receive reports at each meeting on financial performance and report as required to the Trustees

· To develop an Investment Policy and strategy

· To review the draft annual accounts along with the audit report, ensuring they are in accordance with relevant accounting standards and Charity Commission guidance

Person Specification 

Essential:

· A financial accountancy qualification or equivalent experience (eg ACA, CIMA)

· Experience of investment, strategic planning and budgetary planning 

· Ability to work effectively as a member of a diverse team whilst keeping in mind the responsibility of being an individual trustee

· Experience of guiding an organisation through growth and change

· Confident and effective communication skills including listening skills

· Understanding of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship 

Desirable:

· Knowledge or experience of the charity sector 

· Knowledge of the healthcare sector and/or ARFID

· Experience of board or committee membership in a charity, public sector or commercial organisation.

To apply please email your CV and covering letter to XXXX by 17 November 2025.  Interviews are likely to take place the first week of December.

Use your expertise to shape education, influence communities, and grow as a leader. Roles available at colleges 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 remote)
• 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
Some colleges offer remote governance and meetings take place online. This may suit you best, or we may suggest a role where you volunteer on a hybrid basis at a college within a reasonable distance from you. We are recruiting governors for colleges across England, with new opportunities added regularly. 

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.

War Memorials Trust works to protect and conserve the nation's 100,000 war memorials. It is looking for new Trustees, with the right skills, experience, enthusiasm and commitment, to join the Board and help guide the charity's efforts. 

The charity provides advice and expertise to help anyone who looks after a war memorial to manage, repair and conserve it for the benefit of those who live locally, those who are commemorated and their families and the wider population. Sadly, names are added on a regular basis, hence many are living memorials as well as commemorating those from conflicts past. It also encourages public engagement especially through its website War Memorials Online to which anyone can add information and upload photographs. So, if the Trustee role isn't for you, you may still be able to contribute by signing up to War Memorials Online. 

A skills audit has identified key areas of expertise that the Board needs to enhance as

• fundraising expertise to ensure we are here for the long term 
• legal expertise to support the charity deliver its objectives appropriately

If you have a sympathy with our vision and have skills which match those we are looking for, we would love to hear from you. We can consider wider enquiries but those are our current priorities. 

This role is home based with board meetings rotating between in-person at the London office and online, although all can be joined online. Some attendance at events or visits to war memorials may be undertaken. Reasonable expenses related to the role will be available. Minimum engagement is for four, two-hour board meetings per year (plus reading of papers beforehand). Additional input will be welcomed and Trustees may be approached by staff, on a collective or an individual basis, between meetings, particularly in relation to their expertise.

Full details of the role can be found on War Memorials Trust's website via the 'Redirect to recruiter' button.

Who They Are

Crustacean Compassion was founded in 2016 to promote the humane treatment and welfare of decapod crustaceans, including crabs, lobsters, prawns, and langoustines. The organisation was established in response to reports of crabs being sold alive but fully immobilised in shrink-wrap in UK supermarkets. At the time, agencies were unable to intervene because decapod crustaceans, as invertebrates, were not legally classified as “animals” under UK animal welfare laws and were generally assumed to be insentient.

The Role

Crustacean Compassion is particularly interested in individuals with experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Campaigns and Policy – Bringing advocacy and policy expertise to support the CEO in developing high-impact strategies that drive positive change.

• Corporate Engagement – Strengthening relationships with the food sector and guiding approaches to partnerships and sector-wide improvements.

• Legal and Governance – Ensuring compliance and integrity through oversight and guidance on legal and governance matters.

• Communications – Expanding reach, growing the supporter base, and amplifying the organisation’s message through storytelling and strategic communications.

• Fishing, Food, and Aquaculture Industries – Advising on industry engagement, technological developments, and trends in aquatic farming.

• Wild Welfare – Supporting strategic development initiatives focused on decapod ecology and population health.

• Animal Welfare Research (Aquatic Care) – Providing expertise in the welfare of fish and other aquatic species to inform research, campaigns, and policies with sound scientific evidence.

Join Royal Agricultural University Students' Union as an External Trustee 

About Royal Agriculture University Students' Union 

The Royal Agricultural University Students’ Union (RAUSU) is an independent, registered charity dedicated to enriching the student experience at the Royal Agricultural University. Over the past year, the Students’ Union has undergone a period of transformation — and this journey is only just beginning. 

They are now seeking three dedicated and forward-thinking trustees, including a new Chair, to join them at this exciting stage in their development. As they continue to grow, they are very much in start-up mode, meaning you’ll have the opportunity to make a meaningful and visible impact from day one. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Contribute to the Board’s strategic oversight and decision-making processes. 

• Support the President and Director in achieving the organisation’s goals and objectives. 

• Ensure the organisation remains financially sound, balancing income and expenditure while planning for both short-term initiatives and long-term needs. 

• Uphold and enhance good governance practices, ensuring compliance with the Charity’s Articles and regulations. 

Candidate Profile 

RAUSU is looking for candidates who are passionate about education and organisational development. You’ll bring curiosity, courage and commitment to help shape their vision for the future. They’d especially welcome candidates who can demonstrate: 

• The ability to challenge assumptions, ask thoughtful questions and bring fresh perspectives. 

• A sound understanding of issues within Higher Education. 

• Expertise in one or more of the following: finance, HR, legal, charity governance, leadership or change management. 

• Strong strategic thinking and sound judgement, with the ability to balance competing priorities. 

RAUSU's Commitment to Diversity 

RAUSU is deeply committed to fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in everything they do. They believe their leadership should reflect the vibrant diversity of the communities they serve. 

They warmly encourage applications from candidates from racially and ethnically marginalised backgrounds, women, non-binary individuals, and those with disabilities. If you meet at least 80% of the essential criteria and identify as part of a marginalised group, you will be guaranteed an interview. 

Time Commitment 

• Term: Four years and lay trustees can serve up to two terms. 

• Commitment: Approximately 12–18 days per year, including six Board meetings annually. 

How to Apply 

Please click 'apply now' or contact Anh at Atkinson HR Consulting if you have any queries or would like to arrange an informal discussion. The application includes submission of a CV and a personal statement. 

Key Dates 

• Applications close: 12noon, Tuesday 2nd December 2025 

• Interviews: Monday 8th December 2025 

Our trustees play a vital role in making sure that ESS Education and Support Services achieves its core purpose. They oversee the overall management and administration of the charity. They also ensure that ESS Education and Support Services has a clear strategy and that our work and goals are in line with our vision. Just as importantly, they support and challenge the executive team to enable ESS Education and Support Services to grow and thrive, and through this, achieve our mission.

Board members have a collective responsibility. This means that trustees always act as a group and not as individuals.

Duties:

· Support and provide advice on ESS Education and Support Service’s purpose, vision, goals and activities.

· Approve operational strategies and policies, and monitor and evaluate their implementation.

· Oversee ESS Education and Support Service’s financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress.

· Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.

· Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively.

· Review and approve ESS Education and Support Services’ financial statements.

· Provide support and challenge to ESS Education and Support Services’ CEO in the exercise of their delegated authority and affairs.

· Keep abreast of changes in ESS Education and Support Services’ operating environment.

· Contribute to regular reviews of ESS Education and Support services’ own governance. Attend Board meetings, adequately prepared to contribute to discussions.

· Use independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect ESS Education and Support Service’s interests, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or any third-party interests.

· Contribute to the broader promotion of ESS Education and Support Services objects, aims and reputation by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge, and contacts.

As a small charity, there will be times when the trustees will need to be actively involved beyond Board meetings. This may involve scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, presenting externally, or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise.

What we are looking for

We are looking for people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our board.

ESS Education and Support Service are looking for Trustees from the following backgrounds: Legal, Financial.

Personal skills and qualities

· Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as trustees and to act in the best interests of the organisation.

· Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member.

· Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion.

· A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

· Enthusiasm for our vision and mission.

· Willingness to lead according to our values.

· Commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

Terms of appointment

Terms of office

· Trustees are appointed for a 3 year term of office, renewal for 2 further terms to a maximum of 9 years.

· This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses are reimbursed.

Time commitment

· Attending 6 Board meetings annually. Currently meetings are held virtually.

· Attending charity events and other such commitments.