Local development officer volunteer roles in barkingside, greater london
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Wheels for All is a national charity that helps people of all abilities enjoy cycling in a way that works for them. Supporting more than 100 inclusive cycling hubs with over 30 years of experience, we’ve seen first-hand how cycling can change lives - improving health, confidence and community connection.
We’re now growing our national reach and impact, and we’re looking for new Trustees to join our Board and help guide us through this exciting next stage.
About the role
As a Trustee, you’ll help shape the direction of the charity, support good decision-making, and make sure we stay focused on our mission to make cycling accessible for everyone. We’d especially like to hear from people who:
- Have experience in communications, PR, campaigning or public engagement, and can help us share the power of inclusive cycling with more people across the UK
- Have strong networks or local knowledge in areas that are currently least well served by inclusive cycling - especially the North East, East Midlands or South West
If that’s not your background, please don’t be put off. We welcome people from all walks of life who share our passion for inclusion and want to make a difference.
Our Trustees also get involved in one or more of our focus groups, including:
- Governance and Risk
- Nominations, People and EDI
- Welfare, Safety and Safeguarding
- Finance
- Income Generation
We follow the Tier 3 Code for Sports Governance, which means we’re serious about running the charity to the highest standards - but we do it in a supportive, friendly and collaborative way. Full induction and training is provided.
Who we’re looking for
You don’t need to have been a Trustee before - we’ll help you learn the ropes. You just need to bring:
- A thoughtful, practical approach
- Willingness to ask questions and share ideas
- The ability to work well with others
- Commitment to equality, inclusion and fairness
- A bit of time and energy to get involved
How to apply
- Apply via othe link, and please upload your CV and a cover letter showcasing how you’re the perfect fit for the role
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Emmaus UK is currently undertaking feasibility work to consider the incorporation of an SPV which can become a Registered Provider of Social Housing on behalf of the Emmaus federation in the UK. This is an exciting prospect and would unlock significant potential to achieve our strategic objective to help more people.
To ensure that we are best positioned to pursue this opportunity we are looking to build the expertise of the Emmaus UK Board in:
· Housing Association/Housing Expertise or relevant regulatory expertise - providing strategic input as we develop the subsidiary and proceed with becoming a Registered Provider
· Legal expertise - ideally in a relevant field e.g. charity or corporate governance, housing, property, regulation etc
· Property Acquisition and Development - to support us with providing high quality services and managing sustainable growth
Joining the EUK Board at such a significant moment will enable you to play a key role in the future of Emmaus. You will be an integral part of developing the movement and central to making strategic decisions within EUK as the national body.
Further details:
Location: Home based online meetings. Two annual face-to-face meetings
Reporting to: EUK Chair and board of trustees
Remuneration: This role is voluntary. Any travel expenses will be reimbursed.
The attached applicant pack contains further details including the role description and more about Emmaus UK.
To apply, please email your CV and cover letter to the EUK Governance Manager the Email address can be found in the application pack.
The deadline for applications is Wednesday 31 December 2025.
Those shortlisted will be informed on Tuesday 06 January 2026 and invited to an interview conducted via Microsoft Teams on either Monday 12 January 2026 or Wednesday 14 January 2026. All applicants will be informed of the interview outcome by Friday 16 January 2026.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Make a difference in Kent by joining our team of trustees!
Kent Community Foundation (KCF) is looking for individuals to join our Board of Trustees who have a real passion for our county and want to make a demonstrable difference to the lives of people in our communities.
KCF is a professional grant-maker and local philanthropy advisor for Kent and Medway. We have been established for 24 years; distributing more than £60 million in grants to voluntary sector organisations across the county; supporting small charities to be sustainable and successful, and helping major donors maximise the impact of their donations.
Trustees are the volunteers who lead charities and decide how they are run; setting strategic plans, monitoring the performance, impact and sustainability of the charity and overseeing its governance. People of any age and background can be a trustee, and we're looking for people with specific experience to help us support communities in Kent. We are particularly interested in applications from people who are typically under-represented on trustee boards.
We have a comprehensive trustee induction programme, so if you have never been a trustee or on a board before, we will ensure you have all the knowledge and support you need.
Trustee: Desirable skills
We are looking for applicants to have one or more of the following:
· Lived experience of the communities we work with and the issues which arise in our county
· Experience of grant making; either as a philanthropist, grant maker or grant applicant
· Experience in working with or within social enterprises
· Experience in communications and PR
· A background in socio/economics, or connections with education in that field
· Knowledge of, and experience in promoting diversity, equality and inclusion
· Professional experience or active interest in technology, digital communications and AI
· Long term connections and networks with any of our stakeholder groups in Kent; such as philanthropists, businesses owners, key voluntary sector influencers
We hope to recruit up to three new trustees with different experience to offer, who can give some of their time and expertise to help KCF continue to grow and develop. We have four in-person Board meetings a year, and trustees also sit on at least one of our sub-committees, which meet two to four times a year (often remotely). There are also occasional events trustees are invited to attend to promote and engage with our work.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you interested in giving back to your local community?
Can you bring the relevant experience to help us extend our reach and enable us to reach more young people and sustain our growth?
We are currently recruiting for Chair, Treasurer and Trustee Board Members.
What will you be doing?
Welcome to YMCA Thames Gateway and thank you for taking the time to look into our voluntary leadership roles. This is an exciting time to get involved in our YMCA. We work across a number of geographical locations, including East London, Essex and Kent, with a commitment to making a positive difference within the communities in which we work.
To help us in the next chapter of our journey, we are looking to recruit Trustees who can help us shape our new strategy and develop the strength; depth and resilience of our charity’s work, helping more people belong, contribute and thrive.
We have a strong and vibrant Trustee Board and we are looking to extend its diversity and skills base so that we are well prepared for the future.
Though we actively encourage people of all faiths and world views to work, volunteer and become members of our Association, it is a requirement that two thirds of those who sit on our Board are Christian in order to maintain the Christian purposes of the Association. We recognise that faith is a deeply personal part of our lives and that part of the great mystery is the uniqueness by which our faith lives and breathes in our lives and actions. There is no test or specific criteria for how an individual makes manifest their Christian commitment, rather we ask Board colleagues to self-identify on their faith basis and agree to live out and champion the Christian values that underpin the work of our YMCA in their service.
We would particularly like to hear from people who self identify as Christian and who have experience and expertise in one or more of the following areas:-
- Capital Developments
- Social Housing Management
- Fundraising
- Working with Children & Young People
- ICT
- Governance
- Finance
Our trustees are required to attend 8 evening meetings per year. 8 of those are Board meetings and usually in Dartford, the other 8 will be for an agreed board sub-committee.
In addition, each trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the Trustee Board reach sound decisions. These may involve scrutinising board and committee papers, contributing to discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives and other issues in which the Trustee has special expertise.
If you believe you have the experience and skills to help us on our journey, we would like to hear from you.
What are we looking for?
- To develop and agree the long-term vision, mission and strategic plan for the Association
- To ensure the Association acts within the aims and purposes of the Association and the wider Movement and to ensure the board expresses the Christian mission of the Association within its work
- To ensure plans and annual budget reflect the agreed strategic direction and are appropriate
- To monitor progress against key outcomes from the plan and against budget and to hold the Chief Executive and Executive team accountable for these
- To contribute actively to the work of committees and task groups
- To pro-actively review the level of risk annually
- To agree the Association’s key policies and ensure they contribute to the achievement of the Association’s intended outcomes
- To ensure the Association has effective and appropriate financial control systems and procedures
- To ensure the Association complies with the requirements of its multiple regulators
- To ensure governance is of the highest possible standard
- To work in partnership with board, committees, Chief Executive and staff
- To reflect annually on the Board’s performance, collectively and individually
- To appoint the Chief Executive, and to set their terms and conditions
- To play a part in representing YMCA Thames Gateway on a regional, national and international level
- To promote and develop the role of the Association in the community and with its stakeholders
What difference will you make?
YMCA enables people to develop their full potential in mind, body and spirit. Inspired by, and faithful to, our Christian values, we create supportive, inclusive and energising communities, where young people can truly belong, contribute and thrive.
Before you apply
To express an interest in becoming a trustee, please send an up to date CV together with a supporting statement via Reach explaining how you believe your experience and skills are relevant and what you are able to bring to the role.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Our Admin Volunteers provide vital support to our staff and volunteers to help us reach as many people as possible with the Mary’s Meals story and help us keep our promise to the 3 million children we feed every day. Pease note that the admin volunteer role is not always available in all regions of the UK - please enquire for more information.
What is the role of an Admin Volunteer?
The role of Admin Volunteer may involve:
- Conducting research
- Data entry
- Contacting organisations to offer talks or promote our campaigns
- Helping us to thank our supporters
- Supporting event organisation
- Providing general admin support
- Allocating volunteer speakers to booked talks
What difference will i make?
- You will enable us to reach more people with the story of Mary’s Meals
- You will support our staff in their work to feed the next hungry child
- You will help us find new places to give talks, and support volunteers who are giving these talks to have all the information they need
- You will ensure our records are up-to-date and accurate
- You will help us provide a good service to supporters
What support and resources will i receive?
- Support, encouragement, and guidance from your local Supporter Engagement Officer
- A comprehensive induction to Mary’s Meals
- Opportunities to join online or in person volunteer meetings and briefings
- Resources to fulfil your role
- A regular volunteer update e-mail
What are the benefits of volunteering for Mary's Meals?
- Feeling part of the global Mary’s Meals movement to end world hunger
- Learning new skills and gaining experience as part of a growing and vibrant organisation
- Meeting new like-minded people
- Increasing confidence and team-working skills
- Developing communication skills (verbal and written)
- Feeling empowered to have your voice heard, knowing that you are playing an active role in changing the lives of those who need it the most.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The Opportunity
We are recruiting 3 lay Trustees! Do you bring skills and experience in communications, human resources or membership engagement? Would you like to use these at board level to shape a charity? We'd love you to join our Board of Trustees if so.
This is a fantastic opportunity to have a great impact on the UK’s mental health at the highest level!
Does this matter to you as much as it matters to us? Then a Trustee role with UKCP will give you the chance to support a cause with your professional skills.
Who is the UK Council for Psychotherapy?
UK Council for Psychotherapy is a leading organisation for psychotherapists and psychotherapeutic counsellors. We believe that psychotherapy can help us in profound ways. Solving immediate issues and transforming how we think, feel and behave is how we do this.
We offer professional support for our members here in the UK. We are also the leading research, innovation and educational body. UKCP continue working to advance psychotherapies for the benefit of all.
What matters to us
We see first-hand the power of psychotherapy to improve lives. We speak up for the importance of psychotherapy in national and local policymaking. UKCP also represents the social value of psychotherapy in the UK today.
If you join us…
You will be a part of a committed Board who is doing more to reflect the communities we serve. This is an opportunity to shape the work and direction of UKCP. Help us achieve our vision of a world in which emotional and mental wellness is a human right.
Equality, diversity and inclusivity are felt throughout our values and the culture of our work practices. So, you’ll enjoy the rewards of helping us to be a voice of change where it’s needed.
Who we’re looking for
We are looking for three Trustees to join the UKCP Board, bringing any or a combination of the skills and experience listed below. All candidates will share our commitment to improving the UK’s mental health and understand the importance of high-level governance in achieving this.
We are particularly seeking:
- HR Trustee – Someone with proven experience and insight into human resources practices, people management, organisational culture, staff wellbeing, recruitment, and talent development.
- Communications Trustee – Someone with professional experience in communications, marketing, and/or public relations.
- Membership Engagement Trustee – Someone who can provide insight-led oversight of UKCP’s membership activities.
Please make sure you read our Candidate Information Pack before applying, as it contains important details about the role and our organisation.
Don’t think you quite meet all the specifications? Please don’t count yourself out. We’d still love to learn more about your interest in joining UK Council for Psychotherapy!
What’s next?
Eastside People is supporting UK Council of Psychotherapy in the recruitment of these roles. You can click here/follow the link to apply today.
The closing date for applications is Monday 5th January. Shortlisting interviews will take place shortly after. Shortlisted candidates will then have an interview with UKCP shortly after this.
We acknowledge every application. You’ll always hear from us after taking the time to apply - we look forward to hearing from you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
The Africa Health Organisation (AHO) seeks to engage in bidding and tendering to deliver health and social care services effectively. Our goal is to ensure sustainability and positively impact the lives of more people. We want assistance in developing an ambitious strategy.
What will you be doing?
We are excited to announce an incredible opportunity for a talented Bid Manager to join our passionate team at the Africa Health Organisation (AHO)! Since 1999, we've been dedicated to delivering health and social care to millions across Africa and the Diaspora, and now we're ready to further elevate our impact.
This year, we're embarking on a mission to broaden our funding strategy by incorporating bid and tender opportunities. Our goal is to engage with governments in Africa and the UK, the public sector, and the public, providing essential, practical, and emotional support to those facing chronic conditions. We need a visionary like you to help us achieve our goals.
We're seeking a dynamic, experienced Bid Manager to develop and execute a winning strategy to secure the necessary financial backing. There are numerous exciting possibilities ahead, including central government tenders, local and statutory opportunities. We're eager to explore them all.
In this pivotal role, you'll plan and execute our bids and tender writing efforts, ensuring that our bid proposals not only shine but also come to life in meaningful ways. If you're a bid writer who thrives on creativity and collaboration, we want to hear from you! Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to inspire and mentor volunteers within our bid and tender team, making a positive impact together. Join us on this exciting journey!
Key Duties and Responsibilities
The Role Description:
Bid Management: Lead and manage the entire bid and tender process, ensuring submissions meet deadlines and align with client requirements across the UK & Ireland.
Proposal Development: Collaborate with internal stakeholders to develop tailored, high-quality, and persuasive proposals that align with our value proposition.
Stakeholder Engagement: Work closely with sales, operations, legal, and clinical teams to gather critical input and ensure accurate, compliant, and compelling submissions.
Market Analysis: Stay informed on market trends, tender opportunities, and competitor activity to identify and secure strategic opportunities.
Compliance: Ensure all submissions adhere to company standards, client specifications, and relevant regulatory requirements.
Process Improvement: Continuously refine bid processes, content libraries, templates, and tools to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
Post-Submission Activities: Manage debrief processes and gather feedback to inform future submissions.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
- Lead AHO bids: Manage the whole bid process with a hands-on approach.
- Create strong responses: Tailor solutions that clearly show our value.
- Support growth: Work with Business Development and Marketing to boost propositions.
- Drive best practice: Lead bid qualification, governance, and reviews.
- User-focused: Understand needs and clearly present our solutions.
- Know the landscape: Medical, research industries, and opportunities.
- Know our strengths: Stay sharp on our services and competitors.
- Seal the deal: Coordinate smooth contract closures.
- Stay tidy: Keep the bid library updated and accessible.
- Keep comms clear: Align stakeholders throughout the process.
- Stay compliant: Follow governance and secure approvals.
- Push for quality: Lead reviews to ensure high-standard submissions.
- Maintain the opportunity pipeline: utilising CRM and creating reports for management.
- Taking the lead on other business development activities, such as award submissions, whitepapers, and sales collateral.
- Supporting every stage of the sales funnel: by working closely with marketing, sales, implementation, and operations teams.
What are we looking for?
Person Specification: What You'll Bring:
- At least two years of proven experience in bid and tender management, preferably within the healthcare (NHS & private), medical, or technology sectors.
- End-to-end bid management experience: A minimum of 4 years' experience leading the whole bid process.
- Preferred qualifications include a degree in Business, Communication, Marketing, Creative Writing, English or equivalent.
- APMP Certification is also desirable.
- Sector versatility: Experience with both public- and private-sector bids in the medical, biotech, biomed, health, and social sectors is preferred.
- Industry knowledge: Understanding of contact centres and/or customer experience is essential.
- Commercial acumen: Strong business sense, negotiation skills, and a hands-on approach.
- Resilience under pressure: Able to thrive in a fast-paced environment and meet tight deadlines.
- Detail orientation: High attention to detail to ensure quality and accuracy.
- Growth mindset: Self-motivated, proactive, and focused on continuous improvement.
- Strong communicator: Confident and articulate, with the ability to build trusted relationships across stakeholders.
- Time management: Skilled at prioritising tasks and managing competing deadlines.
What difference will you make?
In this exciting role, you will lead the strategic process for winning new business through competitive bids, tenders, and proposals, ultimately elevating AHO's success. Your specialised knowledge will enhance our win rates and maximise revenue by bringing clarity, quality, and coordination to what can be a complex and high-stakes journey. impact
Your primary mission is to boost AHO's tender win rates and strengthen our strategic advantage. By diligently overseeing each step of the bidding process—from initial evaluation to final submission—you will significantly improve the quality and persuasion of our proposals, directly increasing our chances of securing valuable contracts.
You'll provide key insights to help AHO target the most promising opportunities by implementing a thoughtful "bid/no-bid" process. This approach will ensure we focus only on lucrative and winnable contracts that closely align with our strategic goals, ultimately saving time and resources and allowing us to prioritise high-potential projects.
In this role, you will orchestrate a well-coordinated process that drives operational efficiency. As the central point of contact, you will gather input from diverse internal teams—sales, finance, legal, and technical—ensuring everyone collaborates smoothly to meet critical deadlines.
As a leader, you'll elevate the quality of our bid content. By overseeing the creation of compelling, polished materials, you'll ensure our final submissions are professional, cohesive, and error-free. You will utilise a centralised content library containing valuable resources, such as case studies and CVs, to streamline efforts and enhance our proposals.
You will keep projects on track by developing detailed project plans and timelines, ensuring all tasks are completed on time—especially critical in the fast-paced environment of tender submissions. Your effective management will ease colleagues' workloads, allowing the entire team to shine.
To foster long-term business growth, you'll create a wealth of knowledge around our tenders and bids. By conducting insightful post-submission debriefs and analysing feedback, you will capture invaluable lessons from both successes and setbacks. This ongoing improvement process will enhance our bidding capabilities for future opportunities.
You also have the opportunity to enhance AHO's brand reputation by submitting well-organised, accurate, and compliant bids. By doing so, you'll showcase our professionalism and reliability to clients, building trust and solidifying our credible standing in the market.
Strategic alignment is vital for sustaining consistent, stable business growth. Together, we can make a remarkable impact on development.
Applicants must submit a CV and a cover letter explaining how they meet the role description and the person specification.
Interviews will be arranged and conducted via Microsoft Teams.
Interview dates are agreed with the applicant.
To promote equity in health, to combat disease, and to improve the quality of, and lengthen, the lives of the people in Africa and the Diaspora.



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
As we celebrate our 60th anniversary, the National Youth Jazz Orchestra (NYJO) is seeking passionate new trustees to join our board and help shape the next chapter of our story. With a new CEO, bold artistic ambitions and a growing national footprint, this is an exciting moment to join an evolving organisation committed to nurturing young talent, expanding opportunities and strengthening our impact across the UK.
About NYJO:
Founded in 1965, NYJO has grown from a single jazz orchestra to a vibrant, varied organisation delivering engaging participation projects and impactful live performances for everyone. We exist to empower young jazz musicians and inspire audiences across the UK through our work.
We are committed to supporting and developing musicians of all styles and standards: whether you want to become the next emerging artist or simply play for fun -- we're here for it.
NYJO is dedicated to making jazz and creative music-making more accessible to early-career musicians, young people, and audiences across the country. Throughout our activity, we seek to create a meeting ground between the established and the experimental -- the past, present, and future -- to build bespoke programmes which cater to lifelong and new jazz fans.
Our work spans three core areas:
Emerging Professionals - We curate exciting performance projects for audiences and emerging professional musicians aged 18-25, underpinned by a programme of Professional Development.
NYJO Learning - We create accessible learning programmes for all, providing young people with impactful tools for personal growth through creative music-making.
Community Outreach - We are passionate about responding to and representing our communities, both locally and nationally, in physical and digital spaces.
We work in close collaboration with likeminded partners to deliver projects that respond to local community needs and create an inclusive learning environment which centres the voices of young people.
In 2021 we became a Resident Artistic Company at Woolwich Works, a creative arts centre in the Royal Borough of Greenwich. We are a registered charity with a turnover of c.£750,000 annually and are proud to be an Arts Council England (ACE) National Portfolio Organisation, working towards delivering ACE's 'Let's Create' strategy to make the arts sector more inclusive and reflective of modern Britain.
Our Board
NYJO's current Board consists of seven Trustees with expertise spanning digital communications, governance, HR, jazz industry knowledge, music education, finance, and fundraising. We are pleased to have diversified our board significantly in recent years, knowing that diverse boards make better decisions. Ensuring that our board is representative of the communities in which we work and the young people that we serve remains a priority.
Board Responsibilities
NYJO Trustees are expected to play a full role as a board director and trustee in accordance with charity and company regulations, and governance best practice. Responsibilities include:
- Providing strategic direction, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets, and evaluating performance against agreed targets
- Maintaining a collaborative and supportive relationship with senior staff and fellow trustees
- Proactively advocating for our work, championing the transformative power of jazz education and the many benefits that young people derive from creative music-making
- Safeguarding the financial stability, reputation and values of the charity
- Protecting the interest of donors and current and future beneficiaries, acting as guardians of NYJO's assets and taking due care over their security, deployment and proper application
- Ensuring that NYJO complies with its Articles and Objects, charity and company law, and any other relevant legislation or regulations
What We're Looking For
We are keen to recruit Trustees who:
- Are committed to NYJO's mission and will advocate for our work
- Bring strategic judgement, vision and creative thinking to the charity
- Can provide sound, independent reasoning and constructive challenge to our management team
- Are numerate, with the ability to understand budgets and charity finance
- Are willing to devote the necessary time and effort to be a Trustee, and to undertake relevant training and appraisal
- Demonstrate an understanding of good governance of charities
- Demonstrate the intellectual capacity to grasp issues outside personal experience and communicate opinions effectively
We are keen for our trustees to represent a broad mix of skills, experience and backgrounds, helping us to broaden our thinking and provide constructive challenge. At this time, our priority is to appoint an individual with professional experience as a UK based jazz musician, as this perspective will complement our current board's existing expertise and help ensure our leadership reflects the communities and artists we support.
We are committed to broadening the diversity of perspectives on our Board. We particularly encourage applications from women, younger people, and individuals from groups that are currently underrepresented at board level. All appointments will be made on merit.
You do not need to have prior trustee experience. Where needed, we will provide guidance and support to help first-time trustees thrive in the role.
In addition to professional jazz music experience, we would also be interested in candidates with demonstrable experience in music law or marketing, particularly digital marketing and social media. There is no expectation that applicants must meet more than one of these areas of expertise.
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
We are committed to providing an environment where every trustee is able to contribute confidently. We will offer appropriate onboarding and ongoing support to ensure all trustees can engage fully with their responsibilities.
Time Commitment
Trustees are expected to attend all board meetings (four per year) and an annual strategic planning session. Additionally, you may be invited to join working groups according to your areas of expertise and interest and will always be welcome to attend our performances and education events.
We will always be respectful of your time and provide maximum possible notice of any meetings and events.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Location: Shepherd’s Bush, West London
Time Commitment: Approx. 1–2 days per month (including quarterly board meetings and annual Away Day)
Type: Voluntary
Start Date: Early 2026
Join a unique West London charity creating lasting change in people’s lives
The Upper Room is seeking a Chair of Trustees (Designate) to join our Board in 2025/26 and, after a year of active trusteeship and shadowing, to step into the role of Chair when our current Chair reaches the end of their tenure in 2027.
This is an exceptional opportunity for a passionate, values-led individual to help shape the next phase of our work, from strategic resilience to community innovation.
About Us
From small beginnings more than 35 years ago The Upper Room has grown into a thriving charity with an annual budget of around £650K.
Food provision has always been at the heart of what we do. UR4Meals serves approximately 40,000 meals a year, operating five days a week.
UR4Driving works with ex-offenders and young people identified as at risk of offending. We help them pass their driving theory test, and then provide free driving lessons. Last year 37 students gained a full driving licence with us. This has a significant impact on their employability and self-esteem, and dramatically reduces re-offending.
UR4Jobs helps people become work-ready, and supports their wellbeing.
We are still based in our original home at St Saviour’s Church near Shepherd’s Bush in west London.
About the Role
As Chair, you’ll lead a committed and skilled Board of Trustees, working closely with our CEO and senior team to guide strategy, ensure good governance and champion our impact.
You’ll also play a key role externally, acting as an ambassador to funders, partners and supporters.
We’re looking for someone who can
- Provide strategic leadership through a period of growth and innovation
- Foster a culture of inclusion and respect, both on the Board and across the organisation - Support and challenge the CEO, acting as a critical friend and sounding board
- Ensure excellent governance, compliance and risk management
- Represent the charity publicly, building relationships and influence
About You
We welcome candidates with prior Board experience as a Trustee, Chair or Non-Executive Director, and a strong commitment to social justice.
We especially encourage applications from those with lived experience of disadvantage, as well as those from under-represented backgrounds, including individuals from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.
We’re interested in candidates with
- A clear understanding of charity governance and the role of a Chair
- Strong leadership and interpersonal skills
- Strategic thinking and sound judgement
- A collaborative, values-driven approach
- The time, energy and commitment to make a lasting difference
Additional experience in fundraising, partnerships, organisational development or public sector engagement would be welcome, though not essential.
Time Commitment
- As a Trustee in 2025/ 26 (approx. 1–2 days per month)
- Transition to Chair in 2027, subject to mutual agreement and Board approval
- Quarterly evening Board meetings (in person in London)
- Annual summer Away Day with staff and trustees
- Optional involvement in sub-committees or events depending on interest and availability
- Representing the charity at local events
Why Now
By inviting a prospective Chair to join our Board as a Trustee in 2025/26, we can ensure a smooth, informed transition, with the support and handover of our current Chair, and plenty of time for deep onboarding and relationship-building.
The new Chair will help consolidate our growth, and lead our Board through the next chapter, ensuring our mission continues to serve those who need us most in the years ahead.
How to Apply
Please send your CV and a brief covering letter explaining your interest and suitability to the Upper Room.
If you would like to have an informal conversation before applying, feel free to reach out via email to arrange a call.
Because we are planning for the long term we are not placing a deadline on this process. However, we aim to appoint in the first quarter of 2026.
Interviews will be held in two stages, including an in-person meeting with key Board and staff members.
Making sure nobody, socially or financially excluded in West London goes without help, supporting those in need, enabling those with potential



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Build on Belief is a charity dedicated to helping people who have, or have had issues with drugs and alcohol use, working to improve and sustain their health and wellbeing in order they can recover to lead fulfilling lives. Bring your accountancy and financial experience and skills to become a voluntary trustee and Honorary Treasurer for a growing and innovative organisation and help make a difference across diverse communities in London and SE England. If you’ve experience in accountancy and finance and perhaps even your own lived experience, then you could help us take the organisation forward.
What we do
BoB helps build the “social capital’ of people who are on a journey of recovery from histories of alcohol, illicit or prescribed drugs. Many of our service users and volunteers across our fourteen London and South-East projects have associated mental and physical health problems, along with histories of homelessness and unemployment.
We largely operate a structure where we recruit volunteers from our service users, and our managers from our volunteer pool, once trained. Our CEO, most managers and some members of the Board have lived experience, and many have been through the drug and alcohol treatment system. This ‘unique’ structure, we believe, gives a high level of peer led understanding of needs and responses
What you will be doing
Purpose of the Trustee Role & Hon Treasurer
The role of a trustee is to ensure that the organisation fulfils its duty to its beneficiaries and delivers on its vision, mission and values. The board of trustees are both jointly and individually responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity, its financial health, the probity of its activities and developing the organisation's aims, objectives and goals in accordance with the governing document, legal and regulatory guidelines.
The Hon. Treasurer plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the financial integrity and sustainability of the organisation. Their primary responsibility is to maintain strategic oversight of the organisation’s financial affairs, ensuring that it remains viable, compliant, and well-positioned to achieve its charitable objectives. This includes ensuring that robust financial systems, accurate records, and effective procedures are in place and consistently followed.
The Treasurer works closely with, and is, actively supported by the CEO and Head of Finance & Central Operations, collaborating on both strategic and operational financial matters to ensure sound governance and effective delivery.
Time Commitment
Trustees are expected to attend bi-monthly board meetings (Tuesday evening) at Earls Court and participate in ad-hoc task groups and occasional on-line meetings.
BoB Trustees are Required To:
Uphold the charity’s mission and ensure its effective governance, strategic direction, and legal compliance. Their responsibilities include:
Strategic Leadership
· Ensure the charity pursues its stated charitable objects as defined in the Memorandum & Articles of Association.
· Establish and maintain a clear vision, values, and strategy, ensuring shared understanding among trustees, staff, volunteers, stakeholders, and associated personnel.
· Ensure operational plans and budgets align with and support the strategic vision.
· Define organisational goals and evaluate performance against agreed targets.
· Advise on and support fundraising efforts and project engagement.
Stakeholder Engagement
· Regularly seek and consider the views of external stakeholders and service users, staff, and volunteers.
· Uphold the good name and values of the organisation in all interactions.
Governance and Compliance
· Ensure compliance with the Mem & Articles of Association, charity law, company law, employment law, and other relevant regulations.
· Ensure resources are used exclusively to further the charity’s objects.
· Maintain appropriate governance structures that reflect the charity’s size, complexity, and diversity.
· Review the governance structure and board performance regularly.
· Ensure trustees adhere to an agreed code of conduct, with mechanisms for addressing non-compliance.
Risk and Oversight
· Identify and regularly review major risks to the organisation, ensuring systems are in place to mitigate or manage them.
· Monitor changes in the external environment (political, financial, demographic, competitive) that may impact the charity.
· Hold staff accountable for the management and administration of the charity.
· Consider external professional advice on matters presenting material risk or potential breach of trustee duties.
Staff and Operational Oversight
· Follow formal arrangements for the appointment, supervision, support, appraisal, and remuneration of staff.
· Ensure the organisation exercises a duty of care to its employees.
· Support continuous professional development across the organisation.
Engagement and Representation
· Visit local services and attend key events to support the charity’s work.
· Actively engage with the charity’s activities and initiatives.
· Act as ambassadors for the charity.
The Hon. Treasurers Role
Strategic
· Assist and advise in the formation of the charity’s financial strategy, ensuring adequate resources to deliver services and that funds are spent on furthering charitable purposes.
· Advise on the financial implications of strategic and operational plans.
· Advise on the funding strategy and ensure alignment with the charity’s aims.
· Ensure the Board receives regular and appropriate financial information.
· Review and present the annual financial statements to the Board.
· Recommend appropriate accounting procedures, controls, and policies consistent with financial and regulatory legislation.
· Oversee the appointment and regular review of auditors.
· Work in close partnership with the CEO and Head of Finance & Central Operations to support strategic goals.
· Ensure appropriate investment and reserves policies are in place.
· Monitor the performance of investments.
· Ensure all assets are adequately maintained and accounted for.
Governance
· Maintain effective governance of the organisation’s financial affairs, ensuring viability and proper processes for financial records, decisions, and delegations.
· Ensure the Board is aware of its financial duties and responsibilities and complies with all relevant legislations (e.g. Companies and Charity Law)
· Lead on the assessment and management of financial risk
· Ensure financial policies and procedures are regularly reviewed and updated
· Ensure compliance with charity accounting practices and statutory requirements
· Ensure recommendations from auditors are implemented
· Ensure accounts meet conditions of contractual agreements with funders and statutory bodies.
Experience, Skills & Behaviours required to fulfil the role of Hon. Treasurer effectively:
- Experience of charity accounting.
- Experience of financial control, budgeting, and risk management.
- Good communications and interpersonal skills.
- A willingness to be contacted on an ad-hoc basis.
- Ability to ensure financial decisions taken are followed up in a timely manner.
What we are looking for
Our Trustee Board comprises people who have good skills and experience in, corporate strategic marketing and communications, health care, HR, information technology, research and legal matters.
Our current Honorary Treasurer is standing down after seven years, and we are looking to replace him. The role of Honorary Treasurer is an important one, being the key person colleague trustees look to for professional advice about all things financial. We have a Head of Finance & Central Operations who manages the day-to-day financial management and reporting systems.
This year we have introduced two systems to underpin our growth to a nearly £2m business. These are Xero and PLEO, with PEOPLE HR for our associated HR functions.
If you’ve experience of senior financial management and leadership, then you could make a significant contribution to our development.
Essential experience & qualifications sought
We are open to a variety of professional financial backgrounds and qualifications with, ideally but not necessarily only, charities and including current registration as a member of the:
o Institute of Chartered Accountants.
o Association of Chartered Certified Accountants.
o Chartered Institute of Management Accountants
o CIPFA
We are very open to bringing on board people who can support us becoming a more inclusive organisation. We particularly welcome applications from individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds, women and other underrepresented groups, including those with disabilities and from LGBTQI communities. We are also very open to recruiting someone who may have their own lived experience of addictions and adversity to draw upon. What counts will be your enthusiasm, commitment, competence and interest in taking on a trustee and governance role.
A few more details on application process
Our deadline for applications is Monday 15 December 2025
· Please submit a CV and a covering letter (no more than 2 pages) which must address three questions (see below).
· We aim to be flexible with interview dates, to include early evenings but aim to hold them during January or early February.
· If you need any particular support if you are invited to an interview, then please make this clear in your supporting statement (see below).
· We plan to have an induction and familiarisation/onboarding process before final confirmation as a trustee. Once appointed, Trustees are expected to serve a minimum three-year term of office. This is a voluntary and non-paid position.
Please send your CV with covering Supportive Statement to our Chair, Roger Howard:
· Your Supportive Statement or covering letter should address three questions:
i. Why are you interested in becoming a trustee and treasurer of BoB?
ii. What insights and experiences can you bring to our charity Board?
iii. Is there anything in your background that we should be aware of that might be relevant to you becoming a trustee/company director?
Personal data statement: In line with GDPR, we ask that you do NOT send us any informtion that can identify children or any of your Sensitive Personal Data in your CV and application documentation, apart from matters relating to your own experiences of addictions and matters which may arise during a subsequent DBS enhanced scrutiny.
Following this notice, any inclusion of your Sensitive Personal Data in your CV/ application documentation will be understood by us as your express consent to process this information going forward.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Looking for an exciting opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of Londoners affected by homelessness, while contributing your professional insights to a forward-thinking and compassionate organisation? Why not join us as our Audit Committee Chair or as a Trustee!
About Evolve Housing + Support
At Evolve, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to live a safe, fulfilled and independent life. We provide support in London, offering tailored programmes to meet people’s individual needs; including housing, employment and skills training, mentoring and counselling.
We do this through our work with young parents and children at risk of exclusion to build the skills and resilience that can help prevent homelessness, campaigning to end street homelessness, and building affordable homes to help people move on to an independent life.
Our company culture: the heart of what we do
We’re proud of our inclusive culture – one where everyone’s voice matters, and where diversity of background, thought and experience helps us make better decisions for the communities we serve. Our mission - to help children, young people and adults who are homeless or at risk of homelessness reach their potential, and move on to live happy, fulfilled lives. We ensure our values - Honest, Inclusive, Optimistic, Determined, Passionate & Creative inform everything we do.
The opportunities to join us
At Evolve Housing + Support, we are championing opportunity, dignity and independence for people affected by homelessness – a cause that may resonate with you and encourage you to lend your strategic oversight and financial skills to our Board.
We are looking for a new Audit Committee Chair and two Trustees to join our Board and play a key role in shaping our governance and strategic direction.
As our Audit Committee Chair, you’ll ensure we maintain the highest standards of financial stewardship, carry out all our affairs effectively under all regulatory bodies, while keeping our mission and values at the heart of decision-making through your leadership.
The Trustee roles present the opportunity to play a crucial part in the successful running of our organisation, in partnership with the leadership team, upholding excellent governance using your professional skills.
Who are we looking for?
We are particularly interested in speaking with people who are able to lead and inspire, who also have the strategic and analytical thinking skills to lead through periods of change, and who can communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders and audiences.
You’ll need to have the ability to proactively support the values of Evolve Housing + Support, have a strong understanding of good governance practice along with a financial or HR background at a professional level, and a strong track record in a relevant sector, with empathy for our core customer group.
Don’t think you quite meet all of the specifications? Please don’t count yourself out – we’d still love to hear from you and learn more about you and your interest in joining Evolve!
Sounding good? Here’s how you can apply today!
Please read the Candidate Information Pack for more information before you apply.
How to Apply:
Eastside People is supporting Evolve Housing + Support in the recruitment of these roles. Please apply by submitting your CV and a cover letter, both in Word doc format.
Please use the cover letter (max 2 pages) as an opportunity to add to the information you have shared in your CV and ensure that you cover the following:
- Why are you interested in the Chair/Trustee role at Evolve Housing + Support?
- Having read the information pack, what relevant experience and skills do you feel you would bring to this role?
We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential. If you have a disability or require reasonable adjustments during the application or interview process, please contact us so we can support you appropriately.
The closing date for applications is Mon 22 Dec 2025. Shortlisting interviews will take place shortly after and shortlisted candidates will have an interview with Evolve during the week beginning 12 January 2026.
We look forward to hearing from you!

