Main board trustee volunteer roles

About 1st Place
1st Place was established in 2005 as part of the Aylesbury Sure Start Programme, shaped by the vision of local children and parents. It was created to be a welcoming and supportive space where families come first—where parents could access the support they need, professionals could collaborate, and services could evolve to better serve the local community.

Families remain at the core of everything 1st Place does today.

The Opportunity
1st Place Children and Parents’ Centre is a respected Family Hub and provider of early years education. Through outreach, nursery provision, and a range of family-focused projects—particularly for children under five—the organisation delivers high-quality, consistent services to the local community.

The Board of Trustees is seeking a new Honorary Treasurer to succeed the outgoing postholder. The Treasurer chairs the Finance & General Purposes Sub-Committee and holds responsibility, on behalf of the Board, for overseeing budgets, internal management accounts, and annual financial statements. The role also ensures that appropriate financial controls and procedures are in place.

The ideal candidate will bring a strong understanding of the voluntary sector, charity governance, finance, and risk management. Strategic thinking, effective communication with trustees and senior managers, and leadership experience are essential. A commitment to dedicating time and energy to the organisation’s mission is vital.

Crossness Pumping Station (overseen by the Crossness Engines Trust) is a unique and valuable museum of UK and world reknown telling the history of how the ambitious management of sewage transformed London as a city of growth and innovation in the 1860s and helped eradicate cholera. Preserved and restored by a group of enthusiasts since 1987, we are now entering a second phase of major restoration and we need visionary trustees who can help us achieve it.

This role is one of three we have created for experts in their field to help us implement a major programme over the next 5-10 years. It really is your chance to be part of our history!

As well as the usual trustee roles (outlined in the role description attached) the specific skills needed for this role include:

Role Objectives

• Acting as lead expert on the Board in relation to management of Crossness as a heritage asset.
• Advising on regulatory and policy issues in heritage buildings and assets.
• Ensuring high standards of achievement in all aspects relating to Museum Accreditation including Building restoration, Collections and Archives.

Responsibilities

• Liaising with the Restoration, Archives and other relevant teams including developing work plans.
• Overseeing funding requirements in major grant applications.
• Being part of the Building Condition Survey sub-group.
• Liaising with volunteers and suppliers on developing work plans and ensuring their completion.
• Contribute to financial and business plans to achieve the heritage asset goals of the Trust.

Candidate requirements

Essential

• Experience working in a senior heritage management role.
• Excellent understanding of the needs of heritage assets and the roles of volunteers and staff in their management.
• Understanding of key stakeholder networks and sources of information useful to the Trust.
• Excellent communication skills including with staff and volunteers as well as fellow trustees.
• An understanding of the importance of collaboration and problem-solving.
• Confident and proficient in the use of MS Office 365.
• Commitment to attend board meetings regularly and volunteer for other sub-committees as appropriate.
• Able to devote around 2-3 hours per week on preparing for meetings.
• Treating colleagues with respect and politeness.

Desirable

• Experience working in the charity sector.
• Experience as a volunteer at a similar organisation.
• Experience in Digital, Marketing and Finance would also be useful.

Trustee - Rees Foundation (Scotland Based)

Are you committed to making a lasting difference in the lives of care-experienced individuals in Scotland?

Would you like to help shape the future of a growing charity dedicated to supporting those who have been in care? As we expand our work into Scotland, we’re looking for a new Trustee who shares our commitment to improving outcomes for young people and adults with care experience. With our recent entry into the Scottish Charity Register, this is an exciting time to join us and help shape our growth and strategy in Scotland, enhancing our ability to offer meaningful support where it is needed most.

About us

The Rees Foundation is a national charity based in Worcestershire, supporting adults who have experienced foster care or residential care at any stage in their lives. We focus on the often-challenging transition from care into adulthood and the long-term impact care experience can have. At Rees, we believe care does not end at 18, 21, or 25, it is a lifelong journey, and everyone deserves ongoing support and someone who cares.
We listen, offer practical and emotional help, and create projects that genuinely change lives for the better.

About the role

As a Trustee, you will play a key role in ensuring the charity stays true to its mission and values. Our Board of Trustees shares responsibility for guiding the organisation’s strategic direction, ensuring good governance, financial health, and compliance with legal and regulatory frameworks.

Board members are required to attend four quarterly meetings a year, which last for up to three hours as well as three of four times a year to review grant applications. They are currently held during the day.

We are looking for someone who:

• Has skills in areas such as governance, finance, advocacy, or community engagement.
• Can commit to attending regular board meetings (online and occasionally in person).
• Enjoys working collaboratively and has a forward-thinking outlook.
• May bring knowledge or experience of the care system in Scotland (lived experience is especially welcomed).

Want to know more?

If you think you could contribute to our Board, we would like to hear from you. For an informal conversation about the charity and the Trustee role, please contact Melody Douglas, CEO.

To apply, please email Kathryn Mylott, HR Generalist to request a recruitment pack with more details about the charity and the role.

Crossness Pumping Station (managed by the Crossness Engines Trust) is a unique and valuable museum of UK and world reknown telling the history of how the ambitious management of sewage transformed London as a city of growth and innovation in the 1860s and helped eradicate cholera. Preserved and restored by a group of enthusiasts since 1987, we are now entering a second phase of major restoration and we need visionary trustees who can help us achieve it.

This role is one of three we have created for experts in their field to help us implement a major programme over the next 5-10 years. It really is your chance to be part of our history!

As well as the usual trustee roles the specific skills needed for this role include:

SPECIFIC PURPOSE OF ROLE:

Role Objectives

• Acting as lead expert on the Board in relation to health and safety, particularly in relation to working with volunteers and members of the public.
• Advising on good practice and regulatory and policy issues in health and safety.
• Ensuring current and future engineering projects are developed in line with health and safety requirements.

Responsibilities

• Work with the Restoration, Electrical and other relevant teams on developing safe practices.
• Lead on the review and updating of all health and safety policies and procedures.
• Ensure volunteers are sufficiently trained to understand and practice good health and safety standards.

Candidate specification

Essential 

• Substantial current engineering experience (including engineering registration status – CEng/IEng) in health and safety.
• Relevant health and safety qualifications (eg IOSH etc)
• Ability to foster good practice in volunteers.
• Excellent communication skills including with staff and volunteers as well as fellow trustees.
• An understanding of the importance of collaboration and problem-solving.
• Confident and proficient in the use of MS Office 365.
• Commitment to attend board meetings regularly and volunteer for other sub-committees as appropriate.
• Able to devote around 2-3 hours per week on preparing for meetings.
• Treating colleagues with respect and politeness.

Desirable 

• Specific health and safety experience in the heritage/architectural restoration sectors.
• Experience in Digital, Marketing and Finance would also be useful.
• Experience in the charity sector.
• Experience as a volunteer in a similar organisation.

We are a small, friendly, place-based funder seeking up to 3 new volunteer Trustees to take us into the next decade.

Opportunity – Volunteer Trustee (we have 10 currently)

Location – London Bridge/Borough High Street SE1 (hybrid meetings, in-person encouraged)

Salary - Voluntary (Reasonable expenses reimbursed)

Hours – equivalent to 1 day per month

Trustees attend 4 required board meetings each year in March, June, September, December. We also encourage attendance at our quarterly Finance Committee and/or occasional grant assessment meetings. All are hybrid meetings run from our office near to London Bridge SE1.

About Us

Wakefield Tetley Trust is a long-established grant-maker working in Tower Hamlets, Southwark and the City of London since 2008 as a joint entity, originally created in the 1930’s as two separate charities. We support people in need by funding local charities and community groups who work with individuals and communities who are marginalised or disadvantaged, for example because they have difficulty in accessing resources, face discrimination or may experience poorer social, economic and health outcomes. In 2024 the Trust made grants of £213,152 towards work in support of our aims.

The opportunity

We are looking for up to 3 community-minded individuals who might live or work in our area of benefit. You will be keen to engage in high quality grant-making through informed understanding of the needs and challenges facing the charities and communities that we support.  We always need to add to our professional skill base so if you have experience relating to governance, finance, property, strategic and operational management, that is equally welcome. You’ll play a key part in developing our future plans and, as we are looking to incorporate in the next 12 months, you will play a part in achieving that and other changes.  

Time Commitment

Being available, engaged and a sounding board for staff and other Trustees is just as important as attending 4 mandatory meetings each year. We hope you’d take up the opportunity to visit and meet with grant holder charities, and to develop your knowledge and intelligence of issues that affect people in our area of benefit.

Who You Are

We’re looking for up to three individuals who bring enthusiasm, knowledge or interest in the local area we cover (or willing to learn), commitment to sound governance and the intention to make high quality grant-making. You might have a specific social interest or issue that you want to champion, and you’ll be a collaborative team member of the Board.

We particularly welcome applications from people currently living or working in the London Boroughs of Southwark, Tower Hamlets or City of London. 

We are looking for a new Board member with financial expertise to chair our Finance and Audit Committee, support our work, and bring new skills, expertise and ideas for the future of our organisation.

At Nottingham Contemporary, we believe in the power of contemporary art to inspire, challenge and bring people together. Our vision is to be a leading international contemporary art gallery, known for our innovative exhibitions, events and local engagement programmes. We are in an important moment in Nottingham Contemporary’s history as we deliver a transformative process of rearticulating our purpose and shaping our future. This includes securing our long-term financial standing by developing and working towards ambitious and entrepreneurial income generation strategies and building on new and existing partnerships, members and supporters.

We are looking for someone with strong financial understanding and experience to join our Board as a trustee and Chair of the Finance and Audit Committee. This role is key to supporting Board members with financial decisions and understanding, providing a link between the Board and the Finance and Audit Committee and working closely with the Director and Senior Leadership Team.

Time commitment: We would normally expect trustees to prepare for and take part in 4–5 Board meetings per year. In addition, you will be expected to prepare for and chair up to 5 Finance and Audit Committee meetings per year. All trustees support the development of key pieces of work and are invited to voluntarily attend the 3 exhibition openings per year and other fundraising, networking and promotional functions. In total, this is estimated as a time commitment of an average of 1 day per month.

Payment: The role is an unpaid voluntary position. Reasonable travel expenses incurred taking part will be met. 

Access: Information about our access statement and facilities can be found on our website.

Benefits: We offer mutually devised mentoring and training opportunities, based upon the needs and interests of new trustees. The role can provide opportunities for the development of experiences and networks in the cultural sector and beyond. 

Closing date: Wednesday 1 October 2025

Interviews: Wednesday 22 October 2025

For more information, including the job description and person specification, please see our website.

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

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

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

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

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

Welcome and thank you for your interest in becoming a Trustee of The Hardman Trust

• Are you keen to help people leaving prison and support them to work towards their goals?
• Do you believe that with the right support people can rebuild their lives, contribute to their communities, and break free from the cycle of reoffending?
• Do you share our conviction that no one should be defined solely by their past, and that everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive?

If so, you could be one of the people we are looking for to help The Hardman Trust move into the next
exciting chapter of our work.

Who are we?
The Hardman Trust was established in 1994, with the aim of helping people leaving prison after long
sentences. Our founder, Guy Armstrong, was a prison Chaplain. He saw the challenges facing this
group: homelessness, a lack of workplace skills, stigma, isolation, low confidence, and poverty. A fund
was set up to provide financial assistance to purchase tools and equipment, offering a helping hand
into employment. We now know from experience that this practical approach works. The people the
Hardman Trust has supported over three decades have used this financial support to gain
qualifications, start their own businesses, find employment and a new direction in life. We are now
extending our reach so more people can benefit from our support and sharing our evidence and
insights to help shape a more effective, humane criminal justice system. Achieving this means securing
the right funding, building strong partnerships, and ensuring our resources are used with maximum
efficiency and impact.
We are looking for several new Trustees to join the Hardman Trust Board. If you want to support our
mission, and you feel that you have the commitment and the life or professional experience for the
role, we would love to hear from you. In return, you will have the chance to make a meaningful
difference to those serving long sentences; and you will be part of a passionate and committed team
of staff, trustees and volunteers. We offer support to all new Trustees and if you haven’t been one
before, don’t worry - we will make sure you have access to any training and development you feel you
need.
It is a privilege to be part of the Hardman Trust’s work. It is an incredible organisation making real
change in the criminal justice sector. It is an exciting time to join the charity – we have recently
appointed a new CEO, Annette So and we are looking forward to developing our direction for the
future and fulfilling our vision where everyone can achieve their potential within and beyond prison.

The Trustee role
The Trustees work collectively as a Board. They have ultimate responsibility for governing the
Hardman Trust charity, directing its management, and ensuring it is well-run and operates according to
its purposes. They are legally responsible for the charity's finances, reputation, and compliance with
the law. Each Trustee brings their own lived experience and/or professional skills to support the charity
achieve its aims. Most Trustees also learn new skills during their time on the Board.
We want our Board to look like the world we serve and to have different voices within it. We know
that diverse groups of people make better decisions. We are keen to hear from people who can bring
perspectives or experiences often underrepresented in charity governance and how can help us
progress our vision.
Trustees are not usually involved in the day-to-day running of the charity. However, they work closely
with the Hardman Trust’s dedicated staff team, who are supported by a wider group of volunteers. The
Trustee role as in the majority of charities, is unpaid although legitimate expenses – travel costs for
example – can be claimed.

The Trustees’ key responsibilities

• Setting The Hardman Trust’s strategy and priorities.
• Representing the community, we serve and ensuring our decisions reflect the needs and experiences of those leaving prison.
• Supporting and constructively challenging our staff team to ensure the charity’s work, resources, and partnerships are well-managed and deliver maximum impact.
• Approving operational strategies and policies and monitoring their implementation.
• Approving The Hardman Trust’s financial plans and budgets and monitoring progress.
• Ensuring that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively.
• Promoting and safeguarding our values by acting with integrity, fairness, and commitment at all times.
• Applying their skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts to promote the charity’s work.

What we are looking for
No single Trustee will have everything the Hardman Trust needs. We want our Board to have the
collective experience needed to support and guide the charity. What matters most is your
commitment to our mission, your willingness to share your perspective and knowledge, and your
readiness to contribute to our Board’s decision-making. You do not have to have been a Trustee
before.
To complement the experience of our current Trustees, we are keen to hear from people with one or
more of the following:

• Lived experience of the criminal justice system, whether your own or that of a partner, family member, or close friend.
• Knowledge of Black, Asian, or minority ethnic communities, especially in relation to challenges faced after leaving prison.
• Professional experience in, or connected to, the criminal justice system.
• Expertise in HR, banking, and employment law to help us strengthen our policies and practices.
• Fundraising expertise to help grow the charity’s income and help us establish a Fundraising
• Advisory Board.
• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and to improving outcomes for people serving long prison sentences.

Please review the document The Hardman Trust Trustee Pack for more information about this position.

Join the Board of an organisation that is changing places and changing lives.

Groundwork is the community charity with a green heart. Our mission is to create a fair and green future in which people, places and nature thrive. We believe that big global issues – the economy, the environment – have a big local impact. Groundwork East operates throughout the East of England helping communities find practical solutions to the challenges they face. We have a profound moral commitment to respond and grow to meet the anticipated demand for our services.

Role: Chairperson

Groundwork East has almost 40 years of experience in delivering bespoke projects that use the environment as a catalyst for building a more sustainable future.

Groundwork involves residents, businesses and other local organisations in practical projects that improve the quality of life, bring about regeneration, and lay the foundations to make sustainable development a reality in local communities.

Our mission has never been more important and we are seeking a passionate and committed Chairperson who wants to support us to drive growth and be part of our ambitious plans.

We are looking for a Chairperson to join our strong and engaged Board of Trustees to bring fresh ideas and new insights with skills developed through lived experience. As the main figurehead of the Trust you will attend formal events and maintain contact with Groundwork UK, sitting on the Groundwork UK Board. You will Chair our Board meetings ensuring that the Board gives appropriate attention to standards of Governance, safeguarding and legal compliance as is required of a charitable organisation. You will have proven leadership skills and excellent financial acumen with an ability to work effectively with the Chief Executive and the Board of Trustees to ensure full engagement and to develop and deliver on the strategic vision of the organisation.

We are an equal opportunities employer and we are committed to securing diversity amongst our Board of Trustees. We are deeply committed to being representative of the areas we serve and invite applications from all areas of society.

Village Preschool E17 is a small charity in Walthamstow offering high-quality early years education. We’re currently undergoing a strategic transformation to improve operations, strengthen sustainability, and deepen our community impact.

What will you be doing?

Village Preschool E17 is a small, community-based educational charity in Walthamstow, providing high-quality early years education to local families. We are currently entering an exciting phase of transformation, and we’re seeking a new Chair of Trustees to guide us through this journey.

As Chair, you will play a vital leadership role in ensuring strong governance, strategic direction, and a sustainable future for the preschool. You’ll work closely with the Headteacher of Preschool and a committed board of trustees to improve operations, shape long-term plans, and uphold our values and charitable mission. You’ll also provide support and supervision to the Headteacher, lead termly board meetings, and act as a key representative of the organisation.

This role is both strategic and supportive, requiring sound judgement, strong interpersonal skills, and a collaborative leadership style. We’re looking for someone with experience in governance, leadership, or strategic planning—ideally within the charity, education, or early years sector. You should be confident in leading group discussions, supporting senior staff, and helping to identify funding and sponsorship opportunities.

If you’re passionate about early childhood education and community development, and want to use your skills to make a lasting local impact, we’d love to hear from you.

What are we looking for?

Leadership and Governance:

• Lead the Board of Trustees to ensure strong governance, strategic oversight, and compliance with legal and regulatory obligations.
• Chair termly trustee meetings and ensure all trustees are actively engaged and informed.
• Support the recruitment, induction, and development of trustees to build a strong and effective board.
• Ensure board decisions are actioned and followed up appropriately.

Support and Supervision:

• Provide regular line management and support to the Head of Preschool, including:
  • Leading the annual performance appraisal.
  • Acting as a sounding board for strategic and operational issues.

Communication and Representation:

• Main point of contact between the Board and the Head of Preschool.
• Create a positive, open relationship with staff, trustees, and stakeholders.

Strategic Oversight:

• Lead on the long-term development of the board and organisational planning.
• Facilitate effective collaboration and decision-making across the board.
• Take urgent action between meetings when necessary (not including decision-making unless explicitly authorised by the board).

Crisis Response:

• Act quickly and effectively in the event of emergencies or significant issues, working closely with the Head and trustees to coordinate an appropriate response.

Person Specification

Essential:

• Experience in governance, leadership, or strategic oversight—preferably within a charity, education, or early years setting.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to lead and facilitate group discussions and decision-making.
• Confidence in supervising and supporting senior staff.
• A genuine interest in early childhood education and community development.

Desirable:

• Knowledge of charity regulation, Ofsted requirements, or early years sector.
• Previous experience on a board or in a chairing role.
• Local to Waltham Forest or strong understanding of the local community.

What difference will you make?

As Chair of the Board of Trustees, you will play a vital role in shaping the future of Village Preschool E17. Your leadership will help guide our charity through an exciting period of transformation—strengthening governance, improving operations, and ensuring we continue to deliver high-quality early years education to local families.

You will be a key source of support for our Head of Preschool and a driving force behind a collaborative, effective trustee board. By bringing your skills and insight to strategic planning, compliance, and funding development, you will directly impact the lives of the children and families we serve.

This is a meaningful opportunity to use your experience for good—helping a valued local charity remain sustainable, inclusive, and deeply rooted in its community. Your voice, leadership, and vision could help secure a brighter future for Village Preschool E17.

Before you apply

Please provide a CV and cover letter detailing why you are interested in this role and your relevant experience.

**We are reviewing applications on a rolling basis and will close the opportunity once we've found the right person to join our board - early applications are encouraged.**

Contract/Expected Commitment - 3 years fixed-term

About us

SurvivorsUK exists for men and non-binary people who have experienced sexual abuse, sexual assault or rape, or any survivor who thinks we’re the right service for them.

We support – by providing services such as a helpline, counselling, ISVA and groupwork.
We challenge – by raising public awareness of the issue, and dispelling myths
We build – by creating and facilitating networks for better access to help

We provide emotional support, information and signposting to survivors and anyone worried about someone they know, through a national website and webchat service (open until 8pm most evenings). Last year, 2,600 people contacted us via our webchat services and social media.

In London, we are the only organisation providing specialist services for men and boys, including individual counselling and therapeutic group work. Across London, we provide the capital’s only Independent Sexual Advisor (ISVA) Service that helps men and boys through the criminal justice system.

Purpose of Role

This is an exciting time to be joining SurvivorsUK, as we look to expand our Board with committed professionals bringing their expertise in the following roles:

• Clinical Trustee
• Fundraising Lead Trustee
• Legal Lead Trustee
• Finance Lead Trustee

The organisation is currently reviewing our strategy and our new Trustees will bring complementary skills to help shape our work and plans for the future. SurvivorsUK is a well respected and financially stable charity delivering high quality, in-demand services to our beneficiaries.

We are looking for experienced people with passion, professionalism and commitment to help ensure we continue to deliver high quality services to those we support.

Main responsibilities of all Trustees include:

• To set and maintain the vision, mission and values.
• To ensure that SurvivorsUK pursues its objectives as defined in its governing document.
• To maintain proper financial control and ensure that SurvivorsUK applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objectives.
• To develop strategy and support the operational management of the organisation.
• To ensure that risk is assessed and managed effectively.
• To promote SurvivorsUK and its values, and act in the best interests of the charity.

To see the responsibilities and personal specification for each role, please click the specific job description below for more information:

Clinical Trustee recruitment pack
Fundraising Lead Trustee recruitment pack
Legal Lead Trustee recruitment pack
Finance Lead Trustee recruitment pack

Time Commitment

Usually there are six Board of Trustee meetings and one AGM per year. In addition, Trustees are expected to be part of a Board sub-committee.

Board meetings are generally held in the evening.

Trustees are also expected to attend occasional training and public or private events, e.g. supporter/fundraising events, strategic away days etc.

How to apply

To express an interest in the role and to be considered, please select your preferred application pack and submit the following:

• An up-to-date CV.
• A supporting statement that addresses the person specification in the recruitment pack and outlines your motivation for applying.

At SurvivorsUK, we are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive work environment where everyone is empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work.

We especially encourage applications from individuals who reflect the diversity of the communities we serve, including men, non-binary, Black, Asian, Mixed Heritage, Trans, disabled people, and those from other marginalised groups. We recognise and value the unique experiences that arise from the intersections of these identities, and we particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience or a strong understanding of the issues faced by our service users.

We also understand the importance of work-life balance and are open to discussing flexible working arrangements, including job share opportunities, to support candidates with caregiving responsibilities or other needs.

If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process or have any accessibility needs, please let us know. We are here to provide any support necessary to ensure the process is inclusive for you.

At Finance Innovation Lab we believe in a financial system that serves people and planet. Our financial system has become disconnected from the real needs of people, the environment, the wider economy and society. It doesn’t have to be this way. Could you help us change it?

About the roles

We’re looking for up to three new trustees to join our board from January 2026. Fully remote participation is possible.

You'll use your expertise to help the Lab be more effective and impactful, while gaining insights into our work and experience of charity governance and leadership. During 2026, there may also be an opportunity to take on the role of Chair, co-Chair, or Vice Chair.

All roles are voluntary, with reasonable expenses reimbursed, including childcare or other caring costs if this is needed to attend meetings.

Who are we looking for?

We’re looking in particular for people with experience in:

• Financial sector policy: at the Lab, we work to change the policies and rules which shape and govern the financial system, so it can deliver more socially, economically and environmentally just outcomes. Do you have experience developing, influencing or driving government policy, legislation or regulation for the financial sector?  This could be either from within or outside the mechanisms of power. Could you help us to achieve our goals?

• Communications: effective communications are key to our work, and an area where we're looking to grow and improve. If you've got experience in media or digital comms, and would be willing to support and mentor the team as we develop our skills and capacity, we'd love to hear from you.

• Fundraising: the majority of our funding currently comes from trusts and foundation grants, plus we’re working on building our earned income streams. In future we’d also like to explore individual giving. Do you have relevant experience in these areas you’d enjoy sharing?

We’re also keen to hear from candidates with the relevant expertise to join our Finance and Operational Risk Committee, and/or our Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion working group. You can read more about these in the attached Trustee Recruitment Pack.

We recognise that people's backgrounds and the identities they hold have a significant effect on the ways that they experience and are impacted by the financial system. We know that our own work will be stronger if it is directly informed by a diversity of perspectives, including from those most negatively impacted by the current financial system. We therefore particularly welcome applications from people with backgrounds or identities that are currently under-represented on our board and team, including those from Global Majority backgrounds, neurodivergent people, disabled and/or chronically ill people, those with lived experience of financial exclusion, and women and non-binary genders. For info, you can find the results of our 2024 diversity survey results on our website.

You must feel confident in supporting the team and the board by providing advice and input on your areas of expertise, based on your experience. However, previous experience of serving on a board of trustees is not required, and we provide training and mentoring on fulfilling the obligations required of a trustee.

Our Commitment to Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

We believe that justice, equity, diversity and inclusion are fundamental to what we are trying to achieve.

We are committed to providing equality and fairness for all and not to discriminate on any grounds, including gender, marital status, race, ethnic origin, colour, nationality, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, mental health, religion or age.

You can read more about this, including the concrete steps we commit to during this process, in the Trustee Recruitment Pack.

Welcome and thank you for your interest in becoming the Chair of the board at The Hardman Trust

• Are you keen to help people leaving prison and support them to work towards their goals?
• Do you believe that with the right support people can rebuild their lives, contribute to their communities, and break free from the cycle of reoffending?
• Do you share our conviction that no one should be defined solely by their past, and that everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive?

If so, you could be one of the people we are looking for to help The Hardman Trust move into the next
exciting chapter of our work.

Who are we?
The Hardman Trust was established in 1994, with the aim of helping people leaving prison after long
sentences. Our founder, Guy Armstrong, was a prison Chaplain. He saw the challenges facing this
group: homelessness, a lack of workplace skills, stigma, isolation, low confidence, and poverty. A fund
was set up to provide financial assistance to purchase tools and equipment, offering a helping hand
into employment. We now know from experience that this practical approach works. The people the
Hardman Trust has supported over three decades have used this financial support to gain
qualifications, start their own businesses, find employment and a new direction in life. We are now
extending our reach so more people can benefit from our support and sharing our evidence and
insights to help shape a more effective, humane criminal justice system. Achieving this means securing
the right funding, building strong partnerships, and ensuring our resources are used with maximum
efficiency and impact.
We are looking for several new Trustees to join the Hardman Trust Board. If you want to support our
mission, and you feel that you have the commitment and the life or professional experience for the
role, we would love to hear from you. In return, you will have the chance to make a meaningful
difference to those serving long sentences; and you will be part of a passionate and committed team
of staff, trustees and volunteers. We offer support to all new Trustees and if you haven’t been one
before, don’t worry - we will make sure you have access to any training and development you feel you
need.
It is a privilege to be part of the Hardman Trust’s work. It is an incredible organisation making real
change in the criminal justice sector. It is an exciting time to join the charity – we have recently
appointed a new CEO, Annette So and we are looking forward to developing our direction for the
future and fulfilling our vision where everyone can achieve their potential within and beyond prison.

The Trustee role
The Trustees work collectively as a Board. They have ultimate responsibility for governing the
Hardman Trust charity, directing its management, and ensuring it is well-run and operates according to
its purposes. They are legally responsible for the charity's finances, reputation, and compliance with
the law. Each Trustee brings their own lived experience and/or professional skills to support the charity
achieve its aims. Most Trustees also learn new skills during their time on the Board.
We want our Board to look like the world we serve and to have different voices within it. We know
that diverse groups of people make better decisions. We are keen to hear from people who can bring
perspectives or experiences often underrepresented in charity governance and how can help us
progress our vision.
Trustees are not usually involved in the day-to-day running of the charity. However, they work closely
with the Hardman Trust’s dedicated staff team, who are supported by a wider group of volunteers. The
Trustee role as in the majority of charities, is unpaid although legitimate expenses – travel costs for
example – can be claimed.

The Trustees’ key responsibilities

• Provide leadership to the Board in setting the charity’s strategy and priorities
• Oversee a collaborative and effective Board that brings diverse perspectives
• Support the Chief Executive, offering guidance and challenge
• Champion the charity’s mission and values, acting as an Ambassador and building relationships with key stakeholders, including policymakers, donors and the wider criminal justice sector
• Ensure effective governance and decision making, including chairing quarterly board meetings
• Ensure compliance with the Charity Commission and relevant legislation.
• A full job specification is included below for further information.

What we are looking for

Experience of leadership, ideally at Board or senior executive level. You don’t have to have been a Chair before, but you do have to have experience of being a Trustee.

• Strong governance knowledge and an understanding of the responsibility of charity trustees
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and able to build relationships effectively
• Strategic thinking with the ability to support and challenge constructively, and an inclusive leadership style
• Someone who will act as an advocate for the charity and be willing to champion the Hardman
• Trust through personal networks, social media and other channels.
• The ability to be responsive and flexible – we are a small charity which sometimes requires the
• Chair to be available at short notice or out of hours to offer support or advice
• Commitment to equality, diversion and inclusion and to improving outcomes for people serving long prison sentences
• Experience of the criminal justice sector, prisons or related fields is desirable

Please review the document The Hardman Trust Chair Pack for more information about this position and details on how to apply. 

Cripplegate Foundation is looking for new Governors (trustees) to join our board. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of a trusted, independent and innovative grant- making organisation that has been supporting Islington for over 500 years.

Working alongside our partners at Islington Giving, we invest over £2 million a year in local charities and community groups. Together we amplify local voices, improve access to opportunities and support lasting change.

 Who we’re looking for

• Do you want to make a real difference in Islington?
• Are you passionate about tackling local poverty and inequality?
• Can you help amplify the voices of those we work with, through your personal or professional experience?
• Could you bring additional diversity to our board so that we better reflect the communities in which we work?
• Do you have some frontline charity experience, senior leadership or otherwise?
• Are you able to commit the time required to make the most of joining us?

We are genuinely encouraging a wide range of people to come forward and cannot emphasise enough how your background, life experience, approach and values are more important than any knowledge or experience of grant making, or of being a trustee elsewhere.

Full induction, mentoring and ongoing support will be provided. This is a voluntary/unpaid role, with expenses covered.

The closing date for applications is 16th October at 5:00 p.m.

For more details and how to apply, please visit our website and download the full Candidate Pack.