Non exec directors volunteer roles in manchester

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.

We're recruiting two non‑executive Co‑Directors to help guide Studio Lutalica's next chapter. You won't run day‑to‑day ops; you'll bring clear, values‑led oversight so our team can focus on impact.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Our Co-Directors form our board and are collectively responsible for the governance and strategic direction of Studio Lutalica. This is a non-executive role, akin to that of a trustee in a charity. You will play a crucial part in ensuring we remain true to our values, legally compliant, and financially sustainable, all while helping to steer our long-term vision. This is an exciting opportunity to help shape the future of a ground-breaking design studio and contribute to our community impact.

SHARED RESPONSIBILITIES FOR ALL DIRECTORS

Strategic Leadership + Governance

• Contribute to the development and implementation of the organisation's strategic plan.
• Act in the company's best interests and in good faith to achieve its community purposes.
• Ensure the company complies with all legal and regulatory requirements for a CIC in Scotland.
• Exercise independent judgment and reasonable care, skill, and diligence in your duties.

Values and Ethics

• Champion our core values of intersectional feminism, trans inclusivity, and environmental justice in all decisions.
• Foster a culture of inclusivity, accountability, and wellbeing for the entire team.
• Uphold our commitment to design excellence and accessibility.

Operational Oversight

• Participate actively in quarterly board meetings and join our Governance + Finance subgroup meetings.
• Scrutinise board papers, ask critical questions, and contribute to collective decision-making.
• Avoid conflicts of interest and declare any interests in proposed transactions.

WHAT YOU'LL BRING

We're specifically looking to fill expertise gaps in Finance and Fundraising + Income Generation, though we welcome a diverse range of expertise and lived experience.

Finance

• Review budgets, management accounts, and financial statements prepared by the executive team.
• Ask constructive, challenging questions and highlight risks and trade‑offs.
• Ensure appropriate internal controls and policies exist and are followed.
• Advise on the financial implications of proposed strategies, projects, or partnerships.
• Stress‑test scenarios and support sensible reserves and risk policies.
• Provide assurance that statutory filings and CIC obligations are being met by management.

Fundraising + Income Generation

• Develop and oversee the execution of an ambitious and achievable fundraising strategy in collaboration with the team.
• Identify and research potential funding sources, including trusts, foundations, corporate partnerships, and public sector grants.
• Provide strategic guidance on the preparation of high-quality funding applications and proposals.
• Act as a champion for Studio Lutalica, helping to build and maintain relationships with key funders and stakeholders.
• Monitor, evaluate, and report on fundraising performance to the board, providing insight and recommendations.

DESIRABLE SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

We always welcome additional expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• Governance + Policy
• Creative Practice + Client Delivery
• Communications
• Legal
• People + Culture
• Impact Data + Measurement

TIME COMMITMENT

Co-Directors are expected to attend a 90-minute board meeting each quarter. In addition, you will be expected to join at least one of the subgroups which meets regularly. The total time commitment, including meeting preparation and subgroup work, is anticipated to be around 5-6 hours per month.

WHY STUDIO LUTALICA?

Join us at Studio Lutalica, where your skills in communications and partnerships will directly contribute to creating a more inclusive world. We’re a feminist and queer-led organisation dedicated to empowering underrepresented communities. By joining our team, you’ll be part of a workplace that values creativity, inclusivity, and collaboration.

Are you passionate about building a more inclusive, sustainable and resilient economy? Are you looking for a meaningful way to use your finance expertise?

ECU is a small, dynamic non-profit working to transform the economy so that everyone has the freedom and security to live a good life. 

We are now recruiting for ECU’s first Treasurer, who will lead at board level on monitoring ECU’s financial performance and sustainability, ensuring that we have robust financial policies and processes in place, and supporting other board members to fulfil their collective responsibilities around finance. 

This is an exciting time to join ECU. We have an ambitious vision for change, a strong analysis of the opportunities and barriers to progress, and a clear view of our role in building a better economy. Our board is committed, collaborative and inclusive, with a strong understanding of its role and remit, and a culture of open dialogue. Our work is challenging, fascinating, and fulfilling – and, with rising levels of inequality, an unfolding climate emergency, overstretched public services and a growing concentration of corporate power, it couldn’t be more important.

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.