People training officer volunteer roles in stanford le hope, thurrock

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.

As a Digital Trustee with expertise in AI and digital technologies, including regulation of AI use within organisations, you will play a pivotal role in providing strategic direction to our ethical AI adoption and digital transformation. This position is a voluntary trustee role, requiring a passionate and dedicated individual with experience in emerging tech trends, particularly in the non-profit sector and a genuine commitment to the values and objectives of our organisation.

About Us

The European Network on Statelessness (ENS) is a civil society alliance of organisations and individuals working to promote the right to a nationality in Europe. Our network brings together over 180 members in more than 40 countries. Since establishing in 2012, we have been dedicated to raising awareness about statelessness and the right to a nationality, supporting legal and policy development, and building civil society’s capacity to act. Our secretariat team of 9 is based in the UK, our Board of Trustees includes individuals based in the UK and across Europe.

We are a fully digital and paperless team, using MS365 and a CRM. We have developed and maintain innovative digital tools like the Statelessness Index (which analyses and compares how European countries are protecting stateless people and taking steps to end statelessness) and the Statelessness Caselaw Database (the first database containing case law related to statelessness in Europe, a vital tool for legal practitioners). Now we're looking forward to harnessing technology like AI and more, to continue to innovate in our work to end statelessness and protect people without a nationality.

Be Enriched - recent recipients of The Kings Award for Voluntary Servie 2025 - are seeking an inspirational Chairperson to lead our Board of Trustees and guide our next phase of strategic growth. We use food as a tool to bring people together, cultivate joy and dignity whilst fighting food waste and nourishing the community.

What will you be doing?

The Chair plays a pivotal role in guiding the board, ensuring the charity is governed effectively and remains true to our vision and mission. With an inclusive leadership style, the Chair will foster a collaborative atmosphere within the board, while offering both support and constructive challenge to the CEO. Additionally, the Chair serves as a passionate ambassador for the charity, representing its values and goals.

What difference will you make?

Since 2013, we have been dedicated to enriching our communities through food. Our work tackles critical issues head-on: alleviating food poverty, combating social isolation, and empowering individuals through practical skills training. We believe in the power of food to bring people together, share knowledge, and cultivate lasting connections. 

As Chair, you will play a pivotal role in steering our ambitious strategy, working closely with an active and committed Board and our dedicated staff team. This is a unique opportunity to leverage your leadership skills to strengthen our impact and ensure the long-term sustainability of our vital community services. 

Scope of Responsibilities 

Governance and Strategic Leadership 

• Provide leadership to the board in the establishment of organisations overall strategy and policies.

• Direct boards policy-making process and guidance to ensure strategic alignment. 

• Monitor decisions taken by the board to ensure effective execution. 

Board Management 

• Build and develop the board by leading efforts in recruiting new trustees and ensure the board is diverse, skilled, and working cohesively. Foster a culture of mutual respect and collaboration. 

• Plan annual schedule of board meetings and establish agendas. 

• Chair and facilitate board meetings. 

Representation and Advocacy 

• Act as Ambassador for Be Enriched at external events, meetings and functions when required. 

• Actively participate in and show support for the charity's events and projects, demonstrating leadership and commitment to its mission. 

Executive Liaison and Oversight 

• Liaise closely with CEO to maintain strategic overview and provide appropriate support. 

• Serve on senior appointment panels as needed.

Formal Procedures 

• Act as the final stage adjudicator in formal disciplinary and grievance procedures, in accordance with the organisation’s policies. 

What We Are Looking For 

Essential Qualities

• Proven experience as a trustee, with a passion for governance and making a difference.  Prior Chair experience is welcome but not required. 

• A keen sense of strategic purpose. 

• An inclusive leadership style. 

• The ability to listen and engage. Comfortable with challenge and debate and can encourage that in others whist fostering a collaborative board environment.

• Advocate – be able and willing to champion Be Enriched’s work through personal networks, social media, and other channels. 

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

• Be proactive and responsive – as a small charity, there are times when issues arise that require the Chair's guidance, support, or approval. 

In addition to the above, the Chair will have the responsibilities and qualities of all trustees: 

Responsibilities Of All Trustees 

• Support and provide advice on Be Enriched’s visions mission and goals. 

• Ensure the effective, efficient, and prudent administration of the organisations.

• Safeguard the organisations financial stability and ensure proper investment of funds. 

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

• Provide support and challenge the CEO in the exercise of their delegated authority and affairs. 

• Attend quarterly board meetings (online) and AGM (in-person), adequately prepared for group discussion.

• Use independent judgement, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect Be Enriched’s interest, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or third-party interest.

• Maintain a thorough and informed understanding of the organisation's activities, as well as the broader external issues that affect its work.

• Accept collective responsibility, as part of the board, for the actions and decisions of the organisations and its trustees. 

• Participate in additional tasks as required, such as providing expert advice or assisting with fundraising initiatives.

Terms of Appointment 

Terms of Office 

• Trustees are appointed for a three-year term, with renewal available at end of first term.

Time Commitment 

• Attendance required at four quarterly board meetings (conducted online via Teams from 4:30-5:30pm). 

• Attendance compulsory at the Be Enriched AGM (conducted in-person).

We’re Foothold, and we’re looking for a new Honorary Treasurer.
Our Trustees play a big part in helping us to achieve our strategic objectives and meet the needs of those we’re committed to support: engineers and their families worldwide.
 

What will you be doing?

Our Trustees get together five times a year for a mixture of virtual and in-person meetings (four Board meetings and one training day with staff), as well as spending time before meetings reading the Board papers and preparing, totaling a commitment of 50–70 hours a year of their time.
They’re responsible for providing strategic direction and making key decisions to ensure we’re delivering on our objectives.
They serve on three Committees.

 

What are we looking for?

Financial and audit/risk experience (a recognised financial qualification is desirable) and strong knowledge of Statements of Recommended Practice, charity and company law and United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.
Experience gained as Trustee or Non-Executive Director in a similarly complex service-orientated  organisation.
Strong understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of Trusteeship.
 

What difference will you make?

Being a Trustee can bring unique opportunities
Develop skills you wouldn’t necessarily build in other roles, learn from and work with people from all walks of life. On top of this, you’ll also:
use your passion to help build a brighter future for engineers and their families
play a big role in strategically leading our charity

Become an Enter & View Volunteer

Do you want to help improve local health and social care services?
We’re looking for volunteers who live in Barking and Dagenham and can take a fresh, solution-focused approach to assessing how services are run.

As an Enter & View Volunteer, you’ll:

✔️Receive full training from Healthwatch Barking and Dagenham

✔️Visit health and social care settings to gather feedback from patients and residents

✔️Help identify what’s working well and where improvements are needed

What you’ll need:

❤️Good communication and listening skills

❤️Professionalism, reliability, and empathy

❤️Ability to follow guidance and work as part of a team

Time commitment:
Flexible – you can choose when and how often you volunteer.
All reasonable expenses are reimbursed.

Please get in touch to express your interest and request an application form.

Could you be one of our new trustees?

We currently have space on our Board for up to eight new Trustees who want to work with us to help improve university communities so that every student gets the mental health support they need to reach their goals.

At Student Minds, we’re working to improve university communities so that no student is held back by their mental health. So it should come as no surprise that we are keen to reflect the communities we serve, maintain a diverse board and ensure student voices are represented. This is key to our mission and our continued impact. 

You may be thinking that you don't have the experience because you haven't been a trustee before, or because charity governance isn't your field. Think again!

Here's what you DO NEED need: 

• Commitment to our vision - a world where no student is held back by their mental health

• Experience in 1 or 2 of the following areas: 

  • Current higher education students

  • Professional higher education sector expertise

  • Legal expertise 

  • Fundraising and income generation expertise

  • Equity, diversity, inclusion, belonging, intersectionality and anti racism expertise

  • AI and technology expertise 

  • Campaigning, advocacy, community organising and/or public affairs expertise 

  • Marketing and brand awareness expertise 

  • People and culture, HR, organisational development or leadership development expertise 

And what you DON'T need:

• Previous experience of trusteeship

• Experience in charity law or working with a charity

Both experienced and aspiring trustees have much to bring to our table: we are looking for fresh perspectives and seasoned knowledge alike.

Key responsibilities

Student Minds Trustees are expected to commit to the following: 

• Preparation and attendance at four board meetings a year. Board meetings are held online and take place on weekdays from 5 - 7.30 pm. 

• Preparation and attendance at two board away days each year, usually from 12.30 - 5 pm. Board away days are in person and usually take place in Leeds. Travel expenses can be claimed.

• Ad-hoc meetings and conversations with the senior management team as required. This usually constitutes approximately a further five working days a year.

If appointed, you will receive the training and onboarding you need to be a confident, contributing member of the board. We are also able to provide you with a board buddy to support you in your first few months. 

So, if you want to help shape the future of student mental health, download our recruitment pack to find out more!

How to apply?

1. For more information about the role responsibilities please follow the link

2. Download and complete our application form, which is available on the link

3. Complete the Equality Monitoring Form. 

Application process

• Application closing deadline: Monday the 5th January at 11.59 pm - make sure you send your completed application form by this date

• Interviews: 29th or 30th January (general Trustees) or 5th February (Student Trustees) with a Trustee and CEO

• Appointment: subject to approval by the Student Minds Board. 

Could you be our new Chair?  

Our fantastic Chair’s tenure will be coming to an end in 2026, so we are looking to appoint her successor to help Student Minds improve university communities so that every student gets the mental health support they need to reach their goals.

At Student Minds, we’re working to improve university communities so that no student is held back by their mental health. So it should come as no surprise that we are keen to reflect the communities we serve, maintain a diverse board and ensure student voices are represented. This is key to our mission and our continued impact. 

We are open-minded about the professional background of this individual and are mostly looking for someone with experience of leading effective, inclusive teams, of chairing complex organisations or meetings, and in building influential cross-sector partnerships.

Key responsibilities

Student Minds Chair is expected to commit to the following: 

• Preparation and attendance at four board meetings a year. Board meetings are held online and take place on weekdays from 5 - 7.30 pm. 

• Preparation and attendance at two in-person board away days each year, usually from 12.30 - 5 pm. These usually take place in Leeds and include a lunchtime or evening social.

• Monthly supervision calls with the Chief Executive

• Annual in-person appraisal of the Chief Executive 

• Support with board appraisals and recruitment 

• Ad-hoc meetings and conversations with the senior leadership team as required. This usually constitutes approximately a further five working days a year.

• Attendance at relevant task-group meetings and/or committees.

So, if you want to help shape the future of student mental health, download our recruitment pack to find out more!

How to apply?

1. For more information about the role responsibilities please download our recruitment pack that is linked

2. Download and complete our application form which is available via the link

3. Complete the Equality Monitoring Form. 

Application process

• Application closing deadline: Monday the 5th January at 11.59 pm - make sure you send your completed application form by this date

• Interviews: 27th January, with our Chair, Trustee and CEO

• Appointment: subject to approval by the Student Minds Board

Looking for a way to give back to your local community without a long-term commitment? Not sure exactly what you’d like to do, but know you want to help?

Sometimes we come across one-off community tasks that just need a few volunteers to give us a good old Yorkshire helping hand. We also know life can get very busy and people don’t always have time to commit to a regular volunteering role.

Being a Community Squad volunteer is a flexible way to get involved. You’ll find out when and where one-off tasks are happening near you, and you can choose to help whenever it suits. There’s no ongoing commitment, you’re in control.

As a Squad volunteer, you’ll regularly receive updates about opportunities across Yorkshire. There’s no obligation to sign up for any of them, but if something catches your eye, just put your name forward. We’ll send you all the details you need, and you simply turn up on the day!

Tasks vary widely, so there’s something for everyone. You might help at a community clean-up, plant spring bulbs, hand out leaflets, put out grit or clear a path when it’s snowed for a neighbour. Or you could be handing out popcorn at a cinema event, making cups of tea at a social club, supporting someone with their digital devices, creating glitter tattoos at a children’s event, or writing letters to customers who are isolated.

There will be lots of varied things to help with!

Education Volunteer Role Description 

Are you passionate about changing the way we treat animals? Do you want to help reduce environmental damage? Do you want to inspire people to enjoy healthy vegan food that both looks good and tastes great? 

The Vegan Society aims to make veganism more accessible. We help people to adopt a vegan lifestyle by supporting individuals, policy- and decision-makers, caterers, manufacturers, healthcare professionals and the media. 

Why do we need you? 

Laura Chepner is our Education Officer, and she is looking for a volunteer to support her in her role. Laura has a background in education, with a degree in Primary Education which preceded a decade of teaching and a short stint in the role of SENco (Special Educational Needs Coordinator). Shortly after that, Laura theorised vegan-inclusive teaching, published An Educator’s Guide for Vegan-Inclusive Teaching and worked as the UK’s first vegan-inclusion education specialist until joining The Vegan Society. 

At The Vegan Society, Laura supports vegan learners in education who have been discriminated against by acting as an intermediary between their families and the institution. Additionally, Laura supports educators by creating resources and delivering training sessions on what it means to be vegan-inclusive in their practice. Furthermore, Laura empowers parents/guardians to ask for vegan-inclusion by creating documents, with the help of The Education Network, that they can present and highlight their rights. 

What does this role involve? 

We support vegan learners and their families by offering practical resources, including tips for discussing veganism with schools, understanding legal protections and addressing concerns like catering and inclusivity. Our resources aim to help create an educational environment where vegan families feel respected and valued. This role will involve creating resources for families and educators. For example, template letters, guidance on legal protections, policy review requests, learning materials for children and much more.

What training and support is available? 

The ideal candidate for this role will have a background in Primary Education and be comfortable working independently. However, we are always willing to invite volunteers along to staff training when possible and to deliver training on specific skills in-house, as identified throughout the volunteering period. This role is remote, so support from the Education Officer will be available through email and phone calls as required. Monthly reviews with the Volunteering and Engagement Officer will also be conducted to ensure the volunteer is happy in their role. 

What skills would be useful in doing this role? 

• Qualified teacher

• Good written English

• Competent using Microsoft Office

• A strong understanding of the aims, campaigns and tone of voice of The Vegan Society 

• The ability to work independently. 

What does my availability need to be?  

This is an ongoing role and tasks will be requested by Laura on an ad hoc basis, volunteers can accept or decline each task. Volunteering can be done outside traditional working hours and in any time zone, although meetings and staff support will only be available between 9am and 5pm UK time. We ask volunteers to commit to a minimum of six months to make the best use of recruitment and induction time and to get the best out of their volunteering experience.

Who does this role report to?

Laura Chepner, Education Officer and Kaya Gromocki, Senior Volunteering and Engagement Officer.

Could you speak up for hungry children?

What is the role of a Speaker Volunteer?

Help us share the story of Mary’s Meals and our life-changing work feeding hungry children at school in some of the world’s poorest communities by giving Mary’s Meals talks to local community organisations, schools, churches and faith groups to raise vital awareness and funds.

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 promote Mary’s Meals’ in your community 
• 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
• Resources to fulfil your role, including presentation slides, notes and talk scripts
• A comprehensive induction to Mary’s Meals
• Public speaking training
• A regular volunteer update e-mail
• Opportunities to join online or in person volunteer meetings and briefings

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.

Kidney Research UK is the leading charity in the UK focused on funding research into the prevention, treatment and management of kidney disease. As a member of the board of trustees you will be responsible for setting the strategic aims, objectives, and direction of the charity. You will use your knowledge, skills, and experience to ensure we achieve our charitable objectives and represents the interests of all stakeholders.

Kidney Research UK has been at the forefront of pioneering research for six decades, investing in talented researchers and funding work that could ultimately lead to a cure. Our work has resulted in vital breakthroughs in the diagnosis, treatment, and care of those affected, changing the future for many kidney patients.

We have made remarkable progress but there is still much to do. The number of people living with kidney failure continues to rise and we must go further to drive innovation and increase investment in renal research. Of course, like so many other charities and organisations we are doing this important work during challenging times.

We have adapted well to the changing world, and we are finding exciting new ways to reach our goals. We know we must rise to the challenge for kidney patients everywhere and we remain determined to grow our income so we can deliver more impact.

Our trustees play a vital role in the governance of Kidney Research UK, which enables and accelerates the impact that we have as an organisation for our patient community. Working closely with your fellow Trustees, the chief executive and wider leadership team, you will be part of a team that guides and oversees the delivery of Kidney Research UK's strategic priorities. We have a number of trustees who are due to retire from their roles during the next 12 months, and we are looking for new trustees to join our board and be part of this exciting transformation.

If this sounds like you and you think you could make a difference, we’d encourage you to review the attached role description below and apply to join our dedicated board of trustees.

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.

Join our amazing volunteer team to make a real difference to people living with sight loss. You’ll be supporting people to come together in a group setting, to benefit from each other’s company, knowledge and encouragement, leading to reduced isolation, stronger networks of support, and new friendships. You can support with either local and regional telephone groups or face-to-face groups.

What you’ll be doing:
• Meeting and greeting group members on arrival or joining virtually.
• Creating a warm and welcoming environment.
• Supporting group conversations.
• Assisting with group activities (if appropriate).

What you’ll gain from the role:
• An opportunity to give something back.
• A chance to build a strong community.
• A sense of achievement through the difference you make.

• A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people
• An opportunity to develop and explore different roles with RNIB, including our internal job vacancies.

In return for donating your time we will provide:
• A rewarding experience.
• A great Induction and training.
• A supportive manager.
• Regular updates and catchups.
• Expenses.
• An opportunity to connect with other volunteers.

How often will I be needed?

• 4 Hours per Week

Key requirements

• 1 reference Criminal record check

Location

Region

• Scotland

Who this opportunity will suit

Minimum age

• You must be at least 18 years old to apply

What skills and experience are needed?

• • An interest in group or community work. • A sociable personality. • A commitment to working towards a society where people with sight loss are equal participants.

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.