Policy officer volunteer roles in south tottenham, greater london
About Us
Maytree addresses a critical gap in suicide prevention, focusing on those in acute, pre-suicidal states where support from helplines, GPs, therapists or charitable organisations fails. For individuals overwhelmed by suicidal intent, emergency services like A&E often exacerbate fear and shame, leaving them with few options to safely disclose their distress.
Maytree’s vision is to fill the gap, by offering compassionate care and continuous containment in a collaborative community. A sanctuary for respite: calm, safe, warm, friendly, and nurturing. Non-medical, non-judgemental. A place and a time to talk. One that rekindles hope and self-esteem, new insights, restores identity, belonging, and relationship networks from the meltdown of crisis.
Its model turns a high-risk crisis into one of lower risk, one that is manageable. And with proven good outcomes, often a transformative experience.
Background to the role
Maytree closed its doors in March 2023 following management and governance issues. Founder Michael Knight, who had previously stepped away, returned to take over the operations alongside a group of trustees appointed by him and his wife Judith.
Maytree re-opened in April 2025 with a new board of trustees, who have appointed an operations team, defined the model and service matrix, and overseen the renovation of the house. The husband-wife pair, serving as co-chief executives, are preparing to transition out of their roles. In addition to recruiting a new Chief Executive Officer and Chair, adding a trustee with some financial experience is important for maintaining the charity's short-term stability and guiding its strategic direction.
Main Responsibilities
- Compliance with Company’s Act and Charity Commission responsibilities.
- Developing and agreeing strategy and plans as put forward by CEO/Chair.
- The appointment and accountability/performance/remuneration of executive leadership.
- Overseeing and ensuring that appropriate policies are in place for management of all aspects of risk.
- Chair a Board Sub-Committee on Finance to approve Accounts and liaise with the auditors as appropriate.
- Oversee that financial controls and systems are fit for purpose, advise on presentation to Trustees of annual Accounts and ensure that timely and appropriate budgets, forecasts, management and financial accounts are provided to Trustees.
- Accepting nomination as a signature on the charity’s bank mandates.
- Overseeing/advising on banking arrangements and best deployment of cash reserves
- Monitor cash reserves and ensure they are properly managed and placed where they can get the best possible return.
Person Specification
- Experience with financial reporting, whether in a private or charity sector context. You do not have to be a chartered accountant.
- Comfortable leading meetings about finance issues.
- Able to think strategically and innovatively about the future direction of Maytree.
- Passionately committed to mental health provision and suicide prevention.
- Fully committed to the charity’s ‘no blame’ culture, approaching problem solving in a supportive, constructive and transparent way.
- Fully committed to Maytree’s values: trust, respect, openness, empathy, equity, non-judgement and inclusiveness.
Diversity and inclusion
We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability, and potential. Please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustments so that we can help with making the application process work for you.
How to apply
Eastside People is supporting Maytree in the recruitment of these roles.
Please apply by submitting your CV and a cover letter both in Word doc. format, which should indicate why you are interested in applying for the particular role and how you meet the selection criteria.
The closing date for applications is Monday 23rd June and our candidate assessment schedule is as follows:
- EP screening interviews and informal conversations carried out through the recruitment process with final interviews taking place by Friday 4th July.
- Formal interviews with the Maytree board in the week commencing 7th July.
We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so that we can help with making the application process work for you.
The Sheila McKechnie Foundation (SMK) was set up in June 2005 in memory of legendary campaigner, Sheila McKechnie.Campaigning is vital to a healthy society. We help campaigners to thrive. In a free and hopeful society, people need to know they have the power to make a difference: that they are able to envisage change and can push for that change to happen. For nearly two decades, we have helped all sorts of individuals, causes and charities to find their power as changemakers – as campaigners. We support, connect and champion these campaigners, equipping them to go after the social change they seek.
The Chair will hold the Board and staff team to account for SMK’s mission and vision, provide inclusive leadership to the Board and ensure that Board members fulfil their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of SMK. The Chair will line manage and support the Chief Executive and ensure that the Board functions as a unit and works closely with the Chief Executive and staff team to achieve agreed objectives. They may also be asked to act as an ambassador and a public face of SMK in partnership with the Chief Executive and the Board.
For further information, see our website and the recruitment pack.
The country’s only dedicated ancient tree charity, the Ancient Tree Forum (ATF), is looking for a new Trustee with Fundraising Experience.
About us – The ATF seeks to secure the long-term future of ancient trees through advocacy of no further avoidable loss, good management, and the development of a succession of future ancient trees. The ATF is needed now more than ever – this is a critical time for ancient trees, the habitats they support and the landscapes in which they can survive and flourish. Their protection is crucial, not least because these living monuments represent a globally important resource, for biodiversity, cultural connection, mental & physical health, carbon capture, and soil conservation.
The profile of the ATF continues to grow, and its expertise is sought at the highest level. We raise awareness and understanding of the value and importance of ancient and veteran trees to biodiversity, soils, landscape, heritage, and climate. We work with a mix of national charities, landowners, land managers, local authorities, and policy makers in national government and offer specialist training, advice, guidance, and outreach projects.
What we’re looking for – Do you have the ability, empathy and commitment to make a major contribution to the protection of the oldest trees in the country, and all their associated wildlife, history and carbon impact?
Are you an experienced fundraiser from the environmental or wider charitable sector?
If so, we encourage you to consider applying.
If you also understand current ancient and veteran tree-related challenges and issues this would be an advantage, although a background in the wider environment sector and in charities at a relevant level is more important.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Help us to make a difference tackling loneliness in Oxfordshire.
We are a pioneering charity who have been changing lives for more than 40 years.
If you have experience in fundraising and would like to help us to develop our income generating approach, we would love to hear from you. Your expertise in fundraising will be instrumental in ensuring the financial sustainability and growth of our organisation.
Job description available on the Archway Foundation website (details attached).
If you'd like to discuss the role with the CEO, please call our office to arrange a call or email (details attached).
We actively encourage applications from individuals belonging to underrepresented groups.
We are a registered charity providing a pathway of support to alleviate the hurt and distress, caused by loneliness and social isolation.

The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Hackney Migrant Centre (HMC) is seeking to recruit a Vice-Chair to support our work and ensure financial and organisational stability as we implement our newly developed Strategic Plan for 2025-2028.
HMC was established in 2007 to provide advice and support to migrants to help them overcome problems with their immigration status and in accessing services. We welcome all migrants, of any immigration status or nationality. As the environment facing migrants has become ever more challenging, we have expanded the scope of our work. Our staff team has increased from one part-time worker in 2007 to a team of eight people, some part-time, and we now have a budget just under £450,000 a year.
We provide legal advice and casework support on immigration, housing and welfare, working with visitors to resolve the problems forcing them into destitution and homelessness, such as insecure immigration status and lack of access the public funds. We also, in partnership with local organisations and a team of volunteers, provide wellbeing support and regular community building sessions, including advice and support on accessing a GP and dealing with charges for hospital care.
This is an opportunity for someone with previous Board experience to support the Chair to coordinate and lead the Board of Trustees and make an important contribution to the work of this well-respected local charity at a crucial time in its development. We welcome applications from people from a range of backgrounds and experience who would be happy to take up this exciting challenge. We are particularly keen to recruit trustees from the Global Majority, those with lived experience of migration and/or the UK’s hostile immigration environment.
The role of Vice-Chair
The Vice-Chair of the trustee board supports the Chair in fulfilling their responsibilities and provides leadership to the board in the Chair’s absence. This is a developmental role for someone who is interested in transitioning into the Chair role in future, and who can provide additional capacity, insight, and leadership to the organisation as it navigates an increasingly challenging environment for migrants and the voluntary sector.
The Vice-Chair has the general responsibilities of a trustee to ensure the financial sustainability of HMC and that it is carrying out its work for the public benefit in line with its charitable objects. Decisions affecting the running of HMC and its finances will be taken by the board as a whole, either at the board meeting or if urgent via email. The Vice-Chair does not have individual decision-making responsibility or power (but does have a deciding vote at board meetings).
The specific duties of the Vice-Chair include the following:
Trustee meetings
• Support the Chair to agree the agenda (with the secretary and in consultation with the CEO) of trustee board meetings, sub-committees and other meetings where relevant.
• Attend and contribute to all trustee meetings and chair meetings in the absence of the Chair.
• Support the Chair in ensuring that key decisions are discussed and agreed, and that all trustees can participate fully. • Assist with the follow-up of actions and implementation of decisions as agreed with the Chair.
• Support the development and induction of new trustees, and help identify training and support needs.
Communication with staff
• Work closely with the Chair and be available as an additional point of contact for the CEO and staff, particularly when the Chair is unavailable.
• Support the Chair in providing supervision and pastoral support to the CEO, contributing to wellbeing check-ins and performance appraisal processes where appropriate.
• Contribute to the development and oversight of key organisational priorities, including equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI), fundraising, and sustainability.
• Attend staff recruitment or disciplinary panels as needed.
Public role and organisational development
• Support the Chair in representing HMC externally at public events and meetings, and deputise where necessary.
• Assist in the preparation of public communications, statements, and events.
• Act as a signatory for bank accounts and contracts when appropriate, particularly when the Chair is unavailable.
Succession and transition
• The Vice-Chair will be supported to become familiar with the full breadth of the Chair’s responsibilities over time. • They may take on specific duties or projects in agreement with the Chair and board, as part of their development.
• In the event the Chair steps down, the Vice-Chair may act as interim Chair and will be encouraged to apply for the role if appropriate.
The specific duties attached to the Vice-Chair’s role may change and/or be taken on by another trustee by agreement of the board as a whole.
Being a Trustee of Hackney Migrant Centre
The trustees of Hackney Migrant Centre play a vital role in the organisation. They are responsible for ensuring that that its services are maintained and developed for the benefit of its visitors, in line with HMC’s ethos and objectives. HMC staff are responsible for the day-to day running of HMC’s services but trustees work closely with staff in discussing and deciding on policy issues, staffing developments and campaigning, overseeing finance and fundraising to ensure that the organisation is sustainable and in monitoring the impact of HMC’s services. Our trustees are recruited according to our Trustee Recruitment Policy. We welcome trustees from a variety of backgrounds to ensure that a broad range of skills and experience are represented. Trustees are encouraged to gain first-hand experience of the work of HMC but regular volunteering is not a requirement.
For more information, please refer to the Recruitment Pack
Become a Trustee at Sunrise Multicultural Project
Are you passionate about making a difference in your community?
We are looking for dedicated, enthusiastic individuals to join our Board of Trustees and help guide the future of Sunrise Multicultural Project.
As a trustee, you will play a vital role in shaping our strategy, ensuring we stay true to our mission, and supporting the development of initiatives that promote inclusivity and integration. We are seeking individuals with a range of skills, backgrounds, and experiences – whether in community work, finance, governance, fundraising, or marketing – who share our commitment to empowering minority groups and fostering a more connected, diverse community.
If you are eager to contribute your time, expertise, and passion, we would love to hear from you!
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
RNOH Charity is a vital partner in the way the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital delivers care. Since its inception in 1997, the Charity has raised and administered millions of pounds in donations, which have funded numerous essential projects around the hospital.
We are looking for an experienced marketing or fundraising professional to help raise our charity’s profile and enhance the impact and innovation of our fundraising campaigns. Ideally operating at executive director level or equivalent. If you have a track record of delivering successful marketing or fundraising initiatives, we would like to hear from you.
You will play a key role in supporting our team to diversify and grow our funding streams; particularly unrestricted income. We would welcome applications from across both commercial and charity sectors.
In this role, you will:
- Provide strategic guidance on the planning and execution of marketing and fundraising campaigns, with a focus on channel strategy and donor engagement across digital, social and traditional media.
- Advise on market and competitive analysis to inform campaign development and positioning.
- Bring expertise in successful campaign delivery and marketing best practice reflecting appropriate legal and ethical considerations.
Your insight will help strengthen our financial sustainability, ensuring we can continue supporting high-impact services for patients.
Trustees must have a strong empathy with the Charity’s vision, mission and values.
What difference will you make?
As a Trustee, you will support the Board to fulfill its responsibilities for the overall governance and strategic direction of the Charity. You will contribute to the Charity by actively participating in strategic decision-making, jointly with the rest of the Board of Trustees, whilst working in partnership with the Chief Executive and other senior members of staff to achieve the aims of the Charity.
What’s in it for the volunteer?
You will be part of a cutting edge and pioneering organisation, which aims to continue making a significant difference in the lives of the 150,000 people who come to the hospital every year. The RNOH has been at the cutting edge of orthopaedic care for over 100 years. This is an exciting time to join our Charity and help steer its strategic direction to continue providing its invaluable work for more years to come.
Time commitment
- Four virtual Board meetings a year, held at the end of the working day.
- Four virtual Committee meetings a year, held at the end of the working day.
- Two in-person Board Away Days per year held in the Stanmore area.
- Trustee appointment is for 3 years, with the possibility of being re-appointed for a maximum of 3 terms. Induction and ongoing training.
- The role of Trustee is not accompanied by any financial remuneration, although out-of-pocket expenses may be claimed.
How to apply
Reach Volunteering's TrusteeWorks team are supporting the RNOH Charity with their Board recruitment. Please submit your CV, LinkedIn profile or similar along with a covering letter stating why you would like to apply to become Trustee of the RNOH Charity and how your skills, abilities and experience would add value to the Board. If you would prefer to have a chat with a current Trustee or the Chief Executive before making a formal application please get in touch to request this.
RNOH Charity values and promotes diversity and are committed to equality of opportunity for all and appointments made on merit. The Charity believes that the best Boards are those that reflect the communities they serve. The Charity particularly welcome applications from young people, women, people from black and minority ethnic communities, and disabled people who we know are under-represented in Chair and Trustee roles. Additional induction will be organised for successful candidate without previous Board experience.
The deadline for applications is Tuesday 10 June.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Background
First Step is a Charity based in the London Borough of Havering, working with families of children with special needs and/or disabilities. For more than 35 years, we have supported in excess of 1,500 families and their children.
Families are referred or self-refer to us at a moment of crisis or uncertainty, normally pre-diagnosis, where they have concerns about their child. We provide a range of family-centric services tailored to each family’s and child’s needs.
During our history we’ve had highs and lows, including overcoming a challenging time following the withdrawal of funding from the Local Authority in 2017 as part of their own austerity cuts. Despite this, we’ve managed to sustain the charity through increased fundraising.
Our current Board has more than 80 years of experience, and over the next couple of years we’re looking to add some new and dynamic Trustees to strengthen the team and bring refreshed critical and creative thinking to our Charity.
The Chair of Trustees Role
Our Chair is looking to stand down after 10 fulfilling years, and we are looking for a new Chair to work with our Board and CEO to further strengthen our organisation long into the future.
The new Chair should be ambitious for our Charity and have the vision and energy to help it extend its reach and impact, along with being an experienced leader who has empathy for our families, and lives our values.
They will need to have the ability to lead from the front in a collaborative style that builds consensus amongst the board, so we can meet the challenges ahead.
First Step are passionate about creating a diverse workforce and positively encourage applications from under-represented communities.
For further information or an informal conversation please contact Mark Halls, CEO.
Supporting families of babies and young children with special needs and/or disabilities
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
The Coroners' Courts Support Service (CCSS) is a registered Charity whose trained volunteers give emotional and practical support to bereaved families and other witnesses attending an inquest.
We need volunteers to provide emotional support and practical help to bereaved families, witnesses and others attending Inquests at Coroners' Court. Our volunteers at court also provide help and assistance to the Coroners' Officers, as and when required.
We are looking for reliable, supportive people with excellent communication skills. A mature and calm attitude is needed in order to be able to talk to people during a sometimes bewildering and emotional experience. Volunteers must be willing to undergo a period of observations and shadowing, as well as attend a 3 day training course. A minimum commitment of one day (9:00am - 5:00pm) per fortnight is asked for. Training and mentoring is provided and travel expenses to the court are reimbursed.
New volunteers should possess good communication and listening skills and the ability to empathise with people they support.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Do you believe in a future where no animal suffers for science?
Do you have spare time you can volunteer to make a difference to the lives of animals and humans?
If so, we would love you to consider being one of our new trustees.
At Replacing Animal Research, we’ve been working for over half a century to replace the use of animals in research. We have significantly contributed to the development, and uptake, of non-animal methods by:
- Empowering scientists with our educational opportunities.
- Funding exciting research aimed at replacing animals and improving human healthcare.
- Collaborating with policymakers to ensure more rigorous policy on the use of animals in science.
Our mission is to ensure scientists use non-animal approaches in biomedical research and testing. It’s a better future for animals and humans. For us to achieve this, we need to ensure that Replacing Animal Research is a resilient organisation with sufficient skills, support, and income to continue its work in the long term. Our trustees are critical to the future of the organisation.
We are currently seeking more trustees to strengthen our board by providing strategic and governance support. We are looking for enthusiastic individuals with an interest or experience in scientific and medical research and testing and the development of non-animal methods. We’d also be interested in hearing from anyone passionate about eliminating animal use in research. We encourage applications from all people regardless of age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, belief or race. We are looking for trustees who can demonstrate:
A commitment to our purpose and aims and the strategic vision to support the Replacing Animal Research's future development.
- A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to support the charity. (Please see below for more details on the time commitment).
- An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship.
- Sound, independent judgement and the ability to challenge constructively.
- The ability to work effectively as a member of a team and make decisions for the good of the charity.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
A full induction is provided for new trustees as well as ongoing CPD opportunities and support. The role of trustee requires an annual time commitment of around 8 working days which works out around 5 hours per month. This includes:
- Preparation for and attendance at 6 general board meetings, which are held remotely.
- Preparation for and attendance at sub-committee meetings as appropriate.
- Between meetings, trustees may be asked to contribute to discussions via email or ad hoc telephone conferences on specific issues.
- Trustees may be asked to sit on or contribute to other project groups or activities from time to time.
- Attendance at 1 or 2 in-person board away days.
For more detailed information on being a trustee for Replacing Animal Research please take a look at our Trustee Role Description.
To apply for this opportunity please do so via Charity Job and submit your CV and a supporting cover letter. Please detail why you are interested in the role and how you can fulfil the role requirements and be an ambassador for Replacing Animal Research. Please ensure you read our Trustee Role Description and refer to this in your application.
Thank you for your interest in working with Replacing Animal Research and we look forward to hearing from you.
Benefits
The role of trustee is voluntary but travel and subsistence expenses are covered as required.
Notes
Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview in the week of 23/06/2025 and successful candidates will be invited to attend the next Replacing Animal Research board meeting as an observer on 17/07/2025. Full details will be given to candidates nearer the time.
We’re a charity working tirelessly to build a world where no animal suffers for science.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
The Coroners' Courts Support Service (CCSS) is a registered Charity whose trained volunteers give emotional and practical support to bereaved families and other witnesses attending an inquest.
We need volunteers to provide emotional support and practical help to bereaved families, witnesses and others attending Inquests at Coroners' Court. Our volunteers at court also provide help and assistance to the Coroners' Officers, as and when required.
We are looking for reliable, supportive people with excellent communication skills. A mature and calm attitude is needed in order to be able to talk to people during a sometimes bewildering and emotional experience. Volunteers must be willing to undergo a period of observations and shadowing, as well as attend a 3 day training course. A minimum commitment of one day (9:00am - 5:00pm) per fortnight is asked for. Training and mentoring is provided and travel expenses to the court are reimbursed.
New volunteers should possess good communication and listening skills and the ability to empathise with people they support.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
The Democratic Progress Institute is currently seeking to recruit a Funding and Development Intern for 3-5 days per week for a minimum of 3 months.
The intern will work with the Fundraising & Development Officer as well as the Senior Development Officer and tasks may include but are not limited to: research (development and grant-related, political, policy, organisational), report drafting, database management, editing and proof reading.
Excellent written English skills and the ability to carry out administrative duties are requirements for this role. Moreover, the successful candidate will have an interest in fundraising as well as monitoring and evaluation and possibly already show some familiarity with the principles of fundraising within the NGO/charity sector. Candidates with an academic background in peace and conflict studies in the MENA region and/or human rights are especially encouraged to apply.
Also experience in canva or any such related software is highly desirable.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and successful candidates will be contacted for an informal interview.
DPI maintains zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse. All employment offers are conditional upon the receipt of satisfactory references and the signing of our code of conduct, Safeguarding Policy with a particular focus on Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and Child Safeguarding. This position will also be subject to robust reference and background screening checks.
In your covering letter, please clearly indicate how many days per week you would be able to intern as well as any other matters relating to availability.
Please note that this position is voluntary but we do offer a small daily stipend for lunch.
Unfortunately, we can only offer volunteer positions to UK/EU citizens and those who have the right to the work in the UK
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Refettorio Felix is a community kitchen with an open-door policy in the Earl's Court area. We provide a safe haven and a warm, welcoming atmosphere for those facing homelessness and financial crises.
Using surplus food ingredients, our kitchen freshly prepares a three-course lunch for up to 140 people per weekday. We are looking for friendly and dedicated volunteers to support us in our mission to provide fresh and nutritious meals to our guests.
Your support will have a meaningful impact on the quality of lives of the most vulnerable members of the community. From trained and experienced Chefs to keen home cooks, we would love to hear from you!
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
About us
At PBE we use economics to improve lives. Through analytical expertise and our close connection with the social sector, we help charities, funders, firms and policymakers tackle the causes and consequences of low wellbeing.
Right now, more than 3 million adults in the UK are living in wellbeing poverty. We want to change that.
Our team of analysts, researchers and economists work on a wide range of issues related to low wellbeing, including mental health, education, employment, financial security, poverty, disability, inequality, volunteering and civil society. Our current focus areas are loneliness, children and young people’s mental health and private rental housing. We have changed national government policies on charitable giving, data about charities and volunteering, and the relationship between civil servants and charities. Our research and insights helped secure over £1 billion of government funding for children’s services, numeracy education and charities struggling with the cost of living. The government has committed an additional £250 million for children’s social care in 2025-26, partially due to our research into the state of children’s services funding.
We were founded in 2009 by Andy Haldane, former Chief Economist of the Bank of England, and Martin Brookes, former economist at the Bank of England and Goldman Sachs. Our chair is Tera Allas, former Chief Economist at McKinsey, and we are supported by Lord Gus O’Donnell, former Cabinet Secretary, as our Honorary President.
Our three-year strategy provides the most explicit statement yet of our desire to better understand and tackle low wellbeing. It sets out ambitious plans for achieving more impact – by expanding what we already do so successfully to new audiences and partners. It also pledges to achieve deeper impact – by growing our expertise and influence. And it emphasises our commitment to better working – by investing in the development of our people and processes.
CEO Matt Whittaker leads our executive team including a Director of Operations and Finance, a Director of Development, a Director of Policy and Communications, a Director of Services, and a Chief Economist. The executive is supported by a team of over 20 staff.
About the role
Post type: Voluntary position
We are seeking one or two trustees with fundraising experience. You will have the drive and commitment to support our strategic development and help build our network, reach, and funding base. You will work collaboratively, representing, reflecting and seeking a diverse range of opinions. You should be committed to our vision and values and be able to communicate this enthusiasm to others.
Key responsibilities
Specific responsibilities:
Fundraising
- Ensure, via membership of main Board, that PBE has an effective and sustainable fundraising strategy to underpin its business plan and future ambitions.
- Be a member of the Development Committee, which provides more specialist advice and guidance to the Director of Development and team.
- Be a champion for fundraising, increasing knowledge, confidence and enthusiasm across the full set of trustees and other supporters (e.g., patrons).
- Leverage personal and professional networks to identify and introduce potential funders to PBE and play an active role in helping convert these relationships into committed long-term supporters.
Board responsibilities:
Governance
- Ensure PBE has a clear vision and strategic direction and that we are focused on carrying out our purpose for public benefit.
- Delegate authority to the CEO within the terms of the strategic plan and approve key performance indicators.
- Appoint and remove the CEO and monitor, support and hold him to account for the delegated functions.
Compliance
- Ensure that we comply with our governing documents, legal and regulatory requirements and take final responsibility (as per the Memorandum of Association) for PBE.
Judgement
- Make balanced, informed decisions, be prepared to question and challenge when necessary, and help maintain a balanced, constructive relationship between the board and the executive.
Resource oversight
- Ensure resources are deployed effectively.
- Ensure that plans and budgets are in keeping with the aims of the organisation.
- Approve budgets to ensure PBE continues to manage cash flows and reserves prudently.
Accountability
- Ensure that our governance is of the highest possible standard, act with all due care and skill and manage all risks – financial, reputational and others – efficiently and effectively.
Engagement
- Monitor the operating environment in which PBE works, address emerging issues that may impact on our strategy, planning or reputation with key stakeholders; ensure that we retain our ethos, values and standards and offer advice to the CEO and board on areas of personal experience and expertise.
About you
We are looking for exceptional trustees to join the board. Applications are particularly welcomed from those with experience in fundraising for think tank or research-based organisations, and also from those with established philanthropic networks.
We are committed to improving the diversity of our board and therefore are especially keen to encourage applications from underrepresented groups.
Ideal characteristics
You should demonstrate knowledge and experience of the following:
- The vision and values of PBE
- Successful fundraising within the charitable and/or commercial sectors
- Using personal and professional networks that are relevant to PBE’s work
- Being an effective Board member
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
Find out more
- Read our latest Annual Report
- Visit our website
PBE is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We encourage applications from all parts of the community, and we give all applicants and employees fair and equal treatment, regardless of age, race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or nationality. We also guarantee an invitation to interview for all applicants with disabilities who show evidence that they can meet the role’s ideal criteria.
For details of our applicant’s privacy policy, please visit our website
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
This is an exciting time to be joining UoGSU as we are implementing our new strategy. As an organisation we have been focused on communities, change and the education of our members.
We are looking for a trustee with experience and expertise in finance – this trustee will sit on our Audit and Risk committee. You will be a qualified accountant with experience of financial management, governance and oversight and an understanding of financial audit best practice. Previous experience of Audit and Risk committee work is of interest but not essential.
The individual appointed as trustee will need to be sympathetic to the aims of the SU and more generally share a commitment to the broader values of the student movement; student representation, student rights and the student experience – and the importance of students having a platform to organize together to help make these values a reality.
The role requires a careful balance; trustees need to respect the democratic will of the membership where possible but also be willing to think creatively, challenge constructively and point out potential risk. The Board is comprised of External Trustees, Officer Trustees and Student Trustees and oversees the work of a team of permanent staff a led by the Chief Executive.
An eye for detail to ensure the SU is being well governed and the ability to see future opportunities are also important.
The role is to serve on the board of trustees. Each term lasts 3 years and trustees can serve a maximum of 2 consecutive terms. Extensions are dependent on re-election to the board.
General candidate requirements:
All candidates will need to be comfortable reading and understanding financial information (or be willing to learn more about this aspect of the role). They should also have the following:
- An understanding of business management.
- A willingness and ability to devote the necessary time and effort to attend board andother meetings, including preparing and reading for those meetings.
- A willingness to speak their mind and contribute.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Analytical ability and good independent judgement.
- An understanding and acceptance of the role of a Charity’s Board of Trustees (including the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of Trusteeship).
- A commitment to act in accordance with the Nolan principles for ethical conduct in public service and the SU own values.
Desirable but not essential:
-Recent experience of the higher education sector or of Students’ Unions.
-Experience or knowledge of board governance.
Commitment required
Board Meetings: There are 5 scheduled hybrid meetings each year, usually held early evening and lasting 2 to 2.5 hours, with extra meetings added if required (although this is rare). Each meeting will have associated reading and preparation work. Meetings are usually conducted face-to-face, but trustees may participate remotely depending on their schedule and other commitments.
Sub-committees: All trustees sit on a remote board sub-committee – the Audit & Risk or People Committee. These committees usually meet up to 4 times each year and are scheduled to fit trustee availability.
Board members will also need to be available to approve decisions electronically between meetings if required.
If feasible, Board members are also encouraged to visit the SU and observe major events such as Welcome.
UoGSU exists to support its members to overcome the myriad challenges they face, so that they can love their time at the University of Gloucestershire
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