Project management volunteer roles

We're setting up a brand new loneliness charity that will be bringing people together through joy and connection, especially those who are socially isolated. We will do this by fostering connections, enhancing wellbeing and helping to transform lives.

WE NEED YOUR HELP!

Become SUNSHINE's Founding Charity and Company Secretary! - This role requires approx. 3 to 5 hours per month (offering great flexibility).

This isn't just a volunteer role; it's an invitation to ignite a movement that will bring SUNSHINE into peoples lives.

SUNSHINE is a brand new, 100% volunteer-run charity, born from a fervent belief that no one should face loneliness alone. We are on the cusp of bringing immense joy, genuine connection, and vital community spirit to countless lives across London and beyond. But to truly shine, we need YOU.

We're looking for a meticulously organised and dedicated individual to join our passionate Board of Trustees as our founding Charity Secretary / Company Secretary – the very architects of SUNSHINE's future. As a founding Trustee, you won't just advise; you'll build, shape, and drive the essential administrative and governance framework of a charity set to transform lives.

This is a challenging, yet incredibly rewarding opportunity to leverage your expertise at a pivotal moment. Imagine the profound satisfaction of knowing your meticulous guidance directly establishes our operational backbone, ensures our legal compliance, and enables our growth, creating a lasting impact on community wellbeing.

We urgently need a Charity/Company Secretary with exceptional organisational skills and a burning desire to make a difference.

Your crucial role will be to:

Be the backbone of our governance, ensuring meticulous records and efficient board operations from day one.

• Ensure legal compliance with the Charity Commission and other regulatory bodies, safeguarding our charity's future.
• Manage vital administrative processes, from preparing meeting agendas to accurately minuting discussions and decisions.
• Uphold transparency and accountability, providing the structural integrity for SUNSHINE to thrive.

Why step up now? Because this is your chance to be part of something truly special from its very inception. Your administrative leadership will directly enable SUNSHINE to get formally set up, registered, and launch the vital programmes that will change lives by fostering connection and combating isolation.

Are you ready to build a brighter future, one life-changing connection at a time? Are you passionate, dedicated, and committed to taking on this powerful challenge with flexible hours?

Your legacy of robust governance and community impact awaits.

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY, OUR TEAM, OUR FAMILY!

JOIN SUNSHINE!

PASSIONATE ABOUT THE NEEDS AND RIGHTS OF WOMEN AND GIRLS?

We are seeking new Trustees to join the Board of GROW – a small, but growing charity in South Yorkshire, providing bespoke support to women and girls. We have a skilled and dedicated team, with plans to expand and aims to continue to develop effective needs-led services. We need Trustees who can help guide and support us as we continue to develop and expand our range of specialist services.

COMMITMENTS

GROW’s board currently meets approximately 6 times per year, quarterly, with occasional half/full days for service and strategy development.

Your role as a Trustee would include:

• Ensuring GROW maintains its strong values and continues to deliver public and social benefit
• Supporting high standards of governance
• Overseeing the development of policies
• Working within the law, GROW’s governing document
• Participating in decision making, seeking specialist advice where necessary
• Willingness to give the necessary time and effort to undertake the duties of a trustee

REWARDS

• Make a significant difference in the lives of women, girls, and children
• Personal and professional development opportunities
• Reimbursement of reasonable expenses
• Work with a supportive team of trustees, staff, and volunteers
• Training on legal duties, safeguarding, and other relevant subjects

Go Dharmic is seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented volunteer to assist in managing and growing our online stores on Shopify and eBay. This role supports our fundraising efforts, with all proceeds going toward humanitarian aid, food relief, and environmental initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage product listings on Shopify and eBay (descriptions, pricing, photos)

• Support inventory tracking and order fulfillment coordination

• Monitor customer queries and provide timely responses

• Assist with basic marketing tasks, such as promotions and social media integrations

• Analyze sales reports and suggest improvements to drive growth
   

Ideal Candidate:

• Experience with Shopify and/or eBay platforms

• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills

• Interest in social impact, charity, or nonprofit work

• Able to commit a few hours per week remotely

We are a small, friendly charity, run by four volunteer trustees and loads of volunteer fundraisers. We are a dynamic charitable incorporated organisation (CIO) based in Liverpool, dedicated to fundraising initiatives that create meaningful impact both locally and for baby and children’s hospitals in Sana’a, Yemen. Rooted in solidarity values, our work often aligns with principles of Islamic giving, including zakat, but is open to all who wish to give and support. On occasion, we co-fundraise with charities for Palestine.

We are seeking a volunteer treasurer to help us with financial management and reporting. Our turnover is less than £50,000 per year and we are therefore able to produce light touch accounts for the Charity Commission. We would like support with this, and with ensuring we remain financially compliant, as well as with ideas for sustainable fundraising. The trustees meet less than once a month and we anticipate a small time committment for this role. 

We are particularly keen to see applications from people who have a specific interest in health and wellbeing for people living in war affected states, especially Yemen; or who have a connection with Liverpool. We're a real passionate 'family' and look forward to welcoming a new member who shares our goals.

�� The Role

As our Volunteer Treasurer, you will play a vital role in supporting the financial health of the charity. You’ll oversee our finances, ensure transparency, and provide guidance to trustees on managing funds responsibly and in accordance with both UK charity law and, where relevant, principles of Islamic giving.

�� Key Responsibilities

• Maintain clear and accurate financial records using simple bookkeeping tools (e.g., spreadsheets or accounting software).
• Prepare simplified annual accounts and financial reports suitable for a small CIO.
• Advise the Board of Trustees on financial matters, ensuring informed decision-making.
• Oversee bank reconciliations, expense tracking, and budget monitoring.
• Ensure compliance with Charity Commission regulations and reporting deadlines.
• Provide guidance on zakat-eligible projects and ensure funds are managed in accordance with Islamic charitable principles where applicable.
• Help develop and review financial policies and procedures.
• Attend trustee meetings (typically quarterly) and provide financial updates.
• Brainstorm and share experience of novel and sustainable fundraising ideas.

�� Skills & Experience

Essential:

• Experience with bookkeeping, accounting, or finance (qualified accountant or qualified by experience).
• Familiarity with charity finance and reporting requirements (especially for small charities/CIOs).
• Strong attention to detail and ability to present financial information clearly to non-finance colleagues.
• Understanding of Islamic giving, including zakat, and ability to advise appropriately.
• Commitment to the values and objectives of the charity.

Desirable:

• Knowledge of digital accounting tools (e.g., QuickBooks, Xero, Excel).
• Previous trustee or treasurer experience in a charity setting.
• Experience of fundraising.
• Based in or familiar with the Liverpool community.
• Special interest in aligned issues or geographies.

�� What You’ll Gain

• Opportunity to make a tangible difference through financial stewardship.
• Be part of a passionate and friendly team of trustees and volunteers.
• Gain experience in governance and charity finance.
• Flexibility and autonomy to manage your time and role.

At MS Society all our activities and services are shaped by our MS community – people affected by MS, volunteers, staff and other experts. We aim to raise as much awareness as possible about MS, to ensure that people with MS have the support and information they need.

We've been successful in securing funding from Wales and West Utilities for a 'test and learn' Community Connections project (covering Wales and the South West of England) which will run until March 2026. 

Community Connections aims to: 

• Connect people with, and affected by, MS across Wales and the South West of England (Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Bristol, Gloucestershire, and Wiltshire) with services, activities and resources to enable them to live well with MS.
• Develop links with local service providers which enable people with, and affected by, MS to access support and activities in their local areas, whilst improving connections within the community
• Provide information and guidance on a range of subjects, including advice about finances, cost of living-related information, energy efficiency information, carbon monoxide awareness and the Priority Service Register. 

As part of the project, we’re looking for volunteers to deliver MS Awareness sessions to partner organisations that the project will signpost to (such as Citizens Advice Bureau). MS Awareness volunteers will help us to ensure that these partner organisations are equipped to support people with MS (who will be accessing their activities and services). To help people to understand how people with MS feel.

Here’s an overview of what will be involved - 

• Delivering talks (via Zoom/Teams) to organisations to increase their understanding of MS and its symptoms. 

• Signposting to the relevant MS Society team for further information and practical support, as required.

• Note taking and helping us understand how effective sessions were 

• Attending regular volunteer support groups, where you will debrief and share experiences with other volunteers, as well as receive support from your supervisor.

We will support you to develop the skills you need for this role which will include an induction into all the areas outlined. You will have a chance to discuss your role and any additional needs you may have with us.

Lifelites is looking for a new trustee to join our Board at a pivotal and exciting time of growth and change. This is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of a small but ambitious charity, making a real difference to the lives of children with life-limiting conditions.

About the role

As a trustee, you will play a vital part in overseeing our work, supporting our strategic direction, and helping us deliver on our Mission. We are particularly keen to hear from people with experience in:

• Marketing
• Communications
• Fundraising or sales

These skills could come from your professional background or from voluntary work. Direct experience in the charity sector is not essential – we’re looking for people whose skills are transferrable and whose values align with ours.

Above all, we’re seeking someone who shares our passion for improving the lives of children and families, and can bring their expertise to help us deliver our Mission.

Why join us?

Lifelites believes that every child with a life-limiting condition should be able to enjoy a childhood filled with joy, connection, and special moments with their families.

Using assistive and sensory technology, we empower children in palliative care settings to play, learn, communicate, and connect with their families. We currently reach around 13,500 children across Britain and Ireland – and we want to do even more.

We have launched a bold seven-year strategy to reach many more of the 99,000 children and young people living with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions in the UK.

As a trustee, you’ll help us achieve that goal by guiding our growth, increasing awareness, and improving our sustainability.

What’s involved?

• The Board meets in person at least four times a year, plus an annual away day.
• Trustees are also expected to join one of our committees and may occasionally support specific projects.
• Most additional meetings take place online.
• This is a voluntary role, but reasonable expenses are covered.

Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion

Diversity. Equity. Inclusion. These words are engrained in our services and our culture. As an organisation that seeks to empower children and young people with life-limiting conditions and complex disabilities, we are similarly committed to these values in the way we recruit and develop our people, build our teams, work in partnership and cultivate success. We actively welcome, nurture and celebrate the different abilities, sexual orientation, ethnicity, faith, and gender of candidates, existing staff, stakeholders and volunteers.

Ready to Shape the Future of London's Youth? Become a Founding Trustee at Urban Youth!

Urban Youth, a brand-new youth work charity, is on a mission to create a positive, inclusive community for young Londoners. We're seeking Trustees to help us get set up, registered, and ready to empower young people across the city.

Hours: Approx. 3 to 8 hours per month including monthly Trustee meetings held one evening per month 7-9pm both online and face to face meetings.

Laying the Foundations, Inspiring a Generation

At Urban Youth, we're not just about running activities; we're about sparking self-discovery, fostering friendships, and equipping young people with essential life skills. We're about creating unforgettable memories and guiding them to explore the world around them.

As a Trustee, you won't just be advising; you'll be instrumental in establishing our charity from the ground up. You'll bring your strategic vision, governance expertise, and passion for youth empowerment to help us:

• Secure our charitable registration.
• Develop robust governance frameworks and policies.
• Establish our operational foundations.
• Guide our initial strategy and growth.

This is a unique opportunity to shape the very core of Urban Youth, ensuring we're well-equipped to make a tangible, lasting difference in the lives of young Londoners.

Why Join the Urban Youth Movement?

This is more than just volunteering; it's an opportunity to leave a profound and lasting mark:

• Make a Foundational Impact: Your leadership will directly enable Urban Youth to launch and empower young people, shaping their positive futures from day one.
• Pioneer a New Initiative: Be part of the inaugural team, building a dynamic new charity from its inception.
• Utilise Your Expertise: Apply your experience in governance, strategy, and charity development to a cause that truly matters.
• Join a Passionate Community: Become part of a dedicated team committed to making a tangible difference in London.

If you're buzzing with strategic ideas and ready to use your expertise to inspire, uplift, and empower the next generation, we want to hear from you! Help us create a charity that perfectly captures the spirit and aspirations of London's incredible youth.

Ready to make your mark and help us create a wave of positive change in young people's lives?

Express your interest by applying via this Charity Job website. We can't wait to hear from you!

URBAN YOUTH

Building Futures | Forging Connections | Creating Memories.

At a time when we are experiencing the largest reforms to the welfare rights system in a generation, we believe this is an exciting opportunity for individuals interested in welfare rights work, to join a respected organisation working at the forefront of the advice sector.

The Welfare Benefits Unit offers specialist welfare benefits advice to those who work with members of the public. Our experienced advisers provide independent support through our advice line, publications, training, consultancy, campaigns and projects.

The Welfare Benefits Unit aims to maximise benefit take-up, helping to reduce the incidence and impact of poverty and in doing so improve health, well-being, financial and social inclusion. We are a registered charity based in York. We primarily operate in North Yorkshire and York although some of our services are accessed by organisations working further afield. 

We continue to aim towards a board that reflects the populations we work to support, and as such, welcome individuals from diverse ethnic communities, LGBTQIA+ groups, as well as younger people, those with disabilities, and those who have lived experience of the welfare benefits system.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

We welcome and support applications from those new to being a Trustee. We also know that studies have shown some people are less likely to apply for positions unless they believe meet every requirement in the description. The most important thing for us is to find Trustees that connect with our values and who can readily buy into our mission. Though we have suggested skills and experience areas below, which would be keen to hear from, we’re eager to meet people that believe in our mission and can contribute to our board in a variety of ways – not just candidates who tick all the boxes.

We’re keen to add these areas of skills and experience to our board:

• Financial, legal or HR matters (especially as they may apply to a small charity)
• Expertise in marketing, digital or similar technological areas
• Welfare benefits system and welfare rights advice or lived experience.

About the Role

All Trustee positions are voluntary with reasonable expenses remunerated. To be an effective Trustee, you will need to commit up to 1-2 days per quarter to attend and prepare for board meetings which are held virtually.

Effective Trustees support our work by:

• ensuring we are working towards our vision, mission and values in everything we do
• ensuring the effective and efficient use of resources, maintaining proper financial and regulatory oversight and best practice as a charity
• approving the annual budget, and supporting strategic decision-making by actively contributing advice and guidance
• appointing key personnel such as the Chief Executive, and determining pay and conditions for the wider team
• constructively guide the Senior Leadership Team in the delivery of the organisation’s strategy
• actively representing and championing the work of the Welfare Benefits Unit.

OneSpirit Interfaith Foundation was established as an educational charity in 2003. Our aim is to develop spiritual awareness and to support people of all faiths, and none, by delivering a range of training programmes that allow open-hearted adults to serve their chosen communities through Ministry, Spiritual Counselling and in supporting life’s transitions. Our interfaith ministers bring unconditional love and radical commitment to members of the public through ceremony, ritual, spiritual counselling, and other methods of support.

We are seeking new trustees, with a focus on marketing and/or legal experience, with a commitment to the vision and purpose of the organisation to join our board. Trustees are appointed for a term of 4 years and are essential to the progress and growth of our organisation.

Organisational purpose:

To benefit the public by the education of mature adults in:
• the core principles of the world’s religions, faiths, and spiritual traditions;
• principles and methods of forgiveness, reconciliation and peace-making;
• and the practice of non-denominational spiritual and pastoral service in the community.

Our Vision

is a world in which humanity awakens into an inclusive global spirituality that encompasses us all in the field of love and life.

Our Mission

is to work towards evolving consciousness in the world, by facilitating open-hearted people to awaken to inner leadership and their capacity for forgiveness, reconciliation, and peace-making.

Ideally, you will have experience working in a not-for-profit organisation and will be passionate about spiritual life and faith-freedom. We would particularly love to hear from anyone with experience of Human Resources, Adult Education, Financial Management, Fundraising, Legal, and IT.

Formal trustee meetings take place with senior staff quarterly, and we hold up to nine trustee-only meetings annually. To ensure our work is collaborative, we also have an annual two-day gathering of trustees and the wider leadership team. All trustees are volunteers, with expenses available for travel to and from meetings and other incidental expenses where applicable. Please note that meetings are currently being held via Zoom.

We have a strong commitment to diversity and aim to reflect the diversity of the communities we work with on our Board of Trustees. We welcome all candidates irrespective of sex, gender, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership status, race, nationality, ethnic or national origin, culture, religion, age, responsibilities for dependants, physical/mental disability (“protected characteristics” as per the Equality Act 2010), economic status or offending background.

We welcome both OneSpirit ministers and candidates who are not OneSpirit ministers.  However, we expect all candidates to adhere to OneSpirit’s code of ethics.

One25 is a Bristol-based charity, specialising in supporting women to break free from street sex-work, addiction and other life-controlling issues and build new, independent lives. We provide night outreach (7 sessions weekly), a Health Hub and casework, giving person-centred support and advocacy to around 240 women each year.

One25’s outreach service is often how women first make contact with us, meeting us on our fully equipped outreach van. Three volunteers, one an experienced team leader, go out on the van at night and meet women’s basic needs by providing nutritious food, first aid, warm clothing, condoms, safety alarms etc. They provide the chance to talk and get advice in a safe space and encourage women to get more in-depth help by visiting our Health Hub or seeing a caseworker.

We are looking for volunteers to join our accelerated pathway to becoming a Van Team Leader. Van Team Leaders are responsible for leading volunteers during shifts, coordinating with One25 staff and external services, and making decisions in crisis situations.

Please note: It is an Occupational Requirement that applications for this role are open to women only, as permitted under Schedule 9, Part 1, of the Equality Act 2010. Enhanced DBS disclosure will be required.

Team Leader tasks will involve (but are not limited to):

• Organising jobs with volunteers prior to shift
• Contacting volunteers prior to shift to make arrangements.
• Leading the briefing and debriefing sessions.
• Explaining procedures to new volunteers and answering any questions they have.
• Supporting and mentoring other volunteers, offering coaching and guidance where appropriate.
• Being responsible for making decisions relating to safety on the van
• Feeding back to the Volunteer Manager.

This pilot project will be for people who have professional experience in the following areas:

• Domestic abuse
• Sexual violence
• Drug and alcohol
• Homelessness
• Social care
• Physical Health
• Mental health

To apply for this programme you must have/be:

• Experience in the above mentioned fields
• Able to commit to 2 nights per month and 1 evening per month during the 7-month training programme
• Able to commit to at least 1 night per month and 1 evening per quarter upon completion of the training programme
• Able to travel to and from St Pauls, Bristol after shift
• Reliable and punctual
• An understanding of the issues women involved in street sex work.
• Non-judgmental and compassionate approach.Empathy and ability to actively listen.
• Ability to be friendly, but professional.
• Ability to maintain boundaries and be firm about rules.
• Ability to take direction and learn from mistakes and progress in your role
• Ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• Be comfortable leading a team and providing on site feedback to volunteers

For more information on this role, please see the attached role description.

Applications by: 9am, Monday 14th July 2025

Interviews: Tuesday 15th July, Wednesday 16th July or Thursday 17th July

Induction date: Tuesday 22nd July (5pm until 9pm)

Responsibilities:

1. Visit veterans, provide companionship, read, play games, or assist with non-medical tasks.
2. Visit to offer friendly conversation and emotional support to veterans who live in assisted living or long-term care homes
3. Support veterans with small home projects, yard work, or safety modifications.
4. Deliver food to homebound or disabled veterans.
5. Help veterans in transition to civilian careers by assist them in Resume Writing & Job Coaching.
6. Observe and understand the physical, mental, and emotional needs of veterans.
7. Encourage and assist veterans to maintain their independence where possible.
8. Support engagement in social activities or hobbies to promote well-being.
9.  Assist with educational goals or mentorship for younger veterans.
10. Help organize or run events on Veterans Day, Memorial Day, etc.

Children of Voices is a hugely respected charitable organisation helping to improve the lives of young people and their families through genuine care, love, and support.  

We are currently seeking a volunteer Personal Assistant/Office Manager. This role is ideal for an individual with experience as a P.A./Manager looking to work within the charity sector. 

Responsibilities typically include: 

• Acting as a first point of contact for enquiries: (email/calendar management and phone calls, managing diaries 

• Typing, compiling, and preparing reports, presentations, and correspondence. 

• Miscellaneous tasks to support the CEO which will vary according to projects and tasks but could include fundraising, event planning, social media, community outreach, press & PR. 

• Managing databases and filing systems. 

• Implementing and maintaining procedures/policies & administrative systems 

• Forming a relationship with our clients as they are part of the community. 

Essential skills for this role are: 

• Organisation skills: The ability to prioritise tasks, manage time, and keep track of deadlines is crucial.  

• Communication skills: should be able to communicate effectively in writing. 

• Attention to detail: the ability to pick up on small details can prevent costly mistakes from occurring. 

• Problem-solving skills: the ability to identify and resolve problems quickly and efficiently.  

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a worthy cause. The organisation has a warm and friendly atmosphere and will be extremely rewarding for the candidate. 

Kidderminster Foodbank currently has three part-time employees. It is in an exciting developmental period, moving to opening a town-centre wellbeing hub, so we anticipate taking on other staff.

This role involves leading on HR within the organisation. This entails advising the trustee board and ensuring we adhere to the highest standards of governance in policies and practice related to employee relations, recruitment, retention, reward, and recognition, as well as staff and trustee development. Our HR trustee will assess risks and measure the impact of HR interventions, will advise the board as we implement organisational policies and practices in the context of furthering charitable objectives and as we evaluate their impact on staff and beneficiaries. 

The HR trustee also needs to ensure the long-term strategic oversight of the organisation’s personnel and staffing requirements in relation to the overarching goals of the charity.

What will you be doing?

Key tasks:

• To ensure that HR activities and interventions are linked to the organisation’s charitable objectives and complement the organisational culture
• To review and recommend to the Trustee Board current and future strategic resourcing, training and development and plans.
• To actively contribute to policy-setting and strategic direction.

Other responsibilities, along with the Board of Trustees, include:

• To manage the charity’s resources responsibly, including ensuring the charity’s assets are used only to carry out its purpose, avoid undue risk and not over-commit the charity.
• To ensure the board regularly reviews its structures, roles, relationship to staff and implementing changes if and when necessary.
• To help develop a long-term strategy for the foodbank with clear objectives which can be monitored and adapted.
• To work alongside the Treasurer and the board to ensure the organisation’s financial dealings are systematically accounted for and on time, independently examined (on income over £25k) and made publicly available when necessary.
• To ensure the charity is accountable, actively complying with statutory accounting and reporting requirements and the law.
• To ensure appropriate financial plans are in place for future budget allocations as well as looking after contractual agreements with external partners that award money for core costs and additional projects.
• To help promote the organisation to a wide audience of potential funders and beneficiaries and community stakeholders.
• To ensure the foodbank has appropriate procedures to: comply with current legislation and good practice; including employment, health and safety, equal opportunities, safeguarding & GDPR compliance/data protection etc.
• To act with reasonable care and skill, giving your time, thought and energy to your role.
• To prepare for and regularly attend and participate in board and subcommittee meetings and any trustee away days.
• To provide ad hoc support to the staff team and volunteers from time to time.
• To act at all times in accordance with the foodbank’s trustee code of conduct.

The Trustees may also undertake additional work for the charity between meetings subject to their availability and skill set.

What are we looking for?

Kidderminster Foodbank are seeking to recruit Trustees with an interest in helping others, who are willing to uphold the foodbank’s values, and who can bring life experience to the board of trustees, including lived experience of hardships which led to needing emergency food provision. Our ideal candidates would demonstrate:

• A knowledge of, and commitment to, the work of Kidderminster Foodbank.
• Experience of working in a HR role.
• Willingness to actively participate in discussions concerning needs of the foodbank’s beneficiaries, staff, and the trustee board.
• Willingness to act in the best interest of the charity.
• Sound, independent judgement and an ability to think creatively.
• The ability to work effectively as part of a team and demonstrate a willingness to learn and develop.

What difference will you make?

By supporting the governance of the food bank, you are part of a team providing a vital holistic support function in your local community, ensuring a dignified experience to anyone visiting or anyone who comes into contact with Kidderminster Foodbank.

Today Kensal Green Cemetery is at the start of an exciting new chapter in its history.  After several years of hard work and collaboration with stakeholders such as Historic England, a private Bill is currently passing through parliament that will enable the General Cemetery Company to transfer the land, buildings and company into the ownership of a newly formed charity.  As a result, the cemetery will be owned and operated by a modern organisation with contemporary powers and freedoms, releasing it from the constrained governance arrangements of the founding Act(s).

In parallel with the Bill making its passage through parliament, the General Cemetery Company directors are setting up a Steering Group that will form the embryo of the board of trustees of the proposed charity that will ultimately own and operate the site. 

We are therefore seeking three experienced external individuals to join the Steering Group and contribute towards the establishment of the new charity and form the starting point for a larger board of trustees.  It is anticipated that the Steering Group members will transition into trustees in the next 12 months or so as the charity is established.

About Kensal Green Cemetery

Kensal Green Cemetery and the company that owns and operates it - the General Cemetery Company - was established by an Act of Parliament in 1833.  It is one of the ‘magnificent seven’ great Victorian London cemeteries and the only one that remains owned and operated by its original founding company. 

Kensal Green Cemetery is widely regarded architecturally as the most important of the great Victorian cemeteries, containing the greatest concentration of buildings and monuments of particularly high-quality design.  As the chosen location for several Victorian royal burials, Kensal Green Cemetery also became regarded as particularly desirable amongst the great and the good of Victorian and Edwardian society.

Over the last half a century the General Cemetery Company has struggled to keep up with the huge task of maintaining the site to the standard it deserves.  And as time has passed, the General Cemetery Company’s 200-year-old governance framework has become increasingly anachronistic in the modern world, preventing it, for example, from applying for major capital grants or making structural changes to the way the site is owned and operated.  Whilst the company is in reasonable financial shape and actively serving its community with burials and cremations, parts of the cemetery are in poor condition and it contains one of the largest concentrations of ‘Heritage At Risk’ structures in England.

Our vision

The GCC directors and inaugural members of the proposed charity have established an outline vision for the future of Kensal Green Cemetery for the next 25 years to 2050 to give the proposed charity a clear purpose. We have also started to set a series of objectives that the charity must deliver to give its role and function more definition:

The vision is to care for Kensal Green Cemetery as a place of burial, cremation and quiet contemplation for current and future generations of our diverse community.  To do this we will carefully and sensitively conserve and repair our buildings and monuments, promote education about them and improve the condition of infrastructure & landscape whilst operating an active cemetery and crematorium for the public benefit.

The strategic objectives are:

1. To maintain an open and active cemetery and provide for existing and future generations of friends and families of the deceased

2. To conserve and enhance the heritage of Kensal Green Cemetery;( the densest concentration of highly listed heritage assets in England)

3. To continue to operate a high quality, financially viable cemetery and crematorium whilst diversifying income streams from other assets and activities

4. To engage and educate people about the social, economic, architectural, environmental and cultural history of the cemetery and those buried in it

5. To balance the conservation and enhancement of the historic landscape features with nature conservation to provide a green space for commemoration and the quiet enjoyment and contemplation of the community.

We are seeking three high calibre individuals to the following three roles:

1. Treasurer

2. Heritage-lead

3. Management-lead

Further details are provided in the attached information pack however it is key that all three trustee roles are filled by individuals who have board-level experience and experience of charities, and ideally charitable start-ups in particular.

We are looking for individuals who understand and will embrace our vision and who can help to shape plans for the future of Kensal Green Cemetery.

In the short-term the individuals will be members of the Steering Group.  It is anticipated that these individuals will be key members of the team which will create the proposed charity and that their roles will transition to trustees during their tenure.

What you will gain

• The opportunity to shape an organisation responsible for one of the most remarkable concentrations of heritage assets in England
• Satisfaction for being responsible for a cemetery and crematorium that is deeply rooted in the lives of the West London community
• The opportunity to develop your strategic and leadership skills
• Working with a friendly and committed team of trustees and staff.

Location

All members of the Steering Group and successor trustee board will be expected to participate fully in the development of proposals for the future of Kensal Green Cemetery including at the attendance of events and relevant meetings on site in London.  It is expected that there will be five formal meetings each year which will be a mixture of virtual and in person that members will be required to attend as a minimum.  During the first formative year or so of the start-up phase we expect the level of time commitment will exceed that of a typical trustee position.

Terms of appointment

The three roles are voluntary and will not be remunerated however reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

The appointment is for a three-year term, which can be renewed for one further term.

About being a Trustee

It is fully expected that the individuals we are seeking for the Steering Group will transition into trustees in due course. More information is available online about general trustee responsibilities from websites such as the Charity Commission however, in summary, trustees have overall control of a charity and are responsible for making sure it’s doing what it was set up to do.  Trustees have six main overarching duties:

1. To ensure their charity is carrying out its purposes for the public benefit

2. To comply with their charity’s governing document and the law

3. To act in their charity’s best interests

4. To manage your charity’s resources responsibly

5. To act with reasonable care and skill

6. To ensure their charity is accountable.