Public affairs volunteer roles
Could you be a trustee for Avenues?
Avenues Group is a specialist provider of adult social care, supporting people with complex needs to enjoy life. We always want to do things better, and as part of our development we are now looking for new trustees.
Our trustee group has to reflect the diversity of the people we support and the communities in which we work, and we welcome and encourage applicants from all backgrounds.
We would particularly like to hear from people with lived experience of disability, encouraging people who are accessing support services, and neurodivergent people.
Do you have experience in any of the following?
- Care Sector Financial Experience to join our Board and Finance Committee
- Health and Social Care Experience (outside Avenues) to join our Board and one committee (to be decided).
- People management and organisational development to join our Board and the People, Culture and Reward Committee
- Risk Management (specialising in a quality, compliance and regulatory environment) to join our Board and our Audit and Risk Committee.
If so, we'd like to meet you, apply today and to find out more about us and the role please download the attached trustee pack and role profile.
Still unsure if this role is for you? We are happy to offer an informal chat with our Head of Governance so feel free to contact us and we can organise this.
Why join us?
You’ll be part of an organisation that instils its values at all levels of the business, ensuring the people we support are at the forefront of our decisions.
Our people love working here, and most trustees stay for many years, becoming as passionate as we are.
This opportunity will be useful for anyone wanting to learn more about being a trustee, full training and support will be provided, and wishing to develop a more rounded skill set. It can also be a fantastic opportunity for someone with many years of experience to share their skills.
As part of our recruitment process, the successful candidates will meet and be interviewed by different stakeholders including people we support and Chairs of Committees as well as our CEO, current Group Boards Chair and other trustees of the board.
Interviews are planned week commencing w/c 18th August and w/c 25th August (subject to any changes due to availability of stakeholders).
We will process your data in line with our privacy policy. To find out more read the Privacy Notice on our website. We want you to have control over your data. You can contact us at any time to request or change the data that we hold about you or even if you just have a question relating to the data, we hold about you.
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!
Swansea Community Workshops
The Board of Trustees are looking to recruit a knowledgeable and experienced individual for the voluntary role of Treasurer (Board of Trustees). The main activity at Swansea Community Workshops (SCW) is to provide facilities for hobbies, recreation, and leisure time occupation in a socially interactive and practical environment, where there are skills sharing, learning of new skills, and helping community-based projects. As we are a charity, these facilities are for public benefit, specifically targeting socially excluded members of the local community in Swansea.
Role Overview
Title: Treasurer (Voluntary) Reports to: Board of Trustees.
Hours: 6-10 hours per month as minimum. Attendance to monthly sub-committee meetings and bimonthly Board of Trustee meetings is expected.
Role and Responsibilities Overall
- Oversee the financial affairs of the organisation and ensure they are legal, constitutional and within accepted accounting practice.
- Ensure proper records are kept and that effective financial procedures are in place.
- Monitor and report on the financial health of the organisation.
- Oversee the production of necessary financial reports/returns, accounts, and audits.
Specifically
- Undertake bookkeeping duties and/or oversee the finance volunteer ensuring posting and bookkeeping is kept up-to-date.
- Maintain the petty cash system and regularly process petty cash claims.
- Regularly carry out reconciliations/ oversee regular reconciliations by the Centre Manager.
- Liaise with relevant staff, board members and/or volunteers to ensure the financial viability of the organisation.
- Make fellow board members aware of their financial obligations and take a lead in interpreting financial data to them.
- Regularly report the financial position at Board of Trustees meetings (balance sheet, cash flow, fundraising performance etc) with assistance from the Centre Manager.
- Alongside the Chair and Centre Manager, provide oversight in the production of an annual budget and propose its adoption at the last meeting of the previous financial year.
- Ensure proper records are kept and that effective financial procedures and controls are in place, as laid out in SCW’s Scheme of Delegation and other policies. i.e.:
- Cheque signatories
- Purchasing limits
- Purchasing systems
- Petty cash/ float
- Salary payments
- Pensions
- PAYE and NI payments
- Others as appropriate
- Appraising the financial viability of plans, proposals, and feasibility studies.
- Lead on appointing and liaising with auditors/an independent examiner.
Person Specification
Personal Qualities
- Friendly and approachable
- Clear communication skills – both written and verbal.
- Good attention to detail
- Happy to volunteer on evenings and weekends when required.
- Enthusiasm or interest in craft activities
Education, Experience and Knowledge
- A Level or equivalent degree required as minimum.
- Knowledge and experience of current and fundraising finance practice relevant to voluntary and community organisations.
- Knowledge of bookkeeping and financial management (as necessary).
Skills
Essential
- Good financial analysis skills.
- Knowledge of appropriate software including: Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint and Adobe Acrobat
- Excellent customer service skills.
- Excellent organisation skills and an ability to work independently.
Desirable
- Knowledge of specific software and systems, such as WordPress, Skedda.
- Clean and valid UK driving license, personal vehicle, and insurance.
- Basic Welsh language skills.
The above Role Description and Person Specification should be considered in addition the SCW’s standard Trustee Role Description and Person Specification, which is available separately to this document.
Additional Information
Key Dates
September 2024 - This is an ongoing recruitment with no fixed deadline for registering your interest.
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 Vacancy
We are excited to announce that we are looking to appoint a new Clinical Trustee to our well-established Board.
This vacancy has arisen as one of our existing Clinical Trustees has reached the end of their tenure and now we are seeking the ideal candidate to fill this position.
As a Clinical Trustee you will be required to provide expert guidance to our Board and will act as support to our Director of Care. You will often be required to act a sounding-board for the Julia’s House Team in matters impacting our Clinical Care and Team.
You will work alongside our other Clinical Trustees in respect of Clinical Governance providing input and advice around Clinical matters.
You’ll also build a strong relationship with the rest of the Trustee Board and Senior Leadership Team at Julia’s House.
Qualifications/Experience:
Proven experience of working within a palliative care environment, ideally at a Senior level.
Children’s palliative care not essential but advantageous if you have it.
Application of sound judgement and collaboration with others is key to the success of this role.
Terms of office
- Trustees are appointed for a three-year term of office, renewal for one further term to a maximum of six years.
- This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses are reimbursed.
Time commitment
- Attending four Board meetings annually, typically scheduled in the evening.
- Attending four Clinical Governance meetings a year, typically scheduled in the evening.
- Attending annual strategy and training days.
Our trustees play a vital role in making sure that Julia’s House achieves its core purpose. They oversee the overall management and administration of the charity, ensure that the charity has a clear strategy and that our work and goals are in line with our vision. So, if you have the skills and experience we need we'd love to hear from you.
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 Vacancy
We are pleased to announce that we are looking to appoint a new Legal Trustee to our well-established Board.
The Legal Trustee will utilise their legal expertise to provide support and guidance of the legal aspects of charity guidance and also oversee the Charity’s corporate governance and company secretarial functions.
Qualifications/Experience:
Currently practising within a legal role, able to demonstrate significant experience and knowledge.
Application of sound judgement and collaboration with others is key to the success of this role.
Terms of office
- Trustees are appointed for a three-year term of office, renewal for one further term to a maximum of six years.
- This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses are reimbursed.
Time commitment
- Attending four Board meetings annually.
- Attending annual strategy and training days.
Committee membership
You may be required to attend one other committee in addition to the mainboard. This will require attendance at an additional 4 meetings annually.
Our trustees play a vital role in making sure that Julia’s House achieves its core purpose. They oversee the overall management and administration of the charity, ensure that the charity has a clear strategy and that our work and goals are in line with our vision. So, if you have the skills and experience we need we'd love to hear from you.
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!
Become our Trustee Tresurer and chair our Finance Committee.We need a Trustees with energy, enthusiasm and commitment to help accelerate our influcence on wildlife and nature recovery issues in the country and beyond.
With a refreshed 3-year strategy (23-26), “A Wilder Herefordshire, More Nature Everywhere” we’re working hard to recover nature at scale through deeper collaborations, working with local community organisations and networks to develop a clear plan for nature’s recovery. We are also working with neighbouring Wildlife Trusts, river partnerships and national partners such as the Woodland Trust, National Trust, and Duchy of Cornwall.
So, with lots happening, it’s an exciting if challenging time for the Trust. Urgent action is needed to address the decline of wildlife in our beautiful county – and we need to muster all the resources and skills we can to succeed.
We are a welcoming board who support and challenge each other to do better for wildlife.
We look to recruit trustees from a range of backgrounds, life stages and skills to join us.
At this time, we wish to recruit someone to take on the role of Treasurer, and chair our Finance Committee. You would need the following skills and qualities:
· A strong commitment to wildlife conservation and the Vision of the Trust;
· Demonstrable experience of financial management;
· The skills to analyse proposals and examine their financial consequences;
· A good understanding of governance, gained either as a Trustee of another charity, a director of a company, or as a manager who has worked with Boards;
· The ability to apply clear logical thinking and creativity to developing our strategy
If you are successful, you will be welcomed and supported by a talented and committed board of trustees, a strong and experienced staff team and an active and expanding band of volunteers and by the wider Wildlife Trust movement. We hope you are inspired to apply, and we look forward to hearing from you.
Alison McLean OBE, Chair, March 2025
Endometriosis UK is the largest UK charity for those with endometriosis. Endometriosis UK works to:
- Provide support to those with endometriosis and their families and friends
- Provide clear, objective information about the condition and its treatments
- Raise awareness amongst health professionals and the general public about the condition
- Support research into endometriosis.
This is an unpaid role. Reasonable pre-agreed travel expenses will be paid.
Time commitment:
- five Trustee Board meetings a year, including preparation for meetings, reading papers etc; and attendance at an annual strategy day and AGM (held on the same days as Board meetings). Three meetings are held in person on London on a Saturday, with two meetings being virtual evening meetings.
- Trustees have the opportunity to take part in Board sub-groups and project groups to develop aspects of the organisations’ work. Current sub-groups include the Finance Committee and Diversity & Inclusion Sub-Group.
Trustees are also invited to attend Endometriosis UK events.
We are currently recruiting for ONE NEW TRUSTEE to join the board. We are particularly looking for significant experience of charity governance, management and best practice. Examples of how this might have been gained include having worked at a senior level in a charity, or previous trustee experience.
If you are keen to join the Endometriosis UK Board and don’t have this experience, there will be further opportunities over the next year as we will be recruiting for more trustees as Board members reach their maximum length of service. Keep an eye on our social media for more information.
Personal experience of living with, or having a close family member with, endometriosis, is vital on our Board. Whilst we look favourably on applications from those in the endometriosis community, we already have Trustees with first hand lived experience and new trustees do not need to have endometriosis.
We also particularly welcome applications from trustees from a range of backgrounds and experiences as part of our commitment to diversity.
Our Network is here to offer those affected by endometriosis the support and information they need to understand the condition and take control




The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
A fantastic opportunity has arisen to join the Smart Works Board of Trustees.
Our Trustees support all aspects of our work, with the aim of providing strategic support, governance and assurance that enables us to continue to deliver our core service and increase the number of women we can support into work by dressing and coaching women for interview and job success.
The time commitment for this voluntary, unpaid role is an average of a day a month, with more time given at busy periods of the year. There will be a requirement to attend board meetings, with some trustees also sitting on subcommittees that meet around 4 times a year. In addition, there are events to attend and occasional additional duties to support our wider work.
If you feel you have valuable experience and skills to contribute to the Smart Works mission and would like to use your professional experience for good, we would love to hear from you.
Please see the job pack attached for full details and apply via the portal by 31st July 2025.
We exist to give unemployed women the clothing, coaching and confidence they need to succeed at interview and get the job.




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!
Are you looking to volunteer your time and knowledge to support Age UK Oxfordshire who are seeking Trustees with specific skills to work closely as part of their Board.
Age UK Oxfordshire are an independent local charity supporting older people to maintain their independence and live life to the full, focusing most resource on reaching those older people who face a struggle, whether through low income, poor health or loneliness. They are striving for a world where every older person and unpaid carer is seen, heard, included, and valued.
Trustees play a vital role as Board members, ensuring the organisation has solid plans in place to achieve their aims and that funding is being used positively to do this. They are looking for enthusiastic individuals who will work in partnership with fellow Trustees, CEO and the Leadership team to ensure that Age UK Oxfordshire delivers on their vision, mission, and values.
Specific areas of focus for the board:
Given the needs of the charity and the skills of the current board members, they are looking for experience in HR, Governance, Adult Social Care and Lived experience is always welcomed.
They value and are actively seeking to increase diversity on their board in order to bring broader perspectives, achieve stronger community representation, inform sound decision-making, and help them serve more effectively and inclusively.
Could this be the ideal role for me?
To be considered for this role, you will require the following skills and competencies:
- Commitment to the organisation.
- Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort.
- An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship.
- Good, independent judgement.
- An understanding and knowledge of good governance.
- Able to work effectively as a member of a team.
What's in it for you
- Volunteering experience
- Interaction with leadership teams and board activity
- Working with different sets of people
- Annual strategic away day with Trustees and Leadership Team
Currently trustee meetings are held quarterly and alternate holding meetings virtually and in person in Abingdon. The meetings last about 2.5 hours. In addition, there are up to two away days a year and an AGM. Papers typically require about two hours reading per meeting.
We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or other category protected by law.
These unremunerated roles are open to all. To apply for these exceptional opportunities, please submit your CV and supporting statement via the Charisma website.
If you would like to have an initial discussion with Sandra Smith, Associate Director of Charisma Charity Recruitment, prior to submitting your application, please get in touch via the Charisma website.
Closing date for applications: 10th August 2025
Interview date: TBC
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.
Smart Works is a dynamic, high profile and fast-growing UK charity that dresses and coaches unemployed women for success at their job interview. We empower each woman by giving her the clothes and the confidence she needs to succeed.
After visiting Smart Works, 67% of clients secure a job within a month, gaining financial independence and transforming their lives.
The Smart Works service is delivered in London, Manchester, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Newcastle, Reading, Bristol and Leeds. Over the past ten years, Smart Works has helped over 50,000 women, and last year alone we reached 10,600 women. It is our mission that any woman who needs our service should be able to find her way to a Smart Works centre.
About the Role
A fantastic opportunity has arisen to join the Smart Works Scotland (SWS) Board of Trustees as Trustee and Treasurer
Our Trustees support all aspects of our work, with the aim of providing strategic support, governance and assurance that enables us to continue to deliver our core service and increase the number of women we can support into work by dressing and coaching women for interview and job success.
As Treasurer, you will work with the Chair and Head of Smart Works Scotland to ensure the charity is well-run and effective, and with Smart Works Charity on key financial activities throughout the financial year.
The Treasurer has oversight of the financial strategy and management of Smart Works Scotland, monitoring the financial health of the charity and ensuring the wider Board are provided with the financial information they need to make well considered decisions. This includes producing monthly management accounts and monitoring monthly income with the Head of Scotland and the relevant staff members.
How to Apply
If you are interested in learning more about the role before applying, please email us to be connected with a member of the Smart Works Scotland Board of Trustees. You can also view the ful role descriptrion on our website.
To apply for this position please apply via our online portal by Midnight on Sunday 6th July. If you require any adjustments for your application, please email us and we'd be happy to help.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a first interview on either 10th/11th July via Zoom and then final interviews will be week beginning 21st July.
We exist to give unemployed women the clothing, coaching and confidence they need to succeed at interview and get the job.




Become a Trustee or Chair of Lancaster Grand Theatre
Make a difference to Lancaster’s creative life. Bring your skills and passion to one of the city’s most loved cultural venues.
We are now recruiting new Trustees to join the Board of Lancaster Footlights & Grand Theatre CIO from September 2025, and a future Chair of Trustees to take up the role during 2026.
Applications close: 12 noon, 15 August 2025
Coffee Morning for prospective Trustees: Saturday 12 July, 9:30am
About Lancaster Grand Theatre
Lancaster Grand Theatre is one of the UK’s oldest working theatres, first opened in 1782. Today, our 460-seat Grade II listed venue stages over 250 events every year — bringing joy to thousands of people from across our community and beyond.
The charity that runs the theatre — Lancaster Footlights & Grand Theatre CIO — is powered by volunteers and driven by a commitment to making arts and culture accessible, welcoming and sustainable.
We are now looking to strengthen our Board of Trustees by welcoming new members with a range of skills, experience and perspectives. We are particularly keen to encourage applications from under-represented groups, to ensure our Board reflects the diversity of our community.
What We’re Looking For
We are seeking Trustees from a broad range of backgrounds — you don’t need to have previous Board experience. We will provide induction and support to help you thrive in the role.
In particular, we are keen to add skills and expertise in:
- Chair of the Board (future appointment in 2026)
- Safeguarding
- Youth Engagement & Development
- Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
- Environment & Sustainability
- ICT & Data Control
- Constitutional Compliance & Insurance
- Arts, Culture & Heritage (including archiving)
- Fundraising and Grants
- Facilities Management
We are also looking for candidates who are passionate about the role of live performance in community life, and who can contribute to our mission and values:
Our Mission: To be a place of joy, and a cornerstone of cultural and artistic excellence, for our community and beyond.
The Role of Trustee
As a Trustee, you will be part of a voluntary team that:
· Provides governance and leadership for the charity
· Oversees the management of the theatre and ensures its sustainability
· Supports and champions the theatre’s values and mission
· Ensures good financial stewardship and legal compliance
· Contributes ideas, expertise and time to support our ongoing development
Trustees attend around 6–8 Board meetings per year (usually weekday evenings), plus occasional working groups and events. We aim to create a supportive, collaborative and enjoyable environment for all Trustees.
Chair Role: The current Chair of Trustees will progressively hand over the role during 2026. The incoming Chair will be selected by the Board after the AGM. Support and mentoring will be provided.
How to Apply
If you would like to apply:
Attend our Coffee Morning on 12 July (optional, but recommended)
Submit an application by 12 noon, 15 August 2025
Your application should include:
- A completed Charity Commission declaration form (we will provide this)
- A short statement (up to 500 words) summarising your skills and experience, and why you’d like to join the Board
DOWNLOAD Trustee & Chair Briefing Pack on website.
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 Manor House Centre for Psychotherapy and Counselling (MHCPC) is an established training centre and clinical service. At a time when mental health provisions have been in increased demand, we have experienced exponential growth of our services and wish to develop these further.
We are ambitious to develop and raise our profile and influence to offer mental health support to those that need it most in our borough. The MHCPC are uniquely positioned to offer low-cost open-ended therapy to those who can least afford it.
The MHCPC provide long-term psychodynamic counselling rather than CBT, for those patients in the community for whom the former is more suitable. We provide a service which reduces the impact on NHS mental health provisions and thus supports patients who would otherwise face joining an unrealistically long waiting list for short-term work.
The MHCPC sets high training and clinical standards: our training programme is accredited by both the British Association for Psychotherapy and Counselling (BACP) and the British Psychoanalytic Council (BPC).
What are we looking for?
The MHCPC seek to appoint an enthusiastic and engaging Chair, with a passion for mental health and supporting the local community.
The role of the Chair is to provide leadership and direction to the Board of Trustees. The Chair’s aim is to enable the board to fulfil their responsibilities for the overall governance and strategic direction of the organisation.
The Chair will ensure that the organisation complies with its governing document and any other relevant legislation or regulations and to make sure that the organisation pursues its objectives as defined in its constitution.
The Chair's role is to work in partnership with the Board of Management, helping them achieve their vision for the organisation.
Personal Qualities
- Demonstrate a strong and visible passion and commitment to the charity, its strategic objectives and cause
- Personal gravitas to lead an organisation
- Exhibit strong inter-personal and relationship building abilities and be comfortable in an ambassadorial role
- Demonstrate tact and diplomacy, with the ability to listen and engage effectively
- Strong networking capabilities that can be utilised for the benefit of the charity
- Ability to foster and promote a collaborative team environment
- Ability to commit time to conduct the role well, including travel and attending events out of office hours.
Experience
- Experience of operating at a senior strategic leadership level within an organisation
- Successful track record of achievement through their career
- Experience of charity governance and working with or as part of a Board of Trustees
- Experience of external representation, delivering presentations and managing stakeholders
- Significant experience of chairing meetings and events
- Experience of recruiting Trustees
Knowledge and skills
- Broad knowledge and understanding of the charity sector and current issues affecting it
- Strong leadership skills, ability to motivate staff and volunteers and bring people together
- Financial management expertise and a broad understanding of charity finance issues
- Good understanding of charity governance issues
What difference will you make?
The MHCPC has an active Board of Management responsible for the day to day running of the organisation. The Chair's role is to work in partnership with the Board of Management and, with the support of the Board of Trustees, helping them achieve their vision for the organisation.
We are seeking to appoint a dynamic and passionate Chair of the Board of Trustees to provide leadership to the Board and to ensure that the organisation delivers its charitable purpose in close cooperation with the Board of Management.
A Chair is sought who has a strong empathy with the organisation’s objectives and has some understanding of, or interest in, talking therapies and mental health. We are looking to appoint a Chair who can provide strategic insight and expertise to the Board deliberations and support our growth and development at an exciting time for the organisation as we strategically plan how to expand our provision of affordable therapy.
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!
Women's Aid Luton is seeking a visionary and dedicated Chair of the Board to lead and support the transformation and growth of our small yet impactful charity.
Women’s Aid Luton supports over 800 of society's most vulnerable women and children each year, helping them escape horrific abuse and violence. We provide a safe haven across our five refuges in Luton, operate a helpline, and offer bespoke assistance for families. Our services include access to legal advice, mental health support, employment assistance, and resettlement aid.
One of our refuges is dedicated to women from South Asian communities, with staff who speak Punjabi, Bengali, and Urdu. We also have a refuge for single women with complex support needs, such as mental health issues and drug and alcohol dependencies, often stemming from the trauma of domestic violence and abuse.
In addition to our direct support services, we focus on prevention and intervention by working with schools to raise awareness of domestic abuse. We are committed to disrupting exploitative and abusive relationships to prevent loss of life and reduce the long-term economic and social costs to society. Our services contribute to creating a safer, more compassionate community, supporting women and children from diverse socio-economic, religious, and cultural backgrounds, including those with complex needs.
With the current challenges facing our sector, we are focused on creating financial sustainability and resilience within the organisation, focusing on a robust funding strategy and a dynamic response to risk.
Our current Chair will come to the end of their term next year, and therefore we’re seeking a new Chair to support the charity in delivering our vital work.
The Chair of Trustees is a pivotal role within our organisation. Your leadership and dedication will be instrumental in ensuring we not only maintain but also expand our vital support and services for those in need. By guiding our strategic vision and fostering a culture of compassion and excellence, you will directly impact the lives of countless vulnerable women and children, helping them rebuild their lives and find hope for the future. Your commitment will drive our mission forward, creating lasting change and a safer, more supportive community for all.
What are we looking for?
EXPERIENCE
- An understanding and passion for the violence against women and girls sector
- Significant experience as a non-executive
- An understanding of UK charity governance and working with or as part of a Board of Trustees
- Experience of operating at a senior strategic leadership level
- An ability to network with both internal and external stakeholders.
- Sensitivity and discretion in dealing with staff and service user issues.
- Significant experience and success in leading groups of people in either a professional or voluntary capacity to achieve results.
- Experience of chairing meetings.
- Significant experience of managing, motivating, and developing people.
- Strong experience of developing, deploying, and evaluating strategic plans with a view to maximising impact and benefit.
- Experience of financial management and a broad understanding of charity finance issues
SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Exceptional leadership skills; able to cultivate effective collaboration but also comfortable in taking responsibility for difficult choices.
- Effective strategic communicator: able to articulate Women’s Aid Luton’s vision and engage and inspire others both within the organisation and externally.
- Highly effective relationship and alliance building abilities.
- Sound judgement with high capacity for self-reflection.
- Capacity to support both Board and Executive development.
- An ability to work within the realistic expectations and limitations for the Charity
ATTRIBUTES
- Dynamic leadership style that guides and inspires the Board and Executive to fulfil their respective responsibilities.
- A strong personal commitment to improving Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.
- Collaborative approach with excellent interpersonal skills.
- A strong personal commitment to Women’s aid Luton’s vision and mission replace with: Demonstrate a strong and visible passion and commitment to the charity, its strategic objectives and cause
- Demonstrate tact and diplomacy, with the ability to listen and engage effectively
- Strong networking capabilities that can be utilised for the benefit of the charity
- Ability to commit time to conduct the role well, including travel and attending events out of office hours
TERMS OF APPOINTMENT
The initial appointment is for a three-year term but can be extended for one further term for a maximum of six years.
“Joining Women’s Aid in Luton as a Board member has enabled me to use my professional expertise in a way that gives back to the community. I know that all the energy and time I give is helping to strengthen the organisation and ultimately the women and children it seeks to support. Joining the Board has been immensely rewarding and I highly recommend it as a valuable way to volunteer your time for a good cause.” – current Board Trustee at Women’s Aid in Luton.
Due to the sensitive nature of this role, we will be considering female volunteers only for this post in accordance with the provisions of the Occupational Requirement (Equality Act 2010, pursuant to schedule 9 part 1). Applicants will be required to have a satisfactory enhanced disclosure through the Disclosure and Barring Service.
We actively encourage applications from women from a variety of backgrounds, and with a range of skills and experiences. We are particularly interested to hear from women from Black, Asian and minoritised communities and women who have personal experience of domestic abuse.
If you have some time, energy and interest in the domestic abuse sector and believe you can make a difference to Women’s Aid Luton, we would love to hear from you.
We aim to reduce the devastating impact of gender-based abuse/exploitation on all women and children, through safeguarding, empowerment and education.
A fantastic opportunity has arisen to join the Smart Works Board of Trustees as Treasurer.
Our Trustees support all aspects of our work, with the aim of providing strategic support, governance and assurance that enables us to continue to deliver our core service and increase the number of women we can support into work by dressing and coaching women for interview and job success.
The time commitment for this voluntary, unpaid role is an average of two days a month, with more time given at busy periods of the year. There will be a requirement to attend board meetings, with some trustees also sitting on subcommittees that meet around 4 times a year. In addition there are events to attend and occasional additional duties to support our wider work.
If you feel you have valuable experience and skills to contribute to the Smart Works mission and would like to use your professional experience for good, we would love to hear from you.
Please see attached job pack for more information and details on how to apply.
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 Finance Trustee will engage in all aspects of our governance, with a particular focus on financial strategy and governance.They will use their sound financial skills & experience to support the Board’s understanding & interpretation & to ensure legislative compliance.
- To support the Board to oversee & to ensure appropriate presentation of budgets, accounts, management accounts and financial statements.
- To ensure appropriate presentation of accounts and records, ensuring that financial resources are spent in accordance with the charity’s policies, good governance, legal & regulatory requirements.
- Liaising, where applicable, with the Chair/ other appropriate members of staff and supporting on financial matters
- Supporting the Board to monitor the financial viability of the charity.
- Creating, in conjunction with relevant trustees and staff, sound financial processes and procedures for the control of the charity’s assets.
- Advising on the financial implications of the charity’s strategic plan.
- Reviewing the annual accounts and, where applicable, liaising with the charity’s external auditor to ensure the accounts are compliant with the current charities’ SORP.
- Ensuring that sound financial management is maintained and ensuring expenditure is in line with the charity’s objects.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.