Public affairs volunteer volunteer roles

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.

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.

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.

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. 

This is an exciting time in our growth as we look to grow our governance systems, build on our successes and ensure we are a radical, dynamic organisation rooted in our anti-racist and anti-oppressive values.  We are looking for a new Chair for our Trustee board, to join us and help lead and shape the future of the organisation. 

Trustee with Legal Expertise - Join Us in Transforming Children’s Lives! 

At School-Home Support, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to be in school and ready to learn – no matter the obstacles they face. Our mission is simple yet ambitious: to ensure that every child is in school, every day, by 2050. We are looking for a passionate and experienced Trustee with Legal Expertise to help us make this vision a reality and have a lasting impact on children and families across the country. 

We’re seeking an individual who shares our passion for improving children’s lives. If you have experience as a trustee and are ready to take the next step in your governance journey, we would love to hear from you. 

Who We're Looking For: 

We are looking to recruit a Trustee with Legal expertise who is passionate about the work of School-Home Support and brings energy, commitment and leadership combined with a willingness to advocate for the work we do and the cause we serve. 

As a Legal Expert Trustee, You Will: 

• Contribute to setting goals, targets, and overall policy for the organisation

• Share your expertise and networks to support the development and growth of the charity. 

• Help ensure compliance with our legal obligations and the organisation’s core purpose. 

• Provide oversight of the budget to guarantee School-Home Support’s financial sustainability. 

• Ensure measures are in place for safeguarding for the children and families we support and the staff team

• Act as a champion and ambassador for School-Home Support, enhancing our reputation, representing us at key events, and supporting fundraising efforts. 

What We Offer: 

• Impactful Role: By joining our Board of Trustees, you will play a key role in shaping our national impact and supporting our mission to transform the lives of children in need. 

• Training & Development: You will receive tailored training specific to your role and access to additional learning opportunities through our staff-led EDI networks. 

• Networking Opportunities: You’ll have the chance to expand your professional network and make valuable connections within the education and charity sectors.

• Support Throughout Your Journey: We will buddy you with a more experienced trustee or corporate volunteer to ensure you feel supported and confident throughout your time with us.

Expectations: 

• Commitment: A commitment of three years to this voluntary role

• Meetings: Attend four half-day board meetings and one AGM each year, which are typically held in Stratford, London, or remotely. 

• Sub-Committees: Participate in one of our sub-committees to help guide specific areas of our work. 

• External Events: Attend 2-3 fundraising events each year (usually evenings) and make at least one school visit annually. 

• Inclusion & Diversity: A strong commitment to inclusion, equal opportunities, and the promotion of diversity in all aspects of your work. 

If you’re ready to make a difference and contribute to creating brighter futures for children and their families, we want to hear from you! 

To learn more about this exciting opportunity, please review the Trustee Pack and submit your application today!

Do you want to use your skills and experience to help end the injustice of children living and working on the streets in some of the most dangerous cities of our world?

About the role:

Being a Toybox Trustee is an influential and valuable role. The Board of Trustees is responsible for the governance and strategic direction of the charity. In addition, you will oversee the financial, internal control, and risk management matters of the charity in line with good practice, our governing documents, and legal requirements.  You will also play a key role in supporting Toybox’s Leadership Team to deliver the organisational strategy. 

Time commitment – and our commitment to you

The Board meets four times a year, with two remote meetings and two in-person meetings. The remote meetings, scheduled in the afternoon, last 2.5 hours each. Of the two in-person meetings, one runs for three hours, while the December meeting is a full-day session.

This is an unpaid role, but expenses are paid for attendance at meetings and other Trustee activities.

What you’ll bring to this role:

· Be committed to Toybox, its objectives, values, and mission.

· Being able to embrace the organisation’s Christian faith.

· Credibility in your sphere of work and gravitas to help Toybox deliver sustainable progress towards a bold mission – ending the injustice of children living and working on the streets.

· Strong team and leadership skills, with the ability to bring people together.

· An ability to contribute significantly to the wider Board.

· Understanding of the role of a Trustee and how Trustees should interact with Toybox’s Leadership Team to best effect.

· Experience of high-level strategy development gained at a Board level or at a minimum at Leadership Team level.

· Experience in overseeing risk management and assurance.

Toybox is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and expects all staff, trustees and volunteers to share this commitment.

Toybox values diversity and therefore we encourage and welcome applications from all suitably skilled candidates.

We will only use the information you provide to process your application. For more information about how we use your information, see our Privacy Policy on the Toybox website. In submitting an application for this role, we will deem that you have read and understood this Policy.  

Please note Toybox is member of the Misconduct Disclosure Scheme (the Inter-Agency Scheme for the Disclosure of Safeguarding-related Misconduct in the Recruitment Process), submitting your application to Toybox means you are granting permission for Toybox to request information regarding Safeguarding-related issues.

Resident in the UK.

We’re looking for a strategic, forward-thinking leader to join our Trustee Board - someone who can challenge and champion our fundraising direction, who brings fresh ideas, a creative edge, and isn’t afraid to ask the tough questions. Your insight could shape where we go next and help ensure we’re investing in the right opportunities.

Carers Trust is a £13 million charity, leading a £150 million network of local carer organisations. We have a fundraising team that consistently punches above its weight.

If you love collaborating with ambitious teams, challenging the status quo and finding smart, inventive ways to make an impact – this could be the perfect role for you.

Ready to shake things up for a great cause?

Your background might be within a federated charity operating nationally or globally; you might work within a not-for-profit which delivers its impact through a network model or membership body; or you might operate in a corporate setting, perhaps operating franchises to reach your customers.

You will instinctively understand what it is to lead a like-minded movement of organisations, who together are far more than the sum of their parts.

You will be ready to get stuck into understanding what makes our local services tick and how best we can help them to have the voice, capacity and impact to change the world for unpaid carers.

More generally, we’re looking for a strategic, forward-thinking leader, someone who can challenge and champion our direction and bring fresh ideas. Your insight could shape where we go next and help steer how we develop our network relationships and local delivery.

If you love collaborating with ambitious teams, challenging the status quo and finding smart, inventive ways to make an impact – this could be the perfect role for you.

About Us

We care about our community; we care about our people.  Derby County Community Trust has a clear mission.  We harness the power of Derby County Football Club to improve lives and communities through sport, physical activity, health and education.  We help more than 25,000 people per year and our work is recognised and respected at regional and national levels.  Since 2008 we have been dedicated to fostering participation in sports, enhancing health and wellbeing, providing quality education and promoting equality and diversity.

About the Role

We are looking for a new Board Safeguarding Lead to join our award-winning organisation. As the charitable arm of Derby County Football Club, we aim to improve lives and communities through physical activity, sport, health and education. 

Working with over 30,000 participants each year, we have been a registered charity since 2008 - encouraging participation and achievement in sport, improving health and wellbeing, providing and enhancing education and promoting equality and diversity.

The trustee responsible for Safeguarding has delegated responsibility from the Board of Trustees to support the Safeguarding and Compliance Manager to ensure the organisation maintains high standards of safeguarding practices for the welfare and protection of children, young people, and vulnerable adults involved in its activities. 

Duties of the Role

• Policy Oversight: Ensuring the organisation has appropriate safeguarding policies and procedures in place and that they are regularly reviewed and updated to reflect best practices and legal requirements.
• Compliance and Risk Management: Monitoring compliance with safeguarding laws, regulations, and guidelines, and helping manage any safeguarding-related risks that arise within the Trust’s operations.
• Training and Awareness: Supporting the Safeguarding and Compliance Manager to ensure staff and volunteers receive appropriate safeguarding training to understand their responsibilities in protecting individuals at risk.
• Reporting and Accountability: Supporting the Safeguarding and Compliance Manager where required on safeguarding concerns or allegations, ensuring that any issues are reported and addressed appropriately in line with the Trust’s policies.
• Board Oversight: Reporting on safeguarding matters to the board of trustees, ensuring that safeguarding is a key part of organisational governance and decision-making.

The Safeguarding Trustee plays a critical role in promoting a culture of safety and ensuring that DCCT provides a safe environment for all its participants, especially those who are vulnerable. 

Click on Apply

To send a CV and covering A4 letter indicating why you are interested in joining the board and what skills and experiences could make you suitable for the role of Board Safeguarding Lead, to Paul Newman (Head of Community).