Race Director Volunteer Roles

The Board of Trustees of Streetwise Opera is seeking a new Trustee who can take on the role of  Treasurer and Chair of the Finance Committee. This volunteer position plays a crucial role on the Board and is essential in supporting the team to base ambition and risk on solid financial planning and forecasting. The Treasurer leads the Committee in giving financial updates and recommendations to the Board. 

The Treasurer will have appropriate financial qualifications such as ACA, ACCA or CIMA, and some experience of charity finance, fundraising and pension schemes. We are aiming to find someone with experience of committee work and/or governance roles (ideally with a good understanding of effective governance in a charity context).

Good Vibrations is an award-winning, national arts organisation that changes lives through music. We work with some of the most vulnerable and hard-to-reach people in the UK, including in prisons, secure hospitals, and in the community. We are best known for using the Indonesian gamelan, a magnificent set of bronze gongs, xylophones and drums. We use communal music-making to support vulnerable people in challenging circumstances to develop transferable life and work skills and to forge fulfilling, constructive lives.

Our work currently involves a range of projects across the UK, including long-standing weekly music sessions at Bethlem and Lambeth hospitals, projects in around 12 prisons a year in England, and our Resonate programmes in Glasgow, Sheffield and Nottingham, which focus on those with disabilities and mental health issues in the community.

The Board of Trustees upholds the best interests of Good Vibrations, ensuring that we achieve our charitable aims whilst abiding by charity law and other relevant regulations.

Good Vibrations wishes to appoint a new Chair to our Board of Trustees who is experienced in organisational leadership, with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.  The Chair supports and empowers the Board and CEO to lead the charity so that we achieve our vision, mission and aims, whilst remaining sustainable and ethical.

The Board of Trustees

Good Vibrations is a registered charity in both England & Wales (1126493) and Scotland (SC048860). The charity is governed by the Board of Trustees, which currently numbers five following the standing down of some long-term members.

The Board is vital in Good Vibrations’ governance and is responsible for setting directions in strategy and maintaining oversight over all activity. Trustees also play an ambassadorial role in raising awareness of our work.

The current board includes expertise in arts and culture, legal and charitable affairs, finance and academia, helping to ensure that we extend our knowledge of the issues and challenges we face.

Good Vibrations is regularly in receipt of funding from Arts Council England and Creative Scotland, as well as from the National Lottery and several other Trusts and Foundations. The Board is currently involved in creating the organisation’s next 5-year Business Plan. You can see our most recent Annual Report and Accounts here.

What are we looking for?

The position has become available following the standing down of the current Chair Nick Jolliffe, who has been with the organisation since 2018. The organisation has recently appointed a new CEO, and this is an exciting time of development for the organisation.

As our new Chair, you will help shape the next exciting phase of our future development as we commence our new strategic plan, and embed our newest Trustees within our established Board. Your leadership and commitment will ensure we continue to provide and extend our range of much-needed support and services to our beneficiaries.

The role of the Chair is a voluntary, non-executive appointment. The role requires a commitment of approximately two hours a week, with the capacity to flex upwards should the need arise.

We are looking for someone who has:

• Strong leadership skills that engage, inspire and motivate the Board, staff, freelance team and other external stakeholders.
• Genuine interest and commitment to social justice issues and improving outcomes and opportunities for marginalised people in our society.
• A proven track record in developing strategic initiatives and steering an organisation toward success
• Previous experience on the Board of a UK charity, or operating at a senior strategic leadership level in previous roles
• Knowledge about UK charity governance and commitment to maintaining high standards of governance and risk management in all areas including finance.
• Excellent communication skills and networking capabilities, and able to act as an ambassador for the charity and cause.
• Ability to commit time, interest and effort to conduct the role well.

How our Board works

Trustees meet quarterly at Board Meetings, either in person in London or online from 5.00pm – 7.30pm.  There is also an annual Strategy day in London.

In addition, a Finance sub-committee meets quarterly, looking in-depth at finance and other matters, before putting recommendations forward to the Board.

Trustees do not receive remuneration or other benefits, but all expenses can be claimed including those required to cover access needs such as sign language, interpretation, captioning or travel expenses. The full legal framework for Trustees is laid out in the Articles of Association, which were recently revised in 2022.

Trustees serve for an initial term of three years and will have the opportunity to be re-appointed for a second and final term (maximum of nine years).

What Responsibilities will you have?

Trustees ensure the good governance and smooth running of the charity, supporting the Chief Executive Director, the wider staff team, and our team of freelance facilitators.

ow there are lots of ways that someone can gain experience and insight, not just through professional experience. Having trustees with lived experience of the settings in which we work is essential to our work.

All Board members can have access to training and charity networks to benefit not only the charity, but individual’s personal development.

All Good Vibrations’ Trustees have responsibility for the:

• governance of the organisation in line with legal and financial requirements of the Charity Commission, OSCR, other regulatory bodies, and funders;
• appointment, including the approval of job descriptions and pay levels of members of staff; agreeing terms & conditions and employment procedures;
• recruitment of new Trustees;
• approval of Good Vibrations’ strategy, its business, and artistic plans, and use of resources;
• approval of budgets, annual accounts and financial strategies;
• approval of all policies ensuring that they are updated in line with law and best practice.

The Chair, as the leader of the Board of Trustees, has some additional responsibilities including:

• working with and line managing the CEO to develop the direction and strategy of the charity;
• conducting annual performance reviews for each trustee and the CEO;
• ensuring high standards of governance, risk management and strategic direction
• ensuring that all Trustees have the information available to carry out this task and monitor progress;
• leading and developing the Board of Trustees and CEO including induction, training and succession planning;
• support of the CEO in their role, including developing external relations with key agencies;
• working with other members of the Board to organise and populate sub-committees and short-term working groups;
• planning the cycle of Board Meetings and working with the CEO to set agendas and plan meetings;
• chairing and facilitating Board meetings effectively, encouraging discussion, summarising key points and ensuring decisions are made fairly;
• acting as a principal ambassador for the organisation at Board level and developing external relationships for the benefit of Good Vibrations

Before you apply

Good Vibrations is committed to becoming an organisation that reflects society and promotes diversity of thought and experience and inclusion of those who are historically underrepresented in leadership roles. We would particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of the contexts in which we work, including from people with a previous conviction.

For an informal conversation about the role prior to application, please contact us through details on our website.

Please note this post will require a Disclosure & Barring Service check (DBS) and references.

How to Apply

We welcome all applications but particularly those from individuals with lived experience of the criminal justice system, disability, including physical disabilities, sensory impairments, long-term health conditions, mental ill health, and autistic and neurodivergent people. We also encourage applications from those protected under the 2010 Equalities Act due to age, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.

We are interested to hear from those who may not consider a position like this due to social or financial disadvantage. Those with caring responsibilities and on low incomes are encouraged to apply, and we will work to make provision where possible.

To apply for this role, please submit a CV and cover letter detailing your interest through Charity Job. We will also accept applications in any preferred format (including audio or video).

The closing date for this position is 14th May 2024 with interviews to be held on the week of 20th May.  Any access requirements will be met.

Would you relish the opportunity to use your skills and experience to improve the lives of one million older people in financial hardship?

Independent Age is looking for enthusiastic and skilled individuals to join our Board of Trustees. If you’re passionate about our cause and want to help shape the future of our Charity, we’d love to hear from you.

Across the UK, more than 3 million older people are living with limited financial means and experiencing inequalities. At Independent Age, we believe that no older person should face financial hardship. That’s why, by 2027, the charity’s goal is to have improved the lives of one million older people. Through our policy, campaigning, information and advice and grant-making we improve lives by increasing the financial well-being of older people in financial hardship, enabling greater choice and independence.

We are seeking to appoint new Trustees to our Board. Board members serve on at least one of our Committees, which oversee our finance, risk, governance, services, and policy work. We estimate the time commitment for trustees to be around one day per month on average. 

We are particularly looking for skills and experience in one or more of the following:

• Fundraising strategy and performance
• Service delivery and performance 
• Grant-making strategy and evaluation
• Impact measurement 
• Investments (experience of social/impact investing would be a bonus)

If you have the passion to support our cause and strengths in any of these areas, we would love to hear from you.

For more information about Independent Age and the role of our trustees, please see the Candidate Pack below. To apply for this role, please visit our website. The application process will require the following:

• An up-to-date CV
• A supporting statement (no more than 2 pages) that outlines what attracted you to Independent Age’s mission (detailed in the Candidate Pack) and how your skills and experience relate to the role of Trustee.
• A completed diversity monitoring form (optional - link included below).

We actively encourage people from a variety of backgrounds, experiences and skill sets to join us and help shape what we do. 

Support and challenge the EqualiTeach team to grow, thrive and achieve its mission of an equal, inclusive and diverse society where everyone is valued and able to succeed. 

Trustee Role Description

EqualiTeach’s trustees are responsible for the charity’s vision, mission, strategic direction and governance. They are bound to ensure that the charity complies with all legal and statutory requirements and that its assets and resources are properly secured and deployed in pursuit of its charitable objectives. They support and challenge the executive team to enable EqualiTeach to grow and thrive and through this achieve its mission of an equal, inclusive and diverse society where everyone is valued and able to succeed.

What We are Looking for in New Trustees

We are looking for trustees who will help us to continue to grow the charity’s impact and profile. Applicants should be driven by a desire to support an organisation at the forefront of providing exceptional equality, diversity and inclusion training and consultancy. We are looking for people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our board.

We are particularly looking for trustees who have some leadership experience or experience of leading in the charity sector. Ideally, applicants would also have knowledge and skills in one of the following areas: promotions and marketing, fundraising and HR. If you are unsure as to whether your skills and experience are what we are looking for, we would be happy to have a conversation prior to application. Previous Board experience is not necessary as there will be a full induction process and further training and support.

It is important that our Board reflects the diversity of our society, and we know that increasing diversity will help us to achieve greater success. We are particularly keen to receive applications from people from the LGBTQIA+ community, who are currently underrepresented on the Board.

Trustee Duties

• Support and provide advice of EqualiTeach’s purpose, vision, goals and activities.
• Guide and approve operational strategies and policies and monitor and evaluate their implementation.
• Oversee and approve EqualiTeach’s financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress.
• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.
• Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively.
• Provide support and challenge to EqualiTeach’s CEOs in the exercise of their delegated authority and affairs.
• Keep abreast of changes in EqualiTeach’s operating environment.
• Contribute to regular reviews of EqualiTeach’s governance.
• Attend board meetings and adequately prepare to contribute to discussions.
• Use independent judgement, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect EqualiTeach’s interests, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or any third-party interests.
• Contribute to the broader promotion of EqualiTeach’s objects, aims and reputation by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts.

As a small charity, trustees will need to be actively involved beyond Board meetings. This may involve scrutinising board papers, providing advice on new initiatives, providing support with ad hoc requests, supporting staff recruitment, disciplinaries and complaints, representing EqualiTeach at meetings and conferences or any other issues in which the trustee has special expertise.

Trustee Person Specification

Desirable 

We are looking for candidates who have at least two of the below:

• Experience of leadership
• Experience of working within the charity sector
• Knowledge of Human Resources
• Knowledge of fundraising for third sector organisations
• Knowledge of promotions and marketing for third sector organisations
• An understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion

Skills and Competencies 

• Skilled and confident communication and willingness to participate actively in discussion
• Ability to think creatively and strategically and scrutinise decision-making
• Ability to work effectively with others as a member of the Board
• Willingness to lead according to EqualiTeach’s values
• A strong personal commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
• A commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

Terms of Appointment

Terms of Office

• Trustees are appointed for a term of up to three years and can be reappointed up to three times.  
• This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses are reimbursed.

Time Commitment

• Boarding meetings are quarterly. Trustees are expected to attend at least 75% of meetings, including the Annual General Meeting. Meetings are currently held in person at Suite 11, Davey House, 31a St Neots Road, St Neots, Cambridgeshire, PE19 7BA. Trustees may also be part of sub-groups which will meet independently of the main board meetings. These meetings will be a combination of online and face-to-face meetings.
•  In addition, trustees are expected to devote on average two hours per week to the role. This may involve scrutinising board papers, providing advice on new initiatives, providing support with ad hoc requests, supporting staff recruitment, disciplinaries and complaints, representing EqualiTeach at meetings and conferences or any other issues in which the trustee has special expertise.

How to Apply

Please complete a trustee role application form and equality monitoring form and return these to Claire Currington, Operations Manager via email. 

If you would like the opportunity to speak to a current trustee about this opportunity, please email Claire and she will organise a call.

Applications will be accepted, considered and interviewed on a rolling basis so you are encouraged to apply at your earliest convenience.

New Governor (Trustee) vacancy

Are you interested in making a positive difference in Islington; helping to effect change and tackle issues related to poverty and inequality?

• Do you have experience in finance, investments, endowments and/or impact investing?
• Can you help amplify the voice of those we work with, through your personal or professional experience?
• Could you bring additional diversity to our board so that we better reflect the community in which we work?
• Do you have volunteering or charity experience?
• Are you able to commit the time required to make the most of joining us?

If any of the above apply to you, then becoming a Governor of the Cripplegate Foundation may be the right opportunity for you. Full induction and support would be provided, so don’t let a lack of experience of being a trustee or governor deter you from reading more…

Cripplegate Foundation is a grant making foundation focused on poverty and inequality and operates in the London Borough of Islington and a small part of the City of London. It is a pioneer of the place-based giving movement, building on a decade of innovative partnerships and grant programmes.

Please see information pack attached for more of an in depth view of the role. 

Deadline:          Expressions of Interest by 3rd May 2024