Safeguarding trustee volunteer roles

Home-Start Berkshire East is an empowering, visionary family support service built on trusted relationships and rooted in the community. Looking forward, we are ambitious for our future, and looking for a Safeguarding Trustee to join us.

What you will be doing:

This role has a specific focus on promoting awareness of safeguarding and bringing experience, expertise and knowledge to the scrutiny of safeguarding arrangements and promotion of best practice within the Charity. The role will take the lead in taking oversight of our activities and performance related to safeguarding; be involved in the development of our services; and be a key enabler for our organisation to fulfil its potential and deliver on our ambition. It is important that you have an understanding of key questions to ask  and answer for the Board before making decisions relating to the future operation of new services.

What we are looking for:

Ideally you will have experience in Local Authority, Social Work Dept or Health and Social Care Trust with responsibility for safeguarding or working as a teacher and playing a key role relating to safeguarding

Join Roots Academy, and use your skills to contribute to the Muslim Ummah!

At Roots Academy, we’ve built a learning experience that’s changing the lives of the ummah’s future leaders, change-makers and visionaries.

We are currently recruiting a Safeguarding officer to join our people team in the UK.

This is a remote/homebased long-term volunteer position that will be part of the core team at Roots Academy, and we are looking for someone that can volunteer approximately 3-8 hours per week.

About Roots Academy

Roots Academy provides structured and transformative Islamic education that speaks directly to the needs and challenges of young Muslims today, delivered in an engaging and accessible form that removes barriers to access and provokes thought and action. Roots started in the UK in 2020, and has grown steadily since. Our UK office currently has several teams including Education, Programmes, Marketing, Fundraising and Events. We are also expanding internationally into Ireland, Canada, US, Australia and Türkiye.

About The Role 

The Safeguarding Officer will work with the People Team Lead and the Trustee Board in ensuring that appropriate arrangements are in place for keeping students, volunteers and team members safe at Roots Academy.

You will promote the safety and welfare of young people involved in Roots Academy’s activities at all times.

Key tasks

• Support with developing, reviewing and implementing Roots Academy’s safeguarding policies and procedures: ensuring all safeguarding issues concerning students and volunteers who take part in Roots Academy’s activities are responded to appropriately.
• Make sure that everyone working or volunteering at Roots Academy, including the board of trustees, understands the safeguarding policy and procedures and knows what to do if they have concerns about a student or volunteer’s welfare.
• Develop and deliver safeguarding training.
• Make sure students and young people who are involved in activities at Roots Academy know who they can talk to if they have a welfare concern and understand what action the organisation will take in response.
• Receive and record information from anyone who has concerns about a student or volunteer who takes part in Roots Academy’s activities.
• Responding to information that may constitute a safeguarding concern, including a concern that an adult involved with Roots Academy may present a risk to children or young people. This includes:

a. assessing and clarifying the information

b. making referrals to statutory organisations as appropriate

c. consulting with and informing the relevant members of the organisation’s management

d. following the organisation’s safeguarding policy and procedures.

• Liaise with, pass on information to and receive information from statutory agencies such as the police. This includes making formal referrals to agencies when necessary.
• Store and retain safeguarding records according to legal requirements and the organisation’s safeguarding policy and procedures.
• Work closely with the board of trustees the People Team Lead to ensure they are kept up to date with safeguarding issues and are fully informed of any concerns about organisational safeguarding practice.
• Report regularly to the board of trustees on issues relating to safeguarding, to ensure that safeguarding is seen as an ongoing priority issue and that safeguarding requirements are being followed at all levels of the organisation.

What we’re looking for

• The Safeguarding Officer must have received relevant safeguarding training
• Experience as a qualified social worker or safeguarding lead desirable
• Understanding of safeguarding in further education desirable
• Strong understanding of Islam and the Muslim community essential

At Roots Academy, we are committed to providing accessible Islamic Education to individuals from all backgrounds. To achieve this, we are working to build an inclusive and welcoming workplace, reflective of the students we serve.

We strongly encourage applications from Muslim women and Roots students or alumni that have benefitted from a Roots Class, as well as individuals that bring experience from the education sector or charity sector.
 

What we have to offer

• Be part of a team of over 100+ dedicated volunteers from around the world.

• Receive continuous rewards for those that seek Islamic knowledge from Roots classes.

• Be a part of a growing organisation that aims to revive and educate Muslims from a grassroots level.

• Receive in-house tarbiyah sessions to develop your deen. 

• Gain hands-on experience, with plenty of opportunities to progress.

• The chance to make a real impact for the Muslim Ummah. 

How to Apply

If you're ready to help make a difference, we'd love to hear from you! 

• To apply, please submit your CV and Cover letter via the application link. 

• In your cover letter, please outline what attracted you to Roots Academy, and what skills have that would make you a good fit for the role.

• As we are working to improve diversity and inclusion within the organisation, we encourage candidates to voluntarily complete an optional anonymous survey ( application instructions). This will allow us to monitor our progress and identify where we can improve.

Roots Academy is committed to safeguarding, diversity, equity, and inclusion. All successful candidates may be required to undergo safeguarding training and relevant background checks before starting their role.

Roots Academy is committed to providing an environment free from harassment and discrimination. We strive to provide equal opportunities and ensure that decisions regarding recruitment, compensation, performance evaluation and terminations are made fairly and transparently.

If you wish to contact us to request any accommodations or additional support during the recruitment process, raise any related concerns, make suggestions or provide feedback, please email us.

Please note this is an unpaid volunteer position.

Volunteers are entitled to claim expenses incurred for food, travel and equipment, in line with our Expenses policy.

Role Description

St Edmundsbury Cathedral became a registered charity on 1 May 2023 and is looking to appoint additional independent non-executive members to join Chapter which is the Board of Trustees. Chapter is accountable for the governance, strategic direction and management of the Cathedral, and has ultimate responsibility for the care, maintenance and development of the Cathedral estate, all aspects of Cathedral activity, and for securing its long-term viability and financial sustainability.

The objects of the Chapter are:

(a) to advance the Christian religion in accordance with the faith and practice of the Church of England, in particular by furthering the mission of the Church of England;

(b) to care for and conserve the fabric and structure of the Cathedral Church building;

(c) to advance any other charitable purposes which are ancillary to the furtherance of the purpose referred to in sub-paragraph (a) or (b).

Membership

The Chapter consists of the Dean, the Residentiary Canons and other lay members holding appointed or elected positions. The constitution allows for between 8 – 12 members of Chapter. Currently, membership comprises the Dean and the Residentiary Canons (4 clergy) who serve as executive members. One member serves as the senior non-executive member who is a lay person appointed by the Bishop. Two of the other non-executive members are directly elected from the congregation. We are now seeking to appoint an non-executive safeguarding member.

We would particularly welcome applications from individuals with substantial experience in safeguarding. This individual will provide strategic oversight and assurance in safeguarding practice, ensuring that the Cathedral continues to uphold the highest standards of safety, care, and compliance for children, young people, and vulnerable adults, in line with national and diocesan requirements.

Term of Office

Non-Executive Chapter members are generally appointed for a term of three years, and subject to the approval of Chapter and with the agreement of the non-executive member may serve a further three year term, which is the maximum permitted term of office. The role is voluntary and unremunerated. Expenses are paid in respect of some travelling costs, in accordance with the Cathedral’s policies. The appointment is subject to satisfactory references.

Time Commitment and Meetings

Chapter usually meets six times each year. Meetings are held in the Chapter Room within Abbey House beside the Cathedral and the business agenda rarely exceeds two hours. A light lunch or Evensong follows each meeting of Chapter, allowing time for members to socialise. Attendance at some sub-committee meetings as appropriate.

Key Responsibilities

Non-executive members of Chapter ensure that the focus of the Cathedral is the promotion of the Christian faith, maintaining an effective balance between that and its important financial and commercial obligations and ventures.

Members offer strategic advice and oversight on all aspects of the work of the Cathedral, including ensuring compliance with all regulations and statutory obligations and adherence to the highest standards of good governance. They also offer constructive challenge to the executive team, offering expertise and experience to help with evidence-based decision-making.

Chapter members advise and support the Dean, Residentiary Canons, and Chief Operating Officer on issues that are within their areas of particular expertise. This Chapter Trustee will also sit on the Safeguarding Committee, which meets four times a year.

Chapter members are invited to bring innovative thinking, together with new ideas and insights, to help secure the long-term future of the Cathedral and the delivery of its strategy through the Masterplan 2030. Particular emphasis will be placed on members promoting the life and work of the Cathedral at the heart of the Bury St Edmunds community, across the county of Suffolk and the wider eastern region.

Chapter members are welcomed as leading members of the Cathedral community and as such are expected to take part in meetings and events. Visible participation in the worship at the heart of the Cathedral's mission is an important expression of the non-executive membership of Chapter. Lay members robe and have individual stalls in the Quire of the Cathedral. We would hope for attendance at the Sunday Eucharist once a month; and at occasional Evensongs, Greater Festivals and civic occasions as personal circumstances permit.

Person Specification

Successful candidates must possess the following competencies and personal attributes:

• be a communicant member of the Church of England, or of a Church which is not in communion with but subscribes to the doctrine of the Holy Trinity.
• have an empathy with and be a compelling advocate for the Vision of the Cathedral through the Masterplan 2030; to be able to inform, lead and direct the strategy of the Cathedral
• be competent and able to exercise the highest standards of good governance in a complex Christian organisation
• have the ability to gain the trust, respect, and support of fellow members of Chapter, and the wider Cathedral community
• have the capacity to work collaboratively with all members of Chapter to translate the Masterplans aims into tangible outcomes
• be able to show empathy in dealing with others and to engage diplomatically and with authority in dialogue and debate on critical issues
• be able to voice concerns appropriately, in a frank but professional manner and to deal with conflict constructively
• have the capacity to communicate clearly with other members of Chapter, the Senior Leadership Team and employees on technical, financial and business matters in accordance with the non-executive member’s particular skills
• possess the ability to communicate with confidence and to provide effective strategic guidance
• have strong intellectual and analytical skills with a broad-based and long-term view of strategic and organisational goals
• be able to grasp the bigger picture and avoid immersion in minute detail
• possess the highest levels of trust and integrity
• demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to safeguarding and the promotion of a safe culture within the Cathedral community.

Specific Competencies

In addition to the matters set out above we are looking to recruit a non-executive member with specific skills, expertise or experience in Safeguarding.

Applicants should bring substantial and demonstrable experience in safeguarding policy, practice, or oversight, ideally within a church, education, health, social care, or charitable context. They will provide independent assurance, constructive challenge, and strategic advice to ensure that safeguarding remains at the heart of the Cathedral’s governance and mission.

Trustee Recruitment

Age UK Redbridge, Barking and Havering

Become a trustee for Age UK Redbridge, Barking and Dagenham and Havering (Age UK RBH)

We are seeking new trustees to strengthen our Board and help shape the future of vital services for older people across our three boroughs.

We are looking for dedicated, passionate people, of all ages, with a range of professional and life experience, to join the Age UK RBH Board of Trustees.

You'll join a trustee team with a vast amount of personal and professional experience across a whole range of fields.  You’ll be warmly welcomed, participate fully in the governance of our charity and all that entails, and supported to develop your skills.

We'd love to hear from you whether you're an experienced trustee or have never been one. It's just important that you're passionate about creating a fair and equal society for older people and can embody our values.

What we are looking for:

· Previous committee experience and abilities to work in a team

· Professional or voluntary skills and experience covering areas such as supporting older people, caring, finance, communication, property, Human Resources.

· People who live in one of our 3 core boroughs or work or have family connection to one of them or an interest in supporting older people in Redbridge, Barking and Dagenham and Havering

· Commitment to diversity and inclusion

It is not essential to be an older person yourself (due to a majority of older people on the existing board).

We are particularly keen to recruit trustees with experience in one or more of the following areas that are underrepresented on our board:

· Legal – governance, compliance, contracts, safeguarding

· Human Resources – workforce development, wellbeing, organisational culture

· Local Authority/Public Sector – commissioning, partnership working, policy insight

· Data and Digital – evidence‑based decision making, data governance, innovation

· Social Enterprise/Business Development – income generation, sustainability, entrepreneurship

· Commissioning and Contract Management – strategic commissioning, outcomes framework

We're actively looking to improve the diversity of our Board of Trustees, so we'd especially like to hear from people from diverse backgrounds and under-represented groups.

Time commitment

There are six Board of Trustees Meetings in the year usually on a Friday afternoon and additional training days as required.

Contact

To register your interest in becoming a trustee please email your CV with a short paragraph stating why you are interested in the role to chair

We will invite you for a conversation and provide further information about becoming a trustee.

Closing date: 31st January 2026

Interviews: Week beginning 9th February 2026

For more information please email:

Alima Qureshi, Chair of the Board of Trustee

Andreea Albu, Chief Executive

Age UK Redbridge, Barking and Havering

Location: London, W2 1AY

Working hours: Part time (one day per month)

Salary: Resonable expenses paid

Join Imperial Health Charity at an exciting moment as we launch our ambitious new strategy to shape the future of healthcare across one of the country's largest Trusts and make a genuine difference to over 1.3 million people.

Who we are

At Imperial Health Charity, we help our hospitals do more through a comprehensive programme of grants, arts, volunteering and fundraising. As the dedicated charity for Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, one of the largest trusts in the country, our work helps to support more than 1.3 million patients and more than 16,000 NHS staff each year across Charing Cross, Hammersmith, Queen Charlotte’s & Chelsea, St Mary’s, and the Western Eye hospitals.

The opportunity ahead

Our new strategy for 2026-2031 will guide significant investments in patient health priorities and staff well-being, including our support of the Fleming Centre, a flagship research and innovation facility opening in 2028 to mark the centenary of Sir Alexander Fleming’s discovery of penicillin and the redevelopment of St Mary’s Hospital.

We’re raising our profile through more ambitious public relations and social media efforts, seeking national corporate relationships and consolidating funds to create more focused, meaningful impact in priority areas.

Who we are looking for

We’re seeking two trustees who each bring distinct strengths. The first should have experience in safeguarding, ideally gained through work with volunteers, or in community settings. You could have a background in adult and children’s services, care, or service delivery organisations that utilise volunteers at scale.

You’ll provide board-level oversight of our safeguarding and ensure best practice in policies and legal considerations.

The second trustee should bring grant-making experience, preferably with an understanding of how fundraising and grants work together in a charitable context. You’ll help us through support and challenge to improve our impact reporting, storytelling and the strategic pipeline between fundraising and grant distribution. Commercial thinking and an appreciation of how to demonstrate impact to attract donors would be valuable.

Time Commitment

You’ll attend four board meetings and four committee meetings each year, plus an annual strategy day. Meetings are typically held in person from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. We estimate the time commitment to be equivalent to one or so days per month, inclusive of meetings, preparation, ad hoc conversations and occasional involvement in events or visiting some of our programmes and projects during the year.

Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications close at Friday 30th January.

This is an exciting opportunity for passionate, innovative individuals to join our small but dynamic charity and make a lasting difference for people affected by alopecia.​Alopecia UK is a national charity with a vision for a world where people affected by alopecia live the life they want. The charity’s mission is to offer support, community and education to improve the lives of those with alopecia.

We are seeking talented trustees to strengthen our strategic leadership and support smooth succession as current trustees reach the end of their terms. This is an ongoing recruitment process, and we welcome applications at any time, particularly from those with expertise in the following areas:

• Charity fundraising: Leadership in a fundraising environment, ideally within the charity sector.
• Communications & Marketing: Senior communications or marketing role, with strong audience engagement insight.
• Legal: Experience providing legal advice at a senior level, preferably with charity or governance exposure.
• Dermatology in the NHS: Experience of treating patients with alopecia, with a deep knowledge of clinical pathways and related challenges in primary and secondary care.

About Alopecia UK

Founded in 2004, we work to help adults, young people and children affected by alopecia. This includes those with alopecia, as well as their loved ones. We are a small charity, with an annual income under £500,000, working nationally across the UK. Despite being small, we are the largest alopecia charity in the UK and have big ambitions to continue our growth and development, reaching more people than ever before. We agreed a new strategy in May 2025, and are committed to our key goal, which is to increase our reach, particularly in the communities that haven’t yet found us.

We have a fantastic and dedicated staff team (5.4 FTE) and board of Trustees. We also rely upon the generosity of volunteers, many of whom have personal experience of alopecia themselves. Alopecia UK receives no statutory funding from the government and is funded by community fundraising, donations, funding grants, and corporate partnerships.

​Alopecia UK Trustee Board

The Alopecia UK Trustee Board are a group of dedicated volunteers who are committed to Alopecia’s aims.

The Trustee Board meets four times a year (two face-to-face meetings and two virtual meetings). Face-to-face meetings tend to be held on Saturdays from approximately 10am-4pm. Virtual meetings tend to be held midweek from approximately 6.30-8.30pm.

Trustees are encouraged to participate in charity campaigns and attend flagship events, e.g., our Big Weekend and Alton Towers trip. Trustees are not paid, but out-of-pocket expenses are reimbursed. Trustees serve at least three years
 

Bring your senior-level expertise to a committed and forward-thinking Board.

Unlock has achieved a great deal for the people we support, thanks to the talents and dedication of our staff, volunteers, and trustees. By listening to and working alongside people who face difficulties because of their criminal records, we have built a strong track record of identifying problems, developing solutions, and turning those solutions into real change. We also influence national policy and drive systemic reform.

We are now seeking a new Chair of Trustees to join our engaged and committed board.

About the role

Trustees play a crucial part in shaping Unlock’s leadership, strategic direction, and governance. As Chair, you will work in partnership with the Chief Executive to provide clear and inclusive leadership, ensuring that the board operates effectively and that the organisation remains focused on its charitable purpose. You will help the board set strategy, scrutinise performance, uphold good governance, and support the CEO and senior team to deliver Unlock’s mission.

 About you

We would love to hear from you if you can bring the following attitudes and skills:

· Experience as a trustee and of working with or managing senior leaders.

· A willingness to offer advice to staff when needed, and to get involved practically where appropriate.

· A strong commitment to Unlock’s vision, values, and mission.

· Experience in the charity sector is helpful but not essential. If you have the right leadership qualities and a passion for our work, we will provide support to help you step confidently into the role. So if you’re new to the voluntary sector, please don’t let that discourage you from applying.

· We are committed to increasing diversity across Unlock, including within our board. We particularly welcome applications from people who have themselves faced and overcome the disadvantages associated with a criminal record.

If you’re energised by the prospect of helping to lead a small criminal justice charity with an impressive national impact, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Help shape the future of cleft care worldwide – become a Fundraising Trustee at CLEFT.
Are you an experienced fundraiser looking to make a meaningful difference? Join a passionate Board of Trustees committed to improving cleft care and research in the UK and internationally.

CLEFT is a UK-based charity working to bridge the gap in cleft care and knowledge through sustainable, long-term partnerships. As we grow, fundraising has become a strategic priority – and we’re looking for a new Trustee with fundraising expertise to help us reach the next level.

As Fundraising Trustee, you’ll play a key role in:

• Strengthening relationships with donors and supporters
• Identifying and progressing new grant and fundraising opportunities
• Supporting fundraising committees and events
• Developing and coordinating a fundraising plan aligned with our budget and goals
• Ensuring donor reporting and compliance with fundraising legislation

You’ll also contribute to the wider governance and strategic direction of the charity, attending bi-monthly Board meetings (mostly via Zoom), quarterly fundraising committee meetings, and our annual Away Day in London.

We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and identities. If you’re proactive, creative, and passionate about equitable healthcare, we’d love to hear from you.

Chair of the Board of Trustees recruitment

Age UK Redbridge, Barking & Dagenham and Havering (RBH)

Age UK RBH is seeking an outstanding leader to serve as Chair of the Board of Trustees, guiding our charity through its next phase of growth, resilience, and impact for older people across our three boroughs.

About Us

Age UK RBH is a trusted local charity supporting older people across Redbridge, Barking & Dagenham, and Havering. We deliver vital services that promote independence, wellbeing, and dignity—from advice and information to social activities, home support, and specialist care. With a strong reputation for quality and compassion, we are proud to be a lifeline for older residents and their families.

The Role

As Chair, you will:

· Provide strategic leadership to the Board of Trustees, ensuring effective governance and accountability.

· Champion our mission and values, safeguarding the charity’s commitment to inclusion, equity, and measurable impact.

· Support and challenge the Chief Executive and senior team, acting as a critical friend and strategic partner.

· Represent Age UK RBH externally, building partnerships with funders, local authorities, and community organisations.

· Ensure the charity remains financially sustainable and operationally strong, delivering excellence for older people.

Who We’re Looking For

We are seeking a visionary leader with:

· Experience of chairing boards or holding senior governance roles.

· Strong understanding of charity governance, financial stewardship, and risk management.

· Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to inspire confidence across diverse stakeholders.

· Commitment to equity, inclusion and diversity.

· Passion for improving the lives of older people and strengthening communities.

What We Offer

· The opportunity to shape the future of a respected local charity.

· A collaborative, committed Board and senior team.

· The chance to make a tangible difference to thousands of older people across East London.

Time Commitment

This is a voluntary role, with reasonable expenses reimbursed. The Chair is expected to commit around 2–3 days per month, including Board meetings, sub-committees, and external representation. There are six Board of Trustees Meetings usually on a Friday afternoon and additional training days as required.

How to Apply

If you believe you can bring strategic vision, governance expertise, and a deep commitment to older people, we would love to hear from you.

Please send your CV and a short supporting statement (no longer than 2 pages) outlining your interest and suitability to 

Closing date: 31st January 2026

Interviews: week beginning 9th February

For more information please email:

Alima Qureshi, Chair of the Board of Trustees

Andreea Albu, Chief Executive

Age UK Redbridge, Barking and Havering

The Trustees of Omega are volunteers who lead and manage the charity, ensuring it is well-run and achieves its purposes. They are responsible for the charity's governance, strategy, and overall direction, making decisions that impact the charity's beneficiaries and the wider community. Trustees are ultimately responsible for the charity's legal and financial well-being, and they must act in the best interests of the charity and its beneficiaries.

Our trustees are the guardians of the charity, responsible for ensuring it is well-managed, financially sound, and fulfilling its charitable purposes for the benefit of its beneficiaries and the wider community. We look for trustees who have a particular area of experience or skillset so we have a good range of professional expertise represented across the board of trustees at any point in time.

Key Responsibilities:

• Governance and Strategic Direction: Trustees set the charity's strategic aims and direction, plan and review its work, and make decisions about its activities and resources.
• Financial Oversight: Trustees are responsible for the charity's finances, ensuring they are managed responsibly and used to support the charity's purposes.
• Compliance and Legal Duties: Trustees ensure the charity complies with its governing document, relevant laws, and regulations.
• Accountability: Trustees are accountable to donors, regulators, beneficiaries, and the public, ensuring the charity is transparent and operates ethically.
• Safeguarding: Trustees are responsible for ensuring the charity has appropriate safeguarding policies and procedures in place to protect vulnerable individuals.
• Risk Management: Trustees must identify and manage potential risks to the charity, including financial, reputational, and operational risks.

Qualities we are looking for in our Omega Trustees:

• Commitment: Trustees are volunteers and must be committed to the charity's mission and goals.
• Good Judgment: Trustees need to be able to make sound decisions based on available information and their understanding of the charity's needs.
• Integrity and Honesty: Trustees must act with integrity and honesty, putting the charity's interests first.
• Understanding of Governance: Trustees need to understand their responsibilities and the principles of good governance.
• Communication and Collaboration: Trustees need to be able to communicate effectively with other trustees, staff, volunteers, and stakeholders.

This is an exciting time to be joining the Board of BMS World Mission. As a trustee, you will be joining at a time of transformation. The phenomenal growth of the Church in the Majority World is arguably the most significant development in Christianity in the 21st century. While the Church in the West has struggled, in Africa, Asia, and Latin America it thrives. This reality has presented unprecedented opportunities for the spread of the gospel, as mission becomes from everywhere to everywhere.  

We are currently looking for two trustees, including a safeguarding trustee. 

To maintain the gender balance on our Board, we welcome female applicants for this role.

Please note that this is a voluntary position. 

 As a BMS trustee, you will: 

• Be committed to BMS’ vision and mission 

• Be able to think creatively and strategically and exercise good, independent judgement

• Be able to communicate effectively 

• Be willing to participate actively in discussion, including sharing different perspectives 

• Be able to work collaboratively

• Be open to learn and develop in your role as trustee 

BMS World Mission was founded in 1792 and we are proud of how we have adapted to the challenges facing each generation. BMS has grown as a global community of mission personnel, partners and international workers in more than 30 countries across Africa, Asia, South America and Europe, supported by more than 1,500 churches around the UK. Together, we’re inspired by our heart to bring the gospel where it’s not known, to bring practical hope to a troubled world and to bring help for the journeys of the displaced.

The successful applicant will be a committed Christian. The nature of this voluntary position means that this is a specific occupational requirement.

Key information

• BMS Office Location:  Didcot, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom.

• Closing date:  17.00 UK time, Thursday 8 January 2026  

• Interviews will be held online on Wednesday 4 February 2025 

You can download the BMS Trustee Recruitment Pack (below) to find out more. If you have any questions about this opportunity or the recruitment process, please feel free to contact Heather Drury, Director of People and Culture.

Role Overview

Organisation: EmbraceAbility

Role Title: Chair of Trustees

Location: Remote with occasional meetings (UK-based preferred)

Hours: Approximately 4–6 hours per month

Expiry Date: 31 March

About EmbraceAbility

EmbraceAbility supports disabled children and their families through inclusive programmes, safeguarding guidance and community-led care. We work to strengthen wellbeing, promote dignity and ensure that every child has access to safe, nurturing and empowering support. Our approach centres the voices of families, builds long-term resilience and encourages inclusive, sustainable change.

We are a disability-led, community-rooted organisation working in Cambodia and Malawi. Our mission is to empower people with disabilities to build a world where they are included, resourced, and recognised with dignity, agency and justice.

Role Purpose

The Chair of Trustees provides leadership and direction to the Board of Trustees, ensuring that the Board fulfils its responsibilities for the governance and strategic oversight of the organisation. The Chair works closely with the Director to support strong decision-making, accountability and long-term sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Board of Trustees to ensure effective governance and alignment with EmbraceAbility's mission.
• Support the Director by providing guidance, oversight and strategic leadership.
• Ensure the Board fulfils its legal, financial and safeguarding responsibilities.
• Facilitate productive Board meetings, including agenda-setting and follow-up actions.
• Champion inclusive, disability-led approaches and ensure lived experience informs governance decisions.
• Represent EmbraceAbility externally where appropriate.

What You Will Help Us Achieve

• Stronger governance structures rooted in justice and inclusion
• Improved strategic decision-making and long-term sustainability.
• Greater visibility and advocacy for disability rights within our programmes.
• Support for our work in Cambodia and Malawi to grow responsibly and ethically.

Benefits to the Volunteer

• Opportunity to drive meaningful, rights-based change in disability inclusion.
• Experience in governance, leadership and international development.
• Working alongside a passionate, disability-led team.
• Flexible, remote role that fits around other commitments.

Support and Training

You will receive support from the Director and the Board, including safeguarding training, organisational induction, and ongoing guidance relevant to governance and disability-inclusive practice.

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.

The Role of our Charity

Our charity mission is to help overcome loneliness and isolation by providing sheltered housing that promotes independence, but where the individual can seek some support to live a healthy lifestyle.

We are a growing and developing Abbeyfield Society who provide excellent rental accommodation in 14 houses across the Wessex region. The aim is to attract older people who can live independently in co-housing and join in with two home cooked meals a day, which are shared with other residents.

The Trustee Role

All our trustees are volunteers who bring a wide range of expertise, knowledge and wisdom to the Board, however as we develop and grow to ensure we have a sustainable future for our residents and keep on top of governance and compliance, we are looking for two new positive trustees with a range of skills and aptitude towards finance or marketing or regulation in the social housing or community engagement and networking with other partners. We want to create a more diverse Board.

Time Commitment

The Board meet in person 4-5 times a year in the Wessex region with interim online meetings including the following subgroups:

Property

Finance

Community Engagement

Operations

To help trustees keep connected with those we serve, we encourage visits to the houses to meet the residents and staff so that quality is always first and foremost

Support and Development 

We will provide new trustees with information in an induction with the Chairman and other trustees to help their support and development. This will include:

Understanding the history of Abbeyfield and its core values and ethos

Our Strategy, Financial Plan and Business Plan

The importance of good governance

Safeguarding our residents

Reasonable expenses for travel to meetings will be paid and accommodation costs i.e. for conferences, visits to properties, etc

You can help us to make a real difference with our excellent senior management team and contribute to the charity’s strategy and mission. We are looking for people with a positive outlook on providing the very best accommodation and support for older people to make their lives as special as we can.

Application instructions

If you would like more information before making a formal application, please do contact our Central Office or email us.  We would be pleased to share more with you and then provide the necessary documents for you to complete.

Application timeline: Applications will be received up until 31st December 2025

You can find out more about Abbeyfield Wessex on our website.

We are a dynamic charity, focused on helping survivors of modern slavery rebuild their lives and achieve sustainable freedom by providing invaluable training, coaching, work experience and advocacy across the UK. It is now two years since we launched a new strategy from which we have increased our impact whilst strengthening and broadening our services for survivors of modern slavery. In these challenging times it is even more important that we continue to be bold, resilient and effective.   

We are looking to find up to 3 inspirational Trustees with experience in one of more of the following areas: 

• Legal (employment, contract, and charity law)   
• Development/Fundraising (significant networks amongst corporate partners or major and mid-level donors) 
• Policy/Advocacy or Public Affairs (with an understanding of the Modern Slavery or adjacent human rights topics) 

As a trustee of the Sophie Hayes Foundation, you will be part of a small team of volunteers who are collectively responsible for developing and guiding the strategic direction of the organisation and ensure that we continue to support and advocate for survivors of modern slavery.   

Trustee Role & Responsibilities

The people that we work with come from all over the world and have a wide variety of beliefs, experiences and backgrounds. We are committed to sharing in and reflecting this rich diversity amongst our staff, volunteers and trustees and would strongly encourage applicants from minority and under-represented groups, and from those with lived experience. We are committed to inclusion and diversity and to building a culture where everyone is appreciated for the unique person they are.     

Responsibilities

As a trustee of SHF, you will work collectively with fellow board members to provide effective governance, oversight and strategic support. Your core duties will include:   

1.Upholding SHF’s Mission and Values

• Support and advise on SHF’s purpose, vision, goals and charitable objects.
• Act at all times in the best interests of survivors and SHF’s mission.
• Promote SHF’s values, including survivor-centred practice, inclusion and safeguarding.

2. Governance, Compliance and Ethical Oversight

• Ensure SHF complies with its constitution, charity law and relevant regulations. 
• Ensure resources are used responsibly and exclusively to further SHF’s charitable purposes.
• Maintain high standards of integrity, including declaring and managing conflicts of interest.  
• Support effective governance structures, including participation in learningfocused reviews.

3. Financial Stewardship and Risk Management

• Oversee the charity’s financial health, ensuring sustainability and protection of assets.
• Monitor financial performance, risks and internal controls.
• Contribute to board-level scrutiny of finance and risk, supporting informed decision-making.

4. Strategic Support and Constructive Challenge

• Provide strategic guidance and support to the Executive, helping to shape direction, priorities and performance.
• Contribute to discussions on strategy, planning and organisational development.
• Offer constructive challenge in line with SHF’s values and governance expectations.

5. Safeguarding, Culture and Psychological Safety

• Promote a safe, transparent and inclusive organisational culture.
• Support safeguarding responsibilities, ensuring staff, volunteers and people with lived experience feel safe to raise concerns.

6. Board Participation and Collaboration

• Use your skills, experience and networks to strengthen the Board’s effectiveness.
• Prepare for, attend and actively contribute to Board and relevant committee meetings.
• Work collaboratively and respectfully with other trustees, the Chair and the Executive.

7. Advocacy and External Engagement

• Act as an ambassador for SHF, promoting our work and raising our profile.
• Advocate for survivors of modern slavery and support SHF’s influence, partnerships and fundraising efforts.

Specialist Responsibilities

We are seeking up to 3 trustees who can bring specialist expertise in one or more of the following areas, complementing the skills of the Chair and wider Board:

Legal

• Experience in employment, contract, charity or human rights law.
• Ability to advise on legal risk, governance obligations and regulatory duties.

Development / Fundraising

• Strong personal or professional networks with potential corporate, philanthropic or major donors.
• Ability to open doors, strengthen partnerships and support revenue generation.

Policy, Advocacy & Public Affairs

• Understanding of modern slavery or adjacent human rights issues.
• Ability to support SHF’s policy development, influencing work and external relationships.