27 Safeguarding trustee volunteer volunteer roles in Manchester

We seek a Chair of Trustees with time and expertise to help develop the board of trustees in line with our values of compassion, courage and persistence! We are a small but impactful charity working internationally to support 'stuck' families and change policy.

We are looking for a Chair with experience of small charity governance and is able to compassionately lead the board and work with the CEO through a period of change. 

We particularly welcome applications from women, and those with lived or professional experience of domestic abuse. You must be living in England and Wales, UK. 

An understanding of fundraising through trusts and foundations as well as commissioning would also be beneficial to the charity as a whole. 

🧡 We're looking for new trustees to help end child slavery in Nepal

Today, there are over 40 million slaves globally – a quarter of whom are children. In Nepal alone, we estimate almost 100,000 children are trapped in hazardous, exploitative labour.

Child Rescue Nepal exists to change that. We rescue children, keep them safe and reunite them with their families – and we've already helped over 1,000 children find their way home. But there's so much more to do, and we want you to help us do it.

We're building our board's experience base and are particularly keen to hear from people with skills in:

🔹 HR
🔹 Strategy and governance
🔹 International development
🔹 Knowledge or lived experience of Nepal

You don't need to have been a charity trustee before. The skills and qualities matter more than prior governance experience, and we'll give you full induction and training to get you up to speed.

Here's what one former trustee has to say about the role:

"I have learnt so much from my experience on both a personal and professional level and have felt my contributions were welcomed and valued. I really feel privileged to have been able to be part of CRN and have the opportunities to work in Nepal, and the children will always have a special place in my heart." — Sue Payne, retired social worker and trustee for four years

🌏 This is a voluntary role with real impact – a chance to bring your skills to a small, focused charity making a genuine difference in children's lives.

M13 Youth Project has been serving the communities of Ardwick and Hulme for over 30 years, building an outstanding reputation for high-quality youth work, deep community roots and a long-term commitment to children, and young people. Today, the organisation is recognised nationally for its expertise in detached youth work and for the impact it continues to have on the lives of young people.

What impresses me most about M13 is its unwavering commitment to showing up consistently, particularly in communities where opportunities can be limited and challenges are significant. Through its work, young people are supported to build confidence, develop leadership skills, strengthen their sense of belonging and create positive change for themselves and those around them.

As Chair of Trustees, I have the privilege of seeing first-hand the dedication, creativity and professionalism of our staff, volunteers and supporters. Their commitment ensures that M13 remains a trusted and respected organisation while continuing to adapt and respond to the changing needs of young people.

As we look to the future, we are seeking new Trustees who can bring fresh perspectives, skills and experience to help shape the next chapter of M13's development. Your contribution could help ensure the organisation remains strong, sustainable and impactful for years to come.

Trustees play an essential role in providing strategic oversight, supporting good governance and championing the values that have guided M13 throughout its history. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to an organisation that is making a meaningful difference every day.

We would be delighted to hear from people who share our passion for young people, thriving communities and social justice.

Dr Matthew Harrison, Chair of Trustees

Who We Are

M13 Youth Project exists to be a consistent, trusted presence in communities experiencing deep-rooted inequality. We walk alongside young people, nurturing hope, belonging and belief so they can flourish and help shape thriving communities for generations to come. We do this through relational detached youth work and purposeful informal education, working alongside young people to create opportunities to learn about themselves, others and the world, to develop their voice and power, and to work together to create lasting change in their communities.

We are a Manchester-based youth work charity working alongside children and young people in Ardwick and Hulme and young dads city-wide. Established in 1995 by Dr Helen Gatenby, we have built a national reputation for delivering high-quality detached youth work, informal education and consistent relationship-based practice that supports young people to flourish.

Our work is rooted in long-term trusted relationships. Each year we work with hundreds of children, young people and young fathers through street-based detached youth work, group work, community activities, leadership opportunities and targeted projects. We create spaces where young people feel valued, heard and supported, enabling them to explore who they are, develop their strengths and work together to make positive change.

Our caring approach is informed by the principles and practices of youth work, informal education and trauma-informed practice, underpinned by our open and inclusive Christian value base that emphasises love and justice. We believe all young people deserve to be treated with respect and dignity and that each young person can love, think, create, reflect, enjoy, achieve and make a positive difference to their world.

Why M13 Matters

Many of the communities where M13 works experience persistent social and economic inequalities. Young people often face barriers including poverty, racism, difficult childhood experiences, limited opportunities, exclusion and a lack of access to trusted adult relationships. Our response is simple but powerful: we show up consistently and walk alongside young people over time. 

The relationship is the work.

Through trusted relationships and informal education, young people develop hope, belonging and belief. They discover their voice, strengthen their confidence and realise their ability to influence their own futures and the communities around them.

Governance and Leadership

M13 is governed by a volunteer Board of Trustees who generously contribute their time, expertise and enthusiasm. The board provide strategic leadership, oversight and accountability for the charity.

The board meets throughout the year working closely with Helen and the staff team. As M13 celebrates more than 30 years of youth work practice, we are undertaking significant reflection and planning for the future.

We are:

• Evaluating our long-term impact
• Researching future need within our communities
• Developing strategic priorities for the next five years
• Strengthening organisational systems and sustainability
• Building on our national reputation for detached youth work excellence
• Expanding opportunities for young people to influence and shape our work

This is an exciting time to join the Board and contribute to the next chapter of M13's story.

Why become a Trustee?

Trusteeship with M13 offers an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the lives of children and young people. As a Trustee you will:

Make a Lasting Difference: Help ensure young people have access to trusted relationships, opportunities and support.

Shape Strategic Direction: Contribute to the future development of a respected charity with a strong track record and clear purpose.

Use Your Skills for Good: Apply your professional knowledge and experience to create positive social impact.

Develop Leadership Experience: Gain valuable experience in governance, strategic planning and organisational development.

Join a Passionate Community: Work alongside committed Trustees, staff, volunteers and young people who believe in the power of relationships and community.

Support Social Justice: Help tackle inequality and create opportunities for young people to flourish.

Job Description

Kent Sexual Assault & Abuse Service is dedicated to providing safe spaces where survivors of all forms of sexual violence across Kent and Medway, can access the high-quality, trauma-informed, specialist practical and therapeutic support that they need to recover from the impact of sexual violence and rebuild their lives. Having won and mobilised the Police & Crime Commissioner Kent Wide Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA)and Trauma Therapy contracts in April 2026, we are keen to extend our trustee board to ensure high quality, robust governance for our charity and support for the KSAAS team during this time of expansion. 

Key Functions of the Trustee Board Include:

• Ensuring compliance to KSAAS’s governing document (constitution), charity law and any other relevant legislation and regulations.

• Providing robust, evidence based strategic direction to KSAAS in collaboration with KSAAS Management Team, by reviewing the mission, vision, values, goals, targets, performance and the long-term strategy of the charity.

• Ensuring effective and efficient operation of the charity through oversight of the policies, procedures and systems.

• Ensuring that KSAAS pursues its objects as set out in its governing document and applies its resources exclusively to the pursuance of these objects.

• Ensuring the financial stability and accountability of KSAAS and protecting and managing KSAAS’s funds, estate and property.

• Ensuring KSAAS robustly meets all safeguarding requirements.

• Using any specific skills, knowledge or experience to help the Trustee Board to make sound decisions in the best interest of the charity.

Knowledge and Skills

The knowledge and skills that are beneficial to our charity are included in the recruitment pack, but in particular, we are keen to hear from individuals who have experience of business management and development, human resources, finance management, fundraising, marketing and communications, IT, social media, ISVA or counselling work and safeguarding.  

Commitment

The time commitment of a KSAAS trustee is estimated at 2-4 hours per month, comprising:

• Six 2 hour board meetings per year (normally online in the evening, but some in person in Canterbury with prior arrangement)

• Attending the annual general meeting (AGM)

• Time to read and reflect on board papers & AGM Papers

• Attending an annual trustee away day and occasional training sessions

• Attending subcommittees when required

If you are interested in becoming a trustee with KSAAS, please see further details about the role and application process in the attached recruitment pack. 

We look forward to hearing from you.

The KSAAS Trustee Board

We are currently looking for a new Clinician Trustee who can use their expertise and strategic insight to support our growing charity at a critical time for cleft care and NHS reform.

The Clinician Trustee will contribute to all aspects of the charity’s governance while providing essential clinical expertise to support and enhance our work.

We are seeking an experienced professional to help drive CLAPA’s clinical impact in line with its strategic priorities. We are particularly interested in hearing from clinicians with experience of strategic leadership within cleft services, specialised commissioning, workforce development or national clinical networks, who can help CLAPA navigate a period of significant change and reform across the NHS.

In this role, you will offer insight into the patient journey across the evolving cleft care pathway, strengthen relationships between CLAPA and clinical teams and provide clinical guidance to inform our campaigns and initiatives. You will bring a strong understanding of patient centred care and use your expertise to help shape and influence improvements in services and outcomes.

Ideally, you will also draw on safeguarding experience from your clinical role to support the charity’s safeguarding function and promote best practice across our work.

If you think you have the experience, passion and leadership to help us meet the needs of the community we serve, we want to hear from you.

Artemis was founded in 2007 and has been delivering high-quality performing arts education in Bracknell ever since. 
The charity is now operating at scale and is on track to achieve a turnover of £1 million in 2026, delivering theatre, dance and cheer provision alongside education and wellbeing outcomes for children, young people and adults. We work with around 600 people a week through classes, workshops and outreach.

This all means our Board of trustees is growing, and we are looking for a Trustee with experience of charity and theatre finance.

Chair of the Board of Trustees

The Ripple Pond

Voluntary Position (reasonable expenses reimbursed)

Time commitment: Approximately 1-2 days per month, including four Board meetings per year, regular support to the CEO, occasional committee meetings and attendance at key events.

Closing date: 11 September 2026 (applications will be reviewed as they are received and interviews may take place before the closing date).

Help Shape the Future of Support for Military Families

The Ripple Pond is a national charity supporting more than 1,200 Armed Forces and veteran family members across the UK. Through peer support, advocacy and practical assistance, we help families affected by service-related physical and psychological injury feel seen, heard and supported.

We are seeking an exceptional individual to Chair our Board of Trustees and help guide the charity through its next phase of growth and development.

Working closely with our CEO and Board, you will provide strategic leadership, support strong governance and help ensure the charity continues to deliver meaningful impact for military families and carers.

What You'll Do

As Chair, you will:

• Lead and support the Board of Trustees.
• Act as a trusted partner and critical friend to the CEO.
• Oversee strategy, governance, risk and organisational performance.
• Champion safeguarding, inclusion and good governance.
• Support trustee recruitment and board development.
• Represent The Ripple Pond externally and help build strategic relationships.
• Help shape the future direction and sustainability of the charity.

Who We're Looking For

We're looking for a collaborative and values-driven leader with:

• Senior leadership, executive or board-level experience.
• Strong strategic thinking and decision-making skills.
• Experience of governance, finance and risk oversight.
• The ability to build partnerships and influence stakeholders.
• Excellent communication and ambassadorial skills.
• A genuine commitment to supporting Armed Forces families and carers.

Experience in the military, veterans, healthcare, public, charity or social care sectors would be beneficial but is not essential.

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to make a lasting difference to the lives of military families across the UK.

You will work with a committed Board, an experienced CEO and a passionate community of Members to help strengthen support for families affected by service-related injury, influence wider understanding of their needs and guide a growing charity through its next stage of development.

Settle is a charity that supports young adults as they leave the care system and move into their first home. We provide intensive one-to-one coaching support, helping young people develop the skills and confidence they need to sustain their tenancies, manage their finances and live independently. Our preventative approach to homelessness helps care-experienced young people build stable foundations and thrive in adulthood.

All our Trustees bring different personal experience and professional expertise to support our work. To make sure we keep young people at the centre of our decision-making, we aim to always have at least two Trustees with care experience.

We are now looking for new Trustees to help us deliver our mission. We are seeking people with experience in one or more of the following areas:

· Policy influencing and/or strategic communications

· Support for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness

· Support for people seeking asylum and refuge

Our aim is to recruit at least two new Trustees, who between them bring experience across all three areas. We don’t expect you to lead an area of work at Settle – that’s the responsibility of the staff team. We are keen to benefit from your advice, insight and understanding of the key issues we’re dealing with.

We are committed to increasing the diversity of our staff and Board team, and we particularly welcome applications from people from minoritised ethnic backgrounds, or with other lived experience of discrimination. We are proud to be a member of the Care Leaver Covenant, and care-experienced applicants who meet the criteria for this role will be guaranteed an interview.

About Care4Calais

Care4Calais is a volunteer-powered charity supporting refugees in northern France and the UK. We work alongside people seeking safety to provide daily essentials, fill the gaps state support leaves, and open up access to justice. We also press the public and policymakers to act. Our vision is an inclusive society where people seeking safety have a safe home and a bright future free from inequality.

In northern France we operate year-round from Calais, providing warm clothing, shelter, services and assistance to people living in dangerous conditions. In the UK, our Field Operations teams distribute clothes and essentials, run language lessons, sports and music workshops, and connect people to medical, educational and specialist services; our Legal Access teams secure legal representation and make sure people are informed and empowered throughout their asylum claim.

Our work is informed by an Advisory Board of people with lived experience of seeking safety, who provide strategic input and feedback.

About the role

We're appointing more Trustees with lived experience of seeking asylum. You'll join as we begin a strategic review that will shape our priorities for the coming years - so your insight will help decide where a charity working on the front line of the hostile environment puts its energy next, and make sure those decisions reflect the realities and aspirations of the people we exist to serve.

As a member of the Board, you’ll be working to set Care4Calais' strategic direction, hold us to our governing documents and legal duties, and support and challenge the leadership team so the charity can grow and thrive.

You don't need previous governance experience. We will support you and give you what you need to do the role well.

What Trustees do

Purpose and compliance

• Ensure Care4Calais complies with its governing document, charity law and other applicable regulation

• Ensure we pursue our charitable objects, and that all activities and resources advance that purpose

• Contribute to regular reviews of our own governance

Strategy and direction

• Shape and review strategy, and advise on our purpose, vision, goals and activities

• Review what we're achieving and how effective our activities are

• Stay alert to changes in our operating environment and ensure our purpose and activities remain relevant

Risk, finance and oversight

• Ensure key and emerging risks are identified, monitored and mitigated

• Oversee financial plans and budgets, monitor progress, and review and approve financial statements

• Ensure robust processes for handling money and accurate record keeping

• Ensure income generation is on target, lawful, and doesn't expose us to undue risk

• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation

Judgement and stewardship

• Use your own judgement to make decisions that are honest, lawful and in Care4Calais' best interests

• Avoid conflicts of interest or loyalty where you can; declare and record those you can't

• Support and challenge the leadership team in exercising their delegated authority

• Promote our aims and reputation through your skills, knowledge and contacts

• Attend Board meetings prepared to contribute

Who we're looking for

• Lived experience of seeking asylum

• Willingness to understand and accept a trustee's legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities, and to act in the charity's best interests

• Strong commitment to our cause, values and strategic objectives

• A strategic, critical thinker who is comfortable asking questions, challenging assumptions and sharing views with respect and confidence

• Ability to work as part of a team, understanding that trusteeship is collective

• The time to do the role well  - attending meetings and taking an active part in discussion

Support you'll get: structured onboarding, a buddy from the Board, and external mentoring through the Experts by Experience Employment Network.

Terms of service

The role is voluntary, with reasonable expenses reimbursed. Trustees are appointed for a 3 year term which is renewable. We expect trustees to attend all scheduled Board meetings, with reasonable allowances for extenuating circumstances. 

As a small charity, there will be times we need you beyond Board meetings — scrutinising papers, advising on new initiatives, or lending expertise on a particular issue. Trustees are encouraged to visit our operations in the UK and northern France.

All appointments are subject to the standard requirement that candidates are not disqualified from acting as a charity trustee under the Charities Act; you'll be asked for the relevant declarations.

How to apply

Send a CV and a letter of interest (1–2 pages) setting out why you want the role and how you meet the person specification.

Skills and insight come from a wide range of life experiences, not only paid work -  tell us about any experiences, learnings or perspectives you think would help you thrive here.

You will never be asked to describe your lived experience at any stage of this process unless you choose to.

Want an informal chat first? Contact Wilf Sullivan, Chair of the Board wilf [@] care4calais .org

Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed online after the closing date.

We can help with digital access or a quiet space for interviews. Tell us about any reasonable adjustments you need and we'll arrange them.

Equality and safeguarding

Care4Calais is an equal opportunities employer and an anti-racist organisation. We actively encourage applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities, people from refugee and migrant backgrounds, LGBTQ+ individuals, disabled candidates, and those with lived experience of the immigration system.

We are a proud member of the Experts by Experience Employment Network (EBE), which works towards a charitable sector led by people with lived experience of the asylum system. We've moved away from one-size-fits-all recruitment to make our process fair, supportive and accessible. Applicants are welcome to use the guidance at ebeemployment .com and to contact the EBE support team for help with your application and, where available, one-to-one interview preparation.

We are committed to safeguarding. Our selection process includes rigorous background checks and assessments to ensure post holders demonstrate attitudes and values aligned with a culture that promotes safeguarding.

Are you a care leaver, foster carer or kinship carer? We are looking for new Trustees to join our Board and would particularly love to hear from people with lived experience relevant to our work.

Who we are

The Roots Foundation Wales is an award-winning charity based in Swansea. We support young people in care as they transition to independent living and into adulthood and we also support foster and kinship carers. Our beautiful centre was featured on BBC's DIY SOS and Children in Need in 2017 and we are proud of the community we have built here.

With the help of our young people and carers we have developed a new 3-year Strategic Plan and in 2027 we will be opening a new house with further accommodation for young people.

A message from our Youth Panel

“Roots is our home from home, it’s a place where we can share our personal experiences and always be supported. Building good relationships with the staff and other young people is very important to us. It’s important to have staff who are respectful, caring and trustworthy while being able to have fun and enjoy a bit of banter! We need someone who is honest, responsible and appreciative of the fact that Roots is like our family.”

What we are looking for

We are expanding our Board and are particularly keen to recruit Trustees with lived experience of care, including care leavers and kinship carers. We also encourage applications from young people, disabled people and Welsh speakers and from people based in Swansea and the surrounding area.

As a Trustee you will:

• Help guide the strategic direction of the charity
• Attend online board meetings every two months (usually Tuesday evening, 2 hours)
• Visit Roots 2-3 times a year as a minimum
• Work on sub-committee projects such as finance or safguarding
• Be visible and support the staff and young people
• Expenses are covered and full induction and training will be provided. An enhanced DBS check is required.

You can find out more about Roots, the work we do and the current Trustees here: https://www.therootsfoundation.wales/our-team/

Trustees, including a treasurer, are needed for a leading charity helping people with dissociative disorders. 

CDS UK (Clinic for Dissociative Studies) is a specialist service offering assessments and treatment for people with dissociative disorders and an independent charitable provider to the NHS.

CDS provides diagnosis, outpatient treatment, clinical supervision, consultancy and training all over the UK. We also participate in research and education, contributing to what we hope is a greater understanding of dissociative disorders.

Dissociative disorders typically arise in response to extreme and repetitive trauma and/or abuse in early childhood. Dissociation can be a survival mechanism and adaptive response to overwhelming and traumatic experiences, enabling an individual to endure life events that no one person could be expected to manage without a severe impact on their wellbeing. Trustees are central to ensuring that CDS provides the best possible help for extremely vulnerable clients.

At CDS, we are committed to a culture of continuous improvement and organisational development, ensuring that our services, people, and governance evolve to meet the needs of those we support. Our work is grounded in our core values of Respect, Choice, Compassion, Openness and Working Together, which shape how we collaborate, make decisions, and deliver impact. 

To build a well-balanced and rounded board CDS is looking for trustees, including a treasurer, with expertise in any of the following:

• Accountancy and/or auditing experience 
• Financial management and strategy 
• Clinical & clinical management experience
• Legal and governance
• Fundraising 
• Marketing
• Organisational development 

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive Board that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, particularly those who are currently underrepresented at trustee level, including people from diverse ethnic backgrounds, younger people, disabled people, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those with lived experience relevant to our work. 

Closing date 9th October. Interviews will take place via MS Teams w/b 12th October. 

Bring your voice and experience to a Board where it can shape real change. Join a national children’s health and wellbeing charity, challenge our thinking, influence our future and help us make stronger decisions for the children, young people and families at the heart of everything we do.

Compass exists for children, young people and families who need someone in their corner. For 40 years, we have delivered health and wellbeing services that give people access to the right support, at the right time and in ways that reflect their needs and communities.

We are looking for a voluntary Non Executive Director and Trustee to join our Board and help shape what comes next. This is an opportunity to use your knowledge, experience and perspective somewhere they can influence real decisions and help Compass remain ambitious, accountable and focused on the people our services exist for.

As a member of the Board, you will provide independent oversight, constructive challenge and fresh thinking. You will work alongside fellow Trustees and our senior leaders to help shape strategy, review organisational performance and ensure decisions are thoughtful, evidence informed and consistent with our charitable purpose and values.

Your role will reach across the organisation. You will contribute to discussions about service quality, safeguarding, workforce, finance, risk, performance and long term sustainability. You will ask the questions that help us think differently, test assumptions and understand the likely impact of our decisions. You will also share responsibility for ensuring Compass is well governed, uses its resources responsibly and meets its legal and regulatory duties as a charity.

This role is about more than attending Board meetings. You will have opportunities to deepen your understanding of Compass, connect with the people who deliver our services and see how Board decisions translate into practice. You will act as an ambassador for our work and help us build trust with the communities, partners and organisations around us. You will also contribute to at least one Board advisory group, bringing closer attention to an area where your knowledge, experience or curiosity can add value.

We want our Board to benefit from a range of voices and experiences. We welcome applications from people of all cultures, ethnicities, backgrounds and walks of life, including those underrepresented at Board level. This is not about asking anyone to speak for an entire community. It is about building a stronger, more representative Board that makes better decisions, challenges established thinking and understands the people it serves.

Previous experience as a Trustee or Non Executive Director would be valuable, but it is not essential. We are interested in what you can bring, whether that comes from your professional career, your community, your lived experience or a combination of these. You will need the confidence to contribute your views, the openness to listen to others and the integrity to put the interests of Compass and the people we support first.

You will be joining a Board where your contribution will be heard and valued. If you are curious about how your experience could help shape a national children’s health and wellbeing charity, we would encourage you to take a closer look.

This is a voluntary appointment. Expenses directly connected with carrying out the role, such as travel, will be reimbursed.

Join the Board of Trustees at EFT International, a global membership charity promoting excellence in Emotional Freedom Techniques. Help shape our strategy, strengthen governance and support sustainable growth. Volunteer role: 10–15 hours per month with induction and expenses.

What will you be doing?

Our Board of Trustees is seeking one or more new trustees to help shape the future of EFT International as we continue to strengthen our governance, support our members, and deliver our charitable mission. This is an exciting opportunity to join a collaborative board at a time when we are focused on sustainable growth, developing our long-term strategy, and ensuring we continue to operate to the highest standards of governance and accountability.

Our trustees bring a range of professional backgrounds and work together to provide strategic leadership, oversee the charity's activities, and support its future development. We are looking for individuals who are keen to contribute their expertise, and help guide the organisation through its next stage of development.

The successful candidates will be full members of the Board, attending monthly board meetings and contributing to strategic discussions and decision-making. 

This is a rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful difference to an international charity, working alongside committed volunteers to support a professional community and help ensure the EFTi organisation continues to thrive for years to come.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for individuals who are passionate about supporting the work of charities and can bring strategic thinking, sound judgement, and a collaborative approach to our Board.

You will have experience in a leadership, management or advisory role, with the ability to build positive relationships, communicate effectively, and work constructively with volunteers and fellow trustees. Previous experience of serving on a charity board or working within the voluntary sector is welcomed but not essential.

We're particularly interested in people who can contribute expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• Governance
• Marketing and communications
• Finance
• Human Resources
• Legal
• Event management

You should be able to think strategically, make balanced decisions, maintain confidentiality, and work both independently and as part of a team. As our Board meets online, you'll also be comfortable using digital tools such as Zoom and Google Workspace.

Most importantly, we're looking for someone who shares our commitment to the mission and values of EFT International and is willing to dedicate around 10–15 hours per month to the role, including completing an induction programme, attending monthly Board meetings, and engaging with the charity's activities. We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds and experiences who can bring fresh perspectives to our Board.

Role overview

Trustee — Programmes

About us: Could you help us get millions of separated children Back to Family?

Orphanages don’t protect children, they harm them. Put simply: the last thing an orphanage can provide is the first thing a child needs - someone to love them. 

Right now, 5.4 million children around the world are locked away in orphanages — even though over 80% of them are not orphans. Orphanages expose children to abuse and trafficking, and physical and psychological trauma that can last a lifetime. A century of evidence shows that the bond between a child and their family is what every child needs to grow, thrive and be safe. 

The role

As our Programmes Trustee, you will bring senior international development or humanitarian programmes expertise to our Board, helping to strengthen the quality, scale and impact of HHC's work across nine countries. Working closely with our Chair, CEO and Director of Global Programmes, you will contribute to our ambitious 2030 goal by:

• Programmes leadership — drawing on your senior experience to provide strategic oversight and constructive challenge on HHC's programme delivery, quality assurance and evidence base, helping ensure our work delivers real and lasting change for children and families.
• Systems change — advising the Board and Executive on how to drive and sustain national-level care reform across the diverse contexts in which HHC operates, including fragile and conflict-affected settings.
• Humanitarian financing — supporting HHC's ambitions to transform how the humanitarian sector finances work addressing children in orphanages and those at risk of family separation, drawing on your understanding of macro-level financing mechanisms and how they can be influenced.
• Safeguarding and risk — contributing to the Board's oversight of the risk, regulatory and safeguarding context for an international organisation working directly with vulnerable children and families.

Who we are looking for

You will bring senior leadership experience in a programmes function within an NGO, multilateral organisation, government body or major funder — particularly in work with marginalised children, families and communities. Beyond that, we are looking for someone who brings:

• A track record of overseeing or leading programmes at scale across multiple countries or regions, including in lower income, middle income or fragile and conflict-affected settings
• Extensive experience of programme strategy, quality assurance, monitoring, evaluation and learning, and of using evidence to drive decision-making
• A sound understanding of the international development and humanitarian sector, including donor landscapes and the operating environment for international NGOs
• Experience of working in partnership with local government and other stakeholders to bring about systems change

Above all, you will share our belief that every child deserves to grow up in the love and safety of a family, and our commitment to driving that change with courage, integrity, excellence and being deeply human. 

What we offer

This is a voluntary, unremunerated role. In return you will:

• Engage with our work across nine countries 
• Contribute to systemic change at global scale, helping to shape the future for separated children worldwide
• Be part of an organisation approaching its 2030 goal — a worldwide consensus that orphanages have no place in any child's life

Time commitment

The role requires approximately 12–18 days per year, comprising:

• Four Board meetings per year (in person, London or virtual)
• Five subcommittee meetings per year (virtual), as a key member of our Programmes, Advocacy, Research and Accountability Committee (PARAC)
• An annual two-day awayday, which may take place in one of our countries of operation
• Additional time for preparation, ad hoc queries and induction in your first year

The initial term of office is three years, with the possibility of two further three-year terms by mutual agreement.

Closing Date: The final cut off for applications is 17.00 UK time on Thursday 8 October 2026 so please get in touch if you have the right skills, experience and passion for our cause.

To apply, please upload your CV and a brief covering letter indicating why you are interested in joining the Hope and Homes for Children Board and how your experience, skills and values map to the requirements of this role.

Diversity

Hope and Homes for Children actively encourages equity, diversity and inclusion, and we look to recruit a diverse range of people to reflect the communities in which we live. We are keen to see a diverse membership of both the trustee body and committees as we believe diversity brings us closer to our mission of eliminating orphanages.

Thank you for considering this role. Every child deserves to grow up in the love and safety of a family

Contract type

Volunteer

Hours

12 - 18 days per annum

Salary

Voluntary (expenses paid)