Senior early years worker volunteer roles
About 1st Place
1st Place was established in 2005 as part of the Aylesbury Sure Start Programme, shaped by the vision of local children and parents. It was created to be a welcoming and supportive space where families come first—where parents could access the support they need, professionals could collaborate, and services could evolve to better serve the local community.
Families remain at the core of everything 1st Place does today.
The Opportunity
1st Place Children and Parents’ Centre is a respected Family Hub and provider of early years education. Through outreach, nursery provision, and a range of family-focused projects—particularly for children under five—the organisation delivers high-quality, consistent services to the local community.
The Board of Trustees is seeking a new Honorary Treasurer to succeed the outgoing postholder. The Treasurer chairs the Finance & General Purposes Sub-Committee and holds responsibility, on behalf of the Board, for overseeing budgets, internal management accounts, and annual financial statements. The role also ensures that appropriate financial controls and procedures are in place.
The ideal candidate will bring a strong understanding of the voluntary sector, charity governance, finance, and risk management. Strategic thinking, effective communication with trustees and senior managers, and leadership experience are essential. A commitment to dedicating time and energy to the organisation’s mission is vital.
About Us
Now in our 30th year, The Eikon Charity supports children and young people across Surrey to feel and be safe, heard, and supported.
Growing up in today’s world can be incredibly challenging. That’s why we empower children and young people to find the inner and outer resources they need – skills, knowledge and resilience – as they develop and navigate life.
So, we create spaces for them where they can be themselves and talk about their thoughts and feelings. They understand better than anyone what’s happening in their own lives, so we listen, without judging.
Background to the role
At Eikon we are poised to deliver an increase in our vital, evidence-based services across Surrey and the South-East, as well as to share our model of success and influence children and young people’s services across the UK. We know, and others know, that what we do has an impact on our children and young people who, tragically, need more of everything we offer as their challenges increase.
We are now looking for passion, commitment and bold leadership from our new Chair. You will have had a senior career in the public, private or voluntary sector, you’ll have grown an organisation sustainably, leading with vision and courage, and engaging and influencing stakeholders internally and externally. You will be entrepreneurial and forward-focused with ambition to effect the change that you will believe in as wholeheartedly as we do. You will lead the Board in a way that ensures we remain relevant and fit for purpose for our next season of growth and impact, while also retaining our resilience and sustainability. You will ensure our CEO and senior leadership team are empowered to lead as effectively as possible in an increasingly complex and challenging environment.
Qualities we’re looking for:
- Visionary leadership: demonstrates bold, strategic thinking and the ability to inspire and guide the Board and executive team toward long-term sustainable growth
- Commitment to mission: passion for the charity’s purpose and a deep understanding of its social impact
- Influencing & advocacy: skilled in representing the charity externally, influencing key stakeholders, and acting as an ambassador for its work
- Integrity & diplomacy: exercises sound judgment, tact, and discretion in complex and sensitive situations
- Inclusivity & collaboration: fosters a collaborative and inclusive Board culture, encouraging diverse perspectives and constructive challenge
What your day to day in this role will look like:
You’ll show bold and strategic leadership and build a good relationship with our CEO, along with the rest of our leadership team. Efficiency and effectiveness will be key in this governance role, as well as maintaining external relations.
How to Apply:
Eastside People is supporting The Eikon Charity in the recruitment of this role. Please click here to apply by submitting your CV and a cover letter both in Word doc format.
Please use the cover letter (max 2 pages) as an opportunity to add to the information you have shared in your CV and ensure that you cover the following:
○ Why are you interested in the Chair role at Eikon?
○ Having read the information pack and understanding who we’re looking for, what relevant experience, skills and personal qualities would you bring to this role?
We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential. If you have a disability or require reasonable adjustments during the application or interview process, please contact us so we can support you appropriately.
The closing date for applications is 27 October. Shortlisting interviews will take place shortly after and shortlisted candidates will have an interview with the panel at Eikon during the week beginning 3 or 10 November.
Helping young people feel safe, heard and supported





Go Beyond – Chair, Treasurer and Trustees
Inspire brighter futures for children across England
· Location: Meetings in London, Cornwall, Derbyshire + virtual
· Commitment: Chair: ~3–4 days/month | Trustees: ~1 day/month
· Voluntary (expenses reimbursed)
Go Beyond is a national children’s charity with a powerful, simple mission: to give children a break from difficult lives.
Each year, we provide life-changing residential breaks in the countryside for over 1,000 children aged 8–13 who wouldn’t otherwise get a chance to enjoy time away, make friends, and just be children. With ambitious plans for growth, including pop-up programmes and site expansion [SS1] we're seeking a new Chair (to take over in 2026), a Treasurer, and two additional Trustees to strengthen our already passionate and committed Board.
We welcome applications from people who share our values and want to be part of something special.
We are particularly keen to hear from those with senior leadership experience in:
- Finance / accountancy (especially in the charity or not-for-profit sector)
- Environment, sustainability, or ESG
- Education or youth services – a champion for vulnerable children
- Marketing, PR or communications
- People, culture and EDI (especially within charities or public service)
Why join us?
- Be part of a unique charity that puts children first in everything we do
- Help shape our next 5-year strategy, which aims to provide over 5,000 breaks
- Join a dynamic, engaged Board and leadership team
- Use your voice and experience to ensure children get the joyful, nurturing respite they deserve
- Be inspired – and have fun – while helping others do the same
We are actively working to diversify our Board and welcome people with lived experience that reflects the lives of the children we support. No previous board experience is necessary o become a Trustee – just your time, your ideas, and your commitment to making a difference.
· Deadline: Midday Tuesday 14th October 2025
· Site visit: 22nd – 31st October 2025
· Interviews: 4–6 November 2025 (in London)
Please download the attached brief for more information and details of how to apply. To arrange a confidential conversation, contact our recruitment partner Anna Jay at Public Leaders Appointments.