We are seeking a new Chair of Trustees to lead the charity as we enter a bold new chapter for Sunderland Culture. This is a unique opportunity to help shape the cultural landscape of Sunderland, working closely with our CEO, Board of Trustees, and valued partners to support Sunderland Culture’s vibrant and ambitious vision.
The Role of the Board
The board governs the charity and ensures Sunderland Culture is well-run, legally compliant, and financially sound as a registered charity and company limited by guarantee. Trustees act as guardians of the organisation’s purpose, ensuring decisions are made in the best interests of those we serve. Core duties include;
- Work with the CEO and Partners to set strategic direction and shape the organisation’s long-term cultural vision, mission, and priorities.
- Safeguarding the mission and values of the charity, upholding our core purpose: “to improve life for everyone in Sunderland through culture.”
- Champion culture in Sunderland – acting as ambassadors for the city’s cultural sector, bringing networks and influence.
- Provide accountability – Reporting to regulators (Charity Commission, Companies House), funders (Arts Council England, trusts/ foundations), and the community.
- Financial Oversight - work with the senior management team and Finance Committee to review and approve budgets, key-funding decisions and long-term sustainability.
- Policy Oversight - Approve and oversee key policies, including safeguarding, equality and diversity, privacy policy, health and safety, and employment procedures.
The board is supported in its work by a Finance Committee, with trustee representatives also working alongside staff leads on Arts Council England’s Investment Principles:
- Ambition & Quality
- Dynamism (organisational resilience and business systems)
- Inclusivity and Relevance
- Environmental Sustainability
The Role of Chair
The Chair will provide strategic leadership to the Board, ensuring that Trustees fulfil their duties effectively.
Key Responsibilities:
Lead the Board: Shape agendas, chair effective meetings, enable constructive challenge and decisive governance.
Manage and support the Chief Executive: Provide counsel and stretch; agree priorities and success measures; ensure strong performance and learning.
Steward partnerships: Work closely with existing partners to renew relationships while openings doors to a wider range of strategic partnerships.
Steward change: Oversee complex transitions in assets, programmes and organisational design; ensure robust risk management and stakeholder engagement.
Promote inclusion: Develop and grow the board to reflect the city’s diversity and lived experience.
Ensure sustainability: Oversee financial strategy and reserves; support income generation across public, commercial and philanthropic streams.
Advocate and represent: Be a visible ambassador for Sunderland Culture locally, regionally and nationally.
Board effectiveness: Lead trustee recruitment, induction, appraisal and succession; uphold best practice in charity and company governance.
Person Specification:
Essential Criteria
Commitment to Sunderland Culture’s mission
Relevant values and networks Essential Proven leadership experience, ideally at Board or senior executive level.
Strong understanding of governance and charity/ company law.
Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
Ability to inspire confidence and command respect.
Desirable Criteria
Demonstrable commitment to or interest in the cultural sector
Sunderland or North-East England based
Background in relevant sector (Culture or Creative Industries, Community Development, Education, Finance etc.)
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.
Thank you!
Carers UK is the national membership charity for the millions of people in the UK who are unpaid carers. As an organisation we provide expert advice and information for carers, campaign for greater recognition and support for carers, and use our experience and expertise to help other organisations do more for carers. Our Board of Trustees plays a vital leadership role in the work we do while ensuring the charity is equipped and governed effectively, establishing and monitoring strategy and ensuring we are true to our values and keep carers at the heart of everything we do.
We are now seeking to appoint up to four people to join our Board of Trustees, to steer us towards our vision of a world where carers are recognised, valued and supported.
It’s an exciting time to be part of Carers UK, as we launch our new strategic review in 2026. Our Board is instrumental in ensuring we make the future really impactful for carers through our vision and strategy while fulfilling all our obligations as a charity.
We are also seeking to appoint a Nations Trustee for Scotland. In addition to the general responsibilities of a trustee, the Nations Trustee will be expected to ensure that the Carers UK Board is informed on key issues affecting carers in their Nation.
To find out more about this opportunity and apply, please download the Trustee recruitment pack from our website
Carers UK is committed to representing the diverse society in which we work and actively encourages applications from people with current or recent experience of caring from all backgrounds and experiences.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Wheels for All is a national charity that helps people of all abilities enjoy cycling in a way that works for them. Supporting more than 100 inclusive cycling hubs with over 30 years of experience, we’ve seen first-hand how cycling can change lives - improving health, confidence and community connection.
We’re now growing our national reach and impact, and we’re looking for new Trustees to join our Board and help guide us through this exciting next stage.
About the role
As a Trustee, you’ll help shape the direction of the charity, support good decision-making, and make sure we stay focused on our mission to make cycling accessible for everyone. We’d especially like to hear from people who:
- Have experience in communications, PR, campaigning or public engagement, and can help us share the power of inclusive cycling with more people across the UK
- Have strong networks or local knowledge in areas that are currently least well served by inclusive cycling - especially the North East, East Midlands or South West
If that’s not your background, please don’t be put off. We welcome people from all walks of life who share our passion for inclusion and want to make a difference.
Our Trustees also get involved in one or more of our focus groups, including:
- Governance and Risk
- Nominations, People and EDI
- Welfare, Safety and Safeguarding
- Finance
- Income Generation
We follow the Tier 3 Code for Sports Governance, which means we’re serious about running the charity to the highest standards - but we do it in a supportive, friendly and collaborative way. Full induction and training is provided.
Who we’re looking for
You don’t need to have been a Trustee before - we’ll help you learn the ropes. You just need to bring:
- A thoughtful, practical approach
- Willingness to ask questions and share ideas
- The ability to work well with others
- Commitment to equality, inclusion and fairness
- A bit of time and energy to get involved
How to apply
- Apply via othe link, and please upload your CV and a cover letter showcasing how you’re the perfect fit for the role
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
PDA Society are excited to share that we are looking for 2 new Trustees to join our board.
Trustees play a key role in providing strategic direction, oversight, and support to ensure that the PDA Society continues to grow sustainably and deliver real impact for the community we serve.
Following the retirement of two Trustees we’re keen to broaden the range of skills and experiences represented. Our work is guided by people with lived experience, and our Board of Trustees plays a central role in shaping our strategy and ensuring that our values are embedded across everything we do.
Appointments are made on merit, and we are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive Board that truly reflects the communities we serve.
We particularly welcome applications from anyone who has experienced marginalisation due to their race or religion, as these voices are currently underrepresented on our Board.
This is a voluntary position, and Trustees are not remunerated, although reasonable expenses are reimbursed. Trustees are appointed for an initial 3-year term.
Registered Charity
11 - 20
Our mission is to improve the lives of PDA children, PDA adults and their families. We are working hard to build awareness and understanding.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.