Supporter services volunteer volunteer roles

About TLC 

The Trans Legal Clinic is the first trans-led specialist gender identity legal practice and registered charity in the UK. The mission of the Trans Legal Clinic is simple; we provide free and accessible legal help to transgender and non-binary people in need. Our overarching vision is a society where all people have access to the legal resources required for gender self-determination and where gender diversity is not just accepted but embraced, with trans* people equipped with the necessary legal tools to navigate the world in their affirmed gender. 

Service Introduction 

The Social Media department is integral to our organisation. The social media team works together to create informative and entertaining content to build a community around the Trans Legal Clinic. We have assisted over 70 clients since October 2023.

Our Social Media department is made up of committed Social Media Content Officers, working under the Social Media Manager. 

Key tasks and responsibilities 

Design and Content Creation 

Be adept and comfortable using Canva, with an eye for design. 

Create engaging and eye-catching posts and content for Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn. 

Write engaging captions and copy for social media content to drive engagement across social media channels.  

Confident using video editing software and a willingness to learn new editing software as and when required. 

Write and edit scripts for video posts. 

Teamwork 

Engage with assigned tasks and support other volunteers in the social media team.

Keep your fellow volunteers and manager updated on your content creation and any issues you encounter throughout the process.   

Set out to reach team performance targets.

Attend team meetings and contribute to discussions.

Be respectful to colleagues and support good communication between all stakeholders. 

Work with caseworkers to create content for specific raised issues. 

Research and Outreach 

Create resources for the organisation and those seeking information on our website in a digestible way. 

Reach out to other organisations, especially those that work with trans* people, to collaborate and share knowledge and resources.   

Conduct research into relevant topics and how they affect trans* and gender diverse people. 

Review 

Review and evaluate own performance to identify strengths and areas for development. 

Undertake development and training opportunities. 

General 

Adhere to Trans Legal Clinic’s Policies and Procedures at all times. 

Cover for other members of the team and department as necessary. 

Be proactive in reviewing and evaluating own performance and identifying upon areas for improvement and development. 

Undertake any other duties compatible with the level and nature of the role and/or reasonable duties required by more senior members of staff. 

Attend and participate in external meetings and briefings as required. 

Become a STEM Workshop Leader with Bright Futures UK

Are you passionate about inspiring the next generation and showcasing new and innovative STEM learning? Bright Futures UK is looking for enthusiastic and skilled individuals to lead engaging workshops for young people who have taken time out of education due to illness.

About the Role:

As a STEM Workshop Leader, you will work with us to design a fun and meaningful workshop tailored to your expertise, which you’ll deliver on a Wednesday afternoon. Whether your speciality is coding, digital tools, engineering, Computer Aided Design or another skill within the world of STEM, we’d love to hear from you! You’ll have the full support of our team to ensure your workshop runs smoothly and makes a real impact.

What You’ll Need:

1. A skill or practical activity that can be shared with young people.

2. Enthusiasm for teaching and inspiring curiosity.

3. A willingness to collaborate with us in planning the session.

What You’ll Gain:

1. The chance to make a difference in the lives of young people facing significant challenges.

2. DBS and training provided at no cost.

3. Opportunities to develop your teaching and facilitation skills.

4. The rewarding experience of sharing your passion with others.

Why You’ll Love Volunteering with Us:

At Bright Futures UK, we believe in supporting young people as they rebuild their confidence and reengage with education. Through your workshop, you’ll help create a positive, nurturing environment where curiousity thrives and connections are made.

Application Instructions

Please submit your CV and, if you would like to, a cover letter outlining what your workshop may involve. Following this, we will be in touch to inform you of any next steps.

The Trust's Requirements

SHARE Multi Academy Trust is recruiting three new volunteers to the position of trustee - or non-executive director - and Member, a role akin to that of a shareholder.  

Ideal candidates will have a qualification in accountancy, experience in finance, audit and/or risk as well as strategic senior leadership experience. Ideally, this volunteer will assume a role as Chair the Finance and Audit & Risk Committees. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong leadership and committee management skills, experience in financial oversight and audit/risk management.

The second trustee volunteer will be able to demonstrate experience as a senior leader in Education, preferably in a Multi Academy Trust setting. An in-depth understanding of SEND across different phases would be highly advantaegous, while good local knowledge and links would be desirable but not essential for both roles.

For the role of Member, prior experience in a non-executive/trustee position and a firm understanding of corporate or charity governance is essential. The time commitment for this position is generally much lower, with ~two meetings per year.

For all roles, experience in managing or advising similar-sized organisations (in terms of revenue) and/or a strategic understanding of education is required. 
 
The trust is open to considering remote or virtual participation for the education trustee. The trust is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion, including age diversity, and is willing to offer mentorship from another trustee where applicable and relevant.

Meetings and Governance Structure

The trust's mission is to help disadvantaged students achieve academic success and personal growth. The Board is led by an experienced CEO, who also serves as Accounting Officer. A small central team supports school improvement, HR, operations, and finance. The board consists of three members and nine directors (including the CEO). In 2024, three new trustees joined, bringing expertise in business and HR. The Chair has been with the board for four years, including two as Chair.
 
The board is strengthening connections with local governing bodies through committees and link roles. A dedicated governance professional ensures compliance and thorough induction for new trustees. Trustees have access to additional training via online platforms like NGA and the National College. Annual skills audits are conducted and reviewed. The Trust Board meets six times per year, with additional meetings as necessary, and operates with committees for financial scrutiny, audit, and risk. The trust will soon exceed £50 million in annual revenue, prompting the separation of audit, risk, and finance into distinct committees. Current committees include Finance, Audit & Risk, Safeguarding, and Remuneration, with new committees under consideration: People, Pupil, and Standards. The Trust Board is evaluating communication between local governing bodies and the Trust Board, with plans for reduced board meetings once committees are established. 

About the trust

Share Multi-Academy Trust formed in September 2011, initially as a Single Academy Trust (SAT) with Shelley College, which earned an 'Outstanding' judgment in May 2013. In March 2014, Shelley College became a National Teaching School, and a Teaching School Alliance was established. Over the next two years, the trust expanded to include primary schools such as Heaton Avenue Primary, Millbridge Junior, Infant and Nursery, and Woodside Green (formerly Cowersley Primary). In November 2018, Royds Hall Community Academy, including secondary and primary sites, joined the trust, followed by Thornhill Community Academy. In February 2022, Whitcliffe Mount Secondary School also joined. By Spring 2025, a secondary school in North Yorkshire will join, expanding the trust’s reach to 4 primary academies, 4 secondary academies (including one with a sixth form), and one more secondary school. Ofsted outcomes are generally good, with one school rated as Requires Improvement. 

The trust excels in supporting disadvantaged students and those with special educational needs (SEND), operating a specialized SEND resource base. It also runs a Teaching School Hub and contributes to local and national networks. The CEO is an active contributor to industry discussions, including DfE roundtables. Growth is considered only when new schools align with the trust's core values of overcoming disadvantage and achieving outstanding pupil outcomes. The trust has a well-developed people strategy, including executive and board succession planning. 
 
The trust maintains strong financial controls, with a CFO in place since 2022. They follow a GAG (General Annual Grant) pooling model, covering various services like school improvement, HR, finance, payroll, legal, and ICT strategy, without hidden service charges. Academy budgets are submitted for Trust Board approval by early July each year, with indicative budgets required by April. Academy Improvement Plans and financial plans must be submitted to the CEO by October. 
 
The trust has a Reserves Policy that is reviewed annually, maintaining reserves of 10% to 18% of recurring revenue income. Individual academies may adjust their reserves within policy limits with CEO and CFO approval. Financial reserves are in line with DfE expectations. 

Play a key role in driving forward the University’s mission and strategy

What will you be doing?

The members of the Board of Governors work together to oversee the activities of the University, ensure its long-term future, approve its strategy, and safeguard its good name and reputation. 

We are seeking a new governor with experience, skills or knowledge of one or more of the following areas: 

• Community and region in Northampton, Northamptonshire and/or the surrounding areas
• Finance
• IT

You will work as part of a strong and supportive team of your fellow governors and staff. In return you will build your own professional experience, profile and impact. This may include building new skills which will boost your professional expertise.

The University of Northampton is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and to providing an inclusive environment for staff, students, governors and our stakeholders. We believe strongly that having Board members from a wide range of personal and professional backgrounds ensures the diversity of thought and rigour of debate which characterises a high-performing Board.  Applications from women, those with global ethnic majority backgrounds, with declared disabilities, and LBGT+ candidates are warmly received.   

In recruiting to the Board, we seek a broad and diverse range of previous professional and personal skills and experiences. Appointments take account of the personal and professional skills and experience of applicants in the context of the overall composition of the Board. 

The role is voluntary with reasonable expenses reimbursed.   

What are we looking for?

The essential skills are: 

• Either a track record of achievement in a career, or other experience or expertise which would enable you to contribute to the Board
• Experience of creating and implementing strategy in a complex environment with multiple stakeholders    
• Experience, skills or knowledge of one or more of the following:
  • Community and region in Northampton, Northamptonshire and/or the surrounding areas
  • Finance
  • IT 
• Ability to work in a collaborative manner, reaching consensus, debating constructively and accepting collective responsibility   
• Ability to assimilate complex information and use this to offer constructive challenge   
• Demonstrable experience of good practice in equality, diversity and inclusion and the ability to challenge around these issues  
• Excellent communication skills (the ability to participate in constructive debate, express a point of view in an articulate manner and demonstrate critical listening skills)  
• Ability to commit sufficient time to the role   
• Prepared to represent the University in a positive way to internal and external stakeholders 
• Fulfils the criteria for independence  

The desirable skills are: 

• Experience of governance through working on a board or committee 
• Awareness of the operational issues of managing an organisation (including for example leadership, risk management, monitoring performance, business development, customer experience and customer relationship management, marketing, public relations or communications, human resources, law, project management) 

What difference will you make?

As a member of the Board, you can help the University engage with, reflect and respond to the needs of our student, staff and stakeholder communities.  You will be part of an organisation which has social impact as its purpose. The University is an economic engine and a force for social change for the county, the region, and the UK. Our latest Economic Impact Report showed that for every £1 spent running the University, £4 is returned to the economy – a 300% return on investment. 

As the Board sets the strategy, our governors are at the forefront of the development of the University and the trustees and stewards of its long-term future. 

The University relies on its governors to give oversight and to be a critical friend. 

Before you apply

Please apply through Reach. Please submit a CV and a cover letter. Your cover letter should outline your suitability for the role with particular reference to the person specification which you will find in the role description. 

The closing date for applications is 30 May. Interviews will take place on 13 June 2025 in person in Northampton. 

If you have any questions about the role or making an application you are very welcome to contact Miriam Lakin via Reach. 

Role Description: Charity Trustee Treasurer - Norfolk Ornithologists Association (NOA)

• Role Title: Trustee Treasurer
• Location: Norfolk, UK (Flexible, with meetings held virtually and in-person at Holme-next-the-sea)
• Time Commitment: Approximately 6-10 hours per month
• Reporting To: The Board of Trustees

NOA's Mission:

The NOA is a conservation organisation dedicated to the scientific study of birds and other wildlife, with four visitor reserves in Norfolk. We collect information which helps us to monitor and understand how birds and wildlife are coping year to year. Our work also enables people to encounter wildlife in a friendly and personal way. The results of the Association’s work are published yearly in its annual reports

Purpose of the Role:

The Treasurer plays a crucial strategic oversight role in ensuring the financial health and sustainability of the Norfolk Ornithologists Association (NOA). This role is focused on maintaining financial probity, providing clear financial guidance to the Board of Trustees, and ensuring that NOA’s financial practices are transparent, compliant, and well-managed. As a full Trustee, the Treasurer holds collective oversight and responsibility across all aspects of the organisation, not just in financial matters, ensuring that all decisions align with the organisation’s broader mission to conserve and protect Norfolk’s wildlife and habitats.

This is a high-impact volunteer position requiring strategic financial oversight rather than day-to-day involvement in operational tasks. The Treasurer will work collaboratively with fellow Trustees, providing leadership and contributing to decision-making on a wide range of organisational matters.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Financial Oversight and Governance:

• Ensure the financial integrity of NOA by overseeing the organisation ’s financial reporting and controls, acting as the nominal account holder for our accounts.
• Review and approve financial reports and statements prepared by an outsourced team of bookkeepers, ensuring they are accurate, complete, comply with legal requirements, and are submitted to the Charity Commission before the end of October each year.
• Provide strategic advice to the Board of Trustees on financial matters, helping to ensure that financial decisions align with NOA's long-term goals and mission.
• Ensure compliance with relevant regulations and charity law, including proper reporting to the Charity Commission, and that NOA’s registration is up-to-date.

2. Budgeting and Financial Planning:

• Support the creation of the annual budget, ensuring it aligns with NOA’s mission and strategic objectives.
• Advise the Board on long-term financial planning and sustainability, helping to identify opportunities for growth or savings.

3. Financial Strategy:

• Ensure NOA’s financial practices and resources are used effectively to support conservation work and the fulfilment of the organisation’s mission.
• Provide guidance to help NOA navigate financial challenges, ensuring appropriate use of reserves and funding.

4. Working with the Team:

• Work closely with the bookkeeper and the Warden team to ensure the smooth running of day-to-day financial tasks, such as accounts receivable, accounts payable, and payroll, without directly managing these processes.
• Ensure that the Quarterly Gift Aid claim is submitted to HMRC.
• Review financial records and key documents, including budgets, annual reports, and financial statements, in collaboration with the team.

5. Strategic Advice and Reporting to the Board:

• Report to the Board regularly on the organisation ’s financial health, making recommendations for any necessary corrective actions or strategic decisions.
• Advise the Board on the potential impact of external financial factors (e.g., funding sources, investments, and grants).

6. Supporting Fundraising and Financial Sustainability:

• Assist in fundraising strategy development, particularly with regard to long-term financial sustainability, including legacy donations and major fundraising initiatives.
• Help ensure that NOA’s funding sources are diversified and stable to support ongoing conservation projects.

Skills and Experience:

• Organizational and Financial Oversight: Strong organizational skills with an ability to assess and oversee financial operations. Experience in managing or advising on financial matters is highly beneficial, but the role does not require professional accounting qualifications.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to think strategically about NOA’s long-term financial health and sustainability.
• Attention to Detail: High attention to financial accuracy and integrity.
• Experience with Governance: Experience working within a board or governance structure is desirable but not essential.
• Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills to explain financial matters to Trustees and other stakeholders who may not have a financial background.

Time Commitment and Trustee Role:

As a full Trustee, the Treasurer will have a responsibility to attend regular Board meetings, which typically occur monthly, and the annual AGM.

Each Board meeting will last approximately two hours, and will be held predominantly at Holme-next-the-sea, occasionally virtual.

Trustees are expected to contribute actively to Board discussions, decisions, and the strategic direction of NOA. The Treasurer will also play a key role in shaping financial and strategic decisions across the organisation.

In addition to Board meetings, Trustees may be asked to serve on or contribute to specific subcommittees within the Board, depending on the organisation’s needs. These committees may include areas such as finance, fundraising, or conservation strategy. Participation in these committees is flexible but will provide an opportunity to have more focused involvement in particular areas of the organisation.

The NOA Board of Trustees:

The Board is composed of [insert number of Trustees, e.g., 6-10] Trustees with diverse skills and backgrounds, all working together to oversee and guide the organisation . As a Trustee, you will be expected to collaborate with the other Trustees, each of whom brings valuable expertise and experience to the organisation . The Chairman of the Board leads the Trustees, and each member is committed to advancing NOA’s mission through strategic leadership, governance, and oversight.

What NOA Offers:

• The opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the future of wildlife conservation in Norfolk.
• Flexibility in how you perform the Treasurer role, with an estimated time commitment of around 6-10 hours per month (including meetings and preparatory work).
• Collaboration with a passionate and dedicated team of Trustees and staff, with the chance to contribute to the strategic direction of NOA.
• A structured governance framework with opportunities for growth and leadership within the organisation .

How to Apply:

If you are interested in applying for this role, please submit a CV and a brief cover letter outlining your experience and why you are interested in becoming the Treasurer of NOA to the Chairman, Steve Newman.

By joining the NOA as Trustee Treasurer, you will play a vital role in ensuring the ongoing success of NOA’s conservation efforts and its financial health, making a lasting impact on the future of wildlife in Norfolk.

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

The role of the Independent member is to provide the Safety Committee and the Movement with knowledge and experience for making key decisions. The role is pro bono, but reasonable expense will be paid in accordance with The Scout Association (TSA)’s Expenses Policy.

The Safety Committee reports directly to the Board of Trustees which has overall legal responsibility for TSA. The committee is Chaired by an external appointee who is a Trustee of the board. The safety committee comprises independent members with Health & Safety expertise across a range of sectors and members from the movement. The purpose of the committee is to hold to account those with responsibility for delivery of Health & Safety across Scouting.

Main responsibilities 

The remit of the Committee is to support the Board of Trustees to fulfil its responsibilities in relation to Safety by:  

1. providing vision and direction for consideration and endorsement by the Board (as required), by identifying and contributing to the development of safety policies, procedures and guidance;  
2. ensuring that youth members, adult volunteers, parents and staff are engaged in contributing to the development of safety policies;  
3. developing and overseeing a performance framework to ensure that safety policies, procedures and practice are monitored to provide assurance to the Board (relating to members, staff and service users) and use this management information to inform and drive improvements; monitoring the local and national implementation of safety policies and procedures to ensure practice is effective and consistently applied;  
4. ensuring that appropriate connections are made with other areas of the Association’s work that may have an impact on safety (for example Adult Training by using incident data to highlight areas of success or concern);  
5. ensuring that members receive appropriate support and communication to aid understanding of their responsibilities to enable Safe Scouting;  
6. leading the process for Fatal Accident and/or Near Miss inquiries from commissioning through to completion;  
7. reviewing and overseeing actions from inquiry reports (this should be in conjunction with the respective staff functions, particularly where there is specific policy, procedure and/or practice changes that need to be recommended for consideration by the Strategy and Delivery Committee and/or Board (as required);  
8. identifying possible areas of development for the Association’s safety activities, taking into account relevant national agendas and learning from reviews whether this be external or internal to the Association.  

The person

Past or present membership of The Scout Association would be an advantage but is not an essential requirement.  

What is essential is a commitment to the vision and values of Scouting and the ability to challenge the Association’s policies and practices positively.

We welcome applications from individuals with experience in a wide range of sectors, not just those from traditionally highhazard industries. We are committed to diversity and actively seeking applicants from a wide range of backgrounds, in particular, Black, Asian and ethnic minority communities.

Skills  

Primary Technical Skills (Core)

1. Competence: Experience of application of safety principles, regulations, and best practices within hazardous environments.
2. Legal Compliance: Clear understanding of legal obligations related to health and safety in the workplace and how this translates across to Scouting to assure compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
3. Application of Health and Safety Regulations: Experience of applying health and safety regulations and standards to ensure compliance. This should be combined with an understanding and ability to identify relevant health and safety regulations and standards applicable to the volunteering sector.
4. Risk Assessment and Audit and Assurance: Experience of identifying potential hazards, assessment, developing strategies to mitigate risk and audit and assurance in a work environment, including risk assessment methodologies and strategies.

Analytical Skills (Essential)

1. Analytical Skills: Capacity to analyse data related to safety performance, incident reports, and trends to identify areas for improvement.
2. Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to identify safety issues, evaluate alternative solutions, and implement effective corrective actions.
3. Continuous Learning and Professional Development: Commitment to staying updated on industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies in safety management.

Enabling Skills (Desirable)

1. Management Skills: Experience of leading safety initiatives and managing safety teams to influence organisational safety culture to prioritise safety – demonstrating an understanding of business operations and aligning safety practices with organisational goals.
2. Communication and Influencing Skills: Experience of effectively conveying safety protocols, policies, and procedures to employees to influence behaviour, management, and regulatory authorities, showing the ability to lead by example and inspire others to prioritise safety.
3. Interpersonal Skills: Understands the need for building positive relationships with stakeholders, including volunteers and employees, management, regulatory agencies, and community members to improve safety culture.

Secondary Technical Skills (Desirable)

1. Safety Training and Education: Experience of developing and or delivering effective safety training programmes to employees at all levels within an organization.
2. Accident Investigation: Skill in investigating workplace accidents and incidents to determine root causes and prevent future occurrences.
3. Emergency Preparedness and Response: Knowledge of emergency procedures and the ability to develop and implement emergency response plans.

Experience

• Experience of hazardous environments
• Experience of working in safety as a safety practitioner/holds a safety qualification
• Experience of leadership to achieve safety culture change within a complex organisation
• Expertise welcomed in mental health/wellbeing, human factors or occupational health
• Expertise welcomed in the application of strategic health protection principles (e.g. public health, food safety, and other health related safety issues)
• Experience from an activity-based sector (e.g. outdoor and adventurous activities) welcomed
• Experience of working or volunteering with charitable or youth organisations welcomed
• An understanding of governance structures and the role of boards and their sub-committees would be an advantage with experience of providing strategic advice and guidance at this level

Time Commitment

For this role, the appointed candidate should expect to spend the equivalent of a day per quarter on The Scout Association’s work after the induction phase. This is based on preparation for and attendance at the scheduled Safety Committee meetings (four in each year, with the intention that two are held online and two face to face).  

Appointment Term   

These appointments would normally be for a three-year term (subject to appraisal), extendable by mutual consent by no more than one further three-year term.

Safeguarding rules - Yellow Card

We are a youth organisation who takes safeguarding seriously. The post holder agrees to comply at all times with the safeguarding rules as set out on TSA’s yellow card, which can be found here, This is shared with young people and carers, as well as employees, so everyone knows our rules of engagement.  

In order to comply, stringent vetting procedures take place including checking against an internal database to assess suitability and also Basic/Enhanced DBS checks as required.

Data Protection

The post holder hereby agrees not to disclose any confidential or sensitive information to a third party or outside organisation except where required to do so by law and to adhere to our Data Protection policies.

Health and Safety

The post holder agrees to abide by TSA’s Health and Safety principles and code of conduct and to take all reasonable steps to ensure both their own safety in the workplace as well as that of their colleagues.

Equal Opportunities

The post holder agrees to promote and uphold the principles of equal opportunities in accordance with TSA’s Equal Opportunities Statement and all related policies.

How to apply  

If you are interested in the position and would like to apply, please send your CV and supporting statement outlining your suitability for the role. The closing date for applications is: Tuesday, 20th of May 2025 

If you would like to discuss the role in more detail, please contact the Governance Team. 

About us

ProVeg International is a food awareness organisation working to transform the global food system by replacing 50% of animal products globally with plant-based and cultivated foods by 2040.

ProVeg engages with all relevant stakeholders to create a food system where everyone chooses delicious and healthy food that is good for all humans, animals, and our planet.

ProVeg has received the United Nations’ Momentum for Change Award and works closely with key UN food and environment agencies. 

ProVeg creates global impact, with offices in 15 countries across five continents and more than 220 employees.

In the UK, our focus is on public sector food. Through our School Plates programme, we support major school caterers in their transition to healthier and more sustainable school menus. Since its launch in 2018, we’ve supported over 90 major school caterers, responsible for the food in over 8,000 schools, feeding over 1.3 million children every day, helping almost 50 million school meals become meat-free or plant-based. We plan to launch a sister programme in the healthcare sector, Hospital Plates, later this year.

Do you share our passion for transforming the food system? Are you impact driven and prefer to take a pragmatic approach? And do you have the skills and experience to help us? Then we’d love to hear from you!

Board Competencies 

We’re looking for a new Board member who can demonstrate the following personal characteristics and behaviours:

• Respects and internalises the principles of accountability

• Makes informed judgement

• Listens actively with an open mind

• Participates in debate, providing relevant comments

• Speaks own mind candidly but respectfully

• Demonstrates initiative and insightfulness

• Thinks both logically and creatively

• Makes decisions independently

• Advises from own experience base

• Teams with others, forming collaborative relationships with other Board members and, where appropriate, providing guidance and advice to staff

Meetings

The Board aims to hold around four Board Meetings per year (generally 1.5 hours per meeting, although subject to change, as necessary). Meetings are usually held virtually, although we now aim to hold one in-person meeting per year, and it is expected that Board Members read the necessary board materials prior to each meeting.

Board positions carry no remuneration but travel and other out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed. In return for your contribution, we offer the chance to work with and on behalf of people who are passionate in their commitment to our Mission and are constantly inspiring in their energy and creativity to achieve positive change.

The Role of the Board

In line with ProVeg International's Mission, Vision and Guiding Principles, the ProVeg C.I.C. Board is responsible for overseeing the strategic direction of ProVeg in the UK, and monitoring delivery by the Director and their staff. The Board members of ProVeg C.I.C play a critical role in acting as a check and balance for the organisation, giving strategic direction, and acting as a sounding board for strategy and priorities as required. Board members can typically help an organisation with their skills and experience, their networks and/or by other means. The Board member will work closely with the Senior Leadership Team of ProVeg C.I.C. and work closely and harmoniously alongside the International Board to support joined up and unified global strategic delivery of objectives. 

Duties

Board members are bound by a combination of statutory duties and organisational duties:

• Ensure that ProVeg C.I.C. complies with its governing document, company law, and any other relevant legislation or regulations 

• Board members agree to contribute the necessary time to effectively govern ProVeg C.I.C. in the UK.  (The total commitment tends to be around 4h per quarter, but is subject to change in line with necessary duties)

• Ensure that ProVeg C.I.C. pursues its objects as defined in its governing document

• Ensure ProVeg C.I.C. uses its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects: ProVeg C.I.C must not spend money on activities which are not included in its own objects, no matter how worthwhile or charitable those activities are

• Contribute actively to the Board in giving firm strategic direction to ProVeg C.I.C, setting overall policy, defining goals and setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets

• Safeguard the good name and values of ProVeg C.I.C.

• Manage conflicts of interests

• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of ProVeg C.I.C. 

• Ensure the financial stability of ProVeg C.I.C.

• Protect and manage the property of the organisation and to ensure the proper investment of the organisation’s funds

• Monitor the performance of the Director, UK (and if required, appoint the role)
   

Board Member Person Specification

Essential:

• Educated to degree level or equivalent with relevant business, Community Interest Company, or Charity experience

• Commitment to and willingness to work in accordance with ProVeg International’s principles and values

• Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to effectively fulfil the role of Director

• An ability to have strategic vision in line with available market factors and resource

• A history of proven good, independent judgement

• Ability to think creatively

• Willingness to speak their mind professionally and respectfully

• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively across all levels, such as Board, Senior Leadership Team, Staff and Volunteers 

• Knowledge of good governance practice

• Solid understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of Directors. 

• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team

• Willingness to adhere to ProVeg International’s Director’s Code of Conduct 

• Eligible under Company Law to be a Board Director (e.g. not barred from taking up such positions)

• Follows a plant-based lifestyle 

Desirable:

• Senior Management/Executive experience

• Salaried or Board experience in a similar organisation 

We specifically seek great board members with expertise or assets in one or more of the following areas:

• Fundraising and income generation

• Government/policy or B2B sector including food services

• Legal

• A network of influencers and ambassadors

• People & Culture

Diversity Statement
ProVeg is committed to equal employment, volunteering and governance opportunity for all, regardless of race, religion, colour, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, refugee background, genetic information, disability, marital status, parental status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, HIV status, gender identity, or gender expression. People of colour, women, people with disabilities, people from LGBTQIA+ communities, elderly people, refugees and people living with HIV are strongly encouraged to apply.

Thank you for your interest in the role of Chair of the Board of Trustees at Music For Youth (MFY); a national youth music charity that provides life-changing musical experiences for young people aged 25 and under. 

Music for Youth brings together over 40,000 young people a year to perform in live music festivals and concerts across the UK. The charity uniquely provides open access to young people, from whatever background or ability, to perform live to audiences: from grass-roots community halls to the Royal Albert Hall. We develop their musicianship, showcasing the richness and diversity of their music through our impactful live performance and development programmes. The wider social and life skills developed by participating in our events benefits all who take part and propels some of the UK's most promising young musicians onto career-changing platforms.

Our vision is to ensure that every young person in the UK can achieve their musical potential by performing the music they love. We believe that music, and the chance to participate in high-quality musical activities, should be open to every young person.

As Chair, you will guide a committed and experienced Board of Trustees, working closely with the CEO and senior leadership team to drive strategic growth, strengthen partnerships, and champion our cause at the highest levels. 

This is a crucial time for Music For Youth, as we navigate a changing funding landscape and continue to innovate to reach even more young people.

If you are an experienced leader with a passion for the vision, mission, impact and potential of this unique organisation, we would love to hear from you.

About Us

Who We Are

Music For Youth is a national youth music charity that works with schools, youth groups, music hubs, and community organisations to break down barriers to music-making and showcase the incredible talent of young musicians.

Our Programmes and Impact

Each year, Music For Youth reaches over 40,000 young people across the UK, offering them platforms to develop their musical talents across all music genres, and gain confidence. Many of our alumni have gone on to successful careers in the music industry and beyond.

National Music Festivals and Concerts:

We produce and stage high-quality professional standard live music events (including gigs, concerts, and festivals) for young musicians, both regionally at grass roots level, and at the UK’s most prestigious live music venues.

Young Artist Development:

We nurture and develop young musicians so they can realise their musical potential, by initiating adventurous collaborations, commissioning new music, and providing a robust music mentoring programme.

Creative Skills Development:

We provide skills and training development for young people looking for a career in the creative industries in non-performance and stagecraft roles such as stage management, sound engineering, lighting and digital production skills. 

Advocacy for Young Musicians:

We campaign to highlight the brilliance of young musicians.

Our work takes place across the whole of the UK with events in all nine regions of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. This coverage enables us to support and tour the work of other partner organisations so they can reach young people further afield.

For over 50 years, Music for Youth’s annual cycle of regional festivals, local events, a national festival and showcase concerts has made a significant contribution to the music education calendar, bringing together regional providers and young performers, and putting young people’s own achievements into a wider national context:

The Music for Youth Regional Festival is a collection of festivals across the UK aimed to inspire musicians at every level of experience and across every genre of music. This collection of regional festivals forms the UK’s largest festival for young musicians. 30,000 musicians take part every year and many go on to perform again at the Music for Youth National Festival and Music for Youth Proms.

The National Festival is a coming together of musicians, bands and ensembles from across the regions to perform on world-class stages including Symphony Hall, and the CBSO Centre. It is a key date in the Music for Youth calendar, hosted by the city of Birmingham in July. Over 12,000 young musicians aged 4-21 from across the UK take part, featuring all styles, instruments and genres of music. 

The Music for Youth Proms takes place at the renowned Royal Albert Hall in London. This two-day showcase celebrates the incredible diversity, talent and creativity of young musicians from all corners of the UK. From orchestral ensembles to choirs, bands, soloists, and more, these talented young performers get the unique opportunity to showcase their skills and share their music with a wider audience.

Staff and Head Office

Given the charity’s national reach, the head office recently relocated from London to Birmingham, now based in CBSO Centre (City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra) close to the city centre. The staff team of seven permanent staff are based across the UK, with hybrid home / office working arrangements.

Board and Governance

There are nine Trustees, each co-opted on to one (or more) subcommittees: the Audit & Risk Committee, Programmes Committee, and Fundraising Committee.

How Music For Youth is Funded

Music For Youth is one of Arts Council England’s National Portfolio Organisations, receiving 42% of its funds from the annual grant of £279,980 in 2023/24. In addition, the charity raises income from fundraising (sponsorship, institutions, individuals) totalling 33% of annual turnover £672,938 in 23/24, with 10.6% from earned income including event ticket sales of £71,785 in 2023/24. 

The charity’s turnover in 2023/24 was £672,938, ending the year with reserves of £101,224.

For further information, please see our latest Annual Account and Report here.

The Opportunity

We are excited to be seeking our next Chair of Trustees to lead the organisation, as our current Chair, John Dixon, comes to the end of his term of service. 

With an energetic, skilled and focused Executive Team led by Phil Castang MBE - and a highly experienced supportive Board of Trustees bringing their wealth of collective experience spanning leadership in music, education, arts, fundraising and industry - now is an exciting time to join this unique national music charity, as we prepare for the next phase of development.

The Chair of the Board of Trustees will provide strategic leadership and governance to Music For Youth, ensuring the organisation is well-managed, financially sustainable, and delivering on its charitable objectives: 

Leadership 

• Chairing meetings of the Board and ensuring that it runs effectively, fulfils its duties and carries out resolutions. 
• Creating an environment in which all Board members are encouraged to participate and challenge constructively and appropriately. 
• Provide clear strategic direction for the charity, working with the CEO and Board to set long-term goals.
• Act as an ambassador for MFY as required, promoting our work and advocating for youth music at national and local levels.
• Support MFY in maintaining strong partnerships with funders, arts organisations, schools, and the wider music sector.

Governance & Compliance

• Lead an engaged and effective Board of Trustees, ensuring good governance and compliance with charity law.
• Manage, support and appraise the performance of the CEO, ensuring they and their senior leadership team have the resources and guidance to deliver MFY’s mission.
• Oversee financial sustainability, risk management, and organisational policies.

Fundraising & Advocacy

• Work with the Board and executive team to develop fundraising strategies, securing income from grants, corporate sponsors, and individual donors.
• Represent MFY at high-profile events, engaging with stakeholders and championing the value of youth music.

What we are looking for

As our new Chair, you will share a commitment to the mission of Music For Youth. While it is not essential to be from a Music or Music Education background, we are looking for someone who has passion for the impact - and potential - of the charity and can demonstrate how their experience can help us navigate the pivotal years ahead.

We are looking for someone who can demonstrate the following:

• Strong leadership and strategic thinking.
• Financial literacy
• High level networking and advocacy skills.
• Knowledge of charity and corporate governance.
• Experience and confidence in managing risk, change and innovation.
• Understanding and awareness of broader social, political and economic issues.

In addition, please let us know if you are able to bring experience, skills or knowledge in one or more of the following beneficial areas.

• Board membership in the not-for-profit sector
• Working in or with organisations and with individuals in the cultural sector
• Working in or with public bodies or national policy makers

The organisation recently undertook a Skills Audit of the Board and identified the following areas where we are looking to continue strengthening the experience. While not essential for the role of Chair, alongside the core skills and experience outlined, we would certainly welcome individuals who may also be able demonstrate experience around:

Digital: to take advantage of the potential for digital transformation

Finance: to provide additional oversight and financial rigor 

Fundraising: with income from individuals a future opportunity to explore further

Time Commitment

The Chair can expect to commit the equivalent of 12-15 days per year at - and in prep for - key Trustee meetings, including full Board Meetings held four times a year (at least one in person in Birmingham, where the charity is headquartered). This time also includes regular meetings with the CEO (the majority online), and regular comms with the CEO as required, which may ebb and flow, depending on the time of year. In person meetings are kept to a minimum.

In addition, the Chair would be expected to attend a minimum of two of our: Regional Festivals (March – April), National Festival (Birmingham or elsewhere, early-mid July) and the Youth Proms (London, end of November), to represent the Board and host key stakeholders, including funders. ,

Term 

We are looking for someone who can commit to an initial three-year term, which could then be renewed for a second term.

Learn more and apply

If you would like to have an exploratory conversation with the current Chair or Vice Chair about the charity or the role, please contact John Dixon (current Chair).

Application Process

To apply for the role of Chair at Music For Youth, please submit:

• 1. A CV.
• 2. A cover letter (max 2 pages) detailing:
• Why you are interested in this role.
• How your skills and experience align with MFY’s mission.
• What you would bring to the organisation.

Please send your CV and Cover Letter to Phil Castang (CEO) with the subject line: Application for Chair of Music For Youth.

Deadline for Applications: Friday 27th of June at 12pm.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to the Music for Youth National Festival taking place between Thursday 10th to Saturday 12th July in Birmingham. (Please note - this is not a requirement of the application process but a chance for you to see the work of the charity in person).

Interviews: will take place on Wednesday 10th September in Birmingham.

The week before the interview (week commencing 1st September), you will have the opportunity to have an informal conversation with the CEO and other Trustees online. Date to be confirmed.

If you have any access needs or other practical questions - or if you would like to discuss any aspect of the role with the Vice Chairs before applying - please get in contact.

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.