Training support volunteer volunteer roles in north acton, greater london

Trustees sought by the Prisoners’ Advice Service

The Prisoners’ Advice Service (PAS) is the only independent registered charity dedicated to offering free legal advice and representation to adult prisoners on their rights and prison rules in England and Wales.

At PAS we believe that everyone has the right to be treated fairly, properly and with respect. Prisoners can be ‘ out of sight, out of mind’, or considered to not be as deserving of good treatment as other people – but not for PAS; our reason for existing is ensuring that prisoners can fully exercise their rights.

It is my privilege to be Chair of Trustees for PAS, I believe that the work we do is fundamental to my belief that we judge our society by the way in which we treat the most vulnerable people. Contrary to popular culture, prisoners are some of the most vulnerable, neglected people in our society, and I am proud to be a part of an organisation that helps to protect them.

My fellow trustees are an impressive group of people, actively engaged with PAS, who energise me whenever I meet with them. However, our numbers have dwindled over the past year, as it can been difficult for people to fit in the demands of being a trustee around their busy lives. We also very sadly lost one of our most long-standing trustees to cancer – he is still sorely missed by us.

If you feel that you could offer your skills and experience, but most importantly your commitment and enthusiasm to our cause, we would be very interested in considering you joining us as a new Trustee.

As a Trustee, you will contribute to the strategic governance of the organisation and the setting and monitoring of overall policy; refine strategic priorities; agree targets and budgets; evaluate organisational performance and help the organisation fundraise.

Meetings take place quarterly in central London in the evening (with some virtual attendance), with additional attendance requested at Awaydays and PAS’s Annual Lecture and debates.

The Board encourages applications from candidates with disabilities or experience of mental health services, as well as black and minority ethnic applicants and ex-prisoners.

PAS does not accept Home Office or Prison Service money as this may affect its independence.

Trustees are volunteers, but travel costs and reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

Closing date for applications: Friday 13th June, 2025. Interviews will take place on Monday 23rd June, 2025 at PAS’s offices in central London or virtually via Zoom/Teams.

If you are interested in playing a strategic role in PAS’s developments, please apply with a current CV and covering letter.

If you would like to talk to me about the role, I would be happy to set up a meeting with you – please email the admin address above, and we will arrange this.

Thank you.

Dominique Webb

Chair of Trustees

PRISONERS’ ADVICE SERVICE

TRUSTEE ROLE DESCRIPTION

Purpose

Trustees collectively hold legal responsibility for the charity, and are entrusted to ensure that the organisation runs in accordance with its constitution, Charity, Company Employment and any other legislation or regulations relating to it.

Trustees set and maintain the overall vision, mission and values of the Charity, evaluating performance against agreed targets, and setting out plans for improvements and changes as needed to ensure that the charity remains a going concern.

We are keen to recruit trustees who have direct experience of the prison system, as we believe this brings a unique perspective to our Trustee Board.

Main responsibilities

With other trustees:

• Act at all times in the best interests of the charity.
• Ensure that the policy and practices of the organisation are in keeping with its aims, fit for purpose and reviewed appropriately.
• Ensure that the organisation functions within the legal and financial requirements of a charitable organisation and strives to achieve best practice.
• Take part in formulating and reviewing the strategic aims of the organisation.
• Contribute specific skills or interests in order to support the committee with 
• Monitor all aspects of PAS’s work, as required by the Chair and Trustee Board
• Oversee employment procedures and respect the roles of staff/volunteers within PAS, and to take interest in the progression of their roles within the organisation.

You will be expected to:

• Attend quarterly management committee meetings, including reading and reviewing all documentation in advance.
• Attend additional reviews, induction training and Awayday sessions as requested (and with sufficient notice).
• Reflect the organisation's vision and principles, strategy and major policies at all times.
• Be an active member of the trustee body in exercising its responsibilities and functions.
• Fulfill such other duties and assignments as may be required from time to time by the Chair.

What we are looking for:

• To have an interest in the welfare and legal representation of prisoners, and a belief in rehabilitation as the primary purpose of prison
• Willingness and ability to commit the required time to undertake Board duties
• Willingness and ability to serve on appropriate formal and informal committees / advisory groups relating to specific functions or projects 
• Willingness and commitment to read, question and understand information about PAS (and its key messages) so as to be an effective ambassador for the organisation 
• Ability to think strategically, creatively and for the long-term 
• Knowledge of and ability to discharge the core responsibilities of being a charity trustee 

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.

We are looking for a qualified and experienced finance professional to join the Kingston Association for the Blind's Board of Trustees to take up the position of Treasurer. 

Kingston Association for the Blind empower people of all ages living with sight loss, to lead independent and fulfilled lives in the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames and the surrounding areas.

What will you be doing?

The Treasurer, in addition to their Trustee duties, is responsible for overseeing Kingston Association for the Blind’s financial affairs. 

The Treasurer will work with the CEO to ensure that effective financial measures, controls, and procedures are in place to manage the charity’s finances. They report to the Board on the organisation’s financial health, financial performance, and any potential risks.

Time Commitment:

· Quarterly Board meetings held in person in central Kingston.

· AGM is held once a year.

· Board members are encouraged and welcome to join charity events and trips.

What are we looking for?

· A finance professional with an understanding of charity finance or commercial experience.

· Strong communication skills, capable of presenting financial information to non-finance experts.

· Someone willing to contribute to forecasting, budgeting, and liaising with auditors.

· Attend quarterly Board meetings in person and the AGM each year in Kingston Upon Thames.

· We are looking for individuals who are enthusiastic, committed, and eager to contribute new ideas and perspectives to our Board, helping to strengthen our team with diverse thinking.

· Strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

· Willingness to accept responsibilities and act in the charity’s best interests.

What difference will you make?

As Treasurer, your insight will help the charity make smart, strategic decisions that directly impact how we support those who benefit from using our services.

You will be joining a friendly and committed team, who are passionate about providing an excellent service to our members.

Location: Mix of online and in-person meetings.

In-person meeting locations can be UK-wide but will most often be in Manchester or London. Most in-person meetings can be joined remotely if required, though in-person attendance is encouraged.

Estimate of time required: Approximately 1-3 hours per week on average. Approximately five Board meetings per year, some additional committee meetings and the Annual General Meeting. Most meetings take place during Monday-Friday, between 10am and 4pm. Trustee Directors are also expected to regularly read and respond to BABCP emails between meetings.

Deadline: 11.59pm Sunday 8th June 2025

About BABCP: The British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) is a charity and the lead organisation for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) in the UK and Ireland. We are a membership body with over 23,000 members and as a professional organisation we promote, improve and uphold standards of CBT practice, supervision and training. Our CBT Register is accredited by the Professional Standards Authority. We were founded over fifty years ago, and have experienced significant growth in recent years, moving from a highly regarded special interest group to a professional association. We recognise the importance of high-quality mental healthcare that is evidence-based, and we help to protect the public by supporting best practice. We value diversity, integrity and professionalism – you can read more about our strategy and values on our website. BABCP is a registered charity and a limited company in law. We have a staff team of around fifty people and annual income in excess of £3m.  

What we are looking for?: We are looking for up to two new lay people to join our Board as ‘Lay Trustee Directors’, meaning you will be both a trustee of the charity and a director of the company. Our Board is made up of ten Trustee Directors who are elected from within BABCP’s membership and up to three Lay Trustee Directors. We are looking for Lay Trustee Directors with a proven track record of excellence in their field, who can bring fresh perspectives and experience from other professional sectors and walks of life.

You should:

• Be able to take important decisions using sound, objective reasoning and with good attention to detail.
• Be willing to ask questions and constructively challenge the status quo.
• Be able to think creatively and strategically, while being committed to operating with integrity.
• Have the capacity to devote time and effort to the role.
• Understand the responsibilities of the position.
• Not be barred from acting as charity trustee or company director (further eligibility declarations and checks will be required if appointed).

We particularly welcome applicants with skills and expertise in any of the following:

• Finance
• Human Resources
• Digital and data governance
• Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
• Marketing, communications and public relations
• Legal, ideally in the professional regulation sphere
• Risk management
• Governance and charity management

We recognise that skills and experience come in many forms, and that some groups have traditionally faced barriers in accessing formal opportunities. BABCP welcomes applications from those who possess the relevant attributes and experience drawn from all aspects of their lives and those who may have had a less traditional career pathway.

While we are looking to bring fresh ‘lay’ perspectives to our Board, if you are one of the millions of people who have direct or indirect lived experience of CBT and related therapies, you may find this experience helps to bring the value of this role to life.

What will you be doing?: As a Trustee Director you will, as part of the wider Board, oversee the  organisational structures, systems, policies and resources in place to achieve the charitable objects of the Association. You will help ensure that BABCP exclusively pursues its stated purpose against a defined strategy and in compliance with its governing document and relevant legislation and regulation. You will attend our Board meetings, reviewing all Board papers in advance. You may also be asked to participate in additional committees or working groups focused on specific themes areas, taking into account your areas of expertise and interest where possible.

The role is voluntary and unpaid, though travel and approved out-of-pocket expenses will be covered.

How you will you make a difference?: There are very few who are not affected by the consequences of mental health difficulties in the UK and Ireland. By volunteering your expertise and experience with BABCP, you will ultimately be helping to improve the mental wellbeing of those nations and to protect the public who are directly or indirectly impacted by mental health issues.

How to apply:

For more information, please download the Person Specification.

Please email a CV and covering letter by 23.59pm Sunday 8th June 2025. It is anticipated that interviews will be held remotely in mid to late June 2025.

Within your covering letter, we encourage you to provide information relevant to your application but also:

• Why you wish to become a Lay Director with BABCP
• Why you feel you would be suitable for the role
• What areas or expertise and experience you can bring to the organisation.

This vacancy may close ahead of the above-mentioned deadline if a large number of applications are received. We therefore encourage early submissions.