Trustee Treasurer Volunteer Roles

Are you passionate about addressing the societal injustices faced by disabled people? Do you have the skills to lead the Board of a fast-growing, ambitious charity providing support and making a tangible difference in the lives of adults with learning disabilities and autism?

Share Community is seeking a Chair for our Board of Trustees, and up to three further Trustees to fill upcoming vacancies on our Board.

Role: Chair, Share Community

The Chair is a crucial role for Share, working closely with the Chief Executive to provide inspirational leadership, and ensure the charity delivers its mission and vision. Alongside all the other trustees the Chair will provide oversight of the Charity’s governance and strategic direction.

The Chair will be committed to reducing the social injustice faced by disabled people, and model Share’s organisational values: we’re inclusive, supportive and ambitious and work with kindness, integrity and respect.

The principal responsibilities of the Chair include:

• Leading the trustee body in ensuring that it fulfils its responsibilities for the governance of Share Community;
• Working in partnership with the Chief Executive, Executive Team and other trustees to ensure the charity delivers on its strategic and charitable objectives, vision, purpose and values;
• Ensuring that the Board reviews strategic issues, risks and opportunities on a regular basis, and can satisfy itself that systems are in place to take advantage of opportunities and mitigate risks.

Share is seeking a leader with experience at Board level as either a Trustee or Executive Director. Previous experience as a Chair is not a requirement of the role.

Role: Trustee, Share Community

Share’s trustee team has responsibility for overseeing strategy and performance. Share currently has ten trustees, and in light of some current trustees coming to the end of their term, is looking to recruit three more with the enthusiasm, skills and commitment we need to help guide Share through the next phase of its development.

Prospective Trustees must have a commitment to Share’s vision and values, and a passion for making a difference in the lives of disabled people. Share is particularly keen to encourage applications from individuals with specific experience of:

• Fundraising, particularly growing or diversifying income streams;
• Property and estates management;
• Setting up or running a social enterprise.

Share is looking for people with or without Board level experience, and we would welcome applications from adults of all ages.

Representation

Share believes strongly that diversity of thought and experience directly contributes to better organisational outcomes, and that the composition of the Charity’s leadership should be reflective of the diversity of Share’s student body.

Share is therefore particularly keen to encourage applications for the Chair and Trustee roles from groups currently under-represented on the Board, including people who have lived experience of disability or caring for someone with a disability, those from minoritised ethnic backgrounds, and men.

About Share

Share is a charity based in Wandsworth and Lambeth, working with adults with learning disabilities and autism.

The story of Share began in 1972, when a group of disabled people came together as a self-help group to improve employment and training opportunities for disabled people. Over the years, Share has grown and evolved, responding to changing needs and opportunities.

Share appointed a new Chief Executive in 2022, and the Charity is in the second year of a three-year strategy. Delivery of our strategy will help Share achieve its mission of providing a safe, empowering and progressive experience where disabled adults can develop their skills, wellbeing and purpose to enable them to live happier, healthier and more independent lives.

Share principally supports people from south west London, with the majority of students coming from Wandsworth and Lambeth. Share currently operates from four sites and supports more than 160 students each week across our range of programmes which focus on personal development, independent living skills, and employability.

Share’s vision is to live in a world where disabled adults are genuinely valued and included, can make choices and have the freedom to fulfil their ambitions. Share is inclusive, supportive and ambitious and works with kindness, integrity and respect.

South West Advocacy Network (SWAN) want to strengthen their Board of Trustees with up to 4 new Trustee appointments, including a Treasurer. These are voluntary positions and provide opportunity to help SWAN to develop its strategic direction and sustain innovative services to some of the most vulnerable people in our communities, primarily, but not solely, in counties across the South of England.

SWAN began life in Wiltshire and over the past 25 years has expanded into Somerset, Bristol, Dorset, Isle of Wight, West Berkshire and Portsmouth. We deliver high quality, independent advocacy services supporting a diverse range of vulnerable people. We have developed a model of advocacy which ensures everyone, including the most marginalised, have the same rights and opportunities as their fellow citizens. Our services are free at the point of delivery, confidential and non-judgemental.

We work with people from all walks of life and have already supported thousands of the most disadvantaged people to have their voice heard and their choices respected by those that are making decisions about their future.

We are looking for dynamic and empathetic people to become trustees within our organisation, people who have the passion and drive to support SWAN and help us to ensure that the voices around our Board table reflect and understand the communities we work in. We would encourage people from all sections of our communities to apply , but particularly Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic, disabled, and LGBTQ+ applicants because these groups are currently under-represented on our Board. We are happy to accept applications from people without prior Board experience but who can evidence their commitment to our purpose, values and ambitions and show a willingness to learn in the role.

The organisation is led and managed by the Chief Executive and the Executive Team who oversee the delivery of our services and the infrastructure that underpins them, and we believe that this, coupled with sound governance, will help us to achieve our vision and maximise our reach and impact.

We are looking for individuals who can demonstrate some of the following:

• Experiences that will bring different perspectives to our organisation i.e. being a member of , or working in, diverse or minority communities.

• Having direct experience of using advocacy or support services

• An understanding of, or interest in, the lives of vulnerable adults including those who have been  victims of hate crime

• An understanding of, or interest in, the wider voluntary sector

• A commitment and willingness to improving the lives of vulnerable people

• Integrity, strategic vision and relationship building skills

• Governance, finance, and/or entrepreneurial experience

• Good communication skills and knowing how to work as part of a team

· For the treasurer role some experience of managing and understanding budgets and financial reports would also be required.

Time commitment averages 1 day a month, meeting locations are flexible and either face to face or virtual. Trustee expenses, including travel are paid.

Please note that for safeguarding purposes, all our roles require a current DBS check.

If you believe you would add value to our Board we would love to hear from you. Please contact Sarah Gibson for further information on how to apply.

Volunteer Trustee

Become a Trustee at Katherine Low Settlement!

Are you passionate about making a difference in your community? Do you have skills and experiences you're eager to share? Katherine Low Settlement (KLS), a beloved charity at the heart of Battersea, is seeking dedicated individuals to join our Board of Trustees and contribute to our impactful work.

About Us:

Established in 1924, Katherine Low Settlement has been a cornerstone of the Battersea community for nearly a century. As we celebrate our centenary year, we continue to be a beacon of support for children, young people, families, older adults, women, refugees, and newly-arrived communities. With a blend of dedicated staff and passionate volunteers, we offer vital community services, advocate for social change, and provide a space for over 500 individuals each week. Our mission is to reduce poverty and isolation while fostering unity in Battersea and beyond.

The Role:

As a Volunteer Trustee, you'll play a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction of KLS and ensuring our continued success. From overseeing governance to offering expertise in fundraising, property management, legal affairs, or HR, your contributions will directly impact the lives of those we serve. We're seeking individuals who are aligned with our vision, mission, and values, and who are committed to the vibrant community of Battersea.

Key Responsibilities:

- Formulate and review strategic aims in alignment with legal obligations and organisational objectives.

- Monitor the performance of KLS against agreed-upon targets and strategic priorities.

- Ensure compliance with charity law, regulations, and safeguarding practices.

- Act as stewards of KLS's assets, including finances, property, and organisational reputation.

- Promote the work of KLS and engage with stakeholders to raise awareness and support.

Recruiting for Diversity and Expertise:

Recognising the importance of diverse perspectives, we're actively seeking Trustees with experience in fundraising, property management, legal affairs, HR, or lived experiences as volunteers or community members. We particularly encourage applications from individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, including UKME/Global Majority Heritage, younger people, and people with disabilities.

Person Specification:

- Willingness to dedicate time and effort to KLS's mission.

- Ability to contribute actively to strategic discussions and decision-making.

- Effective communication skills, both verbal and written.

- Commitment to being available for staff support and enquiries.

- Knowledge or connection to the Battersea/Wandsworth community.

No Experience Necessary:

No prior trustee experience is required. We provide comprehensive training and ongoing support to ensure you thrive in your role and make a meaningful impact.

Join Us:

If you're ready to make a difference and be part of a vibrant, dedicated team, we want to hear from you. Together, we can continue Katherine Low Settlement's legacy of empowerment, compassion, and community cohesion.

To express your interest, please read the volunteering role pack for more details.

Become part of something meaningful. Join Katherine Low Settlement today.

• The Board of Trustees work with the Chief Executive at a strategic level to ensure the organisation is effective within its aims and objectives.
• The Board, made up of 6 Trustees, meet with the Chief Executive and Deputy Chief Executive, approximately every two months, to discuss the wider obligations and challenges of the specific sector in which we work
• The Board have a joint responsibility with the Chief Executive to ensure the charity complies with good practice and legal obligations.
• The Board through the Chairman and Treasurer work with the Chief Executive and their Deputy to ensure finance and resources are adequate for the needs of the organisation
• The Board support the Chief Executive through the Chairman, in order for her to carry out the management of the Charity
• Trustees should act with integrity and in the interests of the organisation and its clients and staff
• The Board takes and gives advice and guidance to and from the Chief Executive as required.

We are especially interested in applications from people with some experience working or have worked in the following sectors:

• Medicine
• Social Work
• Local Government
• Religion

Please contact Jo Rising in the first instance for further information.

South West Advocacy Network (SWAN) want to strengthen their Board of Trustees with up to 4 new Trustee appointments, including a Treasurer. These are voluntary positions and provide opportunity to help SWAN to develop its strategic direction and sustain innovative services to some of the most vulnerable people in our communities, primarily, but not solely, in counties across the South of England.

SWAN began life in Wiltshire and over the past 25 years has expanded into Somerset, Bristol, Dorset, Isle of Wight, West Berkshire and Portsmouth. We deliver high quality, independent advocacy services supporting a diverse range of vulnerable people. We have developed a model of advocacy which ensures everyone, including the most marginalised, have the same rights and opportunities as their fellow citizens. Our services are free at the point of delivery, confidential and non-judgemental.

We work with people from all walks of life and have already supported thousands of the most disadvantaged people to have their voice heard and their choices respected by those that are making decisions about their future.

We are looking for dynamic and empathetic people to become trustees within our organisation, people who have the passion and drive to support SWAN and help us to ensure that the voices around our Board table reflect and understand the communities we work in. We would encourage people from all sections of our communities to apply , but particularly Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic, disabled, and LGBTQ+ applicants because these groups are currently under-represented on our Board. We are happy to accept applications from people without prior Board experience but who can evidence their commitment to our purpose, values and ambitions and show a willingness to learn in the role.

The organisation is led and managed by the Chief Executive and the Executive Team who oversee the delivery of our services and the infrastructure that underpins them, and we believe that this, coupled with sound governance, will help us to achieve our vision and maximise our reach and impact.

We are looking for individuals who can demonstrate some of the following:

• Experiences that will bring different perspectives to our organisation i.e. being a member of , or working in, diverse or minority communities.

• Having direct experience of using advocacy or support services

• An understanding of, or interest in, the lives of vulnerable adults including those who have been  victims of hate crime

• An understanding of, or interest in, the wider voluntary sector

• A commitment and willingness to improving the lives of vulnerable people

• Integrity, strategic vision and relationship building skills

• Governance, finance, and/or entrepreneurial experience

• Good communication skills and knowing how to work as part of a team

· For the treasurer role some experience of managing and understanding budgets and financial reports would also be required.

Time commitment averages 1 day a month, meeting locations are flexible and either face to face or virtual. Trustee expenses, including travel are paid.                                                            

Please note that for safeguarding purposes, all our roles require a current DBS check.

If you believe you would add value to our Board we would love to hear from you. Please contact Sarah Gibson for further information on how to apply.

Join our team! We are looking for two new trustees to join Solving Kids’ Cancer UK on its journey towards a future where no child dies of the childhood cancer neuroblastoma or suffers due to the treatment they receive. We are particularly looking for one new trustee with personal lived experience of neuroblastoma.

Solving Kids’ Cancer UK is a very special charity with a dedicated and passionate team of staff and trustees – we are proud of our parent-led ethos, which means that parents with lived experience of neuroblastoma work at every level of our charity to help ensure we remain focused on addressing the challenges faced by the people who need our support most.

In your role as a trustee you will use your skills, knowledge, and experience to support and have accountability for the oversight of the charity’s activities at a strategic level. You will apply commitment, focus, effective communication, and team working to help the charity achieve the greatest impact for children and families.

Although this is a role with significant responsibility, please do not be put off applying. You will receive a great induction to help you settle in and plenty of ongoing support and guidance to become successful in your role. If you’d benefit from an informal chat before applying, please get in touch with Claire - you will find details in the Trustee Pack. 

Summary of main responsibilities

Your overall responsibility as trustee will be to provide direction and stewardship for Solving Kids’ Cancer UK in support of its charitable aims, by:

· Setting the charity’s vision, mission, and values.

· Developing a strategy to achieve its objectives and monitoring its performance.

· Ensuring the charity seeks and considers the views of current and future users.

· Acting as guardian of the charity’s assets.

· Ensuring compliance with constitutional, legal, regulatory, and fiduciary requirements.

· Ensuring the charity’s governance is maintained to the highest possible standard.

You can find lots more information about the role and charity in the Trustee Pack.

Recruitment timetable

We aim to follow the schedule outlined below:

Applications close: 19 April 2024, 11:59pm

Shortlisting: End of April

Interviews: May – we will contact you to arrange a convenient time

Start date: ASAP but in agreement with successful applicants

If there are any adjustments that would help you to engage with the recruitment process, please let us know.

Safeguarding: As a safeguarding charity whose work and practice are underpinned by safeguarding principles to protect children and young people and enhance their welfare, we always work in accordance with legislation, statutory guidance, and best safeguarding practices. All our roles require a basic criminal record check.

Community Action Malvern & District is a registered charity that has been serving the Malvern area since 1972 and we aim to combat social isolation by connecting people through transport and other community projects delivered by volunteers. We currently have 10 staff, over 100 volunteers,  a Men’s Shed, a volunteer recruitment project, and a small fleet of accessible minibuses and wheelchair vehicles.

“Serving as a trustee can be immensely rewarding…I guess I help because I can” CH, current trustee

We are looking for at least two new Trustees to play an essential role in ensuring that the charity fulfils its duty to its beneficiaries,  delivers on our core purpose, supports our strategic development and identifies service innovations.

“Being a charity trustee allows you to use some of the skills and knowledge you’ve acquired to bring fresh ideas and perspective to the charity” MA, current trustee

We welcome people from diverse backgrounds and careers; our only requirement is that you have basic skills in financial management, business planning and IT, and want to work as part of a team. Anyone with greater financial or legal skills, or an interest in becoming our Treasurer would be particularly welcome.

“For anyone still working, or perhaps considering a slower pace of life following retirement, trusteeship is intellectually stimulating, providing exposure to the fascinating legal, ethical, and financial aspects of running a charity." RH, current trustee

Manchester Central Foodbank are a small but rapidly-growing charity at a pivotal moment in our evolution, and we are looking for an exceptional person to take on the role of Treasurer / Trustee.

We have recently established a finance committee, to ensure effective financial controls within our organisation. You will chair this committee of volunteers to support the foodbank in achieving its financial objectives. The finance committee and trustee board both meet every 4-6 weeks. Most of these meetings are online, with an occasional hybrid meeting.

About Manchester Central Foodbank
Manchester Central Foodbank (MCFB) is a Trussell Trust-affiliated food bank, with a centre in Central, North, and East Manchester. We were established in Ardwick in 2013 by students at the Manchester Universities’ Catholic Chaplaincy, making us the first student-led foodbank in the country. Since then we have grown significantly, expanding into Harpurhey and Openshaw, but our goal to end the need for food banks in Manchester has never changed.

We are one of 6 Trussell Trust-affiliated food banks in Manchester, and one of 19 in Greater Manchester. We work closely with our colleagues across the city, to develop and work towards a strong network of support for people locked in poverty. We know that the problem of poverty cannot be solved by giving out food alone, so we work hard to give wrap-around support to our clients, and to campaign for real change in our community.

Role responsibilities
General financial oversight:

• Liaise with MCF Managers, external accountants and auditors about financial matters.
• Oversee and present budgets, accounts and financial statements to the Board.
• Ensure that robust and effective systems, policies and controls are in place for finance and investment.
• Ensure an effective system of delegation for finance is in place.
• Ensure that record-keeping and accounts meet the conditions of funders and statutory bodies
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation.
• Ensure suitable financial roles are in place to fulfil our finance function.

Financial performance, reporting, planning & budgeting:

• Advise on the financial implications of strategic and operational plans.
• Oversee regular reports on the organisation’s financial position
• Ensure effective monitoring and reporting.
• Liaise with designated staff for accounts preparation and audit, as required.
• Present accounts at the AGM.
• Advise on MCFs reserves policy and our investment policy.

Banking, book-keeping, record-keeping and payroll:

• Oversee bank account management and that appropriate systems for bookkeeping, payments, lodgements & petty cash are in place.
• Ensure everyone handling money keeps proper records and documentation
• Payment and recording of all supplier invoices
• Recording all income received
• Preparation of monthly payroll and payment of staff
• Payment of tax and NI to the Inland Revenue
• Cash-flow management

Reconciliation of bank accounts on a monthly basis:

• Control of fixed assets
• Ensure proper records are kept.
• Ensure required insurances are in place.

Our ideal candidate
You will have a background in finance, strategy, governance and risk management.

Essential

• Knowledge and experience of financial management.
• Good financial analysis skills to examine financial consequences of proposals and plans.
• Ability to think creatively.
• Ability to communicate clearly.
• Business planning and Strategy.
• All aspects of financial management, management accounts, cashflow, budgeting, payroll related activities and financial decisions.
• Presenting complex financial information to support decisionmaking.
• A commitment to support the future success of the work of the Foodbank, our aims and values

Desirable

• Either full or part finance qualified (e.g. CIMA/CIPFA/ACCA/CA AAT or finance degree).
• Knowledge of the charity sector and current fundraising and finance practice.
• Experience with accounting software Xero
• Financial experience at a senior level.
• Previous experience of working in the voluntary sector environment.
• Experience of charity finance.
• Previous experience of being a treasurer.

Why join us?
As the need for food banks has grown, Manchester Central Foodbank has committed to addressing the causes of food poverty, while continuing to deliver emergency food parcels. As part of this, Manchester Central Foodbank is involved in several projects, with various funding sources. This includes the Trussell Trust’s national Pathfinder programme, with foodbanks involved developing and delivering their own plan for reducing the need for their services locally. You will play a pivotal role in achieving our vision for the central Manchester area.

You will get to know our enthusiastic and dedicated staff, trustees and other volunteers. As treasurer and a trustee board member, you will build on your governance, leadership and strategic skills. You will also be an essential part of shaping the future strategy of the foodbank and will be able to see the positive impact on the people of Manchester.

Manchester Central Foodbank supports equality and diversity, and we actively encourage expressions of interest from people with diverse backgrounds.

Sutton Mental Health Foundation was established as a charity in 1998 and the aim of the Foundation is to support people with mental health needs in the London Borough of Sutton, helping to keep them well and active and helping them to have a voice in mental health care in the Borough.  Our vision is to provide a community in Sutton which values mental wellbeing and understands how to respond positively to anxiety and distress.  The Foundation works together to promote mental wellbeing resilience and recovery from mental distress.We provide nonclinical support, and we are part of the Voluntary Sector. 

The Foundation is seeking to add to the expertise of our experienced, professional Board of Trustees, who are all volunteers.  All our Trustees need excellent communication skills, the ability to work effectively as part of a team, strategic vision and good, independent judgement.  Although not limited to, we would particularly value the experience and skills in the following areas : 

• Company Secretary/Legal Experience 
• Fundraising in the following areas – Grant, Corporate and Public 
• Marketing 

Lived or shared experience of mental health – desirable. 

Inclusion is one of our values and we are looking for diversity in the makeup of our Board and that we particularly welcome applications from underrepresented communities.

The Board of Trustees meets every six weeks, in the evening at 7 p.m. for approximately 1 ½ hours in Sutton.  Sometimes our Board meetings are on-line.

Lake District Music is a thriving organisation bringing music of the highest quality to audiences in the heart of the Lakes, as well as giving young artists the opportunity to perform and learn together. We are looking for a new Treasurer as we begin a new era.

Who we are

Lake District Music (LDM) is run by a strong Board of Trustees, which has been responsible for maintaining and developing LDM for almost 40 years. The Trustees help to decide the policies which LDM pursues and to organise the raising of the necessary funds. With a new Chair and trustees onboard, a merger with our ‘Patrons of LDSM’ support charity now complete, and looking ahead to our 40th anniversary year in 2025, this is a really exciting time to be a part of LDM’s work in Cumbria.

The role

​The Role involves:

• Liaising with the Operations Director to draw up an annual budget before the beginning of each financial year
• Liaising with the Operations Director to draw up appropriate finance papers for the five Council of Management Meetings held annually
• Being the main bank signatory and responsible for payment of salary & expenses to Operations Director & Artistic Director
• Authorising bank payments when financial limits are exceeded by the Operations Director
• Working with the Operations Director to prepare the annual accounts and liaising as appropriate with the External Examiner
• Presenting and interpreting the relevant financial information to the Council of Management in a way that is straightforward to understand
• Liaising with the Chairman, Operations Director and Artistic Director in deciding on appropriate fundraising activities
• Presenting possible financial scenarios and solutions for Trustees to add value in the consideration of the strategic direction the festival is to take.
• Providing support & information of a financial nature to various subgroups looking at the strategic direction of the charity from time to time.

Purpose

The purpose of the Board of Trustees is to manage the strategic affairs of RCUK. Charity trustees share ultimate responsibility for governing a charity and directing how it is managed and run. Trustees may exercise all the powers of the organisation to carry out this duty.

Role

The Board of Trustees is responsible for:

• providing the strategic steer for the organisation
• approving the strategic plan
• overseeing and guaranteeing the financial affairs of the organisation
• supporting the CEO and senior leadership team to manage the day to day affairs of the organisation

• providing the strategic steer to the Executive Committee and Subcommittees in order that these groups can continue to develop their areas of expertise
• the continuing development of the Executive Committee and Subcommittees
• supporting the work of the Executive Committee and Subcommittees to meet the charity objects
• delegating responsibility to the Executive Committee and Subcommittees for updating and implementing guidelines and the publication of appropriate materials
• delegating responsibility to the Subcommittees to undertake such projects that meet the charity objects
• Identifying and promoting external relationships to help to further RCUK’s strategic aims

 Membership

There are four Trustees who are elected by Members. These Elected Trustees are the President, Vice President, Honorary Treasurer and Honorary Secretary.

There will be up to three Trustees who are appointed by the Elected Trustees. These trustees will be appointed for their particular expertise according to identified need.

Conflict of Interest

All Trustees will be required to declare any conflict of interest (COI) and comply with the RCUK COI Policy.

Frequency of meetings

Meetings will be held approximately four times a year and are presently held by video conferencing. Two of these meetings will include reports from the auditor and the investment portfolio managers. There is also usually a strategic planning away day held with trustees and the SLT. This meeting is usually held in person in our office in central London.

Quorum

The quorum for the formal Trustee meetings will comprise three Trustees with two being elected Trustees. No decision shall be taken at a Trustee meeting unless quorate at the time when the decision is taken. Decisions at a Trustee meeting will be decided by a majority of those eligible to vote. In the case of an equality of votes, the Chair shall have the casting vote.

Join Hope for the Future's Board of Trustees and be at the forefront of combating the climate and nature emergency! 

Hope for the Future is looking for a Treasurer and at least two other Trustees to help lead our work tackling the climate and nature emergency. Hope for the Future is a climate communications charity with a vision of UK communities and politicians working together to secure a healthy planet for all. To achieve that, we train and support citizens across the UK to develop constructive relationships with politicians, countering the ‘us and them’ narrative that gets in the way of meaningful democratic engagement and political progress

We’re looking for candidates who will not only bring a commitment to climate action, but also a finesse for accountability, sustainability, and regulatory compliance. Incoming trustees will receive a full induction, so if you’ve never been on a board before, don’t let that put you off applying.

We’re seeking diverse expertise to enrich our board. We’re particularly looking for trustees with skills in finance, HR, fundraising and marketing, all of which will be invaluable in shaping our strategy and impact.

Our track record speaks volumes: from influencing Parliament to catalyzing local action, our engagement spans party lines and drives tangible change. Take the lead in our vital work and make a lasting difference. Apply now and help shape a future where hope prevails over crisis.

Apply

To apply, read the trustee information pack on our website and email a cover letter and CV

Include “Application for the Role of Trustee” in the subject line of the email by 7th May 2024.

We expect interviews to take place dates w/c 13th May 2024.

Joining Respond as a Trustee  - January 2024 

Background Information

Founded in 1991, Respond is a national charity that seeks to transform the lives of people with learning disabilities and autistic people who have experienced trauma. We are committed to bringing about positive change for our clients and their families, enabling them to lead richer and more resilient lives.

Respond's services for children, young people and adults are:

• Survivors' psychotherapy 

• Family support services 

• Advocacy, including ISVA and domestic abuse services.

• Training, consultancy and reflective practice

Respond supports charities that campaign for equality and inclusion with the aim to prevent abuse and equip individuals and their families to come to terms with their experiences and live more positive lives. 

Our specialist training, supervision, reflective practice and consultancy equips agencies and health / social care providers to deliver trauma-informed services. This includes responding to and providing consultancy and training for significant events such as institutional abuse.

Our income base is diverse with trust funds and grants continuing to be a vital part of maintaining core services Respond offers, alongside donations from trusts and foundations. We also continue to have larger ongoing or spot contracts for our work for NHS commissioners and local authorities.

It is a good opportunity to join Respond's Board at this time, following our restructure and as we move towards the last year of our current strategy for 2022-25. Following a challenging period due to changing funding landscape and closure of some services, we will be focused on consolidation and improving impact measurement to secure long-term financial sustainability. 

The role of the Board of Trustees

The Trustees (or 'Board members') are trustees of the charity and directors of the limited company. They are responsible for the governance, setting the strategic direction and monitoring the implementation of the strategy. The Board ensures that the charity acts in accordance with relevant laws and regulations.

The Board has responsibility for: 

• ensuring the charity acts in accordance with its charitable purpose and is providing public benefit and meets its legal obligations; 

• making decisions in the best interests of the charity; 

• developing the multi-year strategy; 

• monitoring the management of the finances and resources of the organisation (operations, budget, property, workforce and tenders); 

• monitoring performance, quality and impact;

• appointing and appraising the CEO. 

Who we’re looking for 

Following a recent skills audit within the current Board, the Board is seeking trustees with the following skills or experiences;

• Finance - This person will have a financial qualification and will enable the Board to ensure the sound financial health of the charity. The person will collaborate with the Finance Director to ensure that the organisation has systems that meet sector best practice and ensures financial accountability. This trustee will be the Treasurer and chair the Finance Committee.

• Human Resources (HR) - This person will have experience in working in HR roles, preferably in the voluntary sector. This person will help review and strengthen Respond’s HR policies, set up and lead the people committee and guide the Leadership team in dealing with complex HR issues including change management. 

• Fundraising, Marketing and Comms – This person will work closely with our Head of Development and Commissioning on our income strategy and communications strategy.

• Psychotherapy /working in a trauma informed setting – As an organisation providing psychotherapy and arts therapies for autistic people and people with learning disabilities, we are looking for a trustee with experience of working as a therapist with a systems-psychodynamic approach.

The Board wants to ensure that the charity's 'beneficiaries' are represented in its governance. We encourage applications from people who have lived experience of autism, learning disabilities and/or trauma-informed work (either directly or through family members).  How the Board carries out meetings will also be reviewed to accommodate adjustments requested by new trustees with learning disabilities or who are autistic. (Please refer to a separate document if you or someone you know with lived experience may be interested) 

Person Specification 

The following knowledge, experience and skills are essential for the role: 

• a commitment to the mission of Respond;

• senior experience, ideally including one or more of the following areas – finance, human resources, fundraising/marketing, legal, compliance, hard-to-reach communities, caring/social care, psychotherapy, commissioning.

• ability to identify creative solutions to problems within limited resources; 

• good analytical skills; 

• ability to think strategically; 

• independence and flexibility in thinking; 

• ability to communicate efficiently and connect with a wide range of people, internally and externally; 

• a willingness to meet the minimum time requirement (see below);

• an understanding of the legal duties of trusteeship set out in the Charity Commission's 'The Essential Trustee'; and

• an ability to work effectively as a member of a team and to make decisions for the good of Respond.

Trustees will be expected to demonstrate the following personal attributes: 

• good interpersonal skills including listening; 

• commitment to excellence and high expectations of self and others; 

• values people and the contribution of all stakeholders; 

• sound judgment;

• team-oriented with a supportive approach. 

Respond is dedicated to developing opportunities for Trustees to be appointed reflecting greater and varied diversity among our Board of Trustees, so we welcome applications by suitably qualified candidates irrespective of gender, ethnicity, religion, disability, marital or parental status, age, sexual orientation or gender identity. We particularly welcome applications from Black and minority ethnic candidates who are under-represented on the board.

What we offer 

New trustees will:

• Receive induction and training;

• Develop new skills and competencies; 

• Meet new people and develop professional networks;

• Contribute to ensuring that the charity offers high quality effective services to autistic people and people with learning disabilities who have experienced trauma, who are in need;

• An annual appraisal

Time requirement - What is involved? 

Trustees attend eight Board meetings per year approximately every six-eight weeks currently on a Tuesday evening 5:30pm to 8pm. Meetings are in London, and remote access is available for trustees who live/work outside London.

Each Trustee is expected to be an active member of the Respond community, committing 5 to 10 hours per month to the charity which may also involve being on a sub-committee such as; Finance Committee, Clinical Governance and Safeguarding Committee each of which meets four times per year, typically during normal office hours online or in London.

Trustees are expected to attend an induction session at Respond prior to their first Board meeting. Trustees are expected to attend all Board meetings. Other meetings are away-days over a weekend.

Trustees are invited to the annual general meeting, which takes place typically in November.

Trustees may claim expenses incurred in effectively carrying out their duties, in accordance with Respond’s Trustee Expenses Policy. 

Papers are distributed one week in advance of meetings. In addition, Trustees are expected to review documents and communicate with other board members and senior staff between meetings. Every effort will be made to ensure that trustees with learning disabilities or who are neurodiverse have access to documents in formats that they can understand or have the support available for them to fully participate as trustees.

Occasionally, circumstances may require urgent meetings (either face-to-face or virtual) to examine strategic issues or items requiring Board approval 

Duration of the role 

Board terms are for a five-year term following which the person can be elected to serve another three years.

The Board of Trustees of Streetwise Opera is seeking a new Trustee who can take on the role of  Treasurer and Chair of the Finance Committee. This volunteer position plays a crucial role on the Board and is essential in supporting the team to base ambition and risk on solid financial planning and forecasting. The Treasurer leads the Committee in giving financial updates and recommendations to the Board. 

The Treasurer will have appropriate financial qualifications such as ACA, ACCA or CIMA, and some experience of charity finance, fundraising and pension schemes. We are aiming to find someone with experience of committee work and/or governance roles (ideally with a good understanding of effective governance in a charity context).