Trustee voluntary volunteer roles in billericay, essex
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you passionate about creating a culture of welcome for refugees in the UK? Do you have extensive experience in the governance of a charity or public sector organisation? This could be the perfect role for you!
STAR is a dynamic and exciting national charity which makes a huge impact on a small budget. We are looking for individuals who are passionate about creating a culture of welcome in the UK for refugees ,who believes in the power of young people as changemakers and who wants to empower refugees to reach higher education to join our board of trustees.
We are in particular looking for applicants who:
- Have lived experience
- Have HR experience
- Have campaigns experience, in particular hybrid campaigning.
- Have charitable fundraising experience.
Applications from persons with lived refugee experience are highly encouraged.
Role Description
To provide strategic oversight of:
- STAR’s compliance with its Articles of Association, policies, and law;
- STAR’s compliance with all funding conditions and contracts;
- Whether STAR is best using its resources to meet its objectives;
- The effective and efficient administration of STAR;
- Monitoring and reporting of financial information;
- STAR’s funding and expenditure situation; and
- Implementation of STAR’s Equal Opportunities Policy and Safeguarding Policy in employment and service delivery.
Also to:
- Contribute actively to STAR by giving strategic direction and evaluating performance against targets
- Attend and prepare for board meetings
- Appoint board members and officers via the procedures in this policy
- Approve accounts
- Ensure that STAR and the board safeguard STAR’s values and reputation
- Provide any other assistance the board or STAR may require, as appropriate, particularly utilising any specialist skills or experience they may have.
Person Specification
Essential
- Experience of governance of a charity or public sector organisation
- A commitment to STAR’s values
- An awareness of issues affecting both STAR and the wider refugee sector, the ever shifting landscape of refugee policy and media coverage, or a willingness to learn and stay abreast of these current topics and new developments.
- A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to prepare for and attend regular STAR meetings for at least 2 years
- Integrity and good independent judgement
- Strategic vision and an ability to stay focused on strategic objectives
- Willingness to take part in STAR discussions, contribute constructively and listen to others
- Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties and liabilities of trustees of a charitable company
- Ability to work effectively as a member of a team
- Ability to maintain confidentiality
- A commitment to the principles of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, as well as an understanding and acceptance of the Equal Opportunities Policy
- Willingness to undertake training required to allow them to fulfil their duties.
Desirable
Five years experience in one or more of:
- Working with people seeking asylum and refugees;
- Other work with the asylum/refugee/migrant sector;
- Charitable fundraising;
- Voluntary sector issues, such as trends for charities and partnership/network formation;
- Organisational development, growth or change;
- Human resources;
- Financial management/accountancy;
- IT;
- Negotiations;
- Marketing and public relations;
- Lobbying, advocacy and campaigning regarding social justice or social policy;
- Management and administration of a charity, for example as a director or trustee;
- Campaigning;
- Social Media/ Communications
About Student Action for Refugees
STAR (Student Action for Refugees) is the national network of students building a society where refugees and asylum seekers are welcomed and can thrive.
Set up by students at Nottingham University in 1994, STAR is creating a more understanding, just and welcoming society by:
- empowering young people to be changemakers;
- providing practical support and connecting local communities through volunteering and student volunteer led community projects;
- challenging the structural barriers that refugees and asylum seekers face when seeking protection and building new lives in the UK;
- Sharing trusted information about asylum and the lived experience of refugees to combat misinformation, hostile narratives and instead spread compassion and humanisation
We have a small staff team who train and support the network and lead on national campaign and advocacy work, with expertise in improving access to higher education for forced migrants.
Here are just some of our highlights from last year:
- 37 STAR university student society groups, across 28 towns and cities, run by 222 STAR student leaders.
- 262 events were organised by STAR groups to educate, campaign, and fundraise for a more welcoming UK, from art exhibitions to cookery classes and film nights.
- 1,280 refugees and people seeking asylum were supported by 413 volunteers through 28 community projects and 25 one off volunteering events.
- 100s of students mobilised to support calls for better treatment of refugees in the UK including standing against detention, for a fairer plan for refugees and to lift the ban on work.
- 88 UK universities now offer sanctuary scholarships for refugee students. The STAR staff team was involved in the development of many of these new scholarships and the improvement of existing scholarships. We also ran workshops for hundreds of university staff.
- 15 STAR groups campaigned for Equal Access at their institutions and 4 won!
- 65 aspiring refugee students were supported by our mentoring project and we provided signposting and advice about accessing HE to over 470 people.
If you would like an informal chat before applying, please get in touch.
Deadline for applications: 11th July 2025
Interviews: Rolling
Mid and North East Essex Mind works in partnership with other local Minds, NHS and local health services, as well as key community organisations and service providers, to reduce health inequalities by enhancing the offering for people impacted by mental health and suicide.
Our purpose is to offer hope and support for good mental health so that no one feels alone with a vision to work with our communities so everyone can understand how to take care of their mental health and get the support they need.
We listen to our communities and offer compassionate and inclusive mental health services, resources and practical support to promote wellbeing for everyone.
Our staff have worked together on a set of values that are most important to us and our service users. These values underpin the way we do everything at Mid and North East Essex Mind and we are really proud of that.
Listening: We listen to the needs of our communities and each other, actively engaging, learning and sharing every day.
Inclusive: We develop inclusive services and support that respect the diversity and dignity of everyone on our communities.
Co-producing: We co-produce, believing that people affected by a service are best placed to help design it and reach collective outcomes together.
Innovative: We explore new ideas and ways of working and build a culture that embraces innovation, excellence and creative solutions.
Trusted: We build trust in our communities by consistently delivering high quality services and being honest in everything we do.
Supportive: We foster a culture of empathy, respect and open communication to support our communities and each other.
Our Board of Trustees
A strong Board of Trustees oversees the work of the organisation, setting the strategic direction and ensuring good governance and practice is embedded in everything we do and in an ever-evolving world, we are always looking to strengthen the skill set of the Board.
Trusteeship offers both personal and professional benefits and as a trustee of Mid and North East Essex Mind you will be contributing to the growth and development of a local charity committed to meeting the need for mental healthcare services in our area. Working at a strategic level you will have the opportunity to utilise and develop your skills and experience and build professional networks within the voluntary sector.
The duties of a trustee are as follows:
- Ensuring that the organisation pursues its stated objects (purposes), as defined in its governing document, by developing and agreeing a long-term strategy
- Ensuring that the organisation complies with its governing document (ie its trust deed, constitution or memorandum and articles of association), charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations
- Ensuring that the organisation applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its charitable objects (ie the charity must not spend money on activities that are not included in its own objects, however worthwhile or charitable those activities are) for the benefit of the public
- Ensuring that the organisation defines its goals and evaluates performance against agreed targets
- Safeguarding the good name and values of the organisation
- Ensuring the effective and efficient administration of the organisation, including having appropriate policies and procedures in place
- Ensuring the financial stability of the organisation
- Protecting and managing the property of the charity and ensuring the proper investment of the charity’s funds
- Following proper and formal arrangements for the appointment, supervision, support, appraisal and remuneration of the chief executive (if the charity employs staff)
In addition to the above statutory duties, each trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the board of trustees reach sound decisions.
This may involve scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise.
Person Specifications
- A commitment to the organisation
- A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort
- Strategic vision
- Good, independent judgement
- An ability to think creatively
- A willingness to speak their mind
- An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
- An ability to work effectively as a member of a team
- A commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership
We listen to our communities and offer compassionate and inclusive mental health services, resources, and practical support to promote wellbeing.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
ShowerBox is a registered charity that has been providing free and secure showers as well as toiletries and supplies, warm drinks, snacks and haircuts to individuals facing homelessness since 2018. Our mission is to enhance our guests’ sense of physical well-being and dignity, help combat social isolation, and provide access to other essential resources such as health clinics and mobile libraries. By empowering individuals, we hope to help them make long term improvement in their lives.
Learning of individuals having passed away from preventable illnesses on the streets due to an inability to get clean and the social stigma associated with poor personal hygiene, Sarah Lamptey (our CEO) started offering weekly showers in St. Giles churchyard in Soho, London, from 2019. ShowerBox became a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) in 2021 and since then has been expanding nationally. Now, we operate in multiple sites – Central London, Birmingham, and Barking – either independently or in partnership. Central London remains our biggest site, followed by Birmingham and Barking, and we are in initial discussion with others. We receive our funds through philanthropy – currently supported by National Lottery Community Fund, Vitol Foundation, HS2, amongst others.
The Board of Trustees is the ultimate governance body for the organisation, serving as stewards of the organisation’s resources, and is ultimately responsible for ShowerBox’s strategy, operations, adherence to law and regulation and financial management. The Trustees serve on a voluntary basis, and meet four or five times a year (online or in person in London).
What are we looking for?
We are looking for a Chairperson to take ShowerBox forward into an important and influential role following and building on the success it has had since becoming a CIO and expanding into 3 locations.
The Chair leads the Board of Trustees and works closely with ShowerBox’s CEO to achieve its goals. The Chair is responsible for key areas, including:
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Providing effective strategic leadership and management to the Board of Trustees enabling them to fulfill their responsibilities for the overall governance and strategic direction of ShowerBox
-
Providing support to the CEO and ensuring s/he is held to account for achieving agreed strategic objectives
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Ensuring the Board meets regularly to review activities, major risks and opportunities
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Ensuring Trustees fulfill their duties and responsibilities for effective governance of ShowerBox
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Ensuring the Board is regularly refreshed and incorporates the right balance of skill, knowledge and experience needed to govern and lead the charity effectively
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Conducts an annual appraisal and remuneration review of the CEO in consultation with other Trustees
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Acts as an ambassador for ShowerBox, representing it at external functions, meetings and events as appropriate and as spokesperson for the organisation when appropriate
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Ensuring financial stability and effective and efficient administration of ShowerBox
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Safeguard the good name and values of ShowerBox
Person Specification
-
Interest in making a difference in the lives of people experiencing homelessness/housing insecurity
-
Experience serving as a Trustee or Board member (in either for-profit or non-profit organisation). Previous experience as Chair of a voluntary organisation is an advantage.
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An understanding of legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship, together with an understanding of the financial aspects of running a charity.
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An ability to work effectively as part of a team contributing an independent perspective.
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Strong leadership, people management skills and the ability to chair meetings effectively.
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Ability to devote time and effort to support a small and growing charity and fulfill the duties outlined above.
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Prepared to attend four board meetings per year (mostly online) plus one or two ad hoc committees and/or events in line with their expertise, specific interest, or as needed
Terms of Appointment
Chair of Trustees is appointed for a 2 year, renewable term. It is anticipated that the time commitment should be no more than 2 days a month but there could be occasions when extra time will be required (for instance, during planning of new projects or when dealing with unexpected situations). The role of Chair is unpaid.
Please send your CV and a short cover letter outlining why you are interested in working with ShowerBox. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you passionate about creating a culture of welcome for refugees in the UK? Do you have extensive experience in the governance of a charity or public sector organisation? This could be the perfect role for you!
STAR is a dynamic and exciting national charity which makes a huge impact on a small budget. We are looking for our new Co-Chair of Trustees. We are looking for individuals who are passionate about creating a culture of welcome in the UK for refugees ,who believes in the power of young people as changemakers and who wants to empower refugees to reach higher education to join our board of trustees.
The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in the governance of a charity or public sector organisation and be able to commit to at least 2 years in the role.
We are in particular looking for applicants who:
- Have lived experience
- Have HR experience
- Have campaigns experience, in particular hybrid campaigning.
- Have charitable fundraising experience.
Applications from persons with lived refugee experience are highly encouraged.
Role Description
To provide strategic oversight of:
- STAR’s compliance with its Articles of Association, policies, and law;
- STAR’s compliance with all funding conditions and contracts;
- Whether STAR is best using its resources to meet its objectives;
- The effective and efficient administration of STAR;
- Monitoring and reporting of financial information;
- STAR’s funding and expenditure situation; and
- Implementation of STAR’s Equal Opportunities Policy and Safeguarding Policy in employment and service delivery.
Also to:
- Contribute actively to STAR by giving strategic direction and evaluating performance against targets
- Attend and prepare for board meetings
- Appoint board members and officers via the procedures in this policy
- Approve accounts
- Ensure that STAR and the board safeguard STAR’s values and reputation
- Provide any other assistance the board or STAR may require, as appropriate, particularly utilising any specialist skills or experience they may have.
Specific responsibilities of the Co- Chair
- Ensure the proper management of board meetings, including setting agendas in consultation with the Director, chairing meetings, facilitating discussions and decision;
- Oversee the administration and coordination of any sub-committees;
- Monitor implementation of board and sub-committee decisions;
- Take "Chair’s action" between meetings, where an immediate decision is required;
- Serve as line-manager to the Director, and conduct regular planned supervision and appraisal;
- Represent Board as required to the public or external parties such as funders and government; and
- Keep other officers fully informed so that they can deputise if necessary
- Working alongside and in collaboration with the other STAR trustee co-chair, sharing responsibilities and ensuring excellent communicative shared working.
Person Specification
Essential
- Experience of governance of a charity or public sector organisation
- A commitment to STAR’s values
- An awareness of issues affecting both STAR and the wider refugee sector, the ever shifting landscape of refugee policy and media coverage, or a willingness to learn and stay abreast of these current topics and new developments.
- A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to prepare for and attend regular STAR meetings for at least 2 years
- Integrity and good independent judgement
- Strategic vision and an ability to stay focused on strategic objectives
- Willingness to take part in STAR discussions, contribute constructively and listen to others
- Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties and liabilities of trustees of a charitable company
- Ability to work effectively as a member of a team
- Ability to maintain confidentiality
- A commitment to the principles of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, as well as an understanding and acceptance of the Equal Opportunities Policy
- Willingness to undertake training required to allow them to fulfil their duties.
Desirable
Five years experience in one or more of:
- Working with people seeking asylum and refugees;
- Other work with the asylum/refugee/migrant sector;
- Charitable fundraising;
- Voluntary sector issues, such as trends for charities and partnership/network formation;
- Organisational development, growth or change;
- Human resources;
- Financial management/accountancy;
- IT;
- Negotiations;
- Marketing and public relations;
- Lobbying, advocacy and campaigning regarding social justice or social policy;
- Management and administration of a charity, for example as a director or trustee;
- Campaigning;
- Social Media/ Communications
About Student Action for Refugees
STAR (Student Action for Refugees) is the national network of students building a society where refugees and asylum seekers are welcomed and can thrive.
Set up by students at Nottingham University in 1994, STAR is creating a more understanding, just and welcoming society by:
- empowering young people to be changemakers;
- providing practical support and connecting local communities through volunteering and student volunteer led community projects;
- challenging the structural barriers that refugees and asylum seekers face when seeking protection and building new lives in the UK;
- Sharing trusted information about asylum and the lived experience of refugees to combat misinformation, hostile narratives and instead spread compassion and humanisation
We have a small staff team who train and support the network and lead on national campaign and advocacy work, with expertise in improving access to higher education for forced migrants.
Here are just some of our highlights from last year:
- 37 STAR university student society groups, across 28 towns and cities, run by 222 STAR student leaders.
- 262 events were organised by STAR groups to educate, campaign, and fundraise for a more welcoming UK, from art exhibitions to cookery classes and film nights.
- 1,280 refugees and people seeking asylum were supported by 413 volunteers through 28 community projects and 25 one off volunteering events.
- 100s of students mobilised to support calls for better treatment of refugees in the UK including standing against detention, for a fairer plan for refugees and to lift the ban on work.
- 88 UK universities now offer sanctuary scholarships for refugee students. The STAR staff team was involved in the development of many of these new scholarships and the improvement of existing scholarships. We also ran workshops for hundreds of university staff.
- 15 STAR groups campaigned for Equal Access at their institutions and 4 won!
- 65 aspiring refugee students were supported by our mentoring project and we provided signposting and advice about accessing HE to over 470 people.
If you would like an informal chat before applying, please get in touch.
Deadline for applications: 11th July 2025
Interviews: Rolling
Somebody goes missing in the UK every 90 seconds. Missing People exists to ease the heartache experienced by those missing someone, and to help people who are away from home find their way back to safety.
What will you be doing?
Missing People's vision is for every missing child, adult and family left behind to find help, hope and a safe way to reconnect. We are a non-judgemental, highly skilled team of staff and volunteers working for everyone who needs us. We provide free, confidential support, help and advice by phone, email, text and live chat.
In our 30th anniversary year, The Trustees and Executive launched a new 2023-2028 Strategy 'From Crisis to Hope' in consultation with people with lived experience and key stakeholders. The three key goals are:
- Going missing is understood as a crisis that can be a matter of life or death
- All missing people and their loved ones get the right help at the right time
- Fewer missing people come to harm.
The new Chair of Trustees must be passionate about Missing People, its purpose and its values. We are looking for a new Chair of Trustees who brings valuable experience, skills and expertise. This might relate to the issue of missing (including personal experience of going missing), senior financial experience, charity experience, policing, legal experience and safeguarding. We are keen to further broaden thinking and perspectives and welcome applications from all areas of the United Kingdom, from all communities, which is important as missing touches every community. We believe diversity is important, and we aim for our board to have a mix of people, talents and backgrounds..
What are we looking for?
We are looking for a new Chair of Trustees who brings valuable experience, skills and expertise. This might relate to the issue of missing (including personal experience of going missing), senior financial experience, charity experience, policing, legal experience and safeguarding.
You will need to be aged over 18 and have:
- A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to your duties as the Chair of Trustees - approximately 2-3 days per month
- Leadership, strategic vision and creative thinking
- Ability to manage a trustee board and take decisions for the good of the charity
- Ability to chair board meetings effectively and manage diverse perspectives
- Strong communication, interpersonal and networking skills
- Independent judgment and be willing to speak your mind
- The ability to read, understand and question reports including financial plans and information
- The ability to follow the rules of governing documents and any professional advice
- The ability to work effectively as a member of a team and encourage team working
- A commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion policies and practices
- Prior experience of committee / trustee work (desirable)
- Knowledge of the type of work undertaken by the charity (desirable)
- Wider involvement in the voluntary sector (desirable)
What difference will you make?
Our Chair of Trustees is integral to the mission and purpose of the charity, holding the Board and Executive Team to account for delivering the mission and achieving our ambitious goals. The Board of Trustees is made up of an experienced team of individuals who bring breadth of background, a range of deep skill sets, lived experience of the issue of missing and demonstrable empathy and passion for the work of Missing People. The Chair of Trustees will be responsible for the effectiveness of the Board of Trustees, planning and guiding meetings to ensure broad dialogue, good decision-making and clear actions.
Our Chair will work closely with the CEO and the Board to develop the charity’s strategy and to oversee its implementation and progress against its business plan. As part of this the Chair will provide support and challenge to the CEO and their senior team.
As the Chair of Trustees at Missing People you will be driven by a powerful mission to be a lifeline when someone disappears. You will work closely alongside the Board, Executive team and Chief Executive in a collaborative way to lead the charity. The role provides a good opportunity to be involved in strategic planning in an organisation grounded in the issue of missing with a diverse group of committed and motivated Trustees.
Trustees meet quarterly at online and in-person meetings (usually in London). The Board has dedicated Committees for Finance, HR, Ethics, and Safeguarding, and Advisory Groups representing people with lived experience of the issue of going missing, policing, fundraising and policy. The Chair will attend and be a member of other committees or working groups and ensure that the governance arrangements are working in the most effective way for the charity.
Before you apply
Please apply through Reach or the application form on the Missing People website, attaching your CV and a supporting statement (maximum 2 A4 pages) that demonstrates how you meet the criteria listed in the role description attached.
On the 'Work for Us' page of the Missing People website you will also find a Letter to Applicants detailing more information about the role and the charity.
Missing People is the only UK charity dedicated to reconnecting missing people and their loved ones.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
The Sheila McKechnie Foundation (SMK) was set up in June 2005 in memory of legendary campaigner, Sheila McKechnie.Campaigning is vital to a healthy society. We help campaigners to thrive. In a free and hopeful society, people need to know they have the power to make a difference: that they are able to envisage change and can push for that change to happen. For nearly two decades, we have helped all sorts of individuals, causes and charities to find their power as changemakers – as campaigners. We support, connect and champion these campaigners, equipping them to go after the social change they seek.
The Chair will hold the Board and staff team to account for SMK’s mission and vision, provide inclusive leadership to the Board and ensure that Board members fulfil their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of SMK. The Chair will line manage and support the Chief Executive and ensure that the Board functions as a unit and works closely with the Chief Executive and staff team to achieve agreed objectives. They may also be asked to act as an ambassador and a public face of SMK in partnership with the Chief Executive and the Board.
For further information, see our website and the recruitment pack.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We seek a Chairperson to head our Board at Evolve Counselling who will guide our strategic direction in the provision of lowest cost mental health counselling for individuals and businesses.
Location: Cambridgeshire area of operations. Chair can be fully remote.
Voluntary: Reasonable expenses paid
Commitment: Initial term of 1 -3 years. Flexible hours per month
Closing date: Wednesday 2nd July 2025
Overview
For over 40 years Evolve Counselling has provided lowest-cost professional mental health counselling for adults in Cambridgeshire, Peterborough, Northamptonshire and beyond, through the skill and dedication of our team of 60+ BACP-registered counsellors.
The role
We are looking for a new Chair who understands the growing demand for our services and the challenges of competing as a medium sized charitable business at this time. We shall look to our new Chair to build trust and engagement with our CEO, the Trustee Board, our volunteers, and supporters, as we capitalise on great recent work to stabilise and find new opportunities for significant growth.
The new chairperson will ideally bring health and wellbeing experience and commercial skills, as well as a demonstrable empathy for charitable working and commitment to the Nolan Principles of public life.
The role of the Chair is hugely rewarding and the scope under the leadership of the current CEO for Evolve to grow and innovate is significant. You will have significant senior leadership experience to drawn upon as you take ultimate responsibility for directing and inspiring the Trustees, making sure we are financially sustainable, and well run for our clients. Our ethos is to look upwards and outwards as we strive for a leading position in mental health services for all, and your commercial acumen, professional contacts, and powers of persuasion in business will be a huge support for our ambitions.
Including quarterly board meetings, committee sessions (at present virtual), a face-to-face AGM event, plus away days, and regular meetings with our CEO and the trustees, we anticipate a flexible time commitment of around 2 - 5 days per month.
For further information or an informal discussion on the role, please contact Kevin Bottrell.
Application process: Expressions of interest in the first instance by email to our CEO Gordon Ackroyd.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Branch Trustees
RSPCA Stort Valley Branch – multiple opportunities
Help us make the world a better place for animals
RSPCA Branches rescue, rehabilitate and rehome those animals most at risk through clinics, animal centres, boarding and fostering facilities; offer advice and education on animal welfare; and support with microchipping, neutering and subsidised animal treatments for animals owned by people in financial difficulty.
Each RSPCA branch (of which there are approx. 150) is a separately registered charity, operating at a local level across England and Wales. Branches did 78% of the rehoming activity across the RSPCA network in 2020 and took more than 31,000 animals into their care. There are also over 300 RSPCA charity shops, all of which are run by RSPCA branches. The RSPCA has been at the forefront of animal welfare since 1824 when we were founded in a London coffee shop, and we’re proud to be the oldest animal welfare charity around.
What does RSPCA Stort Valley Branch do?
We cover an area either side of the M11 from Saffron Walden in the north to Harlow in the south and fundraise and offer welfare services within this area.
The animal welfare services that we offer are centred around our busy clinic in Harlow and include:
- Subsidised routine veterinary treatment and microchipping for owned animals - in 2024, we made over 2,200 consultations at our Harlow clinic and administered more than 500 vaccinations and 250 microchips.
- Advice and education
- Community outreach
We operate a charity shop in Bishops Stortford town centre, selling clothes, books, games and other items to help with our fundraising.
In addition to our Harlow clinic, we work closely with RSPCA animal centres and inspectors to support their work and to look after and re-home animals rescued in our branch area. We also support neighbouring branches by seeing some owned animals from their nearby towns at our clinic. We are working to improve our fostering network to help with rehoming, and are keen to step up our fundraising work to enable us to provide additional welfare support to the community.
What do RSPCA branch trustees do?
RSPCA branch trustees are volunteers who shape the work that the branch does, and are collectively responsible for governing and managing the affairs of the branch. “Trustees have overall control of a charity and are responsible for making sure it’s doing what it was set up to do.” “Trustees are the people who lead the charity and decide how it is run.” “They may be known by other titles, such as: directors, board members, governors, committee members” - Charity Commission. At Stort Valley, we have a lovely team of staff and volunteers with experienced, capable people managing our shop and clinic day-to-day. Trustees will set the strategy, make the big decisions and lead on new initiatives.
To find out more about being a Trustee, visit the Goverment Trustee - What's involved which explains what trustees do. There is some information on the RSPCA website about Branch Trustees, and we have an online session about becoming a Branch Trustee, which should hopefully give you more of an idea of what the RSPCA Branch Trustee role will involve.
Stort Valley Branch is presently in the process of converting to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (‘CIO’), the modern legal form for many charities - loosely equivalent to a Limited Company. We expect to complete the change in the second half of this year (2025).
Who are we looking for?
We are looking for applications from people from all social and cultural backgrounds, who are passionate about improving animal welfare. It doesn’t matter whether you are an experienced trustee or not, as trustee training and induction will be provided. If you can bring relevant skills and experience from other aspects of your life, that’s great, and we’re pretty sure you’ll learn some new ones here!
Right now, we would like to recruit several additional Trustees. We’ll define and re-balance the roles of all the Trustees once our new Trustees have settled in, so we’re not necessarily looking for you to select a specific role at this stage. The opportunities could include taking the lead on fundraising, overseeing our clinic or shop, increasing our local outreach and education activities, enhancing our online presence and recognition, and more. Ideally, for some of the roles, you’ll be relatively local to the branch area; others can be done remotely.
We hold monthly Trustees’ meetings, which last 1.5~2 hours. We ask for Trustees to join as many of these meetings as possible. You’ll also need to allow time to prepare for meetings - creating or reading through any relevant documents in advance – and of course, for the specific activities you take on. We normally meet in the evening, online (Google Meet), at times chosen to suit Trustees’ availability.
Trustees are elected or re-elected for a 12-month term at the branch’s Annual General Meeting (AGM). Between AGMs, branches have the ability to co-opt an additional three trustees who serve until the next AGM and can then be elected.
What’s in it for you?
There are lots of benefits to becoming an RSPCA Branch Trustee, including:
- induction and trustee training
- the chance to meet like-minded people who share your enthusiasm for animal welfare
- the opportunity to gain new skills and develop existing ones
- the ability to use your skills to improve the wellbeing of animals in your local area, and make a real difference to the lives of animals
- the capacity to shape innovative projects, and be part of the RSPCA’s ten-year strategy - “Together for animal welfare”
- access to our learning hub, which contains training materials and courses on a variety of subjects
- the chance to shape the services in your local area
- volunteering is good for your wellbeing.
Join us in making a real difference to the lives of animals in need.
Our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and trial period. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees, and dependent on the position, you may need to sign an agreement and undergo specific training before starting the role.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
About Jabalie
Jabalie is a UK registered charity that aims to educate and empower survivors and individuals at high-risk of gender-based violence to promote their safety, autonomy and economic independence. Our vision is a world in which people of all genders are economically empowered, free from violence and abuse, and lead full lives with freedom and autonomy.
We are currently developing an education and empowerment programme for survivors of gender-based violence, to be delivered in the UK and Kenya.
Our name is derived from the word “Jabali” meaning “strong as a rock” in Swahili, symbolising the strength of all those we work with.
Role description
The Board of Trustees plays a vital role in making sure that Jabalie achieves its core purpose. They oversee the overall management and administration of the charity. They also ensure that Jabalie has a clear strategy and that our work and goals are in line with our vision.
As a small and newly registered charity, our Trustees have an active role in the organisation relating to their area of expertise, beyond the Board meetings.
General Trustee Duties
The duties of a Trustee include:
- Attending and contributing at quarterly Trustee Board meetings.
- Ensuring that Jabalie pursues its stated objectives (purposes) defined in its Constitution, including helping to develop a long-term strategy to achieve them.
- Ensuring that Jabalie complies with its governing rules laid out in its Constitution.
- Ensuring that Jabalie complies with charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
- Ensuring the financial stability of Jabalie.
Philanthropy and Development
In addition to the general duties of a Trustee, duties of the Philanthropy and Development Trustee include the following:
- Developing and overseeing fundraising strategy with action plans, ensuring they align with Jabalie’s strategic goals and financial needs.
- Cultivating relationships with donors, funders, and key stakeholders to secure financial support and long-term commitments.
- Identifying opportunities to collaborate with businesses, foundations, and institutions for sponsorships, grants, and major gifts.
- Managing and maintaining data and information on potential opportunities and relationships for generating funds in a systematic way, such as using a CRM system.
- Working with the Marketing and Communications Trustee in developing initiatives and campaigns for fundraising and generating donations.
- Managing the planning and execution of fundraising initiatives, events and campaigns to engage the community and attract new supporters.
- Working with the Strategy and Impact Analysis Trustee in establishing and overseeing impact evaluation and performance metrics in alignment of funders’ requirements.
- Evaluating the level of success of the fundraising and donor engagement efforts, and providing feedback and data analysis that could shape future initiatives, events and campaigns.
- Ensuring fundraising efforts comply with relevant regulations and ethical standards, maintaining transparency and accountability.
- Acting as an ambassador for Jabalie, championing its mission and fostering philanthropic support through networking and public speaking (as required).
What we are looking for
- Commitment to the organisation and alignment with Jabalie’s mission and vision.
- Experience in philanthropy, fundraising, or development.
- Strong networking and relationship-building skills.
- Ability to engage with donors and key stakeholders effectively.
- Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as Trustees and to act in the best interests of the organisation.
- Willingness to devote the necessary time and efforts required for the role.
- Strategic vision and desire to support the growth of Jabalie.
Terms of appointment
- Trustees are appointed for a 3-year term of office, subject to renewal.
- Trustees must be available to attend quarterly Board meetings, held virtually. Occasional annual strategy days may be held in-person in London.
- This position is voluntary.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Location: Remote (with occasional attendance to in-person events)
Hours: 8 Hours per month
Expenses: This is an unpaid remote position; however, reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.
Closing date: 4 July 2025
Role Overview
The Safeguarding Trustee will provide guidance so that Migrant Help meets all safeguarding obligations and promotes a culture of safeguarding at every level. They will provide expert oversight, policy guidance, and support for the embedding of best practices across the organisation. The Safeguarding Trustee will work closely with senior leadership to provide oversight of the way that the organisation remains compliant with safeguarding regulations.
Key responsibilities
- Maintain an awareness and understanding of the Charity Commission's safeguarding regulations, responsibilities, and safeguarding good practice through training, conferences, and guidance review.
- Review the Charity’s safeguarding policies annually.
- Be aware of statutory safeguarding processes and policies, acting as a point of reference for the Designated Safeguarding Lead, as needed, and as assurance on behalf of the Board, for guidance on statutory and legislative safeguarding matters for issues in all four countries in the UK.
- Assess the monitoring reporting for safeguarding policy and procedural effectiveness from both internal and external reviews.
- Consider the Charity’s strategic plans and make sure they comply with safeguarding legislation and regulations specific to our activities, statutory guidance, and the safeguarding expectations of the Charity Commission.
- Review the Charity’s risk register for inclusion of safeguarding risks with sensible measures in place or planned, including relevant insurance for trustees’ indemnity, providing assurance to the Board that safeguarding risks are being managed appropriately by the organisation’s staff.
- Lead on the standing action item at the Board of Trustees meetings regarding safeguarding.
- Trustees share collective responsibility for the charity’s governance, ensuring the charity’s mission is achieved and its operations are effective. Trustees support the CEO by contributing to strategic planning, offering expertise, and working together to provide the necessary oversight and direction for the charity’s growth and success. The Safeguarding Trustee has the additional responsibility to fulfil this for safeguarding processes.
The skills and abilities you need
- Professional experience in safeguarding children or adults, with a means to keep informed of current legislation and good practice.
- Ability to work with short notice to give urgent Safeguarding advice and practical steps to the Safeguarding Lead.
- Understanding and having a ground-level aspect of referral processes to link clients in the services when giving Safeguarding advice.
- Ability to advise and support the Designated Safeguarding Lead and Safeguarding Manager within the Charity.
- Act with integrity and respect when working with others.
- A social work qualification is welcome but not essential.
- Direct practical experience is essential.
Mandatory Training Requirement
The Safeguarding Trustee must complete trustee governance and safeguarding training within the first three months of appointment. Additional training will follow as needed.
Terms of Appointment
Trustees serve an initial three-year term, with the option for renewal up to a maximum of a second term of three years.
Time Commitment:
- 8 hours per month, including:
- Quarterly board meetings, preferably with in-person attendance.
- Safeguarding Operations Group – monthly, via Teams.
- Annual half-day strategy session to contribute to the charity’s direction.
- Regular Teams/telephone discussion with the Designated Safeguarding Lead averaging half an hour a week.
- Must visit at least once with the Heads of Service or alone to a regional office once per year.
About Migrant Help
Migrant Help is a leading charity that has been established for over 50 years and delivers a range of support and advice services to migrants across the UK. Our vision is for a global society that protects vulnerable migrants, treats them with respect and enables them to reach their full potential.
We place a high value on employees in relation to the work that they do and the benefits the organisation offers, with an ethos of being a Great Place to Work.
At Migrant Help, we foster a culture in which equality, diversity and inclusion are recognised, valued and encouraged. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from, we match your skills with the needs of our organisation. As long as you share our values, vision and goals. We welcome applications from candidates regardless of their age, religion or belief, race, gender reassignment, disability, sexual orientation, sex, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity.
Migrant Help is committed to safeguarding those we provide a service to, applicants will have to undergo strict vetting procedures throughout different stages of the recruitment process therefore:
- All voluntary roles are subject to satisfactory references and an enhanced DBS check.
How to apply
To apply for this role, please click on the 'use this link to apply' button and complete the online application form where you will be asked to upload a copy of your CV along with an expression of interest letter.
We particularly welcome applications from people with first-hand or indirect experience of displacement, either recently or in past generations
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Chair - Finance and Audit Committee
Community Action Suffolk, CAS is the county’s leading infrastructure organisation for the Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) sector. CAS is currently seeking a Chair for the Finance and Audit Committee.
The role
To provide effective leadership, the Finance & Audit Committee Chair must have a clear understanding of the committee’s duties and responsibilities; be able to commit the necessary time and be available on urgent financial matters.
The Chair of the Finance and Audit Committee will be supported by a small committee of trustees and Head of Finance. Meetings are quarterly and held at our office in Ipswich or alternatively online.
Role responsibilities:
- excellent working knowledge of finance and audit practices and internal control functions and risk management frameworks
- develop understanding of the organisation and its financial structure
- sound judgement and professional scepticism
The person
This is a role for an experienced qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or similar), who shares our vision and has a proven ability in strong leadership, organisational and financial matters. They will be someone who is motivated, pragmatic and demonstrates sound commercial and business acumen and have the requisite business, financial, communication skills to be the Chair the Finance and Audit Committee. Any knowledge of the insurance industry would be beneficial but not essential.
You will enjoy the opportunity to support an important charity in Suffolk dedicated to improving opportunities for all, ensuring a strong and thriving VCFSE sector and that our county is one where every voice counts to make Suffolk the best place to live and work.
You’ll work collegiately with our trustees and in partnership with our Chief Executive, ensuring strong accountability to the board as a whole. There’ll be scope for professional development as well as personal reward in running the charity. In summary, its an opportunity to make a real difference.
Remuneration
Like most not-for-profit board roles this position is unremunerated, however expenses can be claimed where appropriate.
If you would like an informal and confidential discussion about the role, please contact Belinda Couldridge to arrange a conversation with the Chair of Trustees or the Chief Executive.
To apply, please provide the following via email:
- A comprehensive CV including details of two referees.
- A supporting statement, explaining how you believe your skills and experience match the requirements of the role description and person specification.
Community Action Suffolk’s mission is to strengthen and champion community action in Suffolk by supporting the VCFSE sector

The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are seeking a trustee with a finance and/or accounting background who will work with the Board of Trustees and Management to ensure the charity's financial viability. There is also a more ‘hands-on’ function managing the charity’s investments and cash deposits.
The Treasurer will maintain an overview of the organisation’s finances, ensuring financial viability, advising and guiding on financial requirements and best practice and providing advice, assistance and information to Trustees (Committee Members) on their financial stewardship responsibilities.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are seeking to appoint a treasurer (voluntary role) to sit on the board of trustees at Know Your Worth. Know Your Worth is a charity dedicated to helping teenage girls grow self-esteem. Trustees are at the heart of this mission. As a trustee, you help shape the future of our charity. You bring your experience, insight, and care to help guide our strategy, hold us accountable to our values, and ensure our resources are used wisely.
We are specifically looking for someone with:
- A passion for the cause of helping teenage girls to grow self-esteem
- Senior finance experience (10+ years).
- Previous treasurer experience on another board (ideally within the charity or non-profit sector).
- An ability to work as a team, courage to challenge constructively where appropriate, whilst being self-aware.
- An awareness of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship. Being available (within reason) to support the CEO with any financial queries or issues
We'd love to hear from you, if you'd like to find out more.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
The Nistad Foundation is at the forefront of fostering a Responsible, Ethical, and Safe approach to Artificial Intelligence (RES AI) globally, with a particular focus on the United States, United Kingdom, and Africa. As emerging technologies reshape industries, societies, and economies, the foundation is dedicated to preparing communities and institutions to navigate this new frontier responsibly. Our vision is to be a leading global organization in talent and leadership development, equipping individuals and organizations with the skills necessary to engage AI with ethical foresight.
Through initiatives focused on digital skills development in cybersecurity, software development, data science, and policy advocacy, the Nistad Foundation seeks to close the digital skills gap, especially in underrepresented communities. We champion youth and women as key contributors to digital transformation by providing them with training, mentorship, and pathways into the technology workforce. A central part of our mission is to build evidence-based policy frameworks guiding safe AI deployment and advocating for inclusive and sustainable technological growth.
Role Summary
As a Trustee of the Nistad Foundation, you will play a critical role in overseeing the governance and strategic direction of the charity. Trustees ensure that the foundation remains compliant, financially stable, and aligned with its charitable objectives. You will act as a proactive advisor to the executive director and staff, advocate for the foundation’s work, and contribute your expertise to support the foundation’s mission.
We are looking for candidates with prior charitable foundation experience who are committed to ethical governance and enthusiastic about the foundation’s mission. Trustees are expected to act as ambassadors, supporting fundraising efforts and leveraging their networks to help drive the foundation’s initiatives forward.
Key Responsibilities
1. Governance and Compliance
- Ensure good governance practices are upheld, aligning with the foundation’s charitable mission and ethical standards.
- Confirm compliance with the Nistad Foundation's governing document, charity law, company law, and other relevant legislation.
- Monitor and manage risks, ensuring timely remedial action when needed.
- 2. Board Participation and Oversight
- Prepare for and actively participate in board meetings, contributing to discussions, working groups, and the development of board papers.
- Contribute to setting the foundation’s strategic direction and evaluating performance against charitable objectives.
- Provide ongoing monitoring and support for the Executive Director’s performance.
3. Financial and Resource Management
- Maintain oversight of the foundation’s budget and financial health, ensuring sustainability and stability.
- Ensure the effective and responsible use of the foundation’s assets, financial resources, and material and human resources.
- 4. Advisory and Strategic Support
- Offer guidance in areas of specific expertise, advising the Executive Director and staff on relevant policies and procedures.
- Lead and contribute to developing policies and procedures that reflect good practice, ensuring their implementation.
- 5. Advocacy and Fundraising
- Act as an ambassador for the foundation, advocating for its work and ethical values.
- Assist in diversifying and developing sustainable funding streams by promoting the
- foundation among personal and professional contacts.
- Support fundraising efforts by identifying opportunities, fostering relationships, and
- providing strategic insight.
- 6. Strategic Development and Performance
- Collaborate with the board to identify and monitor strategic risks, ensuring the foundation’s mission and reputation remain safeguarded.
- Contribute to the ongoing evaluation and refinement of the foundation’s strategic direction, ensuring alignment with charitable objectives.
- Ideal Candidate Profile
- Connections within ai/Technology background
The Nistad Foundation seeks individuals with the following qualifications and experience:
- Experience in charitable foundation governance, ideally within the technology, policy, or social impact sectors.
- Commitment to the foundation’s mission and values, particularly in the areas of responsible and ethical AI.
- Financial Acumen with an understanding of budgeting, financial oversight, and resource management.
- Advisory Skills in areas such as fundraising, policy development, staffing, partnerships, or governance.
- Interpersonal and Advocacy Skills with a demonstrated ability to leverage personal and professional networks in support of a mission-driven organization.
- Analytical and Strategic Thinking with the ability to assess complex issues, set priorities, and make sound decisions.
- Time and Dedication to devote to meetings, preparations, and proactive support as needed. Why Join the Nistad Foundation?
As a Trustee of the Nistad Foundation, you will have a unique opportunity to shape the ethical trajectory of artificial intelligence on a global scale. This is a chance to contribute your skills, insights, and network to a dynamic and impactful organization working to bridge the digital skills gap and champion responsible AI practices.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a rare, genetic neuromuscular condition causing progressive muscle wasting (atrophy) and weakness leading to loss of movement.
Our current chair has been in the position for 6 years and after serving their maximum term, we are seeking a new Chair to lead the charity and help us deliver our four year strategic plan ‘Building a future together’.
The chair provides a pivotal role in ensuring the charity has a well governed organisation, strong staff team and board with clearly defined roles and responsibilities, with one shared goal of working towards the organisational mission underpinned by our values and principles.
The chair will support the CEO and ensure that the board functions as a unit and works closely with the senior leadership team to achieve agreed objectives. From time to time the chair will act as an ambassador and the public face of the charity in partnership with the CEO. An effective chairperson is a key player in ensuring effective governance for the charity.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.