Trustee volunteer roles in chepstow, monmouthshire

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 (EXTENDED): 18th July 2025

Interviews: Rolling

Lead a dynamic, mission-driven charity at a pivotal time in its development. As Chair of Trustees, you’ll play a central role in shaping the future of the Surrey Hills Society – championing one of England’s most treasured National Landscapes.

This is a unique opportunity to lead a passionate and growing charity dedicated to conserving, enhancing and celebrating the Surrey Hills National Landscape. You’ll work closely with trustees, our small team and volunteers to provide strategic direction, strengthen governance, and grow the Society’s reach and impact. Ideal candidates will bring senior leadership experience, strong communication skills, and a collaborative approach to chairing a diverse and committed Board.

Are you keen to move the arts forward? Are you passionate about the role the arts can play in building a better society? Do you think that diverse voices deserve to be heard through poetry? Do you want to be an empowering advocate for poetry’s transformative power? Forward Arts Foundation – the charity behind National Poetry Day and the Forward Prizes for Poetry – is looking for a new Chair and Trustees to join its board. We’re a small, ambitious team working nationally and online to celebrate poetry, support new voices, and widen accessibility. With a reach of over 2.4 million people each year, we’re looking for board members who can help us grow and govern well. We're particularly keen to hear from prospective Chairs and Trustees with experience in education, digital, fundraising and philanthropy, or governance and leadership. We’d also welcome the chance to support people under the age of 30 take their first step into trusteeship. Our meetings are flexible, online-friendly, and inclusive by design. Poetry is for everyone – and we want our board to reflect that.
 

Join Our Board: Shape the Future of the Climate Movement

Are you passionate about addressing the climate crisis through evidence, advocacy, and global collaboration? We are The Climate Crisis Advisory Group (“CCAG”) - a mission-driven, science-based climate change organization seeking new Board members to strengthen our impact. CCAG is the operating name of Climate Response Limited (“CRL”) a UK company registered with the Charities Commission. You would be a Board member for CRL as the company under which the CCAG brand operates.

CCAG is at the forefront of the climate conversation, guiding public, governmental, and institutional understanding of the crisis. CCAG’s global experts distil complex science into actionable insights, fostering informed decisions that help educate and influence audiences around the world.

CCAG’s strategies come to life through a broad spectrum of activities. For example, CCAG advisors unravel climate complexities through public online discussions, free publicly available in-depth reports, strategic campaigns, and in-person briefings on request.

See our work here: Climate Crisis Advisory Group

What we’re looking for

Our current Board brings deep expertise in leadership, finance, and strategic direction. Now, we’re looking to complement this with specific skills and lived experience—particularly from those who can help amplify our voice, reach new audiences, and deepen our global relevance.

This is a great opportunity for first-time Board members.

We’re especially interested in candidates with experience or skills in:

• Global advocacy in climate or social justice

• Strategic communications or public affairs 

• Fundraising for NGOs, especially from philanthropic donors

• Digital communications, media, and content creation

• Campaigning and public influencing

• Marketing, branding, and public relations

• Experience of working within the Global South or working across cultures and disciplines.

You don’t need prior Board experience—just a commitment to science-based climate action and a willingness to contribute your time, skills, and perspective to help us tackle one of the greatest challenges of our time. 

This is an unremunerated voluntary Trustee role and, like all UK charity trustees, you’ll take on some important responsibilities for overseeing the charity’s work. But you won’t be doing it alone—you’ll be joining a supportive Board with experienced members who will guide you as you learn. 

What’s in it for You?

• The opportunity to be a driving force in the fight against climate change and leave a lasting legacy for future generations.

• Learn leadership and governance skills while contributing to a cause with global significance.

• Connect with other professionals in the environmental and climate sectors.

Your Commitment:

We work remotely and Board meetings are held 3 times a year online. Board members are expected to commit approximately 1 day per month.

How to Apply:

If you are ready to make a meaningful impact on the climate crisis, please send your CV and a brief cover letter outlining why you’re interested in joining the Board of Climate Response Limited by 22nd August 2025. We are also available to answer any questions you might have.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Citrus Arts, a circus and outdoor arts organisation in Pontypridd in the South Wales valleys, is looking for new trustees to join our small yet mighty board.

Who are Citrus?

We’re an arts charity with a vision of a flourishing creative community rooted in the ethos of the travelling circus 

Citrus’ mission is to use the hands-on skills of circus and outdoor arts life to nurture citizenship and kindness in our neighbourhood, and to ignite creativity, connecting our community to self, to each other and to the land through hosting spectacular shared experiences.

What do we do?

Paid training in outdoor arts technical skills for young people not in education, employment or training (ArtWorkers scheme) see short film

Outdoor arts and circus installations with and in our community see Ty Unnos film

Circus classes for children and adults at our base at Hopkinstown Hall

Rage Rage | Oes Oes a rebellious cultural programme for people who left school before 1990

Creative community events eg NT Live screenings, gigs, performances and community days

Who are we looking for?

We are seeking new members to join our board and help us drive the company, ensuring that we work with determination and flair in everything we do.

We’re particularly interested in hearing from people who live in Hopkinstown or the local area, who are Welsh speakers and/ or who feel their lived experience is underrepresented in the arts or on charity boards.We are also interested in hearing from folks with experience in environmental sustainability, safeguarding, marketingor relationship building, staff management, data protection and/ or venue management. The most important thing, however, is that you are interested in the arts and have a desire and enthusiasm for helping our community and our young people to embrace creativity, citizenship and kindness.

A trustee is a person who takes care of the work of a charity, making sure it meets its charitable aims and carries out everything it does in a legal and professional way. Trustees have meetings every few months to check on, plan and discuss the work of the charity. Trustees do not get paid for being trustees, but they do get expenses for any travel etc.

Citrus’ board meetings are held around 4 times a year, usually on Zoom, and there are other Citrus creative events we love our board members to attend where possible. These can include screenings, gigs, performances, festival, workshops and much more. We aim to support our board with training and development needs as well as social opportunities. 

Currently, Citrus Arts has 4 trustees and we’re looking for 3 or 4 more. 

To apply, send us an application in any format you would like. You can send a CV if you have one with a covering letter, and audio file or a video. You can apply in English or Welsh. Currently, our board meetings happen in English with some Welsh, and we’re really keen to increase the amount of Welsh spoken. We’d also be happy to support BSL interpretation of meetings if required. 

If you would like to have an informal chat with one of our current board, or if you have any questions get in touch with our Executive Director Beth.

Deadline for applications: 31st July 2025 5pm

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Mae Citrus Arts, corff syrcas a’r celfyddydau awyr agored ym Mhontypridd yng nghymoedd De Cymru, yn chwilio am ymddiredolwyr newydd i ymuno â’n bwrdd bychan ond grymus.

Pwy yw Citrus?

Elusen yn y celfyddydau ydym, a chennym weledigaeth o gymuned greadigol â’i gwreiddiau yn ethos y syrcas deithiol

Cenhadaeth Citrus yw defnyddio medrau ymarferol bywyd y syrcas a’r celfyddydau awyr agored i feithrin dinasyddiaeth dda a charedigrwydd yn ein cymdogaeth, ac i danio creadigedd, gyda chysylltu ein cymuned â ni’n hunain, â’n gilydd ac â’r tir drwy lywyddu profiadau trawiadol ar y cyd.

Beth wnawn ni?

Hyfforddiant tâl mewn medrau technegol yn y celfyddydau awyr agored i bobl ifanc sydd heb fod mewn addysg, gwaith na hyfforddiant (y cyllun Cywion Celf)

Mewnosodion celfyddydau awyr agored a syrcas gyda’n cymuned ac ynddi DOLEN Â TY UNNOS

Dosbarthiadau syrcas i blant ac oedolion yn ein canolfan yn Neuadd Trehopcyn

Rage Rage | Oes Oes sef rhaglen ddiwylliannol wrthryfelgar i bobl adawodd yr ysgol cyn 1990

Digwyddiadau cymunedol creadigol e.e. sgriniadau NT Live, gigs, perfformiadau a diwrnodiau cymuned

Am bwy rydym yn chwilio?

Rydym yn chwilio am aelodau newydd i ymuno â’n bwrdd a rhoi help llaw i ni yrru’r cwmni, gydag ymorol ein bod yn dal i fod yn gyfrifol ac yn gweithio’n benderfynol ac yn ddawnus ym mhopeth wnawn ni.

Mae gennym ddiddordeb yn arbennig mewn clywed gan bobl sy’n byw yn Nhrehopcyn neu’r cyffiniau, sy’n medru’r Gymraeg a/ neu sy’n teimlo bod profiad eu bywyd heb ei gynrychioli ddigon yn y celfyddydau neu ar fyrddau elusennau.Mae gennym ddiddordeb hefyd mewn clywed gan bobl a chanddyn nhw brofiad ym meysydd cynaliadwyedd yr amgylchedd, diogelu, marchnata neu feithrin perthynas, rheoli staff, diogelu data a/ neu reoli oedfannau. Fodd bynnag, y peth pwysicaf yw bod gennych ddiddordeb yn y celfyddydau ac awch a brwdfrydedd dros helpu ein cymuned a’n pobl ifanc i goleddu creadigedd, dinasyddiaeth a charedigrwydd.

Rhywun sy’n gofalu am waith elusen yw ymddiredolwr, yn ymorol ei bod yn cwrdd â’i hamcanionelusennol ac yn gwneud popeth a wna mewn modd cyfreithlon a phroffesiynol. Maeymddiredolwyr yn cwrdd bob ychydig fisoedd i fwrw golwg ar waith yr elusen, ei gynllunio a’i drafod. Chaiffymddiredolwyr mo’u talu am fod yn ymddiredolwyr, ond maent yn cael treuliau i ymorol am deithio etc.

Cynhelir cyfarfodydd o fwrdd Citrus tua phedair gwaith y flwyddyn, fel arfer ar Zoom, ac mae yna ddigwyddiadau creadigol eraill gan Citrus rydym wrth ein boddau o weld ein hymddiredolwyr yn mynd iddynt lle bo modd. Gallai’r rhain gynnwys gigs, perfformiadau, gŵyl, gweithdai a llawer at hynny. Mae’n amcan gennym gefnogi ein bwrdd o ran anghenion hyfforddiant a datblygu yn ogystal â chyfleoedd cymdeithasol.

Ar hyn o bryd mae gan Citrus Arts bedwar ymddiredolwr ac rydym yn chwilio am dri neu bedwar eto.

I wneud cais, anfonwch gais atom ym mha fformat bynnag y mynnwch chi. Gewch chi anfon CV, os oes gennych un, gyda llythyr eglurhaol, a ffeil sain neu fideo. Gewch chi wneud cais yn Gymraeg neu yn Saesneg.Ar hyn o bryd mae’r cyfarfodydd o’n bwrdd ar fynd yn Saesneg gyda pheth Cymraeg ac rydym yn awyddus iawn i glywed siarad mwy o Gymraeg. Byddem hefyd yn falch o gefnogi dehongli cyfarfodydd yn Iaith Arwyddion Prydain os oes gofyn.

Os carech gael sgwrs anffurfiol â rhywun sydd ar ein bwrdd ar hyn o bryd, neu os oes gennych unrhyw gwestiynau, cysylltwch â’n Cyfarwyddwr Gweithredol, Beth.

Dyddiad cau ceisiadau: 31 Gorffennaf 2025 5pm

This is an opportunity to become Chair of a Charity which has recently celebrated its 10th anniversary. If you are someone who is looking to make a “real difference” for mothers/birthing people and their families facing one of the most challenging and unexpected periods of their lives, then we would like to hear from you.  We are also looking for a Chair who can lead and “harness” the range of skills present within our existing Board members, who come with a range of experience.

Now into our second decade as a charity, it is exciting time to join Mummy’s Star as the Chairperson. We have broadened the conversation about cancer and pregnancy nationwide, and internationally too despite our small stature. We now must sustain what we have built and help take the charity to that next level where we can elevate the voices of those we support, so that their needs are not only understood, but are also prioritised and used to inform policy and planning.

*��Join AfriLife M.I.N.D. as Volunteer Trustee Director
�� Southeast London (Remote/in-person)
�� Voluntary, flexible hours
�� Deadline: 18 August 2025
�� Send CV,+ 2 references + short interest note:

Are you a values-driven leader in social justice, mental health and community empowerment? We’re seeking two Trustee Directors to guide our mission empowering BAME communities with culturally responsive, (w)holistic care.

Who We Are
AfriLife M.I.N.D. is a profit-for-purpose setup transforming lives through mental, emotional, physical and social wellbeing services. We centre BAME lived experience and deliver inclusive, culturally competent supporting health and wellbeing.

Our Approach
We apply a (w)holistic lens—recognising how health, identity and community intertwine. Our work is rooted in compassion, collaboration and cultural relevance.

Our Values

• Abundance: investing in purpose and growth
• Empowerment: helping people own their lives
• Introspection: reflecting to refine impact
• Unity: celebrating diversity and solidarity

About the Role
You’ll help shape strategic direction, uphold strong governance and drive mission growth. Collaborate with a passionate board and contribute your expertise to help us thrive.

You Bring

• Experience in leadership, governance or community development
• Strategic thinking and a collaborative spirit
• Passion for health, education or social equity
• Commitment to inclusive, values-led service
• Bonus: interest in (w)holistic living or plant-based lifestyles

What You Gain

• A meaningful leadership role in a grassroots organisation
• The chance to influence positive change and grow your network
• A platform to live your values and make a real difference

Note
All Trustee Directors must be registered with Companies House, providing basic personal details (name, birth year, service address, nationality) for public record—standard UK requirement.

We welcome applications from African, Caribbean and other ethnic minorities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with lived mental health experience and those with diverse abilities.

Are you passionate about communities and grassroots grant giving? The Asda Foundation is looking for new Independent Trustees to help shape our strategy, strengthen our governance, and broaden our impact.

Who we are: Asda Foundation is Asda’s independent charitable foundation, committed to transforming communities and improving lives through targeted grant funding. We support local organisations, respond to emergencies, and provide hardship support for Asda colleagues.

What we’re looking for: We are looking for people who truly care about making a difference in communities across the UK. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and lived experiences. No prior trustee experience is needed—just a commitment to making a difference.

We’re particularly keen to hear from individuals with experience in:

-Finance

-Technology & AI

-Corporate foundations or the charity sector

Time commitment: Quarterly board meetings + working groups – estimated 3 hours per month

Location: Leeds or remote via Teams Please note: this role is not remunerated but reasonable travel expenses can be reimbursed.

How to apply: If you are interested in making a difference in communities, please submit a letter detailing why you would like to be a trustee along with your CV.

Our recruitment application window will close on Tuesday 22nd July, but we will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis. When submitting your application, please include ‘Trustee Application’ in the subject of the email. If successful, we will be holding interviews over the summer.

Trustee Role

Voluntary (reasonable expenses reimbursed)

Bristol (mix of online, blended in person meetings)

Are you passionate about mental health and wellbeing? Do you want to make a meaningful impact in your community? ​Our client Second Step, a leading not-for-profit organisation rooted in Bristol and operating across the South West of England, now seeking a Trustee to join the Board. ​

Second Step has been promoting mental health and wellbeing for over 30 years, supporting individuals and communities to build brighter futures. ​ They specialize in recovery-focused, trauma-informed services for people with complex needs, including mental health challenges, homelessness, and substance misuse. ​ Their vision is a world where everyone affected by mental health problems can create a positive future. ​

The Role: As a Trustee, you will play a vital role in shaping the strategic direction of Second Step, ensuring they deliver high-quality, sustainable services. ​ You will work collaboratively with other Board members to oversee governance, financial planning, risk management, and organisational performance. ​

Who we’re looking for: ​

· Success in contributing to decision making at a strategic level.

· Motivating people to deliver the vision, aims and objectives.

· Senior professional and/or management experience, including business planning and budgeting.

· Experience in mental health delivery at a senior strategic/operational level (desirable)

· Personal experience of using mental health services (desirable)

· From a protected characteristic (desirable)

This is an exciting time to be part of Second Step, as a Trustee, you will have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of those they support while gaining valuable experience in governance and leadership. ​

Time Commitment: Approximately one day per month

Applications are welcome from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or religious belief, sex or sexual orientation, gender reassignment, disability or age, and maternity, marital or civil partner status. We particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups.

Further information and an application pack can be requested via email FAO Sandy Hinks or Leighann Beck quoting ref MC2603 

Trustees for Bristol Charities Bristol-based | Hybrid meetings (in person and remote)

Time Commitment: Approx. 1 day per month

Voluntary and Unpaid – Reasonable expenses reimbursed

Help shape a fairer, more resilient Bristol.

Bristol Charities has been supporting communities for over 600 years through high-quality almshouse accommodation, targeted grants, community infrastructure, and charitable workspace. With deep roots in the city and expertise in housing, property, grants, and investment, they are uniquely positioned to address some of Bristol’s most urgent challenges, from poverty and housing need to educational inequality and social isolation.

As part of their continued evolution, Bristol Charities is seeking to appoint two new Trustees:

• One to Chair the Investment Management Group
• One to contribute more broadly to governance and strategic oversight

Both roles will play a vital part in guiding the charity’s future direction, working closely with the Chair, Chief Executive, and fellow Trustees to ensure strong governance, bold leadership, and lasting impact.

We’re particularly interested in hearing from individuals with experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Strategic leadership within a values-led organisation (public, private, or voluntary sector)
• Investment management, particularly in traditional and/or social investment
• Managing personal and corporate relationships at a senior level
• A strong connection to Bristol, its communities, culture, and challenges
• A personal commitment to social justice, equity, and community-led change

This is a rare opportunity to help shape a bold, place-based vision for Bristol, one that puts people, purpose, and place at the heart of everything.

To find out more or apply, please send your CV to Sandy Hinks and Leighann Beck

Shape the future of character education

Are you a Headteacher, Deputy Headteacher, or senior school leader passionate about developing young people’s character? Do you want to use your expertise to shape an innovative education charity while also benefiting your own school? If so, we invite you to join Being The Cure as our Education Trustee and play a key role in refining and expanding our impact in schools.

About us

At Being The Cure, we believe education should go beyond academics—it should build Kindness, Honesty, and Humility, empowering young people to become tomorrow’s heroes. Our Saturday Schools and in-school programmes are grounded in research and gaining attention, including interest from UCL. Now, we need an experienced school leader to help us ensure our programmes truly meet schools' needs.

Why this role could be right for you

�� Flexible & realistic commitment – We understand school leaders are busy! Meetings are designed to fit around your schedule, with remote options available and minimal paperwork.

�� Directly benefit your own school – Gain expert insights into character education to enhance your curriculum and explore opportunities for your school to pilot our programmes or receive support.

�� Have strategic influence – This is more than a governance role. You will directly shape our education programmes, ensuring they are relevant, impactful, and aligned with the realities of school life.

�� Join a diverse & supportive board – Work alongside charity sector leaders, school business managers, and corporate consultants, all driven by a shared commitment to education and social impact.

Your role as our Education Trustee

As a trustee, you will act as a critical friend to our CEO and education team, helping us refine our curriculum and engagement with schools. Specifically, you will:

✅ Challenge and support our CEO to ensure our curriculum is evidence-informed and aligned with school needs.

✅ Help shape our engagement strategy, making it easier for schools to access and benefit from our programmes.

✅ Advise on best practices in education and share insights from your leadership experience.

✅ Support the scaling of our impact, ensuring our growth is sustainable and beneficial for schools.

Time commitment & flexibility

We respect the demanding schedules of school leaders, so we structure our commitments with maximum flexibility:

�� Induction – Approx. 6 hours to familiarise yourself with our programme and approach.

�� Ongoing - 6 hours on a quarterly basis including:

Quarterly Education & Safeguarding Committee – 1-hour remote meeting, with up to 1 hour of prep.

Quarterly Full Board Meeting – 2-hour in-person meeting (ideally, but remote options available), with up to 2 hours of prep. We encourage in-person attendance as we socialise as a board afterward, but we fully understand when this isn’t possible.

�� Additional support – As available, based on your interest and capacity.

What we’re looking for:

✔ Experience in school leadership, with a strong understanding of how schools operate.

✔ Teaching experience, ideally recent, to ensure familiarity with classroom realities.

✔ Commitment to our mission of empowering young people through character education.

➕ We'd love it if you also had knowledge of or experience with schools in Newham and it's neighbouring boroughs, Bedford, or Luton.

Next steps

We know committing to a trustee role is a big decision and we’re happy to have an informal chat about the role, answer any questions. After we've had a chat we'll also be happy to invite you to visit one of our schools to see our impact firsthand.

Are you the future FOMA leadership?

FOMA trustees seek Expressions of Interest (EoI) from parties that would like to explore the options to take forward FOMA under new trustee leadership, or merge FOMA with an exsisting organisation, as outlined below. Trustees are open to considering EoIs from any person or organisation, including organisation and people we have worked with previously.

Background
The Friends of Malawi Association (FOMA) was formed in 1969 to foster friendship, goodwill and understanding between
the people of the United Kingdom and the people of Malawi. It is strictly non-political. Many of the members have lived
and worked in Malawi and wish to maintain their links with the country and with one another. There are two entities that
form FOMA:
● Friends of Malawi Association - where FOMA members pay to be part of and support the organisation
● Friends of Malawi Association Charitable Trust Fund - which seeks to help the people of Malawi by providing
small project grants
FOMA has an active membership of around 300 people, and has a (mainly passive) income of around £10,000 per year.
Each year FOMA organises a Spring meeting online and Summer Garden Party as well as an AGM in September. At these
events there is the chance to hear about the projects we support, talks on Malawi’s history and current events, and meet
other members.
FOMA has delivered a huge amount of positive social impact, by providing grassroots grants to people or organisations
running projects, normally up to £1,000. We have a role is supporting people and organisations that are normally
overlooked by international development funders, due to the small size of grants. FOMA has funded over 255 projects
since 1990, totalling around £250,000. More information available on the FOMA Website.
 

FOMAs Future
FOMA was established to continue bonds of friendship between people in the UK and Malawi after Malawian
independence in 1964. This created a strong platform of members, but over time FOMA has not attracted new younger
members leading to the membership being largely an older demographic.

In late 2024, FOMA’s treasurer Peter Lawrance very sadly passed away. He will be very much missed, not in the least
because of the huge amount he did for FOMA as Treasurer, managing events and donations. FOMA’s trustees are now
unable to continue running the organisation in its current form.

Trustees are looking for options to continue the
organisation in its current format, if a suitable new treasurer and other trustees can be found:

• Recruiting a new treasurer, and other trustees to continue the organisation in it’s current format. Trustees have put out a live advert for this role.

However, the organisation has struggled to recruit new trustees in the past, and therefore the current trustees are also
considering the following options outlined by the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO):

•  Merger. A merger is where two or more organisations formally come together. It’s most common for one organisation to transfer everything they own to the other. Typically this leads to one legal entity being closed. Trustees are happy to consider possibilities for merging FOMA to another organisation, in order to deliver the most social benefit from FOMAs history and association of members.
• Radically change FOMA ways of working. Since FOMA was established, the world has significantly evolved. Indeed, over the last year, the massive reduction in Foreign Aid globally has sped up this change. FOMA trustees would be open to a new set of trustees taking forward the organisation in a new direction. Examples of this may be to explore a partnership organisation like Scotland Malawi Partnership or a more Malawi based organisation.
• Closure. If the other options do not appear to present a viable alternative, then trustees will close FOMA. Given how far the world has moved on since FOMA was established in 1962, this may be the right option and will allow FOMA trustees and member to support new causes in Malawi.

FOMA trustees seek Expressions of Interest (EoI) from parties that would like to explore the options outlined above. Trustees are open to considering EoIs from any person or organisation, including organisation and people we have worked with previously.

In your EoI please outline the option you would like to explore, and summarise how you could see the option working in practice. Please summarise the inputs and help you would like from existing trustees. Please outline how you think the option would deliver on the FOMA Charitable objectives. Trustees will consider these options, before presenting an suggested option to members at the next FOMA AGM in September. 

Excalibur Academies Trust, a dynamic and growing Academy Trust with schools spanning from Bristol to Reading, is looking to appoint a new Chair of Trustees, possessing extensive leadership, governance and chairing experience, to lead its Board. The Trust is based in Marlborough, Wiltshire, comprises 20 schools and has an annual budget of £140m.

Excalibur Academies Trust (EAT) is a dynamic and growing Multi-Academy Trust based in Marlborough, Wiltshire. The Trust comprises 20 schools across a broad geographical area, stretching from Bristol in the West to Reading in the East. It includes six secondary schools (four of which have post-16 provision) and 14 primary schools, some of which include nursery provision, enabling the Trust to deliver education across the full 2–19 age range.

EAT was established in 2012 and has grown steadily, expanding significantly in 2023 by welcoming a five-school Multi-Academy Trust into its fold. The Trust now operates a diverse portfolio of schools serving a wide range of communities, from small rural primaries with mixed-age classes to large urban secondaries with over 1,700 pupils. The Trust includes five Church of England schools linked to the Oxford and Salisbury Dioceses, making EAT a ‘mixed MAT’ with bespoke Articles of Association that accommodate both faith-designated and community schools. The diversity of the Trust is a key strength, underpinning its inclusive ethos and commitment to high standards across all settings.

Ofsted has judged the majority of EAT’s schools as ‘Good’, with one school rated ‘Outstanding’. The Trust has a dedicated School Improvement Team which works closely with schools to support them on their development journeys.

The Trust’s finances are managed prudently, with schools maintaining balanced budgets despite ongoing pressures in the education sector. EAT has an annual income of approximately £140 million and holds comfortable reserves. Some schools include specialist resource bases for pupils with additional needs such as hearing or visual impairments or autism spectrum conditions, and EAT’s provision for SEND and safeguarding has been consistently strong. EAT receives annual capital allocations to maintain and improve its estate. A central estates team supports individual schools, ensuring all buildings are safe and well-maintained.

Governance at EAT is well-established and effective. The Trust has four Members, including a representative of the Church of England, and 13 Trustees from diverse professional backgrounds. Several Trustees joined following the 2023 merger, bringing valuable insight and expertise. The Board is supported by a Head of Governance and has benefitted from an External Review of Governance (ERG), conducted by the Confederation of School Trusts (CST). The recommendations from the ERG have largely been implemented, and the Trust operates a stable and robust governance structure. EAT is a member of both the CST and the National Governance Association (NGA), giving Trustees access to extensive training and support.

The Trust’s Requirements

Excalibur Academies Trust is seeking a new Chair of Trustees to lead the Trust Board and support the Trust’s continued development. The current Chair, who has served since 2018, will step down in summer 2025 due to increasing work commitments. This role offers a rare opportunity to influence the strategic direction of one of the largest and most diverse MATs in the South of England.

The ideal candidate will have previous experience of chairing a Board or acting as vice-chair or committee chair in a complex organisation. They will be comfortable leading a board of significant scale and overseeing matters such as finance, education, risk, and governance. A background in executive leadership—particularly within education, public service, or corporate governance—would be advantageous.

The Chair will play an important strategic and leadership role, working closely with the CEO, Trustees, Members, and executive leaders. While current arrangements do not include a regular scheduled meeting between the Chair and CEO, the CEO is open to establishing a routine catch-up—initially more frequent, then settling to monthly or half-termly as appropriate.

Board meetings are held six times per year, typically on Friday mornings from 9am – 11am, and usually followed by a school tour to see the Board’s impact in action. Meetings take place across sites in the Trust but most commonly include:

• St John’s Marlborough, SN8 4AX
• Ashton Park School, Bristol, BS3 2JL
• John O’Gaunt School, Hungerford, RG17 0AN
• Fairfield High School, Bristol, BS7 9NL
• The Wren School, Reading, RG30 2BB

Occasionally, meetings are held at the National Self Build & Renovation Centre, Swindon, SN5 8UB.

Committee meetings are held online via MS Teams, usually on Friday mornings and lasting up to two hours. Trustees are expected to join one or two committees. The current committees include:

• Finance, Premises & IT (six meetings per year)
• Audit & Risk (three meetings per year)
• Education Scrutiny & Student Welfare (four meetings per year)
• Staffing (between four and five meetings per year)
• Academy Committee Chairs (six meetings per year)
• Christian Distinctiveness (one meeting per year)
• Admissions Panel (ad hoc as required)

While the Chair is not expected to lead all committees, the current view is that the incoming Chair will sit on the Finance, Premises & IT Committee (which will be chaired by another trustee, per DfE requirements) and attend Audit & Risk Committee meetings.

The successful candidate will be well-supported in their induction and transition into the role. Existing Trustees bring substantial experience and are committed to ensuring a smooth handover. EAT’s Head of Governance will provide detailed onboarding and compliance support, while the CEO and fellow Trustees will welcome the new Chair into a culture of collaboration, integrity, and shared purpose.

This is a high-impact opportunity for an experienced leader to contribute to the strategic growth and educational excellence of a forward-thinking, values-driven trust. With a proven track record of school improvement and sound financial stewardship, EAT is poised for continued success – and the new Chair will be central to that journey.

Chair of Board of Trustees Recruitment

Founded in 1975, Rights of Women is the only charity dedicated to providing frontline legal advice to women experiencing all forms of violence against women and girls in England and Wales. We campaign for access to justice and safety for all women.

We are seeking a new Chair in our 50th anniversary year to lead our Board to replace Dr Annie Hedge, our long standing, inspirational, retiring Chair. Our new Chair will help us to build on our success and ensure that we continue to change women’s lives for the better.

We welcome applications from women* from diverse backgrounds whose skills and experience will complement our existing high performing Board, enabling us to stay at the forefront of women’s rights and legal policy debates.

We recognise the critical role that intersectional and structural discrimination play in society and welcome applicants with a strong commitment to addressing these issues throughout our work. We are keen to receive applications from Black and minoritised communities including refugee and migrant women, disabled women and women who have personal experience of the issues that are core to our work including domestic violence and abuse, insecure immigration status and workplace sexual harassment. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

Rights of Women is a national charity however given the specific demands of the Chair role and our office location in London it is important for the Chair to be able to travel to London regularly.

We are keen to recruit a Chair committed to our vision and values who has:

· Experience in governance, leadership, and strategic decision-making, ideally within a charity or public sector setting.

· Strong financial and risk management acumen.

· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively

· Experience in supporting organisational growth and development.

Commitment:  Average 2 days a month

Full details can be found in our application pack.

To apply, please submit an up-to-date CV, a covering letter of no more than 2 pages and a short Essential Information Form (including details of referees). Shortlisted applicants will also be required to attend an in-person interview at our offices and meet the Director and staff.

Key dates:

Closing date: Thursday 31st July 2025 5pm

Interview dates: Anticipated as week commencing Mon 11th August 2025

First Board meeting: Wednesday 17th September 2025

*Occupational Requirement (Equality Act 2010, Schedule 16, Part I) applies

Please note: We kindly ask applicants not to use AI tools when preparing their application. We value your personal voice and perspective, and we’re keen to hear directly from you.