Trustee volunteer roles in chipping norton, england

NACE is the UK’s leading charity that supports and champions the education of more able learners. With over 40 years of experience, NACE works with a diverse network of member schools, leaders in education and practitioners to increase challenge for all learners. We believe that that all young people, including the more able, are entitled to have the opportunity to develop their abilities without limits – no matter what barriers to learning they may face and no matter what school they attend.  

Please only apply if you have the right to reside and work in the UK.

To support NACE its strategic objectives and advance its plans for the future, NACE is seeking to appoint a Finance Trustee to join the Association’s Board who has a passion for public service as well as sufficient time at their disposal to positively impact the lives of young people. Whilst an interest in or knowledge of education is desirable, it is not a pre-requisite because the role includes holding the executive leaders of NACE to account plus agreeing and overseeing the strategic direction of the organisation, whilst ensuring that resources are deployed to achieve maximum effectiveness and financial sustainability underpins all activities and operations that NACE undertakes.

Key responsibilities:

• Maintain an overview of the Association's affairs and advise the Board appropriately;

• Ensure the charity’s money is safe and properly used;

• Ensure that the Charity has an appropriate reserves policy;

• Ensure the Association's compliance with legislation;

• Support the CEO in preparing for the annual audit, or independent examination, ensuring that the accounts are examined in accordance with SORP and FRS 102, and implement any recommendations by the auditor/examiner;

• Review of management accounts and budgets prior to presentation to the Board;

• Keep the board informed about its financial duties and responsibilities;

Terms of appointment:

The initial term is for a period of 3 years. One third of the Trustees must retire every two years. Subject to remaining eligible to be a Trustee, a retiring Trustee may be re-appointed. The maximum term of office for a Trustee should be 9 years, with 2 cycles of 3 years with the option of a further 1, 2 or 3 years. The Trustees meet 4 times each year as a Board. 3 of these meetings are now held online in September, November and March. The final meeting of the academic year is held in-person in June. In addition, meetings are held, as required, between the Chair, Finance Trustee and CEO to monitor and adapt the organisation’s response to schools’ priorities. 

If you are interested in applying to join the NACE board, please send us your CV and an expression of interest by Friday 9th May. Interviews will take place on Thursday 15th and Friday 16th May. The interview process will involve current Board members so you will have the opportunity to meet some of the people with whom you could be working in the future. Trusteeship is a voluntary, unpaid role, but if you possess the energy and skills to make a real contribution to enhancing the educational achievement of young people, you will find the work extremely rewarding. If you want to make a difference and you share the ambitions and aspirations of the current NACE Board, please apply to become a Trustee. You will be warmly welcomed. 

We believe everyone has a voice – on stage and in the boardroom.

The Choir with No Name is looking for new trustees to join our friendly and passionate board. We welcome applications from people from all walks of life, especially those with lived experience of homelessness or marginalisation. This is your chance to help lead a vibrant, music-making charity that’s transforming lives and building community.

The Choir with No Name runs choirs and builds joyful singing communities with people impacted by homelessness and marginalisation, around the UK. Our vision is that all people going through tough times find a place to sing their hearts out, among friends. We have bold ambitions and need the skills and guidance of an excellent and diverse board to help us get there.

In particular we are looking for people who:

• Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member.

• Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion.

• A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.

• Enthusiasm for our vision and mission.

• Willingness to lead according to our values - family, fun, integrity and inclusion.

• Commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

Are you who we are looking for?

Specific skills we are hoping for include (but are not limited to):

• Finance skills (we are specifically looking for a treasurer)

• Artistic/musical skills (particularly, but not limited to choral or group singing environments)

• Social change/health and singing 

Closing date is: 1st June 2025

Asylum Welcome is an extraordinary local charity supporting asylum seekers, refugees and vulnerable migrants who seek refuge in and around Oxford.

With a strong reputation both locally and nationally, our team of approximately 30 staff and 200 volunteers offer a range of services from food and clothes to advice, visits, legal support, education and assistance. Asylum Welcome aims to transform the lives of those it serves.

We are looking for a new Treasurer to join our Trustee Board and support our ambition. This is a challenging and rewarding role, helping to ensure the organisation continues to fulfil its mission, and remains sustainable.

The ideal candidate will have significant experience in strategic financial management and of working for or within a Board. Equally important is a belief in our mission, commitment to our values and a collaborative style, able to draw out the skill and potential within our team.

As an organisation we are committed to reflecting our diverse and vibrant Oxford community, and we particularly welcome people with lived experience of being a refugee or migrant to join our Board to help strengthen our governance and our  approach. Lived experience in this context means that you have come to this country as a refugee or asylum seeker or have lived with or grown up alongside people who did.

Job description

As a Trustee you will:
a) Be an important part of the body that governs the charity and ensures it delivers its mission effectively.
b) Actively participate in meetings, offering guidance and support to ensure that Asylum Welcome delivers the vital work it was set up to do, in the best possible way for clients.
c) Scrutinise Asylum Welcome’s budgets, plans and financial reports, ensuring they meet the organisation’s needs and the relevant regulatory requirements.
d) Ensure Asylum Welcome is complying with its governing documents and relevant laws, as well as updating and reviewing its own policies and procedures.
e) Bring a particular skill, experience or insight that helps develop Asylum Welcome as an organisation.
f) Act with care and skill in Asylum Welcome’s best interests.

As a Trustee you share, with all the Trustees, equal responsibility for the charity. 

Person Specification

Prospective Trustees will:
a) Be committed to the rights and welfare of refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants and to Asylum Welcome’s vision, mission and values and determined to use your skills and experience to make a difference for others.
b) Have experience of developing good relationships with people and organisations, stakeholders and supporters.
c) Be able to work in a team, recognising and respecting the difference between the Trustees’ role and that of staff or volunteers.
d) Be able to contribute to and ensure Asylum Welcome’s future plans and strategic development and/or financial stability.

The prospective Treasurer will have:
a) A recognised accounting qualification.
b) Significant experience of financial management, budgeting and reporting.
c) An understanding of the financial, strategic and operational risks and their mitigation in a charity context.
d) Be familiar with charity accounting and statutory reporting requirements.

As Chair of the Finance Committee, the Treasurer leads on all financial matters. The Finance Committee is responsible for making budget recommendations and financial reports for the Board and for agreeing and overseeing financial and related policies. They liaise closely with the Finance Manager to provide quarterly financial reports, the annual budget and annual
statutory accounts to the Board. Input is also required during the annual audit process. 

The Board

Asylum Welcome is governed by a Board of between 5 and 13 (currently 11) Trustees, who are elected at the Annual  General Meeting (AGM) in September. Trustees normally serve for at least 3 years. Additional Trustees may be co-opted between AGMs.

Trustees are not paid but travel expenses may be claimed for attending meetings.

The Board meets (via Zoom and in person) 5 - 6 times a year, usually early evening on a Thursday. Regular dates are agreed a year in advance.

Individual Trustees also join or lead the Board’s Committees. There are currently a Finance Committee (which meets 5 times a year, a week or so ahead of Board meetings) and a People and Governance Committee. We also have occasional task groups for short-term items.

The Board of Elmore Community Services is looking for new Trustees to lead the organisation at an important stage in its development.

Elmore was founded in 1989 and has successfully supported hundreds of with people with multiple and complex needs to live active and fulfilling lives. The charity specialises in working with individuals who, for whatever reason, find other mental health services hard to access and can be left unsupported at critical times.

Elmore’s clients may have mental health needs and people experiencing homelessness or unstable housing, individuals who are coping with the long-term impact of substance misuse, alcohol dependency, domestic abuse and neglect.

We are committed to persevering, trying out different approaches to engage the person and build up their trust in support services  possibly for the first time.

This is vital work, and Trustees find contributing to the Board and the overall strategy and impact of Elmore highly worthwhile.

We also need Board Members with knowledge and experience of: 

• Commissioning and Partnership Building with the NHS and Local Government

• Fundraising – especially from Trusts and Foundations 

• Improving and assessing Programme impact and Quality

We are particularly looking for Trustees with lived experience of services like Elmore’s. 

Younger people and people from ethnic minority communities are currently underrepresented on the Board and we would especially welcome applications from these groups living in Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire where Elmore currently has programmes. 

The closing date for applications is May 12th 2025.  Please send a copy of your CV and a short one page note about why you would like to become an Elmore Trustee to Mandy Williams, Head of HR.

Are you looking for a volunteering role that supports the impact of the whole third sector? Infrastructure charity DataKind UK is looking for new members to join our Board of Trustees, including a Chair and Treasurer.

DataKind UK is a small charity with a vision for a strong, thriving third sector that embraces data use to become more impactful. We connect third sector organisations with data professionals to improve their decision making, problem solving, and working practices, by applying data science approaches to sector-wide challenges.

We’re looking for enthusiastic and supportive individuals to fuel our mission and direction by providing oversight of our operations, supporting with major decision-making, and advocating for our work and cause.

Being a trustee is a great way to give your time to a cause you care about, broaden your network, and develop your strategy and governance skills and knowledge. We particularly welcome applications from black, Asian, and minority ethnic candidates, LGBTQ+ candidates, and candidates with disabilities, as we would like to increase the representation of these groups in our community.

How to apply

To apply, please read our candidate pack for more detail and send a 1-2 page cover letter outlining what you would bring to the role based on the skills outlined in the candidate pack, especially highlighting if you are interested in the Chair or Treasurer role, along with your CV, by Monday 2 June.

Initial screening calls will take place during the week commencing Monday 9 June.

Interviews will take place on the 17, 18, and 19 June 2025, with the aim of new members being recruited and onboarded for the following board meeting in August.

Play a crucial role in shaping the future of Gateway Qualifications and support this award-winning awarding organisation in its mission to make a difference in the world of education.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Wednesday 28th May 2025.

About Gateway Qualifications

Gateway Qualifications is an organisation on a mission to make a difference in the world of education. With a commitment to promoting high-quality education for all, we are a growing and passionate team that believes every individual deserves the opportunity of high-quality education. We have a strong national presence and are rapidly expanding in key areas across the UK.

We aim to bridge the gap between employers and education, especially in the context of skills and qualifications. Our organisation follows noble principles, striving for transformation and development while serving a charitable cause.

About the roles

Gateway Qualifications is a synonym of innovation and, as we approach the launch of our new 5-year strategic plan, we are seeking three new Trustees to bring their experience and knowledge to help us make it a reality.

The role of a Trustee is pivotal in ensuring we respond to any sector challenges such as post 16 funding and curriculum reviews, the new QAA Access to HE license process and policy reforms, whilst safeguarding our award-winning reputation for quality and customer service.

We also need to ensure that we remain compliant with our regulatory bodies, including the Charity Commission, Ofqual, QiW, the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA), and Companies House, while also spearheading innovative initiatives that empower learners and apprentices to attain qualifications, advance their career prospects, and transform their lives.

As a Trustee, you will collaborate closely with our executive team to further the organisation’s mission to support all learners to acquire the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in life.

Gateway does this by providing qualifications and assessment opportunities sought by employers and delivered by education and training providers.

Your wealth of skills and experience will play a crucial role in realising our strategic direction, with a heightened emphasis on product innovation, modernisation through technology and system improvements, and maintaining quality and customer focus through periods of policy and sector reforms.

This will allow us to lead national efforts in skill development and position Gateway Qualifications as a leading voice in education that works closely with providers and employers.

Who we are looking for

We are searching for individuals who are committed, passionate, and forward-thinking. While specific skills and experience are essential, what matters most is the dedication and enthusiasm to make a positive impact on the future of education.

Our goal is to ensure that students from all backgrounds are represented and provided with equitable opportunities. We are focusing on three key areas where our new Trustees can contribute their expertise most effectively. There are:

• Quality and standards
• Innovation and digital transformation
• Audit and risk

Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Wednesday 28th May 2025.

Activity Alliance looking for a Chair and three new Trustees who will add value to the charity and exciting journey ahead. You will bring your expertise and/or lived experience to drive meaningful change for disabled people. Two Trustees will be Board-appointed, and one will be Member-appointed. Their start times will vary. We are pleased that you are interested in joining us to work towards our vision and thank you for your interest.

The key responsibilities of the Chair will be:

• Provide visionary leadership to the Board of Trustees, ensuring that Activity Alliance fulfils its mission and objectives.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within  the organisation.
• Oversee the governance framework, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Lead the Board in monitoring organisational performance and  ensuring effective risk management. 
• Act as an ambassador for Activity Alliance, promoting our vision and mission. This includes being a spokesperson for the charity with the media and at events.
• Champion the voices of disabled people, advocating for change and influencing policy and decision-making at the  highest levels.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including partners, funders, and government bodies.

The key responsibilities of the Trustees will be:

• Have outstanding commitment to Activity Alliance with a strong understanding of the organisation’s values as well as of the Nolan Seven Principles of Public Life.
• Contribute actively to the Board of Trustees role in giving strategic direction to the organisation, setting overall  policy, defining goals, setting targets, and evaluating performance against agreed targets. 
• Ensure that the organisation complies with its governing documents, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations. 
• Safeguard the reputation and values of the organisation. 
• Represent the organisation at functions and meetings when appropriate, and act as an ambassador for Activity Alliance.

Currently, we are particularly interested in recruiting Trustees with understanding, skills, and/or experience in one or more  of the following areas: 

• Legal 
• Commercial and corporate affairs 
• Income generation 
• Application of AI and technology

The posts are for an initial term of up to three years, which may be extended for two further terms of three years.

This is an exciting time in our growth as we look to grow our governance systems, build on our successes and ensure we are a radical, dynamic organisation rooted in our anti-racist and anti-oppressive values.  We are looking for a new Treasurer for our Trustee board, to join us and help lead and shape the future of the organisation.

If you want to make a difference to people living with a mental health condition then we’d love to hear from you!

About us

At The Mental Health Community we use our lived experience to build understanding and support for what it’s like to live and work alongside managing a mental health condition. 

We know that it can be difficult to get, or keep a job if your energy levels, how you’re feeling and your ability to go to a place of work every day are affected by a mental health condition like anxiety or depression. But we also know that having a sense of purpose and belonging can really help with the symptoms and impact that mental health conditions can have on you.

Our work is focused on helping people with a mental health condition who are in work or looking for work. We do this by supporting businesses to improve how they look after people, because we know that by creating inclusive and safe spaces at work we make it possible for people with mental ill health to stay in the workplace which helps keep them well and benefits the businesses too.

By joining our board you will be: 

• Making a lasting impact by helping us make more workplaces safe and inclusive for people with a mental health condition
• Shaping the future of our charity as we expand our services and reach more people who need our support
• Using your skills and experience for good by helping guide the strategic direction of our charity.

What we’re looking for

We are looking for at least 4 new trustees to join our team. Whatever your skillset, we’d love to hear from you and there are some areas where we need particular help:

· Treasurer: oversee our financial health, provide guidance on building long term financial plans to help us grow and ensure appropriate financial management.

· Marketing and Communications: strategic oversight of our marketing and communications, raising awareness of our work and reaching new audiences through digital strategies and media engagement.

· Fundraising: develop our fundraising strategy and income streams, including grant applications, corporate sponsorship and campaigns.

· Governance: guide us in operating transparently and effectively whilst maintaining high standards of governance in compliance with our governing document and charity law.

We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of mental ill health, young people aged 18-30, people of all socio-economic backgrounds, genders and people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.

About the role

As a board of trustees we meet remotely every 6 weeks, there may be some activity in between meetings so the estimated total time commitment is 4 hours every 6 weeks.

In addition to using your specific skills to develop how we work, all trustees share responsibility for:

· Developing our activities to help us achieve our purpose and positive impact,

· Making sure we are compliant with our governing document and the requirements of the Charity Commission, and

· Being an active member of the board to help us make good decisions

What you can expect from us

We are committed to supporting our Trustees: you can expect an induction to the organisation and trustee role plus any additional conversations and support you need to help you feel confident in your role.

Our meetings are relaxed and informal; there are no expectations of ‘business clothes’, technical jargon or having all the answers.

We welcome and support your preferences for the way we work together, how you like to receive information and how we can make it easier for you to participate actively in our discussions.

One more thing

We know that great trustees come from many backgrounds and with a variety of experiences and that’s great - we really value people who bring different perspectives and add new voices to our team.

But you might not feel you ‘check all the boxes’ as you read this advert or the role description, especially if you’ve been marginalised or excluded. We get it, and we’ve felt like that too. But we hope you’ll apply anyway because we’d love to hear from you and will take care to help you feel welcome and included.

For more information on the role please see the role description.

ICOM UK is seeking a Finance Lead trustee to help us deliver our new strategy to support UK museums working internationally and connect members to the global museum community. 

The trustee role will maintain strategic oversight of ICOM UK’s financial position and of the conduct of its financial affairs such that they provide well-grounded advice to the Board of Trustees.

The trustee role requires experience and skills in financial governance, planning and management, preferably in a charity and/or company, along with the ability to understand and communicate the impact of decisions on the organisation’s finances.

ICOM UK is the UK's only museum alliance with a dedicated international focus. As a professional organisation, we connect members based in the United Kingdom and the UK's overseas territories to the global museum community. Through participation in collaborative projects and with a lively events programme, ICOM UK actively contributes towards the international heritage agenda. Our bursary scheme is designed to help our members participate in international museum activity.

For more information about the role and how to apply, please read our Trustee Recruitment Pack.

https://uk.icom.museum/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Trustee-Application-Pack-for-ICOM-UK-Board-2025-2-1.pdf

Asylum Welcome is an extraordinary local charity supporting asylum seekers, refugees and vulnerable migrants who seek refuge in and around Oxford.

With a strong reputation both locally and nationally, our team of approximately 30 staff and 200 volunteers offer a range of services from food and clothes to advice, visits, legal support, education and assistance getting into employment.  Asylum Welcome aims to transform the lives of those it serves.

We are seeking new Trustees with lived experience to join our Board. Lived experience in this context means that you have come to the UK as a refugee or asylum seeker or have lived with or grown up alongside people who did. Both refugees and asylum seekers are eligible to apply.

The purpose of this Trustee role is to bring a lived experience perspective to ensure our services reflect the diverse needs of the people we support, and help strengthen our governance and our approach.

This is an exciting time to join us, as we prepare to welcome two new joint CEOs to lead the organisation.

No prior experience is necessary. Our collaborative and dedicated Board is keen to invest in and support new Trustees and training and support will be provided. 

Job description

Trustees are the people who lead a charity and decide upon how it is run. They are also often known as Board Members, Directors, Governors, or Committee Members.

As a Trustee you will:

a) Actively participate in meetings, offering guidance and support to ensure that Asylum Welcome delivers the vital work           that it was set up to do, in the best possible way for clients.
b) Scrutinise Asylum Welcome’s budgets, management accounts and financial statements, ensuring that they meet the             organisation’s needs and the relevant regulatory requirements.
c)Ensure Asylum Welcome is complying with its governing documents and the relevant laws, as well as updating and               reviewing its own policies and procedures.
d) Bring particular skills, experience or insight that helps Asylum Welcome develop as an organisation.
e) Act with care and skill in Asylum Welcome’s best interests.

As a Trustee you share, with all the Trustees, equal responsibility for the charity.

Person Specification

Prospective Trustees will:

a)Be committed to the rights and welfare of refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants and to Asylum                        Welcome’s vision, mission and values.
b) Have a desire to use your skills and experience to make a difference for others.
c)Provide insights and guidance to the Board to help ensure the perspectives of our clients are central to decision                  about the charity’s mission and activities.
d) Offer insights and suggestions on Asylum Welcome’s policies, services and strategic direction, based on personal
         skills and experiences. 
e) Be able to work in a team, recognising and respecting the difference between the Trustees’ role and that of staff or               volunteers.
f)Contribute to and ensure Asylum Welcome’s future plans and strategic development and/or financial stability.

The Board

Asylum Welcome is governed by a Board of not less than 5, not more than 13 (currently 11) Trustees elected at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in September. Trustees normally serve for at least 3 years. Additional trustees may be co-opted.

Trustees are not paid but travel expenses may be claimed for attending meetings.

The Board meets (via Zoom and in person) approximately 6 times a year, currently early evening on a Thursday. Regular dates are agreed a year in advance.

There is no set time commitment, although attendance at Board meetings and some training / workshop events is expected.

Individual trustees can also join or lead the Board’s Committees (currently we have a Finance Committee and a People and Governance Committee). There are also occasional task groups on particular short-term items.

An introduction to the working of the organisation and Board will be provided. There will also be an opportunity to buddy up with or shadow other trustees, if requested.

The ASE is currently looking for a Trustee with a financial background to join our Trustee Body as Treasurer. This role will help to support the CEO, Director of Finance and Operations, Quality & Audit Committee and other Trustees in carrying out their financial responsibilities, in particular with respect to strategic financial planning.

Current focus remains on ensuring high impact, promoting membership growth and diversifying income streams.  As Trustee, you will help to shape and drive the strategy forward, ensure the association is financially stable, make key decisions on strategic and financial priorities, manage and mitigate risk, review and ensure policies and processes are fit for purpose and follow good standards of governance.  The Treasurer will work in consultation with and on advice from the Chief Executive and Director of Finance and Operations. The role is one of strategic oversight rather than involvement in day to day financial tasks. 

The Trustee board is made up of experts from across the science education community - and includes teachers and retired teachers from primary, secondary and post 16 sectors as well as teacher educators, consultants and those working for voluntary organisations in the science education sector. 

The majority of the role will be fufilled in Trustee meetings - which meet up to four times per year (all scheduled to take place online)

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of students? The Falmouth and Exeter Students’ Union (The SU) is seeking two dedicated Lay Trustees to join our esteemed Board of Trustees. This is a unique chance to contribute to the strategic direction of a dynamic, student-led charity based in the picturesque setting of Cornwall.

Why Become a Lay Trustee?

As a Lay Trustee, you will have the rewarding experience of shaping the future of our organisation and enhancing the student experience. This role offers the chance to:

- Make a Lasting Impact: Influence key decisions and policies that directly affect students’ lives.

- Mentorship Opportunities: Guide and support President and Student Trustees, fostering a culture of student leadership.

- Professional Development: Gain valuable experience in governance, strategic planning, and charity operations.

- Networking: Collaborate with a diverse board, including recent graduates and current students, in a vibrant and evolving sector.

Role Overview:

Lay Trustees play a crucial role in supporting the strategic direction of The SU. You will be involved in finalising our new 2025-2028 strategic plan and the quintennial review of our Constitution. This is a voluntary, unpaid role, but all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed.

Key Responsibilities:

- Ensure The SU acts in accordance with its charitable purpose and governing documents.

- Contribute to the development and monitoring of the organisation’s strategy.

- Safeguard the financial stability and assets of The SU.

- Prepare for and actively participate in Board meetings.

- Provide mentorship to President and Student Trustees.

Skills and Experience:

We are particularly interested in candidates with expertise in:

- Finance

- Higher Education

- Human Resources

- Charity or Employment Law

Essential Attributes:

- Commitment to The SU’s mission and values.

- Strategic vision and independent judgement.

- Ability to think creatively and work collaboratively.

- Understanding of the legal duties of trusteeship.

Commitment:

- Four Board meetings per year (online).

- Additional sub-committee meetings (online).

- One or two in-person events in Cornwall annually (expenses paid).

How to Apply:

Submit your CV, a covering letter, and the completed Person Details form and Skills Audit spreadsheet: by 09:00 on Friday 16 May. Interviews will be conducted online via MS Teams on Wednesday 21 May, with an additional slot on Thursday 22 May if needed.

Join us in creating a world-class student experience. Apply today and help shape the future of The SU!

Lead the Board of Via, the charity delivering vital substance use, mental health and well-being services across the UK, and help provide high-quality, person-centred care to the people and communities affected.

Location: Flexible (Via has services across London, NW England and SW England)

Closing date: Tuesday 27th May

Who we are.

Via is an exceptional charity that puts people at the heart of everything we do. Over three decades, we’ve evolved from our origins as Westminster Drug Project, with a new now award-winning name and brand, into a dynamic, multi-service organisation delivering vital support across substance use, mental health, employment, sexual health, smoking cessation and youth services. With a turnover of £36m for 24/25 and remarkable growth of over a third in 2023/24, we’re now supporting over 12,500 service users annually across an expanding geographical footprint from London to Gloucestershire.

Our commitment to excellence and innovation is evident in our industry-leading services, which consistently perform significantly above the national average. We’re particularly proud to be pioneering the development of the UK’s first women-only detox facility, demonstrating our commitment to addressing crucial gaps in service provision.

Our Approach Makes Us Different

At Via, we believe in doing things differently. This starts with our commitment to staff well-being, including up to six months of full sick pay – a policy that exemplifies our trust in our people and our understanding that supporting our staff enables them to better support our service users. We achieved Investors in People Gold certification and were nominated for UK Employer of the Year and Third Sector Employer of the Year at the Investors in People Awards 2024, recognising our dedication to creating an outstanding workplace culture.

Our active Diversity, Equity and Inclusion group drives real organisational change, ensuring our services are accessible and effective for all communities. These aren’t just initiatives – they’re expressions of our core values: Care, Be Human, and Do the Right Thing, which guides everything we do.

The opportunity.

As we have experienced growth and are launching our new strategy, we had new Trustees join our Board as others have come to the end of their terms. As our current Chair, Yasmin Batliwala MBE comes to the end of her term later this year, we are looking to appoint a new Chair.

What Makes a Great Via Chair

• A Strategic Leader with proven experience operating at a senior level with a successful track record of achievement. You’ll have the personal gravitas to lead a significant, complex, national organisation, alongside the ability to lead a newly evolving and forming Board.
• Passionate About Our Cause: You will bring your expertise and passion for improving lives and reducing inequality. You’ll be someone who understands the complexity of our work yet can think strategically about our future. Your genuine enthusiasm will inspire others and strengthen our impact.
• Governance Experience: you will bring the experience of being on Boards and will work to lead the board to ensure sound financial health and accountability while effectively managing risk and continuing to innovate in service development and delivery.
• An Inclusive Champion committed to fostering diversity that reflects the communities we serve, promoting DEI training and growth, and holding staff and trustees accountable to these practices.
• A Relationship Builder with excellent interpersonal skills and diplomatic tact. You’ll develop a strong working relationship with the Chief Executive, maintain connections with key stakeholders, and represent Via as an effective ambassador.
• A Collaborative Leader who can bring people together, foster a team environment, and work in partnership with our board and team to drive our ambitious strategy.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

Diversity in governance isn’t just a goal for Via – it’s a necessity. Our services support people from every part of society, and we want our Board to reflect this diversity. We actively encourage applications from people with lived experience of addiction/recovery (whether personal or as family members/carers), and people from communities currently underrepresented at board level.

Time Commitment

The Board meets quarterly, usually in person. Including preparation time, representation at events, and strategic input, we estimate a commitment of the equivalent of 2-3 days per month. This includes:

• Four Board meetings per year
• Quarterly committee meetings
• Annual strategy and away day
• Ad hoc conversations with fellow board members and the Executive
• Occasional representation at events and meetings with key stakeholders, including at services.

Making a Difference Together

This is an extraordinary time to join Via. As we implement our new 2025-29 strategy and expand our geographical reach, innovate our evidence-based offer and increase access to more people. We’re not just growing – we’re evolving. You’ll help shape innovative services like our women’s detox facility while ensuring we maintain our unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and person-centred care

Please click 'Apply via website’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close on Tuesday 27th May.