72 Trustee volunteer volunteer roles in London

Join Our Board - Help shape the future of Merton’s vibrant voluntary, community and social enterprise sector.

Merton Connected is seeking two to three new trustees to join us at an exciting time of growth.

Merton's voluntary, community, social enterprise and faith sector is full of energy, ideas and people determined to make a difference. As the borough's infrastructure charity, Merton Connected sits right at the heart of it: connecting, supporting and championing the organisations that support local people every day.

Now we want you to help shape what comes next.

Who we're looking for

We're seeking people who bring curiosity, strategic thinking, and a genuine commitment to inclusive community development. Whether this would be your first governance role or you've supported other boards before, what matters most is your perspective and your willingness to engage.

We're particularly keen to hear from people with insight or experience in:

• Charity management
• Public health, health and social care integration, or partnership working between statutory and VCS organisations
• Marketing and communications
• Digital and AI operations
• Income generation and fundraising
• Impact and performance measurement

We also warmly welcome applicants with diverse lived experience, fresh perspectives, and a strong connection to Merton. There's no single profile we're looking for, and different viewpoints make us stronger.

What you'll be doing

As a trustee, you'll help shape our strategy, strengthen good governance, and champion the voices of local organisations and residents. You'll join a collaborative, supportive board that works closely with our leadership team to ensure Merton's voluntary, community and faith sector continues to thrive.

What you'll gain

• The chance to influence local priorities and make a meaningful difference to people's lives
• Insight into how a well-connected, values-driven infrastructure charity works from the inside
• Opportunities to share your knowledge and develop your own strategic and leadership skills
• A place on a welcoming, inclusive board committed to learning and collective impact

The practical bit

Time commitment: 4–6 meetings per year (including strategy days), with occasional subgroups or events
Support offered: A full induction is provided, and reasonable out-of-pocket expenses are reimbursed.

We are actively seeking to expand our board and hope to make at least two trustee appointments over the next two months.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and we may appoint additional trustees where their skills and experience complement the board.

Ready to find out more?

Please apply with your CV and a few screening questions

About BABCP: The British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) is a charity and the lead organisation for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) in the UK and Ireland. We are a membership body with around 27,000 members and as a professional organisation we promote, improve and uphold standards of CBT practice, supervision and training. Our CBT Register is accredited by the Professional Standards Authority. We were founded over fifty years ago, and have experienced significant growth in recent years, moving from a highly regarded special interest group to a professional association. We recognise the importance of high-quality mental healthcare that is evidence-based, and we help to protect the public by supporting best practice. We value diversity, integrity and professionalism – you can read more about our strategy and values here. BABCP is a registered charity and a limited company in law. We have a staff team of around sixty people and annual income in excess of £3m.  

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

You should:

· Be able to take important decisions using sound, objective reasoning and with good attention to detail.

· Be willing to ask questions and constructively challenge the status quo.

· Be able to think creatively and strategically, while being committed to operating with integrity.

· Have the capacity to devote time and effort to the role.

· Understand the responsibilities of the position.

· Not be barred from acting as charity trustee or company director (further eligibility declarations and checks will be required if appointed).

We particularly welcome applicants with skills and expertise in IT and/or Human Resources.

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

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

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

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

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

How to apply:

For more information, please see the accompanying Role Description and Person Specification.

Please apply with a CV and covering letter outlining how you meet the criteria in the Person Specification to by 23.59pm 17th September 2026.

It is anticipated that interviews will be held remotely on 9th October 2026, but this may be subject to change.

We are currently recruiting for the following Trustees:

• Finance Trustee
• Service Delivery Trustee

As a Trustee, you will play a key role in shaping the strategic direction of MindTHNR, ensuring strong governance, and supporting our mission to provide inclusive, accessible, and culturally competent mental health services. You will be joining a passionate and committed Board that works closely with our Chief Executive and leadership team to ensure we remain impactful, sustainable, and aligned with our values. 

The responsibilities for all Trustee roles are to:

• Uphold charity law, governing documents, and safeguard the organisation’s assets, reputation, and beneficiaries.
• Actively contribute to setting direction, monitoring performance, and supporting/challenging the Chief Executive and Leadership Team.
• Attend quarterly Board meetings, use your skills to inform decisions, and uphold the charity’s values of inclusion, integrity, and transparency.

See the recruitment pack for full details and information on what we are looking for each individual position.

Growing Hope Maidstone champions accessibility and provides free therapy for children with additional needs and their families in partnership with local churches. We aim to bring hope to children through providing free therapy. We grow hope for families where hope has been lost due to isolation and rejection through our free courses and workshops, and more. We share hope in Jesus, because he brings hope even in the most difficult situations.  The trustees board is responsible for the governance of the local charity and supports the clinic in delivering its charitable objectives. The Finance trustee will support the Clinic Manager in delivering the Charity’s mission and vision, ensuring our culture of collaboration, curiosity and innovation continues. Trustees may act as a spokesperson and ambassador for the clinic where appropriate.

The Finance trustee will be responsible for advising on the budget and ensuring that payments are made as expected.
They will be expected to liaise with the Finance Officer who runs the day-to-day processes for Growing Hope. They will be required to give a quarterly update to the trustees as to the financial position of the charity (supported by reports provided by the Finance Officer). The role will also involve either running gift aid claims or sourcing a volunteer to do this.

Trustee Role Requirements

• Committed Christian
• Attending Trustee meetings on a quarterly basis (once every three months)
• Ability to work collaboratively and strategically
• Experience of charity governance or a willingness to learn
• Expertise in the area of finance and budgeting
• Commitment to champion the local Growing Hope clinic, offering ongoing support of the Clinic Manager by attending fundraising events and being an ambassador for the charity where appropriate
• The role could also include helping to gather additional support through volunteers, offering additional time to help with grant writing, event organising and similar roles where appropriate
• The role could also include helping to gather additional support through volunteers, offering additional time to help with grant writing, event organising and similar roles where appropriate

About Growing Hope
Growing Hope was founded by Dr Naomi Fox who started the national charity and the first local clinic in Kings Cross in February 2018. Knowing how desperate families are for support, Growing Hope bridges the gap between the need and availability of therapy services. Growing Hope national charity provide support, structures, services and training to local Growing Hope clinics and have a vision to set up twenty clinics in partnership with local churches by 2030.
 

Context
Growing Hope Maidstone is set up in partnership with St. Luke’s Maidstone and seeks to be a collaborative venture with other local churches. The clinics provide free therapy services for children and young people with additional needs and their families living in the local area. The aim is to provide a holistic service which supports parents, carers and siblings - as well as the children and young people themselves. Growing Hope Maidstone currently offers Art Therapy and Speech and Language Therapy.

TRUSTEE MARY WARD SETTLEMENT

Stratford London hybrid

Unpaid role

Voluntary

Education, legal and community services

Actively interviewing

Job Description

Join the Boards of the Mary Ward Settlement, the Mary Ward Legal Centre and the Blackfriars Settlement at a pivotal time for the charities, as the Settlement has relocated to purpose-built accommodation in Stratford. The Mary Ward Settlement has a proud heritage as part of the Settlement Movement which developed in the late 19th Century as a response to urban poverty and social problems arising from industrialisation. Mary Ward founded the Settlement in 1892 to “provide public education and social service for the benefit of the community” at a time and in an area where great wealth and great deprivation stood side by side, much as they do today – the Settlement’s work continues to be important.

Currently the Settlement delivers its services via:

· The Mary Ward Centre – an Institute of Adult Learning and an adult and community learning provider offering a wide range of learning opportunities for local and pan London residents funded primarily by the Greater London Authority.  Most accredited provision is at Level 2 or below in Essential Skills (ESOL, English and Maths and Digital Skills.  There is also a significant and thriving non-accredited offer of courses ranging from 12 weeks to one day workshops, the majority of which are Art and Design. 

· The Mary Ward Legal Centre – providing free specialist legal advice on housing, welfare benefits and debt. We also provide free legal advice as part of our pro bono clinic in the areas of employment, housing, small claims, consumer, and family.

· The Blackfriars Settlement – providing services to the community including health and well-being for older people, and mental health and wellbeing services to support people achieve their goals and stay well.

The Settlement is looking for people who are passionate about social justice, lifelong learning and education, and the importance of strong local communities to foster wellbeing for all. This is an opportunity to:

· Apply your skills and experience in a leadership role.

· Gain board-level experience and enhance your CV

· Support a vital organisation during a time of transformation

· Contribute to the local community.

As part of the Board, you will:

· Set strategic direction

· Hold leadership to account

· Ensure governance excellence

· Act as a charity trustee and company director ensuring financial sustainability and legal compliance.

We welcome people who have knowledge and experience of working in the following areas including but not limited to:

· Education, particularly with Adult and Community Learning, FE or Local Authority experience

· Finance, Audit and RIsk

· IT and cyber security

· Legal, Governance and Compliance

· Marketing, HR, Communications and PR

· Fund Raising

· Health and wellbeing

· Charity

· Community work, including volunteering in your local community

Most meetings are remote, but two or three meetings a year will take place in Stratford, East London.

We are seeking an experienced and passionate HR and people professional to join our Board and help shape an inclusive and supportive organisation. We are particularly interested in hearing from people with expertise in HR, people strategy, organisational development or workforce wellbeing, who share our commitment to creating a positive environment where staff and volunteers can thrive.

The Board of Trustees is responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity, developing CLAPA’s aims, objectives and goals in accordance with the governing document, legal and regulatory guidelines. You would be joining our board at an exciting time, as we continue to implement our 5-year strategy for 2025-2030.

The HR Trustee will contribute to all aspects of the charity’s governance while providing essential HR expertise to support and enhance our work. We are seeking an experienced people professional to help make a meaningful impact at CLAPA, in line with its strategic priorities.

About CLAPA

The Cleft Lip and Palate Action (CLAPA) is the national charity for people affected by cleft lip and palate in the United Kingdom.

CLAPA supports people affected by cleft to take control of their journey, connect with others, and use their voices to impact the future of care. Our vision is that no one affected by cleft lip and palate in the United Kingdom will go through their journey alone.

Chair of Trustees – Hackney Playbus

Are you passionate about giving every child the best start in life?

Hackney Playbus has supported children and families across Hackney for more than 50 years through free, inclusive play sessions, family support and community outreach. We are now looking for an inspiring and collaborative Chair of Trustees to help lead the organisation into its next chapter.

This is an exciting opportunity to work alongside an experienced Board and Co-Directors to shape the strategic direction of a well-established local charity with a strong reputation and growing ambition.

As Chair, you will provide leadership to the Board, ensuring strong governance, thoughtful decision-making and a clear focus on our charitable mission. You will support and challenge the Co-Directors, help build an engaged and diverse Board, and act as an ambassador for Hackney Playbus with partners, funders and the wider community.

We’re looking for someone with strategic leadership experience, excellent communication skills and a collaborative approach. Previous Chair experience is welcome but not essential; we’d also love to hear from people with senior leadership, governance or committee experience who are ready to take on their first Chair role.

This is a voluntary position requiring approximately 1–2 days per month, including quarterly Board meetings, regular meetings with the Co-Directors and occasional attendance at events and partnership meetings.

Alongside recruiting our new Chair, we are also seeking trustees with expertise in:

• Fundraising and income generation
• Corporate partnerships and employee volunteering
• Communications and marketing
• Advocacy and influencing

By joining Hackney Playbus, you’ll help ensure that children can play, families feel supported, and communities continue to thrive.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and lived experiences and are particularly keen to hear from people who reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.

ABOUT THE ROLE

This is an exciting time for the Helen Bamber Foundation as we continue to grow our impact and strengthen our services for survivors of torture, trafficking and human cruelty, as well as those seeking protection. Our work is more crucial than ever as we advocate for vulnerable individuals within a challenging and evolving global landscape.

This year, we are looking to recruit a Trustee and Chair of the Finance and Fundraising Committee to replace the current postholder, who is retiring from the role. This is a key position within the Helen Bamber Foundation’s Board of Trustees, providing oversight of the charity’s financial health and helping to ensure strong financial governance.

Working closely with the CEO of the Helen Bamber Foundation, the Director of Finance and Governance, and the Board, the Trustee will support strategic decision-making by ensuring that trustees have clear and accurate financial information and that the charity operates with robust financial controls. The role also plays an important part in helping the Board balance ambition and growth with responsible financial stewardship.

As a Trustee, you will be part of a small team of volunteers who are collectively responsible for developing and guiding the strategic direction of the charity and supporting its long-term stability.

Full details are available in the Recruitment Pack.

HOW TO APPLY

If you would like to apply for the role of trustee and Chair of the Finance and Fundraising Committee, please submit your CV and a short statement.

Your statement should then address the following three questions:
1.What is the main thing that interests you about applying for the role of trustee and Chair of the Finance and Fundraising Committee?
2.What is the particular skill (or skills) you have that you feel would be beneficial to this role? Please relate your answers to (1) and (2) to the information in this pack about Helen Bamber Foundation and the skills we are looking for.
3.Do you have any previous experience of working with a charity board in particular or supporting a charity in general? If you do, please let us know what this was.

The questions can be responded to in one of four different ways:
1.Written A4 (No more than 2 sides of A4)
2.PowerPoint (No more than 3 slides)
3.Audio recording (No more than 5 mins)
4.Video Recording (No more than 5 mins)

If you would like to submit your application using these methods, please email us.

Please apply upload  your CV and statement by 10am on Monday 14th September
If you would like to get more information about the role - or talk to the Chair of Trustees at Helen Bamber Foundation, Adam Epstein - before you express an interest in our trustee position please contact Hannah Padfield, Director of People (details on our website).

TIMELINE

Closing date: 10am on Monday 14th September
Preliminary interviews (online): Wednesday 23rd September
Final panel interviews (in person): Friday 9th October

EXPERTS BY EXPERIENCE SUPPORT

We are also proud to be a member of the Experts by Experience Employment Network , which aims to increase representation of people with lived experience in the charitable sector.

If you are an expert by experience (a refugee or a migrant with direct, first-hand experience of issues and challenges of the UK asylum or immigration system), you can ask for an independent and confidential support for your job application from the Experts by Experience Employment Network and access other information and resources at their website.

Are you looking for a rewarding volunteer opportunity where you use your financial skills to help improve the lives of vulnerable animals in your community?

The RSPCA Buckinghamshire South Branch is seeking a committed and enthusiastic volunteer to join our trustee team as Branch Treasurer.

About Us

The Buckinghamshire South Branch is an independently registered local charity operating within the wider RSPCA network. Our branch focuses primarily on rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming cats, rabbits and guinea pigs across South Buckinghamshire.

Like many local RSPCA branches, we rely heavily on volunteers, donations and fundraising to continue supporting animals in need.

About the Role

As Branch Treasurer, you will provide strategic financial oversight and help ensure the Branch remains financially sustainable, well-governed and compliant with charity finance requirements.

Although many day-to-day financial activities are managed operationally by the Finance Manager, the Treasurer plays an essential oversight role in ensuring the charity’s finances are managed correctly, transparently and legally.

Working closely with fellow trustees, the Finance Manager and the Head of Branch, you will:

• Monitor budgets and financial performance
• Review financial controls, governance and compliance
• Provide financial insight and assurance to the trustee board
• Help oversee annual accounts, VAT returns and Gift Aid claims
• Support longer-term financial planning, reserves and risk management
• Contribute to strategic decision-making as part of the trustee board

What We’re Looking For

This role may particularly suit a qualified accountant, finance professional, finance manager or retired finance leader seeking a meaningful volunteer opportunity. 

We would particularly welcome applications from people with:

• Experience in finance, accounting, financial management or financial governance
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail
• The confidence to review and challenge financial information appropriately
• The ability to communicate financial information clearly to non-financial colleagues
• A collaborative and positive approach
• A passion for animal welfare
• Previous charity finance experience would be beneficial but is not essential.
• A recognised financial qualification (such as ACA, ACCA or CIMA) would be advantageous, though not required.

Time Commitment

• Monthly trustee meetings (typically 2–3 hours)
• Some additional flexible volunteer time between meetings

What You’ll Gain

• The opportunity to make a direct impact on local animal welfare
• Valuable charity governance and leadership experience
• Trustee training and ongoing support from the RSPCA
• The chance to develop new skills and expand your professional network
• A rewarding role working alongside passionate and like-minded volunteers

Practical Information

• Trustees must be aged 18 or over
• You will need to become a Branch member before election as a trustee
• Reasonable expenses are reimbursed
• References and trustee eligibility checks are required

Interested?

This is an opportunity to play a vital role in supporting local animal welfare while helping guide the financial sustainability and governance of a respected and much-loved local charity.

We are also keen to hear from individuals with fundraising, marketing or communications experience who may be interested in joining our trustee team and supporting the future growth and visibility of the Branch.

Carers Support is looking for a new Chair of Trustees to lead our Board and support the next stage of our development. This is an important voluntary role for someone with strong board or senior governance experience who wants to make a real difference to unpaid carers.

About Carers Support

We are an independent charity supporting thousands of unpaid carers of all ages across Bristol and South Gloucestershire. We provide advice, information, practical help, emotional support, training, young carers services and more.

Our vision is that all carers are recognised, valued and supported. We work closely with the NHS, local authorities and voluntary organisations, and hold the Trusted Charity quality mark

Main duties would include:

As Chair of Trustees, you will:

• Lead the Board and help set the charity’s strategic direction

• Support and work closely with the Chief Executive

• Make sure the Board fulfils its legal and governance duties

• Encourage a positive, open and inclusive Board culture

• Ensure meetings are well-run and support good discussion and decision-making

• Help the charity respond to the needs and views of unpaid carers

• Ensure risks, finances and performance are monitored effectively

You do not need previous chairing experience. We are looking for someone with solid board or committee experience who can guide a group and support strong governance.

What we’re looking for

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and lived experiences. We are looking for someone who can bring:

• Board, governance or senior decision-making experience

• Calm, confident leadership and good people skills

• The ability to facilitate effective meetings or a willingness to learn

• Sound judgement and the confidence to ask questions

• A commitment to improving the lives of unpaid carers

• Time to prepare for and attend meetings

Time commitment

• 4 board meetings per year (2 hours each)

• Regular meetings with the Chief Executive

• Occasional committee meetings, events or development sessions

• Additional committee meetings, events or development sessions, as required

What you’ll gain

• A meaningful leadership opportunity with social impact

• Strategic experience in a respected local charity

• Supportive induction, training and ongoing guidance

• A warm and collaborative Board environment

 There’s lots more we could tell you, but why not apply and come and see for yourself.  If you’d like any further information, please email our recruitment team with your details and we’ll arrange for someone to call you back.

Please visit our website for all the information you need and details of how to apply.  All expressions of interest and CV’s should be returned to our recruitment inbox.

Closing date for applications is 30th September 2026 (however this vacancy may close early if we find a suitable candidate).

We are an Equal Opportunities Employer, and our workplace is free of barriers and fully accessible for people with disabilities.  We are committed to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults; from recruitment of staff through to supporting our team working with families and carers in crisis.

Registered Charity No:  1063226

Chair of Trustees at Watford and Three Rivers Refugee Partnership (WTRRP)

Job summary: 

We're looking for a Chair of Trustees to help shape the strategic vision of WTRRP as we move forward into our 25th year as a charity. This would be someone to support us with our strategy in line with our mission and our values. In this role, you will lead the Committee and other Trustees co-chairs of the charity, share responsibility for the agenda and actions of Trustee meetings and AGM, improving good governance and acting as a senior ambassador of the organisation. We are looking for someone with enthusiasm, availability and leadership skills to work collaboratively with our small staff and our volunteers.

WTRRP exists to support asylum seekers and refugees in Watford and Three Rivers who do not yet have settled status in the UK or may have specific needs relating to their application process or welfare. The main services of the charity are a drop-in session and social hub every Tuesday (at St Mary’s Church in central Watford), ESOL classes, providing advice and financial support to its clients and assisting them to integrate into the local community.

The Partnership has grown dramatically over the past 5 years, which is why we are looking for a Chair to join us. WTRRP is run by a committee that meets typically every 1-2 months and it also provides supervision to our 3 staff members and support to our 70 volunteers.

We would welcome applicants with any of the following experience:

• Governance and previous Committee experience
• Business development and charitable fundraising
• Human resources and people management
• Lived experience of being a Refugee or Migrant
• Financial background

Principal responsibilities:

1. Be part of the Committee, supporting the organisation as it grows and develops.
2. Have availability to regularly attend the Tuesday hub/drop-in at St. Marys church from 11- 2pm to support the team.
3. Oversee the administration and coordination of sub-committees.
4. Serve as line manager to our Operations Manager, helping to conduct planned supervision and appraisals.
5. Represent the Partnership as required to the public or external parties such as funders and Community groups.

This is an important role that will support the charity as we adapt and change. If you feel that you may have some of the skills we are looking for and want to have an initial chat with our chair, then please contact us.

We're seeking a trustee with experience in arts, culture, philanthropy or charity governance to complete the board of a new international arts charity supporting emerging artists. As a trustee you'll play an essential role in shaping the early direction of ellipse art projects UK and helping us open new opportunities for emerging artists from Southeast Asia, Africa, in the UK.

This year, we're launching our UK charity alongside our existing French endowment fund, submitting our registration to the Charity Commission, and preparing our first major partnership with a cultural non profit organisation in London. The board will lead these foundational decisions. For this reason, we're looking for a trustee with experience in UK charity governance, ideally in the arts or culture sector. If you have set up or grown a UK charity before, even better.

Our board is intentionally small: three to four trustees, meeting two to three times per year (in person or online). We are just starting out and hoping to build a friendly, engaged and collaborative board, one that combines the strategic ambition of our founders with the calm, informed guidance of experienced trustees like you.

The mandate is three years, renewable.

Action for Refugees in Lewisham is looking for a trustee to act as secretary, supporting the board's governance role helping AFRIL deliver for refugees and vulnerable migrants in south-east London. Time commitment is flexible, and not onerous, and formal company secretary functions are supported by a member of staff.

AFRIL was founded in 2006 to support asylum seekers, vulnerable migrants and refugees in south-east London to lift themselves out of poverty and rebuild their lives in the heart of our community. Our support is holistic: both crisis support to meet immediate need, and longer-term, flexible programmes that tackle the underlying problems that lead to crisis, supporting people to integrate, contribute and thrive. We work in the community across south-east London, including in local asylum hotels.

We are a small charity, with mostly part-time staff, but we make a significant difference. Our client group is predominantly people in, or with experience of, the asylum system. We also support newly granted refugees, and migrants with no recourse to public funds who have complex and unmet protection needs.

AFRIL's board of trustees is collectively responsible for supporting and challenging the charity to oversee its good governance and proper financial control in line with its charitable aims and strategic plan, charity law, and all other relevant legislation. The time required of trustees is not onerous, and is flexible - although it is, of course, possible to take on more responsibility and expand your time commitment.

As a board member, you will be expected to be available for board meetings approximately every two months, which are generally an hour and a half long and take place in a weekday evening. These mostly take place online, with occasional hybrid meetings or meetings in-person.

As secretary to the board, you will be responsible for the timetabling of meetings, the agenda, and for taking and sharing a minute of board meetings – just main points and actions – to support the board in carrying out our remit. You may also assist with other areas of support to the governance for the charity, such as ensuring that we maintain regular review of the organisation’s policies, and providing some assistance from time to time to the member of staff leading on liaison with the Charity Commission and Companies House.

You will also need to be able to commit some ad hoc time to consider papers ahead of meetings, and occasionally to take part in email discussion on issues as they arise. You would also be expected to attend the charity’s AGM, which tends to take place on a Saturday afternoon in January/February.

We value diversity in our trustee team, as we do in the staff team. We particularly welcome applications from anyone who can bring lived experience of the immigration and asylum system, and are always keen to see applications from people with experience with fundraising, or with HR. We welcome applications from everyone, regardless of age, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religion or belief.

To apply, please submit a short (no more than one side of A4) letter explaining why you would like to join AFRIL’s board, and what skills and experience you would bring to the role, along with your CV.

Chair of Trustees – Mary Frances Trust

Location: Surrey/Hybrid

Time commitment: Approx. 1–2 days per month

Remuneration: Voluntary role (reasonable expenses reimbursed)

Term: Three-year term, with potential for reappointment for up to two further terms.

We are open to reasonable adjustments and flexible approaches to the role.

About Mary Frances Trust

Mary Frances Trust (MFT) is a mental health and emotional wellbeing charity that works alongside people experiencing any kind of emotional or mental health issues, supporting them for as long as needed to restore and maintain their wellbeing. We provide a range of community-based services, co-produced with people with lived experience of mental health issues. We work closely with partners across the health sector (including NHS), local authority and the voluntary sector.

We believe that anyone experiencing mental or emotional health issues should feel confident to ask for help and receive appropriate support for as long as needed, to live a fulfilling life.

Our values are: Inspiring, Inclusive, Agile and Respectful.

We are a charitable company limited by guarantee with a Board of Trustees responsible for our overall governance, strategy and compliance.

Board culture: Our Board is friendly, established and committed, working collaboratively to provide strong governance and support MFT’s mission.

Please note, Mary Frances Trust reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role.

The Role

We’re seeking a Chair of Trustees to provide leadership to the Board as MFT embarks on its next phase of growth and development. This is an exciting strategic role offering the opportunity to drive meaningful change and shape the future of our organisation. You will work closely with a committed team of Trustees, staff and volunteers to set direction, provide governance and ensure MFT continues to deliver real impact for the Surrey community.

The Chair will:

• Lead the Board and support the organisation to fulfil its charitable purpose.
• Ensure effective working relationships between the Board and staff, volunteers, the Advisory Group, Members and key external stakeholders.
• Act as spokesperson and figurehead for the charity where appropriate.
• Supervise and support the Chief Executive, including an annual performance review.
• Plan and prepare Board meetings and the Annual General Meeting (AGM) with the Chief Executive and other staff members as appropriate.
• Chair Board meetings effectively ensuring balanced discussion, clear decisions and actions are assigned and followed through.
• Lead regular reviews of Board effectiveness and support good succession planning for the Chair role.
• Work closely with the Chief Executive and fellow Trustees to ensure MFT meets its legal, regulatory and constitutional duties while staying true to its vision and values.

Person Specification

In addition to the skills and experience required of all MFT Trustees, the Chair will bring:

• Strong governance and leadership capability.
• The ability to chair meetings well and enable inclusive, balanced discussion and clear decisions.
• Sound judgement, and the ability to support and constructively challenge the Chief Executive.
• Tact, diplomacy and strong interpersonal skills.
• Understanding of the mental health and wellbeing sector and/or the wider voluntary sector context.
• The time and capacity to commit to around 1–2 days per month.
• Commitment to MFT’s values and to improving mental health and wellbeing in the Surrey community.

Previous experience as a Chair or Vice Chair (in a charity, public, or non-profit setting) is desirable, but we also welcome applications from candidates who can demonstrate strong governance and leadership experience and the ability to step into this role.

Additional experience that would strengthen the Board (desirable):

• HR / people governance experience.
• Capacity to support Board‑level oversight of complaints or appeals (staff or client related) where matters are escalated.
• Experience of Co‑production, lived‑experience‑led work, or collaborative approaches to service design and governance.
• Lived experience of mental health issues and/or caring experience (we value lived experience alongside governance and leadership skills).

Time Commitment

The Chair is expected to commit approximately around 1–2 days per month.

These include:

• Preparing for and chairing approximately six Board meetings a year.
• Attending the Annual General Meeting (in the autumn).
• Regular meetings with the Chief Executive.
• Occasional representation at external meetings and events.

Eligibility

You must be eligible to serve as a Charity Trustee and Company Director under UK law and be willing to complete the necessary eligibility and declaration checks.

All successful candidates will be required to undertake Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks as well as reference checks. These will be a condition of any offer of volunteering post being made.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and perspectives. We strongly encourage applications from people with lived experience of mental health issues.

We welcome applications from people under‑represented in charity governance (including disabled people, people from minoritised ethnic communities, and people with lived experience of mental health challenges).