Trustee volunteer volunteer roles in London

About Care4Calais

Care4Calais is a volunteer-powered charity supporting refugees in northern France and the UK. We work alongside people seeking safety to provide daily essentials, fill the gaps state support leaves, and open up access to justice. We also press the public and policymakers to act. Our vision is an inclusive society where people seeking safety have a safe home and a bright future free from inequality.

In northern France we operate year-round from Calais, providing warm clothing, shelter, services and assistance to people living in dangerous conditions. In the UK, our Field Operations teams distribute clothes and essentials, run language lessons, sports and music workshops, and connect people to medical, educational and specialist services; our Legal Access teams secure legal representation and make sure people are informed and empowered throughout their asylum claim.

Our work is informed by an Advisory Board of people with lived experience of seeking safety, who provide strategic input and feedback.

About the role

We're appointing more Trustees with lived experience of seeking asylum. You'll join as we begin a strategic review that will shape our priorities for the coming years - so your insight will help decide where a charity working on the front line of the hostile environment puts its energy next, and make sure those decisions reflect the realities and aspirations of the people we exist to serve.

As a member of the Board, you’ll be working to set Care4Calais' strategic direction, hold us to our governing documents and legal duties, and support and challenge the leadership team so the charity can grow and thrive.

You don't need previous governance experience. We will support you and give you what you need to do the role well.

What Trustees do

Purpose and compliance

• Ensure Care4Calais complies with its governing document, charity law and other applicable regulation

• Ensure we pursue our charitable objects, and that all activities and resources advance that purpose

• Contribute to regular reviews of our own governance

Strategy and direction

• Shape and review strategy, and advise on our purpose, vision, goals and activities

• Review what we're achieving and how effective our activities are

• Stay alert to changes in our operating environment and ensure our purpose and activities remain relevant

Risk, finance and oversight

• Ensure key and emerging risks are identified, monitored and mitigated

• Oversee financial plans and budgets, monitor progress, and review and approve financial statements

• Ensure robust processes for handling money and accurate record keeping

• Ensure income generation is on target, lawful, and doesn't expose us to undue risk

• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation

Judgement and stewardship

• Use your own judgement to make decisions that are honest, lawful and in Care4Calais' best interests

• Avoid conflicts of interest or loyalty where you can; declare and record those you can't

• Support and challenge the leadership team in exercising their delegated authority

• Promote our aims and reputation through your skills, knowledge and contacts

• Attend Board meetings prepared to contribute

Who we're looking for

• Lived experience of seeking asylum

• Willingness to understand and accept a trustee's legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities, and to act in the charity's best interests

• Strong commitment to our cause, values and strategic objectives

• A strategic, critical thinker who is comfortable asking questions, challenging assumptions and sharing views with respect and confidence

• Ability to work as part of a team, understanding that trusteeship is collective

• The time to do the role well  - attending meetings and taking an active part in discussion

Support you'll get: structured onboarding, a buddy from the Board, and external mentoring through the Experts by Experience Employment Network.

Terms of service

The role is voluntary, with reasonable expenses reimbursed. Trustees are appointed for a 3 year term which is renewable. We expect trustees to attend all scheduled Board meetings, with reasonable allowances for extenuating circumstances. 

As a small charity, there will be times we need you beyond Board meetings — scrutinising papers, advising on new initiatives, or lending expertise on a particular issue. Trustees are encouraged to visit our operations in the UK and northern France.

All appointments are subject to the standard requirement that candidates are not disqualified from acting as a charity trustee under the Charities Act; you'll be asked for the relevant declarations.

How to apply

Send a CV and a letter of interest (1–2 pages) setting out why you want the role and how you meet the person specification.

Skills and insight come from a wide range of life experiences, not only paid work -  tell us about any experiences, learnings or perspectives you think would help you thrive here.

You will never be asked to describe your lived experience at any stage of this process unless you choose to.

Want an informal chat first? Contact Wilf Sullivan, Chair of the Board wilf [@] care4calais .org

Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed online after the closing date.

We can help with digital access or a quiet space for interviews. Tell us about any reasonable adjustments you need and we'll arrange them.

Equality and safeguarding

Care4Calais is an equal opportunities employer and an anti-racist organisation. We actively encourage applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities, people from refugee and migrant backgrounds, LGBTQ+ individuals, disabled candidates, and those with lived experience of the immigration system.

We are a proud member of the Experts by Experience Employment Network (EBE), which works towards a charitable sector led by people with lived experience of the asylum system. We've moved away from one-size-fits-all recruitment to make our process fair, supportive and accessible. Applicants are welcome to use the guidance at ebeemployment .com and to contact the EBE support team for help with your application and, where available, one-to-one interview preparation.

We are committed to safeguarding. Our selection process includes rigorous background checks and assessments to ensure post holders demonstrate attitudes and values aligned with a culture that promotes safeguarding.

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.

The Snow Sports Foundation is a small UK charity that helps fund life-changing snow sports opportunities for neurodivergent children and adults.

We are looking for a volunteer Treasurer to help oversee the charity's finances. This role can be undertaken either as a Trustee or as a non-trustee, depending on your preference. This will be for about 1-2 hours a month.

About the role

Working closely with the Chair and fellow volunteer Trustees, you will help ensure the charity's finances remain well managed and that the Board has the financial information needed to make informed decisions.

Key responsibilities

• Monitor the charity's financial position and present financial updates at the quarterly online meeting (or the finance section of the meetings if appointed as a non-trustee Treasurer).
• Approve bank payments.
• Vote on funding proposals (if a Trustee).
• Co-ordinate the preparation of the charity's annual report and accounts to be audited by the independent examiner.
• Upload annual report on the Charity's Commission website.
• Ensure appropriate financial controls and financial records are maintained.
• Keep up-to-date with charity commission reporting requirements and amend finance policies and procedures as required.

Skills

• Has experience in finance and accounting.
• Has experience of preparing and compiling annual reports.
• Has experience of working as a Treasurer and working with a board of Trustees.
• Can explain financial information clearly to the Board.
• Shares the charity's passion for helping more neurodiverse people experience the benefits of inclusive snow sports.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• A background in the charity sector would be preferable but not essential.

What you'll gain

• The satisfaction of helping a small charity make a difference to people with neurodiversity.
• A chance to use your professional skills for a meaningful cause.
• The opportunity to work with a friendly and committed volunteer team.

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.

We are seeking two enthusiastic and committed individuals to serve on our Board. This is an exciting opportunity to join an ambitious organisation working at the intersection of law, campaigning and social justice. As a Trustee, you will help shape the future of PILC, ensuring that we remain true to our purpose while continuing to deliver meaningful impact for the communities we serve.

We are committed to developing and maintaining a Board that is as inclusive as possible and representative of the communities we work alongside. Therefore, having lived experience in an area of our work would be advantageous. We welcome applicants from a wide range of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives, recognising that a diverse Board strengthens discussion, improves decision-making and helps us better fulfil our mission.

We are particularly interested in applications from individuals who have legal expertise (ideally in the non-profit sector), or expertise in Human Resources or Finance.

As a member of the Board of Trustees, you will oversee the strategic direction, governance and financial sustainability of the organisation. You will help ensure that PILC has a clear strategy, that its resources are used effectively, and that its activities remain aligned with its charitable objectives and values. You will also provide constructive support and challenge to the Senior Management Team, helping the organisation to develop, grow and achieve its mission.

Trustees have collective responsibility for the governance of the charity. This means that decisions are made collectively by the Board and trustees share responsibility for those decisions, always acting in the best interests of PILC.

Please note that this is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed. The time commitment for this role is approximately 8-10 days per annum. The Board meets online on the 3rd Monday of every other month from 6-8pm and trustees are required to attend with their cameras on. All Board papers are circulated usually 2 weeks ahead of the meeting.

Duties
As a Trustee, you will be expected to:
• Attend bi-monthly Board meetings (held remotely), having read the papers in advance and being prepared to contribute constructively to discussion and decision-making.
• Attend the annual Board away day and Annual General Meeting (AGM).
• Support, promote and provide advice on PILC’s charitable purpose, vision, values and strategic objectives.
• Approve operational strategies, policies, and monitor and evaluate their implementation.
• Oversee PILC’s financial sustainability by reviewing and approving budgets, PILC’s financial statements and monitoring and evaluating financial performance.
• Ensure that the charity is well governed, effectively managed and compliant with its legal and regulatory obligations.
• Support the effective management of risk and ensure that appropriate systems of internal control are in place.
• Provide appropriate support, constructive challenge and accountability to the Director in the exercise of their delegated authority.
• Keep informed about developments affecting PILC, the non-profit legal sector and the wider operating environment.
• Contribute to the regular review and continuous improvement of the Board's effectiveness and governance arrangements.
• Exercise independent judgement, act with reasonable care and skill, and always act in good faith in the best interests of PILC’s, managing any actual or potential conflicts of interest appropriately.
• Act as an ambassador for PILC, promoting its work and using your skills, knowledge, experience and networks to support the organisation where appropriate.

Rights & Security International (RSI) is offering this exciting opportunity for new volunteer Trustees to join our Board.

About us

We are a small, expert charity dedicated to promoting the freedoms of expression, belief and identity, while stopping governments from treating people as ‘terrorism’ threats simply because of who they are.

We challenge religious, racial and gender bias in national security programmes, promote justice and transparency, and ensure that the voices of communities facing discrimination are heard.

We were founded by a group of women activists in Northern Ireland in 1990 to seek justice for rights violations committed as part of the conflict in the region, and now work throughout the UK and internationally.

Today, we focus especially on ending Islamophobia and racism in counter-terrorism programmes, stopping governments from treating migrants and asylum-seekers as ‘security’ threats unfairly, and upholding the rights of peaceful protesters.

Globally, we work primarily to support civil society and expose harmful ‘security’ or ‘emergency’ laws in several parts of Latin America and East Africa; our project on environmental human rights defenders also brings together activists from Southeast Asia. We raise the profile of rights violations and help develop new narratives and strategies.

We have a large impact for our size, publishing groundbreaking investigations and carrying out effective advocacy in Westminster, at the UN and elsewhere.

About you

The successful candidates will bring a dedication to upholding human rights and equality, especially in the counter-terrorism and national security contexts. You should have a strong dedication to human rights principles and an understanding that human rights are for everyone.

You should have experience in a field that is relevant to charity work, such as community organising/grassroots activism, law, communications, advocacy, accounting, management or supporting human rights defenders.

We are especially interested in applications from candidates with lived experience of:

· Migration to, or seeking asylum in, the UK; OR

· Promoting people’s fundamental rights in El Salvador, Mexico, Honduras, Ecuador, Colombia, Peru or Chile.

About the Trustee role

As a Trustee, you will have an active role in shaping our organisation and ensuring that we are well run. We welcome enthusiastic, active governance and a curiosity about why and how we do our work. You would have an impact by shaping our strategies, helping us build our networks and (as appropriate) collaborating directly with staff. We work from the grassroots level (advising migrants) to the international one (drawing UN attention to rights violations), so your impact as a Trustee will ultimately make a difference to both individual lives and broader systems.

Trustees are expected to attend remote Board meetings approximately six times per year.

Trustees who live in/near the UK are also expected to attend one annual in-person ‘away day’ in London.

We are looking for Trustees who will enthusiastically promote RSI, including to potential donors.

All Trustee roles are unpaid, although reasonable expenses arising due to the role will be reimbursed.

Application Details: If you are interested in this volunteer role, please send a statement of interest (no more than two pages) and your CV through Charity Job.

RSI strives to be diverse, equitable and inclusive. We treat all staff, trustees and interns like team members and encourage everyone to bring their full selves to our work. We welcome applications from candidates from groups that have historically been underrepresented in the human rights, legal or policy fields, and/or who are from communities that have been directly impacted by the issues we address. All applications are considered on an equal-opportunity basis.

By submitting your application, you consent to our processing and retention of your personal data to the extent, and for the time period, necessary to consider the application. We will keep your application on file for no more than one year.

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.

Make a difference in the lives of children, families and women. Become a PACT Trustee.

We are seeking two voluntary trustees to join our exceptional Board of trustees: One with professional experience in Safeguarding and one with professional experience within the Violence Against Women and Girls sector, or closely aligned areas.

If you are committed to making a lasting impact and guiding a charity that makes a positive difference to hundreds of lives every year, this is an incredible opportunity to join us on our mission.

You do not need previous trustee experience as we provide a full induction and ongoing training. This is a unique chance to apply your expertise at strategic level, playing a pivotal role in ensuring we continue delivering high-quality, trauma-informed services, championing the welfare of vulnerable families, and shaping supportive policies that protect children and strengthen communities.

PACT (Parents and Children Together) has been building and strengthening families since 1911 through outstanding adoption services and specialist therapeutic and trauma informed support services across Reading, the Thames Valley, and southern England. As one of the UK’s leading voluntary adoption agencies, we place children with loving, permanent families (over 81 placements last year) and offer lifelong specialist support through services like our Strengthening Families Team, CATCH and Adopter Champions. Alongside our adoption service provision, we empower women facing multiple disadvantages through our Alana House women’s centre and help children and their non-abusing parents recover from trauma via our Bounce Back 4 Kids programme.

Who we are looking for

We warmly welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and actively encourage individuals from underrepresented groups, including those with lived experience of adoption, care or disadvantage to apply. Diversity of thought and experience strengthens our Board, and we value perspectives from different communities, cultures and lived experiences. Your expertise will help us deliver inclusive, high quality services for children, families and women.

These trustee roles are voluntary positions that are home-based with occasional travel to our Reading head office for in person board meetings or to collaborate with PACT colleagues relevant to your lead role (reasonable expenses covered) and support for our events. The time commitment is around one day per month, including quarterly Board meetings and input into wider charity matters. We aim to be flexible and will make adjustments where we can support accessibility and your availability.

For the Safeguarding Lead Trustee role, we would welcome applications from interested individuals who have current strong understanding and experience of safeguarding legislation, especially in children’s social care.

For the Violence Against Women and Girls Trustee role, we are looking for individuals with demonstrable experience of working in this sector, or in closely aligned areas (e.g. domestic abuse, sexual violence, women in the criminal justice system, safeguarding, trauma informed services). You will have a strong understanding of the policy, commissioning and funding landscape relating to this field.

What would you get as a PACT trustee?

· Satisfaction of helping vulnerable children, women and families, and giving something back

· An opportunity to exercise your skills and knowledge, possibly in a different environment or context

· A chance to contribute to the charity’s strategic growth

· A chance to expand your experience of charities and gain new skills

· An opportunity to work alongside other skilled and committed trustees

· High-quality induction, training and support from us and other charity-support organisations

· Being a Trustee can support the acquisition of valuable skills and experience that support career development

We understand that becoming a trustee is a commitment and you want to ensure that you are applying for a role that matches your values and requirements. You will find lots more information about PACT on our website and one of our trustees also kindly provided this short video with further details.

If you believe you can contribute to the skills and diversity of our Board and would like to apply, please visit the volunteer page of our website  where you will find the trustee recruitment pack and application form.

We are committed to making our recruitment process accessible. If you need the information in a different format or require adjustments during the application process, please let us know.

We look forward to hearing from you!

The closing date for applications is 9am on Tuesday 01 September 2026.

Early applications are encouraged as we may review and appoint on an earlier basis if a successful candidate is secured.

Safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do at PACT. We have robust measures and best practices in place to safeguard and protect the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and we take pride in maintaining outstanding safeguarding standards.

Anyone joining our team is subject to PACT’s safer recruitment pre-appointment enquiries, including an Enhanced Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check.

Unreal offers support and information to people with lived experience of Depersonalisation and Derealisation (DPDR) - including people experiencing symptoms themselves and their carers, friends and families. We aim to raise awareness of DPDR, provide up-to date clinically-validated information, signpost people to relevant resources, push for policy change, assist in research studies and enable people living with DPDR to speak with others through our flagship Peer Support Programme to help support each other.

We are supported by a dedicated network of volunteers and ambassadors whose expertise and lived experience are central to what we do.

Despite being a small and relatively young charity, officially founded in 2019, we have established ourselves as the leading voice on DPDR in the UK and are proud of what we have achieved.

Unreal enters this next chapter from a position of real strength. We have established ourselves as the leading charity for DPDR in the UK, with a peer support programme that continues to grow in demand, strong relationships with clinicians, policymakers and researchers, and a clear strategic direction.

We have recently set our key priorities for 2026 to 2030, and we are looking for new board members who are excited to help us deliver on that ambition.

This is a significant moment for the charity. We are recruiting for trustees at a time when we have strong foundations, a clear sense of purpose, and real momentum. The people who join us now will help shape the next chapter of Unreal.

At such a pivotal time for the charity, and to help achieve our ambitions, we are looking for enthusiastic and committed individuals to join our Trustees.

We are currently recruiting:

• A HR/Governance Trustee

• A Finance Trustee

• A Fundraising Trustee

We welcome applications from people with or without previous trustee experience. What matters most is your commitment to our mission and the skills and perspectives you bring.

We have attached our recruitment pack with details of the individual roles. 

Time commitment

• Board meetings: monthly (9 per year), held online

• Full trustee days, held in person: twice a year

• Online Trustee meetings, twice a year

• Additional time required for specific projects or sub-committees

Support for new trustees

We are committed to making trusteeship at Unreal as accessible and rewarding as possible. All new board members will receive a full induction and training

Expenses

All reasonable expenses incurred in carrying out your role as a trustee will be reimbursed in line with our expenses policy.

What we are looking for

We are not looking for a particular type of person. We are looking for the right people. Within our trustees and board, we aim to bring together a range of skills, backgrounds and perspectives. 

Full role specifications for each position are included below. These set out the specific skills, experience and qualities we are looking for, alongside the responsibilities of the role.

In addition to the specified roles below, we will also be recruiting more widely, and welcome applications from anyone who fulfils the below general criteria. 

We particularly welcome applications from:

• People with lived experience of DPDR, including carers, friends and family members.

• Clinicians and researchers working in the field.

Skills and experience that are valuable to us include:

• Finance

• Fundraising

• HR

• Governance

• Expertise in the mental health or charity sector. 

We ask all trustees to commit to a term of three to four years. The Chair may be appointed for a term of up to five years.

Before you apply

Trustees of Unreal must meet the following eligibility criteria. Please check these before applying.

You must:

• Be 18 years of age or older

• Not be automatically disqualified under the Charities Act 2011. This includes any person: with undischarged bankruptcy those who has been declared bankrupt; that has entered into an IVA; been disqualified as a company director; or that has certain unspent criminal convictions relating to dishonesty, fraud or contempt of court

• Have no safeguarding restrictions that would prevent you from working with vulnerable people

• Be willing to declare any conflicts of interest and to complete a DBS check

If you are unsure whether any of the above applies to you, the Charity Commission website has further guidance.

All trustees are expected to uphold Unreal's Code of Conduct for Board Members. A copy will be shared with shortlisted candidates and must be signed on appointment.

General Trustee Responsibilities

Candidates should demonstrate:

• Commitment to the charity’s mission and values.

• Integrity, sound judgement and professionalism.

• Ability to contribute to effective governance and strategic decision-making.

• Willingness to act in the charity’s best interests at all times.

• Ability to work collaboratively and constructively as part of a board.

• Good communication and interpersonal skills.

• Understanding of confidentiality, accountability and conflicts of interest.

• Awareness of safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion responsibilities.

• Financial awareness and responsible oversight of resources.

• Sufficient time and commitment to fulfil trustee duties and attend meetings.

• Willingness to undertake training and ongoing development.

• Relevant professional, leadership, governance or lived experience would be advantageous.

How to apply

To apply, please send the following:

• A CV or brief summary of your relevant experience

• A short personal statement of up to 250 words setting out what you would bring to Unreal and why the role appeals to you

We ask that any applications submitted are in the candidate’s own words. 

Deadline

The closing date for applications is 27 August 2026.
Interviews are expected to take place in September 2026.

The Recruitment Process

We want to make this process as straightforward and human as possible. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an informal conversation with one or more of our trustees, giving you a chance to find out more about us and for us to learn more about you. Successful candidates will then be invited to a formal panel interview with set questions. 

Interviews will be held virtually, though if you would prefer to meet in person we will do our best to accommodate this.

We are committed to making this process as accessible as possible. If you require any adjustments to support your application or participation in the interview process, please do get in touch and we will do our best to accommodate you. 

We are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion in everything we do, including in how we recruit. We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of DPDR, and from those who are underrepresented in charity leadership.

For more than a century, the RAF Benevolent Fund has stood beside the RAF Family;
through war and peace, hardship and change. From the first day in uniform to the final
years of life, we have been a constant source of emotional, practical and financial support.
Today, our work reaches serving personnel, veterans, families and the bereaved in more
than 30 countries.
As the demands on the RAF Family grow in complexity and urgency, so too must the resilience
of the charity that serves them. Our ability to provide life-changing support, whether keeping a
family in their home, helping veterans navigate injury or isolation, or walking beside the
bereaved, relies on strong, stable and sustainable income streams. Therefore, we are seeking a
Trustee with significant fundraising expertise to help shape and strengthen our long-term
financial future. The successful candidate will join our diverse and highly skilled Board and
Fundraising, Communications and Engagement Committee to:
• play a key strategic role in supporting our fundraising vision and strategy
• provide strategic input into fundraising plans and campaigns
• support and advise on income generation, donor engagement and partnerships
The full role description can be found on our website here. The role is voluntary, however
reasonable out-of-pocket expenses are paid. We will provide the successful candidate with a
bespoke induction programme and relevant training / development.
Interested?
We would love to hear from you if you have the experience and passion we are seeking.
Please send an up-to-date CV and covering email / letter outlining your background, skills,
experience and interest in the role. Email address and contact details can be found on our website. If you have any questions about the role or would like to have an informal
discussion prior to applying, please contact Lisa (information on website).
We welcome applications from anyone who has the experience we are seeking, irrespective of
background, community, industry or protected characteristics. If you require any reasonable
adjustments as part of your application process, please let us know. You must be eligible to be
a charity trustee under UK law to be considered for this role. We operate safer selection
practices; this will involve the successful candidate being required to have a Disclosure and
Barring Service check.
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, and this position will remain open until we
have found our ideal candidate. No agencies please.

SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, is seeking a Finance Trustee to join our purpose-driven and passionate Council (Board of Trustees). Are you ready to play a leading role in shaping the strategic direction of the UK’S oldest national tri-service charity?

Founded in 1885, SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, provides practical, financial and emotional support to serving personnel, veterans and their families. Today, we remain a trusted source of help for those who serve or have served, and for the families who stand beside them.

Our work is underpinned by our values of understanding, commitment, integrity and compassion, and delivered by a diverse network of volunteers and employees across the UK and worldwide.

Role Responsibilities

As a Trustee, you will:

• Provide strategic financial oversight to ensure the organisation remains financially viable
• Provide strategic leadership, aligning with the Charity Governance Code principles of organisational purpose, leadership and integrity
• Ensure effective stewardship of the charity’s resources and long-term sustainability
• Safeguard SSAFA’s reputation, values and charitable purpose
• Promote a culture of integrity, accountability and inclusive decision-making at Board level
• Ensure compliance with charity law, regulatory requirements and governing documents

We are seeking individuals who can contribute to high-quality governance in line with the Charity Governance Code, bringing:

• A professional background in finance, accounting, banking or investment
• Experience in financial management, planning and governance
• Strategic insight, sound judgement and independence of thought
• An understanding of, or willingness to develop knowledge of, the charity finance and governance framework
• · A clear commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, and the ability to contribute to inclusive Board dynamics

Why Join Us

You will join a committed and purpose-driven Board, operating in accordance with recognised governance best practice. This is an opportunity to help shape the strategic future of SSAFA and ensure it continues to deliver impact for the Armed Forces community, now and in the future.

Closing date: Midnight on 1 September 2026

Interviews: Face to face interviews will be held in October 2026.

About International Lawyers Project

ILP is an alliance of talented and passionate lawyers drawn from diverse countries and cultures across the globe. We pull together teams of pro bono experts to support the policy and legal needs of individuals, communities and organisations that would otherwise not have access to expert advice.

A UK registered charity founded in 2005, we are staffed by a group of lawyers dedicated to using the law to achieve economic and environmental justice through strategic pro bono legal support. Our focus areas are environment and sustainable development, sustainable finance, governance and accountability (with a focus on anti-corruption measures), and protecting the civic space of those working on these themes. Over twenty years we have supported partners in more than 100 countries.

We are proud to have a diverse staff team from Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Europe, reflective of the communities we support. Our staff have extensive experience in our focus areas, as well as international law and development. We work primarily in the Global South, with active projects across sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, Asia and Europe.

As a charity, our ultimate aim is to help our partners create long-lasting change, in line with our vision of a just and sustainable world in which law serves as a tool for those who need it the most.

You may find out more about ILP’s work at its website.

About the Role

ILP has a 13-member Board, with members based in the UK, Spain, Kenya and the USA. Successful candidates will be joining a collegial team with a wide range of expertise in the thematic areas of ILP’s work and experience in charity governance.

ILP is a growing and ambitious organisation, with its budget more than doubling in size over the course of the last few years. Currently with a budget of approximately £500,000 and an additional £6 million value mobilised in pro bono hours, we are looking for a trustee and ultimately a Chair who is able to support the team as the organisation continues to grow and move to the next level.

Successful candidates will be appointed initially as an ordinary Trustee. The term of the current Chair comes to an end in mid-2027. Shortly before then the Board will decide on the appointment of a new Chair, with the expectation that the successful candidate will be elected from the Board in accordance with the Articles of Association.

The key responsibilities of Board members are to ensure that the organisation has a clear strategy for the fulfilment of its charitable purposes, and to provide oversight of and support to the executive team, in accordance with the Articles of Association and the guidance on governance obligations established by the Charity Commission.

 In addition to these general obligations the Board Chair’s key responsibilities are to:

• Provide leadership to the Board of Trustees in oversight of the strategic direction and execution of the governance responsibilities of the Charity.

• Chair and facilitate meetings of the Board (hybrid meetings held from ILP’s London office), ensuring that they are conducted in an effective and inclusive manner and monitoring the implementation of decisions taken at such meetings.

• Support ILP’s Executive Director in leading the day-to-day management of the Charity and preparing for Board meetings.

• Take lead responsibility on behalf of the Board for the relationship with ILP’s Executive Director, appraising their performance and holding him or her to account.

• Give direction to Board policy making.

• Act as an ambassador for the Charity, representing its strategy and contribution to its partners and funders.

• Plan for the recruitment and development of Board members as needed in order to improve the performance of the Board.

Term of Office: Trustees are appointed for a 3 year term, serving a maximum of 3 consecutive terms.

Expected Time Commitment: Variable, but up to two days a month as Board Chair. Ordinary trustees attend four two-hour Board meetings annually, for which moderate background reading is required, and may be requested to assist with other contributions.

Compensation: This is a volunteer role, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

Specification for Board Chair

• Experience serving on the Board of one or more other registered UK charities.

• Understanding of the Charity Commission’s governance requirements, and the balance of roles between governance and management.

• Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to support the charity.

• Professional background related to ILP’s thematic areas of focus and familiarity with the non-profit sector working in an international context.

• Commitment to ILP’s strategic objectives.

• Good communication and people management skills and strong independent judgement.

Could your fundraising expertise help save lives?

The Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) is looking for a Trustee with senior fundraising, supporter engagement and income generation experience to join our Board.

This voluntary role is an opportunity to use your expertise to help shape the future of a life-saving charity. As a Trustee, you'll provide strategic oversight, constructive challenge and specialist governance, helping to ensure we can continue delivering critical care to people across the North East, North Yorkshire, Cumbria and the Isle of Man.

You won't be involved in delivering fundraising activity day to day. Instead, you'll work alongside fellow Trustees to scrutinise strategy, monitor performance, oversee risk and ensure our fundraising remains ethical, effective and aligned with our mission.

We're particularly interested in hearing from people with senior experience in fundraising, development, external engagement or income generation within the charity, social enterprise, public benefit or purpose-led sectors.

You will bring experience in:

· Fundraising strategy and income diversification

· Donor stewardship, supporter journeys and campaign planning

· Fundraising governance, compliance and ethical practice

· Board-level thinking, constructive challenge and sound judgement

· Building relationships and acting as an ambassador for a mission-led organisation

You will also share our mission, values, equity, diversity and inclusion, and Nolan’s seven principles of public life.

Time commitment

The Board meets at least four times a year, plus a strategy day. Trustees are encouraged to sit on two Board Committees, with additional contact usually taking place by email, telephone or Microsoft Teams.

Interested?

If you are passionate about using your fundraising expertise to make a meaningful difference, we would be pleased to hear from you.

Closing date for applications: 28th August 2026