Trustee volunteer volunteer roles in London
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Community engagement charity Sobus is looking for talented, passionate individuals to join our Board of Trustees. We are looking for a new Trustee Treasurer to help guide the charity through a time of exciting opportunity and development.
It's an exciting time for Sobus, as we look to refresh our service offer, and maximise the investment opportunity following the disposal of a property in 2024.
Our overarching aim is to “strengthen local communities”, through the provision of infrastructure support to the local voluntary sector in the borough of Hammersmith & Fulham and supporting business communities around our North Kensington hub.
Our work is focussed on five main areas:
- Voice & Representation
- Information & Intelligence
- Brokerage & Partnerships
- Capacity Building & Business Support
- Affordable Premises (through the provision of our business hubs in Fulham and North Kensington)
Trustee Treasurer: We are seeking a committed individual with a proven, professional track record of financial management and leadership at the highest level, and a sound understanding and experience of the voluntary sector. We need someone with significant experience of leading long-term strategic development and driving financial sustainability.
You will share our vision and want to take a leading role in our journey to be recognised as an outstanding organisation. It would be a significant advantage if you have an understanding or experience of working in the voluntary and community sector, and even more so if you are a current or former resident of Hammersmith & Fulham or have a tangible, established and current connection with the area.
Sobus was formed in 2014 following a merger between the Community & Voluntary Sector Association and Fulham Community Partnership Trust. However, we were first established as the local CVS in Hammersmith & Fulham in 1998.
Sobus is fully committed to equality of opportunity and diversity to ensure that we reflect the full breadth of the people that we support. We therefore warmly welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates.
Selection process:
Candidates are requested to complete an application and a equalities monitoring form., and if shortlisted, an interview with our outgoing Treasurer, Chair of the Board of Trustees and the CEO. t
For an informal discussion about the position, of for the Job Description and application form, contact the Sobus CEO, Sue Spiller
To strengthen local communities by providing voice, representation and support to residents through the VCSE organisations that support them.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Bring your senior-level expertise to a committed and forward-thinking Board.
Unlock has achieved a great deal for the people we support, thanks to the talents and dedication of our staff, volunteers, and trustees. By listening to and working alongside people who face difficulties because of their criminal records, we have built a strong track record of identifying problems, developing solutions, and turning those solutions into real change. We also influence national policy and drive systemic reform.
We are now seeking a new Chair of Trustees to join our engaged and committed board.
About the role
Trustees play a crucial part in shaping Unlock’s leadership, strategic direction, and governance. As Chair, you will work in partnership with the Chief Executive to provide clear and inclusive leadership, ensuring that the board operates effectively and that the organisation remains focused on its charitable purpose. You will help the board set strategy, scrutinise performance, uphold good governance, and support the CEO and senior team to deliver Unlock’s mission.
About you
We would love to hear from you if you can bring the following attitudes and skills:
· Experience as a trustee and of working with or managing senior leaders.
· A willingness to offer advice to staff when needed, and to get involved practically where appropriate.
· A strong commitment to Unlock’s vision, values, and mission.
· Experience in the charity sector is helpful but not essential. If you have the right leadership qualities and a passion for our work, we will provide support to help you step confidently into the role. So if you’re new to the voluntary sector, please don’t let that discourage you from applying.
· We are committed to increasing diversity across Unlock, including within our board. We particularly welcome applications from people who have themselves faced and overcome the disadvantages associated with a criminal record.
If you’re energised by the prospect of helping to lead a small criminal justice charity with an impressive national impact, we would be delighted to hear from you.
To help people overcome the long-term disadvantages caused by their criminal records, and work with government, employers and others to enable people


The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Harrow Cycle Hub is a registered charity established in 2021 with the aim of encouraging more people to cycle in Harrow.
Our chair is stepping down after five years of developing the Hub and getting it to a position where we have a part time manager for our Wheels for All programme and 55 volunteers doing amazing things in the world of cycling.
With our move to a permanent site at Kenton Rec in March, we shall be able to offer more services and help more people in Harrow to cycle.
If you care about cycling in Harrow and want to make a difference this could be the volunteer role for you.
Essential Qualities of Harrow Cycle Hub’s Chair
• Commitment to the vision and mission of Harrow Cycle Hub, with a passion for cycling and the drive to make things happen
• Experience of managing staff and motivating volunteers
• Experience of being a trustee; you do not need to have been a Chair before
• An inclusive leadership style: able to inspire and support everyone to contribute
• The ability to listen and engage effectively. You can encourage challenge and debate, whilst fostering teamwork
• Ability and willingness to champion the Hub’s work
• A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion
• Responsiveness – the Chair may need to take decisions and give advice at short notice.
Desirable Qualities
• Skills and experience in other relevant areas e.g. general management and strategic
planning; organisation development; HR and volunteering; marketing; fundraising; cycling and cycle maintenance; equity, diversity and inclusion; voluntary sector management
• Resident or working in Harrow
Duties of the Chair
• To provide strategic leadership for the achievement of the Charity’s Vision
• To ensure the board upholds high standards of governance, transparency, and compliance with the charity's constitution and relevant legislation
• To review board composition and ensure timely trustee recruitment and development
• To work in partnership with staff and volunteers, providing support, encouragement and constructive challenge to ensure objectives are met; be available for consultation by key personnel
• To oversee key plans like the budget, business plan and risk management, ensuring that the charity has the right resources to meet its objectives
• To promote the Hub’s work, leveraging personal and professional contacts, building on strong relationships already established, negotiating with key partners
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Are you a fundraising professional looking to use your skills to make a positive impact? The Lymphoedema Support Network (LSN) is seeking a volunteer Trustee with expertise to help us raise the funds to ensure we can continue supporting the nearly 500,000 people (including children) in the UK affected by lymphoedema.
The LSN plays a crucial role in educating individuals, society and health care professionals about lymphoedema and the impact it has on every aspect of life and enabling those living with the condition and those facilitating their care to work together to ensure everyone can control and live well with lymphoedema.
Though lymphoedema isn’t widely understood or provided for in the NHS yet, we are here to support those who need us. While it’s a chronic condition, we believe that with the right care and support, lives can be greatly improved.
We are at an exciting time in our journey and would love to welcome a new trustee to help us fund the many opportunities ahead.
As a Trustee, you will help ensure our financial sustainability, and support us in making strategic decisions. You don’t need personal experience with lymphoedema—your expertise and commitment to helping others are what matters most.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are looking for someone who preferably has a professional fundraising background within the charitable sector. We currently have a fundraising subcommittee set up, this role would chair the subcommittee and lead on fundraising initiatives. This subcommittee is currently made up of 3 trustees & 1 staff member, though we are actively looking for fundraising volunteers to join the committee.
This role will lead on branches fundraising & income generation (not via the branches 2 shops).
As a minimum, trustees would normally be expected to attend a monthly committee meeting lasting some 2 to 3 hours. However, the commitment may vary depending on whether or not the trustee takes on additional duties. This role will join the current trustee board (made up of 9 members) and you will be supported by other trustees.
For this role we are looking for individuals with the following experience/skills:
- Fundraising & Income Generation - Essential
- Creative - Essential
- Innovative - Essential
- Passionate about the welfare of animals - Essential
We'd love applicants within or very close to the branch area - Finchley, Hendon, Golders Green, Edgware, Whetstone, Stanmore.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Could you lead the national conversation on international students in the UK?
We’re looking for an exceptional individual to become our next Chair of Trustees. This is an exciting opportunity to lead an influential charity at the centre of international student policy and practice, helping to shape the future of international student experience in the UK at a critical time for the UK’s international education policy.
UKCISA is the UK’s national body supporting international students and the professionals who work with them. Our expert advice, guidance, training and advocacy helps to ensure that every international student studying in the UK has the best possible experience. As Chair, you will guide a committed Board of Trustees, ensuring strong governance and effective decision-making. You will work closely with the Chief Executive to set UKCISA’s strategic direction, safeguarding its mission and ensuring it continues to innovate and deliver value for members and students.
You will be a prominent ambassador for UKCISA, representing the organisation externally and building relationships with sector leaders, government, and partner organisations. Your leadership will help ensure that the perspectives of international students are reflected in policy development at a government and institutional level.
We are looking for an experienced charity trustee with executive leadership experience in the UK education sector. You will bring credibility, vision, and a commitment to international education, inspire confidence and command respect across our stakeholders, and lead with integrity and compassion. You will be supported by an experienced and knowledgeable team of staff and trustees, passionate about the international student experience and the objectives of our organisation.
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Remuneration: Voluntary (reasonable expenses reimbursed)
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Location: UK-based, with travel to meetings and events.
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Time Commitment: Four Board meetings per year (plus preparation), regular meetings with the Chief Executive, and representing UKCISA at external events.
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Term: Three years, renewable for two more terms plus one year. Starting summer 2026.
Applications close at 10 am on Monday 12 January 2026. Download the recruitment pack for details on how to apply.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Join Us as Treasurer – Make a Lasting Impact
The Maypole Project provides vital emotional and practical support to children and young people with complex medical needs, and their families. We are seeking an experienced Treasurer to join our Board of Trustees and help steer the charity’s financial future.
Why This Role Matters
Your expertise will ensure our finances remain strong and sustainable, enabling us to continue delivering life-changing support to families when they need it most.
What You’ll Do
- Oversee financial governance and compliance.
- Present budgets, accounts, and financial reports to the Board.
- Advise on financial strategy and sustainability.
- Support fundraising and investment decisions.
What We’re Looking For
- Strong financial background (accountancy or financial management).
- A recognised accountancy qualification (desirable)
- Understanding of charity finance and governance.
- Ability to explain financial matters clearly to non-financial trustees.
- Strategic thinker with sound judgment.
Commitment
- Attend quarterly board meetings in person at our offices in Orpington and/or online, reviewing monthly management accounts, preparation for and actions arising from board meetings plus ad hoc support working from home.
- Average one day per month.
- Induction and ongoing training provided.
Why Join Us?
You’ll be part of a passionate team making a real difference to families across South East London and beyond. Your contribution will help shape the future of a charity that truly changes lives.
Interested?
Please visit our website and download the role description and application form.
Please download and complete our application form and equality monitoring form.
We support children and young people with complex medical needs and their families.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
This is a great opportunity to develop further governance skills and experience, and help steer an important charity in the right direction.
Chairing experience required + any combination of: financial management, advocacy, HR, charities, fundraising, social prescribing, NHS, local authorities, marketing, business development, governance, strategy or legal.
About Self Help UK
Self Help UK is a leading peer support organisation with over 40 years of experience in developing and delivering peer-led services. Our mission is to empower individuals and communities by embedding peer support principles into health and wellbeing initiatives. We have created a range of innovative programmes that help people living with cancer and other long-term health conditions to navigate challenges and take control of their health and wellbeing.
We work in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support on projects that make a real difference. These include national and local initiatives for the Deaf community, volunteer-led support for anyone affected by cancer, and prehabilitation services for those facing complex treatment. In 2026, we will collaborate with our Integrated Care System to improve health literacy and increase cancer screening uptake among underserved communities in Nottingham. Looking ahead, we are exploring a new direction to position Self Help UK as a holistic, person-centred support provider, embedding peer support and volunteer-led activity at the heart of everything we do. Our vision is to challenge health inequalities and enable people to feel confident, informed, and supported in shaping their own health journey.
A selection of causes covered by Self Help UK
·Peer support
·Long-term health conditions
·Cancer diagnoses and prevention
·Voluntary sector support
·Health inequalities
·Under-served communities
What will you be doing?
You will be chairing the Board of Trustees, ensuring that we have minimum representation required for decisions to be made, keeping the board aligned in decision-making, ensuring all minutes are recorded and that all decisions by trustees are made with the appropriate context provided.
Trustees meetings are usually held every six weeks, plus there is an AGM, away days, and any sub-committee meetings that trustees may be involved in. Most meetings will remain virtual but there will from time to time be a need to attend key meetings and events in Nottingham. The time commitment is approximately 4hours per month, but there may be occasions when more time is required for a short period.
Trustee positions are unremunerated, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.
Who are we looking for?
Previous chairing experience
·Relevant experience in any of the following financial management, HR, charities, fundraising, social prescribing, NHS, local authorities, marketing, business development, governance, strategy or legal.
·A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort
·Good, independent judgement
·The ability to challenge and ask questions
·An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
·A commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership
Application process
To apply for this role please send the following information
1. CV
2. Covering Letter (not more than one page, outlining how you meet the criteria in this role description)
We will keep this advert open until we have filled the role.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
About Action Tutoring
Action Tutoring is a national education charity founded in 2011, committed to ensuring that no child’s life chances are limited by their socio-economic background. Working across 11 hubs in England, the charity partners with primary and secondary schools to provide high-quality, curriculum-aligned tutoring in English and maths for pupils at risk of leaving school without reaching expected standards. By harnessing a network of trained volunteer tutors, Action Tutoring delivers personalised academic support to those who would otherwise be unable to access it.
The need for the charity’s work is significant. Disadvantaged pupils are, on average, 18 months behind their peers by the end of secondary school, and the attainment gap is now at its widest in 12 years. In 2024, only 46% of disadvantaged primary pupils met expected standards, compared with 67% of their non-disadvantaged peers.
Action Tutoring’s impact is clear. In 2023–24, pupils who received at least 10 tutoring sessions achieved markedly improved outcomes:
- Primary pupils were 15 percentage points more likely to meet expected reading standards and 11 percentage points more likely in maths
- Secondary pupils were nearly nine percentage points more likely to pass their maths GCSE
During this period, the charity supported 42,487 pupils, delivered more than 61,000 hours of tutoring, and engaged nearly 2,000 volunteer tutors nationwide. Its work is underpinned by diverse funding streams, including partnerships with organisations such as the Education Endowment Foundation and the Inflexion Foundation.
With a team of over 50 staff operating from a London head office and across regional hubs, Action Tutoring fosters a flexible, inclusive working culture grounded in social mobility, integrity, collaboration and evidence-based practice. The charity has been recognised for its commitment to staff wellbeing, partnership working and inclusivity, and maintains a strong focus on safeguarding and continuous learning.
Action Tutoring is now entering a pivotal period as it develops its next organisational strategy. This includes strengthening partnerships with schools and multi-academy trusts, expanding its reach to support more pupils facing disadvantage, and exploring how digital innovation and artificial intelligence can further enhance its tutoring model. Further detail on this strategic work can be found here.
Role specification
Trustees play a central role in shaping Action Tutoring’s long-term vision, supporting the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Senior Leadership Team, and ensuring strong governance across safeguarding, finance, strategy and risk. Working collectively, the Board provides constructive challenge and support to ensure the charity remains financially sustainable, evidence-led and focused on delivering meaningful impact for disadvantaged pupils.
Main responsibilities include:
- Ensuring that Action Tutoring pursues its mission and charitable objectives for public benefit, and that all strategic decisions reinforce this purpose
- Contributing to the formulation, oversight and review of the organisation’s strategic plan, ensuring it is ambitious, sustainable and underpinned by clear priorities for impact and growth
- Supporting and challenging the Senior Leadership Team and wider Board to ensure that strategic plans are implemented effectively and that progress is measured and evaluated
- Ensuring compliance with Action Tutoring’s governing document, charity law and regulatory requirements, including robust safeguarding practice in line with statutory guidance such as Keeping Children Safe in Education
- Acting at all times in the best interests of the charity, upholding its values, championing its work, and serving as an advocate with external stakeholders
- Providing stewardship and oversight of the charity’s financial management, ensuring resources are used responsibly, risks are identified and mitigated, and long-term sustainability is maintained
- Holding the CEO and senior team to account for organisational performance, safeguarding effectiveness, programme delivery, impact evaluation and cultural alignment
- Reviewing data, financial information and operational reporting to ensure transparency, rigorous scrutiny and organisational accountability
- Bringing reasonable care, skill and professional expertise to the role, including preparing thoroughly for meetings, attending regularly, and applying relevant insight—for example, in safeguarding or multi-academy trust governance—to provide informed, strategic challenge and guidance
Person specification
Action Tutoring seeks to appoint two new Trustees to its Board: one bringing senior leadership experience within schools or multi-academy trusts (MATs) and who can act as the Trustee point of contact for safeguarding oversight, working closely with the internal team. The other will bring strategic insight into educational technology and artificial intelligence (AI). Both individuals will be driven, values-led and collaborative, with a deep commitment to improving outcomes for young people facing disadvantage. They will bring a strong understanding of the barriers faced by disadvantaged children.
Education Trustee:
The successful candidate will bring senior leadership experience from the education sector, and their professional background will equip them with a nuanced understanding of the challenges facing disadvantaged pupils and the school settings in which they learn. They will have strong safeguarding knowledge and be willing to act as the Board’s first point of contact for the Designated Safeguarding Lead and wider team, providing informed advice and scrutiny. They will offer insight into how Action Tutoring’s model aligns with school-based strategies for raising attainment and addressing disadvantage, and how the charity can strengthen its partnerships with schools, education leaders and MATs to support sustainable growth. From time to time, they may also act as a mentor to the Programme Director.
EdTech/AI Trustee:
The EdTech/AI Trustee will be a strategic leader with a strong understanding of artificial intelligence and its potential application within education. They will bring awareness of emerging AI trends and the commercial implications for programme delivery, supporting the development of Action Tutoring’s AI tutor pilot, planned for 2026. While not required to be a technical specialist, they will be able to connect the charity to the right expertise when needed. Candidates may come from big tech, advisory, consulting or large-scale project environments, with EdTech experience valuable but not essential. They will provide strategic insight into how Action Tutoring’s model could evolve to harness AI responsibly, advise on technology-related risk, contribute to the organisation’s AI steering group, and act as a connector to key stakeholders who can support the charity’s long-term digital strategy.
Across both roles, Trustees will be expected to uphold Action Tutoring’s mission, values and safeguarding commitments, contributing to a culture of integrity, inclusion and accountability. They will work collaboratively with fellow Board members and the Senior Leadership Team to ensure effective governance, champion the charity’s work externally, and support the organisation to deliver high-quality, evidence-based programmes that improve life chances for disadvantaged young people.
Action Tutoring is partnering with Nurole, the leading board-level search specialist, to find Trustees. You can find out more and apply here.
Award-winning national education charity working towards a world in which no child’s life chances are limited by their socio-economic background.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Would you like to make a positive impact on your community and make a real difference to people's lives?
By joining Citizens Advice Enfield as a Trustee you can take an active part in board meetings to assist in setting policy and strategy direction, set targets and evaluate our performance. You could work on specific projects with other trustees or staff members to further strategic objectives and learn about the range of issues that affect our clients such as benefits, debt, employment and housing. You would need to attend 5 board meetings per year.
You will need:
- professional skills - expertise in areas such as finance, legal, HR, IT, marketing or fundraising
- strategic and leadership skills, lived experience and community knowledge.
- excellent verbal and written communication skills and good IT skills (Microsoft Office suite)
- to be friendly and approachable and non-judgmental, respecting views, values and cultures that are different to your own
- to be willing to undertake training.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Progressive Farming Trust is looking for new board members
Progressive Farming Trust is a charity working to advance collective knowledge and practice in environmentally sensitive and organic farming.
We focus on three main areas:
- Enhancing knowledge exchange, education, and training that drive on-farm action
- Supporting farm businesses to adopt more resilient and sustainable models
- Strengthening shorter, fairer supply chains that empower both farmers and consumers
To help deliver these priorities we run:
- Agricology, a free information hub where farmers and growers can access practical guidance about sustainable agriculture
- Dean Organic Fund, offering small interest free loans to organic farmers
Established in 1980, the Trust has a long history of supporting progressive farming. For many years we worked as the Organic Research Centre, and following a de-merger in September 2025, we have refocused our activities and are now developing a new strategy to guide our future work.
We are recruiting up to four new volunteer Directors to join our Board and help strengthen the organisation. The Board currently meets quarterly (around one day every three months), either in person or online.
We welcome applications from people who bring any of the following:
- Experience as a grower, farmer, or food producer
- Knowledge of charity sector finance
- An interest in improving uptake of knowledge and skills in sustainable agriculture and food supply chains
We are actively working to build a more inclusive and diverse Board and particularly encourage applications from people who are underrepresented in food growing, farming, and the environmental sector. We value lived experience as well as professional expertise.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Carers UK is the national membership charity for the millions of people in the UK who are unpaid carers. As an organisation we provide expert advice and information for carers, campaign for greater recognition and support for carers, and use our experience and expertise to help other organisations do more for carers. Our Board of Trustees plays a vital leadership role in the work we do while ensuring the charity is equipped and governed effectively, establishing and monitoring strategy and ensuring we are true to our values and keep carers at the heart of everything we do.
We are now seeking to appoint up to four people to join our Board of Trustees, to steer us towards our vision of a world where carers are recognised, valued and supported.
It’s an exciting time to be part of Carers UK, as we launch our new strategic review in 2026. Our Board is instrumental in ensuring we make the future really impactful for carers through our vision and strategy while fulfilling all our obligations as a charity.
We are also seeking to appoint a Nations Trustee for Scotland. In addition to the general responsibilities of a trustee, the Nations Trustee will be expected to ensure that the Carers UK Board is informed on key issues affecting carers in their Nation.
To find out more about this opportunity and apply, please download the Trustee recruitment pack from our website
Carers UK is committed to representing the diverse society in which we work and actively encourages applications from people with current or recent experience of caring from all backgrounds and experiences.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are seeking trustees with the following skills, to help us end poverty for older people across the UK:
fundraising
brand / marketing / engagement
business development / transformation / innovation / technology.
What will you be doing?
You would be joining a strong, experienced Board who are working together with our dedicated charity staff to tackle poverty in later life.
As we head into 2026, the final year of our current strategy period, we will continue to build on the strong foundations we've established, with the expectation that a new strategy will be approved at our September 2026 Board meeting.
As well as being Board members, trustees generally serve on at least one of our Board committees.
What are we looking for?
We are seeking trustees who are concerned about the growing impact of poverty in later life on our society, and can bring us any of the following skills : finance, fundraising, brand / marketing / engagement, business development / transformation / innovation / technology.
We particularly encourage applications from people who have backgrounds, characteristics or perspectives that align with the priority groups we have identified (please see pack).
What difference will you make?
Like all charities, we are run by a Board of Trustees that sets our overall direction. Our trustees also provide detailed oversight of our fundraising, finance, risk, investments, governance, impact services and policy work through Board committees.
Independent Age is the national charity focused on improving the lives of people facing financial hardship in later life.


We are a dynamic charity, focused on helping survivors of modern slavery rebuild their lives and achieve sustainable freedom by providing invaluable training, coaching, work experience and advocacy across the UK. It is now two years since we launched a new strategy from which we have increased our impact whilst strengthening and broadening our services for survivors of modern slavery. In these challenging times it is even more important that we continue to be bold, resilient and effective. We are looking for a new Chair of Trustees who has the vision, passion and expertise to collaboratively lead the organisation during this exciting period. The Chair together with the trustees will work to ensure effective governance and provide guidance and support to the executive to ensure that we continue to support and advocate for survivors of modern slavery.
Chair Role & Responsibilities
SHF aims to work in a proactive and collaborative manner, and the Chair will play an important part in setting the tone and bringing all the stakeholders together. We are looking for someone who has considerable experience of leadership at an executive or board level in the charity or corporate sector and has an understanding of the modern slavery sector.
The people that we work with come from all over the world and have a wide variety of beliefs, experiences and backgrounds. We are committed to sharing in and reflecting this rich diversity amongst our staff, volunteers and trustees and would strongly encourage applicants from minority and under-represented groups, and from those with lived experience. We are committed to inclusion and diversity and to building a culture where everyone is appreciated for the unique person they are.
Governance and Culture
- Provide leadership and oversight to the board and executive team on strategy, governance and risk, ensuring that we meet our obligations and responsibilities, including but not limited to governance structures, financial responsibilities, ethos and charity law.
- Ensure that the charity is acting in accordance with its constitution and uses its resources responsibly and exclusively to further its charity objects.
- Support the strengthening of accountable and effective practice within the charity’s governance, helping to cultivate clear commitments, regular learningSustainable freedom from modern slavery 6 focused reviews, and a transparent understanding of impact against strategic priorities.
- Ensure effective scrutiny of finance at board level and that the charity is financially sustainable.
Board Effectiveness
- Facilitate and guide conversations in a way that enables constructive discussion, draws out diverse perspectives and supports informed, shared decision-making.
- Encourage full participation from all trustees, recognising and valuing different skills, identities and lived experiences.
- Work with the Chief Executive and committee Chairs to ensure that board meetings are well planned with agendas that reflect the priorities of SHF and the responsibilities of the trustees.
- Meet as appropriate with the treasurer and Chairs of any board committees.
- Build strong, respectful working relationships between trustees, addressing challenges or conflict with openness and fairness.
- Model and promote a positive and collaborative board culture based on mutual respect rooted in SHF’s values and an appropriate balance of support and challenge
Advocacy and Strategic Development
- Work with the CEO and trustees to strengthen understanding of modern slavery issues, build recognition of the impact of our programmes and influence key decision makers.
- Support the CEO when required to strengthen SHF’s advocacy impact.
- Ensure our strategy is ambitious and financially sustainable and that risks are identified and effectively managed by the executive.
- Bring strategic and planning expertise to the process of ongoing evaluation and refreshment of the strategy.
Development/Fundraising:
- Act as an ambassador for SHF by raising its profile through your networks.
- Build, maintain and develop partnerships which reflect our values and directly benefit our mission.
- Play an active role in supporting the executive to reach its revenue goals.
CEO Mentor and Constructive Friend to the Managing Executive
- Provide a supportive, confidential space for the CEO as a sounding board and constructive friend.
- Build a strong working relationship with the CEO to maintain an overview of SHF’s affairs, to support as necessary the management of sensitive, complex or contentious issues and, where appropriate, provide constructive challenge to the CEO.
- Build a strong working relationship with the executive, offering constructive advice and support whilst maintaining the boundary between the operational decisionmaking of the executive and governance oversight of the Board.
- Lead the annual appraisal for the CEO in line with SHF’s appraisal process and in consultation with other trustees. Ensure that any identified professional development needs are put in place.
Safeguarding Ensure that:
- A Safeguarding Policy and Procedure is in place, is reviewed as least annually and is available to and understood/applied by staff.
- A culture of safeguarding is championed, where wellbeing and psychological safety is prioritised and staff, volunteers and people with lived experience can raise concerns without fear of judgement or reprisal.
- There is a staff Code of Conduct and policies such as Speaking Out (formally Whistleblowing) and Safer Recruitment are in place.
- Safeguarding concerns are managed effectively; there are systems in place for its management; safeguarding resources including training; a DSL is appointed whose role is stated in their job description.
- Regular feedback on safeguarding activity is received (such as gaps, threats, risks), oversee a risk register and the remedial actions required and the track progress.
- Chair of Trustees undertakes enquiries in the event of an allegation being made against the CEO
- Compliance with the Charity Commission serious incident notification requirements, and other bodies such as regulators, commissioners, grant makers, and insurance companies
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The Institute of Conservation (Icon) is seeking an enterprising and passionate supporter of cultural heritage to chair our Board of Trustees through an ambitious period of growth and change.
This fulfilling role will appeal to a people focused individual, who will welcome the opportunity to actively engage with Icon's membership and the wider heritage sector. We are looking for the skills and ambition to support us as we establish a new strategy to champion conservation and deliver sustainable financial growth to support our charitable objectives.
About the Role
The Chair’s responsibilities include those of all Icon Trustees, with the additional operational responsibilities:
- Providing leadership to the Board in its strategic and policy role
- Chairing the Board and other meetings to facilitate positive discussion and development
- Ensuring the Board fulfils its legal and charitable responsibilities for the governance of Icon
- Establishing a constructive working relationship with the Chief Executive
- Appraising the performance of the Chief Executive and the Trustees
- Advocating for Icon and conservation via public speaking appointments at Icon events and within the wider heritage sector
- Supporting Icon’s petition for Royal Charter through stakeholder engagement activity
For the full list of responsibilities and information on Icon including its mission and values, please refer to the Chair of the Board of Trustees Recruitment Pack
About You
You will be:
- Committed to Icon’s values and the conservation of cultural heritage
- Committed to the professional ethos that defines Icon and its members
- Able to direct the business of the Board efficiently and effectively
- Skilled in developing and nurturing productive working relationships
- Willing to challenge us and introduce new ways of thinking
You will have experience in:
- Charity or corporate governance
- High level advocacy across a range of media, including public speaking, interviewing and written commentary
- Successful fundraising and/or entrepreneurial activities
- Delivering organisational growth and future resilience
- Problem solving, building understanding, and fostering collaboration
All trustees must agree to comply with the Trustees’ Code of Conduct. You can find more information about being a Trustee on Icon’s website.
How to Apply
If you would like to be considered for a position on our Board of Trustees, please submit a brief covering letter (no more than one side of A4) explaining why you are interested in the role and highlighting your relevant skills and experience. Please also provide your CV, covering no more than two sides of A4.
Detailed application instructions can be found on Icon's website.
Applications close on Wednesday 11 February 2026 at 5PM.