Trustee volunteer roles in north west

Willow is special. We help make precious memories in the toughest times.

Our team works hard to provide fun-packed Special Days or quiet breaks, a chance to meet heroes and legends, or the opportunity to fulfil a lifelong dream. In the toughest times, Willow creates tailored experiences that give people a boost and bring families closer together. We are the only UK charity that supports seriously ill 16 to 40-year-olds, creating magical moments which become shared memories that last a lifetime.

Since Willow was founded in 1999, we have provided more than 22,000 Special Days, Special Breaks and Special Treats, but we see this as only the first part of Willow’s journey and a base for further growth. We currently provide around 1,000 treats, days or breaks each year which means that we only reach a small percentage of those who would benefit from our services. We would love to be able to do more.

This is a pro bono appointment which brings rewards and if you would like to make a difference in our world, this is a great opportunity to bring your skills, knowledge and experience to help us deliver on our mission.

Travel expenses directly incurred in our roles as Trustees on official business can be reimbursed. Board and Committee meetings are held in person or remotely with in person meetings normally held in London.

Trustees are appointed for an initial three-year term with the opportunity to extend for a further two, three-year periods.

The time commitment is to attend 4 Board meetings a year plus relevant committee meetings. There are always opportunities to become more involved with specific projects, and trustees are strongly encouraged to attend at least 1 Willow fundraising event each year.

Specifics about the role

Willow seeks to appoint a new Board member as part of our succession planning. We are keen to hear from candidates who have skills or expertise in fundraising:

• Worked as a senior fundraiser in a charity with a range of public fundraising methods, and are used to setting targets and reviewing the effectiveness of different streams of income.  At Willow, you will help to scrutinise and enhance our fundraising strategy and may have experience of data insight and interrogation

You will be joining a dedicated team of Trustees. We currently have 10 board members with a variety of backgrounds and experience including finance, investments, fundraising, PR and communications, management consultancy, events, and legal.  Our trustees work closely with the Chief Executive, leadership team and senior members of the team.

Become a Trustee or Chair of Lancaster Grand Theatre

Make a difference to Lancaster’s creative life. Bring your skills and passion to one of the city’s most loved cultural venues.

We are now recruiting new Trustees to join the Board of Lancaster Footlights & Grand Theatre CIO from September 2025, and a future Chair of Trustees to take up the role during 2026.

Applications close: 12 noon, 15 August 2025
Coffee Morning for prospective Trustees: Saturday 12 July, 9:30am

About Lancaster Grand Theatre

Lancaster Grand Theatre is one of the UK’s oldest working theatres, first opened in 1782. Today, our 460-seat Grade II listed venue stages over 250 events every year — bringing joy to thousands of people from across our community and beyond.

The charity that runs the theatre — Lancaster Footlights & Grand Theatre CIO — is powered by volunteers and driven by a commitment to making arts and culture accessible, welcoming and sustainable.

We are now looking to strengthen our Board of Trustees by welcoming new members with a range of skills, experience and perspectives. We are particularly keen to encourage applications from under-represented groups, to ensure our Board reflects the diversity of our community.

What We’re Looking For

We are seeking Trustees from a broad range of backgrounds — you don’t need to have previous Board experience. We will provide induction and support to help you thrive in the role.

In particular, we are keen to add skills and expertise in:

• Chair of the Board (future appointment in 2026)
• Safeguarding
• Youth Engagement & Development
• Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
• Environment & Sustainability
• ICT & Data Control
• Constitutional Compliance & Insurance
• Arts, Culture & Heritage (including archiving)
• Fundraising and Grants
• Facilities Management

We are also looking for candidates who are passionate about the role of live performance in community life, and who can contribute to our mission and values:

Our Mission: To be a place of joy, and a cornerstone of cultural and artistic excellence, for our community and beyond.

The Role of Trustee

As a Trustee, you will be part of a voluntary team that:

· Provides governance and leadership for the charity

· Oversees the management of the theatre and ensures its sustainability

· Supports and champions the theatre’s values and mission

· Ensures good financial stewardship and legal compliance

· Contributes ideas, expertise and time to support our ongoing development

Trustees attend around 6–8 Board meetings per year (usually weekday evenings), plus occasional working groups and events. We aim to create a supportive, collaborative and enjoyable environment for all Trustees.

Chair Role: The current Chair of Trustees will progressively hand over the role during 2026. The incoming Chair will be selected by the Board after the AGM. Support and mentoring will be provided.

How to Apply

If you would like to apply:

Attend our Coffee Morning on 12 July (optional, but recommended)
Submit an application by 12 noon, 15 August 2025

Your application should include:

• A completed Charity Commission declaration form (we will provide this)
• A short statement (up to 500 words) summarising your skills and experience, and why you’d like to join the Board

DOWNLOAD Trustee & Chair Briefing Pack on website.

We are looking for an Education trustee for Lancaster Independent School for Alternative Learning with senior educational experience.

What will you be doing?

We are looking for an Education Trustees who can contribute to the strategic direction of our small independent school based in Lancaster, Ofsted rated "Good"; attending termly Board meetings required by the independent school standards. 

The Board meetings are usually on a Friday afternoon and can be attended remotely.

Be the trustee presence on the Education Committee (other members of the committee are senior teaching staff), to provide oversight of the School Improvement plan and report back to the board of Trustees on status; attending bi-termly Education Committee Meetings.

The Education Trustee has line manager responsibility of two members of the school senior leadership team, including annual performance reviews.

At least once per term (3 times per year) the Education trustee will be expected to spend at least half day at school to complete lesson observations of direct report.

We are looking to make prompt appointment to better support our school.

What are we looking for?

Commitment to the ethos and values of the school and a willingness to devote time, enthusiasm and effort to the duties and responsibilities of a Trustee.

Specific professional knowledge and strategic experience in at least one of the following:

▪ Leadership experience within a school

▪ Experience of Independent School Standards  

Willingness to attend meetings of the Board and other meetings as required . Willingness to undertake training and participate in evaluation of the Board’s work.

The Charity and schools are committed to safeguarding and promotes the welfare of children and young people, and expects all staff to share this commitment.  An enhanced DBS check is required for all successful candidates.      

Conduct as a Trustee is underpinned by the seven principles of public life, as identified by the Nolan Committee:

Selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

What difference will you make?

The opportunity carries the responsibility and purpose of ensuring the future viability of a very special school offering alternative education in the Lancaster area.

The school is not running at optimum capacity and strategic direction and support to broker key relationships to ensure student recruitment is operating in a way which reaches the young people most in need of our support is vital to the overall success of the charity and to open up opportunities for future investment and growth.

Location: Remote
Department: Executive
Contract type: Fixed Term Contract
Hours: Part time, 4 board meetings per annum
Salary: Expenses only
 
Who they're looking for 
 
Our client is seeking a new Trustee with a background in veterinary or medical practice to support their Board and team in achieving their charitable aims. They are looking for someone who, in addition to their own expertise, has an interest in human-specific research approaches. This is a unique opportunity to join the country's leading animal-free medical research charity, where you will play a key role in helping to advance science to improve treatments for humans without the use of animals. You should have a strong interest in their mission and be willing to advocate on the charity’s behalf. Previous experience of being a Trustee is not necessary as a full induction and ongoing support will be provided. 
 
Equality, diversity and inclusion 
 
They want everyone we work with, as a colleague, volunteer, supporter, or stakeholder to feel included and that they belong. Our client is committed to building a diverse organisation that represents the communities they serve and ensuring inclusion in everything they do. They will support you to make sure that you bring your whole self and can be at your best. 
 
Board meetings and time commitment 
 
The Board ordinarily meets four times per year in March, May, August and November. Two of these meetings are held remotely via video call on a Saturday, and two are held in person in London across weekends. In addition, Trustees are encouraged to join a Committee relevant to their area of expertise which meets at least once per quarter via video call. An appropriate time commitment will be required over the course of the year for preparative work between meetings. Trustees are also invited to attend occasional charity events and join recruitment panels on an ad hoc basis. Following a probationary period where Trustee-elects attend at least 3 board meetings, appointed Trustees serve a three-year term, with the option to renew for a further three years. Trusteeship is an unremunerated position, though reasonable out-of-pocket expenses will be paid. 
 
If this opportunity to join a small but ambitious charity appeals to you, and you have enthusiasm and a commitment to their vision of a world where animal-free, human specific technologies secure breakthroughs for patients then they'd like to hear from you.
 
You may also have experience in the following roles: Board Member, Non-Executive Director, Charity Trustee, Medical Advisor, Veterinary Advisor, Clinical Director, Medical Trustee, Healthcare Trustee, Scientific Advisor, Research Trustee, etc.
 
REF-222 147

ShowerBox is a registered charity that has been providing free and secure showers as well as toiletries and supplies, warm drinks, snacks and haircuts to individuals facing homelessness since 2018. Our mission is to enhance our guests’ sense of physical well-being and dignity, help combat social isolation, and provide access to other essential resources such as health clinics and mobile libraries. By empowering individuals, we hope to help them make long term improvement in their lives.

Learning of individuals having passed away from preventable illnesses on the streets due to an inability to get clean and the social stigma associated with poor personal hygiene, Sarah Lamptey (our CEO) started offering weekly showers in St. Giles churchyard in Soho, London, from 2019. ShowerBox became a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) in 2021 and since then has been expanding nationally. Now, we operate in multiple sites – Central London, Birmingham, and Barking – either independently or in partnership. Central London remains our biggest site, followed by Birmingham and Barking, and we are in initial discussion with others. We receive our funds through philanthropy – currently supported by National Lottery Community Fund, Vitol Foundation, HS2, amongst others. 

The Board of Trustees is the ultimate governance body for the organisation, serving as stewards of the organisation’s resources, and is ultimately responsible for ShowerBox’s strategy, operations, adherence to law and regulation and financial management. The Trustees serve on a voluntary basis, and meet four or five times a year (online or in person in London).

What are we looking for?

We are looking for a Chairperson to take ShowerBox forward into an important and influential role following and building on the success it has had since becoming a CIO and expanding into 3 locations.

The Chair leads the Board of Trustees and works closely with ShowerBox’s CEO to achieve its goals. The Chair is responsible for key areas, including:

• Providing effective strategic leadership and management to the Board of Trustees enabling them to fulfill their responsibilities for the overall governance and strategic direction of ShowerBox

• Providing support to the CEO and ensuring s/he is held to account for achieving agreed strategic objectives

• Ensuring the Board meets regularly to review activities, major risks and opportunities

• Ensuring Trustees fulfill their duties and responsibilities for effective governance of ShowerBox

• Ensuring the Board is regularly refreshed and incorporates the right balance of skill, knowledge and experience needed to govern and lead the charity effectively

• Conducts an annual appraisal and remuneration review of the CEO in consultation with other Trustees

• Acts as an ambassador for ShowerBox, representing it at external functions, meetings and events as appropriate and as spokesperson for the organisation when appropriate

• Ensuring financial stability and effective and efficient administration of ShowerBox

• Safeguard the good name and values of ShowerBox

Person Specification

• Interest in making a difference in the lives of people experiencing homelessness/housing insecurity

• Experience serving as a Trustee or Board member (in either for-profit or non-profit organisation). Previous experience as Chair of a voluntary organisation is an advantage.

• An understanding of legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship, together with an understanding of the financial aspects of running a charity.

• An ability to work effectively as part of a team contributing an independent perspective.

• Strong leadership, people management skills and the ability to chair meetings effectively.

• Ability to devote time and effort to support a small and growing charity and fulfill the duties outlined above.

• Prepared to attend four board meetings per year (mostly online) plus one or two ad hoc committees and/or events in line with their expertise, specific interest, or as needed

Terms of Appointment

Chair of Trustees is appointed for a 2 year, renewable term. It is anticipated that the time commitment should be no more than 2 days a month but there could be occasions when extra time will be required (for instance, during planning of new projects or when dealing with unexpected situations). The role of Chair is unpaid.

Please send your CV and a short cover letter outlining why you are interested in working with ShowerBox. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. 

Somebody goes missing in the UK every 90 seconds. Missing People exists to ease the heartache experienced by those missing someone, and to help people who are away from home find their way back to safety. 

What will you be doing?

Missing People's vision is for every missing child, adult and family left behind to find help, hope and a safe way to reconnect. We are a non-judgemental, highly skilled team of staff and volunteers working for everyone who needs us. We provide free, confidential support, help and advice by phone, email, text and live chat.

In our 30th anniversary year, The Trustees and Executive launched a new 2023-2028 Strategy 'From Crisis to Hope' in consultation with people with lived experience and key stakeholders. The three key goals are:

1. Going missing is understood as a crisis that can be a matter of life or death
2. All missing people and their loved ones get the right help at the right time
3. Fewer missing people come to harm.

The new Chair of Trustees must be passionate about Missing People, its purpose and its values. We are looking for a new Chair of Trustees who brings valuable experience, skills and expertise. This might relate to the issue of missing (including personal experience of going missing), senior financial experience, charity experience, policing, legal experience and safeguarding. We are keen to further broaden thinking and perspectives and welcome applications from all areas of the United Kingdom, from all communities, which is important as missing touches every community. We believe diversity is important, and we aim for our board to have a mix of people, talents and backgrounds..

What are we looking for?

We are looking for a new Chair of Trustees who brings valuable experience, skills and expertise. This might relate to the issue of missing (including personal experience of going missing), senior financial experience, charity experience, policing, legal experience and safeguarding.

You will need to be aged over 18 and have:

• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to your duties as the Chair of Trustees - approximately 2-3 days per month
• Leadership, strategic vision and creative thinking
• Ability to manage a trustee board and take decisions for the good of the charity
• Ability to chair board meetings effectively and manage diverse perspectives
• Strong communication, interpersonal and networking skills
• Independent judgment and be willing to speak your mind
• The ability to read, understand and question reports including financial plans and information
• The ability to follow the rules of governing documents and any professional advice
• The ability to work effectively as a member of a team and encourage team working
• A commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion policies and practices
• Prior experience of committee / trustee work (desirable) 
• Knowledge of the type of work undertaken by the charity (desirable) 
• Wider involvement in the voluntary sector (desirable)

What difference will you make?

Our Chair of Trustees is integral to the mission and purpose of the charity, holding the Board and Executive Team to account for delivering the mission and achieving our ambitious goals. The Board of Trustees is made up of an experienced team of individuals who bring breadth of background, a range of deep skill sets, lived experience of the issue of missing and demonstrable empathy and passion for the work of Missing People. The Chair of Trustees will be responsible for the effectiveness of the Board of Trustees, planning and guiding meetings to ensure broad dialogue, good decision-making and clear actions.

Our Chair will work closely with the CEO and the Board to develop the charity’s strategy and to oversee its implementation and progress against its business plan. As part of this the Chair will provide support and challenge to the CEO and their senior team. 

As the Chair of Trustees at Missing People you will be driven by a powerful mission to be a lifeline when someone disappears. You will work closely alongside the Board, Executive team and Chief Executive in a collaborative way to lead the charity. The role provides a good opportunity to be involved in strategic planning in an organisation grounded in the issue of missing with a diverse group of committed and motivated Trustees.

Trustees meet quarterly at online and in-person meetings (usually in London). The Board has dedicated Committees for Finance, HR, Ethics, and Safeguarding, and Advisory Groups representing people with lived experience of the issue of going missing, policing, fundraising and policy. The Chair will attend and be a member of other committees or working groups and ensure that the governance arrangements are working in the most effective way for the charity.

Before you apply

Please apply through Reach or the application form on the Missing People website, attaching your CV and a supporting statement (maximum 2 A4 pages) that demonstrates how you meet the criteria listed in the role description attached. 

On the 'Work for Us' page of the Missing People website you will also find a Letter to Applicants detailing more information about the role and the charity. 

Do you have proven experience in the charity sector, preferably at senior level? Would you like to make a positive, impactful difference to the lives of our vulnerable clients by using your skills? 

What will you be doing?

We're looking for passionate and committed people to join our Board of Trustees! Ashford Place is a thriving forty-year old charity based in NW London, making a real difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals. From one-on-one guidance to engaging group activities, we focus on building resilience and improving well-being in our community. As a trustee, you'll help guide our work and ensure we remain strong and sustainable, especially during these challenging times. It’s a chance to be part of something meaningful, shaping our future while helping us continue to provide vital support in London NW2.

What are we looking for?

• Proven experience in the charity sector, preferably at senior level.
• Commitment to, and an enthusiasm for, our mission and values.
• Skills in governance, finance, legal, fundraising, risk management, and/or advocacy.
• Understanding of trustee responsibilities, including financial oversight and strategic planning.
• Collaborative mindset and excellent communication skills.
• Solutions driven
• Available

What difference will you make?

As a valued member of our board, you will play a pivotal role in shaping our vision, steering our strategic direction, and driving the success of our mission. In an increasingly competitive charitable world, your expertise and leadership will be instrumental in ensuring we continue to meet the needs of our community.

As a local charity, a significant proportion of our funding is derived from partnerships with statutory organizations. We are seeking a trustee who can strengthen our engagement within this sector, increasing our meaningful connections and identifying opportunities to secure vital funding. Your efforts will enable us to sustain and expand our impact, ensuring we can continue delivering essential services to those who rely on our work.

Before you apply

Please contact us via Reach with any questions.

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

Are you passionate about creating a culture of welcome for refugees in the UK? Do you have extensive experience in the governance of a charity or public sector organisation? This could be the perfect role for you! 

STAR is a dynamic and exciting national charity which makes a huge impact on a small budget. We are looking for individuals who are passionate about creating a culture of welcome in the UK for refugees ,who believes in the power of young people as changemakers and who wants to empower refugees to reach higher education to join our board of trustees. 

We are in particular looking for applicants who: 

• Have lived experience 
• Have HR experience 
• Have campaigns experience, in particular hybrid campaigning.
• Have charitable fundraising experience. 

 Applications from persons with lived refugee experience are highly encouraged. 

Role Description

To provide strategic oversight of:

• STAR’s compliance with its Articles of Association, policies, and law; 
• STAR’s compliance with all funding conditions and contracts;
• Whether STAR is best using its resources to meet its objectives; 
• The effective and efficient administration of STAR;
• Monitoring and reporting of financial information; 
• STAR’s funding and expenditure situation; and
• Implementation of STAR’s Equal Opportunities Policy and Safeguarding Policy in employment and service delivery.

Also to:

• Contribute actively to STAR by giving strategic direction and evaluating performance against targets
• Attend and prepare for board meetings
• Appoint board members and officers via the procedures in this policy
• Approve accounts
• Ensure that STAR and the board safeguard STAR’s values and reputation
• Provide any other assistance the board or STAR may require, as appropriate, particularly utilising any specialist skills or experience they may have.

Person Specification 

Essential 

• Experience of governance of a charity or public sector organisation
• A commitment to STAR’s values
• An awareness of issues affecting both STAR and the wider refugee sector, the ever shifting landscape of refugee policy and media coverage, or a willingness to learn and stay abreast of these current topics and new developments. 
• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to prepare for and attend regular STAR meetings for at least 2 years
• Integrity and good independent judgement
• Strategic vision and an ability to stay focused on strategic objectives
• Willingness to take part in STAR discussions, contribute constructively and listen to others
• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties and liabilities of trustees of a charitable company
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• A commitment to the principles of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, as well as an understanding and acceptance of the Equal Opportunities Policy
• Willingness to undertake training required to allow them to fulfil their duties.

Desirable 

Five years experience in one or more of:

• Working with people seeking asylum and refugees;
• Other work with the asylum/refugee/migrant sector;
• Charitable fundraising;
• Voluntary sector issues, such as trends for charities and partnership/network formation;
• Organisational development, growth or change;
• Human resources;
• Financial management/accountancy;
• IT;
• Negotiations;
• Marketing and public relations;
• Lobbying, advocacy and campaigning regarding social justice or social policy;
• Management and administration of a charity, for example as a director or trustee;
• Campaigning;
• Social Media/ Communications 

About Student Action for Refugees

STAR (Student Action for Refugees) is the national network of students building a society where refugees and asylum seekers are welcomed and can thrive. 

Set up by students at Nottingham University in 1994, STAR is creating a more understanding, just and welcoming society by: 

• empowering young people to be changemakers; 
• providing practical support and connecting local communities through volunteering and student volunteer led community projects; 
• challenging the structural barriers that refugees and asylum seekers face when seeking protection and building new lives in the UK; 
• Sharing trusted information about asylum and the lived experience of refugees to combat misinformation, hostile narratives and instead spread compassion and humanisation 

We have a small staff team who train and support the network and lead on national campaign and advocacy work, with expertise in improving access to higher education for forced migrants.

Here are just some of our highlights from last year:

• 37  STAR university student society groups, across 28  towns and cities, run by 222 STAR student leaders. 
• 262 events were organised by STAR groups to educate, campaign, and fundraise for a more welcoming UK, from art exhibitions to cookery classes and film nights.
• 1,280 refugees and people seeking asylum were supported by 413 volunteers  through 28 community projects and 25 one off volunteering events. 
• 100s of students mobilised to support calls for better treatment of refugees in the UK including standing against detention, for a fairer plan for refugees and to lift the ban on work.
• 88 UK universities now offer sanctuary scholarships for refugee students. The STAR staff team was involved in the development of many of these new scholarships and the improvement of  existing scholarships. We also ran workshops for hundreds of  university staff. 
• 15 STAR groups campaigned for Equal Access at their institutions and 4 won!
• 65 aspiring refugee students were supported by our mentoring project and we provided signposting and advice about accessing HE to over 470 people.

If you would like an informal chat before applying, please get in touch.

Deadline for applications: 11th July 2025

Interviews: Rolling

About Adventure Ashram 

Adventure Ashram is a small but mighty UK-based charity founded by adventurers in 2007. We support grassroots partners in India to deliver essential projects focused on: 

• Combating human trafficking 

• Supporting education for vulnerable children 

• Providing access to vital healthcare 

Our approach is bold, adventurous, and collaborative. We raise funds through exciting events, creative campaigns, and overseas adventures—like our flagship global initiative, Yoga Stops Traffick.

Role: Trustee – Finance Specialist (Treasurer Role Available) 

We are looking for a new Trustee with strong finance or accounting expertise to join our Board and help steward the charity’s finances. 

This is a key governance role. 

What we’re looking for 

We’re seeking someone who can provide financial oversight and strategic advice to ensure our resources are used effectively and transparently. 

You might have experience in: 

• Charity finance, audit, or financial management 

• Budgeting and forecasting 

• Risk management and financial reporting 

• Strategic financial planning 

• Investment, reserves or funding models for small charities 

• Serving as a Treasurer or Finance Trustee (desirable, not essential) 

A recognised accounting qualification (e.g., ACA, ACCA, CIMA) would be valuable, but we welcome applications from those with relevant experience regardless of qualification status. 

Trustee Commitment 

• Board Meetings: 4 per year (weekday evenings, usually online) 

• Committee Involvement: All trustees join a committee (Finance, Fundraising, or Programme Management). The Finance Committee meets every 2 months. 

• Events: Attend 1–2 UK-based Adventure Ashram events per year (where possible) 

• Approximate time commitment: 1–2 hours per week 

Why Join Us? 

By joining Adventure Ashram’s Board, you’ll: 

• Play a vital role in ensuring good governance and financial health 

• Help steer a unique, adventure-fuelled charity into a sustainable future 

• Contribute to life-changing work supporting survivors of trafficking and vulnerable communities in India 

• Gain experience in nonprofit governance and leadership 

“Adventure Ashram is a brilliant small charity; it supports fantastic projects in India and manages to have a lot of fun in the process. Volunteering as a trustee gives me a chance to do something meaningful with good people—and I can’t wait to welcome more members to the team.” 
— Current Trustee 

The Vice Chair provides crucial support to the Chair and the Board of Trustees, ensuring the charity's smooth operation and strategic direction. You will act as a deputy, take on additional tasks, and help manage the chair's workload. The Vice Chair's role can vary, but generally involves supporting the chair, acting as a sounding board, and sharing responsibilities. 

Duties can involve:

Support the work of the Chair, and deputise where necessary, in the execution of the following responsibilities, in order to:

• Provide leadership to the charity and its Board, to ensure it operates within its charitable objectives, with a clear strategic direction for the executive team.

• Ensure that Trustees fulfil their duties and responsibilities for effective governance.

• Ensure that meetings are regular and effective.

• Work with the Chair and Chief Executive Officer to ensure that sub-committees make effective and timely recommendations to the Board. • Lead a sub- committee of the board responsible for business development, and/ or such other sub-committees, teams, or working groups as may be created by the board.

• Review the performance of the board.

• Assist with the recruitment of new trustees.

Essential experiance should include:

• Experience as a trustee of a charity

• Be committed to the organisation and has sufficient time and willingness to contribute effectively to board proceedings

• Be able to work effectively as a member of a team 

• Be able to make quick and sound decisions based on an analysis of information presented to them

• Have a passion for the social sector and social change 

• Be able to manage risks with a balanced and informed approach

We are going through a period of change, including some financial growth and are looking for a conscientious individual, committed to women's rights,  to join our Board of Trustees as Treasurer. 

The Treasurer will oversee the financial matters of the charity in line with good practice and in accordance with the governing document and legal requirements, and report to the Board of Trustees at regular intervals about the financial health of the organisation. The Treasurer will ensure that effective financial measures, controls and procedures are put in place, and are appropriate for the charity.

Principal responsibilities:

 · Overseeing, approving and presenting budgets, accounts, financial statements and financial reports to the Board of Trustees after discussion with the Directors

· Being assured that the financial resources of the organisation meet its present and future needs and are within the charitiy’s objects

· Playing a key role in the development and implementation of appropriate financial policy and procedures, reserves policy and investment policy.

Main duties:

· Liaising with the directors about financial matters

. Overseeing the accounts

. Issuing certain payments

· Keeping the board informed about its financial duties and responsibilities

· Ensuring that appropriate accounting procedures and controls are in place

· Advising on the financial implications of the organisation's strategic plans and assisting with appropriate budgeting/forecasting

· Liaising with the charity’s auditors where appropriate

· Liaising with the chair and directors to ensure that the charities annual accounts are compliant with the current Charities SORP

· Ensuring equipment and assets are adequately maintained and insured

Thyroid UK is a small UK charity with a very wide reach and even bigger ambitions. Since 1998 we have become a leading source of support and information for many thousands of people seeking help with their thyroid condition each year.

As an Independent Examiner for Thyroid UK, you will review our accounting records and annual accounts to ensure they are accurate, comply with legal requirements, and provide an independent assurance to trustees and stakeholders that the charity's money is properly accounted for. 

Job Description:

Overview:

• The Independent Examiner plays a crucial role in maintaining public trust and confidence in charities by providing an independent scrutiny of their financial records. 
• The examiner's responsibilities include reviewing accounting records, comparing them with the annual accounts, and reporting any concerns to the charity trustees. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Review Accounting Records:

Examine the charity's accounting records to ensure they are properly maintained and support the annual accounts. 

• Compare Accounts with Records:

Verify that the annual accounts accurately reflect the financial position of the charity as shown in the accounting records. 

• Consider Unusual Items:

Identify and seek explanations for any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts. 

• Assess Compliance:

Determine whether the accounts comply with relevant legal requirements and accounting standards, including the Charities Act 2011. 

• Prepare Examiner's Report:

Prepare a report for the charity trustees outlining the findings of the examination, including any matters of concern or material significance. 

• Maintain Independence:

Ensure that the examination is conducted independently of the charity's management and administration. 

Qualifications and Skills:

• Financial Awareness and Numeracy: 

Must be appropriately qualified in matters of accounting and financial administration. 

• Understanding of Charity Accounting: 

Should have experience of working with small charities, plus knowledge of charity accounting principles and regulations. 

• Analytical Skills: 

Must be able to analyse financial data and identify potential issues. 

• Communication Skills: 

Should have the ability to clearly and concisely communicate findings and recommendations to the charity trustees. 

• IT Skills: 

Must be familiar with Xero or similar cloud based accounting software.

Reporting:

• The Independent Examiner's report will be submitted to the Charity Commission along with the charity's annual accounts. 
• The report should clearly state whether the examiner has reasonable cause to believe that:
  • Proper accounting records were not kept. 
  • The accounts do not accord with the accounting records. 
  • If accruals accounts were prepared, they do not comply with the legal requirements and the applicable SORP. 

Location: The examination can be done remotely.  Our office is based in Frating, Colchester, Essex.

Closing Date: End of August 2025. Thyroid UK reserves the right to close for applications at any time should the position be filled.

Start Date: ASAP

The Sheila McKechnie Foundation (SMK) was set up in June 2005 in memory of legendary campaigner, Sheila McKechnie.Campaigning is vital to a healthy society. We help campaigners to thrive. In a free and hopeful society, people need to know they have the power to make a difference: that they are able to envisage change and can push for that change to happen. For nearly two decades, we have helped all sorts of individuals, causes and charities to find their power as changemakers – as campaigners. We support, connect and champion these campaigners, equipping them to go after the social change they seek.

The Chair will hold the Board and staff team to account for SMK’s mission and vision, provide inclusive leadership to the Board and ensure that Board members fulfil their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of SMK. The Chair will line manage and support the Chief Executive and ensure that the Board functions as a unit and works closely with the Chief Executive and staff team to achieve agreed objectives. They may also be asked to act as an ambassador and a public face of SMK in partnership with the Chief Executive and the Board.

For further information, see our website and the recruitment pack.