Trustee volunteer roles

Friends Provident Foundation is looking for new Trustees to help guide its programmes of giving and investment, which aim to build a fair and sustainable economy in the UK. We are working toward this aim through supporting action, building knowledge, and using our endowment as a tool for change.

We are particularly seeking perspectives that may challenge conventional thinking and would like to hear from people with an active interest in how the economy works and who have a drive to shape society.

You will need to be committed to our ambitious mission of using all our assets to bring about the change we wish to see. We are seeking to appoint more than one Trustee and are particularly interested to hear from people with one or more of the following areas of experience: financial management; social investment and/or capital market investment; organisational development; systems change.

All Trustees work closely with the Foundation’s staff to achieve our objectives and you will need to commit on average one day a month to the Foundation’s business. We are seeking diversity of perspective, background, physical abilities, ethnicities and class background and welcome applicants from all age groups and all nations in the UK.

For more information and how to apply please visit our website.

If you are interested in becoming a Trustee of Friends Provident Foundation but anticipate barriers to your participation, we would still like to hear from you. Please get in touch with us to discuss your situation.

Deadline for applications: Monday 29 September, 9am

About us: 

The Refugee and Migrant Forum of Essex and London (RAMFEL) is one of the largest immigration and asylum advice charities in the UK, supporting refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants to access justice. An OISC level 3 accredited organisation, we represent clients at all stages of the immigration and asylum process, up to and including the Upper Tribunal of the Immigration and Asylum Chamber.

We also actively campaign for a fairer and more humane immigration system. RAMFEL caseworkers therefore have the opportunity to work on systemic and strategic challenges and support broader advocacy work.

We particularly welcome and encourage applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic individuals, and those who are migrants or refugees, and who have lived experience of the impact of UK immigration policy and/or of rough sleeping. This includes individuals with direct experience or experience gained through supporting family members with the challenges posed by immigration and asylum practices- those who have been or could have been clients of RAMFEL.

Purpose of the role:

Our trustees play a vital role in making sure that the Refugee and Migrant Forum of Essex and London (RAMFEL) achieves its core purpose. They oversee the overall management and administration of the charity. They also ensure that RAMFEL has a clear strategy and that our work and goals are in line with our vision. Just as importantly, they support and challenge the CEO and senior management to enable us to grow and thrive, and through this, achieve our mission.

Board members have a collective responsibility. This means that trustees always act as a group and not as individuals.

Duties:

• Support and provide advice on RAMFEL’s purpose, vision, goals and activities.
• Review and approve organisation strategies and policies, and monitor and evaluate their effective and efficient implementation.
• Oversee RAMFEL’s financial plans, budgets, and statements, and monitor and evaluate progress
• Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively.
• Provide support and challenge to RAMFEL’s management team in the exercise of their delegated authority and affairs.
• Keep abreast of changes in RAMFEL’s operating environment.
• Contribute to regular reviews of RAMFEL’s own governance.
• Contribute to the broader promotion of RAMFEL’s objects, aims and reputation by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts.

As a small charity, there will be times when trustees will need to be actively involved beyond Board meetings and sub-committees. This may involve providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, reviewing or advising on operational documents (e.g. operational and business plans, new team structures, outreach and engagement events) or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise.

What we are looking for

We are looking for people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our board. We are furthermore particularly looking for those who can contribute one or more of the following:

• Migrants or refugees, who have lived experience of the impact of immigration policy and practice
• Expertise in RAMFEL’s core service delivery, especially regarding advice, immigration or legal services
• Networking and fundraising ability
• Experience of campaigning and/or external communications
• Organisational and administrative skills

Previous governance experience is desirable but not essential and we will provide a full induction to the organisation and the workings of the Board.

This is a fully voluntary and unpaid position.  Reasonable expenses will be reimbursement.

Please refer to the job description for more details and application instructions.

Are you a qualified human-focused medical professional with an interest in multi-species medicine? Are you innovative, with creative insight & a vision for progressive medical practice? If so, we would welcome your application to join our Board of Trustees.

Our ideal candidate:

• A qualified medical professional with expertise in human medicine and a strong interest in multi-species medicine and innovative healthcare practice.

• Understands trustee commitments and responsibilities.

• Can contribute to strategic discussions through effective communication and judgment.

• Is non-judgmental and respectful of diverse experiences, views, and cultures.

• Is committed to the aims and values of Humanimal Trust and can work collaboratively to enrich the vision and strategy of our growing organisation.

We welcome applications from individuals with a range of perspectives, experience, backgrounds and skills.

What’s in it for you?

• A unique opportunity to drive innovative change and have a positive impact on millions of human and animal lives.

• Development of career enhancing skills and experience, including governance and leadership skills.

• The opportunity to build interdisciplinary relationships with a team of passionate trustees, staff, and volunteers.

Summary of responsibilities

• Drive strategic planning, provide leadership and oversee delivery of results.

• Approve business plans and budgets, agree targets, and monitor performance.

• Ensure board members have required skills through appropriate recruitment, induction and development processes.

• Ensure effective audits and approve annual accounts.

• Support the CEO and ensure good management.

• Ensure productive relationships are maintained.

• Ensure a high standard of corporate governance and behaviour.

• Be clear about the most significant strategic risks ensure mitigation steps are in place.

• Empathy with the aims of the organisation, its values and behaviours.

Appointment term: A minimum term of three years, with the possibility of two consecutive terms, so six years in total.

Time commitment: Quarterly Board meetings, c.2h per meeting, plus preparation.

Preferred background, knowledge and experience: A qualified medical professional with expertise in human medicine and a strong interest in multi-species medicine.

Trustees x 2 (Chair of Audit & Risk Committee and member of the Finance, Investment & Resources Committee)

Join our Board and support us as we embark on a new chapter; launching our ambitious five-year strategy focused on helping more children and young people with brain injury and neurodisability to live the best life possible.

• Location: Tadworth Court, Tadworth, Surrey KT20 5RU
• Applicatiosn close on Friday 17th October

Who we are

The Children’s Trust is the UK’s leading charity for children with brain injury and neurodisability. With a clear vision for the future and a renewed leadership team, we are positioned to lead innovation in childhood brain injury and neurodisability rehabilitation. We have an ambitious new strategic direction focusing on innovative rehabilitation approaches that will help more children rebuild their lives after brain injury and neurodisability, and we’re seeking exceptional Trustees to help guide us through this transformational phase.

Every year, 40,000 children in the UK acquire a brain injury and neurodisability through accident or illness, often losing fundamental abilities like walking, talking, or feeding themselves. At The Children’s Trust, we help these children rebuild not just their skills, but their confidence and self-esteem. Through our unique combination of therapy, healthcare, education and joyful activities, we show children what they can achieve rather than focusing on what they cannot do.

Based at our specialist centre in Tadworth, Surrey, we deliver residential rehabilitation, operate a pioneering special school, and provide community services that reach families across the country. With recent CQC and Ofsted inspections continuing to be extremely positive, we are about to launch our ambitious five-year strategy, focused on helping more children and young people with brain injury and neurodisability to live the best life possible. There has never been a more important time to join us.

About the role

We have made a number of key appointments to the Board and senior leadership team in the last 12-18 months, including a new Chair and Chief Executive. With some of our longest serving Trustees approaching the end of their terms, we are looking to make further appointments to our Board and committees to bring fresh, external perspective, challenge and leadership.

We are seeking two outstanding individuals to join our Board as Trustees, each bringing distinct expertise to support our continued growth and excellence.

• Chair of Audit & Risk Committee:

This pivotal role will take over from our departing Chair of the committee when her second term concludes in April 2025. We need someone with substantial financial expertise and a deep understanding of governance and risk management who can provide both effective oversight and practical support. The ideal candidate will have recent experience with audit committees and external audits, bringing the technical knowledge and confidence to engage with auditors when necessary.

While we’re open to various professional backgrounds, some understanding of regulation and the charity context would be particularly valuable.

Above all, we need someone who understands what good governance, risk management and Board assurance looks like and can help us maintain the highest standards in a regulated environment.

• Finance, Investment & Resources Committee Member:

Our second Trustee will join a committee that covers not just finance, but the full spectrum of our resources, including estates, people, and digital infrastructure. This is very much about financial management and commercial acumen rather than purely technical accounting.

We’re looking for someone who has run operations and can contribute to the strategic changes we’re implementing. Whether you’re a CEO, COO, or senior leader with a financial background, we want someone who brings that broader perspective of leading and managing an organisation and can help support executive leaders.

Who we are looking for

Both roles require Trustees who align with our mission and are genuinely excited by our work with children with brain injury and neurodisability. You’ll be joining a Board that’s been significantly refreshed over the past two years. We’re particularly committed to increasing diversity on our Board and would be especially pleased to hear from candidates with lived experience of brain injury, neurodisability, disability or neurodiversity, those from diverse ethnic backgrounds, lower socio-economic backgrounds, or who identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ communities.

You’ll need to be an effective communicator who can build relationships across our organisation, absorb complex information, and think laterally to find pragmatic solutions. Most importantly, you must be able to commit the time needed to help drive the charity forward through this period of change, demonstrating high ethical standards and a clear commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.

Time Commitment

We estimate both roles require approximately the equivalent of two days per month.

This includes preparation for and attendance at board meetings, which typically meet 6 times a year, including our annual strategy away day, and committee meetings (committees typically meet 4-6 times annually). Outside of the formal meeting schedule,  it is likely that additional time for relationship building and ad hoc discussions with the executive team and fellow board members.

Board meetings take place in person at our Tadworth site, in Surrey, though we maintain flexibility for online participation where appropriate. Committee meetings are generally held online.

This is an ideal time to join The Children’s Trust. We have stable finances, a clear strategic direction, and the opportunity to be at the forefront of innovation in childhood brain injury rehabilitation.

If you’re looking for a trustee role where you can make a real difference to some of the most vulnerable children in our society, where your expertise will be valued and utilised, and where you’ll be part of a forward-looking organisation with genuine ambition for the future, we’d love to hear from you.

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

Applications for this role close Friday 17th October.

Closing Date:

We are reviewing applications on a rolling basis and applications will be reviewed as they are received.

The Role:

We are currently seeking a Finance Trustee to join our Board as Treasurer. It’s a voluntary role that requires a committed individual with financial expertise to take a collaborative approach, supporting our Trustees, our Head of Finance and Governance, and our management team to oversee the financial affairs of our charity and ensure that they are legal, constitutional, and within accepted accounting practice.

Our Organisation:

Greener and Cleaner delivers locally but thinks, and influences, nationally. Our vision is greener, healthier, better connected communities across the UK. We seek to achieve this through normalising 360-degree sustainable living, bringing the community together to make changes that can deliver a big impact. We have a non-judgemental peer-to-peer approach, so that all elements of the community feel empowered to take action in how they live, work, and play and in how they use their voice to push for change.

Treasurer Role:

The primary role is to ensure alongside other Trustees that they accept ultimate responsibility for the affairs of G&C and ensure that it is solvent, well run, and delivering the charitable outcomes for which it has been set up. As well as fulfilling the duties of a Trustee, the Treasurer ensures that effective and appropriate financial measures, controls, and procedures are put in place and reports to the Board at regular intervals about the financial health of the organisation.

• Overseeing the presentation of budgets, internal management accounts, and annual financial statements, as produced by the finance team or others where appropriate, to the Board of Trustees
• Ensuring that proper accounting records are kept, and that appropriate accounting procedures and controls are in place. 
• Liaising with any paid staff about financial matters, as appropriate.
• Ensuring that robust and comprehensive financial policies are in place and being implemented, and supporting the development of policies covering financial reserves, and cost management. 
• Overseeing financial controls and adherence to systems. 
• Drawing any major financial concerns to the attention of the trustee and the management team.
• Ensuring that the charity has appropriate reserves in line with its reserves policy, and monitoring and advising on the financial viability of the charity. 
• Advising on the financial implications of the charity’s strategic plan, including overseeing the charity’s financial risk-management process.
• Ensuring that the charity has an appropriate investment policy and that investments and assets are maximised.
• Leading on the appointment of and liaison with external auditors. 
• Overseeing the development and implementation of systems for appraising, mitigating, and reporting corporate risk. 
• Ensuring that the accounts are prepared and disclosed in the form required by relevant statutory bodies – for example, the Charity Commission and/or the Registrar of Companies.
• Keeping the board informed about its financial duties and responsibilities.
• Supporting other Trustees in understanding the charity’s financial position and decision making.
• Contributing to the fundraising strategy of the charity and its ethical fundraising policy.
• Making a formal presentation of the accounts at the Annual General Meeting and drawing attention to important points in a coherent and easily understandable way.

The Person We’re Looking For:

• A finance professional with a firm understanding of charity finance and some experience of fundraising and pension schemes.
• Knowledge of charity fundraising, bid writing, and/or other income generation and/or securing funding through creation or leveraging of partnerships and networks (at a national or local level).
• A strategic thinker with an ability to balance risk and opportunity and the skills to analyse proposals and examine their financial consequences.
• Clear communicator with the ability to explain financial information to members of the Board and other stakeholders.
• Willing to play an active role in areas such as forecasting, setting budgets, and liaising with auditors.

In addition, the Treasurer will also have the responsibilities and qualities of all Trustees.

Responsibilities of All Trustees:

• Demonstrating a commitment to G&C’s objectives
• Contributing to setting the strategic goals and monitoring performance by active participation in Board discussions and decision-making
• Actively assisting the charity to build their connections and partnerships for the purposes of most effectively delivering their goals and fundraising
• Ensuring that G&C complies with its governing documents, the law, and all other relevant documentation
• Helping to identify risks and ensuring appropriate controls are in place
• Helping the Board to make sound decisions by making available their own personal knowledge and experience
• Assisting the Chair to appoint and appraise the performance of the Senior Leadership Team members
• Sharing relevant skills and expertise with the Senior Leadership Team members
• Making all reasonable efforts to attend Board meetings, away days, development meetings, publicity events, and other such public functions as requested by the Chair
• Ensuring the charity’s focus on equality, diversity, and inclusion remains at the heart of its strategy and delivery

Trustee Person Specification:

In addition to the Treasurer role specific above, our Trustees will ideally also demonstrate the following:

• A commitment to the objectives and activities of G&C
• A willingness to devote time and effort to G&C beyond attending board meetings
• Have strategic vision, an ability to think creatively, and an appropriate level of financial literacy
• Understanding of and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of their position
• Have good independent judgement
• Be willing to effectively act as part of a team
• Adhere to the Nolan Principles of public office: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership
• A willingness to allow the Employee/s to make reasonable decisions and to act within the limits prescribed by the Board

To Apply:

To see the full job advertisement with details on how to apply, and to learn more about the role and our organisation, please see the attached supporting documents.

Lay Trustee role - Healthcare Infection Society - deadline: 23 September 2025

Our current Lay trustee demits in December 2025, and we are seeking a successor who is not from a clinical background but shares our values and vision This is an opportunity to bring your expertise to help shape HIS’s future, ensuring strong governance and supporting our ambitions for growth.

As a Lay Trustee, you will:

• Work with the Council and Chief Executive to uphold HIS’s vision, mission and values. Council meets quarterly.
• Work with Chief Financial Officer and serve on the Finance Committee, which meets quarterly to review financial performance, remuneration, and strategic and operational risks.
• Contribute to delivering the 2025-30 strategy.
• Oversee compliance with financial, legal and regulatory requirements.

No prior trustee experience is necessary – a full induction will be provided.

Who we are looking for

We are especially keen to hear from candidates with

• Financial investment and management experience (ideally in healthcare)
• Candidates should have no clinical background.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds who support our mission and can actively contribute to our work. HIS is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture.

Arthritis Action is seeking to appoint up to three new Trustees to join our Board.

We are now looking for people to join the Board who have complementary skills to those of the present Trustees and who have the time, vision and enthusiasm to help us make the most of this tremendous opportunity to continue with the development of the Charity. In addition to applicants with professional experience in the NHS or in other musculoskeletal charities, we are keen to hear from people with charity fundraising experience, law, accountancy and experience with IT and cybersecurity. We are especially keen to hear from individuals from underrepresented groups or diverse groups.

Each Trustee must have:

• a commitment to the organisation and its vision
• integrity
• strategic vision
• good, independent judgement
• an ability to think creatively
• an ability to work effectively as a member of a team and take sound decisions for the good of Arthritis Action, based on an analysis of available information
• a willingness to speak your mind whilst remaining independent of any influence from another organisation or individual
• an understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
• a reasonable level of understanding of legal, financial, audit and other regulatory requirements of a charity

Remuneration

Unpaid – travel and subsistence reimbursed in line with Arthritis Action’s policy.

Time commitment

The basic time commitment for a Trustee is probably around 30 hours per annum. There will, however, be opportunities to devote more time to the Charity if Trustees want to engage in providing more in-depth assistance to the CEO and the management team.

A Trustee will bring an individual area of expertise to benefit our organisation. Among the many skills they may have relate to business development, financial management; charity governance, staff development, performance management, local government, disability service development and adult social care. The Trustees work closely with the Executive Management Team (EMT) on the strategic direction of the business. They coordinate and attend quarterly board meetings, through which they review the work of the charity and provide advice, support and focus attention onto the areas that the EMT needs to consider and prepare for, to continuously improve what we do and respond to the changing environment in which Bethphage operates. Bethphage is a values-based charitable business, supporting some of the most vulnerable people in the community. The charity also needs to make a modest financial surplus to remain viable. The role of a Trustee is to be a critical friend to the management team, lending expertise and experience to help guide the organisation in achieving its aims and sometimes competing objectives. Some of our board members have been a part of Bethphage for many years, you will be joining a supportive, friendly, and collegiate team that will help you develop and grow your role as a Trustee. Trustees generally thoroughly enjoy the role and find that it is a very rewarding experience. The Trustees work on a voluntary capacity for the benefit of the charity, this usually equates to one day per month. All Trustees are requested to undergo a DBS check (Disclosure & Barring service). Currently, we are particularly interested in hearing from people with financial and/or legal experience and expertise.

We are looking for trustees who will offer challenges, experience, and expert knowledge to help us think differently. We are looking for individuals who will take an active role in the governance of the Charity and support our expansion objectives - to remain financially stable whilst actively growing our volunteer network, our geographical coverage and our paid services to increase the number of families and young people we can support each year.

Person specification:

• Good, independent judgement and strategic vision.

• Commitment to the organisation and a willingness and ability to devote the necessary time & effort to the role.

• An understanding of, or interest in, special educational needs and disability affecting children and young people and their families.

• Skills to analyse proposals, examine their strategic consequences and make concise recommendations as part of the Board.

• Ability to cooperatively work with the whole team of trustees, and with employees and volunteers.

• Willingness to speak your mind and appropriately challenge other trustees and employees; but also listen to the views of different people before reaching a decision.

• Secure personal access to digital communication technology with an ability to competently and efficiently use those resources.

• Willingness to be available to employees for advice and enquiries on a scheduled or ad-hoc basis.

The ideal applicant would also possess the following:

• Extensive networks, and a willingness to draw on contacts as appropriate.

• Experience of working at a senior management / leadership level.

We are keen to hear from anyone who has a passion for our cause and feels that their experiences and expertise could be beneficial to our Board.

If you would like to be considered, please contact us for an application form link and provide a copy of your CV.

The application process will comprise of a two-stage interview, followed by referencing. We anticipate that successful applicants will be invited to join the Board in Autumn 2025.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Join the board of the national charity dedicated to supporting disabled children, young people and their families.

Trustee

Employer – Kids

Location – London (Meetings in Person)

Salary - Voluntary (Reasonable expenses reimbursed)

Hours - Approx. 1 day per month

Trustees also take part in at least one committee—such as the Finance and Audit Committee, Services and Safeguarding Committee, or People, Culture and Governance Committee—which typically meet online up to four times a year

Who we are:

Kids is on a mission to create a world where all kinds of kids have all kinds of opportunities.

Founded in 1970, we have grown into a national organisation supporting over 22,000 children, young people and families each year across England.

We are on an ambitious journey to reach at least 120,000 disabled children, young people and their families each year by 2027. Our vision is bold yet achievable: a society where disabled children, young people and their families enjoy equal rights and opportunities.

Now in the fourth year of an ambitious five-year strategy, we’re pursuing four bold goals:

• Support – Delivering impactful, sustainable services
• Innovate – Designing new models to transform lives
• Speak Up – Empowering young people to be agents of change
• Sustain – Building the financial and structural strength to grow

The Role

As our next Trustee, you’ll play a vital leadership role in bringing our vision to life. Working closely with our Chair, CEO, and Executive Leadership Team, you will provide strategic oversight, guide our governance, and help scale our impact.

Time Commitment

This role is about more than simply being available—it’s about being genuinely engaged. We're hoping to find someone who feels inspired to make this a meaningful part of their journey. It may be your primary board or leadership role, given the depth of involvement, but it also offers the opportunity to contribute in a truly rewarding way.

Who You Are

We’re looking for four passionate individuals who bring compassion, curiosity, and credibility. People who value respectful dialogue, champion inclusion, and lead with integrity.

You’ll bring your unique perspective to enhance our culture—not just fit into it. You’ll contribute to a dynamic board that balances strategic scrutiny, inclusive leadership, and good governance with genuine care and collaboration.

You don’t need to have all the answers, but you should bring:

• Experience in governance or senior leadership
• A passion for disability rights, equity, and inclusion
• A commitment to empowering diverse voices
• A collaborative spirit and systems-thinking mindset

We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of disability, those from underrepresented communities, and individuals who reflect the diversity of the families and children we serve.

Our Culture

At Kids, we celebrate what makes each of us unique. Our culture is rooted in care, collaboration, creativity, and professionalism. We actively listen and strive to ensure everyone we work with feels heard, respected, and included.

We are committed to breaking down systemic barriers, including racism, ableism, sexism, and other forms of injustice. This is an ongoing journey, and we’re dedicated to learning and growing together.

We are committed to making our recruitment process accessible. If you need information in an alternative format or adjustments at any stage, please contact us —we’d love to hear how we can support you.

In Closing

You’ll be joining a brilliant team of Trustees, a passionate leadership team, and an organisation ready for change. Together, we’ll help build a world where disabled children and young people are celebrated for who they are and supported to reach their full potential.

This isn’t just a role. It’s a chance to reimagine what’s possible.

Join us. Lead with us. Grow with us.

For more information about this role, please visit our careers page

Application & Recruitment Process

• Closing date: 30th September 2025
• Online Interview and Face-to-Face meeting: October 2025
• If you’re inspired to join our Board, please complete our online application and upload an up-to-date CV, with a 2-page limit on an A4 document. Shortlisted candidates will have the chance to showcase their strengths and discuss important topics alongside our leadership team.

We’re looking to recruit additional trustees to join our board. We want our board to have a diverse range of experiences and backgrounds, so if you think you’re not a typical trustee, then you might be just what we’re looking for!

You don’t need to have had experience of Citizens Advice, or of being a Trustee – just a commitment and enthusiasm to help us shape the work and strategic direction of our forward-thinking charity.

Becoming a Trustee will give you the opportunity to gain experience in leadership, governance and strategy and is a great way to give something back to your local community – some employers may even give you time off to volunteer for a local charity.

Citizens Advice Winchester District provides free advice to over 5,000 local people each year, many of whom are in desperate or challenging situations and have nowhere else to turn.

Are you seeking an opportunity to give something back to your community by using your skills and experience? If you are passionate about improving lives and have a deep knowledge of either Redcar and Cleveland, the former Borough of Scarborough, Whitby or the North York Moors National Park then think about applying to become a trustee for the Woodsmith Foundation Board.

As a trustee, you will help shape the future work of our charity dedicated to creating a lasting, positive impact for local communities. We are seeking individuals who are curious, collaborative and committed to making a positive difference in the communities we serve. We particularly welcome applications from people under 40 as we want our board to be representative of the communities we work in.

Previous board experience is not necessary as training can be provided and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. We would love to strengthen our Board with experience of local authorities, charity governance or evaluation of long term change.

Trustees meet four times a year and the role is voluntary, with reasonable expenses reimbursed.

 

This is an exciting time for the Helen Bamber Foundation Group as we continue to grow our impact and strengthen our services for survivors of torture, trafficking, and human cruelty and 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 find five inspirational Trustees to join the Group supporting Helen Bamber Foundation and Asylum Aid, comprising three new Trustees for Helen Bamber Foundation and two new Trustees for Asylum Aid. We are also looking for one of those new Trustees to sit on both Boards.

At Helen Bamber Foundation we are looking for three trustees with experience in one or more of the following areas:   policy, advocacy, public affairs or strategic communications; clinical or therapeutic experience; or human rights expertise.

At Asylum Aid, we are looking for two trustees with experience in one or more of the following areas: finance and accounting or someone with lived experience of being an asylum seeker, refugee or having sought another form of humanitarian protection in the UK, or of statelessness.

At Helen Bamber Foundation we are looking for three trustees with experience in one or more of the following areas:   policy, advocacy, public affairs or strategic communications; clinical or therapeutic experience; or human rights expertise.

At Asylum Aid, we are looking for two trustees with experience in one or more of the following areas: finance and accounting or someone with lived experience of being an asylum seeker, refugee or having sought another form of humanitarian protection in the UK, or of statelessness.

As a trustee of Helen Bamber Foundation or Asylum Aid, you will be part of a small team of volunteers who are collectively responsible for developing and guiding the strategic direction of the organisation and steering the long-term stability of your charity. 

For details of how to apply and who to speak to get find out more about this opportunity, please refer to the Trustee Recruitment Pack. 

As a member of the GACD Board of Trustees, you will provide strategic leadership and oversight for GACD as it seeks to fulfil its charitable objects. You will ensure GACD operates in accordance with its governing document and meets its legal and regulatory requirements. The role is voluntary, and trustees do not receive any renumeration for their contribution to the governance of GACD.

The appointment will commence in December 2025/January 2026 for a three-year term, in the first instance.

Why the role is important to us

Our trustees are jointly and severally responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of GACD, its financial health, integrity of its activities, and for setting and overseeing the delivery of the organisation’s aims and objectives. The Charity Commission’s Guidance ‘The essential trustee: what you need to know, what you need to do’ identifies the main duties of a trustee as to:

1. Ensure the charity is carrying out its purposes for the public benefit
2. Comply with the charity’s governing document and meets its legal and regulatory requirements
3. Act in the charity’s best interests
4. Manage the charity’s resources responsibly
5. Act with reasonable care and skill
6. Ensure the charity is accountable
7. Reduce the risk of liability.

What you will bring to the Board

The current Board members would particularly wish to seek a new trustee that offers experience in one or more of the following areas:

1. Prior governance experience, ideally in a charity context (essential)
2. Leadership or senior management experience within the charity sector and familiarity with UK charity regulation, legislation and operations (essential)
3. Applied health/medical research, or health research funding.
4. Communication strategies to enhance profile and impact.
5. Links to relevant networks and potential stakeholder organisations in chronic diseases.

What you will do

As a GACD trustee, you will:

1. Ensure that GACD has a clear strategy and that the goals are in line with GACD’s charitable objects.
2. Ensure GACD functions within all applicable legal and regulatory requirements and in line with its governing document, continually striving for best practice in governance.
3. Promote and develop GACD in order for it to grow and maintain its global public benefit (or to recognise the situation when it may be more appropriate to wind the charity up where there is no longer a need to provide the services it does or because the charitable objects are no longer relevant to contemporary social situations).
4. Ensure the effective and efficient administration of GACD and its resources in pursuit of its objects, striving for best practice in governance.
5. Ensure that key risks are identified, monitored, and mitigated effectively.
6. Take appropriate professional advice in all matters where there may be a material risk to GACD, or where the trustees may be in breach of their duties.
7. Provide strategic oversight, support and challenge to the Chief Executive.
8. Ensure the GACD has the proper arrangements in place for the appointment, supervision, support, appraisal and remuneration of the Chief Executive.
9. Safeguard the good name and values of GACD.

About you

You possess:

1. A willingness to commit to GACD and to devote the necessary time and effort (approximately four days annually, including scrutinising papers and meeting preparation time). Trustees are expected to attend all Board meetings.
2. Leadership and senior management experience with an ability to carry the confidence of colleagues.
3. An ability to be strategic and forward-looking in relation to the charity’s objects and aims.
4. Sound, independent judgment and a willingness to speak your mind, contributing to discussions.
5. An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship and adhering to recognised principles of public life that include selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness and honesty and leadership.
6. Good communication, interpersonal, team working and decision-making skills and the ability to respect confidentiality to work effectively as a member of the Board.
7. A commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. 

Disqualification

Trustees must not be disqualified from acting as a trustee. You must not:

1. Have an unspent conviction for an offence involving deception or dishonesty (such as fraud).
2. Be bankrupt or have entered into a formal arrangement (e.g. an Individual Voluntary Arrangement).
3. Have been removed as a charity trustee because of wrongdoing.
4. Have an unspent conviction for:
   1. Specified terrorism offences
   2. A specified money laundering offence
   3. The offence of contravening a Charity Commission Order or Direction
   4. Offences of misconduct in public office, perjury, or perverting the course of justice
   5. For aiding, attempting or abetting the above offences.
5. Be on the sex offenders register.
6. Have an unspent sanction for contempt of Court.
7. Have disobeyed a Commission Order.
8. Be a designated person (under specific anti-terrorist legislation).

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.

 Key dates

Closing date

26 September 2025

Interview (virtual)

w/c 13 October 2025

Invited to observe Board meeting

2 December 2025

Position starts

Approx. 1 January 2026 (or earlier)

Board meeting dates 2026

TBC