Trustee volunteer roles

This is an exciting time to join the Foundation as we seek to influence the growth ambitions central to the government’s housing and communities agenda. We are a small but ambitious organisation, and have made significant positive impacts in communities, industry and among decisionmakers in the five years since our inception. Now, we have launched our new five-year strategy that sets out our ambitious vision for scaling our reach and impact. We are looking for a candidate with a shared commitment to enhancing quality of life, health and wellbeing through the creation of better places. 

You will benefit from taking a lead role in an increasingly influential organisation with a committed Board to carry forward innovative work that stretches from research to consultancy and advocacy. You will have a strong grasp of the built environment sector and a good network of key stakeholders, building on the good work of our previous chairs, Sadie Morgan OBE and Jonny Anstead of the developer TOWN. You will provide strategic leadership, and ideally be able to support us in our fundraising efforts. You will be vital to shaping our strategy, and raising our profile to drive forward our mission for change across the UK. If this opportunity excites you, then join us as we embark upon our next five years of making real impact.

The Chair: We are seeking an enthusiastic, strategic and committed Chair to lead our Board of trustees. The incoming chair will have an opportunity to revisit current governance arrangements and make decisions on such things as a ViceChair. The role will require approximately one day a month of time input. Alongside attending Board meetings every quarter, you will meet with the sub-committee and working group leads and from time-to-time and attend sub-committee meetings. You will also meet monthly with our Director to ensure a close working relationship. This position is unpaid. All reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.
The application deadline is Friday 12 September at 5 p.m.
You can find all the details and the application pack on our website: https://lnkd.in/dtcPu8DA 

Come and join the Feeling Strong team! ����

We're looking for a Co-chair to lead and shape the strategic vision of Feeling Strong, Dundee’s youth mental health charity, through the next 2026 - 2029 Strategy in line with our mission and our values. In this role, you will act as one of two lead Trustee Board Members of the organisation, responsible for the agenda and actions of Trustee meetings and AGM, improving good governance, supervising the Chief Executive Officer and acting as a senior ambassador of the organisation. 

This is a voluntary, fixed three-year term governance role, requiring attendance at six meetings per year, and monthly support sessions held in Dundee (Block 5, 2 Seabraes Lane, Dundee, DD1 4NX).

Training and induction will be provided so we are open to all candidates, and we expect them to develop skills once in post, but we would welcome candidates with any of the following experience:

• Governance and previous board experience

• Business development and trading income generation

• Human resources

• Lived experience of mental health and wellbeing challenges

• Financial background

Work-related travel costs will be reimbursed.
We will require that the position is taken up ahead of our August Trustee Board Meeting. ����

Join disability and education charity National Star as a Trustee, guiding the organisation as it implements its recently agreed five-year strategy.

What will you be doing?

Do you want to play your part in supporting one of the UK’s leading disability charities to achieve its ambition for growth, providing more education and long-term living opportunities for people with complex disabilities?

National Star, whose headquarters is in Gloucestershire, is seeking several people who share its vision of a world in which people with disabilities are able to realise their potential as equal and active citizens in control of their lives. As a member of the Trustee Board, you will also be a company director as the charity is also a registered company.

Ideal Trustees will:

* Adhere to the charity's values

* Have personal integrity and be able to demonstrate a passion and commitment to National Star

* Prepare and participate actively in meetings

* Work collaboratively with fellow Trustees and Governors, demonstrating empathy and awareness of the needs of others

* Have good communication skills, tact and diplomacy

* Have experience, or a willingness to learn, about strategic thinking and risk

* Have knowledge, or a willingness to learn, about issues affecting people with disabilities and the specialist education sector

* Be prepared to commit time to conduct the role well, including travel and attending events out of office hours.

What you will bring:

The charity is looking to recruit people with a broad range of experience and are particularly interested in attracting candidates with knowledge / experience of:

* Company law and the specific legal requirements for charities in special needs and social care sectors

* Marketing and communication expertise including networking and fundraising

* Business acumen with a strong financial background

National Star is a Disability Confident Employer. The charity is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all sections of the community, including those currently under-represented on o0ur Trustee Board, which includes women, people with disabilities and members of black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.

The Trustee Board meets four times a year, generally during the week between 4pm – 7pm. In addition, Trustees are expected to become active members of a sub-committee. Board papers are distributed in advance to allow Trustees to prepare for each meeting.

What are we looking for?

Ideal Trustees will:

* Adhere to the charity's values of ambition, collaboration, integrity, respect and sustainability

* Have personal integrity and be able to demonstrate a passion and commitment to National Star

* Prepare and participate actively in meetings

* Work collaboratively with fellow Trustees and Governors, demonstrating empathy and awareness of the needs of others

* Have good communication skills, tact and diplomacy

* Have experience, or a willingness to learn, about strategic thinking and risk

* Have knowledge, or a willingness to learn, about issues affecting people with disabilities and the specialist education sector

* Be prepared to commit time to conduct the role well, including travel and attending events out of office hours.

We are recruiting several trustees with a range of skills.

What difference will you make?

By joining National Star's Trustee Board, you will have the satisfaction of knowing that you are playing a part in the future development of one of the leading disability charities in England and Wales as well as being able to develop your own skills in board level discussions, executive decision making and strategic planning. Your fresh perspective could help the charity to see things in a different light and your professional expertise could be utilised to support our staff team in delivering our vision and values.

You will gain a broad understanding of the challenges faced by young people with complex disabilities and be able to build your professional network.

Before you apply

Please apply through Reach in the first instance providing a cover letter detailing why you are interested in this role and a CV. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to complete our additional application form

Join Elleray Community Association as Chair and lead an exciting new chapter as we move into a new purpose-built centre in Teddington. Help shape strategy, support staff and volunteers, and expand our valued services for older adults and the wider community. We are seeking an inclusive leader with strategic vision, governance experience, and a passion for local impact.

Chair Role Description

• Provide strategic leadership to the charity and the Board, ensuring that ECA achieves its mission.

• Work in partnership with the Centre Manager and team to achieve ECA’s mission.

• Lead the board in ensuring that it fulfils its responsibilities for the governance of the organisation.

• Optimise the relationship between the board and ECA’s staff and volunteers.

• Plan and chair the board meetings and the AGM, with others as appropriate.

• Act as a spokesperson and figurehead for ECA.  

What we are looking for  

• Ideally previous experience of being a trustee. 

• A keen sense of strategic purpose.

• Governance and committee experience in a charity or business setting.

• Strong in execution and managing transformation projects, including leading the charity in the new ECA building setting. 

• Experience in stakeholder engagement and ability to constructively negotiate and collaborate with various institutions, entities, and personnel.

• Affinity with and commitment to the local SW London and Teddington area.

• Business experience and awareness across finance, risk, IT, and people management, would be desirable.

• An inclusive leadership style, able to inspire and support everyone to participate on an equal footing. 

• The ability to listen and engage effectively, comfortable with challenge and debate and able to encourage that in others whilst fostering a collaborative board environment. 

• In advocation, be able and willing to champion ECA’s work through personal networks, social media, and other channels.

• A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. 

• Be available, responsive and flexible to advise, support or give consent to, as needed.   

Terms of office  

• Trustees are appointed for a 3-year term of office, renewal for 2 further terms to a maximum of 9 years.

• This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.  

Time commitment 

• Attending [6] Board meetings annually. Currently meetings are generally held in person at the ECA building.

• Periodic meetings with the Centre Manager and management team, with flexibility to respond swiftly to the occasional ad-hoc issues.

• Other meetings, including on potential strategy and other charity-related issues. 

Outside Edge Theatre Company, which is the UK’s only theatre company and participatory arts charity focused on addiction, is recruiting our next Chair of the Board of Trustees.

For the past 25 years, we have created theatre productions about issues related to addiction and offered free drama activities to help people at-risk and affected by addiction to live healthier lives. Over the last year we supported 837 people, and they attended 504 creative activity sessions a total of 5,408 times.

Our inclusive weekly arts activities encourage service users and audiences to develop healthy habits, discover new talents and reclaim centre stage in their own lives. We provide participants with pastoral care and wraparound support, opportunities for volunteering and paid employment, and a person-centred approach to help people identify and achieve outcomes for themselves. This year, we are delivering over 400 service sessions across our regular weekly drop-in groups, masterclasses, theatre clubs and taster sessions.

In addition to our work with people in recovery, Outside Edge is a producing theatre company that makes work about issues related to addiction. This unique subject matter ranges from problematic gambling to the social and political determinants leading to drug and alcohol abuse. Since 1999 we have produced more than 60 critically acclaimed productions that have toured across London, the rest of the UK and been presented in partnership with off-West End venues.

We are currently recruiting a new Chair of the Board of Trustees to work with OETC’s Artistic Director and CEO to help shape and lead the company through our exciting next stage of development and growth. Outside Edge Theatre Company is a small, fast-paced charity offering Trustees the opportunity to directly affect the organisation’s outcomes and see first-hand the impact of their efforts.

Trustees should be able to prepare for and attend six Board meetings and four committee meetings in London per year, as well as making some local visits throughout the Charity to understand our activities and increase Trustee visibility. The time commitment is around 20 days per year, with some evenings and weekends. Much of the activity can be undertaken working remotely or at home

What you’ll do: 

• Lead strategic thinking on business development, helping shape the long-term vision and strategy, advising the Board on growing St John Ambulance’s commercial activities.
• Champion innovation and entrepreneurial approaches to enhance charitable impact through sustainable commercial growth.
• Provide oversight and input into commercial plans across training, medical supplies, events, partnerships, acquisitions, and other key business development initiatives.
• Support robust decision-making, offering challenge and guidance on risk, return on investment, and commercial opportunities to help the Board make informed choices.
• Promote ethical business practices, ensuring alignment between commercial activities and St John’s mission, values, and charitable purpose.
• Collaborate with fellow Trustees, including the Treasurer and Digital & Data Trustee, to strengthen financial governance, integrate digital strategies, and optimise organisational performance.

Closing date for these opportunities is: 16/09/2025

To apply for this opportunity, please follow the link below:

Chair of Trustees – School Library Association
Location: Remote, with occasional in-person events
Time commitment: One day per week
Term: 3-year term (term renewable once; a maximum of six years)

Remuneration: Voluntary (expenses reimbursed)
Deadline to apply: 25th September

Are you a strategic leader with a passion for reading and equity in education? Do you want to help shape the future of school libraries and support the next generation of readers?

This is a pivotal moment for the School Library Association (SLA). With a new CEO, a refreshed staff team, and bold plans to launch a new organisational strategy, we are looking for a dynamic and ambitious Chair of Trustees to join us.

We punch well above our weight as a small national charity with big ambitions. You will be joining at a time of transformation, as we strengthen our funding pipeline, build corporate and strategic partnerships, and grow our visibility on the national stage. We recently represented the SLA at Downing Street for the Government’s Year of Reading, and the opportunity to drive systemic change in support of school libraries has never been greater.

We are looking for a Chair who:

• Brings strategic leadership and sound financial oversight
• Can support and challenge the CEO in equal measure
• Has strong relationship-building skills and ambassadorial presence
• Is excited to help shape a new strategy and governance structure
• Shares our passion for reading, education, and inclusion

If this sounds like you, we would love to hear from you.  Download the recruitment pack and apply by 25th September 2025.

This is an amazing opportunity to work with a fantastic Trustee and staff team to help to lead a truly member-led, mission focused small charity, making a real difference to adoptive families

We are looking for an individual with a strong understanding of the challenges facing adoptive parents and who shares our commitment to supporting adopters and prospective adopters throughout their adoption journey. Ideal candidates will have strong governance knowledge, the capacity to think strategically, work collaboratively and lead the Trustees in making significant contributions to our future.

You will join the Board as the organisation heads into its second decade, with established services, partnerships and a growing membership base. Our quality and consistency of service provision is leading to exciting conversations nationally, and we are looking for our new Chair to help steer us through this next stage of growth.

ROLE DESCRIPTION AND HOW TO APPLY

Key Responsibilities

To advise, govern, oversee policy and direction and assist with the leadership and general promotion of We Are Family to support the organisation’s vision, mission, values and needs.

• Contract: two years unless agreed otherwise on appointment. The Chair is eligible for re-election within their overall period of appointment as a Trustee.
• Hours: circa 8-10 hours per month (including evening meetings)
• Salary: n/a this is a voluntary role, with associated expenses covered
• Location: Remote (UK-based), twice yearly in-person meetings in London

Commitment

• Chair 4 Board meetings per year
• Attend 4 Sub-Committee meetings per year
• Help plan and chair 2 Board away days per year (on a Saturday)
• Fortnightly check-ins with the Director
• Join the staff team meeting once per month
• Induction meetings with new Trustees

Board and committee meetings are held in the evening via Zoom and dates of meetings are distributed a year in advance. The away days are held in person in central London.

Skills and knowledge

All applicants should be able to demonstrate the following:

• Strong understanding of the challenges faced by adoptive parents;
• Extensive charity governance knowledge;
• Skills or experience in strategic planning, setting targets and monitoring and evaluating performance;
• Good organisational and communication (written and oral) skills;
• Proven track record in senior governance roles;
• Previous Chair or Deputy Chair of a Board of Trustees Experience (desirable)

Express an interest 

If the opportunity to join an exciting, rapidly growing charity appeals to you as someone able to make a valuable contribution, we would love to hear from you! Please follow the link to our website for further information and details about how to apply.

The closing date for applications is 5pm on Friday 12th September 2025.

RSPCA London South East Branch

This is an exciting opportunity to pass on your legal and GDPR compliance expertise whilst helping the RSPCA to; promote kindness and prevent animal cruelty, reach out to more supporters, and influence how we do things.

Overview of the Branch Trustee – Legal and GDPR opportunity

We are looking for an enthusiastic and passionate person, with a legal background, who could devote their time to volunteer as a trustee at the London South East Branch and support us with GDPR compliance.

Alongside passing on your expertise, this opportunity will give you the chance to influence how we care for and prevent cruelty to animals and drive the implementation of key initiatives. You will serve on the governing body of the charity and be instrumental, alongside fellow trustees, in the running of the Branch and setting out both the short and long term aims.

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 the trustee takes on additional duties.

About the RSPCA

Founded in 1824, we have been saving animals for 200 years and are proud to be the oldest welfare charity around. We are the RSPCA and it's our vision to live in a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion. Our volunteers are incredible, they play an essential role in helping us carry out our important animal welfare work every day.

The RSPCA London South East Branch

The London South East Branch is one of the branches of RSPCA, but we are also a separately registered charity looking after animals in our local area. Much of the animal welfare work of RSPCA is carried out through local branches, which is run by volunteers who have the support of the National Society of RSPCA.

The London South East Branch has two retail shops (Sydenham Road and Norwood Road) and supports the work of the Inspectorate through rehoming of animals within the branch area.

Primary responsibilities of the Branch Trustee – Legal and GDPR

• Assist the Branch in ensuring that activities are GDPR compliant and reviewing and updating the Branch processing activities register.

• Support the Branch in developing and updating Branch policies, particularly the Branch privacy notice and internal data protection policy, to make sure they are compliant.

• Support the Branch when liaising with external specialist providers such as HR and health and safety specialists.

• Support with liaising with external specialists for advice on shop leases when necessary.

• To assist the Branch when developing new schemes, such as providing welfare assistance to those on low incomes, to ensure any new schemes are GDPR compliant.

Core Branch Trustee responsibilities

• Appreciate and support the aims and policies of the RSPCA.

• Work in conjunction with fellow trustees and branch officers and jointly act in making decisions for the best interest of the branch and the RSPCA.

• Work with national RSPCA staff to ensure that the branch meets all minimum animal welfare standards (MAWS).

• In conjunction with your fellow trustees and Branch Partnership Manager write, adopt, monitor, and review a development plan setting out the short and long term aims of your branch.

• Actively participate in branch committee meetings and to attend the branch annual general meeting and regional conference.

• Be aware of the outcome of regional board meetings and support regional initiatives.

• Actively promote and advertise the society in an ongoing programme to recruit new branch trustees and volunteers and welcome new members.

• In conjunction with your fellow trustees, ensure the proper management and control of all activities and decisions relating to any premises held or staff employed by the branch if applicable.

What we are looking for in a volunteer:

We are committed to creating a Board which is representative of our society and in particular, our community and surrounding areas so encourage people from any background to apply for any of our opportunities.

Alongside legal and GDPR compliance experience, we are looking for someone who is committed to the RSPCA’s charitable objectives and shares our passion for animal welfare. You would be creative, innovative, bring a fresh perspective, and can put ideas into action.

You will need to be able to work with people and have good interpersonal skills. You do not need to be an expert although commitment, common sense, and the ability to be objective are vital.

No previous trustee experience? That’s OK! We welcome applications from anyone interested in developing their skills by becoming a trustee and will provide relevant training.

What we can offer you as a volunteer Branch Trustee – Legal and GDPR

• We will provide you with a comprehensive trustee training course which will provide you will everything you need to carry out the role.

• Ongoing support is also provided by regional and national RSPCA staff in addition to any additional training provided by the relevant branch.

• The platform to utilise your skills and experience to oversee the charity and make decisions that have a direct impact on local animal welfare.

• The opportunity to gain new skills and develop existing ones, whilst making a real difference to the lives of animals.

• A way to expand your professional and personal network through working with like-minded people.

Practical considerations

• Please also note that to become a Trustee, you will need to be aged 18 or over and a member of our branch for three months before you are eligible to be elected.

• Trustees are elected for a 12-month term each year.

• Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

• Trustees must sign a Trustee Declaration of Willingness to Act to clarify that they are not disqualified from being a trustee and read the Charity Commission’s guidance for individuals on who cannot be a trustee or senior manager of a charity.

• References will also be required.

How to find out more about being a Branch Trustee

For more information on becoming a Charity Trustee, and to ensure it is the right decision for you view the Government Charity Trustee Guidance.

There is some information on the RSPCA website about Branch Trustees, and we have an online session about Becoming a Branch Trustee, which should hopefully give you more of an idea of what the RSPCA Branch Trustee role will involve.

Securing our Future: championing sustainable, innovative care and strengthening community impact.

This is a pivotal moment to join St Helena. Under our Securing our Future programme, we took action to protect our specialist palliative care and bereavement support services for north east Essex. This has been a challenging period for the hospice sector as we navigate rising costs, increasing demand and evolving income streams. We have been innovating how we deliver truly person-centred care whilst diversifying our income streams, with an increasingly commercial focus to how we deliver our charitable purposes. 

This role forms part of the board of St Helena Hospice Trading Ltd, the wholly owned trading susidiary of St Helena Hospice. As we continue to diversify our income to support specialist palliative and bereavement care across north east Essex, our trading company plays a vital role in generating sustainable revenue through retail and enterprise.

To help us thrive, we are recruiting two new Trustees:

1. A philanthropic leader with a proven track record in major gifts, diversified fundraising strategy and nurturing high-net-worth relationships
2. A digital strategist skilled in digital transformation, data-driven decision-making and enhancing online engagement.

Please read the candidate pack for more information.

The silence surrounding men's struggles is a crisis that breaks hearts and costs lives. Sadly, suicide remains the biggest killer of men under 50 in the UK. Behind every statistic is a man, a son, a father, a friend, battling alone. MINDSET is here to change that. We're a brand new start-up charity, forging a brotherhood to inform, guide, and support men, empowering their mental well-being and self-improvement through vital services, events, and a powerful community.

Lead the Change. Shape the Future. Become a Trustee at MINDSET Charity.

Are you ready to be part of something bold, brave, and deeply needed? MINDSET Charity is a brand-new start-up on a mission to empower men through mental health, wellbeing, and personal growth, and we’re assembling a powerhouse Board of Trustees to help us launch, register, and thrive as a charity in England.

We’re seeking passionate volunteers for key roles:

• Trustees to guide our vision and strategy.

• Treasurer to oversee our financial health.

• Secretary to ensure smooth governance and compliance.

Why now?

Men’s mental health is in crisis. Too many suffer in silence. MINDSET Charity is here to change that, with connection, courage, and community. But we can’t do it alone. We need visionary leaders who believe in our cause and want to help build something meaningful from the ground up.

What you’ll help us do:

• Finalise our charity registration in England.

• Establish strong governance and operational foundations.

• Shape our strategic direction and long-term impact.

• Champion our values and amplify our voice.

• Get hands on to help us make MINDSET a huge success.

What we’re looking for:

• Experience in finance, governance, legal, charity operations, or lived experience of mental health challenges.

• Commitment to our mission and values.

• Willingness to roll up your sleeves and help us launch.

• Strategic thinkers, team players, and changemakers.

What’s in it for you?

• Be part of a movement that matters.

• Influence the future of men’s mental health support.

• Build your leadership profile and network.

• Leave a legacy of hope, healing, and empowerment.

Ready to step up and stand out?

Send us a short expression of interest and your CV. Tell us why MINDSET Charity speaks to you, and how you’d like to contribute.

Apply now and help us build a charity that changes lives. This is more than a role. It’s a revolution. Let’s create a stronger MINDSET—together.

Can you bring your vision, passion, and experience to strengthen our board to deliver our strategy? North Cotswold Foodbank are looking for a trustee to join their board and lead on the key area of Marketing and social media.

What will you be doing?

Responsibilities (specific to your role):

• Establish a marketing strategy, offering leadership, guidance and support, in particular in the realm of social media, with the aim of helping to raise the charity’s profile and increasing donations, ensuring that the strategy aligns with NCFB’s overall goals and values. 
• Take responsibility for ensuring the charity's marketing activities comply with all relevant laws and regulations. Take responsibility for the annual review of relevant policies, such as the social media policy.
• Manage any risks associated with marketing activities, including conflicts of interest, and ensure the charity's reputation is protected. 
• Trustees have a responsibility to scrutinize the marketing budget and ensure that marketing activities are properly funded and monitored. 
• Play a key role in ensuring the charity's marketing activities are conducted ethically and in accordance with all legal requirements and in line with NCFB’s overall goals and values. 
• Follow and actively engage with the charity’s social media accounts.
• Maintain a good understanding of online threats, such as trolling, deepfakes and misinformation, and how these should be managed.
• Trustees may be involved in representing the charity at events or speaking to donors and the public. 

Responsibilities (common to all trustees):

• Collaborate with the trustee board to ensure that North Cotswold Foodbank’s financial dealings are systematically accounted for and on time, independently examined and made publicly available when necessary.
• Ensure your charity is accountable, actively complying with statutory accounting and reporting requirements and the law. 
• Ensure appropriate financial plans are in place for future budget allocations as well as looking after contractual agreements with external partners that award money for core costs and additional projects.
• Ensure that North Cotswold Foodbank has appropriate procedures to comply with current legislation and good practice, including employment, health and safety, equal opportunities, safeguarding & GDPR compliance/data protection etc.
• Act with reasonable care and skill, giving your time, thought and energy to your role.
• Give good counsel and measured advice on any matter that requires it, acting in a collaborative, positive, and constructive way.

What are we looking for?

North Cotswold Foodbank seeks someone with senior-level experience of marketing, and in particular, social media marketing. Our ideal candidates would demonstrate:

• Experience of working with the media (in particular in the realm of social media) and contacts within media organisations and/or agencies.
• A robust knowledge of contemporary IT, systems, and data management.
• An ability to lead on any matters relevant to your role.
• The ability to provide carefully considered advice in a constructive way.
• A knowledge of, and commitment to, the work of North Cotswold Foodbank and Trussell. 
• Sympathy towards the ethos and principles of Trussell.
• An understanding of the reasons why people face hunger, food insecurity, and/or food poverty.
• Someone who enjoys working as part of a team.
• An understanding that some periods throughout the year are busier than others.

We welcome applications from new and experienced Trustees

What difference will you make?

By leading on Marketing and Social Media for the food bank, you are providing a vital holistic support function in your local community, ensuring a dignified experience to anyone visiting or anyone who comes into contact with North Cotswold Foodbank.

CPRE Buckinghamshire (part of CPRE – The Countryside Charity) is looking for a Trustee with a background, or strong interest, in the local farming community. This Trustee will take the lead in our campaign to support sustainable farming and agricultural practices, and will help us to partner with relevant groups, with the aim of enhancing and protecting Buckinghamshire’s wildlife and countryside. 

This volunteer role would suit someone living or studying in Buckinghamshire who would like to be involved in campaigning and sharing their expertise with other Trustees, volunteers and members of CPRE.

You will ideally have experience of, or a deep interest in, sustainable farming, and agricultural practices that ensure food production without compromising the environment or future generations' ability to meet their needs. Your expertise will help us to demonstrate how farming today can focus on reducing its impact on ecosystems, can promote biodiversity, and can minimise energy use.

As a Trustee, you will also be part of our small and collaborative Trustee board. You will help to deliver our strategy, vision and mission, and guide the future direction of CPRE Buckinghamshire. Along with the other Trustees, you will ensure that the charity has the necessary policies and resources, complies with legal requirements, and adheres to its governing document. 

This is a volunteer team that typically works remotely, though some occasional face-to-face meetings may occur when needed – we will pay expenses in these instances. We estimate that the commitment would be around 2–3 hours a week, but you can of course do more if you wish!

We welcome applicants of any age, gender and background. Students who are studying (or have studied) relevant courses are also welcome to apply.

RSPCA London South East Branch

Are you passionate about animal welfare? We are looking for an enthusiastic person who understands charity finance to support us in our mission to prevent cruelty, promote kindness and alleviate the suffering of animals.

Overview of the Branch Treasurer opportunity

We are looking for someone to volunteer as a Branch Treasurer for the London South East Branch. This role would play a vital role in supporting the Branches affairs so that it is governed and managed effectively, whilst continually having animal welfare at the forefront of their mind.

As a minimum, trustees would generally attend a monthly committee meeting lasting some 2 to 3 hours. However, the commitment may vary depending on whether the trustee takes on additional duties.

About the RSPCA

Founded in 1824, we have been saving animals for 200 years and are proud to be the oldest welfare charity around. We are the RSPCA and it's our vision to live in a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion. Our volunteers are incredible, they play an essential role in helping us carry out our important animal welfare work every day.

The RSPCA London South East Branch

The London South East Branch is one of the branches of RSPCA, but we are also a separately registered charity looking after animals in our local area. Much of the animal welfare work of RSPCA is carried out through local branches, which is run by volunteers who have the support of the National Society of RSPCA.

The London South East Branch has two retail shops (Sydenham Road and Norwood Road) and supports the work of the Inspectorate through rehoming of animals within the branch area.

Primary responsibilities of the Branch Treasurer

• Implement and maintain sound financial systems.

• Take a lead role in ensuring the committee set annual financial budgets and plan the branch income and expenditure.

• Provide a written financial report for every branch meeting.

• Liaise with auditors/independent examiners regarding the production of the annual branch accounts and treasurer’s report.

• Maintain control of all bank accounts as authorised by the committee.

• Execute and operate branch committee financial decisions and act as branch co-signatory.

• Maintain control over all branch paying-in books and receipt books and to ensure their correct use.

• In the absence of a branch box secretary, to assume responsibility for the branch network of collection boxes.

• Arrange payment of the annual branch contribution to the appropriate RSPCA fund.

• Coordinate financial control of all branch fundraising activities.

• Make quarterly VAT returns to headquarters promptly.

• Ensure the production, monitoring and annual review of the branch’s financial risk management strategy following the charity commission’s requirements.

• Liaise with branch officers, Branch Partnership Managers and Branch finance coordinator on Financial affairs as necessary and alert them immediately to any possible difficulties or irregularities.

• Ensure the retention and safekeeping of all branch financial documentation for the appropriate time as set by the charity commission.

Core Branch Trustee responsibilities

• Appreciate and support the aims and policies of the RSPCA.

• Work in conjunction with fellow trustees and branch officers and jointly act in making decisions for the best interest of the branch and the RSPCA.

• Work with national RSPCA staff to ensure that the branch meets all minimum animal welfare standards (MAWS).

• In conjunction with your fellow trustees and Branch Partnership Manager, write, adopt, monitor, and review a development plan setting out your branch's short and long-term aims.

• Actively participate in branch committee meetings and attend the branch annual general meeting and regional conference.

• Be aware of the outcome of regional board meetings and support local initiatives.

• Actively promote and advertise the society in an ongoing programme to recruit new branch trustees and volunteers and welcome new members.

• In conjunction with your fellow trustees, ensure the proper management and control of all activities and decisions relating to any premises held or staff employed by the branch if applicable.

What we are looking for in a volunteer:

• We are particularly looking for someone who has knowledge and experience in finance, who may already understand charity finance.

• As a trustee, you would be able to dedicate the time to attend monthly committee meetings, which last approximately 3 hours.

• There will be additional volunteer duties between meetings, such as; providing financial reports at committee meetings, monitoring the budget that the trustees have set for the year, processing payments, querying invoices, VAT returns, and processing Gift Aid claims.

• No previous trustee experience? That’s OK! We welcome applications from anyone interested in developing their skills by becoming a trustee and will provide relevant training.

What we can offer you as a volunteer Branch Treasurer

• We will provide you with a comprehensive trustee training course which will provide you will everything you need to carry out the role.

• Ongoing support is also provided by local and national RSPCA staff and any additional training provided by the relevant branch.

• The platform to utilise your skills and experience to oversee the charity and make decisions that directly impact local animal welfare.

• The opportunity to gain new skills and develop existing ones, whilst making a real difference to the lives of animals.

• A way to expand your professional and personal network through working with like-minded people.

Practical considerations

• To become a Trustee, you will need to be aged 18 or over and a member of our branch for three months before you are eligible to be elected.

• Trustees are elected for a 12-month term each year.

• Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

• Trustees must sign a Trustee Declaration of Willingness to Act to clarify that they are not disqualified from being a trustee and read the Charity Commission’s guidance for individuals on who cannot be a trustee or senior manager of a charity.

• References will also be required.

How to find out more about being a Branch Trustee

For more information on becoming a Charity Trustee, and to ensure it is the right decision for you view the Government Charity Trustee Guidance.

There is some information on the RSPCA website about Branch Trustees, and we have an online session about Becoming a Branch Trustee, which should hopefully give you more of an idea of what the RSPCA Branch Trustee role will involve.